Device control system, communication system, and control method

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of enabling stable operation of a sensor while providing the sensor with flexibility in sensing position. A device control system (1) is provided with a sensor (20), a communication system (10), and a control system (30). The communication system (10) includes a microwave transmission unit (125), a signal reception unit (110), an evaluation unit (115), and a direction control unit (123). The microwave transmission unit (125) transmits microwaves to the sensor (20). The signal reception unit (110) receives, from the sensor (20), a wireless signal including a sensing result. The evaluation unit (115) uses the wireless signal to evaluate the direction of the sensor (20). The direction control unit (123) controls the transmission direction of the microwaves on the basis of the direction of the sensor (20). The sensor (20) receives the microwaves and converts the received microwaves into electric power. The sensor (20) transmits the sensing result by the wireless signal.

Description

Equipment control system, communication system, and control method

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an appliance control system, a communication system, and a control method, and more particularly to an appliance control system, a communication system, and a control method for controlling an appliance.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system is known that controls devices installed in a space using sensing results from sensors installed in the space (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In Patent Document 1, an air conditioner is controlled based on the results of detection (sensing results) by a sensor provided in a remote controller.

[0004] By providing a sensor in the remote control, the position where the sensor senses can be freely changed. In other words, the sensor can have a degree of freedom in terms of sensing position. However, since the remote control is battery-powered, the sensor is also battery-powered. Therefore, if the battery runs out, the sensor will not work, making it impossible to perform stable sensing or communication with the outside world.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-127348

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a device control system, a communication system, and a control method that allow a sensor to perform stable operation while giving it freedom in terms of its sensing position.

[0007] An equipment control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a sensor, a communication system, and a control system. The sensor performs sensing in a space in which an equipment is installed. The communication system communicates with the sensor. The control system controls the equipment based on the sensing result of the sensor. The communication system includes a microwave transmitter, a signal receiver, an estimation unit, a direction control unit, and a communication processing unit. The microwave transmitter transmits microwaves to the sensor. The signal receiver receives a wireless signal from the sensor including the sensing result. The estimation unit estimates the direction of the sensor using the wireless signal. The direction control unit controls the transmission direction of the microwaves based on the direction of the sensor estimated by the estimation unit. The communication processing unit transmits the sensing result to the control system. The sensor includes a microwave receiver, a power conversion unit, and a signal transmitter. The microwave receiver receives the microwaves transmitted from the communication system. The power conversion unit converts the microwaves received by the microwave receiver into electric power. The signal transmitting unit transmits the sensing result by the wireless signal.

[0008] A communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure communicates with a sensor that performs sensing in a space in which an apparatus is installed. The communication system includes a microwave transmitter, a signal receiver, an estimation unit, a direction control unit, and a communication processing unit. The microwave transmitter supplies power to the sensor by transmitting microwaves to the sensor. The signal receiver receives a wireless signal from the sensor that includes a sensing result of the sensor. The estimation unit estimates the direction of the sensor using the wireless signal. The direction control unit controls the transmission direction of the microwave based on the direction of the sensor estimated by the estimation unit. The communication processing unit transmits the sensing result to a control system that controls the apparatus based on the sensing result.

[0009] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a microwave transmitting step, a signal receiving step, an estimation step, a direction control step, and a communication processing step. In the microwave transmitting step, microwaves are transmitted to a sensor that performs sensing in a space in which an apparatus is installed, thereby supplying power to the sensor. In the signal receiving step, a wireless signal including a sensing result of the sensor is received from the sensor. In the estimation step, the direction of the sensor is estimated using the wireless signal. In the direction control step, the transmission direction of the microwaves is controlled based on the direction of the sensor estimated in the estimation step. In the communication processing step, the sensing result is transmitted to a control system that controls the apparatus based on the sensing result.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a device control system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system included in the device control system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sensor included in the device control system. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system included in the device control system. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication system. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sensor included in a device control system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating an increase in voltage when no person is present in a space. FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating an increase in voltage when a person is present in a space. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the sensor. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a control system included in the device control system. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system included in the device control system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the angle of arrival and spectrum intensity of a wireless signal when no person is present in a space. FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the angle of arrival and spectrum intensity of a wireless signal when a person is present in a space. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication system.

[0011] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Various modifications other than these embodiments and modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0012] First Embodiment A device control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.

[0013] (1) Overview As shown in Fig. 1 , a device control system 1 according to this embodiment includes a sensor 20, a communication system 10, and a control system 30. The sensor 20 performs sensing in a space in which the device is installed. The communication system 10 communicates with the sensor 20. The control system 30 controls the device based on the sensing result of the sensor 20.

[0014] The communication system 10 includes a microwave transmitter 125, a signal receiver 110, an estimation unit 115, a direction control unit 123, and a communication processing unit 116. The microwave transmitter 125 transmits microwaves to the sensor 20. The signal receiver 110 receives a wireless signal including a sensing result from the sensor 20. The estimation unit 115 estimates the direction of the sensor 20 using the wireless signal. The direction control unit 123 controls the transmission direction of the microwaves based on the direction of the sensor 20 estimated by the estimation unit 115. The communication processing unit 116 transmits the sensing result to the control system.

[0015] The sensor 20 has a microwave receiving unit 22, a power conversion unit 23, and a signal transmission unit 25. The microwave receiving unit 22 receives microwaves transmitted from the communication system 10. The power conversion unit 23 converts the microwaves received by the microwave receiving unit 22 into electric power. The signal transmission unit 25 transmits the sensing result as a wireless signal.

[0016] With this configuration, the sensor 20 receives power from microwaves, so the sensing position is not limited. Furthermore, the communication system 10 controls the microwave transmission direction based on the estimated direction of the sensor 20, so it is possible to supply stable power to the sensor 20. Therefore, the sensor 20 can perform stable operation while having a degree of freedom in terms of the sensing position.

[0017] Here, the equipment installed in the space is, for example, a variable air volume system (hereinafter referred to as "VAV") 42 of commercial air conditioning equipment 40. Here, air conditioning equipment 40 includes an air handling unit (hereinafter referred to as "AHU") 41 and multiple (three in the illustrated example) VAVs 42.

[0018] The sensor 20 and the communication system 10 are provided in each of a plurality of spaces R1 to R3 (three in the illustrated example) included in floor F1 of the facility. Here, the communication system 10 and one or more sensors 20 are provided in each of the plurality of spaces R1 to R3. One sensor 20 is provided in each of spaces R1 and R2. Two sensors 20 are provided in space R3. Furthermore, a VAV 42 is provided in each of the plurality of spaces R1 to R3.

[0019] Based on the control of the AHU 41, the VAV 42 outputs wind (air) sent from the AHU 41 to the space in which the VAV 42 is installed among the multiple spaces R1 to R3. The AHU 42 sets the temperature of the air sent from the AHU 42. The AHU 41 adjusts the amount of air (airflow) output to each of the multiple spaces R1 to R3 by controlling each of the multiple VAVs 42. For example, the AHU 41 adjusts the amount of air (airflow) output to each of the multiple spaces R1 to R3 by controlling a valve provided in each of the multiple VAVs 42.

[0020] Here, the sensor 20 is, for example, a temperature sensor, and senses the temperature of the space in which the sensor 20 is installed. The sensor 20 transmits the sensing result, i.e., the temperature of the space in which the sensor 20 is installed, to the communication system 10.

[0021] (2) Configuration (2.1) Communication System Here, the configuration of the communication system 10 will be described.

[0022] The communication system 10 communicates with a sensor 20 that performs sensing in a space where a device (e.g., a VAV 42) is installed. As shown in FIG. 2 , the communication system 10 includes a position estimation system 11 and a power transmission system 12.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the position estimation system 11 includes a signal receiving unit 110, a phase combining unit 111, a first control unit 112, and a communication unit 113.

[0024] The position estimation system 11 includes, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the first control unit 112. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, but may also be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0025] The signal receiving unit 110 receives a wireless signal including a sensing result of the sensor 20 from the sensor 20. The signal receiving unit 110 includes a first receiving antenna 110a and a second receiving antenna 110b. The first receiving antenna 110a and the second receiving antenna 110b are antennas that receive the wireless signal transmitted from the sensor 20. Here, the wireless signal received by the signal receiving unit 110 is a signal generated by a wireless communication method based on BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (hereinafter referred to as a BLE signal). In other words, when transmitting and receiving the sensing result between the communication system 10 and the sensor 20, the wireless communication method based on BLE is used. The signal receiving unit 110 receives the BLE signal as the wireless signal transmitted from the sensor 20.

[0026] The phase combining unit 111 generates four patterns of combined signals using a radio signal received by the first receiving antenna 110a (hereinafter referred to as the first received signal) and a radio signal received by the second receiving antenna 110b (hereinafter referred to as the second received signal). The phase combining unit 111 generates a first combined signal by combining the first received signal and the second received signal without changing the phase of either the first received signal or the second received signal. The phase combining unit 111 generates a second combined signal by changing the phase of the second received signal by 180 degrees without changing the phase of the first received signal. The phase combining unit 111 generates a third combined signal by changing the phase of the second received signal by +90 degrees without changing the phase of the first received signal and combining the first received signal with the second received signal with the second received signal with the phase changed by +90 degrees. The phase synthesis unit 111 changes the phase of the second received signal by -90 degrees without changing the phase of the first received signal, and synthesizes the first received signal with the second received signal whose phase has been changed by -90 degrees to generate a fourth synthesized signal.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2 , the first control unit 112 includes an acquisition unit 114 , an estimation unit 115 , and a communication processing unit 116 .

