Location identification system and location identification method

Abstract

The objective is to provide a location identification system that makes it easy to pinpoint the location of the object being detected while keeping the number of detection devices to a minimum. [Solution] The location identification system 1 comprises an acquisition unit 11 and a location identification unit 12. The acquisition unit 11 acquires detection results from a plurality of detection devices 2 that detect targets in a set area which is set to be a part of the detection area. The location identification unit 12 identifies the location of the target based on the combination of the detection results from each of the plurality of detection devices 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a location identification system and a location identification method for identifying the location of a detection target.

Background Art

[0002] As a related technique, a lighting control system that adjusts the lighting amount of tunnel lighting fixtures in a control mode by an automatic dimming device is known (see Patent Document 1). In this lighting control system, ITV cameras are provided at the entrance and exit of the tunnel, and an image processing device determines whether or not a vehicle exists in the tunnel from the video information of each ITV camera. When no vehicle exists in the tunnel, the lighting control panel adjusts the lighting amount in the tunnel to the minimum.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to make it easy to identify the position of a detection target while suppressing the number of detection devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A location identification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit and a location identification unit. The acquisition unit acquires detection results from a plurality of detection devices that detect a detection target in a set area set in a part of a detection area. The location identification unit identifies the position of the detection target based on a combination of the detection results of each of the plurality of detection devices.

[0006] ​A location determination method relating to one aspect of this disclosure includes obtaining detection results from a plurality of detection devices that detect a target in a set area, each set as a part of a detection area. The location determination method includes determining the location of the target based on a combination of the detection results from each of the plurality of detection devices. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a location identification system that makes it easy to identify the location of the object to be detected while keeping the number of detection devices to a minimum. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the space in which the location identification system according to the embodiment is employed. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the location identification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the setting area of ​​the detection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the setting area for each detection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the process of determining the location of a detected object by the location determination system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the process for determining the location of a detected object by the location determination system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of lighting control using a location identification system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the behavior of each lighting device in conjunction with lighting control by the positioning system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the location identification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows another example of the setting area of ​​each detection device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments are examples that embody this disclosure and are not intended to limit the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0010] [1] Overview First, an overview of the space Sp1 in which the location identification system 1 (see Figure 2) according to this embodiment is employed will be described with reference to Figure 1. In this embodiment, space Sp1 will be described as a multi-story parking garage in a commercial facility such as a shopping center. Note that space Sp1 is not limited to a multi-story parking garage; it may be a surface parking garage or a parking garage for a facility other than a commercial facility. Furthermore, space Sp1 is not limited to a parking garage; it may be a warehouse, a railway, or a road, for example.

[0011] In this embodiment, the location identification system 1 detects vehicles such as automobiles Ob11 moving in a parking lot (space Sp1), and people Ob12 moving in the parking lot. In other words, the detection target Ob1 includes multiple (in this case, two) targets (vehicle Ob11 and person Ob12). Hereafter, when vehicle Ob11 and person Ob12 are not distinguished, they will be collectively referred to as "detection target Ob1".

[0012] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, it is assumed that the vehicle Ob11 moves around the area designated as a parking space in order to find a place to park. In other words, in this embodiment, the object to be detected (in this case, the vehicle Ob11) can move in a specific direction D1 within the detection area of ​​each detection device 2, which will be described later. Also in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, it is assumed that a person Ob12 enters the entrance / exit of the parking lot adjacent to the area in order to return to the parked vehicle.

[0013] In space Sp1, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of detection devices 2 are installed. In the present embodiment, three detection devices 2 are installed in space Sp1. In FIG. 1, illustration of the structure (such as a wall, ceiling, or beam) where each detection device 2 is installed is omitted. Hereinafter, when distinguishing the three detection devices 2, the three detection devices 2 are respectively referred to as "first detection device 21", "second detection device 22", and "third detection device 23".

[0014] Each detection device 2 is, for example, a surveillance camera or an array sensor using pyroelectric elements, and detects an object existing within a visual field (that is, detection area A1 (see FIG. 3)). In the present embodiment, each detection device 2 detects an object existing within a set area B1 (see FIG. 3) set in a part of the detection area A1, rather than the entire detection area A1. In other words, the plurality of detection devices 2 respectively detect a detection target Ob1 in the set area B1 set in a part of the detection area A1.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the set area B1 of the detection device 2. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the detection area A1 is represented by a total of 100 pixels of 10 rows × 10 columns. And in the example shown in FIG. 3, a plurality (here, two) of areas B11, B12 are set as the set area B1 in the detection area A1. Specifically, the first area B11 is set as the set area B1 at the upper left of the detection area A1, and the second area B12 is set as the set area B1 at the lower right of the detection area A1. The first area B11 has a shape missing the pixel at the lower right corner of the square and is represented by a set of 8 pixels. The second area B12 has a shape formed by combining a T shape and a straight line and is represented by a set of 8 pixels. Thus, the set area B1 may include a plurality (here, two) of areas B11, B12 separated from each other.

