Patent Application
20250224378
The present disclosure relates to an environment condition measurement device and a method for setting an environment condition measurement device.
Devices that measure the environment conditions of a space using sound waves have been known in the art. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-138891 discloses a wind speed distribution measurement device that measures the wind speed distribution in a measurement target space as an example of such an environment condition measurement device. The wind speed distribution measurement device of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-138891 includes a plurality of transmitters that transmit sound waves, and a plurality of receivers that receive sound waves.
The wind speed distribution measurement device uses a direct sound from a transmitter and a reflected sound that is the reflection of the direct sound reflected on the receiver and reflected again on the transmitter, in order to obtain the propagation time of the sound waves propagating from the transmitter to the receiver for each of propagation paths extending from the transmitters to the receivers. Based on the propagation time of the sound waves, the wind speed between the transmitter and the receiver is calculated.
A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an environment condition measurement device. The environment condition measurement device of the first aspect includes a plurality of sound wave units installed on a periphery of a measurement target space. The sound wave units are located on a perimeter of each of a plurality of boundary planes virtually defining the measurement target space. The plurality of sound wave units include a transmission unit configured to transmit a sound wave directionally and a reception unit configured to receive a sound wave directionally. The environment condition measurement device is configured to measure an environment condition in the measurement target space based on propagation characteristics of the sound wave that propagates between the transmission unit and the reception unit. At least one or some of the sound wave units are installed in such an orientation in which a directivity axis exhibiting a maximum intensity of a directivity of transmission or reception is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to at least one of the boundary planes at which the at least one or some of the sound wave units are located.
Illustrative embodiments will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used for conceptual description of the technique of the present disclosure. In the drawings, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified for easier understanding of the technique of the present disclosure.
An environment condition measurement device (1) according to this embodiment measures the environment conditions of a measurement target space (MS) using sound waves. The measurement target space (MS) is set in an indoor space (IS) in, for example, various facilities or houses. The environment conditions include the wind speed and the air temperature in the measurement target space (MS). An air treatment system may be placed in the indoor space (IS). The air treatment system is, for example, a ventilation system, an air cleaner, and an air conditioner.
As illustrated in
The upper boundary plane (BP1) defines the upper boundary of the measurement target space (MS). The lower boundary plane (BP2) defines the lower boundary of the measurement target space (MS). The upper boundary plane (BP1) and the lower boundary plane (BP2) are rectangular virtual planes spreading in the horizontal direction, and face each other in the up-down direction. The upper boundary plane (BP1) is an example of the first boundary plane, and the lower boundary plane (BP2) is an example of the second boundary plane. The vertices of the upper boundary plane (BP1) are positioned to correspond to the vertices of the lower boundary plane (BP2) in the up-down direction, and overlap with the vertices of the lower boundary plane (BP2) in a plan view.
The first side boundary plane (BP3), the second side boundary plane (BP4), the third side boundary plane (BP5), and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6) are rectangular virtual planes spreading in the vertical direction, and define the peripheral boundaries of the measurement target space (MS). The first side boundary plane (BP3) and the second side boundary plane (BP4) face each other in the horizontal direction. The first side boundary plane (BP3) is an example of the first boundary plane, and the second side boundary plane (BP4) is an example of the second boundary plane. The third side boundary plane (BP5) and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6) form a right angle with the first side boundary plane (BP3) and the second side boundary plane (BP4), and face each other in the horizontal direction. The third side boundary plane (BP5) is an example of the first boundary plane, and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6) is an example of the second boundary plane.
The upper boundary plane (BP1), the first side boundary plane (BP3), and the third side boundary plane (BP5) are adjacent to one another, and share their vertices to form a first corner portion (C1) of the measurement target space (MS). The upper boundary plane (BP1), the first side boundary plane (BP3), and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6) are adjacent to one another, and share their vertices to form a second corner portion (C2). The upper boundary plane (BP1), the second side boundary plane (BP4), and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6) are adjacent to one another, and share their vertices to form a third corner portion (C3) of the measurement target space (MS). The upper boundary plane (BP1), the second side boundary plane (BP4), and the third side boundary plane (BP5) are adjacent to one another, and share their vertices to form a fourth corner portion (C4) of the measurement target space (MS).
The lower boundary plane (BP2), the first side boundary plane (BP3), and the third side boundary plane (BP5) are adjacent to one another, and share their vertices to form a fifth corner portion (C5) of the measurement target space (MS). The lower boundary plane (BP2), the first side boundary plane (BP3), and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6) are adjacent to one another, and share their vertices to form a sixth corner portion (C6). The lower boundary plane (BP2), the second side boundary plane (BP4), and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6) are adjacent to one another, and share their vertices to form a seventh corner portion (C7) of the measurement target space (MS). The lower boundary plane (BP2), the second side boundary plane (BP4), and the third side boundary plane (BP5) are adjacent to one another, and share their vertices to form an eighth corner portion (C8) of the measurement target space (MS).
