Detection device and illumination system

Abstract

The invention relates to a detection device and a lighting system. A detection device (20) is provided with: a person detection unit (24) that detects the movement of a person; a communication unit (21) that transmits a detection signal indicating that the person detection unit (24) has detected the movement of the person; and a control unit (22) that delays or eliminates the transmission of the detection signal by the communication unit (21) when it is determined that the magnitude of the movement of the person detected by the person detection unit (24) is smaller than a predetermined magnitude.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a detection device and a lighting system. Background Technology

[0002] One type of lighting fixture is disclosed that emits light only when a person is present, by wirelessly communicating with the lighting fixture when a person is detected by a sensor (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-067956 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, when multiple sensors are installed in an indoor space, the number of times the detection signal is sent increases because a detection signal is sent every time a person's movement is detected. In such a situation, the following problem exists: due to communication congestion in sending the detection signal, sometimes although the sensor detects a person, the detection signal is not transmitted to the target device.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a detection device and a lighting system that transmits detection signals to the device more reliably.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] One embodiment of the detection device disclosed herein comprises: a human detection unit that detects human movement; a communication unit that transmits a detection signal indicating that the human detection unit has detected human movement; and a control unit that, if it is determined that the magnitude of the human movement detected by the human detection unit is smaller than a predetermined magnitude, cancels the transmission delay or interval of the detection signal performed by the communication unit.

[0011] In addition, one aspect of the lighting system disclosed herein includes: the aforementioned detection device; and a lighting fixture controlled based on the detection signal transmitted by the detection device.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] The detection device and lighting system disclosed herein can transmit detection signals to the equipment more reliably. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the lighting system according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a detection device and lighting fixtures in a lighting system according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the detection device involved in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the operation of the detection device according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a modified example 1 of the detection device according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the operation of a modified example 1 of the detection device according to the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following description, using the accompanying drawings, details embodiments of the detection device and illumination system according to the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described below represent preferred examples of the present invention. The numerical values, constituent elements, arrangement and connection methods of constituent elements, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Additionally, constituent elements not described in the independent claims in the following embodiments are described as arbitrary constituent elements constituting the preferred embodiments.

[0021] Furthermore, the figures are schematic diagrams and not necessarily strictly representations. Additionally, substantially identical structures are labeled with the same reference numerals across the figures, and sometimes repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0022] (Implementation Method)

[0023] [structure]

[0024] First, the structure of the lighting system involved in the implementation method will be described. Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the lighting system 10 according to the embodiment.

[0025] Lighting system 10 is a system for illuminating an indoor space, such as an office. Users of lighting system 10 are, for example, people working in an office where lighting system 10 is installed. Lighting system 10 includes multiple detection devices 20 and multiple lighting fixtures 30. There is no particular limitation on the number of detection devices 20 and lighting fixtures 30 included in lighting system 10.

[0026] The detection device 20 is a detection device that has the function of sending detection signals to the device. The detection device 20 is implemented, for example, by a human body sensor. The detection device 20 may also include an illuminance sensor. Specifically, the detection device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a human detection unit 24, and a brightness detection unit 25.

[0027] The communication unit 21 is a communication circuit (communication module) used by the detection device 20 to send detection signals to the lighting fixture 30. The communication performed by the communication unit 21 is wireless communication based on communication standards such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Wi-Fi, or Zigbee, but it can also be wired communication.

[0028] The control unit 22 performs information processing for transmitting detection signals. The control unit 22 adjusts the timing of the detection signal transmission. The control unit 22 can be implemented, for example, by a microcomputer, but it can also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuitry.

[0029] The storage unit 23 is a storage device for computer programs, etc., executed by the storage control unit 22. The storage unit 23 is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0030] The human detection unit 24 determines whether a person is present within the detection range of the detection device 20. The human detection unit 24 can be implemented, for example, by a thermoelectric sensor (infrared sensor) that detects infrared radiation emitted from the human body, and particularly by a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor that passively detects infrared radiation emitted from the human body. When the human detection unit 24 is a thermoelectric sensor, it determines the presence of a person by detecting their movement. The human detection unit 24 can also be implemented by an image sensor (camera) that captures images of an indoor space. Alternatively, the human detection unit 24 can also be implemented by an electromagnetic wave sensor. There is no particular limitation on the human detection unit 24 as long as it is a sensor capable of detecting the magnitude of movement.

