Information processing system, information processing method, and computer readable medium

Abstract

The invention discloses an information processing system, an information processing method, and a computer readable medium, the information processing system includes: a light sensor having a plurality of light-emitting regions capable of emitting light independently, and capable of irradiating a detection range by emitting light from at least one of the plurality of light-emitting regions, a distance detection unit that receives light reflected from an object, and detects a distance from the object within the detection range for each of the detection ranges divided into a plurality of regions; and a processor that, when an object is not detected within the detection range, controls the light sensor such that the plurality of light emitting regions sequentially emit light in a light emitting order in which adjacent light emitting regions do not continuously emit light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method and a computer readable medium. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 6875790 discloses a distance measuring device that can provide data for obstacle determination by performing a simple calculation by dividing distance measurement data acquired at a full scanning angle of a detection area into sub-areas of a plurality of scanning angles and simply comparing the value of the distance measurement data in each sub-area with a predetermined threshold value. Summary of the invention

[0003] It is required to use a human sensor to quickly detect an object that has entered the detection range. In addition, by using an optical sensor as a human sensor and dividing the detection range into a plurality of areas, it is possible to detect which area the object has entered.

[0004] However, if the detection range is divided into a plurality of areas and the plurality of areas are detected sequentially and continuously from one end of the detection range, it may take time to detect the object.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system and a program that can shorten the time until an object is detected, compared with a case where a plurality of areas are detected sequentially and continuously from one end of a detection range.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system comprising: a light sensor having a plurality of light-emitting areas capable of emitting light independently, capable of detecting the distance from an object within the detection range to each area of ​​the detection range divided into a plurality of areas by illuminating a detection range by causing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting areas to emit light, and receiving light reflected from the object; and a processor, which, when no object is detected within the detection range, controls the light sensor so that the plurality of light-emitting areas emit light sequentially in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

[0007] According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the processor divides the multiple light-emitting areas into multiple groups and makes the light-emitting areas at the same position in each group emit light in turn according to each group, so that the multiple light-emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system according to the second aspect, the processor performs control so that the light emitting areas in the group are sequentially illuminated starting from one end.

[0009] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the processor divides the multiple light-emitting areas into multiple groups and makes the light-emitting areas at the same position in each group emit light simultaneously and in sequence, so that the multiple light-emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

[0010] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the processor is controlled in the following manner: after an object is detected in any one of the multiple light-emitting areas, when the distance to the light sensor becomes shorter than when the object is detected in the one light-emitting area, the one light-emitting area and the light-emitting areas adjacent to the one light-emitting area on both sides emit light in sequence.

[0011] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system of the fifth aspect, the processor is controlled in the following manner: when the light-emitting area and the light-emitting areas adjacent to the light-emitting area on both sides thereof emit light in sequence, when the distance to the light sensor becomes longer, the multiple light-emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

[0012] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system of the fifth aspect, the processor is controlled in the following manner: when the light-emitting area and the light-emitting areas adjacent to the light-emitting area on both sides thereof emit light in sequence, and when the distance to the light sensor does not change for more than a specified time, the multiple light-emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute processing, wherein the processing comprises the following steps: for a light sensor having a plurality of light-emitting areas capable of emitting light separately and independently, causing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting areas to emit light to illuminate a detection range, and receiving light reflected from an object, thereby detecting a distance from the object within the detection range to each area of ​​the detection range divided into a plurality of areas; when an object is not detected within the detection range, controlling the light sensor so that the plurality of light-emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method comprising the following steps: for a light sensor having a plurality of light-emitting areas capable of independently emitting light, causing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting areas to emit light to illuminate a detection range, and receiving light reflected from an object, thereby detecting a distance from the object within the detection range to each area of ​​the detection range divided into a plurality of areas; when no object is detected within the detection range, controlling the light sensor so that the plurality of light-emitting areas emit light in sequence in such a manner that adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

[0015] (Effect)

[0016] According to the first and ninth aspects, compared with a case where a plurality of areas are detected sequentially and continuously from one end of the detection range, the time until the object is detected can be shortened.

