Temperature sensor system and program

Abstract

To identify an appearance shape of a high-temperature object flowing on a conveyer.SOLUTION: A temperature sensor system is configured to detect a fire on a conveyer. The temperature sensor system comprises: a first temperature sensor that monitors a surface of the conveyer and detects an object having a temperature equal to or higher than a first preset temperature; a visible light camera that monitors the surface of the conveyer and is installed downstream of the first temperature sensor; and a control device that records an image of the object captured by the visible light camera when the first temperature sensor detects an object having a temperature equal to or higher than the first preset temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature sensor system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an apparatus for detecting a fire on a conveyor has been known. For example, in the detection apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a temperature detection optical fiber is laid on the conveyor, and the temperature distribution on the optical fiber is measured by a temperature measuring instrument. Also, temperature sensors for fixed-point measurement are installed on the conveyor, and their sensed temperatures are measured by a temperature measuring instrument. Then, a fire determination device determines whether the conveyor is stopped or not. When it is stopped, the presence or absence of a fire and the location of the fire source are determined from the measurement results of the temperature measuring instrument. On the other hand, when the conveyor is in operation, the presence or absence of a fire is determined from the measurement results of the temperature measuring instrument. When a fire occurs, the conveyor is stopped, and the location of the fire source is specified from the measurement results of the temperature measuring instrument.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described detection apparatus, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of a fire and specify the location of the fire source. However, it is not possible to specify the appearance shape of the object that has become hot. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to specify the appearance shape of a high-temperature object flowing on a conveyor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, a temperature sensor system according to the present invention is a temperature sensor system for detecting a fire on a conveyor, including a first temperature sensor for monitoring the conveyor and detecting an object at or above a first set temperature, a visible light camera for monitoring the conveyor and installed downstream of the first temperature sensor, and a control device for recording an image of the object captured by the visible light camera when the first temperature sensor detects an object at or above the first set temperature.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the external shape of a high-temperature object flowing on a conveyor can be specified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] 1. Example Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] 1-1. Overview First, the overview of this embodiment will be described. In recent years, fires have frequently occurred on conveyors in recycling facilities, and the cause is considered to be the ignition and heat generation of waste that has been mistakenly collected. For example, there are the following cases of ignition and heat generation. · Sparks and heat generation due to short-circuiting of lithium-ion batteries · Ignition of spray cans and lighters · Heat generation of metals (nails and iron pieces) (heat is generated when pressure is applied during crushing)

[0010] As a device for detecting such ignition and heat generation, the detection device described in Patent Document 1 above can be considered. However, with the above detection device, it is not possible to identify the appearance shape of what object is at a high temperature. In addition, the above detection device does not have a function of detecting an object that has slightly generated heat before reaching a high temperature and issuing a pre-alarm.

[0011] Here, the merits of identifying the appearance shape of a high-temperature object will be explained. When a high-temperature object is detected, it is necessary for a person to remove the high-temperature object. In a recycling facility, the objects flowing on the conveyor will eventually be piled up in a storage yard (temporary storage place). It is not easy to search for a high-temperature object from among them. In that regard, if the appearance shape of the high-temperature object can be identified, the search work will become easier.

[0012] Also, in a recycling facility, before flowing the objects on the conveyor, the recycling facility operator performs the work of removing dangerous goods (batteries, spray cans). In order to perform this work efficiently, there is a need to know in advance what objects are likely to generate heat and catch fire. In that regard, if the appearance shape of the high-temperature object can be identified and recorded, it is possible to know in advance what objects are likely to generate heat and catch fire.

[0013] This embodiment is developed in view of such circumstances and relates to a temperature sensor system with a pre-alarm function and a recording function. In this temperature sensor system, sensors are installed at two locations (upstream and downstream) of the conveyor, and by changing the alarm temperature settings respectively, high-temperature objects are detected in cooperation. Here, the lower temperature is called the pre-alarm. Also, it is in cooperation with a visible light camera to identify the external shape of the high-temperature object. As a specific identification method, for example, the temperature data obtained from the sensor and the video data obtained from the visible light camera are arranged and displayed on a single PC to identify which object is at a high temperature.

