Sensor device, object sensing method, and object sensing program

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor device, an object sensing method, and an object sensing program. Provided is a sensor device capable of easily setting a threshold value for determination and improving user convenience by determining whether or not an object is sensed by using one value such as a color index value. A sensor device (10) is provided with: a light projection unit (14) that projects light; a light receiving unit (15) that detects reflected light from an irradiation region of the light projected from the light projecting unit; an RGB value acquisition unit (22) that acquires color information of an object present in the irradiation region on the basis of the reflected light detected by the light receiving unit; a color index value calculation unit (24) that calculates a single color index value on the basis of an R value, a G value, and a B value included in the color information acquired by the RGB value acquisition unit; and a determination unit that compares the color index value calculated by the color index value calculation unit with a predetermined threshold value and determines whether or not the object is sensed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device, an object sensing method, and an object sensing program for sensing an object using color information. Background Art

[0002] For example, lubricating oil used in working equipment may cause malfunction of the working equipment if it deteriorates. Therefore, a color sensor is used to monitor the color of the lubricating oil to detect the deterioration.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a color sensor comprising: three light-receiving elements having transmission spectral sensitivity characteristics for each RGB color and generating a photocurrent proportional to the amount of light received; a switching circuit for selecting the photocurrent; an A / D converter for converting the selected photocurrent into a digital signal; a register for storing the digital value from the A / D converter; and a serial interface circuit for outputting the stored digital value via terminals SCL and SDA.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-106875 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, the above-mentioned conventional color sensor has the following problems.

[0009] Specifically, the color sensor disclosed in the aforementioned patent publication must process data representing three colors: R, G, and B values, and determine color differences. Therefore, for detection objects whose three colors change simultaneously, setting a threshold for color difference determination is difficult due to the complexity of processing information for the three colors and the differences in the amount of light reflected from the detection object. Consequently, without appropriate threshold settings, high-precision color determination is difficult.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor device, an object sensing method, and an object sensing program that can facilitate setting of a threshold value for determination and improve user convenience.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] The sensor device according to the first invention includes a light projecting unit, a light receiving unit, a color information acquisition unit, a color index value calculation unit, and a determination unit. The light projecting unit projects light. The light receiving unit detects reflected light from an area illuminated by the light projected from the light projecting unit. The color information acquisition unit acquires color information of an object present in the illuminated area based on the reflected light detected by the light receiving unit. The color index value calculation unit calculates a single color index value based on the R value, G value, and B value included in the color information acquired by the color information acquisition unit. The determination unit compares the color index value calculated by the color index value calculation unit with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether an object is detected.

[0013] Here, whether an object such as deteriorated lubricant is sensed is determined based on a comparison result between a single color index value and a threshold value, wherein the single color index value is a color index value calculated based on the R value, G value, and B value included in the color information of the reflected light projected onto the object.

[0014] Here, the object is an object that is judged based on color by the sensor device, and may be in any form of solid, liquid, or gas.

[0015] The color index value is calculated based on the color information (RGB value) of the object obtained from the reflected light, and is a numerical value indicating the degree of color, for example, set to a stage from 0 to 10. Achromatic colors (white, black, gray) show higher values, while chromatic colors (red, green, blue) show lower values.

[0016] The determination based on color is, for example, determination of the deterioration state of lubricant (object) used in working equipment. When the calculated color index value is equal to or lower than a threshold value, the lubricant is determined to be deteriorated.

[0017] Thus, compared with the conventional method of performing color difference determination using the respective R, G, and B values, object determination can be easily performed by comparing a single color index value calculated based on the R, G, and B values with a preset threshold.

[0018] As a result, the determination threshold can be easily set, and the usability for the user can be improved.

[0019] The sensor device according to the second invention is the sensor device according to the first invention, further comprising an RGB value correction unit that corrects the color information acquired by the color information acquisition unit.

[0020] Thus, RGB correction values are obtained after correction to eliminate variations in light emission amount and light receiving sensitivity caused by individual differences between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit, thereby improving the accuracy of the above-mentioned color determination.

[0021] The sensor device according to the third invention is the sensor device according to the second invention, wherein the RGB value correction unit corrects the R, G, and B values so that the R, G, and B values become 1:1:1 when an achromatic object is sensed.

