Detection device and determination system

The detection device addresses the limitations of conventional infrared detection devices by using an infrared sensor and a drive unit to scan for heat sources based on output change widths relative to a reference width, effectively detecting heat sources regardless of their state of motion.

JP2025096878APending Publication Date: 2025-06-30PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023212846
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-12-18
Publication Date
2025-06-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional infrared detection devices for air conditioners struggle to accurately detect a heat source, such as a person, especially when the background temperature changes or the person is in a stationary state, as they only sense changes in the amount of incident infrared rays.

Method used

The detection device includes an infrared sensor mounted on a sensor substrate, a drive unit that scans a detection range, and an opening that allows infrared rays to incident on the sensor. The device defines a reference width based on temperature differences in the detection range without a heat source and detects a heat source by identifying an output change width greater than the reference width.

Benefits of technology

This solution enables the detection of a heat source relative to the background temperature and can detect stationary heat sources, improving the accuracy and reliability of heat source detection.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a detection device and a determination system that can detect a heat source such as a person relative to a background temperature, and can detect the heat source even when the heat source is stationary.SOLUTION: Each of detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c includes an infrared sensor 40 that detects infrared rays; a sensor board 20 on which the infrared sensor 40 is mounted; and a drive unit 30 that is arranged on the sensor board 20 so as to cover the infrared sensor 40, has an opening 31 formed so as to allow at least a portion of the infrared rays to be incident on the infrared sensor 40, and drives so as to scan a detection range. If a reference width is taken for an output change width of an output signal from the infrared sensor 40 caused by the temperature difference between each structure present within the detection range upon driving of the drive unit 30, then the output change width of the infrared sensor 40 caused by the temperature difference when a heat source is present within the detection range is larger than the reference width.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a detection device and a determination system used for detecting a heat source.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an infrared detection device for an air conditioner used for detecting the temperature distribution in an air-conditioned room and the position of a person. Specifically, the infrared detection device for an air conditioner includes: one infrared sensor that is sensitive to a change in the amount of incident infrared rays; a condensing means having a plurality of polarizing parts for condensing the infrared rays onto the infrared sensor; a switching member having a transmission window for condensing the infrared rays onto the infrared sensor; a human detection means for determining the presence of a person from the output after stabilization of the output change of the infrared sensor corresponding to the start of incidence of the condensed infrared rays onto the infrared sensor; and a temperature detection means for obtaining the temperature of the infrared radiation from the output change of the infrared sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described conventional infrared detection device for an air conditioner, since it only senses a change in the amount of incident infrared rays, there is a risk that it may not be able to determine whether a person is present when the background temperature changes. Also, even when a person is stationary, since the amount of incident infrared rays does not change, there is a risk that a heat source such as a person cannot be detected.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and provide a detection device and a determination system that can detect a heat source with respect to the background temperature and can detect the heat source even when it is in a stationary state.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A detection device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an infrared sensor that detects infrared rays, a sensor substrate on which the infrared sensor is mounted, and an opening formed so as to cover the infrared sensor on the sensor substrate and at least a part of the infrared rays is incident on the infrared sensor, and a drive unit that drives so as to scan a detection range. When the output change width of the output signal from the infrared sensor caused by the temperature difference of each structure existing in the detection range when the drive unit drives is defined as a reference width, the output change width of the output signal caused by the temperature difference when a heat source exists in the detection range is larger than the reference width.

[0007] In addition, a determination system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a detection device and a calculation unit that determines the number of detection targets based on the heat distribution output by the detection device.

[0008] Note that the general or specific aspect of the present disclosure may be realized by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be realized by an arbitrary combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the detection device and the determination system of the present disclosure, a heat source with respect to the background temperature can be detected, and even when the heat source is in a stationary state, it can be detected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. All of the embodiments and the like described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments and the like are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0012] Also, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. In each figure, substantially the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted or simplified. Also, in each figure, even when the same object is illustrated, the scale may be changed for convenience.

[0013] In the following embodiments, expressions such as hemispherical and substantially coincident are used. For example, hemispherical and substantially coincident not only mean completely hemispherical and coincident, but also mean substantially hemispherical and coincident, that is, including an error of about several percent. Also, hemispherical and substantially coincident mean hemispherical and coincident within the range in which the effects according to the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "shape" and "coincidence".

