CN114746731A - Measurement device, measurement method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

Comprising: a propagation distance determining unit that determines a propagation distance, which is a length of a propagation path through which the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device passes until the acoustic wave reaches the receiving device, based on a measurement result of the distance measuring sensor; a propagation time determination unit that determines a propagation time until the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmission device reaches the reception device; and a measurement unit that measures the air characteristics at the position on the propagation path based on the propagation time determined by the propagation time determination unit and the propagation distance determined by the propagation distance determination unit.

Description

Measurement device, measurement method, and program

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a measurement device, a measurement method, and a program.

Background

The temperature of the space can be measured from the propagation time of the acoustic wave using the principle that the velocity of the acoustic wave propagating in the air changes according to the temperature.

For example, patent document 1 discloses a technique of measuring a temperature of a space from a propagation time of an ultrasonic wave by arranging a plurality of sensor units capable of transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic wave in the space.

Documents of the prior art

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2014-095600

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In patent document 1, it is assumed that a measurement path is known. Thus, in the case where the measurement path is unknown, the propagation distance of the acoustic wave is unknown. Thus, the temperature cannot be measured.

The present invention aims to improve the S/N ratio of the measurement result of the air characteristic (such as temperature) of the space even if the propagation distance of the acoustic wave is unknown.

Means for solving the problems

One embodiment of the present invention is a measurement device including:

a propagation distance determining unit that determines a propagation distance, which is a length of a propagation path through which the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device passes until the acoustic wave reaches the receiving device, based on a measurement result of the distance measuring sensor;

a propagation time determination unit that determines a propagation time until the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmission device reaches the reception device; and

a measurement unit that measures the air characteristic at a position on the propagation path based on the propagation time determined by the propagation time determination unit and the propagation distance determined by the propagation distance determination unit.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, the S/N ratio of the measurement result of the air characteristic of the space can be improved even if the propagation distance of the acoustic wave is unknown.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a measurement system according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the measurement system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the acoustic wave transmitting apparatus according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the acoustic wave receiving apparatus according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the distance measuring sensor of fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the distance measuring sensor of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is an explanatory view of an outline of the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the temperature measurement process according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the reception waveform data of fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the processing of fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation and effect of the arrangement example of the ranging sensor of fig. 6A.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an acoustic wave transmission device according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the sensor arrangement according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a detailed flowchart of the calculation of the temperature in the second embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a schematic explanatory view of a modification.

Fig. 16 is a flowchart of a temperature measurement process according to a modification.

Fig. 17 is a detailed flowchart of the calculation of the temperature according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing a detection method selection processing routine according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of correction based on the phase difference.

Detailed Description

An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for describing the embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in principle, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

(1) First embodiment

The first embodiment will be explained.

(1-1) construction of measurement System

The configuration of the measurement system of the first embodiment will be explained. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a measurement system according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the measurement system according to the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the measurement system 1 includes a measurement device 10, an acoustic wave transmission device 20, an acoustic wave reception device 30, an air conditioning device 40, a thermometer 50, and a distance measurement sensor 60.

The measurement device 10 is connected to the acoustic wave transmission device 20, the acoustic wave reception device 30, the air conditioning device 40, the thermometer 50, and the distance measurement sensor 60.

The measurement device 10, the acoustic wave transmission device 20, the acoustic wave reception device 30, the air conditioning device 40, the thermometer 50, and the distance measuring sensor 60 are disposed in the target space SP.

The measuring apparatus 10 has the following functions.

Controlling the function of the acoustic wave transmitting apparatus 20

A function of acquiring reception waveform data from the acoustic wave reception device 30

Function of measuring temperature distribution in target space SP

Controlling the function of the air-conditioning device 40 on the basis of the measured temperature distribution

Function of acquiring reference temperature information on the measurement result of the temperature of the target space SP from the thermometer 50

The measuring device 10 is for example a smartphone, a tablet terminal or a personal computer.

The acoustic wave transmitter 20 is configured to transmit an ultrasonic beam having directivity (an example of "acoustic wave") in accordance with control of the measuring device 10. The acoustic wave transmitter 20 is configured to change the transmission direction of the ultrasonic beam.

The acoustic wave receiving device 30 is configured to: the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the acoustic wave transmission device 20 is received, and reception waveform data corresponding to the received ultrasonic beam is generated. The sound wave receiving device 30 is, for example, a non-directional microphone or a directional microphone.

The air conditioner 40 is configured to adjust the temperature of the target space SP in accordance with the control of the measuring device 10.

The thermometer 50 is configured to measure the temperature of the space SP (hereinafter referred to as "reference temperature").

The distance measuring sensor 60 is configured to measure a distance (hereinafter referred to as "propagation distance") traveled by the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the acoustic wave transmitting apparatus 20 until the ultrasonic beam reaches the acoustic wave receiving apparatus 30. The distance measuring sensor 60 is at least one of the following sensors, for example.

Optical sensor

Acoustic wave sensor (e.g., ultrasonic sensor)

(1-1-1) construction of measuring apparatus

The structure of the measuring apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 2, the measurement device 10 includes a storage device 11, a processor 12, an input/output interface 13, and a communication interface 14.

The storage device 11 is configured to store programs and data. The storage device 11 is, for example, a combination of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage unit (e.g., a flash Memory or a hard disk).

The program includes, for example, the following programs.

OS (Operating System) program

A program of an application that executes information processing (for example, information processing for measuring a temperature distribution of the target space SP)

Data relating to the speed characteristic of the acoustic wave, which is a characteristic relating to the speed of the acoustic wave with respect to the temperature of the space

The data includes, for example, the following data.

Databases referred to in information processing

Data obtained by executing information processing (that is, execution result of information processing)

The processor 12 is configured to implement the functions of the measuring apparatus 10 by starting a program stored in the storage device 11. The processor 12 is an example of a computer.

The input/output interface 13 is configured to: the instruction of the user is acquired from an input device connected to the measurement apparatus 10, and information is output to an output device connected to the measurement apparatus 10.

The input device is for example a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel or a combination thereof. In addition, the input devices include a thermometer 50 and a ranging sensor 60.

The output device is for example a display. In addition, the output device includes an air conditioning device 40.

The communication interface 14 is configured to control communication with an external device (for example, a server).

(1-1-2) Structure of Acoustic wave transmitting apparatus

The structure of the acoustic wave transmission device 20 of the first embodiment will be explained. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the acoustic wave transmitting apparatus according to the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 3A, the acoustic wave transmission device 20 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (an example of "vibration elements") 21 and a control circuit 22.

As shown in fig. 3B, the control circuit 22 vibrates the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 in accordance with the control of the measuring apparatus 10. When the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 vibrate, an ultrasonic beam is transmitted in a transmission direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to a transmission surface (XY plane).

(1-1-3) Structure of Acoustic wave receiving apparatus

The structure of the acoustic wave receiving apparatus 30 of the first embodiment will be explained. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the acoustic wave receiving apparatus according to the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 4, the acoustic wave receiving apparatus 30 includes an ultrasonic transducer 31 and a control circuit 32.

The ultrasonic transducer 31 vibrates when receiving the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the acoustic wave transmission device 20.