[0016] The number, shape, and size of the setting area B1 can be freely set by the user of the location identification system 1. For example, the user can access each detection device 2 via a user interface prepared in advance for the location identification system 1 to set the number, shape, and size of the setting area B1 for each detection device 2. In other words, for one or more of the plurality of detection devices 2, the setting area B1 can be changed. According to this, compared with the case where the setting area B1 of the detection device 2 is fixed, the setting area B1 can be freely changed without depending on the installation location of the detection device 2, so the degree of freedom in the installation location of the detection device 2 is improved, and it becomes easier to install the detection device 2.

[0017] In this embodiment, the setting area B1 can be changed in all the detection devices 2. However, for example, the setting area B1 may be changeable only in some of the detection devices 2, and the setting area B1 may be fixed in the remaining detection devices 2.

[0018] Each detection device 2 transmits a detection signal to the location identification system 1. The detection signal is a binary signal, which becomes "0" when the detection target Ob1 does not exist in the setting area B1, and becomes "1" when the detection target Ob1 exists in the setting area B1. That is, each detection device 2 simply detects the presence or absence of the detection target Ob1 in the setting area B1, does not detect the position of the detection target Ob1 in the setting area B1, and does not detect the type of the detection target Ob1 either. [[ID=X]]

[0019] Each detection device 2 may, for example, be configured to detect the position of the target Ob1 in the designated area B1 and the type of the target Ob1 by performing image recognition processing. However, in this embodiment, the information provided from each detection device 2 to the location identification system 1 is limited to the above-mentioned detection signal, that is, the presence or absence of the target Ob1 in the designated area B1. For example, when the target Ob1 enters the first region B11, the detection device 2 does not provide the location identification system 1 with information that the target Ob1 is in the first region B11, but simply provides the location identification system 1 with information that the target Ob1 is in the designated area B1.

[0020] Returning to Figure 1, multiple lighting devices 3 are installed in space Sp1. In this embodiment, six lighting devices 3 are installed in space Sp1. Note that in Figure 1, the structure (wall, ceiling, or beam, etc.) on which each lighting device 3 is installed is omitted. Hereafter, when distinguishing between the six lighting devices 3, they will be referred to as "first lighting device 31", "second lighting device 32", "third lighting device 33", "fourth lighting device 34", "fifth lighting device 35", and "sixth lighting device 36".

[0021] Each lighting device 3 uses an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as its light source and illuminates the corresponding area in space Sp1 by irradiating light onto that area. Note that each lighting device 3 may also use other semiconductor light-emitting elements, such as organic EL (Electroluminescence) elements, or fluorescent lamps as its light source.

[0022] In this embodiment, each lighting device 3 is installed to illuminate a section allocated as a parking space. Furthermore, each lighting device 3 is installed so as to follow and illuminate a vehicle Ob 11 moving around the section, along a specific direction D1. Specifically, on one side of the section's width (downward in Figure 1), the first lighting device 31, the second lighting device 32, and the third lighting device 33 are installed so as to follow the specific direction D1. On the other side of the section's width (upward in Figure 1), the fourth lighting device 34, the fifth lighting device 35, and the sixth lighting device 36 are installed so as to follow the specific direction D1.

[0023] In this embodiment, the setting area for each detection device 2 is set as shown in Figure 4. Hereinafter, the setting area for the first detection device 21 will be referred to as "setting area C1", the setting area for the second detection device 22 as "setting area C2", and the setting area for the third detection device 23 as "setting area C3".

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, the setting area C1 of the first detection device 21 includes a rectangular region C11 surrounding the first illumination device 31 and the second illumination device 32 in a plan view, and a rectangular region C12 surrounding the fifth illumination device 35 and the sixth illumination device 36 in a plan view. The setting area C2 of the second detection device 22 includes a rectangular region C21 surrounding the second illumination device 32 and the third illumination device 33 in a plan view, and a rectangular region C22 surrounding the fourth illumination device 34 and the fifth illumination device 35 in a plan view. The setting area C3 of the third detection device 23 includes a small rectangular region C31 overlapping with a part of the first illumination device 31 in a plan view, a small rectangular region C32 overlapping with a part of the fifth illumination device 35 in a plan view, and a small rectangular region C33 overlapping with a part of the third illumination device 33 in a plan view. Furthermore, the setting area C3 of the third detection device 23 does not overlap with each lighting device 3 in a plan view and further includes a rectangular area C34 corresponding to the area where a person Ob12 enters. Thus, in two or more of the multiple detection devices 2, the shapes of the setting areas C1 to C3 are different from each other.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 4, the area C11 of the setting area C1 and the area C31 of the setting area C3 overlap around the first lighting device 31. Therefore, when the object to be detected, Ob1, enters the vicinity of the first lighting device 31, the first detection device 21 and the third detection device 23 each detect the presence of the object to be detected, while the second detection device 22 does not detect the presence of the object to be detected.

