JP2002230663A - Gas alarm and inspection result reporting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas alarm for which an inspection can be performed without surprising a user. SOLUTION: This system is provided with an alarm means 14d for giving an alarm according to the detection of a gas concentration exceeding an alarm level, an inspection signal generating means 11a1 for generating an inspection signal for performing the inspection for operation of the alarm means 14d, and an inspection judgment means 11a2 for judging whether the operation of the alarm means 14d that responded to the inspection signal generated by the inspection signal generating means 11a1 is normal or not, and further, a change detecting means 11a3 for detecting the change of a setting position caused according to the action of the user; a counting means 11a4 for counting the frequency of changes detected by the change detecting means 11a3; and a timing judgment means 115a for judging an inspection timing when the count result of the count means 11a4 reaches an inspection frequency corresponding to the timing. The inspection signal generating means 11a1 generates the inspection signal according to the judgment result of the timing by the timing judgment means 11a5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas alarm and an inspection result management system, and more particularly, to alarm means for issuing an alarm in response to detection of a gas concentration exceeding an alarm level, and operation of the alarm means. Inspection signal generation means for generating an inspection signal for performing inspection of the inspection signal, and inspection determination means for determining whether the operation of the alarm means according to the inspection signal generated by the inspection signal generation is normal. , And an inspection result notifying system for notifying a user of an inspection result of the gas alarm device by display.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, each household has a gas alarm device which detects a gas leak and generates an alarm output by a buzzer or the like. It is relatively easy to use a voice IC or the like to generate a warning by voice instead of sounding the buzzer or the like from the buzzer. The advantage of this is that the audible alert allows consumers to quickly understand how to deal with abnormal conditions.

However, even with this kind of highly functional gas detector, its effect is suspected if there is no gas leak accident during the period of use. In other words, this type of detector is strange because it is just in case of an accident, but if normal conditions continue, it will end without issuing an alarm once, so it will be consumed as expensive and unnecessary existence This is because the person is recognized.

[0004] In addition, when the alarm is not generated even once during the use period, there is a fear that the function of the detector is impaired. Therefore, in order to confirm whether or not this detection operation is being performed, a test gas may be sprayed on the sensor portion. However, since this is a troublesome operation, it is often not actually performed.

[0005] In view of the above, the present applicant, when there is an abnormality such as a gas leak or a flow rate abnormality, warns of the abnormality by voice, and sends periodic inspection information indicating that there is no abnormality from the voice at regular intervals. A gas alarm device for notification has been proposed (U.S. Patent Publication No. 2503951).

[0006]

However, in the conventional gas alarm device, an inspection is performed when the time is up using a time measuring means (for example, a timer) and the like, and the inspection is performed by playing a sound for a periodic inspection. Was notified to the user of the gas alarm device, and if the time of the time-measuring means was shifted due to a power failure or disconnection of the outlet, for example, the time-measuring means timed up during the user's sleep. This causes a problem that the voice for the periodic inspection suddenly flows to surprise the user or hinder the user's sleep.

To solve this problem, a method of displaying a clock like a household electric appliance (home electric appliance) and having the user adjust the clock if the clock is out of sync can be considered, but this would impose a burden on the user. It is difficult to implement. In addition, the lifestyles of the users are various, and in order to perform inspections at time zones suitable for all users, it is necessary to set the timekeeping means for each user, and users, workers, etc. And it is difficult to implement.

[0008] The above-mentioned problem also occurs in a conventional gas alarm device that emits an alarm sound during periodic inspection. It is stipulated by the certification standards that the alarm sound should be at a certain level or higher, and the volume is a very loud sound in normal life, so if the alarm sounds during sleep, the user Would be very surprised.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a gas alarm that performs an inspection without astonishing a user, and an inspection result notification system that can notify an inspection result of the gas alarm without astonishing a user.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gas alarm device for detecting the concentration of a gas exceeding an alarm level, as shown in FIG. Alarm means 14d for issuing an alarm according to
Check signal generating means 11a1 for generating a check signal for checking the operation of the alarm means 14d, and whether the operation of the alarm means 14d according to the check signal generated by the check signal generating means 11a1 is normal. A gas alarm device 10 for detecting the timing of the inspection, wherein the change detecting unit 11a3 detects a change in an installation location that occurs in response to a user's activity.
A counting means 11a4 for counting the number of times of the change detected by the change detecting means 11a3;
And timing determination means 11a5 for determining that the timing is reached when the count result of step 4 indicates the number of inspections corresponding to the timing. The inspection signal is generated in accordance with the result of the determination.

