Sensing system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a sensing system that three-dimensionally senses an object to be detected in an indoor space.　According to the present invention, a sensing system for an indoor space comprises a first sensor that is provided to a ceiling surface of the indoor space, a second sensor that is provided to a first wall surface of the indoor space, and a third sensor that is provided to a second wall surface that is different from the first wall surface at a different height from the second sensor. An object to be detected in the indoor space is detected by the first sensor from above and by the second sensor and the third sensor from the side to generate three-dimensional data about the object to be detected.

Description

Sensing System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to sensing systems.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that uses a sensor unit attached to the side wall of a bathroom or changing room to detect human movement in the upper spatial area and below.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-68363

[0004] The present disclosure provides a sensing system that performs three-dimensional sensing of a detection target in an indoor space.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a sensing system for an indoor space, comprising: a first sensor disposed on a ceiling surface of the indoor space; a second sensor disposed on a first wall surface of the indoor space; and a third sensor disposed on a second wall surface different from the first wall surface at a different height from the second sensor. The sensing system detects a detection target in the indoor space from above using the first sensor, detects the detection target from the side using the second sensor and the third sensor, and generates three-dimensional data related to the detection target. This specification is intended to include the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-055735, filed on March 29, 2024.

[0006] According to the sensing system of the present disclosure, it is possible to use sensors installed on the ceiling and walls of an indoor space to sense an object to be detected in the indoor space in three dimensions and obtain three-dimensional data.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sensing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of each device in the sensing system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a distribution board. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a sensing area of ​​a sensor. FIG. 5 is a side view showing an example of a sensing area of ​​a sensor. FIG. 6 is a side view showing an example of a sensing area of ​​a sensor. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sensing system.

[0008] (Knowledge, etc., that formed the basis of the present disclosure) At the time the inventors came up with the present disclosure, there were technologies available for sensing people and other objects present in a space. However, the inventors discovered that performing three-dimensional sensing in a space required installing multiple sensors in the space and controlling these sensors in a complex manner, which resulted in inefficiency. To solve this problem, the inventors came up with the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a sensing system that performs three-dimensional sensing of an object to be detected in an 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. 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 , the electrical equipment installed in the indoor space 9 includes a lighting device 10, switches 20A and 20B, outlets 30A and 30B, and a ventilation fan 60. The electrical equipment may also include a distribution board 50 installed inside or outside the indoor space 9.

[0016] Power lines 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are drawn into the indoor space 9 from a distribution board 50. The power lines 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D 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, 5C, and 5D, 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 20A is provided on the wall 94. The switch 20A has a switch body 21A connected to the power line 5A. The switch 20A connects and disconnects the power line 5A between the lighting device 10 and the distribution board 50, and when the switch 20A is on, power is supplied to the lighting device 10. When the switch 20A is off, the power supply to the lighting device 10 is cut off, and the lighting device 10 is turned off.

[0020] The ventilation fan 60 is a device that ventilates the indoor space 9, and is installed on the ceiling 92. The ventilation fan 60 is connected to the switch 20B.

[0021] Switch 20B is provided on wall 95. Switch 20B has a switch body 21B connected to power line 5D. Switch 20B connects and disconnects power line 5D between ventilation fan 60 and distribution board 50. When switch 20B is on, power is supplied to ventilation fan 60, and fan 61 ( FIG. 3 ) included in ventilation fan 60 operates. When switch 20B is off, power supply to ventilation fan 60 is cut off, and fan 61 stops operating.

[0022] Outlets 30A and 30B are power outlets (also called outlets) to which load devices that operate on commercial power can be connected. For example, outlets 30A and 30B are single-phase 100V power outlets, with outlet 30A connected to distribution board 50 by power line 5B and outlet 30B connected to distribution board 50 by power line 5C. Outlet 30A is provided on wall 94, and outlet 30B is provided on wall 95.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Switch 20A includes sensor 24A. Sensor 24A is disposed on switch 20A so as to face from wall 94 toward interior space 9. Switch 20B includes sensor 24B. Sensor 24B is disposed on switch 20B so as to face from wall 95 toward interior space 9.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The sensors 14, 24A, 24B, 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.

[0029] 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 may be a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor, a ranging sensor, or a radar sensor. Furthermore, the ranging sensor may be an ultrasonic ranging sensor or a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Since the sensors 14, 24A, 24B, 34A, and 34B are fixed to the indoor space 9, if the sensors 14, 24A, 24B, 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.

