Sensing system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a sensing system that can more efficiently obtain more information using a plurality of sensors for an object to be detected in an indoor space.　The sensing system comprises: a main sensor disposed in an indoor space and having a wide sensing area in the indoor space; and a plurality of sub-sensors disposed in the indoor space and having a sensing area narrower than that of the main sensor in the indoor space. The main sensor detects the position of an object to be detected in the indoor space, and, from among the sub-sensors, the sub-sensor that is closest to the object to be detected operates and the other sub-sensors do not operate.

Description

Sensing System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to sensing systems.

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a device that sets a human presence sensor and a sound pressure sensor arranged in an indoor space into a power-saving mode with a longer detection interval than normal when the detection result of either sensor indicates the absence of a person.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-85717

[0004] The present disclosure provides a sensing system that can perform highly accurate sensing of a detection target while taking into consideration power saving, even in a large indoor space.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a sensing system for an indoor space, comprising: a main sensor disposed in the indoor space and having a wide sensing area in the indoor space; and a plurality of auxiliary sensors disposed in the indoor space and having a narrower sensing area than the main sensor. The main sensor detects the position of a detection target in the indoor space, and the auxiliary sensors closest to the detection target are activated, while the other auxiliary sensors are inactive. Another aspect of the present disclosure is a sensing system for an indoor space, comprising: a main sensor disposed in the indoor space and having a wide sensing area in the indoor space; and a plurality of auxiliary sensors disposed in the indoor space and having a narrower sensing area than the main sensor. The main sensor detects the position of a detection target in the indoor space, and the auxiliary sensors located in the direction of the movement of the detection target are activated, while the other auxiliary sensors are inactive. This specification is intended to include the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-055724, filed on March 29, 2024.

[0006] The sensing system disclosed herein switches the operating sensor depending on the position of the detection target, so that it can perform highly accurate sensing of the detection target while taking into consideration power saving even in a large indoor space.

[0007] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sensing system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of each device in the sensing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of the sensing area of ​​a sensor. FIG. 4 is a side view showing an example of the sensing area of ​​a sensor. FIG. 5 is a side view showing an example of the sensing area of ​​a sensor. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sensing system according to the first embodiment.

[0008] (Findings underlying the present disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived the present disclosure, there was a technology that set two sensors arranged in an indoor space to a power-saving mode when either sensor's detection result indicated the absence of a human. However, there is a limit to the range in which sensors can sense with a given accuracy. Simultaneously switching the operating modes of all sensors arranged in an indoor space between a power-saving mode and a normal mode would result in sensors that are too far away from the target and cannot detect it operating in normal mode, resulting in unnecessary increases in power consumption. Dividing an indoor space into multiple areas and switching the operating modes of all sensors in each area could be considered, but if the target moves across areas, each sensor in each area would need to detect the target individually, which could result in redundant processing. The inventors discovered these problems and, to solve them, formed the subject of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a sensing system that can perform highly accurate sensing of a target while taking into consideration power saving even in a large indoor space.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration of Sensing System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sensing system 1. The sensing system 1 uses a plurality of sensors installed in a space to detect the position, size, shape, posture, state, etc. of a detection target present in the space. The space in which the sensors constituting the sensing system 1 are installed is the target space sensed by the sensing system 1. The shape and purpose of the target space are not limited. For example, the target space may be a closed space surrounded by walls and a ceiling, or may be an open space. Furthermore, for example, the target space may be a residential space, a living space, a business space such as an office, a corridor, a public space, or a space used for other purposes.

[0011] The sensing system 1 detects an object in an indoor space 9. An object detected by the sensing system 1 is called a detection target, and the detection target may be either a living or non-living object. For example, the detection target may be a person, an animal, an autonomously moving robot, or other moving object. The sensing system 1 detects the position, size, shape, and posture of the detection target, or other states of the detection target.

[0012] The indoor space 9 illustrated in Fig. 1 is a space surrounded by a floor 91, a ceiling 92, and four walls 93, 94, 95, and 96. A door is provided in the indoor space 9, and when the door is closed, the indoor space 9 becomes a closed space. Fig. 1 and each of the figures described below show an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are imaginary axes that are perpendicular to one another, and the Z-axis corresponds to the height direction of the indoor space 9. The X-axis corresponds to the width direction of the indoor space 9, i.e., the left-right direction, and the Y-axis corresponds to the depth direction of the indoor space 9, i.e., the front-to-rear direction.

[0013] A plurality of sensors constituting the sensing system 1 are arranged in the indoor space 9. These sensors can be installed on the floor 91, ceiling 92, and four walls 93, 94, 95, 96, etc. of the indoor space 9. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of sensors constituting the sensing system 1 is incorporated into electrical equipment installed in the indoor space 9.

[0014] The electrical equipment includes components, equipment, machinery, and devices that are connected to a commercial power source and fixedly installed in the indoor space 9. More specifically, the electrical equipment includes switches, outlets, and other power wiring components. The electrical equipment also includes ventilation fans, lighting fixtures, intercoms, and other devices that consume electricity. The electrical equipment also includes distribution boards, building energy management devices, and other power control devices.

[0015] 1 , a lighting device 10, a switch 20, and outlets 30A and 30B are installed as electrical equipment. The electrical equipment may also include a distribution board 50 installed inside or outside the indoor space 9.

[0016] Power lines 5A, 5B, and 5C are drawn into the indoor space 9 from a distribution board 50. The power lines 5A, 5B, and 5C are, for example, electric wires laid concealed within the walls of the indoor space 9, and are power cables such as VVF cables and CV cables. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the power lines 5A, 5B, and 5C, they will be referred to as power lines 5.

[0017] The lighting device 10 is attached to a ceiling 92. The lighting device 10 may be fixed directly to the ceiling 92, or may be attached to a lighting duct rail or the like fixed to the ceiling 92. In this embodiment, a ceiling socket 112 is fixed to the ceiling 92, and the lighting device 10 is attached to the ceiling socket 112. The ceiling socket 112 may be in a form called a lighting rosette. The ceiling socket 112 corresponds to an example of a fixing member. The ceiling socket 112 is connected to a power line 5A, and the lighting device 10 is connected to the power line 5A via the ceiling socket 112.

[0018] The lighting device 10 includes a light source 11 (FIG. 2) described below and a cover 110 that diffuses light emitted from the light source 11. The light source 11 is provided in a circuit body 111 together with a driver 12 (FIG. 2) described below and the like, and is covered by the cover 110.

[0019] The switch 20 has a switch body 21 connected to the power line 5A. The switch 20 connects and disconnects the power line 5A between the lighting device 10 and the distribution board 50, and when the switch 20 is on, power is supplied to the lighting device 10. When the switch 20 is off, the power supply to the lighting device 10 is cut off, and the lighting device 10 is turned off.

[0020] The outlets 30A and 30B are power outlets (also called outlets) to which load devices that operate on commercial power can be connected. For example, the outlets 30A and 30B are single-phase 100V power outlets, with the outlet 30A connected to the distribution board 50 by a power line 5B and the outlet 30B connected to the distribution board 50 by a power line 5C.

