JP2006099263A - Reporting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reporting device for drastically reducing possibility of a reset operation by a user after automatic recovery from a gas detection state compared with a conventional way. <P>SOLUTION: The device comprises a detecting part 3 for detecting one or a plurality of detection objects; a determining part 6 for determining whether a reporting signal is outputted or not based on the output signal of the detecting part 3; an optical reporting signal output part 14 for outputting an optical reporting signal in an optical output state, which is recognizable by a human visual sense, as one kind of the reporting signal, based on the determination result of the determining part 6; and an optical reporting signal control part 18 for performing control to superimpose prescribed information on the optical reporting signal by changing the optical output state of the optical reporting signal into an unrecognizable state by the human visual sense. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is based on a detection unit that detects one or more detection targets, a determination unit that determines whether to output a notification signal based on an output signal of the detection unit, and a determination result of the determination unit The present invention relates to a notification device comprising: a light notification signal output unit that outputs a light notification signal in an optical output state that can be recognized by human vision as a kind of the notification signal.

  Conventionally, as the above-described alarm device, a gas detection unit that detects a plurality of gases such as combustible gas and carbon monoxide contained in city gas and the like, and an alarm that varies depending on the type and concentration of the gas detected by the gas detection unit. The alarm output unit that outputs the required period, the power supply display unit that displays the energization state from the power supply to the gas detection unit or the alarm output unit, and the gas detection information by the gas detection unit in the display of the energization state by the power supply display unit There is a gas alarm device (or gas leak alarm device) configured to include a display control unit that additionally displays, for example, there are those disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 below.

In the conventional notification device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the alarm output unit has an automatic return function that outputs an alarm while detecting gas and releases the alarm output when no gas is detected. The unit always lights up in a normal state, and after the gas has been detected once, the automatic recovery function has been activated, and then flashes repeatedly by repeatedly turning off the light for a period longer than the visual threshold time that can be recognized by human vision. Gas detection information at the time of alarm output before the function is activated is additionally displayed. Here, by setting the extinguishing period of the blinking display of the gas detection information after the automatic return to be shorter than the visual threshold time and as short as possible, the discomfort caused by the flashing display is reduced for general users, and after the automatic return For workers who have arrived at the site due to a report accompanying an alarm output at the time of the first gas detection, the blinking display can be visually recognized, and the alarm history can be grasped even after the fact.
JP-A-8-297789 JP 2001-216581 A

  However, in the case of the gas alarm device disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the blinking display of the gas detection information after the automatic return is at a level that can be recognized by human vision, the user of the gas alarm device can Even after no longer being detected, the blinking display may be recognized and uncomfortable, and the power may be turned off to reset the blinking display. Since the conventional gas alarm is generally supplied with power from a commercial AC power supply, once the power supply is shut off by pulling out the power plug from the outlet, the information at the time of gas detection will be lost. It becomes impossible for the worker who arrived at the site by the notification accompanying the alarm output at the time of the first gas detection to confirm the gas detection information such as the gas detection fact, the detected gas type and its concentration level after the reset. As a result, the treatment may take a long time, and the efficiency of the post-processing is significantly reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is to solve the above-described problems and greatly increase the possibility of a reset operation by a user after automatically returning from a gas detection state. Another object of the present invention is to provide a notification device that can be reduced.

  In order to achieve this object, a notification device according to the present invention includes a detection unit that detects one or a plurality of detection targets, and a determination unit that determines whether to output a notification signal based on an output signal of the detection unit. A light notification signal output unit that outputs a light notification signal in an optical output state that can be recognized by human vision based on a determination result of the determination unit as a kind of the notification signal, and the optical notification signal of the optical notification signal A first feature is that it includes a light notification signal control unit that performs control to superimpose predetermined information on the light notification signal by changing the output state to be unrecognizable by human vision.

  According to the notification device of the first feature, the detection unit detects the detection target, and the determination unit determines the output of the optical notification signal indicating the detection of the detection target based on the output signal indicating the detection of the detection target. After the light notification signal output unit outputs a light notification signal indicating detection of the detection target based on the determination result, the detection unit does not detect the detection target, and the determination unit outputs an output signal indicating non-detection of the detection target. Even if the output of the light notification signal indicating the detection of the detection target is stopped based on the determination result, the light notification signal output indicating the detection of the detection target is stopped. Since the predetermined information can be superimposed on the output of the light notification signal indicating non-detection of the detection target by the control of the signal control unit in an unrecognizable manner by human vision, the detection unit firstly outputs the predetermined information as the predetermined information. When a detection target is detected By superimposing the information, the worker who arrives at the site by the notification signal output at the time of detection of the first detection target without the user of the notification device visually recognizing the output of the predetermined information is the detection target. Information about detection facts and detection contents can be acquired even after the output of a regular light notification signal indicating detection of a detection target is stopped. Here, since the user of the notification device does not visually recognize the output of the predetermined information, the output state of the predetermined information is not reset, and power is supplied to the notification device unless there is an accident such as a power failure. Is output without losing the predetermined information.

