Detection system, detection method, and program

Abstract

To improve the ability to detect people. [Solution] The detection system 1 comprises an acquisition unit 11, a synthesis unit 12, and an estimation unit 13. The acquisition unit 11 acquires first temperature distribution data from each of the multiple temperature measurement units 30. Each of the multiple temperature measurement units 30 sets a first detection area in which multiple sub-regions are arranged in a matrix in the target space for detecting a person, and measures first temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the multiple sub-regions. The multiple first detection areas set by each of the multiple temperature measurement units 30 partially overlap, and the sub-regions included in each of the multiple first detection areas are offset from each other. The synthesis unit 12 generates second temperature distribution data in a second detection area that encompasses the multiple first detection areas by synthesizing the multiple first temperature distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit 11 from the multiple temperature measurement units 30. The estimation unit 13 estimates the presence or absence of a person based on the time difference of the second temperature distribution data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a detection system, a detection method, and a program. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a detection system, a detection method, and a program for detecting a person.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting a person in a space using temperature. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a person in the space is detected based on the detection temperature of each of a plurality of detection grids in a matrix form.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a detection system, a detection method, and a program capable of improving the performance of detecting a person.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A detection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an acquisition unit, a synthesis unit, and an estimation unit. The acquisition unit acquires first temperature distribution data from each of a plurality of temperature measuring units. Each of the plurality of temperature measuring units sets a first detection area in which a plurality of sub-regions are arranged in a matrix in a target space for detecting a person, and measures the first temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the plurality of sub-regions. The plurality of temperature measuring units are arranged such that the sub-regions included in each of the plurality of first detection areas set by each of the plurality of temperature measuring units are offset from each other, and the plurality of first detection areas partially overlap. The synthesis unit generates second temperature distribution data in a second detection area encompassing the plurality of first detection areas by synthesizing the plurality of first temperature distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit from the plurality of temperature measuring units. The estimation unit estimates the presence or absence of a person in the second detection area based on the time difference of the second temperature distribution data.

[0006] A detection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an acquisition unit and an estimation unit. The acquisition unit acquires temperature distribution data from each of a plurality of temperature measuring units. Each of the plurality of temperature measuring units sets a detection area in which a plurality of small areas are arranged in a matrix in a target space for detecting a person, and measures the temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the plurality of small areas. The plurality of temperature measuring units include a first temperature measuring unit and a second temperature measuring unit having a smaller field of view than the first temperature measuring unit. The first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit are installed above the detection area. If the installation height of the first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit is less than a threshold, the estimation unit estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit from the first temperature measuring unit. If the installation height of the first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit is equal to or greater than the threshold, the estimation unit estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit from the second temperature measuring unit.

[0007] A detection method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition process, a synthesis process, and an estimation process. In the acquisition process, first temperature distribution data is acquired from each of a plurality of temperature measuring units. Each of the plurality of temperature measuring units sets a first detection region in which a plurality of sub-regions are arranged in a matrix in a target space for detecting a person, and measures the first temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the plurality of sub-regions. The plurality of temperature measuring units are arranged such that the sub-regions included in each of the plurality of first detection regions set by each of the plurality of temperature measuring units are offset from each other, and the plurality of first detection regions partially overlap. In the synthesis process, second temperature distribution data in a second detection region encompassing the plurality of first detection regions is generated by synthesizing the plurality of first temperature distribution data acquired from the plurality of temperature measuring units in the acquisition process. In the estimation process, the presence or absence of a person in the second detection region is estimated based on the time difference of the second temperature distribution data.

[0008] A detection method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition process and an estimation process. In the acquisition process, temperature distribution data is acquired from each of a plurality of temperature measuring units. Each of the plurality of temperature measuring units sets a detection area in which a plurality of small areas are arranged in a matrix in a target space for detecting a person, and measures the temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the plurality of small areas. The plurality of temperature measuring units include a first temperature measuring unit and a second temperature measuring unit having a smaller field of view than the first temperature measuring unit. The first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit are installed above the detection area. If the installation height of the first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit is less than a threshold, the estimation process estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired from the first temperature measuring unit in the acquisition process. If the installation height of the first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit is equal to or greater than the threshold, the estimation process estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired from the second temperature measuring unit in the acquisition process.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the detection method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to improve the performance of detecting people. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the detection system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the detection area of ​​the detection system described above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the detection area of ​​the detection system described above, viewed from above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the detection area of ​​the detection system described above, viewed from the side. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the detection area of ​​the detection system in the comparative example. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the detection system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the detection area of ​​the detection system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the detection area of ​​the detection system described above, viewed from above. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the detection system described above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, the detection system according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each of the drawings described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the dimensional ratios such as the sizes of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Further, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made according to the design and the like as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) (1) Overview FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the detection system 1 of the present embodiment.

[0014] The detection system 1 includes an acquisition unit 11, a synthesis unit 12, and an estimation unit 13.

[0015] The acquisition unit 11 acquires first temperature distribution data from each of a plurality of temperature measurement units 30.

[0016] Each of the plurality of temperature measurement units 30 sets a first detection area AR1 in which a plurality of small areas G1 (see FIG. 3) are arranged in a matrix in a target space SP1 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) for detecting a person, and measures first temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the plurality of small areas G1. The plurality of first detection areas AR1 set by the plurality of temperature measurement units 30 partially overlap, and the plurality of temperature measurement units 30 are arranged such that the small areas G1 included in each of the plurality of first detection areas AR1 are at shifted positions.

[0017] The synthesis unit 12 generates second temperature distribution data in a second detection area AR2 including the plurality of first detection areas AR1 by synthesizing the plurality of first temperature distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit 11 from the plurality of temperature measurement units 30.

[0018] The estimation unit 13 estimates the presence or absence of a person in the second detection area AR2 based on the time difference of the second temperature distribution data.

[0019] The detection system 1 of this embodiment detects the presence or absence of a person in the target space SP1 (see Figures 2 to 4). In the following description, the X-axis direction in Figures 2 to 4 is defined as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction. Furthermore, the positive direction of the X-axis direction is defined as the right side, the positive direction of the Y-axis direction as the front side, and the positive direction of the Z-axis direction as the up side. However, these directions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the direction in which the detection system 1 can be used. Also, the arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual objects.

[0020] In this embodiment, the case in which the target space SP1 is the interior space of building 100 will be described as an example. As shown in Figure 4, the target space SP1 is divided into a first space SP11 and a second space SP12 by a wall 103. An entrance / exit 104 is provided in the wall 103. People H1, H2, and H3 (see Figures 2 to 4) present in the target space SP1 can move between the first space SP11 and the second space SP12 through the entrance / exit 104. An infrared-transmitting glass door 105 is attached to the entrance / exit 104.

[0021] In this embodiment, there are, for example, two temperature measuring units 30, and the two temperature measuring units 30 are located on the ceiling 102 above the target space SP1. More specifically, the two temperature measuring units 30 are located on the ceiling 102 above the first space SP11, parallel to the wall 103. The two temperature measuring units 30 are located near the center of the entrance / exit 104 in a direction parallel to the wall 103. In this embodiment, since an infrared-transmitting glass door 105 is attached to the entrance / exit 104, each of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 can also measure the temperature distribution in a part of the second space SP12 (an area where temperature can be measured through the glass door 105). Therefore, each of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 can measure the temperature distribution in the first detection area AR1 which includes the first space SP11 and the second space SP12. Note that the first detection area AR1 shown in Figure 3 is the detection area assuming that the wall 103 does not exist, and the temperature measuring unit 30 cannot measure the temperature in the area that is in the shadow of the wall 103 from the perspective of the temperature measuring unit 30.

