Detection Device

Abstract

To accurately detect smoke and / or a fire with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A detection device includes: a light source for radiating white light; a housing section which has a wall part for forming an internal space to which outer air is introduced and which is colored by a color containing a first luminous color at a position to which the white light is radiated in the wall part; a first light detection section for detecting the light intensity of the first luminous color; a second light detection section for detecting the light intensity of a second luminous color; a third light detection section for detecting the light intensity of a third luminous color; a storage section for storing a first reference intensity of the first light detection section, a second reference intensity of the second light detection section, and a third reference intensity of the third light detection section; and a determination section for determining whether smoke is contained in the outer air introduced to the housing section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection device for detecting smoke and / or fire. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known smoke detectors, fire alarms, and the like that detect smoke in the outside air by shining light into a space into which outside air flows and detecting the light scattered by smoke particles (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There is also known a technology that detects smoke generated within a surveillance area from video footage of a surveillance camera and determines whether or not there is a fire (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-20902 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-104727 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Smoke detectors, fire alarms, etc., installed in homes, etc., can reduce the risk of damage caused by fire. It has been desired that such smoke detectors, fire alarms, etc. be able to accurately detect smoke or fire with a simple configuration, without requiring complex structures, complex calculations, or additional equipment such as surveillance cameras.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of these points, and has an object to enable accurate detection of smoke and / or fire with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container having a light source unit that irradiates white light including light of a first emitting color, a second emitting color, and a third emitting color that are different from one another; a wall unit that forms an internal space into which outside air is introduced, the wall unit being colored with a color including the first emitting color at a position where the white light is irradiated; a first light detection unit that is disposed within the container at a position not directly irradiated with light from the light source unit and that detects the intensity of light of the first emitting color that is incident; a second light detection unit that is disposed within the container at a position not directly irradiated with light from the light source unit and that detects the intensity of light of the second emitting color that is incident; and a second light detection unit that is disposed within the container at a position not directly irradiated with light from the light source unit and that detects the intensity of light of the second emitting color that is incident. The present invention provides a detection device comprising: a third light detection unit that detects the intensity of light of the third emitted color; a memory unit that stores the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit as a first reference intensity, the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit as a second reference intensity, and the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit as a third reference intensity while the light source unit is irradiating the white light in a state where outside air containing smoke is not being introduced into the space; and a determination unit that determines whether or not the outside air introduced into the storage unit contains smoke based on the difference between the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit and the first reference intensity, the difference between the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit and the second reference intensity, and the difference between the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit and the third reference intensity.

[0007] The first luminous color, the second luminous color, and the third luminous color may each be any one of red, green, and blue.

[0008] The determination unit may determine whether or not the outside air introduced into the storage unit contains smoke based on a change in at least one difference among the difference between the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit and the first reference intensity, the difference between the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit and the second reference intensity, and the difference between the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit and the third reference intensity.

[0009] The determination unit may determine that dust is attached to the wall of the storage unit when the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit decreases below the first reference intensity, the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit increases above the second reference intensity, and the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit increases above the third reference intensity.

[0010] The determination unit may determine that dust is attached to the light source unit, the first light detection unit, the second light detection unit, or the third light detection unit in response to the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit decreasing below the first reference intensity, the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit decreasing below the second reference intensity, and the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit decreasing below the third reference intensity.

[0011] The memory unit may further store, as a reference table, a table that associates the light intensities detected by the first light detection unit, the second light detection unit, and the third light detection unit with the types of objects when smoke generated by burning each type of object is introduced into the space, and the detection device may further include an identification unit that identifies whether smoke contained in the outside air is smoke from burning objects by comparing the light intensities detected by the first light detection unit, the second light detection unit, and the third light detection unit with the reference table.

[0012] When the identification unit determines that the smoke contained in the outside air is smoke from a burning object, the identification unit may further identify the type of the burning object by comparing the intensities of light detected by the first light detection unit, the second light detection unit, and the third light detection unit with the reference table.

[0013] The detection device may include a fire determination unit that determines whether or not a fire has occurred based on the identification result of the identification unit, and an alarm unit that issues an alarm to the outside in response to the fire determination unit determining that a fire has occurred.