[0021] The distribution board 50 branches off a service line 58 connected to a commercial power supply system and connects it to the power line 5. The distribution board 50 is fixed to a wall surface inside the indoor space 9 or outside the indoor space 9.

[0022] A sensor is provided in each electrical equipment installed in the indoor space 9. The lighting device 10 includes a sensor 14. The sensor 14 is arranged so as to be exposed to the indoor space 9 from the cover 110. The sensor 14 is provided on the lighting device 10 facing downward so that the area below the lighting device 10 is the sensing area.

[0023] The sensor 14 is attached to the circuit body 111 and connected to the power line 5A via the circuit body 111. Therefore, when the lighting device 10 is attached to the ceiling 92, power is supplied to the sensor 14 from the power line 5A.

[0024] The switch 20 includes a sensor 24. The sensor 24 is disposed on the switch 20 so as to face the interior space 9 from the wall 94.

[0025] Outlet 30A is equipped with sensor 34A, and outlet 30B is equipped with sensor 34B. Sensor 34A is arranged so as to face from wall 95 toward indoor space 9, and sensor 34B is arranged so as to face from wall 94 toward indoor space 9.

[0026] The sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B may be the same type of sensor or different types of sensors, such as a position detection sensor, an image output sensor, or a status detection sensor.

[0027] The position detection sensor outputs a detection result related to the position of the person P in the indoor space 9. Specifically, the position detection sensor is a PIR (Passive InfraRed) sensor, an ultrasonic ranging sensor, or a radar sensor. Since the sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B are fixed to the indoor space 9, if the sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B include a position detection sensor, information related to the position of the person P can be obtained based on the position of the position detection sensor and the detection result.

[0028] The image output sensor is a sensor that outputs an image as a detection result in the indoor space 9. The image output sensor performs, for example, two-dimensional or three-dimensional detection on the indoor space 9 and outputs an image as a detection result. Specifically, examples of the image output sensor include an infrared array sensor, an image sensor that captures images using light outside the visible range including infrared light, and a digital camera that captures images using visible light. The infrared array sensor has multiple infrared sensors arranged in a grid pattern, and outputs a thermal image of the detection range based on the detection values ​​of these multiple infrared sensors.

[0029] If cameras are used as the sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B, the person P in the indoor space 9 may be made aware of the cameras, which may cause psychological oppression. For this reason, if the indoor space 9 is a private space or if the comfort of the person P in the indoor space 9 is important, it is appropriate not to capture images using visible light or high-resolution images. For example, it is preferable to use an infrared array sensor as the sensor 14.

[0030] It is not prohibited to use cameras as the sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B. For example, if the sensing system 1 has a function to edit the images captured by the camera so that the individual cannot be identified, it is possible to avoid having a psychological effect on the person P.

[0031] The state detection sensor is a sensor that detects the state of the indoor space 9. The state detection sensor outputs a detection value that detects the state of the indoor space 9. Examples of the state detection sensor include a microphone, a vibration sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor that detects air pressure, and a Doppler sensor. A ranging sensor may also be used as the state detection sensor. Specifically, an ultrasonic ranging sensor or LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) can be adopted as the state detection sensor. Furthermore, by generating a depth image including LiDAR measurement values, LiDAR can also be used as an image output sensor.

[0032] The sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B are selected from the sensors described above. For example, the types of the sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B are selected depending on the positions of the sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B in the indoor space 9.

[0033] The sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B are installed at different heights in the indoor space 9. Height H1 indicates the height of the installation position of sensor 14, height H2 indicates the height of sensor 24, height H3 indicates the height of sensor 34A, and height H4 indicates the height of sensor 34B. Heights H1, H2, H3, and H4 are all heights relative to the floor 91.

[0034] Since the sensor 14 is installed on the ceiling 92, the height H1 is the height of the entire indoor space 9. The height H2 of the sensor 24 and the heights H3 and H4 of the sensors 34A and 34B are lower than the height H1. The heights H3 and H4 may be the same or different. The sensors 34A and 34B are installed near the floor 91, and the heights H3 and H4 are lower than the height H2.

[0035] The sensor 14 is located at the highest position and detects from the ceiling 92 downward, so it can detect a wide range and detection is rarely obstructed by furniture or fixtures installed in the indoor space 9. For this reason, if an image output sensor or a position detection sensor is used as the sensor 14, a lot of information can be obtained about a wide range of the indoor space 9.

[0036] When an image output sensor or a position detection sensor is used as the sensor 14, it is preferable to use an image output sensor or a position detection sensor for at least one of the sensors 24, 34A, 34B. The sensors 24, 34A, 34B can detect the indoor space 9 from the walls 94, 95. Therefore, for example, if at least one of the sensors 24, 34A, 34B and the sensor 14 are configured as the same type of sensor and are an image output sensor, a three-dimensional detection result of the indoor space 9 can be obtained.

[0037] [1-2. Configuration of Each Device] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of each device in the sensing system 1, and shows the configuration of the lighting device 10, the switch 20, the outlets 30A and 30B, and the distribution board 50. Fig. 2 is a diagram that schematically shows the configuration of each device and does not limit the detailed circuit configuration. For example, each device in Fig. 2 may include a circuit that is not shown in Fig. 2.

[0038] The sensing system 1 includes a processing device 40 that processes the detection results of the sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B. The lighting device 10 transmits the detection result of the sensor 14 to the processing device 40. Similarly, the switch 20 transmits the detection result of the sensor 24, the outlet 30A transmits the detection result of the sensor 34A, and the outlet 30B transmits the detection result of the sensor 34B to the processing device 40.

[0039] The processing device 40 can be provided in any of the lighting device 10, the switch 20, the outlets 30A and 30B, and the distribution board 50. The processing device 40 may also be mounted in a device separate from these devices. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the lighting device 10 is provided with the processing device 40 will be described as an example.

[0040] A service line 58 is connected to the distribution board 50. The service line 58 is a power line drawn in from outside the building including the indoor space 9 or a main wiring of the building including the indoor space 9, and supplies commercial AC power to the distribution board 50.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2 , the distribution board 50 includes a main breaker 51, branch wiring 52, and circuit breakers 53A, 53B, and 53C. The main breaker 51 is connected to a service line 58. The branch wiring 52 connects the main breaker 51 to each of the circuit breakers 53A, 53B, and 53C. In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which a single-phase, three-wire, 200V AC power supply is supplied to the distribution board 50 from the service line 58. In this example, the branch wiring 52 includes branch wiring 52R, 52N, and 52T corresponding to the R phase, N phase, and T phase, respectively. The branch wiring 52R, 52N, and 52T are formed of metal members such as stranded wire, single-core wire, or bus bar. The distribution board 50 may also be provided with a ground terminal (not shown).

[0042] When the current flowing from the service line 58 to the branch wiring 52 exceeds a specified capacity, the main breaker 51 cuts off the service line 58 and the branch wiring 52. In addition to the main breaker 51, the distribution board 50 may also include a ground fault circuit interrupter and a neutral phase loss protection circuit (not shown).