[0028] The acquisition unit 114 acquires the sensing result of the sensor 20, that is, the temperature of the space in which the sensor 20 is installed, from the wireless signal received by the signal receiving unit 110.

[0029] The estimation unit 115 estimates the position of the sensor 20 using the wireless signals. The estimation unit 115 estimates the direction of the sensor 20 using the wireless signals. The estimation unit 115 further estimates the distance to the sensor 20 using the wireless signals. The estimation unit 115 calculates the direction of the sensor 20 and the distance to the sensor 20 using four composite signals, the first to fourth composite signals, generated by the phase synthesis unit 111.

[0030] The communication processing unit 116 transmits the sensing result to the control system 30. More specifically, the communication processing unit 116 transmits to the control system 30 transmission information including the sensing result of the sensor 20 and position information indicating the position of the sensor 20, which is the result estimated by the estimation unit 115. Here, the position information includes at least the direction of the sensor 20 out of the direction and distance of the sensor 20. Here, the position information includes both the direction and distance of the sensor 20.

[0031] The communication unit 113 has a communication interface for communicating with the control system 30. The communication unit 113 transmits the transmission information output from the communication processing unit 116 to the control system 30.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2 , the power transmission system 12 includes a transmitting antenna 120 , an antenna mechanism 121 , and a second control unit 122 .

[0033] The power transmission system 12 includes, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the second control unit 122. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, but may also be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0034] The transmitting antenna 120 is an antenna that transmits microwaves toward the sensor 20 that is provided in the same space as the space in which the communication system 10 is provided, among the plurality of spaces R1 to R3.

[0035] The antenna mechanism 121 is a mechanism for changing the transmission direction of microwaves transmitted from the transmitting antenna 120. The antenna mechanism 121 is configured to change the orientation of the transmitting antenna 120 in order to change the transmission direction of the microwaves.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the second control unit 122 includes a direction control unit 123, a power specifying unit 124, and a microwave transmitting unit 125.

[0037] The direction control unit 123 controls the transmission direction of the microwaves when only one sensor 20 is provided in the space. The direction control unit 123 controls the transmission direction of the microwaves based on the direction of the sensor estimated by the estimation unit 115. The direction control unit 123 controls the transmission direction of the microwaves by changing the direction of the transmitting antenna 120 that transmits the microwaves. The direction control unit 123 controls the direction of the transmitting antenna 120 by controlling the antenna mechanism 121 based on the direction of the sensor estimated by the estimation unit 115. Here, "changing the direction of the transmitting antenna 120" means changing the orientation of the transmitting antenna 120.

[0038] The power specifying unit 124 specifies the transmission strength of the microwaves based on the distance to the sensor 20 estimated by the estimation unit 115. For example, the power specifying unit 124 stores transmission strengths according to distances in advance. The power specifying unit 124 specifies the transmission strength associated with the distance to the sensor 20 estimated by the estimation unit 115.

[0039] The microwave transmitter 125 transmits microwaves to the sensor 20. Specifically, the microwave transmitter 125 transmits microwaves in the 920 MHz band to the sensor 20 via the transmitting antenna 120. More specifically, the microwave transmitter 125 determines whether to change the transmission intensity of the microwaves. For example, the microwave transmitter 125 determines whether the difference between the current transmission intensity and the identified transmission intensity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the microwave transmitter 125 determines that the difference between the current transmission intensity and the identified transmission intensity is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the microwave transmitter 125 determines to change the transmission intensity of the microwaves. If the microwave transmitter 125 determines that the difference between the current transmission intensity and the identified transmission intensity is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the microwave transmitter 125 determines not to change the transmission intensity of the microwaves. If the microwave transmitter 125 determines that the difference between the current transmission intensity and the identified transmission intensity is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the microwave transmitter 125 determines not to change the transmission intensity of the microwaves. If the microwave transmitter 125 determines that the transmission intensity of the microwaves is to be changed, the microwave transmitter 125 transmits microwaves to the sensor 20 at the transmission intensity identified by the power identifying unit 124. When it is determined that the transmission intensity of the microwaves should not be changed, the microwave transmitting unit 125 transmits the microwaves to the sensor 20 without changing the current transmission intensity.

[0040] The frequency band of the microwaves transmitted by the microwave transmitter 125 to the sensor 20 is not limited to the 920 MHz band. The frequency band of the microwaves transmitted by the microwave transmitter 125 to the sensor 20 may be the 2 GHz band or the 5 GHz band.

[0041] (2.2) Sensor The sensor 20 is, for example, a temperature sensor. As shown in FIG. 3 , the sensor 20 includes a sensor unit 21, a microwave receiving unit 22, a power conversion unit 23, a power storage unit B1, a signal transmitting unit 25, and a transmission control unit 26.

[0042] The sensor 20 includes, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the transmission control unit 26. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system in this example, but may also be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0043] The sensor unit 21 measures the temperature of the space in which the sensor 20 is installed.

[0044] The microwave receiving unit 22 receives microwaves transmitted from the communication system 10. For example, the microwave receiving unit 22 is an antenna that receives microwaves transmitted from the communication system 10.

[0045] The power conversion unit 23 converts the microwaves received by the microwave receiving unit 22 into electric power. The power conversion unit 23 includes a rectifier circuit. The rectifier circuit converts the microwaves received by the microwave receiving unit 22 into direct current power (hereinafter simply referred to as power). The power conversion unit 23 converts the microwaves into electric power. In other words, it can be said that the microwave transmitting unit 125 of the communication system 10 supplies electric power to the sensor 20 by transmitting microwaves to the sensor 20.

[0046] The power storage unit B1 stores the electric power converted from the microwaves by the power conversion unit 23. That is, the power storage unit B1 is a battery that stores the electric power converted from the microwaves by the power conversion unit 23.

[0047] The power supply unit 24 supplies the power stored in the power storage unit B1 to each function of the sensor 20. This allows each function of the sensor 20 to operate.

[0048] The signal transmitting unit 25 transmits the sensing result of the sensor unit 21 by wireless signal to the communication system 10. That is, the signal transmitting unit 25 is an antenna that transmits the wireless signal.

[0049] The transmission control unit 26 includes a transmission processing unit 26a. The transmission processing unit 26a transmits the sensing result of the sensor unit 21 to the communication system 10 via the signal transmission unit 25. The transmission processing unit 26a transmits a BLE signal including the sensing result of the sensor unit 21 to the communication system 10 as a wireless signal.

[0050] (2.3) Control System The control system 30 controls devices installed in the space based on the sensing results of the sensor 20. As shown in FIG. 4 , the control system 30 includes a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, and a control unit 33.

[0051] The control system 30 includes, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the control unit 33. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, but may also be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0052] The first communication unit 31 has a communication interface for communicating with the communication system 10. The first communication unit 31 receives transmission information transmitted from the communication system 10.

[0053] The second communication unit 32 has a communication interface for communicating with the air conditioning equipment 40. The second communication unit 32 transmits control information for controlling the air conditioning equipment 40 to the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0054] The control unit 33 controls the equipment installed in the space based on the sensing result of the sensor 20. The control unit 33 controls the equipment installed in the space (here, the VAV 42) based on the sensing result of the sensor 20 (the temperature of the space). The control unit 33 stores a target value. The control unit 33 identifies the space in which the sensor 20 is installed based on the location information included in the transmission information received from the communication system 10. The control unit 33 transmits control information to the AHU 41 for controlling the valve of the VAV 42 installed in the identified space, depending on the result of comparing the sensing result included in the transmission information with the target value. At this time, the AHU 41 controls the valve of the VAV 42 to be controlled based on the control information received from the control system 30.

[0055] For example, assume that the AHU 41 is sending cool air to each of the spaces R1 to R3. If the sensing result (temperature) included in the transmission information received from the communication system 10 is higher than the target value, the control unit 33 transmits to the AHU 41 control information to open the valve of the VAV 42 installed in the specified space to a wider degree than the current degree. If the sensing result (temperature) included in the transmission information received from the communication system 10 is lower than the target value, the control unit 33 transmits to the AHU 41 control information to open the valve of the VAV 42 installed in the specified space to a narrower degree than the current degree.

[0056] Also, assume that the AHU 41 is sending warm air to each of the spaces R1 to R3. If the sensing result (temperature) included in the transmission information received from the communication system 10 is higher than the target value, the control unit 33 transmits control information to the AHU 41 to cause the valve of the VAV 42 installed in the specified space to be opened to a smaller degree than the current degree. If the sensing result (temperature) included in the transmission information received from the communication system 10 is lower than the target value, the control unit 33 transmits control information to the AHU 41 to cause the valve of the VAV 42 installed in the specified space to be opened to a larger degree than the current degree.

[0057] The control unit 33 may transmit control information to the VAV 42 provided in the identified space. In this case, the VAV 42 that receives the control information controls (adjusts) the degree to which the valve is opened based on the control information.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 33 identifies the position of the sensor 20 based on the position information included in the transmitted information. The control unit 33 determines whether the identified position of the sensor 20 is an appropriate position for performing sensing.

[0059] For example, the control unit 33 determines whether the identified position of the sensor 20 is a location in the space where people gather. If the control unit 33 determines that the identified position of the sensor 20 is a location in the space where people gather, it determines that the identified position of the sensor 20 is an appropriate location for performing sensing. If the control unit 33 determines that the identified position of the sensor 20 is not a location in the space where people gather, it determines that the identified position of the sensor 20 is not an appropriate location for performing sensing.

