Proximity sensor, detection method, wiring fixture, and control system

Abstract

To suppress the occurrence of erroneous operation.SOLUTION: A proximity sensor 1 comprises a sensor body, a first detection part 21, a second detection pat 22, and a determination part 11. The first detection part 21 has a first light emitting part 211 and a first light receiving part 212 which outputs a first signal S1 which has a level corresponding to an amount of light of incident light. The first detection part 21 is disposed in a first area on a surface of the sensor body. The second detection part 22 has a second light emitting part 221 and a second light receiving part 222 which outputs a second signal S2 which has a level corresponding to the amount of light of the incident light. The second detection part 22 is disposed in a second area which is different from the first area on the surface of the sensor body. The determination part 11 determines whether or not a detection target is detected by each of the first detection part 21 and the second detection part 22 on the basis of comparison results of a first signal strength of the first signal S1 and a second signal strength of the second signal S2 with a threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a proximity sensor, a detection method, a wiring device, and a control system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a proximity sensor including a plurality of detection units each capable of detecting a detection target, a detection method, a wiring device, and a control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a non-contact operation device including a first detection unit and a second detection unit. Each of the first detection unit and the second detection unit includes a light-emitting unit that emits infrared rays into space, and a light-receiving unit that can receive infrared rays reflected by a detection target in the space. Each of the first detection unit and the second detection unit detects whether or not a detection target is present based on the infrared light reception state of the light-receiving unit.

[0003] In this non-contact operation device, in order to prevent malfunction caused by the first detection unit and the second detection unit simultaneously detecting the proximity of a detection target, a first surface on which the first detection unit is installed and a second surface on which the second detection unit is installed are provided on the exposed surface of the non-contact operation device. On the exposed surface, the first detection unit is installed on the upper side and the second detection unit is installed on the lower side, and the first surface on which the first detection unit is installed is inclined so that the normal line faces upward from the horizontal plane, and the second surface on which the second detection unit is installed is inclined so that the normal line faces downward from the horizontal plane. In addition, a shielding portion that covers a part of the light receiving unit is provided in each of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, and infrared rays are blocked from entering the light receiving unit through the part covered by the shielding portion.

[0004] In this non-contact operation device, the first surface is inclined obliquely upward, the second surface is inclined obliquely downward, and a shielding portion is provided in each of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, thereby making it difficult for the first detection unit and the second detection unit to simultaneously detect the same detection target, thereby preventing malfunction. In other words, a detection target approaching the non-contact operation device from obliquely above is prevented from being detected by the second detection unit on the lower side, and a detection target approaching the non-contact operation device from obliquely below is prevented from being detected by the first detection unit on the upper side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-131564 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the non-contact operation device described in Patent Document 1, in order to suppress malfunction due to erroneous detection of a detection target, a first detection unit installed on a first surface inclined diagonally upward and a second detection unit installed on a second surface inclined diagonally downward are each provided with a shielding unit. If variations occur in the inclination of the first surface and the second surface, and in the shapes and dimensions of the first detection unit, the second detection unit, and the shielding unit due to manufacturing errors, etc., there is a problem that the shielding unit does not sufficiently block infrared rays, making malfunctions more likely to occur.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a proximity sensor, a detection method, a wiring device, and a control system that can suppress the occurrence of malfunctions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A proximity sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sensor body, a first detection unit, a second detection unit, and a determination unit. The first detection unit has a first light-emitting unit that emits light and a first light-receiving unit that outputs a first signal having a magnitude corresponding to the amount of incident light. The first detection unit is disposed in a first region on the surface of the sensor body. The second detection unit has a second light-emitting unit that emits light and a second light-receiving unit that outputs a second signal having a magnitude corresponding to the amount of incident light. The second detection unit is disposed in a second region on the surface of the sensor body that is different from the first region. The determination unit determines whether or not the first detection unit and the second detection unit have detected a detection target based on a result of comparing a first signal strength of the first signal and a second signal strength of the second signal with a threshold value.

[0009] A detection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition step, a second acquisition step, and a determination step. In the first acquisition step, a first signal is acquired from a first detection unit. The first detection unit has a first light-emitting unit that emits light and a first light-receiving unit that outputs the first signal having a magnitude corresponding to the amount of incident light. The first detection unit is disposed in a first region on a surface of a sensor body. In the second acquisition step, a second signal is acquired from a second detection unit. The second detection unit has a second light-emitting unit that emits light and a second light-receiving unit that outputs the second signal having a magnitude corresponding to the amount of incident light. The second detection unit is disposed in a second region on the surface of the sensor body that is different from the first region. In the determination step, it is determined whether or not the first detection unit and the second detection unit have detected a detection target based on a result of comparing a first signal intensity of the first signal and a second signal intensity of the second signal with a threshold value.

[0010] The wiring device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the proximity sensor and a controller, the controller controls a load in response to the detection states of the first detection unit and the second detection unit determined by the determination unit.

[0011] A control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the wiring device and the load whose operation is controlled by the wiring device. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a proximity sensor capable of suppressing the occurrence of malfunction, and a wiring device and a control system including the same. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a control system including a wiring device with a proximity sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the wiring accessory in use. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the wiring accessory in use. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first operation performed on a wiring accessory including a proximity sensor according to the first modification. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing changes over time in signal strength of a first signal and a second signal in a first operation of the wiring device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second operation for a wiring accessory including a proximity sensor according to the second modification. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing changes over time in the signal strength of the first signal and the second signal in a second operation of the wiring device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing changes over time in the signal strength of the first signal and the second signal in a second operation of the wiring device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, a proximity sensor according to an embodiment, a detection method performed by the proximity sensor to detect a detection target, a wiring device including a proximity sensor, and a control system will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each figure described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram. The dimensional ratio of the size of each component does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio. In addition, the configuration described in the following embodiments is merely one example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0015] (Embodiment) (1) Overview Fig. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a wiring accessory 2 including a proximity sensor 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a front view illustrating the wiring accessory 2 in use.

[0016] The proximity sensor 1 includes a sensor body 200, a first detection unit 21, a second detection unit 22, and a determination unit 11.

[0017] The first detection unit 21 has a first light-emitting unit 211 that emits light, and a first light-receiving unit 212 that outputs a first signal S1 whose magnitude corresponds to the amount of incident light. The first detection unit 21 is disposed in a first region R1 on one surface (operation surface 201) of the sensor main body 200 (see FIG. 2).

[0018] The second detection unit 22 has a second light emitting unit 221 that emits light and a second light receiving unit 222 that outputs a second signal S2 whose magnitude corresponds to the amount of incident light. The second detection unit 22 is disposed in a second region R2 different from the first region R1 on the surface of the sensor body 200 (see FIG. 2).

[0019] The judgment unit 11 judges whether or not the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 have detected a detection object based on the comparison result between the first signal strength of the first signal S1 and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 and a threshold value.

[0020] Here, the detection target H1 of the proximity sensor 1 (see FIG. 3) is an object (e.g., a human hand 300, etc.) present within a range irradiated with light emitted from the first light-emitting unit 211 and the second light-emitting unit 221. The proximity sensor 1 is used to detect whether or not a part of a human body (e.g., a human hand 300, etc.) is present in the vicinity of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22. For example, when the proximity sensor 1 is used in a wiring device 2 such as a switch that controls a load in response to a non-contact operation by a user, when the proximity sensor 1 detects a part of a human body, the wiring device 2 controls the load in response to the detection result of the proximity sensor 1. More specifically, when the light emitted by the first light-emitting unit 211 is reflected by the detection target H1 and the reflected light by the detection target H1 is received by the first light-receiving unit 212, the first light-receiving unit 212 outputs a first signal S1 having a magnitude corresponding to the amount of light of the reflected light. In addition, when the light emitted by the second light-emitting unit 221 is reflected by the detection object H1 and the reflected light by the detection object H1 is received by the second light-receiving unit 222, the second light-receiving unit 222 outputs a second signal S2 whose magnitude corresponds to the amount of reflected light.

