Sensor device system

Abstract

To provide a sensor device system capable of communicating with a different communication device.SOLUTION: A sensor device system includes: a sensor unit; a first communication device 91 capable of transmitting output information output from the sensor unit or results information based on the output information and capable of performing communication conforming to a first communication standard; a second communication device 92 capable of performing communication conforming to a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; and a control unit 5 capable of controlling operation of the sensor unit, the first communication device 91, and the second communication device 92. The second communication device 92 is capable of receiving control data relative to the control unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an inventory quantity notification system for managing the remaining quantity of kerosene stored in a general household or the like. The inventory quantity notification system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an inventory quantity detection means such as a pressure sensor, a transmission terminal that transmits data on the remaining quantity of kerosene detected by the inventory quantity detection means wirelessly or the like, a reception terminal that receives the data on the remaining quantity of kerosene transmitted from the transmission terminal, and an inventory quantity management device that stores the data on the remaining quantity received from the reception terminal and notifies the remaining quantity of kerosene.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, when it is necessary to transmit control data to a sensor or the like (inventory quantity detection means in Patent Document 1) for maintenance or the like of the sensor or the like, the control data is transmitted to the transmission terminal for transmitting the remaining quantity data to an external device. That is, the sensor or the like performs transmission of the remaining quantity data and reception of the control data using a single communication device, and there is a risk of adverse effects such as communication delay.

[0005] Therefore, a sensor device system capable of communicating with different communication devices according to the use of data is required.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The characteristic configuration of the sensor device system according to the present invention includes a sensor unit, a first communication device capable of transmitting output information output from the sensor unit or result information based on the output information and performing communication compliant with a first communication standard, a second communication device capable of performing communication compliant with a second communication standard different from the first communication standard, and a control unit capable of controlling the operations of the sensor unit, the first communication device, and the second communication device. The second communication device is capable of receiving control data for the control unit.

[0007] With such a characteristic configuration, it is possible to select a communication device according to the use (purpose of communication) of the data to be communicated and perform data communication.

[0008] Further, it is preferable that the first communication device can communicate using a communication standard compatible with long-distance wireless communication as the first communication standard.

[0009] With such a characteristic configuration, the output information from the sensor unit can be remotely monitored.

[0010] Further, it is preferable that the second communication device can communicate using a communication standard compatible with short-distance wireless communication as the second communication standard.

[0011] With such a characteristic configuration, for example, it becomes possible to perform maintenance work or the like after visually confirming (for example, while checking the operation) the device to be maintained (the communication target of the control data) among a plurality of devices.

[0012] Further, it is preferable that the sensor unit measures the distance to the contained substance by measuring the time until the transmitted radio wave is reflected by the contained substance contained in the container and received, and outputs the measured distance as the result information.

[0013] With such a configuration, the sensor unit can be configured using a general-purpose sensor (ToF-type level sensor).

[0014] Further, it is preferable that the sensor unit transmits a millimeter-wave sensor as the radio wave.

[0015] With such a configuration, since the sensor unit uses millimeter waves different from the frequency bands used in the communications of each of the first communication device and the second communication device, it is possible to suppress the influence of interference with the communications of each of the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0016] Further, it is preferable that the sensor unit includes a magnetic sensor that detects a change in a magnetic field to detect the state of the object to be measured.

[0017] With such a configuration, the sensor unit can be configured using a general-purpose magnetic sensor to form a current sensor device, an instrument meter sensor device, or the like.

[0018] Further, it is preferable to include an arithmetic unit that calculates the result information based on the output information.

[0019] With such a configuration, it is possible to output result information calculated based on the output information.

[0020] Further, a power supply unit that supplies power to the sensor unit, the arithmetic unit, the control unit, the first communication device, and the second communication device, and a housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the sensor unit, the arithmetic unit, the control unit, the first communication device, the second communication device, and the power supply unit are further provided, and it is preferable that the accommodation space is configured to be watertight.

[0021] With such a configuration, it becomes possible to use in a place where waterproofness is required, such as outdoors.

[0022] Further, it is preferable to further include a first external device capable of receiving the output information or the result information via the first communication device.

[0023] With such a configuration, it is possible to transmit the output information or the result information to the first external device.

[0024] Further, it is preferable that the sensor unit can output estimation source information necessary for estimating the remaining amount of the content stored in the container.

[0025] With such a configuration, the estimation result of the remaining amount of the content stored in the container can be transmitted as output information or result information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 6C

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, a sensor device system including a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking a remaining amount estimation system (an example of a sensor device system) including a remaining amount estimation device (an example of a sensor device) as an example. Note that each component of the embodiments described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. In addition, the materials, shapes, dimensions, numbers, arrangements, etc. of the components constituting each aspect of the embodiments described below are merely examples, and can be arbitrarily designed and modified as long as the same functions can be realized.

[0028] [Remaining Amount Estimation System] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the schematic configuration of a remaining amount estimation system 200 including a remaining amount estimation device 100 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the remaining amount estimation system 200. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the container T and the remaining amount estimation device 100, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the state where the remaining amount estimation device 100 is attached to the container T shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the remaining amount estimation system 200 includes, in addition to a remaining amount estimation device 100 that estimates the remaining amount Ra of the content C (see FIG. 3) accommodated in the container T (see FIG. 2), a first external device 201 and a second external device 202 that are configured to be communicable with the remaining amount estimation device 100. Note that the content C is an example of the object to be measured, and the remaining amount Ra of the content C is an example of the state of the object to be measured.