On the upper boundary plane (BP1), the first corner portion (C1) and the third corner portion (C3) are diagonal to each other, and the second corner portion (C2) and the fourth corner portion (C4) are diagonal to each other. On the lower boundary plane (BP2), the fifth corner portion (C5) and the seventh corner portion (C7) are diagonal to each other, and the sixth corner portion (C6) and the eighth corner portion (C8) are diagonal to each other. The measurement target space (MS) is virtually partitioned by a first partitioning perpendicular plane (VP1) and a second partitioning perpendicular plane (VP2). The first partitioning perpendicular plane (VP1) and the second partitioning perpendicular plane (VP2) are virtual rectangular planes spreading in the vertical direction, and are orthogonal to each other.
The first partitioning perpendicular plane (VP1) is formed by connecting the vertex shared by the upper boundary plane (BP1), the first side boundary plane (BP3), and the third side boundary plane (BP5), the vertex shared by the upper boundary plane (BP1), the second side boundary plane (BP4), and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6), the vertex shared by the lower boundary plane (BP2), the first side boundary plane (BP3), and the third side boundary plane (BP5), and the vertex shared by the lower boundary plane (BP2), the second side boundary plane (BP4), and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6). The first partitioning perpendicular plane (VP1) is set to divide the measurement target space (MS) in one diagonal direction.
The second partitioning perpendicular plane (VP2) is formed by connecting the vertex shared by the upper boundary plane (BP1), the first side boundary plane (BP3), and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6), the vertex shared by the upper boundary plane (BP1), the second side boundary plane (BP4), and the third side boundary plane (BP5), the vertex shared by the lower boundary plane (BP2), the first side boundary plane (BP3), and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6), and the vertex shared by the lower boundary plane (BP2), the second side boundary plane (BP4), and the third side boundary plane (BP5). The second partitioning perpendicular plane (VP2) is set to divide the measurement target space (MS) in another diagonal direction.
The upper boundary plane (BP1), the lower boundary plane (BP2), the first side boundary plane (BP3), the second side boundary plane (BP4), the third side boundary plane (BP5), the fourth side boundary plane (BP6), the first partitioning perpendicular plane (VP1), and the second partitioning perpendicular plane (VP2) in the measurement target space (MS) each form a measurement plane (MP) where the environment conditions are measured.
As shown in
The plurality of sound wave units (10) include eight sound wave units (10). The eight sound wave units (10) are a first sound wave unit (10A), a second sound wave unit (10B), a third sound wave unit (10C), a fourth sound wave unit (10D), a fifth sound wave unit (10E), a sixth sound wave unit (10F), a seventh sound wave unit (10G), and an eighth sound wave unit (10H). If it is not necessary to distinguish the first to eighth sound wave units (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H) from one another, the sound wave units will be simply referred to as the “sound wave units (10).”
Each of the sound wave units (10) is driven by a built-in battery, and has a wireless communication function, such as a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or infrared communication. The eight sound wave units (10) are installed at distributed locations spaced apart from one another on the periphery of the measurement target space (MS). The sound wave units (10) are located on the perimeter of each of the six boundary planes (BP). As illustrated in
Specifically, the first sound wave unit (10A) is located at the first corner portion (C1) of the measurement target space (MS); the second sound wave unit (10B) is located at the second corner portion (C2) of the measurement target space (MS); the third sound wave unit (10C) is located at the third corner portion (C3) of the measurement target space (MS);
the fourth sound wave unit (10D) is located at the fourth corner portion (C4) of the measurement target space (MS); the fifth sound wave unit (10E) is located at the fifth corner portion (C5) of the measurement target space (MS); the sixth sound wave unit (10F) is located at the sixth corner portion (C6) of the measurement target space (MS); the seventh sound wave unit (10G) is located at the seventh corner portion (C7) of the measurement target space (MS); and the eighth sound wave unit (10H) is located at the eighth corner portion (C8) of the measurement target space (MS).
Although not shown, the sound wave units (10) are each supported by a free-standing support. The supports extend in the vertical direction. Each support has a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the sound wave unit (10) which the support is supporting. For example, the sound wave units (10) arranged at the first to fourth corner portions (C1, C2, C3, C4) are set at the same height by the respective height adjustment mechanisms, and the sound wave units (10) arranged at the fifth to eighth corner portions (C5, C6, C7, C8) are set at the same height by the respective height adjustment mechanisms. Each support further has an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the installation angle of the sound wave unit (10). The angle adjustment mechanism is configured to be able to adjust at least the pitch angle and the yaw angle of the sound wave unit (10) among the roll angle, the pitch angle, and the yaw angle of the sound wave unit (10).
As illustrated in
The eight sound wave units (10) include transmission units (10S) that transmit sound waves and reception units (10R) that receive sound waves. Each sound wave unit (10) of this example serves as both a transmission unit (10S) and a reception unit (10R). Each sound wave unit (10) includes a transmission element (12) and a reception element (14) as separate elements. The transmission element (12) and the reception element (14) are positioned at equal distances in a direction along the yaw axis (A3), from the center point (CP) of the front surface of the sound wave unit (10) intersecting with the roll axis (A1) when the sound wave unit (10) is viewed from the front.