[0026] In the vicinity of the second lighting device 32, the area C11 of the setting area C1 and the area C21 of the setting area C2 overlap. Therefore, when the object to be detected, Ob1, enters the vicinity of the second lighting device 32, the first detection device 21 and the second detection device 22 each detect the presence of the object to be detected, while the third detection device 23 does not detect the presence of the object to be detected.

[0027] In the vicinity of the third lighting device 33, the area C21 of the setting area C2 and the area C33 of the setting area C3 overlap. Therefore, when the object to be detected, Ob1, enters the vicinity of the third lighting device 33, the second detection device 22 and the third detection device 23 each detect the presence of the object to be detected, while the first detection device 21 does not detect the presence of the object to be detected.

[0028] In the vicinity of the fourth lighting device 34, only area C22 of setting area C2 is set, and the areas of the other setting areas C1 and C3 do not overlap. Therefore, when the object to be detected, Ob1, enters the vicinity of the fourth lighting device 34, only the second detection device 22 detects the presence of the object to be detected, while the first detection device 21 and the third detection device 23 do not detect the presence of the object to be detected.

[0029] In the vicinity of the fifth lighting device 35, the areas C12 of setting area C1, C22 of setting area C2, and C32 of setting area C3 overlap. Therefore, when the object to be detected, Ob1, enters the vicinity of the fifth lighting device 35, the first detection device 21, the second detection device 22, and the third detection device 23 each detect the presence of the object to be detected, Ob1.

[0030] In the vicinity of the sixth lighting device 36, only area C12 of setting area C1 is set, and the areas of the other setting areas C2 and C3 do not overlap. Therefore, when the object to be detected, Ob1, enters the vicinity of the sixth lighting device 36, only the first detection device 21 detects the presence of the object to be detected, while the second detection device 22 and the third detection device 23 do not detect the presence of the object to be detected.

[0031] Only area C34 of setting area C3 is set in the location where person Ob12 enters, and the areas of the other setting areas C1 and C2 do not overlap. Therefore, when the target Ob1 enters that location, only the third detection device 23 detects the presence of the target Ob1, while the first detection device 21 and the second detection device 22 do not detect the presence of the target Ob1.

[0032] As described above, in this embodiment, the setting areas of two or more of the multiple detection devices 2 overlap. For example, around the first lighting device 31, a portion of the setting area C1 of the first detection device 21 and a portion of the setting area C3 of the third detection device 23 overlap. This increases the number of combinations of detection results for each of the multiple detection devices 2 compared to the case where the setting areas of any of the detection devices 2 do not overlap, making it easier to pinpoint the location of the detection target Ob1 more precisely.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one or more of the multiple regions within a setting area are independent of the other setting areas. For example, region C34 in setting area C3 does not overlap with setting areas C1 and C2, and is independent of setting areas C1 and C2. This makes it possible to distinguish and detect a detectable target Ob1 that may exist in a region independent of other setting areas from a detectable target Ob1 that may exist in a region overlapping with other setting areas. In this embodiment, it is possible to distinguish and detect a person Ob12 that may exist in region C34 from a vehicle Ob11 that may exist in the other regions C31 to C33.

[0034] [2] Location tracking system Next, the details of the location identification system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. The location identification system 1 is a system for identifying the location of a target object Ob1 based on the detection results of each of the multiple detection devices 2 installed in space Sp1. The location identification system 1 is implemented, for example, by a control panel installed in space Sp1. Alternatively, the location identification system 1 may be implemented by a server installed at a location away from space Sp1.

[0035] The location identification system 1 primarily consists of a computer system having one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and one or more memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and performs various processes (information processing). Specifically, the location identification system 1 realizes the functions of the acquisition unit 11, the location identification unit 12, and the lighting control unit 13 by executing programs stored in one or more memories using one or more processors.

[0036] The acquisition unit 11 acquires detection results from multiple detection devices 2. Specifically, the acquisition unit 11 has a communication interface that performs wired or wireless communication with each of the multiple detection devices 2, and acquires detection results from each of the multiple detection devices 2 by receiving detection signals transmitted from each detection device 2. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 acquires 3 bits of data as a detection result by receiving a detection signal which is a binary signal transmitted from the first detection device 21, a detection signal which is a binary signal transmitted from the second detection device 22, and a detection signal which is a binary signal transmitted from the third detection device 23.

[0037] The position identification unit 12 identifies the location of the target Ob1 based on the combination of detection results from each of the multiple detection devices 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 11. Specifically, the position identification unit 12 identifies the location of the target Ob1 based on the detection result represented by the 3-bit data.

[0038] The following describes a specific example of the process by which the position identification unit 12 identifies the position of the detection target Ob1, with reference to Figures 4 to 6. In Figures 5 and 6, "Sig1", "Sig2", and "Sig3" represent the values ​​of the detection signals from the first detection device 21, the second detection device 22, and the third detection device 23, respectively. In Figure 5, the detection result represented by dot hatching with a relatively high dot density represents the detection result when a person Ob12 is detected as the detection target Ob1 instead of a vehicle Ob11. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, it will be assumed that the acquisition unit 11 does not acquire such detection results. In Figure 5, the detection result represented by dot hatching with a relatively low dot density represents a detection result that the position identification unit 12 ignores.

