JP2001349786A - Calibration method for non-contact temperature sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To precisely measure the temperature of a temperature measuring object body even if the output value of a non-contact temperature sensor is varied due to the deterioration of a temperature detecting element, the contamination of a condenser, or the like. SOLUTION: This method comprises the non-contact temperature sensor 20 for detecting the temperature of a prescribed area 30 in no contact, and a reference temperature measuring object 40 arranged within the prescribed area 30, the temperature of which can be set to a prescribed temperature. The initial output value B of the sensor 20 obtained by detecting the temperature of the object 40 with the present output value A of the sensor 20 obtained by detecting the temperature of the object 40 to determine the correction coefficient K of the present output value A. According to this, the change portion of the present output value to the initial output value can be corrected to precisely measure the temperature of the temperature measuring object.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of calibrating a non-contact temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a test object in a non-contact manner. It is used for a vehicle device control device that controls a vehicle device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a vehicle equipment control device of this type determines the presence or absence of an occupant in each seat based on temperature distribution information in the passenger compartment including the occupant's face, and controls the air conditioning of the air conditioner. There are known ones that perform control and deployment control of an airbag device, or those that issue a warning when it is determined that there is an intruder in a vehicle based on temperature distribution information in a security control device.

[0003] The non-contact temperature sensors used in these conventional devices have a large number of temperature detecting elements for generating an electric signal (surface temperature signal) corresponding to the amount of infrared rays, and collect infrared rays on the temperature detecting elements. It has a light-emitting lens and the like.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned non-contact temperature sensor, the same object (the same temperature) is detected due to deterioration (temporal change) of the temperature detecting element or contamination of the condenser lens. However, there is a problem that the output value of the sensor changes, and the temperature of the test object cannot be accurately measured.

In a non-contact temperature sensor using a condensing lens without a focus adjustment mechanism, when a temperature object having a different size is detected even at the same temperature, blurring of an optical system (coupling on a temperature detecting element) occurs. The output value of the sensor differs due to image blur.

Then, at the time of verifying the output of the non-contact temperature sensor (the variation in the output of the non-contact temperature sensor is corrected, and
When measuring the output of the non-contact temperature sensor before mounting it on the vehicle to determine the conversion coefficient for converting the output of the non-contact temperature sensor into a value corresponding to the temperature), the size of the face of the occupant is large. When this output measurement is performed using a temperature object having a different temperature, the temperature cannot be accurately measured when detecting the temperature of the occupant's face after the vehicle is mounted due to the above-described blurring of the optical system. There was a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to enable accurate measurement of the temperature of a test object detected by a non-contact temperature sensor.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a non-contact temperature sensor (20) for detecting a temperature of a predetermined area (30) in a non-contact manner; A non-contact temperature sensor (20) which is provided in the apparatus (30) and is capable of setting the temperature to a predetermined temperature, and which is obtained by detecting the temperature of the reference temperature object (40). The initial output value (B) of the sample and the reference sample (4)
Non-contact temperature sensor (2) obtained by detecting the temperature of
0) is compared with the current output value (A) to determine a correction coefficient (K) for the current output value (A).

According to this, it is possible to correct the change of the current output value with respect to the initial output value and to accurately measure the temperature of the test object.

[0010] The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the predetermined temperature is substantially equal to the human skin temperature.

[0011] According to this, since the calibration can be performed by setting the temperature of the reference test object to be substantially equal to the temperature of the human skin as the test object, the temperature of the occupant can be measured more accurately. .

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the reference test object (40) can be set to a plurality of predetermined temperatures, and a plurality of initial output values (B1, B2) corresponding to the plurality of predetermined temperatures.
And a plurality of current output values (A) corresponding to a plurality of predetermined temperatures.
1, A2).

According to this, it is possible to particularly enhance the accuracy of detecting temperatures near a plurality of predetermined temperatures.

According to the present invention, one of the plurality of predetermined temperatures is substantially equal to the highest value of the human skin temperature, and the other one of the plurality of predetermined temperatures is the lowest value of the human skin temperature. It is characterized by being substantially equivalent to

[0015] According to this, the temperature detection accuracy within the fluctuation range of the human skin temperature can be particularly increased.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the non-contact temperature sensor (20) is mounted on a vehicle, and the reference temperature object (40) is a seat (40) located in a predetermined area (30). 14) and at least one of the seat belt (15).

According to this, since the reference temperature object is located near the occupant, the distance between the reference temperature object and the non-contact temperature sensor and the distance between the occupant and the non-contact temperature sensor are substantially equal. Become. Therefore, the temperature of the occupant can be measured more accurately without being affected by errors due to imaging blur.

In the invention according to claim 6, the non-contact temperature sensor (20) is mounted on the vehicle, and when the vehicle interior temperature of the vehicle is within a predetermined range, the reference temperature object (40).
Is characterized by detecting the temperature.

According to this, since the cabin temperature condition at the time of calibration of the correction coefficient can always be made substantially the same, the correction coefficient can be calibrated more accurately.