According to the gas alarm device 10 of the present invention, when the change is detected by the change detecting means 11a3, the number of times of detection is counted by the counting means 11a4. Then, when the counting result becomes the number of inspections corresponding to the timing, the timing determining means 11a
5, it is determined that the timing is the timing, and an inspection signal is generated by the inspection signal generating means 11a1 according to the determination result. Then, the operation of the warning means 14d is checked in response to the check signal, and the check determining means 11a2 determines whether the warning means 14d is normal.
Therefore, the timing at which the warning means 14d is checked is detected when the number of times of counting the change in the installation location that occurs in accordance with the activity of the user has reached the number of checks, so that the user is sleeping. It is possible to prevent the inspection of the warning means 14d from being performed at the same time. In addition, since the timing is detected based on the number of inspections, it is not necessary to use a time measuring means such as a timer as in the related art, so that even if a power failure or an outlet is disconnected, the inspection is performed. Is always performed while the user is active. Therefore, the timing for performing the inspection is detected only during the activity of the user, so that the inspection can be performed without surprise the user.

According to a second aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. Light detecting means 15 for outputting the detected light signal, and the change detecting means 11a3
The change is detected on the basis of the optical signal output from the control unit.

According to the gas alarm device 10 of the present invention, when the optical signal is output by the light detecting means 15, the change is detected by the change detecting means 11a3 based on the optical signal. Is done. Therefore, by detecting a change such as dark → bright, when the user turns on the room, it is possible to detect a change such as the time at which the sun is shining. High timing can be detected. Therefore, the time zone in which the user is awake can be more accurately detected as the inspection timing, and the inspection can be performed at that timing to prevent the user from sleeping comfortably.

According to a third aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. 1, the gas alarm device 10 according to the first or second aspect is used for a predetermined area. Further comprising a user monitoring means 16 for outputting a monitoring signal that changes in accordance with entry and exit of the user, wherein the change detecting means 11a3 detects the change based on the monitoring signal output by the user monitoring means 16. It is characterized by.

According to the gas alarm device 10 of the present invention described in claim 3, when the monitoring signal output by the user monitoring means 16 in response to a user entering or exiting the predetermined area, a change occurs. The change detection unit 11a3 detects the change in the installation location that occurs according to the user's activity. Therefore, by monitoring the user's access to a predetermined area such as a place where the apparatus main body is installed, a place where there is a high possibility that the user will stay during the time when the user is active, start of the user's activity, Since it is possible to detect a time zone in which the user is active, it is possible to detect a timing at which the probability that the user is awake is high. Therefore, the time zone in which the user is awake can be more accurately detected as the inspection timing, and the inspection can be performed at that timing to prevent the user from sleeping comfortably.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. Temperature detecting means 17 for outputting a temperature signal corresponding to the temperature of the location, and the change detecting means 11a3 comprises:
It is characterized in that the change is detected based on the temperature signal output by the temperature detecting means 17.

According to the gas alarm device 10 of the present invention, when the temperature signal is outputted by the temperature detecting means 17, the change is detected by the change detecting means 11a3 based on the temperature signal. Is done. Therefore, for example, by detecting a change in the temperature at which the temperature rises by 5 degrees or more, it is possible to detect a change during the day or during a time period during which the user is using the heating device. The timing at which the probability of occurrence of the error is high can be detected. Therefore, the time period when the user is awake can be more accurately detected as the inspection timing,
By performing the inspection at that timing, it is possible to prevent the user from sleeping comfortably.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. 1, in the gas alarm device 10 according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, Sound detecting means 18 for outputting a sound signal corresponding to the sound generated at the location, and the change detecting means 11a3 comprises:
The change is detected based on the sound signal output by the sound detecting means 18.

