Detection sensors and lighting systems

Abstract

A detection sensor and a lighting system are provided that can suppress radio wave interference between multiple radars. [Solution] A detection sensor detects the presence or absence of a person in at least a portion of a predetermined space. The detection sensor includes a first radar, a second radar, a communication unit, and a control unit. The first radar detects the presence or absence of a person in a first detection range in the predetermined space. The second radar detects the presence or absence of a person in a second detection range in the predetermined space. The communication unit communicates with a control device external to the detection sensor. The control unit controls each of the first and second radars to operate alternately, and controls the communication unit to transmit the detection results of each of the first and second radars directly or indirectly to the control device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection sensor and a lighting system. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-181652 (Patent Document 1) discloses a lighting system in which, for example, a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) sensor detects the presence or absence of a person in a detection area (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-181652 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when multiple radars are used to detect the presence or absence of a person in a specified space indoors or outdoors, radio wave interference may occur between the multiple radars. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose any means for solving this problem.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and its object is to provide a detection sensor and a lighting system that can suppress radio wave interference between multiple radars. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A detection sensor according to an aspect of the present invention detects the presence or absence of a person in at least a partial range of a predetermined space. The detection sensor includes a first radar, a second radar, a communication unit, and a control unit. The first radar detects the presence or absence of a person in a first detection range of the predetermined space. The second radar detects the presence or absence of a person in a second detection range of the predetermined space. The communication unit communicates with a control device external to the detection sensor. The control unit controls each of the first and second radars to operate alternately, and controls the communication unit to transmit detection results of each of the first and second radars directly or indirectly to the control device.

[0007] According to this detection sensor, the first and second radars are activated alternately, so that radio wave interference between the first and second radars can be suppressed.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting system including a first detection sensor and a control device. The first detection sensor detects the presence or absence of a person in at least a portion of a predetermined space. The first detection sensor includes a first radar, a second radar, a first communication unit, and a first control unit. The first radar detects the presence or absence of a person in a first detection range of the predetermined space. The second radar detects the presence or absence of a person in a second detection range of the predetermined space. The first communication unit communicates with the control device. The first control unit controls each of the first and second radars to alternately operate, and controls the communication unit to directly or indirectly transmit detection results of each of the first and second radars to the control device. The lighting system further includes a first lighting device group and a second lighting device group. The first lighting device group illuminates the first detection range. The second lighting device group illuminates the second detection range. Each of the first and second lighting device groups includes a plurality of lighting devices. The control device generates a control signal based on the detection result and transmits it directly or indirectly to each of the plurality of lighting devices. Each of the plurality of lighting devices controls its lighting in accordance with the control signal.

[0009] According to this lighting system, the lighting of each lighting device is controlled in accordance with the detection result of the presence or absence of a person in each of the first and second detection ranges, thereby making it possible to reduce waste of power.

[0010] In the above lighting system, each of the first and second radars may be an FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radar, and the first control unit may control each of the first and second radars so that after a frequency sweep of the transmission wave of the first radar is completed and a rest time has elapsed, the frequency sweep of the transmission wave of the second radar is performed.

[0011] According to this lighting system, a pause is inserted between the timing at which the frequency sweep by the first radar ends and the timing at which the frequency sweep by the second radar starts, thereby making it possible to suppress radio wave interference between the reflected wave received by the first radar and the transmitted wave transmitted by the second radar.

[0012] In addition, in the above lighting system, the first detection sensor may further include a control unit board on which a control unit is mounted, a first radar board on which a first radar is mounted and connected to the control unit board via a first cable, a second radar board on which a second radar is mounted and connected to the control unit board via a second cable, and a housing that accommodates the control unit board, the first radar board, and the second radar board.

[0013] According to this lighting system, the boards included in the first detection sensor are housed in a single housing, so that the first detection sensor can be easily mounted.

[0014] In addition, in the above lighting system, each of the first and second radars may be an FMCW radar, and the first control unit may control the second radar so that after the first radar has finished sweeping the frequency of its transmission wave and after a pause time has elapsed, the second radar may sweep the frequency of its transmission wave, and the first detection sensor may receive a setting signal for setting the sweep time and the pause time from a setting device external to the first detection sensor, and after setting in accordance with the setting signal, the first detection sensor may transmit setting information indicating the setting status regarding the sweep time and the pause time to the setting device.

