Luminance determination system

Abstract

To provide a system capable of determining the propriety of brightness of flame without requiring the presence of workers.SOLUTION: A brightness determination system comprises detection means of detecting the intensity of light emitted by flame in a furnace, determination means of determining whether a signal indicating a temporal change in the detected intensity of light satisfies a predetermined criterion, and notification means of notifying that the brightness of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate when it is determined that the signal satisfies the predetermined criterion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a luminance determination system, an information processing apparatus, and a luminance determination method.

Background Art

[0002] In a specific industrial furnace such as a glass melting furnace, not only the temperature stability inside the furnace but also the luminance (brightness) of the flame is important. Therefore, when actually operating an industrial furnace where the luminance of the flame is emphasized, it is necessary to select and adjust the burner and adjust the supply amounts of gas and air in advance so that the luminance of the flame becomes appropriate.

[0003] Conventionally, the determination of whether the luminance of the flame is appropriate has been performed by a skilled worker. Therefore, in order to actually operate the above-described industrial furnace, the presence of a skilled worker for confirmation is required.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-42468 (Patent Document 1) discloses an apparatus that calculates a feature amount obtained by quantifying the image features of temporal and spatial changes in a flow field based on the luminance distribution of an image obtained by photographing the flow field inside a combustion furnace.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] There is a demand for a system that can determine whether the luminance of a flame is appropriate without the need for a worker to be present for confirmation in a furnace where the luminance of the flame is emphasized. Furthermore, there is also a demand for establishing a method for determining whether the luminance of a flame is appropriate based on information other than an image.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a luminance determination system, an information processing apparatus, and a luminance determination method that satisfy such requirements.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a luminance determination system includes a detection unit that detects the intensity of light emitted by a flame in a furnace, a determination unit that determines whether a signal indicating a temporal change in the detected light intensity satisfies a predetermined criterion, and a notification unit that notifies that the luminance of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate when it is determined that the signal satisfies the predetermined criterion.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires a signal indicating a temporal change in the intensity of light emitted by a flame in a furnace, a determination unit that determines whether the signal satisfies a predetermined criterion, and a notification unit that notifies that the luminance of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate when it is determined that the signal satisfies the predetermined criterion.

[0010] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a luminance determination method includes a step of detecting, by a sensor, the intensity of light emitted by a flame in a furnace, a step of determining whether a signal indicating a temporal change in the detected light intensity satisfies a predetermined criterion, and a step of notifying that the luminance of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate when it is determined that the signal satisfies the predetermined criterion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the above disclosure, it is possible to determine whether the luminance of the flame is appropriate by detecting the intensity of the light emitted by the flame, so that it is not necessary for an operator to be present for confirmation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

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Figure 8

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Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a luminance determination system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0014] The luminance determination system according to the present embodiment is suitably used for an industrial furnace (for example, a glass melting furnace) in which the luminance of a flame is emphasized.

[0015] <A. Outline of System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a luminance determination system 1.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, the luminance determination system 1 includes a flame detector 10 and an information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 includes a display device 234. The flame detector 10 and the information processing device 20 are communicably connected.

[0017] The flame detector 10 detects the presence or absence of a flame by a burner. The detection result by the flame detector 10 is sent to a controller (not shown) that controls the burner.

[0018] The flame detector 10 detects the intensity of the light emitted by the flame. The flame detector 10 outputs the detected light intensity to the information processing device 20. Further, the flame detector 10 calculates the flickering frequency of the flame and the magnitude of the fluctuation of the flame based on the intensity of the light (specifically, a signal indicating the temporal change of the light intensity). The flame detector 10 outputs the flickering frequency of the flame and the magnitude of the fluctuation of the flame to the information processing device 20.

[0019] The information processing device 20 is typically a personal computer. The information processing device 20 determines whether the luminance of the flame is appropriate based on the above output from the flame detector 10. When the luminance of the flame is appropriate, the information processing device 20 notifies that the luminance of the flame is appropriate. When the luminance of the flame is not appropriate, the information processing device 20 notifies that the luminance of the flame is inappropriate. These notifications are typically made by display on the display device 234.

[0020] Although details will be described later, the luminance determination system 1 is used in the experimental furnace 30 prior to actual operation. Thereafter, the luminance determination system 1 is used in industrial furnaces 35A, 35B, 35C,... in actual operation. Hereinafter, any one of the industrial furnaces 35A, 35B, 35C,... is also referred to as an "industrial furnace 35". When the experimental furnace 30 and the industrial furnace 35 are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as a "furnace".