  In the notification device of the first feature, the light notification signal control unit further changes the optical output intensity of the light notification signal in a period shorter than a visual threshold time that cannot be recognized by human vision. The second feature.

  According to the notification device of the second feature, changing the optical output state of the light notification signal in the notification device of the first feature unrecognizable by human vision is an optical output of the light notification signal. This can be realized by a change in strength, and the effect of the notification device having the first feature can be exhibited.

In the notification device of the second feature, when the light notification signal control unit changes the optical output intensity of the light notification signal, the notification device determines the presence or absence of the optical output strength of the light notification signal, In a state where there is an optical output intensity, the optical output intensity is not in a period shorter than the visual threshold time, and in a state where there is no optical output intensity, the optical output intensity is in a period shorter than the visual threshold time. The third characteristic is to make the state in which there is.

  According to the notification device of the third feature, the change of the optical output intensity in the notification device of the second feature can be realized by the on / off switching control of the optical output of the light notification signal. Further, regardless of the presence or absence of the optical output intensity of the light notification signal, that is, regardless of the information output from the light notification signal, predetermined information can be superimposed on the light notification signal and output.

  The notification device according to any one of the first to third features is further characterized in that the predetermined information is constantly output by being superimposed on the light notification signal under the control of the light notification signal control unit. .

  According to the notification device of the fourth feature, since predetermined information is always in an output state, it is necessary to perform control for causing the notification device to output the predetermined information to the worker who arrives at the site by the notification signal. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the control circuit, and the circuit configuration of the notification device can be simplified. This is based on the characteristic configuration of the present invention in which the output of the predetermined information is not visually recognized by the user of the notification device.

  In the notification device according to any one of the first to fourth features, the light notification signal output unit may further use the light notification signal as a kind of the notification signal regardless of a control state by the light notification signal control unit. In the case of outputting, the fifth feature is that the optical output intensity of the light notification signal is changed in a period longer than a visual threshold time recognizable by human vision.

  According to the notification device of the fifth feature, for example, in a non-detection state of the detection target, when the predetermined information is output unrecognizable by human vision superimposed on the light notification signal, the detection target Is detected again, the detection state of the detection target can be reliably notified visually to the user of the notification device, and the original function of the notification device for the user is reliably exhibited.

  In the notification device according to any one of the first to fifth features, the predetermined information is information related to the notification device and is generated before the notification device is installed to be usable. The sixth feature is that information is included.

  According to the notification device of the sixth feature, in addition to information on the detection facts and detection contents of the detection target, for example, the manufacturing date, the manufacturing number, the manufacturer name, and the notification signal output setting value of the notification device It is possible to acquire pre-installation information such as adjustment parameters for adjusting variations in detection characteristics of the detection unit, determination reference setting values of the determination unit, performance and function information of the notification device, and the like. Thus, for example, when the detection target is erroneously detected or non-detected due to a failure of the notification device, the pre-installation information is used in the identification work of the cause of the failure. Accuracy and efficiency are improved.

  The notifying device according to any one of the first to sixth features further includes post-installation information generated after the notifying device is installed so as to be information related to the notifying device in the predetermined information. Is included in the seventh feature.

  According to the notification device of the seventh feature, in addition to the information about the detection fact and detection content of the detection target, the worker, for example, the cumulative energization time of the notification device, the zero point adjustment information for the detection target of the detection unit, the detection Information about the detection target (when the detection target is gas, the gas type and concentration, when the detection target is smoke, smoke components, etc.), the number of output of the notification signal, the cumulative energization time when the notification signal is output, the notification device Failure detection information, accumulated energization time at the time of failure detection, etc. can be acquired. Thereby, for example, the worker can use detailed post-installation information regarding the first detection state in the non-detection state of the detection target, and can more accurately grasp the situation in the first detection state.

  The notification device according to any one of the first to seventh features further includes a nonvolatile storage unit capable of storing the predetermined information in a nonvolatile manner, as an eighth feature.

  According to the notification device of the eighth feature, even when the power supply to the notification device is temporarily interrupted for some reason such as a power failure, the predetermined information stored in the nonvolatile storage means is lost. Therefore, even after returning from the power supply interruption, the worker can acquire information on the detection facts and detection contents of the detection target. In particular, when the pre-installation information is included in the predetermined information, for example, after the pre-installation information is stored in the notification device before factory shipment, until the notification device is installed to be usable after shipment, Since the power supply is temporarily interrupted unless a built-in battery or the like is used, the pre-installation information can be prevented from being lost by storing the pre-installation information in the nonvolatile storage means.

  The notification device according to any one of the first to eighth features further includes at least one of combustible gas, carbon monoxide, smoke, heat, and an abnormal state of an electronic circuit of the notification device as the detection target. It is a ninth feature that one is included.

  According to the notification device of the ninth feature, at least one of combustible gas, carbon monoxide, smoke, heat, and an abnormal state of the electronic circuit of the notification device is detected, and the detection is made to the user. An informing device capable of informing, which can achieve the effect of the informing device having any one of the first to eighth features, can be realized.

  An informing device system according to the present invention includes an informing device according to any one of the first to ninth features, and information reading for reading the predetermined information superimposed on the optical informing signal output from the informing device. And a device.