[0022] Thus, by correcting the color information so that the values of R, G, and B are as close to 1:1:1 as possible when an achromatic object (white, black, gray, etc.) is originally sensed, the accuracy of the color determination can be improved.

[0023] A sensor device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the sensor device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the color index value calculation unit calculates the color index value based on the R value, G value, and B value corrected by the RGB value correction unit.

[0024] Therefore, by using a color index value to perform the above-mentioned color judgment, the judgment accuracy can be improved, wherein the color index value is calculated using the corrected RGB correction value to eliminate, for example, the deviation in the amount of light projected and the deviation in the light receiving sensitivity caused by individual differences between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit.

[0025] A sensor device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the sensor device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, further comprising a threshold storage unit for storing a threshold used in determining an object in the determination unit.

[0026] This makes it possible to determine the object using the threshold value stored in the threshold value storage unit.

[0027] A sensor device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the sensor device according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, further comprising a correction value storage unit that stores correction values used in the RGB value correction unit.

[0028] This makes it possible to correct the color information acquired by the color information acquisition unit using the correction value stored in the correction value storage unit.

[0029] A sensor device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the sensor device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, further comprising a determination result storage unit for storing the determination result of the determination unit.

[0030] Thereby, the determination result stored in the determination result storage unit can be displayed on, for example, a display of a PC (Personal Computer).

[0031] A sensor device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the sensor device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, further comprising a communication unit for communicating a determination result of the determination unit with an external device including an object.

[0032] Therefore, for example, when using a sensor device mounted on a working machine, etc. to monitor the color change of the lubricating oil, by sending the presence or absence of the color change of the lubricating oil (whether the color index value is greater than a threshold value) as a judgment result to the working machine, etc., the deterioration state of the lubricating oil can be easily grasped on the monitoring screen of the working machine, etc.

[0033] The sensor device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the sensor device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the target object is deteriorated oil.

[0034] Thus, by comparing a single value such as the color index value with a threshold value to sense the color of the deteriorated oil, it is possible to accurately sense the deterioration of the lubricating oil used in the working equipment and the like and urge replacement.

[0035] The object sensing method according to the tenth invention comprises a light projection step, a light receiving step, a color information acquisition step, a color index value calculation step, and a determination step. In the light projection step, light is projected. In the light receiving step, reflected light from an area illuminated by the light projected in the light projection step is detected. In the color information acquisition step, color information of an object present in the illuminated area is acquired based on the reflected light detected in the light receiving step. In the color index value calculation step, a single color index value is calculated based on the R value, G value, and B value included in the color information acquired in the color information acquisition step. In the determination step, the color index value calculated in the color index value calculation step is compared with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether an object has been detected.

[0036] Here, whether an object such as deteriorated lubricant is sensed is determined based on a comparison result between a single color index value calculated based on the R value, G value, and B value included in the color information of the reflected light projected onto the object and a threshold value.

[0037] Here, the object is an object that is judged based on color by the sensor device, and may be in any form of solid, liquid, or gas.

[0038] The color index value is calculated based on the color information (RGB value) of the object obtained from the reflected light, and is a numerical value indicating the degree of color, for example, set to a stage from 0 to 10. Achromatic colors (white, black, gray) show high values, while chromatic colors (red, green, blue) show low values.

[0039] The determination based on color is, for example, determination of the deterioration state of lubricant (object) used in working equipment. When the calculated color index value is lower than a threshold value, the lubricant is determined to be deteriorated.

[0040] Thus, compared with the conventional method of performing color difference determination using the respective R, G, and B values, object determination can be easily performed by comparing a single color index value calculated based on the R, G, and B values with a preset threshold.

[0041] As a result, the determination threshold can be easily set, and the usability for the user can be improved.

[0042] The object sensing program according to the eleventh invention causes a computer to execute an object sensing method, the object sensing method comprising a light projection step, a light receiving step, a color information acquisition step, a color index value calculation step, and a determination step. In the light projection step, light is projected. In the light receiving step, reflected light from an area illuminated by the light projected in the light projection step is detected. In the color information acquisition step, color information of an object present in the illuminated area is acquired based on the reflected light detected in the light receiving step. In the color index value calculation step, a single color index value is calculated based on the R value, G value, and B value included in the color information acquired in the color information acquisition step. In the determination step, the color index value calculated in the color index value calculation step is compared with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether an object has been detected.

