JP2002303678A - Reflection-type sensor and device with built-in reflection-type sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reflection-type sensor which can perform a detection with high reliability by a method wherein a signal capable of creeping as a noise from another signal generation source is discriminated from reflected waves by transmitted waves from an own device and to provide a device with a built-in reflection-type sensor so that an interference is not generated between reflection-type sensors in an environment in which a plurality of reflection-type sensors and a plurality of devices with built-in reflection-type devices are arranged so as to be adjacent or installed side by side. SOLUTION: The reflection-type sensor is provided with a transmission means which transmits wave energy and a reception means. A transmission from the transmission means is intermittently performed while a combination of the ON-time and the OFF-time is used as one transmission unit, and it is constituted as a block composed of a plurality of transmission units. A means by which a signal received by the reception means is compared with each transmission unit in the transmission so as to correspond to the block and which judges whether the received signal is a signal reflected by a desired specimen or not is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a reflection type sensor utilizing wave energy and a device incorporating the reflection type sensor. As wave energy, far-infrared rays belonging to radio waves, microwaves, or ultrasonic waves
It belongs to the frequency band of KHz to 100 GHz,
In particular, it is preferable because a microwave having a frequency of 1 GHz to 30 GHz can detect not only the presence or absence of an object but also the state of approaching or moving away.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There has been proposed a system for automatically opening and closing doors and an automatic toilet cleaning system by measuring the distance and presence or absence of a human body or an object using a reflection type sensor.

For example, when a movable body detection device using radio waves is used as a human body detection device, it is effective to set the frequency band of the electromagnetic wave to be used to 1 GHz to 100 GHz. As a typical example of such a human body detection device,
A Doppler sensor using the Doppler effect by a radio wave (especially a microwave or a millimeter wave) is given. The above-mentioned Doppler sensor is applied to a traffic volume survey, an underground search, an automatic door system, a speed gun, and the like.

The principle of human body detection by a Doppler sensor using the above-described Doppler effect by radio waves is as follows (1).
It is shown by the formula.

ΔF = F _S -F _b = 2 × F _S × ν / c (1)

In the equation (1), ΔF is the Doppler frequency (about 5 to 200 Hz), and F _S is the frequency of the transmission wave (transmission frequency), which is about 10.525 GHz.
_Fb is the frequency of the reflected wave (reflection frequency), ν is the walking speed of a person, and c is the speed of light (300 × 10 ⁶ m / s).

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view of the principle of human body detection by a Doppler sensor utilizing the above-described Doppler effect by radio waves, and shows an example in which the above-mentioned Doppler sensor is installed on the upper front of a male urinal. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the Doppler sensor.

[0008] In FIG. 17, the symbol F _S is a transmission wave from the antenna of the Doppler sensor 1, and the symbol F _b is that the transmission wave F _S is reflected on the human body (pedestrian) 5 toward the male urinal 3. Is a reflected wave that has undergone a Doppler frequency shift due to relative motion (walking speed of the pedestrian 5) ν. As shown in FIG. 18, the reflected wave F _b is received by the receiving device 9, while the transmission wave F _S from the transmitter 7 are loaded into the receiving device 9 as a reference signal. Then, the difference detection circuit 11, and the reflected wave F _b, is the frequency difference between the transmission wave F _S [Delta] F (Doppler frequency) is extracted as a detection signal, is output through the bandpass filter 13.

Since the distance between the antenna and the human body 5 is inversely proportional to the amplitude of the Doppler frequency ΔF, the position of the human body 5 can be detected if the value of ΔF is known. In addition, by analyzing the frequency spectrum of the Doppler frequency ΔF, it is possible to detect whether the human body 5 is approaching or away from the male urinal 3 (moving direction of the human body 5). The Doppler signal (Doppler frequency) ΔF is about 67 Hz if the walking speed ν of the human body 5 is 1 m / s when the transmission wave F _S is 10 GHz. The running speed is 100 km / h.
In the case of the car of 1, the frequency is 1,852 Hz. If the band frequency of the band filter 13 is set according to the measurement object, other radio waves mixed as noise can be cut.