[0017] According to the second aspect, compared with a case where a plurality of areas are detected sequentially and continuously from one end of the detection range, the time until the object is detected can be shortened.

[0018] According to the third aspect, compared with a case where a plurality of areas are detected sequentially and continuously from one end of the detection range, the time until the object is detected can be shortened.

[0019] According to the fourth aspect, compared with a case where a plurality of areas are detected sequentially and continuously from one end of the detection range, the time until the object is detected can be shortened.

[0020] According to the fifth aspect, the object can be easily detected.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect, it can be considered that the possibility that the detected object is the user is low, and other objects can be easily detected.

[0022] According to the seventh aspect, it can be considered that the possibility that the detected object is the user is low, and other objects can be easily detected.

[0023] According to the eighth aspect, compared with a case where a plurality of areas are detected sequentially and continuously from one end of the detection range, the time until the object is detected can be shortened. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 This is an external view for explaining a schematic structure of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 2 is a front view showing a schematic structure of the optical sensor;

[0026] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the VCSEL array;

[0027] Figure 4 is the optical path diagram on the XZ plane of the light emitted from the VCSEL array;

[0028] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of an image forming apparatus;

[0029] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of an image forming apparatus;

[0030] Figure 7 A diagram for explaining the detection order of each area of ​​the detection range of the optical sensor divided into a plurality of areas;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the detection order of each area of ​​the detection range of the optical sensor divided into a plurality of areas. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is an external view for explaining a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in 10 represent coordinate axes in the image forming apparatus 10. The X-axis direction is the horizontal direction, indicating the width direction of the apparatus, the Y-axis direction is the vertical direction, indicating the up-down direction of the apparatus, and the Z-axis direction is the horizontal direction, indicating the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 is a so-called multifunction peripheral having multiple functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a fax function. The image forming apparatus 10 is an example of an information processing system in the technology of the present invention.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 10 includes an optical sensor 18 for detecting a user who uses the apparatus. Since a user generally moves toward and approaches a location where the image forming apparatus 10 is installed, the optical sensor 18 is configured to detect such a user.

[0035] Figure 2 1 is a front view showing a schematic structure of the optical sensor 18. Figure 2 As shown, the optical sensor 18 includes a VCSEL array 40 having a plurality of light emitting regions B, an optical system 50 for deflecting light emitted from each of the plurality of light emitting regions B in different directions, and a light receiving unit 51 for detecting reflected light of the light emitted from the optical system 50 .

[0036] Figure 3 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the VCSEL array 40. Figure 3As shown, the VCSEL array 40 has a structure in which a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL: Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) type light emitting elements 42 are arranged in a zigzag pattern in a partial region on a substrate 41 .

[0037] The VCSEL array 40 has a plurality of light emitting regions B arranged along the X-axis direction. The VCSEL array 40 has a plurality of light emitting elements 42 in one light emitting region B. The VCSEL array 40 controls the on or off of the light emitting element 42 for each light emitting region B. Figure 3 , as an example, a mode in which twelve light emitting regions B are arranged along the X-axis direction is shown, and numbers 0 to 11 are respectively given to the twelve light emitting regions B.

[0038] The optical system 50 is arranged in the light emission direction of the VCSEL array 40 and deflects the light emitted from each of the plurality of light emitting regions B in different directions. The optical system 50 is arranged so that the optical axis of the optical system 50 is orthogonal to the center of the entire light emitting region B of the VCSEL array 40.

[0039] The optical system 50 is composed of, for example, lenses. When the optical system 50 is composed of lenses, the shape and number of lenses are not particularly limited, and any structure may be used as long as it can deflect the light emitted from each of the plurality of light emitting regions B in different directions.