[0030] [First External Device] The first external device 201 is, for example, a monitoring device for monitoring the remaining amount Ra of the content C. The first external device 201 can communicate with the remaining amount estimation device 100 in accordance with a long-distance wireless standard (an example of the first communication standard) corresponding to a first communication distance (1 km or more in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the first external device 201 is a server existing on a network such as a cloud server provided by a communication carrier or the like, and is configured to be communicable with the remaining amount estimation device 100 via a base station.

[0031] [Second External Device] The second external device 202 is, for example, a maintenance management device for performing maintenance on the remaining amount estimation device 100. The second external device 202 can communicate with the remaining amount estimation device 100 in accordance with a short-range wireless standard (an example of a second communication standard different from the first communication standard) corresponding to a second communication distance (up to 300 m in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the second external device 202 is an information processing terminal such as a mobile phone or a smartphone, and is configured to be able to communicate with the remaining amount estimation device 100 at a visually observable distance (range) from the remaining amount estimation device 100.

[0032] [Container] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the container T has a container main body portion T1, a cylindrical opening portion T2 protruding from the container main body portion T1, and a lid portion T3 closing the opening portion T2. In this embodiment, the container T is a kerosene tank, and the contained substance C is kerosene.

[0033] The container main body portion T1 includes a bottom surface T11, a side surface T12, and an upper surface T13, and a storage space TS (see FIG. 3) for storing (reserving) the contained substance C is formed by the bottom surface T11, the side surface T12, and the upper surface T13. The opening portion T2 communicates the storage space TS with the outside of the container T. The opening portion T2 is disposed on the upper surface T13 facing the bottom surface T11 of the container main body portion T1, and protrudes in a direction away from the bottom surface T11 with respect to the upper surface T13 (a direction orthogonal to the upper surface T13). The opening portion T2 has, for example, a diameter (inner diameter) of 50 mm or more and 65 mm or less, and has a small area with respect to the upper surface T13 when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the upper surface T13. The upper surface T13 is, for example, 5000 mm 2 or more and 7000 mm 2 or less.

[0034] The contained substance C is supplied to the storage space TS through the opening portion T2 and is stored (reserved) in the storage space TS. The opening portion T2 is configured such that the lid portion T3 can be attached, and is closed by attaching the lid portion T3. The lid portion T3 contains resin as a material, and the remaining amount estimation device 100 is attached to the lid portion T3. That is, the remaining amount estimation device 100 is disposed facing the bottom surface T11 of the container main body portion T1.

[0035] Note that, hereinafter, in a state where the lid portion T3 to which the remaining amount estimation device 100 is attached is attached to the opening portion T2, the direction from the remaining amount estimation device 100 toward the bottom surface T11 of the container main body portion T1 is referred to as the "vertical direction Z", the side on which the bottom surface T11 is disposed in the vertical direction Z is referred to as the "lower side Z1", and the opposite side (the side on which the remaining amount estimation device 100 is disposed) is referred to as the "upper side Z2".

[0036] [Remaining amount estimation device] The remaining amount estimation device 100 estimates the remaining amount Ra of the content C stored in the container T. FIGS. 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views of the remaining amount estimation device 100.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the remaining amount estimation device 100 includes a housing 1, a lens unit 2, a substrate 3, a power supply unit 4 (see FIG. 5), a control unit 5 (see FIG. 5), a sensor unit 6 (see FIG. 4), a storage unit 7 (see FIG. 5), a remaining amount estimation unit 8 (see FIG. 5), and a communication unit 9 (see FIG. 5). Note that the remaining amount estimation unit 8 is an example of an arithmetic unit.

[0038] [Housing] The housing 1 is insulating and includes a resin as a material. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 1 is disposed so as to cover the lid portion T3 of the container T and is held by the lid portion T3. The housing 1 forms a storage space 1S (see FIG. 4) that houses the lens unit 2, the substrate 3, the power supply unit 4, the control unit 5, the sensor unit 6, the storage unit 7, the remaining amount estimation unit 8, and the communication unit 9 between the housing 1 and the lid portion T3. In the present embodiment, the storage space 1S is configured to be watertight. The storage space 1S is configured to be watertight, for example, by applying a sealing material such as an adhesive or grease to the gap between the lid portion T3 and the housing 1.

[0039] [Lens unit] The lens unit 2 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 improves the sensitivity of the sensor unit 6. The lens unit 2 includes a lens 21 (convex lens) and a lens holder 22 that holds the lens 21. The lens 21 is a resin lens made of resin, and is held by the lens holder 22 so as to face the sensor unit 6 in a posture where the container T side bulges. In the present embodiment, the lens holder 22 is configured separately from the lid portion T3 and is supported by the lid portion T3 of the container T. Note that the lens holder 22 may be configured integrally with the lid portion T3.

[0040] [Substrate] On the substrate 3, a power supply unit 4, a control unit 5, a sensor unit 6, a storage unit 7, a remaining amount estimation unit 8, and a communication unit 9 are mounted. In the present embodiment, the sensor unit 6 is disposed on one first surface 31 of the substrate 3 (see FIG. 4), and the power supply unit 4, the control unit 5, the storage unit 7, the remaining amount estimation unit 8, and the communication unit 9 are disposed on the other second surface 32 of the substrate 3 (see FIG. 5). The substrate 3 is housed in the housing 1 such that the side (first surface 31) on which the sensor unit 6 is disposed is the lower side Z1, and is attached to the lid portion T3 (see FIG. 3).