According to the invention described in claim 7, the temperature distribution of the predetermined area (30) in the vehicle interior is determined by the number of temperature detecting elements (21).
In the vehicle equipment control device for controlling the vehicle equipment (61) based on the output signal of the non-contact temperature sensor (20), the predetermined area (30) A reference temperature object (40) that is disposed in the inside and can set the temperature to a predetermined temperature, and an initial output of a non-contact temperature sensor (20) obtained by detecting the temperature of the reference temperature object (40) Storage means (5) for storing the value (B)
1) is compared with the current output value (A) of the non-contact temperature sensor (20) obtained by detecting the temperature of the reference test object (40) and the initial output value (B). And a correction coefficient determining means (Step S15) for determining a correction coefficient (K) of the output value (A).

According to this, similarly to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to correct the change of the current output value with respect to the initial output value, and to accurately measure the temperature of the test object.

According to the present invention, the predetermined area (3
0) non-contact temperature sensor (2)
0) and temperature detecting means (70) for detecting the temperature of a specific portion in the predetermined area (30).
0) and the initial output value (B) of the non-contact temperature sensor (20) obtained by detecting the temperature of the specific part and the temperature of the specific part.
0) is compared with the current output value (A) of the non-contact temperature sensor (20) obtained by detecting the temperature of the specific part (TA) and the temperature of the specific part. The correction coefficient (K) for the output value (A) is determined.

According to this, it is possible to correct the change in the current output value with respect to the initial output value, and to accurately measure the temperature of the test object.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the non-contact temperature sensor (20) is mounted on the vehicle, and the specific portions are the seat (14) and the seat belt located within the predetermined area (30). (15) At least one of them.

According to this, since the specific portion (seat or seat belt) is located near the occupant, the distance between the specific portion and the non-contact temperature sensor and the distance between the occupant and the non-contact temperature sensor are reduced. It is almost equal. Therefore, the temperature of the occupant can be measured more accurately without being affected by errors due to imaging blur.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a non-contact temperature sensor (20) for detecting the temperature of the face (M3) of the occupant (M) in the vehicle in a non-contact manner, and the temperature can be set to a predetermined temperature. A non-contact temperature sensor (2)
Before mounting the non-contact temperature sensor (20) on the vehicle, the non-contact temperature sensor (20) detects the temperature of the reference test object (80) with the non-contact temperature sensor (20) and measures the output value of the non-contact temperature sensor (20). In the output verification method, the size of the reference test object (80) is set to be substantially equal to the size of a human face.

According to this, when detecting the temperature of the occupant's face after the non-contact temperature sensor is mounted on the vehicle, the deviation of the output value due to the imaging blur can be minimized, and the temperature of the occupant can be reduced. Can be measured accurately.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the output value of the non-contact temperature sensor (20) changes in accordance with the amount of infrared rays. It is characterized in that it is set substantially equal to the amount of infrared radiation from human skin.

According to this, even when the infrared emissivity of the reference test object is different from the infrared emissivity from human skin,
The output value of the non-contact temperature sensor (20) at the time of the test can be made substantially the same as the output value when human skin temperature is detected. Therefore, the temperature detection accuracy in the temperature range actually used (around the temperature of the occupant's skin) can be increased.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the output value of the non-contact temperature sensor (20) changes in accordance with the amount of infrared rays. The infrared emissivity from human skin is set to be substantially equal.

According to this, the temperature of the reference test object at the time of the test can be made substantially the same as the skin temperature of human being the actual test object, so that the temperature range actually used (the skin temperature of the occupant) can be obtained. (In the vicinity), the temperature detection accuracy can be particularly increased.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the temperature of the reference test object (80) is set substantially equal to the temperature of the human skin.

According to this, the temperature detection accuracy in the temperature range actually used (around the temperature of the occupant's skin) can be particularly increased.

[0034] The invention according to claim 14 is characterized in that the temperature of the reference test object (80) is set substantially equal to the maximum and minimum values of the temperature of the human skin.

According to this, it is possible to particularly increase the temperature detection accuracy within the fluctuation range of the human skin temperature.

The reference numerals in parentheses of the above means indicate the correspondence with specific means described in the embodiments described later.

[0037]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 1
A non-contact temperature sensor 20 for detecting the driver M and the surface temperature around the driver M in a non-contact manner is installed on an instrument panel 12 in front of the driver (occupant) M. I have. The non-contact temperature sensor 20 is an infrared sensor that generates an electric signal (surface temperature signal) corresponding to the amount of infrared radiation radiated from the test object. More specifically, the non-contact temperature sensor 20 detects the amount of infrared light from the test object. Correspondingly, this is an infrared sensor using a thermopile type temperature detecting element that generates an electromotive force proportional to the amount of infrared light.

As shown in FIG. 2, the non-contact temperature sensor 20 includes a large number of temperature detecting elements 21 arranged in a matrix and a lens 22 for collecting infrared rays radiated from the test object. A thermal image is formed on the temperature detecting element 21 by the lens 22.

