Infrared Camera System

Abstract

To achieve an infrared camera system capable of restraining increase in exploration time and improving accuracy of detecting a fire source position.SOLUTION: An infrared camera system includes an infrared camera for outputting temperature information as image data, a control unit for identifying a fire source position on the basis of the temperature information of each of a plurality of pixels in the image data, and a driving mechanism being movable in a pointing direction of the infrared camera. The driving mechanism has a configuration that allows the infrared camera to be moved with a resolution higher than a pixel size of the infrared camera. The control unit has a detailed fire source search mode for controlling the driving mechanism to move the infrared camera by a first movement amount that is preset as a movement amount smaller than the pixel size, and identifying a fire source position with a resolution higher than the pixel size by using each temperature information output from the infrared camera before and after moving the infrared camera by a first movement amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an infrared camera system that uses an infrared camera to detect a fire source location. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a conventional technique that uses an infrared camera to identify the location of a fire source within a fire monitoring area (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the infrared camera captures an image within its coverage area and outputs temperature information corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels as image data.

[0003] In particular, when a large space is to be the fire monitoring area, the fire monitoring area is divided into multiple areas, an infrared camera is positioned for each area, and images are taken by the infrared camera at multiple stopping positions.Then, from the multiple image data captured by the infrared camera at the multiple stopping positions, the position within the fire monitoring area corresponding to the pixel with the highest temperature information is extracted, thereby making it possible to identify the fire source position.

[0004] Image data captured by an infrared camera is acquired as an image projected onto an infrared imaging element through a lens. Therefore, the temperature information at each pixel is not temperature information at the original position, but is affected by lens distortion. The farther away from the center of the lens, the more affected by lens distortion, and in terms of image data, the farther a pixel is from the center, the more displaced the pixel is from its original position.

[0005] In order to suppress the influence of such lens distortion, Patent Document 1 performs fire source detection in the following two stages: In the first stage, high temperature areas are roughly detected throughout the entire monitoring area, and candidate fire source points with large amounts of infrared rays are identified.

[0006] Next, in the second stage, a position correction process is performed so that the direction of the infrared camera matches the candidate fire source point, and the fire source position is identified based on image data obtained through the center part of the lens.

[0007] There are also false alarm sources within the monitoring area, so by performing fire source detection in this two-stage process, detailed detection can be performed starting from areas with the greatest amount of infrared light. As a result, false alarms can be reduced, the overall detection time can be shortened, and the fire source position can be identified while suppressing the effects of lens distortion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-120151 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, the conventional techniques have the following problems. Infrared cameras that output temperature information to identify the location of a fire generally have a low resolution. Therefore, even if fire detection is performed in the two-step process described above, the detection accuracy of the fire source location depends on the resolution of the infrared camera.

[0010] In order to increase the resolution of an infrared camera, it is possible to use a lens that narrows the viewing angle and capture a smaller area as a single image data. However, narrowing the viewing angle results in a longer search time for the entire monitoring area.

[0011] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an infrared camera system that can suppress an increase in exploration time and improve the accuracy of detecting the location of a fire source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The infrared camera system according to the present disclosure includes an infrared camera that captures an image of a monitored area and outputs temperature information corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels as image data; a control unit that identifies a fire source position based on the temperature information of each of the plurality of pixels in the image data output from the infrared camera; and a drive mechanism that can move the direction of focus of the infrared camera in accordance with a command output from the control unit in order to change the imaging position of the infrared camera, the drive mechanism being configured to be able to move the infrared camera with a resolution higher than the pixel size of the infrared camera, and the control unit controls the drive mechanism to move the infrared camera by a first movement amount that is preset as a movement amount smaller than the pixel size, and uses the respective temperature information output from the infrared camera before and after moving the infrared camera by the first movement amount to: The hottest part of the fire source is identified from the pixel where the highest temperature information was obtained before the infrared camera was moved and the pixel where the highest temperature information was obtained after the infrared camera was moved. It has a detailed fire source detection mode that identifies the fire source location with a resolution higher than the pixel size. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, an infrared camera system can be obtained that can suppress an increase in exploration time and improve the accuracy of detecting the location of a fire source. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an infrared camera system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating a vertical monitoring area of ​​the infrared camera according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view for explaining a horizontal monitoring area of ​​the infrared camera according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 3 is a table summarizing monitoring positions using the infrared camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an imaging result by an infrared camera according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a positional relationship of image data before and after an infrared camera is moved in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram relating to a detailed fire source detection mode in which a fire source position is identified based on temperature information in image data before and after the infrared camera is moved in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a detailed fire source detection mode for identifying a fire source position based on temperature information in image data before and after moving the infrared camera in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and shows a pattern different from that shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram relating to a fire source position detection method utilizing characteristics of a fire source in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a series of processes relating to a fire source position detection method utilizing characteristics of a fire source in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the infrared camera system according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The infrared camera system according to the present disclosure has a technical feature of having a detailed fire source detection mode in which the infrared camera is moved by an amount smaller than the pixel size, and the fire source position is identified with a resolution higher than the pixel size by using temperature information output from the infrared camera before and after the movement.