The control circuit 32 is configured to generate reception waveform data corresponding to the vibration of the ultrasonic transducer 31.

(1-1-4) Structure of distance measuring sensor

The configuration of the distance measuring sensor 60 of the first embodiment will be explained. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of the distance measuring sensor of fig. 1.

As shown in fig. 5, the distance measuring sensor 60 includes a light emitting unit 61, a light receiving unit 62, and a processor 63.

The light emitting unit 61 is configured to: when light (e.g., infrared light) is emitted, a light emission signal is generated.

The light receiving unit 62 is configured to: when light (for example, infrared light) is received, a light reception signal is generated.

The processor 63 has the following functions.

Function of obtaining light emission signal from light emitting section 61

Function of obtaining light reception signal from the light receiving unit 62

A function of calculating a distance (hereinafter referred to as "propagation distance") of a propagation path (a path through which an acoustic wave transmitted from the acoustic wave transmitting apparatus passes until the acoustic wave reaches the receiving apparatus) in the target space SP

(1-1-4-1) example of arrangement of distance measuring sensor

An example of the arrangement of the distance measuring sensor 60 of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the distance measuring sensor of fig. 5.

(1-1-4-1-1) first example of arrangement of ranging sensor

A first example of the arrangement of the distance measuring sensor 60 according to the first embodiment will be described.

As shown in fig. 6A, in the object space SP, the sensor units SU are arranged in the object space SP.

The sensor unit SU includes the acoustic wave transmitting device 20, the acoustic wave receiving device 30, and the distance measuring sensor 60 (the light emitting unit 61, the light receiving unit 62, and the processor 63).

The sensor unit SU is disposed to face the reflecting member RM. The reflecting member RM includes at least one of a wall portion, a ceiling portion, and a bottom portion of the target space SP, for example.

The acoustic wave transmitted from the acoustic wave transmitting device 20 travels in the Z direction along the propagation path PU, and is reflected by the reflecting member RM.

The acoustic wave reflected by the reflecting member RM travels in the Z direction along the propagation path PU, and reaches the acoustic wave transmitting device 20.

The acoustic wave receiving device 30 generates received waveform data of the acoustic wave when receiving the acoustic wave reflected by the reflecting member.

The light output from the light emitting section 61 travels in the Z direction along the distance measurement path PL and is reflected by the reflecting member RM.

The light reflected by the reflection member RM travels in the Z direction along the distance measurement path PL, and reaches the light receiving portion 62.

The processor 63 calculates the propagation distance of the distance measurement path PL by referring to the time difference between the timing when the light emitting unit 61 emits light (hereinafter referred to as "light emission timing") and the timing when the light receiving unit 62 receives light (hereinafter referred to as "light reception timing") and the speed of light.

Since the acoustic wave transmitting device 20, the acoustic wave receiving device 30, and the distance measuring sensor 60 are disposed in one sensor unit SU, the propagation distance of the distance measuring path PL is substantially the same as the propagation distance of the propagation path PU. Thus, the propagation distance obtained by the distance measuring sensor 60 can be regarded as the propagation distance of the propagation path PU.

(1-1-4-1-2) second example of arrangement of ranging sensor

A second example of the arrangement of the distance measuring sensor 60 of the first embodiment will be described.

As shown in fig. 6B, a pair of sensor units SUa and SUb and a processor 63 are disposed in the target space SP.

The sensor units SUa and the SUb are disposed to face each other.

The sensor unit SUa includes the acoustic wave transmission device 20 and the light emitting unit 61.

The sensor unit SUb includes the acoustic wave receiving device 30 and the light receiving unit 62.

The acoustic wave transmitted from the acoustic wave transmitting device 20 travels in the Z direction along the propagation path PU, and reaches the acoustic wave receiving device 30.

When the acoustic wave receiving apparatus 30 receives an acoustic wave, it generates received waveform data of the acoustic wave.

The light emitted from the light emitting section 61 travels in the Z direction along the distance measurement path PL, and reaches the light receiving section 62.

The processor 63 calculates the propagation distance of the propagation path PU by referring to the time difference between the light emission timing and the light reception timing of the light emitting unit 61 and the speed of the light.

Since the sensor units SUa and SUb are disposed facing each other, the propagation distance of the distance measurement path PL is substantially the same as the propagation distance of the propagation path PU. Thus, the propagation distance obtained by the distance measuring sensor 60 can be regarded as the propagation distance of the propagation path PU.

(1-2) brief description of the embodiments

An outline of the first embodiment will be explained. Fig. 7 is an explanatory view of an outline of the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 7, a space SP to be measured for temperature (hereinafter referred to as "target space") is provided with a measuring device 10, an acoustic wave transmitting device 20, an acoustic wave receiving device 30, and a distance measuring sensor 60. The measurement device 10 can be connected to the acoustic wave transmission device 20 and the acoustic wave reception device 30.

The measuring device 10 controls the acoustic wave transmitting device 20 to transmit the acoustic wave.

The measurement apparatus 10 acquires received waveform data relating to the waveform of the received acoustic wave from the acoustic wave receiving apparatus 30.

The measurement device 10 acquires the measurement result of the propagation distance of the propagation path of the acoustic wave from the distance measurement sensor 60 until the acoustic wave transmitted from the acoustic wave transmission device 20 is received by the acoustic wave reception device 30.

The measurement device 10 calculates the temperature of the target space SP by referring to the combination of the received waveform data and the propagation path measured by the distance measurement sensor 60.

According to the present embodiment, the temperature of the target space SP is calculated with reference to the combination of the propagation distance obtained by the distance measuring sensor 60 and the propagation time of the acoustic beam. Thus, even if the propagation distance of the acoustic wave (for example, the structure of the target space SP) is unknown, the S/N ratio of the temperature measurement result can be increased.

(1-3) processing of temperature measurement

The process of temperature measurement according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the temperature measurement process according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the reception waveform data of fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the processing of fig. 8.

The measuring apparatus 10 performs output of the acoustic wave (S110).

Specifically, the processor 12 sends a control signal to the acoustic wave transmitting device 20.

The acoustic wave transmitting device 20 transmits an acoustic wave according to the control signal transmitted from the measuring device 10.

Specifically, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 vibrate simultaneously in response to the control signal.

Thereby, an ultrasonic beam traveling in the transmission direction (Z-axis direction) along the propagation path PU (fig. 6) is transmitted from the acoustic wave transmission device 20 to the acoustic wave reception device 30.

After step S110, the measurement apparatus 10 performs acquisition of reception waveform data (S111).

Specifically, the ultrasonic transducer 31 of the acoustic wave receiving apparatus 30 receives the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the acoustic wave transmitting apparatus 20 in step S110, and vibrates.

The control circuit 32 generates reception waveform data (fig. 9) according to the vibration of the ultrasonic transducer 31.

The control circuit 32 transmits the generated reception waveform data to the measurement device 10.

The processor 12 acquires reception waveform data transmitted from the acoustic wave reception device 30.

After step S111, the measurement apparatus 10 performs acquisition of the propagation distance (S112).

Specifically, the processor 63 generates a light emission control signal for causing the light emitting section 61 to emit light.