According to the gas alarm device 10 of the present invention, when the sound signal is outputted by the sound detecting means, the change is detected by the change detecting means 11a3 based on the sound signal. You. Therefore, by detecting a change in sound above a predetermined level, it is possible to detect a change to a time zone in which the user is talking loudly, etc., so that the timing when the probability that the user is awake is high. Can be detected. Therefore, the time zone in which the user is awake can be more accurately detected as the inspection timing, and the inspection can be performed at that timing to prevent the user from sleeping comfortably.

The inspection result notifying system according to claim 6 made according to the present invention to solve the above problem, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. 1, uses the gas alarm device 10 according to claim 1 to 5. An inspection result notifying system for notifying the user of an inspection result by display, wherein the gas alarm device 10 is configured to further include a transmission unit 19 for transmitting a determination result of the inspection determination unit 11a2, and the transmission unit 19 Receiving means 2 for receiving the determination result transmitted by
5 and a superimposing means 26 for superimposing the determination result received by the receiving means 25 on the video of the television receiver 20.
And the following.

According to the inspection result notifying system of the present invention described in claim 6, the transmission means 19 of the gas alarm 10 is provided.
Is received by the receiving means 25, the determination result is superimposed on the video of the television receiver 20 by the superimposing means 26. Therefore, since the inspection result performed by the gas alarm device 10 is superimposed on the image of the television receiver 20, the inspection result of the gas alarm device 10 can be notified to the user using the television receiver 20. it can. Further, it is possible to notify the user whether the alarm sound emitted by the gas alarm device 10 is due to an inspection or is in response to an abnormality such as a gas leak. Therefore, even when the gas alarm device 10 is provided in a place such as a ceiling where visual recognition is difficult, the user can easily check the inspection result with the television receiver 20.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of a gas alarm and an inspection result notifying system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the drawings.

Here, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gas alarm according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inspection result notifying system according to the present invention.
5 is a flowchart showing a part of the outline of processing performed by the CPU in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another part of the outline of processing performed by the CPU in FIG.

In FIG. 2, a gas alarm device 10 installed on a ceiling, a wall, or the like in a room includes a microcomputer (μCOM) 11 that operates according to a predetermined program.
Having. The μCOM 11 is, as is well known, a central processing unit (CPU) 11a that performs various processes and controls in accordance with a predetermined program, and a read-only memory RO that stores a program for the CPU 11a.
M11b, storing various data and CPU 11
It has a RAM 11c, which is a readable and writable memory having an area necessary for the processing operation a, and the like.

The μCOM 11 is connected to a gas detector 12 which is detachably mounted on condition that the gas detector is replaced at regular intervals. When the gas detection signal output from the gas detection unit 12 is input to the μCOM 11, the CPU 1
1a determines that the magnitude of the gas detection signal exceeds the alarm level.

The μCOM 11 is connected to an electrically erasable / rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM) 13 capable of retaining the stored contents even when the apparatus main body is off. By storing in the EEPROM 13 various counters for counting the number of changes in the installation location that occur in accordance with the activity of the user, it is possible to ensure that the information being counted disappears even if a power failure occurs or the outlet is disconnected. Preventing.

Examples of the counter stored in the EEPROM 13 include, for example, an optical counter for counting the number of changes in the detected light, a user counter for counting the number of changes in the user's access to the detected predetermined area, There are a temperature counter for counting the number of changes in temperature, a sound counter for counting the number of changes in detected sound, and the like.

The μCOM 11 is driven by a home power supply or a backup power supply (not shown) using a built-in battery or the like, and its output is connected to the audio IC 14a. The voice IC 14a contains a plurality of types of voice information, for example, voice information such as "Is gas leaking?"

Then, from the voice IC 14a to the μCOM 11
Is output to the filter 14b, and the voice information is amplified by the amplifier 14c through the filter 14b, and is output from a speaker (corresponding to an alarm unit).
Output from 14d. Further, the amplifier 14e has a μCO
The alarm signal and check signal output from the μCOM are also amplified by the amplifier 14e, and are connected to the M1.
Output from 4d.

