Determination device

Abstract

To provide a determination device that is used with a belt partition stand and can determine a physical distance.SOLUTION: A determination device is a determination device that is locked to a belt stretched between belt partition stands, and includes a sensor that detects humans, and a control unit that determines the number of humans included in a first detection range from among the humans detected by the sensor. The control unit may further determine the number of humans included in a second detection range that is part of the first detection range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a determination device that is hooked onto a tensioned belt of a belt partition stand used to guide the flow of people. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, physical distancing, or maintaining a certain distance between people, has become important to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as influenza or the new coronavirus. For example, in stores or facilities, in order to ensure physical distancing, measures are often taken to alert users to physical distancing by placing tape or stickers on the floor indicating waiting areas.

[0003] In addition, in stores or facilities, the flow of people may be controlled using belt partition stands (for example, see Patent Document 1). That is, multiple belt partition stands are used, and a belt is stretched between the belt partition stands to form a path for people to move along. This makes it possible to control the flow of people. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-176391 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the case of belt partition stands as described in Patent Document 1, in order to ensure the physical distance of multiple people between two adjacent partition stands, it is necessary to indicate waiting areas on the floor as described above. Belt partition stands have the advantage that they can be combined to freely form routes, but this advantage is lost if waiting areas must be indicated on the floor. In addition, if waiting areas are indicated by tape on the floor, people will constantly step on the tape, which will deteriorate and require regular replacement.

[0006] In view of the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention has an object to provide a judgment device that can be used in a belt partition stand and can judge physical distance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A determination device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a determination device that is attached to a tensioned belt of a belt partition stand, and includes a sensor that detects people, and a control unit that determines the number of people detected by the sensor that are included in a first detection range.

[0008] The control unit may further determine the number of people included in a second detection range that is a part of the first detection range.

[0009] The determination device may further include an indicator lamp controlled by the control unit, and the indicator lamp may be controlled to light up in different colors depending on the number of people included in the first detection range and the number of people included in the second detection range.

[0010] The determination device may further include a terminal portion that is electrically connected to a terminal of a communication cable embedded in the belt.

[0011] The determination device may further include a locking portion that closes the opening through which the belt is inserted. Effect of the Invention

[0012] The determination device of one embodiment of the present invention can determine the physical distance of people being guided using a belt partition stand, making it possible to control the flow of people while urging people to maintain physical distance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a mode of use of a determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are schematic and cross-sectional views illustrating a configuration of a determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a further configuration of the determination device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a top view illustrating a usage mode of a determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating a detection range of a determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a mode of use of a determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are schematic and cross-sectional views illustrating a configuration of a determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments are merely examples, and those that a person skilled in the art can easily come up with by appropriately modifying the invention while keeping the gist of the invention are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, in order to make the explanation clearer, the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part may be shown diagrammatically compared to the actual embodiment. However, the shapes shown in the drawings are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention.

[0015] In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the terms "above" or "upper" or "below" or "lower" are used in the explanation, but these terms merely explain the hierarchical relationship of each component. For example, when a structure is installed, the installation surface side on which the structure is usually installed is referred to as "lower" or "lower".

[0016] In this specification, the letters "first," "second," or "third" attached to each component are convenient labels used to distinguish each component, and have no other meaning unless otherwise specified.

[0017] In this specification and drawings, the same reference numerals are used to collectively represent multiple identical or similar components, and lowercase or uppercase alphabets may be added to each of these components to distinguish them from one another. In addition, hyphens and natural numbers may be used to distinguish between multiple parts of one component.

[0018] First Embodiment A determination device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0019] [1. Configuration of the determination device 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a usage mode of a determination device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The determination device 10 is used by being hung on a belt 310 stretched between belt partition stands 30. The belt partition stands 30 form a route partitioned by the belt 310, thereby controlling the flow of people. The determination device 10 can determine the presence or absence of a person between the belt partition stands 30 and can alert the person to physical distance. The determination device 10 hung on the belt 310 between two adjacent belt partition stands 30 may be one or more. The number of determination devices 10 is determined, for example, by the distance between the two adjacent belt partition stands 30 or the size of the physical distance to be set.

