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 three or more electric supply materials to which electric power is supplied, and an integrated processing unit, wherein each of the electric supply 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 state information that is information on a state of the radio waves on the basis of the received radio waves, and the integrated processing unit collects the radio wave state information from the electric supply materials, analyzes the received radio waves on the basis of the radio wave state information, and estimates a state of a detection target present in the target space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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 three or more electrical installation materials to which power is supplied, and an integrated processing unit, each of which is equipped with 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 integrated processing unit collects the radio wave status information from the electrical installation materials, analyzes the received radio waves 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 at least two pieces of electrical equipment to which power is supplied, communication equipment, and an integrated processing unit, wherein the electrical equipment and the communication equipment each include 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 integrated processing unit collects the radio wave status information from the electrical equipment and the communication equipment, analyzes the received radio waves 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 the schematic configuration of each electrical equipment that makes up the sensing system [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a detection unit [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a monitoring server configuration [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining sensing of a detection target; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sensing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 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 three or more pieces of electrical equipment that are arranged in a target space 9 and are supplied with power, and an integrated processing unit. Each of the three or more pieces of electrical equipment has the function of transmitting and receiving radio waves (hereinafter also referred to as a wireless function), and the integrated processing unit detects the state of the detection target P that exists in the space without using a sensor by analyzing the radio waves transmitted and received by the three or more pieces of electrical equipment that have the wireless function.

[0014] In the present embodiment, as an example, the at least three electrical equipment components having wireless functionality are four electrical equipment components: lighting device 10A, switch 10B, and outlets 10C and 10D. Hereinafter, lighting device 10A, switch 10B, and outlets 10C and 10D will also be collectively referred to as electrical equipment components 10.

[0015] The sensing system 1 also includes a monitoring server 41 communicably connected to each of the electrical installation materials 10 via a relay device 40 and a network NW such as the Internet. The monitoring server 41 includes the above-mentioned integrated processing unit. However, the integrated processing unit may be included in any one of the three or more electrical installation materials having wireless capabilities.

[0016] 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).

[0017] 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.

[0018] 1, a lighting device 10A, a switch 10B, and outlets 10C and 10D are installed as electrical equipment in the target space 9. These electrical equipment may be installed on a floor 91, a 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, the ceiling 92, and the 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The lighting device 10A is attached to a ceiling 92. A ceiling socket 112 is fixed to the ceiling 92, and the lighting device 10A is attached to the ceiling socket 112. The ceiling socket 112 is connected to a power line 5A, and the lighting device 10A 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.

[0021] Switch 10B has switch body 13 connected to power line 5A. Switch 10B connects and disconnects power line 5A between lighting device 10A and distribution board 50, and when switch 10B is on, power is supplied to lighting device 10A. When switch 10B is off, the power supply to lighting device 10A is cut off, and lighting device 10A is turned off.

[0022] Outlets 10C and 10D are outlets (also called "outlets") to which load devices that operate on commercial power can be connected. Outlets 10C and 10D each have an outlet body 14. A single-phase 100V load, for example, is connected to outlet body 14. Outlet 10C is connected to distribution board 50 via power line 5B, and outlet 10D is connected to distribution board 50 via power line 5C.

[0023] 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of lighting device 10A, switch 10B, and outlets 10C and 10D that make up sensing system 1. Lighting device 10A, switch 10B, and outlets 10C and 10D may include circuit elements and / or components not shown in FIG.

[0024] The lighting device 10A, the switch 10B, and the outlets 10C and 10D each include, as a common component, a detection unit 20. Each detection unit 20 operates by receiving a portion of the power supplied to the electrical equipment 10 that includes the detection unit 20. The specific configuration of the detection unit 20 will be described later.

[0025] The lighting device 10A includes a light source 11, a driver 12 that turns on the light source 11, and a detection unit 20. Light emitted by the light source 11 is diffused by a cover 110 (FIG. 1) to illuminate the target space 9. The light source 11 is a solid-state light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), or a lamp such as an incandescent lamp or a fluorescent lamp. The driver 12 is connected to the light source 11, and power is supplied from the driver 12 to the light source 11.

[0026] Switch 10B includes switch main body 13 and detection unit 20. Although Fig. 2 shows switch main body 13 as a single-pole switch that disconnects only one of a pair of cables that make up power line 5A, switch main body 13 may also be a double-pole switch.

