Control device, water section system, control method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a technique for suppressing erroneous detection in a situation where light cannot be appropriately received by a light receiving part.SOLUTION: The control device may include an acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of relevant values related to light from a sensor device configured to detect the light from an object, a control unit configured to operate a wet-area device when a distance to the object obtained from the acquired relevant values is within a specific distance range and a light amount obtained from the relevant values represented by the acquired relevant values is larger than a light amount threshold, and an adjustment unit configured to adjust the light amount threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control device, a plumbing system, a control method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic water faucet device that turns water on and off in response to detection by an object detection sensor. The object detection sensor detects the presence or absence of an object between the water discharge unit and the sink. The object detection sensor includes a reflective sensor and a triangulation sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-112124 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In some cases, a light-detecting sensor may not be able to properly receive light, such as when water droplets adhere to the light-receiving portion, which can result in false detection by the light-detecting sensor.

[0005] This specification provides a technology for suppressing false detection in a situation where the light receiving unit cannot properly receive light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control device, which may include an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of association values ​​related to light from a sensor device that detects light from an object, a control unit that operates a plumbing device when a distance to the object obtained from the acquired association values ​​is within a specific distance range and an amount of light obtained from the acquired association values ​​is greater than a light amount threshold, and an adjustment unit that adjusts the light amount threshold.

[0007] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control device. The control device includes an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of association values ​​related to light from a sensor device that detects light from an object, and a control unit that operates a plumbing device in accordance with the acquired association values. The control unit may execute one of the following operation controls: a first operation control that operates the plumbing device when the amount of light obtained from the acquired association values ​​is greater than a first light intensity threshold, when the distance to the object obtained from the acquired association values ​​is within a specific distance range; and a second operation control that operates the plumbing device when the amount of light obtained from the acquired association values ​​is greater than a second light intensity threshold that is less than the first light intensity threshold.

[0008] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a plumbing system. The plumbing system may include a plumbing device with a water discharge unit that discharges water, a sensor device that detects light from an object, and a control device that operates the plumbing device. The control device may include an acquisition unit that acquires multiple association values ​​related to the light from the sensor device, a control unit that operates the plumbing device when the distance to the object obtained from the acquired association values ​​is within a specific distance range and the light intensity obtained from the acquired association values ​​is equal to or greater than a light intensity threshold, and an adjustment unit that adjusts the light intensity threshold.

[0009] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control method for controlling a plumbing device. The control method may acquire a plurality of associated values ​​related to light from a sensor device that detects light from an object, and, when a distance to the object obtained from the acquired associated values ​​is within a specific distance range and the amount of light obtained from the acquired associated values ​​is greater than a light amount threshold, operate the plumbing device and adjust the light amount threshold.

[0010] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a computer program for a control device that controls a plumbing device. The computer program may cause a computer mounted on the control device to acquire multiple association values ​​related to light from a sensor device that detects light from an object, and, when the distance to the object obtained from the acquired association values ​​is within a specific distance range and the light intensity obtained from the acquired association values ​​is greater than a light intensity threshold, operate the plumbing device and adjust the light intensity threshold. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a washbasin system. [Figure 2] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a washbasin is shown. [Figure 3] An enlarged perspective view of the faucet fitting is shown. [Figure 4] A configuration block diagram of a control device is shown. [Figure 5] 1 shows a graph illustrating the relationship between the amount of light and the position in a sensor device. [Figure 6] 1 shows a flowchart of an initial setting process. [Figure 7] 10 shows a flowchart of a light intensity threshold adjustment process. [Figure 8] 10 shows a flowchart of a distance threshold adjustment process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The wash system 2 shown in Fig. 1 is placed, for example, near a toilet, a bathroom, etc. The wash system 2 is used, for example, when a user washes their hands, face, etc. using water. The wash system 2 includes a plumbing device 10, a sensor device 30 (see Fig. 3), and a control device 50 (see Fig. 4).

[0013] The plumbing device 10 comprises a support base 12, a washbasin 14, and a faucet fitting 16. In this specification, the left-right direction, the up-down direction, and the front-rear direction are defined as shown in FIG. 1, with a user standing in front of the washbasin 14 when using it as the reference. The support base 12 supports the washbasin 14 from below. The support base 12 may comprise, for example, a storage shelf. The support base 12 comprises a top plate 12a. The washbasin 14 is placed on the top plate 12a.

