Sensing system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a sensing system capable of detecting a state of a detection target existing in a space in a building by an electrical installation material without using a sensor.SOLUTION: A sensing system includes a plurality of electric installation materials to which electric power is supplied, and a detection processing unit, in which any two electric installation materials each include a transmitter that transmits radio waves to a target space, a receiver that receives the radio waves transmitted to the target space, and an acquisition unit that acquires radio wave state information that is information on a state of the radio waves on the basis of the received radio waves, and the detection processing unit analyzes the radio waves received by the receiver on the basis of the radio wave state information to estimate a state of a detection target present in the target space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to sensing systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an outlet unit that includes a socket that supplies power to a load in a room from a power wiring in the wall of the room, a sensor, and a communication module. In this outlet unit, the sensor and communication module receive power from the power wiring, and information about the inside of the room detected by the sensor is transmitted to a predetermined network via the communication module. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3230534 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a sensing system that can detect the state of a detection target present in the space within a building using electrical equipment distributed throughout the building, without using sensors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One sensing system in the present disclosure includes a plurality of electrical installation materials to which power is supplied, and a detection processing unit, and each of any two of the electrical installation materials includes a transmitter that transmits radio waves to a target space, a receiver that receives the radio waves transmitted to the target space, and an acquisition unit that acquires radio wave status information, which is information about the status of the radio waves, based on the received radio waves, and the detection processing unit analyzes the radio waves received by the receiver based on the radio wave status information, and estimates the status of a detection target present in the target space.

[0006] Another sensing system in the present disclosure includes a plurality of electrical installation materials to which power is supplied, a communication device, and a detection processing unit, and any one of the electrical installation materials and the communication device each includes a transmitter that transmits radio waves into a target space, a receiver that receives the radio waves transmitted to the target space, and an acquisition unit that acquires radio wave status information, which is information about the status of the radio waves, based on the received radio waves, and the detection processing unit analyzes the radio waves received by the receiver based on the radio wave status information, and estimates the status of a detection target present in the target space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The sensing system disclosed herein can detect the state of a detection target present in the space within a building using electrical equipment distributed throughout the building, without using sensors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sensing system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the structure of a wireless outlet [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a wireless outlet. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining sensing of a detection target; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sensing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication device DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the inventors arrived at the present disclosure, there was a technology in which an outlet unit including a sensor that receives power from a power wiring in a wall of a room and a communication module transmits information about the inside of the room detected by the sensor to a predetermined network via the communication module. There was also a technology in which a WiFi device in the room receives WiFi radio waves transmitted by a WiFi (registered trademark) router installed in the room, and senses an object to be detected in the room based on information about the amplitude and phase of the received WiFi radio waves. However, while a socket unit incorporating a sensor and a communication module can be easily installed by simply replacing an existing socket unit, it is necessary to integrate many electronic circuits within the limited space of the socket unit, leaving room for improvement in terms of cost and long-term reliability. Furthermore, when sensing is performed using a Wi-Fi router and a Wi-Fi device, the Wi-Fi router and the Wi-Fi device must be installed even when there is no demand for Internet communication in the room where sensing is performed, which can result in a system that is wasteful in terms of installation costs and installation space. The inventors discovered these problems and have come up with the subject matter of the present disclosure to solve them. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a sensing system that can detect the state of a detection target present in the space within a building using electrical equipment distributed throughout the building, without using sensors.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. [1-1. Sensing system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sensing system 1 according to the first embodiment. The sensing system 1 detects the state of a detection target P present in a space (e.g., a room) within a building using a plurality of electrical installation materials arranged in the space without using sensors. Hereinafter, the space to which detection by the sensing system 1 is applied is referred to as a target space 9. The target space 9 may be a closed space surrounded by walls and a ceiling, or a space with open doors, windows, etc. Furthermore, the use of the target space 9 is not limited. For example, the target space 9 may be a residential space, a living space, a business space such as an office, a corridor, a public space, or a space used for other purposes.

[0012] The target space 9 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an indoor space surrounded by a floor 91, a ceiling 92, and four walls 93, 94, 95, and 96.

[0013] The sensing system 1 includes a plurality of electrical installation materials that are arranged in a target space 9 and are supplied with power, and a detection processing unit. The sensing system 1 detects the state of a detection target P that exists in the space using any two of the electrical installation materials that have the function of transmitting and receiving wireless radio waves (hereinafter also referred to as a wireless function) without using a sensor.