[0020] 2(A) and 2(B) are a schematic diagram and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing the configuration of a determination device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The determination device 10 includes a main body 100, a sensor 110, an indicator lamp 120, an audio output unit 130, and a lock unit 140. The sensor 110, the indicator lamp 120, and the audio output unit 130 are installed on the front, top, and rear surfaces of the main body 100, respectively. The lock unit 140 is provided to fit with the main body 100.

[0021] The main body 100 has a U-shape including a front part, an upper part, and a rear part so that it can be hooked on the belt 310. The upper part of the main body 100 is hooked on the upper part of the belt 310, so that the main body 100 is hooked on the belt 310. The front part and the rear part of the main body 100 have a certain gap between which the belt is inserted. If the gap between the front part and the rear part is too large, the upper part of the main body 100 above the belt 310 is not stable, so the gap between the front part and the rear part is determined taking into consideration the width of the belt 310. In addition, the main body 100 may be configured such that at least one of the front part or the rear part is biased and the belt 310 is sandwiched between the front part and the rear part. With such a configuration, the main body 100 can be fixed at a predetermined position on the belt 310.

[0022] The sensor 110 is a so-called human presence sensor that can detect the presence of a person. The sensor 110 can detect, for example, infrared rays emitted from a person that correspond to body temperature, and detect the presence of a person. The sensor 110 has a maximum detection range. That is, the sensor 110 has a maximum detection range of a predetermined angle ±α (°) from the central axis of the sensor 110, and can detect the presence of a person within this maximum detection range. The sensor 110 can also output a detection signal that represents the position of the person in terms of an angle.

[0023] The indicator lamp 120 is a light source such as an LED. It is preferable that the indicator lamp 120 can be lit in multiple colors, such as blue, yellow, or red, so that it is possible to visually check in stages whether or not physical distance is being maintained. In other words, the indicator lamp 120 can visually notify information regarding physical distance. Note that the indicator lamp 120 may not only be lit but also be able to flash. The illumination intensity of the indicator lamp 360 can be set according to the brightness of external light. The brightness of external light can be detected by the output of a solar panel.

[0024] The audio output unit 130 can output a predetermined sound. The audio output unit 130 includes, for example, a speaker that reproduces and outputs a sound from a recorded sound source. That is, the audio output unit 130 can audibly notify information regarding physical distance. The sound source can be selected according to the color of the light of the indicator lamp 120.

[0025] The locking part 140 can close the space surrounded by the front part, the upper part, and the rear part of the main body 100 into which the belt 310 is inserted so that the determination device 10 cannot be removed from the belt 310. In other words, the locking part 140 can close the opening into which the belt 310 is inserted. For example, the locking part 140 can be configured to include a male thread (e.g., a bolt) and a female thread (e.g., a nut), and the male thread penetrates through holes provided in the front part and the rear part and is screwed into the female thread. When the front part and the rear part are connected via the locking part 140 at the open lower part of the main body 100, the determination device 10 cannot be removed from the belt 310. Therefore, the provision of the locking part 140 can prevent the theft of the determination device 10. However, the locking part 140 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. For example, locking portion 140 may include a chain that connects the front and rear portions of main body 100 together and closes an opening through which belt 310 is inserted.

[0026] Although not shown, the determination device 10 may be provided with a power button and a battery unit. With these configurations, the determination device 10 is supplied with power from the battery unit by pressing the power button. It is preferable that the power button is provided with a cover to prevent malfunction. It is preferable that the battery unit is a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion battery, but is not limited to this. It is preferable that the battery unit is provided inside the main body 100. It is also possible that a solar panel is incorporated in a part of the main body 100, making it possible to charge the lithium battery.

[0027] Although not shown, the determination device 10 may be provided with a communication interface capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information or data. When the determination device 10 includes a communication interface, the determination devices 10 can be communicatively connected to each other. As the wireless communication interface, for example, a LAN module or a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) module can be used.