[0014] (Embodiment) <Configuration and Function> First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the configuration of the detection device 1 and the determination system 3 will be described.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the detection device 1 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, a cross-sectional view of the infrared sensor 40, the sensor substrate 20, the drive unit 30, the bearing 13, etc. in the detection device 1 and a top view of the detection device 1 are shown. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the detection device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the output signal of the infrared sensor 40. (a) of FIG. 3 shows the reference width of the background temperature based on the case where there is no heat source in the detection range of the detection device 1 and the output signal of the infrared sensor 40. The output signal of the infrared rays is shown with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing voltage. (b) of FIG. 3 shows the case where there is a heat source in the detection range of the detection device 1 and the output change width of the output signal output by the infrared sensor 40 when the heat source is present.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the determination system 3 includes the detection device 1 and the calculation unit 2a.

[0017] The detection device 1 detects the presence of a heat source based on the output signal output from the infrared sensor 40 that outputs an output signal indicating the heat distribution detected by the infrared rays. The heat source is, for example, a dynamic detection target such as a person. For example, the detection device 1 can accurately detect a person existing in the space, that is, a heat source, by installing the infrared sensor 40 on a desk, ceiling, wall, etc. arranged in a space such as an office or a conference room.

[0018] Specifically, the detection device 1 includes an infrared sensor 40, a sensor substrate 20, a drive unit 30, a bearing 13, a drive mechanism 10, and a communication unit 50.

[0019] The infrared sensor 40 is an infrared human presence sensor using, for example, a pyroelectric sensor or the like. The infrared sensor 40 is mounted on the surface of the sensor substrate 20. The infrared sensor 40 is located on the surface of the sensor substrate 20 so as to overlap with the central axis of the bearing 13. In the present embodiment, the central axis of the infrared sensor 40 coincides with the central axis of the bearing 13.

[0020] The infrared sensor 40 is mounted on the surface of the sensor substrate 20. Further, on the surface of the sensor substrate 20, a bearing 13 is provided which is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the infrared sensor 40. The drive unit 30 is connected to the bearing 13.

[0021] The drive unit 30 has a hemispherical or dome shape. The drive unit 30 is arranged on the sensor substrate 20. Specifically, the drive unit 30 is arranged on the sensor substrate 20 via the bearing 13 so as to cover the infrared sensor 40 mounted on the surface of the sensor substrate 20.

[0022] The drive unit 30 is made of a material that does not transmit infrared rays. Specifically, the drive unit 30 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, copper, and stainless steel, an acrylic resin material, an ABS (acrylonitrile (A), butadiene (B), styrene (S)) resin material, or the like. Note that the material that does not transmit infrared rays is not limited to the present disclosure, and other known materials may be used.

[0023] An opening 31 is formed in the drive unit 30 so that at least a part of the infrared rays is incident on the infrared sensor 40. The opening 31 is a notch that can expose a part of the infrared sensor 40. When the hemispherical drive unit 30 is viewed from above, the opening 31 is notched in a fan shape around the central axis of the drive unit 30. The central angle of the fan-shaped opening 31 is preferably 10° to 90°. In FIG. 1, the case where the central angle of the fan-shaped opening 31 is 90° is illustrated.

[0024] Since the drive unit 30 is connected to the bearing 13, it is rotatable with respect to the infrared sensor 40. The central axis of the rotating drive unit 30 substantially coincides with the central axis of the bearing 13. The drive unit 30 rotates about the central axis of the infrared sensor 40. The rotation speed of the drive unit 30 is 10 rpm or less.

[0025] The bearing 13 has an inner ring 13a, a plurality of rollers 13b, and an outer ring 13c.

[0026] The inner ring 13a is connected to the surface of the sensor substrate 20 and is arranged so as to surround the infrared sensor 40. The plurality of rollers 13b are arranged between the inner ring 13a and the outer ring 13c, and rotatably support the outer ring 13c with respect to the inner ring 13a fixed to the sensor substrate 20. The outer ring 13c is rotated with respect to the inner ring 13a by the drive mechanism 10. The outer ring 13c is arranged on the outer periphery of the plurality of rollers 13b and the inner ring 13a. The outer ring 13c is arranged so that a gap is formed between it and the surface of the sensor substrate 20, and the drive unit 30 is connected to the end of the outer ring 13c on the side opposite to the sensor substrate 20.

[0027] The drive mechanism 10 can rotate the drive unit 30 around the central axis of the bearing 13. Specifically, the drive mechanism 10 has a motor 11 and a belt 14.