[0014] In this embodiment, as an example, the electrical equipment having a wireless function is outlets 30A and 30B. In this embodiment, the detection processing unit is provided in each of the outlets 30A and 30B, which are two pieces of electrical equipment having wireless communication capabilities. However, the detection processing unit may be provided in a device other than the electrical equipment. For example, the sensing system 1 may include a server 41 connected to the outlets 30A and 30B so as to be able to communicate with them via a relay device 40 and a network NW such as the Internet, and the server 41 may be provided with the detection processing unit.

[0015] The object P may be either a living or non-living object. For example, the object P may include a person, an animal, an autonomously moving robot, or other moving entity. In the example of FIG. 1, the object P is a person. The sensing system 1 detects, as the state of the detection target P, for example, the three-dimensional position, size, shape, and attitude of the detection target P, and / or changes therein over time (for example, movement).

[0016] Electrical equipment includes components, equipment, machinery, and devices that are connected to a commercial power source and permanently installed within a building. More specifically, electrical equipment includes switches, outlets, and other power wiring components. Electrical equipment also includes ventilation fans, lighting fixtures, intercoms, and other devices that consume electricity. Electrical equipment also includes distribution boards, building energy management devices, and other power control devices.

[0017] 1, a lighting device 10, a switch 20, and outlets 30A and 30B are installed as electrical equipment in the target space 9. These electrical equipment may be installed on the floor 91, ceiling 92, and four walls 93, 94, 95, and 96 of the target space 9. A distribution board 50 is also installed as electrical equipment outside the target space 9. Hereinafter, the surfaces of the floor 91, ceiling 92, and four walls 93, 94, 95, and 96 that define the target space 9 will be collectively referred to as the wall surfaces of the target space 9.

[0018] Power lines 5A, 5B, and 5C are drawn into the target space 9 from a distribution board 50. The power lines 5A, 5B, and 5C are, for example, electric wires laid concealed within the walls of the target space 9, and are power cables such as VVF cables and CV cables. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the power lines 5A, 5B, and 5C, they will be referred to as power lines 5. The distribution board 50 branches off an incoming line 58 connected to a commercial power source and connects it to the power lines 5.

[0019] The lighting device 10 is attached to a ceiling 92. A ceiling socket 112 is fixed to the ceiling 92, and the lighting device 10 is attached to the ceiling socket 112. The ceiling socket 112 is connected to a power line 5A, and the lighting device 10 is connected to the power line 5A by being attached to the ceiling socket 112. The ceiling socket 112 may be in a form called a lighting rosette.

[0020] The switch 20 has a switch body 21 connected to the power line 5A. The switch 20 connects and disconnects the power line 5A between the lighting device 10 and the distribution board 50, and when the switch 20 is on, power is supplied to the lighting device 10. When the switch 20 is off, the power supply to the lighting device 10 is cut off, and the lighting device 10 is turned off.

[0021] Outlets 30A and 30B are receptacles (also called outlets) to which load devices that operate on commercial power can be connected. For example, a single-phase 100V load is connected to outlets 30A and 30B. Outlet 30A is connected to distribution board 50 via power line 5B, and outlet 30B is connected to distribution board 50 via power line 5C.

[0022] The sensing system 1 includes, for example, two electrical installation materials capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves, namely, outlets 30A and 30B. In this embodiment, the outlets 30A and 30B are arranged on opposing walls 93 and 95, respectively, of the target space 9. Furthermore, the height H3 of the installation position of the outlet 30A from the floor 91 is different from the height H4 of the installation position of the outlet 30B from the floor 91. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the outlets 30A and 30B, they will be referred to as the outlet 30.

[0023] Each of the outlets 30 is configured to be able to transmit and receive radio waves of a predetermined frequency band to and from each other, and the state of the detection object P in the target space 9 is detected by analyzing the state of the received radio waves.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining sensing of the detection target P by the sensing system 1. As shown in FIG. In the sensing system 1, radio waves transmitted from one of the outlets 30 (outlet 30A in the example of Figure 4) propagate within the target space 9 and reach another outlet 30 (outlet 30B in the example of Figure 4) after being reflected once or multiple times by hitting the surface of an actual object such as the wall of the target space 9 or the detection target P present within the target space 9, or they reach the other outlet 30 directly without being reflected at all.