  According to the notification device system having the above characteristics, the information reader can read the predetermined information superimposed on the light notification signal that cannot be recognized by human vision. The effect of the feature notification device is realized.

  An information reading apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives the optical notification signal output from the notification device having any one of the first to ninth features, and the predetermined information superimposed on the received optical notification signal. An information extraction unit that extracts the information and an information display unit that displays the extracted predetermined information are provided.

  According to the information reading apparatus having the above characteristics, the predetermined information superimposed on the light notification signal that cannot be recognized by human vision is read and displayed on the information display unit, and the predetermined information displayed by the worker is displayed. Since it can be recognized and used, the effect of the notification device having any one of the first to ninth features can be achieved.

  An embodiment of a notification device according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present device” as appropriate) will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a circuit configuration of the device 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the device 1 of the present invention includes a detection unit 3 that detects two types of detection target gases, methane and carbon monoxide, a non-volatile storage unit 4, and drive control that controls driving of the detection unit 3. 5 that determines whether or not to output an alarm (corresponding to a notification signal) based on the sensor output output from the detection unit 3 and the alarm that outputs an alarm based on the alarm output determination of the determination unit 6 An output unit 7, a power supply unit 8 that supplies predetermined power to each unit of the device 1 of the present invention, and a temperature sensor 9 such as a thermistor that performs temperature detection for temperature correction in the alarm output determination process of the determination unit 6 are provided. Configured as a gas alarm. As will be described later, a part of the drive control unit 5, a determination unit 6, and a part of the alarm output unit 7 are configured in the microprocessor 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the detection unit 3 detects the gas to be detected by the sensor element 11 including a semiconductor gas sensor that can selectively detect two types of detection target gases, methane and carbon monoxide, by driving control of the heater 10. The detection state is configured to be output as an electrical signal, and more specifically, between the sensor output terminal 12 of the sensor element 11 formed of a semiconductor gas sensor formed integrally with the heater 10 and the power supply voltage Vcc. Two different load resistors R1 and R2 are provided in parallel. However, the load resistor R2 forms a series circuit with the switching transistor T and is provided between the sensor output terminal 12 and the power supply voltage Vcc. With this configuration, the amplitude of the sensor output for detection / non-detection of the detection target gas due to the difference in temperature control of the heater 10 when the detection target gas is methane and carbon monoxide by the on / off operation of the switching transistor T. It becomes possible to adjust appropriately. The load resistors R1 and R2 are fixed resistors in this embodiment, and their resistance values are, for example, 100 kΩ and 10 kΩ, for example. It should be noted that the sensor output appearing on the sensor output terminal 12 is the electric power of the sensor element 11 between the sensor output terminal 12 and the ground terminal side of the heater 10 depending on the presence or absence of carbon monoxide when the temperature control of the heater 10 is around 100 ° C. The resistance changes when the resistance changes remarkably. Further, when the temperature control of the heater 10 is 400 to 500 ° C., the resistance changes depending on the presence or absence of methane. As will be described later, the switching transistor T is ON / OFF controlled by a control signal from the drive control unit 5 of the main body unit 1 in accordance with the drive control timing of the heater 10.

  In the present embodiment, the temperature control of the heater 10 of the sensor element 11 is performed by PWM (pulse width modulation) control of a constant voltage (for example, 3.3 V), that is, the voltage pulse applied to the heater 10 is turned on (voltage application). By controlling the time ratio (duty ratio) between the (state) and off (voltage non-applied state), the effective applied voltage is adjusted and the temperature applied to the sensor element 11 is controlled. An example of an applied voltage waveform by PWM control of the heater 10 is shown in FIG.

  The non-volatile storage means 4 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM capable of electrically reading, writing and erasing information. The non-volatile storage means 4 is generated before the installation of the device 1 of the present invention which will be described later can be used. Information, post-installation information generated after the apparatus 1 of the present invention is installed so as to be usable, and the like are stored. The pre-installation information stored in the non-volatile storage means 4 includes, for example, the manufacturing date, manufacturing number, manufacturer name, product code, alarm output set value of the device 1 of the present invention, and variations in detection characteristics of the detection unit 3. Examples include adjustment parameters for adjustment, performance and function information of the device 1 of the present invention, and the like. The post-installation information stored in the non-volatile storage means 4 includes, for example, the cumulative energization time of the device 1 of the present invention, the zero point adjustment information for the detection target gas of the detection unit 3, and information about the detected detection target gas (gas Species, concentration, etc.), number of alarm outputs, cumulative energization time at the time of alarm output, failure detection information of the device 1 of the present invention, accumulated energization time at the time of failure detection, and the like.

  As a specific example of the pre-installation information, in addition to the above, the non-volatile storage means 4 includes control parameters for the drive control unit 5 to control the driving of the detection unit 3, and a sensor from which the determination unit 6 is output from the detection unit 3 A determination reference value or the like when performing alarm output determination based on the output is stored.