[0010]

As described above, FIG.
By setting the band frequency of the band filter 13 indicated by 8 according to the application of the Doppler sensor 1, it is possible to cut most of the noise mixed in the Doppler signal ΔF in the Doppler sensor 1 having the above configuration. .

However, the frequency F _b ′ which is substantially equal to the reception wave F _b
If the radio wave transmitting source 15 that transmits a radio wave having the following is accidentally installed near the Doppler sensor 1, the radio wave transmitting source 15 causes interference with the Doppler sensor 1, and as a result, There is a problem that the Doppler sensor 1 may malfunction. In other words, rather than the reflected wave of the reception means 9 from the originating object 7, 'by reading the reflected wave, the differential detection circuit 11 is a radio wave F _b' Telecommunications F _b from the radio wave source 15 and, taking out a frequency difference between the transmission wave F _s as a detection signal, it will be output through the bandpass filter 13.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a case where Doppler sensors are provided side by side. In FIG.
Similar Doppler sensor 1B near Doppler sensor 1A
Is installed, it is difficult to specify whether the reflected wave 18 of the transmitted wave 17 from the device A or the reflected wave 20 of the transmitted wave 19 from the device B. Does not exist in front of the male urinal 3 but outputs a signal indicating that it exists, or the human body 5
However, there is a problem in that the reliability of the Doppler sensor, such as outputting a signal indicating that it is approaching even though the user is approaching, or erroneously detecting the walking speed of the human body 5, is reduced.

[0013] The above-mentioned problem is caused by arranging a large number of male urinals side by side in a relatively narrow space such as a men's toilet room of an office building, and installing the Doppler sensor having the above-mentioned configuration in each male urinal. It occurs remarkably in the case where it is done. Also,
Even when only one so-called Western-style toilet device is installed in a private room, a plurality of Doppler sensors may be installed in one toilet device depending on the application, so even in such a case, Interference between the sensors becomes a problem.

In addition, in the case of the Doppler sensor having the above-mentioned structure, the frequency that can be used is restricted to a specific frequency band by the Radio Law so that various public works such as speed control by police are not hindered. . Therefore, there is a high possibility that the above-described malfunction occurs in each sensor due to the above-described interference between the sensors.

Similarly, even when a sensor using infrared rays or a sensor using ultrasonic waves is used, if the sensors are incorporated in a simultaneous device or if the sensors are arranged close to each other, they may interfere with each other. And the possibility of malfunction was high.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a reflection type sensor capable of performing highly reliable detection by distinguishing a signal which can enter as noise from another signal generation source from a reflection wave of a transmission wave from its own device. An object of the present invention is to provide a reflection type sensor built-in device.

Another object of the present invention is to dispose a plurality of the reflection type sensors and devices incorporating the reflection type sensors in the vicinity or to prevent interference between the sensors in an environment in which the sensors are arranged side by side.

[0018]

Means for Solving the Problems and Action / Effect The invention according to the first aspect of the present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. The transmission from the transmission unit is performed intermittently using a combination of ON time and OFF time as one transmission unit, is configured as a block including a plurality of transmission units, and is received by the reception unit corresponding to this block. Means for comparing the received signal with each transmission unit in the transmission and judging whether or not the received signal is reflected by a desired object to be detected.

According to the above arrangement, the transmission means intermittently transmits a plurality of transmission units as one block,
By sequentially changing each transmission unit constituting one block and synchronizing a pair of transmission means and reception means, each device is a reflected wave of a transmission wave from its own device, It is possible to determine whether the noise is from the device. Therefore, even if a large number of identical reflective sensors are incorporated in a relatively narrow space, the received signal is a reflected wave of a transmitted wave from the own device or a reflected wave (= noise) due to a transmitted wave from another device. ) Can be determined.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for changing an intermittent transmission state from the transmission means, wherein the variable means has a constant transmission cycle of each transmission unit and an ON state of each transmission unit. The DUTY of the time and the OFF time is variable.

