Control device and control method for faucet device, and faucet device

Abstract

The present invention provides, compactly and inexpensively: a water faucet device capable of appropriately determining the presence or absence of a detection target around an outlet; and a device and a method for controlling the water faucet device. A control device 1 for a faucet device 6 comprises: a radar 2; a calculator 3; and a control unit 4. The radar 2 comprises a transmission antenna and a reception antenna. The transmission antenna transmits a radio wave S. The reception antenna receives waves reflected as a result of hitting water 9. A calculation unit 3a calculates a signal intensity distribution of the reflected waves for each arrival angle and each traveling distance. A determination unit 3b determines, among a plurality of bins 21 of the signal intensity distribution calculated by the calculation unit 3a when only the water 9 is present, a prescribed bin 21a in which the signal intensity of the reflected waves is large. The determination unit 3b outputs, upon detection of a reflected wave having a signal intensity exceeding a threshold value of the prescribed bin 21a, a supply signal to the control unit 4, and outputs a stop signal to the control unit 4 when the reflected wave is no longer detected.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device and control method for a water faucet device that automatically controls the supply and stop of a fluid, and to a water faucet device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, this type of faucet device, and its control device and control method are disclosed in Patent Document 1. This faucet device has a detector inside a spout attached to a sink, which detects a detection target in the water discharge area of ​​the water outlet. A frequency analysis unit converts the sensor signal into a signal in the frequency domain and extracts it as a signal for each filter bank with a different frequency band. A recognition unit uses the frequency distribution of the signal based on the signals for each of the multiple filter banks as detection data. Then, the detection data is compared with sample data stored in a database to perform a recognition process for the detection target. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 092993 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional faucet device and its control device and control method, in order to recognize the detection target, it is necessary to compare the detection data with sample data stored in a database. Therefore, the recognition unit needs complex pattern recognition processing to compare each data, and the control device needs a database to store the sample data. This makes the faucet device and its control device larger, and the control method of the faucet device more complicated. Therefore, it has not been possible to provide a small and inexpensive control device and control method for a faucet device that can properly determine the presence or absence of a detection target around the discharge part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, A transmitting antenna for transmitting radio waves; a receiving antenna for receiving a reflected wave that is generated when the radio wave hits the fluid; A calculation unit that calculates a signal strength distribution for each arrival angle and flight distance of the reflected wave; a determination unit that determines whether a fluid supply condition or a fluid stop condition is met and outputs a supply signal or a stop signal based on the determination result; a control unit that controls the supply of the fluid or the stop of the supply of the fluid based on a supply signal or a stop signal; Equipped with When only fluid is being discharged, the determination unit determines a specific bin having a large signal strength of the reflected wave from among multiple bins that define the signal strength distribution, determines a threshold value based on the signal strength of the specific bin, and outputs a supply signal to the control unit to supply the fluid when a reflected wave of a signal strength exceeding the threshold is detected in the specific bin, and outputs a stop signal to the control unit to stop the supply of the fluid when a reflected wave of a signal strength exceeding the threshold is no longer detected in the specific bin. A control device for a water faucet device was configured.

[0006] The present invention also provides a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: A step of receiving, by a receiving antenna, a reflected wave that is generated when an electric wave transmitted from a transmitting antenna hits the fluid and is reflected by the fluid when only the fluid to be discharged is present; A step of calculating a signal strength distribution for each arrival angle and flight distance of the reflected wave received by the receiving antenna; A step of determining a predetermined bin having a large signal strength of a reflected wave from among a plurality of bins that divide the signal strength distribution; determining a threshold based on the signal strength of a given bin; a step of outputting a supply signal for supplying fluid to a control unit that controls supply or stop of supply of fluid when a reflected wave of a signal strength exceeding the threshold is detected in a specific bin, and outputting a stop signal for stopping supply of fluid to the control unit when a reflected wave of a signal strength exceeding the threshold is no longer detected in the specific bin; The present invention provides a method for controlling a water faucet device having the above structure.

[0007] According to these configurations, when only the fluid to be discharged is present, the signal strength distribution for each arrival angle and flight distance of the reflected wave received by the receiving antenna is calculated. Then, a specific bin with a high signal strength of the reflected wave is determined from among the multiple bins that divide the calculated signal strength distribution, and it is estimated that the discharge area of ​​the fluid is present at the arrival angle and flight distance of the reflected wave assigned to the specific bin. Therefore, when a reflected wave with a signal strength exceeding a specific threshold is subsequently detected in the specific bin, it is determined that the detection target has entered the discharge area of ​​the fluid, and the control unit controls the valve to discharge the fluid. Also, when a reflected wave with a signal strength exceeding the specific threshold is no longer detected in the specific bin, it is determined that the detection target has left the discharge area of ​​the fluid, and the control unit controls the valve to stop the supply of the fluid.