[0028] 3 is a block diagram showing a further configuration of the determination device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the determination device 10 includes a control unit 150 and a storage unit 160. The control unit 150 and the storage unit 160 are preferably provided in the main body 100.

[0029] The control unit 150 can control the indicator lamp 120 and the audio output unit 130 based on the detection signal from the sensor 110. The control unit 150 can control the function of the determination unit 151 by executing a program on the computer. The computer includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a digital signal processor (DSP), and further includes a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM) as a storage device. The storage device stores a program. The storage unit 160 is a storage that can store a setting value 161 that represents a determination condition determined by the determination unit 151. For example, the storage unit 160 can be a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, or the like, but is not limited to these. The storage unit 160 may be included in the storage device.

[0030] The determination unit 151 can determine whether or not the physical distance is ensured based on the detection signal from the sensor 110 and a set value 161 stored in the storage unit 160. The determination unit 151 also generates an indication lamp control signal corresponding to the determination, and controls the indication lamp 120. The determination conditions executed by the determination unit 151 will be described later.

[0031] The set value 161 includes a value used in the judgment condition. In the judgment device 10, the set detection range is set to a part of the maximum detection range of the sensor 110. That is, in the judgment device 10, the set detection range is set to an angle of ±β (°) (β<α) from the central axis of the sensor 110. Therefore, the storage unit 160 stores a set value including the value β. Note that the value β may be changeable by the user.

[0032] 2. Usage of the Determination Device 10 Fig. 4 is a top view illustrating a usage mode of the determination device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a top view illustrating a detection range of the determination device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. When explaining the usage mode of the determination device 10 shown in Fig. 4, the parameters shown in Fig. 5 may be referred to as appropriate.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, three judgment devices 10 (a first judgment device 10-1, a second judgment device 10-2, and a third judgment device 10-3) are hung on a belt 310 stretched between two adjacent belt partition stands 30.

[0034] Each of the first sensor 110-1 to the third sensor 110-3 of the first determination device 10-1 to the third determination device 10-3 outputs a detection signal (θ(°)) when detecting the presence of a person within the maximum detection range 111. The number of people detected by each of the first sensor 110-1 to the third sensor 110-3 may be multiple people. The control unit 150 (specifically, the determination unit 151) of each of the first determination device 10-1 to the third determination device 10-3 determines whether or not a physical distance is ensured based on the detection signal and a predetermined determination condition. In particular, when the detection signal includes multiple people, the control unit 150 determines whether or not a person is present within the set detection range 112.

[0035] The first sensor 110-1 detects a first person 500-1 in the maximum detection range 111 and outputs a detection signal. The control unit 150 of the first determination device 10-1 determines that one person is present within the maximum detection range 111, and transmits an indicator lamp control signal corresponding to the determination to the first indicator lamp 120-1 of the first determination device 10-1. For example, an indicator lamp control signal that lights up blue is transmitted to the first indicator lamp 120-1.

[0036] The second sensor 110-2 detects the second person 500-2 and the third person 500-3 in the maximum detection range 111 and outputs a detection signal. Here, the second person 500-2 and the third person 500-3 do not exist within the set detection range 112. The control unit 150 of the second determination device 10-2 determines that two people exist within the maximum detection range 111 and that no person exists within the set detection range 112, and transmits an indicator lamp control signal corresponding to the determination to the second indicator lamp 120-2 of the second determination device 10-2. For example, an indicator lamp control signal that lights up yellow is transmitted to the second indicator lamp 120-2.

[0037] The third sensor 110-3 detects a third person 500-3 and a fourth person 500-4 in the maximum detection range 111 and outputs a detection signal. Here, the third person 500-3 does not exist within the set detection range 112, but the fourth person 500-4 exists within the set detection range 112. The control unit 150 of the third determination device 10-3 determines that two people exist within the maximum detection range 111 and one person exists within the set detection range 112, and transmits an indicator lamp control signal corresponding to the determination to the third indicator lamp 120-3 of the third determination device 10-3. For example, an indicator lamp control signal that lights up in red is transmitted to the third indicator lamp 120-3. At this time, the determination unit also transmits an audio output unit control signal that generates a warning sound to the audio output unit 130.

