Pipeline Grouping by Convex Polygon Expansion in Pipe Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for grouping pipelines in pipe networks, such as replacing high-priority pipelines, are inefficient, complex, and lack reproducibility, especially when pipelines are scattered, and manual computer mapping based on experience is unreliable for large-scale networks.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline grouping apparatus and method that automatically groups pipelines by setting base points, generating polygons, and updating base points iteratively to encompass pipelines, using area and length criteria to evaluate suitability, and ensuring convex polygons to maintain efficient grouping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual grouping operation is performed based on worker experience, then grouping results can be obtained, but the operation is very complicated and requires a certain amount of time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical grouping operations with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms to perform clustering. The system automatically processes pipeline data, calculates distances, and generates grouping results without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating the time and effort previously required for manual grouping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the computer automatically performs the entire grouping process based on input data and predefined algorithms. The system serves itself by automatically calculating distances between pipelines, determining clusters based on distance thresholds, and generating results without human intervention, making the process efficient and reproducible.
2Reliability
If manual grouping operation is performed based on worker experience, then grouping results can be obtained, but the grouping results lack reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective manual judgment with objective computer-based algorithms. The system uses standardized distance calculations and clustering algorithms that produce consistent, reproducible results regardless of who operates the system. This eliminates the variability inherent in manual experience-based grouping while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.
3Productivity
If pipelines are grouped manually using computer mapping, then some grouping can be achieved, but it is difficult to group an entire large-scale pipe network managed by municipalities at once
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large-scale pipe network into manageable clusters based on spatial proximity. The system divides the entire network into multiple groups where each group contains pipelines that are close to each other, allowing the large network to be processed in manageable portions while maintaining overall connectivity and spatial relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality into the grouping process by calculating distances between pipelines in two-dimensional space. This allows the system to automatically group pipelines based on their spatial relationships, enabling efficient processing of large-scale networks by utilizing geometric properties rather than manual sequential analysis.
4Measurement precision
If worker manually operates computer mapping system, then grouping can be performed, but there is no way to evaluate suitability of the results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that automatically evaluate grouping suitability by calculating and analyzing various metrics. The system provides feedback on clustering quality, distance distributions, and group characteristics, allowing automatic adjustment and optimization of grouping parameters to ensure suitable results are achieved.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipeline grouping apparatus includes: a pipeline information memory device configured to store pipeline information associating pipeline identification information with pipeline attribute information; a base point setting unit configured to set a base point for grouping to any of a plurality of pipelines to be grouped based on the pipeline information; a polygon generation unit configured to repeat a process of generating a polygon of a prescribed shape encompassing one pipeline including the base point and a candidate pipeline adjacent to the base point until a preset specified condition is satisfied, and group each pipeline encompassed by the polygon into a same group; and a grouping control unit configured to repeat grouping processing by the polygon generation unit until all the pipelines constituting the pipe network are grouped into any group, thereby dividing the pipe network into a plurality of groups.