  The drive controller 5 includes a sensor driver 5a that drives a voltage pulse applied to the heater 10 of the sensor element 11, and a pulse controller 5b that controls the drive timing of the voltage pulse driven by the sensor driver 5a and the duty ratio of the voltage pulse. And is configured. The pulse control unit 5b of the drive control unit 5 is configured in the microprocessor 2, reads the control parameter from the nonvolatile storage unit 4, and at the start timing, end timing, and duty ratio of each voltage pulse application of the control parameter, The drive timing and duty ratio of the corresponding voltage pulse are controlled, and according to the control, the sensor drive unit 5a drives the heater 10 in the detection unit 3 so as to have a predetermined temperature control pattern. The microprocessor 2 includes a microcomputer incorporating a ROM and RAM for storing programs, and it does not matter whether the ROM or RAM is incorporated or provided externally.

  The determination unit 6 reads each sensor output at the detection timing of the sensor output for methane detection and the detection timing of the sensor output for carbon monoxide detection among the control parameters stored in the nonvolatile storage means 4. In comparison with the read sensor output and the detection threshold voltage for methane detection stored in the nonvolatile storage means 4, or the detection threshold voltage after temperature correction of the detection threshold voltage for carbon monoxide detection, Determine whether the concentration of methane or carbon monoxide is equal to or higher than the specified detection concentration. If the concentration of methane is equal to or higher than the specified detection concentration of methane, determine that a gas leak has occurred and output a gas leak determination signal. If the concentration of carbon monoxide is equal to or higher than the detection specified concentration, it is determined that the combustion state is incomplete, and an incomplete combustion determination signal is output.

  The temperature correction of each detection threshold voltage for methane detection and carbon monoxide detection is obtained by multiplying the difference between the temperature at the time of setting each detection threshold voltage and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 9 by a preset correction coefficient. This correction voltage value is added to each detection threshold voltage. Here, the temperature and correction coefficient at the time of setting each detection threshold voltage are read out and used from those stored in the nonvolatile storage means 4.

  The determination unit 6 is configured in a microprocessor 2 provided in the main body unit 1, and a sensor output (analog value) is input from a predetermined analog port of the microprocessor 2, and an A / D conversion unit in the microprocessor 2. Sampled and digitized. The sampling timing at this time is defined by the detection timing of the sensor output of each detection target gas in the control parameters. Further, the temperature detection output (analog value) of the temperature sensor 9 is also input from a predetermined analog port of the microprocessor 2, sampled by the A / D converter in the microprocessor 2, and digitized.

  The alarm output unit 7 includes an optical alarm output unit 14 including an LED display circuit having three color (green, red, and yellow) LEDs 14a, an audio alarm output unit 15 including an audio circuit 15a and a speaker 15b, and an alarm output of the determination unit 6. A predetermined control signal for the external output circuit 16 that outputs the determination information to the outside according to the voltage level, the light alarm output unit 14, the sound alarm output unit 15, and the external output circuit 16 based on the alarm output determination of the determination unit 6 The alarm output control part 17 which outputs is comprised. Here, the alarm output control unit 17 is configured in the microprocessor 2 provided in the main body unit 1.

  The light warning output unit 14 outputs a light notification signal (light warning) in an optical output state that can be recognized by human vision based on the determination result of the determination unit 6 as a kind of notification signal (alarm). It functions as a part. In the present embodiment, the optical notification signal output from the green LED of the LED display circuit is turned on, turned off, or blinked for a period of time equal to or longer than the visual threshold time that cannot be recognized by human vision, and its optical output. The intensity is changed, and a light notification signal (light alarm) is output to the outside (for example, the user of the device 1 of the present invention). In the blinking state, both the lighting and extinguishing periods are longer than the visual threshold time. Here, the visual threshold time of the optical signal for human vision is determined based on the afterimage characteristics of the human eye depending on the light intensity and wavelength of light, and becomes shorter if the light intensity is strong. In the case of a red LED having a light intensity of about 0.03 to 0.1 W, the visual threshold time is about 30 milliseconds, and it can be turned on, turned off, or blinked in 40 milliseconds. In the case of a green LED, the visual threshold time is further shortened because the human visual sensitivity to green is the highest in the visible wavelength range.

  Based on the alarm output determination of the determination unit 6, the alarm output control unit 17 performs a predetermined operation on the light alarm output unit 14, the audio alarm output unit 15, and the external output circuit 16 in a state where an alarm should be output. A control signal is output, and control is performed so that the light alarm output unit 14, the audio alarm output unit 15, and the external output circuit 16 can output a predetermined alarm.

  Further, the warning output control unit 17 changes predetermined optical information to the light notification signal by changing the optical output state of the light notification signal output from the green LED of the light warning output unit 14 to be unrecognizable by human vision. Is provided with a light notification signal control unit 18 that performs control for superimposing the signals.

  The power supply unit 8 includes a power transformer, a smoothing circuit, a constant voltage circuit, and the like, and generates a DC low voltage (for example, 5 V, 3.3 V) from a commercial AC voltage 100 V for home use, for example.

