Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To minimize fatigue of a heat exchange unit due to heat cycling.SOLUTION: The amount of heat generated is predicted for a target object being temperature-controlled by heat absorption or heat dissipation of a heat exchange unit having a heat absorption side and a heat dissipation side. Temperature on the heat absorption side or the heat dissipation side is controlled based on the predicted amount of generated heat such that the temperature on the heat absorption side or the heat dissipation side of the heat exchange unit becomes a predetermined temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program. [Background Art]

[0002] In recent years, heating and cooling systems using Peltier elements (modules) have been used. For example, considering that network cameras are used in various environments 24 hours a day, Peltier elements may be used to cool network cameras.

[0003] The most common cause of failure of a Peltier element is fatigue caused by thermal cycles generated in the solder layer joining the thermoelectric element and the electrode and in the thermoelectric element itself near the joint. Since a Peltier element is used by generating a temperature difference (ΔT) between the heat absorption side (low temperature side) and the heat dissipation side (high temperature side), thermal stress is inevitably generated. As a result, cracks occur in the thermoelectric element or the joint portion of the Peltier element due to fatigue from thermal cycles, the crack surface is oxidized, the electrical resistance at that portion increases, and the temperature rises. As a result, eventually, burnout or melting of the solder layer and the thermoelectric element may occur, leading to disconnection.

[0004] When using a Peltier element, there are techniques for suppressing the probability of occurrence of failures caused by fatigue due to thermal cycles. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for setting and controlling an output time with respect to an output level of an applied voltage so that the temperature difference ΔT between the heat generating surface and the heat absorbing surface of the Peltier element changes smoothly. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-331230 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the temperature difference ΔT between the heat-generating surface and the heat-absorbing surface of the Peltier element fluctuates. For example, ΔT may be relatively high at times, or it may be zero when cooling is not required. As a result, there is a problem in that fatigue of the Peltier element occurs due to thermal cycling in response to such fluctuations in ΔT.

[0007] The present invention aims to further suppress fatigue of heat exchange units caused by thermal cycling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the objectives of the present invention, for example, an information processing apparatus according to one embodiment has the following configuration. That is, Estimation means for estimating the power consumption of an imaging device that incorporates a Peltier element having a heat absorption side and a heat dissipation side, and the Peltier element Regarding the object whose temperature is controlled by the heat absorption or heat release action, the amount of heat generated Based on the relationship between the power consumption and the amount of heat generated Predictive means for making predictions, A specifying means for specifying a temperature difference between the heat absorption side and the heat dissipation side of the Peltier element based on the predicted amount of heat generated, Based on the predicted amount of heat generated, Peltier element heat absorption side and Heat dissipation side Between temperature difference but The specified value The system includes control means for controlling the temperature of the heat absorption side or the heat dissipation side so that this occurs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This further suppresses fatigue of the heat exchange unit due to thermal cycling. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device including an information processing device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A flowchart showing an example of the heating and cooling process according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A flowchart showing an example of the heating and cooling process according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing an example of the heating and cooling process according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 5]A diagram illustrating heating and cooling control without an information processing device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating heating and cooling control by an information processing device according to Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] The information processing device according to this embodiment predicts the amount of heat generated for a heat exchange unit having a heat absorption side and a heat dissipation side, whose temperature is controlled by the heat absorption or heat dissipation action. The information processing device then controls the temperature of the heat absorption side or the heat dissipation side according to the predicted amount of heat generated. In particular, the information processing device can control the temperature of the heat absorption side or the heat dissipation side of the heat exchange unit so that the temperature of the heat absorption side or the heat dissipation side of the heat exchange unit reaches a predetermined value based on the predicted amount of heat generated.

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an imaging device 100 controlled by an information processing device according to this embodiment. The imaging device 100 according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 101, RAM 111, ROM 112, storage device 113, I / F (interface) 114, input device 115, output device 116, and network 117. The imaging device 100 also includes a lens 102, imaging unit 103, drive unit 104, sensor 105, infrared illumination 106, pan / tilt head 107, image input unit 108, and image processing unit 109 as functional units having imaging capabilities. Furthermore, the imaging device 100 may also include other functional units such as an audio processing unit 118, an image analysis unit 119, a compression / decompression unit 120, and a heating / cooling unit 121. Each functional unit of the imaging device 100 according to this embodiment is connected to each other via a bus 110, enabling them to send and receive data from one another.

[0014] The imaging device 100 according to this embodiment can be implemented as various devices equipped with the function of capturing moving images. This device equipped with the function of capturing moving images may be an imaging device such as a network camera, video camera, still camera, drive recorder, or in-vehicle camera, or it may be a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone equipped with an imaging function. In this embodiment, the imaging device 100 will be described below assuming that it is mounted on an imaging device such as a network camera.