[0060] The control unit 33 notifies the user of the determination result. For example, the control unit 33 may notify the user of the determination result via an information terminal of the user, or may display the determination result on a display unit included in the control system 30.

[0061] (3) Operation Here, the operation of the communication system 10 when transmitting microwaves will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0062] The communication system 10 performs the following operations for each of the spaces R1 to R3.

[0063] The signal receiving unit 110 receives a wireless signal (BLE signal) from the sensor 20 (step S1).

[0064] The estimation unit 115 performs estimation processing (step S2). The estimation unit 115 estimates the position of the sensor 20 based on the wireless signals received by the signal receiving unit 110. The estimation unit 115 estimates both the direction of the sensor 20 and the distance to the sensor 20 using the wireless signals. More specifically, the estimation unit 115 calculates the direction of the sensor 20 and the distance to the sensor 20 using four composite signals, the first to fourth composite signals, generated by the phase combining unit 111.

[0065] The communication processing unit 116 transmits to the control system 30 transmission information including the sensing result of the sensor 20 and the position information indicating the position of the sensor 20, which is the result estimated by the estimation unit 115 (step S3).

[0066] The direction control unit 123 determines whether or not a plurality of sensors 20 are provided in the space to be processed (target space) among the spaces R1 to R3 (step S4). The direction control unit 123 determines whether or not a plurality of sensors 20 are included in the target space based on the position information that is the result of estimation for each of the sensors 20 by the estimation unit 115.

[0067] If it is determined that the target space does not include multiple sensors 20 ("No" in step S4), the direction control unit 123 determines whether to change the microwave transmission direction (step S5). The direction control unit 123 determines whether the angle (estimated angle) formed between the current microwave transmission direction and the direction of the sensor 20 estimated by the estimation unit 115 is greater than a predetermined angle. If the direction control unit 123 determines that the estimated angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the direction control unit 123 determines to change the microwave transmission direction. If the direction control unit 123 determines that the estimated angle is equal to or less than the predetermined angle, the direction control unit 123 determines not to change the microwave transmission direction.

[0068] If it is determined that the microwave transmission direction should be controlled ("Yes" in step S5), the direction control unit 123 performs a direction change process (step S6). The direction control unit 123 controls the antenna mechanism 121 to change the direction of the transmitting antenna 120 based on the sensor direction estimated by the estimation unit 115.

[0069] After the direction change process is performed, the power identifying unit 124 identifies the microwave transmission intensity based on the distance to the sensor 20 estimated by the estimation unit 115 (step S7). Note that the process proceeds to step S7 even when it is determined that multiple sensors 20 are included in the target space ("Yes" in step S4) or when it is determined that the microwave transmission direction should not be controlled ("No" in step S5).

[0070] The microwave transmitter 125 determines whether or not to change the transmission intensity of the microwaves (step S8).

[0071] When it is determined that the microwave transmission intensity should be changed ("Yes" in step S8), the microwave transmitter 125 performs a first transmission process (step S9). Specifically, the microwave transmitter 125 transmits microwaves to the sensor 20 at the transmission intensity determined by the power specifying unit 124. That is, the microwave transmitter 125 changes the current transmission intensity to the new transmission intensity determined by the power specifying unit 124, and transmits microwaves to the sensor 20 at the changed transmission intensity.

[0072] When it is determined that the microwave transmission intensity should not be changed ("No" in step S8), the microwave transmission unit 125 performs a second transmission process (step S10). Specifically, the microwave transmission unit 125 transmits microwaves to the sensor 20 at the current transmission intensity. That is, the microwave transmission unit 125 transmits microwaves to the sensor 20 without changing the current transmission intensity.

[0073] (4) Advantages As described above, the device control system 1 of embodiment 1 includes a sensor 20, a communication system 10, and a control system 30. The sensor 20 performs sensing in a space (e.g., spaces R1, R2, R3) in which a device (e.g., a VAV 42) is installed. The communication system 10 communicates with the sensor 20. The control system 30 controls the device based on the sensing result of the sensor 20. The communication system 10 includes a microwave transmitter 125, a signal receiver 110, an estimation unit 115, a direction controller 123, and a communication processor 116. The microwave transmitter 125 transmits microwaves to the sensor. The signal receiver 110 receives a wireless signal including the sensing result from the sensor 20. The estimation unit 115 estimates the direction of the sensor 20 using the wireless signal. The direction controller 123 controls the microwave transmission direction based on the direction of the sensor 20 estimated by the estimation unit 115. The communication processing unit 116 transmits the sensing result to the control system 30. The sensor 20 has a microwave receiving unit 22, a power conversion unit 23, and a signal transmitting unit 25. The microwave receiving unit 22 receives microwaves transmitted from the communication system 10. The power conversion unit 23 converts the microwaves received by the microwave receiving unit 22 into electric power. The signal transmitting unit 25 transmits the sensing result as a wireless signal.

[0074] With this configuration, the sensor 20 receives power from microwaves, so the sensing position is not limited. Furthermore, the communication system 10 controls the microwave transmission direction based on the estimated direction of the sensor 20, so it is possible to supply stable power to the sensor 20. Therefore, the sensor 20 can perform stable operation while having a degree of freedom in terms of the sensing position.

[0075] (5) Modifications Below, modifications of the first embodiment are listed. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combination with the first embodiment.

[0076] (5.1) Modification 1 In the first embodiment, the direction control unit 123 controls the antenna mechanism 121 to change the direction of the transmitting antenna 120. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0077] The transmission direction of the microwaves may be controlled by beamforming. The following describes the communication system 10A of Modification 1, focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1. Note that the same components as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6, a communication system 10A of the first modification includes a position estimation system 11 and a power transmission system 12A.

[0079] The power transmission system 12A includes a first transmitting antenna 120a, a second transmitting antenna 120b, and a second control unit 122A.

[0080] The power transmission system 12A includes, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the second control unit 122A. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, but may also be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0081] Each of the first transmitting antenna 120a and the second transmitting antenna 120b is an antenna that transmits microwaves toward a sensor 20 that is located in the same space as the space in which the communication system 10A is located among the multiple spaces R1 to R3.

[0082] The second control unit 122A has a direction control unit 123A, a power specifying unit 124 and a microwave transmitting unit 125.

[0083] The direction control unit 123A determines whether to change the microwave transmission direction when the space to be controlled among the spaces R1 to R3 does not include multiple sensors 20, i.e., when only one sensor 20 is provided.

[0084] When determining to change the microwave transmission direction, the direction control unit 123A performs beamforming so that the microwave is transmitted in the direction of the sensor estimated by the estimation unit 115. Specifically, the direction control unit 123A performs beamforming by controlling the phases of the microwave transmitted from the microwave transmission unit 125 via the first transmitting antenna 120a and the microwave transmitted from the microwave transmission unit 125 via the second transmitting antenna 120b.

[0085] When the direction control unit 123A determines not to change the microwave transmission direction, it transmits microwaves from both the first transmitting antenna 120a and the second transmitting antenna 120b by phase control according to the current beamforming. That is, the direction control unit 123A controls the microwave transmission direction by performing beamforming through microwave phase control.

[0086] (5.2) Modification 2 In the first embodiment, a determination is made as to whether to perform directional control, i.e., whether to change the transmission direction, based on the difference between a predetermined angle and an estimated angle formed between the current microwave transmission direction and the direction of the sensor 20 estimated by the estimation unit 115. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0087] The direction control unit 123 may determine whether to change the transmission direction depending on whether the direction of the sensor 20 estimated by the estimation unit 115 is within a predetermined range (e.g., within ±45 degrees) based on the current transmission direction.

[0088] (5.3) Modification 3 In the first embodiment, the power identifying unit 124 is configured to store in advance transmission intensities corresponding to distances, and identify the transmission intensities associated with the distances to the sensors 20 estimated by the estimation unit 115. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0089] The power specifying unit 124 may increase the transmission strength if the distance to the sensor 20 estimated by the estimation unit 115 is equal to or greater than a certain value.

[0090] (5.4) Modification 4 In the first embodiment, the power specifying unit 124 is configured to specify the transmission intensity in accordance with the distance to the sensor 20 estimated by the estimation unit 115. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0091] The power specifying unit 124 may specify the transmission strength according to the reception strength of the microwaves received by the sensor 20. In this case, the power specifying unit 124 receives the reception strength of the microwaves from the sensor 20 and specifies the transmission strength according to the received reception strength.

[0092] The power specifying unit 124 may also specify the transmission strength of the microwaves according to the reception strength of the wireless signal received from the sensor 20 .

[0093] (5.5) Modification 5 In the first embodiment, the direction control unit 123 is configured to perform direction control when one sensor 20 is provided in the target space. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0094] Even when a plurality of sensors 20 are provided in the target space, the direction control unit 123 may perform direction control on each of the plurality of sensors 20 .

[0095] (5.6) Modification 6 In the first embodiment, the device control system 1 is configured to control the air conditioning device 40, particularly the VAV 42, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0096] The device control system 1 may be configured to control lighting devices. In this case, the sensor 20 is an illuminance sensor that senses the illuminance of a space in which the sensor 20 is installed.

[0097] Alternatively, the device control system 1 may be configured to control a speaker. In this case, the sensor 20 is a sound pressure sensor that senses the volume of sound in the space in which the sensor 20 is installed.

[0098] Alternatively, the device control system 1 may be configured to control a ventilation device. In this case, the sensor 20 is a sensor that senses the concentration of carbon dioxide in the space in which the sensor 20 is installed.