[0021] In the proximity sensor 1 of this embodiment, the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 are arranged on the same surface (operation surface 201) of the sensor body 200. Then, the determination unit 11 determines whether or not the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 detect the detection target H1 based on the result of comparing the first signal strength of the first signal S1 and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 with the threshold value. In this embodiment, since a shielding unit that blocks unnecessary light from entering the first light receiving unit 212 and the second light receiving unit 222 is not provided, there is an advantage that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a malfunction due to the variation in the shape and dimensions of the shielding unit. In addition, since the proximity sensor 1 of this embodiment does not have a shielding unit that blocks unnecessary light from entering the first light receiving unit 212 and the second light receiving unit 222, there is also an advantage that it is possible to reduce the number of parts and reduce the number of assembly steps.

[0022] (2)Details The proximity sensor 1 according to this embodiment and the wiring fixture 2 including the proximity sensor 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. In the following description, in Figs. 2 and 3, the X-axis direction is defined as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction is defined as the front-rear direction (depth direction), and the Z-axis direction is defined as the up-down direction. Furthermore, the positive direction in the X-axis direction is defined as the right side, the positive direction in the Y-axis direction is defined as the front side, and the positive direction in the Z-axis direction is defined as the top side. However, these directions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the directions in which the proximity sensor 1 and the wiring fixture 2 are used. Moreover, the arrows indicating the respective directions in the drawings are merely depicted for the purpose of explanation and do not have any substance.

[0023] (2.1) Structure In this embodiment, the wiring device 2 includes the proximity sensor 1. The wiring device 2 includes the proximity sensor 1 and a control unit 12 that controls a load depending on the detection states of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 determined by a determination unit 11. Since the wiring device 2 includes the proximity sensor 1, the main body of the wiring device 2 serves as the sensor main body 200 of the proximity sensor 1. Therefore, hereinafter, the sensor main body 200 may also be referred to as the main body 200.

[0024] 1, the wiring fixture 2 includes a first detection unit 21, a second detection unit 22, a processing unit 10, a drive circuit 30, a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, and a main body (sensor main body) 200. The wiring fixture 2 also includes three terminals T1 to T3.

[0025] The main body 200 of the wiring device 2 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape from a material such as synthetic resin, etc. The main body 200 accommodates the first detection unit 21, the second detection unit 22, the processing unit 10, the drive circuit 30, the first switch SW1, and the second switch SW2, etc.

[0026] The main body 200 is fixed with its rear portion embedded in a hole provided in the wall W1 of a building, for example, using a mounting frame for a built-in wiring device (see Figs. 2 and 3). The operation surface 201, which is the surface of the main body 200, is flat and has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. With the main body 200 attached to the wall W1 using the mounting frame, a plate frame 202 is attached to the front side of the mounting frame. The operation surface 201 of the main body 200 is exposed from a central hole 203 of the plate frame 202.

[0027] A first end of a first load L1 is connected to the terminal T1 via an electric wire. A first end of a second load L2 is connected to the terminal T2. The first load L1 and the second load L2 are, for example, lighting loads.

[0028] A first end of an AC power source AC1 such as a commercial AC power source (e.g., AC 100 / 200V, 50 / 60Hz) is connected to the terminal T3 via an electric wire. A second end of the first load L1 and a second end of the second load L2 are each connected to the second end of the AC power source AC1 via an electric wire.

[0029] That is, a series circuit of a first load L1 and an AC power source AC1 is connected between terminals T1 and T3, and a series circuit of a second load L2 and an AC power source AC1 is connected between terminals T2 and T3.

[0030] The first switch SW1 is connected between the terminal T1 and the terminal T3. The first switch SW1 is a switching element that can be switched to an ON state in which the terminals T1 and T3 are in a conductive state, or an OFF state in which the terminals T1 and T3 are in a cut-off state. The first switch SW1 is realized by a semiconductor switch element such as two MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) or IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) connected in reverse series. The first switch SW1 is switched to an ON state or an OFF state by the drive circuit 30.

[0031] The second switch SW2 is connected between the terminal T2 and the terminal T3. The second switch SW2 is a switching element that can be switched to an ON state in which the terminals T2 and T3 are in a conductive state, or an OFF state in which the terminals T2 and T3 are in a cut-off state. The second switch SW2 is realized by, for example, two MOSFETs connected in reverse series or semiconductor switch elements such as IGBTs. The second switch SW2 is switched to an ON state or an OFF state by the drive circuit 30.

[0032] The first detection unit 21 includes a first light-emitting unit 211 and a first light-receiving unit 212. The first light-emitting unit 211 has a light source such as an infrared light-emitting diode, and emits light (infrared light) emitted by the infrared light-emitting diode into a space in front of the operation surface 201. The first light-emitting unit 211 is arranged, for example, so that the optical axis of the first light-emitting unit 211 is parallel to the normal line of the operation surface 201. The first light-receiving unit 212 has, for example, a photodiode sensitive to light in the infrared region. The first light-receiving unit 212 is arranged, for example, so that the optical axis of the first light-receiving unit 212 is parallel to the optical axis of the first light-emitting unit 211. When the infrared light reflected by the detection target H1 is incident on the first light-receiving unit 212, the first light-receiving unit 212 outputs a first signal S1 having a magnitude according to the amount of light of the incident light to the processing unit 10.

[0033] The second detection unit 22 includes a second light emitting unit 221 and a second light receiving unit 222. The second light emitting unit 221 has a light source such as an infrared light emitting diode, and emits light (infrared light) emitted by the infrared light emitting diode into a space in front of the operation surface 201. The second light emitting unit 221 is arranged, for example, so that the optical axis of the second light emitting unit 221 is parallel to the normal line of the operation surface 201. The second light receiving unit 222 has, for example, a photodiode sensitive to light in the infrared region. The second light receiving unit 222 is arranged, for example, so that the optical axis of the second light receiving unit 222 is parallel to the optical axis of the second light emitting unit 221. When the infrared light reflected by the detection target H1 is incident on the second light receiving unit 222, the second light receiving unit 222 outputs a second signal S2 having a magnitude according to the amount of light of the incident light to the processing unit 10.

[0034] On the operation surface 201 of the main body 200, the first detection unit 21 is disposed in the first region R1 on the upper side, and the second detection unit 22 is disposed in the second region R2 on the lower side. That is, the first region R1 and the second region are aligned in the vertical direction. As a result, the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 are aligned in the vertical direction.

[0035] The first light-emitting unit 211 and the first light-receiving unit 212 of the first detection unit 21 are disposed on the back side of the first region R1 of the operation surface 201, and the second light-emitting unit 221 and the second light-receiving unit 222 of the second detection unit 22 are disposed on the back side of the second region R2 of the operation surface 201. In the operation surface 201 of the main body 200, at least the first region R1 in which the first detection unit 21 is disposed and the second region R2 in which the second detection unit 22 is disposed are formed of a material that is transparent to infrared rays.

[0036] Therefore, the infrared light emitted from the first light-emitting unit 211 is transmitted through the operation surface 201 of the main body 200 and irradiated into the space in front of the main body 200. When the infrared light emitted from the first light-emitting unit 211 is reflected by the detection target H1 present in front of the main body 200 and the reflected light is incident on the first region R1 of the operation surface 201, the infrared light (reflected light) incident on the first region R1 is transmitted through the operation surface 201 of the main body 200 and is incident on the first light-receiving unit 212. The first light-receiving unit 212 outputs to the processing unit 10 a first signal S1 whose current value or voltage value changes according to the amount of incident light incident on the first light-receiving unit 212. Note that the wiring device 2 may include a condensing lens that condenses the incident light incident on a region including the first region R1 on the first light-receiving unit 212, and the detection area SA1 (see FIG. 3) of the first detection unit 21 can be adjusted to a desired region.

[0037] Moreover, the infrared light emitted from the second light-emitting unit 221 is transmitted through the operation surface 201 of the main body 200 and irradiated into the space in front of the main body 200. When the infrared light emitted from the second light-emitting unit 221 is reflected by the detection target H1 present in front of the main body 200 and the reflected light is incident on the second region R2 of the operation surface 201, the infrared light (reflected light) incident on the second region R2 is transmitted through the operation surface 201 of the main body 200 and is incident on the second light-receiving unit 222. The second light-receiving unit 222 outputs a second signal, the current value or voltage value of which changes according to the amount of incident light incident on the second light-receiving unit 222, to the processing unit 10. Note that the wiring device 2 may be provided with a condensing lens that condenses the incident light incident on a region including the second region R2 on the second light-receiving unit 222, and the detection area SA2 (see FIG. 3) of the second detection unit 22 can be adjusted to a desired region.