[0043] Circuit breaker 53A is connected to branch wiring 52R and branch wiring 52N and supplies single-phase 100V AC current to power line 5A. Circuit breaker 53A disconnects power line 5A from branch wiring 52 when the current flowing through power line 5A exceeds a predetermined capacity. Circuit breaker 53B is connected to branch wiring 52N and branch wiring 52T and supplies single-phase 100V AC current to power line 5B. Circuit breaker 53C is connected to branch wiring 52N and branch wiring 52T and supplies single-phase 100V AC current to power line 5C. Circuit breaker 53B disconnects power line 5B from branch wiring 52 when the current flowing through power line 5B exceeds a predetermined capacity, and circuit breaker 53C disconnects power line 5C from branch wiring 52 when the current flowing through power line 5C exceeds a predetermined capacity.

[0044] The branch wiring 52 can be called secondary wiring relative to the main breaker 51. That is, the main breaker 51 functions as a circuit breaker that separates the commercial power supply from the secondary wiring. Also, the power line 5 can be called secondary wiring relative to the circuit breakers 53A, 53B, and 53C, and the circuit breakers 53A, 53B, and 53C function as circuit breakers that separate the commercial power supply from the secondary wiring.

[0045] In the sensing system 1, the lighting device 10 and the switch 20 are connected to a power line 5A, the outlet 30A is connected to a power line 5B, and the outlet 30B is connected to a power line 5C. The power lines 5A, 5B, and 5C are all connected to branch wiring 52 of a distribution board 50. In other words, the lighting device 10, the switch 20, and the outlets 30A and 30B are electrically connected to each other via the branch wiring 52 and the power line 5.

[0046] In the sensing system 1, either wired communication or wireless communication can be used as the communication method for communication between the lighting device 10, the switch 20, and the outlets 30A and 30B. For wired communication, power line communication (PLC) can be performed via a power line 5. For wireless communication, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other wireless communication methods can be used. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which power line communication via a power line 5 is used in the sensing system 1.

[0047] The lighting device 10 includes a light source 11 and a driver 12 that turns on the light source 11. The light emitted by the light source 11 is diffused by a cover 110 (FIG. 1) to illuminate an indoor space 9. The light source 11 is a solid-state light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), or a lamp such as an incandescent lamp or a fluorescent lamp. The driver 12 is connected to the light source 11, and power is supplied from the driver 12 to the light source 11.

[0048] The driver 12 is connected to the power line 5A and receives commercial AC power via the power line 5A. The driver 12 includes a circuit that supplies the power required for the light source 11 to light up. For example, if the light source 11 is an LED, the driver 12 includes an inverter circuit that converts the commercial AC power to output a DC current of a predetermined voltage to the light source 11. The driver 12 may also have a function for adjusting the light intensity of the light source 11. For example, the driver 12 may be configured to be able to adjust the light intensity of the light source 11 by PWM (Pulse Wave Modulation) control.

[0049] The sensor 14 is incorporated into the circuit body 111 ( FIG. 1 ) of the lighting device 10 as the sensor unit 13 together with the control unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the power supply unit 17. The power supply unit 17 is connected to the power line 5A via a ceiling socket 112, converts the AC current supplied from the power line 5A into DC current of a predetermined voltage, and outputs the DC current to the sensor 14, the control unit 15, and the communication unit 16.

[0050] The control unit 15 includes a processor that processes data by executing a program. The processor is configured as an integrated circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), or microcontroller. The control unit 15 may also include a storage device that stores programs and data in a non-volatile manner using a flash memory, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. The control unit 15 may also be configured as an integrated circuit that integrates a processor and a storage device, or may also be configured as a SoC (System-on-a-chip) that further integrates the sensor 14.

[0051] The sensor unit 13 is equipped with a processing device 40. The processing device 40 includes a processing unit 41 and a storage unit .

[0052] The processing unit 41 includes a processor that processes data by executing a program. The processor is configured as an integrated circuit such as a CPU or MPU. The processor may also be programmed hardware. The storage unit 42 includes a storage device that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner using a flash memory, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. The storage unit 42 may also be configured as an integrated circuit integrated with the processing unit 41.

[0053] The processing unit 41 acquires detection data including the detection results of the sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B, performs various processes on the detection data, and stores the processed results in the storage unit 42. The processes executed by the processing unit 41 will be described later.

[0054] The control unit 15 operates the sensor 14 to perform detection for the indoor space 9. The control unit 15 acquires the detection result of the sensor 14 and generates detection data including the detection result. The control unit 15 outputs the detection data to the processing device 40.

[0055] The communication unit 16 is a communication device that communicates with other devices that make up the sensing system 1 under the control of the control unit 15, and includes a transmitter, a receiver, an interface circuit, and the like.

[0056] The communication unit 16 is, for example, a communication modem connected to the two cables that make up the power line 5A and performs power line communication via the power line 5A. The communication unit 16 includes, for example, a coding circuit that encodes data, a transmitting circuit that superimposes the coded signal on a carrier wave, a receiving circuit having a filter that extracts the signal superimposed on the carrier wave, and a decoding circuit that decodes the extracted signal to generate received data and outputs the received data to the control unit 15. The communication unit 16 may also be a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication. The communication unit 16 receives detection data transmitted by the switch 20 and the outlets 30A and 30B. The detection data received by the communication unit 16 is output to the processing device 40.

[0057] The switch 20 includes a switch body 21 and a sensor unit 23. While Fig. 2 shows the switch body 21 as a single-pole switch that disconnects only one of a pair of cables that make up the power line 5A, the switch body 21 may also be a double-pole switch.

[0058] The sensor unit 23 includes a sensor 24, a control unit 25, a communication unit 26, and a power supply unit 27. The power supply unit 27 is connected to the power line 5A at a position closer to the processing device 40 than the switch main body 21. The power supply unit 27 converts the AC current supplied from the power line 5A into DC current of a predetermined voltage and outputs it to the sensor 24, the control unit 25, and the communication unit 26.

[0059] The control unit 25 includes a processor that processes data by executing a program. The processor is configured as an integrated circuit such as a CPU or MPU. The control unit 25 may also include a storage device that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner using a flash memory, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. The control unit 25 may be configured as an integrated circuit that integrates a processor and a storage device, or may be configured as an SoC that further integrates the sensor 24.

[0060] The control unit 25 operates the sensor 24 to perform detection of the indoor space 9. The control unit 25 acquires the detection results of the sensor 24 and generates detection data including the detection results. The control unit 25 causes the communication unit 26 to transmit the detection data to the processing device 40.

[0061] The communication unit 26 communicates with the processing device 40 under the control of the control unit 25. For example, the communication unit 26 transmits detection data generated by the control unit 25 to the processing device 40. The communication unit 26 is a communication modem that is connected to two cables that make up the power line 5A and performs power line communication via the power line 5A. The communication unit 26 includes, for example, a coding circuit that encodes data, a transmission circuit that superimposes the coded signal on a carrier wave, a receiving circuit that has a filter that extracts the signal superimposed on the carrier wave, and a decoding circuit that decodes the extracted signal to generate received data and outputs the received data to the control unit 25.

[0062] The outlet 30A includes an outlet body 31A and a sensor unit 33A. The outlet body 31A has a pair of terminals 32A that are connected to the power line 5B. A load device is connected to the terminals 32A. The terminals 32A correspond to an example of a power supply terminal. The load device is, for example, an electrical appliance used in the indoor space 9.