[0015] According to this lighting system, the sweep time and pause time of the first sensor can be set according to, for example, the installation position of the first sensor. Furthermore, according to this lighting system, since the setting information is transmitted to the setting device after the setting of the first detection sensor, the user can check on the setting device whether the setting of the first detection sensor has been performed as desired.

[0016] The lighting system may further include a second detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person in at least a part of the specified space, wherein the second detection sensor includes a third radar that detects the presence or absence of a person in a third detection range of the specified space, a fourth radar that detects the presence or absence of a person in a fourth detection range of the specified space, a second communication unit that communicates with the control device, and a second control unit that controls each of the third and fourth radars so that the third and fourth radars operate alternately and controls the second communication unit to transmit the detection results of each of the third and fourth radars directly or indirectly to the control device, wherein the first detection range and the third detection range are not adjacent to each other, and the second detection range and the fourth detection range are not adjacent to each other, and the control device may control each of the first and second control units so that the first and third radars operate synchronously and the second and fourth radars operate synchronously.

[0017] According to this lighting system, multiple radars that perform detection in non-adjacent detection ranges operate synchronously, so even if multiple radars operate simultaneously, radio wave interference between the multiple radars can be suppressed. As a result, a lighting system that can detect the presence or absence of a person over a wider range can be realized while suppressing radio wave interference between the multiple radars. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a detection sensor and a lighting system that can suppress radio wave interference between a plurality of radars. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a lighting system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of a detection sensor. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the electrical configuration of a first radar. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the physical connection relationship between the first radar, the second radar, and a control unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic electrical configuration of the lighting device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic electrical configuration of a control device. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of changes in the frequencies of transmitted waves and received waves in a detection sensor. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a frequency control operation of each radar in the detection sensor. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the operation of the control device. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the control device. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of each lighting device. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of settings made by a remote control. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a setting operation in the detection sensor. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a lighting system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the operation of the control device in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, each drawing is drawn schematically with objects appropriately omitted or exaggerated.

[0021] [1. Embodiment 1] <1-1.Configuration> (1-1-1. Overall configuration of lighting system) Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a lighting system 10 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 1, a room 15 with a transparent ceiling is shown from above.

[0022] 1, the lighting system 10 includes a detection sensor 100, a plurality of lighting devices 200, and a control device 300. The detection sensor 100 includes a first radar 110 and a second radar 120, and is configured to detect the presence or absence of a person in a room 15, which is an example of a predetermined space. Each of the first radar 110 and the second radar 120 is configured by, for example, an FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radar. The room 15 includes detection ranges A1 and A2. The presence or absence of a person in the detection range A1 is detected by the first radar 110, and the presence or absence of a person in the detection range A2 is detected by the second radar 120.

[0023] A signal indicating the detection result by each of the first radar 110 and the second radar 120 (hereinafter also referred to as a "detection result signal") is transmitted from the detection sensor 100 to the control device 300. The detection result signal indicates, for example, any of the following: (1) no person is present in the detection range; (2) a person has entered the detection range and is now present; (3) a person is present in the detection range; and (4) a person has left the detection range and is no longer present in the detection range. The detection result signal may be transmitted directly from the detection sensor 100 to the control device 300. Alternatively, the detection result signal may be transmitted indirectly from the detection sensor 100 to the control device 300 via one or more lighting devices 200.

[0024] The control device 300 controls each of the plurality of lighting devices 200 based on the received detection result signal. For example, if a person is detected in the detection range A1 but not in the detection range A2, the control device 300 turns on each of the plurality of lighting devices 200 that illuminate the detection range A1 (hereinafter also referred to as a "first lighting device group") and turns off each of the plurality of lighting devices 200 that illuminate the detection range A2 (hereinafter also referred to as a "second lighting device group"). That is, the control device 300 directly or indirectly transmits a control signal (hereinafter also referred to as a "lighting control signal") for realizing such control to each lighting device 200.

[0025] Each of the first radar 110 and the second radar 120 emits radio waves to detect the presence or absence of a person within its respective detection range. If both the first radar 110 and the second radar 120 emit radio waves at the same time, radio wave interference will occur. The lighting system 10 is designed to suppress such radio wave interference. The lighting system 10 will be described in detail below.

