Environment estimation device and environment estimation method
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to accurately estimate environmental states at specific positions within a space, particularly when sensors are not present, as existing methods rely on detected temperature or humidity data from sensors, making it difficult to set target conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
An environment estimation device and method that utilize a numerical fluid dynamic model to estimate three-dimensional environmental distributions by varying boundary variables, allowing for the correction of the model to accurately reflect environmental conditions, enabling precise control of appliances like air conditioners to achieve target states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is installed at a specific position to detect environmental state, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a numerical fluid dynamic model as an intermediary between available sensor data and the desired environmental state information. The model acts as a virtual sensor that propagates environmental information from measured locations to unmeasured locations through simulated fluid dynamics, eliminating the need for physical sensors at every position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical environment through numerical simulation. Instead of installing physical sensors throughout the space, the system generates a digital twin of the environmental field (temperature, humidity, etc.) by copying and extrapolating measurements from limited sensor positions using the numerical model.
2Manufacturing precision
If numerical fluid dynamic model parameters are adjusted to match measured values, then manufacturing precision of the model is improved, but calculation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the numerical fluid dynamic model is repeatedly adjusted based on comparison between calculated values and actual sensor measurements. The determination unit uses measured environmental data to evaluate model accuracy and guide parameter corrections, creating a closed-loop system that progressively improves model fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies model parameters (boundary conditions, initial values, physical constants) to optimize the agreement between simulated and measured environmental states. By changing parameters iteratively and evaluating their impact on model accuracy, the system achieves precise calibration without requiring complete model reconstruction.
3Measurement precision
If boundary variables are varied to determine object boundary variable, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations by pre-defining ranges and constraints for boundary variables based on physical knowledge and initial measurements. This preliminary action narrows the search space for optimization, allowing the determination unit to efficiently identify accurate boundary variable values without exhaustive computation across all possible values.
Data Source
AI summary
An environment estimation device includes a determination unit and a correction unit. The determination unit changes, by varying a boundary variable from an initial value, first environmental information in a specific region of an estimated three-dimensional environmental distribution, and determines, as an object boundary variable, the boundary variable at a time when a difference between the first environmental information and second environmental information in the specific region included in obtained environmental information inside a space is within a predetermined range. The correction unit corrects a numerical fluid dynamic model, by fixing a variation parameter of the numerical fluid dynamic model at the determined object boundary variable.