[0022] In the following explanation, the temperature measuring unit 30 located on the left side when viewing the wall 103 from the front in the first space SP11 may be referred to as the first temperature measuring unit 31, and the temperature measuring unit 30 located on the right side may be referred to as the second temperature measuring unit 32. Also, the first detection area AR1 of the first temperature measuring unit 31 may be referred to as the first detection area AR11, and the first detection area AR1 of the second temperature measuring unit 32 may be referred to as the first detection area AR12.

[0023] The first temperature measurement unit 31 and the second temperature measurement unit 32 each have, for example, an 8x8 pixel two-dimensional infrared array sensor. The two-dimensional infrared array sensor acquires an infrared image, and based on the infrared image, outputs temperature distribution data for the first detection areas AR11 and AR12. For example, the first detection area AR11 of the first temperature measurement unit 31 is an area formed by arranging multiple small areas G11 in a matrix (for example, 8 rows and 8 columns). Similarly, the first detection area AR12 of the second temperature measurement unit 32 is an area formed by arranging multiple small areas G12 in a matrix (for example, 8 rows and 8 columns). The first temperature measurement unit 31 and the second temperature measurement unit 32 have the same infrared array sensor. The field of view of the first temperature measurement unit 31 and the second temperature measurement unit 32 is the same, and the installation height HT1 from the floor 101 of the first temperature measurement unit 31 and the second temperature measurement unit 32 is also the same. Therefore, the range of the first detection area AR11 and the first detection area AR12 on the floor 101 is the same. The installation height HT1 of the temperature measuring unit 30 (first temperature measuring unit 31 and second temperature measuring unit 32) refers to the height from the floor 101 of the first detection area AR1 (AR11, AR12) to the temperature measuring unit 30. Furthermore, in the following explanation, "two values ​​being the same" is not limited to the two values ​​being exactly the same; there may be an error of, for example, 5-10% between the two values.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first detection area AR11 of the first temperature measuring unit 31 and the first detection area AR12 of the second temperature measuring unit 32 partially overlap. Since the second temperature measuring unit 32 is positioned to the right of the first temperature measuring unit 31, the first detection area AR12 of the second temperature measuring unit 32 is shifted to the right relative to the first detection area AR11 of the first temperature measuring unit 31. More specifically, the small area G11 constituting the first detection area AR11 of the first temperature measuring unit 31 and the small area G12 constituting the first detection area AR12 of the second temperature measuring unit 32 are shifted by a distance of approximately half the width of the small areas G11 and G12 in the direction parallel to the wall 103 (X-axis direction).

[0025] Here, the first temperature measuring unit 31 measures the first temperature distribution data in the first detection region AR11, and the second temperature measuring unit 32 measures the first temperature distribution data in the first detection region AR12. In this way, each of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 measures the first temperature distribution data in the partially overlapping first detection regions AR1 (AR11, AR12).

[0026] The synthesis unit 12 then synthesizes multiple first temperature distribution data measured by multiple temperature measurement units 30 to generate second temperature distribution data in the second detection region AR2 which encompasses multiple first detection regions AR1. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 synthesizes two first temperature distribution data acquired from the first temperature measurement unit 31 and the second temperature measurement unit 32 to generate second temperature distribution data in the second detection region AR2 which encompasses two first detection regions AR11 and AR12. As shown in Figure 3, the sub-region G11 of the first detection region AR11 and the sub-region G12 of the first detection region AR12 overlap in the X-axis direction with a predetermined overlap ratio α (for example, α = 50% in this embodiment). The synthesis unit 12 defines the region where the sub-region G11 of the first detection region AR11 and the sub-region G12 of the first detection region AR12 overlap as one sub-region G2 of the second detection region AR2. Then, the combining unit 12 sets the temperature T2 of small region G2 to the sum of the temperature T11 of small region G11 multiplied by the overlap ratio α (temperature α×T11) and the temperature T12 of small region G12 multiplied by the overlap ratio α (temperature α×T12). The combining unit 12 takes the left half of small region G11, which is at the left end of the first detection region AR11, as a single small region G2, but this small region G2 does not overlap with small region G12. Therefore, the combining unit 12 sets the temperature T11 of small region G11 at the left end of the first detection region AR11 to the value (1-α)×T11, which is obtained by multiplying the temperature T11 of small region G11 at the left end of the first detection region AR11 by the ratio (1-α) of the small region G11 not overlapping with small region G12, and sets the temperature of small region G2 located at the left end of the first detection region AR11 to the temperature T11 of small region G11 at the left end of the first detection region AR11. Furthermore, the combining unit 12 combines the right half of the small region G12 at the right end of the first detection region AR12 into a single small region G2, but this small region G2 does not overlap with small region G11. Therefore, the combining unit 12 multiplies the temperature T12 of the small region G12 at the right end of the first detection region AR12 by the proportion (1-α) that does not overlap with small region G11, and sets this value (1-α) × T12 as the temperature T2 of the small region G2 located at the right end of the first detection region AR12.

[0027] The second detection region AR2 obtained by the synthesis process of the synthesis unit 12 is a region formed by arranging smaller sub-regions G2, which are smaller than the sub-regions G11 and G12 of the first detection regions AR11 and AR12, in a matrix-like manner (for example, 8 rows x 16 columns in Figure 3). Therefore, the second temperature distribution data of the second detection region AR2 is temperature distribution data that shows the temperature distribution with higher resolution compared to the first temperature distribution data of the first detection regions AR11 and AR12.

[0028] For example, as shown in Figure 5, if there is only one temperature measuring unit 30, increasing the installation height HT1 of the temperature measuring unit 30 increases the area of ​​the sub-region G1 in the first detection region AR11, thus decreasing the area occupied by a person within the sub-region G1. If the temperature measuring unit 30 averages the temperature distribution within the sub-region G1 to determine the temperature of the sub-region G1, then a decrease in the area occupied by a person within the sub-region G1 lowers the temperature of the sub-region G1, potentially preventing the estimation unit 13 from detecting the presence of a person. In contrast, in this embodiment, second temperature distribution data is acquired in units of a sub-region G2 smaller than the sub-region G1, allowing the estimation unit 13 to estimate the presence or absence of a person based on the time difference of the second temperature distribution data, which has higher resolution than the first temperature distribution data. Therefore, the detection system of this embodiment can improve the performance of detecting people.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first temperature distribution data is described using the example of 8x8 pixels and the second temperature distribution data is 8x16 pixels, but the number of pixels in the first temperature distribution data can be changed as appropriate. Also, the number of pixels in the second temperature distribution data will be larger than that of the first temperature distribution data, depending on the number of pixels in the first temperature distribution data. In addition, in this embodiment, there are two temperature measuring units 30, but there may be three or more temperature measuring units 30. Three or more temperature measuring units 30 may be arranged along the wall 103, or some of the three or more temperature measuring units 30 may be lined up in a direction perpendicular to the wall 103 (the direction in which people enter or exit).

[0030] (2) Details <Overall Structure> The detection system 1 according to Embodiment 1 detects the presence or absence of a person in the target space SP1. Furthermore, the detection system 1 according to Embodiment 1 is equipped with a function to further detect the spatial movement of a person in the target space SP1. Spatial movement of a person refers to the movement of a person between the first space SP11 and the second space SP12. In other words, spatial movement of a person includes at least one of the movement of a person from the first space SP11 to the second space SP12 (i.e., entry into the second space SP12) and the movement of a person from the second space SP12 to the first space SP11 (i.e., exit from the second space SP12). In the following description, unless otherwise specified, spatial movement of a person includes both the entry of a person into the second space SP12 and the exit of a person from the second space SP12.

[0031] Note that there may be multiple second spaces SP12. The detection system 1 may detect people entering and leaving the first space SP11 (in other words, people entering the first space SP11 and people leaving the first space SP11) by detecting the movement of people between the first space SP11 and each of the multiple second spaces SP12.