[0021] In this embodiment, as an example of the furnace, a glass melting furnace will be described. However, the furnace is not limited to a glass melting furnace. Any furnace that emphasizes luminance is not limited to a glass melting furnace.

[0022] Hereinafter, the configuration of the luminance determination system 1 will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a typical hardware configuration of the flame detector 10.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, the flame detector 10 includes a sensor 11, a flicker frequency calculation circuit 12, a fluctuation calculation circuit 13, and a selection circuit 14.

[0024] The sensor 11 detects the light intensity of the flame 80 in the furnace. The sensor 11 continuously outputs the detection result of the light intensity. That is, the sensor 11 outputs a signal 500 indicating the temporal change of the light intensity.

[0025] The signal 500 is input to the selection circuit 14. Also, the signal 500 is input to the flicker frequency calculation circuit 12 and the fluctuation calculation circuit 13.

[0026] The flicker frequency calculation circuit 12 calculates the flicker frequency of the flame 80 based on the signal 500. The flicker frequency calculation circuit 12 calculates the flicker frequency of the flame 80 at a predetermined period. The calculated flicker frequency is input to the selection circuit 14.

[0027] The fluctuation calculation circuit 13 calculates the magnitude of the fluctuation of the flame 80 based on the signal 500. The fluctuation calculation circuit 13 calculates the magnitude of the fluctuation of the flame 80 at a predetermined period. The calculated fluctuation is input to the selection circuit 14.

[0028] Note that the processing of the flicker frequency calculation circuit 12 and the processing of the fluctuation calculation circuit 13 may be realized by software.

[0029] Based on an external selection instruction, the selection circuit 14 outputs, to the signal line of the control system, one of the light intensity, the flickering frequency, and the magnitude of the fluctuation, which is selected based on the external selection instruction.

[0030] Separate from the output to the control system, the flame detector 10 outputs the light intensity, the flickering frequency, and the magnitude of the fluctuation to the information processing device 20. Thereby, the information processing device 20 can acquire the light intensity, the flickering frequency, and the magnitude of the fluctuation.

[0031] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the signal 500. Referring to Figure 3, as described above, the signal 500 shows the temporal change of the light intensity. The flickering frequency is obtained by frequency-analyzing the fluctuation of the light intensity. The magnitude of the fluctuation is the amount of variation from the average value (temporal average value) of the light intensity.

[0032] In this way, the flickering frequency and the magnitude of the fluctuation can be obtained based on the temporal change of the light intensity.

[0033] <B. Processing> (b1. Outline) Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process (outline) performed using the luminance determination system 1.

[0034] In step S1, data collection in the experimental furnace 30 is performed using the luminance determination system 1. When applying the luminance determination system 1 to the industrial furnace 35 to determine the suitability of the flame luminance in the industrial furnace 35, it is preferable to use, as the experimental furnace 30, an industrial furnace similar to the industrial furnace 35 (preferably, the same type or the same model of industrial furnace). Specific examples of the data collection method will be described later.

[0035] In step S2, the collected data is analyzed. For the analysis of the data, a computer (in this example, the information processing device 20) is used. For the analysis of the data, an installed program (a program having a predetermined algorithm) is used. For example, artificial intelligence (a learned model) can be used for the analysis of the data. Specific examples of the analysis of the data will be described later. Note that the analysis of the data may be performed by a server device (not shown).

[0036] In step S3, the luminance determination system 1 determines the suitability of the luminance of the flame in the industrial furnace 35 (the furnace for which the luminance of the flame is to be determined) in actual operation using the result obtained by the analysis of the data. Details of the determination of the suitability of the luminance will be described later.

[0037] (b2. Data collection) Based on FIGS. 5 to 9, the details of step S1 in FIG. 4 will be described.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining data collection in the experimental furnace 30. Referring to FIG. 5, a burner 40 is installed in the experimental furnace 30. The burner 40 is detachable from the experimental furnace 30. The burner 40 generates a flame 80 in the experimental furnace 30.

[0039] The experimental furnace 30 includes a first port 301, a second port 302, a third port 303, a fourth port 304, a fifth port 305, and a sixth port 306. Hereinafter, any one of the first port 301 to the sixth port 306 will also be referred to as "port 300". Also, the port (not shown) of the industrial furnace 35 in actual operation will also be referred to as "port 350".