According to the above arrangement, the transmission means has a fixed period of each transmission unit, but varies the transmission state by changing the DUTY. Correlation (synchronization) with the transmission unit can be easily performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for varying the intermittent transmission state from the transmission means, wherein the variable means varies the transmission cycle of each transmission unit, and changes the transmission cycle of each transmission unit. It is characterized by having means for varying the ON time or the OFF time.

According to the above arrangement, the transmitting means has means for varying the transmission cycle of each transmission unit and varying the ON time or OFF time of each transmission unit, thereby providing a signal form for each transmission unit. Can be diversified, and even when the same reflective sensor is installed in a narrow space, it is possible to reliably prevent each sensor from interfering with each other.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for changing a state of an intermittent transmission from the transmission unit, wherein the variable unit changes a transmission frequency of a transmission signal.

According to the above configuration, the transmission means transmits the transmission cycle of each transmission unit and the ON time or OFF of each transmission unit.
By varying the transmission frequency as well as the time, it is possible to easily associate (synchronize) each signal in the receiving means with each transmission unit of the transmission means, and diversify the signal form of each transmission unit. Therefore, even when the same reflective sensor is installed in a narrow space, it is possible to reliably prevent each sensor from interfering with each other.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, as the means for changing the transmission state of the transmission means, there is provided a selection means for changing the transmission state of each transmission unit by selecting from predetermined information. It is characterized by.

According to the above configuration, the transmitting means selects from among predetermined information and varies the transmission state of each transmission unit, thereby enabling a large number of identical reflection-type sensors in a relatively narrow space. In the case of the incorporation, it is easy to make settings so that the respective transmission states are different.

[0028] The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the predetermined information is stored in a memory capable of writing as well as reading.

According to the above configuration, the transmission wave transmitted from the transmission state is selected not only by selecting the data in the memory but also by rewriting the data with new data, so that the transmission wave is transmitted in a relatively narrow space. When a large number of the same reflective sensors are incorporated, it is easy to set the respective transmission states to be different.

[0030] The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the means for varying the transmission state of the transmission means varies the transmission state of each transmission unit based on a random number generated by the random number generation means. I do.

According to the above configuration, the transmission means is configured such that each transmission unit is selected by a random number for each transmission, so that the transmission state of one block is different without any special setting. Even when a large number of identical reflective sensors are incorporated in a narrow space, their transmission states are different.

The invention according to claim 8, wherein the receiving means receives a signal of a predetermined level or more continuously during a period corresponding to at least one transmission unit, the signal indicating the state of the detected object. And outputting a different abnormal signal.

The ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that an abnormality occurrence signal indicating that an abnormality of the reflection type sensor itself has occurred is output by detecting the abnormality signal a plurality of times.

According to the above configuration, a signal having a predetermined level or higher is continuously received during a period corresponding to at least one transmission unit, or a signal having a predetermined level or higher is continuously received during a period corresponding to the block. In a situation where it is difficult to receive the reflected wave of the transmission signal transmitted by the own device, a signal different from the signal indicating the state of the detected object is output, so that the device provided with this sensor can output the signal. Then, an operation such as shifting to a predetermined operation in synchronization with this signal can notify the installer or user of the device.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the device incorporating the reflection type sensor, the transmission time of an arbitrary block of the reflection type sensor detects an object to be detected and judges the state. It is characterized in that it is adjusted to less than half of the determination time.

According to the above arrangement, the transmission means intermittently transmits a plurality of transmission units as one block,
Since the transmission time of the arbitrary block is adjusted to be equal to or less than 1/2 of the time for detecting the detected object, the start and end of the block always enter within the time for detecting the detected object, and the shortest time is required. The object to be detected can be reliably detected.

As described above, according to the present invention, a signal which can enter as noise from another signal generation source is distinguished from a reflected wave of a transmission wave from the own device, thereby enabling highly reliable detection. It is possible to provide a reflection type sensor and a reflection type sensor built-in device which can be performed.