  Next, the operation of the alarm output control unit 17 of the device 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  First, the control operation at the time of the original alarm output of the device 1 of the present invention by the alarm output control unit 17 will be briefly described. When the power plug 13 is inserted into an AC outlet and the power is turned on, the commercial AC power is converted to DC power in the power supply unit 8. When power supply to each unit of the device 1 of the present invention is started, the control read from the nonvolatile storage unit 4 Based on parameters and the like, drive control for the detection unit 3 of the sensor module unit 2 by the drive control unit 5 and alarm output determination for the sensor output output from the detection unit 3 by the determination unit 6 are started. In the normal state where the drive control by the drive control unit 5 and the alarm output determination by the determination unit 6 are executed and the detection target gas or the failure state of the device 1 of the present invention is not detected, the alarm output control unit 17 outputs the optical alarm. The green LED of the unit 14 is turned on.

  Based on the control parameters read from the non-volatile storage means 4 in order to detect two types of detection target gases, methane and carbon monoxide, the drive control unit 5 has the timing and duty ratio as shown in FIG. The temperature control of the heater 10 of the sensor element 11 is executed. At the same time, on / off control of the switching transistor T of the detector 3 is also performed in synchronization with the timing shown in FIG. Specifically, the switching transistor T is turned on when carbon monoxide is detected.

  The determination unit 6 reads each sensor output at the detection timing of the sensor output for methane detection shown in FIG. 3 and the detection timing of the sensor output for carbon monoxide detection shown in FIG. 3 of the control parameters read from the nonvolatile storage means 4. Compared to the read sensor output and the detection threshold voltage for reading methane from the nonvolatile storage means 4 or the detection threshold voltage after temperature correction of the detection threshold voltage for detecting carbon monoxide, It is determined whether or not the concentration of carbon oxide is equal to or higher than the detection specified concentration.If the concentration of methane is equal to or higher than the detection specified concentration of methane, it is determined that a gas leak has occurred and a gas leak determination signal is output. When the concentration of carbon oxide is equal to or higher than the detection specified concentration, it is determined that the combustion state is incomplete, and an incomplete combustion determination signal is output.

  Hereinafter, a case where the detection threshold voltage for methane detection is set in two stages will be described as an example. The determination unit 6 compares the sensor output with the detection threshold voltage after temperature correction for methane detection at the first stage (e.g., corresponding to a detection regulation concentration of 500 ppm), and the methane concentration is the detection regulation concentration at the first stage (500 ppm). ) If the methane concentration is equal to or higher than the first-stage detection specified concentration, it is determined that a first-stage (mild) gas leak has occurred, and the first-stage gas leak determination signal Is output to the alarm output control unit 17 of the alarm output unit 7. The alarm output control unit 17 controls each alarm output of the light alarm output unit 14, the audio alarm output unit 15, and the external output circuit 16 based on the first-stage gas leak determination signal. For example, in the case of the first stage (mild) gas leak notification, for example, the light alarm output unit 14 blinks a red LED at a constant frequency (for example, 2 Hz) so as to be recognizable by human vision. The alarm output unit 15 is made to output a melody sound, and the external output circuit 16 is made to output a voltage of 6V.

  Further, the determination unit 6 compares the sensor output with the detection threshold voltage after temperature correction for the second stage methane detection (for example, corresponding to the detection specified concentration of 3500 ppm), and the methane concentration is the second level detection specified concentration. It is determined whether or not it is (3500 ppm) or more, and if the methane concentration is equal to or higher than the detection standard concentration of the second stage, it is determined that the second stage (severe) gas leakage has occurred and the second stage gas leakage The determination signal is output to the alarm output control unit 17 of the alarm output unit 7. The alarm output control unit 17 controls each alarm output of the light alarm output unit 14, the audio alarm output unit 15, and the external output circuit 16 based on the second-stage gas leak determination signal. For example, in the case of gas leak notification at the second stage (severe) as an example, a red LED is constantly lit on the light alarm output unit 14, and a notification sound (for example, “ , Etc.) and a notification message (for example, “gas leaks” etc.) are sequentially output, and a voltage of 12 V is output to the external output circuit 16.

  Next, the operation of the light notification signal control unit 18 of the alarm output control unit 17 will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the non-volatile storage unit 4 has already stored pre-installation information and post-installation information. In the present embodiment, information on items, contents, and data examples illustrated in FIG. 4 is stored in the nonvolatile storage unit 4 as pre-installation information and post-installation information. Here, it is assumed that items of information stored in the nonvolatile storage unit 4 are fixed to items predetermined for each model or individual. However, the items illustrated in FIG. 4 are a part of them, and “model / individual information” and “sensor state” correspond to the pre-installation information.