[0040] Figure 4 is a light path diagram on the XZ plane of light emitted from the VCSEL array 40. In addition, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure in an easy-to-understand manner, and does not represent the actual shape of the VCSEL array 40 and the optical system 50. Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the VCSEL array 40 has twelve light emitting regions B arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0041] The optical system 50 deflects the light emitted from the 0th to 11th light emitting regions B in different directions. Here, the irradiation angle of the light of the optical sensor 18 is the angle formed by the emission directions of the two lights emitted from the outermost light emitting region B from the optical system 50 .

[0042] The irradiation angle of the light of the optical sensor 18 of the present embodiment is an angle R between the emission direction of the light emitted from the outermost light emitting area No. 0 from the optical system 50 and the emission direction of the light emitted from the outermost light emitting area No. 11 on the opposite side from the optical system 50. As an example, the irradiation angle of the light of the optical sensor 18 of the present embodiment is 120°.

[0043] The light receiving unit 51 includes a light receiving element such as a photodetector, etc. The number of light receiving elements is not limited to one, and a plurality of light receiving elements may be provided.

[0044] The optical sensor 18 is arranged in the image forming device 10 so that the X-axis direction is the horizontal direction of the image forming device 10 and the Y-axis direction is the vertical direction of the image forming device 10 .

[0045] The optical sensor 18 is controlled by the control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described in detail later.

[0046] As described above, the optical sensor 18 is a sensor having a plurality of light-emitting areas B that can emit light independently, and can detect the distance between each area of ​​the detection range divided into a plurality of areas and the object within the detection range by illuminating the detection range with at least one of the plurality of light-emitting areas B emitting light, and receiving light reflected from the object.

[0047] In the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, by using the optical sensor 18 to detect a user using the apparatus, control is performed such that the operating state of the apparatus is restored from the energy saving state to the normal operating state.

[0048] Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 5 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a storage device 13 such as a hard disk drive, a communication interface (abbreviated as IF) 14, a user interface (abbreviated as UI) device 15 including a touch panel or a liquid crystal display and a keyboard, a scanner 16, a print engine 17, and a light sensor 18. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 19.

[0050] CPU11 is a processor that performs prescribed processing and controls the actions of the image forming device 10 based on a control program stored in RAM12 or a storage device 13. In addition, in the present embodiment, CPU11 is described as a processor that reads out and executes a control program stored in RAM12 or a storage device 13, but is not limited to this. The control program can also be provided in a form recorded in a recording medium that can be read by a computer. For example, the program can also be provided in a form recorded in an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or in a form recorded in a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a memory card. In addition, the control program can also be obtained from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication IF14.

[0051] The communication IF 14 transmits and receives data with external devices, etc. The UI device 15 receives instruction input from the user. The scanner 16 reads the original loaded in the image forming device 10 as image data. The print engine 17 prints an image on a recording medium such as printing paper through processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing.

[0052] Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 6 : is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a control unit 31 , a storage unit 32 , an operation input unit 33 , a display unit 34 , a data transceiver unit 35 , an authentication unit 36 ​​, an image reader 37 , an image output unit 38 , and a light sensor 18 .

[0054] The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10 , for example, based on an instruction input from a user, controls the image reading unit 37 to read a document image, controls the image output unit 38 to output print data, etc. The storage unit 32 stores data such as control programs.

[0055] The operation input unit 33 inputs information of various operations performed by the user. The display unit 34 is controlled by the control unit 31 and displays various information to the user. The data transceiver unit 35 transmits and receives data to and from an external device. The authentication unit 36 ​​performs authentication processing for a user who wants to use the image forming apparatus 10.

[0056] The image reading section 37 reads a document image from a loaded document based on the control of the control section 31. The image output section 38 outputs an image onto a recording medium such as printing paper based on the control of the control section 31.

[0057] Next, control for detecting a user using the optical sensor 18 in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described in detail.

[0058] The control unit 31 performs operation control of the VCSEL array 40 and the light receiving unit 51 , and performs processing for calculating the distance from the optical sensor 18 to the object based on the signal detected by the light receiving unit 51 .