[0014] 1-2. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of the temperature sensor system according to this embodiment. The temperature sensor system 100 shown in the figure is a temperature sensor system for detecting a fire on the conveyor 104, and detects high-temperature objects flowing on the conveyor 104. This system is assumed to be used, for example, in a recycling facility. As high-temperature objects to be detected in a recycling facility, for example, a lithium-ion battery that has been crushed by a crusher and ignited can be considered.

[0015] The temperature sensor system 100 is installed on the conveyor 104 of the recycling facility. The conveyor 104 consists of a pulley 105 connected to a drive motor (not shown) and a conveyor belt 106 wound around the pulley 105.

[0016] The temperature sensor system 100 includes two temperature sensors 101, a camera 102, and a PC 103. Among these, the two temperature sensors 101 consist of a downstream sensor 101A and an upstream sensor 101B.

[0017] Each temperature sensor 101 is installed so as to be able to monitor the conveyor belt 106. Each temperature sensor 101 is communicably connected to the PC 103 by wire or wirelessly.

[0018] Among the temperature sensors 101, the downstream sensor 101A is a temperature sensor for detecting an object at or above a set temperature. On the other hand, the upstream sensor 101B is a temperature sensor for detecting an object at or above another set temperature lower than the above-mentioned set temperature. This upstream sensor 101B is installed upstream of the downstream sensor 101A.

[0019] Next, the camera 102 is a visible light camera and is installed so as to be able to monitor the conveyor belt 106. This camera 102 is installed downstream of the downstream sensor 101A. Also, this camera 102 is communicably connected to the PC 103 by wire or wirelessly.

[0020] The PC 103 is, for example, a notebook PC or a tablet terminal, and is a control device for realizing a pre-alarm function and a recording function. When an object at or above the set temperature is detected by the upstream sensor 101B, this PC 103 records an image of the object captured by the camera 102. Also, when an object at or above the set temperature is detected by the downstream sensor 101A, this PC 103 outputs an alarm, and when an object at or above the set temperature is detected by the upstream sensor 101B, this PC 103 outputs a pre-alarm. Next, the details of the temperature sensor 101 and the PC 103 will be described.

[0021] 1-2-1. Temperature Sensor 101 FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the temperature sensor 101. The temperature sensor 101 is an infrared temperature sensor. This temperature sensor 101 divides the monitoring area into a plurality of pixels and periodically measures the temperature for each of the plurality of divided pixels. And when the measured temperature exceeds the threshold value, the sensor outputs an abnormal temperature detection signal.

[0022] The temperature sensor 101 includes a main storage device 201 such as a RAM, an auxiliary storage device 202 such as a flash memory, a processor 203 such as a CPU, an infrared array sensor 204, and a communication module 205.

[0023] Among these, the main memory device 201 stores various programs, and by executing these programs with the processor 203, various functions are realized. The functions to be realized include a temperature calculation unit 211 and an abnormal temperature detection unit 212. Hereinafter, each function will be described.

[0024] The temperature calculation unit 211 calculates the temperature of each pixel based on the voltage value output from the infrared array sensor 204. Then, the temperature calculation unit 211 stores the calculated temperature information in the auxiliary storage device 202. The stored temperature information constitutes the temperature log 221.

[0025] The abnormal temperature detection unit 212 detects an abnormal temperature based on the temperature log 221 stored in the auxiliary storage device 202. When the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 detects an abnormal temperature, it outputs an abnormal temperature detection signal to the PC 103. At that time, the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 includes the temperature information indicating the abnormal temperature in the output abnormal temperature detection signal. This is to record the temperature information indicating the abnormal temperature in the PC 103.

[0026] Next, the auxiliary storage device 202 will be described. The auxiliary storage device 202 stores the temperature log 221, the emissivity information 222, and the threshold information 223. Among these, the temperature log 221 is a log of the temperature measured for each pixel of the infrared array sensor 204. The emissivity information 222 is information indicating the emissivity set for each pixel of the infrared array sensor 204.