[0041] [Power Supply Unit] The power supply unit 4 supplies power to each part of the remaining amount estimation device 100. The power supply unit 4 includes a power supply circuit 41 and a battery unit 42. The power supply circuit 41 converts the power from the battery unit 42 (DC-AC conversion and / or voltage conversion), and supplies the converted power to each part of the remaining amount estimation device 100 (control unit 5, sensor unit 6, storage unit 7, remaining amount estimation unit 8, and communication unit 9). In the present embodiment, the battery unit 42 is a built-in primary battery, but the battery unit 42 may be a secondary battery, or a combination of a self-power generation capable device and a secondary battery.

[0042] [Control Unit] The control unit 5 can control the operations of each part of the remaining amount estimation device 100. The control unit 5 can perform power supply control for the power supply unit 4 and communication control for the communication unit 9. The control unit 5 can also update the firmware of devices such as the sensor unit 6 and the communication unit 9. Note that the control unit 5 is configured by a microcontroller or the like equipped with a processor.

[0043] [Sensor unit] The sensor unit 6 outputs estimation source information C1 (an example of output information) used for estimating the remaining amount Ra of the content C contained in the container T. In the present embodiment, the sensor unit 6 is a distance measuring sensor (millimeter wave sensor for distance measurement) that measures the distance to the measurement target using radio waves (millimeter waves). As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor unit 6 measures the time from when the radio wave transmitted from the transmission unit of the sensor unit 6 is reflected by the reflection surface until it is received by the reception unit (light receiving element) of the sensor unit 6. That is, the sensor unit 6 is a ToF (Time Of Flight) type level sensor and can measure the distance to the content C in a non-contact manner. Note that the radio wave transmission and reception efficiency of the sensor unit 6 is improved when the radio wave passes through the lens 21 of the lens unit 2.

[0044] The reflection surface includes the boundary surface F of the content C (the liquid surface of kerosene in the present embodiment), the bottom surface T11 of the container T, and the wall surface constituting the opening T2 of the container T. In the present embodiment, the relative permittivity εr of the content C is "2", which is greater than the relative permittivity εr of air "1 (approximately 1)". That is, the relative permittivity εr changes at the boundary surface F of the content C. Note that it is preferable that the gas (air) existing between the sensor unit 6 and the boundary surface F does not contain water vapor.

[0045] The sensor unit 6 outputs measurement result information C2 (see FIGS. 6A to 6C) indicating the distance to the measurement target based on the measured time.

[0046] Each of FIGS. 6A to 6C is a diagram showing an example of measurement result information C2 output by the sensor unit 6. The vertical axis shown in each of FIGS. 6A to 6C indicates the reflection intensity Ri of the radio wave transmitted from the sensor unit 6, and the horizontal axis indicates the measurement distance ds between the sensor unit 6 and the reflecting surface. FIG. 6A shows an example of the measurement result information C2 output from the sensor unit 6 when the remaining amount Ra of the contained substance C is estimated to be full. FIG. 6B shows an example of the measurement result information C2 output from the sensor unit 6 when the remaining amount Ra of the contained substance C is estimated to be empty. FIG. 6C shows an example of the measurement result information C2 output from the sensor unit 6 when the remaining amount Ra of the contained substance C is estimated as a specific amount that is neither full nor empty. Here, the full amount means, for example, the remaining amount Ra of the contained substance C when the capacity of the contained substance C accommodated in the storage space TS is equal to the storage-capable capacity of the container T (hereinafter referred to as the "storage-capable capacity"). The empty state means, for example, the remaining amount Ra of the contained substance C when the capacity of the contained substance C accommodated in the storage space TS is "0". However, the capacity of the contained substance C in the case of estimating the full amount and the capacity of the contained substance C in the case of estimating the empty state can be adjusted by the administrator of the remaining amount estimation device 100 or the like, and it is also possible to provide an allowable range described later. When the contained substance C is at the remaining amount Ra of the storage-capable capacity, it is preferable to set the full state of the contained substance C so that there is an air region of about several centimeters between the lid portion T3 and the contained substance C.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, in the present embodiment, two threshold values (a first threshold value d1 and a second threshold value d2) are set for the measurement distance ds (the distance between the reflecting surface where the radio wave is reflected and the sensor unit 6) indicated by the measurement result information C2 output by the sensor unit 6.

[0048] [First Threshold Value] The first threshold value d1 is a threshold value preset according to the specifications of the sensor unit 6 and / or the container T. Specifically, the first threshold value d1 is preset by an administrator or the like based on the sensitivity characteristics of the sensor unit 6 (the distance from the sensor unit 6 at which the distance measurement of the sensor unit 6 becomes unstable), the shape of the container T (for example, the shape of the opening T2), the size of the container T (for example, the size of the opening T2), and the like. In the present embodiment, as the first threshold value d1, the distance between the first division line L1 shown in FIG. 3 and the sensor unit 6 is set in consideration of the sensitivity characteristics of the sensor unit 6 (whether the sensor unit 6 can output an accurate value).