[0016] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an infrared camera system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The infrared camera system 10 shown in Fig. 1 is arranged in a fire monitoring area so as to search for a fire source position within a pre-assigned coverage area. The infrared camera system 10 is configured to include a control unit 11, an infrared camera 12, and a drive mechanism 13.

[0017] The infrared camera 12 has a function of capturing an image of the area covered by the camera through a lens, and outputting temperature information corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels as image data. The control unit 11 also executes a process of identifying the location of a fire source within the area covered by the camera, based on the image data captured by the infrared camera 12.

[0018] The driving mechanism 13 is a mechanism for moving the imaging area of ​​the infrared camera 12 and changing the imaging position according to a command output from the control unit 11. If the entire fire monitoring area cannot be covered by simply moving the imaging position of one infrared camera 12 with the driving mechanism 13, it is possible to install multiple sets of infrared cameras 12 and driving mechanisms 13 in different locations.

[0019] Next, specific examples of the viewing angle of infrared camera 12 and the monitoring area associated with the movement of infrared camera 12 using drive mechanism 13 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 2 to 5. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the vertical monitoring area of ​​infrared camera 12 according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 shows the monitoring area when infrared camera 12 has a vertical viewing angle of 37 degrees and the initially set elevation angle during exploration is set to -20.5 degrees.

[0020] When infrared camera 12 is installed at a height of 8 m from the floor of the monitored area, the area with a radius of 9.9 m at the feet becomes the unguarded area at the initially set elevation and depression angles. When infrared camera 12 is installed at a height of 15 m from the floor of the monitored area, the area with a radius of 18.5 m at the feet becomes the unguarded area at the initially set elevation and depression angles.

[0021] The area included in one pixel becomes larger the further away from the infrared camera 12. Therefore, for a fire source of the same size, the farther away it is from the infrared camera 12, the fewer pixels the image data extracted will be.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a plan view for explaining a horizontal monitoring area of ​​infrared camera 12 according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 shows a case where infrared camera 12 has a horizontal viewing angle of 50 degrees and covers a monitoring range from 95 degrees to -95 degrees by capturing images while moving in five horizontal orientation directions of 70 degrees, 35 degrees, 0 degrees, -35 degrees, and -70 degrees.

[0023] That is, the control unit 11 controls the position of the drive mechanism 13 to move the imaging position of the infrared camera 12, and rotates the infrared camera 12 in the horizontal direction by 35 degrees at a time. As a result, the infrared camera 12 can obtain detection information including temperature information in the monitoring range from 95 degrees to -95 degrees by imaging a monitoring area with a horizontal viewing angle of 50 degrees in five directions of 70 degrees, 35 degrees, 0 degrees, -35 degrees, and -70 degrees.

[0024] Fig. 4 is a list of monitoring positions by infrared camera 12 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4, control unit 11 can obtain detection information over a vertical range of -2 degrees to -39 degrees as shown in Fig. 2 and a horizontal range of 95 degrees to -95 degrees as shown in Fig. 3 by moving infrared camera 12 to five monitoring positions No. 1 to No. 5. Depending on the size of the target monitoring area, it is also possible to move the infrared camera in the vertical direction as well to obtain detection information in a plurality of orientation directions.

[0025] Next, a flow of fire source exploration based on the monitoring results at five monitoring positions No. 1 to No. 5 as shown in Fig. 4 will be described. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the imaging results by infrared camera 12 in embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 shows, as an example, a state in which image data consisting of 320 pixels in the X direction and 240 pixels in the Y direction is captured by infrared camera 12 at any one of the five monitoring positions shown in Fig. 4, and temperature information can be obtained corresponding to each pixel.