The first sound wave unit (10A) includes a first transmission element (12a) and a first reception element (14a). The second sound wave unit (10B) includes a second transmission element (12b) and a second reception element (14b). The third sound wave unit (10C) includes a third transmission element (12c) and a third reception element (14c). The fourth sound wave unit (10D) includes a fourth transmission element (12d) and a fourth reception element (14d). The fifth sound wave unit (10E) includes a fifth transmission element (12e) and a fifth reception element (14e). The sixth sound wave unit (10F) includes a sixth transmission element (12f) and a sixth reception element (14f). The seventh sound wave unit (10G) includes a seventh transmission element (12g) and a seventh reception element (14g). The eighth sound wave unit (10H) includes an eighth transmission element (12h) and an eighth reception element (14h). If it is not necessary to distinguish the first to eighth transmission elements (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h) from one another, the transmission elements will be simply referred to as the “transmission elements (12).” If it is not necessary to distinguish the first to eighth reception elements (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h) from one another, the reception elements will be simply referred to as the “reception elements (14).”
The transmission element (12) implements the function of the transmission unit (10S) (the function of transmitting sound waves). The transmission elements (12) of this example each exhibit such frequency characteristics as shown in
The reception element (14) implements the function of the reception unit (10R) (the function of receiving sound waves). The reception elements (14) of this example each exhibit such frequency characteristics as shown in
As illustrated in
The first sound wave unit (10A) transmits and receives sound waves in an area from the first side boundary plane (BP3) to the third side boundary plane (BP5) in a plan view and in an area extending vertically downward from the upper boundary plane (BP1) in a side view. The second sound wave unit (10B) transmits and receives sound waves in an area from the first side boundary plane (BP3) to the fourth side boundary plane (BP6) in a plan view and in an area extending vertically downward from the upper boundary plane (BP1) in a side view. The third sound wave unit (10C) transmits and receives sound waves in an area from the second side boundary plane (BP4) to the fourth side boundary plane (BP6) in a plan view and in an area extending vertically downward from the upper boundary plane (BP1) in a side view. The fourth sound wave unit (10D) transmits and receives sound waves in an area from the second side boundary plane (BP4) to the third side boundary plane (BP5) in a plan view and in an area extending vertically downward from the upper boundary plane (BP1) in a side view.
The fifth sound wave unit (10E) transmits and receives sound waves in an area from the first side boundary plane (BP3) to the third side boundary plane (BP5) in a plan view and in an area extending vertically upward from the lower boundary plane (BP2) in a side view. The sixth sound wave unit (10F) transmits and receives sound waves in an area from the first side boundary plane (BP3) to the fourth side boundary plane (BP6) in a plan view and in an area extending vertically upward from the lower boundary plane (BP2) in a side view. The seventh sound wave unit (10G) transmits and receives sound waves in an area from the second side boundary plane (BP4) to the fourth side boundary plane (BP6) in a plan view and in an area extending vertically upward from the lower boundary plane (BP2) in a side view. The eighth sound wave unit (10H) transmits and receives sound waves in an area from the second side boundary plane (BP4) to the third side boundary plane (BP5) in a plan view and in an area extending vertically upward from the lower boundary plane (BP2) in a side view.
As illustrated in
There are two propagation paths (P) between a pair of sound wave units (10) performing transmission and reception. These two propagation paths (P) are a propagation path (P) formed between the transmission element (12) of one sound wave units (10) and the reception element (14) of the other sound wave unit (10), and a propagation path (P) formed between the reception element (14) of the one sound wave units (10) and the transmission element (12) of the other sound wave unit (10). In the measurement target space (MS) of this example, 56 propagation paths (P) are formed.
All the 56 propagation paths (P) are propagation paths propagating direct waves. The direct waves are sound waves that are transmitted from one of the pair of the sound wave units (10) associated with the propagation paths (P) and then reach the other sound wave unit (10) without colliding with anything such as a wall surface (WL) of the indoor space (MS). In the measurement target space (MS), a propagation path propagating reflected waves may be formed between the pair of the sound wave units (10). The reflected waves are sound waves that are transmitted from one of the pair of the sound wave units (10) associated with the propagation paths (P) and then reach the other sound wave unit (10) after being reflected from a wall surface (WL) of the indoor space (MS).
Each sound wave unit (10) is installed in such an orientation in which the directivity axis (DA) is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to at least one boundary plane (BP) on the perimeter of which the sound wave unit (10) is located. Each sound wave unit (10) of this example is installed in such an orientation in which the directivity axis (DA) is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to each of the three boundary planes (BP) forming the corner portion of the measurement target space (MS) at which the sound wave unit (10) is located. The installation angle of the sound wave unit (10) can be adjusted at least in terms of the pitch angle and the yaw angle by an angle adjusting mechanism for a support that supports the sound wave unit (10).
The first sound wave unit (10A) is installed in such an orientation in which its directivity axis (DA) is inclined with respect to the upper boundary plane (BP1), the first side boundary plane (BP3), and the third side boundary plane (BP5). The second sound wave unit (10B) is installed in such an orientation in which its directivity axis (DA) is inclined with respect to the upper boundary plane (BP1), the first side boundary plane (BP3), and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6). The third sound wave unit (10C) is installed in such an orientation in which its directivity axis (DA) is inclined with respect to the upper boundary plane (BP1), the second side boundary plane (BP4), and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6). The fourth sound wave unit (10D) is installed in such an orientation in which its directivity axis (DA) is inclined with respect to the upper boundary plane (BP1), the second side boundary plane (BP4), and the third side boundary plane (BP5).