[0040] The flame detector 10 is detachable from each port 300. In this example, one flame detector 10 is sequentially replaced at each port 300. Specifically, after detection is performed with the flame detector 10 attached to the first port 301, detection is performed with the flame detector 10 attached to the second port 302. Thereafter, the port to which the flame detector 10 is attached is changed. The flame detector 10 detects the intensity of the light emitted by the flame 80 within the region 900. The flame detector 10 transmits the detection result to the information processing device 20.

[0041] Note that by attaching six flame detectors 10 to each port 300 simultaneously, the flame 80 may be detected simultaneously from a plurality of positions at the same time.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the temporal change in the intensity of light in the experimental furnace 30 of FIG. 5. Specifically, as described with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 6 is a graph showing the temporal change in the intensity of light when one flame detector 10 is sequentially replaced with respect to the port 300.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 6, the waveform from time t0 to t1 shows the detection result (temporal change in the intensity of light emitted by the flame 80) by the flame detector 10 attached to the first port 301. The waveform from time t1 to t2 shows the detection result by the flame detector 10 attached to the second port 302. The waveform from time t2 to t3 shows the detection result by the flame detector 10 attached to the third port 303.

[0044] The waveform from time t3 to t4 shows the detection result by the flame detector 10 attached to the fourth port 304. The waveform from time t4 to t5 shows the detection result by the flame detector 10 attached to the fifth port 305. The waveform from time t5 to t6 shows the detection result by the flame detector 10 attached to the sixth port 306.

[0045] The vertical axis of the graph assigns the range of current values or voltage values output from the flame detector 10 to a numerical range of 0 to 100. For example, in the case where the flame detector 10 is configured to output a signal within the range of 4 mA to 10 mA as a detection signal, 4 mA corresponds to 0 on the graph, and 10 mA corresponds to 100 on the graph.

[0046] Note that each waveform in the above six time-related intervals (i.e., time t(n - 1) to tn (n is a natural number from 1 to 6)) corresponds to the signal 500. Also, in the graph of FIG. 6, from the perspective of visibility, data on the working time zones for attaching and detaching to each port 300 of the flame detector 10 is omitted so that the waveforms are continuous at each time t1, t2, t3, t4, t5, t6.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the burner 40 and the flame 80. Referring to FIG. 7, the burner 40 has a double-tube structure. Specifically, the burner 40 has an outer nozzle 41 and an inner nozzle 42.

[0048] Inside the inner nozzle 42, a gas supply passage 421 is formed. The inner nozzle 42 blows out the gas supplied from the outside to the outside (the left direction in the drawing). High-temperature air (for example, 1200 degrees) blows out from the supply passage 411 formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer nozzle 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner nozzle 42 to the outside.

[0049] The gas blown out from the supply passage 421 burns due to the high-temperature air blown out from the supply passage 411. Thereby, the flame 80 is generated.

[0050] The flame 80 is composed of an inner flame 81 and an outer flame 82. In the inner flame 81, the gas is in an incomplete combustion state. The carbon component in the gas of the inner flame 81 becomes soot. Then, when the soot burns, the flame glows. In the industrial furnace 35, such glow (brightness) of the flame is important. Note that the gas of the outer flame 82 is immediately heated by the high-temperature air and thus does not become soot.

[0051] As the burner 40, inner nozzles 42 with various inner diameters B can be used. Also, as the burner 40, outer nozzles 41 with various outer diameters A can be used. As the outer nozzle 41, those with different taper angles θ of the inner wall of the outlet in the outer nozzle 41 can also be used. Furthermore, the distance D between the outlet of the inner nozzle 42 and the outlet of the outer nozzle 41 can also be appropriately adjusted. Also, by controlling the supply method of at least one of gas and air, the swirling state E of the flame 80 can be changed.

[0052] The supply amount of gas and the supply amount of air to the burner 40 can also be changed. Also, under the condition that the supply amount of gas is constant, by using inner nozzles 42 with different inner diameters B, the gas velocity (flow velocity) can also be changed.

[0053] In order to obtain an appropriate luminance, for actual operation, settings of various parameters (A, B, D, θ) for the burner 40 (including changes to the burner 40 itself), adjustment of the supply amount of gas, and / or adjustment of the supply amount of air are made.

[0054] In this embodiment, in the industrial furnace 35 during actual operation, it is made possible to automatically determine whether the luminance is appropriate by a machine. That is, in the industrial furnace 35 during actual operation, the information processing device 20 can make a determination without relying on a person regarding the appropriateness of the luminance.

[0055] In order to enable such automatic determination, during combustion in the experimental furnace 30, a skilled operator is made to determine the appropriateness of the luminance of the flame. In this embodiment, using the determination result of the operator, a configuration (specifically, a program) capable of automatically determining the appropriateness of the luminance is obtained.