The light emitting unit 61 emits light in accordance with a control signal generated by the processor 63. Thereby, light traveling in the transmission direction (Z-axis direction) on the distance measurement path PL (fig. 6) is output from the light emitting portion 61 to the light receiving portion 62.

When receiving light, the light receiving unit 62 generates a light receiving signal.

The processor 63 determines the light emission timing from the timing of the generated light emission control signal.

The processor 63 determines the light reception timing from the timing at which the light reception signal is acquired.

The processor 63 calculates the propagation distance Ds of the propagation path PU with reference to the measurement result of the time difference between the light emission timing and the light reception timing and the speed of the light.

The processor 63 sends propagation distance information indicating the propagation distance Ds to the processor 12.

The processor 12 acquires the propagation distance information from the ranging sensor 60.

After step S112, the measurement apparatus 10 performs filtering (S113).

Specifically, the storage device 11 stores a filter coefficient corresponding to a predetermined standard temperature (for example, 0 to 40 ℃) for each propagation distance.

The processor 12 selects a filter coefficient corresponding to the propagation distance Ds obtained through step S112 from among the plurality of filter coefficients stored in the storage device 11.

The processor 12 extracts the waveform component WF2 included in the predetermined time window Wt from the plurality of waveform components WF1 to WF3 included in the received waveform data by applying the selected filter coefficient to the received waveform data.

After step S113, the measurement device 10 performs calculation of the temperature (S114).

Specifically, the processor 12 determines a time (hereinafter referred to as "propagation time") t corresponding to the peak of the waveform component WF2 extracted in step S112. The propagation time t is a time required from when the ultrasonic wave transmitting apparatus 20 transmits the ultrasonic beam until the ultrasonic beam traveling along the propagation path PU reaches the acoustic wave receiving apparatus 30 (that is, a propagation time of the ultrasonic beam propagating in the propagation path PU).

The processor 12 calculates a path temperature TEMPpu of the propagation path PU using the theoretical sound velocity C corresponding to the air temperature, the propagation distance Ds obtained in step S113, and the propagation time t. Specifically, the propagation velocity v of the acoustic wave is calculated by dividing the propagation distance Ds by the propagation time t, and the air temperature at which the propagation velocity v coincides with the sound velocity C is determined as the path temperature TEMPpu.

After step S114, the measurement apparatus 10 performs presentation of the measurement result (S115).

Specifically, the processor 12 displays a screen P10 (fig. 10) on the display.

The picture P10 includes a display object a 10.

The image IMG10 is displayed in the display object a 10.

Image IMG10 represents path temperature TEMPpu for propagation path PU of object space SP.

In the example shown in fig. 8, the processing (measurement of the propagation distance) of S112 is performed after the processing (transmission and reception of the acoustic wave) from S110 to S111, but these processes may be performed in the reverse order or may be performed in parallel.

According to the first embodiment, the temperature of the target space SP is calculated with reference to the combination of the propagation distance obtained by the distance measuring sensor 60 and the propagation time of the beam. Thus, even if the structure of the target space SP (particularly, the propagation distance of the propagation path PU) is unknown, the S/N ratio of the measurement result of the temperature in the space can be increased.

Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation and effect of the arrangement example of the ranging sensor of fig. 6A.

In fig. 11, a reflector OBJ is present between the sensor unit SU and the reflecting member RM. The reflecting object OBJ is, for example, at least one of an object and a person.

In this case, the acoustic wave transmitted from the acoustic wave transmitting device 20 is reflected by the reflecting object OBJ and reaches the acoustic wave receiving device 30. When receiving the acoustic wave reflected by the reflection object OBJ, the acoustic wave receiving device 30 generates received waveform data of the acoustic wave.

The distance measuring sensor 60 is provided in the vicinity of the acoustic wave transmitting device 20 and the acoustic wave receiving device 30, and measures the propagation distance of the propagation path PU using light traveling on the distance measuring path PL between the sensor unit SU and the reflecting object OBJ.

In this case, the measurement device 10 calculates the temperature of the propagation path PU with reference to the combination of the received waveform data of the acoustic wave traveling on the propagation path PU and the propagation distance of the propagation path PU.

Thus, even when the reflecting object OBJ is present on the propagation path PU (for example, when a person passes across the propagation path PU), the S/N ratio of the measurement result of the temperature in the space can be increased.

In the present embodiment, an example of a case where the temperatures of the spaces on the propagation path of the acoustic wave are collectively obtained as shown in fig. 10 is described. However, the measurement device 10 may measure the temperature distribution in the target space in finer area units based on the measurement result of the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave.

For example, the measurement device 10 uses an acoustic wave transmission device at a position different from the acoustic wave transmission device 20 and an acoustic wave reception device at a position different from the acoustic wave reception device 30 to determine the propagation time of the acoustic wave in the other propagation path PV intersecting the propagation path PU. In addition, the measuring apparatus 10 measures the distance of the propagation path PV using a distance measuring sensor. Next, the measurement device 10 calculates the path temperature TEMPpv of the propagation path PV based on the propagation distance and the propagation time of the acoustic wave in the propagation path PV by the same method as the above-described method. Further, the measurement device 10 estimates the temperature TEMPx of the region where the propagation path PU intersects with the propagation path PV based on TEMPpu and TEMPpv. For example, the measurement apparatus 10 estimates the average value of TEMPpu and TEMPpv as TEMPx. However, the calculation method when the measurement device 10 acquires the temperature information at the position where these paths intersect from the temperature information of the plurality of paths is not limited to this.

With such a method, the measurement apparatus 10 can perform the measurement of the propagation time and the propagation distance of the ultrasonic wave for more propagation paths, and determine the temperature at more positions in the target space based on the measurement results. Moreover, the measurement device 10 can present the temperature distribution of the target space in finer area units. For example, the measurement device 10 can separately display the temperature of each grid (rectangular area) included in the IMG10 of fig. 10.

(2) Second embodiment

A second embodiment will be explained. The second embodiment is an example in which the transmission direction of the ultrasonic beam of the acoustic wave transmission device 20 is variable.

(2-1) Structure of Acoustic wave transmitting apparatus

The structure of the acoustic wave transmission device 20 will be explained. Fig. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of an acoustic wave transmitting apparatus according to the second embodiment.

As shown in fig. 12A and 12B, the acoustic wave transmission device 20 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21, a control circuit 22, and an actuator 23.

As shown in fig. 12A, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 are two-dimensionally arranged on the transmission surface (XY plane). That is, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 form a transducer array TA.

As shown in fig. 12B, the actuator 23 is configured to change the orientation of the transmission surface (XY plane) with respect to the transmission axis (Z axis).

When the actuator 23 directs the transmission surface in the transmission axis (Z axis) direction, the ultrasonic beam USW0 is transmitted.

When the actuator 23 tilts the transmission surface with respect to the transmission axis (Z axis), the ultrasonic beam USW1 is transmitted.

That is, the acoustic wave transmission device 20 can change an angle (hereinafter referred to as "radiation angle") formed by the normal line of the transmission surface and the acoustic wave.

(2-2) information processing

The information processing of the second embodiment will be explained. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the sensor arrangement according to the second embodiment. Fig. 14 is a detailed flowchart of temperature calculation in the second embodiment.