[0032] People entering or leaving the second space SP12 must pass through the first detection area AR1 within the first space SP11. Therefore, the detection system 1 measures the entry and exit of people to the second space SP12 by detecting the movement of people in the first detection area AR1 within the first space SP11. The first detection area AR1 within the first space SP11 is the space for which the entry and exit of people is to be detected, and includes the space adjacent to the entrance / exit 104 in the first space SP11. The temperature measurement unit 30 measures the first temperature distribution data in the first detection area AR1, and the first detection area AR1 of the temperature measurement unit 30 is set to span both the first space SP11 and the second space SP12. That is, the first detection area AR1 includes a part of the first space SP11 and a part of the second space SP12. In this embodiment, since the first space SP11 and the second space SP12 are spaces within the building 100, the target space SP1 is also a part of the building 100. The first space SP11, which includes the target space SP1, may be, for example, a room within building 100, a series of consecutive rooms within building 100, a floor within building 100, an open space, a rooftop, or the entire building. Alternatively, the detection system 1 may detect people entering or leaving building 100, with the first space SP11 being an external space of building 100 and the second space SP12 being an internal space of building 100. Furthermore, the first space SP11 may be part of an open space, such as a park, a stadium, or an outdoor stage.

[0033] Multiple temperature measuring units 30 (for example, two in this embodiment) are connected to the detection system 1. As shown in Figure 2, the multiple temperature measuring units 30 are arranged on the ceiling 102 of the first space SP11 such that the first detection area AR1 partially overlaps with them. Furthermore, the multiple temperature measuring units 30 are aligned along a direction (for example, the X-axis direction) that intersects the direction of entry when a person enters the second space SP12 (direction of arrow DR1 in Figure 3) and the direction of exit when a person leaves the second space SP12 (direction of arrow DR2 in Figure 3).

[0034] In this configuration, a detection line L1 is set in the second detection region AR2, which encompasses multiple first detection regions AR1 (see Figure 3). The detection line L1 is set in the area through which a person passes when moving between the first space SP11 and the second space SP12. In this embodiment, in the first space SP11, the detection line L1 is set along the wall 103 at a position in front of the entrance / exit 104 provided in the wall 103 that separates the first space SP11 and the second space SP12. Note that it is not essential that a wall 103 is provided between the first space SP11 and the second space SP12. If the first space SP11 and the second space SP12 are separated by a virtual boundary, it is sufficient that the detection line L1 is set along the virtual boundary.

[0035] Each of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 measures the temperature distribution of the corresponding first detection area AR1. The temperature measuring units 30 are positioned, for example, on the ceiling 102 above the first detection area AR1. The detection direction of the temperature measuring units 30 is downward. As shown in Figure 3, the temperature measuring units 30 detect the temperature of each of the multiple (64 in 8 rows and 8 columns in Figure 3) sub-regions G1 arranged in a matrix. The multiple sub-regions G1 are multiple (64 in 8 rows and 8 columns) regions within the first detection area AR1. For each of the multiple sub-regions G1, the temperature measuring unit 30 outputs, for example, the average temperature of the temperature distribution in sub-region G1 as the temperature of sub-region G1.

[0036] The temperature measurement unit 30 includes, for example, an infrared sensor that measures temperature (radiant temperature) based on infrared radiation. More specifically, the temperature measurement unit 30 includes, for example, an infrared sensor array having multiple infrared sensors. Multiple small regions G1 are infrared detection areas that correspond one-to-one with multiple infrared sensors. The infrared sensor array has 64 infrared sensors arranged in an 8x8 grid. Therefore, the temperature measurement unit 30 detects the temperature of each of the 64 small regions G1 arranged in an 8x8 grid based on the output of each of the multiple infrared sensors in the infrared sensor array. Each of the multiple infrared sensors includes, for example, a thermopile. The temperature measurement unit 30 has a signal processing circuit that calculates the temperature of each small region G1 based on the output of each of the multiple infrared sensors and the output of the thermopile. Note that the number of pixels of the infrared array sensor provided in the temperature measurement unit 30 is an example and can be changed as appropriate.

[0037] As described above, each of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 measures temperature based on infrared radiation, and the detection system 1 detects the presence or absence of a person based on the measurement results of the multiple temperature measuring units 30. Therefore, compared to detecting a person using a camera, the detection system 1 can detect a person without being affected by flickering of lighting devices or changes in illuminance due to sunlight, etc.

[0038] <Configuration of the detection system> The detection system 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a calculation unit 10 and a storage unit 20, as shown in Figure 1. Multiple (for example, two in this embodiment) temperature measuring units 30 are connected to the detection system 1. The detection system 1 may further include multiple temperature measuring units 30.

[0039] The arithmetic unit 10 includes a computer system having one or more processors and memory. At least some of the functions of the detection system 1 are realized by the computer system's processor executing a program recorded in the computer system's memory. The program may be recorded in memory, provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium (such as a memory card) that is readable by the computer system.

[0040] The calculation unit 10 has the functions of the acquisition unit 11, the synthesis unit 12, and the estimation unit 13 described above. Furthermore, the calculation unit 10 also has the functions of the movement detection unit 14, the number of people detection unit 15, the output unit 16, and the setting unit 17. Note that the acquisition unit 11, the synthesis unit 12, the estimation unit 13, the movement detection unit 14, the number of people detection unit 15, the output unit 16, and the setting unit 17 merely indicate the functions realized by the calculation unit 10 and do not necessarily represent an actual configuration.

[0041] (2.1) Storage section The storage unit 20 is a non-volatile storage device composed of a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), etc. The storage unit 20 stores information.

[0042] The memory unit 20 is provided with a temperature distribution data storage area (labeled "temperature distribution data" in Figure 1) 21, a temperature difference data storage area (labeled "temperature difference data" in Figure 1) 22, a detection data storage area (labeled "detection data" in Figure 1) 23, and a comparison data storage area (labeled "comparison data" in Figure 1) 24.

[0043] The temperature distribution data storage area 21 is a storage area that stores the first temperature distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit 11 from multiple temperature measurement units 30, and the second temperature distribution data generated by the synthesis unit 12. The temperature difference data storage area 22 is a storage area that stores temperature difference data, which is the time difference between the second temperature distribution data and the comparison data. The detection data storage area 23 is a storage area that stores data such as the presence or absence of a person estimated by the estimation unit 13, the position and direction of movement of a person detected by the movement detection unit 14, and the number of people detected by the person detection unit 15. The comparison data storage area 24 is a storage area that stores comparison data to be compared with the second temperature distribution data.

[0044] Furthermore, the memory unit 20 stores the value of the threshold Th1. The threshold Th1 is set to any value, for example, 3m or more and 4m or less.

[0045] (2.2) Acquisition part The acquisition unit 11 acquires first temperature distribution data of the first detection areas AR11 and AR12 from each of the multiple temperature measurement units 30, namely the first temperature measurement unit 31 and the second temperature measurement unit 32. More specifically, the acquisition unit 11 periodically acquires first temperature distribution data of the first detection areas AR11 and AR12 from each of the first temperature measurement unit 31 and the second temperature measurement unit 32. The period during which the acquisition unit 11 acquires first temperature distribution data from the multiple temperature measurement units 30 is, for example, about 0.1 seconds. The acquisition unit 11 stores the first temperature distribution data acquired from each of the multiple temperature measurement units 30 in the temperature distribution data storage area 21 of the storage unit 20.