[0025] That is, the other outlet 30B receives direct waves DW (shown as dashed lines) which are radio waves transmitted from one outlet 30A and reach the other outlet 30B without being reflected in the target space 9, and one or more indirect waves IW (shown as dashed dotted lines) which are radio waves that reach the other outlet 30B after being reflected one or more times in the target space 9. Note that although FIG. 4 shows a planar view, the radio waves transmitted from the outlet 30A may also propagate in the directions of the floor 91 and the ceiling 92, generating indirect waves IW.

[0026] Therefore, by analyzing the amplitude and / or phase of the received direct wave DW and indirect wave IW at the other outlet 30B, the three-dimensional position of the outlet 30A, which is the source of the radio waves, within the target space 9, as well as the three-dimensional position and three-dimensional surface shape of the detection object P present in the target space 9, can be obtained. In the case where the outlet 30B transmits radio waves and the outlet 30A receives the radio waves, three-dimensional information of the target space 9 can be obtained at the outlet 30A in the same manner as described above.

[0027] [1-2. Configuration of electrical outlets (electrical equipment)] In this embodiment, outlets 30A and 30B, which are electrical equipment with wireless functionality, have the same structure and configuration, as an example. However, outlets 30A and 30B may have different structures and / or configurations as long as they have functional elements similar to the functional elements of detection unit 33, which will be described later. The structure and configuration of outlet 30 will be described below. Fig. 2 is a front view showing an example of the structure of the outlet 30. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the outlet 30.

[0028] The outlet 30 includes an outlet block 301. The outlet block 301 is a box-shaped housing made of insulating material, and houses wires connected to two terminals 32. A cover 302 having a pair of openings is disposed on the front of the outlet block 301. The terminals 32 are exposed at the back of the openings of the cover 302, and power is supplied to the load device by inserting the plug of the load device into the opening of the cover 302.

[0029] The outlet block 301 has wire connection portions 305 for connecting the power line 5B. The wire connection portions 305 are terminals into which the conductors of the power line 5B can be inserted, and the wire connection portion 305 is provided with two wire connection portions 305 corresponding to the two conductors that make up the power line 5B. The terminals 32 of the outlet body 31 are connected to the wire connection portions 305.

[0030] The outlet block 301 is fitted into the mounting frame 311. For example, the outlet block 301 is fixed to the mounting frame 311 by engaging a protrusion on the mounting frame 311 with a groove (not shown) formed on the side of the outlet block 301.

[0031] A rectangular hole for installing outlet 30 is drilled in the building material of the wall to which outlet 30 is fixed. Support member 312 is placed through this hole on the back side of the building material, such as a board or plasterboard, that makes up the wall. Mounting frame 311 is connected to support member 312 with the building material sandwiched between them, thereby being fixed to the building material.

[0032] A detection unit 33 is incorporated into the outlet block 301. The detection unit 33 is connected to an electric wire connection portion 305 and receives a supply of power. An antenna cover 303 is disposed on the surface of the outlet block 301 exposed to the target space 9, and a first array antenna 37 used by a first transmitter 35 and a first receiver 36 of the detection unit 33 (described later) is built in at a position overlapping the antenna cover 303. The first array antenna 37 can be configured as a single element in which a plurality of antenna elements are arranged in a row or in a grid pattern.

[0033] The antenna cover 303 is a plate-like member that covers the surface of the first array antenna 37, and is made of a material (for example, resin) that does not interfere with the propagation of radio waves transmitted or received by the first array antenna 37.

[0034] The configuration in which detection unit 33 is provided in outlet block 301 is one example. For example, detection unit 33 may be configured as a separate unit from outlet block 301, and wiring within outlet block 301 may be connected to detection unit 33. In this case, first array antenna 37 may be provided in outlet block 301, and the main body of detection unit 33 may be disposed on mounting frame 311 away from cover 302 or in the vicinity of mounting frame 311.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, the detection unit 33 includes a first control device 34 , a first transmitter 35 , a first receiver 36 , and a first array antenna 37 . The first transmitter 35 transmits radio waves of a predetermined frequency band to the target space 9 by the first array antenna 37. The first receiver 36 receives the radio waves of the predetermined frequency band transmitted to the target space 9 via the first array antenna 37. In this embodiment, the radio waves of the predetermined frequency band may be radio waves of a frequency band used in wireless WiFi.