[0028] The motor 11 generates power for rotating the drive unit 30. The motor 11 is driven by the processing unit 60 to rotate the rotation shaft of the motor 11, and the rotational force is transmitted to the drive unit 30. A gear 12 is connected to the tip of the rotation shaft.

[0029] The belt 14 is wound from the gear 12 to the outer ring 13c so that the rotational force of the gear 12 connected to the rotation shaft of the motor 11 is transmitted to the outer ring 13c of the bearing 13.

[0030] Due to such a configuration, when the rotating shaft of the motor 11 and the gear 12 rotate, the belt 14 rotates via the gear 12. The rotation of the belt 14 causes the outer ring 13c of the bearing 13 to rotate, and along with the rotation of the outer ring 13c, the drive unit 30 also rotates around the central axis of the outer ring 13c. As the drive unit 30 rotates, the opening 31 of the drive unit 30 also rotates around the central axis of the outer ring 13c.

[0031] Next, the functions of the detection device 1 will be described.

[0032] The detection device 1 further includes a processing unit 60.

[0033] The processing unit 60 controls the rotation speed of the drive unit 30. Specifically, the processing unit 60 controls the rotation speed of the drive unit 30 by controlling the rotation speed of the motor 11 of the drive mechanism 10. The processing unit 60 controls the motor 11 so that the rotation speed of the drive unit 30 becomes 10 rpm or less. By the processing unit 60 controlling the rotation speed of the motor 11, the drive unit 30 is driven so that the detection range scans. That is, since the opening 31 of the drive unit 30 for passing infrared rays rotates around the central axis of the drive unit 30, when there is a heat source in the detection range, the rotating drive unit 30 can cause infrared rays to enter the infrared sensor 40 when the opening 31 faces the heat source. Thereby, the infrared sensor 40 can detect infrared rays.

[0034] The infrared sensor 40 detects the differential change amount of the infrared rays radiated from the heat source at predetermined time intervals. That is, the infrared sensor 40 detects the heat source existing around. The infrared sensor 40 outputs an output signal indicating the heat distribution in which infrared rays are detected to the sensor substrate 20 at predetermined time intervals. For example, when there is a heat source such as a person around the infrared sensor 40, since the drive unit 30 rotates so that the detection range scans, the infrared sensor 40 outputs an output signal of the heat distribution including the heat source existing within the detection range to the sensor substrate 20 at predetermined time intervals. Also, when there is no heat source such as a person around the infrared sensor 40, the infrared sensor 40 outputs an output signal of the heat distribution to the sensor substrate 20 at predetermined time intervals.

[0035] On the surface of the sensor substrate 20, a signal circuit for outputting the output signal output by the infrared sensor 40 to the processing unit 60 is mounted. The signal circuit processes the output signal at predetermined time intervals and outputs it to the processing unit 60.

[0036] The processing unit 60 acquires the output signal of the infrared sensor 40. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the processing unit 60 acquires the output change width of the output signal caused by the temperature difference of each structure existing in the detection range when the driving unit 30 is driven, based on the output signal. The structure is an object other than a heat source such as a floor, a wall, a desk, a shelf, a table, etc. However, since the temperature of the floor, the temperature of the wall, the temperature of the desk, the temperature of the shelf, the temperature of the table, etc. are different from each other, the infrared sensor 40 acquires the output change width of the output signal caused by the temperature difference of each structure. The processing unit 60 calculates the output change width of the output signal acquired from the infrared sensor 40. The processing unit 60 sets the calculated output change width as the reference width and stores it in a storage unit or the like.

[0037] Here, the output change width is the change width determined by the minimum value and the maximum value of the output signal obtained by the infrared sensor 40 in at least one cycle (one rotation of the driving unit 30). The reference width is the change width of the background temperature determined by the minimum value and the maximum value of the output signal when no heat source exists in the detection range. The detection range is the range in which the infrared sensor 40 can detect a heat source. It is preferable to measure such a reference width in advance.