The μCOM 11 further includes a photodetector 15,
Various detection units, such as a user detection unit 16, a temperature detection unit 17, and a sound detection unit 18, which can detect a change in the installation location of the apparatus main body in response to the activity of the user are connected.

The light detecting section 15 has an optical sensor for outputting an optical signal corresponding to the amount of light at the installation location. The output optical signal is input to the μCOM 11. And μ
The CPU 11a of the COM 11 monitors changes such as dark → bright, bright → dark, etc., based on the input optical signal. For example, the change from dark to bright is due to the time of the day or when the user turns on the room lighting. Is performed, it is possible to solve the problem of hindering the user from sleeping comfortably.

The user detecting section 16 has an infrared sensor for monitoring a user entering or exiting a predetermined area and outputting a monitoring signal according to a monitoring state in the predetermined area. The monitoring signal is input to μCOM11. Note that the predetermined area corresponds to a place where the apparatus main body is installed, a place where there is a high possibility that the user will stay during a time period in which the user is active, and the like. Then, the CPU 11a of the μCOM 11
Monitors the change of the user in and out of the predetermined area based on the input monitoring signal. Since the fact that there is a change in the predetermined area is a time zone during which the user is active, if the inspection is performed at that timing, it is possible to solve the problem that the user is disturbed in sleep. .

The temperature detecting section 17 has a temperature sensor for outputting a temperature signal corresponding to the temperature of the installation location. The output temperature signal is input to the μCOM 11. Then, the CPU 11a of the μCOM 11 monitors a change in temperature based on the input temperature signal. For example, the fact that the temperature rises by 5 degrees or more means that the inspection is performed during the daytime or during the time when the user is using the heating device. The problem of disturbing sleep can be solved.

The sound detector 18 has a microphone that outputs a sound signal corresponding to the sound generated at the set location. The output sound signal is input to the μCOM 11. Then, the CPU 11a of the μCOM 11 monitors a change in sound at a predetermined level or higher based on the input sound signal. Such a change in sound is a time when the user is talking loudly, etc., so if the inspection is performed at that timing, the user will be disturbed to sleep well. Can be eliminated.

The μCOM 11 is further connected to an alarm device-side transmission / reception unit (corresponding to transmission means) 19, for example, a digital cellular phone (PDC = personal digital cellula).
r) or a wireless device can be used, and wireless communication with other devices is enabled. For details, μ
The information input from the COM 11 is wirelessly transmitted to the designated communication destination, and the received information is transmitted to the μCOM 11
Output to

Next, the inspection result notifying system shown in FIG. 3 includes the above-described gas alarm 10 and the television receiver 2.
0. This television receiver 20
Includes a tuner 21, an auto channel circuit 22, a TV circuit 24, and a display unit 24, as is well known. The television receiver 20 further includes a wireless receiving unit 25 (corresponding to a receiving unit) that wirelessly receives the inspection result information from the gas alarm device 10 and a display unit 24 that displays the determination result received by the wireless receiving unit 25. And a superimposing circuit 26 (corresponding to a superimposing means) for superimposing (superimposing) on the video image.

Here, the operation of the television receiver 20 will be described. The tuner 21 selects a broadcast wave of a desired channel from the television broadcast waves induced by the antenna according to an instruction of the auto channel circuit 22, converts the broadcast wave into an intermediate frequency, and outputs the intermediate frequency to the TV circuit 23. The TV circuit 23 amplifies a television signal sent from the tuner 21, performs processing such as video detection, period separation, and audio detection, outputs a video signal to the display unit 24, and outputs an audio signal to a speaker ( (Not shown).

Then, the gas alarm device 1 is
When the inspection result information from 0 is received, the inspection result information is output to the superimpose circuit 26. When the inspection result is normal, the superimpose circuit 26 has a built-in message such as “The alarm has been inspected. There is no problem.” The superimpose circuit 26 outputs a signal to be displayed at an arbitrary position on the TV screen. The signal is output to the circuit 23. And T
The video signal in which the message is synchronized with the horizontal / vertical synchronization signal by the V circuit 23 according to this signal is output to the display unit 24.