[0014] The washbasin 14 comprises a bowl portion 20, a drain port 22, and an upper surface portion 24. The washbasin 14 is made of at least one of ceramic, resin, earthenware, and metal. The bowl portion 20 has a shape that is recessed downward from the peripheral edge. The bowl portion 20 comprises a bottom surface 20a and side surfaces 20b. The bottom surface 20a is located at the lowest part of the bowl portion 20. The bottom surface 20a is surrounded by the side surfaces 20b. The shapes of the washbasin 14 and the bowl portion 20 are not particularly limited. For example, the washbasin 14 may have a hemispherical shape that bulges downward. In this case, the bowl portion 20 may have a hemispherical inner circumferential surface shape.

[0015] Drain outlet 22 penetrates bottom surface 20a. Drain outlet 22 is connected to a drain pipe (not shown). Drain outlet 22 can be opened and closed by drain plug 22a. A user can switch between opening and closing drain plug 22a by moving operating part 22b in the vertical direction.

[0016] An upper surface portion 24 is disposed at the rear side of the bowl portion 20. The upper surface portion 24 extends flat above the bottom surface 20a and near the upper end of the side surface 20b. A faucet fitting 16 is attached to the upper surface portion 24. The faucet fitting 16 extends upward from the upper surface portion 24. As shown in FIG. 3, the faucet fitting 16 has, at its upper end, a water outlet 16a that opens toward the bottom surface 20a. The water outlet 16a is connected to a water supply pipe (not shown) via a flow path that extends inside the faucet fitting 16. The water outlet 16a discharges water supplied from the water supply pipe.

[0017] The position of the faucet fitting 16 is not particularly limited. The faucet fitting 16 may be located anywhere on the washbasin 14. The faucet fitting 16 may also be attached to a location other than the washbasin 14. For example, the faucet fitting 16 may be attached to a wall located at the back, left, or right side of the washbasin 14, i.e., on the side of the building where the plumbing device 10 is installed, such as a wall of a house. The faucet fitting 16 may also be attached to a location other than the washbasin 14 of the washbasin system 2, such as the support base 12 of the plumbing device 10. For example, if the washbasin system 2 includes a storage shelf located above the washbasin 14, the faucet fitting 16 may be attached to the storage shelf.

[0018] The water outlet 16a is switched between a state in which it is in communication with the water supply pipe and a state in which it is cut off from the water supply pipe by a switching valve 40 (see FIG. 4) disposed in the flow path of the faucet fitting 16.

[0019] A sensor device 30 is disposed in the faucet fitting 16. The sensor device 30 has an optical sensor. The sensor device 30 has a distance measurement infrared sensor. As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor device 30 comprises a light-emitting unit 32 and a light-receiving unit 34. The light-emitting unit 32 and the light-receiving unit 34 are disposed inside the faucet fitting 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the light-emitting unit 32 and the light-receiving unit 34 face toward the outside of the faucet fitting 16 via a window portion 36 disposed in the opening 16b on the surface of the faucet fitting 16. The window portion 36 is translucent. The light-emitting unit 32 has an emitter that emits infrared light.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the washbasin 14 at the center in the left-right direction. In FIG. 2, the faucet fitting 16 is shown from a side view. In FIG. 2, the drain plug 22a and the operating unit 22ba are omitted. Infrared rays L1 from the light-emitting unit 32 pass through the window unit 36 ​​and head toward the bottom surface 20a. The infrared rays L1 are reflected by a detection object T, such as a user's hand. The light-receiving unit 34 receives the reflected infrared rays L2. The sensor device 30 detects the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 34 and the position at which the light is received. The light-receiving unit 34 detects the amount of infrared light received at each of multiple positions.

[0021] When there is no obstruction, such as a user's hand, between the window 36 and the bottom surface 20a, the infrared rays L1 from the light-emitting unit 32 are reflected by the bottom surface 20a. The infrared rays L2 reflected by the bottom surface 20a are received by the light-receiving unit 34. When the user's hand (object T shown in FIG. 2) is located between the window 36 and the bottom surface 20a, the infrared rays L1 from the light-emitting unit 32 are reflected by the user's hand. The infrared rays L2 reflected by the user's hand are received by the light-receiving unit 34 at a position different from the infrared rays L2 reflected by the bottom surface 20a. In reality, the infrared rays L2 are not linear but have a width. As a result, the infrared rays L2 are received at multiple positions by the light-receiving unit 34.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a graph illustrating an example of the relationship between the light receiving position and the light intensity at the light receiving unit 34 of the sensor device 30. The horizontal axis represents the light receiving position. The vertical axis represents the light intensity. The control device 50 acquires detection results (e.g., detection results 112, 114, and 116) from the sensor device 30, indicating the relationship between the light receiving position and the light intensity at that position. The detection results include a combination of data representing multiple positions of the light receiving unit 34 and data on the light intensity received at that position. The light receiving position of the reflected infrared ray L2 at the light receiving unit 34 correlates with the position at which the infrared ray L1 was reflected, i.e., the distance from the faucet fitting 16 to the object T. For example, if the infrared ray L1 is reflected by a user's hand positioned between the faucet fitting 16 and the bottom surface 20a, the light receiving position correlates with the position of the user's hand, i.e., the distance from the faucet fitting 16 to the user's hand.

