Information processing system and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system and program capable of shortening time until detecting an object in comparison with a case in which a plurality of areas are sequentially and continuously detected from an end of a detection range.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: an optical sensor having a plurality of light emission areas that can independently emit light, making at least one light emission area among the plurality of light emission areas emit light to irradiate a detection area and being able to detect a distance to an object within the detection range for each area of the detection range divided into a plurality of areas by receiving light reflected from the object; and a processor. The processor controls the optical sensor such that the plurality of light emission areas are made to sequentially emit light by such a light emission order in which an adjacent light emission area is not made to continuously emit light if the object is not detected within the detection range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a ranging device that divides ranging data acquired at all scan angles of a detection area into sub-areas of multiple scan angles and can provide data for obstacle determination through simple calculations that simply involve comparing the ranging data values ​​in each sub-area with a predetermined threshold value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6875790 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for using a human presence sensor to quickly detect an object that enters the detection range. In addition, by using an optical sensor as the human presence sensor and dividing the detection range into multiple areas, it becomes possible to detect which area the object has entered.

[0005] However, if the detection range is divided into a plurality of regions and the plurality of regions are successively detected in order from the ends of the detection range, it may take a long time to detect the target object.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system and program that can shorten the time it takes to detect an object compared to detecting multiple areas successively from the ends of the detection range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing system of the first aspect includes an optical sensor having a plurality of light-emitting areas that can each emit light independently, and which detects the 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 and irradiate a detection range and receiving light reflected from an object, and a processor, and when an object is not detected within the detection range, the processor controls the optical sensor so that the plurality of light-emitting areas are illuminated sequentially in an emission order such that adjacent light-emitting areas are not illuminated consecutively.

[0008] In a second aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the processor divides the multiple light-emitting areas into multiple groups and sequentially illuminates the light-emitting areas that exist in the same position within each group, for each group, thereby sequentially illuminating the multiple light-emitting areas in a lighting order such that adjacent light-emitting areas are not illuminated consecutively.

[0009] An information processing system of a third aspect is the information processing system of the second aspect, wherein the processor controls the light emitting regions within the group to emit light in sequence from one end.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the processor divides the multiple light-emitting areas into multiple groups and sequentially causes the light-emitting areas that are in the same position within each group to emit light simultaneously, thereby causing the multiple light-emitting areas to emit light sequentially in a lighting order that prevents adjacent light-emitting areas from being illuminated consecutively.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the first aspect, wherein the processor controls the one light-emitting area and the adjacent light-emitting areas on both sides of the one light-emitting area to be illuminated sequentially when an object is detected in any one of the plurality of light-emitting areas and the distance to the optical sensor becomes shorter than when the object was detected in the one light-emitting area.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the fifth aspect, wherein when the one light-emitting area and the adjacent light-emitting areas on both sides of the one light-emitting area are illuminated sequentially, if the distance to the optical sensor becomes long, the processor controls the multiple light-emitting areas to be illuminated sequentially in a light-emitting order such that adjacent light-emitting areas are not illuminated continuously.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the fifth aspect, wherein when the one light-emitting area and the adjacent light-emitting areas on both sides of the one light-emitting area are illuminated sequentially, if the distance to the optical sensor does not change for a predetermined time or more, the processor controls the multiple light-emitting areas to be illuminated sequentially in an illumination order such that adjacent light-emitting areas are not illuminated continuously.

[0014] The program of the eighth aspect causes a computer to execute the steps of: causing an optical sensor having a plurality of light-emitting regions that can each emit light independently to emit light, causing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting regions to emit light and irradiate a detection range, and receiving light reflected from an object, thereby detecting the distance to an object within the detection range for each region of the detection range that is divided into a plurality of regions; and, if an object is not detected within the detection range, controlling the optical sensor so that the plurality of light-emitting regions are illuminated sequentially in an emission order that prevents adjacent light-emitting regions from emitting light consecutively. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the information processing system of the first aspect, the time until an object is detected can be shortened compared to a case in which a plurality of regions are detected consecutively in order from the ends of the detection range.

[0016] According to the information processing system of the second aspect, the time until an object is detected can be shortened, compared to a case in which a plurality of regions are detected consecutively in order from the ends of the detection range.

[0017] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, the time until an object is detected can be shortened, compared to a case in which a plurality of regions are detected consecutively in order from the ends of the detection range.

[0018] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, the time until an object is detected can be shortened, compared to a case in which a plurality of regions are detected consecutively in order from the ends of the detection range.

[0019] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, it is possible to facilitate detection of an object.

[0020] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, it is possible to make it easier to detect other objects, since the detected object is unlikely to be the user.