The fifth sound wave unit (10E) is installed in such an orientation in which its directivity axis (DA) is inclined with respect to the lower boundary plane (BP2), the first side boundary plane (BP3), and the third side boundary plane (BP5). The sixth sound wave unit (10F) is installed in such an orientation in which its directivity axis (DA) is inclined with respect to the lower boundary plane (BP2), the first side boundary plane (BP3), and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6). The seventh sound wave unit (10G) is installed in such an orientation in which its directivity axis (DA) is inclined with respect to the lower boundary plane (BP2), the second side boundary plane (BP4), and the fourth side boundary plane (BP6). The eighth sound wave unit (10H) is installed in such an orientation in which its directivity axis (DA) is inclined with respect to the lower boundary plane (BP2), the second side boundary plane (BP4), and the third side boundary plane (BP5).
In the environment condition measurement device (1) of this example, the installation orientation of each of the first to eighth sound wave units (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H) is subject to first to third constraints, which will be described below.
As illustrated in
Specifically, the directivity axes (DA) of the first sound wave unit (10A), the second sound wave unit (10B), the third sound wave unit (10C), and the fourth sound wave unit (10D) form the same angle with respect to the upper boundary plane (BP1). The directivity axes (DA) of the fifth sound wave unit (10E), the sixth sound wave unit (10F), the seventh sound wave unit (10G), and the eighth sound wave unit (10H) form the same angle with respect to the lower boundary plane (BP2). The directivity axes (DA) of the first sound wave unit (10A), the second sound wave unit (10B), the fifth sound wave unit (10E), and the sixth sound wave unit (10F) form the same angle with respect to the first side boundary plane (BP3).
The directivity axes (DA) of the third sound wave unit (10C), the fourth sound wave unit (10D), the seventh sound wave unit (10G), and the eighth sound wave unit (10H) form the same angle with respect to the second side boundary plane (BP4). The directivity axes (DA) of the first sound wave unit (10A), the fourth sound wave unit (10D), the fifth sound wave unit (10E), and the eighth sound wave unit (10H) form the same angle with respect to the third side boundary plane (BP5). The directivity axes (DA) of the second sound wave unit (10B), the third sound wave unit (10C), the sixth sound wave unit (10F), and the seventh sound wave unit (10G) form the same angle with respect to the fourth side boundary plane (BP6).
As illustrated in
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These installation orientations of the pair of sound wave units (10) are reversed orientations in which the directions of inclination of the pitch angles of the sound wave units (10) are opposite with respect to the reference plane (RP1 to RP3). In this example, the installation orientations of the pair of sound wave units (10) are such that the transmission elements (12) are relatively far from the reference plane (RP1 to RP3) and the reception elements (14) are relatively close to the reference plane (RP1 to RP3). The installation orientations of the pair of sound wave units (10) may be such that the transmission elements (12) are relatively close to the reference plane (RP1 to RP3), and the reception elements (14) are relatively far from the reference plane (RP1 to RP3).
The first sound wave unit (10A) and the fifth sound wave unit (10E), the second sound wave unit (10B) and the sixth sound wave unit (10F), the third sound wave unit (10C) and the seventh sound wave unit (10G), and the fourth sound wave unit (10D) and the eighth sound wave unit (10H) respectively take the above-described reversed orientations with respect to the reference plane (RP1). The first sound wave unit (10A) and the fourth sound wave unit (10D), the second sound wave unit (10B) and the third sound wave unit (10C), the fifth sound wave unit (10E) and the eighth sound wave unit (10H), and the sixth sound wave unit (10F) and the seventh sound wave unit (10G) respectively take the above-described reversed orientations with respect to the reference plane (RP2). The first sound wave unit (10A) and the second sound wave unit (10B), the fourth sound wave unit (10D) and the third sound wave unit (10C), the fifth sound wave unit (10E) and the sixth sound wave unit (10F), and the eighth sound wave unit (10H) and the seventh sound wave unit (10G) respectively take the above-described reversed orientations with respect to the reference plane (RP3).
As described above, since the installation orientations of the first to eighth sound wave units (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H) are subject to the constraints, the propagation distances, which is the lengths of two propagation paths (P) formed between a pair of sound wave units (10) performing transmission and reception, are equal to each other. The propagation distance is the direct distance between the transmission element (12) and the reception element (14) performing transmission and reception of sound waves.
For example, as for the propagation paths (P) associated with the first sound wave unit (10A), the propagation distances of the two propagation paths (P12, P21) formed between the first sound wave unit (10A) and the second sound wave unit (10B) are equal to each other; the propagation distances of the two propagation paths (P13, P31) formed between the first sound wave unit (10A) and the third sound wave unit (10C) are equal to each other; the propagation distances of the two propagation paths (P14, P41) formed between the first sound wave unit (10A) and the fourth sound wave unit (10D) are equal to each other; the propagation distances of the two propagation paths (P15, P51) formed between the first sound wave unit (10A) and the fifth sound wave unit (10E) are equal to each other; the propagation distances of the two propagation paths (P16, P61) formed between the first sound wave unit (10A) and the sixth sound wave unit (10F) are equal to each other; the propagation distances of the two propagation paths (P17, P71) formed between the first sound wave unit (10A) and the seventh sound wave unit (10G) are equal to each other; and the propagation distances of the two propagation paths (P18, P81) formed between the first sound wave unit (10A) and the eighth sound wave unit (10H) are equal to each other. The propagation distance is the same as the distance between the pair of the sound wave units (10) (strictly speaking, the distance between the center points (CP) of the pair of the sound wave units (10)). The same statement applies to the propagation paths (Pmn) associated with the other sound wave units, i.e., the second to eighth sound wave units (10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H).