As shown in fig. 13, the acoustic wave transmitting device 20, the acoustic wave receiving device 30, and the distance measuring sensor 60 are disposed in the target space SP.

The acoustic wave transmitter 20 can transmit an ultrasonic beam along any of the path P1 through which the acoustic wave reaches the acoustic wave receiver 30 without being reflected by radiation and the paths P2 to P3 through which the acoustic wave reaches the acoustic wave receiver 30 with being reflected. For example, the acoustic wave transmission device 20 can transmit the ultrasonic beam along the path P1 at a time T1, transmit the ultrasonic beam along the path P2 at a time T2, and transmit the ultrasonic beam along the path P3 at a time T3.

The distance measuring sensor 60 measures the propagation distances of the paths P1 to P3 at respective times T1 to T3.

Specifically, the distance measuring sensor 60 measures the propagation distance on the path P1 at time T1.

The distance measuring sensor 60 measures the propagation distance of a path P2a from the acoustic wave transmitting device 20 to the reflection point of the ultrasonic wave (hereinafter referred to as a "path before reflection") in the path P2 at time T2.

The measurement device 10 (not shown) calculates the propagation distance of the path P2 based on the propagation distance of the path P2a before reflection by referring to spatial information (for example, a set of three-dimensional coordinates relating to the arrangement of the reflecting members that reflect the ultrasonic waves) relating to the structure of the target space SP.

The distance measuring sensor 60 measures the propagation distance of the path P3a before reflection in the path P3 at time T3.

The measurement device 10 (not shown) calculates the propagation distance of the path P3 based on the propagation distance of the path P3a before reflection with reference to the spatial information.

As shown in fig. 14, the measurement device 10 performs determination of the transmission direction (S210).

Specifically, the processor 12 determines a measurement target path. The measurement target path is, for example, a path determined in a predetermined order or a path designated by the user.

The processor 12 decides a transmission angle θ for outputting an ultrasonic beam along the measurement object path.

The processor 12 transmits an acoustic wave control signal to the object acoustic wave transmission device 20. The acoustic control signal includes a value of the transmit angle θ.

The object acoustic wave transmission device 20 transmits an ultrasonic beam in a direction indicated by a transmission angle θ included in the acoustic wave control signal transmitted from the measurement device 10.

Specifically, the actuator 23 refers to the value of the transmission angle θ included in the acoustic wave control signal to change the orientation of the transmission surface (XY plane) with respect to the transmission axis (Z axis).

The control circuit 22 vibrates the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 simultaneously.

Thereby, the ultrasonic beam traveling in the direction indicated by the value of the transmission angle θ included in the acoustic wave control signal is transmitted.

After step S210, the measurement device 10 executes steps S110 to S115 in the same manner as in fig. 8. In S112, the measurement device 10 transmits light from the distance measuring sensor 60 in a direction corresponding to the transmission direction of the acoustic wave determined in S210 (for example, the same direction as the transmission direction of the acoustic wave), thereby measuring the propagation distance of the measurement target path. Specifically, the value of the transmission angle θ of the acoustic wave from the acoustic wave transmitter 20 is input to the actuator provided in the distance measuring sensor 60, and the measuring device 10 performs control so that the transmission direction of the light from the light emitting unit and the transmission direction of the acoustic wave from the acoustic wave transmitter 20 change in an interlocking manner.

According to the second embodiment, the transmission angle θ of the acoustic wave transmission device 20 is variable. Thereby, the path of the ultrasonic beam transmitted from one acoustic wave transmission device 20 is increased. As a result, the number of acoustic wave transmission devices 20 required to measure the temperature of the space SP to be measured can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the acoustic wave transmission devices 20 and the acoustic wave reception devices 30 can be improved.

(3) Modification example

A modified example of the present embodiment will be described. The modification is an example of a temperature measurement algorithm using a time-series filter.

(3-1) brief description of the modification

The outline of the modification will be described. Fig. 15 is a schematic explanatory view of a modification.

As shown in fig. 15, the processor 12 of the modification is configured to execute a path temperature calculation model mpt (t) and a time-series filter FIL.

The path temperature calculation model mpt (t) is configured to: the path temperature PD (t | x, y, z) at the time t is output from a combination of the received waveform data RW (t | x, y, z) at the time t and the propagation distance obtained by the distance measuring sensor 60.

The time-series filter FIL is constituted by: the temperature dt (t) at the time t is output from a combination of the output of the path temperature calculation model mpt (t) (path temperature PD (t | x, y, z)), the reference temperature tref (t) at the time t measured by the thermometer 50, and the temperature D (t-1) at the time t-1.

The time-series filter FIL includes at least one of the following filters, for example.

Kalman filter

Extended Kalman Filter

Unscented Kalman Filter

Particle filter

(3-2) processing of temperature measurement

The processing of temperature measurement in the modification will be described. Fig. 16 is a flowchart of a process of temperature measurement according to a modification.

As shown in fig. 16, the measurement device 10 of the modification executes steps S110 to S114 in the same manner as in fig. 8.

After step S114, the measurement apparatus 10 performs time series filtering (S310).

Specifically, the processor 12 obtains the reference temperature tref (t) at the time t from the thermometer 50.

The processor 12 inputs the path temperature Tp (t | x, y, z) at the time t, the reference temperature tref (t), and the temperature D (t-1) at the time t-1 obtained in step S114 to the time-series filter FIL, thereby calculating the temperature D (t) at the time t.

In the calculation of the temperature D (t +1) at the time t +1, the temperature D (t) is referred to.

After step S310, the measurement device 10 executes step S115 in the same manner as in fig. 8.

According to the modification, by performing the time-series filtering, the S/N ratio of the measurement result of the temperature of the space can be further improved.

The time-series filter FIL of the modification can calculate the temperature d (t) at the time t by referring to the external environment information at the time t-1. The external environment information at time t-1 includes, for example, the following information.

Information on the heat quantity of the air conditioner 40

Information on the outside air temperature in the periphery of the target space SP

Information on the three-dimensional shape of the object space SP

Information on the heat insulating property of the target space SP

Information on the number of persons present in the object space SP

Information on the movement of a person present in the object space SP

Information on the wind of the air conditioner 40

Information about the wind in the object space SP

(4) Third embodiment

A third embodiment will be explained. The third embodiment is an example in which a measurement method for measuring the propagation time of an acoustic wave along a propagation path is selected according to an acquired propagation distance. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same components as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

(4-1) Structure of measurement System

In addition to the functions described in the first embodiment, the measuring apparatus 10 has the following functions.

A function of selecting one of a method for detecting a sound wave by pattern detection of an M-sequence signal (an example of an autocorrelation signal) and a method for detecting a sound wave by edge detection of a pulse signal, according to a propagation distance acquired by the distance measuring sensor 60

Function of changing word length of M-sequence signal according to propagation distance acquired by distance measuring sensor 60

Function of changing input pulse width of signal according to propagation distance acquired by distance measuring sensor 60

The acoustic wave transmitter 20 is configured to: an ultrasonic beam including an M-sequence signal or a pulse signal is transmitted in accordance with the control of the measuring apparatus 10.