  The light notification signal control unit 18 reads “model / individual information” of the pre-installation information stored in the non-volatile storage means 4 after the power is turned on, and pre-installation information and installation suitable for the model or individual of the device 1 of the present invention. A post-information item is selected based on the “model / individual information”, storage data corresponding to the selected item is read from the nonvolatile storage means 4, and a fixed-data-length data section serially arranged in the selected item order The data is converted into binary serial data having a predetermined data format in which a start bit and a stop bit (including a check bit) are arranged before and after that.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the converted serial data is converted into a light notification signal output from the green LED of the light alarm output unit 14 from a visual threshold time at every predetermined time interval (for example, every 25 milliseconds). Superimposed by applying a modulation that logically inverts the output level (light output intensity) of the immediately preceding light notification signal in a short time width (for example, 5 milliseconds). The logic inversion of the output level is executed by setting the output state to the non-output state and conversely changing the non-output state to the output state. Here, data “1” is associated with output inversion, and data “0” is associated with output non-inversion, and serial data is transmitted. When the transmission data is “1”, the light notification signal control unit 18 determines the output level of the light notification signal output from the green LED. When the output level is in the output state, the light notification signal control unit 18 does not output for 5 milliseconds. If the output level is in the non-output state, the output state is set for 5 milliseconds. Conversely, when the transmission data is “0”, the output level of the light notification signal output from the green LED is determined, and when the output level is in the output state, the output state is maintained and the output level is non- In the output state, the non-output state is maintained. In the above manner, the bit string of “1” and “0” of the serial data is superimposed on the light notification signal output from the green LED at the predetermined time interval, and the serial data having a predetermined data length is converted into the light notification signal. As a carrier and transmitted to the outside. Therefore, the pre-installation information and post-installation information can be superimposed on the light notification signal in a state that cannot be recognized by human vision regardless of whether the green LED is on, off, or flashing. . As a result, the transmission of the pre-installation information and the post-installation information can prevent the user of the device 1 of the present invention from being aware of the blinking green LED and feeling uneasy or uncomfortable.

  The serial data output using the optical notification signal as a carrier is obtained by transmitting another serial data based on the pre-installation information and post-installation information read from the nonvolatile storage means 4 again when a series of data strings is transmitted. Generation is performed, and the process of transmitting the optical notification signal as a carrier to the outside is repeated. Here, when new post-installation information is added to the nonvolatile storage means 4 and the post-installation information is updated, the updated new post-installation information is superimposed on the light notification signal and output. Therefore, serial data is output periodically at all times after the device 1 of the present invention is turned on.

  Next, updating of post-installation information will be briefly described. After power-on of the device 1 of the present invention, drive control by the drive control unit 5 and alarm output determination by the determination unit 6 are executed. When the determination unit 6 determines the alarm output based on at least one of methane detection and carbon monoxide detection and outputs a gas leak determination signal or an incomplete combustion determination signal, information after installation of the nonvolatile storage means 4 The data of the final alarm history number of the item “final alarm” is read out to determine the number of times of alarm output. For example, in the case of the third alarm output after the installation of the device 1 of the present invention, As alarm content data of “alarm history 3”, the alarm content is written in the storage area of the corresponding nonvolatile storage means 4. Here, there are two types of alarm contents, “gas leak warning” and “gas leak alarm” for methane detection, depending on the detection specified concentration at each detection in methane detection and carbon monoxide detection. There are also three levels of carbon oxide detection: “Incomplete combustion warning A (no audio alert)”, “Incomplete combustion alert B (with audio alert)” and “Incomplete combustion alert”. Is "gas leak warning" or "gas leak warning" only, "incomplete combustion warning A", "incomplete combustion warning B" or "incomplete combustion warning" only, "Incomplete combustion warning A", "Incomplete combustion warning B" or "Incomplete combustion warning", "Gas leak warning", "Incomplete combustion warning A", "Incomplete combustion warning" 11 types in the case of "Information B" or "Incomplete combustion warning" Since the warning contents is present, it defines the warning contents in 4-bit data.

  Further, when a gas leak determination signal or an incomplete combustion determination signal is output by the determination unit 6, at least one of the light alarm output unit 14 and the sound alarm output unit 15 of the alarm output unit 7 is alarmed by light or sound. Since the output is started, the timing of the alarm output period is started by the signal output, and the timing is continued until the alarm output is canceled. When the timing of the alarm output period ends, the cumulative energization time (seconds) during the alarm output period is known. As a result, binary data of the time measurement result (seconds) is stored.

Second Embodiment
Next, an information reading device that reads serial data superimposed on the light notification signal output from the green LED of the light alarm output unit 14 of the light alarm output unit 14 of the device 1 of the present invention described in the first embodiment, which cannot be recognized by human vision. explain.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the information reading device 20 receives only the light notification signal output from the green LED of the LED 14a by contacting the LED 14a of the light alarm output unit 14 of the device 1 of the present invention. The receiving unit 21 is configured to be connected to the receiving unit 21 via a cable. The main unit 22 cannot recognize the light notification signal received by the receiving unit 21 with human vision. An information extraction unit (not shown) for extracting serial data superimposed on the information and an information display unit 23 for displaying the contents of the extracted serial data in a predetermined display format. The main body 22 of the information reading device 20 can be realized using a personal computer, a portable information terminal, or the like.

  Hereinafter, the reading operation of the information reading apparatus 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The receiving unit 21 includes a light receiving element such as a phototransistor, receives a light notification signal output from the green LED, converts the light output intensity into an electric signal, and outputs it to the information extraction unit of the main body unit 22. Output (step # 1). Reception and conversion of the optical notification signal by the receiving unit 21 are sequentially performed. Here, the time width for logically inverting the output level (light output intensity) used for the modulation of serial data is a period shorter than the visual threshold time (for example, 5 milliseconds or less). The reaction speed of the light receiving element of the receiving unit 21 (for example, it is less than microseconds when the light receiving element is a phototransistor, and millisecond level when using an optical MOSFET), or data of the information extracting unit of the main body unit Determined by resolution and the like.