The installation angle of each sound wave unit (10) is set based on the sound wave attenuation in each of the propagation paths (P) of the sound wave unit (10). The attenuation of the sound waves refers to the sound pressure level that attenuates from when the sound waves are transmitted from one of a pair of sound wave units (10) performing transmission and reception to when the other sound wave unit (10) receives the sound waves. The sound wave attenuation is calculated based on the attenuation due to the directivity of the transmission and the directivity of the reception with respect to the propagation path (P) and the distance attenuation between the pair of sound wave units (10) associated with the propagation path (P).
The distance attenuation between the pair of sound wave units (10) refers to the attenuation of sound waves in accordance with the propagation distance of the sound waves. The energy of the sound waves transmitted from a sound wave unit (10) decreases with an increasing distance from the sound wave unit (10), and the sound pressure level decreases by the time when the other sound wave unit (10), paired with the above sound wave unit (10) for transmission and reception, receives the sound waves. As shown in
The directivity of transmission through the propagation path (P) is changes in the intensity of radiation of sound waves in accordance with the transmission angle (θ1) of the sound waves. As schematically shown in
The directivity of reception through each propagation path (P) is changes in the receiver sensitivity of sound waves in accordance with the reception angle (θ2) of the sound waves. As schematically shown in
As shown in
The attenuation of the sound waves through each propagation path (P) is the total attenuation of the sound waves due to the distance attenuation and the combined angular attenuation. The combined angular attenuation will be described later. This total attenuation is calculated by logarithmic calculation based on the sound wave attenuation due to the distance attenuation and the sound wave attenuation due to the combined angular attenuation. The installation angle of each sound wave unit (10) is set such that the total attenuation of the sound waves through all the propagation paths (P) associated with the sound wave unit (10) is smaller than a predetermined value. Here, the predetermined value is set to be a value that enables effective propagation of sound waves through the propagation paths (P) in all combinations of the pair of sound wave units (10) performing transmission and reception (i.e., a value of the total attenuation that should be reduced to perform effective propagation of the sound waves).
If the measurement target space (MS) is not a cubic or similar shape, there is a possibility that the plurality of sound wave units (10) whose installation orientations are set as described above would not face each other directly in any combinations of the pair of sound wave units (10) performing transmission and reception. The installation orientation of each of the sound wave units (10) is changed in accordance with the installation orientation of any one of the sound wave units (10) under the first to third constraints described above. For example, if the installation angle of the first sound wave unit (10A) is changed, the installation angles of the second to eighth sound wave units (10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H) are also changed to satisfy the first to third constraints.
The coordinate measurer (20) measures the three-dimensional coordinates relating to the shape of the indoor space (IS) and the three-dimensional coordinates relating to the positions of the sound wave units (10). The coordinate measurer (20) is a three-dimensional laser measuring device.
The controller (30) includes a microcomputer mounted on a control board and a memory device (specifically, a semiconductor memory) that stores software for operating the microcomputer. The controller (30) is connected to the sound wave units (10) and the coordinate measurer (20) via wireless or wired communication lines. Part or the entirety of the controller (30) may be provided in the sound wave units (10) or may be provided on a server of a network.
The controller (30) includes a storage (32) and a calculation unit (34). The storage (32) stores the three-dimensional coordinates measured by the coordinate measurer (20). The storage (32) stores a plurality of propagation paths (P) and the propagation distances of these propagation paths (P) in association with each other. The calculation unit (34) measures the propagation time in the pair of sound wave units (10) transmitting and receiving sound waves, from when one sound wave unit (10) transmits sound waves to when the other sound wave unit (10) receives the sound waves. The calculation unit (34) obtains the wind speeds and the air temperatures at the measurement planes (MP) in the measurement target space (MS) by a known technique, based on the data stored in the storage (32) and the propagation times of the sound waves through the respective propagation paths (P).
As described above, the environment condition measurement device (1) measures the environment conditions, such as the wind speeds and the air temperatures in the measurement target space (MS), based on the propagation characteristics (in this example, the propagation time) of sound waves propagating between the pair of sound wave units (10) transmitting and receiving sound waves.
A method for setting an environment condition measurement device (1) having the above configuration will be described. In setting the environment condition measurement device (1), a plurality of sound wave units (10) are installed at distributed locations apart from one another. By doing so, a plurality of boundary planes (BP) having the sound wave units (10) on its perimeter are determined, and a measurement target space (MS) is defined by the plurality of boundary planes (BP).
In this method for setting the environment condition measurement device (1), the total attenuation of the sound waves is calculated for each of the propagation paths (P) for sound waves of at least one or some of the sound wave units (10), based on the directivity of transmission and the directivity of reception associated with the propagation path (P) and the distance attenuation between the pair of sound wave units (10) transmitting and receiving sound waves. Then, an angle of inclination of the directivity axis (DA) of the sound wave unit (10) in an installation orientation with respect to the boundary planes (BP) forming a corner portion where the sound wave unit (10) is located is determined based on the total attenuation of the sound waves for each of the propagation paths (P).