[0056] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing flow of step S1 in Figure 4. Referring to FIG. 8, in step S101, the burner 40 is burned in the experimental furnace 30. Thereby, a flame 80 (flame) is generated in the experimental furnace 30. In step S102, the flame detector 10 attached to the port 300 of the experimental furnace 30 acquires a signal 500 (see FIG. 3) indicating the temporal change in the intensity of the light emitted by the flame 80. In step S103, the flame detector 10 calculates the flicker frequency and the magnitude of the fluctuation from the acquired signal 500.

[0057] In step S104, in this example, the information processing device 20 stores the acquired data (that is, the set of the light intensity, the flicker frequency, and the magnitude of the fluctuation) in the database D10 (see FIG. 9). Typically, for the light intensity, the range of the light intensity (for example, the minimum value of the intensity and the maximum value of the intensity) is stored in the database D10.

[0058] Note that the database D10 is assumed to be stored in the information processing device 20 in this example. However, it is not limited thereto, and the database D10 may be stored in the above-described server device (not shown).

[0059] In step S105, the operator visually determines whether the luminance of the light emitted by the flame 80 is appropriate. In step S106, in this example, the information processing device 20 attaches a flag indicating whether the luminance is appropriate to the acquired data and updates the database D10.

[0060] In step S107, the experimenter changes the combustion conditions of the burner 40 in the experimental furnace 30. Thereafter, the processes of steps S102 to S107 described above are repeated until the change in the combustion conditions stops.

[0061] In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the acquisition of the above data and the visual determination of the luminance in the experimental furnace 30 are performed with the flame detector 10 attached to each of a plurality of ports 300 in sequence. As described above, six flame detectors 10 may be attached to each port 300 (301 to 306), and the above data acquisition and visual determination of the luminance may be performed simultaneously.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the database D10. Referring to FIG. 9, the database D10 includes data D11 when the flame detector 10 is attached to the first port 301, data D12 when the flame detector 10 is attached to the second port 302, data D13 when the flame detector 10 is attached to the third port 303, data D14 when the flame detector 10 is attached to the fourth port 304, data D15 when the flame detector 10 is attached to the fifth port 305, and data D16 when the flame detector 10 is attached to the sixth port 306.

[0063] Each of the data D11 to D16 stores, in association with the waveform No. as the sorting number, the minimum value of the light intensity, the maximum value of the light intensity, the flickering frequency, the magnitude of the fluctuation, and the determination result of the luminance by the operator. For example, the data of "1-1" to "1-6" of the waveform No. in the data D11 are data when the combustion conditions are made different from each other.

[0064] In each of the data D11 to D16, information indicating whether the luminance visually determined by the operator is appropriate (in this example, OK, NG) is stored in the column of "determination result of luminance by the operator" (corresponding to step S106 in FIG. 8).

[0065] In addition, when six flame detectors 10 are attached to each port 300 (301 to 306), the determination result by one visual inspection can also be simultaneously stored in the column of "determination result of luminance by the operator" in each of the data D11 to D16.

[0066] (b3. Data analysis) Based on FIGS. 10 and 11, the details of step S2 in FIG. 4 will be described.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing flow of step S2 in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 10, in step S201, the information processing apparatus 20 (specifically, the processor 261 (see FIG. 14)) sets the value of the variable k of the program stored in the information processing apparatus 20 to 1. In step S202, the processor 261 reads the data of the k-th port 300 from the database D10.

[0068] In step S203, the processor 261 obtains the minimum value and the maximum value of the light intensity when the luminance is determined to be appropriate from the read data of the k-th port 300 (for example, when k = 1, the data D11 in FIG. 9).

[0069] In step S204, the processor 261 obtains the flickering frequency when the luminance is determined to be appropriate from the read data of the k-th port 300. In step S205, the processor 261 obtains the magnitude of the fluctuation when the luminance is determined to be appropriate from the read data of the k-th port 300.

[0070] In step S206, the processor 261 determines a reference range Ra (reference range for the k-th port 300) regarding the light intensity based on the obtained light intensity. For example, regarding the data D11 of the first port 301 in FIG. 9, the processor 261 sets the overlapping range of the light intensity ranges among those for which the luminance determination result by the operator is "OK" as the reference range Ra for the first port 301 (the first port 300).