[0049] The first division line L1 is, for example, a region including the measured distance ds output by the sensor unit 6 that has received radio waves reflected by a wall surface (other than the boundary surface F and the bottom surface T11) constituting the opening T2 as a reflecting surface, and a region other than the wall surface constituting the opening T2 and including the measured distance ds output by the sensor unit 6 that has received radio waves reflected by the boundary surface F or the bottom surface T11 as a reflecting surface. The boundary is set in consideration of the sensitivity characteristics of the sensor unit 6. In the present embodiment, the first division line L1 is set in consideration of the sensitivity characteristics of the sensor unit 6 when the boundary surface F (liquid surface) of the contained substance C is estimated (regarded as) the full amount when the remaining amount Ra of the contained substance C is the full amount. In the example shown in FIG. 3, it is set at a position separated from the lower end of the opening T2 by a preset distance. However, the first division line L1 may be set at the lower end of the opening T2.

[0050] [Second Threshold Value] The second threshold value d2 is preset based on the distance (actual distance) between the second division line L2 and the sensor unit 6. In the present embodiment, the second division line L2 is preset by an administrator or the like for the bottom surface T11 of the container T. That is, as the second threshold value d2, a value equal to the value indicating the actual distance (hereinafter referred to as "bottom surface distance dt") between the sensor unit 6 and the bottom surface T11 is set.

[0051] [Allowable Range] In the present embodiment, an allowable range (first allowable range R1 and second allowable range R2) is set for each of the first division line L1 and the second division line L2.

[0052] The first allowable range R1 and the second allowable range R2 are set, for example, for each of the first division line L1 and the second division line L2 so as to straddle each of the first division line L1 and the second division line L2. Specifically, the first allowable range R1 and the second allowable range R2 are set to values (values corresponding to several cm to several tens of cm) such that the upper side Z2 (sensor unit 6 side) and the lower side Z1 (bottom surface T11 side) ranges of each of the first division line L1 and the second division line L2 are included. The values set as the first allowable range R1 and the second allowable range R2 are determined in advance by an administrator or the like.

[0053] By setting the first allowable range R1 and the second allowable range R2, individual differences such as the characteristics of the sensor unit 6 (sensor IC) can be absorbed, and a margin can be provided for estimating the remaining amount Ra. For example, by setting the first allowable range R1, variations in the sensitivity characteristics of the sensor unit 6 can be accommodated. Also, for example, by setting the second allowable range R2, when the remaining amount Ra of the contained substance C is extremely small, the remaining amount Ra of the contained substance C can be estimated (regarded as) empty.

[0054] Note that the second allowable range R2 is set to a value (a value such that the third measurement result information C23 described later is included in the measurement result information C2) that exceeds the measurement distance ds indicated by the measurement result information C2 output from the sensor unit 6 when the actual remaining amount Ra of the contained substance C is full.

[0055] Hereinafter, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the region below the upper limit of the first allowable range R1 is referred to as the "first region A1", the region exceeding the upper limit of the first allowable range R1 and below the upper limit of the second allowable range R2 is referred to as the "second region A2", and the region exceeding the upper limit of the second allowable range R2 is referred to as the "third region A3". Also, among the measurement result information C2 output from the sensor unit 6, the measurement result information C2 included in the first region A1 is referred to as the "first measurement result information C21", the measurement result information C2 included in the second region A2 is referred to as the "second measurement result information C22", and the measurement result information C2 included in the third region A3 is referred to as the "third measurement result information C23".

[0056] The sensor unit 6 outputs measurement result information C2 including at least one of first measurement result information C21, second measurement result information C22, and third measurement result information C23. The first measurement result information C21 can be output, for example, by the sensor unit 6 that has received radio waves reflected by the wall surface constituting the opening T2 as a reflecting surface. That is, the measurement distance ds indicated by the first measurement result information C21 that appears in the first region A1 may not indicate an accurate value as the distance between the sensor unit 6 and the contained object C, and is not suitable for estimating the remaining amount Ra of the contained object C. Therefore, the measurement distance ds indicated by the first measurement result information C21 (the measurement distance ds included in the first region A1) is not used for estimating the remaining amount Ra of the contained object C. Thereby, a decrease in the accuracy of the sensor unit 6 can be suppressed.

[0057] The second measurement result information C22 can be output, for example, by the sensor unit 6 that has received radio waves reflected by the boundary surface F (liquid surface) or the bottom surface T11 of the container T as a reflecting surface. That is, the second measurement result information C22 that appears in the second region A2 indicates the distance between the sensor unit 6 and the contained object C or the bottom surface T11, and is suitable for estimating the remaining amount Ra of the contained object C. Therefore, the measurement distance ds indicated by the second measurement result information C22 (the measurement distance ds included in the second region A2) is used for the remaining amount Ra of the contained object C.

[0058] The third measurement result information C23 is measurement result information C2 output due to a change in the propagation speed of radio waves (change in the distance measurement amount) caused by the remaining of the contained object C. Specifically, when the contained object C having a relative permittivity εr larger than that of air remains in the container T, it can be output by the sensor unit 6 that has received radio waves reflected by the bottom surface T11 of the container T as a reflecting surface.

[0059] For example, when radio waves are propagated in a state where the container C is full, the radio waves are propagated only through the container C (without passing through air). On the other hand, when radio waves are propagated in a state where the container C is "0" (empty state), the radio waves are propagated only through the air (without passing through the container C). As described above, the relative permittivity εr "2" of the container C is larger than the relative permittivity εr "1" of the air. Therefore, the measured distance ds (apparent distance) to the bottom surface T11 of the container T indicated by the measurement result information C2 output from the sensor unit 6 becomes larger than the actual bottom surface distance dt, and a value exceeding the second threshold d2 (that is, the third measurement result information C23) is output.