[0043] Here, whether an object such as deteriorated lubricant is sensed is determined based on a comparison result between a single color index value calculated based on the R value, G value, and B value included in the color information of the reflected light projected onto the object and a threshold value.

[0044] Here, the object is an object that is judged based on color by the sensor device, and may be in any form of solid, liquid, or gas.

[0045] The color index value is calculated based on the color information (RGB value) of the object obtained from the reflected light, and is a numerical value indicating the degree of color, for example, set to a stage from 0 to 10. Achromatic colors (white, black, gray) show high values, while chromatic colors (red, green, blue) show low values.

[0046] The determination based on color is, for example, determination of the deterioration state of lubricant (object) used in working equipment. When the calculated color index value is lower than a threshold value, the lubricant is determined to be deteriorated.

[0047] Thus, compared with the conventional method of performing color difference determination using the respective R, G, and B values, object determination can be easily performed by comparing a single color index value calculated based on the R, G, and B values with a preset threshold.

[0048] As a result, the determination threshold can be easily set, and the usability for the user can be improved.

[0049] Effects of the Invention

[0050] According to the sensor device of the present invention, it is possible to easily set a threshold value for determination, thereby improving user convenience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a sensor device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Control block diagram of the sensor device.

[0053] Figure 3 (a) is to show the use of Figure 1 Conceptual diagram of a sensor device that monitors the state of color change of lubricating oil before deterioration. Figure 3 (b) is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a change in the color of deteriorated lubricating oil is monitored.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a graph showing the relationship between color changes (achromatic color / chromatic color), color index values, and determination results (sensed / not sensed).

[0055] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the color index value and achromatic / chromatic colors.

[0056] Figure 6 This is a graph showing RGB values and color index values corresponding to new lubricating oil and deteriorated waste oil.

[0057] Figure 7 It is shown by Figure 2 Flowchart of the processing flow of the object sensing method implemented by the sensor device.

[0058] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a transmissive sensor device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 9This is a graph showing the relationship between color change (achromatic / chromatic), color index value, and determination result (sensed / not sensed) in a sensor device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Description of Reference Numerals

[0061] 10 sensor device;

[0062] 11 lenses;

[0063] 12 shell;

[0064] 13 substrate;

[0065] 14 light projection part;

[0066] 15. Light-receiving part;

[0067] 16. Judgment Department;

[0068] 17 lid;

[0069] 18 reflector;

[0070] 21 Lighting Control Department;

[0071] 22 RGB value acquisition unit (color information acquisition unit);

[0072] 23RGB value correction unit;

[0073] 24 color index value calculation unit;

[0074] 25 storage unit (threshold value storage unit, correction value storage unit, determination result storage unit);

[0075] 26 Ministry of Communications;

[0076] 30 Ministry of Communications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] In a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a Figures 1 to 7 Instructions are as follows.

[0078] In addition, in the present embodiment, sometimes more than necessary detailed description is omitted. For example, sometimes the detailed description of the matters already known or the repeated description of the substantially same structure is omitted. This is to avoid the following description from becoming unnecessary redundant and to make it easy for those skilled in the art to understand.

[0079] Furthermore, the applicant provides the drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present invention, and does not intend that the subject matter described in the claims be limited by them.

[0080] (1) Structure of sensor device 10

[0081] The sensor device 10 according to the present embodiment is mounted on, for example, a working machine, and monitors a change in the color of lubricating oil (object) used in the working machine to thereby determine the deterioration state of the lubricating oil.

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown, the sensor device 10 includes a lens 11 , a case 12 , a substrate 13 , a light projecting unit 14 , a light receiving unit 15 , a determination unit 16 , and a cover 17 .

[0083] The lens 11 is mounted on the housing 12 so that light emitted from the light projecting unit 14 disposed in the housing 12 passes through the lens 11 and is irradiated toward an object such as lubricating oil, and light reflected on the surface of the object passes through the lens 11 and is received by the light receiving unit 15 .

[0084] The housing 12 is a substantially box-shaped member and houses a substrate 13 on which a light projecting unit 14 and a light receiving unit 15 are mounted.

[0085] The substrate 13 is incorporated in the housing 12 , and a light projecting unit 14 and a light receiving unit 15 are arranged on the surface of the substrate 13 on the lens 11 side.