[0059] In detail, the control unit 31 first emits light from one of the plurality of light-emitting areas B arranged along the X-axis direction. Next, the control unit 31 causes the light receiving unit 51 to detect reflected light of the light emitted from the light-emitting area B. Next, the control unit 31 calculates the time difference between the timing of irradiating the light to the light-emitting area B and the timing of detecting the reflected light at the light receiving unit 51 based on the signal detected at the light receiving unit 51. Next, the control unit 31 calculates the distance from the optical sensor 18 to the object within the detection range corresponding to the light-emitting area B based on the calculated time difference. In addition, when the reflected light is not detected within the detection range corresponding to the light-emitting area B, it can be known that there is no object within the detection range.

[0060] After completing the object detection process for one light emitting region B, the control unit 31 performs the object detection process for the remaining light emitting regions B in the same manner, and performs the detection process for the entire detection range. Thereafter, the control unit 31 repeatedly performs the detection process for the entire detection range.

[0061] At this time, if the multiple light-emitting areas B arranged along the X-axis direction in the VCSEL array 40 are made to emit light in sequence from one end to the other end to perform detection processing on the entire detection range, the detection of objects located far away from the detection range of the light-emitting area B that emits light first is sometimes delayed.

[0062] In addition, the light emitting elements 42 of the VCSEL array 40 generate heat due to light emission and are easily damaged by heat. Therefore, when the adjacent light emitting areas B in the VCSEL array 40 are sequentially lit, a certain light emitting area B generates heat when emitting light, and after emitting light, it is also affected by the heat generated by the light emission of the adjacent light emitting area B, so that insufficient heat dissipation may result in a shortened lifespan.

[0063] To solve this problem, when the object is not detected within the detection range, the control unit 31 in the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment controls the VCSEL array 40 so that the plurality of light emitting regions B emit light in sequence so that adjacent light emitting regions B do not emit light continuously.

[0064] Thus, the time until the object is detected can be shortened compared to the case where detection is performed sequentially and continuously from one end of a plurality of detection ranges corresponding to a plurality of light-emitting regions B. In addition, since a light-emitting region B adjacent to a certain light-emitting region B does not emit light immediately after a certain light-emitting region B emits light, the temperature rise of the light-emitting region B that emits light can be suppressed.

[0065] In the image forming device 10 of the present embodiment, it can also be set that the control unit 31 divides the multiple light-emitting areas B into multiple groups, and makes the light-emitting areas existing in the same position in each group emit light in turn according to each group, so that the multiple light-emitting areas B are emitted in turn in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas B do not emit light continuously.

[0066] In this case, the control unit 31 may perform control so that the light emitting regions B in the group are sequentially illuminated starting from one end.

[0067] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, luminous areas B0 to B3 are set as a group, luminous areas B4 to B7 are set as a group, and luminous areas B8 to B11 are set as a group. In each group, the luminous areas B are made to emit light in sequence starting from the right end.

[0068] That is, they are lit in the order of luminous area B0, luminous area B4, luminous area B8, luminous area B1, luminous area B5, luminous area B9, luminous area B2, luminous area B6, luminous area B10, luminous area B3, luminous area B7, and luminous area B11.

[0069] In addition, it can also be set that the control unit 31 divides the multiple light-emitting areas B into multiple groups, and makes the light-emitting areas B existing in the same position in each group emit light simultaneously and in sequence, so that the multiple light-emitting areas B are emitted in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas B do not emit light continuously.

[0070] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, it can also be set so that the light-emitting area B0, the light-emitting area B4 and the light-emitting area B8 are illuminated at the same time, and then the light-emitting area B1, the light-emitting area B5 and the light-emitting area B9 are illuminated at the same time, and then the light-emitting area B2, the light-emitting area B6 and the light-emitting area B10 are illuminated at the same time, and then the light-emitting area B3, the light-emitting area B7 and the light-emitting area B11 are illuminated at the same time.

[0071] In addition, the control unit 31 can also be controlled in the following manner: after an object is detected in any one of the multiple light-emitting areas B, when the distance to the image forming device 10 equipped with the light sensor 18 becomes shorter than when the object is detected in one light-emitting area B, the light-emitting area B and the light-emitting areas B adjacent to the one light-emitting area B on both sides emit light in sequence.