[0008] The present invention also provides a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: The control device for the water faucet device described above; a valve for supplying or stopping the supply of fluid; a discharge part connected to the valve to discharge a fluid; Water bowl and A water faucet device equipped with the above was configured. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to detect a detection target in a fluid discharge area without the conventional complicated pattern recognition processing. Therefore, the faucet device and its control device do not require a database for storing sample data, and the faucet device and its control device can be made smaller. Furthermore, the control method for the faucet device does not require pattern recognition processing, so the processing is simplified. As a result, it is possible to provide a small and inexpensive faucet device, its control device, and its control method that can appropriately determine the presence or absence of a detection target around the discharge part. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a water faucet device and its control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a water faucet device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a mapping diagram showing a signal strength distribution of a received signal in which the bin of maximum received signal strength is represented, calculated by a calculation unit constituting a control device of a water faucet device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart outlining the process of a method for setting control of a water faucet device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 5 is a graph illustrating a predetermined threshold value calculated by a determination unit constituting a control device for a faucet device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is a graph illustrating another predetermined threshold value calculated by a determination unit constituting a control device for a faucet device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a mapping diagram showing the signal strength distribution of the received signal, in which a certain number of bins surrounding the bin with the maximum received signal strength are represented, calculated by a calculation unit constituting a control device of a water faucet device in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Next, a description will be given of an embodiment for carrying out the water faucet device, its control device, and its control method of the present invention.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a water faucet device 6 and its control device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The control device 1 includes an FMCW (frequency continuously modulated wave) radar 2, a calculator 3, and a control unit 4 that controls a valve 5. An example of the valve 5 is an automatic valve. An example of the automatic valve is an externally powered automatic valve. An example of the externally powered automatic valve is a solenoid valve, a control valve, an air-operated valve, etc.

[0013] Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view of a water faucet device 6 to which an FMCW radar 2 is attached, and Fig. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view. The water faucet device 6 is configured with a spout standing upright on a water receiving basin 7 as a water outlet part 8. The water outlet part 8 constitutes a discharge part that discharges a fluid, and discharges water 9, which is the fluid, from an outlet at its tip. The water receiving basin 7 receives the water 9 discharged from the outlet of the water outlet part 8 on its receiving surface. In this embodiment, the FMCW radar 2 is provided on the back side of the water receiving surface of the water receiving basin 7 below the water outlet part 8.

[0014] The FMCW radar 2 is equipped with a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna inside. The transmitting antenna transmits radio waves S to the inside of the water receiving portion of the water receiving basin 7 that receives the discharged water 9. The receiving antenna receives the reflected wave that is generated when the radio waves S transmitted from the transmitting antenna hit the water 9 discharged from the water discharge portion 8 and are reflected.

[0015] Water 9 is supplied to the water discharge unit 8 through a water pipe 10 shown in Fig. 1 and via a valve 5. The water 9 discharged from the water discharge unit 8 and received in the receiving basin 7 is discharged through piping 11. The supply and stop of the water 9 supplied to the water discharge unit 8 by the valve 5 is controlled by a control unit 4. The control unit 4 controls the opening and closing of the valve 5 based on a supply signal or a stop signal, and controls the supply of water to the water discharge unit 8 or the stop of the supply of water 9 to the water discharge unit 8.

[0016] The operation of the FMCW radar 2 is controlled by a calculator 3. In this embodiment, the calculator 3 is described as a PC (personal computer) provided outside the FMCW radar 2, but may be provided inside the FMCW radar 2. The calculator 3 includes a calculation unit 3a, a determination unit 3b, and a storage unit 3c. As described above, the radio waves S transmitted from the transmitting antenna of the FMCW radar 2 are reflected by the water 9 discharged from the water discharge unit 8, and are received as reflected waves by the receiving antenna. The calculation unit 3a calculates the arrival angle of the reflected waves and the signal strength distribution for each flight distance.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a mapping diagram showing the concept of this signal strength distribution. The horizontal direction of the mapping represents the angle of arrival of the received signal of the reflected wave, and the vertical direction represents the distance the received signal travels from the water 9. The signal strength distribution is divided into a number of bins 21, shown as squares in the figure, which divide the distribution at specified intervals. Each bin 21 is assigned the signal strength of the received signal of the reflected wave at which the transmitted wave is received at the position of that bin 21. The bin 21a filled in black represents the bin with the greatest average signal strength among the multiple bins 21 in the signal strength distribution shown in the figure.