[0071] Specifically, assume that there are three waveforms for which the luminance determination result by the operator is "OK", and the combinations of the minimum value and the maximum value of the light intensity for each are (minimum value, maximum value) = (55, 65), (57, 67), (53, 63). In this case, the processor 261 sets the range of 57 to 63 as the reference range Ra.

[0072] Note that such a setting method is just an example and is not limited thereto. For example, among those for which the determination result of the luminance by the operator is "OK", all of the range of the light intensity may be used as the reference range Ra for the first port 301. In the case of the above example, the processor 261 may use the range of 53 to 67 as the reference range Ra.

[0073] In step S207, the processor 261 determines a reference range Rb (the reference range of the k-th port 300) regarding the flicker frequency based on the acquired flicker frequency. For example, for the data D11 of the first port 301 in FIG. 9, the processor 261 sets, as the reference range Rb for the first port 301, the range from the minimum value to the maximum value of the flicker frequency among those for which the determination result of the luminance by the operator is "OK".

[0074] Specifically, assume that there are three waveforms for which the determination result of the luminance by the operator is "OK", and the respective flicker frequencies are f1, f2, f3 (where f1 < f2 < f3). In this case, the processor 261 sets the range of f1 to f3 as the reference range Rb. Note that such a setting method is just an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the average value μ and the standard deviation σ of the flicker frequencies of the waveforms for which the determination result of the luminance by the operator is "OK" are obtained, and the range of μ - 3σ to μ + 3σ may be used as the reference range Rb.

[0075] In step S208, the processor 261 determines a reference range Rc (the reference range of the k-th port 300) regarding the magnitude of the fluctuation based on the acquired magnitude of the fluctuation. For example, for the data D11 of the first port 301 in FIG. 9, the processor 261 sets, as the reference range Rc for the first port 301, the range from the minimum value to the maximum value of the magnitude of the fluctuation among those for which the determination result of the luminance by the operator is "OK". Also, the processor 261 may set the reference range Rc using the method described for the flicker frequency.

[0076] In step S209, the processor 261 increments the value of the variable k. That is, the processor 261 increases the value of k by 1. In step S210, the processor 261 determines whether the value of k has become 7 or more.

[0077] When the value of k becomes 7 or more (YES in step S210), the processor 261 ends the series of processes in step S2. When the value of k is 6 or less (NO in step S210), the processor 261 advances the process to step S202.

[0078] Through the above processes, each reference range Ra, Rb, Rc in each port 300 is set. Specifically, the reference ranges Ra, Rb, Rc in the first port 301, the reference ranges Ra, Rb, Rc in the second port 302, the reference ranges Ra, Rb, Rc in the third port 303, the reference ranges Ra, Rb, Rc in the fourth port 304, the reference ranges Ra, Rb, Rc in the fifth port 305, and the reference ranges Ra, Rb, Rc in the sixth port 306 are set.

[0079] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing reference data D20 storing each reference range Ra, Rb, Rc in each port 300.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 11, in the reference data D20, for each port 300, a reference range Ra regarding the intensity of light, a reference range Rb regarding the flickering frequency, and a reference range Rc regarding the magnitude of the fluctuation are stored. Also, in this example, the distance between each port 300 and the burner 40 is stored in the reference data D20.

[0081] Note that the distance between each port 300 and the burner 40 does not necessarily have to be stored in the reference data D20. However, by using the distance information, even in an industrial furnace 35 where the distance between the burner and the port 350 is different from that in the experimental furnace 30, it is possible to set the reference ranges Ra, Rb, Rc for each port 350 for each industrial furnace 35 by performing data interpolation.

[0082] For example, let the distance between the first port 301 and the burner 40 be L1, and the distance between the second port 302 and the burner 40 be L2 (L2 > L1). In this case, for a furnace where the distance L between the burner and the port 350 is within the range satisfying L1 < L < L2, for example, using the distance L, the distance L1, the distance L2, the reference ranges Ra, Rb, Rc of the first port 301, and the reference ranges Ra, Rb, Rc of the second port 302, it is possible to determine the reference range of the light intensity, the reference range of the flicker frequency, and the reference range of the magnitude of the fluctuation in the furnace.

[0083] To explain with a specific example, it is as follows. For the sake of simplifying the explanation, assume that the distance L is the average of the sum of L1 and L2 (L = (L1 + L2) / 2). Also, let the reference range Ra of the first port 301 with a distance of L1 from the burner 40 be "40 - 45". Further, let the reference range Ra of the second port 302 with a distance of L2 from the burner 40 be "50 - 55". In this case, for the industrial furnace 35 having the port 350 with a distance of L from the burner 40, the reference range Ra of the light intensity can be set to "45 - 50" by taking the middle of the above two ranges.