[0039] In the following explanation, we will assume that vehicle Ob11 enters a parking space area from the backyard and moves along the dashed arrow shown in Figure 4, that is, that vehicle Ob11, which is the detection target Ob1, can move in a specific direction D1 within the detection area of ​​each detection device 2. Here, the backyard is the area that vehicle Ob11 passes through when entering a parking space area, and is an area that does not overlap with the setting areas of the first detection device 21, the second detection device 22, and the third detection device 23.

[0040] If vehicle Ob11 is located in the backyard, the first detection device 21, the second detection device 22, and the third detection device 23 will not detect vehicle Ob11. Therefore, the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "000". Consequently, the location identification unit 12 identifies that the location of vehicle Ob11 is in the backyard and transitions to "state 0".

[0041] Next, in "State 0," if the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "101," that is, if only the first detection device 21 and the third detection device 23 detect the target Ob1, the position identification unit 12 identifies that the vehicle Ob11 is located in the area where the region C11 of the setting area C1 and the region C31 of the setting area C3 overlap, that is, around the first lighting device 31, and transitions to "State 1."

[0042] Here, except when detecting a person Ob12 as the detection target Ob1, the position determination unit 12 executes a process to determine the position of the detection target Ob1 when the vehicle Ob11, which is the detection target Ob1, reaches a destination position determined according to the specific direction D1 (in other words, when the acquisition unit 11 acquires the expected value of the next detection result determined according to the specific direction D1 of the detection target Ob1). Specifically, the position determination unit 12 ignores any other detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 11 until the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "110", in other words, a detection result indicating that the vehicle Ob11 is located around the second lighting device 32. This is because, since the specific direction D1 of the vehicle Ob11 is determined, if the vehicle Ob11 is located around the first lighting device 31, it can be estimated that the next destination position of the vehicle Ob11 is around the second lighting device 32.

[0043] Specifically, in "State 1," when vehicle Ob11 moves along a specific direction D1, vehicle Ob11 moves away from area C31 of the set area C3, so only the first detection device 21 and the second detection device 22 will detect the target Ob1. In this case, the acquisition unit 11 will acquire a detection result indicating "100," which indicates that vehicle Ob11 is located around the sixth lighting device 36. However, as described above, the position identification unit 12 ignores other detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 11 until the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating that vehicle Ob11 is located around the second lighting device 32, thus avoiding the incorrect identification of vehicle Ob11 as being located around the sixth lighting device 36.

[0044] Next, in "State 1," if the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "110," that is, if only the first detection device 21 and the second detection device 22 detect the target Ob1, the position identification unit 12 identifies that the vehicle Ob11 is located in the area where the region C11 of the set area C1 and the region C21 of the set area C2 overlap, that is, around the second lighting device 32, and transitions to "State 2."

[0045] Next, in "State 2," if the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "011," that is, if only the second detection device 22 and the third detection device 23 detect the target Ob1, the position identification unit 12 identifies that the vehicle Ob11 is located in the area where the region C21 of the setting area C2 and the region C33 of the setting area C3 overlap, that is, around the third lighting device 33, and transitions to "State 3."

[0046] In "State 3," the position identification unit 12 ignores any other detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 11 until the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "010," in other words, a detection result indicating that the vehicle Ob 11 is located in the vicinity of the fourth lighting device 34.

[0047] Specifically, in "State 3," when vehicle Ob11 moves along a specific direction D1, vehicle Ob11 moves away from area C21 of setting area C2 and area C33 of setting area C3, so neither detection device 2 detects the target Ob1. In this case, acquisition unit 11 obtains a detection result indicating "000," which indicates that vehicle Ob11 is located in the backyard. However, as described above, the position identification unit 12 ignores other detection results obtained by the acquisition unit 11 until the acquisition unit 11 obtains a detection result indicating that vehicle Ob11 is located around the fourth lighting device 34, thus avoiding the incorrect identification of vehicle Ob11 as being located in the backyard.

[0048] Next, in "State 3," if the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "010," that is, if only the second detection device 22 detects the target Ob1, the position identification unit 12 identifies that the vehicle Ob11 is located in a place in region C22 of the set area C2 where no other areas overlap, that is, around the fourth lighting device 34, and transitions to "State 4."

[0049] Next, in "State 4," if the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "111," that is, if all detection devices 2 detect the target Ob1, the position identification unit 12 identifies that the vehicle Ob11 is located in the area where area C12 of setting area C1, area C22 of setting area C2, and area C32 of setting area C3 overlap, that is, around the fifth lighting device 35, and transitions to "State 5."

[0050] In "State 5," the position identification unit 12 ignores any other detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 11 until the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "100," in other words, a detection result indicating that the vehicle Ob 11 is located in the vicinity of the sixth lighting device 36.