[0018] In this embodiment, the calculation unit 3a is composed of a frequency analysis unit 3a1 and a detection recognition unit 3a2. The frequency analysis unit 3a1 converts the time signal of the received signal of the reflected wave, which is transmitted as a chirp signal from the transmitting antenna and received by the receiving antenna, into a frequency signal, and analyzes the frequency of the received signal. This frequency analysis is performed by a fast Fourier transform (FFT), a discrete Fourier transform (DFT), a discrete cosine transform (DCT), or the like.

[0019] The detection and recognition unit 3a2 estimates the flying distance R of the received signal from the analyzed frequency f, for example, by the following formula (1): where S is the slope of the chirp signal, and c is the speed of light. R = (c / 2S) f … (1)

[0020] Furthermore, the detection and recognition unit 3a2 estimates the arrival angle θ of the received signal based on the phase difference between multiple receiving antennas arranged at equal intervals, for example, using the following formula (2): where d is the distance between the receiving antennas, λ is the wavelength of the reflected wave, and ω is the phase difference between the signals received by the receiving antennas. θ=sin -1 (λω / 2πd) …(2)

[0021] When only water 9 discharged from the water discharge section 8 is present in the vicinity of the water discharge section 8 for a certain period of time, the judgment section 3b judges a specific bin 21a having a large signal strength of the received signal among multiple bins 21 in the signal strength distribution calculated by the calculation section 3a.

[0022] In this embodiment, the determination unit 3b obtains a time average value of signal strength for each bin 21 from a fixed number of signal strength distributions generated over time. The time average value is a value obtained by dividing the sum of signal strengths for a fixed number of signal strength distributions generated over time by a fixed number. The obtained time average value is then set as the average signal strength of each bin 21. The determination unit 3b determines the bin 21 with the maximum strength among the obtained average signal strengths to be the specified bin. Here, the following description will be given assuming that bin 21a is determined to be the specified bin.

[0023] The calculator 3 also includes a memory unit 3c that stores the signal strength of the bin 21a determined by the determination unit 3b as the predetermined bin, as well as the arrival angle θ and the flight distance R. The determination unit 3b calculates the signal strength by adding a certain offset value to the average value of the stored signal strengths, and stores the signal strength as the predetermined threshold value in the memory unit 3c. The offset value may be a value determined in advance. The threshold value may also be determined from the variance and time transition of the received signal strength in the signal strength distribution when only water 9 is observed. In other words, it is not necessary to calculate the threshold value by adding an offset value to the average value of the stored signal strengths.

[0024] The determination unit 3b determines whether the supply condition and stop condition for water 9 are met, and based on the result of the determination, outputs a supply signal or stop signal to the control unit 4. In this embodiment, when a received signal with a signal strength exceeding the threshold is detected in a specific bin 21a, the determination unit 3b outputs a supply signal to supply water 9 to the control unit 4. Also, when a received signal with a signal strength exceeding the threshold is no longer detected in the specific bin 21a, the determination unit 3b outputs a stop signal to stop the supply of water 9 to the control unit 4.

[0025] When the control unit 4 receives a supply signal for supplying water 9 from the determination unit 3b, it controls the valve 5 to open and supplies the water 9 to the water discharge unit 8. When the control unit 4 receives a stop signal for stopping the supply of water 9 from the determination unit 3b, it controls the valve 5 to close and stops the supply of water 9 to the water discharge unit 8.

[0026] Fig. 4 is a flowchart outlining a method for setting control of the faucet device 6 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The process for setting control of the faucet device 6 shown in this flowchart is performed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the computing unit 3 in accordance with a computer program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) of the computing unit 3. The process for setting control of the faucet device 6 shown in Fig. 4 is performed, for example, after the FMCW radar 2 is installed in the faucet device 6 for the first time and before the faucet device 6 is used. It is also performed similarly after re-installing the FMCW radar 2 in the faucet device 6 and before the faucet device 6 is used.

[0027] First, the operation part of the water discharger 8 is operated by a person, and water 9 is discharged from the water discharger 8 (see FIG. 4, step 101). Next, when only the water 9 discharged from the water discharger 8 is present in the vicinity of the water discharger 8, radio waves S are transmitted from the transmitting antenna of the FMCW radar 2 under the control of the CPU (see step 102).