[0027] The threshold information 223 consists of a temperature threshold, a pixel number threshold, and a frame number threshold. These thresholds are the thresholds referred to when detecting an abnormal temperature in the temperature sensor 101. Note that the temperature threshold of the upstream sensor 101B is lower than the temperature threshold of the downstream sensor 101A. For example, while the temperature threshold of the downstream sensor 101A is 130 °C, the temperature threshold of the upstream sensor 101B is 100 °C.

[0028] Next, the infrared array sensor 204 will be described. The infrared array sensor 204 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of a two-dimensional area, for example, with 8×8 pixels. This infrared array sensor 204 outputs a voltage value corresponding to the detected amount of infrared rays for each of the 8×8 pixels. The output voltage value is periodically acquired by the temperature calculation unit 211 described above, and the temperature of each pixel is calculated based on the acquired voltage value.

[0029] The communication module 205 is a component for communicating with the PC 103.

[0030] 1-2-2.PC103 FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the PC 103. The PC 103 includes a main storage device 301 such as a RAM, an auxiliary storage device 302 such as a flash memory, a processor 303 such as a CPU, an input device 304 such as a mouse and a keyboard, an output device 305 such as a display and a speaker, and a communication control unit 306 such as a network card.

[0031] Among these, the main storage device 301 stores various programs. These programs are programs that can be distributed via a non-temporary storage medium or a network such as the Internet. By the processor 303 executing these programs, various functions are realized. The functions realized include an alarm unit 311, a temperature information recording unit 312, a recording unit 313, and a monitoring screen generation unit 314. Each function will be described below.

[0032] When the downstream sensor 101A detects an object at or above the set temperature and receives an abnormal temperature detection signal from the downstream sensor 101A, the alarm unit 311 outputs an alarm. The output alarm (in other words, a fire alarm) is composed of the output of an alarm sound and the lighting of an indicator lamp to notify the occurrence of a fire.

[0033] In addition, when the alarm unit 311 detects an object with a temperature equal to or higher than the set temperature by the upstream sensor 101B and receives an abnormal temperature detection signal from the upstream sensor 101B, it outputs a pre-alarm. The output pre-alarm (in other words, a caution alarm or a preliminary fire alarm) is composed of the output of an alarm sound indicating the possibility (or sign) of a fire and the lighting of an indicator lamp.

[0034] The temperature information recording unit 312 records the temperature information (temperature information in which an abnormal temperature is detected) output from the upstream sensor 101B in the auxiliary storage device 302 in association with the current time.

[0035] In addition, the temperature information recording unit 312 records the temperature information (temperature information in which an abnormal temperature is detected) output from the downstream sensor 101A in the auxiliary storage device 302 in association with the most recent temperature information output from the upstream sensor 101B.

[0036] When the recording unit 313 detects an object with a temperature equal to or higher than the set temperature by the upstream sensor 101B and receives an abnormal temperature detection signal from the upstream sensor 101B, it records an image of the object captured by the camera 102.

[0037] Specifically, when the recording unit 313 receives an abnormal temperature detection signal from the upstream sensor 101B, it transmits an imaging start signal to the camera 102 and starts recording. Then, when the recording unit 313 continues recording for a predetermined time, it transmits an imaging end signal to the camera 102 and ends the recording. After the recording is completed, the recording unit 313 records the recorded camera image (video) in the auxiliary storage device 302 in association with the most recent temperature information output from the upstream sensor 101B.

[0038] Note that the timing at which the recording unit 313 transmits the imaging start signal and the time for continuing the recording are preset so as to be able to photograph the high-temperature object detected by the upstream sensor 101B in consideration of the distance between the camera 102 and the upstream sensor 101B, the transfer speed of the conveyor 104, etc.

[0039] The monitoring screen generation unit 314 generates a monitoring screen based on the monitoring data 321 stored in the auxiliary storage device 302. FIG. 7 shows an example of the generated monitoring screen displayed on the display.

