Measuring Instrument Layout for Accurate Tank State Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for estimating the state of liquefied gas tanks on ships do not adequately address the optimization of measuring instrument installation locations, which affects the accuracy of state estimation.

Innovation Solution

An information processing method and device that calculates an index value of the contribution degree of a measuring instrument's installation location to the accuracy of state estimation, using analysis model and plan information to optimize the installation location and number of instruments based on empirical observability Gramian eigenvalues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the installation location of measuring instruments is not optimized, then the system structure remains simple, but the accuracy of state estimation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of state estimationVSAvoidcomplexity of installation location optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the contribution degree index for multiple possible installation locations before finalizing the measuring instrument deployment. The information processing device evaluates each candidate location's impact on state estimation accuracy in advance, allowing the selection of optimal locations that maximize measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through pre-computed assessment criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If more measuring instruments are installed to improve state estimation accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of state estimationVSAvoidnumber of measuring instruments
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing and calculating a contribution degree index as a quantitative parameter to evaluate the impact of each measuring instrument location on state estimation accuracy. This parameter allows the system to objectively compare different installation configurations and determine the optimal number and location of instruments, avoiding unnecessary complexity while achieving sufficient measurement precision through data-driven evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4711970A1Information processing method, information processing device, and program
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP4711970A1 patent drawingFigure 1
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AI summary

An information processing device acquires analysis model information for performing state estimation of a structure and plan information including an installation location of a measuring instrument for measuring a physical quantity related to a state of the structure, calculates an index value of contribution degree of the installation location to accuracy of the state estimation based on the acquired analysis model information and the acquired plan information, and outputs result information including the calculated index value.