  The information extraction unit of the main body 22 identifies the presence / absence of a pulse of 5 milliseconds or less generated at intervals of 25 milliseconds from the light notification signal converted into the received electrical signal (step # 2). Each pulse changes from output 0 (non-output state) to output 1 (output state) and returns to output 0 within 5 milliseconds, and from output 1 (output state) to output 0 (non-output state) If two types of pulses for returning to output 1 within 5 milliseconds are detected, the data is recognized as “1”, and if the two types of pulses cannot be detected at intervals of 25 milliseconds, data “0” is detected. ”And sequentially extract the data strings of the data“ 1 ”and“ 0 ”. Here, when the light notification signal changes its output level (light output intensity) so as to be recognized by human vision so as to perform the original light warning output, the change timing (output 0 to output 1, It is also preferable that the alarm output control unit 17 controls the output level of the light notification signal such that the transition timing from the output 1 to the output 0) is out of two kinds of pulse generation periods of 5 milliseconds or less.

  A start bit consisting of a predetermined “1” and “0” pattern is extracted from a sequentially extracted data string of “1” and “0”, and a stop bit consisting of a predetermined “1” and “0” pattern The serial data up to is extracted (step # 3). Here, error detection is performed on the extracted serial data (step # 4). If an error is detected, new serial data is re-extracted (step # 3). The intermediate data part excluding the start bit at the beginning of the extracted serial data and the stop bit at the rear end is arranged with the data of the pre-installation information and post-installation information in a predetermined order. , “Model / individual information” located at a fixed position (for example, the first predetermined bit) of the data portion is read, and items of pre-installation information and post-installation information suitable for the model or individual of the device 1 of the present invention are Selection is made from an information definition table set in advance based on “model / individual information” (step # 5). Next, the data size corresponding to the selected pre-installation information and post-installation information items is compared with the data size of the data portion of the extracted serial data (step # 6), and the data size is consistent Assigns the information of the data part of the extracted serial data to each item, and converts the binary data of each item into numerical data or character data (step # 7).

  The information display unit 23 displays numerical data or character data of each item of pre-installation information and post-installation information converted from the extracted serial data in a predetermined format on a display screen (liquid crystal display screen or the like) of the main unit 22. (Step # 8).

  If the data size is not consistent in the comparison and collation in step # 6, it is determined whether or not the data size comparison and collation count is within a predetermined number (for example, 3 times) (step # 9), and is within the predetermined number of times. In this case, the process returns to step # 3, and new serial data is re-extracted. On the other hand, if the number of comparisons of the data size exceeds the predetermined number, the information display unit 23 displays an error on the display screen (liquid crystal display screen or the like) of the main body unit 22 (step # 10).

  Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described.

  <1> In the first embodiment, the case where the nonvolatile memory unit 4 is configured by an electrically erasable / writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM has been described. For example, the pre-installation information and the post-installation information may be stored using a RAM (random access memory) built in or external to the microprocessor 2. In addition, it is also preferable to use the RAM as a non-volatile storage means 4 by battery backup.

  <2> In the first embodiment, the superimposing process of the pre-installation information and the post-installation information on the light notification signal in a state that cannot be recognized by human vision under the control of the light notification signal control unit 18 is always executed. However, the superimposing process of the pre-installation information and the post-installation information may be performed only at a normal time when the alarm is not output or at a normal time after the alarm is released. Furthermore, the superimposing process of the pre-installation information and the post-installation information may be started in response to an artificial activation operation using an input switch provided separately. In the former case, for example, when the determination unit 6 determines alarm output by at least one of methane detection and carbon monoxide detection, and outputs a gas leak determination signal or an incomplete combustion determination signal, alarm output control is performed. The unit 17 stops the control of the light notification signal control unit 18 and performs only normal alarm output control by the alarm output control unit 17.

  <3> In the first embodiment, the case where the pre-installation information and the post-installation information are superimposed on the light notification signal output from the green LED of the light alarm output unit 14 in a state that cannot be recognized by human vision. As described above, the light notification signal is not limited to the signal output from the green LED, and information corresponding to each light notification signal output from the plurality of LEDs is superimposed. It doesn't matter. For example, the pre-installation information may be superimposed on the light notification signal output from the green LED, and the post-installation information may be superimposed on the light notification signal output from the red LED.

  <4> In the first embodiment, when the pre-installation information and post-installation information are superimposed on the light notification signal output from the light alarm output unit 14 in a state that cannot be recognized by human vision, the green LED Although the modulation method for logically inverting the output level (light output intensity) of the output light notification signal has been described, the modulation method for the light notification signal is limited to a method for changing the output level of the light output intensity. is not.