Next, the CP of the gas alarm 10 according to the present invention will be described.
An example of the outline of the processing performed by U11a will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

When the CPU 11a is started by supplying power from a power supply unit (not shown), a step S shown in FIG.
In step 1, an initial process such as turning off a timing flag stored in the RAM 11c is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S2.

In step 2, the gas detection signal from the gas detection unit 12 is fetched, and in step S3, a gas leak occurs based on whether the magnitude of the gas detection signal exceeds the alarm level. Is determined. If it is determined that a gas leak has occurred (Y in step S2), the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the alarm signal is output to the amplifier 14c, and the audio signal is output to the audio IC 14c.
a is output at a shifted timing with respect to a, and then the process proceeds to step S5. By this processing, the audio IC 14a outputs audio information corresponding to the alarm signal to the speaker 14d via the filter 14b and the amplifier 14c. As a result, a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 14d in response to the warning signal, and a sound saying "Is gas leaking?"

In step S5, it is determined whether or not the gas leakage has stopped based on the gas detection signal taken in thereafter. If it is determined that the gas leak has not stopped (N in step S5), the gas leak is continuously monitored by repeating this determination process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the gas leakage has stopped (Y in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6. And step S
At 6, the alarm signal is stopped, and a voice stop signal is output to the voice IC 14a. Thereafter, the process returns to step S2 to repeat a series of processes. By this processing, the warning by the warning sound and the sound is stopped.

If it is determined in step S3 that no gas leakage has occurred (N in step S3), the process proceeds to step S7. Then, in step S7, it is determined based on the optical signal input from the light detection unit 15 whether or not the brightness of the light at the installation location has changed. If it is determined that the brightness of the light has not changed (N in step S7), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when it is determined that the light brightness has changed (Y in step S7), the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the EEPROM 13
Is added to the light counter of step S9, and in step S9,
It is determined whether the light counter has become equal to the light threshold value X1 (for example, 100 times) stored in the ROM 11b in advance. The light threshold X1 sets the number of times corresponding to the interval of the periodic inspection and the like. If it is determined that the light counter is not equal to the light threshold value X1, that is, it is not the inspection timing (N in step S9), step S1
Proceed to 2. On the other hand, the light counter is equal to the light threshold X1,
That is, it is determined that it is the inspection timing, and step S1
Go to 0.

In step S10, the timing flag of the RAM 11c is turned on. In step S11, the optical counter of the EEPROM 13 is cleared, and thereafter, the flow proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the user detecting unit 1
It is determined based on the monitoring signal input from 6 whether or not a change in the user's access to the predetermined area has been detected. If it is determined that a change in the predetermined area has not been detected, that is, if it is determined that no user has entered or exited the predetermined area (N in step S12), the process proceeds to step S17 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when a change in the predetermined area is detected, that is, when it is determined that the user has entered or exited the predetermined area (Y in step S12), the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the EEPROM 1
In step S14, it is determined whether or not the user counter has become equal to the user threshold X2 (for example, 1000 times) stored in the ROM 11b in advance. The threshold value X for the user
2 sets the number of times corresponding to the interval of the periodic inspection, and the like. The user counter is not equal to the user threshold X2,
That is, when it is determined that it is not the inspection timing (N in step S14), the process proceeds to step S17 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the user counter is equal to the user threshold X
It is determined that it is equal to 2, that is, the inspection timing,
Proceed to step S15.

In step S15, the timing flag of the RAM 11c is turned on. In step S16, the user counter of the EEPROM 13 is cleared.
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S17 shown in FIG.

In step S17 shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not a change in temperature has been detected based on the temperature signal input from temperature detecting section 17. If it is determined that the temperature change has not been detected (N in step S17), the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if it is determined that a change in temperature has been detected (Y in step S17), the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the EEPROM 1
In step S19, it is determined whether the temperature counter has become equal to the temperature threshold X3 (for example, 50 times) stored in the ROM 11b in advance. As the temperature threshold X3, the number of times corresponding to the interval of the periodic inspection is set. If it is determined that the temperature counter is not equal to the temperature threshold X3, that is, it is determined that it is not the inspection timing (N in step S19), the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, when it is determined that the temperature counter is equal to the temperature threshold value X3, that is, it is the inspection timing (Y in step S19),
Proceed to step S20.