[0072] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, an object is detected in the light-emitting area B4. In this case, the light-emitting area B4 and the light-emitting areas B3 and B5 adjacent to the light-emitting area B4 on both sides emit light in sequence.

[0073] In this case, the control unit 31 may also perform control in the following manner: when a light-emitting area B and light-emitting areas adjacent to the light-emitting area B on both sides emit light in sequence, when the distance to the image forming device 10 becomes longer, the plurality of light-emitting areas B emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which the adjacent light-emitting areas B do not emit light continuously.

[0074] In addition, the control unit 31 can also control in the following manner: when a light-emitting area B and the light-emitting areas B adjacent to the one light-emitting area B on both sides are illuminated in sequence, and when the distance to the image forming device 10 does not change for more than a specified time, the multiple light-emitting areas B are illuminated in sequence in a light-emitting order in which the adjacent light-emitting areas B do not emit light continuously.

[0075] [Modifications]

[0076] As mentioned above, the information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified appropriately.

[0077] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the technology of the present invention is applied to the image forming device 10 is described, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to such a device, and the technology of the present invention can also be applied to information processing systems such as ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) devices or ticket machines where users approach and operate.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the “system” includes both a system composed of a plurality of devices and a system composed of a single device.

[0079] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (such as CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.), or a dedicated processor (such as GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0080] In addition, the actions of the processors in the above-mentioned embodiments are not only performed by one processor, but can also be performed by multiple processors in physically separated locations in cooperation. In addition, the order of the actions of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above-mentioned embodiments, and can also be appropriately changed.

[0081] [Note] (1)

[0083] An information processing system comprising:

[0084] a light sensor having a plurality of light-emitting areas capable of independently emitting light, and capable of detecting a distance to an object within the detection range for each area of ​​the detection range divided into a plurality of areas by causing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting areas to emit light to illuminate a detection range and receiving light reflected from an object; and

[0085] processor,

[0086] When an object is not detected within the detection range, the processor controls the light sensor so that the plurality of light emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light emitting order in which adjacent light emitting areas do not emit light continuously. (2)

[0088] (1) The information processing system, wherein:

[0089] The processor divides the plurality of light-emitting areas into a plurality of groups and causes the light-emitting areas at the same position in each group to emit light in sequence in each group, thereby causing the plurality of light-emitting areas to emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously. (3)

[0091] The information processing system according to (2), wherein:

[0092] The processor controls the light emitting areas in the group so as to emit light sequentially starting from one end. (4)

[0094] The information processing system according to (1), wherein:

[0095] The processor divides the plurality of light-emitting areas into a plurality of groups and causes the light-emitting areas at the same position in each group to emit light simultaneously and in sequence, thereby causing the plurality of light-emitting areas to emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously. (5)

[0097] The information processing system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein:

[0098] The processor controls in the following manner: after an object is detected in any one of the multiple light-emitting areas, when the distance to the light sensor becomes shorter than when the object is detected in the one light-emitting area, the one light-emitting area and the light-emitting areas adjacent to the one light-emitting area on both sides emit light in sequence. (6)

[0100] The information processing system according to (5), wherein:

[0101] The processor is controlled in the following manner: when the light-emitting area and the light-emitting areas adjacent to the light-emitting area on both sides emit light in sequence, when the distance to the light sensor becomes longer, the multiple light-emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously. (7)

[0103] The information processing system according to (5), wherein:

[0104] The processor controls in the following manner: when the light-emitting area and the light-emitting areas adjacent to the light-emitting area on both sides thereof emit light in sequence, and if the distance to the light sensor does not change for more than a specified time, the multiple light-emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously. (8)

[0106] A program that causes a computer to perform the following steps:

[0107] For a light sensor having a plurality of light-emitting areas capable of emitting light independently, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting areas emits light to illuminate a detection range, and receives light reflected from an object, thereby detecting a distance to the object within the detection range for each area of ​​the detection range divided into a plurality of areas;

[0108] When an object is not detected within the detection range, the optical sensor is controlled so that the plurality of light emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light emitting order in which adjacent light emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

[0109] Next, the effects produced by the structure of the supplementary notes are described.