Further, it is possible to arrange a plurality of the reflection type sensors and the reflection type sensor built-in devices near each other, or to prevent interference between the sensors in an environment where they are arranged side by side. .

[0039]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a state in which the reflection type sensor according to the present invention is installed in a urinal or a local cleaning device juxtaposed and an automatic water faucet installed adjacent thereto.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the reflection type sensor according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal and a reception signal of the reflection type sensor. FIG. FIG.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which urinals 3a to 3d are juxtaposed in a men's lavatory such as a public facility, and the reflective sensors 37a to 37d provided in the respective urinals 3a to 3d.
Urinals 3a to 3d based on the human body detection signal by 7d
The opening / closing of an opening / closing valve (not shown) in the toilet flush water supply channel built in the toilet is controlled. FIG. 2 shows a state in which a hand basin 2 and a toilet 4 in one toilet room are installed, and a toilet incorporating an automatic faucet provided in the hand basin 2 and a local cleaning device fixed to the toilet. Each of the devices is provided with a reflection type sensor 37a, and the driving of the automatic faucet and the local cleaning device is controlled based on the human body detection signal from the reflection type sensor 37a.

Next, the detection operation of each reflection type sensor 37, which is the gist of the present invention, will be described in detail. The above device performs detection operation using wave energy,
As shown in FIG. 3, a transmitting means 23 for transmitting a microwave of about 10 GHz as a transmitting wave, a variable means 27 for changing a transmitting state, a receiving means 25, and a transmitting signal 33 and a receiving signal 35 as described later. Comparison means 29 for comparing synchronization
Difference detecting means 30 for detecting the Doppler frequency based on the frequencies of the transmission signal 33 and the receiving signal 35; and state determining means for determining the state of the object 21 based on the signals from the comparing means 29 and the difference detecting means 30. 31.

As shown in FIG. 4, the transmission signal 33 has ON times T1 and T based on a signal from the variable means 27.
2,. . . Tn and OFF times V1, V2,. . . Vn are specified, and one transmission unit F1, F1
2,. . . Fn is intermittently transmitted as Fn and is configured as a block 41 composed of an aggregate of a plurality of transmission units.

In the above configuration, the comparing means 29 synchronizes the reception signal 35 and the transmission signal 33 of the reflection type sensor 37 for each transmission unit with a time lag from transmission to reception (reception timing) and a reception time length. Judgment is made by using the reception interval and the like. If the reflected wave is synchronized with the transmission signal 33 of the own device, it is judged that the reception is based on the transmission signal 33, but it is mixed as noise 36 from another signal source. If there is, the received signal 35 is not synchronized with the transmission signal 33, so that not the reflected wave of the transmitted wave from the own device but the noise 3 from the other device.
6 is determined. And one block 41
If the reception signal 35 synchronized with the transmission signal 33 continues to be detected continuously, the comparing means 29 outputs the result of the determination that "there is an object". Then, based on the output of the comparing means and the output of the difference detecting means 30, the output shown in FIG.

It is to be noted that each of the transmission units F1, F2,. . . By changing the number of Fn and the combination of the ON time and the OFF time for each block, it is unlikely that the transmission signal 33 from the own device coincides with the transmission signal from another nearby signal generation source. Therefore, the probability that the own device malfunctions due to the noise 36 from another signal generation source can be reduced.

FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal and a reception signal showing a first specific example of a transmission signal of the reflection type sensor according to the above configuration of the present invention.

As shown in the waveform diagram of FIG. 6, the variable means 27 transmits each transmission unit F of the transmission signal 33 of the reflection type sensor 37.
1, F2,. . . Fn are set equal to each other, and the ON times T1, T2,. . . Tn is set arbitrarily.

According to this example, even if a transmission signal having the same frequency as that of the transmission signal 33 is radiated from another signal generation source in the vicinity, as long as the DUTY pattern of the transmission signal does not match, the own apparatus is not used. Malfunction due to noise from other signal sources can be prevented. Further, although the cycle of each transmission unit is constant, the transmission state is varied by changing DUTY, so that it is easy to associate (synchronize) each signal in the reception unit with each transmission unit of the transmission unit. Can be done.