[0030] 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 includes multiple infrared sensors arranged in a grid and outputs a thermal image of the detection target range based on the detection values ​​of these multiple infrared sensors. Furthermore, LiDAR can also be used as an image output sensor by generating a depth image including LiDAR measurement values.

[0031] If cameras are used as sensors 14, 24A, 24B, 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 sensor 14.

[0032] It is not prohibited to use cameras as sensors 14, 24A, 24B, 34A, and 34B. For example, if 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 person P.

[0033] 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 in 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.

[0034] The sensors 14, 24A, 24B, 34A, and 34B are selected from the sensors described above. For example, the types of the sensors 14, 24A, 24B, 34A, and 34B are selected depending on the positions of the sensors 14, 24A, 24B, 34A, and 34B in the indoor space 9.

[0035] The sensor 14, the sensors 24A and 24B, and the sensors 34A and 34B are installed at different heights in the indoor space 9. Height H1 indicates the height of the installation position of the sensor 14, height H2 indicates the height of the sensor 24A, height H3 indicates the height of the sensor 34A, height H4 indicates the height of the sensor 34B, and height H5 indicates the height of the sensor 24B. Heights H1 to H5 are all heights relative to the floor 91.

[0036] Since the sensor 14 is installed on the ceiling 92, the height H1 corresponds to the height of the entire indoor space 9. The heights H2, H3, H4, and H5 are lower than the height H1. The heights H2 and H5 may be the same height or different heights. The heights H3 and H4 may be the same height or different heights. For example, the sensors 34A and 34B are installed near the floor 91, and the heights H3 and H4 are lower than both the heights H2 and H5.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 24A, 24B, 34A, and 34B. The sensors 24A, 24B, 34A, and 34B can detect the indoor space 9 from the walls 94 and 95. Therefore, for example, if at least one of the sensors 24A, 24B, 34A, and 34B and the sensor 14 are configured with the same type of sensor and are an image output sensor, three-dimensional detection results of the indoor space 9 can be obtained.

[0039] In this way, the sensing system 1 comprises a first sensor arranged on the ceiling surface of the indoor space 9, i.e., the ceiling 92, a second sensor provided on a first wall surface of the indoor space 9, and a third sensor provided on a second wall surface different from the first wall surface at a different height from the second sensor.

[0040] Any one of the walls 93, 94, 95, and 96 corresponds to a first wall surface, and any of the others corresponds to a second wall surface. In the example described in this embodiment, the wall 94 corresponds to the first wall surface, and the wall 95 corresponds to the second wall surface. One or more of the sensors 24A and 34A provided on the wall 94 corresponds to the second sensor, and one or more of the sensors 24B and 34B provided on the wall 95 corresponds to the third sensor. The sensor 14 corresponds to the first sensor. The height H2 is different from both the height H4 and the height H5, and the height H3 is different from both the height H4 and the height H5. For example, the heights H2, H3, H4, and H5 may all be different from one another.

[0041] The first sensor is a sensor that can identify the position of a detection target in the indoor space 9. For example, the first sensor is an image output sensor or a distance measurement sensor. The second sensor and the third sensor are sensors that detect the position and shape of a detection target in the indoor space 9. For example, the second sensor and the third sensor are distance measurement sensors or image output sensors. If at least one of the second sensor and the third sensor is a sensor that outputs a thermal image or a temperature sensor, the sensing system 1 can detect the temperature of the detection target.

[0042] [2. Configuration of each device] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of each device in the sensing system 1. Fig. 2 shows the configuration of the lighting device 10, switches 20A and 20B, and outlets 30A and 30B, and the connection state with the distribution board 50. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the distribution board. Figs. 2 and 3 are diagrams that schematically show the configuration of each device, and do not limit the detailed circuit configuration. For example, each device shown in Figs. 2 and 3 may have circuits that are not shown in these diagrams.

[0043] The sensing system 1 includes a processing device 40 that processes the detection results of the sensors 14, 24A, 24B, 34A, and 34B. The lighting device 10 transmits the detection result of the sensor 14 to the processing device 40. Similarly, the switch 20A transmits the detection result of the sensor 24A, 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.

[0044] The processing device 40 can be provided in any of the lighting device 10, the switches 20A and 20B, 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3 , the distribution board 50 includes a main breaker 51, branch wiring 52, and circuit breakers 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D. 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, 53C, and 53D. 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).