The acoustic wave receiving apparatus 30 is configured to: the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the acoustic wave transmission device 20 is received to generate reception waveform data.

(4-2) information processing

The information processing of the third embodiment will be explained. Fig. 17 is a detailed flowchart of the temperature calculation of the third embodiment.

As shown in fig. 17, the measurement apparatus 10 performs acquisition of a propagation distance (S112). This process is the same as the case of fig. 8.

After step S112, the measurement apparatus 10 executes a detection method selection process (S400).

Specifically, the processor 12 executes the detection method selection process shown in fig. 18.

As shown in fig. 18, the processor 12 compares the propagation distance acquired in S112 with a predetermined threshold value (S401).

More specifically, the processor 12 sets a threshold value. The threshold is, for example, a boundary value indicating whether or not the propagation distance is suitable for using the M-sequence signal. In this case, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the propagation velocity of the acoustic wave by the word length in the case of performing the acoustic wave detection method using the M-series signal is set as the threshold value. However, the method of setting the threshold is not limited to this. For example, the measurement device 10 may set the threshold value according to a user operation. For example, the measurement device 10 may change the threshold value in response to a failure in measurement of the propagation time of the acoustic wave.

If it is determined in S401 that the propagation distance is greater than the threshold value (yes in S401), the processor 12 performs selection of a detection method of the acoustic wave based on pattern detection of the M-sequence signal (S402).

After S402, the processor 12 performs adjustment of the word length and the input pulse width of the M-sequence signal (step S403). Specifically, the longer the propagation distance, the longer the processor 12 makes at least one of the word length and the input pulse width.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S401 that the propagation distance is equal to or less than the threshold value (no in S401), the processor 12 performs selection of a detection method of the acoustic wave based on the edge detection of the pulse signal (S404).

After S403 or S404, return is made to the flowchart of fig. 17.

After S400, transmission of the acoustic wave is performed (S410).

Specifically, the processor 12 sends a control signal to the acoustic wave transmitting device 20. The control signal includes information of the detection method selected through S400.

The acoustic wave transmitting device 20 transmits an acoustic wave according to the control signal transmitted from the measuring device 10. In the case where the detection method of the acoustic wave using the M-sequence signal is selected, the acoustic wave transmission device 20 transmits the ultrasonic beam including the M-sequence signal. By the processing of S403, at least either one of the word length and the input pulse width of the M-series signal included in the transmitted ultrasonic beam changes according to the propagation distance. In addition, in the case where the detection method of the acoustic wave using the pulse signal is selected, the acoustic wave transmission device 20 transmits the ultrasonic beam including the pulse signal.

After step S410, the measurement apparatus 10 performs acquisition of reception waveform data (S111). This process is the same as the case of fig. 8.

After step S111, the measurement device 10 performs determination of the reception timing according to the detection method selected in S400 based on the reception waveform data (S413).

Specifically, in a case where the detection method of the acoustic wave based on the pattern detection of the M-sequence signal is selected, the measurement apparatus 10 determines the pattern of the M-sequence signal included in the ultrasonic beam transmitted from the acoustic wave transmission apparatus 20 based on the control signal transmitted to the acoustic wave transmission apparatus 20 in S410. Then, the measurement device 10 extracts the same signal pattern from the received waveform data acquired in S111, and specifies the reception timing of the signal pattern (for example, when the transmission timing of the acoustic wave is set to the start timing of the predetermined signal pattern in the transmitted waveform, the start timing of the predetermined signal pattern in the received waveform is specified).

In the case where the detection method of the acoustic wave based on the edge detection of the pulse signal is selected, the measurement device 10 extracts a waveform corresponding to the pulse signal from the received waveform data acquired in S111, and determines the reception timing of the waveform (for example, the start timing of the waveform corresponding to the pulse signal in the received waveform). A method of determining the reception time by edge detection will be described with reference to fig. 19.

Fig. 19 shows an example of a reception waveform output from the acoustic wave reception device 30 when an ultrasonic beam including a pulse signal is transmitted from the acoustic wave transmission device 20. The processor 12 detects a time when the envelope of the received waveform exceeds a predetermined threshold, and estimates a first time (for example, a time corresponding to an intersection between a tangent of the envelope and a straight line having an amplitude of 0) calculated from the slope of the envelope at the time as the reception time.

The measurement device 10 may be configured to further correct the reception timing using the phase information of the reception waveform. Specifically, the processor 12 applies FFT (fast fourier transform) to the detected received waveform data to determine the phase of the received waveform at each time. Then, the processor 12 estimates a second time (for example, a time closest to the first time among the times at which the phase is 0) calculated from the first time and the phase of the received waveform obtained as described above as the reception time. This enables the start time to be determined with higher accuracy for the waveform corresponding to the pulse signal.

After step S413, the measurement apparatus 10 executes steps S114 to S115 in the same manner as in fig. 8. In S114, the measurement device 10 determines the propagation time of the acoustic wave from the difference between the transmission time of the acoustic wave transmitted from the acoustic wave transmission device 20 and the reception time estimated in S413, and calculates the temperature at the position on the propagation path based on the determined propagation time and the propagation distance acquired in S112. Furthermore, the measurement device 10 can perform the measurement of the propagation time a plurality of times on the same propagation path and determine the propagation time with higher accuracy using their statistical information (e.g., average value).

According to the third embodiment, the measurement device 10 selects a method for measuring the propagation time of the acoustic wave according to the propagation distance of the acoustic wave. Thus, the air characteristics in a space such as a temperature distribution can be measured with high accuracy in a measurement environment in which the propagation distance is long, a measurement environment in which the propagation distance is short, or a measurement environment in which the propagation distance varies.

Specifically, the measurement device 10 calculates the temperature of the target space SP by referring to a combination of the propagation time determined from the received waveform data and the distance of the propagation path measured by the distance measurement sensor 60. However, when a single propagation time measuring method is used, the propagation time of the acoustic wave to be referred to may not be measured with high accuracy.

For example, in the case of using an M-sequence signal, it is necessary to transmit the acoustic wave continuously for a fixed period. Therefore, when the propagation distance is a short distance, the reflected wave reaches the sensor unit in the process of transmitting the acoustic wave from the sensor unit, and the sensor unit may not normally detect the reflected wave. In addition, the direct wave and the reflected wave of the acoustic wave transmitted from the acoustic wave transmitting device 20 may interfere with each other in the acoustic wave receiving device 30. If the word length and the input pulse width of the M-series signal are shortened, these phenomena can be suppressed, but on the other hand, the M-series signal may be susceptible to noise, which may result in a decrease in measurement accuracy.

On the other hand, when a pulse signal is used, since the pulse signal is easily affected by noise, the measurement accuracy may be degraded when the propagation distance becomes long and the amplitude of the acoustic wave is attenuated.

Therefore, when the propagation distance is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, the measurement device 10 selects a method of detecting the edge of the pulse signal, and when the propagation distance is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the measurement device 10 selects a method of detecting the pattern of the autocorrelation signal included in the acoustic wave, whereby the measurement can be performed with high accuracy even if the propagation distance changes.