[0086] The light projecting unit 14 is a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and irradiates light onto an object such as lubricating oil through the lens 11 .

[0087] The light receiving unit 15 receives, via the lens 11 , light that is irradiated from the light projecting unit 14 , passes through the object, is reflected by the reflective plate 18 , and passes through the object again.

[0088] Determination unit 16 determines whether the object (degraded lubricant) has been detected using a single color index value calculated based on the R, G, and B values included in the color information of the reflected light received by light receiving unit 15. The determination process performed by determination unit 16 will be described in detail later.

[0089] The cover 17 is attached to the housing 12 and covers the end portion of the housing 12 on the side opposite to the lens 11 .

[0090] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the sensor device 10 includes the above-mentioned light-projecting unit 14 and light-receiving unit 15, a determination unit 16, a light-projecting control unit 21, an RGB value acquisition unit (color information acquisition unit) 22, an RGB value correction unit 23, a color index value calculation unit 24, a storage unit (threshold value storage unit, correction value storage unit, determination result storage unit) 25, and a communication unit 26.

[0091] The determination unit 16 compares the color index value calculated by the color index value calculation unit 24 described later with a predetermined threshold value, and determines whether or not an object is sensed.

[0092] The light projection control unit 21 controls the light projection unit 14 for irradiating light onto an object such as lubricating oil.

[0093] The RGB value acquisition unit (color information acquisition unit) 22 acquires color information of an object existing in the irradiation area based on the reflected light detected by the light receiving unit 15 .

[0094] The RGB value correction unit 23 corrects the color information acquired by the RGB value acquisition unit 22. More specifically, the RGB value correction unit 23 corrects the R, G, and B values so that the R, G, and B values become 1:1:1 when an achromatic (white, black, gray) object is sensed.

[0095] The color index value calculation unit 24 calculates a single color index value based on the R, G, and B values included in the color information acquired by the RGB value acquisition unit 22. More specifically, the color index value calculation unit 24 calculates the color index value based on the R, G, and B values corrected by the RGB value correction unit 23.

[0096] The storage unit (threshold value storage unit, correction value storage unit, determination result storage unit) 25 stores threshold values used in determination of an object by the determination unit 16 , correction values used in the RGB value correction unit 23 , and determination results by the determination unit 16 .

[0097] The communication unit 26 communicates the determination result of the determination unit 16 with external equipment such as a working machine including an object such as lubricating oil.

[0098] The communication unit 30 is provided in, for example, a working machine on which the sensor device 10 is mounted, and receives the determination result of the sensor device 10 .

[0099] In more detail, Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 As shown in (b), the sensor device 10 irradiates light to the lubricating oil O1 circulating inside the working equipment and receives the reflected light reflected by the reflector 18 to monitor the degree of deterioration of the lubricating oil. Figure 3 (a)) changes to dark brown (refer to Figure 3 (b)) characteristics, a single color index value is calculated based on the color information (R value, G value, B value) of the reflected light, and if it is judged to be below the specified threshold, Figure 3 As shown in (b), it is determined that the deterioration of the lubricating oil is progressing, and a display urging replacement is performed.

[0100] Thus, the degree of lubricant deterioration can be monitored during monitoring of the working equipment, and when the color index value of the lubricant falls below a predetermined threshold, the lubricant is determined to be deteriorated, and the user of the working equipment is informed of the lubricant replacement time.

[0101] Here, as Figure 4 As shown, the detection of deteriorated lubricating oil that needs to be replaced is performed by utilizing the following situation: when the lubricating oil is in a new state, such as just after replacement, its color index value becomes high because it is close to achromatic. As the deterioration continues, it changes to a lower value close to a chromatic color.

[0102] The color index value used in the determination is a single value calculated based on the color information (R value, G value, B value) of the light of the object, and is Figure 5 As shown, the numerical values are as follows: achromatic colors (white, black, gray) have higher values, and chromatic colors (red, green, blue) have lower values.

[0103] That is, if the deterioration of the lubricating oil progresses and the value of the color index value becomes lower, then Figure 4 As shown, the color of the lubricant changes from achromatic to chromatic. Therefore, the determination unit 16 detects that the color index value calculated based on the color information of the lubricant has fallen below a predetermined threshold and determines that an object (lubricant that has deteriorated to the point where it needs replacement) has been detected.