[0014] The position on the wall of the storage section where the white light is irradiated may be colored with a predetermined color pattern, and the color pattern may be formed so that at least one of the first reference intensity, the second reference intensity, and the third reference intensity has a predetermined magnitude. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention provides an advantage in that smoke and / or fire can be detected with high accuracy using a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 shows an example of the configuration of a detection device 10 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows an example of a block diagram of a circuit provided on a circuit board 30 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the circuit board 30 and the accommodating section 60 in this embodiment, and a first example of the detection result of the photodetector 50. [Figure 4] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the circuit board 30 and the accommodating section 60 in this embodiment, and a second example of the detection result of the photodetector 50. [Figure 5] 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the circuit board 30 and the accommodating section 60 in this embodiment, and a third example of the detection result of the photodetector 50. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the circuit board 30 and the accommodating section 60 in this embodiment, and a fourth example of the detection result of the photodetector 50. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] <Configuration example of detection device 10> FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a detection device 10 according to this embodiment. FIG. 1(A) shows an example of a cross-sectional view of the detection device 10 taken along a plane substantially parallel to the XZ plane. FIG. 1(B) shows an example of a cross-sectional view of the interior of the detection device 10 taken along a plane passing through line AA in FIG. 1(A) and substantially parallel to the XY plane. In this embodiment, three orthogonal axes are indicated as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The detection device 10 has the function of detecting smoke in the outside air and / or the function of determining whether a fire has occurred. The detection device 10 includes a main body 20, a circuit board 30, a light source unit 40, a photodetector 50, a housing unit 60, and a light shielding plate 70.

[0018] The main body 20 is a housing made of resin, metal, or the like. The main body 20 has a base portion 22 and a cover portion 24. The base portion 22 includes an installation surface that can be installed on a ceiling surface 23 or a wall of a house. Internal components of the detection device 10 are provided on the surface of the base portion 22 opposite the installation surface. In addition, the cover portion 24 is attached to the surface of the base portion 22 opposite the installation surface. In other words, the main body 20 is configured by attaching the cover portion 24 to the base portion 22.

[0019] The cover 24 protects the internal components of the detection device 10. The cover 24 also has a plurality of holes (not shown) for allowing outside air to pass inside. In other words, the holes function as inlets for outside air to enter the inside of the main body 20, and also function as outlets for the outside air to exit the main body 20. For example, if the detection device 10 is attached to a ceiling surface 23 in a room and smoke is generated due to a fire or the like inside the room, the smoke will enter the inside of the main body 20 through the holes. The detection device 10 then detects the smoke that has entered the inside of the main body 20. Smoke detection by the detection device 10 will be described later.

[0020] It is desirable that the holes are formed at a plurality of positions on the main body 20. Furthermore, at least some of the plurality of holes may function as output ports for transmitting alarm sounds and the like generated inside the main body 20 to the outside. Alarm sounds and the like will be described later.

[0021] The circuit board 30 is a board on which circuits, circuit elements, a power supply circuit, etc. are provided. For example, the light source unit 40, the photodetector 50, and a drive circuit for operating the light source unit 40 and the photodetector 50 are mounted on the circuit board 30. The circuit board 30 also has a control unit and the like that controls each unit of the detection device 10 to perform detection operations. A housing unit 60 is further provided on the circuit board 30. The circuit board 30 is fixed to the base unit 22, for example.

[0022] The light source unit 40 emits white light including light of a first emission color, a second emission color, and a third emission color that are different from one another. For example, the first emission color, the second emission color, and the third emission color are red, green, and blue, respectively. In this case, the light source unit 40 is a white LED having a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED. Alternatively, the light source unit 40 may be a white laser diode having a red laser diode, a green laser diode, and a blue laser diode. Alternatively, or in addition, the light source unit 40 may include an EL element.

[0023] The photodetector 50 detects the intensities of the first, second, and third emitted colors of the white light emitted from the light source unit 40. The photodetector 50 detects the intensities of red, green, and blue light, for example. In this case, the photodetector 50 may be a color sensor that outputs RGB values ​​corresponding to the intensities of the input red, green, and blue light.

[0024] For example, the color sensor may include a red sensor with a filter and a light-receiving element that passes red light, a green sensor with a filter and a light-receiving element that passes green light, and a blue sensor with a filter and a light-receiving element that passes blue light. The color sensor may include, for example, one red sensor, one green sensor, and one blue sensor, and the three sensors may be arranged in a line in a band. Alternatively, the color sensor may include multiple red sensors, multiple green sensors, and multiple blue sensors, and the three types of sensors may be arranged in a predetermined pattern.

[0025] In this embodiment, any one of the red, green, and blue sensors is referred to as the first optical detection unit. Furthermore, of the two remaining sensors, excluding the first optical detection unit from the red, green, and blue sensors, one sensor is referred to as the second optical detection unit, and the other sensor is referred to as the third optical detection unit. In other words, the first optical detection unit detects the intensity of light of the first emitted color, the second optical detection unit detects the intensity of light of the second emitted color, and the third optical detection unit detects the intensity of light of the third emitted color. The optical detector 50 includes such a first optical detection unit, second optical detection unit, and third optical detection unit.

[0026] The housing 60 houses optical components such as the light source 40 and the photodetector 50. The housing 60 has multiple walls so as to reduce noise components detected by the photodetector 50 when external light reaches the photodetector 50. The housing 60 functions as a dark box against external light including visible light, for example, when attached to the circuit board 30. The housing 60 is formed of, for example, metal or resin.