The measurement device 10 can calculate a reference for obtaining a propagation distance causing interference of the M-series signal by multiplying the propagation speed of the acoustic wave propagation by the word length of the signal pattern for detection included in the autocorrelation signal by the threshold value. This enables selection of a more appropriate detection method.

In the second embodiment, the selection of the method for detecting an acoustic wave in the third embodiment can also be applied. In this case, the configuration of steps S110 to S113 in fig. 14 may be replaced with steps S112 to S413 in fig. 17. In the second embodiment, by selecting a detection method of an acoustic wave according to the propagation distance, a wide range of space can be measured with high accuracy even when the propagation distance varies.

In the third embodiment, the case where an M-sequence signal, which is an autocorrelation signal, is used is described as an example, but a pseudo-random number sequence such as a Gold sequence or a Walsh sequence may be used. The measurement device 10 may set a plurality of different threshold values according to the word length, and use an optimal signal sequence according to the propagation distance. Further, the M-sequence signal may be fixed in length. Further, although the case where the propagation distance of the acoustic wave is acquired by the distance measuring sensor has been described as an example, the measurement device 10 may acquire the propagation distance of the acoustic wave from Information indicating the shape of the space, such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) data stored in the storage device 11 or an external device, or may acquire the propagation distance by any other method.

In the third embodiment, an example in which the measurement device 10 selects one of the pattern detection method using the M-series signal and the edge detection method using the pulse signal as the method for measuring the propagation time of the acoustic wave has been described. However, the measurement method to be selected is not limited to this. The measuring apparatus 10 may select a method to be used from three or more measurement methods based on the propagation distance.

(5) Supplementary note

A first aspect of the present embodiment is a measurement device 10 including:

propagation distance determining means for determining, based on the measurement result of the distance measuring sensor 60, a propagation distance that is the length of a propagation path through which the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device 20 passes until the acoustic wave reaches the receiving device 30;

a propagation time determination unit that determines a propagation time until the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmission device 20 reaches the reception device 30; and

a measurement unit that measures the air characteristic at a position on the propagation path based on the propagation time determined by the propagation time determination unit and the propagation distance determined by the propagation distance determination unit.

According to the first aspect, the air characteristics are measured with reference to the propagation distance measured by the distance measuring sensor 60. Thus, the S/N ratio of the measurement result of the air characteristic (for example, temperature) of the space can be improved even if the propagation distance of the acoustic wave is unknown.

A second embodiment of the present embodiment is a measuring apparatus 10 including:

and a determination unit that determines, based on the propagation distance determined by the propagation distance determination unit, a method used by the propagation time determination unit to determine the propagation time, among a plurality of methods for determining the propagation time of the acoustic wave.

According to the second aspect, the air characteristics in the space such as the temperature distribution can be measured with high accuracy in both the measurement environment in which the propagation distance is long, the measurement environment in which the propagation distance is short, and the measurement environment in which the propagation distance changes.

A third mode of the present embodiment is a measuring apparatus 10 in which,

the plurality of methods includes the following methods: the pattern of the M-series signal included in the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device 20 is extracted from the received waveform of the acoustic wave received by the receiving device 30, thereby determining the propagation time.

According to a third mode, the method comprises: the pattern of the M-series signal included in the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device 20 is extracted from the reception waveform of the acoustic wave received by the receiving device 30, thereby determining the propagation time. This makes it possible to measure the air characteristics in a space such as a temperature distribution with high accuracy even in an environment including a measurement environment in which the propagation distance is long or a measurement environment in which the propagation distance changes.

A fourth mode of the present embodiment is a measuring apparatus 10, wherein,

the plurality of methods includes: a first method of transmitting an acoustic wave including a first M-sequence signal from the transmission device 20; and a second method of transmitting an acoustic wave including a second M-series signal from the transmission device 20, wherein at least either one of a word length and an input pulse width of the second M-series signal is different from that of the first M-series signal.

According to a fourth mode, the plurality of methods includes: a first method of transmitting a sound wave including a first M-sequence signal by the transmission device 20; and a second method of transmitting an acoustic wave including a second M-series signal from the transmission device 20, wherein at least either one of a word length and an input pulse width of the second M-series signal is different from that of the first M-series signal. Thus, the air characteristics in a space such as a temperature distribution can be measured with high accuracy in a measurement environment in which the propagation distance is long, a measurement environment in which the propagation distance is short, or a measurement environment in which the propagation distance varies.

A fifth mode of the present embodiment is a measuring apparatus 10, wherein,

the plurality of methods includes the following methods: a waveform corresponding to the pulse signal included in the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device 20 is extracted from the received waveform of the acoustic wave received by the receiving device 30, thereby determining the propagation time.

According to the fifth aspect, the air characteristics in the space such as the temperature distribution can be measured with high accuracy in both the measurement environment in which the propagation distance is long, the measurement environment in which the propagation distance is short, and the measurement environment in which the propagation distance changes.

A sixth aspect of the present embodiment is a measurement device 10 including:

a transmission timing determination unit that determines a transmission timing at which the acoustic wave is transmitted from the transmission device 20; and

a reception timing determination unit that determines a reception timing at which the reception device 30 receives the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmission device 20,

the propagation time determining unit determines the propagation time until the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device 20 reaches the receiving device 30 based on the transmission time determined by the transmission time determining unit and the reception time determined by the reception time determining unit.

According to the sixth aspect, the propagation time is determined based on the determined transmission time and the determined reception time. This can improve the S/N ratio of the measurement result.

A seventh aspect of the present embodiment is a measuring apparatus 10, wherein,

the measurement unit determines the propagation speed of the acoustic wave based on the propagation time determined by the propagation time determination unit and the propagation distance determined by the propagation distance determination unit,

the measurement unit determines the air characteristic at a position on the propagation path based on the relationship of the air characteristic and the sound velocity and the determined propagation velocity.

According to the seventh aspect, the S/N ratio of the measurement result can be improved by measuring the air characteristics at the position on the propagation path based on the relationship between the air characteristics and the sound velocity and the determined propagation velocity.

An eighth aspect of the present embodiment is a measuring apparatus 10, wherein,

the measurement unit measures the air characteristics at a plurality of positions inside the measurement target space in which the transmission device 20 and the reception device 30 are provided, based on the propagation time determined for each of the plurality of propagation paths by the propagation time determination unit and the propagation time determined for each of the plurality of propagation paths by the propagation distance determination unit.

According to the eighth aspect, the air characteristics are measured based on the propagation time and the propagation distance determined for each of the plurality of propagation paths, whereby the S/N ratio of the measurement result can be improved.

A ninth mode of the present embodiment is a measuring apparatus 10, wherein,

the measurement unit measures the air characteristic at the position where the first propagation path intersects with the second propagation path based on the propagation time determined for the first propagation path by the propagation time determination unit, the propagation distance determined for the first propagation path by the propagation distance determination unit, the propagation time determined for the second propagation path intersecting with the first path by the propagation time determination unit, and the propagation distance determined for the second propagation path by the propagation distance determination unit.

According to the ninth aspect, by measuring the air characteristics at the position where the first propagation path and the second propagation path intersect, the propagation time and the propagation distance of the ultrasonic wave can be measured in more propagation paths, and the air characteristics at more positions in the target space can be measured based on the measurement results.