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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. Circuit breaker 53D disconnects power line 5D from branch wiring 52 when the current flowing through power line 5D exceeds a predetermined capacity.

[0049] 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, 53C, and 53D, and the circuit breakers 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D function as circuit breakers that separate the commercial power supply from the secondary wiring.

[0050] In the sensing system 1, the lighting device 10 and the switch 20A 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. Furthermore, the ventilation fan 60 and the switch 20B are connected to a power line 5D. The power lines 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are all connected to branch wiring 52 of the distribution board 50. In other words, the lighting device 10, the switches 20A and 20B, the outlets 30A and 30B, and the ventilation fan 60 are electrically connected to one another via the branch wiring 52 and the power line 5C.

[0051] 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 switches 20A and 20B, and the outlets 30A and 30B. As the wired communication, power line communication (PLC) via the power line 5 can be performed. As the wireless communication method, 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 the power line 5 is used in the sensing system 1.

[0052] 2 , 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 the interior 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 nonvolatile 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.

[0056] The sensor unit 13 is equipped with a processing device 40. The processing device 40 includes a processing unit 41 and a storage unit .

[0057] The processing unit 41 includes a processor that processes data by executing a program. The processor is configured with an integrated circuit such as a CPU, MPU, or microcontroller. 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 with an integrated circuit integrated with the processing unit 41.

[0058] The processing unit 41 acquires detection data including the detection results of the sensors 14, 24A, 24B, 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The communication unit 16 is, for example, a communication modem connected to the two cables constituting the power line 5A and performing 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 switches 20A and 20B and the outlets 30A and 30B. The detection data received by the communication unit 16 is output to the processing device 40.

[0062] The switch 20A includes a switch body 21A and a sensor unit 23A. Although Fig. 2 shows the switch body 21A as a single-pole switch that disconnects only one of a pair of cables that make up the power line 5A, the switch body 21A may also be a double-pole switch.

[0063] The sensor unit 23A includes a sensor 24A, a control unit 25A, a communication unit 26A, and a power supply unit 27A. The power supply unit 27A is connected to the power line 5A at a position closer to the processing device 40 than the switch main body 21A. The power supply unit 27A converts the AC current supplied from the power line 5A into DC current of a predetermined voltage and outputs it to the sensor 24A, the control unit 25A, and the communication unit 26A.

[0064] The control unit 25A includes a processor that processes data by executing a program. The processor is configured as an integrated circuit such as a CPU, MPU, or microcontroller. The control unit 25A may also include a storage device that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner using a flash memory, magnetic recording medium, optical recording medium, or the like. The control unit 25A 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 24A.

[0065] The control unit 25A operates the sensor 24A to perform detection of the indoor space 9. The control unit 25A acquires the detection result of the sensor 24A and generates detection data including the detection result. The control unit 25A causes the communication unit 26A to transmit the detection data to the processing device 40.

[0066] The communication unit 26A communicates with the processing device 40 under the control of the control unit 25A. For example, the communication unit 26A transmits detection data generated by the control unit 25A to the processing device 40. The communication unit 26A 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 26A 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 25A.

[0067] The switch 20B can have the same configuration as the switch 20A. That is, the switch 20B includes a switch main body 21B and a sensor unit 23B. Although Fig. 2 shows the switch main body 21B as a single-pole switch that disconnects only one of the pair of cables that make up the power line 5D, the switch main body 21B may also be a double-pole switch.

[0068] The sensor unit 23B includes a sensor 24B, a control unit 25B, a communication unit 26B, and a power supply unit 27B. The power supply unit 27B is connected to the power line 5D at a position closer to the processing device 40 than the switch main body 21B. The power supply unit 27B converts the AC current supplied from the power line 5D into DC current of a predetermined voltage and outputs it to the sensor 24B, the control unit 25B, and the communication unit 26B.

[0069] The control unit 25B includes a processor that processes data by executing a program. The processor is configured as an integrated circuit such as a CPU, MPU, or microcontroller. The control unit 25B 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 25B 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 24B.

[0070] The control unit 25B operates the sensor 24B to perform detection of the indoor space 9. The control unit 25B acquires the detection result of the sensor 24B and generates detection data including the detection result. The control unit 25B causes the communication unit 26B to transmit the detection data to the processing device 40.