The determination of the installation angles of the respective sound wave units (10) is made by the controller (30), based on data on the shape and the size of the measurement target space (MS), which is the measurement target input by an operator, and data on the number and installation locations of the sound wave units (10).
Specifically, as shown in
Next, in step ST2, the operator determines the number and installation locations of the sound wave units (10) to be installed in the measurement target space (MS) determined in step ST1. In this example, the number of the sound wave units (10) is eight, and the installation locations of the sound wave units (10) are eight corner portions of the measurement target space (MS). The operator enters data on the determined number and installation locations of the sound wave units (10) into the controller (30).
Next, in step ST3, for the plurality of sound wave units (10), the number and installation locations of which are determined in step ST2, the controller (30) calculates the distance between each pair of sound wave units (10) performing transmission and reception. For example, the distance between the first sound wave unit (10A) and each of the second to eighth sound wave units (10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H) is calculated as shown in
Next, in step ST4, using the distance between each pair of sound wave units (10) performing transmission and reception, which is stored in the storage (32), as a propagation distance of the corresponding propagation path (P), the controller (30) calculates the sound wave attenuation due to the distance attenuation for each propagation path (P). For example, the sound wave attenuation due to the distance attenuation for each propagation path (P) between the first sound wave unit (10A) and each of the second to eighth sound wave units (10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H) is calculated as shown in
Next, in step ST5, the controller (30) determines the default angle of each sound wave unit (10). The default angle of each sound wave unit (10) in this example is the angle of the sound wave unit (10) in an orientation with its directivity axis (DA) directed toward the center of the measurement target space (MS). Thus, the pair of the sound wave units (10) located on a diagonal line of the measurement target space (MS) face each other directly when the pair is in the orientation at the default angle.
Next, in step ST6, the controller (30) calculates the sound wave attenuation due to the combined angular attenuation in each propagation path (P). The installation angles (the direction of the directivity axes (DA)) of the sound wave units (10) at this moment are already known. In step ST6, the controller (30) first calculates, for each propagation path (P), the transmission angle formed by the transmission directivity axis (DA1) of the sound wave unit (10) with respect to the propagation path (P) and the reception angle formed by the reception directivity axis (DA2) of the sound wave unit (10) with respect to the propagation path (P).
The transmission angle and the reception angle with respect to each propagation path (P) correspond to the combined angle (Ac) of the pair of sound wave units (10) associated with the propagation path (P). As illustrated in
The combined angle (Ac) is the angles of inclination with respect to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. Thus, the combined angle (Ac) can be handled as the combined angle (a1) in the horizontal direction and the combined angle (a2) in the vertical direction separately as illustrated in
The controller (30) calculates, for each of the combined angle (a1) in the horizontal direction and the combined angle (a2) in the vertical direction associated with each propagation path (P), the transmission attenuation, which is the sound wave attenuation due to the angular attenuation of the transmission element (12) in the propagation path (P), based on the directional characteristics of the transmission element (12). The controller (30) also calculates, for each of the combined angle (a1) in the horizontal direction and the combined angle (a2) in the vertical direction associated with each propagation path (P), the reception attenuation, which is the sound wave attenuation due to the angular attenuation of the reception element (14) in the propagation path (P), based on the directional characteristics of the reception element (14).
Further, the controller (30) calculates, for the combined angle (al) in the horizontal direction associated with each propagation path (P), the total angular attenuation in the horizontal direction by adding the transmission attenuation and reception attenuation of the sound waves in the propagation path (P). The controller (30) also calculates, for the combined angle (a2) in the vertical direction associated with each propagation path (P), the total angular attenuation in the vertical direction by adding the transmission attenuation and reception attenuation of the sound waves in the propagation path (P).
Then, the controller (30) combines, for each propagation path (P), the total angular attenuation in the horizontal direction and the total angular attenuation in the vertical direction by logarithmic calculation, thereby calculating the sound wave attenuation due to the combined angular attenuation. For example, the total angular attenuation in the horizontal direction, the total angular attenuation in the vertical direction, and the combined angular attenuation for each of the propagation paths (P) between the first sound wave unit (10A) and the second to eighth sound wave units (10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H) are calculated as shown in
Next, in step ST7, the controller (30) calculates the total attenuation of the sound waves in each propagation path (P) based on the sound wave attenuation due to the distance attenuation in the propagation path (P) and the sound wave attenuation due to the combined angular attenuation in the propagation path (P), which are stored in the storage (32). For example, the total attenuation for each propagation path (P) between the first sound wave unit (10A) and each of the second to eighth sound wave units (10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H) is calculated as shown in
Next, in step ST8, the controller (30) determines whether or not the total attenuation of the sound waves in each propagation path (P) stored in the storage (32) is less than a predetermined value. If it is determined in step S8 that the total attenuation of the sound waves in all the propagation paths (P) is less than the predetermined value (in the case of “YES”), the process proceeds to step ST10, in which the installation angles of the sound wave units (10) are fixed and the setting of the installation angles of the sound wave units (10) ends.