[0099] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in that the presence or absence of a person is determined based on the increase in the amount of power stored in the power storage unit B1. The following description will focus on the differences from embodiment 1. Note that the same components as those in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0100] (1) Configuration The device control system 1 according to the second embodiment is a system in which the sensor 20 in Fig. 1 is replaced with a sensor 20B shown in Fig. 7. That is, the device control system 1 according to the second embodiment includes the sensor 20B, a communication system 10, and a control system 30.

[0101] 7 , the sensor 20B is, for example, a temperature sensor. The sensor 20B includes a sensor unit 21, a microwave receiving unit 22, a power conversion unit 23, a power storage unit B1, a power supply unit 24, a signal transmitting unit 25, and a transmission control unit 26. The sensor 20B further includes a storage unit 27, a voltage monitoring unit 28, a determination unit 29, and a switch SW1.

[0102] The sensor 20B includes, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the voltage monitoring unit 28 and the determination unit 29. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, but may also be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0103] Furthermore, as described in the first embodiment, a computer system functions as the transmission control unit 26. In this case, the computer system functioning as the transmission control unit 26 and the computer system functioning as the voltage monitoring unit 28 and the determination unit 29 may be the same system or different systems. That is, the computer system functioning as the transmission control unit 26 and the computer system functioning as the voltage monitoring unit 28 and the determination unit 29 may have the same processor executing the respective programs, or different processors may execute the respective programs.

[0104] The storage unit 27 is configured with a device selected from a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), etc. The storage unit 27 stores reference information that serves as a criterion for determining whether or not a person is present. The reference information includes a slope coefficient that indicates the slope of the voltage increase of the stored power.

[0105] Voltage monitoring unit 28 monitors the voltage of the power stored in power storage unit B1. Voltage monitoring unit 28 starts monitoring the voltage of the power stored in power storage unit B1 when triggered by transmission processing unit 26a of transmission control unit 26 transmitting a wireless signal. After starting to monitor the voltage of the power stored in power storage unit B1, voltage monitoring unit 28 ends monitoring when the monitored voltage reaches a predetermined voltage value.

[0106] The determination unit 29 determines whether or not a person is present in the space where the sensor 20B is provided, among the spaces R1 to R3 (see FIG. 1), based on the monitoring results of the voltage monitoring unit 28. The determination unit 29 determines that a person is present in the space when the value representing the slope of the voltage increase is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Specifically, the determination unit 29 determines that a person is present in the space where the sensor 20B is provided when the value representing the slope of the voltage increase obtained from the monitoring results of the voltage monitoring unit 28 is smaller than the slope coefficient.

[0107] FIG. 8 shows a graph representing the increase in voltage of the power stored in the power storage unit B1 when there is no person in the space where the sensor 20B is installed, for example, when there is no person near the sensor 20B. FIG. 9 shows a graph representing the increase in voltage of the power stored in the power storage unit B1 when there is a person in the space where the sensor 20B is installed, for example, when there is a person near the sensor 20B. The line G1 in FIG. 8 and the line G11 in FIG. 9 represent the increase in voltage obtained from the monitoring results of the voltage monitoring unit 28. In FIG. 8, the voltage suddenly decreases at times t1 and t2. This is because the sensor 20B transmits a wireless signal to the communication system 10 at times t1 and t2. In FIG. 9, the voltage suddenly decreases at times t11 and t12. This is because the sensor 20B transmits a wireless signal to the communication system 10 at times t11 and t12.

[0108] If there is no person in the space where the sensor 20B is provided, for example, if there is no person near the sensor 20B, there is no obstacle when the communication system 10 transmits microwaves to the sensor 20B. If there is a person in the space where the sensor 20B is provided, for example, if there is a person near the sensor 20B, the person becomes an obstacle when the communication system 10 (see FIG. 1) transmits microwaves to the sensor 20B.

[0109] 8 and 9, the slope of line segment G11 is smaller than the slope of line segment G1. In other words, if an obstacle is present when communication system 10 transmits microwaves to sensor 20B, the charging rate slows down compared to when there is no obstacle. Therefore, the presence or absence of a person can be determined based on the charging rate, i.e., the slope of the voltage increase.

[0110] The signal transmitting unit 25 transmits a wireless signal further including the determination result by the determining unit 29 to the communication system 10. That is, the signal transmitting unit 25 transmits a wireless signal including the determination result by the determining unit 29 and the sensing result of the sensor unit 21 to the communication system 10.

[0111] The transmission processing unit 26 a included in the transmission control unit 26 transmits the sensing result of the sensor unit 21 and the determination result of the determination unit 29 to the communication system 10 via the signal transmission unit 25 .

[0112] The switch SW1 switches the operation mode of the sensor 20B. The switch SW1 is operated by an operator to switch the operation mode of the sensor 20B from the normal mode to the measurement mode, or from the measurement mode to the normal mode. The normal mode is a mode in which the sensor unit 21 performs sensing and the determination unit 29 determines whether or not a person is present, and the sensing results and determination results are transmitted to the communication system 10. The measurement mode is a mode for storing reference information.

[0113] Operation in the measurement mode is performed during manufacture or shipment of sensor 20B. When the measurement mode is set as the operating mode during manufacture or shipment, determination unit 29 of sensor 20B determines the slope of the voltage increase based on the monitoring results of voltage monitoring unit 28 when no person is present. In the measurement mode, determination unit 29 of sensor 20B sets a value smaller than the determined slope by a predetermined value as a slope coefficient, and stores reference information including the slope coefficient in storage unit 27.

[0114] The measurement mode may be set when sensor 20B is installed in the space to be sensed. In this case, when the measurement mode is set as the operating mode at the time of installation, determination unit 29 of sensor 20B determines the slope of the voltage increase based on the monitoring results of voltage monitoring unit 28 when no person is present in the space in which sensor 20B is installed. In the measurement mode, determination unit 29 of sensor 20B sets a value smaller than the determined slope by a predetermined value as a slope coefficient and stores reference information including the slope coefficient in storage unit 27. In this case, because the reference information is stored based on the voltage increase corresponding to the space in which sensor 20B is installed, it is possible to accurately determine the presence or absence of a person.

[0115] In the second embodiment, the communication processing unit 116 (see FIG. 2 ) of the communication system 10 further transmits the determination result of the determination unit 29 to the control system 30 via the communication unit 113 (see FIG. 2 ). Specifically, the communication processing unit 116 transmits transmission information including the sensing result, the position information, and the determination result of the determination unit 29 to the control system 30.

[0116] In embodiment 2, the control unit 33 (see Figure 4) of the control system 30 controls equipment (here, VAV 42) installed in the space based on the sensing result of the sensor 20B contained in the transmission information received from the communication system 10 and the judgment result of the judgment unit 29.

[0117] The control unit 33 stores the target values. The control unit 33 calculates the deviation value between the sensing result and the target value for each of the multiple spaces R1 to R3. The deviation value is the absolute value of the difference between the sensing result and the target value.

[0118] The control unit 33 assigns a judgment result score to each of the multiple spaces R1 to R3 based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 29. For example, when the judgment result of the judgment unit 29 indicates the presence of a person, the control unit 33 assigns a value of "1" as the judgment result score to the space in which the sensor 20B that transmitted the result is installed.

[0119] The control unit 33 calculates a final score for each of the multiple spaces R1 to R3 based on the deviation value and the judgment result score. For example, the control unit 33 multiplies the deviation value by the judgment result score for each of the multiple spaces R1 to R3 and calculates the result as the final score. The relationship between the deviation value, judgment result score, and final score for each of the multiple spaces R1 to R3 is shown in Table 1 below.

[0120]

[0121] The first space shown in Table 1 corresponds to, for example, space R1, the second space corresponds to, for example, space R2, and the third space corresponds to, for example, space R3 shown in FIG. 1. The first sensor corresponds to, for example, sensor 20B provided in space R1. The second sensor corresponds to, for example, sensor 20B provided in space R2. The third and fourth sensors each correspond to, for example, sensor 20B provided in space R3. The control unit 33 assigns the multiplication result "3" of the judgment result score "1" and the deviation value "3" to the first space as the final score. The control unit 33 assigns the multiplication result "0" of the judgment result score "0" and the deviation value "1" to the second space as the final score. The control unit 33 assigns the final score for the third space to the sum of the multiplication result "2" of the judgment result score "1" obtained from the third sensor and the deviation value "2", and the multiplication result "0" of the judgment result score "0" obtained from the fourth sensor and the deviation value "2".

[0122] The control unit 33 controls the device (VAV 42) provided in the space based on the final score. Here, the control unit 33 controls the device (VAV 42) provided in the space with the maximum assigned final score among the multiple spaces R1 to R3 based on the final score. The control unit 33 controls the opening and closing of the valve of the VAV 42 provided in the space with the maximum assigned final score among the multiple spaces R1 to R3.

[0123] For example, assume that the AHU 41 is sending cool air to each of the spaces R1 to R3. If the sensing result (temperature) included in the transmission information received from the communication system 10 installed in the space (control target space) with the highest final score is higher than the target value, the control unit 33 transmits control information to the AHU 41 to increase the degree of opening of the valve of the VAV 42 installed in the control target space. If the sensing result (temperature) included in the transmission information received from the communication system 10 installed in the control target space is lower than the target value, the control unit 33 transmits control information to the AHU 41 to decrease the degree of opening of the valve of the VAV 42 installed in the control target space.