[0036] As described above, the first array antenna 37 may be configured as a single element in which a plurality of antenna elements are arranged in a line or in a grid pattern. The antenna elements may be, for example, chip antennas, microstrip antennas, etc. The first array antenna 37 enables the first transmitter 35 to transmit directional radio waves in various directions into the target space 9. The first receiver 36 can receive radio waves from each antenna element of the first array antenna 37.

[0037] The first control device 34 is a computer including a first processor 340 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a first memory 341.

[0038] The first memory 341 is a memory that stores programs and data. The first memory 341 stores a first program 342. The first memory 341 has a non-volatile storage area. The first memory 341 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the first processor 340. The first memory 341 is constituted by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0039] The first processor 340 includes, as functional elements or functional units, a first communication control unit 343, an acquisition unit 344, a detection processing unit 345, a radio wave separation unit 346, and an estimation unit 347. These functional elements of the first processor 340 are realized, for example, by the first processor 340 of the first control device 34, which is a computer, reading and executing a first program 342 stored in a first memory 341. The first program 342 can be stored in any computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, all or part of the functional elements of the first processor 340 can be configured by hardware including one or more electronic circuit components.

[0040] The first communication control unit 343 instructs the first transmitter 35 to transmit radio waves in one or more directions toward the target space 9 via the first array antenna 37. The first communication control unit 343 also instructs the first receiver 36 to receive radio waves from the first array antenna 37. As described above, in this embodiment, the radio waves are waves in the frequency band used for wireless WiFi (hereinafter also referred to as WiFi radio waves). The first communication control unit 343 may perform WiFi communication using the first transmitter 35 and the first receiver 36 in accordance with the WiFi communication standard. This allows the outlet 30 to transmit processing results calculated by the detection processing unit 345 (described later) and other devices to another device such as the server 41.

[0041] The acquisition unit 344 acquires radio wave state information, which is information about the state of the radio waves, based on the radio waves received by the first receiver 36. The radio wave state information may include, for example, information about the amplitude and / or phase of the radio waves received by each antenna element of the first array antenna 37. In this embodiment, the radio wave state information may be channel state information (CSI) acquired based on the Wi-Fi radio waves, which are the radio waves received by the first receiver 36. The acquisition unit 344 provides the acquired radio wave condition information to the detection processing unit 345 .

[0042] Here, the acquisition unit 344 may store each piece of acquired radio wave state information data in chronological order in the first memory 341 or the like. The acquisition unit 344 may calculate a moving average value from the present to a predetermined time in the past for each piece of data in the radio wave state information, and provide a data set constituted by the moving average values ​​of each piece of data as current radio wave state information to the detection processing unit 345. This reduces noise contained in the radio wave state information, enabling more accurate detection of the detection target P.

[0043] The detection processing unit 345 analyzes the radio waves received by the first receiver 36 based on the radio wave state information acquired by the acquisition unit 344, and estimates the state of the detection target P present in the target space 9. Specifically, the detection processing unit 345 analyzes the state of the amplitude and / or phase of the radio waves received by the first receiver 36 based on the radio wave state information, and estimates the state of the detection target P present in the target space 9.

[0044] Alternatively, the detection processing unit 345 may estimate the state of the detection target P present in the target space 9 using an estimation model that has been machine-learned to learn the relationship between the radio wave state information provided by the acquisition unit 344 and the state of the detection target P present in the target space 9. The machine learning can be performed using a technique such as deep learning, for example. This makes it possible to more accurately and easily detect the state of the detection target P using an estimation model that has been machine-learned to learn the relationship between the radio wave state information, which contains a large amount of information, and the detailed state of the detection target P.

[0045] The detection processing unit 345 may store each piece of data of the radio wave state information provided by the acquisition unit 344 in chronological order. The detection processing unit 345 may extract a changed area in the target space 9 from the time-series changes in each piece of data of the radio wave state information, and estimate the state of the detection target P in the changed area. This allows detection processing to be narrowed down to the changed area in the target space 9, thereby enabling detection to be performed more quickly.

[0046] The detection processing unit 345 may also store radio wave state information when the detection target P does not exist in the target space 9 as reference channel information in advance in the first memory 341 or the like. The detection processing unit 345 can estimate the state of the detection target P existing in the target space 9 by using the difference between the current radio wave state information and the reference channel information.

[0047] The detection processing unit 345 may also estimate the state of the detection target P by using, as additional information, the three-dimensional position of the transmission source of the wireless radio waves in the target space 9 and information on the extent of the target space 9 estimated by an estimation unit 347 described later. This makes it possible to improve the detection accuracy of the state of the detection target P.

