PLC Network Simulation Device for Building Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing a power line communication (PLC) network suitable for a building is challenging due to the requirement of technical knowledge in PLC, electrical wiring, and architecture, making it difficult to simulate effectively using existing methods.

Innovation Solution

A simulation device and method that calculates electrical properties of a PLC network by setting a layout and electrical parameters, including obtaining structure and position information, and displaying the network diagram superimposed on a building structure, allowing for easy simulation execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing simulation methods are used to design a PLC network, then the electrical properties of the PLC network can be estimated, but technical knowledge on PLC, electrical wiring, and architecture is required, making the simulation process complex and difficult to execute

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical property estimation accuracyVSAvoidsimulation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a simulation device as an intermediary tool that automatically performs complex simulation tasks. This device mediates between the user's simple input (building layout and basic parameters) and the complex simulation processes, handling all the technical knowledge requirements internally while providing accurate electrical property estimates through automated calculation and analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The simulation device performs self-service by automatically executing the complete simulation workflow without requiring user expertise in PLC, electrical wiring, or architecture. The system independently retrieves building information, configures simulation parameters, runs electromagnetic field calculations, and generates results, making the complex simulation process transparent and accessible to users without specialized knowledge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If existing simulation methods are used to design a PLC network, then the electrical properties can be calculated, but the process requires specialized technical knowledge, reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation result reliabilityVSAvoidsimulation execution ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The simulation device acts as an intermediary that shields users from complex technical requirements. It automatically manages the simulation process from input to output, maintaining result reliability through rigorous computational methods while presenting a simple, user-friendly interface that requires minimal technical knowledge to operate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual, knowledge-intensive simulation process with an automated computational system. Instead of requiring users to manually configure complex electromagnetic field simulations based on specialized knowledge, the system automatically performs these calculations using computer-based algorithms, substituting mechanical expertise with automated computational power

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If detailed simulation parameters are manually configured, then accurate electrical property estimation is achieved, but the time and effort required for parameter setting increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical property estimation accuracyVSAvoidparameter setting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The simulation device performs preliminary actions by automatically retrieving building information from databases or external sources before the simulation is executed. It pre-configures all necessary simulation parameters based on the building's structural data, eliminating the need for users to manually set each parameter and significantly reducing preparation time while maintaining accurate electrical property estimation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically configuring simulation parameters based on building information without requiring user input or expertise. It independently retrieves architectural data, determines appropriate simulation models, and sets all technical parameters, making the time-consuming parameter configuration process transparent and eliminating delays caused by manual setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12009882B2Simulation device, simulation method, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2024.06.11 SOCIONEXT INC
  • US12009882B2 patent drawing
  • US12009882B2 patent drawing
  • US12009882B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A simulation device includes: a layout setting unit which sets a layout of a power line communication (PLC) network; a parameter setting unit which sets an electrical parameter of the PLC network; a simulation execution unit; and a result output unit which outputs an electrical property obtained by the simulation. The layout setting unit includes: an information obtaining unit which obtains structure information indicating a structure of a building where the PLC network is to be provided and position information of one or more elements included in the PLC network; and a display information output unit which displays, on a display unit that displays information that relates to the PLC network, a diagram that is based on the structure information, and displays at least a portion of the PLC network that is based on the position information such that the portion is superimposed on the diagram.