On the other hand, if the total attenuation of the sound waves is equal to or greater than the predetermined value in any one of the propagation paths (P) in step ST8, the process proceeds to step ST9. In step ST9, for the propagation path (P) in question, whose total attenuation of the sound waves is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the installation angles of the sound wave units (10) associated with the propagation path (P) are changed. Here, the installation angle of each of the sound wave units (10) is changed by tilting the directivity axis (DA) of the sound wave unit (10) toward the target propagation path (P).
In step ST9, the installation angles of the sound wave units (10) involved with the sound wave unit (10), a target of change, under the first to third constraints are also changed in accordance with the first to third constraints. In this example, if the installation angle of the sound wave unit (10) associated with one propagation path (P) is changed, the installation angles of all the sound wave units (10) are changed. The installation angle of the sound wave unit (10) may be changed by shifting only a given angle determined beforehand from the default angle, or may be changed by shifting a predetermined angle corresponding to the magnitude of the total attenuation of the sound waves so that the total attenuation of the sound waves of the propagation path (P) in question can be improved.
For example, suppose that the predetermined value serving as a determination criterion in step ST8 is set to 32 dB. In this case, as shown in
In the example shown in
After the change in the installation angles of the sound wave units (10) ends in step ST9, the process returns to step ST6, and the subsequent steps ST6, ST7, ST8, and ST9 are performed until the determination criterion in step ST8 is satisfied. If the determination criterion is satisfied in step ST8, the process proceeds to step ST10 as described above, in which the installation angles of the sound wave units (10) are fixed and then the setting of the installation angles of the sound wave units (10) ends.
In the example shown in
The sound wave attenuation due to the combined angular attenuation and the total attenuation in each of the propagation paths (P) between the first sound wave unit (10A) and each of the second to eighth sound wave units (10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H) are calculated again as underlined in
In setting the environment condition measurement device (1), the operator installs the plurality of sound wave units (10) at predetermined distributed locations on the periphery of the measurement target space (MS) in accordance with the installation angles of the sound wave units (10) fixed in the above manner. The setting of the environment condition measurement device (1) may be achieved by adjusting the installation angle of each of the plurality of sound wave units (10) after the sound wave units (10) are temporarily installed at default angles.
In the environment condition measurement device (1) of this embodiment, the plurality of sound wave units (10) are each installed in a predetermined inclined orientation. The predetermined inclined orientation is an orientation in which the directivity axis (DA) of each sound wave unit (10) is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the boundary planes (BP) at which the sound wave unit (10) is located. This allows sound waves to propagate effectively in the propagation paths (P) between a pair of sound wave units (10) not facing each other, thus reducing the loss of data. As a result, it is possible to improve the reliability of the result of measurement performed by the environment condition measurement device (1).
In the environment condition measurement device (1) of this embodiment, the sound wave units (10) located at the corresponding corner portions of the measurement target space (MS) are each installed in the predetermined inclined orientation. The predetermined inclined orientation is an orientation in which the directivity axis (DA) is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to each of the plurality of boundary planes (BP) forming the corner portion of the measurement target space (MS). This is advantageous in propagating sound waves effectively in the propagation paths (P) between a pair of sound wave units (10) which are arranged three-dimensionally for transmitting and receiving sound waves, and reducing the loss of data.
In the environment condition measurement device (1) of this embodiment, the installation angle of each sound wave unit (10) is set based on the sound wave attenuation in each of the propagation paths (P) of the sound wave unit (10). If the sound wave attenuation in a propagation path (P) is great, sound waves cannot propagate effectively in the propagation path (P). Thus, the installation angles of the sound wave units (10) are determined such that the sound wave attenuation in each propagation path (P) falls within a predetermined range (a range below a predetermined value), so that the sound waves can propagate effectively in the propagation paths (P).
In the environment condition measurement device (1) of this embodiment, the sound wave attenuation is calculated based on the directivity of the transmission and the directivity of the reception with respect to the propagation path (P) and the distance attenuation between the pair of sound wave units (10) associated with the propagation path (P). The sound waves propagating the propagation path (P) attenuate more with less directivity of the transmission with respect to the propagation path (P), attenuate more with less directivity of reception with respect to the propagation path (P), and attenuate more with greater distance attenuation between the pair of sound wave units (10) associated with this propagation path (P). The sound wave attenuation in the propagation path (P) can be accurately calculated if the calculation is based on the directivities of transmission and reception with respect to the propagation path (P) and the distance attenuation associated with the propagation path (P), which are closely relevant to the sound wave attenuation as described above.
In the environment condition measurement device (1) of this embodiment, the installation orientations of the plurality of sound wave units (10) located on the perimeter of the same boundary plane (BP) are determined so that the angles formed by the directivity axes (DA) of the sound wave units (10) with respect to the same boundary plane (BP) are equal to one another. According to this configuration, it is possible to simplify the setting of the installation angles of the plurality of sound wave units (10).
In the environment condition measurement device (1) of this embodiment, the installation orientations of a pair of sound wave units (10) located at adjacent corner portions of the measurement target space (MS) on the perimeter of the same boundary plane (BP) are determined so that the pair of sound wave units (10) are in a line symmetrical relationship with respect to a virtual reference line (RL1 to RL12) passing through an intermediate position between the pair of sound wave units (10) as viewed in a direction orthogonal to the boundary plane (BP). According to this configuration, it is possible to simplify the setting of the installation angles of the plurality of sound wave units (10).