[0021] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, it is possible to make it easier to detect other objects, since the detected object is unlikely to be the user.

[0022] According to the program of the eighth aspect, the time until the target object is detected can be shortened compared to the case where a plurality of regions are detected successively from the end of the detection range. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view for explaining a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an optical sensor. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a VCSEL array. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing the optical paths of light emitted from a VCSEL array in the XZ plane. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 7]10 is a diagram for explaining the detection order of each area of ​​a detection range of an optical sensor divided into a plurality of areas; FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram for explaining the detection order of each area of ​​a detection range of an optical sensor divided into a plurality of areas; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an external view for explaining a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in Fig. 1 indicate coordinate axes in the image forming apparatus 10. The X-axis direction is the horizontal direction and indicates the width direction of the apparatus, the Y-axis direction is the vertical direction and indicates the up-down direction of the apparatus, and the Z-axis direction is the horizontal direction and indicates the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0025] 1, the image forming apparatus 10 is a so-called multifunction device having multiple functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, a facsimile function, etc. The image forming apparatus 10 is an example of an information processing system in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0026] The image forming device 10 includes an optical sensor 18 that detects a user who uses the device. Since a user generally approaches the location where the image forming device 10 is installed, the optical sensor 18 is set to detect such a user.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the optical sensor 18. As shown in Fig. 2, the optical sensor 18 includes a VCSEL array 40 having a plurality of light-emitting regions B, an optical system 50 that deflects the light emitted from each of the plurality of light-emitting regions B in a different direction, and a light-receiving unit 51 that detects reflected light of the light emitted from the optical system.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a VCSEL array 40. As shown in Fig. 3, the VCSEL array 40 has a configuration in which a plurality of Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) type light-emitting elements 42 are arranged in a staggered pattern in a partial area on a substrate 41.

[0029] 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 within one light-emitting region B. In the VCSEL array 40, the light-emitting elements 42 are controlled to be turned on or off for each light-emitting region B. In FIG. 3, as an example, twelve light-emitting regions B are shown arranged along the X-axis direction, and the twelve light-emitting regions B are numbered from 0 to 11.

[0030] The optical system 50 is disposed in the light emission direction of the VCSEL array 40, and deflects in different directions the light emitted from each of the multiple light-emitting regions B. The optical system 50 is disposed so that the optical axis of the optical system 50 is perpendicular to the center position of the entire light-emitting region of the VCSEL array 40.

[0031] The optical system 50 is composed of, for example, lenses. When the optical system 50 is composed of lenses, there is no particular limitation on the shape and number of lenses, and any configuration may be used as long as the light emitted from each of the multiple light-emitting regions B can be deflected in different directions.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a light path diagram in the XZ plane of light emitted from the VCSEL array 40. Note that Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram for easily explaining the configuration, and does not show the actual shapes of the VCSEL array 40 and the optical system 50. As shown in Fig. 4, in this embodiment, the VCSEL array 40 has 12 light-emitting regions B arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0033] The optical system 50 deflects the light emitted from each of the light-emitting areas B numbered 0 to 11 in a different direction. Here, the irradiation angle of the light on the optical sensor 18 is the angle formed by the emission directions from the optical system 50 of the two lights emitted from the outermost light-emitting areas B.

[0034] The light irradiation angle of optical sensor 18 in this embodiment is angle R between the emission direction from optical system 50 of light emitted from the outermost light-emitting region B numbered 0 and the emission direction from optical system 50 of light emitted from the opposite outermost light-emitting region B numbered 11. The light irradiation angle of optical sensor 18 in this embodiment is, for example, 120°.

[0035] 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 included.

[0036] The optical sensor 18 is disposed within the image forming apparatus 10 such that the X-axis direction corresponds to the horizontal direction of the image forming apparatus 10 and the Y-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0037] The optical sensor 18 is controlled by a 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.

[0038] As described above, the optical sensor 18 has a plurality of light-emitting regions B that can each emit light independently, and is a sensor that can detect the distance to an object within the detection range for each region of the detection range divided into a plurality of regions by illuminating at least one of the plurality of light-emitting regions B with light and irradiating the detection range with light, and receiving the light reflected from the object.

[0039] In the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the optical sensor 18 is used to detect a user who uses the apparatus, and thereby the operating state of the apparatus is controlled so as to return the apparatus from a power saving state to a normal operating state.

[0040] Next, a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described below.

[0041] 5, the image forming apparatus 10 has 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 an optical sensor 18. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 19.

[0042] The CPU 11 is a processor that executes a predetermined process based on a control program stored in the RAM 12 or the storage device 13 to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 is described as reading and executing the control program stored in the RAM 12 or the storage device 13, but is not limited to this. The control program may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the program may be provided in a form recorded on 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 on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a memory card. The control program may also be obtained from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication IF 14.