[0026] Here, it is assumed that point P1 (x1, y1) is specified as a fire source candidate point in the control unit 11. In this case, the control unit 11 performs position correction processing by controlling the driving mechanism 13 to move the pointing direction of the infrared camera 12 so that point P1, which is a fire source candidate point, is positioned at Pc (xc, yc), which is the center of the image.

[0027] More specifically, the control unit 11 can calculate the horizontal movement angle from the current horizontal position of the drive mechanism and the vertical movement angle from the current vertical position of the drive mechanism by the following formula. Horizontal travel angle = current horizontal position of the drive mechanism + (number of horizontal pixels / 2-x1) x (horizontal viewing angle / number of horizontal pixels) Vertical travel angle = current vertical position of the drive mechanism + (number of vertical pixels / 2-y1) x (vertical viewing angle / number of vertical pixels)

[0028] Here, based on the specific examples shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 5, Horizontal viewing angle = 50 degrees Vertical viewing angle = 37 degrees Horizontal pixels = 320 Vertical pixels = 240 It becomes.

[0029] After the position correction process is completed, the control unit 11 executes the process of identifying the fire source position again for the fire source candidate point. In this way, by re-identifying the fire source position based on the image data obtained through the center of the lens after the position correction process is performed, the influence of the lens distortion can be suppressed and the calculation accuracy of the fire source position can be stabilized.

[0030] The flow of fire source detection is to roughly detect all high temperature areas, and then perform a position correction process as explained using Figure 5 for fire source candidate points with a large amount of infrared light, to detect their detailed positions. Since there are also false alarm sources, performing detailed scans starting from areas with as large an amount of infrared light as possible leads to a reduction in the overall detection time.

[0031] However, as explained in [Problems to be Solved by the Invention], the infrared camera 12 that outputs temperature information for identifying the fire source position generally has a low resolution. Therefore, even if a fire source is detected after the position correction process explained with reference to FIG. 5 is performed, the detection accuracy of the fire source position depends on the resolution of the infrared camera 12.

[0032] If the positional accuracy when detecting the fire source is deviated, the position of the water discharged thereafter will also be deviated, so it is desirable to detect the fire source position with higher accuracy. Therefore, the infrared camera system according to the present disclosure has a detailed fire source exploration mode in which the infrared camera is moved by an amount smaller than the pixel size of the image data acquired through the lens, and the fire source position is identified using the temperature information output from the infrared camera before and after the movement, thereby realizing high accuracy in detecting the fire source position.

[0033] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the positional relationship of image data before and after moving infrared camera 12 in embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. ΔP in Fig. 6 indicates the pixel size of image data generated by infrared camera 12. In Fig. 6, the direction in which infrared camera 12 is moved left and right is the X axis, and the direction in which infrared camera 12 is moved in the elevation and depression angle direction is the Y axis.

[0034] Furthermore, image data captured before the infrared camera 12 was moved is shown by a solid line as IMG1, and image data captured after the infrared camera 12 was moved half a pixel to the right and half a pixel in the depression direction is shown by a dotted line as IMG2.

[0035] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram relating to a detailed fire source detection mode for identifying a fire source position based on temperature information in image data before and after moving infrared camera 12 in embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 shows five states, (A1), (A2), (B1), (B2), and (C), each of which is a schematic representation of the following state.

[0036] Fig. 7(A1): IMG1, which is image data captured before moving the infrared camera 12. Fig. 7(A1) shows an example in which the temperature information within one pixel is divided into four parts to approximate the actual temperature distribution, with the hottest part of the fire source being 100, its surroundings being 10, and its surroundings being 1.

[0037] FIG. 7(A2): This shows the temperature information for each pixel of IMG1 in FIG. 7(A1). The sum of the values ​​displayed in four parts in FIG. 7(A1) is the temperature information for each pixel. If we judge only from the temperature information of IMG1 shown in FIG. 7(A2), the pixel position of the temperature information 130 filled in gray would be identified as the fire source position.

[0038] Fig. 7(B1): IMG2 is image data captured after the infrared camera 12 is moved half a pixel to the right and half a pixel in the depression direction. In Fig. 7(B1), similar to Fig. 7(A1), the temperature information within one pixel is divided into four parts to approximate the actual temperature distribution, and the hottest part of the fire source is 100, the surrounding area is 10, and the surrounding area is 1.

[0039] FIG. 7(B2): This shows the temperature information for each pixel of IMG2 in FIG. 7(B1). The sum of the values ​​displayed in four parts in FIG. 7(B1) is the temperature information for each pixel. Judging only from the temperature information of IMG2 shown in FIG. 7(B2), the pixel position of the temperature information 130 filled in gray would be identified as the fire source position.