[0084] (b4. Judgment of luminance) Based on FIGS. 12 and 13, the details of step S3 in FIG. 4 will be described.

[0085] FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functional configuration in the aspect of judging the luminance of the flame 80 (the aspect of actual operation).

[0086] Referring to FIG. 12, the flame detector 10 includes a detection unit 101, a flicker frequency calculation unit 102, and a fluctuation calculation unit 103.

[0087] The detection unit 101 corresponds to the sensor 11 in FIG. 2. The detection unit 101 detects the light intensity of the flame 80 in the furnace. The detection unit 101 outputs a signal 500 (see FIG. 3) indicating the temporal change of the light intensity to the information processing device 20, the flicker frequency calculation unit 102, and the fluctuation calculation unit 103.

[0088] The flicker frequency calculation unit 102 corresponds to the flicker frequency calculation circuit 12 in FIG. 2. The flicker frequency calculation unit 102 calculates the flicker frequency of the flame 80 based on the signal 500. The flicker frequency calculation unit 102 outputs the flicker frequency to the information processing device 20.

[0089] The fluctuation calculation unit 103 corresponds to the fluctuation calculation circuit 13 in FIG. 2. The fluctuation calculation unit 103 calculates the magnitude of the fluctuation of the flame 80 based on the signal 500. The fluctuation calculation unit 103 outputs the magnitude of the fluctuation to the information processing device 20.

[0090] The information processing device 20 includes an acquisition unit 201, a determination unit 202, and a notification unit 203. The determination unit 202 has reference data D20 (see FIG. 11). The notification unit 203 includes a display control unit 231, an audio control unit 232, a communication control unit 233, a display device 234, a speaker 235, and a communication device 236.

[0091] The acquisition unit 201 acquires the light intensity, the flicker frequency, and the magnitude of the fluctuation from the flame detector 10. The light intensity, the flicker frequency, and the magnitude of the fluctuation are sent to the determination unit 202.

[0092] The determination unit 202 determines whether a signal 500 indicating the temporal change in the light intensity detected by the detection unit 101 satisfies a predetermined criterion (hereinafter also referred to as "predetermined criterion R"). The determination unit 202 notifies the notification unit 203 of the determination result.

[0093] Specifically, the "predetermined criterion R" is that the light intensity acquired by the acquisition unit 201 is within the reference range Ra, the acquired flicker frequency is within the reference range Rb, and the acquired magnitude of the fluctuation is within the reference range Rc. The determination unit 202 refers to the reference data D20 and determines whether the acquired light intensity, the acquired flicker frequency, and the acquired magnitude of the fluctuation are within the reference ranges Ra, Rb, and Rc defined in the reference data D20, respectively.

[0094] When it is determined that the signal 500 satisfies a predetermined standard R, the notification unit 203 notifies that the luminance of the light emitted by the flame 80 is appropriate. When it is determined that the signal 500 does not satisfy the predetermined standard R, the notification unit 203 notifies that the luminance of the light emitted by the flame 80 is inappropriate.

[0095] Specifically, when it is determined that the signal 500 satisfies a predetermined standard R, the display control unit 231 causes the display device 234 to display that the luminance of the light is appropriate. For example, the display control unit 231 causes the display device 234 to display a predetermined sentence, a predetermined symbol, a predetermined icon, or the like.

[0096] Also, together with or instead of the above display, when it is determined that the signal 500 satisfies a predetermined standard R, the voice control unit 232 may cause the speaker 235 to output a voice indicating that the luminance of the light is appropriate. Alternatively, when it is determined that the signal 500 satisfies a predetermined standard R, the communication control unit 233 may output information indicating that the luminance of the light is appropriate to a terminal device (not shown) registered in the information processing device 20 via the communication device 236.

[0097] Even when it is determined that the signal 500 does not satisfy the predetermined standard R, the notification unit 203 notifies that the luminance of the light is inappropriate in the above display, voice, and communication modes.

[0098] The mode of notification is not particularly limited. The mode of notification may be any mode in which a person can recognize that the luminance of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate.

[0099] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing flow of step S3 in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 13, in step S301, the luminance determination system 1 acquires a signal 500 indicating the temporal change in the light intensity by the flame detector 10. In step S302, the flame detector 10 calculates the flicker frequency and the magnitude of the fluctuation from the acquired signal 500.