[0063] The sensor unit 33A includes a sensor 34A, a control unit 35A, a communication unit 36A, and a power supply unit 37A. The power supply unit 37A is connected to the power line 5B, converts AC current supplied from the power line 5B into DC current of a predetermined voltage, and outputs the DC current to the sensor 34A, the control unit 35A, and the communication unit 36A.

[0064] The control unit 35A includes a processor that processes data by executing a program. The processor is configured as an integrated circuit such as a CPU or MPU. The control unit 35A may also include a storage device that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner using a flash memory, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. The control unit 35A may also be configured as an integrated circuit that integrates a processor and a storage device, or may also be configured as an SoC that further integrates the sensor 34A.

[0065] The control unit 35A operates the sensor 34A to perform detection of the indoor space 9. The control unit 35A acquires the detection results of the sensor 34A and generates detection data including the detection results. The control unit 35A causes the communication unit 36A to transmit the detection data to the processing device 40.

[0066] The communication unit 36A communicates with the processing device 40 under the control of the control unit 35A. For example, the communication unit 36A transmits detection data generated by the control unit 35A to the processing device 40. The communication unit 36A is a communication modem that is connected to two cables that make up the power line 5B and performs power line communication via the power line 5B. The communication unit 36A includes, for example, a coding circuit that encodes data, a transmission circuit that superimposes the coded signal on a carrier wave, a receiving circuit that has a filter that extracts the signal superimposed on the carrier wave, and a decoding circuit that decodes the extracted signal to generate received data and outputs the received data to the control unit 35A.

[0067] The outlet 30B can have the same configuration as the outlet 30A. That is, the outlet 30B includes an outlet body 31B and a sensor unit 33B, and the outlet body 31B has a pair of terminals 32B connected to the power line 5B. The terminals 32B correspond to an example of a power supply terminal. A load device is connected to the terminals 32B.

[0068] The sensor unit 33B includes a sensor 34B, a control unit 35B, a communication unit 36B, and a power supply unit 37B. The power supply unit 37B is connected to the power line 5C, converts AC current supplied from the power line 5C into DC current of a predetermined voltage, and outputs the DC current to the sensor 34B, the control unit 35B, and the communication unit 36B.

[0069] The control unit 35B includes a processor that processes data by executing a program. The processor is configured as an integrated circuit such as a CPU or MPU. The control unit 35B may also include a storage device that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner using a flash memory, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. The control unit 35B may also be configured as an integrated circuit that integrates a processor and a storage device, or may also be configured as an SoC that further integrates the sensor 34B.

[0070] The control unit 35B operates the sensor 34B to perform detection of the indoor space 9. The control unit 35B acquires the detection results of the sensor 34B and generates detection data including the detection results. The control unit 35B causes the communication unit 36B to transmit the detection data to the processing device 40.

[0071] The communication unit 36B communicates with the processing device 40 under the control of the control unit 35B. For example, the communication unit 36B transmits detection data generated by the control unit 35B to the processing device 40. The communication unit 36B is a communication modem that is connected to the two cables that make up the power line 5B and performs power line communication via the power line 5B. The communication unit 36B includes, for example, a coding circuit that encodes data, a transmission circuit that superimposes the coded signal on a carrier wave, a receiving circuit that has a filter that extracts the signal superimposed on the carrier wave, and a decoding circuit that decodes the extracted signal to generate received data and outputs the received data to the control unit 35B.

[0072] The processing device 40 provided in the lighting device 10 operates by receiving power from the power supply unit 17. Furthermore, the processing unit 41 directly or indirectly controls the communication unit 16 when communicating with the switch 20 and the outlets 30A and 30B. The processing unit 41 acquires, via the communication unit 16, detection data including the detection results of the sensors 24, 34A, and 34B. Furthermore, the processing unit 41 acquires detection data including the detection results of the sensors 14 from the control unit 15.

[0073] The processing unit 41 processes the detection data to generate detection data related to the detection target in the indoor space 9, and stores the generated detection data in the storage unit 42. For example, the processing unit 41 generates detection data including one or more of the position, facial expression, posture, position, physique (height, weight), movement, and surface temperature (body temperature) of the detection target. Furthermore, the processing unit 41 may generate detection data including two or more of the position, facial expression, posture, position, physique (height, weight), movement, and surface temperature (body temperature) of the detection target based on detection results from multiple sensors.

[0074] Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 41 may integrate detection data from multiple sensors installed on different surfaces surrounding the indoor space 9. Specifically, the processing unit 41 integrates the detection result of the sensor 14 installed on the ceiling 92 with the detection result of the sensor 24 and / or the sensor 34A installed on the wall 94. Alternatively, the processing unit 41 integrates the detection result of the sensor 14 with the detection result of the sensor 34B. Alternatively, the processing unit 41 integrates the detection result of the sensor 14 with the detection result of the sensor 24 and / or the sensor 34A and the detection result of the sensor 34B. When performing these processes, the processing unit 41 can generate three-dimensional detection data of the person P based on two-dimensional detection results, or obtain two-dimensional or three-dimensional detection data based on one-dimensional detection results. Examples of one-dimensional detection results include detection results from an ultrasonic ranging sensor or a radar sensor. Examples of two-dimensional detection results include detection results from an image output sensor. As a typical example, when the sensors 14 and 24 are configured as infrared array sensors, the processing unit 41 can generate a three-dimensional heat distribution map by overlaying the thermal images detected by the sensors 14 and 24.

[0075] For example, the processing unit 41 can identify the position of the detection target in the indoor space 9 using the detection result of the image output sensor. Then, the processing unit 41 may determine the posture of the detection target using the position of the detection target and the detection result of the state detection sensor or the image output sensor. For example, it may determine whether the person P who is the detection target is standing, sitting, or crouching. Furthermore, the health condition of the person P who is the detection target may be determined by calculating changes in the body temperature of the person P who is the detection target and the body temperature of each part of the person P.

[0076] [1-3. Characteristics of the Sensor] Fig. 3 is a plan view showing an example of the sensing area of ​​the sensor provided in the sensing system 1, and is a view of the indoor space 9 from above. Figs. 4 and 5 are side views showing examples of the sensing area of ​​the sensor. Fig. 4 is a view of the indoor space 9 as seen from the +X direction, and Fig. 5 is a view of the indoor space 9 as seen from the -Y direction.

[0077] In Figures 3, 4, and 5, the sensing areas of sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B are indicated by the symbols D1, D2, D3, and D4, respectively. As shown in Figure 3, the area obtained by projecting sensing area D1 onto the X-Y plane is a range with a central angle θ11 and a radius R11 centered on sensor 14. The central angle θ11 is 360 degrees or an angle close to it. The X-Y plane is a horizontal plane, which can be rephrased as the floor surface of the indoor space 9. For ease of understanding, the dashed line indicating sensing area D1 in Figure 3 extends outside the indoor space 9, but the actual sensing area D1 is blocked by walls 93, 94, 95, and 96. Therefore, sensing area D1 does not extend outside the indoor space 9.

[0078] The area obtained by projecting sensing area D2 onto the XY plane is a sector with a central angle θ12 and a radius R12 centered on sensor 24. The area obtained by projecting sensing area D3 onto the XY plane is a sector with a central angle θ13 and a radius R13 centered on sensor 34A. The area obtained by projecting sensing area D4 onto the XY plane is a sector with a central angle θ14 and a radius R14 centered on sensor 34B.