[0023] When there is no object T that reflects infrared light L1, such as a user's hand, between the faucet fitting 16 and the bottom surface 20a, the infrared light L1 is reflected by the bottom surface 20a and received by the light receiving unit 34. Detection result 112 is a detection result when reflected by the bottom surface 20a. Detection result 110 is an example of a detection result when reflected by a user's hand located between the faucet fitting 16 and the bottom surface 20a. As shown in detection results 110 and 112, the infrared light is received at multiple positions. Furthermore, the amount of light changes depending on the light receiving position. Comparing detection results 110 and 112, the correlation between the position at which the infrared light is received by the light receiving unit 34 and the amount of light changes depending on the position at which the infrared light is reflected. The sensor device 30 detects the light receiving position and the amount of light. In a modified example, the sensor device 30 may receive light from the object T and detect, in addition to the amount of received light, a related value of the received light that correlates with the distance from the faucet fitting 16 to the object T. For example, the related value may be the angle of the light, the period from light emission to light reception, etc.

[0024] The plumbing device 10 may be provided with an operating unit that allows the user to operate the water supply and stop of the water faucet fittings 16. The operating unit may be, for example, one or more buttons.

[0025] The sensor device 30 and the switching valve 40 are controlled by a control device 50. The control device 50 is housed in the plumbing device 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 50 includes a control unit 52, a storage unit 54, and a communication interface 56 (hereinafter referred to as "I / F"). The control device 50 is connected to each of the sensor device 30 and the switching valve 40 via the communication I / F 56 so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0026] The control unit 52 includes a CPU. The storage unit 54 includes volatile and non-volatile memory such as RAM and ROM. The storage unit 54 includes storage such as an HHD or SSD. The storage unit 54 stores a computer program 60 for the control unit 52. The control unit 52 controls the sensor device 30 and the switching valve 40 by the CPU executing processing in accordance with the computer program 60 pre-stored in the memory.

[0027] The control device 50 opens the switching valve 40 when the sensor device 30 detects the user's hand. This causes water to be discharged from the spout 16a of the faucet fitting 16. The control device 50 switches the switching valve 40 from open to open when the sensor device 30 transitions from a state in which the user's hand is detected to a state in which it is not detected. This stops water from being discharged from the spout 16a of the faucet fitting 16. If an operating unit is provided, the control device 50 may acquire a signal from the operating unit in response to the user's operation. The control device 50 switches the switching valve 40 between open and closed in response to the acquired signal.

[0028] The storage unit 54 stores a light intensity threshold 104 and a distance threshold 106. The control device 50 acquires detection results from the sensor device 30. If the distance between the object T and the faucet fitting 16 obtained from the light receiving position included in the acquired detection results is less than the distance threshold 106 and the light intensity exceeds the light intensity threshold 104, the control device 50 determines that a user's hand has been detected and opens the switching valve 40.

[0029] The distance between the object T and the faucet fitting 16 is determined by the position of the center of gravity of the detection result. For example, the position of the center of gravity of the detection result 114 shown in FIG. 5 is the horizontal axis value (i.e., position) of the center of gravity of the area between the detection result 114 and the horizontal axis (i.e., the center of gravity determined by the position and light intensity in the graph of FIG. 5). The distance threshold 106 represents the position at which infrared light L2 reflected by the object T, which is located at a distance of the distance threshold 106 from the faucet fitting 16 (i.e., the window 36), is received. In other words, the distance threshold 106 does not directly represent the distance from the faucet fitting 16, but is represented by the light-receiving position that correlates with the distance from the faucet fitting 16. The control device 50 determines that the distance between the object T and the faucet fitting 16 is less than the distance threshold 106 when the position of the center of gravity of the detection result 114 is located closer to the faucet fitting 16 than the distance threshold 106.

[0030] In a modified example, the distance threshold 106 may directly represent the distance from the faucet fitting 16. In this case, the control device 50 may replace the center of gravity position obtained from the detection result with the distance from the faucet fitting 16 and compare it with the distance threshold 106. If the amount of light placed at the center of gravity position obtained from the detection result exceeds the light amount threshold 104, the control device 50 determines that a user's hand has been detected and opens the switching valve 40.