[0043] The communication IF 14 transmits and receives data to and from external devices, etc. The UI device 15 accepts instruction input from a user. The scanner 16 reads an original document loaded in the image forming apparatus 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.

[0044] Next, a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described below.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a control unit 31, a memory unit 32, an operation input unit 33, a display unit 34, a data transmission / reception unit 35, an authentication unit 36, an image reading unit 37, an image output unit 38, and an optical sensor 18.

[0046] The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10, and for example, based on instructions input from a user, controls the image reading unit 37 to read an original image, and controls the image output unit 38 to output print data. The storage unit 32 stores data such as a control program.

[0047] The operation input unit 33 inputs information on 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 transmission / reception unit 35 transmits and receives data to and from external devices. The authentication unit 36 ​​executes authentication processing for a user who wishes to use the image forming apparatus 10.

[0048] The image reading unit 37 reads an original image from a loaded original under the control of the control unit 31. The image output unit 38 outputs an image onto a recording medium such as printing paper under the control of the control unit 31.

[0049] Next, user detection control using the optical sensor 18 in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described in detail.

[0050] The control unit 31 controls the operation of the VCSEL array 40 and the light receiving unit 51, and also performs a process of calculating the distance from the optical sensor 18 to an object based on a signal detected by the light receiving unit 51.

[0051] In detail, the control unit 31 first emits light from one of the light-emitting regions B arranged along the X-axis direction. Next, the control unit 31 causes the light-receiving unit 51 to detect the reflected light of the light emitted in the light-emitting region B. Next, the control unit 31 calculates the time difference between the timing at which light is irradiated in the light-emitting region B and the timing at which the reflected light is detected in the light-receiving unit 51 based on the signal detected in the light-receiving unit 51. Next, the control unit 31 calculates the distance from the optical sensor 18 to the object in the detection range corresponding to the light-emitting region B based on the calculated time difference. Furthermore, if no reflected light is detected in the detection range corresponding to the light-emitting region B, it is found that no object is present in the detection range.

[0052] When control unit 31 has completed the object detection process for one light-emitting region B, it similarly performs object detection process for the remaining light-emitting regions B, thereby performing detection process for the entire detection range. Thereafter, control unit 31 repeatedly performs detection process for the entire detection range.

[0053] In this case, if the multiple light-emitting regions B arranged along the X-axis direction in the VCSEL array 40 are caused to emit light in sequence from one end to the other to perform detection processing over the entire detection range, there may be a delay in detection of an object located away from the detection range of the light-emitting region B that emits light first.

[0054] Furthermore, the light-emitting elements 42 of the VCSEL array 40 generate heat when emitting light and are easily damaged by the heat. Therefore, when adjacent light-emitting regions B in the VCSEL array 40 are sequentially turned on, a certain light-emitting region B generates heat when emitting light and is further affected by the heat generated by the light emission of the adjacent light-emitting region B even after emitting light, so that the heat cannot be dissipated in time and the lifespan may be shortened.

[0055] In order to solve this problem, when an 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 multiple light-emitting areas B are illuminated sequentially in an illumination order that prevents adjacent light-emitting areas B from emitting light continuously.

[0056] This makes it possible to shorten the time until the target object is detected compared to the case where detection is performed successively in order from the ends of multiple detection ranges corresponding to multiple light-emitting areas B. In addition, since a light-emitting area B will not emit light immediately after an adjacent light-emitting area B emits light, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the light-emitting area B that has emitted light.

[0057] In the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 31 may divide the multiple light-emitting areas B into multiple groups and sequentially cause the light-emitting areas that are located at the same position within each group to emit light for each group, thereby causing the multiple light-emitting areas B to emit light sequentially in an emission order that prevents adjacent light-emitting areas B from being continuously emitted.

[0058] In this case, control unit 31 may perform control so that light emitting regions B in each group are caused to emit light in sequence from the end.

[0059] In the example shown in Figure 7, light-emitting areas B0 to B3 are grouped together, light-emitting areas B4 to B7 are grouped together, and light-emitting areas B8 to B11 are grouped together, and within each group, light-emitting areas B are illuminated in order from the right end.

[0060] In other words, the light emitting areas are lit in the following order: light emitting area B0, light emitting area B4, light emitting area B8, light emitting area B1, light emitting area B5, light emitting area B9, light emitting area B2, light emitting area B6, light emitting area B10, light emitting area B3, light emitting area B7, light emitting area B11.