[0040] The monitoring screen 700 shown in the figure includes temperature information 701 and a corresponding camera image 702. The temperature information 701 is the temperature information output from the upstream sensor 101B, and the camera image 702 is the camera image (video) recorded by the recording unit 313. The temperature information 701 and the camera image 702 are arranged side by side so as to be comparable. By referring to this monitoring screen 700, the operator can grasp the external shape of the high-temperature object detected by the upstream sensor 101B.

[0041] Note that the outer shape of the high-temperature object may be displayed superimposed on the camera image 702. The outer shape of the high-temperature object referred to here is the contour of the pixel group indicating a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature in the temperature information 701. By superimposing and displaying the outer shape of the high-temperature object, it becomes easier to grasp the high-temperature object.

[0042] Note that the monitoring screen 700 does not include the temperature information output from the downstream sensor 101A, but the temperature information output from the downstream sensor 101A may also be included. The temperature information to be included is the temperature information output from the downstream sensor 101A and is the temperature information corresponding to the temperature information 701 (that is, the temperature information output from the upstream sensor 101B).

[0043] Next, the auxiliary storage device 302 will be described. The auxiliary storage device 302 stores a plurality of sets of monitoring data 321. Each set of monitoring data 321 is composed of the temperature information output from the upstream sensor 101B, the temperature information output from the downstream sensor 101A, and a set of camera images (videos) recorded by the recording unit 313. Note that some of the monitoring data 321 may lack the temperature information output from the downstream sensor 101A. This is because there may be cases where an abnormal temperature is detected by the upstream sensor 101B while no abnormal temperature is detected by the downstream sensor 101A.

[0044] 1-3. Operations 1-3-1. Temperature Calculation Process The temperature calculation process executed by the temperature sensor 101 will be described. FIG. 4 shows an example of this temperature calculation process.

[0045] In the temperature calculation process 400 shown in the figure, the temperature calculation unit 211 acquires, from the infrared array sensor 204, the voltage value corresponding to the amount of infrared rays detected for each pixel (step 401). Next, the temperature calculation unit 211 calculates the temperature for each pixel by substituting the voltage value and emissivity of the pixel and a predetermined correction coefficient into a predetermined formula (step 402). At that time, the temperature calculation unit 211 refers to the emissivity information 222 to specify the emissivity for each pixel.

[0046] Next, the temperature calculation unit 211 stores the calculated temperature of each pixel in the auxiliary storage device 202 in association with the measurement date and time (step 403). The above is the description of the temperature calculation process 400.

[0047] The temperature calculation process 400 described above is executed periodically, and temperature information is accumulated in the auxiliary storage device 202 in chronological order. The accumulated temperature information constitutes the temperature log 221.

[0048] 1-3-2. Abnormal Temperature Detection Process The abnormal temperature detection process executed by the temperature sensor 101 will be described. In the abnormal temperature detection process described here, when a predetermined number or more of pixels with a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature threshold are detected and this is detected continuously for a predetermined number of times or more, an abnormal temperature detection signal is output.

[0049] Figure 5 shows an example of the abnormal temperature detection process. In the abnormal temperature detection process 500 shown in the figure, the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 acquires one set of temperature information as the processing target (step 501). At this time, the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 acquires from the auxiliary storage device 202 one set of temperature information that has not been acquired and has the oldest measurement date and time. Note that one set of temperature information as referred to here means the temperature information for one record associated with the same measurement date and time.

[0050] Next, the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 identifies one pixel to be processed in the acquired one set of temperature information (step 502). At this time, the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 identifies a pixel that has not yet been the processing target.

[0051] Next, the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 compares the temperature of the identified pixel to be processed with the temperature threshold (step 503). As a result of this comparison, if the temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature threshold (YES in step 503), the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 increments the count value of the pixel number counter (step 504). On the other hand, if the temperature is less than the temperature threshold (NO in step 503), the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 proceeds to step 509 without incrementing the count value of the pixel number counter.