[0026] (1-1-2. Configuration of the detection sensor) Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the electrical configuration of the detection sensor 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the detection sensor 100 includes a first radar 110, a second radar 120, a control unit 160, a communication unit 130, a remote control signal transmission / reception unit 140, and a power supply unit 150.

[0027] As described above, in the detection sensor 100, the first radar 110 detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection range A1 (FIG. 1), and the second radar 120 detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection range A2. Each of the first radar 110 and the second radar 120 is configured, for example, by an FMCW radar. The first radar 110 and the second radar 120 have, for example, the same configuration as each other.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the electrical configuration of the first radar 110. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first radar 110 includes a transmitting antenna 113, a receiving antenna 114, a communication unit 116, and a control circuit 118. The transmitting antenna 113 is configured to transmit a transmission wave whose frequency (transmission frequency) changes over time. That is, the transmitting antenna 113 is configured to transmit a transmission wave that conforms to, for example, the FMCW system. The receiving antenna 114 is configured to receive a reception wave whose frequency (reception frequency) changes over time. That is, the receiving antenna 114 is configured to receive a reception wave that conforms to, for example, the FMCW system.

[0029] The control circuit 118 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). The control circuit 118 is configured to control each component in the first radar 110 in accordance with information processing. The control circuit 118 detects the presence or absence of a person in a detection range (for example, detection range A1) by, for example, comparing a transmission frequency with a reception frequency. Note that the functions realized by the control circuit 118 may be realized by one circuit or by multiple circuits.

[0030] The communication unit 116 is configured to communicate with the control unit 160 (FIG. 2). For example, the communication unit 116 transmits a signal indicating the detection result by the first radar 110 to the control unit 160. Note that the communication between the communication unit 116 and the control unit 160 may be wired communication or wireless communication.

[0031] 2 again, the control unit 160 includes, for example, a CPU, RAM, and ROM. The control unit 160 is configured to control each component in the detection sensor 100 in accordance with information processing. The control unit 160 generates a detection result signal based on a signal indicating the detection result by the first radar 110 and a signal indicating the detection result by the second radar 120.

[0032] The communication unit 130 is configured to communicate directly or indirectly with, for example, each of the plurality of lighting devices 200 and the control device 300. The communication unit 130 transmits, for example, a detection result signal directly or indirectly to each of the plurality of lighting devices 200 and the control device 300. The communication unit 130 is capable of, for example, wired communication or wireless communication. Examples of wireless communication include communication using the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Examples of communication standards that realize such communication include Bluetooth (registered trademark), including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0033] The remote control signal transmitting / receiving unit 140 is configured to receive signals (hereinafter also referred to as "setting signals") instructing various settings related to the detection sensor 100 from a remote control (not shown) external to the detection sensor 100. The various settings related to the detection sensor 100 will be explained later. The power supply unit 150 is configured to convert alternating current (AC) power supplied from a commercial power source (100V) into direct current (DC) power, and supply the DC power to each component of the detection sensor 100.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the physical connection relationship between the first radar 110, the second radar 120, and the control unit 160. As shown in FIG. 4, the first radar 110 is mounted on a first radar board 112, and the second radar 120 is mounted on a second radar board 122. The control unit 160 is mounted on a control unit board 162. The control unit board 162 is connected to each of the first radar board 112 and the second radar board 122 via a cable 172. The cable 172 connecting the first radar board 112 and the control unit board 162 is an example of a first cable, and the cable 172 connecting the second radar board 122 and the control unit board 162 is an example of a second cable. The cable 172 is capable of communication compliant with, for example, SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface). As a result, the control unit 160 is electrically connected to each of the first radar 110 and the second radar 120. Moreover, the first radar board 112, the second radar board 122, and the control unit board 162 are housed in the same housing 170. Since each board included in the detection sensor 100 is housed in one housing 170, the detection sensor 100 can be easily mounted.

[0035] (1-1-3. Configuration of lighting equipment) 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating the electrical configuration of lighting device 200. As shown in FIG. 5, lighting device 200 includes a communication unit 210, a light source unit 220, a power supply unit 230, and a control unit 240.