[0027] The storage unit 60 has a plurality of walls, such as a first wall 61 and a second wall 62. The plurality of walls form a space inside the storage unit 60 into which outside air is introduced. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a light source unit 40 and a photodetector 50 are provided in such a space. The storage unit 60 also has a path for passing outside air inside. The plurality of first walls 61 form a path for passing outside air inside the storage unit 60 while blocking light from the outside. The structure formed by such a plurality of first walls 61 is known as a labyrinth structure, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0028] It is desirable that the entire storage section 60 be colored black or the like. Furthermore, in the multiple walls forming the internal space, the positions where the white light from the light source section 40 is irradiated are colored in a color including the first emitted color. FIG. 1 shows an example in which white light is irradiated onto the second wall section 62. The second wall section 62 faces the circuit board 30 and functions as a top plate of the storage section 60. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the first emitted color is red, and the positions where the white light is irradiated on the second wall section 62 are colored red.

[0029] The storage unit 60 may further be surrounded by an insect screen or the like. The insect screen may be, for example, a wire mesh, a metal with multiple through holes, or a resin molded product. The insect screen prevents insects and the like from entering the storage unit 60 while allowing outside air to pass through.

[0030] The light-shielding plate 70 is provided in the internal space of the accommodation unit 60. The light-shielding plate 70 is provided between the light source unit 40 and the photodetector 50 so as to prevent the white light emitted from the light source unit 40 from directly entering the photodetector 50. The light-shielding plate 70 is formed, for example, from metal or resin in order to block the white light. It is desirable that the light-shielding plate 70 be colored, for example, black, so as to reduce the light reflectance. By providing such a light-shielding plate 70, the first photodetector, the second photodetector, and the third photodetector are disposed in positions inside the accommodation unit 60 where they are not directly irradiated with light from the light source unit 40.

[0031] <Example of a block diagram of the circuit board 30> 2 shows an example of a block diagram of a circuit provided on the circuit board 30 according to this embodiment. The circuit board 30 is equipped with a light source unit 40, a photodetector 50, a power supply circuit 110, a memory unit 120, a control unit 130, and an alarm unit 140.

[0032] The light source unit 40 and the photodetector 50 have been explained in Fig. 1, so a duplicate explanation will be omitted here. In Fig. 2, the element that detects the first emitted color of red is referred to as the first photodetector unit 51, the element that detects the second emitted color of green is referred to as the second photodetector unit 52, and the element that detects the third emitted color of blue is referred to as the third photodetector unit 53.

[0033] The power supply circuit 110 supplies power to the circuits, circuit elements, etc. of the detection device 10. For example, the power supply circuit 110 converts an externally input DC voltage V0 into a different DC voltage V1, stabilizes it, and supplies the converted DC voltage to the circuit elements, etc. provided on the circuit board 30. The power supply circuit 110 may also include a primary battery such as a manganese battery, or a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery.

[0034] The memory unit 120 stores, as a reference value, the signal level of the detection signal detected by the photodetector 50 in a state where smoke is not introduced into the internal space of the storage unit 60. For example, while the light source unit 40 is irradiating white light in a state where outside air containing smoke is not introduced into the internal space of the storage unit 60, the memory unit 120 stores the intensity of light detected by the first photodetector 51 as a first reference intensity, the intensity of light detected by the second photodetector 52 as a second reference intensity, and the intensity of light detected by the third photodetector 53 as a third reference intensity.

[0035] Since the photodetector 50 is housed inside the housing 60, even if external light is irradiated onto the main body 20 of the detection device 10, the photodetector 50 receives almost no external light. Furthermore, the photodetector 50 is disposed in a position inside the housing 60 where it is not directly irradiated with light from the light source 40. As a result, when no smoke has entered the housing 60, the second photodetector 52 and the third photodetector 53 receive almost no light from the light source 40 even if the light source 40 irradiates the interior of the housing 60 with white light.

[0036] On the other hand, the second wall 62 of the storage unit 60 is colored with the first emission color, and because it is irradiated with light from the light source unit 40, the light of the first emission color among the light from the light source unit 40 is reflected. Therefore, even if no smoke has entered the storage unit 60, when the light source unit 40 irradiates the interior of the storage unit 60 with white light, the first light detector 51 receives a portion of the light of the first emission color contained in the white light. As a result, the first reference intensity is greater than the second reference intensity and the third reference intensity. The memory unit 120 stores the values ​​of the first reference intensity, the second reference intensity, and the third reference intensity.