[0015] In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 is assumed to be a CPU mounted on the imaging device 100. However, the information processing device 101 may exist as a separate device from the imaging device 100, such as a personal computer or server which is an external device of the imaging device 100. In this case, when the information processing device 101 and the imaging device 100 are separate devices, the imaging device 100 has its own CPU, and this CPU executes each process performed by the imaging device 100.

[0016] In a heating and cooling system using a heat exchange unit, the information processing apparatus 101 maintains the temperature of a temperature control target within a predetermined range while suppressing fluctuations in the temperature difference ΔT between the heat absorption side and the heat dissipation side of the heat exchange unit, in order to suppress fatigue of the heat exchange unit due to thermal cycles. For this purpose, the information processing apparatus 101 includes a temperature measurement unit 101-1, a calorific value prediction unit 101-2, a temperature control unit 101-3, and a control unit 101-4. Processing performed by each functional unit of the information processing apparatus 101 will be described later.

[0017] 102 to 109, which are functional units provided with an imaging function, can perform normal imaging processing based on known techniques, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here. A lens 102 includes a zoom lens 102-1, a focus lens 102-2, and an aperture stop 102-3. The zoom lens 102-1 is a lens that changes the angle of view of the imaging apparatus 100, and the focus lens 102-2 is a lens that adjusts the focus position of the imaging apparatus 100. The zoom lens 102-1 and the focus lens 102-2 can be moved along the optical axis of the imaging apparatus 100 by a drive unit 104. The aperture stop 102-3 is an aperture that adjusts the amount of light passing through the lens 102. The aperture stop 102-3 is driven by the drive unit 104.

[0018] The imaging unit 103 includes an infrared cut filter 103-1 and an imaging element 103-2 constituted by an image sensor or the like. The infrared cut filter 103-1 removes infrared rays from the light received by the imaging element 103-2. The infrared cut filter 103-1 is driven by the driving unit 104, and may be inserted when sufficient illuminance of the subject to be imaged can be obtained even when the infrared cut filter 103-1 is inserted. Further, the infrared cut filter 103-1 may be removed by the driving unit 104 when sufficient illuminance of the subject to be imaged cannot be obtained. When the infrared cut filter 103-1 is removed, infrared illumination 106 may irradiate infrared rays toward the subject to assist visibility in dark areas. Although details will be described later, the imaging element 103-2 is an element that converts received light into an electrical signal, and its posture can be tilted with respect to an imaging optical axis plane orthogonal to the imaging optical axis system by the driving unit 104. The driving unit 104 can be controlled by the control unit 101-4.

[0019] The sensor 105 is a sensor including at least one of an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an illuminance sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires corresponding information. The sensor 105 can notify the acquired information to the information processing apparatus 101 or the like via the bus 110. Note that the sensor 105 according to the present embodiment includes a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a temperature control target by the heat exchange unit, but may also include sensors other than this.

[0020] The tripod head 107 includes a pan drive unit and a tilt drive unit (not shown) and controls the imaging direction. The pan drive unit in this embodiment consists of a bottom case and a turntable, and the pan of the imaging unit 103 is controlled by the horizontal rotation of the turntable. The pan drive unit in this embodiment can control the pan of the imaging unit 103 from -175 degrees to +175 degrees in the left and right directions from the initial position. The tilt drive unit in this embodiment consists of a turntable and a support column mounted on the turntable that connects to the lens 102 and the imaging unit 103, and the tilt of the imaging unit 103 is controlled by the vertical rotation of the turntable. The tilt drive unit in this embodiment can control the tilt of the imaging unit 103 from the initial position of 0 degrees horizontally to 90 degrees directly upwards. In this way, the tripod head 107 enables imaging by changing the imaging direction by rotating the lens and imaging unit 103 horizontally or hydraulically.

[0021] The image sensor 103-2 converts the light that has passed through the lens 102 and the infrared cut filter 103-1 into an electrical signal. In this embodiment, the image sensor 103-2 can convert the analog image signal input from the lens 102 into a digital image signal by known sampling and amplification processes such as correlated double sampling.

[0022] The image input unit 108 outputs the electrical signal generated by the image sensor 103-2 as image data (digital image signal) to the image processing unit 109. The image processing unit 109 performs various image processing on the digital image signal input from the image input unit 108 and stores it in the RAM 111 via the bus 110. Here, the image processing unit 109 can perform various digital image processing on the digital image signal based on sensitivity information when capturing the image signal, such as AGC (Automatic Gain Control) gain or ISO (International Organization for Standardization) sensitivity. The various digital image processing here may be, for example, optical black processing, pixel defect correction processing, aberration correction, peripheral light falloff correction, gain processing, white balance processing, RGB interpolation processing, dynamic range expansion processing, or color difference signal conversion. Alternatively, the various digital image processing may be, for example, offset processing, gamma correction processing, noise reduction processing, contour correction processing, color tone correction processing, light source type determination processing, or scaling processing.