A tenth aspect of the present embodiment is a measuring apparatus 10, wherein,

there is a control unit that controls the air conditioning device 40 based on the air characteristics measured by the measurement unit.

According to the tenth aspect, the air conditioning control of the space can be appropriately performed.

An eleventh aspect of the present embodiment is a measuring apparatus 10, wherein,

the propagation path includes a path through which the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device 20 passes until the acoustic wave is reflected by the reflecting member and reaches the receiving device 30.

According to the eleventh aspect, the propagation time and the propagation distance of the ultrasonic wave can be measured on more propagation paths, and the air characteristics at more positions in the target space can be measured based on the measurement results.

A twelfth mode of the present embodiment is a measuring apparatus 10, wherein,

the air characteristic includes at least one of a temperature, a humidity, a wind direction, a wind speed of the air, and a concentration of a predetermined substance in the air.

According to the twelfth aspect, the S/N ratio of the measurement result of at least one of the temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and concentration of the predetermined substance in the air can be increased.

A thirteenth aspect of the present embodiment is a measuring apparatus 10, wherein,

the distance measuring sensor 60 includes at least one of an optical sensor, an acoustic wave sensor, a sensor using radio waves for wireless communication, a sensor using electromagnetic waves, a sensor using light patterns, and an image sensor capable of measuring depth information.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the propagation distance can be measured by at least one of an optical sensor, an acoustic wave sensor, a sensor using radio waves for wireless communication, a sensor using electromagnetic waves, a sensor using a light pattern, and an image sensor capable of measuring depth information.

A fourteenth mode of the present embodiment is a measuring apparatus 10, wherein,

the distance measuring sensor 60 includes:

a light emitting unit provided in the vicinity of the transmission device 20, the light emitting unit emitting light in a direction corresponding to a transmission direction in which the acoustic wave is transmitted from the transmission device 20; and

and a light receiving unit that receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit.

According to the fourteenth aspect, the propagation distance can be measured by receiving the light emitted from the light emitting unit by the light receiving unit.

A fifteenth mode of the present embodiment is a measuring apparatus 10, wherein,

the sound wave transmission device includes a changing means for changing the direction of light emitted from the light emitting unit in conjunction with the transmission direction of the sound wave transmitted from the transmission device 20.

According to the fifteenth aspect, the propagation distance can be measured for a plurality of propagation paths.

A sixteenth mode of the present embodiment is a measurement method in which,

a propagation distance, which is the length of a propagation path through which an acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device 20 passes until the acoustic wave reaches the receiving device 30,

determining a measurement method for measuring a propagation time until the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmission device 20 reaches the reception device 30 from among a plurality of measurement methods based on the determined propagation distance,

determining the propagation time using the determined measurement method,

based on the determined travel time and the determined travel distance, the air characteristic at the location on the travel path is measured.

According to the sixteenth mode, the air characteristics are measured with reference to the determined propagation distance. Thus, even if the propagation distance of the acoustic wave is unknown, the S/N ratio of the measurement result of the air characteristic (for example, temperature) of the space can be improved.

A seventeenth aspect of the present embodiment is a measurement method in which,

the plurality of measurement methods include the following methods: the pattern of the M-series signal included in the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device 20 is extracted from the received waveform of the acoustic wave received by the receiving device 30, thereby determining the propagation time.

According to the seventeenth aspect, the air characteristics in the space such as the temperature distribution can be measured with high accuracy in both the measurement environment in which the propagation distance is long, the measurement environment in which the propagation distance is short, and the measurement environment in which the propagation distance changes.

An eighteenth aspect of the present embodiment is a measurement method in which,

the plurality of measurement methods include the following methods: a waveform corresponding to the pulse signal included in the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device 20 is extracted from the received waveform of the acoustic wave received by the receiving device 30, thereby determining the propagation time.

According to the eighteenth aspect, the air characteristics in the space such as the temperature distribution can be measured with high accuracy in both the measurement environment in which the propagation distance is long, the measurement environment in which the propagation distance is short, and the measurement environment in which the propagation distance changes.

A nineteenth mode of the present embodiment is a measurement method in which,

the propagation distance is determined based on the measurement result of the distance measuring sensor 60.

According to the nineteenth aspect, the propagation distance can be determined based on the measurement result of the distance measuring sensor 60.

A twentieth aspect of the present embodiment is a program,

for causing a computer, such as processor 12, to implement the various elements described above.

(5) Other modifications

Other modifications will be described.

The storage means 11 may be connected to the measurement means 10 via a network NW.

In the example of fig. 4, an example of an acoustic wave receiving apparatus 30 provided with an ultrasonic transducer 31 is shown. However, the acoustic wave receiving apparatus 30 may include a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 31 in the same manner as the acoustic wave transmitting apparatus 20.

In the example of fig. 13, an example is shown in which one acoustic wave transmission device 20 transmits an ultrasonic beam along a plurality of paths and one acoustic wave reception device 30 receives an ultrasonic beam along a plurality of paths. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. It may be that n (n is an integer of 2 or more) acoustic wave transmitting devices 20 respectively transmit ultrasonic beams along one path (that is, n acoustic wave transmitting devices 20 transmit ultrasonic beams along n paths), and n acoustic wave receiving devices 30 respectively receive ultrasonic beams along the respective paths (that is, n acoustic wave receiving devices 30 may receive ultrasonic beams along n paths).

In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the averaging function is used for calculating the grid temperature TEMPmesht, but the method of calculating the grid temperature TEMPmesht according to the present embodiment is not limited to this.

The acoustic wave transmission device 20 can transmit an ultrasonic beam including an autocorrelation signal (for example, an M-sequence signal) having strong autocorrelation. This can further improve the S/N ratio of the measurement result of the temperature in the space.

Alternatively, the acoustic wave receiving apparatus 30 may identify the acoustic wave transmitting apparatus 20 that is the transmission source of the ultrasonic beam by the plurality of acoustic wave transmitting apparatuses 20 individually transmitting ultrasonic beams including different autocorrelation signals, respectively.

In addition, it is also possible that the acoustic wave reception device 30 identifies the acoustic wave transmission device 20 that becomes the transmission source of the ultrasonic beam by transmitting the ultrasonic beam having a different oscillation frequency from each acoustic wave transmission device 20.

The measurement apparatus 10 is also capable of measuring the following distribution of air characteristics other than the temperature distribution based on the propagation distance and the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave.

Chemical substances in the air (e.g. CO)₂) Distribution of concentration of

Distribution of humidity

Distribution of odor

Distribution of toxic gases

Distribution of air flow (e.g. distribution of wind direction, distribution of wind speed)

In the present embodiment, the acoustic wave transmission device 20 and the acoustic wave reception device 30 are separately defined, but the scope of the present embodiment is not limited thereto. In the present embodiment, one ultrasonic transducer may have a function of transmitting ultrasonic waves and a function of receiving ultrasonic waves.

In the present embodiment, at least one of the equation used in the calculation of the path temperature TEMPpathi and the equation used in the calculation of the mesh temperature TEMPmesht may include external environment information (for example, at least one of an external air temperature, a humidity of external air, and an external air pressure) as a parameter. In this case, the S/N ratio of the measurement result of the air characteristics of the space can be improved regardless of the external environment information.