[0048] Alternatively, the arrangement of the electrical materials in the target space 9 may be grasped in advance at the time of construction, and arrangement information of each electrical material in the target space 9 may be stored in advance in the first memory 341. The detection processing unit 345 can estimate the state of the detection target P by using the arrangement information as additional information. This can further improve the detection accuracy regarding the state of the detection target P.

[0049] The estimation result of the state of the detection target P performed by the detection processing unit 345, i.e., the detection result, can be used for various purposes according to conventional technology. For example, the detection result can be transmitted to a remote control of an appliance (not shown) such as an air conditioner in the target space 9 and used to turn the appliance on and off or set its operation. Alternatively, the detection result can be transmitted to a predetermined server on the network NW via the relay device 40 for security of the house in which the target space 9 is located, for nursing care of a person residing in the target space 9, or the like.

[0050] The radio wave separating unit 346 separates and extracts information on the direct waves DW and the indirect waves IW contained in the radio waves received by the first receiver 36 from the radio wave condition information provided by the acquiring unit 344 .

[0051] The estimation unit 347 estimates the linear distance from the transmission source of the radio waves from the radio wave intensity of the direct waves DW based on information about the direct waves DW separated by the radio wave separation unit 346. The estimation unit 347 also estimates the angles of incidence of the direct waves DW and the indirect waves IW with respect to the first array antenna 37 from information such as the phase of the radio waves received by each antenna element of the first array antenna 37. The estimation unit 347 then estimates the three-dimensional position of the transmission source of the radio waves in the target space 9 and the extent of the target space 9 from the estimated linear distance and angle of incidence. Here, the extent of the target space 9 may be, for example, the three-dimensional positions of each wall surface of the target space 9.

[0052] In the sensing system 1 having the above configuration, the state of the detection target present in the target space 9 within the building can be detected by electrical equipment that can be distributed throughout the building, without using sensors.

[0053] (Embodiment 2) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. [2-1. Sensing system configuration] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sensing system 1A according to embodiment 2. In Fig. 5, the same elements as those shown in Fig. 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals as those shown in Fig. 1, and the explanations for Fig. 1 and related Figs. 2-4 are cited.

[0054] The sensing system 1A according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of electrical installation materials to which power is supplied, a communication device, and a detection processing unit. Any one of the electrical installation materials and the communication device each have a wireless function and detect the state of the detection target P by transmitting and receiving wireless radio waves in a predetermined frequency band. In this embodiment, the detection processing unit is provided in each of the electrical installation materials with wireless function and the communication device. However, the detection processing unit may be provided in another device different from the electrical installation materials with wireless function and the communication device, for example, in a server (e.g., server 41 shown in FIG. 5) located outside the target space and capable of communicating with the electrical installation materials with wireless function.

[0055] 5, sensing system 1A has a similar configuration to sensing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, but differs in that it does not include outlet 30B but includes communication device 60. Sensing system 1A detects the state of detection object P by transmitting and receiving wireless radio waves between outlet 30A and communication device 60, both of which have wireless functions.

[0056] The communication device 60 is, for example, a wireless WiFi router that performs wireless WiFi communication. However, this is just one example, and the communication device 60 is not limited to a wireless WiFi router and may be any communication device that can transmit and receive radio waves in a predetermined frequency band to and from the outlet 30A.

[0057] [2-2. Configuration of electrical outlets (electrical equipment)] The outlet 30A is the same as the outlet 30A of the sensing system 1, and therefore the configuration of the outlet 30 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and the description thereof are incorporated herein.

[0058] [2-3.Communication Equipment Configuration] Like the outlet 30A, the communication device 60 includes at least a transmitter that transmits radio waves to the target space 9, a receiver that receives the radio waves transmitted to the target space 9, and an acquisition unit that acquires radio wave status information, which is information about the status of the radio waves, based on the received radio waves.

[0059] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of communication device 60. In Fig. 6, the same components as those in outlet 30 shown in Fig. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 3, and the explanation of Fig. 3 above is incorporated herein.

[0060] The communication device 60 includes a second control device 61, a second transmitter 62, a second receiver 63, and a second array antenna 64. The second transmitter 62 transmits radio waves of a predetermined frequency band to the target space 9 via the second array antenna 64. The second receiver 63 receives radio waves of the predetermined frequency band transmitted from the outlet 30A arranged in the target space 9 via the second array antenna 64. In this embodiment, the radio waves of the predetermined frequency band may be radio waves of a frequency band used in wireless WiFi.