FIG. 3 shows a detection area 30 of the surface temperature by the non-contact temperature sensor 20. The detection area 30 is divided into a plurality of pixels, for example, pixels of 8 rows and 12 columns, and the temperature is set for each pixel. Is detected. The detection area 30 includes a driver M's upper body (clothes) M1, head M2, face M3, driver's door side glass 13, driver's seat 14, and driver's seat belt 15.

A constant temperature body (reference temperature body) 40 that can be set to a predetermined constant temperature is attached to the driver seat belt 15. The mounting position of the thermostat 40 is determined by the driver M
Is set to enter the detection area 30 of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 with the driver's seat belt 15 worn, and specifically, is set near the chest of the driver M. Further, the temperature of the thermostat 40 is set to 33 ° C. which is equal to the occupant's skin temperature. As the thermostat 40, a Peltier element whose temperature can be adjusted by controlling the applied voltage can be used. As is well known, the Peltier element is a thermoelectric element that, when energized, performs a heat absorbing action at one end and a heat dissipation action at the other end.

The signal processing circuit 50 shown in FIG. 2 processes the output signal of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 and transmits the temperature distribution data obtained by the output signal processing to the control circuit 60. Specifically, infrared rays emitted from the driver M and its surroundings are transmitted through the condenser lens 22 to the many temperature detecting elements 21.
, Each temperature detecting element 21 emits an output signal corresponding to the amount of received infrared light. Then, the output signal is processed by the signal processing circuit 50 to obtain temperature distribution data of the detection area 30 as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 4, for convenience, the temperature distribution is shown for each temperature range. However, in practice, the temperature data of each pixel is digitized and stored, and based on the digitized temperature data. An operation or the like is performed. Reference numeral 51 denotes a RAM (storage means) for storing an initial output value and the like described later.

The control circuit 60 controls the operation of the vehicle equipment (air conditioner, airbag device, security control device, etc.) 61 based on the temperature distribution data from the signal processing circuit 50.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part related to the correction (calibration) of the output value of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 in the control processing executed by the signal processing circuit 50, which will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, after controlling the temperature of the thermostat 40 to 33 ° C. (step S 10), the temperature of the detection area 30 is detected by the non-contact temperature sensor 20, and the detection area 30 shown in FIG.
Is obtained (step S11).

Next, based on the temperature distribution data, the pixel position of the thermostat 40 in the temperature distribution data is determined (step S12). Here, except for the case where the inside air temperature is extremely high, such as during a cool down in summer, the detection area 30
Inside, the face M3, which is the skin-exposed portion, has the highest temperature. Therefore, a portion where a plurality of hottest pixels are concentrated in the temperature distribution data of FIG. 4 is determined as the pixel position of the face M3. On the other hand, since the temperature of the thermostat 40 is set to be equal to the skin temperature, and it is known that the thermostat 40 is located near the chest of the driver M and below the face M3, FIG.
Is determined as the pixel position of the constant temperature body 40 under the face M3 in the temperature distribution data.

Next, the thermostat 4 determined in step S12
The current temperature data (current output value A) at the pixel position of 0 is acquired (step S13), and the initial output value B at the set temperature of the thermostat 40 is read from the RAM 51 (step S14). This initial output value B is obtained by setting the temperature of the constant temperature body 40 to 33 ° C. and acquiring the temperature data by the non-contact temperature sensor 20 when the assembly of the vehicle 10 is completed,
This is stored in the RAM 51.

Next, the current output value A is compared with the initial output value B, and the correction coefficient K of the output signal of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 (the initial value is assumed to be K = 1) is calculated as K = It is calculated based on the formula of B / A (step S15, correction coefficient determining means). Here, the non-contact temperature sensor 20 usually has a current output value A <initial output value B due to deterioration of the temperature detection element 21 due to long-term use, contamination of the condenser lens 22, and the like. The correction coefficient K> 1.

The signal processing circuit 50 normally executes processing for transmitting temperature distribution data obtained by processing the output signal of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 to the control circuit 60.
Is periodically performed when, for example, an engine (not shown) of the vehicle is started (an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on), or when the driver M wears the driver's seat belt 15 (a seat belt switch (not shown) is turned on). Is executed. Further, the processing shown in FIG. 5 may be periodically executed at regular intervals based on a calendar signal.

The signal processing circuit 50 corrects the output signal by multiplying the output signal of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 by a correction coefficient K, and controls the temperature distribution data obtained by processing the corrected output signal. Transmit to the circuit 60.

The control circuit 60 that has received the corrected temperature distribution data generates a vehicle device 61 based on the temperature distribution data.
Controls the operation of. For example, when the vehicle equipment 61 is an air conditioner, the seating position of the occupant M and the temperature of the face M3 of the occupant M are detected based on the temperature distribution data, and the blowing direction of the conditioned air is determined according to the sitting position and the face temperature. Adjust the blowing air volume, blowing temperature, etc.