The ON times T1, T2,. . . T
If n is made variable for each block by the variable means 27 without uniquely setting all the blocks, the DUTY pattern of the transmission signal from the device and the transmission signal from a signal source existing in the vicinity DUTY patterns are extremely unlikely to match, so that the probability that the device itself malfunctions due to noise from other signal sources can be reduced.

FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal and a reception signal showing a second specific example of the transmission signal of the reflection type sensor according to the above configuration of the present invention.

In this specific example, the variable means 27 sets the transmission cycle F
1, F2,. . . Fn and the respective ON times T1, T
2,. . . Tn is set arbitrarily.

According to this specific example, even if a transmission signal having the same frequency as the transmission signal 33 is radiated from another signal generation source nearby, the transmission signal periods F1, F2,. . .
Fn and ON times T1, T2,. . . As long as the duty patterns of Tn do not match, it is possible to prevent the device from malfunctioning due to noise from another signal generation source. Further, the signal form of each transmission unit can be diversified, and even when the same reflective sensor is installed in a small space, it is possible to reliably prevent each sensor from interfering.

The above-mentioned periods F1, F2,. . . Fn and ON times T1, T2,. . . If Tn is not uniquely set for each block but is variable for each block by the variable means 27, the cycle F1 of the transmission signal from the own device can be obtained.
F2,. . . Fn and ON times T1, T2,. . . Tn
Is very unlikely to match the DUTY pattern of a transmission signal from another signal source present in the vicinity, so that the own device has a lower probability of malfunction due to noise from another signal source. can do.

FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal and a reception signal showing a third specific example of the transmission signal of the reflection type sensor according to the above configuration of the present invention.

In this specific example, the variable means 27 has the transmission cycle F
1, F2,. . . Set Fn arbitrarily and set each ON
Times T1, T2,. . . Set Tn equal.

According to this example, even if a transmission signal having the same frequency as that of the transmission signal 33 is radiated from another signal generation source nearby, the transmission signal periods F1, F2,. . .
Fn and ON times T1, T2,. . . As long as the duty patterns of Tn do not match, it is possible to prevent the device from malfunctioning due to noise from another signal generation source.

The above-mentioned periods F1, F2,. . . Fn and ON times T1, T2,. . . If Tn is not uniquely set for each block but is variable for each block by the variable means 27, the period F of the transmission signal from the device can be obtained.
1, F2,. . . Fn and ON times T1, T2,. . .
Since the possibility that the DUTY pattern of Tn matches the DUTY pattern from another signal source present in the vicinity is extremely low, the probability that the own device malfunctions due to noise from another signal source is reduced. Can be.

FIG. 22 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal and a reception signal showing a fourth specific example of the transmission signal of the reflection type sensor according to the above configuration of the present invention.

In this specific example, the variable means 27 has the transmission cycle F
1, F2,. . . Fn and respective ON times T1, T
2,. . . Tn is set arbitrarily, and the respective transmission frequencies are also set arbitrarily.

According to this example, even if the same period and the same ON-duty pattern as the transmission signal 33 are radiated from another signal source in the vicinity, as long as the frequency of the transmission signal does not match, the same signal is generated. The device can be prevented from malfunctioning due to noise from other signal sources.

The above-mentioned periods F1, F2,. . . Fn and ON times T1, T2,. . . Tn and transmission frequencies Y1, Y
2,. . . If Yn is not uniquely set for each block but is variable for each block by the variable means 27, the periods F1, F2,. . .
Fn and ON times T1, T2,. . . Tn DUTY pattern and transmission frequencies Y1, Y2,. . . It is extremely unlikely that Yn and a signal pattern from another signal source existing in the vicinity coincide with each other, and the probability that the own device malfunctions due to noise from another signal source can be further reduced.