[0061] The second array antenna 64 is composed of a plurality of antenna elements. Antennas of various sizes can be used for the antenna elements depending on design requirements such as the size of the housing of the communication device 60 and the radio wave reach. The second array antenna 64 enables the second transmitter 62 to transmit directional radio waves in various directions into the target space 9. Furthermore, the second receiver 63 can receive radio waves from each antenna element of the second array antenna 64.

[0062] The second control device 61 is a computer including a second processor 610 such as a CPU or an MPU, and a second memory 611.

[0063] The second memory 611 is a memory that stores programs and data. The second memory 611 stores a second program 612. The second memory 611 has a non-volatile storage area. The second memory 611 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the second processor 610. The second memory 611 is constituted by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0064] The second processor 610 has functional elements or functional units similar to those of the first processor 340 of the outlet 30 shown in FIG. 3 , but differs in that it has a second communication control unit 613 instead of the first communication control unit 343. These functional elements of the second processor 610 are realized, for example, by the second processor 610 of the second control device 61, which is a computer, reading and executing a second program 612 stored in a second memory 611. The second program 612 can be stored in any computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, all or part of the functional elements of the second processor 610 can be configured by hardware, each including one or more electronic circuit components.

[0065] The second communication control unit 613 controls the second transmitter 62 and the second receiver 63 so as to realize a communication function specific to the communication device 60. In this case, the second communication control unit 613 instructs the second transmitter 62 to transmit radio waves in one or more directions toward the target space 9 via the second array antenna 64. The second communication control unit 613 also instructs the second receiver 63 to receive radio waves from the second array antenna 64. As described above, since the communication device 60 in this embodiment is a WiFi router, the second communication control unit 613 performs, as its inherent communication function, routing of IP communication packets from various devices that are communication partners of the communication device 60 in accordance with conventional technology.

[0066] In the sensing system 1A, the state of the detection target P in the target space 9 can be detected by transmitting and receiving radio waves in a predetermined frequency band between the outlet 30A and the communication device 60. Therefore, in the sensing system 1A, even if the number of electrical installation materials that can be installed in the target space 9 is small (for example, only one) and it is not possible to transmit and receive radio waves between the electrical installation materials, by introducing one communication device 60, it is possible to transmit and receive radio waves between the electrical installation materials and detect the state of the detection target P in the target space 9.

[0067] (Other embodiments) In the sensing system 1, the electrical equipment having a wireless function is the outlet 30. In other embodiments, the electrical equipment having a wireless function may be the lighting device 10, the switch 20, or any other electrical equipment exemplified above. By mounting the detection unit 33 described above on such electrical equipment, these electrical equipment can also become electrical equipment that constitutes the sensing system.

[0068] In the sensing systems 1 and 1A, the outlets 30A and 30B and the communication device 60 having wireless capabilities may be placed at any positions in the target space 9 as long as they are capable of transmitting and receiving wireless radio waves between each other.

[0069] In the above-described first embodiment, the target space 9 has only two electrical installation materials with wireless communication capabilities, namely, the outlets 30A and 30B, but a plurality of electrical installation materials including the lighting device 10 and the switch 20 may have wireless communication capabilities. In this case, the state of the detection object P can be detected by transmitting and receiving wireless radio waves between any two of the electrical installation materials with wireless communication capabilities.

[0070] Alternatively, in another embodiment, three or more electrical equipment having wireless capabilities may form multiple pairs of two electrical equipment, and each pair may transmit and receive radio waves of different frequencies to detect the state of the detection target P in the target space 9.

[0071] When three or more pieces of electrical equipment with wireless capabilities are used, the settings for whether to turn on the wireless capabilities and the frequency to be used for wireless radio waves can be set for each piece of electrical equipment when it is installed.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the detection processing unit 345, the radio wave separation unit 346, and the estimation unit 347 are provided in each of the outlet 30 and the communication device 60. In another embodiment, the detection processing unit 345, the radio wave separation unit 346, and the estimation unit 347 may be provided in another device that does not transmit or receive radio waves used to detect the detection target P. Such another device may be, for example, the relay device 40 or the server 41 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. In these cases, radio wave state information acquired by the respective acquisition units of the outlet 30 and the communication device 60 may be transmitted from the corresponding outlet 30 or communication device 60 to the other device.