[0046] (2.3) Synthesis part The synthesis unit 12 generates second temperature distribution data in a second detection region AR2 that encompasses multiple first detection regions AR1 by synthesizing multiple first temperature distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit 11 from multiple temperature measurement units 30. In this embodiment, the synthesis unit 12 synthesizes first temperature distribution data of first detection regions AR11 and AR12 acquired from two temperature measurement units 30 (first temperature measurement unit 31 and second temperature measurement unit 32) to generate second temperature distribution data in a second detection region AR2 that encompasses the first detection regions AR11 and AR12.

[0047] The synthesis unit 12 stores the generated second temperature distribution data along with time information in the temperature distribution data storage area 21 of the storage unit 20.

[0048] (2.4) Estimation part The estimation unit 13 detects the presence or absence of a person in the second detection area AR2 based on the time difference of the second temperature distribution data.

[0049] The temperature distribution data storage area 21 of the storage unit 20 stores the second temperature distribution data generated by the synthesis unit 12 along with time information.

[0050] The estimation unit 13 calculates the difference between the second temperature distribution data generated by the synthesis unit 12 at a predetermined time and the comparison data, and estimates the presence or absence of a person in the second detection area AR2 based on this difference. The comparison data is data generated based on a plurality of second temperature distribution data generated by the synthesis unit 12 during a predetermined period prior to the predetermined time.

[0051] The estimation unit 13 generates comparison data based on a plurality of second temperature distribution data stored in the temperature distribution data storage area 21 of the storage unit 20. More specifically, when the synthesis unit 12 generates second temperature distribution data, the estimation unit 13 reads one or more second temperature distribution data from the temperature distribution data storage area 21 of the storage unit 20 for a predetermined period earlier in the time series than when the synthesis unit 12 generated the second temperature distribution data. For example, the estimation unit 13 reads a plurality of second temperature distribution data for the predetermined period from the temperature distribution data storage area 21 and generates comparison data by averaging the value of each pixel of the plurality of read second temperature distribution data for each pixel. The estimation unit 13 stores the generated comparison data in the comparison data storage area 24 of the storage unit 20.

[0052] The estimation unit 13 then generates temperature difference data, which is the time difference of the second temperature distribution data, by calculating the difference between the value of each pixel in the second temperature distribution data synthesized by the synthesis unit 12 and the value of each pixel in the comparison data, for each pixel. The temperature difference data is data in which the time differences of each pixel in the second temperature distribution data are arranged in a matrix. The estimation unit 13 stores the generated temperature difference data in the temperature difference data storage area 22 of the storage unit 20.

[0053] Furthermore, the estimation unit 13 compares the value of each pixel in the temperature difference data with a predetermined reference value, and if any pixel exceeds the predetermined reference value, it estimates that a person is present in the small region G2 corresponding to that pixel. This allows the estimation unit 13 to estimate the location and number of people present in the second detection region AR2. The estimation unit 13 stores the detection results (location and number of people, etc.) of the estimated presence or absence of people in the detection data storage area 23 of the storage unit 20.

[0054] (2.5) Motion detection unit As described above, the detection system 1 of this embodiment further includes a movement detection unit 14. The movement detection unit 14 sets a detection line L1 in the second detection region AR2 that a person will pass through when moving between the first space SP11 and the second space SP12. The movement detection unit 14 detects the movement of a person between the first space SP11 and the second space SP12 by detecting the direction in which the person, as estimated by the estimation unit 13, passes through the detection line L1.

[0055] More specifically, the movement detection unit 14 detects the movement of a person in the second detection area AR2 based on the person detection results stored in the detection data storage area 23.

[0056] The movement detection unit 14 determines the direction of a person's movement based on the direction in which the person's position, estimated by the estimation unit 13, crosses the detection line L1.

[0057] Specifically, in Figure 3, if a person crosses the detection line L1 in the direction of approaching the entrance / exit 104 (direction along arrow DR1), it is determined that the person is moving from the first space SP11 to the second space SP12 (i.e., entering the second space SP12). On the other hand, if a person crosses the detection line L1 in the direction of moving away from the entrance / exit 104 (direction along arrow DR2), it is determined that the person is moving from the second space SP12 to the first space SP11 (i.e., exiting the second space SP12). When the movement detection unit 14 detects the direction of movement of a person estimated by the estimation unit 13, it stores the detection result of the direction of movement in the detection data storage area 23 of the storage unit 20, associating it with the person's position information.

[0058] Furthermore, the movement detection unit 14 detects the number of people present in at least one of the first space SP11 and the second space SP12 by detecting the direction in which the person estimated by the estimation unit 13 passes through the detection line L1.

[0059] For example, if there is only one entrance / exit 104 in the second space SP12, the movement detection unit 14 can detect the number of people present in the second space SP12 by detecting the direction of movement of people passing through the detection line L1. Specifically, when the people detection unit 15 detects a person entering the second space SP12, it increases the value of the number of people N1 present in the second detection area AR2 by one. Conversely, when the people detection unit 15 detects a person leaving the second space SP12, it decreases the value of the number of people N1 present in the second detection area AR2 by one. In this way, the people detection unit 15 can detect the total number of people N1 present in the second space SP12.

[0060] The movement detection unit 14 may detect the number of people present in the first space SP11, or it may detect the number of people present in both the first space SP11 and the second space SP12.

[0061] (2.6) Person detection unit As described above, the detection system 1 further includes a people detection unit 15. The people detection unit 15 detects the number of people present in the second detection area AR2 based on the estimation results of the estimation unit 13.

[0062] More specifically, the person detection unit 15 detects the number of people present in the second detection area AR2 based on the location and number of people stored in the detection data storage area 23, and stores the number detection result in the detection data storage area 23 of the storage unit 20.

[0063] Since the estimation unit 13 estimates the location and number of people in the second detection area AR2, the people detection unit 15 can detect the number of people in the second detection area AR2 based on the estimation results of the estimation unit 13.

[0064] (2.7) Output section The output unit 16 outputs the detection results of whether or not a person is present, estimated by the estimation unit 13, the detection results of the movement detection unit 14, the detection results of the number of people detection unit 15, etc., to an external system 200, for example.

[0065] The external system 200 is, for example, an access control system that manages entry and exit to the second space SP12. The external system 200 records the entry and exit status of the second space SP12 based on information about people entering and exiting detected by the detection system 1.

[0066] The external system 200 may also be a load control system that controls load equipment (e.g., a lighting system or an air conditioning system) installed in the second space SP12 based on the entry and exit status of the second space SP12.

[0067] The external system 200 may also be a display device or the like that displays the information input from the output unit 16.

[0068] (2.8) Settings section The setting unit 17 sets information regarding the installation height HT1 of the multiple temperature measuring units 30, for example.

[0069] The setting unit 17 sets information regarding the installation height HT1 according to the settings of a setting switch (e.g., a DIP switch) provided in the detection system 1. The setting unit 17 sets the installation height HT1 in increments of 0.5m. The setting unit 17 may also set whether the installation height HT1 is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold Th1 (e.g., 3-4m).

[0070] The setting unit 17 may also set information regarding the installation height HT1 based on setting information input from a computer terminal that can communicate with the detection system 1. A computer terminal that can communicate with the detection system 1 may be, for example, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, or a smartphone. For example, when the installer of the detection system 1 operates the computer terminal to input information regarding the installation height HT1, the setting information is transmitted from the computer terminal to the detection system 1, and the setting unit 17 sets information regarding the installation height HT1 based on the setting information input from the computer terminal.

[0071] (3) Operation The operation of the detection system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 6, etc. Note that the flowchart in Figure 6 is merely one example of the operation of the detection system 1 according to Embodiment 1, and the order of processing may be changed as appropriate, or processing may be added or omitted as appropriate.

[0072] The acquisition unit 11 of the detection system 1 performs an acquisition process (ST1) to periodically acquire first temperature distribution data from a plurality of temperature measurement units 30 (first temperature measurement unit 31 and second temperature measurement unit 32).