[0052] When the count value of the pixel counter is incremented, the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 then compares the incremented count value with the pixel number threshold (step 505). As a result of this comparison, if the count value exceeds the pixel number threshold (YES in step 505), the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 increments the count value of the frame number counter (step 506). On the other hand, if the count value does not exceed the pixel number threshold (NO in step 505), the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 proceeds to step 509 without incrementing the count value of the frame number counter.

[0053] When the count value of the frame number counter is incremented, the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 then compares the incremented count value with the frame number threshold (step 507). As a result of this comparison, if the count value exceeds the frame number threshold (YES in step 507), the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 outputs an alarm (step 508). At that time, the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 outputs an abnormal temperature detection signal to the PC 103. The output abnormal temperature detection signal includes temperature information in which the abnormal temperature was detected.

[0054] On the other hand, if the count value does not exceed the frame number threshold (NO in step 507), the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 proceeds to step 511 without outputting an alarm.

[0055] In step 509, the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 determines whether or not all pixels have been targeted for processing in one set of temperature information to be processed. As a result of this determination, if not all pixels have been targeted for processing (NO in step 509), the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 returns to step 502 to identify another pixel to be targeted for processing. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, if all pixels have been targeted for processing (YES in step 509), the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 resets the count value of the frame number counter (step 510) and proceeds to step 511.

[0056] In step 511, the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 determines whether all sets of temperature information are to be processed. As a result of this determination, if not all sets of temperature information are to be processed (NO in step 511), the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 resets the count value of the pixel number counter (step 512), returns to step 501, and identifies another set of temperature information to be processed. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, if all sets of temperature information are to be processed (YES in step 511), the abnormal temperature detection unit 212 ends this process. The above is the description of the abnormal temperature detection process 500.

[0057] 1-3-3. Monitoring Process The monitoring process executed by the PC 104 will be described. FIG. 6 shows an example of this monitoring process.

[0058] When the upstream sensor 101B detects an object at or above the set temperature, it outputs an abnormal temperature detection signal to the PC 103. When the alarm unit 311 of the PC 103 receives this abnormal temperature detection signal (step 601), it outputs a pre-alarm (step 602). The output pre-alarm is composed of the output of an alarm sound indicating the possibility of a fire and the lighting of an indicator lamp. Surrounding workers can be alerted to the possibility of a fire by the output of this pre-alarm.

[0059] The temperature information recording unit 312 of the PC 103 acquires temperature information (this is the temperature information at which an abnormal temperature is detected) from the received abnormal temperature detection signal and records it in the auxiliary storage device 302 in association with the current time (step 603).

[0060] Thereafter, when the downstream sensor 101A detects an object at or above the set temperature, it outputs an abnormal temperature detection signal to the PC 103. When the alarm unit 311 of the PC 103 receives this abnormal temperature detection signal (step 604), it outputs an alarm (step 605). The output alarm is composed of the output of an alarm sound indicating the occurrence of a fire and the lighting of an indicator lamp. Surrounding workers can be alerted to the occurrence of a fire by the output of this alarm.

[0061] The temperature information recording unit 312 of the PC 103 acquires temperature information (this is the temperature information at which an abnormal temperature is detected) from the received abnormal temperature detection signal, and records it in the auxiliary storage device 302 in association with the temperature information recorded in step 603 (step 606).

[0062] After that, the recording unit 313 of the PC 103 records an image of the high-temperature object captured by the camera 102 (step 607).

[0063] Specifically, the recording unit 313 transmits an imaging start signal to the camera 102 to start recording. Then, when the recording unit 313 continues recording for a predetermined time, it transmits an imaging end signal to the camera 102 to end the recording. After the recording is completed, the recording unit 313 records the recorded camera image in the auxiliary storage device 302 in association with the temperature information recorded in step 603. The above is the description of the monitoring process 600.

[0064] The temperature sensor system 100 described above includes an upstream sensor 101B in addition to the downstream sensor 101A. When a high-temperature object is detected by the upstream sensor 101B, a pre-alarm is output. Therefore, the operator can be aware of the possibility (or sign) of a fire.