[0073] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0074] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0075] (Technology 1) A sensing system including a plurality of electrical installation materials to which power is supplied, and a detection processing unit, wherein each of any two of the electrical installation materials includes a transmitter that transmits radio waves into a target space, a receiver that receives the radio waves transmitted to the target space, and an acquisition unit that acquires radio wave status information, which is information about the status of the radio waves, based on the received radio waves, and the detection processing unit analyzes the radio waves received by the receiver based on the radio wave status information, and estimates the status of a detection target present in the target space. This makes it possible to detect the state of a detection target present in a target space within a building without using a sensor, using electrical equipment that can be distributed throughout the building.

[0076] (Technology 2) A sensing system including a plurality of electrical installation materials to which power is supplied, a communication device, and a detection processing unit, wherein any one of the electrical installation materials and the communication device each includes a transmitter that transmits radio waves into a target space, a receiver that receives the radio waves transmitted to the target space, and an acquisition unit that acquires radio wave status information that is information about the status of the radio waves based on the received radio waves, and the detection processing unit analyzes the radio waves received by the receiver based on the radio wave status information, and estimates the status of a detection target present in the target space. This allows the status of the detection target present in the target space within the building to be detected without using sensors, using electrical equipment that is distributed throughout the building during construction and communication equipment that can be installed after the building is completed.

[0077] (Technology 3) The sensing system described in Technology 1 or 2, wherein the detection processing unit analyzes the amplitude and / or phase state of the radio waves received by the receiver based on the radio wave state information, and estimates the state of the detection target present in the target space. This makes it possible to detect the state of the detection target in the target space from the state of the radio wave waves propagating through the target space, without using a sensor.

[0078] (Technology 4) A sensing system described in any one of Technologies 1 to 3, wherein the radio waves are radio waves of WiFi communication performed by the transmitter and the receiver, and the radio wave state information acquired by the acquisition unit is channel state information representing the state of the propagation path of the radio waves acquired from the radio waves received by the receiver. This makes it possible to detect the state of the detection target within the target space by utilizing channel state information of the radio waves used in WiFi communication.

[0079] (Technology 5) A sensing system described in any one of Technologies 1 to 4, wherein the acquisition unit stores each piece of acquired data of the radio wave state information in chronological order, calculates a moving average value from the present to a predetermined time in the past for each piece of data of the radio wave state information, and provides a data set composed of the moving average values ​​of each piece of data as the current radio wave state information to the detection processing unit. This reduces noise contained in the radio wave condition information, enabling more accurate detection of the detection target.

[0080] (Technology 6) A sensing system according to any one of Technologies 1 to 5, wherein the detection processing unit estimates the state of the detection target present in the target space using an estimation model that has been machine-learned to determine the relationship between the radio wave state information provided by the acquisition unit and the state of the detection target present in the target space. This makes it possible to more accurately and easily detect the state of the detection target by using an estimation model that has been machine-learned to understand the relationship between the large amount of radio wave condition information and the detailed state of the detection target.

[0081] (Technology 7) The sensing system according to any one of Technologies 1 to 6, wherein the transmitter and the receiver use an array antenna including a plurality of antennas to transmit and receive the radio waves, and further comprises a radio wave separation unit that separates and extracts direct waves, which are radio waves that arrive without reflection in the target space, and indirect waves, which are radio waves that arrive with reflection in the target space, contained in the radio waves received by the receiver based on the radio wave state information provided from the acquisition unit, and an estimation unit that estimates a straight-line distance to a transmission source of the radio waves from the radio wave intensity of the direct waves and estimates angles of incidence of the direct waves and the indirect waves with respect to the array antenna, and estimates a three-dimensional position of the transmission source in the target space and an extent of the target space from the straight-line distance and the angles of incidence. This allows for obtaining three-dimensional information about the source of the radio wave and the target space, thereby enabling more accurate detection of the target.

[0082] (Technology 8) A sensing system described in any one of Technologies 1 to 7, wherein the detection processing unit stores each piece of data of the radio wave state information provided by the acquisition unit in chronological order, extracts a change area in the target space from the time-series changes in each piece of data of the radio wave state information, and estimates the state of the detection target in the change area. This allows detection processing to be performed by narrowing down to the changed region in the target space, thereby enabling detection to be performed more quickly.