[0071] The communication unit 26B communicates with the processing device 40 under the control of the control unit 25B. For example, the communication unit 26B transmits detection data generated by the control unit 25B to the processing device 40. The communication unit 26B is a communication modem that is connected to the two cables that make up the power line 5D and performs power line communication via the power line 5D. The communication unit 26B 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 25B.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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, MPU, or microcontroller. 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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, MPU, or microcontroller. 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 switches 20A, 20B and the outlets 30A, 30B. The processing unit 41 acquires, via the communication unit 16, detection data including the detection results of the sensors 24A, 34A, and 34B. Furthermore, the processing unit 41 acquires detection data including the detection results of the sensors 14 from the control unit 15.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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 24A 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 24A 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 24A 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 24A.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 3. Sensor Characteristics Fig. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a sensing area of ​​a sensor provided in the sensing system 1, and is a view of the indoor space 9 from above. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are side views showing an example of a sensing area of ​​a sensor. Fig. 5 is a view of the indoor space 9 as seen from the +X direction, and Fig. 6 is a view of the indoor space 9 as seen from the -Y direction.

[0087] In Figures 4 to 6, the sensing areas of sensors 14, 24A, 34A, 34B, and 24B are indicated by the symbols D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5, respectively. As shown in Figure 4, the sensing area D1 of sensor 14 projected 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 4 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.

[0088] The area obtained by projecting sensing area D2 of sensor 24A onto the X-Y plane is a sector with a central angle θ12 and a radius R12 centered at sensor 24A. The area obtained by projecting sensing area D3 of sensor 34A onto the X-Y plane is a sector with a central angle θ13 and a radius R13 centered at sensor 34A. The area obtained by projecting sensing area D4 of sensor 34B onto the X-Y plane is a sector with a central angle θ14 and a radius R14 centered at sensor 34B. The area obtained by projecting sensing area D5 of sensor 24B onto the X-Y plane is a sector with a central angle θ15 and a radius R15 centered at sensor 24B.

[0089] 5, 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. The area obtained by projecting sensing area D5 onto the X-Z plane is a sector with a central angle θ23 centered on sensor 24B and a radius R15.

[0090] 6, 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 24A, 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.

[0091] The central angles θ11, θ12, θ13, θ14, θ21, θ22, θ23, θ31, θ32, θ33 and the radii R11, R12, R13, R14 are determined by the structure and specifications of the sensors 14, 24A, 24B, 34A, 34B.

[0092] Comparing the sizes of the sensing areas D1 to D5, the sensing area D1 of the sensor 14 is larger than the sensing areas D2 to D5. The size of the sensing area may be the area of ​​the sensing area in the interior space 9, or the central angle of the sensing area with the sensor at its center. For example, it is possible to compare the sensing areas projected onto the X-Y plane. That is, when comparing the sensing areas when the interior space 9 is viewed from above, the sensing area of ​​the sub-sensor is smaller than the sensing area of ​​the main sensor. The size 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 interior space 9.

[0093] Furthermore, the central angle of the sensing area D1 is wider than the other sensing areas D2 to D5 in all of Figures 4, 5, and 6. In other words, the sensing area D1 has a wider angle than the other sensing areas D2 to D5.

[0094] Assuming that the sensing system 1 detects a detection target that is in contact with the floor 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 24A, 24B, 34A, and 34B, and the sensing area D1 of the sensor 14 has a wider angle than the sensing areas D2 to D5. 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.

[0095] The sensors 24A, 24B, 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 24A, 24B, 34A, and 34B are suitable for applications in which more detailed information about the detection target can be obtained than the sensor 14.

[0096] As described above, in this embodiment, sensor 14 is the first sensor, sensors 24A and 34A are the second sensors, and sensors 24B and 34B are the third sensors. By combining detection by the first sensor, second sensor, and third sensor, sensing system 1 can efficiently obtain three-dimensional information about the detection target. An example of the operation of sensing system 1 will be described below.

[0097] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sensing system 1. The operation in FIG. 7 is realized by the processing unit 41 executing a program stored in the storage unit 42.

[0098] The processing device 40 acquires detection data including the detection result of the first sensor 14 (step S1) and analyzes the detection result (step S2). The processing device 40 determines whether or not there is a detection target in the indoor space 9 based on the detection result of the sensor 14 (step S3). If it is determined that there is no detection target in the indoor space 9 (step S3; NO), the processing device 40 returns to step S1.