[0027] Each of the outlets 10C and 10D includes an outlet body 14 and a detection unit 20. The outlet body 14 has a pair of terminals 32 connected to the power lines 5B and 5C. A load device is connected to the terminals 32. The terminals 32 correspond to an example of a power supply terminal. The load device is, for example, an electrical appliance used in the target space 9.

[0028] The lighting device 10A, the switch 10B, and the outlets 10C and 10D are configured to be able to transmit and receive radio waves in a predetermined frequency band between these electrical installation materials 10 using the detection units 20 provided therein. As a result, the state of the detection target P in the target space 9 can be detected by analyzing the state of the radio waves transmitted from one electrical installation material 10 and received by another electrical installation material 10.

[0029] FIG. 5 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 by one of the electrical equipment (in the example of Figure 5, outlet 10C) propagate within the target space 9, and after hitting the wall of the target space 9 or the surface of an actual object such as the detection target P present within the target space 9, are reflected once or multiple times before reaching other electrical equipment (in the example of Figure 4, switch 10B and outlet 10D), or they reach the other electrical equipment directly without being reflected at all.

[0030] That is, the other electrical equipment receives direct waves DW (shown as dashed lines), which are radio waves transmitted from one electrical equipment (outlet 10C) and arriving without reflection in target space 9, and one or more indirect waves IW (shown as dashed-dotted lines), which are radio waves arriving after being reflected once or multiple times in target space 9. Note that although FIG. 4 shows a planar view, the radio waves transmitted from one electrical equipment (outlet 10C) may also propagate to other electrical equipment (lighting device 10A in this embodiment) arranged on floor 91 and / or ceiling 92, and the direct waves DW and indirect waves IW may be received by the other electrical equipment.

[0031] This allows for an integrated analysis of all of the amplitudes and / or phases of the direct waves DW and indirect waves IW received at each of the other electrical equipment to obtain the three-dimensional position of one outlet 10C, 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.

[0032] In particular, in the sensing system 1, the target space 9 includes three or more (four in this embodiment) electrical equipment 10 with wireless functionality, which prevents areas (non-detection areas) from occurring that cannot be detected due to radio wave obstructions such as furniture.

[0033] The wireless radio waves may be transmitted by one electrical installation material in a fixed manner, or by one electrical installation material in sequence. For example, one of the electrical installation materials may be selectively caused to transmit wireless radio waves, and radio wave status information may be collected from each of the other electrical installation materials to obtain one information set of radio wave status information. The state of the detection target P present in the target space 9 may then be estimated based on the multiple information sets, each of which is obtained by a different electrical installation material that transmitted wireless radio waves. For example, the state of the detection target P present in the target space 9 may be estimated by integrating two information sets, one information set obtained when the switch 10B transmits wireless radio waves and another information set obtained when the outlet 10C transmits wireless radio waves (i.e., by using all of the radio wave status information included in the two information sets). This prevents a fixed radio wave null point (a point where the direct wave DW and the indirect wave IW interfere with each other and the radio wave intensity becomes zero) from occurring, which would result in an undetectable area occurring at a specific position.

[0034] [1-2. Configuration of the detection unit] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection unit 20 provided in the electrical installation material 10. As shown in FIG. The detection unit 20 includes a first control device 21, a first transmitter 22, a first receiver 23, and a first array antenna 24. The first transmitter 22 transmits radio waves of a predetermined frequency band to the target space 9 by the first array antenna 24. The first receiver 23 receives the radio waves of the predetermined frequency band transmitted to the target space 9 via the first array antenna 24. In this embodiment, the radio waves of the predetermined frequency band may be radio waves of a frequency band used in wireless WiFi.

[0035] The first array antenna 24 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 24 enables the first transmitter 22 to transmit directional radio waves in various directions into the target space 9. The first receiver 23 can receive radio waves from each antenna element of the first array antenna 24.

[0036] The first control device 21 is a computer including a first processor 210 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a first memory 211.