According to the present embodiment, the decrease in the current output value A with respect to the initial output value B is corrected by the correction coefficient K obtained by comparing the two output values.
Even if the output value of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 changes due to deterioration of the light source 1, contamination of the condenser lens 22, or the like, the temperature of the test object can be accurately measured after calibration.

Further, since the constant temperature body 40 is attached to the seat belt 15 so that the constant temperature body 40 comes near the chest of the driver M, the distance between the constant temperature body 40 and the non-contact temperature sensor 20, and The distance between the driver M and the non-contact temperature sensor 20 becomes substantially equal. Therefore, when detecting the temperature of the thermostat 40 and when detecting the temperature of the driver M,
The temperature of the occupant M can be measured more accurately without being affected by an error due to the imaging blur of the condenser lens 22.

Further, since the calibration is performed by setting the temperature of the thermostat 40 equal to the skin temperature of the occupant M, the temperature of the occupant M after the calibration can be measured more accurately.

The fluctuation range of human face skin temperature is 30.
３５35 ° C., so in this specification,
In a range substantially equal to the temperature of human skin.

When the correction coefficient K is calculated for the second time, a new correction coefficient K is calculated based on the previously calculated correction coefficient Kold, the previously obtained output value Aold, and the current output value A. Is also good. Specifically, the previous output value Aold is stored in the RAM 51 instead of the initial output value B, and is calculated based on the equation K = Kold · Aold / A. Here, Kold · Aold is equal to the initial output value B, and thus Kold · Aold is included in the initial output value.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment, and is different from the first embodiment only in the mounting position of the thermostat 40. That is, the constant temperature body 40 is attached to the driver's seat 14 in the detection area 30, and more specifically, is attached above the seat back portion and closer to the center of the vehicle. Further, according to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment. In the first and second embodiments, the correction coefficient K is obtained by setting only one point of the temperature of the thermostat 40. In the present embodiment, the correction coefficient K is obtained by setting the temperature of the thermostat 40 (see FIGS. 3 and 6) at two points. Other points are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part related to the correction (calibration) of the output value of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 in the control processing executed by the signal processing circuit 50 (see FIG. 2). It will be described based on the following.

First, the fluctuation range of the human skin temperature is 30.
Since the temperature is about 35 ° C., the temperature Tk of the thermostat 40 is controlled to the minimum skin temperature Tmin (= 30 ° C.) of the face (step S20). Then, the temperature of the detection region 30 (see FIGS. 3 and 6) is detected by the non-contact temperature sensor 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and the temperature distribution data of the detection region 30 is obtained (step S21).

Next, the pixel position of the thermostat 40 in the temperature distribution data is determined based on the temperature distribution data (step S22), and then the current pixel position of the thermostat 40 at Tk = Tmin is determined. The temperature data (current first output value A1) is obtained (step S23).

Next, the temperature Tk of the thermostat 40 is controlled to the maximum skin temperature Tmax of the face (= 35 ° C.) (step S2).
4). Then, temperature distribution data of the detection region 30 is obtained (step S25), and the constant temperature body 40 in the temperature distribution data is obtained.
Is determined (step S26), and then Tk
The current temperature data (current second output value A2) of the pixel position of the thermostat 40 at the time of = Tmax is acquired (step S27).

Next, the thermostat 4 at the time of Tk = Tmin
An initial first output value B1 of 0 is read from the RAM 51 (see FIG. 2) (step S28). This initial first output value B
1 is a constant-temperature body 4 when assembly of the vehicle 10 is completed.
The temperature of 0 is set to 30 ° C., temperature data is acquired by the non-contact temperature sensor 20, and stored in the RAM 51.

Next, the current first output value A1 and the initial first output value B1 are compared to obtain a first correction coefficient K1 based on the equation K1 = B1 / A1 (step S29). The one correction coefficient K1 is stored in the RAM 51 (step S3).
0).

Next, the thermostat 4 at the time of Tk = Tmax
An initial second output value B2 of 0 is read from the RAM 51 (step S31). The initial second output value B2 is obtained by setting the temperature of the constant temperature body 40 to 35 ° C., acquiring the temperature data by the non-contact temperature sensor 20, and storing the temperature data in the RAM 51 when the assembly of the vehicle 10 is completed. is there.

Next, the current second output value A2 and the initial second output value B2 are compared to determine a second correction coefficient K2 based on the equation K2 = B2 / A2 (step S32). K = (K1 + K2) / 2 Correction coefficient K
Is calculated (step S33), and the correction coefficient K is stored in the RAM.
51.

The signal processing circuit 50 corrects the output signal by multiplying the output signal of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 by the correction coefficient K, and controls the temperature distribution data obtained by processing the corrected output signal. The signal is transmitted to the circuit 60 (see FIG. 2).

According to the present embodiment, the correction coefficient K is obtained by setting the temperature of the thermostat 40 at two points, the minimum skin temperature and the maximum skin temperature of the face. In this case, the temperature detection accuracy in the inside can be particularly increased.