[0038] The processing unit 10 mainly comprises a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. The processor of the computer system executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, thereby realizing the functions of the processing unit 10. The program may be recorded in the memory, may be provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or may be provided by recording it on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0039] The processing unit 10 has, for example, the functions of the above-mentioned determination unit 11 and control unit 12. Note that the determination unit 11 and control unit 12 merely indicate functions realized by the processing unit 10, and do not necessarily indicate actual configurations.

[0040] The determination unit 11 acquires the first signal S1 output by the first light receiving unit 212 and the second signal S2 output by the second light receiving unit 222 at a predetermined sampling interval. The sampling interval is set to a time interval of, for example, several tens of msec or more and several hundreds of msec or less, at which a user's operation can be detected. The determination unit 11 determines whether or not the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 have detected the detection target H1 based on a comparison result between the first signal strength of the first signal S1 output by the first light receiving unit 212 and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 output by the second light receiving unit 222 and a threshold value. The threshold value is set to a value equal to the first signal strength and the second signal strength when the distance from each of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 to the detection target H1 is a predetermined distance (for example, a distance of 3 cm or more and 10 cm or less, preferably 5 cm).

[0041] The control unit 12 controls the loads based on the determination result of the determination unit 11. Here, the loads to be controlled include a first load L1 and a second load L2. The control unit 12 controls the first load L1 according to the detection state of the first detection unit 21 determined by the determination unit 11, and controls the second load L2 according to the detection state of the second detection unit 22 determined by the determination unit 11. The load to be controlled is, for example, a lighting load.

[0042] Specifically, the control unit 12 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to an on state or an off state based on the determination result of the determination unit 11. For example, when the first switch SW1 is in an on state and the first detection unit 21 detects the detection object H1, the control unit 12 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the first switch SW1 to an off state. When the first detection unit 21 detects the detection object H1 while the first switch SW1 is in an off state, the control unit 12 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the first switch SW1 to an on state. Also, when the second switch SW2 is in an on state and the second detection unit 22 detects the detection object H1, the control unit 12 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the second switch SW2 to an off state. When the second detection unit 22 detects the detection object H1 while the second switch SW2 is in the OFF state, the control unit 12 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the second switch SW2 to the ON state.

[0043] Based on a control signal input from the control unit 12, the drive circuit 30 switches each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 between an on state and an off state.

[0044] When the first switch SW1 is switched to the on state, a current flows through the first load L1, which is a lighting load, and the first load L1 is turned on. When the first switch SW1 is switched to the off state, no current flows through the first load L1, and the first load L1 is turned off.

[0045] When the second switch SW2 is switched to the on state, a current flows through the second load L2, which is a lighting load, and the second load L2 is turned on. When the second switch SW2 is switched to the off state, no current flows through the second load L2, and the second load L2 is turned off.

[0046] Here, the wiring apparatus 2 and loads (the first load L1 and the second load L2) whose operations are controlled by the wiring apparatus 2 constitute the control system 100. In other words, the control system 100 includes the wiring apparatus 2 and the loads whose operations are controlled by the wiring apparatus 2.

[0047] (2.2) Operation Description The operation of the proximity sensor 1 and the wiring fixture 2 of this embodiment will be described.

[0048] The operation of the proximity sensor 1 and the wiring fixture 2 when a user brings hand 300 close to each of first detection unit 21 and second detection unit 22 from the front will be described.

[0049] When a user wishes to switch the operation state of the first load L1, the user holds the hand 300, which serves as the detection target H1, in front of the first detection unit 21 arranged in the upper first region R1. The operation state of the first load L1 includes, for example, at least a lighting state in which the first load L1 is turned on and an off state in which the first load L1 is turned off. Switching the operation state of the first load L1 means, for example, switching the first load L1 from a lighting state to an off state, or switching the first load L1 from an off state to a lighting state.

[0050] When the user approaches the first detection unit 21 from the front of the wiring apparatus 2 to switch the operation state of the first load L1, the first signal strength of the first signal S1 becomes greater than the threshold while the second signal strength of the second signal S2 is less than the threshold. Then, when the state in which the first signal strength of the first signal S1 exceeds the threshold while the second signal strength of the second signal S2 is less than the threshold continues for a predetermined time or more, the determination unit 11 determines that the first detection unit 21 has detected the detection object H1. In other words, when the first signal strength is greater than the threshold and the second signal strength is less than the threshold, the determination unit 11 determines that the first detection unit 21 has detected the detection object H1.

[0051] Here, based on the determination result of the determination unit 11, the control unit 12 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the first switch SW1 to an OFF state if the first switch SW1 is in an ON state, and outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the first switch SW1 to an ON state if the first switch SW1 is in an OFF state. The drive circuit 30 switches the state of the first switch SW1 based on the control signal output from the control unit 12, and can switch the first load L1 from a lighted state to an unlighted state or from an unlighted state to a lighted state.

[0052] In addition, when the wiring apparatus 2 has a function of dimming the first load L1, the lighting state of the first load L1 may include, for example, a first dimming state in which the first load L1 is lit at a first dimming level and a second dimming state in which the first load L1 is lit at a second dimming level. In this case, the wiring apparatus 2 may switch the operation state of the first load L1 to any one of an off state, a first dimming state, and a second dimming state based on a detection result of the first detector 21.

[0053] Furthermore, when the user wishes to switch the operation state of the second load L2, the user holds the hand 300 in front of the second detection unit 22 arranged in the lower second region R2. The operation state of the second load L2 includes at least a lighting state in which the second load L2 is turned on and an off state in which the second load L2 is turned off. Switching the operation state of the second load L2 means, for example, switching the second load L2 from a lighting state to an off state, or switching the second load L2 from an off state to a lighting state.

[0054] When a user approaches the second detection unit 22 from the front of the wiring apparatus 2 with their hand 300, the first signal strength of the first signal S1 becomes less than the threshold and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 becomes greater than the threshold. Then, when the state in which the first signal strength of the first signal S1 becomes less than the threshold and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 exceeds the threshold continues for a predetermined time or longer, the determination unit 11 determines that the second detection unit 22 has detected the detection object H1. In other words, when the first signal strength is less than the threshold and the second signal strength is greater than the threshold, the determination unit 11 determines that the second detection unit 22 has detected the detection object H1.

[0055] Here, based on the determination result of the determination unit 11, the control unit 12 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the second switch SW2 to an off state if the second switch SW2 is in an on state, and outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the second switch SW2 to an on state if the second switch SW2 is in an off state. The drive circuit 30 switches the state of the second switch SW2 based on the control signal output from the control unit 12, and can switch the second load L2 from a lighted state to an off state, or from an off state to a lighted state.

[0056] In addition, when the wiring apparatus 2 has a function of dimming the second load L2, the lighting state of the second load L2 may include, for example, a first dimming state in which the second load L2 is lit at a first dimming level and a second dimming state in which the second load L2 is lit at a second dimming level. In this case, the wiring apparatus 2 may switch the operating state of the second load L2 to any one of an off state, a first dimming state, or a second dimming state based on a detection result of the second detection unit 22.

[0057] In addition, when the user wants to switch the operating states of the first load L1 and the second load L2 simultaneously, the user holds his / her hand 300 in front of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 so as to cover both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22.

[0058] When the user approaches the first load L1 and the second detection unit 22 from the front of the wiring apparatus 2 with his / her hand 300, the first signal strength of the first signal S1 and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 both become greater than the threshold value. Then, the determination unit 11 determines that the first detection unit 21 has detected the detection object H1 if the state in which the first signal strength of the first signal S1 exceeds the threshold value continues for a predetermined time or more, and determines that the second detection unit 22 has detected the detection object H1 if the state in which the second signal strength of the second signal S2 exceeds the threshold value continues for a predetermined time or more.

[0059] At this time, the control unit 12 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 to control the first switch SW1 to an off state if the first switch SW1 is in an on state based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 11, and outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 to control the first switch SW1 to an on state if the first switch SW1 is in an off state based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 11. The drive circuit 30 switches the state of the first switch SW1 based on the control signal output from the control unit 12, and can switch the first load L1 from a lighted state to an off state, or from an off state to a lighted state. In addition, the control unit 12 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 to control the second switch SW2 to an off state if the second switch SW2 is in an on state, and outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 to control the second switch SW2 to an on state if the second switch SW2 is in an off state. The drive circuit 30 switches the state of the second switch SW2 based on the control signal output from the control unit 12, and can switch the second load L2 from a lighted state to an off state, or from an off state to a lighted state. In this way, the control unit 12 can switch the operation states of both the first load L1 and the second load L2 based on the determination result of the determination unit 11.