[0099] When the processing device 40 determines that a detection target is present in the indoor space 9 (step S3; YES), the processing device 40 identifies the position of the detection target (step S4). The position identified in step S4 is, for example, a position on the X-Y plane of the indoor space 9, which can be said to be a position on the floor surface of the indoor space 9.

[0100] The processing device 40 selects a second sensor (step S5). The processing device 40 acquires detection data including the detection results of the second sensor selected in step S5 (step S6). The processing device 40 determines whether the second sensor selected in step S5 is suitable for detecting the detection target detected by the first sensor (step S7). Conditions for a second sensor to be suitable for detection include, for example, that the second sensor has a sensing area that includes the detection target detected by the first sensor. This condition includes, for example, that the second sensor is capable of transmitting detection data. This condition includes, for example, that the second sensor is capable of performing a detection operation. If the second sensor selected in step S5 does not satisfy any of the above conditions, the processing device 40 determines that the second sensor is not suitable for detection.

[0101] In Figure 4, an example of the position of the detection target is indicated by the symbol PP. Position PP is included in sensing area D3 and sensing area D4, but not in sensing area D2 or sensing area D5. Therefore, sensors 24A and 24B are not suitable for detecting the detection target at position PP. Furthermore, sensors 34A and 34B are suitable for detecting the detection target at position PP. For example, if the processing device 40 identifies the position of the detection target as position PP and selects sensor 24A in step S5, it determines that sensor 24A is not suitable for detecting the detection target based on the positional relationship between position PP and sensing area D2.

[0102] If it is determined that the second sensor selected in step S5 is not suitable for detecting the object detected by the first sensor (step S7; NO), the processing device 40 returns to step S4 and selects another second sensor.

[0103] If it is determined that the second sensor selected in step S5 is suitable for detecting the object detected by the first sensor (step S7; YES), the processing device 40 proceeds to step S8.

[0104] In step S8, the processing device 40 selects a third sensor (step S8). If the sensing system 1 has only one third sensor, the processing device 40 skips the process of step S8. The processing device 40 acquires detection data including the detection results of the third sensor selected in step S8 (step S9). The processing device 40 determines whether the third sensor selected in step S8 is suitable for detecting the detection target detected by the first sensor (step S10). Conditions for a third sensor to be suitable for detection include, for example, being a second sensor whose sensing area includes the detection target detected by the first sensor. This condition includes, for example, being a third sensor capable of transmitting detection data. This condition includes, for example, being a third sensor capable of performing a detection operation. If the third sensor selected in step S8 does not satisfy any of the above conditions, the processing device 40 determines that the third sensor is not suitable for detection.

[0105] If it is determined that the third sensor selected in step S8 is not suitable for detecting the object detected by the first sensor (step S10; NO), the processing device 40 returns to step S8 and selects another third sensor.

[0106] If it is determined that the third sensor selected in step S8 is suitable for detecting the object detected by the first sensor (step S10; YES), the processing device 40 proceeds to step S11.

[0107] In step S11, the processing device 40 analyzes the detection results of the second sensor and the third sensor (step S11). Based on the data obtained by analyzing the detection results of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, the processing device 40 generates three-dimensional data regarding the detection target and stores the data in the storage unit 42 (step S12).

[0108] The three-dimensional data generated by the processing device 40 in step S12 is, for example, three-dimensional position data. Specifically, this three-dimensional data includes two-dimensional data indicating the position of the detection target on the floor surface of the indoor space 9 and data indicating the height of the detection target. This three-dimensional data may also be data indicating the three-dimensional shape of the detection target. In other words, this three-dimensional data may include two-dimensional data of the outline of the detection target's shape associated with the height from the floor surface of the indoor space 9.

[0109] The three-dimensional data generated in step S12 may also include other types of data obtained from data on the position or three-dimensional shape of the detection target. For example, in step S12, the processing device 40 identifies the type of detection target from the detection results of the first, second, and third sensors. If the processing device 40 determines that the detection target is a human (person P), it further generates data indicating the skeleton of the person P from the detection results of the first, second, and third sensors, and generates three-dimensional data including the generated skeleton data.

[0110] Also, for example, if the processing device 40 determines in step S12 that the detection target is a human (person P), it may generate data indicating the posture of person P from the detection results of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and generate three-dimensional data including the generated posture data.

[0111] Furthermore, for example, the processing device 40 may generate data indicating the movement of the detection target based on changes over time in the data on the position or three-dimensional shape of the detection target, and generate three-dimensional data including the generated movement data.