[0124] Also, assume that the AHU 41 is sending warm air to each of the spaces R1 to R3. If the sensing result (temperature) included in the transmission information received from the communication system 10 installed in the control target space is higher than the target value, the control unit 33 transmits control information to the AHU 41 to narrow the degree of opening of the valve of the VAV 42 installed in the control target space. If the sensing result (temperature) included in the transmission information received from the communication system 10 installed in the control target space is lower than the target value, the control unit 33 transmits control information to the AHU 41 to widen the degree of opening of the valve of the VAV 42 installed in the control target space.

[0125] (2) Operation (2.1) Determination Process Here, the determination process performed by the sensor 20B to determine whether or not a person is present will be described with reference to FIG.

[0126] Voltage monitoring unit 28 monitors the voltage of the power stored in power storage unit B1 (step S21).

[0127] Based on the monitoring result of voltage monitoring unit 28, determination unit 29 calculates the gradient of the increase in the voltage of the power stored in power storage unit B1 (step S22).

[0128] The determination unit 29 determines whether the calculated gradient value is smaller than the gradient coefficient (step S23).

[0129] If it is determined that the calculated gradient value is not smaller than the gradient coefficient ("No" in step S23), the determination unit 29 determines that no person is present in the space where the sensor 20B is installed (step S24).

[0130] If it is determined that the calculated gradient is smaller than the gradient coefficient ("Yes" in step S23), the determination unit 29 determines that a person is present in the space where the sensor 20B is provided (step S25).

[0131] The transmission processing unit 26a transmits the determination result obtained in step S24 or step S25 to the communication system 10 (step S26). The transmission processing unit 26a transmits a BLE signal as a wireless signal including the sensing result of the sensor unit 21 and the determination result obtained in step S24 or step S25 to the communication system 10 via the signal transmission unit 25.

[0132] (2.2) Control Processing Here, the control processing performed by the control system 30 to control the devices will be described with reference to FIG.

[0133] The control unit 33 receives transmission information from the communication system 10 (step S31).

[0134] The control unit 33 calculates a final score for each of the spaces R1 to R3 based on the sensing results of the sensor 20B provided in the corresponding space and the determination results of the determination unit 29 (step S32).

[0135] The control unit 33 determines whether control of the device (VAV 42) is necessary (step S33). Specifically, the control unit 33 determines whether one or more final scores exist among the multiple final scores. The control unit 33 determines that control of the device is necessary when one or more final scores exist among the multiple final scores. The control unit 33 determines that control of the device is not necessary when none of the multiple final scores is 1 or greater, i.e., when all of the multiple final scores are 0.

[0136] If it is determined that device control is necessary ("Yes" in step S33), the control unit 33 performs device control processing (step S34). The control unit 33 controls the device (VAV 42) provided in the space corresponding to the maximum final score among the multiple final scores. More specifically, the control unit 33 controls the opening and closing of the valve of the VAV 42 provided in the space corresponding to the maximum final score among the multiple final scores.

[0137] If the control unit 33 determines that control of the device is not necessary ("No" in step S33), the process ends.

[0138] (3) Advantages As described above, the device control system 1 of embodiment 2 includes the sensor 20B, the communication system 10, and the control system 30. The sensor 20B performs sensing in a space (e.g., spaces R1, R2, R3) in which a device (e.g., a VAV 42) is installed. The communication system 10 communicates with the sensor 20B. The control system 30 controls the device based on the sensing results of the sensor 20B. The communication system 10 includes a microwave transmitter 125, a signal receiver 110, an estimation unit 115, a direction controller 123, and a communication processor 116. The microwave transmitter 125 transmits microwaves to the sensor. The signal receiver 110 receives a wireless signal including the sensing result from the sensor 20B. The estimation unit 115 estimates the direction of the sensor 20B using the wireless signal. The direction control unit 123 controls the transmission direction of the microwaves based on the direction of the sensor 20B estimated by the estimation unit 115. The communication processing unit 116 transmits the sensing result to the control system 30. The sensor 20B has a microwave receiving unit 22, a power conversion unit 23, and a signal transmitting unit 25. The microwave receiving unit 22 receives microwaves transmitted from the communication system 10. The power conversion unit 23 converts the microwaves received by the microwave receiving unit 22 into electric power. The signal transmitting unit 25 transmits the sensing result as a wireless signal.

[0139] With this configuration, the sensor 20B receives power from microwaves, so the sensing position is not limited. Furthermore, the communication system 10 controls the microwave transmission direction based on the estimated direction of the sensor 20B, so it can supply stable power to the sensor 20B. Therefore, the sensor 20B can operate stably while having a degree of freedom in terms of the sensing position.

[0140] Furthermore, in the device control system 1 according to the second embodiment, the sensor 20B further includes a power storage unit B1, a voltage monitoring unit 28, and a determination unit 29 in addition to the above configuration. The power storage unit B1 stores power converted from microwaves. The voltage monitoring unit 28 monitors the voltage of the power stored in the power storage unit B1. The determination unit 29 determines the presence or absence of a person in a space (e.g., spaces R1, R2, R3) based on the monitoring result of the voltage monitoring unit 28. The signal transmission unit 25 transmits a wireless signal further including the determination result of the determination unit 29 to the communication system 10.

[0141] According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to give priority to controlling a device installed in a space where people are present.

[0142] (4) Modifications Modifications of the second embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combination with the second embodiment. The modifications described below can also be applied in appropriate combination with the first embodiment and each modification of the first embodiment. Furthermore, each modification of the first embodiment can also be applied in appropriate combination with the second embodiment.

[0143] (4.1) Modification 1 In the second embodiment, the determination unit 29 is configured to determine whether or not a person is present in the space where the sensor 20B is installed by comparing the value indicating the calculated voltage gradient with the gradient coefficient. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0144] The determination unit 29 may determine whether or not a person is present in the space where the sensor 20B is provided, based on the amount of change in the tilt.

[0145] When a person is present in a space, the communication environment for transmitting and receiving microwaves frequently fluctuates. Therefore, the reception strength of microwaves received by sensor 20B from communication system 10 frequently fluctuates. As a result, the slope of the increase in voltage of the power stored in power storage unit B1 may fluctuate significantly. Therefore, determination unit 29 may determine whether a person is present in the space based on the amount of change in the value representing the slope of the voltage increase. When the amount of change in the value representing the slope of the voltage increase is greater than a predetermined reference amount of change, determination unit 29 determines that a person is present in the space where sensor 20B is installed. Furthermore, when the amount of change in the value representing the slope of the voltage increase is equal to or less than the predetermined reference amount of change, determination unit 29 determines that a person is not present in the space where sensor 20B is installed.

[0146] (4.2) Modification 2 In the second embodiment, the determination unit 29 is configured to be provided in the sensor 20B, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0147] Determination unit 29 may be provided in control system 30. That is, control system 30 may determine the presence or absence of a person in the space where sensor 20B is provided, based on the slope of the increase in the voltage of the power stored in power storage unit B1. In this case, memory unit 27 may be provided in sensor 20B or in control system 30.

[0148] Furthermore, when the control system 30 determines whether or not a person is present in the space where the sensor 20B is installed, the control system 30 may use the distance between the communication system 10 and the sensor 20B in addition to the slope of the increase in the voltage of the power stored in the power storage unit B1 to determine whether or not a person is present. For example, when the distance between the communication system 10 and the sensor 20B is shorter than a predetermined value and the slope of the increase in voltage is smaller than a slope coefficient, the control system 30 determines that a person is present in the space where the sensor 20B is installed.

[0149] (4.3) Modification 3 In the measurement mode, the determination unit 29 of the sensor 20B is configured to calculate the slope coefficient using the slope of the increase in the voltage of the power stored in the storage unit B1 when no person is present, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0150] In the measurement mode, the determination unit 29 may calculate the slope coefficient using the slope (first slope) of the increase in the voltage of the power stored in the power storage unit B1 when no person is present and the slope (second slope) of the increase in the voltage of the power stored in the power storage unit B1 when a person is present. For example, the determination unit 29 may calculate the average value of the first slope and the second slope and use the calculated average value as the slope coefficient. Alternatively, the determination unit 29 may use a value that is smaller than the calculated average value by a predetermined value as the slope coefficient.

[0151] (4.4) Modification 4 In the measurement mode, the determination unit 29 of the sensor 20B may calculate the slope of the increase in the voltage of the power stored in the power storage unit B1 multiple times and determine the slope coefficient using the calculated slopes. For example, the determination unit 29 may calculate an average value of the multiple slopes and use the calculated average value as the slope coefficient, or may use a value smaller than the calculated average value by a predetermined value as the slope coefficient. The determination unit 29 may calculate a median value using the multiple slopes and use the calculated median value as the slope coefficient, or may use a value smaller than the calculated median value by a predetermined value as the slope coefficient. Alternatively, the determination unit 29 may determine the slope coefficient using the remaining slopes of the multiple slopes, excluding any singular points.

[0152] Furthermore, the determination unit 29 of the sensor 20B may calculate the slope of the increase in the voltage of the power stored in the power storage unit B1 multiple times at regular intervals. The determination unit 29 determines the slope coefficient using the multiple slopes calculated at regular intervals.

[0153] (4.5) Modification 5 The sensor 20B may determine whether or not a person is present in the space in which the sensor 20B is installed, using the received power when the microwave is received.

[0154] In this case, the determination unit 29 uses the DC power converted from the microwaves by the power conversion unit 23 as the received power and uses the received power to determine whether or not a person is present in the space where the sensor 20B is installed. For example, if the received power is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference power, the determination unit 29 determines that no person is present in the space where the sensor 20B is installed. If the received power is less than the predetermined reference power, the determination unit 29 determines that a person is present in the space where the sensor 20B is installed.