[0060] (3) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same function as the proximity sensor 1 may be embodied in a detection method in which the proximity sensor 1 detects a detection target, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded. The detection method according to one aspect is a detection method executed by a computer system functioning as the proximity sensor 1, and includes a first acquisition step, a second acquisition step, and a determination step. In the first acquisition step, a first signal S1 is acquired from the first detection unit 21. The first detection unit 21 has a first light-emitting unit 211 that emits light, and a first light-receiving unit 212 that outputs a first signal S1 having a magnitude according to the amount of incident light. The first detection unit 21 is disposed in a first region R1 on one surface of the sensor body 200. In the second acquisition step, a second signal S2 is acquired from the second detection unit 22. The second detection unit 22 has a second light-emitting unit 221 that emits light, and a second light-receiving unit 222 that outputs a second signal S2 whose magnitude corresponds to the amount of incident light. The second detection unit 22 is disposed in a second region R2 different from the first region R1 on the surface of the sensor body 200. In the determination step, it is determined whether or not the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 have detected a detection target based on a comparison result between the first signal intensity of the first signal S1 and the second signal intensity of the second signal S2 and a threshold value. A (computer) program according to one aspect is a program for causing a computer system to execute the above-mentioned detection method.

[0061] Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be combined as appropriate. In the following, the above embodiment may be referred to as the basic configuration.

[0062] The proximity sensor 1 or the wiring device 2 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The function of the proximity sensor 1 or the wiring device 2 in the present disclosure is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through an electric communication line, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits such as IC or LSI referred to here are called by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be adopted as a processor. The electronic circuits may be integrated in one chip or distributed among multiple chips. The chips may be integrated in one device or distributed among multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Thus, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0063] (3.1) Variation 1 A proximity sensor 1 according to Modification 1 and a wiring device 2 including the same will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0064] The proximity sensor 1 and the wiring fixture 2 according to the first modification are different from the basic configuration in the determination process by the determination unit 11. In the first modification, the determination unit 11 performs the determination process in consideration of the rising timing of the first signal strength of the first signal S1 and the rising timing of the second signal strength of the second signal S2. Note that the proximity sensor 1 and the wiring fixture 2 have the same configuration as the basic configuration described above, and therefore the same reference numerals are used for the common components, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] When the second signal strength exceeds the threshold in a state where the first signal strength exceeds the threshold, if the elapsed time from a first time point where the first signal strength exceeds the threshold to a second time point where the second signal strength exceeds the threshold (hereinafter also referred to as the first elapsed time) is equal to or longer than a predetermined judgment time, the judgment unit 11 judges that the first detection unit 21 detects the detection object H1 and that the second detection unit 22 does not detect the detection object H1. Also, when the first signal strength exceeds the threshold in a state where the second signal strength exceeds the threshold, if the elapsed time from a third time point where the second signal strength exceeds the threshold to a fourth time point where the first signal strength exceeds the threshold (hereinafter also referred to as the second elapsed time) is equal to or longer than the judgment time, the judgment unit 11 judges that the second detection unit 22 detects the detection object H1 and that the first detection unit 21 does not detect the detection object H1. Here, the determination time is set to a time that allows the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 to be regarded as having detected the same detection object H1 simultaneously, and is set to a time of, for example, 200 mSec or more and 500 mSec or less.

[0066] Furthermore, when the second signal strength exceeds a threshold in a state where the first signal strength exceeds a threshold, if the elapsed time from the first time point to the second time point (first elapsed time) is less than the judgment time, the determination unit 11 may determine that both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 have detected the detection object H1. Furthermore, when the first signal strength exceeds a threshold in a state where the second signal strength exceeds a threshold, if the elapsed time from the third time point to the fourth time point (second elapsed time) is less than the judgment time, the determination unit 11 may determine that both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 have detected the detection object H1.

[0067] For example, the determination process of the determination unit 11 will be described taking as an example a case where the user performs a first operation of moving the hand 300 from top to bottom along the wall W1 and holding the hand 300 in front of the first detection unit 21, as shown in Fig. 4, in order to switch the operating state of the first load L1. Fig. 5 is a graph showing the change over time in the first signal strength of the first signal S1 and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 when the first operation is performed.

[0068] When the hand 300 is moved from top to bottom along the wall W1 and held in front of the first detection unit 21, the first signal intensity of the first signal S1 first rises, and the first signal intensity exceeds the threshold value Th1 at the first time point t1. When the hand 300 is held in front of the first detection unit 21, part of the hand 300 enters the detection area SA2 of the second detection unit 22, so that the second signal intensity of the second signal S2 rises following the first signal S1, and the second signal intensity exceeds the threshold value Th1 at the second time point t2.

[0069] Here, when the second signal strength exceeds the threshold Th1 in a state where the first signal strength exceeds the threshold Th1, if the first elapsed time TA1 from the first time point t1 to the second time point t2 is equal to or longer than a predetermined judgment time, the judgment unit 11 judges that the first detection unit 21 detects the detection object H1 and the second detection unit 22 does not detect the detection object H1. This reduces the possibility that the judgment unit 11 erroneously judges that the second detection unit 22 has detected the detection object H1 when the hand 300 is held in front of the first detection unit 21, even if the second signal strength of the second signal S2 exceeds the threshold Th1.

[0070] In addition, when the first elapsed time TA1 is less than the predetermined judgment time, the judgment unit 11 judges that both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 have detected the detection target H1. When the user holds the hand 300 in front of both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 to operate both the first load L1 and the second load L2, it is assumed that the first signal strength of the first signal S1 and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 rise at approximately the same timing and exceed the threshold value Th1. Therefore, when the first elapsed time TA1 is less than the predetermined judgment time, the judgment unit 11 judges that both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 have detected the detection target H1.

[0071] In addition, when the user moves hand 300 along wall W1 and holds hand 300 in front of second detection unit 22 in order to switch the operating state of second load L2, even if first signal S1 changes as shown by the solid line in Figure 5 and second signal S2 changes as shown by the dotted line in Figure 5, judgment unit 11 can determine that second detection unit 22 has detected detection object H1 by performing the judgment process of variant example 1.

[0072] (3.2) Variation 2 A proximity sensor 1 according to Modification 2 and a wiring device 2 including the same will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

[0073] The proximity sensor 1 and the wiring fixture 2 according to the modification 2 differ from the basic configuration and the modification 1 in the determination process by the determination unit 11. In the modification 2, the determination unit 11 performs the determination process in consideration of the time change in the first signal strength of the first signal S1 and the time change in the second signal strength of the second signal S2. Note that the proximity sensor 1 and the wiring fixture 2 have the same configuration as the basic configuration described above, and therefore the same reference numerals are used for the common components and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] In variant example 2, if the first signal strength falls below threshold Th1 before a first time has elapsed since the rising point at which the first signal strength exceeded threshold Th1 (hereinafter also referred to as the first rising point), and then the second signal strength exceeds threshold Th1 before a second time has elapsed since the rising point at which the first signal strength exceeded threshold Th1 (the first rising point), the judgment unit 11 judges that the second detection unit 22 has detected the detection object H1.

[0075] In addition, if the second signal strength falls below the threshold value before the first time has elapsed from the rising point (hereinafter also referred to as the second rising point) at which the second signal strength exceeds the threshold value Th1, and then the first signal strength exceeds the threshold value (primary threshold value Th11) before the second time has elapsed from the rising point (second rising point) at which the second signal strength exceeds the threshold value, the judgment unit 11 judges that the first detection unit 21 has detected the detection object H1.

[0076] Here, the operations of the proximity sensor 1 and the wiring device 2 will be described taking as an example a case where the user performs a second operation of moving the hand 300 from bottom to top along the wall W1 and holding the hand 300 in front of the first detection unit 21 as shown in Fig. 6 in order to switch the operating state of the first load L1. Fig. 7 is a graph showing changes over time in the first signal strength of the first signal S1 and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 when the second operation is performed.

[0077] The determination unit 11 periodically acquires, at a predetermined sampling interval, the first signal S1 of the first light receiving unit 212 and the second signal S2 of the second light receiving unit 222. The determination unit 11 compares the first signal strength of the first signal S1 and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 with a threshold value Th1.