[0112] Furthermore, for example, when the second sensor or the third sensor is a sensor that outputs a thermal image or temperature as a detection result, the processing device 40 may generate three-dimensional data including data indicating the temperature of the detection target. In this case, the processing device 40 may generate three-dimensional data that integrates data indicating the temperature distribution with three-dimensional data indicating the position or three-dimensional shape of the detection target.

[0113] The processing device 40 may transmit the 3D data generated in step S12 via the communication unit 16 (step S13). In step S13, the processing device 40 may transmit the 3D data generated in step S12 to, for example, another device connected to the distribution board 50 or another device connectable to the processing device 40 via a wireless communication network (not shown). The device receiving the 3D data may be a smartphone, a tablet PC (personal computer), a notebook PC, or the like. These devices may be devices located outside the indoor space 9. The operation of step S13 corresponds to a notification from the processing device 40 to another device. Furthermore, if the device incorporating the processing device 40 or the processing device 40 itself is equipped with a device having a notification function, the processing device 40 may notify the contents of the 3D data using the device having the notification function in step S13. Examples of devices having the notification function include a display or an LED indicator. Furthermore, the processing device 40 may notify the content of the 3D data if the 3D data generated in step S12 includes specific information. For example, the notification in step S13 may be made when the posture of the person P in the indoor space 9 corresponds to a specific posture.

[0114] In this way, the processing device 40 generates three-dimensional data using the first sensor on the ceiling surface, the second sensor provided on the first wall surface, and the third sensor provided on the second wall surface. Therefore, detailed three-dimensional data regarding the detected object in the indoor space 9 can be obtained by a method that is less likely to cause blind spots due to obstacles such as furniture and fixtures in the indoor space 9. This type of data can be used, for example, to monitor people P or pets in the indoor space 9. Then, by issuing a notification in step S13, the processing device 40 can notify people outside the indoor space 9 of the status of the detected object in the indoor space 9.

[0115] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0116] The sensing system 1 described in the above embodiment is an example of the present disclosure, and the number, positions, and types of sensors included in the sensing system 1 are not limited. For example, three or more sensors may be arranged as second sensors on wall 94. Similarly, three or more sensors may be arranged as third sensors on wall 95. Furthermore, sensors may be arranged on wall 93 or wall 96 and used as second or third sensors.

[0117] In the above embodiment, in the operation shown in FIG. 7 , an example has been described in which the processing device 40 determines in step S7 whether the second sensor selected in step S5 is suitable for detecting the detection target. This is just one example, and for example, the processing device 40 may be configured to select a second sensor suitable for detecting the detection target in step S5, in which case the determination in step S7 may be omitted. Similarly, an example has been described in which the processing device 40 determines in step S10 whether the third sensor selected in step S8 is suitable for detecting the detection target, but this is just one example. For example, the processing device 40 may be configured to select a third sensor suitable for detecting the detection target in step S8, in which case the determination in step S10 may be omitted.

[0118] In the above embodiment, if there is no second sensor suitable for detecting the detection target, the processing device 40 may generate three-dimensional data using the detection results of the first sensor and the third sensor in step S12. Alternatively, the processing device 40 may select multiple third sensors in step S8 and generate three-dimensional data using the detection results of the first sensor and the multiple third sensors in step S12. Similarly, if there is no third sensor suitable for detecting the detection target, the processing device 40 may generate three-dimensional data using the detection results of the first sensor and the second sensor in step S12. Alternatively, the processing device 40 may return to step S5 to select multiple second sensors and generate three-dimensional data using the detection results of the first sensor and the multiple second sensors in step S12.

[0119] In the above embodiment, an example configuration has been described in which the sensing system 1 includes multiple sensors installed in one indoor space 9, but the space that the sensing system 1 detects is not limited to one space. For example, the sensing system 1 may include multiple sensors arranged in multiple spaces separated by walls, and these multiple sensors may be connected to the processing device 40 by power lines 5. Furthermore, the sensing system 1 may include multiple processing devices 40, and these multiple processing devices 40 may communicate with each other.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the lighting device 10, the switches 20A and 20B, and the outlets 30A and 30B are examples of electrical equipment in which sensors can be installed. Examples of electrical equipment in which sensors constituting the sensing system 1 can be installed include an outlet with two or more sockets, an outlet with a ground terminal, a switch with a pilot lamp, a switch with a timer, a switch with lighting, a ventilation fan, etc. Of course, sensors can also be installed in other electrical equipment.