[0060] Specifically, the bottom surface distance dt between the sensor unit 6 and the bottom surface T11 is theoretically obtained by the sum of the distance from the sensor unit 6 to the boundary surface F of the contained material C and the depth dc of the contained material C. However, as described above, when the contained material C with a relative permittivity εr greater than "1" remains, the measured distance ds indicated by the measurement result information C2 output from the sensor unit 6 shows a value larger than the actual bottom surface distance dt. That is, the depth dc1 (measured distance ds) of the contained material C obtained based on the measurement result information C2 output from the sensor unit 6 becomes a value larger than the actual depth dc of the contained material C. As long as a plurality of media with different relative permittivities εr are not mixed as the contained material C, the second measurement result information C22 is considered to be one. Therefore, the third measurement result information C23 indicating a distance (value) larger than the second measurement result information C22 is assumed to indicate the distance between the sensor unit 6 and the reflecting surface (bottom surface T11) when the bottom surface T11 is used as the reflecting surface. That is, the measured distance ds indicated by the third measurement result information C23 appearing in the third region A3 does not indicate the distance between the sensor unit 6 and the contained material C and is not suitable for estimating the remaining amount Ra (specific value) of the contained material C. Therefore, the measured distance ds (the measured distance ds included in the third region A3) indicated by the third measurement result information C23 is not used for estimating the remaining amount Ra (specific value) of the contained material C. Although it is assumed that the third measurement result information C23 may not be output depending on sensitivity characteristics such as the ranging limit distance of the sensor unit 6 (sensor IC), the size of the container T, the relative permittivity εr of the contained material C, etc., since the third measurement result information C23 is not used for estimating the remaining amount Ra of the contained material C, it has no influence on the accuracy of estimating the remaining amount Ra of the contained material C.

[0061] [Storage unit] The storage unit 7 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory or the like. The storage unit 7 is configured to be able to store container-specific information C3 based on the specifications of the container T to which the remaining amount estimation device 100 is attached, and estimation-related information C4 related to the estimation of the remaining amount Ra of the contained material C stored in the container T. The storage unit 7 also stores information indicating the first threshold value d1, the second threshold value d2, the first allowable range R1, and the second allowable range R2.

[0062] [Container-specific information] The container-specific information C3 is information regarding the specifications (size) unique to the container T. The container-specific information C3 includes information indicating the bottom surface distance dt between the sensor unit 6 fixed to the lid portion T3 and the bottom surface T11 of the container T. In the present embodiment, the container-specific information C3 is acquired by measurement with the sensor unit 6 attached to the lid portion T3 in a state where the container T does not contain the content C (that is, in a state where the remaining amount Ra of the content C is empty). However, the container-specific information C3 may be set based on the specifications (catalog values) of the container T, or may be set to a value actually measured with a measuring instrument or the like.

[0063] [Estimation-related information] The estimation-related information C4 is information indicating the relationship between the measurement result information C2 output from the sensor unit 6 and the remaining amount Ra of the content C (see FIG. 7). FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the depth dc of the content C and the remaining amount Ra of the content C. The horizontal axis shown in FIG. 7 indicates the depth dc of the content C, and the vertical axis indicates the remaining amount Ra of the content C. Note that the depth dc of the content C indicates the actual distance between the boundary surface F of the content C (the sensor unit 6 side (upper side Z2) shown in FIG. 3) and the bottom surface T11 of the container T.

[0064] [Remaining amount estimation unit] The remaining amount estimation unit 8 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The remaining amount estimation unit 8 estimates the remaining amount Ra of the content C based on the measurement result information C2 output from the sensor unit 6 and the information (container-specific information C3 and estimation-related information C4) stored in the storage unit 7.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the remaining amount estimation unit 8 estimates the remaining amount Ra of the content C by utilizing the fact that the propagation speed of the radio wave changes (the measured distance changes) due to the relative dielectric constant εr of the content C as described above. Specifically, as described above, the remaining amount Ra of the content C is estimated by utilizing the fact that the measured distance ds output by the sensor unit 6 that receives the reflected wave reflected by the bottom surface T11 of the container T is larger than the actual bottom surface distance dt (the actual distance between the sensor unit 6 and the bottom surface T11).

[0066] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the remaining amount estimation unit 8 estimates the remaining amount Ra without using the measurement distance ds included in the first region A1 among the measurement distances ds output by the sensor unit 6 (measurement distances ds that are equal to or less than the upper limit of the first allowable range R1). In the present embodiment, the remaining amount estimation unit 8 estimates the remaining amount Ra of the contained material C by determining whether or not it is included in the second region A2 (a region that exceeds the upper limit of the first allowable range R1 and is equal to or less than the upper limit of the second allowable range R2). Note that when the measurement distance ds indicated by the measurement result information C2 (second measurement result information C22) is equal to or less than the first allowable range R1, the remaining amount estimation unit 8 may determine that the remaining amount Ra of the contained material C is full volume.

[0067] When the remaining amount estimation unit 8 determines that the measurement distance ds is not included in the second region A2, it determines whether or not the measurement distance ds exceeds the upper limit of the second allowable range R2. When it determines that the measurement distance ds exceeds the upper limit of the second allowable range R2, it estimates that the remaining amount Ra of the contained material C is full volume.

