JP2011196951A - Environmental information acquisition device and facility control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an environmental information acquisition device that can be manufactured at low cost, individually detects light intensity at a plurality of wavelength regions, and acquires the environmental information of a space to be controlled based on the detection result.SOLUTION: A wavelength selection filter 112 includes a plurality of filter units corresponding to a plurality of wavelength regions, respectively. A light detection unit 111 detects light through the filter unit of the wavelength selection filter 112 and a light intensity detection unit 122 detects the intensity of light detected by the light detection unit 111. A wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 drives the wavelength selection filter 112 and determines whether the light detection unit 111 has detected light through any filter unit and outputs a determination result when it is determined that the light detection unit has detected light through any filter unit. An environmental information generation unit 123 generates environmental information relating to an environment in a specific area based on the intensity of light detected by the light intensity detection unit 122 when the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 outputs a synchronization signal.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for controlling an air conditioner, a lighting device, and the like installed in a building or factory.

  In recent years, in equipment control systems installed in buildings, factories, and the like, demands for improving comfort and saving energy are increasing, and various technologies for this purpose are being developed. For example, a technique is known in which the illuminance in an illumination area is measured by an illuminance sensor, and based on the measured value, the light control of the illumination device is controlled so that the illumination area has a predetermined illuminance.

  Thereby, for example, in a place where external light is incident, the energy consumption can be reduced by reducing the luminous intensity of the lighting device by dimming control. A technique for detecting the presence or absence of a person with a pyroelectric sensor and stopping lighting or air conditioning in a place where there is no person is also well known. Furthermore, a technique for controlling air conditioning and lighting is also known for the purpose of improving occupant comfort as well as energy saving.

  In such an equipment control system for the purpose of saving energy and improving the comfort of residents, it is necessary to have a function of detecting the state of the indoor space in more detail, such as illuminance, temperature, and the amount of human activity. On the other hand, a system for detecting the state of an indoor space from an image obtained by imaging with a solid-state imaging device (for example, CCD) has been proposed.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in order to detect illuminance, in an illuminance detection device including a fisheye lens and an image sensor, luminance detection is performed in which the image sensor detects luminance for each fine area from a wide range of images obtained via the fisheye lens. Illuminance conversion means for estimating the illuminance for each fine area by converting the detected luminance into illuminance, and the illuminance of the entire target space is based on the illuminance detected for each fine area A technique for automatically controlling all the outputs of a lighting device so as to be kept uniform is disclosed.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, in order to realize a highly convenient thermal image and visible image detection device, an infrared optical system and a visible optical system are provided, and the respective rotation axes are installed in parallel or in parallel. A thermal image / visible image detection apparatus that detects a thermal image and a visible light image by rotating an optical system and a visible light optical system in conjunction with each other in the same direction is disclosed.

  Further, Patent Document 3 calculates the area ratio of the exposed part of the human body, the clothing part, and the part covered with the futon based on the temperature image from the infrared image sensor, and the equivalent clothing based on the calculation result. An apparatus for deriving quantities is disclosed.

JP 2001-281054 A JP-A-7-203283 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-259942

  If the light intensity in multiple wavelength regions such as visible light and infrared rays as described above can be detected individually, the illuminance, temperature, human activity etc. can be derived, and these can be used to control air conditioning and lighting. An improvement in accuracy can be expected.

  However, as shown in Patent Documents 2 and 3 described above, in the conventional method, for example, in order to individually detect the light intensity of visible light and infrared light, the optical system and the imaging system of visible light and infrared light are used. There was a problem that it was necessary to prepare and became expensive.

  In addition, there is a technology that separates the incident light with a prism and separately detects the light intensity in multiple wavelength regions by arranging an imaging system for each wavelength of the dispersed light. Is complicated and requires a plurality of imaging systems, and thus it is difficult to provide at a low price as described above.