[0051] Specifically, in "State 5," when vehicle Ob11 moves along a specific direction D1, vehicle Ob11 moves away from area C32 of the set area C3, so only the first detection device 21 and the second detection device 22 will detect the target Ob1. In this case, the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "110," which indicates that vehicle Ob11 is located around the second lighting device 32. However, as described above, the position identification unit 12 ignores other detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 11 until the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating that vehicle Ob11 is located around the sixth lighting device 36, thus avoiding the incorrect identification of vehicle Ob11 as being located around the second lighting device 32.

[0052] Next, in "State 5," if the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "100," that is, if only the first detection device 21 detects the target Ob1, the position identification unit 12 identifies that the vehicle Ob11 is located in a place in region C12 of the set area C1 where no other areas overlap, that is, around the sixth lighting device 36, and transitions to "State 6."

[0053] In "State 6," the position identification unit 12 ignores any other detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 11 until the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "101," in other words, a detection result indicating that the vehicle Ob 11 is located in the vicinity of the first lighting device 31.

[0054] Specifically, in "State 6," when vehicle Ob11 moves along a specific direction D1, vehicle Ob11 moves away from area C12 of the set area C1, so neither detection device 2 detects the target Ob1. In this case, acquisition unit 11 obtains a detection result indicating "000," which indicates that vehicle Ob11 is located in the backyard. However, as described above, the position identification unit 12 ignores other detection results obtained by the acquisition unit 11 until the acquisition unit 11 obtains a detection result indicating that vehicle Ob11 is located around the first lighting device 31, thus avoiding the incorrect identification of vehicle Ob11 as being located in the backyard.

[0055] Incidentally, if the value of the detection signal from the third detection device 23 is "0" in any of the states "0" to "6", the location identification unit 12 is in a state where it can detect a person Ob12 as the detection target Ob1. This is because the setting area C3 of the third detection device 23 includes an area C34 that only person Ob12 can enter. In this case, when the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result where the first bit is "1", that is, when the third detection device 23 detects the detection target Ob1, the location identification unit 12 determines that person Ob12 has entered area C34 of the setting area C3, and transitions from each state to state "N" (see Figure 6).

[0056] In state "N", the location identification unit 12 maintains the state of identifying the location of person Ob 12 until the acquisition unit 11 acquires one of the detection results shown in Figure 6. Then, when the acquisition unit 11 acquires one of the detection results shown in Figure 6, the location identification unit 12 transitions to the state of identifying the location of vehicle Ob 11. Specifically, when the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "000", the location identification unit 12 transitions to "state 0". Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "110", the location identification unit 12 transitions to "state 2". Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "010", the location identification unit 12 transitions to "state 4". Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 11 acquires a detection result indicating "100", the location identification unit 12 transitions to "state 6".

[0057] Thus, in this embodiment, the position identification unit 12 further identifies which of the multiple targets (in this case, vehicle Ob11 and person Ob12) the location of the detected target Ob1 is. In other words, when the position identification unit 12 is in any of the states from "state 0" to "state 6", it identifies the location of vehicle Ob11 as the detected target Ob1, and when it is in "state N", it identifies the location of person Ob12 as the detected target Ob1. Therefore, in this embodiment, not only is the location of the detected target Ob1 identified, but the type of the detected target Ob1 can also be identified, making it easier to perform control according to the type of detected target Ob1.

[0058] In this embodiment, in the setting area C3, the areas C31 to C33 used to detect the presence of the vehicle Ob11 are set to be smaller than the area C34 used to detect the presence of the person Ob12. This makes it possible to minimize the time that the vehicle Ob11 is in the setting area C3, that is, the time that the vehicle Ob11 is detected, thereby increasing the time that can be used to detect the person Ob12.

[0059] The lighting control unit 13 controls one or more lighting devices 3 capable of illuminating the space where the detected object Ob1 is located, according to the location of the detected object Ob1 identified by the location identification unit 12. Specifically, the lighting control unit 13 has a communication interface for wired or wireless communication with each of the multiple lighting devices 3, and controls each lighting device 3 individually by transmitting control signals to each lighting device 3. This communication interface may be shared with the communication interface of the acquisition unit 11.

[0060] The following describes an example of control of the lighting device 3 by the lighting control unit 13 with reference to Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, the lighting control unit 13 transmits a binary signal as a control signal to the lighting device 3. The control signal is "0" if there is no detected object Ob1 (in this case, vehicle Ob11) around the corresponding lighting device 3, and "1" if there is. For example, if the position identification unit 12 determines that vehicle Ob11 is located around the first lighting device 31, the lighting control unit 13 transmits a control signal of "1" to the first lighting device 31 and a control signal of "0" to the other lighting devices 3.