[0079] 4, when viewed from the direction along the Y axis, the area obtained by projecting sensing area D1 onto the X-Z plane is a sector with a central angle θ21 centered on sensor 14. The area of ​​sensing area D1 covers the entire area between wall 93 and wall 95. The area obtained by projecting sensing area D4 onto the X-Z plane is a sector with a central angle θ22 centered on sensor 34A and a radius R14.

[0080] 5, the area obtained by projecting sensing area D1 onto the X-Z plane is a sector with a central angle θ21 centered at sensor 14. The area obtained by projecting sensing area D2 onto the X-Z plane is a sector with a central angle θ32 and a radius R12 centered at sensor 24, and the area obtained by projecting sensing area D3 onto the X-Z plane is a sector with a central angle θ33 and a radius R13 centered at sensor 34A.

[0081] The central angles θ11, θ12, θ13, θ21, θ22, θ31, θ32, θ33 and the radii R11, R12, R13, R14 are determined by the structure and specifications of the sensors 14, 24, 34A, 34B.

[0082] In the sensing system 1, one of the sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B is used as a primary sensor, and any two or more of the other sensors are used as secondary sensors. The primary sensor has a wide sensing area in the indoor space 9 and detects the position of the detection target in the indoor space.

[0083] The secondary sensor has a narrower sensing area in the indoor space 9 than the primary sensor. Specifically, the sensing area of ​​the secondary sensor is narrower than the sensing area of ​​the primary sensor in at least one of the XY plane, the XZ plane, and the YZ plane. The secondary sensor detects, for example, information related to the state of the detection target in the indoor space 9. The state of the detection target may include at least one of the facial expression, posture, physique, body temperature, and movement of the detection target.

[0084] The width of the sensing area may be the area of ​​the sensing area in the indoor space 9, or the central angle of the sensing area with the sensor at the center. For example, it is possible to compare sensing areas projected onto the X-Y plane. That is, when comparing sensing areas when the indoor space 9 is viewed from above, the sensing area of ​​the sub-sensor is narrower than the sensing area of ​​the main sensor. The width of the sensing area may be the area of ​​the sensing area, or it may be the proportion of the sensing area to the floor area of ​​the indoor space 9.

[0085] The sensing area of ​​the primary sensor is wider than that of the secondary sensor. That is, the central angle of the sensing area of ​​the primary sensor is larger than that of the secondary sensor. In this case, the central angle θ is the central angle of the sensing area projected onto the X-Y plane, as shown in FIG. 3, for example.

[0086] The comparison of the widths of the sensing areas and the central angles of the main sensor and the sub-sensor may be based on the sensing areas projected onto the Y-Z plane or the X-Z plane when the interior space 9 is viewed from the side. For example, the interior space 9 is a space having width and depth, and it can be said that the sensing area of ​​the main sensor is wider than that of the sub-sensor in the depth direction of the interior space 9, i.e., in the direction along the Y axis.

[0087] The main sensor and the auxiliary sensor are provided at different height positions in the interior space 9. The height position refers to, for example, the height from the floor of the interior space 9. When there are multiple auxiliary sensors, the main sensor is provided at a different height position from at least one of the auxiliary sensors. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the main sensor is provided at a different height position from all of the auxiliary sensors. In this case, the height positions of the multiple auxiliary sensors may be different from each other, or may be the same height position.

[0088] The primary sensor is preferably provided at a higher position than the secondary sensors. When there are multiple secondary sensors, the primary sensor is provided at a higher position than at least one of the secondary sensors, and may be provided at a higher position than all of the secondary sensors. As a typical example, the primary sensor is provided at a lighting position on the ceiling 92 of the indoor space 9.

[0089] In this embodiment, sensor 14 is the primary sensor, and sensors 24, 34A, and 34B are secondary sensors. With respect to the area projected onto any one of the XY plane, XZ plane, and YZ plane of the indoor space 9, sensing area D1 of sensor 14 has a larger area and a wider angle than sensing areas D2, D3, and D4.

[0090] The sensor 14 is provided in the lighting device 10, which is installed on the ceiling 92. Therefore, the sensor 14 is provided at a height position different from that of the sensors 24, 34A, and 34B, and more specifically, the height H1 of the sensor 14 is higher than the heights H2, H3, and H4.

[0091] Assuming that the sensing system 1 detects a detection target that is in contact with the floor surface of the indoor space 9, the sensor 14 is suitable for use in identifying the position of the detection target in the X-Y plane of the indoor space 9. This is because the sensor 14 is located higher than the other sensors 24, 34A, and 34B, and the sensing area D1 of the sensor 14 has a wider angle than the sensing areas D2, D3, and D4. If the sensor 14 is provided on the ceiling 92, it is particularly suitable for use in identifying the position of a detection target that is in contact with the floor surface.

[0092] The sensors 24, 34A, and 34B are installed at a lower position than the sensor 14, and are therefore closer in height to the detection target than the sensor 14. For this reason, the sensors 24, 34A, and 34B are suitable for applications in which more detailed information about the detection target can be obtained than the sensor 14.

[0093] The sensing system 1 uses the sensors 14, 24, 34A, and 34B as a primary sensor and a secondary sensor, and by combining detection by the primary sensor and detection by the secondary sensor, detailed information about the detection target can be obtained more efficiently.

[0094] In the sensing system 1, multiple sensors are arranged in the indoor space 9, but sensors whose detection target is located outside their sensing areas will continue to consume power without being able to acquire information about the detection target. From the viewpoint of power saving, it is preferable for such sensors to stop operating until the detection target enters their sensing areas.

[0095] For this reason, in this embodiment, the sensing system 1 operates the secondary sensor that is closest to the detection target, and does not operate the other secondary sensors. Also, when the detection target moves, the sensing system 1 operates the secondary sensor that is located in the direction of the movement of the detection target, and does not operate the other secondary sensors.

[0096] 3, for example, a person P, who is the detection target, moves in the direction of the thick arrow in the figure from a position close to sensor 24 to a position close to sensor 34B. In this case, in the sensing system 1, before the person P starts moving, of the secondary sensors 24, 34A, and 34B, sensor 24 operates as the secondary sensor that is closest to the person P, who is the detection target, and the other secondary sensors do not operate.

[0097] Thereafter, when the person P moves to a position closer to sensor 34B, sensor 34B operates as the secondary sensor closer to the person P who is the detection target, and the other secondary sensors do not operate. Alternatively, when the person P who is the detection target starts to move to a position closer to sensor 34B, sensor 34B operates as the secondary sensor located in the direction where the person P is moving, and the other secondary sensors do not operate. An example of the operation of the sensing system 1 will be described below.

[0098] [1-5. Operation Example of Sensing System] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the sensing system 1. The operation shown in Fig. 6 is realized by the processing unit 41 executing a program stored in the storage unit 42. The operation shown in Fig. 6 starts when power is supplied to the sensor units 13, 23, 33A, and 33B, and is executed repeatedly after starting.