[0037] Furthermore, the storage unit 120 may further store, as a reference table, a table associating the intensities of light detected by the first light detection unit 51, the second light detection unit 52, and the third light detection unit 53 with the types of objects when smoke generated by burning each type of object is introduced into a space. The objects are, for example, materials contained in objects that are expected to burn if a fire breaks out in the room where the detection device 10 is installed. The objects also include objects that generate smoke by combustion or the like even if a fire does not break out in the room where the detection device 10 is installed. The objects are, for example, paper, wood, cotton, resin, electric wires, tobacco, cigars, cooking ingredients, etc.

[0038] The storage unit 120 may store intermediate data, calculation results, thresholds, reference values, parameters, etc. that are generated (or used) during the operation of the detection device 10. Furthermore, the storage unit 120 may supply the stored data to a request source in response to a request from each unit within the detection device 10.

[0039] For example, when a computer functions as control unit 130, storage unit 120 may store information such as an OS (Operating System) and programs that cause the computer to function. Storage unit 120 may also store various information including a database that is referenced when the program is executed. For example, the computer functions as control unit 130 by executing a program stored in storage unit 120.

[0040] The storage unit 120 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and various tables executed by a computer, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that serves as a working area. The storage unit 120 may also include a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and / or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0041] The control unit 130 controls each unit of the detection device 10 to determine whether or not smoke is contained in the outside air that has entered the internal space of the accommodation unit 60. The control unit 130 may also determine whether or not a fire has broken out near the detection device 10. The control unit 130 has a determination unit 131, an identification unit 132, and a fire determination unit 133.

[0042] The determination unit 131 determines whether or not smoke is contained in the outside air introduced into the storage unit 60 based on the difference between the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit 51 and the first reference intensity, the difference between the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit 52 and the second reference intensity, and the difference between the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit 53 and the third reference intensity. Here, the difference between the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit 51 and the first reference intensity is defined as the first intensity difference, the difference between the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit 52 and the second reference intensity is defined as the second intensity difference, and the difference between the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit 53 and the third reference intensity is defined as the third intensity difference.

[0043] Furthermore, the determination unit 131 may determine whether or not smoke is contained in the outside air introduced into the storage unit 60 based on the ratio between the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit 51 and the first reference intensity, the ratio between the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit 52 and the second reference intensity, and the ratio between the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit 53 and the third reference intensity. Here, the difference between the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit 51 and the first reference intensity is defined as the first intensity ratio, the difference between the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit 52 and the second reference intensity is defined as the second intensity ratio, and the difference between the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit 53 and the third reference intensity is defined as the third intensity ratio.

[0044] When smoke does not enter the storage unit 60, there is almost no change in the first intensity difference, the second intensity difference, and the third intensity difference. Therefore, the determination unit 131 determines whether or not smoke is contained in the outside air introduced into the storage unit 60, for example, in response to a change in at least one intensity difference among the first intensity difference, the second intensity difference, and the third intensity difference. Alternatively, the determination unit 131 may determine whether or not smoke is contained in the outside air introduced into the storage unit 60 in response to a change in at least one intensity ratio among the first intensity ratio, the second intensity ratio, and the third intensity ratio. Alternatively, the determination unit 131 may perform the determination operation every time a predetermined time elapses.

[0045] The identification unit 132 identifies whether the smoke contained in the outside air is smoke caused by a burning object by comparing the intensities of the light detected by the first light detection unit 51, the second light detection unit 52, and the third light detection unit 53 with a reference table. The identification unit 132 may further identify the color of the smoke and / or the type of object being burned.

[0046] For example, the identification unit 132 identifies whether the smoke contained in the outside air is smoke caused by a burning material in response to the determination unit 131 determining that the outside air contains smoke. Alternatively, the identification unit 132 may identify whether the smoke contained in the outside air is smoke caused by a burning material in response to a change in at least one intensity difference among the first intensity difference, the second intensity difference, and the third intensity difference. Alternatively, the determination unit 131 may identify whether the smoke contained in the outside air is smoke caused by a burning material in response to a change in at least one intensity ratio among the first intensity ratio, the second intensity ratio, and the third intensity ratio. Alternatively, the identification unit 132 may perform the identification operation every time a predetermined time period elapses.

[0047] The fire determination unit 133 determines whether or not a fire has occurred based on the identification result of the identification unit 132. For example, the fire determination unit 133 determines that a fire has occurred when the type of object identified by the identification unit 132 is a type of object that is predicted to burn in a fire. Furthermore, the fire determination unit 133 determines that a fire has not occurred when the type of object identified by the identification unit 132 is an object that will generate smoke by combustion or the like even if a fire does not occur. When the fire determination unit 133 determines that a fire has occurred, it supplies a control signal for controlling the alarm unit 140 to the alarm unit 140.