[0023] RAM 111 is volatile memory such as SRAM or DRAM. ROM 112 is non-volatile memory such as EEPROM or flash memory. Storage device 113 is storage device such as HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), or eMMC (embedded multimedia card).

[0024] The programs for realizing each function of the information processing device 101 and imaging device 100 according to this embodiment, and the data used when the programs are executed, are stored in the ROM 112 or the storage device 113. These programs and data are loaded into the RAM 111 via the bus 110 under the control of the information processing device 101 (CPU), and executed by the information processing device 101.

[0025] I / F114 is an I / F related to input and output, and connects to the input device 115 and the display device 116. The input device 115 is, for example, an operation key including a release switch or power switch, a directional key, a joystick, a touch panel, a keyboard, or a pointing device, and acquires user input. The display device 116 is, for example, an LCD display, and displays various information presented to the user, such as images (temporarily stored in RAM, for example) or operation menus. I / F114 also connects to the network 117 via a LAN or the like. The connection to the network 117 may be wired or wireless, and the form is not particularly limited.

[0026] The audio processing unit 118 is, for example, a speaker and performs audio input / output processing in the imaging device 100. The audio processing unit 118 in this embodiment can perform processing related to the audio function that outputs sound from the speaker. Any commonly used audio output function can be adopted as the audio function.

[0027] The image analysis unit 119 performs image analysis processing, including detection processing according to predetermined detection conditions. The image analysis unit 119 can perform detection processing using known image analysis techniques, such as face detection, person detection, motion detection, passage detection, congestion detection, trajectory detection, and abandoned / removed object detection. The image analysis unit 119 may also utilize a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or DLPU (Deep-Learning Processing Unit), not shown, built into the imaging device 100 for analysis processing.

[0028] The compression / decompression unit 120 performs image compression and decompression processing. The compression / decompression unit 120 may, for example, apply a predetermined compression format to an image to generate compressed data and output it to the display device 116 or network 117. The compression / decompression unit 120 can also apply a predetermined decompression format to compressed data stored in the storage device 113 to generate uncompressed data. As predetermined formats used for compression and decompression processing, for example, a compression method compliant with the JPEG standard is used for still images, and compression / decompression processing compliant with MOTION-JPEG, MPEG2, AVC / H.264, or AVC / H.265 is used for moving images.

[0029] The heating and cooling unit 121 includes a heat exchange unit, a heat sink, a fan, a heater, etc., and adjusts the temperature of the temperature control target (in this case, the imaging device 100). The heating and cooling unit 121 according to this embodiment includes a Peltier element as the heat exchange unit, and can cool or dissipate heat from the imaging device 100 through the heat absorption or heat dissipation action of the Peltier element. The Peltier element according to this embodiment is a heat exchange unit having one side that absorbs heat (heat absorption side) and the other side that dissipates heat (heat dissipation side) when an electric current is passed through it in a predetermined direction. By passing an electric current in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, the functions of the heat absorption side and the heat dissipation side of the Peltier element are reversed. Hereinafter, the heat exchange unit according to this embodiment will be described assuming that it is a Peltier element.

[0030] Next, the processing performed by the information processing device 101 will be explained. The temperature measurement unit 101-1 acquires the temperature measurement result of the Peltier element-controlled object, which is measured by the sensor 105. Here, the temperature-controlled object is assumed to be the image sensor 103-2, but it is not limited to this as long as it is a component of the imaging device 100 that needs temperature adjustment, for example, the drive unit 104 or the CPU of the imaging device 100. In the following, such a temperature-controlled object will be referred to as the heating / cooling object.

[0031] The heat generation prediction unit 101-2 predicts the (future) heat generation of the heating / cooling target. For example, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 may predict the heat generation according to the usage status of each function in the imaging device 100. Here, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 can estimate the power consumption of each function by the imaging device 100 as the usage status of each function, and predict the heat generation from that power consumption. The heat generation prediction unit 101-2 may also estimate the power consumption of functions in the imaging device 100 that the user has set as having high power consumption. Here, functions that are considered to have high power consumption are, for example, the infrared irradiation function by the infrared illumination 106, the audio function by the sound processing unit 118, the compression or expansion function by the compression / expansion unit 120, or the pan / tilt function by the drive of the pan / tilt head 107. In the following, when simply referred to as "heat generation," it refers to the heat generation of the heating / cooling target as described above.