[0099] When the process starts, the processing device 40 first acquires detection data including the detection results of the sensor 14 (step S11), and determines whether or not there is a detection target in the indoor space 9 based on the detection results of the sensor 14 (step S12). If there is no detection target in the indoor space 9 (step S12; NO), the processing device 40 returns to step S11.

[0100] On the other hand, if there is a detection target in the indoor space 9 (step S12; YES), the position of the detection target is identified (step S13). The position identified in step S13 is, for example, a position on the XY plane of the indoor space 9.

[0101] Based on the identified position of the detection target, the processing device 40 activates the secondary sensor 24, 34A, or 34B that is closest to the detection target (step S14) and deactivates the remaining secondary sensors (step S15). Here, the "secondary sensor closest to the detection target" may be the secondary sensor closest to the position of the detection target, or at least one secondary sensor within a predetermined distance from the position of the detection target. The processing device 40 can activate or deactivate the secondary sensors 24, 34A, or 34B by sending instructions to the sensor units 23, 33A, and 33B that include the secondary sensors 24, 34A, and 34B, respectively.

[0102] Next, the processing device 40 determines whether the current moving speed of the detection target is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed (step S16). The current moving speed of the detection target can be calculated from the time interval between repeated executions of this process and the two positions of the detection target detected in step S13 in the previous and current executions of this process.

[0103] If the current moving speed of the detection target is less than the predetermined speed (step S16; NO), the processing device 40 proceeds to step S19, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the current moving speed of the detection target is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed (step S16; YES), the processing device 40 activates the secondary sensors 24, 34A, and 34B that are located in the direction of the target's movement (step S17), and deactivates the other secondary sensors that are not located in the direction of the target's movement (step S18). Here, the "secondary sensor located in the direction of the target's movement" may be, for example, at least one secondary sensor within a predetermined angular range centered on the direction of the target's movement, or at least one secondary sensor within the predetermined angular range centered on the direction of the target's movement and within a predetermined distance from the target's current position.

[0104] Next, the processing device 40 acquires detection data including the detection results of the operated sub-sensor (step S19). The processing device 40 analyzes the acquired detection data to generate detection data including information about the detection target, and stores the detection data in the storage unit 42 (step S20).

[0105] The detection data may include the position of the detection target, as well as the facial expression, posture, position, physique (height, weight), movement, and surface temperature (body temperature) of the detection target. That is, the processing device 40 may include the position of the detection target identified from the detection results of the primary sensor in the detection data. The processing device 40 may also include information regarding the facial expression, posture, physique, body temperature, movement, etc. of the detection target obtained from the detection results of the secondary sensor in the detection data. The facial expression and posture of the detection target can be obtained from the detection results if the secondary sensor is an image output sensor. The physique of the detection target can be obtained from the detection results if the secondary sensor is an image output sensor or a ranging sensor. The body temperature of the detection target can be obtained from the detection results if the secondary sensor is a thermal image sensor or infrared sensor. Information regarding the movement of the detection target can be obtained by the processing device 40 comparing multiple detection results obtained by the primary sensor and the secondary sensor over time.

[0106] [1-6. Effects, etc.] As described above, the sensing system 1 includes a main sensor having a wide sensing area in the indoor space and multiple sub-sensors having narrower sensing areas than the main sensor. In this configuration, the main sensor detects the position of the detection target in the indoor space 9, and the sub-sensor that is closest to the detection target among the multiple sub-sensors operates, while the other sub-sensors do not operate. Therefore, even in a large indoor space where each sub-sensor alone cannot detect the entire area, the sensing system 1 can switch the operating sub-sensor depending on the position of the detection target, thereby enabling highly accurate sensing of the detection target while saving power.

[0107] Furthermore, in the sensing system 1, when the detection target moves, the sub-sensors located in the direction of the movement of the detection target operate, while the other sub-sensors do not operate. This allows the sensing system 1 to switch the operating sub-sensors in response to changes in the position of the detection target, even in a large indoor space where each sub-sensor cannot detect the entire area on its own, thereby enabling highly accurate sensing of the detection target while saving power.

[0108] In the sensing system 1, the main sensor and the sub-sensor are provided at different height positions. Therefore, by using multiple sensors with different sensing area sizes and height positions, the sensing system 1 can efficiently obtain various information about the detection target.

[0109] In the sensing system 1, the main sensor is provided at the position of the lighting device 10 arranged on the surface of the ceiling 92 of the indoor space 9. Therefore, the main sensor can sense the position of the detection target in the indoor space illuminated from the lighting position on the ceiling from the lighting position on the ceiling, and therefore the sensing system 1 can more reliably detect the position and / or movement of the detection target in the indoor space.

[0110] In the sensing system 1, the sub-sensor detects the state of the detection target in the indoor space 9. Therefore, the sensing system 1 can obtain information about the state of the detection target from the detection result of the sub-sensor, based on the position of the detection target obtained based on the detection result of the main sensor.

[0111] In the sensing system 1, the state of the detection target detected by the sub-sensor may include at least one of the target's facial expression, posture, physique, body temperature, and movement. Therefore, the sensing system 1 can efficiently obtain information about the target's facial expression, posture, physique, body temperature, movement, etc.

[0112] In the sensing system 1, the main sensor and the sub-sensor are installed in the lighting device 10, the switch 20, and the outlets 30A and 30B that are installed to illuminate the indoor space 9 and use electrical appliances. Therefore, there is no need to install new components on the wall 94 or ceiling 92 to install the sensors, and the sensors can be easily installed. For example, the lighting device 10 and the switch 20 are installed to illuminate the indoor space 9, and are essential equipment regardless of whether sensors are installed. The sensing system 1 can be realized by installing the main sensor and the sub-sensor using these pieces of equipment.

[0113] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. A sensing system 1A according to the second embodiment has a similar configuration to the sensing system 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs in that it includes multiple main sensors. In the sensing system 1A, one of the multiple main sensors takes over a function corresponding to the position of the detection target. The function taken over by the main sensor is, for example, the function of detecting the position of the detection target. [2-1. Sensing System Configuration] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a sensing system 1A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of each device in the sensing system 1A. In the sensing system 1A shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the same components as those in the sensing system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the description of FIGS. 1 and 2 above is incorporated herein. Note that, to simplify the drawing and facilitate understanding, the power lines 5 (5A, 5B, 5C) are omitted from FIG. 7. Moreover, the distribution board 50 of the sensing system 1A is the same as the distribution board 50 of the sensing system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is therefore not shown in FIGS.

[0114] The sensing system 1A senses an interior space 9A that is larger than the interior space 9 shown in Fig. 1. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the interior space 9A is longer in the left-right direction (X direction) than the interior space 9.

[0115] The sensing system 1A has a configuration similar to that of the sensing system 1, but includes lighting devices 10A and 10B instead of the lighting device 10. The lighting device 10A has the same configuration as the lighting device 10, but differs in that it includes a sensor unit 13A instead of the sensor unit 13 ( FIG. 8 ). The sensor unit 13A has a configuration similar to the sensor unit 13, but differs in that it includes a sensor 14A and a processing device 40A instead of the sensor 14 and the processing device 40. The sensor 14A may be the same type of sensor as the sensor 14 included in the lighting device 10. The processing device 40A has a configuration similar to that of the processing device 40, but differs in that it includes a processing device 41A instead of the processing device 41. The processing device 41A has a configuration similar to that of the processing device 41, but its operation is different. The operation of the processing device 41A will be described below as the operation of the processing device 40A.