In the present embodiment, the temperature of the thermostat 40 is set to 30 ° C. and 35 ° C. However, the temperature of the thermostatic body 40 may be appropriately set within a range of 30 to 35 ° C. which is a rough fluctuation range of the human skin temperature. Can be.

In calculating the skin temperature Tm after assembling the non-contact temperature sensor 20 to the vehicle 10, K = (K1 + K
2) Although the correction coefficient K obtained by the formula of / 2 was used, the skin temperature T
In a region where m is close to the minimum skin temperature Tmin, the first correction coefficient K
1, the skin temperature Tm may be calculated using the second correction coefficient K2 in a region where the skin temperature Tm is close to the maximum skin temperature Tmax.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIGS. 8 and 9 show a fourth embodiment.
0 is used. As shown in FIG. 8, a temperature detecting means 70 composed of, for example, a thermistor is attached to the driver's seat 14 in the detection area 30 to detect the temperature of the seat surface. It is mounted near the center. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a part related to the correction (calibration) of the output value of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 in the control processing executed by the signal processing circuit 50 (see FIG. 2). Will be explained.

First, after the current temperature TA on the sheet surface of the mounting portion of the temperature detecting means 70 (hereinafter, referred to as a specific portion) is detected by the temperature detecting means 70 (step S40), the detection area 30 is detected by the non-contact temperature sensor 20. And the temperature distribution data of the detection area 30 is obtained by detecting the temperature of the detection area 30 (step S4).
1).

Next, based on the temperature distribution data, the pixel position of the specific part in the temperature distribution data is determined, and the current temperature data (current output value A) of the pixel position is obtained (step S42). ).

Next, the initial output value B of the specific part detected by the non-contact temperature sensor 20 and the temperature TB of the specific part detected by the temperature detecting means 70 at that time are stored in the RAM.
51 (see FIG. 2) (step S43). The initial output value B and the initial temperature TB are obtained by the non-contact temperature sensor 20 and the temperature detecting means 70 when the assembly of the vehicle 10 is completed, and are stored in the RAM 51.

Next, since the current temperature of the specific portion is different from the temperature of the initial specific portion, the initial output value B at the initial temperature TB is converted into a value corresponding to the current temperature TA.
An initial output conversion value Bta is calculated (step S44, output value conversion means).

Next, the current output value A and the initial output conversion value B
Then, the correction coefficient K of the output signal of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 is obtained by comparing the correction coefficient K with the output signal ta. That is, the correction coefficient K is obtained by K = Bta / A (step S45, correction coefficient determination means).

Thereafter, the signal processing circuit 50 corrects the output signal by multiplying the output signal of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 by the correction coefficient K, and controls the temperature distribution data obtained by processing the corrected output signal. The signal is transmitted to the circuit 61 (see FIG. 2).

According to this embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

The temperature detecting means 70 may be attached to the seat belt 15.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment in which the vehicle interior temperature (inner temperature Tr) is set to a set temperature Ts.
The correction coefficient K of the output signal of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 is calibrated when the temperature approaches et, that is, when the vehicle interior temperature is stable. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 10, the inside temperature Tr is detected by an inside temperature sensor (not shown) (step S50), and the temperature difference between the inside temperature Tr and the set temperature Tset (| Tr−Tset)
Is determined to be smaller than the set value γ (for example, 2 ° C.) (step S51), and when the temperature difference is equal to or larger than the set value γ (NO in step S51), the process proceeds to step S52.

Next, in step S52, it is determined whether or not the inside air temperature Tr has exceeded the set temperature Tset, and if it has been exceeded (YES in step S52), step S5 is performed.
Proceed to 3 to perform cooling, and if it does not exceed (step S
If (NO at 52), the process proceeds to step S54 to perform heating.

Cooling in step S53 or step S
When the temperature difference between the inside air temperature Tr and the set temperature Tset becomes smaller than the set value γ (YES in step S51) due to the heating in step 54, step S10 of the first embodiment (FIG. 5) or step of the third embodiment is performed. In S20 (FIG. 7), the process proceeds to step S40 (FIG. 9) of the fourth embodiment, and the correction coefficient K of the output signal of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 is calibrated in the same manner as in those embodiments.

According to the present embodiment, the cabin temperature condition at the time of calibrating the correction coefficient K can always be made substantially the same, so that the correction coefficient K can be calibrated more accurately.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIGS. 11 and 12 show a sixth embodiment, in which a non-contact temperature sensor 20 includes a face M3 of a driver M as a temperature detection target. 3 shows a method of verifying the output of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 performed before assembling the vehicle 20 into the vehicle 10. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 11, the detection area 30 of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 is divided into, for example, 96 pixels in 8 rows and 12 columns, and an output signal An (where
Conversion coefficient Kn for n = 1 to 96 (where n = 1
To 96) are required. The conversion coefficient Kn is a coefficient for correcting variations in output of each pixel and converting the output of each pixel into a value corresponding to temperature.