[0036] The communication unit 210 is configured to communicate directly or indirectly with, for example, the detection sensor 100, the other lighting devices 200, and the control device 300. The communication unit 210 transmits and receives, for example, detection result signals and lighting control signals. The communication unit 210 is capable of wired communication or wireless communication. Examples of wireless communication include communication using the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Examples of communication standards that realize such communication include Bluetooth (registered trademark), including BLE, ZigBee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0037] The light source unit 220 is configured to emit light by receiving power supply from the power supply unit 230. The light source unit 220 is configured, for example, by an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The power supply unit 230 is configured to convert alternating current (AC) power supplied from a commercial power source (100V) into direct current (DC) power and supply the DC power to each component of the lighting device 200.

[0038] The control unit 240 includes, for example, a CPU, RAM, and ROM. The control unit 240 is configured to control each component within the lighting device 200 in accordance with information processing. For example, when the control unit 240 receives a lighting control signal, the control unit 240 controls the light source unit 220 in accordance with the lighting control signal. Furthermore, for example, when the control unit 240 receives a detection result signal, the control unit 240 controls the communication unit 210 to transmit the detection result signal to another lighting device 200 or the control device 300.

[0039] (1-1-4. Configuration of the control device) Fig. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the electrical configuration of the control device 300. As shown in Fig. 6, the control device 300 includes a display unit 310, a communication unit 320, a power supply unit 330, a storage unit 340, and a control unit 350.

[0040] The display unit 310 is configured to display an image. The display unit 310 displays, for example, information indicated by the detection result signal (for example, information indicating the presence or absence of a person in the room 15). The display unit 310 is configured, for example, by a monitor such as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor.

[0041] The communication unit 320 is configured to communicate directly or indirectly with, for example, the detection sensor 100 and each of the plurality of lighting devices 200. The communication unit 320 receives, for example, a detection result signal and transmits a lighting control signal. The communication unit 320 is capable of, for example, wired communication or wireless communication. Examples of wireless communication include communication using the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Examples of communication standards that realize such communication include Bluetooth (registered trademark), including BLE, ZigBee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0042] The power supply unit 330 is configured to convert alternating current (AC) power supplied from a commercial power source (100V) into direct current (DC) power and supply the DC power to each component of the control device 300. The memory unit 340 is configured to store various data. For example, the memory unit 340 continuously stores the contents of the detection result signal received from the detection sensor 100. The memory unit 340 is configured by, for example, at least a part of a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM, a hard disk drive, and a solid state drive.

[0043] The control unit 350 includes, for example, a CPU, RAM, and ROM. The control unit 350 is configured to control each component in the control device 300 in accordance with information processing. The control unit 350 generates a lighting control signal, for example, based on the received detection result signal. For example, if a person is detected in the detection range A1 but not in the detection range A2, the control unit 350 generates a lighting control signal that turns on each lighting device 200 included in the first lighting device group and turns off each lighting device 200 included in the second lighting device group.

[0044] <1-2. Operation in lighting systems> (1-2-1. Operation of the detection sensor) As described above, if both the first radar 110 and the second radar 120 emit radio waves at the same timing in the detection sensor 100, radio wave interference will occur. In order to suppress radio wave interference in the detection sensor 100, the timing at which the first radar 110 emits radio waves and the timing at which the second radar 120 emits radio waves are different. This will be explained in detail below.

[0045] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the frequency of each of the transmitted wave and the received wave in the detection sensor 100. Referring to Fig. 7, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency. Furthermore, waveform W1 represents the transition of the transmitted wave, and waveform W2 represents the transition of the received wave.

[0046] For example, from time t0 to t1, the second radar 120 emits a transmission wave of frequency f1. At time t1, the second radar 120 stops transmitting the transmission wave, and the first radar 110 starts transmitting the transmission wave. From time t1 to t2 (sweep time), the frequency of the transmission wave of the first radar 110 is swept, and, for example, the frequency of the transmission wave increases from f1 to f2. When the sweep time ends, the frequency of the transmission wave of the first radar 110 decreases from f2 to f1.

[0047] During the time t2-t3 (pause time), the frequency of the transmission wave by the first radar 110 is fixed to f1. The pause time is, for example, a time period sufficient for reception of the reception wave corresponding to the transmission wave transmitted during the sweep time (e.g., time t1-t2) to be completed, and is, for example, approximately the same as the sweep time. When the pause time ends, transmission of the transmission wave by the first radar 110 is stopped, and transmission of the transmission wave by the second radar 120 is started.