[0155] (4.6) Modification 6 When multiple sensors 20B are provided in a space, the judgment result score may be quantified based on the judgment results of each of the multiple sensors 20B. For example, the judgment result score may be the average value of the judgment results of each of the multiple sensors 20B. Alternatively, the judgment result score may be the median value of the judgment results of each of the multiple sensors 20B.

[0156] (4.7) Modification 7 When multiple sensors 20B are provided in a space, the deviation value may be quantified based on the absolute value of the difference between the sensing result for each of the multiple sensors 20B and the target value. For example, the deviation value may be the average value of the absolute values ​​of the differences between the sensing result for each of the multiple sensors 20B and the target value. Alternatively, the deviation value may be the median value of the absolute values ​​of the differences between the sensing result for each of the multiple sensors 20B and the target value.

[0157] (4.8) Modification 8 In the second embodiment, the control unit 33 is configured to multiply the deviation value by the judgment result score for each of the multiple spaces R1 to R3, and calculate the result as the final score. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0158] The control unit 33 may calculate the final score by adding the deviation value and the judgment result score.

[0159] (4.9) Modification 9 As described above, Modification 6 of the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment.

[0160] That is, the device to be controlled by the control system 30 may be a lighting device. In this case, the sensor 20B is an illuminance sensor. When the sensor 20B (illuminance sensor) determines that a person is present in the space, the control system 30 controls the lighting device to, for example, increase the illuminance. When the sensor 20B determines that a person is not present in the space, the control system 30 controls the lighting device to decrease the illuminance.

[0161] Furthermore, the device to be controlled by the control system 30 may be a speaker. In this case, the sensor 20B is a sound pressure sensor. When the sensor 20B (sound pressure sensor) determines that a person is present in the space, the control system 30 controls the speaker to, for example, decrease the volume. When the sensor 20B determines that a person is not present in the space, the control system 30 controls the speaker to increase the volume.

[0162] Alternatively, the equipment to be controlled by the control system 30 may be a ventilation equipment. In this case, the sensor 20B is a sensor that senses the concentration of carbon dioxide. When the sensor 20B determines that a person is present in the space, the control system 30 controls the ventilation equipment, for example, to ventilate the space. When the sensor 20B determines that a person is not present in the space, the control system 30 controls the ventilation equipment not to ventilate the space.

[0163] (Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiments 1 and 2 in that the presence or absence of a person is determined based on a Q value, which is a value that quantifies the spectrum shape related to the angle of arrival of a wireless signal obtained from the direction of arrival of the wireless signal (BLE signal) (direction of the sensor). The following description will focus on the differences from Embodiments 1 and 2. Note that the same components as those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0164] (1) Configuration The device control system 1 according to the third embodiment is a system in which the communication system 10 in Fig. 1 is replaced with a communication system 10C shown in Fig. 12. That is, the device control system 1 according to the third embodiment includes a sensor 20, a communication system 10C, and a control system 30.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 12, a communication system 10C according to the third embodiment includes a position estimation system 11C and a power transmission system 12.

[0166] 12, the position estimation system 11C includes a signal receiving unit 110, a phase synthesis unit 111, a first control unit 112C, and a communication unit 113. Furthermore, the position estimation system 11C includes a storage unit 119 and a switch SW2.

[0167] The position estimation system 11C includes, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the first control unit 112C. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, but may also be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0168] The signal receiving unit 110 includes a first receiving antenna 110a and a second receiving antenna 110b.

[0169] The storage unit 119 is configured by a device selected from a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM, etc. The storage unit 119 stores reference information including a reference value that is used as a criterion for determining whether or not a person is present.

[0170] 12, the first control unit 112C includes an acquisition unit 114, an estimation unit 115, and a communication processing unit 116. The first control unit 112C further includes a Q-value calculation unit 117 and a determination unit 118.

[0171] The Q-factor calculation unit 117 calculates a Q-factor by quantifying the spectrum shape related to the arrival angle of the wireless signal. The Q-factor calculation unit 117 generates a graph showing the relationship between the angle relative to the communication system 10C and the strength (spectrum strength) of the wireless signal based on the wireless signal (BLE signal) received from the sensor 20 (see FIG. 1). The Q-factor calculation unit 117 calculates the Q-factor using the generated graph and the following equation 1: [Equation 1] Q-factor = (peak value) / (angle width corresponding to "peak value / 2")

[0172] The determination unit 118 determines whether or not a person is present in the space using a Q value that quantifies the spectrum shape related to the angle of arrival of the wireless signal. That is, the determination unit 118 determines whether or not a person is present in the space in which the sensor 20 is installed using the Q value calculated by the Q value calculation unit 117. The determination unit 118 determines that a person is present in the space in which the sensor 20 is installed when the Q value is smaller than a reference value included in the reference information stored in the storage unit 119. The determination unit 118 determines that a person is not present in the space in which the sensor 20 is installed when the Q value is equal to or greater than the reference value.

[0173] Fig. 13 shows a graph G2 that represents the relationship between the angle of arrival (angle relative to communication system 10C) of a wireless signal and spectrum intensity when there is no person present in the space where sensor 20 is installed, for example, when there is no person present near sensor 20. Fig. 14 shows a graph G21 that represents the relationship between the angle of arrival of a wireless signal and spectrum intensity when there is a person present in the space where sensor 20 is installed, for example, when there is a person present near sensor 20.

[0174] In Fig. 13, the peak value is "M1". The angle width corresponding to the value "peak value (M1) / 2" is "L1". At this time, the Q value is "M1 / L1".

[0175] In Fig. 14, the peak value is "M2". The angle width corresponding to the value "peak value (M2) / 2" is "L21+L22". At this time, the Q value is "M1 / (L21+L22)".

[0176] 13 and 14, the angle width L1 when no person is present is smaller than the angle width when a person is present. Therefore, the Q value when no person is present is larger than the Q value when a person is present. Therefore, the determination unit 118 can determine whether or not a person is present by comparing the Q value calculated by the Q value calculation unit 117 with a reference value.

[0177] The communication processing unit 116 further transmits the determination result of the determination unit 118 to the control system 30. Specifically, the communication processing unit 116 transmits transmission information including the sensing result, the position information, and the determination result of the determination unit 118 to the control system 30 via the communication unit 113.

[0178] The switch SW2 switches the operation mode of the communication system 10C. The switch SW2 is operated by an operator to switch the operation mode of the communication system 10C from the normal mode to the measurement mode, or from the measurement mode to the normal mode. The normal mode is a mode in which the communication system 10C transmits microwaves, estimates the position of the sensor 20, and transmits transmission information. The measurement mode is a mode for storing reference information.

[0179] Operation in the measurement mode is performed when the communication system 10C is manufactured or shipped. When the measurement mode is set as the operating mode at the time of manufacture or shipping, the Q-value calculation unit 117 of the communication system 10C finds (calculates) the Q-value when no person is present. The Q-value calculation unit 117 sets a value that is smaller than the found Q-value by a predetermined value as a reference value, and stores reference information including the reference value in the storage unit 27. Note that the Q-value calculation unit 117 may use the found Q-value as the reference value.

[0180] The measurement mode may be set when the communication system 10C is installed in a space to be sensed by the sensor 20. In this case, when the measurement mode is set as the operating mode at the time of installation, the Q-value calculation unit 117 of the communication system 10C calculates (obtains) a Q-value for the case where no person is present in the space in which the communication system 10C and the sensor 20 are installed. The Q-value calculation unit 117 sets a value that is smaller than the obtained Q-value by a predetermined value as a reference value, and stores reference information including the reference value in the storage unit 27. In this case, the reference information is stored based on a Q-value corresponding to the space in which the communication system 10C and the sensor 20 are installed, so that it is possible to accurately determine the presence or absence of a person.

[0181] In the third embodiment, the control system 30 (see FIG. 1) operates in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0182] (2) Operation Here, the determination process performed by the communication system 10C to determine whether or not a person is present will be described with reference to FIG.

[0183] The Q-value calculation unit 117 calculates the Q-value (step S41). The Q-value calculation unit 117 generates a graph showing the relationship between the angle relative to the communication system 10C and the strength of the wireless signal, based on the wireless signal received from the sensor 20. The Q-value calculation unit 117 calculates the Q-value using the generated graph and Equation 1.

[0184] The determining unit 118 determines whether the Q value calculated in step S41 is smaller than a reference value (step S42).

[0185] If it is determined that the Q value is not smaller than the reference value, i.e., that the Q value is greater than or equal to the reference value ("No" in step S42), the judgment unit 118 determines that no person is present in the space in which the sensor 20 is installed (step S33).

[0186] If it is determined that the Q value is smaller than the reference value ("Yes" in step S42), the determination unit 118 determines that a person is present in the space in which the sensor 20 is installed (step S44).

[0187] The communication processing unit 116 transmits the determination result obtained in step S43 or step S44 to the control system 30 (step S45). The communication processing unit 116 transmits transmission information including the sensing result of the sensor 20, the estimation result (position information) of the estimation unit 115, and the determination result obtained in step S43 or step S44 to the control system 30 via the communication unit 113.