In step S20, the timing flag of the RAM 11c is turned on. In step S21, the temperature counter of the EEPROM 13 is cleared, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, it is determined whether a change in sound has been detected based on the sound signal input from the sound detector 18. If it is determined that a temperature change has not been detected (N in step S22), step S27
Proceed to. On the other hand, if it is determined that a change in sound has been detected (Y in step S22), the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the EEPROM 1
In the step S24, it is determined whether or not the sound counter has become equal to the sound threshold value X4 (for example, 50 times) stored in the ROM 11b in advance. As the sound threshold X4, the number of times corresponding to the interval of the periodic inspection is set. If it is determined that the sound counter is not equal to the sound threshold X4, that is, it is determined that it is not the inspection timing (N in step S24), the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sound counter is equal to the sound threshold X4, that is, it is the inspection timing (Y in step S24), step S25 is performed.
Proceed to.

In step S25, the timing flag of the RAM 11c is turned on, and in step S26, the sound counter of the EEPROM 13 is cleared, and thereafter, the flow proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, it is determined whether the timing flag of the RAM 11c is ON. If it is determined that the timing flag is not ON (N in step S27), the process returns to step S2 shown in FIG.
A series of processes will be repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timing flag is ON (step S27)
Y), and the process proceeds to step S28. Therefore, step S2
Since it is determined by the determination processing of 7 whether or not it is time to perform the inspection, this step S27 corresponds to the timing determination means.

In step S28, a check signal for sounding the speaker 14d at a predetermined standard value is output to the amplifier 1
4c, it is determined by referring to the sound detector 18 whether or not an alarm sound has been issued in response to the inspection signal. The determination result is generated in the RAM 11c as inspection result information, and then the process proceeds to step S29. As an example of the inspection result information, “0” is set when the inspection result is normal, and “1” is set when the inspection result is abnormal. Therefore, as apparent from the fact that the inspection signal is output and the inspection result is determined, step S28 corresponds to the inspection signal generating means and the inspection determining means.

In step S29, inspection result information indicating the inspection result is generated in the RAM 11c, and the inspection result information is output to the alarm device-side transmitting / receiving section 19 by designating the transmission destination, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step S30. Then, by this processing, the inspection result information is wirelessly transmitted to the wireless receiving unit 25 of the television receiver 20 by the alarm device transmitting / receiving unit 19.

At step S30, the EEPROM 1
The timing flag of No. 3 is turned off, the process returns to step S2 shown in FIG. 4, and a series of processes is repeated.

As described above, steps S7 and S1
2, S17 and S22, the change in the installation location (brightness of light, movement of the user, temperature, sound, etc.) occurring according to the activity of the user is detected. , S17, and S22 correspond to a change detection unit. Steps S8 and S1
Since the number of times of the detected change is counted in each of the processes of S3, S18, and S23, step S
Each processing of 8, S13, S18, and S23 corresponds to the counting means.

Therefore, as is clear from the above description, the CPU 11a of the μCOM 11 functions as an inspection signal transmitting unit, an inspection determining unit, a change detecting unit, a counting unit, and a timing determining unit described in the claims. are doing.

Next, an example of the operation (action) of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described below.

When the gas alarm 10 is installed and turned on, gas leakage is monitored based on the gas detection signal from the gas detector 12 (steps S2 to S3). If a gas leak is detected (Y in step S3), a warning sound is issued from the speaker 14d until the gas leak stops (steps S4 to S6).

When there is no gas leakage,
A change in light intensity (step S7), a change in a predetermined area (step S12), a change in temperature (step S17),
Changes that occur in response to the user's activity, such as changes in the sound (step S22), are monitored. When the change is detected, 1 is added to a counter corresponding to the detected change, whereby the number of times of each change is counted.