As a specific example of changing the transmission frequency by the variable means 27, a dielectric resonator 73 existing in a microwave sensor 71 for transmitting a microwave as shown in FIG. By changing the position of the metal plate 75 installed near the dielectric resonator for finely adjusting the frequency, the transmission frequency can be changed. The position of the metal plate 75 can be changed by changing the tightening amount of a screw (not shown) for fixing the metal plate 75 to the microwave sensor 71.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21, in the transmission means using an ultrasonic sensor, when a timer IC 77 or the like that varies the transmission frequency with an external resistor and a capacitor is used, a changeover switch such as a multiplexer 79 is used. If it is made possible to vary the resistance value and the capacitance of the capacitor by the signal 81 from the outside by using, it is easy to vary the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic wave.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a reflection type sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The apparatus according to the present embodiment has, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, a storage means 47 for storing information for changing a transmission state, and a transmission unit in the storage means 47 for each transmission unit. And a selection unit 45 for selecting which data to use from among the stored data in which one block of the transmission cycle, ON time and DUTY pattern as shown in FIGS.

The reflection sensor 37 is connected to the storage unit 47 before the transmission unit 23 transmits the transmission signal 33, and reads and transmits the transmission pattern selected by the selection unit 45.

According to the above configuration, even if a transmission signal having the same frequency as the transmission signal 33 is radiated from another signal generation source nearby, the DUTY pattern of the transmission signal matches the data selected by the selection unit 45. As long as the reflection type sensor 37 does not operate, it can be prevented from malfunctioning due to noise from other signal sources.

As a specific example of the storage means, EP
By using a memory such as a ROM and combining it with a microcomputer or the like as a selection means, the microcomputer can sequentially or randomly read a DUTY pattern previously input to the memory, and generate other signals in the vicinity. It is extremely unlikely that the signal from the source and the transmitted wave of the own device coincide.

Further, an EEPROM as shown in FIG.
As described above, by using a memory to which external data can be written via the interface 87 and the microcomputer 89, the data can be rewritten from the personal computer 91 or the like according to the user's convenience. In addition to the improvement, the possibility of malfunction due to noise from other signal sources can be extremely reduced. By using a connector from which the storage means 47 and the interface 87 can be detached, there is no extra wiring or the like except when data is rewritten, which not only makes the appearance clearer, but also improves usability.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a reflection type sensor according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal and a reception signal according to this embodiment.

The device according to the present embodiment is provided with random number generating means 49 for changing the transmission state in addition to the configuration shown in FIG.

The reflection type sensor 37 is connected to the transmitting means 23.
Before transmitting the transmission signal 33, it connects to the storage means 47, reads the basic transmission signal pattern, changes the basic transmission pattern with the random number generated by the random number generation means 49, and transmits the data.

For example, in the above-mentioned reflection type sensor, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the transmission periods F1, F
2,. . . The periods of Fn are set equal and each On
The N times T1, T2,. . . Tn is set to a random number output value 51a, 51b, 51
c,. . . DUTY pattern of each block of the transmission signal 33 can be set at random. The value 51 output from the random number generation means 49
a, 51b, 51c,. . . By associating the data with one block of data in the storage means 47, the DUTY pattern of each block of the transmission signal 33 can be set at random.

According to the above configuration, even if a transmission signal having the same frequency as the transmission signal 33 is radiated from another signal generation source in the vicinity, the DUTY pattern of the transmission signal and the output value generated from the random number generation means 49 are obtained. 51a, 51b, 51
c,. . . As long as the data does not match the data in the storage means 47, it is possible to prevent the reflection sensor 37 from malfunctioning due to noise from another signal generation source.

In an environment where a large number of reflection sensors 37 having the structure shown in FIG. 10 are juxtaposed at relatively close positions, each reflection sensor 37 can be used without changing the data contents in the storage means 47. The output values 51a, 51b, 51c,. . . Are extremely unlikely to match, and the probability that each device malfunctions can be further reduced.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a reflection type sensor according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal and a reception signal according to the present embodiment.

The apparatus according to the present embodiment has, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, a state determining means 31 for determining the state of an object.
According to the result of the determination, when the object is detected, the state determination unit 31 outputs the state 55 of the object, and outputs an abnormal output 57 when the object cannot be detected due to noise or the like.