[0121] The configuration of each unit of the sensing system 1 shown in Figure 2 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit in Figure 2 individually, and it is of course possible, for example, to configure the system so that a single integrated circuit realizes the functions of each unit. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the functions of the control units 15, 25A, 25B, 35A, 35B, and the processing unit 41 may be realized by software or hardware.

[0122] 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.

[0123] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0124] (Technology 1) A sensing system for an indoor space includes a first sensor disposed on a ceiling surface of the indoor space, a second sensor disposed on a first wall surface of the indoor space, and a third sensor disposed on a second wall surface different from the first wall surface at a different height from the second sensor, wherein the first sensor detects a detection target in the indoor space from above, and the second and third sensors detect the detection target from the side, and generate three-dimensional data related to the detection target. According to this sensing system, by using a sensor disposed on the ceiling surface of the indoor space and multiple sensors disposed on different wall surfaces, detailed detection of the detection target in the indoor space can be performed. Therefore, the detection target in the indoor space can be sensed three-dimensionally and three-dimensional data can be obtained.

[0125] (Technology 2) The sensing system according to Technology 1 includes a plurality of the second sensors, and when one of the second sensors is not suitable for detecting the target, another of the second sensors detects the target. This makes it possible to more reliably perform three-dimensional sensing of the target by using a sensor suitable for detecting the target.

[0126] (Technology 3) The sensing system according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, which has a plurality of the third sensors, and when one of the third sensors is not suitable for detecting the detection target, detects the detection target using another of the third sensors. This makes it possible to more reliably perform three-dimensional sensing of the detection target by using a sensor suitable for detecting the detection target.

[0127] (Technology 4) The sensing system according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 3, wherein the first sensor detects the position of the detection target in the indoor space, and the second sensor and the third sensor detect the height of the detection target. This makes it possible to obtain data relating to the three-dimensional position of the detection target in the indoor space.

[0128] (Technology 5) The sensing system according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 4, which estimates at least one of the skeleton, posture, and movement of the detection target based on the three-dimensional data. With this, detailed data on the detection target in the indoor space can be obtained by using a sensor installed on the ceiling surface of the indoor space and multiple sensors installed on different wall surfaces.

[0129] (Technology 6) The sensing system according to Technology 5, which notifies the result of the estimation. This makes it possible to obtain detailed data on the detection target in the indoor space and to notify the result.

[0130] 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.

[0131] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Sensing system 5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D Power line 9 Indoor space 10 Lighting device 11 Light source 12 Driver 13 Sensor unit 14 Sensor (first sensor) 15 Control unit 16 Communication unit 17 Power supply unit 20A, 20B Switch 23A, 23B Sensor unit 24A Sensor (second sensor) 24B Sensor (third sensor) 25A, 25B Control unit 26A, 26B Communication unit 27A, 27B Power supply unit 30A, 30B Outlet 33A, 33B Sensor unit 34A Sensor (second sensor) 34B Sensor (third sensor) 35A, 35B Control unit 36A, 36B Communication unit 37A, 37B Power supply unit 40 Processing device 41 Processing unit 42 Memory unit 50 Distribution board 60 Ventilation fan 92 Ceiling (ceiling surface) 94 Wall (first wall surface) 95 Wall (second wall surface) P Person (detection target)

Claims

1. A sensing system for an indoor space comprising: a first sensor arranged on a ceiling surface of the indoor space; a second sensor provided on a first wall surface of the indoor space; and a third sensor provided on a second wall surface different from the first wall surface at a different height from the second sensor; the sensing system detects a detection target in the indoor space from above using the first sensor, and detects the detection target from the side using the second sensor and the third sensor, and generates three-dimensional data regarding the detection target.

2. The sensing system according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of said second sensors, wherein if one of said second sensors is not suitable for detecting said target, another of said second sensors detects said target.

3. The sensing system according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of said third sensors, wherein when one of said third sensors is not suitable for detecting said target, another of said third sensors detects said target.

4. The sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor detects the position of the detection target in the indoor space, and the second sensor and the third sensor detect the height of the detection target.

5. The sensing system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the skeleton, posture, and movement of the detection target is estimated based on the three-dimensional data.

6. The sensing system according to claim 5, which notifies the result of said estimation.

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