[0028] Next, the reflected wave that hits the water 9 is received by the receiving antenna of the FMCW radar 2, and the signal strength distribution shown in Fig. 3 for each arrival angle and flight distance of the received signal is calculated by the calculation unit 3a (see step 103). This calculation is performed while the water 9 is flowing from the water discharge unit 8 for a certain period of time. Next, a specific bin 21a with a large signal strength of the received signal is determined by the determination unit 3b from the multiple bins 21 that define the signal strength distribution (see step 104).

[0029] Next, the signal strength of the bin 21a determined as a predetermined bin by the determination unit 3b, as well as the arrival angle θ and the flying distance R, are temporarily stored in the memory unit 3c as a log under the control of the CPU. Next, the determination unit 3b determines a predetermined threshold value based on the log data stored in the memory unit 3c (see step 105). The predetermined threshold value is calculated by the determination unit 3b as a signal strength obtained by adding a certain offset value to the average value of the signal strength of the received signal stored in the memory unit 3c, for example. The predetermined threshold value determined by the determination unit 3b is stored in the memory unit 3b (see step 106).

[0030] Fig. 5 is a graph illustrating this predetermined threshold value. The horizontal axis of the graph is time, and the vertical axis is reflection intensity, that is, the signal strength of the received signal.

[0031] Furthermore, characteristic line 31, which is a solid line connecting the plots of black circles, indicates the transition over time of the signal strength of the reception signal received by the receiving antenna when water 9 is discharged from water discharger 8 and only water 9 discharged from water discharger 8 is present near the outlet of water discharger 8. Moreover, straight line 31a, which is indicated by a long dashed line that crosses characteristic line 31, indicates the time average of the signal strength represented by characteristic line 31.

[0032] Furthermore, characteristic line 32, which connects the plots of white circles with short dashed lines, indicates the time transition of the signal strength of the signal received by the receiving antenna when only a human hand is present near the water outlet of water discharger 8. Furthermore, characteristic line 33, which connects the plots of triangles with a solid line, indicates the time transition of the signal strength of the signal received by the receiving antenna when water 9 and a human hand are simultaneously present near the water outlet of water discharger 8.

[0033] The predetermined threshold value is shown as a solid straight line 34. This straight line 34 has a signal strength obtained by adding a constant offset value to the signal strength of straight line 31a, which is the average value of the signal strength of characteristic line 31 when only water 9 is present near the water outlet of water discharger 8.

[0034] When the process of step 106 is completed, the setting process for the control of the water faucet device 6 is completed. After the setting process is completed, when the water faucet device 6 is actually used, the following control is performed. The determination unit 3b determines whether the water 9 supply condition and the stop condition are met based on the signal strength of the received signal detected in the specified bottle 21a, and outputs a supply signal or a stop signal to the control unit 4 based on the determination result. The control unit 4 receives the supply signal or the stop signal and controls the opening and closing of the valve 5. That is, when a received signal with a signal strength exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected in the specified bottle 21a, the determination unit 3b outputs a supply signal to the control unit 4, and the control unit 4 outputs a signal to open the valve 5 to the valve 5. As a result, the water 9 is supplied to the water discharge unit 8. Also, when a received signal with a signal strength exceeding the predetermined threshold is no longer detected in the specified bottle 21a, the determination unit 3b outputs a stop signal to the control unit 4, and the control unit 4 outputs a signal to close the valve 5 to the valve 5. As a result, the supply of the water 9 to the water discharge unit 8 is stopped.

[0035] According to the water faucet device 6 and its control device 1 and control method of this embodiment, as described above, by the processing of steps 101 to 103 in Fig. 4, when only water 9 discharged from the water discharger 8 is present in the vicinity of the water discharger 8, a signal strength distribution is calculated for each arrival angle θ and flight distance R of the reflected wave received by the receiving antenna of the FMCW radar 2. Then, in step 104, a specific bin 21a having a large signal strength of the received signal is determined from among multiple bins 21 of the calculated signal strength distribution, and it is estimated that the discharge area of ​​water 9 by the water discharger 8 exists at the arrival angle θ and flight distance R of the received signal assigned to the specific bin 21a.

[0036] After the setting process of the control of the water faucet device 6 is completed, when a received signal having a signal strength exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected in a predetermined bottle 21a, it is determined that a detection object, such as a human hand or other body part of a human, has entered the area where the water 9 is discharged by the water discharger 8. As a result, a supply signal is output from the determination unit 3b to the control unit 4, and a signal to open the valve 5 is output from the control unit 4 to the valve 5. As a result, the water 9 is discharged from the water discharger 8. Also, when a received signal having a signal strength exceeding the predetermined threshold is no longer detected in the predetermined bottle 21a, it is determined that the detection object has left the area where the water 9 is discharged by the water discharger 8. As a result, a stop signal is output from the determination unit 3b to the control unit 4, and a signal to close the valve 5 is output from the control unit 4 to the valve 5. As a result, the supply of the water 9 to the water discharger 8 is stopped.