[0032] Here, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 predicts the average heat generation up to a predetermined time (for example, from when the imaging device 100 starts operating until the power is turned off) as the future heat generation, and the temperature control unit 101-3 performs temperature control based on the predicted heat generation. Here, the average heat generation may be, for example, the average value of the heat generation predicted for each unit period up to a predetermined time, or the average value of the heat generation predicted for each event observed during the predetermined period, or it may be calculated using any other arbitrary conditional expression. Here, "event" refers to one operation of a certain function of the imaging device 100, which is arbitrarily set by the user. As an event, for example, one operation of the pan / tilt head 107 (from when the operation starts until the operation is interrupted for a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds)) may be considered one event, and as described above, the conditions for an event can be arbitrarily set by the user. This event can be set for each function of the imaging device 100.

[0033] In this embodiment, "until the predetermined timing" is described as the period from when the imaging device 100 starts operating until the power is turned off, as described above. However, this is not particularly limited as long as temperature control can be performed for a period sufficient to reduce fatigue due to the thermal cycle of the imaging device 100. For example, the period "until the predetermined timing" may be defined as the period from when the imaging device 100 starts operating until a predetermined period (e.g., 30 minutes) has elapsed.

[0034] The heat generation prediction unit 101-2 can estimate the power consumption of each of the above-mentioned functions based on a pre-prepared data table. For example, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 may have information in advance indicating the amount of power consumed per unit of operating time for each function, and may calculate the power consumption from the operating time of each function. The amount of power consumed for the operating time of each function varies depending on the type of function or the operating settings, but it is possible for the user to set any value for each function in advance. Furthermore, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 has in advance a data table that shows the correspondence between the power consumption and the amount of heat generated for each function, and can predict the amount of heat generated from the power consumption by referring to this data table.

[0035] For example, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 can predict the amount of heat generated based on the drive amount of the functions of the imaging device 100. For example, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 can predict the amount of heat generated by using the drive amount of the lens 102 as the drive amount of the functions of the imaging device 100. Here, the drive amount of the lens 102 is the drive amount (angle or aperture amount) or drive time calculated separately for the zoom lens 102-1, the focus lens 102-2, and the aperture 102-3, respectively. In this embodiment, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 prepares a data table in advance that shows the correspondence between the drive amount and power consumption for each function, and can estimate the total power consumption by referring to the data table for each function and summing up the estimated power consumption.

[0036] Here, the drive amount for the function of the imaging device can be the drive amount of the lens 102, the drive amount of the tripod head 107, or the amount of infrared irradiation by the infrared illumination 106.

[0037] The heat generation prediction unit 101-2 may also predict the amount of heat generated according to a schedule, such as the frequency at which the lens 102 is driven. In this case, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 can calculate the average power consumption for each event from the driving schedule of the lens 102, and predict the amount of heat generated from that average power consumption. Here, the driving schedule of the lens 102 can be calculated separately for the zoom lens 102-1, the focus lens 102-2, and the aperture 102-3.

[0038] The heat generation prediction unit 101-2 may also predict the amount of heat generated according to the schedule for controlling the attitude of the imaging device 100, such as the frequency of driving the pan / tilt head 107. In this case, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 can calculate the average power consumption for each event from the driving schedule of the pan / tilt head 107 and predict the amount of heat generated from that average power consumption.

[0039] Furthermore, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 may calculate power consumption according to the usage status of the analysis function that utilizes the image analysis unit 119 or the CPU (information processing device 101), for example. Here, the usage status of the analysis function that utilizes the image analysis unit 119 or the CPU may be the usage time of the analysis function, or the usage time of the processor such as the GPU or DLPU used for the analysis function may also be taken into consideration.

[0040] Furthermore, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 can acquire information indicating power consumption according to the status of the control process performed by the drive unit 104, for example, to tilt the orientation of the image sensor 103-2 with respect to the imaging optical axis plane perpendicular to the imaging optical axis system. For example, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 can calculate the average power consumption for each event from a schedule such as the frequency of tilting the image sensor, and predict the amount of heat generated from that average power consumption. A functional event in the drive unit 104 may be defined as the period from when the control to tilt the orientation of the image sensor 103-2 is started until the control is interrupted for a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds).

[0041] The heat generation prediction unit 101-2 may predict the amount of heat generated from the power consumption of multiple functions, or from the power consumption of a single function. When predicting the amount of heat generated from the power consumption of multiple functions, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 may predict the amount of heat generated from the sum of their power consumption, or it may predict the amount of heat generated by referring to a data table showing the correspondence between power consumption and heat generated for each function, and then summing up the predicted amounts of heat generated.