[0078] When the hand 300 is moved from bottom to top along the wall W1 and held in front of the first detection unit 21, the proximate part of the hand 300 closest to the proximity sensor 1 (e.g., a fingertip) passes through the detection area SA2 of the second detection unit 22 and moves to the detection area SA1 of the first detection unit 21. Therefore, the second signal intensity of the second signal S2 output by the second detection unit 22 exceeds the threshold value Th1 when the proximate part of the hand 300 passes through the detection area SA2, but falls below the threshold value Th1 in a short time because the proximate part of the hand 300 moves out of the detection area SA2 and into the detection area SA1 of the first detection unit 21.

[0079] Here, if the elapsed time TB1 from the first rising time (time t11) when the second signal strength exceeds the threshold Th1 to the time t12 when the second signal strength falls below the threshold Th1 is shorter than a predetermined first time, the determination unit 11 does not determine that the second detection unit 22 is in a detection state in which the detection object H1 is detected. In other words, if the state in which the first signal strength or the second signal strength exceeds the threshold Th1 continues for the first time, the determination unit 11 determines that the first detection unit 21 or the second detection unit 22 is in a detection state in which the detection object H1 is detected. In this way, if the state in which the first signal strength or the second signal strength exceeds the threshold Th1 does not continue for the first time, the determination unit 11 does not determine that the first detection unit 21 or the second detection unit 22 has detected the detection object H1, so that erroneous detection by the first detection unit 21 or the second detection unit 22 can be reduced.

[0080] When the first signal strength of the first signal S1 exceeds the threshold value Th1 due to the movement of the proximate part of the user's hand 300 into the detection area SA1, if the elapsed time TB2 from the first rising time (time t11) to the second rising time t13 at which the first signal strength exceeds the threshold value Th1 is less than a predetermined second time, the determination unit 11 determines that the first detection unit 21 has detected the hand 300, which is the detection target H1. That is, if the first signal strength exceeds the threshold value Th1 during the period from the first rising time t11 until the second time has elapsed, the determination unit 11 determines that the first detection unit 21 has detected the detection target H1. That is, the determination unit 11 determines that the first detection unit 21 has detected the detection target H1 because the detection target H1 was present in the detection area SA2 of the second detection unit 22 for a short time and then moved to the detection area SA1 of the first detection unit 21. This has the advantage of being able to detect the detection target H1 in a short time while suppressing erroneous detection of the detection target H1.

[0081] In this way, when the determination unit 11 determines that only the first detection unit 21 has detected the detection object H1, the control unit 12 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the first switch SW1 to an off state if the first switch SW1 is in an on state, and outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the first switch SW1 to an on state if the first switch SW1 is in an off state. The drive circuit 30 switches the state of the first switch SW1 based on the control signal output from the control unit 12, and can switch the first load L1 from a lighted state to an off state, or from an off state to a lighted state.

[0082] In addition, when the user moves hand 300 from top to bottom along wall W1 and holds hand 300 in front of second detection unit 22 in order to switch the operating state of second load L2, even if the first signal S1 changes as shown by the dotted line in Figure 7 and the second signal S2 changes as shown by the solid line in Figure 7, the judgment unit 11 can reliably detect the detection object H1 by performing the judgment process of variant example 2.

[0083] (3.3) Variation 3 A proximity sensor 1 according to a third modification and a wiring device 2 including the same will be described with reference to FIG.

[0084] The proximity sensor 1 and the wiring fixture 2 according to the modification 3 differ from the basic configuration and the modifications 1 and 2 in the determination process by the determination unit 11. Note that the proximity sensor 1 and the wiring fixture 2 have the same configuration as the basic configuration described above, and therefore the same reference numerals are used for the common components, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] In the third modification, the determination unit 11 sets, as thresholds, a primary threshold Th11 and a secondary threshold Th12 that is greater than the primary threshold Th11. The primary threshold Th11 is a threshold that the determination unit 11 uses to compare with each of the first signal strength and the second signal strength in a non-detection state in which neither the first detection unit 21 nor the second detection unit 22 is detecting the detection object H1. The secondary threshold Th12 is a threshold that the determination unit 11 uses to compare with the other of the first signal strength and the second signal strength when one of the first signal strength and the second signal strength exceeds the primary threshold Th11.

[0086] When both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 do not detect the detection object H1, the determination unit 11 compares each of the first signal strength and the second signal strength with the primary threshold value Th11. When the first signal strength exceeds the primary threshold value Th11 while the second signal strength is equal to or less than the primary threshold value Th11, the determination unit 11 compares the second signal strength with the secondary threshold value Th12 in a subsequent period (first determination period). The subsequent period (first determination period) referred to here is a period after the first signal strength exceeds the primary threshold value Th11. When the first signal strength exceeds the primary threshold value Th11 and the second signal strength is equal to or less than the secondary threshold value Th12, the determination unit 11 determines that the first detection unit 21 has detected the detection object H1. Note that when the second signal strength is equal to or less than the secondary threshold value Th12, the determination unit 11 determines that the second detection unit 22 does not detect the detection object H1. In addition, when the first signal strength exceeds the primary threshold Th11 and the second signal strength exceeds the secondary threshold Th12, the judgment unit 11 judges that both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 have detected the detection object.

[0087] Furthermore, when the second signal strength exceeds the primary threshold Th11 while the first signal strength is equal to or less than the primary threshold Th11, the determination unit 11 compares the first signal strength with the secondary threshold Th12 in a subsequent period (second determination period). The subsequent period (second determination period) referred to here is a period after the second signal strength exceeds the primary threshold Th11. When the first signal strength is equal to or less than the secondary threshold Th12 while the second signal strength exceeds the primary threshold Th11, the determination unit 11 determines that the second detection unit 22 has detected the detection object. Note that, when the first signal strength is equal to or less than the secondary threshold Th12, the determination unit 11 determines that the first detection unit 21 has not detected the detection object H1. Furthermore, when the second signal strength exceeds the primary threshold Th11, the determination unit 11 determines that both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 have detected the detection object when the first signal strength exceeds the secondary threshold Th12.

[0088] Here, the operation of the proximity sensor 1 and the wiring device 2 will be described by taking as an example a case where a user performs a third operation of moving the hand 300 from top to bottom along the wall W1 and holding the hand 300 in front of the first detection unit 21 in order to switch the operating state of the first load L1. FIG. 8 is a graph showing a change over time in the first signal strength of the first signal S1 and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 when the third operation is performed. In addition, in FIG. 8, the waveform of the second signal S2 shown by the solid line S2A is a waveform when a nearby part of the hand 300 is held in front of the first detection unit 21 with the intention of being detected only by the first detection unit 21. In addition, in FIG. 8, the waveform of the second signal S2 shown by the dotted line S2B is a waveform when the shortest position of the hand 300 is held in front of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 with the intention of being detected by both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22.

[0089] First, the operation when the second signal S2 changes as shown by the solid line S2A will be described.

[0090] The determination unit 11 periodically acquires the first signal S1 from the first light receiving unit 212 and the second signal S2 from the second light receiving unit 222 at a predetermined sampling interval. When the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 do not detect the detection object H1, the determination unit 11 compares the first signal strength of the first signal S1 and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 with a primary threshold value Th11, respectively.

[0091] In response to the third operation, the first signal strength of the first signal S1 increases, and when the first signal strength of the first signal S1 exceeds the primary threshold value Th11 at time t21, the determination unit 11 compares the second signal strength of the second signal S2 with the secondary threshold value Th12. The secondary threshold value Th12 is set to a value that is greater than the primary threshold value Th11 and smaller than the minimum value of the second signal strength when the proximate part of the hand 300 is present in the detection area SA2 of the second detection unit 22. Therefore, when the proximate part of the hand 300 is present in the detection area SA1 of the first detection unit 21 and the proximate part of the hand 300 is not present in the detection area SA2 of the second detection unit 22, the second signal strength of the second signal S2 does not exceed the secondary threshold value Th12. Therefore, since the second signal strength of the second signal S2 output from the second detection unit 22 is lower than the secondary threshold value Th12, the judgment unit 11 judges that the second detection unit 22 has not detected the detection object H1, and that only the first detection unit 21 has detected the detection object H1.