Then, at least one of the various counters
One reaches a threshold (X1 to X4) indicating a predetermined number of times according to the type of the counter (steps S7, S12,
In either of S17 and S22, Y), it is considered that it is the timing to check the operation of the speaker 14d as the warning means, that is, the timing of the check is detected.
Then, an inspection signal for inspection is generated, and it is determined whether or not the operation of the speaker 14d according to the inspection signal is normal (step S28). Then, the inspection result information indicating this determination result is transmitted to the wireless receiving unit 25 of the television receiver 20 via the alarm device transmitting / receiving unit 19 (step S29).

On the other hand, when the inspection result information is received by the radio receiving unit 25 of the television receiver 20, the inspection result corresponding to the inspection result information is superimposed on a corner (for example, upper left) of the TV screen. . Specifically, character information such as "The alarm has been checked. There is no problem." Is superimposed on the TV screen.

As described above, the timing at which the speaker (alarm means) 14d is checked is detected when the number of times of counting the change in the installation location caused by the user's activity has reached the number of checks. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the speaker 14d from being inspected while the user is sleeping. In addition, since the timing is detected based on the number of inspections, it is not necessary to use a time measuring means such as a timer as in the related art, so that even if a power failure or an outlet is disconnected, the inspection is performed. Is always performed while the user is active.

Therefore, the timing for performing the inspection is detected only when the user is active, so that it is possible to solve the problem that the user is surprised by suddenly emitting a voice or a warning sound in the middle of the night.

Since the inspection result performed by the gas alarm device 10 is superimposed on the image of the television receiver 20,
The user can be notified of the inspection result of the gas alarm device 10 using the television receiver 20. Further, it is possible to notify the user whether the alarm sound emitted by the gas alarm device 10 is due to an inspection or is in response to an abnormality such as a gas leak. Therefore, even when the gas alarm device 10 is provided in a place such as a ceiling where visual recognition is difficult, the user can easily check the inspection result with the television receiver 20.

In the above-described embodiment, when any one of a change in light brightness, a change in a predetermined area, a change in temperature, and a change in sound is detected, an installation that occurs according to the activity of the user. Although the description has been given of the case where it is assumed that a change has occurred in the location, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is more accurate to determine whether or not a change has occurred by combining various changes. It is possible to detect a change that occurs in accordance with the activity of the user.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the receiving means and the superimposing means are incorporated in the television receiver 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. Television receiver 2
0 may be realized as a separate device. For example, it can be used as an adapter interposed between the antenna and the tuner 21.

[0072]

As described above, according to the gas alarm according to the first aspect of the present invention, the timing at which the alarm is checked is determined by counting the change in the installation location that occurs in accordance with the activity of the user. Since detection is performed when the number of times of counting reaches the number of times of inspection, it is possible to prevent the alarm means from being inspected while the user is sleeping. In addition, since the timing is detected based on the number of inspections, it is not necessary to use a time measuring means such as a timer as in the related art, so that even if a power failure or an outlet is disconnected, the inspection is performed. Is always performed while the user is active. Therefore, the timing for performing the inspection is detected only during the activity of the user, so that there is an effect that the inspection can be performed without surprise the user.

According to the invention described in claim 2, according to claim 1
In addition to the effects of the invention described in (1), by detecting changes such as dark to bright, it is possible to detect changes such as the time of day when the user turns on the room lighting. It is possible to detect the timing when the probability that the person is awake is high. Therefore, since the time zone in which the user is awake can be more accurately detected as the timing of the inspection, it is possible to prevent the user from sleeping comfortably by performing the inspection at that timing. .

According to the invention described in claim 3, according to claim 1
Or, in addition to the effects of the invention described in 2, the use is monitored by monitoring the user's access to a predetermined area such as a place where the apparatus main body is installed, a place where there is a high possibility that the user will stay during the time when the user is active. Since it is possible to detect the start of the user's activity, the time period during which the user is active, and the like, it is possible to detect the timing when the probability that the user is awake is high. Therefore, since the time zone in which the user is awake can be more accurately detected as the timing of the inspection, it is possible to prevent the user from sleeping comfortably by performing the inspection at that timing. .