[0068] When the remaining amount estimation unit 8 determines that the measurement distance ds output by the sensor unit 6 is included in the second region A2 (the measurement distance ds exceeds the upper limit of the first allowable range R1 and is equal to or less than the upper limit of the second allowable range R2), it determines whether or not the measurement distance ds is included in the second allowable range R2 (equal to or greater than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit of the second allowable range R2). When it determines that the measurement distance ds is included in the second allowable range R2 (that is, the measurement distance ds is a value close to the distance between the sensor unit 6 and the bottom surface T11), it estimates that the remaining amount Ra of the contained material C is "0" (empty). On the other hand, when it determines that the measurement distance ds is not included in the second allowable range R2 (that is, the measurement distance ds is a value far from the distance between the sensor unit 6 and the bottom surface T11), it obtains the remaining amount Ra of the contained material C by calculation based on the measurement distance ds.

[0069] [Calculation of remaining amount] When the remaining amount Ra of the contained material C is full, the remaining amount estimation unit 8 calculates and outputs remaining amount result information C5 (an example of result information) indicating a preset value (the capacity of the contained material C when estimated as full) as the remaining amount Ra based on the estimation source information C1. When the remaining amount Ra is empty, the remaining amount estimation unit 8 outputs the remaining amount result information C5 indicating "0". Further, when the remaining amount Ra of the contained material C is neither full nor empty, the remaining amount estimation unit 8 calculates the remaining amount Ra of the contained material C and outputs the remaining amount result information C5 indicating the calculated result. In the following, the process of calculating the remaining amount Ra may be referred to as "remaining amount estimation process".

[0070] [Communication unit] The communication unit 9 can transmit and receive data indicating the remaining amount result information C5 output from the remaining amount estimation unit 8. The communication unit 9 has an antenna (not shown). The antenna can be, for example, an antenna member mounted on the substrate 3, a pattern antenna formed on the surface of the substrate 3, an antenna built in a communication IC mounted on the substrate 3, or may be connected by an antenna member arranged in the accommodation space 1S and a communication electric wire or the like.

[0071] The communication unit 9 has a first communication unit 91 (an example of a first communication device) and a second communication unit 92 (an example of a second communication device) with different communication distances (communication standards). Note that the container specific information C3 stored in the storage unit 7 can be input to the storage unit 7 of the remaining amount estimation device 100 via the first communication unit 91 or the second communication unit 92.

[0072] The first communication unit 91 can communicate in accordance with a long-distance wireless standard. The first communication unit 91 is composed of a communication device that complies with the long-distance wireless standard. In this embodiment, the first communication unit 91 is composed of a communication device that complies with LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). Note that the first communication unit 91 may be a communication device that complies with 5G, LTE, or the like.

[0073] The first communication unit 91 is configured to be able to transmit the remaining amount result information C5 estimated by the remaining amount estimation unit 8 to the first external device 201 described with reference to FIG. 1. That is, the first external device 201 is configured to be able to receive the remaining amount result information C5 output from the remaining amount estimation unit 8. The first external device 201 has a first external communication unit (not shown) capable of communicating according to the same communication standard as the first communication unit 91, and can communicate with the first communication unit 91 in accordance with a long-distance wireless standard. Thereby, it becomes possible to remotely monitor the remaining amount Ra of the container T output from the remaining amount estimation device 100. By monitoring the remaining amount Ra, it becomes possible to replenish the container T with the content C at an appropriate timing by the replenishment service system of the content C.

[0074] The second communication unit 92 is capable of communicating in accordance with a short-distance wireless standard. The second communication unit 92 is composed of a communication device that complies with a short-distance wireless standard. In the present embodiment, the second communication unit 92 is composed of a communication device that complies with BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). Note that the second communication unit 92 may be a device that complies with Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi, Private LoRa, Z-Wave, ZigBee (registered trademark), Thread, Matter, etc. other than BLE.

[0075] The second communication unit 92 receives control data for the remaining amount estimation device 100 (control unit 5) from the second external device 202 described with reference to FIG. 1. That is, the second external device 202 is configured to be able to transmit control data for the remaining amount estimation device 100. The second external device 202 has a second external communication unit (not shown) capable of communicating according to the same communication standard as the second communication unit 92, and can communicate with the second communication unit 92 in accordance with a short-distance wireless standard (for example, wireless communication in a P to P manner between the remaining amount estimation device 100).

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the sensor unit 6 is a millimeter-wave sensor for distance measurement has been described. However, the sensor unit 6 is not limited to a millimeter-wave sensor for distance measurement. For example, it may be a magnetic sensor that detects a change in a magnetic field (magnetic field). Magnetic sensors include Hall sensors that detect a magnetic field (magnetic field) non-contact using the Hall effect, MR sensors that detect a magnetic field (magnetic field) non-contact using the magnetoresistance effect, MI sensors that detect a magnetic field (magnetic field) non-contact using the magnetic impedance effect, and the like. The sensing method when the sensor unit 6 is a magnetic sensor is not particularly limited. When the sensor unit 6 is a magnetic sensor, the sensor module may be used in a current monitoring system that non-contact detects and monitors a current value as a current sensor module, or may be used in an instrument monitoring system that non-contact detects and monitors the pointer value of an instrument such as a pressure gauge as a needling sensor module. Further, the sensor unit 6 may be a capacitance-type sensor, an acceleration sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a gyro sensor, an optical sensor, an image sensor, a camera using an image sensor, etc., and can output information regarding the contained object C non-contact, and it is possible to use it in a system that monitors the state of the device to which the sensor module is attached based on the output information.