[0038] The first person 500-1 is detected by the first determination device 10-1, but the second person 500-2 is not detected by the first determination device 10-1. Therefore, it is understood that the second person 500-2 exists outside the maximum detection range 111 of the first determination device 10-1 and maintains a certain distance from the first person 500-1 who exists within the maximum detection range of the first determination device 10-1. That is, a physical distance is maintained between the first person 500-1 and the second person 500-2. Therefore, the second person 500-2 can move forward after confirming that the first indicator lamp 120-1 is lit in blue.

[0039] The second person 500-2 and the third person 500-3 are detected by the second determination device 10-2. Here, both the second person 500-2 and the third person 500-3 are outside the set detection range 112 of the second determination device 10-2. Therefore, it is understood that a distance equivalent to the set detection range 112 is maintained between the second person 500-2 and the third person 500-3. That is, a physical distance is also maintained between the second person 500-2 and the third person 500-3. However, if the third person 500-3 moves forward, the third person 500-3 may enter the set detection range 112 of the second determination device 10-2 and the physical distance may not be maintained, so it is necessary to warn the third person 500-3. Therefore, the third person 500-3 can see that the second indicator lamp 120-2 is lit in yellow and proceed forward with caution.

[0040] The third person 500-3 and the fourth person 500-4 are detected by the third determination device 10-3. Here, the third person 500-3 is detected outside the set detection range 112 of the third determination device 10-3, and the fourth person 500-4 is detected within the set detection range 112 of the third determination device 10-3. Therefore, it is understood that a distance equivalent to the set detection range 112 is not maintained between the third person 500-3 and the fourth person 500-4. In other words, a physical distance is not maintained between the third person 500-3 and the fourth person 500-4. Therefore, the fourth person 500-4 can confirm that the third display lamp 120-3 is lit in red, stop once, and wait until a physical distance is maintained.

[0041] The judgment conditions of the control unit 150 and the lighting colors of the indicator lamps are summarized in Table 1. However, the judgment conditions and lighting colors are not limited to those in Table 1. For example, the judgment conditions may be judgment conditions that use a first set detection range and a second set detection range instead of the above-mentioned maximum detection range 111 and set detection range 112. Also, the lighting color may be flashing instead of being lit.

[0042] [Table 1]

[0043] As described above, in the determination device 10, the control unit 150 can determine the physical distance based on the detection signal from the sensor 110. In other words, by hanging the determination device 10 on the belt stretched between two adjacent belt partition stands 30, the magnitude of the physical distance between people present between the belt partition stands 30 can be determined. In addition, the control unit 150 can control the lighting of the display lamp 120 based on the determination. Therefore, by using the determination device 10, it is possible to control the flow of people while calling attention to maintaining physical distance.

[0044] <Second embodiment> A determination device 10A according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. When the configuration of the determination device 10A is similar to that of the determination device 10, the description of the configuration of the determination device 10A may be omitted.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a usage mode of the determination device 10A according to one embodiment of the present invention. The determination device 10A is used by being hung on a belt 310A stretched between belt partition stands 30A. An indicator lamp 320A is provided on the upper part of the belt partition stand 30A. A communication cable 311A ​​is embedded in the belt 310A, and a terminal 312A electrically connected to the communication cable 311A ​​is provided. The determination device 10A is installed so as to be hung at the position of the terminal 312A. The number of terminals 312A provided on the belt 310A or the interval between the terminals 312A is not particularly limited. The number of terminals 312A or the interval between the terminals 312A is determined by the size of the physical distance. In addition to the communication cable 311A, a power cable may be embedded in the belt 310A.

[0046] 7(A) and 7(B) are a schematic diagram and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing the configuration of a determination device 10A according to one embodiment of the present invention. The determination device 10A includes a main body 100A, a sensor 110A, an indicator lamp 120A, an audio output unit 130A, a lock unit 140A, and a terminal unit 170A.