[0065] In addition, the above system 100 includes a camera 102. When the upstream sensor 101B detects a high-temperature object, the PC 103 records an image of the object captured by the camera 102. Therefore, the operator can grasp the external shape of the object by referring to the recorded image.

[0066] 2. Modification Example The above-described embodiment may be modified as follows. The following modification examples may be combined with each other.

[0067] (1) Modification Example 1 In the above-described embodiment, the temperature thresholds of the downstream sensor 101A and the upstream sensor 101B are different. When an abnormal temperature is detected by the downstream sensor 101A, an alarm is output, and when an abnormal temperature is detected by the upstream sensor 101B, a pre-alarm is output.

[0068] Instead of such a mode, the temperature thresholds of the downstream sensor 101A and the upstream sensor 101B may be the same. And an alarm may be output when an abnormal temperature is detected by the upstream sensor 101B and an abnormal temperature is detected by the downstream sensor 101A. In this case, when the alarm unit 311 of the PC 103 receives abnormal temperature detection signals from both the upstream sensor 101B and the downstream sensor 101A, it outputs an alarm.

[0069] According to such a mode, the pre-alarm function is lost, but the fire detection accuracy is improved. Such a mode is particularly effective in situations where high fire detection accuracy is required. Such situations include, for example, situations where the conveyor 104 is automatically stopped or automatic water discharge is performed when the detection of a fire occurrence is triggered.

[0070] (2) Modification Example 2 An exclusion device for excluding a high-temperature object from the conveyor 104 and a cooling device for cooling the excluded high-temperature object may be added to the temperature sensor system 100 described above. FIG. 8 shows an example of a temperature sensor system further provided with an exclusion device and a cooling device.

[0071] The temperature sensor system 800 shown in the figure further includes an exclusion device 801 and a cooling device 802 as compared with the temperature sensor system 100.

[0072] The exclusion device 801 is a flipper-type sorting device. This exclusion device 801 is inserted between two conveyors 104 and is installed downstream of the temperature sensor 101 and the camera 102.

[0073] The exclusion device 801 includes a flipper arm 8011. By rotating the flipper arm 8011 about its proximal end, the high-temperature object is excluded from the conveyor 104. This exclusion device 801 is communicably connected to the PC 103 by wire or wirelessly. For the detailed configuration of the exclusion device 801, refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-033403.

[0074] A water discharge section 803 is formed adjacent to this exclusion device 801. The high-temperature object excluded by the exclusion device 801 is accumulated in this water discharge section 803.

[0075] Next, the cooling device 802 is a sprinkler facility. This cooling device 802 is installed downstream of the temperature sensor 101 and the camera 102.

[0076] Specifically, the cooling device 802 includes a sprinkler head 8021 installed above the water discharge section 803 and a control valve 8022 inserted between this sprinkler head 8021 and a pressurized water supply device (not shown). The control valve 8022 is communicably connected to the PC 103 by wire or wirelessly.

[0077] The PC 103 according to this modification further includes an exclusion control unit and a cooling control unit (both not shown). Each function is realized by the processor 303 executing a program stored in the main storage device 301.

[0078] When the downstream sensor 101A detects an object at or above the set temperature and receives an abnormal temperature detection signal from the downstream sensor 101A, the exclusion control unit controls the exclusion device 801 to exclude the detected high-temperature object from the conveyor 104. At that time, the timing for rotating the flipper arm 8011 to exclude the high-temperature object is preset so as to be able to exclude the high-temperature object detected by the downstream sensor 101A, taking into account the distance between the exclusion device 801 and the downstream sensor 101A, the transfer speed of the conveyor 104, etc.

[0079] When the downstream sensor 101A detects an object at or above the set temperature and receives an abnormal temperature detection signal from the downstream sensor 101A, the cooling control unit controls the cooling device 802 to cool the detected high-temperature object. Specifically, when the cooling control unit receives an abnormal temperature detection signal, it sends an open control signal to the control valve 8022 to cause water to be sprinkled from the sprinkler head 8021. Thereby, the high-temperature object discharged into the drainage section 803 by the discharge device 801 is cooled.