[0042] The temperature control unit 101-3 controls the temperature of the heat exchange unit (Peltier element) so that it reaches a predetermined temperature, according to the amount of heat generated predicted by the heat generation prediction unit 101-2. Here, the temperature control unit 101-3 determines a specified value for the temperature difference ΔT between the heat-absorbing and heat-generating sides of the Peltier element based on the predicted amount of heat generated, and controls the heating and cooling unit 121 so that ΔT falls within a predetermined range from the specified value.

[0043] In this embodiment, the heat exchange unit provided by the imaging device 100 is a Peltier element, and the specified value of ΔT described above is used as the temperature value to be specified when controlling the temperature of the Peltier element. However, if the temperature of the heat absorption side or the heat dissipation side can be controlled in the same way, then such processing is not necessary. For example, the temperature of the heat absorption side or the heat dissipation side may be specified directly instead of the temperature difference ΔT.

[0044] Figure 5 shows an example of fluctuations in the temperature 502 on the heat absorption side and the temperature 503 on the heat dissipation side when the temperature control unit 101-3 does not control the temperature of the heat absorption side or the heat dissipation side with respect to the temperature 501 of the object to be heated and cooled measured by the sensor 105. In this example, when the temperature 501 exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature due to the operation of the imaging device 100, the heating and cooling process by the Peltier element is started and controlled so that the temperature on the heat absorption side is low and the temperature on the heat dissipation side is high. When the temperature of the object to be heated and cooled decreases due to the endothermic effect on the heat absorption side and the temperature 501 falls below the predetermined threshold temperature, the heating and cooling process by the Peltier element stops, and the temperature difference ΔT becomes 0 due to natural heat dissipation. When the heating and cooling process stops, the temperature 501 rises due to the operation of the imaging device 100 and reaches the threshold temperature again. If this process is repeated thereafter, it is conceivable that the occurrence of Peltier element failure will be accelerated due to fatigue caused by the thermal cycle.

[0045] To reduce the occurrence of Peltier element failures due to such thermal cycling, the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment predicts the amount of heat generated by the object to be heated or cooled, and controls the temperature of the heat absorption side or the heat dissipation side according to the predicted amount of heat generated. Here, by controlling the amount of heat absorbed or dissipated so that the temperature difference ΔT between the heat absorption side and the heat dissipation side falls within a predetermined range, the occurrence of fatigue due to thermal cycling can be reduced.

[0046] Figure 6 shows an example of fluctuations in the temperature 502 on the heat absorption side and the temperature 503 on the heat dissipation side, controlled by the temperature control unit 101-3, with respect to the temperature 501 of the heating / cooling target measured by the sensor 105. In this embodiment, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 predicts the average heat generation over a predetermined period (here, the entire period shown in Figure 6), and the temperature control unit 101-3 determines a specified value for ΔT based on that heat generation. In this way, by setting the value of ΔT during the predetermined period to a specified value determined based on the predicted heat generation, it is possible to suppress fatigue due to the thermal cycle of the Peltier element and reduce the occurrence of failures while performing desired heating and cooling.

[0047] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a heating and cooling process using a Peltier element by the information processing device 101 and imaging device 100 according to this embodiment. The process shown in Figure 2 starts when the user starts the operation of the imaging device 100.

[0048] In S201, the temperature measurement unit 101-1 acquires the temperature of the heating / cooling target measured by the sensor 105 via the bus 110. In this embodiment, multiple sensors 105 are arranged in the imaging device 100, and the temperature measurement unit 101-1 acquires the temperature measured by each sensor 105; however, there may be only one sensor 105. In S202, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 predicts the amount of heat generated by the heating / cooling target. In S203, the temperature control unit 101-3 determines a specified value for the temperature difference ΔT between the heat-absorbing side and the heat-generating side of the Peltier element according to the heat generation amount predicted in S202.

[0049] In S204, the temperature control unit 101-3 controls the current or voltage driving the Peltier element using PWM so that the temperature difference ΔT between the heat absorption side and the heat dissipation side of the Peltier element becomes the specified value determined in S203.

[0050] This process allows for the prediction of the heat generated by the heating / cooling target, and the control of the heat exchange unit temperature to a predetermined value according to the predicted heat generation. Therefore,

[0051] In this embodiment, the temperature control unit 101-3 has been described as determining a specified value for ΔT based on the averaged heat generation over a predetermined period. However, the heat generation used to calculate ΔT in the future is not particularly limited in this way. For example, instead, the heat generation with the largest value predicted by the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 over the predetermined period may be used.