[0048] The alarm unit 140 issues an alarm to the outside in response to the fire determination unit 133 determining that a fire has occurred. The alarm unit 140 includes an alarm drive circuit 141, a speaker 142, and an indicator light 143. The alarm drive circuit 141 drives the speaker 142 and the indicator light 143 in response to a control signal. When the detection device 10 operates as a smoke detector, the control unit 130 supplies a control signal for controlling the alarm unit 140 to the alarm unit 140 in response to the detection of smoke. The alarm drive circuit 141 may drive the speaker 142 and the indicator light 143 to issue alarms corresponding to the detection of smoke and the detection of a fire, respectively.

[0049] 2 includes the speaker 142, the present invention is not limited to this. The alarm unit 140 may include a buzzer or the like instead of the speaker 142, or alternatively, the speaker 142 may be omitted. The alarm unit 140 may also notify the outside of the detection of smoke and fire. In this case, it is desirable that the alarm unit 140 is connected to the outside via a network or the like.

[0050] As described above, the detection device 10 according to this embodiment detects smoke and / or fire based on the difference between the detection result of the photodetector 50 when no smoke is introduced and the detection result of the photodetector 50 when outside air is introduced. Such detection operation by the control unit 130 of the detection device 10 will now be described.

[0051] <Example of the initial state of the detection signal> FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the circuit board 30 and the accommodation section 60 in this embodiment, and a first example of the detection result of the photodetector 50. FIG. 3 shows an example of the initial state of the detection signal of the photodetector 50. FIG. 3(A) shows the accommodation section 60 in a state where no smoke has been introduced into the internal space. FIG. 3(B) shows the concept of the detection result output by the photodetector 50 in the state of FIG. 3(A). The vertical axis of FIG. 3(B) indicates the signal level of the detection signal output by the photodetector 50. The horizontal axis of FIG. 3(B) is marked with "R" indicating the detection signal of the first photodetector 51, "G" indicating the detection signal of the second photodetector 52, and "B" indicating the detection signal of the third photodetector 53.

[0052] As already described, the second wall portion 62 is colored with the first emission color, and therefore, light of the first emission color among the light from the light source portion 40 is reflected by the second wall portion 62. Therefore, the first light detection portion 51 detects a certain amount of light of the first emission color even in the initial state. In this way, the signal level of the detection signal output by the first light detection portion 51 is the first reference intensity.

[0053] Of the light from the light source unit 40, most of the light of the second emitted color and the third emitted color is absorbed by the second wall unit 62, and a portion of the remaining light is reflected. Therefore, the signal levels detected by the second optical detection unit 52 and the third optical detection unit 53 are lower than the first reference intensity. In this way, the signal level of the detection signal output by the second optical detection unit 52 is the second reference intensity, and the signal level of the detection signal output by the third optical detection unit 53 is the third reference intensity. The memory unit 120 stores the values ​​of the first reference intensity, the second reference intensity, and the third reference intensity.

[0054] <Example of a state in which smoke has entered the storage section 60> FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the circuit board 30 and the housing 60 in this embodiment, and a second example of the detection results of the photodetector 50. FIG. 4(A) shows a state in which smoke has entered the internal space of the housing 60. FIG. 4(B) shows the concept of the detection results output by the photodetector 50 in the state shown in FIG. 4(A). In this case, the light from the light source 40 is scattered by smoke particles. The larger the size of the smoke particles and the greater the number of smoke particles, the greater the scattered light component of the light from the light source 40. Note that when the smoke particles become as small as the wavelength of light, light with short wavelengths such as blue and ultraviolet tends to be scattered more than light with long wavelengths such as red and infrared. Therefore, the signal level of the signal detected by the corresponding photodetector may differ depending on the wavelength of the light of each emitted color and the particle size of the smoke particles.

[0055] As described above, the light of the first emission color is scattered by smoke particles, while the smoke that has entered the storage unit 60 casts a shadow, reducing the light reflected by the second wall 62 of the storage unit 60. Therefore, the signal level detected by the first light detection unit 51 may increase or decrease depending on the smoke particle size, smoke concentration (amount, density), the area of ​​the second wall 62 colored with the first emission color, and other factors. FIG. 4(B) shows an example in which the signal level detected by the first light detection unit 51 is greater than the initial first reference intensity. Note that the area of ​​the second wall 62 colored with the first emission color may be designed and adjusted in advance so that the signal level detected by the first light detection unit 51 increases from the initial state when smoke has entered the storage unit 60.

[0056] As described above, the light of the second and third emitted colors is scattered by smoke particles. Furthermore, since the light of the second and third emitted colors is hardly reflected by the second wall portion 62, even if smoke that has entered the storage portion 60 casts a shadow, there is almost no effect on the signal level detected by the light detection portion. Therefore, the signal levels detected by the second and third light detection portions 52 and 53 are both greater than the reference intensity in the initial state.

[0057] Therefore, the determination unit 131 determines that smoke is contained in the outside air introduced into the storage unit 60 in response to the fact that the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit 51 increases above the first reference intensity, the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit 52 increases above the second reference intensity, and the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit 53 increases above the third reference intensity. This allows the detection device 10 to detect that smoke is occurring in the room in which the detection device 10 is installed, etc.