[0031] The brightness detection unit 25 determines the brightness of the detection range of the detection device 20. The brightness detection unit 25 is implemented, for example, by an illuminance sensor.

[0032] Lighting fixture 30 is a lighting fixture installed on the ceiling of an interior space to illuminate that space. Lighting fixture 30 is provided, for example, by general lighting. The style of lighting fixture 30 is not particularly limited, and it can also be a ceiling light, downlight, or spotlight, etc. Specifically, lighting fixture 30 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a light source 34.

[0033] The communication unit 31 is a communication circuit (communication module) used by the lighting fixture 30 to communicate with the detection device 20. Communication via the communication unit 31 can be wireless communication based on communication standards such as BLE, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Zigbee (registered trademark), but wired communication is also possible. The communication unit 31 can also perform wired communication with one detection device 20 and wireless communication with other detection devices 20. The communication standard used for communication via the communication unit 31 is not particularly limited.

[0034] The control unit 32 controls the light emission of the lighting fixture 30 (light source 34). Light emission control includes functions such as turning on, turning off, dimming, color adjustment, and light distribution control. The control unit 32 can be implemented, for example, by a microcomputer, but it can also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuitry. The functions of the control unit 32 are achieved by the microcomputer or processor constituting the control unit 32 executing computer programs (software) stored in the storage unit 33.

[0035] The storage unit 33 is a storage device for computer programs, etc., executed by the storage control unit 32. The storage unit 33 is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0036] Light source 34 illuminates the interior space with white light so that lighting fixture 30 illuminates the interior space. Light source 34 is implemented, for example, by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may also be implemented by other light-emitting elements such as semiconductor lasers, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) or inorganic EL.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the plurality of detection devices 20 and the plurality of lighting fixtures 30 in the lighting system 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the detection device 20 and the lighting fixture 30 in the lighting system 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 In the diagram, the large quadrilateral frame represents the interior space where the lighting system 10 is installed, and the multiple circles depicted within the quadrilateral represent different areas.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the indoor space is divided into multiple zones, and for example, a set of detection devices 20 and lighting fixtures 30 are installed for each zone. Figure 2 Specifically, the indoor space is divided into twenty-five zones. For example, zone "1" is sensed by a detection device 20 and illuminated by a lighting fixture 30.

[0039] Furthermore, multiple detection devices 20 or multiple lighting fixtures 30 can be installed for a single area. As long as the area being detected by the detection device 20 is associated with the area illuminated by the lighting fixture 30, there is no particular limitation on the number of detection devices 20 and lighting fixtures 30.

[0040] Furthermore, multiple areas can have partial overlap. That is, a portion of an interior space can be included in more than two areas.

[0041] The lighting fixture 30, which is configured to illuminate a certain area, illuminates the area with light when it receives a detection signal from the detection device 20, which is configured to detect the area as the target of detection. This signal indicates that the detection device 20 has detected a person.

[0042] Furthermore, the area targeted by the detection device 20 and the area illuminated by the lighting fixture 30 may not be the same. For example, in an exhibition space, the lighting fixture 30 may illuminate the exhibition space based on a detection signal indicating that the detection device 20 has detected a person in an area adjacent to the exhibition space.

[0043] [action]

[0044] Next, the operation of the detection device 20 according to the embodiment will be explained. In conventional detection devices, for example, there is the following problem: when multiple detection devices are installed in an indoor space, if a detection signal is sent every time a person's movement is detected, the number of times the detection signal is sent increases, causing communication congestion when sending the detection signal. As a result, sometimes although the detection device detects a person, the detection signal is not transmitted to the target device.

[0045] When the detection device 20 of the embodiment detects human movement, it determines the magnitude of the movement. If the magnitude of the movement is determined to be below a threshold, it performs a delay or interval elimination in the transmission of the detection signal. Based on this operation, the detection device 20 can transmit the detection signal to the device more reliably. The operation of such a detection device 20 will now be explained. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the detection device 20 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the detection device 20 according to the embodiment.