[0037] Therefore, according to the water faucet device 6 and its control device 1 and control method of this embodiment, even if a large object is present outside the range of the discharge area of ​​the water 9, it is possible to detect the detection target without being affected by the object. Furthermore, even if the installation positions of the transmitting antenna and receiving antenna of the control device 1, that is, the installation position of the FMCW radar 2, change, or even if the structure of the water discharge unit 8 or the water receiving basin 7 changes, the specified bin 21a will correspond to the position of the discharge area of ​​the water 9 formed at the time of the determination according to the installation position of the FMCW radar 2 and the structure of the water discharge unit 8 and the water receiving basin 7. Since the discharge area of ​​the water 9 from the water discharge unit 8 is flexibly specified by the specified bin 21a determined in this way, the installation position of the control device 1 is no longer limited to a fixed position as in the past, and the degree of freedom in the installation position of the control device 1 is improved.

[0038] To verify this, the FMCW radar 2 was installed at each of the positions A, B, C, and D on the top surface of the water receiving basin 7 beside the water discharger 8 as shown in FIG. 2(a), and the operation of the control device 1 was confirmed. That is, the FMCW radar 2 was installed at each of the installation positions A, B, C, and D, water was discharged from the water discharger 8 at each of the installation positions A, B, C, and D, radio waves S were transmitted from the transmission antenna, and the signal strength distribution of the received signal of the reflected wave was calculated. Then, the signal strength of the line 34 indicating a predetermined threshold was determined at each of the installation positions A, B, C, and D, and the control of the valve 5 by the control unit 4 was confirmed. Thereupon, it was confirmed that the control device 1 of the water faucet device 6 properly recognized the detection target in the discharge area of ​​the water 9 from the water discharger 8, as in the above embodiment, and the discharge and stopping of the water 9 from the water discharger 8 were performed normally.

[0039] In addition, according to the control device 1 and control method of the water faucet device 6 of this embodiment, it is possible to detect the detection target in the discharge area of ​​the water 9 without performing conventional complicated pattern recognition processing (principal component analysis or multiple regression analysis). In pattern recognition processing, a DSP (digital signal processor) is generally required, and a large amount of information is processed. In other words, a conventional water faucet device control device that performs complicated pattern recognition processing requires a large capacity database to store a large amount of sample data. On the other hand, the control device 1 of the water faucet device 6 of this embodiment does not require a large capacity database to store a large amount of sample data, and the water faucet device 6 and its control device 1 can be made smaller. In addition, the control method of the water faucet device 6 does not require pattern recognition processing, so the processing is simplified. As a result, it is possible to provide a water faucet device 6 and its control device 1 and control method that can appropriately determine the presence or absence of a detection target around the water discharge portion 8 in a small size and at low cost.

[0040] Furthermore, when the detection object enters the discharge area of ​​the water 9 discharged from the water discharger 8, the signal strength of the received signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. This is shown in the characteristic line 32 detected when a human hand or the like is present in the graph of FIG. 5. The characteristic line 32 exceeds a predetermined threshold shown in a line 34 obtained by adding a certain offset value to the line 31a. Therefore, according to the water faucet device 6 and its control device 1 and control method of this embodiment, when a reception signal exceeding the predetermined threshold shown in the line 34 is detected, it is determined that the detection object has definitely entered the discharge area of ​​the water 9. As a result, the control unit 4 can reliably control the supply of the water 9 to the water discharger 8. Furthermore, when a reception signal exceeding the predetermined threshold shown in the line 34 is no longer detected, it is determined that the detection object has reliably left the discharge area of ​​the water 9. As a result, the control unit 4 can reliably control the supply of the water 9 to the water discharger 8 to be stopped.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the water faucet device 6, its control device 1, and control method of this embodiment, the bin 21a having the maximum average signal strength in a certain number of signal strength distributions is determined to be the predetermined bin in step 104 of Figure 4. Therefore, the position of the predetermined bin 21a in the signal strength distribution reliably corresponds to the discharge area of ​​the water 9, improving the accuracy of estimating the position of the discharge area of ​​the water 9.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the control device 1 and control method for the water faucet device 6 of this embodiment, the determining unit 3b determines the predetermined bottle based on the signal intensity distribution calculated by the calculating unit 3a while the water 9 is being discharged from the water discharge unit 8 for a certain period of time. Therefore, the bottle 21 with a reliably large signal intensity is determined to be the predetermined bottle 21a. Therefore, the position of the discharge area of ​​the water 9 can be accurately estimated from the predetermined bottle 21a.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the value indicated by the straight line 34 based on the characteristic line 31 when only water 9 is present is determined as the predetermined threshold value. However, as shown in the graph of Fig. 6, the predetermined threshold value may be determined separately as a predetermined threshold value for discharging water 9 and a predetermined threshold value for stopping the discharging of water 9. The horizontal and vertical axes of the graph and the respective symbols are the same as those in Fig. 5.