[0188] (3) Advantages As described above, the device control system 1 of embodiment 3 includes a sensor 20, a communication system 10C, and a control system 30. The sensor 20 performs sensing in a space (e.g., spaces R1, R2, R3) in which a device (e.g., a VAV 42) is installed. The communication system 10C communicates with the sensor 20. The control system 30 controls the device based on the sensing results of the sensor 20. The communication system 10C includes a microwave transmitter 125, a signal receiver 110, an estimation unit 115, a direction controller 123, and a communication processor 116. The microwave transmitter 125 transmits microwaves to the sensor. The signal receiver 110 receives a wireless signal including the sensing result from the sensor 20. The estimation unit 115 estimates the direction of the sensor 20 using the wireless signal. The direction controller 123 controls the microwave transmission direction based on the direction of the sensor 20 estimated by the estimation unit 115. The communication processing unit 116 transmits the sensing result to the control system 30. The sensor 20 has a microwave receiving unit 22, a power conversion unit 23, and a signal transmitting unit 25. The microwave receiving unit 22 receives microwaves transmitted from the communication system 10C. The power conversion unit 23 converts the microwaves received by the microwave receiving unit 22 into electric power. The signal transmitting unit 25 transmits the sensing result as a wireless signal.

[0189] With this configuration, the sensor 20 receives power from microwaves, so the sensing position is not limited. Furthermore, the communication system 10C controls the microwave transmission direction based on the estimated direction of the sensor 20, so it is possible to supply stable power to the sensor 20. Therefore, the sensor 20 can perform stable operation while having a degree of freedom in terms of the sensing position.

[0190] In the device control system 1 according to the third embodiment, the communication system 10C further includes a determination unit 118. The determination unit 118 determines whether or not a person is present in a space (e.g., spaces R1, R2, R3) by using a Q value that quantifies a spectrum shape related to the angle of arrival of a wireless signal. The communication processing unit 116 further transmits the determination result by the determination unit 118 to the control system 30.

[0191] According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to give priority to controlling a device installed in a space where people are present.

[0192] (4) Modifications Modifications of the third embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combination with the third embodiment. The modifications described below can also be applied in appropriate combination with the first and second embodiments and the modifications of the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, the modifications of the first and second embodiments can also be applied in appropriate combination with the third embodiment.

[0193] (4.1) Modification 1 In the third embodiment, the determination unit 118 is configured to determine whether or not a person is present in the space in which the sensor 20 is installed by comparing the Q value calculated by the Q value calculation unit 117 with a reference value. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0194] The determination unit 118 may determine whether or not a person is present in the space in which the sensor 20 is installed, based on the amount of change in the Q value.

[0195] When a person is present in a space, the communication environment for transmitting and receiving microwaves fluctuates frequently. Therefore, the reception strength of the wireless signal fluctuates frequently. As a result, the Q value may fluctuate significantly. Therefore, the determination unit 118 may determine whether or not a person is present in the space based on the amount of variation in the Q value. The determination unit 118 determines that a person is present in the space when the amount of variation in the Q value is greater than a predetermined value. Furthermore, the determination unit 118 determines that a person is not present in the space when the amount of variation in the Q value is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0196] (4.2) Modification 2 In the second embodiment, the determining unit 118 is configured to be included in the communication system 10C, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0197] The determination unit 118 may be provided in the control system 30. That is, the control system 30 may determine the presence or absence of a person in the space in which the sensor 20 is installed, based on the Q value calculated by the Q value calculation unit 117. In this case, the storage unit 119 may be provided in the communication system 10C or the control system 30.

[0198] (4.3) Modification 3 The communication system 10C is configured to calculate the reference value in the measurement mode using the Q value when no person is present, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0199] In the measurement mode, the communication system 10C may calculate the reference value using a Q value (first Q value) when no person is present and a Q value (second Q value) when a person is present. For example, the Q value calculation unit 117 of the communication system 10C may calculate the average value of the first Q value and the second Q value and use the calculated average value as the reference value. Alternatively, the Q value calculation unit 117 may use a value that is smaller than the calculated average value by a predetermined value as the reference value.

[0200] (4.4) Modification 4 The communication system 10C may calculate the Q value multiple times in the measurement mode and determine the reference value using the calculated Q values. For example, the communication system 10C may calculate the average of the multiple Q values ​​and use the calculated average as the reference value, or may use a value that is smaller than the calculated average by a predetermined value as the reference value. The communication system 10C may calculate the median using the multiple Q values ​​and use the calculated median as the reference value, or may use a value that is smaller than the calculated median by a predetermined value as the reference value. Alternatively, the reference value may be determined using the remaining Q values ​​of the multiple Q values ​​excluding the singular points.

[0201] Furthermore, the Q-factor calculation unit 117 of the communication system 10C may calculate the Q-factor at regular intervals in the measurement mode. The Q-factor calculation unit 117 determines the reference value using the multiple Q-factors calculated at regular intervals.

[0202] (4.5) Modification 5 At least one of modifications 6 to 8 of the second embodiment may be applied to the control system 30 of the third embodiment.

[0203] (4.6) Modification 6 The sensor 20B of the second embodiment may be applied to the third embodiment.

[0204] In this case, if either the sensor 20 or the communication system 10C determines that a person is present in the space, the communication system 10C may transmit a determination result indicating that a person is present in the space to the control system 30.

[0205] Alternatively, if both the sensor 20 and the communication system 10C determine that a person is present in the space, the communication system 10C may transmit a determination result indicating that a person is present in the space to the control system 30.

[0206] (4.7) Modification 7 As described above, Modification 6 of the first embodiment can be applied to the third embodiment.

[0207] That is, the device to be controlled by the control system 30 may be a lighting device. In this case, the sensor 20B is an illuminance sensor. When the communication system 10C determines that a person is present in the space, the control system 30 controls the lighting device to, for example, increase the illuminance. When the communication system 10C determines that a person is not present in the space, the control system 30 controls the lighting device to decrease the illuminance.

[0208] Furthermore, the device to be controlled by the control system 30 may be a speaker. In this case, the sensor 20B is a sound pressure sensor. When the communication system 10C determines that a person is present in the space, the control system 30 controls the speaker to, for example, lower the volume. When the communication system 10C determines that a person is not present in the space, the control system 30 controls the speaker to increase the volume.

[0209] Alternatively, the equipment to be controlled by the control system 30 may be a ventilation equipment. In this case, the sensor 20B is a sensor that senses the concentration of carbon dioxide. When the communication system 10C determines that a person is present in the space, the control system 30 controls the ventilation equipment to, for example, ventilate the space. When the communication system 10C determines that a person is not present in the space, the control system 30 controls the ventilation equipment not to ventilate the space.

[0210] (Other Modifications) The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications can be made to the above embodiment depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the communication systems 10 and 10C may be embodied as a control method, a computer program, a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded, or the like. A control method for the communication systems 10 and 10C according to one aspect includes a microwave transmission step, a signal reception step, an estimation step, a direction control step, and a communication processing step. In the microwave transmission step, microwaves are transmitted to sensors 20 and 20B that perform sensing in a space in which a device (e.g., a VAV 42) is installed, thereby supplying power to the sensors 20 and 20B. In the signal reception step, a wireless signal including a sensing result of the sensors 20 and 20B is received from the sensors 20 and 20B. In the estimation step, the direction of the sensors 20 and 20B is estimated using the wireless signal. In the direction control step, the microwave transmission direction is controlled based on the direction of the sensors 20 and 20B estimated in the estimation step. In the communication processing step, the sensing result is transmitted to a control system that controls the device based on the sensing result. A program according to one aspect is a program for causing a computer system to function as the above-described communication system 10, 10C or a control method for the communication system 10, 10C.

[0211] The execution entity of the communication system 10, 10C or the control method of the communication system 10, 10C in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system has a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the execution entity of the communication system 10, 10C or the control method of the communication system 10, 10C in the present disclosure. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system or may be provided via a telecommunications line. The program may also be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integration (VLSI), or ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic device that allows the reconfiguration of the connections within the LSI or the reconfiguration of the circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be employed as a processor. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices.

[0212] Furthermore, it is not essential for the communication systems 10 and 10C that multiple functions are concentrated in a single housing, and the components of the communication systems 10 and 10C may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the communication systems 10 and 10C may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0213] (Summary) As described above, the device control system (1) of the first aspect includes a sensor (20, 20B), a communication system (10, 10A, 10C), and a control system (30). The sensor (20, 20B) performs sensing in a space (R1, R2, R3) in which a device (e.g., a VAV 42) is installed. The communication system (10, 10A, 10C) communicates with the sensor (20, 20B). The control system (30) controls the device based on the sensing results of the sensor (20, 20B). The communication system (10, 10A, 10C) includes a microwave transmitter (125), a signal receiver (110), an estimation unit (115), a direction control unit (123, 123A), and a communication processor (116). The microwave transmitter (125) transmits microwaves to the sensor. The signal receiving unit (110) receives a wireless signal including a sensing result from the sensor (20, 20B). The estimation unit (115) estimates the direction of the sensor (20, 20B) using the wireless signal. The direction control unit (123, 123A) controls the microwave transmission direction based on the direction of the sensor (20, 20B) estimated by the estimation unit (115). The communication processing unit (116) transmits the sensing result to the control system (30). The sensor (20, 20B) has a microwave receiving unit (22), a power conversion unit (23), and a signal transmitting unit (25). The microwave receiving unit (22) receives microwaves transmitted from the communication system (10, 10A, 10C). The power conversion unit (23) converts the microwaves received by the microwave receiving unit (22) into electric power. A signal transmitting unit (25) transmits the sensing result by wireless signal.

[0214] According to this embodiment, the sensors (20, 20B) can be made to operate stably while being given a degree of freedom in terms of the sensing position.