[0037] The first memory 211 is a memory that stores programs and data. The first memory 211 stores a first program 212. The first memory 211 has a non-volatile storage area. The first memory 211 also has a volatile storage area, and constitutes a work area of ​​the first processor 210. The first memory 211 is constituted by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0038] The first processor 210 includes, as functional elements or functional units, a first communication control unit 213 and an acquisition unit 214. These functional elements of the first processor 210 are realized, for example, by the first processor 210 of the first control device 21, which is a computer, reading and executing a first program 212 stored in a first memory 211. The first program 212 can be stored in any computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, all or part of the functional elements of the first processor 210 can be configured by hardware including one or more electronic circuit components.

[0039] The first communication control unit 213 instructs the first transmitter 22 to transmit radio waves in one or more directions toward the target space 9 via the first array antenna 24. The first communication control unit 213 also instructs the first receiver 23 to receive radio waves from the first array antenna 24. The first communication control unit 213 communicates with the monitoring server 41 via the relay device 40 and the network NW according to conventional technology.

[0040] 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 waves). The first communication control unit 213 can perform WiFi communication using the first transmitter 22 and the first receiver 23 in accordance with the WiFi communication standard.

[0041] The acquisition unit 214 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 23. 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 24. 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 23. The acquisition unit 214 transmits the acquired radio wave condition information to the monitoring server 41 and provides it to the integration processing unit 404 (described later).

[0042] Here, the acquisition unit 214 may store each piece of acquired data of the radio wave state information in chronological order in the first memory 211 or the like. The acquisition unit 214 may calculate 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 provide a data set constituted by the moving average values ​​of each piece of data as the current radio wave state information to the integration processing unit 404. This reduces noise contained in the radio wave state information, enabling more accurate detection of the detection target P.

[0043] [1-3. Monitoring Server Configuration] The monitoring server 41 is a computer including a second processor 400 such as a CPU or an MPU, a second memory 401, and a transmitter / receiver 402. The transceiver 402 is a communication device that performs wired communication and / or wireless communication for the second processor 400 to communicate with other devices such as the electrical installation material 10 via a network NW or the like.

[0044] The second memory 401 is a memory that stores programs and data. The second memory 401 stores a second program 403. The second memory 401 has a non-volatile storage area. The second memory 401 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the second processor 400. The second memory 401 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0045] The second processor 400 includes, as functional elements or functional units, an integrated processing unit 404, a radio wave separating unit 405, and an estimating unit 406. These functional elements of the second processor 400 are realized, for example, by the second processor 400 of the monitoring server 41, which is a computer, reading and executing a second program 403 stored in a second memory 401. The second program 403 can be stored in any computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, all or part of the functional elements of the second processor 400 can be configured by hardware including one or more electronic circuit components.

[0046] The integrated processing unit 404 collects radio wave condition information from each electrical installation material 10. Based on the collected radio wave condition information, the integrated processing unit 404 analyzes the radio waves received by each electrical installation material 10, and estimates the state of the detection target P present in the target space 9. Specifically, based on the collected radio wave state information, the integrated processing unit 404 analyzes the amplitude and / or phase state of the radio waves received by the first receiver 23 of each electrical installation material 10, and estimates the state of the detection object P present in the target space 9.

[0047] Alternatively, the integrated processing unit 404 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 each electrical installation material 10 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.

[0048] The integrated processing unit 404 may store each piece of data of radio wave condition information provided from each electrical installation material 10 in chronological order for each electrical installation material 10. The integrated processing unit 404 may extract a changed area in the target space 9 from the time-series changes in each piece of data of radio wave condition information, and estimate the state of the detection target P in the changed area. This allows detection processing to be limited to the changed area in the target space 9, thereby enabling detection to be performed more quickly.

[0049] The integrated processing unit 404 may also store in advance in the first memory 211 or the like, as reference channel information, radio wave state information for each electrical installation material 10 when the detection target P does not exist in the target space 9. The integrated processing unit 404 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 collected from each electrical installation material 10 and the reference channel information.

[0050] The integrated processing unit 404 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 radio wave in the target space 9 and information on the extent of the target space 9 estimated by the estimation unit 406 described below. This makes it possible to improve the detection accuracy of the state of the detection target P.

[0051] Alternatively, the arrangement of the electrical installation materials 10 in the target space 9 may be grasped in advance at the time of construction, and arrangement information of each electrical installation material 10 in the target space 9 may be stored in advance in the first memory 211. The integrated processing unit 404 can estimate the state of the detection object P by using the arrangement information as additional information. This can further improve the detection accuracy of the state of the detection object P.