[0100] In step S303, the information processing apparatus 20 refers to the reference data D20 and determines whether the intensity of light is within the reference range Ra. When it is determined that the intensity of light is within the reference range Ra (YES in step S303), the information processing apparatus 20 refers to the reference data D20 in step S304 and determines whether the flickering frequency is within the reference range Rb. When it is determined that the intensity of light is not within the reference range Ra (NO in step S303), the information processing apparatus 20 advances the process to step S308.

[0101] When it is determined that the flickering frequency is within the reference range Rb (YES in step S304), the information processing apparatus 20 refers to the reference data D20 in step S305 and determines whether the magnitude of the fluctuation is within the reference range Rc. When it is determined that the flickering frequency is not within the reference range Rb (NO in step S304), the information processing apparatus 20 advances the process to step S308.

[0102] When it is determined that the magnitude of the fluctuation is within the reference range Rc (YES in step S305), the information processing apparatus 20 determines in step S306 that the luminance of the flame 80 is appropriate. Thereafter, in step S307, the information processing apparatus 20 notifies that the luminance of the flame 80 is appropriate. When it is determined that the magnitude of the fluctuation is not within the reference range Rc (NO in step S305), the information processing apparatus 20 advances the process to step S308.

[0103] In step S308, the information processing apparatus 20 determines that the luminance of the flame 80 is inappropriate. In step S309, the information processing apparatus 20 notifies that the luminance of the flame 80 is inappropriate.

[0104] Thus, the series of processes in step S3 ends. The process shown in FIG. 13 is typically executed for each port 350 of the industrial furnace 35. However, it is not limited thereto, and it may be executed for any one port 350 of the industrial furnace 35.

[0105] When the process shown in FIG. 13 is executed for each port 350 of the industrial furnace 35, the determination unit 202 may determine whether the luminance of the flame 80 is appropriate based on the determination results at all the ports 350. For example, the determination unit 202 may determine that the luminance of the flame 80 is appropriate when the determination results at all the ports 350 are appropriate. Alternatively, the determination unit 202 may determine that the luminance of the flame 80 is appropriate when the determination results at a predetermined number or more of the ports 350 among the plurality of ports 350 are appropriate.

[0106] <C. Advantages> As described above, in the luminance determination system 1, the flame detector 10 detects the intensity of the light emitted by the flame in the furnace. The information processing device 20 determines whether a signal 500 indicating the temporal change of the light intensity satisfies a predetermined reference R. When it is determined that the signal 500 satisfies the predetermined reference R, the information processing device notifies that the luminance of the light emitted by the flame 80 is appropriate.

[0107] Thus, according to the luminance determination system 1, by detecting the intensity of the light emitted by the flame 80, it is possible to determine whether the luminance of the flame is appropriate. Therefore, by using the luminance determination system 1, it is not necessary for an operator to be present and confirm when determining whether the luminance is appropriate.

[0108] Specifically, according to the luminance determination system 1, it is possible to quantify the optimal combustion state in the furnace (in other words, a good flame). More specifically, according to the luminance determination system 1, it is possible to quantify the optimal luminance of the flame.

[0109] <D. Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Device 20> FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a typical example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 14, the information processing apparatus 20 mainly includes a processor 261 that executes a program, a ROM 262 that stores data non-volatilely, a RAM 263 that stores data generated by the execution of a program by the processor 261 or data input via an input device volatilely, an HDD 264 that stores data non-volatilely, a communication IF (Interface) 265, operation keys 266, a power supply circuit 267, and a display device 234. Each component is connected to each other by a data bus. Note that the communication IF 265 is an interface for performing communication with other devices.

[0111] The processing in the information processing apparatus 20 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the processor 261. Such software may be stored in the HDD 264 in advance. Also, the software may be stored in other storage media and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is read from the storage media by a reading device or downloaded via the communication IF 265 or the like, and then temporarily stored in the HDD 264. The software is read from the HDD 264 by the processor 261 and stored in the RAM 263 in a form of an executable program. The processor 261 executes the program.

[0112] Each component constituting the information processing apparatus 20 shown in the figure is common. Therefore, it can be said that the essential part of the present invention is the RAM 263, the HDD 264, the software stored in the storage media, or the software that can be downloaded via a network. Note that since the operations of each hardware of the information processing apparatus 20 are well known, detailed descriptions will not be repeated.

[0113] Note that the determination unit 202 shown in FIG. 12 is typically realized by the processor 261 executing a program stored in the HDD 264 or the like. Similarly, the acquisition unit 201, the display control unit 231, the audio control unit 232, and the communication control unit 233 are also realized by the processor 261 executing a program stored in the HDD 264 or the like.