[0073] Here, the calculation unit 10 determines whether the installation height HT1 of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 set by the setting unit 17 is greater than or equal to the threshold Th1 (ST2).

[0074] If the determination in step ST2 indicates that the installation height HT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold Th1 (ST2: Yes), the synthesis unit 12 performs a synthesis process to generate second temperature distribution data by combining the first temperature distribution data obtained from the first temperature measurement unit 31 and the second temperature measurement unit 32 (ST3).

[0075] Then, the estimation unit 13 performs estimation processing to estimate the presence or absence of a person in the second detection area AR2 based on the time difference of the second temperature distribution data generated by the synthesis unit 12 (ST4), and proceeds to step ST6.

[0076] Furthermore, if the installation height HT1 is less than the threshold Th1 as determined in step ST2 (ST2: No), the synthesis unit 12 does not perform the synthesis processing of the first temperature distribution data and proceeds to step ST5. In step ST5, the estimation unit 13 performs estimation processing to estimate the presence or absence of a person in the first detection area AR11, AR12 based on the first temperature distribution data of the first temperature measurement unit 31 and the second temperature measurement unit 32 acquired by the acquisition unit 11, and proceeds to step ST6. For example, if the estimation result estimated based on the first temperature distribution data of the first temperature measurement unit 31 matches the estimation result estimated based on the first temperature distribution data of the second temperature measurement unit 32, the estimation unit 13 makes a decision based on that estimation result. On the other hand, if the estimation results do not match, the estimation unit 13 can determine the presence or absence of a person based on the estimation result estimated based on the first temperature distribution data of the temperature measurement unit 30, which has a higher priority among the first temperature measurement unit 31 and the second temperature measurement unit 32. The priority of the first temperature measuring unit 31 and the second temperature measuring unit 32 can be set, for example, by the setting unit 17.

[0077] When the estimation process by the estimation unit 13 is completed, in step ST6, the movement detection unit 14 detects the movement of a person in the second detection area AR2 based on the person estimation result by the estimation unit 13 (ST6).

[0078] Then, the person detection unit 15 detects the number of people N1 present in the second space SP12 based on the position and direction of movement of the people detected by the movement detection unit 14 (ST7).

[0079] In this way, when the presence or absence of people in the second detection area AR2, people's movement, the number of people N1 present in the second space SP12, etc., is detected, the output unit 16 outputs the detection results to the external system 200 (ST8). As a result, the external system 200 can, for example, manage entry and exit to the second space SP12 based on the number of people N1 present in the second space SP12.

[0080] In the detection system 1 of this embodiment, as described above, a plurality of temperature measuring units 30 are installed above the first detection area AR1.

[0081] Then, if the installation height HT1 of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 is greater than or equal to the threshold Th1, the synthesis unit 12 synthesizes the second temperature distribution data, and the estimation unit 13 estimates the presence or absence of a person based on the time difference of the second temperature distribution data. When the installation height HT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold Th1, the area of ​​the small region G1 of the temperature measuring unit 30 is larger than when the installation height HT1 is less than the threshold Th1. In this embodiment, if the installation height HT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold Th1, the estimation unit 13 estimates the presence or absence of a person based on the second temperature distribution data, which has a higher resolution than the first temperature distribution data, so the presence or absence of a person can be detected with high accuracy.

[0082] On the other hand, if the installation height HT1 of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 is less than the threshold Th1, the estimation unit 13 estimates the presence or absence of a person based on the time difference of at least one of the multiple first temperature distribution data. When the installation height HT1 is less than the threshold Th1, the area of ​​the small region G1 of the temperature measuring unit 30 becomes smaller compared to when the installation height HT1 is equal to or greater than the threshold Th1. In this case, since the estimation unit 13 estimates the presence or absence of a person based on the time difference of at least one of the multiple first temperature distribution data, the synthesis process of synthesizing the second temperature distribution data can be omitted.

[0083] The estimation unit 13 may also estimate the presence or absence of a person based on multiple first temperature distribution data obtained from multiple temperature measurement units 30, obtain multiple estimation results, and ultimately decide whether or not a person is present based on the multiple estimation results. For example, if at least one of the multiple estimation results indicates the presence of a person, the estimation unit 13 may decide that a person is present in the first detection area AR1.

[0084] For example, as shown in Figure 3, let's consider the case where a person H1 is present in the first detection regions AR11 and AR12 of the first temperature measurement unit 31 and the second temperature measurement unit 32. In this case, in the first detection region AR11 of the first temperature measurement unit 31, person H1 is positioned across two sub-regions G11. As a result, the proportion occupied by person H1 in each of these sub-regions G11 becomes small, and the temperature of the two sub-regions G11 may be lower than the reference value. Therefore, when the estimation unit 13 estimates the presence or absence of a person based on the first temperature distribution data of the first temperature measurement unit 31, the estimation unit 13 may incorrectly estimate that no person is present. On the other hand, in the first detection region AR12 of the second temperature measurement unit 32, person H1 is positioned so that it fits within one sub-region G12. As a result, the proportion occupied by person H1 in this sub-region G12 becomes large, and the temperature of sub-region G12 becomes higher than the reference value. Therefore, when the estimation unit 13 estimates the presence or absence of a person based on the first temperature distribution data from the second temperature measurement unit 32, the estimation unit 13 has a high probability of being able to estimate that a person is present.

[0085] Thus, since the multiple temperature measuring units 30 are arranged such that the positions of the small regions G1 constituting each first detection region AR1 are offset from one another, the estimation unit 13 has a higher probability of being able to estimate the presence of a person based on the first temperature distribution data of any of the temperature measuring units 30. Therefore, the detection system 1 can improve its ability to detect the presence or absence of a person without the synthesis unit 12 having to perform the process of synthesizing the second temperature distribution data.

[0086] Furthermore, the estimation unit 13 may determine that a person is present if, based on multiple first temperature distribution data, the estimation result indicates the presence of a person, and if the estimation result indicates the absence of a person, the estimation unit 13 may determine that a person is absent. In this case, the setting unit 17 may set priorities for multiple temperature measurement units 30, and if the number of estimation results indicating the presence of a person is equal to the number of estimation results indicating the absence of a person, the estimation unit 13 may determine the presence or absence of a person based on the first temperature distribution data of the temperature measurement unit 30 with the highest priority as the final estimation result.

[0087] (4) Variations The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the detection system 1 may be embodied in a detection method performed by the detection system 1, a computer program, or a non-temporary recording medium on which the program is recorded. One embodiment of the detection method includes an acquisition process, a synthesis process, and an estimation process. In the acquisition process, first temperature distribution data is acquired from each of the multiple temperature measuring units 30. Each of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 sets a first detection region AR1 in which multiple small regions G1 are arranged in a matrix in the target space SP1 for detecting a person, and measures first temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the multiple small regions G1. The multiple temperature measuring units 30 are arranged such that the multiple first detection regions AR1 set by each of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 partially overlap, and the small regions G1 included in each of the multiple first detection regions AR1 are offset from each other. In the synthesis process, multiple first temperature distribution data acquired from multiple temperature measurement units 30 in the acquisition process are synthesized to generate second temperature distribution data in a second detection region that encompasses multiple first detection regions. In the estimation process, the presence or absence of a person in the second detection region is estimated based on the time difference of the second temperature distribution data. A (computer) program according to one embodiment is a program that causes a computer system to execute the above detection method.