According to this configuration, normally, when an object is detected, the state determination means 31 outputs the state output 55 of the object such as the approaching or stationary state of the object. Although the transmission signal 33 is intermittently performed as shown in FIG. 13 and the reception signal 35 is determined by the comparing means 29 to be that a constant signal is continuously received,
Since the reception of the transmission signal 33 of the own device causes trouble, the abnormal state output 57 is output from the state determination unit 31, and the reflection type sensor 37 cannot detect the state of the object on the device receiving the output. The situation can be determined.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the reflection type sensor according to the present invention. Note that, for simplicity, this flowchart shows the comparison means 2 when there is a received signal.
9 and the judgment of the state judgment means 31 are described in combination.

As shown in this flowchart, when the transmission signal and the reception signal are not synchronized in the transmission unit, that is, when the reception signal is continuously detected in the transmission unit,
An abnormal output 57 is output by the state determining means 31, and thereafter,
If the abnormality output 57 is performed a plurality of times, the abnormality output signal 59 indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the reflection sensor 37 itself is output.

According to this configuration, the state determination means 31 determines that the function as a reflection type sensor cannot be performed by judging the abnormal output 57 a plurality of times.
In the case of a device that outputs 9 and incorporates the reflective sensor 37, it is possible to shift to a state in which the device performs the minimum required operation without the function of the reflective sensor 37, or to safely stop the device. Becomes

FIGS. 15 and 16 are time charts of equipment incorporating the reflection type sensor of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the transmission time t1 of each block of the transmission signal 33 of the above-described device incorporating the reflection type sensor is adjusted to be equal to or less than の of the object detection determination time t2 until an object is detected.

According to the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, in a device incorporating a reflection type sensor for determining whether or not a person has entered a certain space, the time t1 of one block, which is the transmission signal 33, is set to the time t1. When the block of the transmission signal 33 enters the room 65 in any state, the object detection determination time is shorter than １ ／ of the object detection determination time t2 which is the minimum time during which the device can detect an object. t2 = actual object detection time 69.

However, as shown in FIG. 15, if the time t1 of one block, which is the transmission signal 33, is not less than の of the object detection determination interval t2, which is the minimum time during which the device can detect an object, the room enters. Depending on the state of the block of the transmission signal 33 at the time of 65, the object detection determination interval t2 ≠ the actual object detection time 69, which takes more time than necessary.

As described above, by adjusting the time t1 of one block, which is the transmission signal 33, to be equal to or less than 1/2 of the object detection determination time t2, which is the minimum time during which the device can detect an object, the shortest time can be obtained. Thus, it is possible to reliably detect the object.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing a state in which a reflective sensor according to the present invention is installed in a urinal.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which a reflection type sensor according to the present invention is installed in a local cleaning device and an automatic water faucet.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the reflection type sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal, a reception signal, and the like of the reflection sensor according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state determination result of the reflection type sensor shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal, a reception signal, and the like of the reflection type sensor according to the first specific example of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal, a reception signal, and the like of the reflection type sensor according to the second specific example of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;

8 is a waveform diagram of another transmission signal, reception signal, and the like of the reflection type sensor according to the third specific example of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a reflection type sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a reflection type sensor according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal, a reception signal, and the like of the reflection type sensor according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a reflection type sensor according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal and a reception signal of the reflective sensor according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an internal configuration of a reflection type sensor according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal, a reception signal, and the like of the reflection type sensor according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a waveform diagram of a transmission signal, a reception signal, and the like of a reflection type sensor according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of human body detection by a Doppler sensor using the Doppler effect by radio waves.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a Doppler sensor using the Doppler effect by radio waves.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an example of interference that may occur when a plurality of Doppler sensors using the Doppler effect by radio waves are arranged side by side.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing a specific example in which the transmission frequency of the transmission signal of the microwave sensor is varied by the variable means.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing a specific example in which the transmission frequency of the transmission signal of the ultrasonic sensor is varied by the variable means.