[0104] In addition, when the color of the object changes from chromatic to achromatic, such as Figure 4 As shown, if the color index value becomes greater than a preset hysteresis value, it is determined as not being sensed.

[0105] Specifically, if Figure 6 As shown, in the case of a new lubricant that has just been replaced, the R value is:

[0106] The color index calculated from these R, G, and B values is 5.49.

[0107] On the other hand, Figure 6 As shown, in the case of lubricating oil (replacement target) that has deteriorated after use in working equipment, the R value is 0.840, the G value is 0.339, and the B value is 0.023. Furthermore, the color index value calculated based on these R, G, and B values is 1.08.

[0108] As described above, in the case of new lubricating oil immediately after replacement, the color index value is relatively high, and the color index value of lubricating oil that has deteriorated further is relatively low.

[0109] Here, the color index value C can be calculated from the color information (R value, G value, B value) using the relationship of the following formula 1, for example.

[0110] [Formula 1]

[0111]

[0112] Note that this relational expression is an example of a method for calculating the color index value C, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to this relational expression.

[0113] Furthermore, by setting a hysteresis value with respect to the color index value C used in the determination, chattering can be prevented when determining a change in the color of the lubricating oil O1 (from achromatic to chromatic).

[0114] Specifically, under the condition of hysteresis value ≥ determination threshold, when color index value C ≤ determination threshold, it is determined as a change from non-sensing to sensing, and when color index value C > hysteresis value, it is determined as a change from sensing to non-sensing.

[0115] On the other hand, under the condition of hysteresis value < determination threshold, when color index value C ≥ determination threshold, it is determined as a change from non-sensing to sensing, and when color index value C < hysteresis value, it is determined as a change from sensing to non-sensing.

[0116] <Object Sensing Method>

[0117] The sensor device 10 of this embodiment is based on Figure 7 The object sensing method is implemented according to the flowchart shown.

[0118] That is, in step S11 , the user of the working machine inputs a setting value of a determination threshold value for determining the degree of deterioration of the lubricating oil.

[0119] Next, in step S12 , the light projection control unit 21 controls the light projection unit 14 so as to irradiate the object (lubricating oil) with light and receive the reflected light at the light receiving unit 15 .

[0120] Next, in step S13 , the RGB value acquisition unit 22 acquires color information (RGB values) of the light received by the light receiving unit 15 .

[0121] Next, in step S14, the RGB value correction unit 23 calculates corrected RGB values using the correction values stored in the storage unit 25. When calculating the corrected RGB values, for example, when receiving reflected light from an achromatic object, the R value, G value, and B value are calculated (corrected) so that the ratio is 1:1:1.

[0122] Next, in step S15 , the color index value calculation unit 24 calculates a color index value based on the RGB correction value calculated by the RGB value correction unit 23 .

[0123] Here, the color index value C is calculated using the relationship shown in the above-mentioned equation 1, for example.

[0124] Next, in step S16, the determination unit 16 determines whether the color index value C calculated by the color index value calculation unit 24 is less than or equal to the determination threshold value stored in the storage unit 25. If the calculated color index value C is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the deterioration of the lubricant has progressed and the color has changed to the chromatic side, and the process proceeds to step S17. If the calculated color index value C is greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the deterioration of the lubricant has not progressed and the color has changed to a color close to the achromatic side, and the process returns to step S12.

[0125] Next, in step S17 , since the color index value C is equal to or less than the threshold value in step S16 , it is determined that the deterioration of the lubricant has progressed and the color has changed to the chromatic side, and the communication unit 26 notifies the determination result.

[0126] As a result, for example, a message notifying that the lubricant oil has deteriorated and is due for replacement can be displayed on a display screen of the working machine.

[0127] <Main Features>

[0128] like Figure 2 As shown, the sensor device 10 of this embodiment includes a light projector 14, a light receiver 15, an RGB value acquisition unit 22, a color index value calculation unit 24, and a determination unit 16. The light projector 14 projects light. The light receiver 15 detects reflected light from the area illuminated by the light projected from the light projector 14. The RGB value acquisition unit 22 acquires color information of an object present in the illuminated area based on the reflected light detected by the light receiver 15. The color index value calculation unit 24 calculates a single color index value based on the R value, G value, and B value included in the color information acquired by the RGB value acquisition unit 22. The determination unit 16 compares the color index value calculated by the color index value calculation unit 24 with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the object is sensed.