In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the acoustic wave transmission device 20 transmits an ultrasonic beam having directivity, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The present embodiment can also be applied to a case where the acoustic wave transmission device 20 transmits an audible sound beam (that is, a sound wave having a frequency different from the frequency of the ultrasonic beam).

In the present embodiment, the temperature distribution is not limited to the grid temperature TEMPmesh. The temperature profile includes at least one of the following temperatures:

temperature at multiple points on the path

Average temperature on the path

In the present embodiment, an example in which the measurement device 10 is disposed in the target space SP is shown, but the arrangement of the measurement device 10 is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, the measurement device 10 may be disposed outside the target space SP and connected to the acoustic wave transmission device 20, the acoustic wave reception device 30, and the distance measurement sensor 60 via communication.

In the present embodiment, an optical sensor (that is, an example of measuring distance using light) including a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion is shown as an example of the distance measuring sensor 60, but the distance measuring sensor 60 is not limited to this. The distance measuring sensor 60 may be any one of the following sensors, for example.

A sensor using radio waves of wireless communication (e.g., a wireless LAN (Local Area Network))

Sensors using electromagnetic waves (e.g. microwave, millimeter wave or terahertz waves)

Sensors using light patterns (e.g. structured light approach)

Image sensor capable of measuring depth information

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above-described embodiment can be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the above-described embodiment and the modification can be combined.

Description of the reference numerals

1: a measurement system; 10: a measuring device; 11: a storage device; 12: a processor; 13: an input/output interface; 14: a communication interface; 20: an acoustic wave transmitting device; 20: a subject acoustic wave transmitting device; 21: an ultrasonic vibrator; 22: a control circuit; 23: an actuator; 30: an acoustic wave receiving device; 31: an ultrasonic vibrator; 32: a control circuit; 40: an air conditioning device; 50: a thermometer; 60: a distance measuring sensor; 61: a light emitting section; 62: a light receiving section; 63: a processor.

Claims (20)

1. A measuring device having:

propagation distance determining means for determining a propagation distance, which is a length of a propagation path through which the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device passes until the acoustic wave reaches the receiving device, based on a measurement result of the distance measuring sensor;

a propagation time determination unit that determines a propagation time until the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmission device reaches the reception device; and

a measurement unit that measures the air characteristic at a position on the propagation path based on the propagation time determined by the propagation time determination unit and the propagation distance determined by the propagation distance determination unit.

2. A measuring device according to claim 1,

the acoustic wave propagation time determining device further includes a deciding unit that decides a method used by the propagation time determining unit to determine the propagation time among a plurality of methods for determining the propagation time of the acoustic wave based on the propagation distance determined by the propagation distance determining unit.

3. The measurement device of claim 2,

the plurality of methods includes the following methods: a pattern of M-series signals included in the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device is extracted from a reception waveform of the acoustic wave received by the receiving device, thereby determining a propagation time.

4. A measuring device according to claim 3,

the plurality of methods includes: a first method of transmitting an acoustic wave including a first M-sequence signal from the transmitting apparatus; and a second method of transmitting an acoustic wave including a second M-series signal from the transmission apparatus, wherein at least either one of a word length and an input pulse width of the second M-series signal is different from that of the first M-series signal.

5. The measurement device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,

the plurality of methods includes the following methods: a waveform corresponding to a pulse signal included in the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device is extracted from a reception waveform of the acoustic wave received by the receiving device, thereby determining a propagation time.

6. The measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by further having:

a transmission timing determination unit that determines a transmission timing at which the acoustic wave is transmitted from the transmission device; and

a reception timing determination unit that determines a reception timing at which the reception device receives the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmission device,

the propagation time determination unit determines a propagation time until the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmission device reaches the reception device based on the transmission time determined by the transmission time determination unit and the reception time determined by the reception time determination unit.

7. The measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the measurement unit determines a propagation velocity of the acoustic wave based on the propagation time determined by the propagation time determination unit and the propagation distance determined by the propagation distance determination unit,

the measurement unit measures the air characteristic at a position on the propagation path based on the relationship of the air characteristic and the sound velocity and the determined propagation velocity.

8. The measurement device of any one of claims 1 to 7,

the measurement unit measures air characteristics at a plurality of positions inside a measurement target space in which the transmission device and the reception device are provided, based on the propagation time determined by the propagation time determination unit for each of the plurality of propagation paths and the propagation distance determined by the propagation distance determination unit for each of the plurality of propagation paths.

9. The measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

the measurement unit measures the air characteristic at a position where a first propagation path intersects with a second propagation path based on the propagation time determined for the first propagation path by the propagation time determination unit, the propagation distance determined for the first propagation path by the propagation distance determination unit, the propagation time determined for the second propagation path intersecting with the first path by the propagation time determination unit, and the propagation distance determined for the second propagation path by the propagation distance determination unit.

10. The measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

there is also a control unit that controls an air conditioning device based on the air characteristics measured by the measurement unit.

11. The measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

the propagation path includes a path through which the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device passes until the acoustic wave is reflected by the reflecting member and reaches the receiving device.

12. The measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

the air characteristic includes at least one of a temperature, a humidity, a wind direction, a wind speed, and a concentration of a predetermined substance in the air.

13. The measurement device of any one of claims 1 to 12,

the distance measuring sensor includes at least one of an optical sensor, an acoustic wave sensor, a sensor using radio waves for wireless communication, a sensor using electromagnetic waves, a sensor using a light pattern, and an image sensor capable of measuring depth information.

14. The measurement device of any one of claims 1 to 13,

the range sensor has:

a light emitting unit that is provided in the vicinity of the transmitting device and emits light in a direction corresponding to a transmission direction in which the acoustic wave is transmitted from the transmitting device; and

and a light receiving unit that receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit.

15. The measurement arrangement according to claim 14,

the sound wave transmission device further includes a changing unit that changes a direction of light emitted from the light emitting unit and a transmission direction of the sound wave transmitted from the transmission device in an interlocking manner.

16. A measuring method, in which,

determining a propagation distance, which is a length of a propagation path through which an acoustic wave transmitted from a transmitting device passes until the acoustic wave reaches a receiving device,

determining a measurement method for measuring a propagation time until the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmission device reaches the reception device from among a plurality of measurement methods based on the determined propagation distance,

determining the propagation time using the determined measurement method,

measuring an air characteristic at a location on the propagation path based on the determined propagation time and the determined propagation distance.

17. The measurement method according to claim 16,

the plurality of assay methods include the following methods: a pattern of M-series signals included in the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device is extracted from a reception waveform of the acoustic wave received by the receiving device, thereby determining a propagation time.

18. The measuring method according to claim 16 or 17,

the plurality of assay methods include the following methods: a waveform corresponding to a pulse signal included in the acoustic wave transmitted from the transmitting device is extracted from a reception waveform of the acoustic wave received by the receiving device, thereby determining a propagation time.

19. The measurement method according to any one of claims 16 to 18,

the propagation distance is determined based on the measurement result of the ranging sensor.

20. A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the measurement apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

Images