[0044] In this case, the determination unit 3b determines the signal strength indicated by the dashed line 35 as the predetermined threshold value for ejection. The dashed line 35 is the signal strength obtained by subtracting a certain offset value from the average value indicated by the line 31a of the signal strength of the received signal stored in the memory unit 3c. The determination unit 3b also determines the signal strength indicated by the solid line 34 as the predetermined threshold value for stopping ejection. The solid line 34 is the signal strength obtained by adding a certain offset value to the average value indicated by the line 31a of the signal strength of the received signal stored in the memory unit 3c. The determination unit 3b stores the determined predetermined threshold value for ejection and the predetermined threshold value for stopping ejection in the memory unit 3c.

[0045] When a received signal of a signal strength exceeding a predetermined threshold for discharging is detected in a predetermined bin 21a, the determination unit 3b outputs a supply signal to the control unit 4. When the control unit 4 receives this supply signal, it controls the valve 5 to supply water 9 to the water discharge unit 8. When a received signal of a signal strength exceeding a predetermined threshold for stopping discharging is no longer detected in a predetermined bin 21a, the determination unit 3b outputs a stop signal to the control unit 4. When the control unit 4 receives this stop signal, it controls the valve 5 to stop the supply of water 9 to the water discharge unit 8.

[0046] In the case of a detection target such as a hand, in which the time transition of the received signal strength is shown by characteristic line 32, there are times when the signal strength of the received signal falls below the predetermined threshold shown by line 34 and becomes very close to line 31a. Therefore, when the predetermined threshold is the signal strength shown by line 34, it is assumed that even if the detection target enters the discharge area of ​​water 9, water 9 will not be discharged from the water discharger 8. However, according to the above configuration, since the determination unit 3b determines the signal strength shown by line 35 as the predetermined threshold for discharge, water 9 will be discharged from the water discharger 8 more reliably when the detection target enters the discharge area of ​​water 9. In addition, the determination unit 3b determines the signal strength shown by line 34 as the predetermined threshold for stopping discharge. Therefore, when the detection target leaves the discharge area of ​​water 9 and a received signal with a signal strength greater than the predetermined threshold for stopping discharge is no longer detected in the predetermined bottle 21a, the supply of water 9 to the water discharger 8 is reliably stopped.

[0047] The determination unit 3b may also determine the predetermined bin and threshold value using the average values ​​of the signal strengths of the bin 21a and the bins 22 around the bin 21a shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the determination unit 3b determines the time average value of the signal strengths of the bin 21 and the bins 22 around the bin 21 for each bin 21 from a certain number of signal strength distributions generated over time. Note that this time average value is a value obtained by dividing the sum of the signal strengths of the bin 21 and the bins 22 around the bin 21 for a certain number of signal strength distributions generated over time by a certain number. The determined time average value is then set as the average signal strength of each bin 21. The determination unit 3b determines the bin 21a having the maximum strength among the determined average signal strengths and the bins 22 around the bin 21a as the predetermined bin.

[0048] According to this configuration, the range of a certain number of bins 22 surrounding the bin 21a with the maximum average signal strength is set as the predetermined bin, so that the detection range of the detection target can be modified and expanded.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, at a predetermined time after water 9 is discharged from the water discharger 8, the determination unit 3b may calculate the average value of the signal strength of each bin 21 for a certain number of signal strength distributions generated over time, for each predetermined time while shifting the predetermined time, and obtain the average value of the signal strength of each bin 21 as the moving average signal strength of each bin 21. In this case, the bin 21 with the maximum strength among these moving average signal strengths is determined to be the predetermined bin.