[0031] When the switching valve 40 is opened, water is discharged from the outlet 16a of the faucet fitting 16. The control device 50 determines that the user's hand is not detected and switches the switching valve 40 from open to closed when at least one of the following occurs: the center of gravity position obtained from the acquired detection results is farther from the faucet fitting 16 than the distance threshold 106, or the light intensity at the center of gravity position is equal to or less than the light intensity threshold 104. This stops the discharge of water from the outlet 16a of the faucet fitting 16. When the light intensity threshold 104 and the distance threshold 106 are adjusted, the switching valve 40 is switched between open and closed in accordance with the adjusted light intensity threshold 104 and distance threshold 106.

[0032] The shape of the bowl portion 20 in which the faucet fitting 16 is installed is not particularly limited. When infrared light L1 is reflected by the bottom surface 20a of the bowl portion 20 and received by the light receiving unit 34, the position at which the infrared light L1 is reflected varies depending on the shape of the bowl portion 20, resulting in different detection results. The provider of the washbasin system 2 causes the control device 50 to execute an initial setting process to identify an initial light intensity threshold and an initial distance threshold, and stores them in advance in the storage unit 54 as the light intensity threshold 104 and the distance threshold 106.

[0033] When the initial setting process is started, the provider of the washbasin system 2 installs a reflector (e.g., object T in Figure 2) that corresponds to the shape of the bowl section 20 on which the faucet fitting 16 will be installed. The reflector is, for example, a gray flat plate with low infrared reflectivity. The reflector is placed at a position on the faucet fitting 16 farther than the position where the user's hand should be placed, according to the shape of the bowl section 20 on which the faucet fitting 16 will be installed. As shown in Figure 6, in the initial setting process, at S12, the control device 50 acquires from the sensor device 30 a detection result 114 (see Figure 5) that indicates the amount of infrared light L2 reflected by the reflector and the light reception position.

[0034] In S14, the control device 50 sets an initial light intensity threshold and an initial distance threshold based on the detection result 114. In S16, the control device 50 stores the initial light intensity threshold and initial distance threshold set in S14 in the storage unit 54 as the light intensity threshold 104 and the distance threshold 106, and ends the initial setting process. The initial distance threshold is determined by the position of the center of gravity of the detection result 114. The initial light intensity threshold is determined by the light intensity at the position of the center of gravity of the detection result 114. The initial distance threshold may be set at a position that is a predetermined distance away from the faucet fitting 16 than the position of the center of gravity of the detection result 114. The initial light intensity threshold may be a value that is smaller by a predetermined percentage of the light intensity at the position of the center of gravity of the detection result 114.

[0035] The sensor device 30 may not be able to properly receive light due to the presence of water droplets or other attachments on the window 36. For example, when water droplets are attached to the window 36, infrared light L2 reflected from the object may be refracted as it passes through the water droplets, resulting in the light being received by the light receiving unit 34 at a position that is shifted from the position corresponding to the object. In this case, as shown in the detection result 116 in FIG. 5, the light receiving position is shifted and the amount of light is reduced compared to when there is no attachment on the window 36. When there is attachment on the window 36, the sensor device 30 may not be able to properly detect infrared light reflected from the user's hand. As a result, even if the user places their hand between the faucet fitting 16 and the bottom surface 20a, the control device 50 may not be able to detect the user's hand and may not be able to cause water to flow from the faucet fitting 16.

[0036] After being installed in the washroom system 2, the control device 50 performs a light intensity threshold adjustment process and a distance threshold adjustment process during operation, thereby properly detecting the user's hands in situations where water droplets or other objects are attached to the window portion 36.

[0037] (Light intensity threshold adjustment process) The control device 50 starts the light intensity threshold adjustment process and the distance threshold adjustment process at a predetermined adjustment timing. The adjustment timing includes the timing when power is supplied to the control device 50, i.e., the timing when power supply from an external power source to the washroom system 2 begins. The adjustment timing also includes the timing when the light intensity and receiving position of the infrared ray L2 received by the sensor device 30 do not change over a predetermined period of time. In a modified example, the adjustment timing may occur periodically.