[0215] In the equipment control system (1) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the direction control unit (123) controls the transmission direction of the microwaves by changing the direction of the antenna (transmitting antenna 120) that transmits the microwaves.

[0216] According to this aspect, the direction of the antenna is changed, so that power can be supplied to the sensors (20, 20B) more reliably.

[0217] In the device control system (1) of the third aspect, in the first aspect, the direction control unit (123A) controls the transmission direction of the microwave by performing beamforming through phase control of the microwave.

[0218] According to this aspect, the transmission direction of the microwave is controlled by beamforming, so that power can be supplied to the sensor (20, 20B) more reliably.

[0219] In a fourth aspect of the device control system (1), in any one of the first to third aspects, the estimation unit (115) further estimates the distance to the sensor (20, 20B) using the wireless signal. The communication system (10, 10A, 10C) further includes a power determination unit (124). The power determination unit (124) determines the transmission intensity of the microwaves based on the distance to the sensor (20, 20B) estimated by the estimation unit (115).

[0220] According to this aspect, the microwave transmission intensity is determined based on the distance to the sensor (20, 20B), so that power can be supplied to the sensor (20, 20B) more reliably.

[0221] In a fifth aspect of the device control system (1), in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the sensor (20B) further includes a power storage unit (B1), a voltage monitoring unit (28), and a determination unit (29). The power storage unit (B1) stores power converted from microwaves. The voltage monitoring unit (28) monitors the voltage of the power stored in the power storage unit (B1). The determination unit (29) determines the presence or absence of a person in the space (R1, R3, R3) based on the monitoring result of the voltage monitoring unit (28). The signal transmission unit (25) transmits a wireless signal further including the determination result of the determination unit (29) to the communication system (10, 10A, 10C).

[0222] According to this embodiment, for example, it is possible to give priority to controlling a device installed in a space where a person is present.

[0223] In the sixth aspect of the device control system (1), in the fifth aspect, the judgment unit (29) judges that a person is present in the space (R1, R2, R3) when the value representing the slope of the voltage increase is smaller than a predetermined value.

[0224] According to this aspect, the presence or absence of a person can be detected based on the increasing trend of the voltage of the power stored in the power storage unit (B1), which makes it possible to detect a person without providing a sensor for detecting a person.

[0225] In the seventh aspect of the device control system (1), in the fifth aspect, the judgment unit (29) judges that a person is present in the space (R1, R2, R3) when the amount of change in the value representing the slope of the voltage increase is greater than a predetermined reference amount of change.

[0226] According to this aspect, the presence or absence of a person can be detected based on the amount of change in the value representing the slope of the increase in the voltage of the electric power stored in the power storage unit (B1), which makes it possible to detect a person without providing a sensor for detecting a person.

[0227] In an eighth aspect of the device control system (1), in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the communication system (10C) further includes a determination unit (118). The determination unit (118) determines the presence or absence of a person in the space (R1, R2, R3) using a Q value that quantifies a spectrum shape related to the angle of arrival of the wireless signal. The communication processing unit (116) further transmits the determination result by the determination unit (118) to the control system (30).

[0228] According to this embodiment, for example, it is possible to give priority to controlling a device installed in a space where a person is present.

[0229] In the device control system (1) of the ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the determination unit (118) determines that a person is present in the space (R1, R2, R3) when the Q value is smaller than the reference value.

[0230] According to this aspect, the presence or absence of a person can be detected based on the Q value, which makes it possible to perform human detection without providing a sensor for detecting a person.

[0231] In the device control system (1) of the tenth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the judgment unit (118) judges that a person is present in the space (R1, R2, R3) when the amount of change in the Q value is greater than a predetermined reference amount of change.

[0232] According to this aspect, the presence or absence of a person can be detected based on the amount of variation in the Q value, which makes it possible to detect a person without providing a sensor for detecting a person.

[0233] In the device control system (1) of the eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the wireless signal is a BLE signal.

[0234] According to this embodiment, it is possible to transmit and receive radio signals with low power consumption.

[0235] A communication system (10, 10A, 10C) of a twelfth aspect communicates with a sensor (20, 20B) that performs sensing in a space (R1, R2, R3) in which a device (e.g., a VAV 42) is installed. The communication system (10, 10A, 10C) includes a microwave transmitter (125), a signal receiver (110), an estimation unit (115), a direction control unit (123, 123A), and a communication processor (116). The microwave transmitter (125) supplies power to the sensor (20, 20B) by transmitting microwaves to the sensor (20, 20B). The signal receiver (110) receives a wireless signal including a sensing result from the sensor (20, 20B). The estimation unit (115) estimates the direction of the sensor (20, 20B) using the wireless signal. The direction control unit (123, 123A) controls the transmission direction of the microwave based on the direction of the sensor (20, 20B) estimated by the estimation unit (115). The communication processing unit (116) transmits the sensing result to the control system (30).

[0236] According to this embodiment, the sensors (20, 20B) can be made to operate stably while being given a degree of freedom in terms of the sensing position.

[0237] The control method of the thirteenth aspect includes a microwave transmission step, a signal reception step, an estimation step, a direction control step, and a communication processing step. In the microwave transmission step, microwaves are transmitted to sensors (20, 20B) that perform sensing in a space (R1, R2, R3) in which equipment (e.g., a VAV 42) is installed, thereby supplying power to the sensors (20, 20B). In the signal reception step, wireless signals including sensing results of the sensors (20, 20B) are received from the sensors (20, 20B). In the estimation step, the direction of the sensors (20, 20B) is estimated using the wireless signals. In the direction control step, the microwave transmission direction is controlled based on the direction of the sensors (20, 20B) estimated in the estimation step. In the communication processing step, the sensing results are transmitted to a control system (30) that controls the equipment based on the sensing results.

[0238] According to this embodiment, the sensors (20, 20B) can be made to operate stably while being given a degree of freedom in terms of the sensing position.

[0239] 1 Device control system 10, 10A, 10C Communication system 20, 20B Sensor 22 Microwave receiving unit 23 Power conversion unit 25 Signal transmitting unit 28 Voltage monitoring unit 29 Determination unit 30 Control system 110 Signal receiving unit 115 Estimation unit 116 Communication processing unit 118 Determination unit 120 Transmitting antenna (antenna) 123, 123A Direction control unit 124 Power identification unit 125 Microwave transmitting unit B1 Power storage unit R1, R2, R3 Space

Claims

1. A device control system comprising: a sensor that senses in a space where a device is provided; a communication system that communicates with the sensor; and a control system that controls the device based on a sensing result of the sensor, wherein the communication system includes: a microwave transmission unit that transmits microwaves to the sensor; a signal reception unit that receives a wireless signal including the sensing result from the sensor; an estimation unit that estimates a direction of the sensor using the wireless signal; a direction control unit that controls a transmission direction of the microwave based on the direction of the sensor estimated by the estimation unit; and a communication processing unit that transmits the sensing result to the control system, and the sensor includes: a microwave reception unit that receives the microwave transmitted from the communication system; a power conversion unit that converts the microwave received by the microwave reception unit into power; and a signal transmission unit that transmits the sensing result by the wireless signal.

2. The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the direction control unit controls the transmission direction of the microwave by changing a direction of an antenna that transmits the microwave.

3. The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the direction control unit controls the transmission direction of the microwave by performing beamforming by phase control of the microwave.

4. The estimation unit further estimates a distance to the sensor using the wireless signal, and the communication system further includes a power specifying unit that specifies a transmission intensity of the microwave based on the distance to the sensor estimated by the estimation unit. The device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The sensor further includes a power storage unit that stores the power converted from the microwave, a voltage monitoring unit that monitors a voltage of the power stored in the power storage unit, and a determination unit that determines whether a person is present in the space based on a monitoring result of the voltage monitoring unit. The signal transmission unit transmits the wireless signal further including a determination result by the determination unit to the communication system. The device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The device control system according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines that a person is present in the space when a value representing the slope of the increase in the voltage is smaller than a predetermined value.

7. The device control system according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines that a person is present in the space when a variation amount of a value representing the slope of the increase in the voltage is larger than a predetermined reference variation amount.

8. The communication system further includes a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of a person in the space using a Q value obtained by quantifying a spectrum shape related to an arrival angle of the wireless signal. The communication processing unit further transmits a determination result by the determination unit to the control system. The device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The device control system according to claim 8, wherein the determination unit determines that a person is present in the space when the Q value is smaller than a reference value.

10. The device control system according to claim 8, wherein the determination unit determines that a person is present in the space when a variation amount of the Q value is larger than a predetermined reference variation amount.

11. The wireless signal is a BLE signal. The device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A communication system that communicates with a sensor that senses in a space where a device is provided, including: a microwave transmission unit that supplies power to the sensor by transmitting microwaves to the sensor; a signal reception unit that receives a wireless signal including a sensing result of the sensor from the sensor; an estimation unit that estimates a direction of the sensor using the wireless signal; a direction control unit that controls a transmission direction of the microwave based on the direction of the sensor estimated by the estimation unit; and a communication processing unit that transmits the sensing result to a control system that controls the device based on the sensing result.

13. A microwave transmission step of supplying power to the sensor by transmitting microwaves to the sensor that senses in the space where the device is provided; a signal reception step of receiving a wireless signal including the sensing result of the sensor from the sensor; an estimation step of estimating the direction of the sensor using the wireless signal; a direction control step of controlling the transmission direction of the microwaves based on the direction of the sensor estimated in the estimation step; and a communication processing step of transmitting the sensing result to a control system that controls the device based on the sensing result. A control method comprising the above steps.

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