[0038] Also, when the infrared sensor 40 detects a heat source, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the processing unit 60 acquires from the infrared sensor 40 an output signal that changes over time due to the temperature difference when there is a heat source in addition to the structure within the detection range when the driving unit 30 is driving. The processing unit 60 calculates the output change width of the output signal that changes over time, and compares the output change width with a reference width. Since the output change width of the output signal caused by the temperature difference when there is a heat source within the detection range shown by the dashed circle in FIG. 3(b) is larger than the reference width shown in FIG. 3(a), when there is a heat source within the detection range, the processing unit 60 outputs a signal including the presence of a heat source within the detection range to the external device 2 via the communication unit 50. Also, when there is no heat source within the detection range, the processing unit 60 outputs a signal including the absence of a heat source within the detection range to the external device 2 via the communication unit 50.

[0039] The external device 2 is a server capable of collecting the results detected by the detection device 1 in chronological order. The communication unit 50 is a communication interface capable of communicating with the external device 2. The communication unit 50 is realized, for example, by an antenna and a radio processing circuit that processes the signal received by the antenna.

[0040] The external device 2 has a calculation unit 2a. The calculation unit 2a determines the number of people to be detected based on the signal output by the detection device 1 (a signal indicating the presence of a heat source within the detection range, a signal including the absence of a heat source within the detection range). The calculation unit 2a outputs the determination result to a display unit or outputs it to a device that collects it in chronological order. In this embodiment, the case where the calculation unit 2a is mounted on the external device 2 is illustrated, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the calculation unit 2a may be mounted on the detection device 1.

[0041] Further, the processing unit 60 can measure the heat distribution within the detection range from the rotation period of the driving unit 30 and the signal period output from the infrared sensor 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(b), when the driving unit 30 makes one rotation, if a distribution with an output change width per cycle larger than the reference width appears one or more times, it means that there is one or more heat distributions within the detection range. Therefore, the processing unit 60 can measure the number of heat sources existing within the detection range.

[0042] <Operation Example 1> Next, with reference to FIGS. 4A and the like, an operation example of the detection device 1 and the determination system 3 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0043] FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing Operation Example 1 of the detection device 1 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 4A, an operation example regarding the setting of the reference width will be described.

[0044] First, the processing unit 60 controls the motor 11 to drive the driving unit 30 (S11). Thereby, the driving unit 30 rotates around the central axis of the bearing 13.

[0045] Next, the infrared sensor 40 detects the temperature of each structure existing within the detection range when the driving unit 30 is driven (S12). The infrared sensor 40 outputs an output signal, which is a signal indicating that it has detected the temperature of each structure, to the processing unit 60.

[0046] Next, the processing unit 60 calculates the output change width based on the output signal acquired from the infrared sensor 40 and sets it as the reference width (S13).

[0047] Then, the processing unit 60 ends the flowchart of FIG. 4A. Note that this operation example may be performed at predetermined time intervals or when the installation location of the detection device 1 changes.

[0048] <Operation Example 2> Next, with reference to FIGS. 4B and the like, an operation example of the detection device 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0049] Figure 4B is a flowchart showing an operation example 2 of the detection device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0050] In Figure 4B, an operation example of the detection device 1 after setting the reference width will be described.

[0051] First, the processing unit 60 controls the motor 11 to drive the driving unit 30 (S21). Thereby, the driving unit 30 rotates around the central axis of the bearing 13.

[0052] Next, the infrared sensor 40 detects the temperature of the surrounding (structure) existing in the detection range when the driving unit 30 is driven (S22). The infrared sensor 40 continuously outputs to the processing unit 60 an output signal detecting the surrounding temperature, that is, an output signal indicating the heat distribution detecting infrared rays.

[0053] Next, the processing unit 60 calculates the output change width of the acquired output signal that changes over time, and compares the calculated output change width with the reference width, that is, determines whether the output change width is greater than the reference width (S23). When the processing unit 60 determines that the calculated output change width is greater than the reference width (YES in S23), it is considered that there is a heat source in the detection range. For this reason, the processing unit 60 outputs a signal indicating that there is a heat source in the detection range to the external device 2 via the communication unit 50 (S24). Then, the processing unit 60 returns the process to step S21.

[0054] When the processing unit 60 determines that the calculated output change width is less than or equal to the reference width (NO in S23), it is considered that there is no heat source in the detection range. For this reason, the processing unit 60 returns the process to step S21.

[0055] Also, the following modification examples are included in the present embodiment.

[0056] <Modification Example 1> Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the configurations of the detection device 1a and the determination system 3 will be described.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the detection device 1a according to Modification 1. In FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the infrared sensor 40, the sensor substrate 20, the drive unit 30, the bearing 13, etc. in the detection device 1a and a top view of the detection device 1a are shown.