[0077] [Effects of the Embodiment] The remaining amount estimation device 100 configured as described above has the following effects.

[0078] (1) It is possible to select a communication device (the first communication unit 91 or the second communication unit 92) according to the use (purpose of communication) of the data to be communicated and perform data communication. Further, since it has a plurality of communication devices (communication means), even when a failure has occurred in one of the two communication devices (communication means), communication can be performed by the other communication device (communication means), so that a decrease in convenience can be suppressed.

[0079] (2) The output information (remaining amount Ra of the stored item C) from the sensor unit 6 can be remotely monitored. Also, if LPWA is used as the communication standard compliant with long-distance wireless communication, power consumption can be reduced. Thereby, for example, when the battery unit 42 is a primary battery, the interval for battery replacement can be extended.

[0080] (3) For example, among a plurality of devices (remaining amount estimation device 100), after visually confirming (while checking the operation) the remaining amount estimation device 100 that is the maintenance target (communication target of control data), communication (transmission of control data) with a desired remaining amount estimation device 100 becomes possible. For this reason, for example, at the location where the remaining amount estimation device 100 is arranged, it is possible to perform maintenance work (for example, firmware update) while checking the operation of the remaining amount estimation device 100. Also, maintenance work can be performed without disassembling the remaining amount estimation device 100. Furthermore, since the remaining amount estimation device 100 and the second external device 202 can communicate (wirelessly communicate in P to P) without passing through a communication line, even when a failure occurs in the communication line provided by a communication carrier or the like, communication with the remaining amount estimation device 100 (transmission of control data) is possible without being affected by the failure of the communication line. Also, since it is short-distance communication, the time required for communication is short and communication delay is less likely to occur, so the immediacy of control (transmission of control data) for the remaining amount estimation device 100 can be enhanced. Also, because it is short-distance communication, it is possible to simplify the individual identification property that can omit a complex encryption method and multi-factor authentication, and the immediacy can be enhanced.

[0081] Also, because the immediacy is enhanced, the inspection method in the inspection process during production can be simplified. Specifically, after turning on the power of the remaining amount estimation device 100 in the state of the final finished product and checking the operation, it is possible to turn off the power and ship it. Thereby, after shipment, after being attached to the container T at the usage location, it becomes possible to turn on the power of the remaining amount estimation device 100, and it is possible to suppress the consumption of the battery during the period from shipment to actual use.

[0082] (4) According to the above embodiment, the sensor unit 6 can be configured using a general-purpose sensor (a ToF-type level sensor). For example, it can be incorporated into a water volume monitoring system that can monitor the water surface height of a river.

[0083] (5) According to the above embodiment, since the sensor unit 6 uses millimeter waves different from the frequency bands used in the communications of each of the first communication unit 91 and the second communication unit 92, it is possible to suppress the influence of interference with the communications of each of the first communication unit 91 and the second communication unit 92. Also, since millimeter waves can pass through resin, even when arranged on the lid portion T3 of the container T formed of an insulating material, the distance to the contained substance C can be measured. For example, compared with the case of using an optical sensor that requires the lid portion to be configured such that light can pass through as the sensor unit 6, the material cost and processing cost can be reduced. Alternatively, when the lid portion cannot be configured to allow light to pass through, the remaining amount estimation device 100 is required to have a size that can pass through the opening T2 of the container T (miniaturization), but in the case of a millimeter wave sensor, there is no need to miniaturize.

[0084] (6) According to the above embodiment, interference with the communications of each of the first communication unit 91 and the second communication unit 92 can be avoided. Also, it is possible to configure the sensor unit 6 using a general-purpose device as a magnetic sensor such as a Hall sensor, an MR sensor, or an MI sensor. Further, the remaining amount estimation device 100 can be a current sensor module or a needle detection sensor module.

[0085] (7) According to the above embodiment, the result information C5 calculated based on the estimation source information C1 can be output.

[0086] (8) According to the above embodiment, it can be used in places where waterproofness is required, such as outdoors. Also, without disassembling the housing 1, maintenance work (such as firmware update work) can be performed on the internal electronic devices (for example, the sensor unit 6, the communication unit 9, etc.) while maintaining the housing 1 in a watertight state (sealed state).

[0087] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to transmit the estimation source information C1 or the result information C5 to the first external device 201.

[0088] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to transmit the estimation result of the remaining amount Ra of the content C accommodated in the container T as the estimation source information C1 or the remaining amount result information C5.

[0089] [Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, the remaining amount estimation device 100 includes the control unit 5, the storage unit 7, the remaining amount estimation unit 8, and the communication unit 9. However, the storage unit 7 and the remaining amount estimation unit 8 may be provided in a device different from the remaining amount estimation device 100 (for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a first external device 201 different from the remaining amount estimation device 100 among the devices included in the remaining amount estimation system). The first external device 201 may include an external storage unit 201a capable of storing the container-specific information C3 and an external remaining amount estimation unit 201b capable of estimating the remaining amount Ra. Note that the storage unit 7 and the remaining amount estimation unit 8 may be provided in both the remaining amount estimation device 100 and the first external device 201. That is, the housing 1 included in the remaining amount estimation device 100 only needs to accommodate at least the lens unit 2, the substrate 3, the sensor unit 6, and the communication unit 9, and the power supply unit 4, the control unit 5, the storage unit 7, and the remaining amount estimation unit 8 may be accommodated in a housing different from the housing 1. Thereby, the configuration of the remaining amount estimation device 100 can be simplified. As a result, the cost required for the remaining amount estimation device 100 can be suppressed.