[0046] First, the human detection unit 24 of the detection device 20 detects the movement of a person. Figure 3 (S11). Here, human movement includes not only the movement that occurs when a person walks in the space that is the object of detection, which is the human detection unit 24, but also the smaller movements that occur when sitting and performing tasks.

[0047] When the human detection unit 24 detects human movement, the control unit 22 determines whether the magnitude of the detected human movement is above a threshold. Figure 3 (S12). The so-called detected human movement is above the threshold, meaning it is large enough to be judged as human walking.

[0048] Here, a method for determining the magnitude of a person's movement is illustrated exemplarily. The person detection unit 24 is implemented, for example, by a thermoelectric infrared sensor. When infrared light is incident on the sensor, a temperature change occurs, causing the surface temperature of the thermoelectric element to rise, generating surface charge due to the thermoelectric effect. An analog signal is output by processing the generated surface charge. That is, the greater the temperature change, the more surface charge is generated, and the more surface charge is generated, the stronger the analog signal. Therefore, by setting a first threshold and a second threshold smaller than the first threshold for the intensity of the analog signal, the person detection unit 24 can distinguishably output a first digital detection signal and a second digital detection signal, wherein the first digital detection signal is output when the intensity of the analog signal is above the first threshold, and the second digital detection signal is output when the intensity of the analog signal is above the second threshold but below the first threshold.

[0049] When the digital signal output by the human detection unit 24 is a first digital detection signal, the control unit 22 determines that the magnitude of the detected human movement is above a threshold, and when the digital signal output by the human detection unit 24 is a second digital detection signal, the control unit 22 determines that the magnitude of the detected human movement is below the threshold.

[0050] Alternatively, the control unit 22 can determine the magnitude of a person's movement based on the duration of the digital signal output by the person detection unit 24. When the person detection unit 24 detects a person's movement of a magnitude greater than or equal to a threshold, such as detecting a person walking in the area being detected, it outputs the digital signal for a relatively long duration. When the person detection unit 24 detects a person's movement of a magnitude less than the threshold, such as detecting a person moving their hand to perform an operation in the area being detected, it outputs the digital signal for a relatively short duration. Therefore, the control unit 22 can determine that the magnitude of the detected person's movement is greater than or equal to a threshold when the duration of the digital signal output by the person detection unit 24 is greater than or equal to a predetermined duration, and determine that the magnitude of the detected person's movement is less than the threshold when the duration of the digital signal output by the person detection unit 24 is shorter than the predetermined duration.

[0051] If the detected movement of a person is determined to be above a threshold (in... Figure 3 In S13, the control unit 22 sends a detection signal via the communication unit 21 (which is "Yes"). Figure 3 (S14). When the lighting fixture 30 receives a detection signal via the communication unit 31, the control unit 32 controls the light source 34 based on the program stored in the storage unit 33. For example, when the control unit 32 receives the detection signal, it controls the light source 34 to a bright dimming state.

[0052] Figure 4 Detection D1 indicates that the detection device 20 has detected movement of a person of size above the threshold. At this time, as... Figure 4 As shown, immediately after detecting D1, a detection signal S1 is sent to transmit the fact that D1 has been detected to one or more other devices.

[0053] If it is determined that the magnitude of the detected human movement is less than the threshold ("No" in S13), the control unit 22 will eliminate the transmission delay or interval of the detection signal sent via the communication unit 21 (S15).

[0054] The so-called delay in transmitting the detection signal refers to the control unit 22 transmitting the detection signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since acquiring the second digital detection signal from the human detection unit 24. This delay is not a natural delay that occurs during normal operation, but rather a delay of a predetermined period compared to normal operation. The predetermined period is, for example, three seconds, but could also be five seconds or ten seconds. The length of the predetermined period is not particularly limited.

[0055] Eliminating the transmission interval of the detection signal means that the control unit 22 reduces the transmission frequency of the detection signal by temporarily suspending its transmission. For example, the control unit 22 may transmit only one detection signal whenever it receives two second digital detection signals from the human detection unit 24. Alternatively, the control unit 22 may transmit only one detection signal whenever it receives three second digital detection signals, or it may transmit only two detection signals whenever it receives three second digital detection signals. There is no particular limitation on the method used to reduce the transmission frequency of the detection signal.