[0052] [Embodiment 2] The information processing device 101 according to Embodiment 2 predicts the amount of heat generated by the heating / cooling target by the same processing as in Embodiment 1, and controls the temperature of the heat-absorbing or heat-generating side to a predetermined value according to the predicted amount of heat generated. In addition, the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment updates the predetermined temperature value described above in accordance with the change in the temperature of the heating / cooling target over time. That is, the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment re-predicts the amount of heat generated by the heating / cooling target over time, and controls the temperature of the heat-absorbing or heat-generating side to a predetermined value based on the re-predicted amount of heat generated.

[0053] The information processing device 101 according to this embodiment re-predicts the amount of heat generated by the heating / cooling target and updates the predetermined temperature value mentioned above when a predetermined condition is met while controlling the temperature of the heat-absorbing or heat-generating side to a predetermined value. Here, the information processing device 101 may determine that the predetermined condition is met when, for example, the temperature of the heating / cooling target changes by more than a predetermined threshold from the time the predetermined temperature value mentioned above was set. The information processing device 101 according to this embodiment can acquire the measured temperature of the heating / cooling target at a predetermined time interval (for example, 30 seconds) set in advance and determine whether or not the predetermined condition is met. If the predetermined condition is met, the amount of heat generated by the heating / cooling target is re-predicted at that time, and the temperature of the heat-absorbing or heat-generating side is controlled so that the temperature of the heat-absorbing or heat-generating side becomes a predetermined value based on the predicted amount of heat generated.

[0054] The heating and cooling process by the information processing device 101 and imaging device 100 according to Embodiment 2 will now be described with reference to Figure 3. The process shown in Figure 3 includes, in addition to the process described in Figure 2, S301 preceding S201 and S302 to S305 following S204.

[0055] In S301, the information processing device 101 obtains the current time. Here, the information processing device 101 can obtain the time managed by the CPU's OS (operating system). Time management can be performed using, for example, an RTC (real-time clock module). Since the processes S201 to S204 that follow S301 are the same as those in Embodiment 1, redundant explanations are omitted. When S204 is completed, the process proceeds to S302.

[0056] In S302, the information processing device 101 obtains the current time. Here, the information processing device 101 obtains the current time through the same process as in S301. In S303, the temperature measuring unit 101-1 obtains the temperature of the heating / cooling target measured by the sensor 105 via the bus 110. The process in S303 can be performed in the same way as in S201, and a detailed explanation is not provided here. The process in S303 is to be performed at a predetermined time interval that has elapsed from the time measured in S301.

[0057] In S304, the information processing device 101 compares the temperature obtained in S201 with the temperature obtained in S303 and determines whether the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. If it is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to S305; otherwise, the process returns to S202.

[0058] In S305, the information processing device 101 performs the same processing as in S202 to S204 (driving the Peltier element) and determines whether to continue the heating and cooling process shown in Figure 3. The information processing device 101 may, for example, determine to terminate (not continue) the heating and cooling process shown in Figure 3 if a predetermined time (which can be set arbitrarily) has elapsed since the time measured in S301. If the heating and cooling process is to be continued, the process returns to S302; otherwise, the process ends.

[0059] This process allows for the prediction of future heat generation from the heating / cooling target if its temperature changes by more than a predetermined threshold, and the specified value of ΔT can be determined again based on the newly predicted heat generation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of overheating or overcooling due to changes in ambient temperature over time (e.g., day and night).

[0060] Furthermore, considering that overheating or overcooling may occur due to changes in ambient temperature, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 may re-predict the future heat generation of the heating / cooling target according to the time of day (for example, at the time when day and night switch). In this case, the time for re-prediction can be set arbitrarily, but for example, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 may re-predict the future heat generation of the heating / cooling target at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

[0061] [Embodiment 3] In Embodiment 1, the amount of heat generated by the heating / cooling target is predicted, and the temperature of the heat-absorbing or heat-generating side is controlled so that the temperature of the heat-absorbing or heat-generating side becomes a predetermined value based on the predicted amount of heat generated. However, there may be cases where the actual amount of heat generated by the heating / cooling target is greater than the predicted value, making it impossible to control the temperature properly. From this perspective, the information processing device 101 according to Embodiment 3 updates the predetermined temperature value mentioned above when the amount of heat generated by the heating / cooling target is greater than the predicted value. That is, the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment further acquires information indicating the amount of heat generated by the heating / cooling target, and if the acquired amount of heat generated exceeds the predicted amount of heat generated, it re-predicts the amount of heat generated.

[0062] As described above, the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment determines whether the amount of heat generated by the heating / cooling target is greater than predicted. In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 calculates the expected temperature of the heating / cooling target from the predicted amount of heat generated. Next, the information processing device 101 determines whether the difference between the calculated temperature and the temperature measured by the sensor 105 is greater than a predetermined threshold (i.e., the measured temperature of the heating / cooling target is treated as information indicating the amount of heat generated by the heating / cooling target). However, this process does not need to be limited in this way as long as it is possible to compare the predicted amount of heat generated with data corresponding to the actual amount of heat generated. For example, it may be possible to determine whether the difference between the predicted amount of heat generated and the amount of heat generated calculated from the change in the temperature of the heating / cooling target is greater than a threshold.