  Therefore, in the field of equipment control systems, it is required to realize a low-cost apparatus that can individually detect light intensities in a plurality of wavelength regions such as visible light and infrared light.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and can be manufactured at low cost, detects light intensity in a plurality of wavelength regions individually, and based on the detection result, information on the state of the control target space (environment) It is an object of the present invention to provide an environment information acquisition apparatus that acquires information) and an equipment control system that controls equipment based on the environment information acquired by the environment information acquisition apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, an environment information acquisition apparatus according to the present invention includes:
A wavelength selection filter provided with a plurality of light transmission filters respectively corresponding to a plurality of wavelength regions;
Light detection means for detecting light transmitted through the light transmission filter;
A light intensity detecting means for detecting the intensity of light detected by the light detecting means;
When the wavelength selection filter is driven and the light detection means detects whether or not the light transmitted through any of the light transmission filters is detected. Wavelength selective filter synchronization control means for outputting a synchronization signal indicating;
Environment information generating means for generating environment information relating to the environment of a predetermined area based on the intensity of the light detected by the light intensity detecting means when the wavelength selection filter synchronization control means outputs the synchronization signal; , Comprising.

The facility control system according to the present invention is
It consists of an environmental information acquisition device, a facility control device, and one or more facility devices,
The environmental information acquisition device includes:
A wavelength selection filter provided with a plurality of light transmission filters respectively corresponding to a plurality of wavelength regions;
Light detection means for detecting light transmitted through the light transmission filter;
A light intensity detecting means for detecting the intensity of light detected by the light detecting means;
When the wavelength selection filter is driven and the light detection means detects whether or not the light transmitted through any of the light transmission filters is detected. Wavelength selective filter synchronization control means for outputting a synchronization signal indicating;
Environment information generating means for generating environment information relating to the environment of a predetermined area based on the intensity of the light detected by the light intensity detecting means when the wavelength selection filter synchronization control means outputs the synchronization signal; ,
Communication means for transmitting the environment information generated by the environment information generation means to the facility control device connected via a predetermined network,
The facility control device controls the operation of the facility device connected via a predetermined network based on the environment information transmitted from the environment information acquisition device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an environmental information acquisition device that individually detects light intensities in a plurality of wavelength regions and acquires environmental information based on the detection results, and provides such an environmental information acquisition device. By applying it to a control system, it can be expected to improve the accuracy of equipment control for the purpose of improving user comfort and saving energy.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the equipment control system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and the internal structure of an environment information acquisition apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram (No. 1) for describing the wavelength selective filter of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a second diagram for explaining the wavelength selective filter according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another example of the wavelength selection filter in the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an environmental information acquisition process. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the environment information acquisition apparatus of the other example in Embodiment 1. FIG. In Embodiment 2, it is a figure which shows the intensity | strength of the incident light which the light intensity detection part detected in time series. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the environment information acquisition apparatus of Embodiment 3. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an equipment control system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an equipment control system 100 according to the first embodiment. The facility control system 100 is a system that is introduced into an office building or the like, and performs lighting and air conditioning according to the situation of each area, for example, for each partitioned area. In the following description, an example of controlling the lighting device 103 and the air conditioner 104 installed to illuminate and air-condition a specific area will be described for easy understanding.

  The facility control system 100 includes an environment information acquisition device 101, a facility control device 102, a lighting device 103, and an air conditioner 104, which are connected to a LAN cable 105 such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable, for example. It is connected.

  The illuminating device 103 is controlled by the equipment control device 102 via the LAN cable 105, a predetermined communication interface for communicating with the equipment control device 102 according to a predetermined communication method, a light source such as a fluorescent lamp or LED, and the control from the equipment control device 102. And a control device (none of which is shown) for controlling the light source in accordance with the signal. Under the control of the facility control device 102, the lighting device 103 performs a light-off / light-on operation, changes the luminous intensity, the color temperature, etc., and illuminates the area.

  The air conditioner 104 has, for example, a configuration in which a substantially square front panel is attached to the lower side (that is, the indoor side) of a rectangular parallelepiped main body embedded in the ceiling. There are four air outlets. The main body unit has a predetermined communication interface for performing communication according to a predetermined communication method with the equipment control device 102 via the LAN cable 105, and a control device that controls air conditioning in accordance with a control signal from the equipment control device 102 ( Neither of them is shown). The air conditioner 104 performs air conditioning of the area by blowing out air corresponding to the set temperature from each air outlet at a set wind speed under the control of the equipment control device 102. In addition, the air conditioner 104 can blow air from an arbitrary air outlet under the equipment control device 102, and further change the air direction (for example, horizontal direction, diagonally downward direction, downward direction) for each air outlet. can do.