[0088] The following lists some modifications of the above embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0089] The entity executing the detection system 1 or detection method in this disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, thereby realizing the function of the entity executing the detection system 1 or detection method in this disclosure. 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. The processor of the computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits referred to here, such as ICs or LSIs, are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) that are programmed after the manufacture of LSIs, or logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of junction relationships or circuit compartments within LSIs, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated onto a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0090] Furthermore, it is not essential for the detection system 1 to have multiple functions integrated into a single housing; the components of the detection system 1 may be distributed across multiple housings. For example, the calculation unit 10 and storage unit 20 of the detection system 1, along with multiple temperature measurement units 30, may be integrated into a single housing, or the calculation unit 10 and storage unit 20 of the detection system 1, along with multiple temperature measurement units 30, may be housed in separate housings. Moreover, at least some of the functions of the detection system 1, for example, some of the functions of the calculation unit 10, may be implemented by the cloud (cloud computing), etc.

[0091] In Embodiment 1, where "greater than or equal to" is used in the comparison of two values ​​such as measurement data, it may also be used as "greater than." In other words, whether or not the case where the two values ​​are equal is included in the comparison of two values ​​can be arbitrarily changed depending on the setting of the reference value, etc., so there is no technical difference between "greater than or equal to" and "greater than." Similarly, where "less than" is used, it may also be used as "less than or equal to."

[0092] In the above embodiment, the target space SP1 in which the detection system 1 detects the presence or absence of a person was an indoor space, but the target space SP1 may also be an outdoor space.

[0093] (Embodiment 2) The detection system 1 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Note that the configuration described in Embodiment 2 (including modified versions) can be applied in appropriate combination with the configuration described in Embodiment 1 (including modified versions).

[0094] The detection system 1 according to Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it does not have a combining unit 12 and the field of view of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 are different from each other. However, apart from the absence of a combining unit 12 and the different field of view of the multiple temperature measuring units 30, it is the same as Embodiment 1, so the same reference numerals are used for components common to Embodiment 1, and their illustration and description are omitted.

[0095] The detection system 1 according to Embodiment 2 comprises an acquisition unit 11 and an estimation unit 13, similar to Embodiment 1. The acquisition unit 11 acquires temperature distribution data from each of the multiple temperature measuring units 30. Each of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 sets a detection area AR1 in which multiple small areas G1 are arranged in a matrix in the target space SP1 for detecting people, and measures temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the multiple small areas G1. The multiple temperature measuring units 30 include a first temperature measuring unit 31 and a second temperature measuring unit 32 having a smaller field of view θ2 than the first temperature measuring unit 31. The first temperature measuring unit 31 and the second temperature measuring unit 32 are installed above the detection area AR1. If the installation height HT1 of the first temperature measuring unit 31 and the second temperature measuring unit 32 is less than the threshold Th1, the estimation unit 13 estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area AR1 based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit 11 from the first temperature measuring unit 31. If the installation height HT1 of the first temperature measuring unit 31 and the second temperature measuring unit 32 is greater than or equal to the threshold Th1, the estimation unit 13 estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit 11 from the second temperature measuring unit 32.

[0096] In the example shown in Figure 7, the field of view θ1 of the first temperature measuring unit 31 is, for example, 80 degrees, and the field of view θ2 of the second temperature measuring unit 32 is, for example, 40 degrees. However, the fields of view θ1 and θ2 are not limited to the above angles. For example, the field of view θ1 of the first temperature measuring unit 31 may be 90 degrees, and the field of view θ2 of the second temperature measuring unit 32 may be 60 degrees. The fields of view θ1 and θ2 of the first temperature measuring unit 31 and the second temperature measuring unit 32 can be changed as appropriate.

[0097] Since the field of view θ2 of the second temperature measuring unit 32 is smaller than the field of view θ1 of the first temperature measuring unit 31, the small area G11 constituting the detection area AR11 of the first temperature measuring unit 31 is larger than the small area G12 constituting the detection area AR12 of the second temperature measuring unit 32. In other words, the detection area AR1 of the second temperature measuring unit 32 is narrower than that of the first temperature measuring unit 31, but the resolution is higher.

[0098] Here, when the installation height HT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold Th1, even if a person is present in the small area G11 that constitutes the detection area AR11 of the first temperature measurement unit 31, the proportion of the small area G11 occupied by the person becomes smaller, and the temperature of the small area G11 may become lower than the reference value. Therefore, when the estimation unit 13 estimates the presence or absence of a person based on the temperature distribution data of the first temperature measurement unit 31, the estimation unit 13 may incorrectly estimate that a person is not present even though a person is present. In this embodiment, when the installation height HT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold Th1, the estimation unit 13 estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area AR12 based on the temperature distribution data of the second temperature measurement unit 32, which has a smaller field of view θ2 (higher resolution) compared to the first temperature measurement unit 31, so that the presence or absence of a person can be accurately estimated.

[0099] Furthermore, if the installation height HT1 is less than the threshold Th1, the field of view θ2 of the second temperature measuring unit 32 is smaller than the field of view θ1 of the first temperature measuring unit 31. As a result, the detection area AR12 of the second temperature measuring unit 32 becomes narrower, and it may not be possible to estimate the presence or absence of a person in the desired area. In this embodiment, if the installation height HT1 is less than the threshold Th1, the estimation unit 13 estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area AR11 based on the temperature distribution data of the first temperature measuring unit 31, which has a larger field of view θ1 than the second temperature measuring unit 32. This has the advantage of being able to estimate the presence or absence of a person in the desired area.

[0100] Here, the operation of the detection system 1 of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the detection system 1 according to Embodiment 2. Note that Figure 9 is merely an example of the operation, and the order of processing may be changed as appropriate, or processing may be added or omitted as appropriate.

[0101] The acquisition unit 11 of the detection system 1 performs an acquisition process (ST11) to periodically acquire temperature distribution data from a plurality of temperature measurement units 30 (first temperature measurement unit 31 and second temperature measurement unit 32).

[0102] Here, the calculation unit 10 determines whether the installation height HT1 of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 set by the setting unit 17 is greater than or equal to the threshold Th1 (ST12).

[0103] If the determination in step ST12 indicates that the installation height HT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold Th1 (ST12: Yes), the estimation unit 13 decides to prioritize the second temperature measuring unit 32, which has a smaller field of view θ2 than the first temperature measuring unit 31 (ST13), and proceeds to step ST15.

[0104] Furthermore, if the determination in step ST12 indicates that the installation height HT1 is less than the threshold Th1 (ST12: No), the estimation unit 13 decides to prioritize the first temperature measuring unit 31, which has a larger field of view θ1 than the second temperature measuring unit 32 (ST14), and proceeds to step ST15.

[0105] In step ST15, the estimation unit 13 performs estimation processing to estimate the presence or absence of a person based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data of the temperature measurement unit 30 (first temperature measurement unit 31 or second temperature measurement unit 32) which was determined to be prioritized in step ST13 or ST14.

[0106] Once the estimation process by the estimation unit 13 is completed, in step ST16, the movement detection unit 14 detects the movement of a person in the first detection area AR1 (AR11 or AR12) based on the person estimation result by the estimation unit 13 (ST16).

[0107] Then, the person detection unit 15 detects the number of people N1 present in the second space SP12 based on the position and direction of movement of the people detected by the movement detection unit 14 (ST17).

[0108] In this way, when the presence or absence of a person in the first detection area AR1 (AR11 or AR12), the movement of a person, the number of people N1 present in the second space SP12, etc., is detected, the output unit 16 outputs the detection results to the external system 200 (ST18). As a result, the external system 200 can, for example, manage entry and exit to the second space SP12 based on the number of people N1 present in the second space SP12.