[0048] During the period from t3 to t4 (sweep time), the frequency of the transmission wave of the second radar 120 is swept, and for example, the frequency of the transmission wave increases from f1 to f2. When the sweep time ends, the frequency of the transmission wave by the second radar 120 decreases from f2 to f1.

[0049] During the time t4-t5 (pause time), the frequency of the transmission wave by the second radar 120 is fixed to f1. The pause time is, for example, a time period sufficient for reception of the reception wave corresponding to the transmission wave transmitted during the sweep time (e.g., time t3-t4) to be completed, and is, for example, approximately the same as the sweep time. When the pause time ends, transmission of the transmission wave by the second radar 120 is stopped, and transmission of the transmission wave by the first radar 110 is started.

[0050] In this way, according to the detection sensor 100, the first radar 110 and the second radar 120 alternately operate, thereby suppressing radio wave interference between the first radar 110 and the second radar 120. Furthermore, according to the detection sensor 100, a pause is inserted between the timing at which the first radar 110 finishes sweeping the frequency and the timing at which the second radar 120 starts sweeping the frequency, thereby suppressing radio wave interference between the reflected wave received by the first radar 110 and the transmitted wave transmitted by the second radar 120.

[0051] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the frequency control operation of each radar in the detection sensor 100. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control unit 160 of the detection sensor 100.

[0052] 8, the control unit 160 controls the first radar 110 to, for example, start sweeping the transmission wave and transmit the transmission wave (step S100). The control unit 160 determines whether the sweep time has elapsed (step S110). If it is determined that the sweep time has not elapsed (NO in step S110), the control unit 160 controls the first radar 110 to continue sweeping the transmission wave and transmitting the transmission wave.

[0053] On the other hand, if it is determined that the sweep time has elapsed (YES in step S110), the control unit 160 controls the first radar 110 to lower the frequency of the transmission wave (for example, frequency f1 in FIG. 7) and stop sweeping the frequency (step S120). The control unit 160 determines whether the pause time has elapsed (step S130). If it is determined that the pause time has not elapsed (NO in step S130), the control unit 160 controls the first radar 110 to continue transmitting the transmission wave with the lowered frequency.

[0054] On the other hand, if it is determined that the pause time has elapsed (YES in step S130), the control unit 160 controls the first radar 110 to stop transmitting the transmission wave, and controls the second radar 120 to start sweeping the transmission wave and transmit the transmission wave (step S140). The control unit 160 determines whether the sweep time has elapsed (step S150). If it is determined that the sweep time has not elapsed (NO in step S150), the control unit 160 controls the second radar 120 to continue sweeping the transmission wave and transmitting the transmission wave.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined that the sweep time has elapsed (YES in step S150), the control unit 160 controls the second radar 120 to lower the frequency of the transmission wave and then stop sweeping the frequency (step S160). The control unit 160 determines whether the pause time has elapsed (step S170). If it is determined that the pause time has not elapsed (NO in step S170), the control unit 160 controls the second radar 120 to continue transmitting the transmission wave with the lowered frequency. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pause time has elapsed (YES in step S170), the process returns to step S100.

[0056] 8, the control unit 160 determines the presence or absence of a person in each detection range based on the frequency of the transmitted wave and the frequency of the received wave. The control unit 160 generates a detection result signal based on the determination result, and controls the communication unit 130 to transmit the generated detection result signal directly or indirectly to the control device 300. Next, the operation of the control device 300 will be described.

[0057] (1-2-2. Operation of the control device) Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the operation of the control device 300. As shown in Fig. 9, the detection result signal transmitted by the detection sensor 100 is received by the control device 300 via, for example, multiple lighting devices 200. The control device 300 generates a lighting control signal based on the received detection result signal, and transmits the lighting control signal directly or indirectly to each of the multiple lighting devices 200.

[0058] For example, when a person is detected in the detection range A1 (FIG. 1) and no person is detected in the detection range A2, the control device 300 may transmit to each lighting device 200 a lighting control signal that turns on each lighting device 200 included in the first lighting device group and turns off each lighting device 200 included in the second lighting device group. Furthermore, when a person is detected in the detection range A1 and no person is detected in the detection range A2, the control device 300 may transmit to each lighting device 200 a lighting control signal that makes the illuminance of each lighting device 200 included in the first lighting device group higher than the illuminance of each lighting device 200 included in the second lighting device group.