[0061] The lighting device 3 controls the light source in accordance with the received control signal. In this embodiment, while the lighting device 3 receives a control signal indicating "0" (before time t0 in Figure 7), it controls the light source at a relatively low first dimming rate (here, 20%). The lighting device 3 may also turn off the light source while it receives a control signal indicating "0". When the lighting device 3 receives a control signal indicating "1" (time t1 in Figure 7), it controls the light source at a relatively high second dimming rate (here, 100%). After that, when the lighting device 3 receives a control signal indicating "0", it waits for a certain period of time (between time t1 and time t2 in Figure 7), and then controls the light source to fade out, gradually decreasing the dimming rate from the second dimming rate to the first dimming rate. The lighting device 3 may also immediately fade out the light source upon receiving a control signal indicating "0" without waiting for a certain period of time, or immediately control the light source at the first dimming rate without waiting for a certain period of time.

[0062] The following describes specific examples of the behavior of each lighting device 3 under the control described above, with reference to Figure 8. The example shown in Figure 8 shows vehicle Ob11 moving along the direction of the arrow in an area where the first lighting device 31, the second lighting device 32, and the third lighting device 33 are lined up. In Figure 8, a colorless lighting device 3 indicates that the light source is lit at the second dimming level, a lighting device 3 with dot hatching indicates that the light source is lit at the first dimming level, and a lighting device 3 with shaded hatching indicates that the light source is being controlled to fade out.

[0063] First, when vehicle Ob11 is located near the first lighting device 31, the lighting control unit 13 transmits a control signal indicating "1" to the first lighting device 31 and a control signal indicating "0" to the other lighting devices 3. As a result, the light source of the first lighting device 31 is lit at the second dimming level, and the light sources of the second lighting device 32 and the third lighting device 33 are lit at the first dimming level.

[0064] Subsequently, when vehicle Ob11 moves and reaches the vicinity of the second lighting device 32, the lighting control unit 13 transmits a control signal indicating "1" to the second lighting device 32 and a control signal indicating "0" to the other lighting devices 3. As a result, the light source of the second lighting device 32 is turned on at the second dimming level, and the light source of the first lighting device 31 is controlled to fade out. The light source of the third lighting device 33 remains lit at the first dimming level.

[0065] Then, when the vehicle Ob11 moves further and reaches the vicinity of the third lighting device 33, the lighting control unit 13 sends a control signal indicating "1" to the third lighting device 33 and a control signal indicating "0" to the other lighting devices 3. As a result, the light source of the third lighting device 33 lights up at the second dimming level, and the light source of the second lighting device 32 is subjected to fade-out control. In addition, the light source of the first lighting device 31 finishes its fade-out control and lights up at the first dimming level.

[0066] As described above, the lighting control unit 13 illuminates the light sources of each lighting device 3 at a first dimming rate, a second dimming rate, or performs fade-out control, depending on the position of the vehicle Ob 11 identified by the position identification unit 12. In other words, the lighting control unit 13 changes the lighting pattern of one or more lighting devices 3 according to the position of the detected target Ob 1 identified. This makes it possible to create a variety of lighting effects that meet the user's needs depending on the position of the detected target Ob 1, thus improving convenience.

[0067] For example, in this embodiment, by controlling each lighting device 3 as described above, it is possible to create lighting effects that follow the vehicle Ob11. Furthermore, by controlling each lighting device 3 in this way, only the light sources of the lighting devices 3 necessary to illuminate the vehicle Ob11 can be turned on, so a power saving effect can be expected compared to the case where the light sources of all lighting devices 3 are turned on.

[0068] In this embodiment, when the position identification unit 12 identifies the position of person Ob12, the lighting control unit 13 transmits a control signal indicating "1" to all lighting devices 3, thereby turning on the light sources of all lighting devices 3 at the second dimming rate. In other words, when the identified position of the detected target Ob1 satisfies a specific condition (in this case, the condition that the position of person Ob12 has been identified), the lighting control unit 13 controls one or more lighting devices 3 in a specific pattern (in this case, a pattern in which the light sources of all lighting devices 3 are turned on at the second dimming rate). This makes it possible to perform lighting effects with a dedicated lighting pattern different from the normal state when the specific condition is met, thus improving convenience.

[0069] Furthermore, the specific condition is not limited to the condition that the location of person Ob12 has been identified, but may be any other condition. Also, the specific pattern is not limited to the pattern in which all the light sources of the lighting devices 3 are turned on at the second dimming rate, but may be any other pattern, such as the pattern in which all the light sources of the lighting devices 3 are turned off, or the pattern in which all the light sources of the lighting devices 3 are blinked.

[0070] For example, in this embodiment, by controlling each lighting device 3 as described above, the entire area containing the parking space is illuminated, making it easier for person Ob12 to find their parked vehicle Ob11. Furthermore, this notifies vehicles Ob11 moving through the area of ​​the presence of person Ob12, making it easier for the driver of vehicle Ob11 to pay attention to person Ob12.

[0071] [3] Operation Below, an example of the operation (in other words, the location identification method) of the location identification system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Here, steps S1, S2, ... represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the location identification system 1.