[0110] According to the information processing system of (1), the time until the object is detected can be shortened compared to the case where a plurality of areas are detected sequentially and continuously from one end of the detection range.

[0111] According to the information processing system of (2), the time until the object is detected can be shortened compared to the case where a plurality of areas are detected sequentially and continuously starting from one end of the detection range.

[0112] According to the information processing system of (3), the time until the object is detected can be shortened compared to the case where a plurality of areas are detected sequentially and continuously starting from one end of the detection range.

[0113] According to the information processing system of (4), the time until the object is detected can be shortened compared to the case where a plurality of areas are detected sequentially and continuously starting from one end of the detection range.

[0114] According to the information processing system of (5), the object can be easily detected.

[0115] According to the information processing system of (6), it can be considered that the possibility that the detected object is the user is low, and other objects can be easily detected.

[0116] According to the information processing system of (7), it can be considered that the possibility that the detected object is the user is low, and other objects can be easily detected.

[0117] According to the procedure of (8), the time until the object is detected can be shortened compared to the case where a plurality of areas are detected sequentially and continuously starting from one end of the detection range.

Claims

1. An information processing system, characterized in that: have: a light sensor having a plurality of light-emitting areas capable of emitting light independently, and capable of detecting a distance to an object within the detection range for each area of ​​the detection range divided into a plurality of areas by causing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting areas to emit light to illuminate a detection range and receiving light reflected from an object; as well as processor, When an object is not detected within the detection range, the processor controls the light sensor so that the plurality of light emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light emitting order in which adjacent light emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor divides the plurality of light-emitting areas into a plurality of groups and causes the light-emitting areas at the same position in each group to emit light in sequence in each group, thereby causing the plurality of light-emitting areas to emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein: The processor controls the light emitting areas in the group so as to emit light sequentially starting from one end.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor divides the plurality of light-emitting areas into a plurality of groups and causes the light-emitting areas at the same position in each group to emit light simultaneously and in sequence, thereby causing the plurality of light-emitting areas to emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

5. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The processor controls in the following manner: after an object is detected in any one of the multiple light-emitting areas, when the distance to the light sensor becomes shorter than when the object is detected in the one light-emitting area, the one light-emitting area and the light-emitting areas adjacent to the one light-emitting area on both sides emit light in sequence.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein: The processor controls in the following manner: when the light-emitting area and the light-emitting areas adjacent to the light-emitting area on both sides thereof emit light in sequence, when the distance to the light sensor becomes longer, the multiple light-emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

7. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein: The processor controls in the following manner: when the light-emitting area and the light-emitting areas adjacent to the light-emitting area on both sides thereof emit light in sequence, and when the distance to the light sensor does not change for more than a specified time, the multiple light-emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light-emitting order in which adjacent light-emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

8. A computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a process, characterized in that: The process has the following steps: For a light sensor having a plurality of light-emitting areas capable of emitting light independently, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting areas emits light to illuminate a detection range, and receives light reflected from an object, thereby detecting a distance to the object within the detection range for each area of ​​the detection range divided into a plurality of areas; When an object is not detected within the detection range, the optical sensor is controlled so that the plurality of light emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light emitting order in which adjacent light emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

9. An information processing method, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: For a light sensor having a plurality of light-emitting areas capable of emitting light independently, at least one of the plurality of light-emitting areas emits light to illuminate a detection range, and receives light reflected from an object, thereby detecting a distance to the object within the detection range for each area of ​​the detection range divided into a plurality of areas; When an object is not detected within the detection range, the optical sensor is controlled so that the plurality of light emitting areas emit light in sequence in a light emitting order in which adjacent light emitting areas do not emit light continuously.

Images