[0052] The integrated processing unit 404 may also selectively instruct one of the multiple electrical installation materials 10 to transmit wireless radio waves, collect radio wave status information from each of the other electrical installation materials 10, and acquire one information set of radio wave status information. The integrated processing unit 404 can estimate the state of the detection target present in the target space based on multiple information sets from different electrical installation materials 10 that transmitted wireless radio waves. This makes it possible to prevent fixed occurrence of radio wave null points (points where the direct wave DW and the indirect wave IW interfere with each other and the radio wave intensity becomes zero) and fixed occurrence of non-detection areas, compared to when one electrical installation material 10 constantly transmits radio waves.

[0053] The estimation result of the state of the detection target P performed by the integrated processing unit 404, 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.

[0054] The radio wave separation unit 405 separates and extracts information on the direct waves DW and indirect waves IW contained in the radio waves received by the first receiver 23 of each electrical installation material 10 based on the radio wave condition information provided by each electrical installation material 10.

[0055] The estimation unit 406 estimates the linear distance between each electrical installation material 10 and the transmission source of the radio waves from the radio wave intensity of the direct waves DW based on the information on the direct waves DW separated by the radio wave separation unit 405. Furthermore, the estimation unit 406 estimates the incident angles of the direct waves DW and indirect waves IW with respect to the first array antenna 24 for each electrical installation material 10 from information such as the phase of the radio waves received by each antenna element of the first array antenna 24. Then, the estimation unit 406 estimates the three-dimensional position of the transmission source of the radio waves as seen from each electrical installation material 10 in the target space 9 and the extent of the target space 9 from the estimated linear distances and incident angles. 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.

[0056] 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. In addition, in the sensing system 1, the target space 9 includes three or more (four in this embodiment) electrical equipment 10 with wireless functionality, which makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of undetected areas due to radio wave obstructions such as furniture.

[0057] In addition, in the sensing system 1, when one electrical equipment 10 becomes a source of wireless radio waves, the set of radio wave state information obtained from other electrical equipment 10 is treated as one information set, and when detection is performed using multiple information sets, each of which is a different electrical equipment 10 that is a transmission source, it is possible to prevent radio wave null points from occurring fixedly and becoming non-detection areas.

[0058] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. [2-1. Sensing system configuration] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sensing system 1A according to embodiment 2. In Fig. 6, 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 of Fig. 1 and related Figs. 2-5 are cited.

[0059] The sensing system 1A according to the second embodiment includes at least two electrical installation materials 10 to which power is supplied, a communication device 60, and an integrated processing unit 404. Each of the electrical installation materials 10 and the communication device 60 has a wireless function. The integrated processing unit 404 collects radio wave state information from the electrical installation materials 10 and the communication device 60 that have a wireless function, and analyzes the wireless radio waves received by each of the electrical installation materials 10 based on the collected radio wave state information to estimate the state of the detection target P present in the target space 9 without using a sensor.

[0060] 6, sensing system 1A has a similar configuration to sensing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, but differs in that it includes a communication device 60. In sensing system 1A, either electrical equipment 10 or communication device 60, each of which has a wireless function, transmits wireless radio waves, and the other receives the wireless radio waves, thereby detecting the state of detection object P.

[0061] 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 wireless radio waves in a predetermined frequency band to and from the electrical installation material 10.

[0062] [2-2. Configuration of communication equipment] The communication device 60, like the detection unit 20 provided in the electrical equipment 10, 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.

[0063] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the communication device 60. In Fig. 7, the same components as those in the detection unit 20 shown in Fig. 3 are indicated by the same reference numerals as those shown in Fig. 3, and the above description of Fig. 3 is incorporated herein.

[0064] 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 by electrical installation materials 10 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The second control device 61 is a computer including a third processor 610 such as a CPU or an MPU, and a third memory 611.