[0056] Figure 4 The detection value D2 indicates that the detection device 20 has detected the movement of a person smaller than the threshold. At this time, as... Figure 4 As shown, a detection signal S2 is sent after a specified period of time has elapsed since the detection D2.

[0057] Based on the actions described above, the detection device 20 determines the magnitude of a person's movement upon detection. If the determined magnitude of the movement is below a threshold, it delays or eliminates intervals in the transmission of the detection signal, thereby suppressing communication congestion in the transmission of the detection signal. Thus, the detection device 20 can transmit the detection signal to the lighting fixture 30 more reliably.

[0058] [Variation Example 1]

[0059] The detection device 20 may also include a brightness detection unit 25, which can eliminate transmission delays or intervals of the detection signal based on the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit 25. In other words, if the brightness of the space where the detection device 20 is installed is above a brightness threshold, transmission delays or intervals of the detection signal indicating that a person has been detected in that space can be eliminated. This is because, when the space is sufficiently bright, even if the detection signal is not sent quickly to quickly dim and control the lighting fixture 30 to a bright state, the user will not easily feel inconvenienced.

[0060] Example 1 of a variation of the operation of such a detection device 20 will be explained. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a modified example 1 of the detection device 20 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a modified example 1 of the detection device 20 according to the embodiment.

[0061] First, the human detection unit 24 of the detection device 20 detects the movement of a person. Figure 5 (S21). When the human detection unit 24 detects human movement, the control unit 22 determines whether the magnitude of the detected human movement is above a threshold (S21). Figure 5 (S22).

[0062] If the detected movement of a person is determined to be less than a threshold (in... Figure 5 In S23, if "No" is selected, the control unit 22 will eliminate the transmission delay or interval of the detection signal sent via the communication unit 21. Figure 5 (S24).

[0063] If the detected movement of a person is determined to be above a threshold (in... Figure 5 In S23, if "Yes" is selected, the control unit 22 determines whether the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit 25 is above the brightness threshold. Figure 5 (S25). The control unit 22 obtains information from the brightness detection unit 25 indicating the ambient brightness detected by the brightness detection unit 25, and determines whether the ambient brightness is above the brightness threshold.

[0064] When the surrounding brightness is determined to be above the brightness threshold (in... Figure 5 In S26, if "Yes" is selected, the control unit 22 will eliminate the transmission delay or interval of the detection signal sent via the communication unit 21. Figure 5 (S24).

[0065] Figure 6The detection D3 indicates that when the person detection unit 24 of the detection device 20 detects the movement of a person of a size greater than the threshold, the brightness detection unit 25 detects that the surrounding brightness is greater than the brightness threshold. At this time, as... Figure 6 As shown, a detection signal S3 is sent after a specified period of time following detection D3.

[0066] In cases where the surrounding brightness is determined to be less than the brightness threshold (in... Figure 5 (In S26, it is "No"), the control unit 22 sends a detection signal via the communication unit 21 ( Figure 5 (S27).

[0067] Figure 6 The detection value D4 indicates that when the detection device 20 detects movement of a person of a size above the threshold, the brightness of the surrounding area detected by the brightness detection unit 25 is less than the brightness threshold. In this case, as... Figure 6 As shown, the detection signal S4 is sent immediately after the detection of D4.

[0068] According to the operation of Modification 1 as described above, when the brightness of the space where the detection device 20 is installed is above a brightness threshold, when the detection device 20 determines that a person of size above the threshold is detected moving in the space, the transmission delay or interval of the detection signal is also eliminated. Therefore, the detection device 20 can transmit the detection signal to the lighting fixture 30 more reliably.

[0069] Furthermore, in Variation 1 of the embodiment, when the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit 25 is above the brightness threshold, a delay or interval rejection of the transmission of the detection signal is performed. However, it is also possible to immediately transmit the detection signal even when the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit 25 is below the brightness threshold and the movement of a person detected by the person detection unit 24 is determined to be less than the threshold. With such a detection device 20, even in a dark indoor space, the lighting fixture 30 can be immediately controlled to turn on even when a small movement of a person is detected.