[0063] The heating and cooling process by the information processing device 101 and imaging device 100 according to Embodiment 3 will now be described with reference to Figure 4. The process shown in Figure 4 includes, in addition to the process described in Figure 2, S401 to S406 that follow S204.

[0064] In S401, which follows S204, the temperature measurement unit 101-1 acquires the temperature of the object to be heated or cooled, as measured by the sensor 105, via the bus 110. Here, the temperature measurement unit 101-1 acquires the temperature of the object to be heated or cooled by the same process as in S201.

[0065] In S402, the information processing device 101 determines whether the temperature of the heating / cooling target acquired in S401 is greater than the temperature predicted by the heat generation amount in S402. If it is greater than the temperature predicted by the heat generation amount in S402, the process proceeds to S403; otherwise, the process proceeds to S406. The information processing device 101 also determines whether the temperature of the heating / cooling target acquired in S401 is greater than the temperature predicted by the heat generation amount in S402.

[0066] In S403, the heat generation prediction unit 101-2 predicts the amount of heat generated by the object to be heated or cooled. In S404, the information processing device 101 newly determines (updates) the specified value of ΔT based on the heat generation predicted in S403. In S405, the temperature control unit 101-3 controls the current or voltage driving the Peltier element using PWM so that the temperature difference ΔT between the heat absorption side and the heat dissipation side of the Peltier element becomes the value determined in S403. The processing in S403 to S405 can be performed in the same way as in S202 to 204. When S405 is completed, the process proceeds to S406.

[0067] In S406, the information processing device 101 determines whether to continue the heating and cooling process shown in Figure 4. The information processing device 101 may also determine to terminate (not continue) the heating and cooling process shown in Figure 4 if, for example, the operation of the imaging device 100 ends in response to user input (such as the power being turned off). If the heating and cooling process is to be continued, the process returns to S401; otherwise, the process ends.

[0068] In this embodiment, the temperature control unit 101-3 updates the specified value of ΔT based on the heat generation predicted by the heat generation prediction unit 101-2. However, this update may cause a significant change in the temperature of the Peltier element, potentially leading to fatigue. From this perspective, the temperature control unit 101-3 can also set a range for ΔT based on the specified value, and update the specified value of ΔT within the set range when the heat generation is predicted again. For example, a range of ±15°C from the specified value of ΔT may be set, and if the specified value of ΔT determined based on the newly predicted heat generation exceeds the upper (or lower) limit of the set range, the upper (or lower) limit can be used as the specified value for updating the specified value. The range used here may be arbitrarily set by the user, taking into consideration the suppression of fatigue of the Peltier element.

[0069] This process allows for the detection of excessive heat generation in the heating / cooling target, and enables the control of the heat exchange unit temperature to achieve a more suitable temperature. Furthermore, by updating the specified value of ΔT within a predetermined range of change, the heat exchange unit temperature can be controlled to cope with excessive heat generation in the heating / cooling target while suppressing fatigue through thermal cycling.

[0070] The disclosures herein include the following information processing devices, information processing methods, and programs.

[0071] (Item 1) A heat exchange unit comprising a heat absorption side and a heat dissipation side, with a prediction means for predicting the amount of heat generated for a target whose temperature is controlled by the heat absorption or heat dissipation action, A control means for controlling the temperature of the heat absorption side or heat dissipation side of the heat exchange unit so that the temperature of the heat absorption side or heat dissipation side of the heat exchange unit reaches a predetermined value, based on the predicted amount of heat generated. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

[0072] (Item 2) The information processing apparatus according to item 1, wherein the control means controls the temperature of the heat absorption side or heat dissipation side of the heat exchange unit so that the temperature of the heat absorption side or heat dissipation side of the heat exchange unit becomes a predetermined value based on the predicted amount of heat generated.

[0073] (Item 3) The information processing apparatus according to item 2, characterized in that the heat exchange unit is a Peltier element built into the imaging device.

[0074] (Item 4) The system further comprises estimation means for estimating the power consumption of the imaging device, The information processing device according to item 3, characterized in that the prediction means predicts the amount of heat generated based on the estimated power consumption.

[0075] (Item 5) The information processing apparatus according to item 4, characterized in that the estimation means estimates the power consumption based on the amount of drive of the lens of the imaging device.

[0076] (Item 6) The information processing apparatus according to item 4, wherein the estimation means estimates the power consumption based on the schedule for controlling the posture of the imaging device.