On the other hand, the constant temperature body (reference temperature body) 80 used for verifying the output of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 can be set to a predetermined constant temperature and can be adjusted in position.
The thermostat 80 is set to have the same size as the human face, and is adjusted so that the infrared emissivity is equal to that of the human face skin.

Next, a method of verifying the output of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 will be described with reference to FIG. First, after controlling the temperature Tk of the thermostat 80 to the same temperature as the human face skin temperature Tm (for example, 33 ° C.) (step S60), one pixel to be tested is selected from this (step S61).

Next, the position of the thermostat 80 is adjusted so that the center (shaded portion in FIG. 11) of the thermostat 80 is located at the position of the pixel selected in step S61 (step S62), and the output signal of the pixel is adjusted. An is acquired (step S63).

Next, a conversion coefficient Kn is calculated in step S64. Here, the human infrared radiation amount Hm is Hm =
calculated by ^{σ · α · (Tm) 4} , the amount of infrared radiation Hk of the thermostatic member 80 is calculated by Hk = σ · β · (Tk ) 4.
Here, σ is the Boltzmann constant, α is the infrared emissivity of the human face, and β is the infrared emissivity of the thermostat 80. However,
Tm and Tk in the formula are absolute temperatures.

The output signal An is proportional to the amount of infrared radiation, and in this embodiment, α = β. Therefore, the output signal An when the temperature Tk of the thermostat 80 is 33 ° C. and the human temperature It becomes equal to the output signal An when Tm is 33 ° C. From the above relationship, in step S64, Kn = (T
m) Calculate the conversion coefficient Kn based on the formula of ⁴ / An.
Then, after assembling the non-contact temperature sensor 20 to the vehicle 10, the skin temperature Tm is calculated based on the equation of Tm = (Kn · An) ¹ .

Next, the conversion coefficient K obtained in step S64
n is stored in the RAM 51 (see FIG. 2) in step S65.

Next, the conversion coefficient K for all 96 pixels
If n has not been calculated (step S66 is N
O) In step S67, the pixel is updated, and in step S66
Steps S61 to S6 until is YES
5 is repeated to obtain the conversion coefficients Kn for all the pixels.
(= K1 to K96).

According to the present embodiment, the test of the output value of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 before mounting on the vehicle is performed using the constant temperature body 80 set to the same size as the human face.
When detecting the occupant's skin temperature after assembling the non-contact temperature sensor 20 to the vehicle 10, the deviation of the output value due to blurring of the optical system can be minimized, and the occupant's skin temperature is accurately measured. be able to.

Further, the infrared emissivity of the thermostatic body 80 is made equal to the infrared emissivity of human skin, and
Is set to be the same as the temperature of the human skin, which is the actual test object, so that the temperature detection accuracy in the temperature range actually used (around the occupant's skin temperature) can be particularly increased.

The size of the thermostat 80 may be substantially equal to the size of the human face. The size of the child's face (excluding the head) viewed from the front is 10 cm x 10 cm
The size of the adult face as seen from the front is 20c
m × 20 cm, and in this specification, 10 cm × 1
A range of 0 cm to 20 cm × 20 cm is set to a range approximately equal to the size of a human face.

The infrared emissivity of the thermostat 80 may be substantially equal to the infrared emissivity of human skin. In this specification, a range of ± 5% of the infrared emissivity of human skin is set to a substantially equivalent range.

(Seventh Embodiment) In the sixth embodiment, an output test method in the case where the infrared emissivity of the thermostat 80 is equal to that of a human is shown. However, the seventh embodiment shown in FIG.
11 shows an output test method when the infrared emissivity β of 0 (see FIG. 11) is different from the infrared emissivity α of a human. Then, with the difference in the infrared emissivity, step S60 of the sixth embodiment is changed to step S60A of FIG. 13 in the present embodiment. Other points are the same as in the sixth embodiment.

In step S60 of the sixth embodiment, the temperature Tk of the thermostat 80 is controlled to the same temperature as the human skin temperature Tm.
k = (Tm) · (α / β) The temperature of the thermostat 80 is controlled to the temperature obtained by the formula of / ⁴ . Thereby, the infrared radiation amount Hk of the thermostat 80 becomes equal to the human infrared radiation amount Hm.

After controlling the temperature of the thermostat 80 in step S60A as described above, the flow advances to step S61, and thereafter, as in the sixth embodiment, the conversion coefficients K of all the pixels are set.
Find n. The non-contact temperature sensor 20 is connected to the vehicle 10
After assembling, the skin temperature Tm is calculated based on the equation of Tm = (Kn · An) ^1/4 .

According to this embodiment, although the infrared emissivity β of the thermostat 80 is different from the infrared emissivity α from human skin, the infrared radiation Hk of the thermostat 80 becomes equal to the human infrared radiation Hm. Thus, the output value of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 at the time of the test can be made substantially the same as the output value when the human skin temperature is detected. Therefore,
The temperature detection accuracy in the temperature range actually used (around the occupant's skin temperature) can be increased.