[0070] [Variation Example 2]

[0071] Alternatively, the storage unit 23 of the detection device 20 stores the area within the indoor space that is the object of detection by the detection device 20, and the control unit 22 eliminates the transmission delay or interval of the detection signal based on the attributes of the area stored in the storage unit 23.

[0072] For example, if the area to be detected includes the entrance to an indoor space and the detection device 20 detects human movement, a detection signal can be sent immediately; if the area to be detected does not include the entrance to an indoor space and the detection device 20 detects human movement, the transmission of the detection signal can be delayed or interrupted. In other words, for example, it could also be that when… Figure 2 When the detection device 20, which is the target area shown in number 1, detects a person's movement, the control unit 22 also immediately sends a detection signal if it determines that the magnitude of the person's movement detected by the human detection unit 24 is less than a threshold.

[0073] Such a detection device 20 can immediately send a detection signal in areas that need to be brightly lit quickly when people are present, such as the entrance to an indoor space, and eliminate the transmission delay or interval of the detection signal in other areas, thereby suppressing communication congestion.

[0074] Alternatively, for example, when the detection device 20, which targets an area including the entrance to an indoor space, detects human movement, the control unit 22 of the detection device 20 sends detection signals via the communication unit 21 to multiple lighting fixtures 30 installed in the indoor space. In other words, for example, when... Figure 2 When the detection device 20, which is the target of the detection in area 1 shown, detects human movement, multiple lighting fixtures 30 installed in the indoor space are controlled to illuminate. Furthermore, the multiple lighting fixtures 30 may be lighting fixtures illuminating multiple areas, or they may be all lighting fixtures 30 installed in the indoor space.

[0075] The detection signal can be sent from the detection device 20, which targets the area including the entrance of the indoor space, to multiple lighting fixtures 30. Alternatively, one or more detection devices 20 and multiple lighting fixtures 30 can form a wireless mesh network, where the detection signal sent by the detection device 20 is received by the multiple lighting fixtures 30 after being relayed by other detection devices 20 and lighting fixtures 30. Here, the transmission path of the detection signal is not particularly limited.

[0076] For such a detection device 20, when it enters and moves within an indoor space, since the entire indoor space is already brightly lit, there is no need to immediately send a detection signal. This reduces the number of times a detection signal can be sent, thus suppressing communication congestion.

[0077] Alternatively, for example, if the detection device 20 detects the movement of a person smaller than a threshold, the control unit 22 of the detection device 20 may delay the transmission of the detection signal for a specified period or reduce the frequency of transmitting the detection signal. However, the specified period or frequency of the detection device 20 that detects the corner area of ​​the indoor space is the detection target is longer or lower than the specified period or frequency of the detection device 20 that detects the central area of ​​the indoor space.

[0078] Such a detection device 20 does not require immediate transmission of detection signals in areas that do not require rapid brightening, such as corners of indoor spaces, thus reducing the number of signal transmissions and suppressing communication congestion. This detection device 20 can also reliably transmit detection signals to devices that have a greater impact on users.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the device receiving the detection signal from the detection device 20 is the lighting fixture 30, but the device receiving the detection signal from the detection device 20 is not limited to the lighting fixture 30. The device receiving the detection signal from the detection device 20 may not be the lighting fixture 30. For example, it may be a loudspeaker, a blower, or an aroma generating device. The lighting system 10 may also be a control system that has multiple devices to replace multiple lighting fixtures 30.

[0080] [Effects, etc.]

[0081] The following describes the technology obtained according to this disclosure, and explains the effects of the illustrated technology.

[0082] Technology 1 is a detection device 20, which includes: a human detection unit 24 that detects human movement; a communication unit 21 that transmits a detection signal indicating that the human detection unit 24 has detected human movement; and a control unit 22 that, if it is determined that the magnitude of the human movement detected by the human detection unit 24 is smaller than a predetermined magnitude, delays or eliminates the transmission delay or interval of the detection signal transmitted by the communication unit 21.

[0083] When such a detection device 20 detects human movement, it determines the magnitude of the movement. If the determined magnitude of the movement is below a threshold, it delays or eliminates intervals in the transmission of the detection signal, thereby suppressing communication congestion in the transmission of the detection signal. Therefore, the detection device 20 can transmit the detection signal to the device more reliably.