[0083] (Technology 9) A sensing system described in any one of Technologies 1 to 8, wherein the detection processing unit stores the radio wave state information when the detection target is not present in the target space as reference channel information, and estimates the state of the detection target present in the target space using the difference between the current radio wave state information and the reference channel information. This makes it possible to quickly determine whether or not a detection target exists in the target space, and quickly detect the state of the detection target. [Industrial Applicability]

[0084] As described above, the sensing system according to the present disclosure can be used to detect objects such as people and animals in indoor spaces. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. 1A Sensing System 5, 5A, 5B, 5C power line (secondary side wiring) 9 Indoor space 10. Lighting equipment 11 Light source 20 Switch 21 Switch body 30A, 30B outlet 31 Outlet body 32 terminal (power terminal) 33 Detection unit 34 First control device 35 First Transmitter 36 First Receiver 37 First array antenna 40 Relay Device 41 Server 50 Distribution board 51 Main breaker (circuit breaker) 58 Service line 60 Communication Equipment 61 Second control device 62 Second transmitter 63 Second receiver 64 Second array antenna 110 Cover 112 Ceiling socket 340 First Processor 341 First Memory 342 Program 1 343 First communication control section 344 Acquisition Department 345 Detection processing unit 346 Radio wave separation section 347 Estimation Department 610 Second Processor 611 Second Memory 612 Program 2 613 Second communication control section DW direct wave IW indirect wave NW Network P Detection target

Claims

1. The system includes a plurality of electrical installation materials to which power is supplied, and a detection processing unit, Each of any two of the electrical equipment is a transmitter that transmits radio waves into a target space; a receiver for receiving the radio waves transmitted to the target space; an acquisition unit that acquires radio wave state information, which is information about the state of the radio wave, based on the received radio wave; Equipped with The detection processing unit analyzes the radio waves received by the receiver based on the radio wave state information and estimates the state of the detection target present in the target space. Sensing system.

2. The system includes a plurality of electrical installation materials to which power is supplied, a communication device, and a detection processing unit, Any one of the electrical equipment and the communication equipment is a transmitter that transmits radio waves into a target space; a receiver for receiving the radio waves transmitted to the target space; an acquisition unit that acquires radio wave state information, which is information about the state of the radio wave, based on the received radio wave; Equipped with The detection processing unit analyzes the radio waves received by the receiver based on the radio wave state information and estimates the state of the detection target present in the target space. Sensing system.

3. The detection processing unit analyzes the state of the amplitude and / or phase of the radio wave received by the receiver based on the radio wave state information, and estimates the state of the detection target present in the target space. The sensing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The wireless radio waves are radio waves of Wi-Fi communication performed by the transmitter and the receiver, the radio wave state information acquired by the acquisition unit is channel state information indicating a state of a propagation path of the radio wave acquired from the radio wave received by the receiver; The sensing system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The acquisition unit storing each piece of data of the acquired radio wave state information in chronological order; calculating a moving average value from the present to a predetermined time in the past for each data item of the radio wave state information, and providing a data set constituted by the moving average value of each data item as the current radio wave state information to the detection processing unit; The sensing system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The detection processing unit estimates the state of the detection target present in the target space using an estimation model that has been machine-learned to determine the relationship between the radio wave state information provided by the acquisition unit and the state of the detection target present in the target space. The sensing system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the transmitter and the receiver transmit and receive the radio waves using an array antenna including a plurality of antennas; a radio wave separation unit that separates and extracts direct waves, which are radio waves that arrive without being reflected in the target space, and indirect waves, which are radio waves that arrive with being reflected in the target space, included in the radio waves received by the receiver, based on the radio wave state information provided by the acquisition unit; an estimation unit that estimates a linear distance to a transmission source of the radio waves from the radio wave intensity of the direct waves and estimates incident angles of the direct waves and the indirect waves with respect to the array antenna, and estimates a three-dimensional position of the transmission source in the target space and an extent of the target space from the linear distance and the incident angles; Further comprising: The sensing system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The detection processing unit storing each piece of data of the radio wave condition information provided by the acquisition unit in chronological order; extracting a change area in the target space from a time series change in each data of the radio wave state information, and estimating a state of the detection target in the change area; The sensing system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The detection processing unit storing the radio wave state information when the detection target is not present in the target space as reference channel information; estimating a state of the detection target present in the target space using a difference between the current radio wave state information and the reference channel information; The sensing system according to claim 1 or 2.

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