[0058] <Example of a state in which dust adheres to the second wall portion 62 of the storage portion 60> 5A and 5B show cross-sectional views of the circuit board 30 and the housing portion 60 in this embodiment, and a third example of the detection results of the photodetector 50. FIG. 5A shows a state in which dust has adhered to the second wall portion 62 of the housing portion 60. FIG. 5B shows the concept of the detection results output by the photodetector 50 in the state of FIG. 5A. In this case, the adhered dust reduces the light of the first emitted color that is reflected and scattered by the second wall portion 62, so the signal level detected by the first photodetector 51 becomes smaller than the reference intensity in the initial state.

[0059] Furthermore, the adhering dust reduces the amount of light of the second and third emitted colors that reaches and is absorbed by the second wall portion 62. Furthermore, the amount of light of the second and third emitted colors that is reflected and scattered by the adhering dust increases. Therefore, the signal levels detected by the second light detecting portion 52 and the third light detecting portion 53 become greater than the reference intensity in the initial state.

[0060] Therefore, the determination unit 131 further determines that dust is attached to the wall of the storage unit 60 in response to the fact that the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit 51 is decreased below the first reference intensity, the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit 52 is increased above the second reference intensity, and the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit 53 is increased above the third reference intensity. This allows the detection device 10 to reduce the rate of false detection of smoke when dust is attached inside the storage unit 60, and to accurately detect the occurrence of dirt on the storage unit 60.

[0061] It should be noted that dust particles may adhere to the light-emitting surface of the light source unit 40 or the light-receiving surface of the photodetector 50. In this case, the signal levels detected by the first photodetector unit 51, the second photodetector unit 52, and the third photodetector unit 53 will all be smaller than the reference intensity in the initial state.

[0062] Therefore, the determination unit 131 further determines that dust is attached to the light source unit 40, the first light detection unit 51, the second light detection unit 52, or the third light detection unit 53 in response to the fact that the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit has decreased below the first reference intensity, the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit has decreased below the second reference intensity, and the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit has decreased below the third reference intensity. This allows the detection device 10 to reduce the rate of false detection of smoke when dust is attached to the light source unit 40 or the light detector 50, and to accurately detect the generation of smoke.

[0063] As described above, the detection device 10 according to this embodiment can accurately detect the occurrence of smoke. However, if the detection device 10 immediately determines that a fire has occurred in response to the detection of the occurrence of smoke, this may result in a false detection. For example, if the detection device 10 determines that a fire has occurred when it detects smoke from cooking (meat, fish, etc.), water vapor, tobacco, etc., this will result in a false detection. Therefore, the identification unit 132 identifies whether the detected smoke is smoke from a burning material.

[0064] <Example of a state in which smoke of various colors has entered the storage section 60> FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the circuit board 30 and the housing 60 in this embodiment, and a fourth example of the detection results of the photodetector 50. FIG. 6(A) shows a state in which smoke has entered the internal space of the housing 60. FIG. 6(B) shows the concept of the detection results output by the photodetector 50 in the state of FIG. 6(A). Here, the color of the smoke may vary depending on the source of the smoke. Furthermore, since the photodetector 50 detects scattered light of three different emitted colors, the detection signals of the three emitted colors have different signal levels depending on the color of the smoke.

[0065] For example, when paper, cotton, etc., is burned, smoke close to white is produced. Because white smoke reflects and scatters light of the three emitted colors, the signal levels detected by the first light detection unit 51, the second light detection unit 52, and the third light detection unit 53 tend to increase. Also, when resin, electric wire, etc., is burned, smoke close to black is produced. Because black smoke absorbs light of the three emitted colors, the signal levels detected by the first light detection unit 51, the second light detection unit 52, and the third light detection unit 53 tend to decrease. In this way, the light detector 50 outputs different detection results depending on whether smoke is produced when an object is not burning, smoke when an object is burning, or the type of object that is burning.

[0066] Therefore, the identification unit 132 can identify whether or not the smoke contained in the outside air is smoke caused by a burning object by comparing the detection results of the first light detection unit 51, the second light detection unit 52, and the third light detection unit 53 with the reference table stored in the memory unit 120. Since the reference table associates the type of burned object with the detection result of the light detector 50, when the identification unit 132 identifies that the smoke contained in the outside air is smoke caused by a burning object, it can further identify the type of the burning object.

[0067] This allows the fire determination unit 133 to determine, for example, whether the smoke is caused by cooking or a fire. Furthermore, the fire determination unit 133 can determine whether a fire has occurred by using, for example, a correspondence relationship between the type of burning material and whether a fire has occurred. Note that it is desirable that the correspondence relationship between the type of burning material and whether a fire has occurred is stored in advance in the storage unit 120. Furthermore, the reference table stored in the storage unit 120 may further include such a correspondence relationship.