[0061] In addition, the control unit 31 may divide the multiple light-emitting areas B into multiple groups and sequentially cause the light-emitting areas B that are located at the same position in each group to emit light simultaneously, thereby causing the multiple light-emitting areas B to emit light sequentially in an emission order that prevents adjacent light-emitting areas B from being emitted continuously.

[0062] In the example shown in FIG. 7, light emitting region B0, light emitting region B4, and light emitting region B8 may be illuminated simultaneously, then light emitting region B1, light emitting region B5, and light emitting region B9 may be illuminated simultaneously, then light emitting region B2, light emitting region B6, and light emitting region B10 may be illuminated simultaneously, and then light emitting region B3, light emitting region B7, and light emitting region B11 may be illuminated simultaneously.

[0063] In addition, when an object is detected in any one of the multiple light-emitting areas B, and the distance to the image forming device 10 equipped with the optical sensor 18 becomes shorter than when the object was detected in the one light-emitting area B, the control unit 31 may control the one light-emitting area B and the light-emitting areas B adjacent to the one light-emitting area B on both sides to be illuminated sequentially.

[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 8, an object is detected in light-emitting region B4. In this case, light-emitting region B4 and light-emitting region 3 and light-emitting region 5 adjacent to both sides of light-emitting region B4 emit light in sequence.

[0065] In this case, when one light-emitting area B and the light-emitting areas adjacent to the one light-emitting area B on both sides are illuminated sequentially, if the distance to the image forming device 10 becomes long, the control unit 31 may control the multiple light-emitting areas B to be illuminated sequentially in an illumination order that prevents adjacent light-emitting areas B from being illuminated continuously.

[0066] In addition, when one light-emitting area B and adjacent light-emitting areas B on both sides of the one light-emitting area B are illuminated sequentially, if the distance to the image forming device 10 does not change for a predetermined period of time or more, the control unit 31 may control the multiple light-emitting areas B to be illuminated sequentially in an illumination order that prevents adjacent light-emitting areas B from being illuminated continuously.

[0067] [Variations] Although an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0068] For example, in the above embodiment, the technology of the present disclosure has been described as being applied to an image forming device 10, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to such devices, and the technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to information processing systems such as ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) devices or ticket vending machines, where a user approaches and operates the device.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the term "system" includes both a system made up of multiple devices and a system made up of a single device.

[0070] In addition, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0071] In addition, the operations of the processor in the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0072] [Note] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0073] (((1))) an optical sensor having a plurality of light-emitting regions each capable of independently emitting light, wherein at least one of the plurality of light-emitting regions is caused to emit light toward a detection range, and the optical sensor receives light reflected from an object, thereby detecting a distance to the object within the detection range for each of the plurality of regions of the detection range; A processor, The processor controls the optical sensor so that, when an object is not detected within the detection range, the plurality of light-emitting regions are sequentially illuminated in a light-emitting order such that adjacent light-emitting regions are not illuminated consecutively. Information processing system.

[0074] (((2))) The processor divides the plurality of light-emitting regions into a plurality of groups, and sequentially lights up the light-emitting regions that are present at the same position in each group for each group, thereby sequentially lighting up the plurality of light-emitting regions in a lighting order such that adjacent light-emitting regions are not continuously illuminated. An information processing system according to (((1))).

[0075] (((3))) The processor controls the light emitting areas in the group to emit light in sequence from the end. The information processing system according to (((2))).

[0076] (((4))) The processor divides the plurality of light-emitting regions into a plurality of groups, and sequentially causes light-emitting regions that are located at the same position in each group to emit light simultaneously, thereby sequentially causing the plurality of light-emitting regions to emit light in a light-emitting order such that adjacent light-emitting regions do not emit light continuously. An information processing system according to (((1))).

[0077] (((5))) When an object is detected in any one of the plurality of light-emitting regions and the distance to the optical sensor becomes shorter than when the object was detected in the one light-emitting region, the processor controls the one light-emitting region and the light-emitting regions adjacent to both sides of the one light-emitting region to sequentially emit light. 1. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0078] (((6))) When the one light-emitting area and the light-emitting areas adjacent to both sides of the one light-emitting area are sequentially emitting light, if the distance to the optical sensor becomes long, the processor controls the plurality of light-emitting areas to be sequentially emitting light in a light-emitting order such that the adjacent light-emitting areas are not successively emitting light. The information processing system according to (((5))).

[0079] (((7))) When the one light-emitting area and the light-emitting areas adjacent to both sides of the one light-emitting area are sequentially illuminated, if the distance to the optical sensor does not change for a predetermined time or more, the processor controls the plurality of light-emitting areas to be illuminated sequentially in a light-emitting order such that adjacent light-emitting areas are not illuminated continuously. The information processing system according to (((5))).