[0038] The control device 50 executes the light intensity threshold adjustment process and the distance threshold adjustment process consecutively. In a modified example, the control device 50 may execute the light intensity threshold adjustment process and the distance threshold adjustment process in parallel. The control device 50 may execute the light intensity threshold adjustment process and the distance threshold adjustment process at different times.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 7 , in the light intensity threshold adjustment process, in S32, the control device 50 acquires a detection result from the sensor device 30. In S34, the control device 50 determines whether the light intensity at the center of gravity position represented by the light intensity data included in the detection result acquired in S32 is equal to or greater than the initial light intensity threshold. In this embodiment, the light intensity threshold adjustment process and the distance threshold adjustment process use the terms “equal to or greater than” and “less than.” However, at least one of the steps specified as “equal to or greater than” and “less than” may be “greater than” and “less than.” If the light intensity at the center of gravity position represented by the detection result acquired in S32 is equal to or greater than the initial light intensity threshold (YES in S34), it is assumed that no problem has occurred that prevents the user's hand from being properly detected due to an attached object. If the result in S34 is YES, in S36, the control device 50 sets the initial light intensity threshold as the current light intensity threshold 104 and terminates the light intensity threshold adjustment process. According to this configuration, even after the light intensity threshold 104 has been changed from the initial light intensity threshold, the light intensity threshold 104 can be returned to the initial light intensity threshold if the reflected infrared light L2 can be properly received by the sensor device 30. For example, if water droplets adhering to the window portion 36 are wiped off and the infrared light L2 can be properly received, the light intensity threshold 104 can be returned to the initial light intensity threshold.

[0040] If the light intensity at the center of gravity position represented by the detection result already acquired in S32 is less than the initial light intensity threshold (NO in S34), in S38 the control device 50 determines whether the light intensity at the center of gravity position represented by the detection result already acquired in S32 is equal to or greater than the lower limit light intensity threshold. The lower limit light intensity threshold is stored in advance in the storage unit 54. The lower limit light intensity threshold is determined in the initial setting process based on the maximum light intensity of the detection result 114 already acquired in S12. The lower limit light intensity threshold may be a predetermined percentage of the light intensity between 10% and 40% of the maximum light intensity of the detection result 114.

[0041] If the light amount at the center of gravity position represented by the detection results already acquired in S32 is equal to or greater than the lower light amount threshold (YES in S38), then in S40 the control device 50 sets the current light amount threshold 104 using the maximum light amount represented by the detection results already acquired in S32, and ends the light amount threshold adjustment process. For example, the control device 50 sets the current light amount threshold 104 to a predetermined multiple (e.g., between 1.05 and 1.5 times) of the maximum light amount represented by the detection results already acquired in S32. Note that if the predetermined multiple of the maximum light amount represented by the detection results already acquired in S32 exceeds the initial light amount threshold, the control device 50 sets the initial light amount threshold to the current light amount threshold 104.

[0042] If the light intensity at the center of gravity position indicated by the detection result already acquired in S32 is equal to or greater than the lower light intensity threshold (YES in S38), some of the infrared rays L2 reflected by the sensor device 30 cannot be properly received due to adhesions or the like, but the infrared rays L2 can be received with an intensity sufficient to detect the user's hand. In this case, the user's hand can be properly detected by lowering the light intensity threshold 104.

[0043] If the light intensity at the center of gravity indicated by the detection results obtained in S32 is less than the lower light intensity threshold (NO in S38), the control device 50 sets the lower light intensity threshold to the current light intensity threshold 104 in S42 and terminates the light intensity threshold adjustment process. If the light intensity indicated by the detection results obtained in S32 is less than the lower light intensity threshold (NO in S38), some of the infrared light L2 reflected by the sensor device 30 cannot be properly received due to attachments or other factors, making it difficult to receive infrared light L2 with a light intensity sufficient to detect a user's hand. In this case, if the light intensity threshold 104 is lowered too much, false detection may occur due to noise in the detection results of the sensor device 30. The light intensity threshold adjustment process enables detection of a user's hand while avoiding a false detection that could result in water being discharged from the faucet fitting 16 while the user is not using it.

[0044] (Distance threshold adjustment process) As shown in FIG. 8, in S52, the control device 50 determines whether the center of gravity of the light obtained from the detection result acquired in S32 is closer to the faucet fitting 16 than the reference position. That is, it determines whether the center of gravity distance from the faucet fitting 16 (i.e., the window 36) to the center of gravity position is less than the reference distance from the faucet fitting 16 to the reference position. The reference position is a position away from the faucet fitting 16 by a predetermined distance from the initial distance threshold. The reference position is closer to the window 36 than the bottom surface 20a. The reference distance is longer than the distance at which the user's hand is predicted to be placed from the faucet fitting 16. If the center of gravity distance is equal to or greater than the reference distance (NO in S52), it is assumed that no object has caused the user's hand to be unable to be properly detected. If NO in S52, the control device 50 sets the initial distance threshold as the current distance threshold 106 in S54 and ends the distance threshold adjustment process. According to this configuration, when the sensor device 30 can properly receive the reflected infrared light L2, the distance threshold can be returned to the initial value.