[0050] According to this configuration, the bin 21 with the moving average signal strength having the maximum moving average is determined as the predetermined bin, instead of the bin 21 with the average signal strength having the maximum time average. Therefore, according to this configuration, the position of the predetermined bin in the signal strength distribution can be estimated with improved accuracy by calculating the moving average signal strength, even if there is a time period in which the position or amount of running water is unstable.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the case where water is discharged from the discharge portion has been described. However, the fluid is not limited to water, and the present invention can be applied to the case where liquid soap is discharged from the discharge portion in the same manner as the water faucet device and its control device 1 and control method of each embodiment.

[0052] To summarise the above, the present invention can be expressed as follows. <1> A transmitting antenna for transmitting radio waves; a receiving antenna for receiving a reflected wave generated when the radio wave hits the fluid; A calculation unit that calculates a signal strength distribution for each arrival angle and flight distance of the reflected wave; a determination unit that determines whether the fluid supply condition and the fluid stop condition are met and outputs a supply signal or a stop signal based on the determination result; a control unit that controls the supply of the fluid or the stop of the supply of the fluid based on the supply signal or the stop signal; Equipped with When only the fluid is being discharged, the determination unit determines a predetermined bin having a large signal strength of the reflected wave from among a plurality of bins that divide the signal strength distribution, determines a threshold value based on the signal strength of the predetermined bin, and outputs the supply signal to the control unit to supply the fluid when the reflected wave having a signal strength exceeding the threshold value is detected in the predetermined bin, and outputs the stop signal to the control unit to stop the supply of the fluid when the reflected wave having a signal strength exceeding the threshold value is no longer detected in the predetermined bin. A control device for a water faucet device. <2> a storage unit that stores the arrival angle, the flight distance, and the threshold value that are assigned to the predetermined bin; The determination unit determines, as the threshold value, a signal strength obtained by adding a certain offset value to an average value of the signal strength of the predetermined bin. Characterized by <1> A control device for a water faucet device as described in the above. <3> a storage unit that stores the arrival angle, the flight distance, and the threshold value that are assigned to the predetermined bin; The determination unit determines a signal strength obtained by subtracting a certain offset value from the average signal strength of the specified bin as a threshold for ejection, and determines a signal strength obtained by adding a certain offset value to the average signal strength of the specified bin as a threshold for ejection, and outputs the supply signal to the control unit when the reflected wave of a signal strength exceeding the threshold for ejection is detected in the specified bin, and outputs the stop signal to the control unit when the reflected wave of a signal strength exceeding the threshold for ejection is no longer detected in the specified bin. Characterized by <1> A control device for a water faucet device as described in the above. <4> The determination unit determines an average value of the signal strength of each bin for a certain number of the signal strength distributions generated over time as an average signal strength of each bin, and determines a bin with a maximum strength among the determined average signal strengths as the predetermined bin. <1> from <3> A control device for a water faucet device described in any one of the above. <5> The determination unit determines an average value of signal strength of each bin and bins around each bin as an average signal strength of each bin for a certain number of the signal strength distributions generated over time, and determines a bin with a maximum strength among the determined average signal strengths and bins around the bin as the predetermined bin. <1> from <3> A control device for a water faucet device described in any one of the above. <6> The determination unit calculates an average value of the signal strength of each bin for a certain number of the signal strength distributions generated over time at a predetermined time while shifting the predetermined time, determines the average value of the signal strength of each bin as a moving average signal strength of each bin, and determines the bin with the maximum strength among the calculated moving average signal strengths as the predetermined bin. <1> from <3> A control device for a water faucet device described in any one of the above. <7> The determination unit determines the predetermined bin based on the signal intensity distribution calculated by the calculation unit while the fluid is being discharged for a certain period of time. <1> from <6> A control device for a water faucet device described in any one of the above. <8> <1> from <7> A control device for a water faucet device according to any one of the above claims, a valve for supplying the fluid or stopping the supply of the fluid; a discharge portion connected to the valve and configured to discharge the fluid; Water bowl and A faucet device comprising: <9> a step of receiving, by a receiving antenna, a reflected wave that is generated when an electric wave transmitted from a transmitting antenna hits the fluid and is reflected by the fluid when only the fluid to be discharged is present; calculating a signal strength distribution for each arrival angle and flight distance of the reflected wave received by the receiving antenna; determining a predetermined bin in which the signal strength of the reflected wave is large among a plurality of bins that divide the signal strength distribution; determining a threshold based on the signal strength of the given bin; when the reflected wave having a signal strength exceeding the threshold is detected in the specified bin, a supply signal for supplying the fluid is output to a control unit that controls supply of the fluid or stop of supply of the fluid, and when the reflected wave having a signal strength exceeding the threshold is no longer detected in the specified bin, a stop signal for stopping supply of the fluid is output to the control unit. A method for controlling a water faucet device comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1...Control device 2. FMCW radar 3...Arithmetic unit 3a...Arithmetic section 3a1…Frequency analysis section 3a2…Detection and recognition unit 3b…Judgment part 3c…Storage section 4. Control section 5. Valve 6…Water faucet equipment 7…Water bowl 8...Water discharge section (discharge section) 9…Water (fluid) 10…Water pipe 11…Plumbing 21…Bottle S...Cross-reference to radio-related applications