[0092] In this way, when the determination unit 11 determines that only the first detection unit 21 has detected the detection object H1, the control unit 12 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the first switch SW1 to an off state if the first switch SW1 is in an on state, and outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the first switch SW1 to an on state if the first switch SW1 is in an off state. The drive circuit 30 switches the state of the first switch SW1 based on the control signal output from the control unit 12, and can switch the first load L1 from a lighted state to an off state, or from an off state to a lighted state.

[0093] Next, the operation when the second signal S2 changes as indicated by the dotted line S2B will be described.

[0094] As described above, when the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 are not detecting the detection object H1, the judgment unit 11 compares the first signal strength of the first signal S1 and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 with the primary threshold value Th11, respectively.

[0095] In response to the third operation, the first signal strength of the first signal S1 increases, and when the first signal strength of the first signal S1 exceeds the primary threshold value Th11 at time t21, the determination unit 11 compares the second signal strength of the second signal S2 with the secondary threshold value Th12. Here, when the shortest position of the hand 300 is held in front of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 with the intention of being detected by both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22, the second signal S2 changes as shown by the dotted line S2B in FIG. 8, and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 also exceeds the secondary threshold value Th12. Therefore, since the second signal strength of the second signal S2 exceeds the secondary threshold value Th12, the determination unit 11 determines that the second detection unit 22 has detected the detection object H1, that is, that both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 have detected the detection object H1.

[0096] At this time, the control unit 12 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the first switch SW1 to an off state if the first switch SW1 is in an on state, and outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the first switch SW1 to an on state if the first switch SW1 is in an off state. In addition, the control unit 12 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the second switch SW2 to an off state if the second switch SW2 is in an on state, and outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 for controlling the second switch SW2 to an on state if the second switch SW2 is in an off state. The drive circuit 30 switches the states of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 based on the control signal output from the control unit 12, and can switch the first load L1 from a lighted state to an off state or from an off state to a lighted state, and can switch the second load L2 from a lighted state to an off state or from an off state to a lighted state.

[0097] In addition, even if the second signal S2 changes as shown by the solid line in FIG. 8 and the first signal S1 changes as shown by the dotted line S2B or the dashed dotted line S2A in FIG. 8 in response to user operation, the judgment unit 11 can reliably detect the detection object H1 by performing the judgment process of variant example 3.

[0098] (3.4) Other Modifications In the above embodiment, the proximity sensor 1 is provided in the wiring fixture 2, but it is not essential that the proximity sensor 1 is provided in the wiring fixture 2. The proximity sensor 1 may be configured as a sensor device including a first detection unit 21, a second detection unit 22, a determination unit 11, and a sensor body 200. The proximity sensor 1 outputs the determination result of the determination unit 11. The proximity sensor 1 outputs the determination result of the determination unit 11 as voice or text, for example. The proximity sensor 1 may output the determination result of the determination unit 11 to an external device, and the external device may perform processing according to the determination result of the determination unit 11.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the determination unit 11 may perform the determination process by comparing the difference between the first signal strength and the second signal strength with a threshold. Here, the determination unit 11 sets a difference threshold (hereinafter also referred to as a first difference threshold) as the threshold. The determination unit 11 further sets a second difference threshold smaller than the first difference threshold and a signal strength threshold larger than the second difference threshold as thresholds. Note that the first difference threshold and the second difference threshold are thresholds set for the difference between the first signal strength and the second signal strength. Also, the signal strength threshold is a threshold set for the values ​​(strength values) of the first signal strength and the second signal strength.

[0100] For example, when only the first detection unit 21 detects the detection object H1, it is assumed that the second signal strength of the second signal S2 is approximately the same as when the object is not detected, and only the first signal strength of the first signal S1 is greater than when the object is not detected. Therefore, when the difference (hereinafter also referred to as the first difference) obtained by subtracting the second signal strength from the first signal strength is greater than the difference threshold (first difference threshold), the determination unit 11 determines that the first detection unit 21 has detected the object.

[0101] Furthermore, when only the second detection unit 22 detects the detection object H1, it is assumed that the first signal strength of the first signal S1 is approximately the same as when the detection object H1 is not detected, and only the second signal strength of the second signal S2 is greater than when the detection object H1 is not detected. Therefore, the determination unit 11 determines that the second detection unit 22 has detected the detection object when the difference (hereinafter also referred to as the second difference) obtained by subtracting the first signal strength from the second signal strength is greater than the difference threshold (first difference threshold).

[0102] Furthermore, when both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 detect the detection object H1, it is assumed that both the first signal strength of the first signal S1 and the second signal strength of the second signal S2 become larger than when not detected, and the first signal strength and the second signal strength become approximately equal. Therefore, when the absolute value of the difference between the first signal strength and the second signal strength is smaller than the second difference threshold and each of the first signal strength and the second signal strength is larger than the signal strength threshold, the determination unit 11 determines that both the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 have detected the detection object.

[0103] In this way, the judgment unit 11 can more accurately determine whether or not each of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 is detecting the detection object H1 by comparing the difference between the first signal strength and the second signal strength with a threshold value.

[0104] In the basic configuration and the first and second modifications 1 and 2, the first region R1 and the second region R2 are aligned in the vertical direction on the operation surface 201 of the sensor main body 200, but the first region R1 and the second region R2 may be aligned in the horizontal direction. That is, it is sufficient that the first region R1 and the second region R2 are aligned in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. Even when the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 are aligned in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, the determination unit 11 can more accurately determine whether or not each of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 detects the detection object H1, and can suppress the occurrence of a malfunction.

[0105] In addition, in the basic configuration and variants 1 and 2, the loads (first load L1 and second load L2) connected to the wiring device 2 are lighting loads, but the loads may be ventilation fans, air conditioners, motorized curtains, etc., and can be changed as appropriate.

[0106] In the basic configuration and modified examples 1 and 2, the control unit 12 controls the states of the first load L1 and the second load L2 in the detection states of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22, respectively, but the loads controlled in accordance with the detection states of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 may be the same load. For example, the control unit 12 may execute a first control (e.g., dimming control) on the load when the first detection unit 21 detects the detection object H1, and execute a second control (e.g., color adjustment control) on the load when the second detection unit 22 detects the detection object H1.

[0107] In addition, in the basic configuration and variants 1 and 2, the threshold for the first signal strength and the threshold for the second signal strength are the same value, but the threshold for the first signal strength and the threshold for the second signal strength may be set to different values.

[0108] In the basic configuration and variants 1 and 2, when comparing two values ​​such as received signal strength, "greater" may be "greater than or equal to." In other words, whether or not a comparison of two values ​​includes cases where the two values ​​are equal can be changed arbitrarily depending on the threshold setting, so there is no technical difference between "greater than" and "greater than or equal to." Similarly, when comparing "smaller," it may be "less than or equal to," and when comparing "less than," it may be "less than or equal to."

[0109] (summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0110] The proximity sensor (1) of the first aspect includes a sensor body (200), a first detection unit (21), a second detection unit (22), and a determination unit (11). The first detection unit (21) has a first light-emitting unit (211) that emits light, and a first light-receiving unit (212) that outputs a first signal (S1) whose magnitude corresponds to the amount of incident light. The first detection unit (21) is disposed in a first region (R1) on one surface of the sensor body (200). The second detection unit (22) has a second light-emitting unit (221) that emits light, and a second light-receiving unit (222) that outputs a second signal (S2) whose magnitude corresponds to the amount of incident light. The second detection unit (22) is disposed in a second region (R2) different from the first region (R1) on the surface of the sensor body (200). The determination unit (11) determines whether or not a detection object has been detected by each of the first detection unit (21) and the second detection unit (22), based on a comparison result between the first signal intensity of the first signal (S1) and the second signal intensity of the second signal (S2) and a threshold value.

[0111] According to this aspect, the determination unit (11) determines whether or not the first detection unit (21) and the second detection unit (22) have detected the detection object H1, based on a comparison result between the first signal intensity of the first signal (S1) and the second signal intensity of the second signal (S2) and a threshold value. The first detection unit (21) and the second detection unit (22) are disposed on the same surface of the sensor body (200), and no shielding unit is provided to block unwanted light from entering the first light receiving unit (212) and the second light receiving unit (222) in order to prevent false detection, so that it is possible to prevent malfunctions caused by variations in the shape and dimensions of the shielding unit.