[0058] In this modification, it is different from the above-described embodiment in that the mirror 33 is provided. In this modification, the description of the same configuration and functions as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and mainly the different configurations and functions will be described.

[0059] The drive unit 30 further includes a mirror 33 that reflects infrared rays so that the infrared rays are incident on the infrared sensor 40. The mirror 33 is fixed in a posture rising from the opening 31 of the drive unit 30 so as to reflect the infrared rays from the heat source toward the infrared sensor 40 through the opening 31. Since the mirror 33 is fixed to the opening 31, the mirror 33 rotates as the drive unit 30 rotates.

[0060] The infrared rays radiated from the heat source are reflected by the mirror 33 and enter the infrared sensor 40 through the opening 31. By providing the mirror 33 at the opening 31, the detection range of the infrared sensor 40 can be controlled.

[0061] <Modification 2> Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the configurations of the detection device 1b and the determination system 3 will be described.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the detection device 1b according to Modification 2. In FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of the infrared sensor 40, the sensor substrate 20, the drive unit 30, the bearing 13, etc. in the detection device 1b and a top view of the detection device 1b are shown.

[0063] In this modification, it is different from the above-described embodiment in that the lens 34 is provided. In this modification, the description of the same configuration and functions as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and mainly the different configurations and functions will be described.

[0064] The drive unit 30 further includes a lens 34 that controls the infrared rays incident on the infrared sensor 40. The lens 34 covers the opening 31 of the drive unit 30 so as to collect the infrared rays from the heat source and make them incident on the infrared sensor 40. That is, the lens 34 is fixed to the opening 31 so as to cover the entire opening 31. The lens 34 is to be installed in the drive unit 30 in an inclined posture with respect to the posture of the sensor substrate 20. That is, the lens 34 is installed in the drive unit 30 such that its central axis is inclined with respect to the rotation central axis of the drive unit 30. In this modification example, a convex lens is illustrated, but other lenses may be used as long as they can collect infrared rays and make them incident on the infrared sensor 40.

[0065] The infrared rays emitted by the heat source are incident on the lens 34, collected, and then incident on the infrared sensor 40 through the opening 31. By providing the lens 34 in the opening 31, the detection range of the infrared sensor 40 can be controlled.

[0066] <Modification Example 3> Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the configuration of the detection device 1c and the determination system 3 will be described.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the detection device 1c according to Modification Example 3. In FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of the infrared sensor 40, the sensor substrate 20, the drive unit 30, the bearing 13, etc. in the detection device 1c and a top view of the detection device 1c are shown.

[0068] In this modification example, it is different from the above-described embodiment in that it includes the outermost packaging part 35. In this modification example, the description of the same configurations and functions as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and mainly the different configurations and functions will be described.

[0069] The detection device 1c further includes an outermost packaging part 35 that covers the infrared sensor 40 and the drive unit 30. The outermost packaging part 35 is hemispherical or dome-shaped and constitutes the outer shell of the detection device 1c. The outermost packaging part 35 is made of a material that transmits infrared rays. The material that transmits infrared rays is, for example, a material such as silicone resin or high-density polyethylene.

[0070] Since the outermost mounting portion 35 is fixed to the sensor substrate 20, it does not rotate together with the drive unit 30.

[0071] <Effect> Hereinafter, the effects of the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c and the determination system 3 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0072] As described above, the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c of Technology 1 in the present embodiment include an infrared sensor 40 that detects infrared rays, a sensor substrate 20 on which the infrared sensor 40 is mounted, and an opening 31 that is disposed so as to cover the infrared sensor 40 on the sensor substrate 20 and through which at least a part of the infrared rays is incident on the infrared sensor 40, and a drive unit 30 that drives so that the detection range scans. When the output change width of the output signal from the infrared sensor 40 caused by the temperature difference of each structure existing in the detection range when the drive unit 30 is driven is used as the reference width, the output change width of the output signal caused by the temperature difference when a heat source exists in the detection range is larger than the reference width.

[0073] According to this, a reference width as the background temperature can be set, and a heat source such as a person whose temperature state is different from the background temperature can be detected. In this case, the heat source can be detected regardless of whether the heat source is operating or not.

[0074] Therefore, according to the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, a heat source such as a person with respect to the background temperature can be detected, and the heat source can be detected even when it is in a stationary state.