[0045] If the center-of-gravity distance is less than the reference distance (YES in S52), in S56 the control device 50 determines whether the center-of-gravity distance is less than the lower limit distance. The lower limit distance is stored in advance in the storage unit 54. The lower limit distance is usually set shorter than the distance from the faucet fitting 16 to the position where the user's hand is predicted to be placed. In S56, the control device 50 determines whether the center-of-gravity position is closer to the faucet fitting 16 than the lower limit position, i.e., the lower limit light receiving position when infrared light L1 is reflected at a position the lower limit distance away from the faucet fitting 16.

[0046] If the center-of-gravity distance is equal to or greater than the lower limit distance (NO in S56), in S58 the control device 50 sets the current distance threshold 106 using the center-of-gravity position (i.e., center-of-gravity distance) represented by the detection result acquired in S32, and ends the distance threshold adjustment process. For example, the control device 50 sets the distance threshold 106 by offsetting the center-of-gravity distance by a predetermined distance (for example, between 1.0 mm and 10 mm). By changing the distance threshold 106, the sensor device 30 can properly detect the user's hand in cases where some of the reflected infrared rays L2 cannot be properly received by the sensor device 30 due to adhesions or the like, but the sensor device 30 can properly receive the infrared rays L2 in an amount sufficient to detect the user's hand.

[0047] If the center-of-gravity distance is less than the lower limit distance (YES in S56), in S60 the control device 50 sets the lower limit light-receiving position to the current distance threshold 106 and ends the distance threshold adjustment process. With this configuration, when part of the infrared light L2 reflected by the sensor device 30 cannot be properly received due to adhesions or the like, it is possible to detect the user's hand while avoiding a situation in which water is discharged from the faucet fitting 16 while the user is not using it due to a false detection.

[0048] By adjusting the light intensity threshold 104, the control device 50 can avoid a situation in which water droplets or the like adhere to the sensor device 30, preventing the sensor device 30 from properly detecting a user's hand. In the light intensity threshold adjustment process, the light intensity threshold 104 is adjusted based on the amount of light from the bottom surface 20a detected by the sensor device 30. With this configuration, the light intensity threshold 104 can be adjusted according to the actual light detection situation of the sensor device 30. Furthermore, by performing the light intensity threshold adjustment process at the adjustment timing, the light intensity threshold adjustment process can be performed when the light received by the sensor device 30 is stable.

[0049] The control device 50 executes a distance threshold adjustment process in addition to the light intensity threshold adjustment process. This adjusts the distance threshold 106 in addition to the light intensity threshold 104, thereby making it possible to avoid a situation in which the sensor device 30 is unable to properly detect the user's hand due to water droplets or the like adhering to the sensor device 30. In a modified example, the control device 50 may execute the light intensity threshold adjustment process but not the distance threshold adjustment process.

[0050] In the initial setting process, the light intensity threshold adjustment process, and the distance threshold adjustment process, the center of gravity of the light obtained from the detection results is used for processing. Similarly, the control device 50 switches the opening and closing of the switching valve 40 using the center of gravity of the light and the light intensity at the center of gravity obtained from the detection results. Since the center of gravity of the light correlates with the distance between the faucet fitting 16 (i.e., the window 36) and the object T, the initial setting process, the light intensity threshold adjustment process, the distance threshold adjustment process, and the opening and closing switching process of the switching valve 40 are performed according to the distance between the faucet fitting 16 (i.e., the window 36) and the object T. The distance threshold 106 is set as a threshold for the center of gravity of the light. In a modified example, the control device 50 may convert the center of gravity of the light obtained from the detection results into the distance between the faucet fitting 16 (i.e., the window 36) and the object T for processing. The distance threshold 106 may be set as a threshold for the distance between the faucet fitting 16 (i.e., the window 36) and the object T.

[0051] In the initial setting process, the light intensity threshold adjustment process, and the distance threshold adjustment process, the process is performed using the light intensity at the center of gravity position of the light obtained from the detection results. Similarly, the control device 50 switches the opening and closing of the switching valve 40 using the light intensity at the center of gravity position obtained from the detection results. In a modified example, the initial setting process, the light intensity threshold adjustment process, and the distance threshold adjustment process may be performed using the maximum value of the light intensity obtained from the detection results. Similarly, the control device 50 may switch the opening and closing of the switching valve 40 using the maximum value of the light intensity obtained from the detection results.

[0052] (Correspondence) The multiple positions of the light receiving unit 34 and the amount of light received at those positions are an example of a "related value." The distance threshold 106 is an example of a "specific distance range." The initial light intensity threshold is an example of a "first reference light intensity." The lower limit light intensity threshold is an example of a "second reference light intensity." The maximum value of the light intensity at each light receiving position included in the detection result already acquired in S32 is an example of a "specific light intensity." The initial light intensity threshold is an example of a "first light intensity threshold." The lower limit light intensity threshold is an example of a "second light intensity threshold."