[0084] Regarding technology 2, in the detection device 20 of technology 1, the human detection unit 24 detects infrared rays emitted from the human body, and the control unit 22 determines that the magnitude of the detected human movement is smaller than the specified magnitude when the intensity of the infrared rays detected by the human detection unit 24 is less than a threshold.

[0085] Such a detection device 20 can determine the magnitude of a person's movement when it is detected.

[0086] Regarding technology 3, in the detection device 20 of technology 1 or 2, there is also a brightness detection unit 25 for detecting the brightness of the surroundings, and the control unit 22 eliminates the transmission delay or interval of the detection signal performed by the communication unit 21 based on the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit 25.

[0087] Such a detection device 20 detects not only human movement but also ambient brightness, and performs delay or interval elimination of the transmission of detection signals based on the detected ambient brightness.

[0088] Regarding technology 4, in the detection device 20 of technology 3, if the control unit 22 determines that the size of the movement of the person detected by the human detection unit 24 is greater than or equal to a predetermined size and the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit 25 is greater than or equal to a brightness threshold, the transmission delay or interval of the detection signal performed by the communication unit 21 will be eliminated.

[0089] When the space being detected by such a detection device 20 is sufficiently bright, it does not immediately transmit the detection signal, thereby suppressing communication congestion that would otherwise occur during the transmission of the detection signal.

[0090] Regarding technology 5, in the detection device 20 of any of technologies 1 to 4, the control unit 22 adjusts the degree of delay or interval elimination of the transmission of the detection signal performed by the communication unit 21 based on the properties of the space that is the detection target of the detection device 20.

[0091] According to such a detection device 20, transmission delays or intervals of the detection signal are eliminated based on the properties of the space being detected, thereby suppressing communication congestion of the detection signal. For example, compared to a detection device 20 that detects the innermost part of an indoor space, a detection device 20 that detects the center of an indoor space can increase the frequency of eliminating transmission delays or intervals of the detection signal. Such a detection device 20 can transmit detection signals more reliably to devices that have a greater impact on users.

[0092] Regarding technology 6, in the detection device 20 of any of technologies 1 to 5, the dimming state of the lighting fixture 30 is controlled based on the detection signal sent by the communication unit 21.

[0093] Such a detection device 20 can transmit the detection signal to the lighting fixture 30 more reliably by suppressing communication congestion that could cause the detection signal to be transmitted.

[0094] Regarding technology 7, in the detection device 20 of technology 6, when the space that the detection object of the detection device 20 is the space near the entrance or exit of the indoor space, the communication unit 21 sends detection signals to multiple lighting fixtures 30 installed in the indoor space.

[0095] When such a detection device 20 detects movement of a person near the entrance or exit of an indoor space, it sends a detection signal to multiple lighting fixtures 30 installed in the indoor space. Therefore, such a detection device 20 can illuminate a spacious part of the indoor space when a user enters the indoor space.

[0096] Technology 8 is a lighting system 10, which includes: a detection device 20 of any of technologies 1 to 7; and a lighting fixture 30 that is controlled based on a detection signal sent by the detection device 20.

[0097] According to such a lighting system 10, the detection device 20 determines the magnitude of a person's movement upon detection. If the determined magnitude of the movement is below a threshold, it performs a delay or interval elimination in transmitting the detection signal, thereby suppressing communication congestion in transmitting the detection signal. Therefore, the lighting system 10 can transmit the detection signal more reliably from the detection device 20 to the lighting fixture 30.

[0098] (Other implementation methods)