[0112] In the proximity sensor (1) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the determination unit (11) determines that the first detection unit (21) has detected the detection object when the first signal strength is greater than a threshold value and the second signal strength is less than the threshold value.

[0113] According to this aspect, the determination unit (11) can determine whether or not the first detection unit (21) is detecting a detection target, based on a result of comparing the first signal intensity and the second signal intensity with the threshold value.

[0114] In the third aspect of the proximity sensor (1), in the second aspect, the determination unit (11) determines that the second detection unit (22) has detected the detection object when the first signal strength is smaller than the threshold value and the second signal strength is greater than the threshold value.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the determination unit (11) can determine whether or not the second detection unit (22) is detecting a detection target, based on a result of comparing the first signal intensity and the second signal intensity with the threshold value.

[0116] In the proximity sensor (1) of the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the determination unit (11) sets a difference threshold as a threshold value. When the difference obtained by subtracting the second signal strength from the first signal strength is larger than the difference threshold value, the determination unit (11) determines that the first detection unit (21) has detected the detection object.

[0117] According to this aspect, the determination unit (11) can determine whether or not a detection target is detected, based on a comparison result between the difference between the first signal intensity and the second signal intensity and the difference threshold.

[0118] In the proximity sensor (1) of the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the determination unit (11) determines that the second detection unit (22) has detected the detection object if the difference obtained by subtracting the first signal strength from the second signal strength is greater than the difference threshold.

[0119] According to this aspect, the determination unit (11) can determine whether or not a detection target is detected, based on a comparison result between the difference between the first signal intensity and the second signal intensity and the difference threshold.

[0120] In the proximity sensor (1) of the sixth aspect, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the difference threshold is a first difference threshold. The determination unit (11) further sets, as thresholds, a second difference threshold smaller than the first difference threshold and a signal strength threshold larger than the second difference threshold. The determination unit (11) determines that both the first detection unit (21) and the second detection unit (22) have detected the detection target when the absolute value of the difference between the first signal strength and the second signal strength is smaller than the second difference threshold and each of the first signal strength and the second signal strength is larger than the signal strength threshold.

[0121] According to this aspect, the determination unit (11) can determine whether or not both the first detection unit (21) and the second detection unit (22) are detecting the detection object, based on the absolute value of the difference between the first signal strength and the second signal strength and the respective values ​​of the first signal strength and the second signal strength.

[0122] The proximity sensor (1) of the seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) are arranged in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0123] According to this aspect, even when the first detector (21) and the second detector (22) are arranged vertically or horizontally, it is possible to prevent malfunctions from occurring.

[0124] In the proximity sensor (1) of the eighth aspect, in any of the first to seventh aspects, when the second signal strength exceeds a threshold value while the first signal strength exceeds a threshold value, if the elapsed time from the first point in time at which the first signal strength exceeds the threshold value to the second point in time at which the second signal strength exceeds the threshold value is equal to or longer than a predetermined judgment time, the judgment unit (11) judges that the first detection unit (21) detects the detection object and the second detection unit (22) does not detect the detection object.

[0125] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions.

[0126] In the proximity sensor (1) of the ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the determination unit (11) determines that both the first detection unit (21) and the second detection unit (22) have detected the detection object when the first signal strength exceeds a threshold value and the second signal strength exceeds a threshold value and the elapsed time from the first point in time to the second point in time is less than a determination time.

[0127] According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not each of the first detector (21) and the second detector (22) detects a detection target.

[0128] In the proximity sensor (1) of the tenth aspect, in the eighth aspect, when the first signal strength exceeds a threshold value while the second signal strength exceeds a threshold value, if the elapsed time from a third point in time at which the second signal strength exceeded the threshold value to a fourth point in time at which the first signal strength exceeded the threshold value is equal to or longer than a judgment time, the judgment unit (11) judges that the second detection unit (22) detects the detection object and that the first detection unit (21) does not detect the detection object.

[0129] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions.

[0130] In the proximity sensor (1) of the eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, when the first signal strength exceeds a threshold value while the second signal strength exceeds a threshold value, the determination unit (11) determines that both the first detection unit (21) and the second detection unit (22) have detected the detection object if the elapsed time from the third point in time to the fourth point in time is less than a determination time.

[0131] According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not each of the first detector (21) and the second detector (22) detects a detection target.

[0132] In the proximity sensor (1) of the 12th aspect, in any of the 1st to 11th aspects, the determination unit (11) determines that the second detection unit (22) has detected the detection object when the first signal strength falls below the threshold value before a first time has elapsed since the point at which the first signal strength rises above the threshold value, and then the second signal strength exceeds the threshold value before a second time has elapsed since the point at which the first signal strength rises above the threshold value.

[0133] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions.

[0134] In the proximity sensor (1) of the 13th aspect, in the 12th aspect, the determination unit (11) determines that the first detection unit (21) has detected the detection object if the second signal strength falls below the threshold value before the first time has elapsed from the point at which the second signal strength rises above the threshold value, and then the first signal strength exceeds the threshold value before the second time has elapsed from the point at which the second signal strength rises above the threshold value.

[0135] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions.

[0136] The proximity sensor (1) of a fourteenth aspect is any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, in which the determination unit (11) sets a primary threshold and a secondary threshold greater than the primary threshold as threshold values. When both the first detection unit (21) and the second detection unit (22) are not detecting the detection target, the determination unit (11) compares each of the first signal strength and the second signal strength with the primary threshold. When the first signal strength exceeds the first threshold while the second signal strength is equal to or less than the primary threshold, the determination unit (11) compares the second signal strength with the secondary threshold for a subsequent period, and when the first signal strength exceeds the primary threshold and the second signal strength is equal to or less than the secondary threshold, determines that the first detection unit (21) has detected the detection target.

[0137] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions.

[0138] In the proximity sensor (1) of the 15th aspect, in the 14th aspect, the determination unit (11) determines that both the first detection unit (21) and the second detection unit (22) have detected the detection object when the second signal strength exceeds a secondary threshold while the first signal strength exceeds a primary threshold.

[0139] According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not each of the first detector (21) and the second detector (22) detects a detection target.

[0140] In the proximity sensor (1) of the 16th aspect, in the 14th or 15th aspect, when the second signal strength exceeds the first threshold while the first signal strength is equal to or less than the first threshold, the determination unit (11) compares the first signal strength with the secondary threshold for a subsequent period of time, and if the first signal strength is equal to or less than the secondary threshold while the second signal strength exceeds the primary threshold, determines that the second detection unit (22) has detected the detection object.

[0141] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions.

[0142] In the proximity sensor (1) of the 17th aspect, in the 16th aspect, the determination unit (11) determines that both the first detection unit (21) and the second detection unit (22) have detected the detection object when the first signal strength exceeds the secondary threshold while the second signal strength exceeds the primary threshold.

[0143] According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not each of the first detector (21) and the second detector (22) detects a detection target.

[0144] The detection method of the eighteenth aspect includes a first acquisition step, a second acquisition step, and a determination step. In the first acquisition step, a first signal (S1) is acquired from a first detection unit (21). The first detection unit (21) has a first light-emitting unit (211) that emits light and a first light-receiving unit (212) that outputs a first signal (S1) whose magnitude corresponds to the amount of incident light. The first detection unit (21) is disposed in a first region (R1) on one surface of the sensor body (200). In the second acquisition step, a second signal (S2) is acquired from a second detection unit (22). The second detection unit (22) has a second light-emitting unit (221) that emits light and a second light-receiving unit (222) that outputs a second signal (S2) whose magnitude corresponds to the amount of incident light. The second detection portion (22) is disposed in a second region (R2) different from the first region (R1) on the surface of the sensor body (200). In the determination step, based on a comparison result between a first signal intensity of the first signal (S1) and a second signal intensity of the second signal (S2) and a threshold value, it is determined whether or not the first detection portion (21) and the second detection portion (22) have detected a detection target.

[0145] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunction.

[0146] A wiring device (2) of a 19th aspect includes the proximity sensor (1) of any of the 1st to 17th aspects and a control unit (12). The control unit (12) controls the loads (L1, L2) in response to the detection states of the first detection unit (21) and the second detection unit (22) determined by the determination unit (11).

[0147] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunction.