[0054] This application claims priority based on Patent Application No. 2022-079056 filed with the Japan Patent Office on May 12, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

Claims

1. A transmitting antenna for transmitting radio waves; a receiving antenna for receiving a reflected wave generated when the radio wave hits a fluid; A calculation unit that calculates a signal strength distribution for each arrival angle and flight distance of the reflected wave; a determination unit that determines whether the fluid supply condition and the fluid stop condition are met and outputs a supply signal or a stop signal based on the determination result; a control unit that controls the supply of the fluid or the stop of the supply of the fluid based on the supply signal or the stop signal; Equipped with When only the fluid is being discharged, the determination unit determines a predetermined bin having a large signal strength of the reflected wave from among a plurality of bins that divide the signal strength distribution, determines a threshold value based on the signal strength of the predetermined bin, and outputs the supply signal to the control unit to supply the fluid when the reflected wave having a signal strength exceeding the threshold value is detected in the predetermined bin, and outputs the stop signal to the control unit to stop the supply of the fluid when the reflected wave having a signal strength exceeding the threshold value is no longer detected in the predetermined bin. A control device for a water faucet device.

2. a storage unit that stores the arrival angle, the flight distance, and the threshold value that are assigned to the predetermined bin; The determination unit determines, as the threshold value, a signal strength obtained by adding a certain offset value to an average value of the signal strength of the predetermined bin. The control device for a water faucet device according to claim 1 .

3. a storage unit that stores the arrival angle, the flight distance, and the threshold value that are assigned to the predetermined bin; The determination unit determines a signal strength obtained by subtracting a certain offset value from the average signal strength of the specified bin as a threshold for ejection, and determines a signal strength obtained by adding a certain offset value to the average signal strength of the specified bin as a threshold for ejection, and outputs the supply signal to the control unit when the reflected wave of a signal strength exceeding the threshold for ejection is detected in the specified bin, and outputs the stop signal to the control unit when the reflected wave of a signal strength exceeding the threshold for ejection is no longer detected in the specified bin. The control device for a water faucet device according to claim 1 .

4. The control device for a faucet device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the determination unit calculates the average value of the signal strength of each bin for a certain number of the signal strength distributions generated over time as the average signal strength of each bin, and determines the bin with the maximum strength among the calculated average signal strengths to be the specified bin.

5. The control device for a faucet device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the determination unit calculates the average value of the signal strength of each bin and the bins surrounding each bin for a certain number of the signal strength distributions generated over time as the average signal strength of each bin, and determines the bin with the maximum strength among the calculated average signal strengths and the bins surrounding that bin to be the specified bin.

6. The control device for a faucet device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the determination unit calculates the average value of the signal strength of each bin for a certain number of the signal strength distributions generated over time at a specified time while shifting the specified time, determines the average value of the signal strength of each bin as a moving average signal strength of each bin, and determines the bin with the maximum strength among the calculated moving average signal strengths to be the specified bin.

7. The control device for a water faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the determination unit determines the specified bin based on the signal intensity distribution calculated by the calculation unit while the fluid is being discharged for a certain period of time.

8. A control device for a water faucet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a valve for supplying the fluid or stopping the supply of the fluid; a discharge portion connected to the valve and configured to discharge the fluid; Water bowl and A faucet device comprising:

9. a step of receiving, by a receiving antenna, a reflected wave that is generated when an electric wave transmitted from a transmitting antenna hits the fluid and is reflected by the fluid when only the fluid to be discharged is present; calculating a signal strength distribution for each arrival angle and flight distance of the reflected wave received by the receiving antenna; determining a predetermined bin in which the signal strength of the reflected wave is large among a plurality of bins that divide the signal strength distribution; determining a threshold based on the signal strength of the given bin; when the reflected wave having a signal strength exceeding the threshold is detected in the specified bin, a supply signal for supplying the fluid is output to a control unit that controls supply of the fluid or stop of supply of the fluid, and when the reflected wave having a signal strength exceeding the threshold is no longer detected in the specified bin, a stop signal for stopping supply of the fluid is output to the control unit. A method for controlling a water faucet device comprising:

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