[0059] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device 300. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control unit 350 of the control device 300.

[0060] 10, control unit 350 determines whether or not a detection result signal has been received via communication unit 320 (step S200). If it is determined that a detection result signal has not been received (NO in step S200), control unit 350 waits until a detection result signal is received.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined that a detection result signal has been received (YES in step S200), the control unit 350 generates a lighting control signal based on the received detection result signal and controls the communication unit 320 to transmit the lighting control signal directly or indirectly to each lighting device 200 (step S210).

[0062] (1-2-3. Operation of lighting device) 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of each lighting device 200. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control unit 240 of the lighting device 200.

[0063] 11, control unit 240 determines whether or not a lighting control signal has been received via communication unit 210 (step S300). If it is determined that a lighting control signal has not been received (NO in step S300), control unit 240 waits until a lighting control signal is received.

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined that a lighting control signal has been received (YES in step S300), control unit 240 controls light source unit 220 based on the received lighting control signal, and also controls communication unit 210 to transmit lighting control signals to other lighting devices 200 (step S310). In this way, according to lighting system 10, for example, lighting control of each lighting device 200 is performed according to the detection result of the presence or absence of a person in each of detection ranges A1 and A2, thereby making it possible to reduce power waste.

[0065] (1-2-4. Various settings related to the detection sensor) As described above, the detection sensor 100 receives a setting signal from a remote controller (an example of a setting device) external to the detection sensor 100, whereby various settings are made.

[0066] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the settings made by the remote controller. As shown in Fig. 12, for example, the detection sensor 100 is attached at a height H1 from the floor 400. If the detection sensor 100 is installed outdoors, the floor 400 may be the ground. For example, information indicating the height H1 is set by the remote controller. In the detection sensor 100, for example, the sweep time and the pause time are adjusted based on the information indicating the height H1.

[0067] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting operation in the detection sensor 100. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control unit 160 of the detection sensor 100.

[0068] 13, control unit 160 determines whether or not a setting signal has been received via remote control signal transmitting / receiving unit 140 (step S400). If it is determined that a setting signal has not been received (NO in step S400), control unit 160 waits until a setting signal is received.

[0069] On the other hand, if it is determined that a setting signal has been received (YES in step S400), the control unit 160 performs various settings based on the received setting signal (step S410). The control unit 160 sets the sweep time and pause time of the detection sensor 100, for example, based on the setting signal (including, for example, information regarding the installation height of the detection sensor 100). Thereafter, the control unit 160 controls the remote control signal transmitting / receiving unit 140 to transmit setting information indicating the setting status regarding the sweep time and pause time to the remote control (step S420). The received setting information is displayed, for example, on the screen of the remote control.

[0070] According to the lighting system 10, the sweep time and pause time of the detection sensor 100 can be set, for example, according to the installation position of the detection sensor 100. Furthermore, according to the lighting system 10, after the settings of the detection sensor 100 are made, the setting information is transmitted to the remote control, so that the user can check on the remote control whether the settings of the detection sensor 100 have been made as desired.

[0071] <1-3. Features> As described above, in the detection sensor 100 according to the first embodiment, the control unit 160 controls each of the first radar 110 and the second radar 120 so that the first radar 110 and the second radar 120 operate alternately, and controls the communication unit 130 so that the communication unit 130 directly or indirectly transmits to the control device 300 a detection result signal generated based on the detection results of the first radar 110 and the second radar 120. According to the detection sensor 100, the first radar 110 and the second radar 120 operate alternately, so that radio wave interference between the first radar 110 and the second radar 120 can be suppressed.

[0072] 2. Second Embodiment In the above-mentioned first embodiment, one detection sensor 100 is installed in the room 15. However, the number of detection sensors 100 installed in the room 15 is not limited to one. In the present embodiment 2, a plurality of (two) detection sensors 100 are installed in the room 15A. The following mainly describes the differences from the above-mentioned first embodiment. Note that the configuration of each of the detection sensors 100X and 100Y is the same as that of the detection sensor 100 in the above-mentioned first embodiment.

[0073] <2-1. Overall configuration of lighting system> Fig. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a lighting system 10A according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 14, a room 15A with a transparent ceiling is shown from above.