[0129] Therefore, compared with the previous method of using the respective values of R, G, and B to implement color difference judgment, there is no need to set thresholds for the R value, G value, and B value respectively. By comparing a single color index value calculated based on the R, G, and B values with a pre-set threshold, the judgment of the object can be easily implemented.

[0130] As a result, the determination threshold can be easily set, and the usability for the user can be improved.

[0131] [Other embodiments]

[0132] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0133] (A)

[0134] In the above embodiments, examples have been given and described in which the present invention is implemented as a sensor device and an object sensing method, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0135] For example, the present invention may be implemented as an object sensing program that causes a computer to execute the above-described object sensing method.

[0136] The object sensing program is stored in a memory (storage unit) mounted on the sensor device. The CPU reads the object sensing program stored in the memory and causes the hardware to execute each step. More specifically, the CPU reads the object sensing program and executes the aforementioned light projection step, light reception step, color information acquisition step, color index value calculation step, and determination step, achieving the same effects as described above.

[0137] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized as a recording medium storing an object sensing program.

[0138] (B)

[0139] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which a color index value is calculated using corrected R, G, and B values obtained by correcting the R, G, and B values obtained by the RGB value acquisition unit (color information acquisition unit) 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0140] For example, when there is no need to consider the decrease in accuracy caused by individual differences between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, the following structure can be used: the R, G, and B values are not corrected, and the R, G, and B values obtained in the color information acquisition unit are used to calculate the color index value.

[0141] (C)

[0142] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the color change of an object (lubricant) having a color index value close to an achromatic color is monitored and the degree of lubricant deterioration is determined by sensing a change to a color close to a chromatic color. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0143] For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the degree of degradation of an object approaching a chromatic color is determined by sensing that the object is deteriorating rapidly and changing to a color close to an achromatic color.

[0144] (D)

[0145] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a user sets and inputs a determination threshold value for determining the degree of deterioration of the lubricating oil. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0146] For example, when the object is fixed, determination using a color index value may be performed using a preset determination threshold value.

[0147] (E)

[0148] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the communication unit 26 of the sensor device 10 transmits the determination result of the determination unit 16 to the communication unit 30 of the working machine, and a message urging the replacement of the lubricant oil is displayed on a display screen of the working machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0149] For example, in addition to or instead of displaying a message urging replacement due to deterioration of the lubricant oil, an alarm sound or the like may be output to notify that the lubricant oil has deteriorated.

[0150] In this case, the user of the working equipment can also recognize that the deterioration of the lubricating oil is progressing and urge the user to replace the lubricating oil as soon as possible.

[0151] (F)

[0152] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the sensor device of the present invention is applied as a device for monitoring the deterioration state of lubricating oil used in working equipment, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0153] For example, in addition to monitoring the deterioration of lubricating oil, the sensor device of the present invention can also be applied to various devices that sense a change in the color (difference in color) of an object and perform various controls.

[0154] (G)

[0155] In the above embodiment, the retroreflective sensor device 10 is described as an example in which the light receiving unit 15 receives the reflected light of the light emitted from the light projecting unit 14 and reflected by the reflecting surface 18. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0156] For example, Figure 8 As shown, the following transmissive sensor device 110 may also be provided: for example, it includes a light-emitting portion 114 that emits light to an object (lubricating oil O1, etc.), and a light-receiving portion 115 that is arranged at a position opposite to the light-emitting portion 114 (coaxially), and the light-receiving portion 115 receives light from the object (lubricating oil O1, etc.) that has passed through the light-emitting portion 114 and the light-receiving portion 115.

[0157] Alternatively, as a sensor device for detecting solid objects such as seams of carrier tape, the light receiving unit may receive reflected light of light irradiated from the light projecting unit onto the object and sense a change in color.

[0158] (H)

[0159] In the above embodiment, the sensor device 10 that detects the change in color of lubricating oil from achromatic to chromatic has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0160] For example, Figure 9 As shown, a sensor device may be configured to detect a change in the color of an object from chromatic to achromatic.