[0067] The third memory 611 is a memory that stores programs and data. The third memory 611 stores a third program 612. The third memory 611 has a non-volatile storage area. The third memory 611 also has a volatile storage area, and constitutes a work area for the third processor 610. The third memory 611 is constituted by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0068] The third processor 610 has functional elements or functional units similar to those of the first processor 210 of the detection unit 20 shown in FIG. 3 , but differs in that it has a second communication control unit 613 instead of the first communication control unit 213. These functional elements of the third processor 610 are realized, for example, by the third processor 610 of the second control device 61, which is a computer, reading and executing a third program 612 stored in a third memory 611. The third program 612 can be stored in any computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, all or part of the functional elements of the third processor 610 can be configured by hardware each including one or more electronic circuit components.

[0069] 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. Since the communication device 60 of this embodiment is a WiFi router, the second communication control unit 613 performs, as the specific communication function, routing of IP communication packets from various devices that are communication partners of the communication device 60, according to conventional technology. At that time, 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 the radio waves from the second array antenna 64. The second communication control unit 613 also communicates with the monitoring server 41 via the relay device 40 and the network NW according to conventional technology.

[0070] In the sensing system 1A, either the electrical equipment 10 or the communication device 60 transmits radio waves, and the other receives the radio waves, thereby making it possible to detect the state of the detection target P in the target space 9. Therefore, in the sensing system 1A, even if the number of electrical equipment that can be installed in the target space 9 is small (for example, only two), by introducing one communication device 60, radio waves can be sent and received between the electrical equipment and the communication device, thereby making it possible to detect the state of the detection target P in the target space 9.

[0071] (Other embodiments) In the sensing systems 1 and 1A, a lighting device 10A, a switch 10B, and outlets 10C and 10D are shown as examples of electrical equipment 10 having a wireless function. In other embodiments, the electrical equipment 10 having a wireless function may include any of the other electrical equipment listed above as examples. By incorporating the detection unit 20 described above, these electrical equipment may also become electrical equipment that constitutes a sensing system.

[0072] In the sensing systems 1 and 1A, the electrical installation materials 10 and the communication devices 60 may be placed at any positions in the target space 9 as long as they can transmit and receive radio waves between each other. However, from the viewpoint of preventing any undetected areas from occurring in the target space 9, it is preferable that the electrical installation materials 10 and the communication devices 60 are placed in a dispersed manner in the target space 9.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the integrated processing unit 404, the radio wave separating unit 405, and the estimation unit 406 are provided in the monitoring server 41, but they may be provided in other devices. For example, the relay device 40 or any of the electrical equipment 10 may be provided with the integrated processing unit 404, the radio wave separating unit 405, and the estimation unit 406.

[0074] 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.

[0075] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0076] (Technology 1) A sensing system including three or more pieces of electrical equipment to which power is supplied, and an integrated processing unit, each of which is equipped with 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 integrated processing unit collects the radio wave status information from the electrical equipment, analyzes the received radio waves based on the radio wave status information, and estimates the status of a detection target present in the target space. This allows the state of the target to be detected without using sensors, using three or more electrical installation materials that can be distributed throughout the building, while preventing the creation of non-detection areas in the target space within the building due to radio wave obstructions such as furniture.

[0077] (Technology 2) A sensing system including at least two pieces of electrical equipment to which power is supplied, communication equipment, and an integrated processing unit, wherein the electrical equipment and the communication equipment each include 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 integrated processing unit collects the radio wave status information from the electrical equipment and the communication equipment, and analyzes the received radio waves based on the radio wave status information to estimate the status of a detection target present in the target space. This means that even if the number of electrical equipment that can be installed in the target space is small, communication equipment can be introduced and radio waves can be sent and received between the electrical equipment and the communication equipment to detect the status of the detection target within the target space.

[0078] (Technology 3) The sensing system described in Technology 1 or 2, wherein the integrated processing unit selectively instructs one of the plurality of electrical installation materials to transmit the radio waves, collects the radio wave status information from each of the other electrical installation materials to obtain one information set of the radio wave status information, and estimates the state of the detection target present in the target space based on the plurality of information sets, each of which is different for the electrical installation materials that transmitted the radio waves. This allows the source of radio waves to be selectively changed, thereby preventing fixed radio wave null points from occurring within the target space and preventing certain locations within the target space from becoming undetectable areas.

[0079] (Technology 4) A sensing system described in any one of Technologies 1 to 3, wherein the integrated processing unit analyzes the amplitude and / or phase state of the radio waves received by the receiver of the electrical equipment 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.