[0040] Fig. 7(C): ​​An image of the state where the fire source position is identified using the temperature information of IMG1 from Fig. 7(A2) and the temperature information of IMG2 from Fig. 7(B2). As shown in Fig. 7(C), the fire source position identified using the pixel showing the highest temperature information in IMG1 and the pixel showing the highest temperature information in IMG2 is shown as a black square.

[0041] The position of this black square corresponds to the position shown as temperature information 100 in Figures 7(A1) and 7(B1). Therefore, by utilizing the detailed fire source detection mode that identifies the fire source position based on temperature information in image data before and after the infrared camera 12 is moved, it is possible to identify the fire source position with a resolution higher than the pixel size in a required location.

[0042] In other words, by using a wide-angle lens to roughly search for high-temperature areas throughout the entire monitoring area, and by using a detailed fire source search mode in combination when it is necessary to pinpoint the fire source location with high precision, an infrared camera system can be realized that can prevent increases in search time and improve the detection accuracy of the fire source location.

[0043] In Fig. 7(C), an example of identifying the fire source position is explained using a simple method in order to easily explain the concept of high resolution. However, in general, the temperature information obtained in Fig. 7(A2) is equally allocated to the pixels divided into four, and similarly, the temperature information obtained in Fig. 7(B2) is equally allocated to the pixels divided into four, and then the temperature information is averaged at the corresponding positions to obtain temperature information for each of the four divided pixels.

[0044] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram relating to a detailed fire source detection mode for identifying a fire source position based on temperature information in image data before and after infrared camera 12 is moved in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and shows a pattern different from that shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 8 shows five patterns, (A1), (A2), (B1), (B2), and (C), each of which is a schematic representation of the following state.

[0045] Fig. 8 (A1): IMG1, which is image data captured before the infrared camera 12 is moved, is shown. In Fig. 8 (A1), the temperature information within one pixel is divided into four parts to approximate the actual temperature distribution, and the hottest part of the fire source is one pixel, which is 100, and the surrounding area is all 0. The part with temperature information of 100 in one pixel is divided into four parts, each of which is shown as 25.

[0046] Figure 8(A2): This shows the temperature information for each pixel of IMG1 in Figure 8(A1). The sum of the values ​​displayed in four parts in Figure 8(A1) is the temperature information for each pixel. If we judge only from the temperature information of IMG1 shown in Figure 8(A2), there are only pixels with temperature information of 25 or less, and the location of the fire source cannot be identified.

[0047] Fig. 8(B1): IMG2 is image data captured after infrared camera 12 is moved half a pixel to the right and half a pixel in the depression direction. In Fig. 8(B1), similar to Fig. 8(A1), the temperature information within one pixel is divided into four parts to approximate the actual temperature distribution, and the hottest part of the fire source is one pixel, which is 100, and the surrounding parts are all 0. The part with temperature information of 100 in one pixel is divided into four parts, each of which is shown as 25.

[0048] FIG. 8(B2): This shows the temperature information for each pixel of IMG2 in FIG. 8(B1). The sum of the values ​​displayed in four parts in FIG. 8(B1) is the temperature information for each pixel. Judging only from the temperature information of IMG2 shown in FIG. 8(B2), the pixel position of the temperature information 100 filled in gray would be identified as the fire source position.

[0049] Fig. 8(C): An image of the state where the fire source position is identified using the temperature information of IMG1 from Fig. 8(A2) and the temperature information of IMG2 from Fig. 8(B2). The fire source position could not be identified in IMG1, but it could be identified in IMG2, so the same state as Fig. 8(B2) is shown as Fig. 8(C).

[0050] The state of Fig. 8(C) cannot be obtained by the imaging result of Fig. 8(A1), but is obtained for the first time by the imaging result of Fig. 8(B1). Therefore, by utilizing the detailed fire source detection mode that identifies the fire source position based on the temperature information in the image data before and after moving the infrared camera 12, pixels having high temperature information can be accurately extracted, and the fire source position can be identified without lowering the fire threshold. As a result, the effect of identifying the fire source position with a resolution higher than the pixel size can be achieved in the necessary place.

[0051] In other words, by using a wide-angle lens to roughly search for high-temperature areas throughout the entire monitoring area, and by using a detailed fire source search mode in combination when it is necessary to pinpoint the fire source location with high precision, an infrared camera system can be realized that can prevent increases in search time and improve the detection accuracy of the fire source location.