  The facility control device 102 is not shown, but includes, for example, a control device (configured from a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.) and an external storage device (eg, a readable / writable non-volatile semiconductor memory or hard disk drive). An input device (eg, keyboard, mouse, keypad, touchpad, touch panel, etc.), display device (eg, CRT, liquid crystal monitor, etc.), environmental information acquisition device 101, lighting device 103, and air conditioner 104, respectively And a predetermined communication interface for performing communication in accordance with a predetermined communication method via the LAN cable 105. The facility control apparatus 102 controls the lighting apparatus 103 and the air conditioner 104 based on information (environment information) from the environment information acquisition apparatus 101 acquired through communication.

  The environment information acquisition apparatus 101 includes a communication unit 110, a light detection unit 111, a wavelength selection filter 112, a wavelength selection filter driving unit 113, and a data processing unit 115. The communication unit 110 includes a predetermined communication interface, and performs communication according to a predetermined communication method with the facility control apparatus 102 via the LAN cable 105. The light detection unit 111 includes, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), a photodiode, a phototransistor, and the like. The light detection unit 111 supplies a detection result, that is, data (for example, a voltage value) corresponding to a light image formed by a lens (not shown) to the data processing unit 115 at regular intervals.

  The wavelength selection filter 112 includes a plurality of filters that allow only light in a specific wavelength region to pass therethrough. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the wavelength selection filter 112 has a rotating plate shape, and has a structure in which a plurality of filter parts 201 having the same shape are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. You may do it. In this case, the filter unit 201 through which incident light passes can be switched by rotating the wavelength selection filter 112.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the external appearance may be a rectangular shape, and the filter portions 201 having the same shape may be arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction. In this case, the filter unit 201 through which the incident light passes can be switched by moving the wavelength selection filter 112 in the longitudinal direction. Although not particularly shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the lens may be disposed between the wavelength selection filter 112 and the light detection unit 111 or may be disposed in front of the wavelength selection filter 112 on the outside side. Thus, the light passing through the lens may enter the wavelength selection filter 112.

  The wavelength selection filter driving unit 113 is configured by a motor, a solenoid, or the like, and drives the wavelength selection filter 112 to rotate or reciprocate linearly.

  In the present embodiment, the structure of the wavelength selection filter 112 is as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the wavelength selection filter drive unit 113 is configured by a stepping motor. That is, the wavelength selection filter 112 is rotated by the wavelength selection filter driving unit 113 to switch the filter unit 201 that allows incident light to pass therethrough. The wavelength selection filter 112 is provided with four filter units 201 having the same shape, and each filter unit 201 is a visible light filter that transmits only light in the visible light region or an infrared filter that transmits only light in the infrared region. These are assumed to be alternately arranged at equal intervals.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the data processing unit 115 includes a wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121, a light intensity detection unit 122, and an environment information generation unit 123.

  The wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 rotates the wavelength selection filter 112 by sending a drive signal to the wavelength selection filter driving unit 113 and drivingly controlling the wavelength selection filter driving unit 113. Further, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 sends a signal (synchronization signal) to the light intensity detection unit 122 when the light transmitted through any one of the filter units 201 reaches the light detection unit 111. At the same time, a signal (type signal) indicating the type of the filter unit 201 (here, either a visible light filter or an infrared filter) is sent to the environment information generation unit 123.

  When receiving the synchronization signal from the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121, the light intensity detection unit 122 detects the intensity of incident light based on the detection result of the light detection unit 111. For example, when an electrical signal such as a voltage value corresponding to incident light is supplied from the light detection unit 111, the intensity of the incident light can be obtained by A / D converting the voltage value. The light intensity detection unit 122 notifies the environment information generation unit 123 of the detected intensity of incident light. In the case where the light detection unit 111 includes a plurality of light detection elements, the intensity obtained by averaging the detection results of the plurality of light detection elements is used as the intensity of the incident light.

  The environment information generation unit 123 includes, for example, a CPU, a main storage device, and the like, and includes a type signal transmitted from the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 and an incident light intensity notified from the light intensity detection unit 122. Based on this, various information (environment information) regarding the actual situation in the control target area is generated. The environmental information includes, for example, information on illuminance (illuminance information), information on temperature (temperature information), information on human activity status (activity information), such as the presence or absence of a person, and the like. The environment information generation unit 123 transmits the generated environment information to the facility control apparatus 102 via the communication unit 110 at a predetermined timing. For example, the environment information generation unit 123 may transmit immediately after generating the environment information, or may transmit it at regular intervals. Or the specification transmitted according to the request | requirement from the equipment control apparatus 102 may be sufficient.