[0080] (Technology 5) A sensing system described in any one of Technologies 1 to 4, 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.

[0081] (Technology 6) A sensing system described in any one of Technologies 1 to 5, wherein the acquisition unit stores each 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 data of the radio wave state information, and provides a data set consisting of the moving average value of each data to the integrated processing unit as the current radio wave state information. This reduces noise contained in the radio wave condition information, enabling more accurate detection of the detection target.

[0082] (Technology 7) A sensing system described in any one of Technologies 1 to 6, wherein the integrated processing unit estimates the state of the detection object 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 from the acquisition units of the multiple electrical equipment and the state of the detection object 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.

[0083] (Technology 8) The sensing system described in any one of Technologies 1 to 7, 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 of the electrical equipment based on the radio wave state information provided from the electrical equipment, and an estimation unit that estimates a straight-line distance from the transmission source of the radio waves as seen from each of the electrical equipment from the radio wave intensity of the direct waves, and estimates the incident angles of the direct waves and the indirect waves with respect to the array antenna at each of the electrical equipment, and estimates the three-dimensional position of the transmission source in the target space and the extent of the target space from the straight-line distance and the incident angles. 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.

[0084] (Technology 9) A sensing system described in any one of Technologies 1 to 8, wherein the integrated processing unit stores each piece of data of the radio wave state information provided from each of the electrical installation materials 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.

[0085] (Technology 10) A sensing system described in any one of Technologies 1 to 9, wherein the integrated processing unit stores the radio wave state information acquired 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]

[0086] 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]

[0087] 1. 1A Sensing System 5, 5A, 5B, 5C power line (secondary side wiring) 9 Indoor space 10A lighting device 10B Switch 10C, 10D outlets 11 Light source 13 Switch body 14 Outlet body 15 terminal (power terminal) 20 Detection unit 21 First control device 22 First Transmitter 23 First Receiver 24. First array antenna 40 Relay Device 41 Monitoring 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 210 First Processor 211 First Memory 212 Program 1 213 First communication control unit 214 Acquisition Department 400 Second Processor 401 Second Memory 402 Transmitter / Receiver 403 Program 2 404 Integrated Processing Unit 405 Radio wave separation section 406 Estimation section 610 Third Processor 611 3rd Memory 612 Third Program 613 Second communication control section DW direct wave IW indirect wave NW Network P Detection target

Claims

1. The system includes three or more electrical installation materials to which power is supplied, and an integrated processing unit, Each 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 integration processing unit collecting the radio wave condition information from the electrical installation materials; analyzing the received radio waves based on the radio wave state information to estimate the state of the detection target present in the target space; Sensing system.

2. The system includes at least two electrical installation materials to which power is supplied, a communication device, and an integrated processing unit; The electrical equipment and the communication equipment are each 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 integration processing unit collecting the radio wave condition information from the electrical equipment and the communication equipment; analyzing the received radio waves based on the radio wave state information to estimate the state of the detection target present in the target space; Sensing system.

3. The integration processing unit Selectively instruct one of the plurality of electrical installation materials to transmit the wireless radio waves, collect the radio wave status information from each of the other electrical installation materials, and obtain one information set of the radio wave status information; and estimating a state of the detection target present in the target space based on the plurality of information sets, each of which is different from the electrical equipment that transmitted the wireless radio waves. The sensing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The integrated processing unit analyzes the amplitude and / or phase state of the wireless radio waves received by the receiver of the electrical equipment 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 integration processing unit; The sensing system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The integrated processing unit estimates the state of the detection target present in the target space using an estimation model that has been machine-learned to understand the relationship between the radio wave state information provided from the acquisition units of the plurality of electrical equipment and the state of the detection target present in the target space. The sensing system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. 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 of the electrical installation material based on the radio wave state information provided by the electrical installation material; an estimation unit that estimates a linear distance from each of the electrical installation materials to a transmission source of the radio waves from the radio wave intensity of the direct waves, and estimates an incident angle of the direct waves and the indirect waves with respect to the array antenna at each of the electrical installation materials, 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 angle; Further comprising: The sensing system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The integration processing unit storing each piece of data of the radio wave condition information provided by each of the electrical installation materials 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.

10. The integration processing unit storing the radio wave state information acquired 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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