[0074] 14, a lighting system 10A includes detection sensors 100X and 100Y, multiple lighting devices 200, and a control device 300A. A room 15A includes detection ranges A3, A4, A5, and A6. The detection ranges A3 and A4 are adjacent to each other, the detection ranges A4 and A5 are adjacent to each other, and the detection ranges A5 and A6 are adjacent to each other. The detection ranges A3 and A5 are not adjacent to each other, and the detection ranges A4 and A6 are not adjacent to each other.

[0075] The presence or absence of a person in the detection range A3 is detected by the first radar 110 of the detection sensor 100X, and the presence or absence of a person in the detection range A4 is detected by the second radar 120 of the detection sensor 100X. The presence or absence of a person in the detection range A5 is detected by the first radar 110 of the detection sensor 100Y, and the presence or absence of a person in the detection range A6 is detected by the second radar 120 of the detection sensor 100Y.

[0076] The detection result signals generated by each of the detection sensors 100X and 100Y are transmitted directly or indirectly to the control device 300A. The control device 300A controls each of the plurality of lighting devices 200 based on the received detection result signals. Note that the control device 300A has a configuration in which the control unit 350 in the control device 300 of the first embodiment is replaced with a control unit 350A (not shown), for example.

[0077] If the second radar 120 of the detection sensor 100X and the first radar 110 of the detection sensor 100Y emit radio waves at the same time, there is a high possibility of radio wave interference occurring because the detection ranges A4 and A5 are adjacent to each other. In order to suppress such radio wave interference in the lighting system 10A, the first radar 110 of the detection sensor 100X and the first radar 110 of the detection sensor 100Y emit radio waves in synchronization with each other, and the second radar 120 of the detection sensor 100X and the second radar 120 of the detection sensor 100Y emit radio waves in synchronization with each other.

[0078] According to the lighting system 10A, multiple radars that perform detection in non-adjacent detection ranges operate synchronously, so that radio wave interference between the multiple radars can be suppressed even if the multiple radars operate simultaneously. As a result, a lighting system that can detect the presence or absence of a person over a wider range while suppressing radio wave interference between the multiple radars can be realized.

[0079] <2-2. Operation of the control device> Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the operation of the control device 300A. As shown in Fig. 15, the control device 300A acquires time information from, for example, an external source (e.g., a website on the Internet) and transmits the time information directly or indirectly to each of the multiple lighting devices 200 and the detection sensors 100X, 100Y. The multiple lighting devices 200 and the detection sensors 100X, 100Y count the time based on the received time information. This establishes a common time reference for each component included in the lighting system 10A.

[0080] The detection result signals transmitted by each of the detection sensors 100X, 100Y, together with time information, are received by the control device 300A, for example, via the multiple lighting devices 200. The time information may be embedded in the detection result signals as a timestamp. The control device 300A generates a lighting control signal based on the received detection result signals and time information, and transmits the lighting control signal and the time information directly or indirectly to each of the multiple lighting devices 200. The lighting control signal and time information realize a mechanism in which the same radar (for example, the first radar 110 or the second radar 120) in each detection sensor 100 operates synchronously.

[0081] 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device 300 A. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control unit 350 A (not shown) of the control device 300 A.

[0082] 16, control unit 350A determines whether or not a detection result signal and time information have been received via communication unit 320 (step S500). If it is determined that a detection result signal and time information have not been received (NO in step S500), control unit 350A waits until a detection result signal and time information are received.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection result signal and the time information have been received (YES in step S500), the control unit 350A generates a lighting control signal based on the received detection result signal and time information, and controls the communication unit 320 to transmit the lighting control signal and the time information directly or indirectly to each lighting device 200 (step S510).

[0084] <2-3. Features> As described above, in the lighting system 10A according to the second embodiment, the control device 300A controls each detection sensor 100 so that the first radar 110 of the detection sensor 100X and the first radar 110 of the detection sensor 100Y operate synchronously, and the second radar 120 of the detection sensor 100X and the second radar 120 of the detection sensor 100Y operate synchronously. According to the lighting system 10A, multiple radars that perform detection in non-adjacent detection ranges operate synchronously, so that radio wave interference between the multiple radars can be suppressed even if the multiple radars operate simultaneously. As a result, a lighting system can be realized that can detect the presence or absence of a person over a wider range while suppressing radio wave interference between the multiple radars.