  Further, in the case of a modulation method that logically inverts the output level (light output intensity) of the light notification signal, the time width for logical inversion is not limited to the value of the above embodiment, and the optical signal for human vision is not limited. It is shorter than the visual threshold time, and can be arbitrarily set within a range not less than the lower limit value of the time width determined by the reaction speed of the light receiving element of the receiving unit 21 and the data resolution of the information extracting unit of the main body unit 22.

  <5> In the first embodiment, the detection unit 3 of the device 1 of the present invention includes a semiconductor gas sensor that can selectively detect two types of detection target gases, methane and carbon monoxide, by driving control of the heater 10. Although the thing of the structure provided with the sensor element 11 was illustrated, the sensor element 11 is not limited to a semiconductor type gas sensor, Moreover, the detection target of the detection part 3 is also limited to said detection target gas. is not. For example, you may provide the detection part which detects abnormally high temperature and smoke, and detects a fire state.

  Further, the driving method of the detection unit 3 by the drive control unit 5, the detection timing of the sensor output, and the like are not limited to those of the first embodiment. For example, each heater drive control of the sensor element may use amplitude control of the applied voltage instead of PWM control. Each voltage value, timing, gas concentration, and the like exemplified in the first embodiment are examples, and are not limited to the values exemplified in the first embodiment, and can be appropriately changed.

  <6> In the second embodiment, the case where the receiving unit 21 of the information reading device 20 and the main body unit 22 are connected by a cable has been described. However, the connection between the receiving unit 21 and the main body unit 22 is, for example, infrared communication. A wireless communication method may be used.

The circuit block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of the alerting | reporting apparatus which concerns on this invention The circuit block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of the detection part which has the detection ability with respect to two types of detection object gas of methane and carbon monoxide in the alerting | reporting apparatus which concerns on this invention. Voltage waveform diagram showing voltage waveform and sensor output detection timing when the heater of the detection unit shown in FIG. 2 is driven and controlled by PWM control The figure which shows an example of the item of the information output from the alerting device which concerns on this invention, and is displayed with an information reader, the content, and data Output waveform diagram for explaining an example of a modulation method for the output level of the light notification signal by the light notification signal control unit of the notification device according to the present invention The figure explaining the structure of the information reader which concerns on this invention, and the state which makes the information reader contact | abut to the optical warning output part of the alerting | reporting apparatus which concerns on this invention, and reads the information superimposed on the optical alert signal The flowchart for demonstrating an example of the reading operation | movement of the information reader which concerns on this invention

Explanation of symbols

1: Notification device 2: Microprocessor 3: Detection unit 4: Non-volatile storage means 5: Drive control unit 5a: Sensor drive unit 5b: Pulse control unit 6: Determination unit 7: Alarm output unit 8: Power supply unit 9: Temperature sensor 10: Heater 11: Sensor element 12: Sensor output terminal 13: Power plug 14: Light alarm output unit (light notification signal output unit)
14a: LED
15: Audio alarm output unit 15a: Audio circuit 15b: Speaker 16: External output circuit 17: Alarm output control unit 18: Light notification signal control unit 20: Information reading device 21: reception unit 22: body unit 23: Information display part R1, R2: Load resistance
T: Switching transistor Vcc: Power supply voltage

Claims (11)

A detection unit for detecting one or a plurality of detection targets;
A determination unit that determines whether to output a notification signal based on an output signal of the detection unit;
A light notification signal output unit that outputs a light notification signal in an optical output state recognizable by human vision based on the determination result of the determination unit, as a kind of the notification signal;
A light notification signal control unit that performs control to superimpose predetermined information on the light notification signal by changing the optical output state of the light notification signal to be unrecognizable by human vision;
An informing device comprising:   The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the light notification signal control unit changes the optical output intensity of the light notification signal in a period shorter than a visual threshold time that cannot be recognized by human vision.   When the optical notification signal control unit changes the optical output intensity of the optical notification signal, it determines the presence or absence of the optical output intensity of the optical notification signal. The state in which the optical output intensity does not exist in a period shorter than time, and the state in which the optical output intensity exists in a period shorter than the visual threshold time when there is no optical output intensity. 2. The notification device according to 2.   The notification apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined information is constantly output by being superposed on the light notification signal under the control of the light notification signal control unit.   When the light notification signal output unit outputs the light notification signal as a kind of the notification signal, regardless of the control state by the light notification signal control unit, the optical output intensity of the light notification signal The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the notification device is changed in a period equal to or longer than a visual threshold time recognizable by vision.   6. The information according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information includes information related to the notification device and is generated before the notification device is installed to be usable. The notification device according to item.   The post-installation information generated after the information device is installed so that the information device can be used is included in the predetermined information. The notification device according to.   The notification apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a nonvolatile storage unit capable of storing the predetermined information in a nonvolatile manner.   The detection object includes at least one of flammable gas, carbon monoxide, smoke, heat, and an abnormal state of an electronic circuit of the notification device. The notification device according to item. The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
An information reading device for reading the predetermined information superimposed on the light notification signal output from the notification device;
An informing device system comprising: A receiver that receives the optical notification signal output from the notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
An information extraction unit for extracting the predetermined information superimposed on the received light notification signal;
An information display unit for displaying the extracted predetermined information;
An information reading apparatus comprising:

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