[0148] In the wiring device (2) of the twentieth aspect, in the nineteenth aspect, the loads (L1, L2) include a first load (L1) and a second load (L2). The control unit (12) controls the first load (L1) in accordance with the detection state of the first detection unit (21) determined by the determination unit (11), and controls the second load (L2) in accordance with the detection state of the second detection unit (22) determined by the determination unit (11).

[0149] According to this embodiment, the first load (L1) and the second load (L2) can be controlled individually based on the determination result of the determination section (11).

[0150] A control system (100) of a twenty-first aspect includes the wiring device (2) of the nineteenth or twentieth aspect, and a load (L1, L2) whose operation is controlled by the wiring device (2).

[0151] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunction.

[0152] The control system (100) of the twenty-second embodiment is the twenty-first embodiment, in which the loads (L1, L2) are lighting loads.

[0153] According to this embodiment, the operation of the lighting load can be controlled based on the determination result of the determining unit (11).

[0154] Without being limited to the above-mentioned aspects, various configurations (including modified examples) of the proximity sensor (1) according to the embodiment can be embodied as a detection method in which the proximity sensor (1) detects an object to be detected, a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium having a program recorded thereon, etc.

[0155] The configurations according to the second to eighteenth aspects are not essential for the proximity sensor (1) and may be omitted as appropriate. The configuration according to the twelfth aspect is not essential for the wiring device (2) and may be omitted as appropriate. The configuration according to the twentieth aspect is not essential for the wiring device (2) and may be omitted as appropriate. The configuration according to the twenty-second aspect is not essential for the control system (100) and may be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1. Proximity Sensor 2 Wiring devices 11 Judgment section 12 Control section 21 First detection section 22 Second detection section 100 Control System 200 Sensor body 211 First light emitting part 212 1st light receiving section 221 Second light emitting part 222 2nd light receiving section L1 load (1st load) L2 load (second load) R1 1st area R2 2nd area S1 1st signal S2 2nd signal

Claims

1. A sensor body; a first detection unit having a first light emitting unit that emits light and a first light receiving unit that outputs a first signal having a magnitude corresponding to the amount of incident light, the first detection unit being disposed in a first region on one surface of the sensor body; a second detection unit that includes a second light emitting unit that emits light and a second light receiving unit that outputs a second signal having a magnitude corresponding to the amount of incident light, the second detection unit being disposed in a second region different from the first region on the surface of the sensor body; a determination unit that determines whether or not a detection object has been detected by each of the first detection unit and the second detection unit based on a comparison result between a first signal strength of the first signal and a second signal strength of the second signal and a threshold value. Proximity sensor.

2. the determination unit determines that the first detection unit has detected the detection object when the first signal strength is greater than the threshold and the second signal strength is less than the threshold. The proximity sensor of claim 1 .

3. the determination unit determines that the second detection unit has detected the detection target when the first signal strength is smaller than the threshold and the second signal strength is greater than the threshold. The proximity sensor of claim 2 .

4. The determination unit sets a difference threshold as the threshold, the determination unit determines that the first detection unit has detected the detection object when a difference obtained by subtracting the second signal strength from the first signal strength is greater than the difference threshold value. The proximity sensor of claim 1 .

5. the determination unit determines that the second detection unit has detected the detection object when a difference obtained by subtracting the first signal strength from the second signal strength is greater than the difference threshold value. The proximity sensor according to claim 4 .

6. the difference threshold is a first difference threshold, the determination unit further sets, as the thresholds, a second difference threshold smaller than the first difference threshold and a signal intensity threshold larger than the second difference threshold; the determination unit determines that both the first detection unit and the second detection unit have detected the detection object when an absolute value of a difference between the first signal strength and the second signal strength is smaller than the second difference threshold and each of the first signal strength and the second signal strength is greater than the signal strength threshold. The proximity sensor according to claim 4 .

7. The first region and the second region are arranged side by side in the vertical or horizontal direction. The proximity sensor of claim 1 .

8. The determination unit is when the second signal strength exceeds the threshold in a state in which the first signal strength exceeds the threshold, if an elapsed time from a first point in time at which the first signal strength exceeds the threshold to a second point in time at which the second signal strength exceeds the threshold is equal to or longer than a predetermined determination time, the first detection unit detects the detection object, and the second detection unit determines that the detection object is not detected. The proximity sensor of claim 1 .

9. The determination unit is when the second signal strength exceeds the threshold in a state in which the first signal strength exceeds the threshold, if the elapsed time from the first point in time to the second point in time is less than the determination time, it is determined that both the first detection unit and the second detection unit have detected the detection object. The proximity sensor of claim 8.

10. The determination unit is when the first signal strength exceeds the threshold in a state in which the second signal strength exceeds the threshold, if an elapsed time from a third point in time at which the second signal strength exceeds the threshold to a fourth point in time at which the first signal strength exceeds the threshold is equal to or longer than the determination time, the second detection unit detects the detection object and determines that the first detection unit does not detect the detection object. The proximity sensor of claim 8.

11. The determination unit is when the first signal strength exceeds the threshold in a state in which the second signal strength exceeds the threshold, if the elapsed time from the third time point to the fourth time point is less than the determination time, it is determined that both the first detection unit and the second detection unit have detected the detection object. The proximity sensor of claim 10.

12. The determination unit is when the first signal strength falls below the threshold within a first time period from a rising point at which the first signal strength exceeds the threshold, and the second signal strength exceeds the threshold within a second time period from a rising point at which the first signal strength exceeds the threshold, it is determined that the second detection unit has detected the detection object. The proximity sensor of claim 1 .

13. The determination unit is when the second signal strength falls below the threshold value during the first time period from the rising point at which the second signal strength exceeds the threshold value, and the first signal strength exceeds the threshold value during the second time period from the rising point at which the second signal strength exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that the first detection unit has detected the detection object. The proximity sensor of claim 12.

14. The determination unit sets, as the thresholds, a primary threshold and a secondary threshold that is greater than the primary threshold, The determination unit is When both the first detection unit and the second detection unit are not detecting the detection target, the first signal strength and the second signal strength are compared with the primary threshold value, when the first signal strength exceeds the primary threshold while the second signal strength is equal to or less than the primary threshold, the second signal strength is compared with the secondary threshold for a subsequent period of time, and when the first signal strength exceeds the primary threshold and the second signal strength is equal to or less than the secondary threshold, it is determined that the first detection unit has detected the detection object. The proximity sensor of claim 1 .

15. The determination unit is when the second signal strength exceeds the secondary threshold in a state in which the first signal strength exceeds the primary threshold, it is determined that both the first detection unit and the second detection unit have detected the detection object. The proximity sensor of claim 14.

16. The determination unit is when the second signal strength exceeds the first threshold while the first signal strength is equal to or less than the first threshold, the first signal strength is compared with the second threshold for a subsequent period of time, and when the second signal strength exceeds the first threshold and the first signal strength is equal to or less than the second threshold, it is determined that the second detection unit has detected the detection object. The proximity sensor of claim 14.

17. The determination unit is when the first signal strength exceeds the secondary threshold in a state in which the second signal strength exceeds the primary threshold, it is determined that both the first detection unit and the second detection unit have detected the detection object. The proximity sensor of claim 16.

18. a first acquisition step of acquiring the first signal from a first detection unit disposed in a first region on one surface of the sensor body, the first detection unit having a first light-emitting unit that emits light and a first light-receiving unit that outputs a first signal having a magnitude corresponding to the amount of incident light; a second acquisition step of acquiring the second signal from a second detection unit that has a second light-emitting unit that emits light and a second light-receiving unit that outputs a second signal having a magnitude corresponding to the amount of incident light, the second detection unit being disposed in a second region different from the first region on the surface of the sensor body; and determining whether or not a detection object has been detected by each of the first detection unit and the second detection unit based on a comparison result between a first signal strength of the first signal and a second signal strength of the second signal and a threshold value. Detection methods.

19. The proximity sensor according to claim 1 ; A control unit that controls a load in accordance with the detection states of the first detection unit and the second detection unit determined by the determination unit. Wiring equipment.

20. The load includes a first load and a second load, The control unit controls the first load in response to the detection state of the first detection unit determined by the determination unit, and controls the second load in response to the detection state of the second detection unit determined by the determination unit. The wiring device according to claim 19.

21. The wiring device according to claim 19 , The load whose operation is controlled by the wiring device. Control system.

22. The load is a lighting load.

22. The control system of claim 21.

Images