[0085] 3. Other Embodiments The concept of the above embodiment is not limited to the embodiment described above. An example of another embodiment to which the concept of the above embodiment can be applied will be described below.

[0086] <3-1> In the first and second embodiments, each of the detection sensors 100, 100X, and 100Y includes two radars. However, the number of radars is not limited to this. For example, each detection sensor 100 may include three or more radars, or may include four or more radars. For example, when the detection sensor 100 includes four or more radars, it becomes easier to detect the presence or absence of a person in the entire surroundings (360 degrees) of the detection sensor 100.

[0087] <3-2> Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the lighting system 10A includes two detection sensors 100 (100X, 100Y). However, the number of detection sensors 100 included in the lighting system 10A is not limited to two. The lighting system 10A may include three or more detection sensors 100. By increasing the number of detection sensors 100, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a person over a wider range.

[0088] <3-3> Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a remote control is given as an example of the setting device. However, the setting device does not necessarily have to be a remote control. The setting device may be configured, for example, by a smartphone, a tablet, or a notebook PC (Personal Computer).

[0089] <3-4> In addition, in the above-described first and second embodiments, part of the processing performed by the control device 300, 300A may be executed by an external server (including a cloud server). For example, a detection result signal received by the control device 300 may be transmitted to an external server, and a lighting control signal may be generated in the server. Also, by accessing the server, for example, information on the presence or absence of people in each room may be displayed on the screen of a user's smartphone. Also, such information may be displayed on digital signage.

[0090] The above describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. That is, the detailed description and the accompanying drawings are disclosed for the purpose of illustrative explanation. Therefore, some of the components described in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings may be non-essential components for solving the problems. Therefore, just because these non-essential components are described in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, it should not be immediately recognized that these non-essential components are essential.

[0091] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment is merely an example of the present invention in all respects. Various improvements and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment within the scope of the present invention. In other words, when implementing the present invention, specific configurations can be appropriately adopted depending on the embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10, 10A lighting system, 15, 15A indoors, 100, 100X, 100Y detection sensor, 110 first radar, 112 first radar board, 113 transmitting antenna, 114 receiving antenna, 116, 130, 210, 320 communication unit, 118 control circuit, 120 second radar, 122 second radar board, 140 remote control signal transmitting / receiving unit, 150, 230, 330 power supply unit, 160, 240, 350 control unit, 162 control unit board, 170 housing, 172 cable, 200 lighting device, 220 light source unit, 300, 300A control device, 310 display unit, 340 memory unit, 400 floor, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 detection range, H1 height, W1, W2 waveform.

Claims

1. a plurality of radars for detecting the presence or absence of a person within a predetermined detection range in a predetermined space; a plurality of lighting device groups that illuminate respective detection ranges in which the plurality of radars detect the presence or absence of a person; Equipped with Among the plurality of radars, radars having adjacent detection ranges are controlled to operate at different timings, A lighting system, wherein each of the lighting devices in the group of lighting devices is subject to a control signal generated based on detection results of the plurality of radars.

2. the plurality of radars are FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radars, 2. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the control to operate at different timings is control such that, after one of the radars having adjacent detection ranges has finished sweeping the frequency of the transmission wave, a rest period has elapsed, and then the other of the radars having adjacent detection ranges performs a sweeping of the frequency of the transmission wave.

3. the first detection sensor includes the plurality of radars; the first detection sensor receives a setting signal for setting the sweep time and the pause time from a setting device external to the first detection sensor; The lighting system according to claim 2 , wherein the first detection sensor transmits setting information indicating a setting state relating to the sweep time and the pause time to the setting device after the setting according to the setting signal.

4. 4. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of radars are a first radar and a second radar.

5. the plurality of radars are a first radar and a second radar, a first detection sensor including the first and second radars; Further provided is a second detection sensor including a third radar and a fourth radar; the first radar detects the presence or absence of a person in a first detection range of the predetermined space, and the second radar detects the presence or absence of a person in a second detection range of the predetermined space; the third radar detects the presence or absence of a person in a third detection range of the predetermined space, and the fourth radar detects the presence or absence of a person in a fourth detection range of the predetermined space; the first detection range and the third detection range are not adjacent to each other, and the second detection range and the fourth detection range are not adjacent to each other, 2. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the first and third radars operate synchronously and the second and fourth radars operate synchronously.

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