The infrared radiation amount Hk of the thermostat 80 may be approximately equal to the human infrared radiation amount Hm. And
In this specification, a range of ± 5% of the human infrared radiation amount Hm is regarded as a substantially equivalent range.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 14 shows an eighth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the temperature of the thermostat 80 is set at only one point and the output test is performed. In this example, the temperature of the thermostat 80 (see FIG. 11) is set at two points to perform the output verification. Other points are the same as in the sixth embodiment.

Hereinafter, a method of verifying the output of the non-contact temperature sensor 20 (see FIG. 11) will be described with reference to FIG. First,
Assuming that the fluctuation range of human face skin temperature is 30 to 35 ° C,
The temperature Tk of the thermostat 80 is set to the minimum skin temperature Tmin (=
30 ° C.) (step S70).

Next, one pixel to be tested is selected from now on (step S71), and the constant temperature body 80 is set so that the center (shaded area in FIG. 11) of the constant temperature body 80 is located at the position of the pixel selected in step S71. Is adjusted (step S72),
The first output signal An1 at that pixel position when Tk = Tmin is obtained (step S73).

Next, the first conversion coefficient Kn1 is calculated as Kn1 =
It is calculated based on the formula (Tmin) ⁴ / An1 (step S74), and the first conversion coefficient Kn1 is stored in the RAM 51 (see FIG. 2) (step S75).

Next, the conversion coefficient K for all 96 pixels
If n has not been calculated (N in step S76)
O) In step S77, the pixel is updated, and in step S76
Steps S71 through S7 until is YES
By repeating the control processing of No. 5, the first conversion coefficients Kn1 of all the pixels are obtained.

Next, when the first conversion coefficients Kn1 of all the pixels are obtained, the temperature Tk of the thermostat 80 is controlled to the maximum skin temperature Tmax of the face (= 35 ° C.) (step S7).
8). Then, one pixel to be tested is selected from now on (step S79), and the center of the thermostat 80 is set in step S79.
The position of the thermostat 80 is adjusted to be at the position of the pixel selected at 79 (step S80), and the second output signal An2 at that pixel position when Tk = Tmax is obtained (step S81).

Next, the second conversion coefficient Kn2 is calculated as Kn2 =
It is calculated based on the formula of (Tmax) ⁴ / An2 (step S82). Then, the conversion coefficient Kn is calculated as Kn = (Kn
1 + Kn2) / 2 (Step S8)
3) The conversion coefficient Kn is stored in the RAM 51 (see FIG. 2) (step S84).

Next, the conversion coefficient K for all 96 pixels
If n has not been calculated (step S85 is N
O) In step S86, the pixel is updated, and in step S85
Steps S79 to S8 until is YES
4 is repeated to obtain the conversion coefficients Kn for all the pixels.
Ask for. Then, after assembling the non-contact temperature sensor 20 to the vehicle 10, the skin temperature Tm is calculated based on the equation of Tm = (Kn · An) ¹ .

According to the present embodiment, the temperature of the thermostat 80 is set at two points, the minimum skin temperature and the maximum skin temperature of the face, and the output test is performed. , The temperature detection accuracy can be particularly increased.

The skin temperature Tm after assembling the non-contact temperature sensor 20 to the vehicle 10 is calculated as Kn = (Kn1 +
Although the conversion coefficient Kn obtained by the formula of (Kn2) / 2 was used, in a region where the skin temperature Tm is close to the minimum skin temperature Tmin, the skin temperature Tm was calculated using the first conversion coefficient Kn1, and the skin temperature Tm was determined to be the highest skin temperature. In a region close to the temperature Tmax, the second conversion coefficient Kn2
May be used to calculate the skin temperature Tm.

(Other Embodiments) In the above embodiment, an infrared sensor using a thermopile type detecting element was exemplified as a non-contact temperature sensor, but a bolometer type detecting element constituted by a resistor having a large temperature coefficient was used. Infrared sensors and other types of infrared sensors can also be used. Furthermore, not limited to the infrared sensor, another type of non-contact temperature sensor that detects the surface temperature of the test object in a non-contact manner may be used.

In the first and second embodiments, when the driver's seat 14 is a seat having a built-in heater capable of adjusting the temperature, the heater-equipped seat 14 is connected to the constant temperature body 40.
Alternatively, it may be used as a reference test object.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle interior showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle device control device including the non-contact temperature sensor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a temperature detection area of the non-contact temperature sensor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a temperature distribution diagram of a region where a temperature is detected by the non-contact temperature sensor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control process performed by the signal processing circuit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a temperature detection region of a non-contact temperature sensor in a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating control processing executed by a signal processing circuit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a temperature detection region of a non-contact temperature sensor according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating control processing executed by a signal processing circuit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control process performed by a signal processing circuit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a temperature detection region of a non-contact temperature sensor in a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control process performed by a signal processing circuit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control process executed by a signal processing circuit in a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control process executed by a signal processing circuit according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[Description of Signs] 20: non-contact temperature sensor, 30: predetermined area, 40: constant temperature body (reference temperature measurement body).