[0109] Furthermore, functions similar to those of the detection system 1 described in Embodiment 2 may be realized by the detection method performed by the detection system 1, a computer program, or a non-temporary recording medium on which the program is stored. One embodiment of the detection method includes an acquisition process and an estimation process. In the acquisition process, temperature distribution data is acquired from each of the multiple temperature measuring units 30. Each of the multiple temperature measuring units 30 sets a detection area AR1 in which multiple small areas G1 are arranged in a matrix in the target space SP1 for detecting a person, and measures temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the multiple small areas G1. The multiple temperature measuring units 30 include a first temperature measuring unit 31 and a second temperature measuring unit 32 which has a smaller field of view than the first temperature measuring unit 31. The first temperature measuring unit 31 and the second temperature measuring unit 32 are installed above the detection area AR1. If the installation height HT1 of the first temperature measuring unit 31 and the second temperature measuring unit 32 is less than the threshold Th1, the estimation process estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area AR1 based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired from the first temperature measuring unit 31 in the acquisition process. If the installation height HT1 of the first temperature measuring unit 31 and the second temperature measuring unit 32 is equal to or greater than the threshold Th1, the estimation process estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area AR1 based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired from the second temperature measuring unit 32 in the acquisition process. A (computer) program according to one embodiment is a program that causes a computer system to execute the above detection method.

[0110] In the detection system 1 of Embodiment 2, there were two temperature measuring units 30, but there may be three or more temperature measuring units 30. The three or more temperature measuring units 30 may have different fields of view, and the estimation unit 13 may estimate the presence or absence of a person in the detection area AR1 based on the temperature distribution data of the temperature measuring units 30 with smaller fields of view, as the installation height HT1 increases.

[0111] (summary) Based on the embodiments described above, the following aspects are disclosed.

[0112] The first embodiment of the detection system (1) comprises an acquisition unit (11), a synthesis unit (12), and an estimation unit (13). The acquisition unit (11) acquires first temperature distribution data from each of the multiple temperature measuring units (30). Each of the multiple temperature measuring units (30) sets a first detection area (AR1) in which multiple sub-regions (G1) are arranged in a matrix in the target space (SP1) where a person is to be detected, and measures first temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the multiple sub-regions (G1). The multiple temperature measuring units (30) are arranged such that the multiple first detection areas (AR1) set by each of the multiple temperature measuring units (30) partially overlap, and the sub-regions (G1) included in each of the multiple first detection areas (AR1) are offset from each other. The synthesis unit (12) synthesizes multiple first temperature distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit (11) from multiple temperature measurement units (30) to generate second temperature distribution data in a second detection area (AR2) that encompasses multiple first detection areas (AR1). The estimation unit (13) estimates the presence or absence of a person in the second detection area (AR2) based on the time difference of the second temperature distribution data.

[0113] According to this embodiment, the synthesis unit (12) can generate second temperature distribution data with higher resolution than the first temperature distribution data by synthesizing a plurality of first temperature distribution data. Then, the estimation unit (13) estimates the presence or absence of a person based on the second temperature distribution data with higher resolution than the first temperature distribution data, thereby improving the performance of detecting people.

[0114] The detection system (1) of the second embodiment further comprises a movement detection unit (14) in the first embodiment. A detection line (L1) is set in the second detection area (AR2) that a person passes through when moving between the first space (SP11) and the second space (SP12). The movement detection unit (14) detects the movement of a person between the first space (SP11) and the second space (SP12) by detecting the direction in which the person estimated by the estimation unit (13) passes through the detection line (L1).

[0115] According to this embodiment, the movement detection unit (14) detects the movement of a person between the first space (SP11) and the second space (SP12) by detecting the direction of passage when a person passes through the detection line (L1).

[0116] In the third embodiment of the detection system (1), in the second embodiment, the movement detection unit (14) detects the number of people present in at least one of the first space (SP11) and the second space (SP12) by detecting the direction in which the person estimated by the estimation unit (13) passes through the detection line (L1).

[0117] According to this embodiment, it is possible to detect the number of people present in at least one of the first space (SP11) and the second space (SP12).

[0118] The fourth embodiment of the detection system (1) further comprises a people detection unit (15) in any of the first to third embodiments. The people detection unit (15) detects the number of people present in the second detection area (AR2) based on the estimation result of the estimation unit (13).

[0119] According to this embodiment, the person detection unit (15) can detect the number of people present in the second detection area (AR2).

[0120] In the fifth embodiment of the detection system (1), in any of the first to fourth embodiments, a plurality of temperature measuring units (30) are installed above the first detection area (AR1). If the installation height (HT1) of the plurality of temperature measuring units (30) is less than a threshold (Th1), the estimation unit (13) estimates the presence or absence of a person based on the time difference of at least one of the plurality of first temperature distribution data.

[0121] According to this embodiment, if the installation height (HT1) is less than the threshold (Th1), the synthesis process by the synthesis unit (12) can be omitted.

[0122] In the sixth embodiment of the detection system (1), in any of the first to fifth embodiments, the estimation unit (13) calculates the difference between the second temperature distribution data generated by the synthesis unit (12) at a predetermined time and the comparison data, and estimates the presence or absence of a person in the second detection area (AR2) based on the difference. The comparison data is data generated by the estimation unit (13) based on a plurality of second temperature distribution data generated by the synthesis unit (12) during a predetermined period prior to the predetermined time.

[0123] According to this embodiment, the performance of the estimation unit (13) in detecting people can be improved.

[0124] The seventh embodiment of the detection system (1) comprises an acquisition unit (11) and an estimation unit (13). The acquisition unit (11) acquires temperature distribution data from each of a plurality of temperature measuring units (30). Each of the plurality of temperature measuring units (30) sets a detection area (AR1) in which a plurality of small areas (G1) are arranged in a matrix in the target space (SP1) where a person is to be detected, and measures temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the plurality of small areas (G1). The plurality of temperature measuring units (30) include a first temperature measuring unit (31) and a second temperature measuring unit (32) which has a smaller field of view than the first temperature measuring unit (31). The first temperature measuring unit (31) and the second temperature measuring unit (32) are installed above the detection area (AR1). If the installation height (HT1) of the first temperature measuring unit (31) and the second temperature measuring unit (32) is less than the threshold (Th1), the estimation unit (13) estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area (AR1) based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit (11) from the first temperature measuring unit (31). If the installation height (HT1) of the first temperature measuring unit (31) and the second temperature measuring unit (32) is equal to or greater than the threshold (Th1), the estimation unit (13) estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area (AR1) based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit (11) from the second temperature measuring unit (32).

[0125] Here, since the field of view of the second temperature measuring unit (32) is smaller than that of the first temperature measuring unit (31), if the number of pixels of the first temperature measuring unit (31) and the second temperature measuring unit (32) are the same, the size of the small area (G1) will be smaller for the second temperature measuring unit (32) than for the first temperature measuring unit (31). When the installation height (HT1) is less than the threshold (Th1), the estimation unit (13) estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area (AR1) based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data from the first temperature measuring unit (31), so it is possible to estimate the presence or absence of a person over a wider area. Also, when the installation height (HT1) is greater than or equal to the threshold (Th1), the estimation unit (13) estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area (AR1) based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data from the second temperature measuring unit (32), so it is possible to improve the performance of detecting people.

[0126] The detection system (1) of the eighth embodiment further comprises a plurality of temperature measuring units (30) in any of the first to seventh embodiments.

[0127] According to this embodiment, the ability to detect people can be improved.

[0128] The ninth aspect of the detection method includes an acquisition process, a synthesis process, and an estimation process. In the acquisition process, first temperature distribution data is acquired from each of the multiple temperature measuring units (30). Each of the multiple temperature measuring units (30) sets a first detection region (AR1) in which multiple sub-regions (G1) are arranged in a matrix in the target space (SP1) for detecting a person, and measures first temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the multiple sub-regions (G1). The multiple temperature measuring units (30) are arranged such that the multiple first detection regions (AR1) set by each of the multiple temperature measuring units (30) partially overlap, and the sub-regions (G1) contained in each of the multiple first detection regions (AR1) are offset from each other. In the synthesis process, the multiple first temperature distribution data acquired from the multiple temperature measuring units (30) in the acquisition process are synthesized to generate second temperature distribution data in a second detection region (AR2) that encompasses the multiple first detection regions (AR1). In the estimation process, the presence or absence of a person in the second detection area (AR2) is estimated based on the time difference of the second temperature distribution data.