FIG. 22 is a waveform chart of a transmission signal, a reception signal, and the like of the reflection type sensor according to the fourth specific example of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a storage unit according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Doppler sensor 2 Automatic water faucet 3 Men's urinal 4 Local cleaning device 5 Movable body (human body) 7, 7A, 7B transmitting device 9, 9A, 9B receiving device 11 Difference detection circuit 13 Band filter 15 Other transmitting device 17 Device Transmitted wave from A 18 Reflected wave of transmitted wave from device A 19 Transmitted wave from device B 20 Reflected wave of transmitted wave from device B 21 Object 23 Transmitting means 25 Receiving means 27 Variable means 29 Comparing means 31 State determining means 33 Transmission signal 34 Other signal source 35 Received signal 36 Noise from other signal source 37 Reflection sensor 41 Block 45 Selection unit 47 Storage unit 49 Random number generation unit 51 Output of random number generation unit 55 Object state detection signal output 57 Abnormal output 59 Abnormal occurrence signal output 61 Human movement 63 Object detection interval 65 Entry operation 67 Entry detection 69 Actual Object detection time 71 microwave sensor 73 dielectric resonators 75 a metal plate 77 timer IC 79a of, 79b multiplexer (selector switch) 81a, a signal 83 speaker 85 EEPROM from 81b outside (memory) 87 interface 89 microcomputer 91 PC 93 connector

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Koji Mine, Inventor 2-1-1, Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture Totoki Equipment Co., Ltd. (72) Kentaro Tokigi 2, Nakajima, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture No. 1-1, Toto Kiki Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masayuki Nagaishi 2-1-1, Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka F-term in Toto Kiki Co., Ltd. 2D039 AA02 AA04 DB00 EA00 FA03 2G005 AA04 DA04 5J083 AA02 AE08 BA01 DA01

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A reflection type sensor having a transmitting means for transmitting wave energy and a receiving means, wherein transmission from the transmitting means is performed intermittently using a combination of an ON time and an OFF time as one transmission unit, A block composed of a plurality of transmission units, wherein a signal received by the reception unit corresponding to this block is compared with each transmission unit in the transmission, and the reception signal is reflected by a desired detected object. A reflection type sensor, comprising: means for judging whether or not it is. 2. An intermittent transmission state changing means for changing an intermittent transmission state from said transmission means, wherein said transmission unit has a constant transmission cycle and variable the DUTY of ON time and OFF time of each transmission unit. 2. The reflection-type sensor according to claim 1, wherein: 3. An intermittent transmission state varying means for varying a transmission cycle of each transmission unit and varying an ON time or an OFF time of each transmission unit. 2. The reflection sensor according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for changing an intermittent transmission state from said transmission means, wherein said variable means changes a frequency of a transmission signal. Reflective sensor. 5. The transmission device according to claim 2, further comprising a selection unit configured to select from predetermined information to change a transmission state of each transmission unit, as the unit that changes a transmission state of the transmission unit. Item 4. The reflective sensor according to item 3 or 3. 6. The reflection type sensor according to claim 5, wherein said predetermined information is stored in a memory which can be written as well as read. 7. The transmission unit according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit changes the transmission state of each transmission unit based on a random number generated by a random number generation unit.
Item 4. The reflection sensor according to item 3 or 3. 8. The receiving means outputs an abnormal signal different from a signal indicating a state of a detected object when a signal having a predetermined level or more is continuously received during a period corresponding to at least one transmission unit. Claim 1 characterized by the following:
8. The reflection sensor according to any one of claims 7 to 7. 9. The reflection type sensor according to claim 8, wherein an abnormality occurrence signal indicating that an abnormality of the reflection type sensor itself has occurred is output by detecting the abnormality signal a plurality of times. Sensors. 10. A device incorporating the reflection type sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a transmission time of an arbitrary block of the reflection type sensor detects an object to be detected and determines a state. A reflection-type sensor-incorporated device characterized in that it is adjusted to be equal to or less than half the object detection determination time for determination.