[0116] Illumination device 10B has the same configuration as illumination device 10, but differs in that it includes sensor unit 13B instead of sensor unit 13. Sensor unit 13B has the same configuration as sensor unit 13, but differs in that it includes sensor 14B instead of sensor 14 and does not include processing device 40. Sensor 14B can be the same type of sensor as sensor 14 included in illumination device 10.

[0117] As described above, the lighting devices 10A and 10B are equipped with the sensors 14A and 14B, which are main sensors, respectively. That is, the sensing system 1A is equipped with two main sensors, for example. However, the sensing system 1A may be equipped with three or more main sensors depending on the size of the indoor space 9A and the size of the sensing areas of the main sensors.

[0118] The sensing system 1A also includes a switch 20A that turns on and off the lighting device 10A and a switch 20B that turns on and off the lighting device 10B, instead of the switch 20. The switches 20A and 20B each have a configuration similar to the switch 20, but differ in that they include sensor units 23A and 23B instead of the sensor unit 23. The sensor units 23A and 23B each have a configuration similar to the sensor unit 23, but differ in that they include sensors 24A and 24B instead of the sensor 24 and control units 25A and 25B instead of the control unit 25.

[0119] The sensors 24A and 24B may be the same type of sensor as the sensor 24 or a different type of sensor. The sensors 24A and 24B are sub-sensors provided in the sensing system 1A, similar to the sensor 24. The control units 25A and 25B are configured similarly to the control unit 25, except that they cause the sensors 24A and 24B to perform sensing operations, respectively. The switch 20A is attached, for example, to the wall 94 in the same position as the switch 20. The switch 20B is attached, for example, to the wall 94 in a different position from the switch 20A, at the same height as or a different height from the switch 20A.

[0120] Switches 20A and 20B respectively connect and disconnect power line 5A between lighting devices 10A and 10B and distribution board 50. Note that the distribution board 50 and power lines 5 (5A, 5B, 5C) of sensing system 1A are the same as the distribution board 50 and power lines 5 of sensing system 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and therefore are not shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0121] Sensing system 1A differs from sensing system 1 in that, in addition to outlets 30A and 30B, sensing system 1A further includes outlet 30C having the same configuration as outlets 30A and 30B. Outlet 30C includes outlet body 31C and sensor unit 33C, and outlet body 31C has a pair of terminals 32C that are connected to power line 5B.

[0122] The communication unit 36C and power supply unit 37C included in the sensor unit 33C are configured similarly to the communication units 36A and 36B and power supply units 37A and 37B of the sensor units 33A and 33B. The sensor 34C may be the same type of sensor as the sensors 34A and 34B, or a different type of sensor. The sensor 34C is a secondary sensor included in the sensing system 1A, similar to the sensors 34A and 34B. The control unit 35C is configured similarly to the control units 35A and 35B of the sensor units 33A and 33B, except that it causes the sensor 34 to perform a detection operation. The outlet 30C is attached to the wall 93, for example, at the same height as the outlet 30A or at a different height.

[0123] [2-2. Sensor Characteristics] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of the sensing areas of sensors 14A and 14B included in sensing system 1A, viewed from above, of indoor space 9A, and corresponds to FIG. 3 in embodiment 1. To simplify the drawing and facilitate understanding, FIG. 9 omits the sensing areas of sensors 24A and other sensors other than sensors 14A and 14B. In indoor space 9A, sensors 24A and 24B have sensing areas with the same direction and extent as sensing area D2 of sensor 24 shown in FIG. 3. In indoor space 9A, sensors 34A and 34B also have sensing areas similar to sensing areas D3 and D4, respectively, shown in FIG. 3. In indoor space 9A, sensor 34C has a sensing area with the same extent as sensing area D3 of sensor 34B shown in FIG. 3.

[0124] In the indoor space 9A shown in FIG. 9 , the sensors 14A and 14B have sensing areas D1a and D1b, respectively. The sensing areas D1a and D1b of the sensors 14A and 14B are circular areas centered on the positions of the sensors 14A and 14B. The sensing areas D1a and D1b encompass the entire indoor space 9A as a whole and overlap with each other. For ease of understanding, the dashed lines representing the sensing areas D1a and D1b in FIG. 9 extend outside the indoor space 9A, but the actual sensing areas D1a and D1b are blocked by walls 93, 94, 95, and 96. Therefore, the sensing areas D1a and D1b do not extend outside the indoor space 9A.

[0125] As described above, in the sensing system 1A, each of the multiple main sensors cannot detect the entire indoor space 9A by itself, but the multiple main sensors collectively detect the entire indoor space 9A. For this reason, in the sensing system 1A, one of the multiple main sensors takes over a function corresponding to the position of a detection target in the indoor space 9A. As described above, the function taken over by the main sensor is, for example, the function of detecting the position of a detection target.

[0126] 9, for example, a person P, who is the detection target, moves in the direction indicated by the thick arrow in the figure from the sensing area D1b of sensor 14B to the sensing area D1a of sensor 14A. At this time, while person P is within sensing area D1b, sensor 14B executes the function of detecting the position of person P. Thereafter, when person P moves and enters sensing area D1a of sensor 14A, sensor 14A takes over the function of detecting the position of person P. An example of the operation of sensing system 1A will be described below.

[0127] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sensing system 1A. The operation of FIG. 10 is realized by the processing unit 41A executing a program stored in the storage unit 42. The operation shown in FIG. 10 starts when power is supplied to the sensor units 13A, 13B, 23A, 23B, 33A, 33B, and 33C, and is executed repeatedly after starting.

[0128] When the process starts, the processing device 40A first determines whether one of the main sensors is detecting the detection target (step S21). If no main sensor is detecting the detection target (step S21; NO), the processing device 40A returns to step S21.

[0129] On the other hand, when one primary sensor detects a detection target (step S21; YES), the processing device 40A uses the primary sensor to detect the position of the detection target (step S22). Depending on the position of the detection target detected by the primary sensor, the processing device 40A selects and operates the secondary sensor closest to the detection target or the secondary sensor located further in the direction of movement of the detection target, using an operation similar to that shown in Figure 6, and does not operate the other secondary sensors (step S23). The processing device 40A generates detection data using the operated secondary sensors and stores it in the memory unit 42 (step S24).

[0130] Next, the processing device 40A determines whether or not another main sensor other than the one main sensor has detected the detection target (step S25). If the other main sensor has not detected the detection target (step S25; NO), the processing device 40A returns to step S22.

[0131] On the other hand, if the other main sensor detects the detection target (step S25; YES), the processing device 40A causes the other main sensor to take over the function of detecting the position of the detection target (step S26). Specifically, the other main sensor starts detecting the position of the detection target.

[0132] After that, the processing device 40A ends this process. After the process ends, the processing device 40A starts a new process from step S21. In step S21 of the newly started process, it can be determined whether another main sensor that took over the function in step S26 of the previously finished process is detecting the detection target as one main sensor.