[0099] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the human detection unit 24 of the detection device 20 is implemented by a single sensor, but it can also be implemented by multiple sensors. For example, the human detection unit 24 can also be implemented by a sensor for detecting large movements of a person and a sensor for detecting small movements of a person.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the detection device 20 performs delay or interval rejection of the detection signal transmission based on the magnitude of the person's movement detected by the person detection unit 24 and the ambient brightness detected by the brightness detection unit 25. However, it may also perform delay or interval rejection of the detection signal transmission based on the ambient brightness detected by the brightness detection unit 25, regardless of the magnitude of the person's movement detected by the person detection unit 24. For example, delay or interval rejection of the detection signal transmission may also be performed when the ambient brightness detected by the brightness detection unit 25 is above a brightness threshold.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the detection device 20 performs delay or interval rejection of the transmission of the detection signal based on the magnitude of the movement of the person detected by the human detection unit 24 and the area that is the detection target of the detection device 20. However, it is also possible to perform delay or interval rejection of the transmission of the detection signal based on the attributes of the area that is the detection target of the detection device 20, regardless of the magnitude of the movement of the person detected by the human detection unit 24. For example, it is also possible to perform the transmission of the detection signal in a manner that increases the degree of delay or interval rejection of the transmission of the detection signal compared to the case where the detection device 20 detects a person but does not target the entrance of the indoor space.

[0102] The detection device and lighting system involved in this disclosure have been described above based on the embodiments, but this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. As long as they do not depart from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications to the embodiments that can be conceived by those skilled in the art, and other ways of constructing by combining some of the constituent elements of the embodiments are also included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the lighting system is implemented by multiple devices. Thus, the term "system" in this specification can refer to a system composed of multiple devices or a system composed of a single device. When the system is composed of multiple devices, the constituent elements of the system (especially functional constituent elements) can be arbitrarily assigned to the multiple devices.

[0104] Furthermore, the communication method between devices in the above embodiments is not particularly limited. Additionally, a relay device (such as a broadband router, not shown) may be inserted into the communication between devices.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the processing performed by a specific processing unit can also be performed by other processing units. Additionally, the order of multiple processes can be changed, or multiple processes can be executed in parallel.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each component can also be implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component can also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0107] Furthermore, each component can also be implemented in hardware. For example, each component can be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits can either form a single circuit as a whole or be separate circuits. In addition, each of these circuits can be a general-purpose circuit or a special-purpose circuit.

[0108] Furthermore, the general or specific embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented using systems, apparatuses, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, or recording media such as CD-ROMs that can be read by computers. Additionally, it can be implemented using any combination of systems, apparatuses, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.

[0109] For example, the present invention can also be implemented as a control device according to the above embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention can also be implemented as a control method executed by a computer in a control system (control device) or the like according to the above embodiments. It can also be implemented as a program (in other words, a computer program product) for causing a computer to execute the control method. Additionally, the present invention can also be implemented as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0110] In addition, the present invention also includes various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to implement the various embodiments, or the implementation by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements and functions of the various embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0111] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0112] 10: Lighting system; 20: Detection device; 21: Communication unit; 22: Control unit; 24: Person detection unit; 25: Brightness detection unit; 30: Lighting fixtures.

Claims

1. A detection device, comprising: The human detection unit detects human movement. The communication unit transmits a detection signal indicating that the human detection unit has detected human movement; and The control unit, if it determines that the size of the movement of a person detected by the human detection unit is smaller than a predetermined size, will cancel the transmission delay or interval of the detection signal performed by the communication unit.

2. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The human detection unit detects infrared radiation emitted from the human body. If the intensity of the infrared radiation detected by the human detection unit is less than a threshold, the control unit determines that the magnitude of the detected human movement is smaller than the predetermined magnitude.

3. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein, It also has a brightness detection unit that can detect the ambient brightness. The control unit, based on the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit, eliminates the transmission delay or interval of the detection signal transmitted by the communication unit.

4. The detection device according to claim 3, wherein, If the control unit determines that the size of the movement of the person detected by the person detection unit is greater than or equal to the predetermined size and the brightness detected by the brightness detection unit is greater than or equal to the brightness threshold, the control unit will eliminate the transmission delay or interval of the detection signal performed by the communication unit.

5. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit adjusts the degree of delay or interval elimination in the transmission of the detection signal by the communication unit based on the properties of the space that is the object of detection by the detection device.

6. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The dimming status of the lighting fixtures is controlled based on the detection signal sent by the communication unit.

7. The detection device according to claim 6, wherein, When the space targeted by the detection device is the space near the entrance or exit of an indoor space, the communication unit sends the detection signal to multiple lighting fixtures installed in the indoor space.

8. A lighting system comprising: The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and Lighting fixtures controlled based on the detection signals sent by the detection device.

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