[0129] According to this embodiment, by combining multiple first temperature distribution data through synthesis processing, a second temperature distribution data with higher resolution than the first temperature distribution data can be generated. Then, in the estimation processing, the presence or absence of a person is estimated based on the second temperature distribution data with higher resolution than the first temperature distribution data, thus improving the performance of detecting people.

[0130] The tenth aspect of the detection method includes an acquisition process and an estimation process. In the acquisition process, temperature distribution data is acquired from each of the multiple temperature measuring units (30). Each of the multiple temperature measuring units (30) sets a detection area (AR1) in which multiple small areas (G1) are arranged in a matrix in the target space (SP1) where a person is to be detected, and measures temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the multiple small areas (G1). The multiple temperature measuring units (30) include a first temperature measuring unit (31) and a second temperature measuring unit (32) which has a smaller field of view than the first temperature measuring unit (31). The first temperature measuring unit (31) and the second temperature measuring unit (32) are installed above the detection area (AR1). If the installation height (HT1) of the first temperature measuring unit (31) and the second temperature measuring unit (32) is less than the threshold (Th1), the estimation process estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area (AR1) based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired from the first temperature measuring unit (31) in the acquisition process. If the installation height (HT1) of the first temperature measuring unit (31) and the second temperature measuring unit (32) is equal to or greater than the threshold (Th1), the estimation process estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area (AR1) based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired from the second temperature measuring unit (32) in the acquisition process.

[0131] According to this embodiment, when the installation height (HT1) is less than the threshold (Th1), the estimation unit (13) estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area (AR1) based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data from the first temperature measurement unit (31), so the presence or absence of a person can be estimated over a wider area. Furthermore, when the installation height (HT1) is equal to or greater than the threshold (Th1), the estimation unit (13) estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area (AR1) based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data from the second temperature measurement unit (32), so the performance of detecting people can be improved.

[0132] The eleventh embodiment of the program is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the detection method of the ninth or tenth embodiment.

[0133] According to this embodiment, the ability to detect people can be improved.

[0134] Not limited to the above embodiments, various configurations (including modifications) of the detection system (1) according to the above embodiment can be embodied in the detection method performed by the detection system (1), the (computer) program, or the non-temporary recording medium on which the program is recorded.

[0135] The configurations relating to the second to eighth aspects are not essential to the detection system (1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0136] 1. Detection System 11 Acquisition Department 12 Synthesis section 13 Estimation part 14. Movement detection unit 15. Person detection unit 30 Temperature measurement part 31 1st temperature measurement section 32 Second temperature measurement section AR1 First detection area (detection area) AR2 Second detection area G1 small area HT1 Installation Height L1 detection line SP1 Target Space SP11 1st space SP12 2nd space Th1 threshold

Claims

1. Acquisition section, The composite part, It comprises an estimation unit, The acquisition unit acquires first temperature distribution data from each of the multiple temperature measurement units. Each of the aforementioned multiple temperature measuring units sets a first detection area in which multiple small areas are arranged in a matrix in the target space for detecting a person, and measures the first temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the multiple small areas. The plurality of temperature measuring units are arranged such that the plurality of first detection regions set by each of the plurality of temperature measuring units partially overlap, and the sub-regions included in each of the plurality of first detection regions are offset from each other. The synthesis unit generates a second temperature distribution data in a second detection region encompassing the plurality of first detection regions by synthesizing the plurality of first temperature distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit from the plurality of temperature measurement units. The estimation unit estimates the presence or absence of a person in the second detection area based on the time difference of the second temperature distribution data. Detection system.

2. It further includes a movement detection unit, The second detection area is set up with a detection line that the person passes through when moving between the first space and the second space. The movement detection unit detects the movement of the person between the first space and the second space by detecting the direction in which the person estimated by the estimation unit passes through the detection line. The detection system according to claim 1.

3. The movement detection unit detects the number of people present in at least one of the first space and the second space by detecting the direction in which the person estimated by the estimation unit passes through the detection line. The detection system according to claim 2.

4. It is further equipped with a person detection unit, The person detection unit detects the number of people present in the second detection area based on the estimation result of the estimation unit. The detection system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned plurality of temperature measuring units are installed above the first detection area, If the installation height of the plurality of temperature measuring units is below a threshold, the estimation unit estimates the presence or absence of a person based on the time difference of at least one of the plurality of first temperature distribution data. The detection system according to claim 1.

6. The estimation unit calculates the difference between the second temperature distribution data generated by the synthesis unit at a predetermined time and comparison data generated based on a plurality of second temperature distribution data generated by the synthesis unit during a predetermined period prior to the predetermined time, and estimates the presence or absence of a person in the second detection area based on the difference. The detection system according to claim 1.

7. Acquisition section, It comprises an estimation unit, The acquisition unit acquires temperature distribution data from each of the multiple temperature measurement units. Each of the aforementioned multiple temperature measuring units sets a detection area in which multiple small regions are arranged in a matrix in the target space for detecting a person, and measures the temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the multiple small regions. The plurality of temperature measuring units include a first temperature measuring unit and a second temperature measuring unit having a smaller field of view than the first temperature measuring unit. The first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit are installed above the detection area. The estimation unit, If the installation height of the first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit is below a threshold, the acquisition unit estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired from the first temperature measuring unit. If the installation height of the first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit is greater than or equal to the threshold, the acquisition unit estimates the presence or absence of a person in the detection area based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired from the second temperature measuring unit. Detection system.

8. The system further comprises the aforementioned plurality of temperature measuring units. The detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Acquisition process, Synthesis process, Including estimation processing, In the acquisition process described above, first temperature distribution data is acquired from each of the multiple temperature measurement units. Each of the aforementioned multiple temperature measuring units sets a first detection area in which multiple small areas are arranged in a matrix in the target space for detecting a person, and measures the first temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the multiple small areas. The plurality of temperature measuring units are arranged such that the plurality of first detection regions set by each of the plurality of temperature measuring units partially overlap, and the sub-regions included in each of the plurality of first detection regions are offset from each other. In the synthesis process, a plurality of first temperature distribution data acquired from the plurality of temperature measurement units in the acquisition process is synthesized to generate a second temperature distribution data in a second detection region that encompasses the plurality of first detection regions. In the estimation process described above, the presence or absence of a person in the second detection area is estimated based on the time difference of the second temperature distribution data. Detection method.

10. Acquisition process and Includes estimation processing, In the acquisition process described above, temperature distribution data is acquired from each of the multiple temperature measurement units. Each of the aforementioned multiple temperature measuring units sets a detection area in which multiple small regions are arranged in a matrix in the target space for detecting a person, and measures the temperature distribution data indicating the temperature of each of the multiple small regions. The plurality of temperature measuring units include a first temperature measuring unit and a second temperature measuring unit having a smaller field of view than the first temperature measuring unit. The first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit are installed above the detection area. In the estimation process described above, If the installation height of the first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit is below a threshold, the presence or absence of a person in the detection area is estimated based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired from the first temperature measuring unit in the acquisition process. If the installation height of the first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit is greater than or equal to the threshold, the presence or absence of a person in the detection area is estimated based on the time difference of the temperature distribution data acquired from the second temperature measuring unit in the acquisition process. Detection method.

11. One or more processors, To perform the detection method described in claim 9 or 10, program.

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