[0075] In particular, in the conventional technology where the drive unit 30 does not rotate as in the present embodiment, in order to detect all heat sources existing within the detection range, it is difficult to specify the number of heat sources existing within the detection range.

[0076] However, in the present embodiment, since the drive unit 30 in which the opening 31 is formed rotates, the detection range can scan the periphery of the infrared sensor 40. Therefore, the number of heat sources existing around the infrared sensor 40 can be measured.

[0077] Also, the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c of Technology 2 in the present embodiment are the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c described in Technology 1. In this case, the drive unit 30 further includes a mirror 33 that reflects infrared rays so that the infrared rays are incident on the infrared sensor 40.

[0078] According to this, the infrared rays that the mirror 33 makes incident on the infrared sensor 40 can be controlled, that is, the detection range can be controlled. Therefore, only the infrared rays of the heat source existing in the desired range can be made incident on the infrared sensor 40. For example, when installed on the back surface of the top plate of a table, the detection range of the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c can be controlled so that only the people sitting on the seats provided on the table can be detected.

[0079] Also, the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c of Technology 3 in the present embodiment are the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c described in Technology 1. In this case, the drive unit 30 further includes a lens 34 that controls the infrared rays incident on the infrared sensor 40.

[0080] According to this, since the lens 34 can condense infrared rays, the infrared rays that the lens 34 makes incident on the infrared sensor 40 can be controlled, that is, the detection range can be controlled. Therefore, only the infrared rays of the heat source existing in the desired range can be made incident on the infrared sensor 40. For example, when installed on the back surface of the top plate of a table, the detection range of the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c can be controlled so that only the people sitting on the seats provided on the table can be detected.

[0081] In addition, the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c of Technology 4 in this embodiment are the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c described in Technology 3. In this case, the lens 34 is installed in the drive unit 30 in an inclined posture with respect to the posture of the sensor substrate 20.

[0082] According to this, it is possible to control the infrared rays that the lens 34 makes incident on the infrared sensor 40, that is, to control them to a more desired detection range. For this reason, only the infrared rays of the heat source existing in a more desired range can be made incident on the infrared sensor 40.

[0083] In addition, the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c of Technology 5 in this embodiment are the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c described in any one of Technologies 1 to 4. In this case, the drive unit 30 is made of a material that does not transmit infrared rays.

[0084] According to this, since the infrared sensor 40 detects only the infrared rays incident from the opening 31 of the drive unit 30, the detection range of the infrared sensor 40 can be adjusted by adjusting the size and position of the opening 31.

[0085] In addition, the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c of Technology 6 in this embodiment are the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c described in Technology 1. In this case, it further includes an outermost covering portion 35 that covers the infrared sensor 40 and the drive unit 30.

[0086] According to this, the drive unit 30 can be protected, and the shape can be made such that the design property of the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c is not impaired.

[0087] In addition, the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c of Technology 7 in this embodiment are the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c described in Technology 6. In this case, the outermost covering portion 35 is made of a material that transmits infrared rays.

[0088] According to this, the drive unit 30 can be protected, and since it has a function of transmitting infrared rays, the function of detecting a heat source can be prevented from being impaired.

[0089] Also, the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c of Technology 8 in the present embodiment are the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c described in any one of Technologies 1 to 7. In this case, the drive unit 30 rotates about the central axis of the infrared sensor 40. And the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c further include a processing unit 60 that measures the thermal distribution within the detection range based on the rotation period of the drive unit 30 and the signal period output from the infrared sensor 40.

[0090] According to this, by measuring the thermal distribution, it becomes possible to more accurately measure the number of people present within the detection range.

[0091] Also, the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c of Technology 9 in the present embodiment are the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c described in any one of Technologies 1 to 8. In this case, the rotation speed of the drive unit 30 is 10 rpm or less.

[0092] For example, since the output change width of the output signal output by the infrared sensor 40 is based on the temperature difference per unit time, when the rotation speed of the drive unit 30 exceeds 10 rpm, because the rotation speed of the drive unit 30 is high, the temperature difference (difference in background temperature) of each temperature detected by the infrared sensor 40 is large, and the reference width is set large. In this case, there is a risk that something that is a heat source will also react as if it is not a heat source.