[0133] [2-4. Effects, etc.] The sensing system 1A includes multiple main sensors with wide sensing areas in the indoor space. One of the multiple main sensors takes over the function corresponding to the position of the detection target in the indoor space 9A. The function of the main sensor that is taken over is, for example, the function of detecting the position of the detection target. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the sensing system 1 described above, the sensing system 1A can perform highly accurate sensing of the detection target while taking into consideration power saving, even in an indoor space 9A that is so large that a single main sensor cannot sense the entire space.

[0134] Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the sensor units 13, 13A, and 13B provided in the lighting devices 10, 10A, and 10B are supplied with power and operate when the switches 20, 20A, and 20B are turned on, respectively. However, the sensor units may be supplied with power directly from the power line 5 and operate at all times.

[0135] In the above-described embodiment, the sensing systems 1 and 1A are described as including multiple sensors installed in one indoor space 9 and 9A, respectively. However, the space targeted for detection by the sensing systems 1 and 1A is not limited to one space. For example, the sensing systems 1 and 1A may be configured to include multiple sensors arranged in multiple spaces separated by walls, and these multiple sensors may be connected to the processing device 40 via power lines 5.

[0136] In the above-described embodiment, the lighting devices 10, 10A, 10B, the switches 20, 20A, 20B, and the outlets 30A, 30B, 30C are examples of electrical equipment in which sensors can be installed. Examples of electrical equipment in which sensors constituting the sensing systems 1, 1A can be installed include outlets with two or more sockets, outlets with earth terminals, switches with pilot lights, switches with timers, switches with lighting, and ventilation fans. Of course, sensors can also be installed in other electrical equipment.

[0137] The configurations of the components of the sensing systems 1 and 1A shown in Figures 2 and 8 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware that corresponds to each component in Figure 2 or 8 individually; for example, it is of course possible to configure the components so that a single integrated circuit realizes the functions of each component. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the functions of the control units 15, 25, 35A, 35B and the processing unit 41 may be realized by software or hardware.

[0138] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0139] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0140] (Technology 1) A sensing system for an indoor space, comprising: a main sensor arranged in the indoor space and having a wide sensing area in the indoor space; and a plurality of sub-sensors arranged in the indoor space and having narrower sensing areas in the indoor space than the main sensor, wherein the main sensor detects the position of a detection target in the indoor space, and the sub-sensors that are closest to the detection target operate, while the other sub-sensors do not operate. This makes it possible to perform highly accurate sensing of the detection target while considering power saving, even in a large indoor space.

[0141] (Technology 2) A sensing system for an indoor space, comprising: a main sensor arranged in the indoor space and having a wide sensing area in the indoor space; and a plurality of sub-sensors arranged in the indoor space and having narrower sensing areas in the indoor space than the main sensor, wherein the main sensor detects the position of a detection target in the indoor space, and the sub-sensors located in the direction of the movement of the detection target are activated, while the other sub-sensors are inactive. This makes it possible to perform highly accurate sensing of the detection target in accordance with the movement of the detection target, even in a large indoor space, while taking into consideration power saving.

[0142] (Technology 3) The sensing system according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the main sensor and the sub-sensor are provided at different heights. This allows for more efficient acquisition of information about the detection target in the indoor space by using multiple sensors with different sensing area sizes and heights.

[0143] (Technology 4) The sensing system according to any one of Technologies 1 to 3, wherein the main sensor is provided at a lighting position on the ceiling surface of the indoor space. With this, the main sensor can sense the position of the detection target in the indoor space illuminated from the lighting position on the ceiling, from the lighting position on the ceiling, and the sensing system can more reliably detect the position and / or movement of the detection target in the indoor space.

[0144] (Technology 5) The sensing system according to any one of Technologies 1 to 4, which includes two or more main sensors, and one of the two or more main sensors takes over the function in accordance with the position of the detection target. This makes it possible to perform highly accurate sensing of the detection target while taking into consideration power saving, even in a large indoor space that is too large to be sensed entirely by a single main sensor.

[0145] (Technology 6) The sensing system according to any one of Technologies 1 to 5, wherein the auxiliary sensor detects the state of the detection target in the indoor space. With this, information about the state of the detection target can be obtained from the detection result of the auxiliary sensor based on the position of the detection target obtained based on the detection result of the main sensor.

[0146] (Technology 7) The sensing system according to Technology 6, wherein the state of the detection target includes at least one of the facial expression, posture, physique, body temperature, and movement of the detection target. This makes it possible to efficiently obtain information on the facial expression, posture, physique, body temperature, movement, etc. of the detection target.

[0147] (Technology 8) The sensing system according to any one of Technologies 1 to 7, wherein the main sensor and the sub-sensor are provided on electrical components installed in the indoor space. This eliminates the need to install additional components on the walls or ceiling of the indoor space, making it easy to install the sensors. This makes it easy to realize a sensing system equipped with a main sensor and a sub-sensor.

[0148] As described above, the sensing system according to the present disclosure can be used to detect objects such as people and animals in indoor spaces.

[0149] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A Sensing system 5, 5A, 5B, 5C Power line 9, 9A Indoor space 10, 10A, 10B Lighting device 11 Light source 12 Driver 13, 13A, 13B Sensor unit 14, 14A, 14B Sensor 15, 15A, 15B Control unit 16 Communication unit 17 Power supply unit 20, 20A, 20B Switch 23, 23A, 23B Sensor unit 24, 24A, 24B Sensor 25, 25A, 25B Control unit 26 Communication unit 27 Power supply unit 30A, 30B, 30C Outlet 33A, 33B, 33C Sensor unit 34A, 34B, 34C Sensor 35A, 35B, 35C Control unit 36A, 36B, 36C Communication unit 37A, 37B, 37C Power supply unit 40, 40A Processing device 41, 41A Processing unit 42 Memory unit 50 Distribution board P Person (detection target)

Claims

1. A sensing system for an indoor space, comprising: a main sensor that is arranged in the indoor space and has a wide sensing area in the indoor space; and a plurality of sub-sensors that are arranged in the indoor space and have narrower sensing areas in the indoor space than the main sensor, wherein the main sensor detects the position of a detection target in the indoor space, and the sub-sensor that is closer to the detection target operates, and the other sub-sensors do not operate.

2. A sensing system for an indoor space, comprising: a main sensor that is placed in the indoor space and has a wide sensing area in the indoor space; and a plurality of sub-sensors that are placed in the indoor space and have narrower sensing areas in the indoor space than the main sensor, wherein the main sensor detects the position of a detection target in the indoor space, and the sub-sensors that are located in the direction in which the detection target is moving operate, while the other sub-sensors do not operate.

3. The sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the main sensor and the sub-sensor are provided at different height positions.

4. The sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the main sensor is provided at a lighting position on the ceiling surface of the indoor space.

5. The sensing system according to claim 1, comprising two or more main sensors, wherein one of the two or more main sensors takes over the function in accordance with the position of the detection target.

6. The sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the sub-sensor detects the state of the detection target in the indoor space.

7. The sensing system according to claim 6, wherein the state of the detection target includes at least one of the facial expression, posture, physique, body temperature, and movement of the detection target.

8. A sensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the main sensor and the sub-sensor are provided on electrical materials installed in the indoor space.

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