[0080] After sending the open control signal, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the cooling control unit then sends a close control signal to the control valve 8022 to stop the water sprinkling from the sprinkler head 8021.

[0081] According to the temperature sensor system 800 described above, a high-temperature object can be automatically discharged and cooled.

[0082] Note that the above discharge device 801 is a flipper-type sorting device, but other types of sorting devices may be adopted. For example, a pusher-type or air jet-type sorting device may be adopted instead (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-033403).

[0083] Also, although the above drainage section 803 is formed adjacent to the discharge device 801, a conveyor may be inserted between the discharge device 801 and the drainage section 803. That is, the high-temperature object discharged by the discharge device 801 may be conveyed by the conveyor and transferred to the drainage section 803.

[0084] (3) Modification Example 3 In the above embodiment, the transfer speed of the conveyor 104 may be reduced at the time of pre-alarm output. Thereby, the detection accuracy at the downstream sensor 101A is improved. Also, when the discharge device 801 of Modification Example 2 is adopted, the sweeping by the flipper arm 8011 can be performed more reliably.

[0085] The PC 103 according to this modification further includes a conveyor control unit (not shown). This function is realized by the processor 303 executing a program stored in the main storage device 301.

[0086] When the conveyor control unit detects an object at or above the set temperature by the upstream sensor 101B and receives an abnormal temperature detection signal from the upstream sensor 101B, it reduces the transfer speed of the conveyor 104 for a predetermined time. At this time, the conveyor control unit controls the motor controller to reduce the transfer speed of the conveyor 104 for a predetermined time. Here, the motor controller (not shown) is a control device for controlling the drive of a drive motor (not shown) connected to the pulley 105.

[0087] Note that the conveyor control unit may receive the abnormal temperature detection signal output from the downstream sensor 101A instead of the upstream sensor 101B and reduce the transfer speed of the conveyor 104. In that case, by reducing the transfer speed of the conveyor 104, the sweeping by the flipper arm 8011 can be performed more reliably.

[0088] (4) Modification 4 In the above embodiment, an image of a high-temperature object is recorded when the pre-alarm is output. Instead of this, an image of a high-temperature object may be recorded when the alarm is output.

[0089] In this case, when the recording unit 313 of the PC 103 detects an object at or above the set temperature by the downstream sensor 101A and receives an abnormal temperature detection signal from the downstream sensor 101A, it records an image of the object captured by the camera 102.

[0090] Specifically, when the recording unit 313 receives an abnormal temperature detection signal from the downstream sensor 101A, it sends an imaging start signal to the camera 102 and starts recording. Then, when the recording unit 313 continues recording for a predetermined time, it sends an imaging end signal to the camera 102 and ends the recording. After the recording is completed, the recording unit 313 records the captured camera image (video) in the auxiliary storage device 302 in association with the latest temperature information output from the downstream sensor 101A.

[0091] Note that the timing at which the recording unit 313 sends the imaging start signal and the time for which recording is continued are preset so as to be able to capture the high-temperature object detected by the downstream sensor 101A, taking into account the distance between the camera 102 and the downstream sensor 101A, the transfer speed of the conveyor 104, and the like.

[0092] (5) Modification Example 5 In the above embodiment, only the temperature information and the camera image when a high-temperature object is detected are displayed on the PC 103 (see FIG. 7). Instead, the temperature information calculated by the temperature sensor 101 and the camera image captured by the camera 102 may be constantly displayed on the PC 103. Thereby, the operator can confirm the situation on the conveyor 104 in real time.

[0093] (6) Modification Example 6 The conveyor 104 to which the above temperature sensor system 100 is applied is not limited to a belt conveyor. This system may be applied to other types of conveyors (for example, roller conveyors) other than belt conveyors.

[0094] (7) Modification Example 7 The above modification example 2 includes an elimination device 801 and a cooling device 802, and cools the high-temperature object eliminated by the elimination device 801 with the cooling device 802. Instead, the elimination device 801 may not be provided, and the sprinkler head 8021 of the cooling device 802 may be installed on the conveyor 104 so as to sprinkle water on the high-temperature object flowing on the conveyor 104 when the downstream sensor 101A detects a high-temperature object.