According to the invention set forth in claim 4, according to claim 1,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of (1) to (3), by detecting a change in temperature at which the temperature rises by 5 degrees or more, for example, during the day or during a time period when the user is using the heating device Can be detected, it is possible to detect the timing when the probability that the user is awake is high. Therefore, since the time zone in which the user is awake can be more accurately detected as the timing of the inspection, it is possible to prevent the user from sleeping comfortably by performing the inspection at that timing. .

According to the invention described in claim 5, claim 1 is provided.
In addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of (1) to (4), by detecting a change in sound above a predetermined level, it is possible to detect a change to a time zone in which the user is talking loudly or the like. Therefore, it is possible to detect a timing at which the probability that the user is awake is high. Therefore, since the time zone in which the user is awake can be more accurately detected as the timing of the inspection, it is possible to prevent the user from sleeping comfortably by performing the inspection at that timing. .

As described above, according to the inspection result notifying system of the present invention, the gas alarm 10
Is superimposed on the image of the television receiver 20, so that the user can be notified of the inspection result of the gas alarm device 10 using the television receiver 20. Further, it is possible to notify the user whether the alarm sound emitted by the gas alarm device 10 is due to an inspection or is in response to an abnormality such as a gas leak. Therefore, even when the gas alarm device 10 is provided in a place such as a ceiling where visibility is difficult, a user can easily check the inspection result with the television receiver 20.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a gas alarm device and an inspection result notification system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gas alarm device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inspection result notification system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing outline performed by a CPU in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another part of the outline of the processing performed by the CPU in FIG. 3;

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Gas alarm 11a1 Check signal generation means (CP of gas alarm
U) 11a2 Inspection determination means (CPU of gas alarm) 11a3 Change detection means (CPU of gas alarm) 11a4 Counting means (CPU of gas alarm) 11a5 Timing determination means (CP of gas alarm)
U) 15 light detecting means (light detecting section) 16 user monitoring means (user detecting section) 17 temperature detecting means (temperature detecting section) 18 sound detecting means (sound detecting section) 19 transmitting means (alarm device transmitting / receiving section) Reference Signs List 20 television receiver 25 receiving means (wireless receiving unit) 26 superimposing means (superimpose circuit)

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Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. Alarm means for issuing an alarm in response to detection of a gas concentration exceeding an alarm level, inspection signal generating means for generating an inspection signal for checking the operation of the alarm means, and inspection signal generation Inspection determination means for determining whether the operation of the alarm means in response to the inspection signal generated by the means is normal, and a gas alarm device for detecting the timing of the inspection, Change detection means for detecting a change in an installation location caused by an activity; counting means for counting the number of times of the change detected by the change detection means; and a counting result of the counting means, the number of inspections corresponding to the timing. And timing determination means for determining that the timing is reached when the timing has been reached, wherein the inspection signal generating means determines that the timing determination means is the timing. Gas detector, characterized in that to generate the inspection signals in response. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a light detecting unit that outputs an optical signal corresponding to a light amount of the installation location, wherein the change detecting unit detects the change based on the optical signal output by the light detecting unit. The gas alarm according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The system according to claim 2, further comprising: a user monitoring unit that outputs a monitoring signal that changes in accordance with a user entering or exiting the predetermined area, wherein the change detecting unit is configured to output a monitoring signal based on the monitoring signal output by the user monitoring unit. The gas alarm according to claim 1, wherein the change is detected by detecting the change. 4. A temperature detecting means for outputting a temperature signal according to a temperature of the installation location, wherein the change detecting means detects the change based on the temperature signal output by the temperature detecting means. The gas alarm according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein 5. A sound detecting device for outputting a sound signal corresponding to a sound generated at the installation location, wherein the change detecting device detects the change based on the sound signal output by the sound detecting device. The gas alarm according to claim 1, wherein: 6. An inspection result notifying system for notifying a user of an inspection result of the gas alarm device according to claim 1 by display, wherein the gas alarm device determines a result of the inspection by the inspection determining means. A transmitting unit for transmitting the determination result transmitted by the transmitting unit; a superimposing unit configured to superimpose the determination result received by the receiving unit on an image of a television receiver; An inspection result notification system, comprising: