State Estimation Apparatus Learning Common Deterioration Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for estimating the deterioration state of structural objects, such as newly built bridges, face accuracy issues due to limited data from past inspections and repairs, leading to inaccurate assessments.

Innovation Solution

A state estimation apparatus and method that acquire and learn common deterioration information from multiple structural objects, using this data to generate a model for accurate estimation, even with limited data available for the target object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If deterioration state estimation uses only data from the target structural object's past inspections and repairs, then the estimation process remains simple, but the accuracy decreases when the number of data points is small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeterioration state estimation accuracyVSAvoidnumber of data points
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines deterioration data from multiple similar structural objects to estimate the deterioration state of a target object. When the target object has insufficient historical data, the system merges data from other similar objects (e.g., same type, age, material, or usage conditions) to supplement the estimation, thereby improving accuracy without requiring extensive data from the target object alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary learning model that processes and integrates data from multiple sources. This learning model acts as a mediator between the available deterioration data and the estimation result, enabling the system to effectively utilize data from similar objects while accounting for differences between individual structures through learned patterns and relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the system collects and processes data from multiple similar structural objects, then the estimation accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeterioration state estimation accuracyVSAvoiddata processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data processing task into distinct modules: data acquisition from multiple objects, data preprocessing and cleaning, feature extraction, learning model training, and estimation output. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific aspects of the complex task independently, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable while achieving high accuracy through comprehensive data utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a universal learning model that can be applied across different types of structural objects (bridges, buildings, etc.) by learning common deterioration patterns. This multi-functional approach allows the same system architecture to handle various object types, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized systems for each object type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11609149B2State estimation apparatus, state estimation method, and computer-readable recording medium
Publication Date: 2023.03.21 NEC CORP
  • US11609149B2 patent drawing
  • US11609149B2 patent drawing
  • US11609149B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A state estimation apparatus 1 includes an acquisition unit 2 that acquires deterioration information indicating a deterioration state of each structural object and a learning unit 3 that learns common information that is common between pieces of the deterioration information and estimation index information that is used for estimating a deterioration state of a target structural object, using the deterioration information as input.