[0053] Aspects of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below.

[0054] A first aspect is a control device. The control device may include an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of association values ​​related to light from a sensor device that detects light from an object, a control unit that operates a plumbing device when a distance to the object obtained from the acquired association values ​​is within a specific distance range and an amount of light obtained from the acquired association values ​​is greater than a light amount threshold, and an adjustment unit that adjusts the light amount threshold.

[0055] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the adjustment unit may adjust the light amount threshold value in accordance with the amount of light detected by the sensor device.

[0056] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, the adjustment unit may adjust the light intensity threshold in accordance with the light intensity of the light detected by the sensor device in a state where the object is not detected.

[0057] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the second to third aspects, the adjustment unit may adjust the light intensity threshold to a first reference light intensity when the light intensity of the light detected by the sensor device is greater than a first reference light intensity.

[0058] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, the adjustment unit may adjust the light intensity threshold to the second reference light intensity when the light intensity of the light detected by the sensor device is less than a second reference light intensity.

[0059] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the second to fifth aspects, when the specific light amount of the light detected by the sensor device is between a first reference light amount and a second reference light amount, the adjustment unit may adjust the light amount threshold using the specific light amount.

[0060] In a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the adjustment unit may adjust the light intensity threshold to a first reference light intensity when the specific light intensity of the light detected by the sensor device is greater than a first reference light intensity, adjust the light intensity threshold to the second reference light intensity when the specific light intensity of the light detected by the sensor device is less than a second reference light intensity that is less than the first reference light intensity, and adjust the light intensity threshold using the specific light intensity when the specific light intensity of the light detected by the sensor device is between the first reference light intensity and the second reference light intensity.

[0061] In an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the adjustment unit may adjust the light intensity threshold in at least one of the following cases: when power supply to the control device is started; when the object is not detected by the sensor device; and when the object is not detected by the sensor device for a predetermined period of time.

[0062] As a ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the adjustment section may further adjust the specific distance range.

[0063] A tenth aspect relates to a control device including an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of associated values ​​related to light from a sensor device that detects light from an object, and a control unit that operates a plumbing device in accordance with the acquired associated values, wherein the control unit may perform one of a first operation to operate the plumbing device when the amount of light obtained from the acquired associated values ​​is greater than a first light intensity threshold when the distance to the object obtained from the acquired associated values ​​is within a specific distance range, and a second operation to operate the plumbing device when the amount of light obtained from the acquired associated values ​​is greater than a second light intensity threshold that is less than the first light intensity threshold.

[0064] An eleventh aspect relates to a plumbing system, the plumbing system including a plumbing device with a water discharge unit that discharges water, a sensor device that detects light from an object, and a control device that operates the plumbing device, and the control device may include an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of associated values ​​related to the light from the sensor device, a control unit that operates the plumbing device when the distance to the object obtained from the acquired associated values ​​is within a specific distance range and the light intensity obtained from the acquired associated values ​​is equal to or greater than a light intensity threshold, and an adjustment unit that adjusts the light intensity threshold.

[0065] In a twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the plumbing device further includes a bowl portion, the water discharge portion includes a faucet fitting, and the control portion may cause water to be discharged from the faucet fitting when the distance to the object obtained from the acquired related value is within the specific distance range and the light intensity obtained from the acquired related value is greater than or equal to the light intensity threshold.

[0066] A thirteenth aspect relates to a control method for controlling a plumbing device, the control method may include acquiring a plurality of associated values ​​related to light from a sensor device that detects light from an object, and operating the plumbing device to adjust the light intensity threshold when a distance to the object obtained from the acquired associated values ​​is within a specific distance range and the light intensity obtained from the acquired associated values ​​is greater than a light intensity threshold.

[0067] A fourteenth aspect is a computer program for a control device that controls a plumbing device. The computer program may cause a computer mounted on the control device to acquire a plurality of associated values ​​related to light from a sensor device that detects light from an object, and, when the distance to the object obtained from the acquired associated values ​​is within a specific distance range and the amount of light obtained from the acquired associated values ​​is greater than a light amount threshold, operate the plumbing device and adjust the light amount threshold.

[0068] Specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above. These are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0069] (1) The control device 50 may be installed in a plumbing system other than the washbasin system 2. The plumbing system may be a system that uses water. The plumbing system may be a toilet device or an auto-soap device used in the washbasin system 2. The auto-soap device includes a storage section that stores liquid soap and a discharge section that discharges the liquid soap in the storage section, and the control device 50 may cause the discharge section to discharge the liquid soap in the storage section when the sensor device 30 detects the user's hand. The toilet device includes a toilet body and a water discharge section that discharges flushing water into the toilet body, and the control device 50 may cause the water discharge section to discharge flushing water when the sensor device 30 detects a user.