In the environment condition measurement device (1) of this embodiment, each of two sound wave units (10) located at positions corresponding to each other on the perimeters of a pair of boundary planes (BP) facing each other includes the transmission element (12) and the reception element (14) as separate elements. The positional relationship of the transmission element (12) and the reception element (14) of each of the two sound wave units (10) with the virtual reference plane (RP1 to RP3) is the same. It is thus possible to reduce the difference in length between the two propagation paths (P) formed between a pair of the sound wave units (10). This is advantageous in simplifying the measurement performed by the environment condition measurement device (1).
In the method for setting the environment condition measurement device (1) of this embodiment, the sound wave attenuation is calculated for each of the propagation paths (P) for sound waves associated with each sound wave unit (10), based on the directivity of transmission and the directivity of reception associated with the propagation path (P) and the distance attenuation between the pair of sound wave units (10) associated with the propagation path (P). The total attenuation of the sound waves in the propagation path (P) can be accurately calculated if the calculation is based on the directivities of transmission and reception with respect to the propagation path (P) and the distance attenuation associated with the propagation path (P).
In the method for setting the environment condition measurement device (1) of this embodiment, the angle of each sound wave unit (10) in the installation orientation is determined. The installation angle is an angle at which the directivity axis (DA) is inclined with respect to each of the boundary planes (BP) forming the corner portion of the measurement target space (MS) where the sound wave unit (10) is located, and is determined based on the sound wave attenuation for each of the propagation paths (P) associated with the sound wave unit (10). Here, the installation angles of the sound wave units (10) are determined such that the sound wave attenuation in each propagation path (P) falls within a predetermined range (a range below a predetermined value), so that the sound waves can propagate effectively in the propagation paths (P). As a result, it is possible to improve the reliability of the result of measurement performed by the environment condition measurement device (1).
The above-described embodiments may be modified as follows.
The number of the sound wave units (10) is not limited to eight and may be nine or more. For example, if the resolution of the measurement of the environment conditions at each measurement plane (MP) needs to be increased, the number of the sound wave units (10) located on the perimeter of each measurement plane (MP) is increased as illustrated in
Only one or some of the plurality of sound wave units (10) may be installed in an orientation in which the directivity axis (DA) is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to each of the boundary planes (BP) forming the corner portion of the measurement target space (MS) at which the sound wave unit (10) is located. In short, in order that the sound waves propagate effectively in all the propagation paths (P), it is enough that at least one or some of the sound wave units (10) are installed in such orientations in which the directivity axis (DA) is inclined at the predetermined angle with respect to at least one the boundary plane (BP) at which the sound wave unit (10) is located.
The transmission directivity axis (DA1) and the reception directivity axis (DA2) of the sound wave unit (10) may be oriented in different directions as long as the transmission surface of the transmission element (12) and the receiving surface of the reception element (14) face toward the inside of the measurement target space (MS). In this case, the sound wave unit (10) is installed in such an orientation in which the transmission directivity axis (DA1) or the reception directivity axis (DA2) is inclined with respect to at least one boundary plane (BP) at which the sound wave unit (10) is located.
The sound wave unit (10) may include an integrated transmitting and reception element having the functions of both the transmission element (12) and the reception element (14) without including the transmission element (12) and the reception element (14) as separate elements.
The plurality of sound wave units (10) may include a transmission unit (10S) and a reception unit (10R) as separate units. For example, the plurality of sound wave units (10) may include a plurality of transmission units (10S) having only the transmission function and a plurality of reception units (10R) having only the reception function.
The plurality of sound wave units (10) may include a sound wave unit (10) serving as both the transmission unit (10S) and the reception unit (10R), a sound wave unit (10) functioning only as the transmission unit (10S), and a sound wave unit (10) functioning only as the reception unit (10R) together.
The environment condition measurement device (1) may measure the environment conditions other than the wind speed and the air temperature in the measurement target space (MS). For example, the environment condition measurement device (1) may measure, as an environment condition, the air pressure in the measurement target space (MS).
In the environment condition measurement device (1), the installation orientations of the plurality of sound wave units (10) may be without at least one of the first to third constraints. The installation orientations of the sound wave units (10) may be separately and independently determined such that the total attenuation of sound waves in all the propagation paths (P) is less than a predetermined value.
In setting the environment condition measurement device (1), the installation angle of each sound wave unit (10) may be fixed by a computer prepared separately from the controller (30) or by a server on a network.
While the embodiments and variations thereof have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The foregoing embodiment and variations thereof may be combined or replaced with each other without deteriorating the intended functions of the present disclosure.
The expressions such as “first,” “second,” “third,” . . . , described above are used to distinguish the terms to which these expressions are given, and do not limit the number and order of the terms.
As can be seen from the foregoing description, the present disclosure is useful for an environment condition measurement device and a method for setting an environment condition measurement device.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-157582 | Sep 2022 | JP | national |
This is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2023/020149 filed on May 30, 2023, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Patent Application No. 2022-157582, filed in Japan on Sep. 30, 2022, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/JP2023/020149 | May 2023 | WO |
| Child | 19087498 | US |