  The environment information acquisition apparatus 101 configured as described above is installed on, for example, a ceiling near the center of the control target area.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of environment information acquisition processing executed by the environment information acquisition apparatus 101. The environment information acquisition process starts when the user turns on the environment information acquisition apparatus 101, and ends when the user turns it off. Here, information on the number of types of the filter unit 201 (two in the present embodiment), information on an arrangement mode (alternate arrangement in the present embodiment), and the like, which are included in the environment information acquisition apparatus 101 are not illustrated. It is assumed that it is stored in advance in a memory or the like.

  When the environmental information acquisition process is started, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 sends a drive signal to the wavelength selection filter driving unit 113 to drive the wavelength selection filter driving unit 113 by a certain amount, and to set the wavelength selection filter 112. It is rotated by a certain angle (step S101).

  The wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 transmits the above-described synchronization signal to the light intensity detection unit 122 when incident light passes through any one of the filter units 201 of the wavelength selection filter 112 and reaches the light detection unit 111. And the above-mentioned type signal is sent to the environment information generation unit 123 for a certain time (step S102). For example, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 controls the drive amount of the wavelength selection filter drive unit 113 to determine whether incident light is transmitted through any one of the filter units 201 of the wavelength selection filter 112 and the filter. The type of the unit 201 is determined.

  Specifically, as in the present embodiment, when the wavelength selection filter drive unit 113 is configured by a stepping motor and the stepping motor is rotated to switch the filter unit 201 of the wavelength selection filter 112, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 sends a synchronization signal and a type signal to the light detection unit 111 and the environment information generation unit 123, respectively, for a certain period of time each time the stepping motor is driven by a certain amount. Then, after a fixed time has elapsed, the transmission of the synchronization signal and the type signal is stopped, and the stepping motor is again driven by a fixed amount. Thereafter, such control is repeated.

  This fixed amount is predetermined as a driving amount for switching one filter unit 201. In addition, at the start of driving, the position of the wavelength selection filter 112 is adjusted in advance so that any filter unit 201 is disposed at a position where incident light can reach the light detection unit 111, and It is assumed that information on the type (whether it is a visible light filter or an infrared filter) is given to the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 in advance.

  As described above, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 detects that the light transmitted through any one of the filter units 201 has reached the light detection unit 111 every time the wavelength selection filter drive unit 113 is driven by a certain amount. In addition, the type of the filter unit 201 at that time can be determined.

  Similarly, even when the wavelength selection filter driving unit 113 is configured by a solenoid or the like and the filter unit 201 is switched by reciprocating linearly as shown in FIG. The same control is performed. That is, every time the wavelength selection filter driving unit 113 is driven by a certain amount, a synchronization signal and a type signal are transmitted, and when a certain time elapses, the synchronization signal is stopped and the wavelength selection filter driving unit 113 is driven again by a certain amount.

  Upon receiving the synchronization signal from the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121, the light detection unit 111 supplies the detection result of the incident light (for example, an electrical signal such as a voltage value) to the light intensity detection unit 122. The light intensity detection unit 122 detects the intensity of incident light based on the detection result supplied from the light detection unit 111 (step S103). The environment information generation unit 123 generates environment information based on the intensity of incident light detected by the light intensity detection unit 122 and the type signal from the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 (step S104).

  For example, when the type signal from the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 indicates a visible light filter, the environment information generation unit 123 uses the intensity of incident light detected by the light intensity detection unit 122 in the illumination target area. Illuminance information is generated by calculating the illuminance.

  In addition, when the type signal from the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 indicates an infrared filter, the environment information generation unit 123 determines the air in the air-conditioning target area from the intensity of incident light detected by the light intensity detection unit 122. Temperature information is generated by calculating the temperature.