[0095] (8) Modification Example 8 In the above-described embodiment, the temperature threshold of the upstream sensor 101B is set lower than the temperature threshold of the downstream sensor 101A, thereby making the sensitivities of the two different. However, the method of making the sensitivities different is not limited to this. For example, instead of or in addition to the temperature threshold, by setting the pixel number threshold and / or the frame number threshold to a low value, the sensitivity of the upstream sensor 101B may be set higher than the sensitivity of the downstream sensor 101A.

[0096] (9) Other Modification Examples Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modification examples are included. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Also, for a part of the configuration of each embodiment, addition, deletion, or replacement with other configurations is possible.

[0097] Also, each of the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be realized in hardware by designing a part or all of them, for example, by an integrated circuit. Also, each of the above-described configurations, functions, etc. may be realized in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program for realizing each function. Information such as a program, table, file, etc. for realizing each function can be placed in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, an SD card, a DVD.

[0098] Also, the control lines and information lines show those considered necessary for explanation, and not necessarily all the control lines and information lines are shown on the product. In fact, it may be considered that almost all the configurations are interconnected. Note that the above-described embodiments disclose at least the configurations described in the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0099] 100… Temperature sensor system, 101… Temperature sensor, 102… Camera, 103… PC, 104… Conveyor, 105… Pulley, 106… Conveyor belt, 211… Temperature calculation unit, 212… Abnormal temperature detection unit, 221… Temperature log, 222… Emissivity information, 223… Threshold information, 311… Alarm unit, 312… Temperature information recording unit, 313… Recording unit, 314… Monitoring screen generation unit, 321… Monitoring data

Claims

1. A temperature sensor system for detecting a fire on a conveyor, comprising: a first temperature sensor for monitoring the conveyor and detecting an object having a temperature equal to or higher than a first set temperature; a visible light camera for monitoring the conveyor and installed downstream of the first temperature sensor; a control device that records an image of the object imaged by the visible light camera when the first temperature sensor detects an object having a temperature equal to or higher than the first set temperature A temperature sensor system comprising:

2. A second temperature sensor for monitoring the conveyor and detecting an object having a temperature equal to or higher than a second set temperature lower than the first set temperature, the second temperature sensor being installed upstream of the first temperature sensor, further comprising: When the first temperature sensor detects an object having a temperature equal to or higher than the first set temperature, the control device outputs an alarm, and when the second temperature sensor detects an object having a temperature equal to or higher than the second set temperature, the control device outputs a pre-alarm The temperature sensor system according to claim 1, characterized in that:

3. A second temperature sensor for monitoring the conveyor and detecting an object having a temperature equal to or higher than the first set temperature, the second temperature sensor being installed upstream of the first temperature sensor, further comprising: When the first set temperature or higher object is detected by both the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, the control device outputs an alarm The temperature sensor system according to claim 1, characterized in that:

4. The temperature sensor system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first temperature sensor detects an object having a temperature equal to or higher than the first set temperature, the control device reduces the transfer speed of the conveyor.

5. The temperature sensor system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first temperature sensor detects an object having a temperature equal to or higher than the first set temperature, the control device controls an elimination device installed downstream of the first temperature sensor to eliminate the detected object from the conveyor.

6. The temperature sensor system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first temperature sensor detects an object having a temperature equal to or higher than the first set temperature, the control device controls a cooling device installed downstream of the first temperature sensor to cool the detected object.

7. A program for detecting a fire on a conveyor, comprising: A first temperature sensor for monitoring an object on the conveyor and detecting an object having a temperature equal to or higher than a first set temperature, a visible light camera that monitors the object on the conveyor and is installed downstream of the first temperature sensor, and a computer communicatively connected thereto, a program for causing the computer to execute a step of recording an image of the object imaged by the visible light camera when the first temperature sensor detects an object having a temperature equal to or higher than the first set temperature.

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