[0093] However, if the rotation speed of the drive unit 30 is 10 rpm or less as in the present embodiment, the temperature difference (difference in background temperature) of each temperature detected by the infrared sensor 40 does not become too large, and the reference width can be set appropriately. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to react to the temperature difference between the structure and the heat source without reacting to the temperature difference between the structures.

[0094] Also, the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c of Technology 10 in the present embodiment are the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c described in any one of Technologies 1 to 9. In this case, the infrared sensor 40 detects the differential change amount of infrared rays.

[0095] According to this, the infrared sensor 40 can accurately detect a heat source within the detection area.

[0096] Further, the determination system 3 of Technique 11 in the present embodiment includes the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c described in any one of Techniques 1 to 10, and a calculation unit 2a that determines the number of detection targets based on the signals output by the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c.

[0097] According to this, the number of detection targets existing in the detection area can be determined.

[0098] Also, the determination system 3 exhibits the same operational effects as described above.

[0099] (Other Modification Examples) As described above, the detection device and the determination system according to the present disclosure have been described based on the above embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the gist of the present disclosure, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art applied to the embodiments may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0100] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the drive unit 30 is connected to the end portion of the outer ring 13c of the bearing 13 on the side opposite to the sensor substrate 20 has been exemplified, but it is not limited to this. For example, the drive unit 30 may be connected to the outer periphery of the outer ring 13c. In this case, the belt 14 is connected to the drive unit 30, and as the belt 14 rotates, the drive unit 30 rotates and the outer ring 13c rotates accordingly.

[0101] Also, in the above embodiment, the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c may be covered with a case. In this case, the case may be made of a material that transmits infrared rays.

[0102] In addition, in the above embodiment, the central angle of the opening 31 is in the range of 10° to 90°, but the central angle of the opening 31 may be variable. In this case, a cover for adjusting the central angle of the opening 31 may be provided in the drive unit 30.

[0103] In addition, in the above embodiment, the detection devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c may be powered by a secondary battery or may be powered by an external power source.

[0104] In addition, in the above embodiment, all or part of the components such as the processing unit may be configured by dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory.

[0105] Also, the division of the functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and a plurality of functional blocks may be realized as one functional block, one functional block may be divided into a plurality, or part of the functions may be transferred to other functional blocks. Further, the functions of a plurality of functional blocks having similar functions may be processed by a single piece of hardware or software in parallel or in time division.

[0106] Also, the order in which each step in the flowchart is executed is for illustration in order to specifically describe the present disclosure, and may be an order other than the above. Also, some of the above steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0107] Note that the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to the above embodiment, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in the embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0108] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c detection devices 2a calculation unit 3 determination system 20 sensor substrate 30 drive unit 31 opening 33 mirror 34 lens 35 outermost housing part 40 infrared sensor 60 processing unit

Claims

1. An infrared sensor for detecting infrared rays, a sensor substrate on which the infrared sensor is mounted, and a driving unit that is disposed on the sensor substrate so as to cover the infrared sensor, has an opening formed therein such that at least a part of the infrared rays is incident on the infrared sensor, and drives so as to scan the detection range, When the output change width of the output signal from the infrared sensor caused by the temperature difference of each structure existing in the detection range when the driving unit drives is defined as a reference width, the output change width of the output signal caused by the temperature difference when a heat source exists in the detection range is larger than the reference width A detection device.

2. The driving unit further includes a mirror that reflects infrared rays so that the infrared rays are incident on the infrared sensor. The detection device according to claim 1.

3. The driving unit further includes a lens that controls the infrared rays incident on the infrared sensor. The detection device according to claim 1.

4. The lens is installed in the driving unit in an inclined posture with respect to the posture of the sensor substrate. The detection device according to claim 3.

5. The driving unit is made of a material that does not transmit infrared rays. The detection device according to claim 1.

6. The detection device further includes an outermost covering portion that covers the infrared sensor and the driving unit. The detection device according to claim 1.

7. The outermost covering portion is made of a material that transmits infrared rays. The detection device according to claim 6.

8. The driving unit rotates about the central axis of the infrared sensor, and further includes a processing unit that measures the heat distribution within the detection range from the rotation period of the driving unit and the signal period output from the infrared sensor. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The rotation speed of the driving unit is 10 rpm or less. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The infrared sensor detects the differential change amount of infrared rays. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and a calculation unit that determines the number of people to be detected based on the heat distribution output by the detection device. A determination system.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Infrared ray detecting device for air conditioner

    JP1990183752A