[0072] <Step S1> First, the acquisition unit 11 of the location identification system 1 acquires detection results from multiple detection devices 2. Here, the acquisition unit 11 receives detection signals, which are binary signals transmitted from each detection device 2, and acquires multi-bit data as the detection result. The number of bits in this data is equal to the number of detection devices 2.

[0073] <Step S2> Next, the location identification unit 12 of the location identification system 1 identifies the location of the target Ob1 based on the combination of detection results from each of the multiple detection devices 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 11. Here, the location identification unit 12 identifies the location of the target Ob1 (vehicle Ob11 or person Ob12) based on the detection results represented by the above-mentioned multi-bit data.

[0074] <Step S3> Next, the lighting control unit 13 of the location identification system 1 determines whether the location of the detected object Ob1 identified by the location identification unit 12 satisfies a specific condition. If it determines that the specific condition is not met, the lighting control unit 13 executes step S4. On the other hand, if it determines that the specific condition is met, the lighting control unit 13 executes step S5. Here, the specific condition is that the location identification unit 12 identifies the location of the person Ob12.

[0075] <Step S4> The lighting control unit 13 controls each lighting device 3 according to the position of the detected target Ob1 identified by the position identification unit 12. Here, the lighting control unit 13 controls each lighting device 3 individually by transmitting a control signal to each lighting device 3 that indicates a value corresponding to the identified position of the detected target Ob1.

[0076] <Step S5> The lighting control unit 13 controls each lighting device 3 in a specific pattern. Here, the lighting control unit 13 controls all lighting devices 3 collectively by transmitting the same control signal to all lighting devices 3.

[0077] As described above, the location identification system 1 according to this embodiment identifies the location of the target Ob1 based on a combination of the detection results of each of the multiple detection devices 2. Therefore, the location identification system 1 according to this embodiment has the advantage of being able to identify the location of the target Ob1 while keeping the number of detection devices 2 low, compared to the case where the location of the target Ob1 is identified by simply referring to the detection results of each detection device 2 individually.

[0078] For example, let's assume that two detection devices 2 are installed in space Sp1. If we refer to the detection results of each detection device 2 individually, we would determine the location of the target object Ob1 based on whether or not the target object Ob1 exists in the detection area α of one detection device 2 (detection device A) and whether or not the target object Ob1 exists in the detection area β of the other detection device 2 (detection device B). Therefore, we can only determine that the target object Ob1 is located in either detection area α or β. If we were to try to pinpoint the location of the target object Ob1 more precisely, we would have to narrow the detection area of ​​each detection device 2 and increase the number of each detection device 2.

[0079] In contrast, the location identification system 1 according to this embodiment identifies the location of the target Ob1 based on a combination of the detection results of each of the multiple detection devices 2. For example, it is possible to identify that the target Ob1 is located in the overlapping area of ​​detection areas α and β. Therefore, the location identification system 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to pinpoint the location of the target Ob1 precisely without increasing the number of detection devices 2, thus making it easier to identify the location of the target Ob1 while keeping the number of detection devices 2 low.

[0080] [4] Modified form The following lists some modifications of the embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0081] In this embodiment, the setting areas C1 to C3 of each detection device 2 are not limited to the example shown in Figure 4, but may be set as in the example shown in Figure 10, for example. In the example shown in Figure 10, the setting area C1 of the first detection device 21 includes only the region C31 surrounding the first lighting device 31, the third lighting device 33, the fourth lighting device 34, and the sixth lighting device 36 in a plan view. The setting area C2 of the second detection device 22 includes only the region C32 surrounding the second lighting device 32, the third lighting device 33, the fifth lighting device 35, and the sixth lighting device 36 in a plan view. The setting area C3 of the third detection device 23 includes the region C31 surrounding the sixth lighting device 36 in a plan view, the region C32 surrounding the second lighting device 32, the region C33 surrounding the fourth lighting device 34, and the region C34 corresponding to the area where person Ob12 enters.

[0082] In the example shown in Figure 10, the location identification system 1 can determine the locations of the vehicle Ob11 and the person Ob12 based on the combination of detection results from each detection device 2.

[0083] In this embodiment, while the lighting device 3 is performing lighting control, the detection device 2, which has the area around the lighting device 3 as its detection area, may pause its detection operation or change the threshold used to detect the target Ob1. This makes it easier to prevent the detection device 2, which has the area around the lighting device 3 as its detection area, from making false detections due to the lighting control of the lighting device 3.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle Ob11, which is the object to be detected Ob1, can move in a specific direction D1 within the detection area of ​​each detection device 2, but the direction of movement of the object to be detected Ob1 may be undefined. Also, in this embodiment, the object to be detected Ob1 is a vehicle Ob11 and a person Ob12, but it is not limited to these and may be other moving objects. Furthermore, the object to be detected Ob1 is not limited to moving objects but may be a stationary object.