[0068] Alternatively, or in addition, the identification unit 132 may identify the color of smoke contained in the outside air based on the difference between the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit 51 and the first reference intensity, the difference between the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit 52 and the second reference intensity, and the difference between the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit 53 and the third reference intensity. In this case, the identification unit 132 identifies the color of smoke based on the correspondence between the color of smoke and the first intensity difference, the second intensity difference, and the third intensity difference. Note that it is preferable that the correspondence between the color of smoke and the first intensity difference, the second intensity difference, and the third intensity difference be stored in the storage unit 120.

[0069] Furthermore, the identification unit 132 may identify the color of smoke contained in the outside air based on the first intensity ratio, the second intensity ratio, and the third intensity ratio. In this case, the identification unit 132 identifies the color of smoke based on the correspondence between the color of smoke and the first intensity ratio, the second intensity ratio, and the third intensity ratio. Note that it is desirable that the correspondence between the color of smoke and the first intensity ratio, the second intensity ratio, and the third intensity ratio be stored in the storage unit 120.

[0070] In this case, the fire determination unit 133 may determine whether or not a fire has occurred based on the color of the smoke identified by the identification unit 132. In this case, the fire determination unit 133 uses a correspondence relationship between the color of the smoke and whether or not a fire has occurred. It is desirable that such a correspondence relationship be stored in advance in the storage unit 120.

[0071] As described above, the detection device 10 according to this embodiment can accurately detect the occurrence of a fire. In the above detection device 10, an example has been described in which the light source unit 40 emits white light containing light of three luminous colors, red, green, and blue, but the present invention is not limited to this. Since the scattering and reflection characteristics of smoke differ depending on the luminous color, the light source unit 40 does not have to be a combination of red, green, and blue as long as it contains three different luminous colors. Furthermore, the light source unit 40 may contain four or more luminous colors, and in this case, the photodetector 50 may also be configured to detect light of four or more corresponding luminous colors.

[0072] In the detection device 10 according to the present embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the second wall portion 62 of the storage portion 60 is colored with a color including the first emission color at the position where the white light from the light source portion 40 is irradiated, but this is not limited to this. Alternatively, the position where the white light is irradiated may be colored with a color including the second emission color, or may be colored with a color including the third emission color. Note that coloring may be achieved by painting, attaching a sticker, or the like. Furthermore, if the storage portion 60 is made of resin, the molding color of a portion of the resin may include the emission color.

[0073] Furthermore, the position on the second wall 62 of the housing 60 where the white light is irradiated may be colored with a predetermined color pattern. For example, a portion of the area of ​​the second wall 62 where the white light is irradiated may be colored with a color that includes the first emitting color. The area of ​​the second wall 62 that is colored with the first emitting color reflects light of the first emitting color, and therefore, changing the area of ​​that area changes the magnitude of the reference intensity in the initial state.

[0074] Therefore, it is desirable to determine in advance the size of the area to be colored with the first emitted color, the coloring pattern, etc., at the design stage, manufacturing stage, calibration stage, etc. of the detection device 10. In this case, it is desirable to form the coloring pattern so that at least one of the first reference intensity, the second reference intensity, and the third reference intensity has a predetermined magnitude. By adjusting the magnitude of the reference intensity in advance in this manner, the detection device 10 can detect smoke and fire, for example, within an appropriate range in which the detection sensitivity of the photodetector 50 is linear.

[0075] If the detected smoke is black or close to black, the signal levels detected by the first optical detection unit 51, the second optical detection unit 52, and the third optical detection unit 53 decrease. In this case, the closer the smoke is to black, the closer the signal level becomes to 0, which can result in a poor S / N ratio.

[0076] Therefore, when the signal levels detected by the first optical detection unit 51, the second optical detection unit 52, and the third optical detection unit 53 all fall below the threshold, the control unit 130 may control the circuit that drives the light source unit 40 to increase the signal level of the detection signal output by the optical detector 50. In this case, the control unit 130 increases the intensity of the white light emitted by the light source unit 40. This allows the detection device 10 to improve the S / N ratio and detect black or nearly black smoke. Note that, if an amplifier is implemented downstream of the optical detector 50, the control unit 130 may control the amplifier to increase the amplification factor of the amplifier.

[0077] It should be noted that even if the control unit 130 controls the drive circuit to increase the intensity of the white light of the light source unit 40, the signal level of the detection signal output by the photodetector 50 may remain reduced. In this case, the control unit 130 may determine that the light source unit 40 has failed. For example, when the control unit 130 determines that the light source unit 40 has failed, the control unit 130 supplies a corresponding control signal to the alarm unit 140. This allows the alarm unit 140 to issue an alarm indicating a failure of the light source unit 40, allowing the user of the detection device 10 to quickly become aware of the failure of the detection device 10.