[0090] (2) In the above embodiment, the case where the housing 1 is configured as a single unit has been described. However, the housing 1 may be configured by a plurality of divided bodies divided into a plurality. Also, the substrate 3 is not limited to one and may be configured by a plurality.

[0091] (3) Also, in the above embodiment, the case where the accommodation space 1S is configured to be watertight by applying a sealing material such as an adhesive or grease to the gap between the lid portion T3 and the housing 1 has been described. However, the configuration for making the accommodation space 1S watertight is not particularly limited. For example, the accommodation space 1S may be configured to be watertight by arranging an O-ring between the lid portion T3 and the housing 1. Alternatively, it may be configured to be watertight by ultrasonically welding the lid portion T3 and the housing 1. Further, as a part of the lid portion T3, a member that allows gas to permeate and does not allow liquid to permeate may be used. Also, the housing 1 may be a dustproof specification or an explosion-proof specification. That is, the housing 1 may be configured to be waterproof, dustproof, explosion-proof, etc. by injecting a sealing material such as a potting material.

[0092] (4) A waterproof connector (not shown) may be assembled to the housing 1 described in the above embodiment. Thereby, it becomes possible to arrange the antenna outside the housing 1 by connecting the antenna to the connector. Alternatively, it becomes possible to arrange the battery unit 42 outside the housing 1 by connecting the battery unit 42 to the connector. Thereby, it becomes possible to arrange components that occupy a large volume outside the housing 1. That is, by assembling a waterproof connector to the housing 1, it is possible to reduce the size of the remaining amount estimation device 100 while maintaining the watertightness of the accommodation space 1S of the housing 1.

[0093] (5) In the above embodiment, the case where the contained substance C is kerosene has been described. However, the contained substance C is not limited to kerosene, and any substance having a relative dielectric constant εr of air "substantially 1" or more (preferably "2" or more) and capable of being contained in the container T may be used. For example, it may be an organic substance (organic solvent). Also, the contained substance C is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid or a mixture of a liquid and a solid. However, it is preferable that the contained substance C does not contain air. Note that the container T is appropriately changed according to the contained substance C to be contained.

[0094] (6) In the above embodiment, the first allowable range R1 is set to straddle the first division line L1, but the first allowable range R1 may not be set to straddle the first division line L1 (it may be only on one of the upper side Z2 (sensor unit 6 side) and the lower side Z1 (bottom surface T11 side)). The same applies to the second allowable range R2.

[0095] (7) In the above embodiment, the first allowable range R1 is set on the first division line L1, but the first allowable range R1 may not be set. The same applies to the second allowable range R2.

Industrial Applicability

[0096] The present invention can be used in a system that can optimize the frequency and timing of maintenance, replenishment, etc. of the object to be measured by automatically detecting the state of the object to be measured and remotely monitoring it.

Explanation of Signs

[0097] 1: Housing 1S: Accommodation space 4: Power supply unit 5: Control unit 6: Sensor unit 8: Remaining amount estimation unit (calculation unit) 9: Communication unit 91: First communication unit (first communication device) 92: Second communication unit (second communication device) 200: Remaining amount estimation system (sensor device system) C: Contained object C1: Estimation source information (output information) C5: Remaining amount result information (result information) T: Container

Claims

1. A sensor unit, A first communication device capable of transmitting output information output from the sensor unit or result information based on the output information and capable of communicating in accordance with a first communication standard, A second communication device capable of communicating in accordance with a second communication standard different from the first communication standard, And a control unit capable of controlling the operations of the sensor unit, the first communication device, and the second communication device. The second communication device is capable of receiving control data for the control unit, a sensor device system.

2. The first communication device is capable of communicating in accordance with a communication standard compatible with long-distance wireless communication as the first communication standard, the sensor device system according to claim 1.

3. The second communication device is capable of communicating in accordance with a communication standard compatible with short-distance wireless communication as the second communication standard, the sensor device system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The sensor unit measures the distance to the contained material by measuring the time until the transmitted radio wave is reflected by the contained material contained in the container and received, and outputs the measured distance as the result information, the sensor device system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The sensor unit transmits a millimeter-wave sensor as the radio wave, the sensor device system according to claim 4.

6. The sensor unit has a magnetic sensor that detects the state of the object to be measured by detecting a change in the magnetic field, the sensor device system according to claim 3.

7. The sensor device system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an arithmetic unit that calculates the result information based on the output information.

8. A power supply unit that supplies power to the sensor unit, the arithmetic unit, the control unit, the first communication device, and the second communication device, A housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the sensor unit, the arithmetic unit, the control unit, the first communication device, the second communication device, and the power supply unit, and further comprising: The accommodation space is configured to be watertight. The sensor device system according to claim 7. **Claim 9** The sensor device system according to claim 1, further comprising a first external device capable of receiving the output information or the result information via the first communication device. **Claim 10** The sensor unit according to claim 1 is capable of outputting estimation source information necessary for estimating the remaining amount of the contents accommodated in the container.

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