[0114] Note that the processing in the determination unit 202 may be realized by hardware (such as an integrated circuit). <E. Modification Example> (1) The information processing apparatus 20 may calculate the flicker frequency and the magnitude of the fluctuation. That is, the information processing apparatus 20 may include the flicker frequency calculation unit 102 and the fluctuation calculation unit 103 described above.

[0115] (2) The above-mentioned "predetermined reference R" may be such that the intensity of the light acquired by the acquisition unit 201 is within the reference range Ra and the acquired flicker frequency is within the reference range Rb. That is, the determination unit 202 may determine whether the luminance of the light is appropriate without considering the magnitude of the fluctuation.

[0116] (3) The luminance determination system 1 used in the experimental furnace 30 and the luminance determination system 1 used in the industrial furnace 35 do not necessarily have to be the same system (the same flame detector 10, the same information processing apparatus 20). However, it is preferable that the flame detectors 10 are of the same type. The information processing apparatus 20 is not particularly limited in terms of the difference in hardware itself as long as the applications and data (database D10, reference data D20, etc.) are the same. As long as the reference data D20 is generated based on the combustion in the experimental furnace 30 and can be used for luminance determination in the industrial furnace 35.

[0117] The embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative and are not limited to the above content. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0118] 1 Luminance determination system, 10 Flame detector, 11 Sensor, 12 Frequency calculation circuit, 13 Fluctuation calculation circuit, 14 Selection circuit, 20 Information processing device, 30 Experimental furnace, 35, 35A, 35B, 35C Industrial furnace, 40 Burner, 41 Outer nozzle, 42 Inner nozzle, 80 Flame, 81 Inner flame, 82 Outer flame, 101 Detection unit, 102 Frequency calculation unit, 103 Fluctuation calculation unit, 201 Acquisition unit, 202 Judgment unit, 203 Notification unit, 231 Display control unit, 232 Voice control unit, 233 Communication control unit, 234 Display device, 235 Speaker, 236 Communication device, 261 Processor, 301 First port, 302 Second port, 303 Third port, 304 Fourth port, 305 Fifth port, 306 Sixth port, 411, 421 Supply path, 500 Signal, A Outer pipe diameter, B Inner pipe diameter, D Distance, D10 Database, D11, D12, D13, D14, D15, D16 Data, D20 Reference data, E Swirling state.

Claims

1. Detection means for detecting the intensity of light emitted by a flame generated by burning gas in a furnace; Determination means for determining whether the luminance of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate based on a signal indicating the temporal change in the intensity of the detected light and a predetermined reference; Notification means for notifying that the luminance of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate when it is determined that the luminance of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate; First calculation means for calculating the flickering frequency of the flame based on the signal; The predetermined reference is that the intensity of the light is within a predetermined first range and the flickering frequency is within a predetermined second range. A luminance determination system.

2. Further comprising second calculation means for calculating the magnitude of the fluctuation of the flame based on the signal; The predetermined reference further includes that the magnitude of the fluctuation is within a predetermined third range. The luminance determination system according to claim 1.

3. The luminance determination system includes a flame detector and an information processing device communicably connected to the flame detector, The flame detector includes the detection means, The information processing device includes the determination means and the notification means. The luminance determination system according to claim 2.

4. The flame detector further includes the first calculation means and the second calculation means. The luminance determination system according to claim 3.

5. The information processing device further includes the first calculation means and the second calculation means. The luminance determination system according to claim 3.

6. Acquisition means for acquiring a signal indicating the temporal change in the intensity of light emitted by a flame generated by burning gas in a furnace; Determination means for determining whether the luminance of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate based on the acquired signal indicating the temporal change in the intensity of the light and a predetermined reference; Notification means for notifying that the luminance of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate when it is determined that the luminance of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate; Calculation means for calculating the flickering frequency of the flame based on the signal; The predetermined reference is that the intensity of the light is within a predetermined first range and the flickering frequency is within a predetermined second range. An information processing device.

7. A step of detecting the intensity of light emitted by a flame generated by burning gas in a furnace by a sensor; Determining whether the luminance of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate based on a signal indicating a temporal change in the intensity of the detected light and a predetermined reference; When it is determined that the luminance of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate, notifying that the luminance of the light emitted by the flame is appropriate; Calculating a flicker frequency of the flame based on the signal, and comprising: The predetermined reference is that the intensity of the light is within a predetermined first range and the flicker frequency is within a predetermined second range, a luminance determination method.

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