[0052] In the above-mentioned specific example of the detailed fire source detection mode, the case of moving by half a pixel has been described, but the amount of movement is not limited to this. The detailed fire source detection mode that identifies the fire source position with a resolution higher than the pixel size can also be realized based on a plurality of image data obtained by moving the infrared camera 12 by a first amount of movement that is preset as an amount of movement smaller than the pixel size.

[0053] The fire source, which is the detection target of the infrared camera system according to the present disclosure, does not fluctuate much at the base, but has the characteristic of fluctuating up and down and left and right at the other parts. In particular, the output is unstable above the flame due to the breathing action of the flame. Therefore, the application of the detailed fire source detection mode taking such characteristics into consideration will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0054] 9 is an explanatory diagram of a fire source position detection method using the characteristics of a fire source in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the fire source to be detected has a characteristic that its base is less likely to fluctuate. In other words, the base of the fire source tends to fluctuate less and maintain a stable high temperature state.

[0055] Figures 9(A) to 9(C) show time-series image data capturing the ever-changing fire source. Note that in Figures 9(A) to 9(C), the actual temperature information within one pixel is divided into four parts. The base of the fire source is stable with temperature information of 100, but above the base and to the left and right, the fire source fluctuates, showing that the temperature information varies.

[0056] If the detailed fire source detection mode is simply used in a state where there is such variation, the image data before and after the movement may have different temperature information distributions affected by the fluctuation. For example, if the image data in Fig. 9(B) is obtained as IMG1, the image before the movement, and the image data in Fig. 9(C) is obtained as IMG2, the image after the movement, the temperature information varies due to the influence of the fluctuation, so there is a risk that the effect described above using Fig. 7 will not be obtained.

[0057] Therefore, as a first step, the control unit 11 acquires IMG1 and IMG2 by moving in the elevation angle direction, and identifies the position having the highest temperature information along the elevation angle direction from IMG1 and IMG2 as shown by the arrows in Figures 9(A) to 9(C), thereby identifying the Y coordinate position of the base of the fire source with high accuracy. That is, as a first step, the Y coordinate position of the pixel showing temperature information of about 100 without fluctuation is identified.

[0058] Next, in the second step, the control unit 11 acquires IMG1 and IMG2 by moving left and right, and identifies the position with the highest temperature information from IMG1 and IMG2 to identify the X-coordinate position of the base of the fire source with high accuracy. That is, in the second step, the X-coordinate position of the pixel showing temperature information of about 100 without fluctuation is identified.

[0059] In this way, by taking advantage of the characteristics of the fire source and executing the detailed fire source detection mode in two steps, it is possible to pinpoint the fire source position in both the elevation and depression directions and the left and right directions with a resolution higher than the pixel size.

[0060] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of processes related to a fire source position detection method using characteristics of a fire source in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. First, in step S1001, the control unit 11 executes a fire source detection process based on image data output from the infrared camera 12 at one or more monitoring positions within a fire monitoring area.

[0061] Specifically, the control unit 11 judges whether there is a pixel having temperature information exceeding a preset fire threshold from among all image data, and if it judges that there is, it identifies the pixel having the highest temperature information among them as a fire source candidate point. In the example shown in Fig. 4 above, the control unit 11 identifies fire source candidate points from five pieces of image data at five monitoring positions No. 1 to No. 5.

[0062] Next, in step S1002, the control unit 11 judges whether or not a fire source candidate point has been specified. That is, if there is no pixel having temperature information exceeding the fire threshold, the control unit 11 determines that a fire source candidate point has not been specified and ends the series of processes. On the other hand, if a fire source candidate point has been specified in step S1001, the control unit 11 proceeds to the processes of step S1003 and after.

[0063] When the process proceeds to step S1003, the control unit 11 executes a position correction process so that the fire source candidate point P1 coincides with the pointing direction of the infrared camera. Specifically, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, the control unit 11 executes a position correction process so that the fire source candidate point P1 is located at the position Pc which is the center of the image.

[0064] Next, in step S1004, the control unit 11 executes the above-mentioned first step by using the detailed fire source exploration mode. Specifically, the control unit 11 executes the first step to identify the Y coordinate position of the root part of the fire source. As a result, the Y coordinate of the fire source position is identified with a resolution higher than the pixel size.