[0077] (Item 7) The information processing apparatus according to item 4, wherein the estimation means estimates the power consumption according to the status of the control process for tilting the orientation of the image sensor of the imaging apparatus.

[0078] (Item 8) The device further comprises analysis means for performing analysis processing on images obtained by the aforementioned imaging device, The information processing apparatus according to item 4, wherein the estimation means estimates the power consumption according to the usage status of the analysis function by the analysis means.

[0079] (Item 9) The control means further comprises a detection means for detecting whether the temperature of the controlled object satisfies predetermined conditions while the temperature of the heat absorption side or heat dissipation side is being controlled by the control means. The information processing device according to item 1, wherein the prediction means is characterized by re-predicting the amount of heat generated when it is detected that the predetermined conditions are met.

[0080] (Item 10) The information processing apparatus according to item 9, characterized in that the detection means detects that the temperature of the controlled object has met the predetermined conditions when the temperature changes by more than a predetermined threshold.

[0081] (Item 11) The system further includes an acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the amount of heat generated by the controlled object, The information processing device according to item 1, wherein the prediction means re-predicts the amount of heat generated when the amount of heat generated by the information exceeds the predicted amount of heat generated.

[0082] (Item 12) The information processing device according to item 11, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the amount of heat generated by the controlled object based on a measured temperature of the controlled object.

[0083] (Item 13) A heat exchange unit having a heat absorption side and a heat dissipation side, with a step of predicting the amount of heat generated for a target whose temperature is controlled by the heat absorption or heat dissipation action, A step of controlling the temperature of the heat absorption side or heat dissipation side of the heat exchange unit so that the temperature of the heat absorption side or heat dissipation side of the heat exchange unit reaches a predetermined value, based on the predicted amount of heat generated. An information processing method comprising the following:

[0084] (Item 14) A program to cause a computer to function as one of the information processing devices described in any one of items 1 through 12.

[0085] (Other examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0086] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 101: Information processing unit, 102: Lens, 103: Imaging unit, 104: Drive unit, 105: Sensor, 106: Infrared illumination, 107: Pan / tilt head, 108: Image input unit, 109: Image processing unit

Claims

1. Estimation means for estimating the power consumption of an imaging device incorporating a Peltier element having a heat absorption side and a heat dissipation side, Regarding the object whose temperature is controlled by the heat absorption or heat dissipation effect of the Peltier element, a prediction means predicts the amount of heat generated based on the correspondence between the power consumption and the amount of heat generated. A specifying means for specifying a temperature difference between the heat absorption side and the heat dissipation side of the Peltier element based on the predicted amount of heat generated, A control means that controls the temperature of the heat absorption side or the heat dissipation side of the Peltier element so that the temperature difference between the heat absorption side and the heat dissipation side of the Peltier element becomes the specified value, based on the predicted amount of heat generated. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the estimation means estimates the power consumption based on the drive amount of the lens of the imaging device.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the estimation means estimates the power consumption based on the schedule for controlling the posture of the imaging device.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the estimation means estimates the power consumption according to the status of the control process for tilting the orientation of the image sensor of the imaging apparatus.

5. The device further comprises analysis means for performing analysis processing on images obtained by the aforementioned imaging device, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the estimation means estimates the power consumption according to the usage status of the analysis function by the analysis means.

6. The control means further comprises a detection means for detecting whether the temperature of the controlled object satisfies predetermined conditions while the temperature of the heat absorption side or heat dissipation side is being controlled by the control means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the prediction means is characterized in that it re-predicts the amount of heat generated when it is detected that the predetermined conditions are met.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the detection means detects that the temperature of the controlled object has met the predetermined conditions when the temperature of the controlled object changes by more than a predetermined threshold.

8. The system further includes an acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the amount of heat generated by the controlled object, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the prediction means re-predicts the amount of heat generated when the amount of heat generated by the information exceeds the predicted amount of heat generated.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information indicating the amount of heat generated by the controlled object based on a measured temperature of the controlled object.

10. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, A process for estimating the power consumption of an imaging device that incorporates a Peltier element having a heat absorption side and a heat dissipation side, Regarding the object whose temperature is controlled by the heat absorption or heat dissipation effect of the Peltier element, the process involves predicting the amount of heat generated based on the relationship between the power consumption and the amount of heat generated. A step of specifying a value for the temperature difference between the heat absorption side and the heat dissipation side of the Peltier element based on the predicted amount of heat generated, A step of controlling the temperature of the heat absorption side or the heat dissipation side of the Peltier element so that the temperature difference between the heat absorption side and the heat dissipation side of the Peltier element becomes the specified value, based on the predicted amount of heat generated. An information processing method comprising the following:

11. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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