[0161] <Appendix>

[0162] The sensor device according to the first invention includes:

[0163] Projection part, projecting light;

[0164] a light receiving unit that detects a light reception amount of reflected light from an irradiation area of the light projected from the light projecting unit;

[0165] a color information acquisition unit that acquires color information of an object existing in the irradiation area based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit;

[0166] a color index value calculation unit that calculates a single color index value based on the R value, the G value, and the B value included in the color information acquired by the color information acquisition unit; and

[0167] The determination unit compares the color index value calculated by the color index value calculation unit with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether an object is sensed.

[0168] The sensor device according to the second invention is the sensor device according to the first invention.

[0169] The device further includes an RGB value correction unit that corrects the color information acquired by the color information acquisition unit.

[0170] The sensor device according to the third invention is the sensor device according to the second invention.

[0171] The RGB value correction unit corrects the R, G, and B values so that the values of R, G, and B become 1:1:1 when an achromatic object is sensed.

[0172] A sensor device according to a fourth invention is the sensor device according to any one of the first to third inventions,

[0173] The color index value calculation unit calculates the color index value based on the R value, the G value, and the B value corrected by the RGB value correction unit.

[0174] A sensor device according to a fifth invention is the sensor device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions,

[0175] The device further includes a threshold storage unit that stores a threshold used in determining the object in the determining unit.

[0176] The sensor device according to the sixth invention is the sensor device according to the second or third invention.

[0177] The device further includes a correction value storage unit for storing correction values used in the RGB value correction unit.

[0178] A sensor device according to a seventh invention is the sensor device according to any one of the first to sixth inventions,

[0179] The system further includes a determination result storage unit for storing the determination result of the determination unit.

[0180] The sensor device according to the eighth invention is the sensor device according to any one of the first to seventh inventions,

[0181] The device further includes a communication unit configured to communicate a determination result of the determination unit with an external device including the target object.

[0182] The sensor device according to the ninth invention is the sensor device according to any one of the first to eighth inventions,

[0183] The object is deteriorated oil.

[0184] Industrial applicability

[0185] The sensor device of the present invention can facilitate the setting of a threshold value for determination and improve user convenience, and therefore can be widely applied to devices that perform various determinations using color information.

Claims

1. A sensor device comprising: Projection part, projecting light; a light receiving unit that detects reflected light from an area illuminated by the light projected from the light projecting unit; a color information acquisition unit that acquires color information of an object existing in the irradiation area based on the reflected light detected by the light receiving unit; a color index value calculation unit that calculates a single color index value based on the R value, the G value, and the B value included in the color information acquired by the color information acquisition unit; and The determination unit compares the color index value calculated by the color index value calculation unit with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether an object is sensed.

2. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein The sensor device further includes an RGB value correction unit that corrects the color information acquired by the color information acquisition unit.

3. The sensor device according to claim 2, wherein: The RGB value correction unit corrects the R, G, and B values so that the values of R, G, and B become 1:1:1 when an achromatic object is sensed.

4. The sensor device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The color index value calculation unit calculates the color index value based on the R value, the G value, and the B value corrected by the RGB value correction unit.

5. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sensor device further includes a threshold storage unit that stores a threshold used by the determination unit to determine the object.

6. The sensor device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The sensor device further includes a correction value storage unit that stores correction values used by the RGB value correction unit.

7. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sensor device further includes a determination result storage unit that stores a determination result of the determination unit.

8. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sensor device further includes a communication unit that communicates a determination result of the determination unit with an external device including the target object.

9. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The object is deteriorated oil.

10. A method for sensing an object, comprising: Light casting step, casting light; a light receiving step of detecting reflected light from an area illuminated by the light projected in the light projecting step; a color information acquiring step of acquiring color information of an object existing in the irradiation area based on the reflected light detected in the light receiving step; a color index value calculating step of calculating a single color index value based on the R value, G value, and B value included in the color information acquired in the color information acquiring step; and The determination step compares the color index value calculated in the color index value calculation step with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the object is sensed.

11. An object sensing program causing a computer to execute an object sensing method, the object sensing method comprising: Light casting step, casting light; a light receiving step of detecting reflected light from an area illuminated by the light projected in the light projecting step; a color information acquiring step of acquiring color information of an object existing in the irradiation area based on the reflected light detected in the light receiving step; a color index value calculating step of calculating a single color index value based on the R value, G value, and B value included in the color information acquired in the color information acquiring step; and The determination step compares the color index value calculated in the color index value calculation step with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the object is sensed.

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