[0070] (2) The initial light intensity threshold and the initial distance threshold may be set regardless of the center of gravity position of the detection result 114. The initial light intensity threshold and the initial distance threshold may be predetermined values. The predetermined values ​​may be set in advance by, for example, the provider of the wash system 2. In this case, the initial setting process may not be performed.

[0071] The technical elements described in at least one of the specification and drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technologies exemplified in at least one of the specification and drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 2: Washing system, 10: Plumbing device, 12: Support base, 14: Washbasin, 16: Faucet fittings, 20: Bowl section, 20a: Bottom surface, 30: Sensor device, 32: Light-emitting section, 34: Light-receiving section, 36: Window section, 40: Switching valve, 50: Control device, 52: Control section, 54: Storage section, 60: Computer program, 104: Light intensity threshold, 106: Distance threshold

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of associated values ​​related to the light from a sensor device that detects the light from an object; a control unit that operates the plumbing device when the distance of the object obtained from the acquired association value is within a specific distance range and the amount of light obtained from the association value represented by the acquired association value is greater than a light amount threshold; an adjustment unit that adjusts the light amount threshold.

2. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the adjustment unit adjusts the light amount threshold value in accordance with the amount of light detected by the sensor device.

3. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the adjustment unit adjusts the light amount threshold in accordance with the amount of light detected by the sensor device in a state where the object is not detected.

4. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the adjustment unit adjusts the light amount threshold to the first reference light amount when the light amount detected by the sensor device is greater than a first reference light amount.

5. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the adjustment unit adjusts the light amount threshold to the second reference light amount when the light amount detected by the sensor device is less than a second reference light amount.

6. The control device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the adjustment unit adjusts the light intensity threshold using the specific light intensity when the specific light intensity detected by the sensor device is between a first reference light intensity and a second reference light intensity.

7. The adjustment unit When the specific light amount of the light detected by the sensor device is greater than a first reference light amount, the light amount threshold is adjusted to the first reference light amount; When the specific light amount detected by the sensor device is less than a second reference light amount that is less than the first reference light amount, the light amount threshold is adjusted to the second reference light amount; 4. The control device according to claim 2, wherein when the specific light amount detected by the sensor device is between the first reference light amount and the second reference light amount, the light amount threshold is adjusted using the specific light amount.

8. 4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment unit adjusts the light intensity threshold in at least one of the following cases: when power supply to the control device is started; when the object is not detected by the sensor device; and when the object is not detected by the sensor device for a predetermined period of time.

9. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the adjustment unit further adjusts the specific distance range.

10. an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of associated values ​​related to the light from a sensor device that detects the light from an object; a control unit that operates the plumbing device in accordance with the acquired associated value, The control unit performs one of the following operations: a first operation of operating the plumbing device when the distance to the object obtained from the acquired related value is within a specific distance range and the light intensity obtained from the acquired related value is greater than a first light intensity threshold; and a second operation of operating the plumbing device when the light intensity obtained from the acquired related value is greater than a second light intensity threshold that is less than the first light intensity threshold.

11. A plumbing device including a water discharge unit that discharges water; a sensor device that detects light from an object; A control device that operates the plumbing device, The control device an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of associated values ​​related to the light from the sensor device; a control unit that operates the plumbing device when the distance to the object obtained from the acquired related value is within a specific distance range and the light amount obtained from the acquired related value is equal to or greater than a light amount threshold; and an adjustment unit that adjusts the light intensity threshold.

12. The plumbing device further includes a bowl portion, The water discharge portion includes a faucet fitting, The control unit causes water to be discharged from the faucet fitting when the distance to the object obtained from the acquired related value is within the specific distance range and the light intensity obtained from the acquired related value is greater than or equal to the light intensity threshold.

13. A control method for controlling a plumbing device, obtaining a plurality of associated values ​​related to the light from a sensor device that detects the light from an object; When the distance of the object obtained from the acquired association value is within a specific distance range and the amount of light obtained from the acquired association value is greater than a light amount threshold, the plumbing device is operated; A control method for adjusting the light intensity threshold.

14. A computer program for a control device that controls a plumbing device, the computer being installed in the control device, obtaining a plurality of associated values ​​related to the light from a sensor device that detects the light from an object; When the distance of the object obtained from the acquired association value is within a specific distance range and the amount of light obtained from the acquired association value is greater than a light amount threshold, the plumbing device is operated; A computer program that causes the light intensity threshold to be adjusted.

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