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Katsumasa Nishii 1-1-1, Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi Pref. F term (reference) 2G066 AA06 AB08 AC13 BA08 BC15 CA04 CB01

Claims (14)

[Claims] A non-contact temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a predetermined area in a non-contact manner;
0) and a reference test object (40) that can set the temperature to a predetermined temperature, and the non-contact temperature sensor (40) obtained by detecting the temperature of the reference test object (40). 20) the initial output value (B);
A correction coefficient of the current output value (A) is compared with a current output value (A) of the non-contact temperature sensor (20) obtained by detecting a temperature of the reference test object (40). A method for calibrating a non-contact temperature sensor, wherein (K) is determined. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined temperature is substantially equal to a human skin temperature. 3. The reference temperature object (40) can be set to a plurality of predetermined temperatures, and a plurality of initial output values (B) corresponding to the plurality of predetermined temperatures.
The method for calibrating a non-contact temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first and second output values (A1, A2) corresponding to the plurality of predetermined temperatures are compared with each other. 4. One of the plurality of predetermined temperatures is substantially equal to a highest value of a human skin temperature, and the other one of the plurality of predetermined temperatures is substantially equal to a lowest value of a human skin temperature. The method for calibrating a non-contact temperature sensor according to claim 3, wherein: 5. The non-contact temperature sensor (20) is mounted on a vehicle, wherein the reference temperature object (40) is a sheet (14) and a sheet located within the predetermined area (30). Belt (15)
The method for calibrating a non-contact temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the non-contact temperature sensor is mounted on at least one of: 6. The non-contact temperature sensor (20) is mounted on a vehicle, and detects a temperature of the reference test object (40) when a vehicle interior temperature of the vehicle is within a predetermined range. The method for calibrating a non-contact temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 7. A non-contact temperature sensor (20) for detecting a temperature distribution of a predetermined area (30) in a vehicle compartment by a plurality of temperature detecting elements (21) in a non-contact manner. A vehicle equipment control device for controlling a vehicle equipment (61) based on an output signal, comprising: a reference test object (40) arranged in the predetermined area (30) and capable of setting a temperature to a predetermined temperature; A storage unit (51) for storing an initial output value (B) of the non-contact temperature sensor (20) obtained by detecting a temperature of the reference test object (40); ) Is compared with a current output value (A) of the non-contact temperature sensor (20) obtained by detecting the temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor (20) and the initial output value (B). Correction coefficient determining means (step S15) for determining a correction coefficient (K); A vehicle equipment control device comprising: 8. A non-contact temperature sensor (20) for detecting a temperature of a predetermined area (30) in a non-contact manner;
Temperature detection means (7) for detecting the temperature of a specific portion in (0)
0), and the initial temperature (TB) of the specific portion detected by the temperature detecting means (70) and the initial temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor (20) obtained by detecting the temperature of the specific portion. (B), the current temperature (TA) of the specific part detected by the temperature detecting means (70), and the non-contact temperature sensor (20) obtained by detecting the temperature of the specific part.
Comparing the current output value (A) with the current output value (A) to determine a correction coefficient (K) for the current output value (A). 9. The non-contact temperature sensor (20) is mounted on a vehicle, and the specific part is a seat (14) and a seat belt (15) located within the predetermined area (30). The method for calibrating a non-contact temperature sensor according to claim 8, wherein at least one of them is used. 10. A non-contact temperature sensor (20) for detecting the temperature of a face (M3) of an occupant (M) in a vehicle in a non-contact manner.
A reference temperature-measurement body (80) capable of setting a temperature to a predetermined temperature, and before mounting the non-contact temperature sensor (20) on the vehicle, the non-contact temperature of the reference temperature-measuring body (80) In a method for verifying the output of a non-contact temperature sensor which detects an output value of the non-contact temperature sensor (20) by detecting with a temperature sensor (20), A method for verifying the output of a non-contact temperature sensor, wherein the method is set to be substantially equal to the size of the sensor. 11. The non-contact temperature sensor (20), wherein the output value changes in accordance with the amount of infrared light, and the amount of infrared radiation of the reference test object (80) is measured from human skin. The method for verifying the output of a non-contact temperature sensor according to claim 10, wherein the infrared radiation amount is set to be substantially equal to the infrared radiation amount. 12. The non-contact temperature sensor (20), wherein the output value changes in accordance with the amount of infrared light, and the infrared emissivity of the reference temperature object (80) is measured from human skin. The method for verifying the output of a non-contact temperature sensor according to claim 10, wherein the infrared emissivity of the non-contact temperature sensor is set substantially equal to the infrared emissivity of the non-contact temperature sensor. 13. The temperature of the reference test object (80)
The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the temperature is set to be substantially equal to the temperature of human skin. 14. The temperature of the reference test object (80)
14. The method for verifying the output of a non-contact temperature sensor according to claim 10, wherein the temperature of the human skin is set to be substantially equal to the highest value and the lowest value.