[0078] The detection device 10 according to the present embodiment has been described above as an example in which the control unit 130 includes the determination unit 131 and the identification unit 132, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 130 may be configured to include either the determination unit 131 or the identification unit 132.

[0079] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically distributing or integrating any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination also have the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10. Detection Device 20 Main Unit 22 Base 23 Ceiling surface 24 Cover part 30 Circuit Board 40 Light source section 50 Photodetector 51 First optical detection unit 52 Second optical detection unit 53 Third optical detection unit 60 Storage section 61 1st wall 62 2nd wall section 70 Shade 110 Power supply circuit 120 Storage section 130 Control Unit 131 Judgment section 132 Specific part 133 Fire Judgment Department 140 Alarm section 141 Alarm drive circuit 142 Speaker 143 Indicator light

Claims

1. a light source unit that emits white light including light of a first emission color, a second emission color, and a third emission color that are different from one another; a container having a wall portion that forms an internal space into which outside air is introduced, and at least a part of the wall portion that is irradiated with the white light is colored with the first emission color; a first light detection unit disposed inside the housing unit at a position where reflected light of the light source unit irradiated onto a colored portion of the wall unit is incident and where the light of the light source unit is not directly irradiated, and which detects the intensity of the incident light of the first emitted color; a second light detection unit disposed inside the housing unit at a position where reflected light of the light source unit irradiated onto a colored portion of the wall unit is incident and where the light of the light source unit is not directly irradiated, and which detects the intensity of the incident light of the second emitted color; a third light detection unit disposed inside the housing unit at a position where reflected light of the light source unit irradiated onto a colored portion of the wall unit is incident and where the light from the light source unit is not directly irradiated, and which detects the intensity of the incident light of the third emitted color; a storage unit that stores the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit as a first reference intensity, the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit as a second reference intensity, and the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit as a third reference intensity while the light source unit is irradiating the white light in a state where outside air containing smoke is not being introduced into the space; a determination unit that determines whether or not smoke is contained in the outside air introduced into the storage unit based on a difference between the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit and the first reference intensity, a difference between the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit and the second reference intensity, and a difference between the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit and the third reference intensity; Equipped with an area of ​​the wall portion colored with the first luminous color is an area at which a signal level detected by the first light detection unit when white smoke has entered the storage unit increases compared to an initial state in which white smoke has not been introduced into the storage unit; The determination unit determines that the outside air introduced into the wall portion of the storage unit contains smoke in response to the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit increasing above the first reference intensity, the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit increasing above the second reference intensity, and the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit increasing above the third reference intensity.

2. The detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the first emitted color, the second emitted color, and the third emitted color are each one of red, green, and blue.

3. 3. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether the outside air introduced into the storage unit contains smoke based on a change in at least one difference among the difference between the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit and the first reference intensity, the difference between the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit and the second reference intensity, and the difference between the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit and the third reference intensity.

4. 4. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that dust is attached to the wall portion of the storage unit in response to the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit decreasing below the first reference intensity, the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit increasing above the second reference intensity, and the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit increasing above the third reference intensity.

5. 5. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that dust is attached to the light source unit, the first light detection unit, the second light detection unit, or the third light detection unit in response to the intensity of light detected by the first light detection unit decreasing below the first reference intensity, the intensity of light detected by the second light detection unit decreasing below the second reference intensity, and the intensity of light detected by the third light detection unit decreasing below the third reference intensity.

6. the storage unit further stores, as a reference table, a table in which, when smoke generated by burning each material contained in an object that is predicted to burn in the event of a fire is introduced into the space, the intensities of light detected by the first light detection unit, the second light detection unit, and the third light detection unit correspond to the materials contained in the object that are predicted to burn in the event of a fire; and an identification unit that identifies whether smoke contained in the outside air is smoke from a combustion object that is predicted to combust by comparing the intensities of light detected by the first light detection unit, the second light detection unit, and the third light detection unit with the reference table.

6. A detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 7. The detection device of claim 6, wherein when the identification unit identifies that the smoke contained in the outside air is smoke from the burning material, the identification unit further identifies the material contained in the burning material by comparing the intensities of light detected by the first light detection unit, the second light detection unit, and the third light detection unit with the reference table.

8. a fire determination unit that determines whether or not a fire has occurred based on the identification result of the identification unit; an alarm unit that issues an alarm to the outside in response to the fire determination unit determining that a fire has occurred; 8. The detection device according to claim 6 or 7, comprising:

9. a wall portion of the storage portion where the white light is irradiated is colored with a predetermined color pattern; the colored pattern is formed so that at least one of the first reference intensity, the second reference intensity, and the third reference intensity has a predetermined magnitude.

9. A detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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