[0047] The main body 100A, sensor 110A, indicator lamp 120A, audio output unit 130A, and lock unit 140A have the same configurations as the main body 100, sensor 110, indicator lamp 120, audio output unit 130, and lock unit 140 described above, respectively, so descriptions of these configurations are omitted.

[0048] When the determination device 10A is hung on the belt 310A, the terminal portion 170A is electrically connected to the terminal 312A of the belt 310A. Therefore, the multiple determination devices 10A hung on the belt 310A can be connected to each other for communication via the communication cable 311A. In addition, if a power cable is embedded in the belt 310A, power can be supplied to the multiple determination devices 10A via the power cable. Each of the terminals 312A may be assigned a unique ID. By connecting the determination device 10A to the terminal 312A, the determination device 10A can operate using the unique ID of the terminal 312A as the ID assigned to the determination device 10A. These unique IDs may be stored as the distance from the end of the belt 310A to the position of the terminal having each ID.

[0049] The communication cable 311A ​​is electrically connected to a control unit (e.g., a computer) of the belt partition stand 30A. Therefore, the determination device 10A hung on the belt 310A can be controlled by the control unit of the belt partition stand 30A. For example, the control unit of the belt partition stand 30A can assign an ID number to each of the multiple determination devices 10A and change the setting values ​​of the determination conditions of each of the multiple determination devices 10A. In other words, the control unit of the belt partition stand 30A can be used to control the setting values ​​of the multiple determination devices 10A collectively or individually.

[0050] In addition, the control unit of the belt partition stand 30A can obtain the number of people detected by the sensor 110A from the determination device 10A. The control unit of the belt partition stand 30A can count the number of people detected by the sensor 110A of one or more determination devices 10A between two adjacent belt partition stands 30, and determine whether the number of people between the two adjacent belt partition stands 30 exceeds the allowable number of people that can ensure physical distance. The control unit of the belt partition stand 30A can control the lighting color of the indicator lamp 320A based on the determination.

[0051] As described above, by using the determination device 10A, it is possible to control the flow of people while calling attention to maintaining physical distance, similar to the determination device 10 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the determination device 10A is electrically connected to the control unit of the belt partition stand 30A via the communication cable 311A ​​of the belt 310A. Therefore, the determination device 10A can be controlled by the control unit of the belt partition stand 30A. In addition, the control unit of the belt partition stand 30A can control the lighting of the display lamp 320A based on the number of people detected by the determination device 10A. Therefore, by using the determination device 10A, it is possible to control the flow of people while calling attention to the allowable number of people between two adjacent belt partition stands 30A.

[0052] The embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by appropriately combining configurations as long as they are not mutually contradictory. Furthermore, those in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds or deletes configurations or modifies designs based on the embodiments, or adds or omits steps or modifies conditions, are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0053] Even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the above-described embodiments, those which are clear from the description in this specification or which can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10, 10A: Determination device, 30, 30A: Belt partition stand, 100, 100A: Main body, 110, 110A: Sensor, 111: Maximum detection range, 112: Set detection range, 120, 120A: Indicator lamp, 130, 130A: Audio output unit, 140, 140A: Lock unit, 150: Control unit, 151: Determination unit, 160: Memory unit, 161: Set value, 170A: Terminal unit, 310, 310A: Belt, 311A: Communication cable, 312A: Terminal, 320A: Indicator lamp, 500: Person

Claims

1. A determination device that is hooked onto a tensioned belt of a belt partition stand, A sensor for detecting a person; A determination device including: a control unit that determines the number of people detected by the sensor that are included in a first detection range.

2. The determination device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further determines a number of people included in a second detection range that is a part of the first detection range.

3. Further, an indicator lamp controlled by the control unit is included, The determination device according to claim 2 , wherein the indicator lamp is controlled so that a lighting color thereof varies depending on the number of people included in the first detection range and the number of people included in the second detection range.

4. The determination device according to claim 1 , further comprising a terminal portion electrically connected to a terminal of a communication cable embedded in the belt.

5. The determination device according to claim 1 , further comprising a locking portion that closes a space into which the belt is inserted.

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