[0080] (((8))) a step of detecting a distance to an object within the detection range for each of the detection ranges divided into a plurality of regions by illuminating at least one of the light-emitting regions of an optical sensor having a plurality of light-emitting regions capable of emitting light independently, irradiating the detection range with the light, and receiving light reflected from the object; When an object is not detected within the detection range, controlling the optical sensor so that the plurality of light-emitting regions are sequentially illuminated in a light-emitting order such that adjacent light-emitting regions are not illuminated consecutively; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

[0081] The effects of the above configuration are described below.

[0082] According to the information processing system of (((1))), the time until an object is detected can be shortened compared to a case in which a plurality of regions are detected successively from one end of the detection range to the other.

[0083] According to the information processing system of (((2))), the time until an object is detected can be shortened compared to a case in which a plurality of regions are successively detected in order from the ends of the detection range.

[0084] According to the information processing system of (((3))), the time until an object is detected can be shortened compared to a case in which a plurality of regions are detected successively from one end of the detection range to the other.

[0085] According to the information processing system of (((4))), the time until an object is detected can be shortened compared to a case in which a plurality of regions are detected successively from one end of the detection range to the other.

[0086] According to the information processing system of (((5))), it is possible to easily detect an object.

[0087] According to the information processing system of (((6))), it is possible to make it easier to detect other objects by determining that the detected object is unlikely to be the user.

[0088] According to the information processing system of (((7))), it is possible to make it easier to detect other objects by determining that the detected object is unlikely to be the user.

[0089] According to the program (((8))), the time until the target object is detected can be shortened compared to when multiple areas are detected consecutively from one end of the detection range to the other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 Image forming device 11 CPU 12 RAM 13 Storage device 14 Communication Interface 15 User Interface Device 16 Scanner 17 Print Engine 18 Optical Sensor 19 Control Bus 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 33 Operation input section 34 Display section 35 Data transmission and reception unit 36 Authentication Section 37 Image reading unit 38 Image output section 40 VCSEL array 41 Substrate 42 Light emitting element 50 Optical system 51 Light receiving part

Claims

1. an optical sensor having a plurality of light-emitting regions each capable of independently emitting light, causing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting regions to emit light toward a detection range and receiving light reflected from an object, thereby detecting a distance to an object within the detection range for each of the plurality of regions of the detection range; a processor; The processor controls the optical sensor so that, when an object is not detected within the detection range, the plurality of light-emitting regions are sequentially illuminated in a light-emitting order such that adjacent light-emitting regions are not illuminated consecutively. Information processing system.

2. The processor divides the plurality of light-emitting regions into a plurality of groups, and sequentially lights up the light-emitting regions that are present at the same position in each group for each group, thereby sequentially lighting up the plurality of light-emitting regions in a lighting order such that adjacent light-emitting regions are not continuously illuminated. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor controls the light emitting areas in the group to emit light in sequence from the end. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The processor divides the plurality of light-emitting regions into a plurality of groups, and sequentially causes light-emitting regions that are located at the same position in each group to emit light simultaneously, thereby sequentially causing the plurality of light-emitting regions to emit light in a light-emitting order such that adjacent light-emitting regions do not emit light continuously. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. When an object is detected in any one of the plurality of light-emitting regions and the distance to the optical sensor becomes shorter than when the object was detected in the one light-emitting region, the processor controls the one light-emitting region and the light-emitting regions adjacent to both sides of the one light-emitting region to sequentially emit light. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. When the one light-emitting area and the light-emitting areas adjacent to both sides of the one light-emitting area are sequentially emitting light, if the distance to the optical sensor becomes long, the processor controls the plurality of light-emitting areas to be sequentially emitting light in a light-emitting order such that the adjacent light-emitting areas are not successively emitting light.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5.

7. When the one light-emitting area and the light-emitting areas adjacent to both sides of the one light-emitting area are sequentially illuminated, if the distance to the optical sensor does not change for a predetermined time or more, the processor controls the plurality of light-emitting areas to be illuminated sequentially in a light-emitting order such that adjacent light-emitting areas are not illuminated continuously.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5.

8. a step of detecting a distance to an object within the detection range for each of the detection ranges divided into a plurality of regions by illuminating at least one of the light-emitting regions of an optical sensor having a plurality of light-emitting regions capable of emitting light independently, irradiating the detection range with the light, and receiving light reflected from the object; When an object is not detected within the detection range, controlling the optical sensor so that the plurality of light-emitting regions are sequentially illuminated in a light-emitting order such that adjacent light-emitting regions are not illuminated consecutively; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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