[0065] Next, in step S1005, the control unit 11 executes the above-mentioned second step by using the detailed fire source exploration mode. Specifically, the control unit 11 executes the second step to identify the X-coordinate position of the root part of the fire source. As a result, the X-coordinate of the fire source position is identified with a resolution higher than the pixel size.

[0066] Then, in step S1006, the control unit 11 can finally specify the fire source position having a resolution higher than the pixel size, using the Y coordinate specified in step S1004 and the X coordinate specified in step S1005.

[0067] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the infrared camera is moved by an amount smaller than the pixel size, and the fire source position can be identified with a resolution higher than the pixel size by using the temperature information output from the infrared camera before and after the movement. In addition, the fire source position can be identified without lowering the fire threshold. As a result, an infrared camera system can be realized that can suppress an increase in exploration time and improve the detection accuracy of the fire source position.

[0068] In addition, while the output is unstable above the flame due to the breathing action of the flame, the output is stable with less fluctuation at the base of the flame. By utilizing this inherent fluctuation characteristic of the fire source, the position in the elevation / depression angle direction can be identified first, and then the position in the left / right direction can be identified, thereby suppressing the deterioration of position detection accuracy due to the effects of fluctuation.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the detailed fire source detection mode is described as a mode in which the fire source position is identified with a resolution higher than the pixel size by using the temperature information output from the infrared camera in two pieces of image data before and after the infrared camera is moved by an amount smaller than the pixel size. However, the detailed fire source detection mode according to the present disclosure is not limited to the mode in which two pieces of image data are used.

[0070] It is also possible to obtain temperature information for multiple image data in each of three or more multiple directional directions and use the obtained results to identify the fire source position with a resolution higher than the pixel size. Also, by controlling the drive mechanism at a constant speed so that the infrared camera moves an amount smaller than the pixel size in accordance with the frame rate of the infrared camera, it is possible to configure the device to sequentially obtain temperature information for each of the multiple image data at equal intervals without stopping the drive mechanism.

[0071] In addition, in the first embodiment, the case where an infrared camera is used as a means for outputting temperature information as image data has been described. However, the same effect can be achieved by adopting a configuration other than an infrared camera as long as it is capable of outputting temperature information as image data. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10 infrared camera system, 11 control unit, 12 infrared camera, 13 drive mechanism.

Claims

1. an infrared camera that captures an image of a monitoring area and outputs temperature information corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels as image data; a control unit for identifying a fire source position based on temperature information of each of the plurality of pixels in the image data output from the infrared camera; a drive mechanism that can move the pointing direction of the infrared camera in accordance with a command output from the control unit in order to change the imaging position of the infrared camera; Equipped with the driving mechanism has a configuration capable of moving the infrared camera with a resolution higher than a pixel size of the infrared camera, The control unit has a detailed fire source exploration mode in which the control unit controls the drive mechanism to move the infrared camera by a first movement amount that is preset as a movement amount smaller than the pixel size, and the control unit has a detailed fire source exploration mode in which the control unit controls the drive mechanism to move the infrared camera by a first movement amount, and the control unit controls the drive mechanism to move the infrared camera by the .... Infrared camera system.

2. The control unit is When it is determined that one or more pixels having temperature information exceeding a preset fire threshold are included in the temperature information output from the infrared camera in a certain direction of orientation, a position corresponding to a pixel having the highest temperature information among the one or more pixels is identified as a fire source candidate point, and a position correction process is executed to control the drive mechanism so that the fire source candidate point coincides with the direction of orientation of the infrared camera; By executing the detailed fire source detection mode after executing the position correction process, the temperature information is acquired in each of a plurality of directional directions, and the fire source position is identified with a resolution higher than the pixel size using the acquired results. The infrared camera system of claim 1 .

3. the driving mechanism has a mechanism that can move in a pitch / elevation angle direction and a left / right direction, thereby making it possible to change the pointing direction; After executing the position correction process, the control unit In a first step, when the detailed fire source detection mode is executed, the driving mechanism is controlled to move the direction of the infrared camera in the elevation / depression angle direction, thereby identifying a Y coordinate position as a fire source position with a resolution higher than the pixel size in the elevation / depression angle direction; When executing the detailed fire source detection mode as a second step following the first step, the drive mechanism is controlled to move the direction of the infrared camera in the left-right direction, thereby identifying an X-coordinate position as a fire source position with a resolution higher than the pixel size in the left-right direction, and identifying a position having the X-coordinate position and the Y-coordinate position as the fire source position with the high resolution. The infrared camera system of claim 2 .

Images