[0085] Furthermore, in the positioning system 1, the lighting control unit 13 is not an essential component and can be omitted as appropriate. In other words, the positioning system 1 only needs to have the function of identifying the position of the detection target Ob1, and does not need to have the function of controlling the lighting. Also, the positioning system 1 may have the function of controlling another device instead of the lighting device 3 depending on the identified position of the detection target Ob1.

[0086] The location identification system 1 in this disclosure includes a computer system in the acquisition unit 11, etc. The computer system mainly consists of one or more processors and one or more memories as hardware. The functionality of the location identification system 1 in this disclosure is realized when the processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. Furthermore, some or all of the functional parts included in the location identification system 1 may be composed of electronic circuits.

[0087] Furthermore, it is not essential for the location tracking system 1 to have at least some of its functions integrated into a single enclosure; the components of the location tracking system 1 may be distributed across multiple enclosures. Conversely, functions that are distributed across multiple devices may be integrated into a single enclosure. Moreover, at least some of the functions of the location tracking system 1 may be implemented by the cloud (cloud computing), etc.

[0088] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0089] <Note 1> An acquisition unit that acquires detection results from multiple detection devices that detect targets in a set area which is set as a part of the detection area, The system includes a positioning unit that identifies the location of the object to be detected based on a combination of the detection results of each of the plurality of detection devices. Location tracking system.

[0090] <Note 2> In two or more of the aforementioned multiple detection devices, a portion of the setting area overlaps. The location identification system described in Appendix 1.

[0091] <Note 3> The object to be detected is movable in a specific direction within the detection area, The position determination unit determines the position of the detected object when the detected object reaches a destination position determined according to the specified direction. A location identification system as described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0092] <Note 4> In one or more of the aforementioned detection devices, the setting area can be changed. A location identification system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0093] <Note 5> In two or more of the aforementioned plurality of detection devices, the shapes of the setting areas are different from each other. A location identification system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0094] <Note 6> The aforementioned setting area includes multiple regions that are spaced apart from each other. A location identification system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5.

[0095] <Note 7> One or more of the aforementioned multiple regions are independent of the other aforementioned setting areas. The location identification system described in Appendix 6.

[0096] <Note 8> The aforementioned detection target includes multiple targets, The position identification unit further identifies which of the plurality of targets the detected target's position corresponds to. A location identification system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 7.

[0097] <Note 9> The system further includes a lighting control unit that controls one or more lighting devices capable of illuminating the space where the detected object is located, according to the location of the detected object identified. A location identification system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8.

[0098] <Note 10> The lighting control unit changes the lighting pattern of the one or more lighting devices according to the location of the identified detection target. The location identification system described in Appendix 9.

[0099] <Note 11> The lighting control unit controls the one or more lighting devices in a specific pattern when the location of the identified detection target satisfies specific conditions. The location identification system described in Appendix 10.

[0100] <Note 12> This involves obtaining detection results from multiple detection devices that detect targets in designated areas, each of which is set as a part of the detection area, The method involves identifying the location of the object to be detected based on the combination of the detection results of each of the plurality of detection devices. Location method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Location tracking system 11 Acquisition Department 12 Location identification part 13 Lighting Control Unit 2. Detection device 3. Lighting equipment A1 Detection Area B1 Setting Area B11,B12 area C1, C2, C3 setting area C11,C12,C21,C22,C31,C32,C33,C34 area D1 Specific direction Ob1 Detection Target Ob11 Vehicle (Target) Ob12 people (target) Sp1 space

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires detection results from multiple detection devices that detect targets in a set area which is set as a part of the detection area, The system includes a positioning unit that identifies the location of the object to be detected based on a combination of the detection results of each of the plurality of detection devices. Location tracking system.

2. In two or more of the aforementioned multiple detection devices, a portion of the setting area overlaps. The location identification system according to claim 1.

3. The object to be detected is movable in a specific direction within the detection area, The position determination unit determines the position of the detected object when the detected object reaches a destination position determined according to the specified direction. The location identification system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In one or more of the aforementioned detection devices, the setting area can be changed. The location identification system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. In two or more of the aforementioned plurality of detection devices, the shapes of the setting areas are different from each other. The location identification system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned setting area includes multiple regions that are spaced apart from each other. The location identification system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. One or more of the aforementioned multiple regions are independent of the other aforementioned setting areas. The location identification system according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned detection target includes multiple targets, The position identification unit further identifies which of the plurality of targets the detected target's position corresponds to. The location identification system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The system further includes a lighting control unit that controls one or more lighting devices capable of illuminating the space where the detected object is located, according to the location of the detected object identified. The location identification system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The lighting control unit changes the lighting pattern of the one or more lighting devices according to the location of the identified detection target. The location identification system according to claim 9.

11. The lighting control unit controls one or more lighting devices in a specific pattern when the location of the identified detection target satisfies specific conditions. The location identification system according to claim 10.

12. This involves obtaining detection results from multiple detection devices that detect targets in designated areas, each of which is set as a part of the detection area, The method involves identifying the location of the object to be detected based on the combination of the detection results of each of the plurality of detection devices. Location method.

Images