  Further, in the environment information generation unit 123, when the type signal from the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 indicates an infrared filter, the intensity of incident light detected by the light intensity detection unit 122 corresponds to the surface temperature of the human body. When the intensity exceeds the threshold (for example, a predetermined value is determined in advance), it is determined that there is a person, and that and the activity value (0: small, 1: medium, 2 depending on the intensity of incident light) : Set as “Great”). Alternatively, the environment information generation unit 123 may acquire the light intensity in the visible light filter or the infrared filter in time series, and may determine that there is a person when the change amount of the light intensity exceeds a predetermined amount.

  The environment information generation unit 123 transmits the environment information (illuminance information, temperature information, activity information) generated as described above to the equipment control apparatus 102 via the communication unit 110 (step S105). Thereafter, the processing from step S101 is repeatedly executed.

  The equipment control device 102 controls the lighting device 103 and the air conditioner 104 based on environmental information such as illuminance information, temperature information, and activity information acquired from the environmental information acquisition device 101. For example, when the illuminance indicated by the illuminance information is lower than a predetermined value, the equipment control device 102 increases the luminous intensity and makes it brighter, and when it is higher than the predetermined value, the equipment control device 102 decreases the luminous intensity and darkens it. The light control of the lighting device 103 is performed.

  Moreover, the equipment control apparatus 102 controls the air conditioner 104 based on temperature information. For example, when the temperature indicated by the temperature information is lower than a predetermined value, air conditioning control is performed such as increasing the set temperature, and when higher than the predetermined value, decreasing the set temperature.

  Moreover, the facility control apparatus 102 can also add activity information, such as the presence or absence of a person, to the control content of the illuminating device 103 and the air conditioner 104. For example, when there is no person in the control target area, the facility control apparatus 102 can suppress the energy consumption of the facility equipment by weakening lighting or air conditioning. If there is a person and the activity value described above is “small”, the air direction of the air conditioner 104 is controlled so that direct wind does not strike, or conversely if the activity value is “large”, direct wind strikes. It can also be controlled.

  As described above, according to the facility control system 100 according to the present embodiment, the environment information acquisition apparatus 101 synchronizes with the switching of the filter unit 201 while switching the plurality of filter units 201 provided in the wavelength selection filter 112. Thus, the intensity of the incident light detected by the light detection unit 111 is acquired. Therefore, it is possible to individually acquire the intensities of light having a plurality of wavelengths with the single light detection unit 111, and it is possible to manufacture the environmental information acquisition device 101 at a low cost.

  Furthermore, environmental information such as temperature, illuminance, and presence / absence of people is generated from the intensity of light of a plurality of wavelengths, and equipment such as the lighting device 103 and the air conditioner 104 are controlled based on the environmental information. Therefore, it is possible to control lighting and air conditioning according to the actual situation in the control target area. Therefore, unnecessary consumption of energy can be suppressed, and the comfort of people in the area can be improved.

  In addition, when different optical systems and light detection units are used in the respective wavelength regions, processing for associating the positions of the respective distributions with respect to the obtained two-dimensional distribution of light intensity for each wavelength region is necessary. The environmental information acquisition apparatus 101 according to the embodiment detects light intensities in a plurality of wavelength regions using the same optical system and light detection unit other than the filter unit 201 provided in the wavelength selection filter 112. Therefore, it is extremely easy to associate positions in the acquired plurality of light intensity distributions.

  In the present embodiment, the wavelength selection filter 112 includes four filter units 201, and each filter unit 201 is a visible light filter that transmits only light in the visible light region or an infrared light that transmits only light in the infrared region. Although these are any of the filters and these are arranged alternately, there is no limitation on the number of filter units 201 or their types. For example, a filter unit 201 corresponding to a wavelength similar to human visibility may be provided. In this way, illuminance information closer to human senses can be obtained.

  A plurality of filter units 201 corresponding to different narrow wavelength regions may be provided. In this way, it is possible to acquire the intensity of incident light for each different narrow wavelength region, and it is possible to generate a variety of environmental information.

  In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the environment information acquisition apparatus 101 further includes a filter position detection unit 116, and the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 is based on the detection result of the filter position detection unit 116. The type may be specified, and the transmission timing of the synchronization signal and the type signal may be determined.

  The filter position detection unit 116 includes, for example, a rotary encoder, an infrared proximity sensor, a hall sensor, a contact switch, and the like. For example, it may be configured by a rotary encoder or the like so that the absolute position of each filter unit 201 can be detected at all times, or a specific location of the wavelength selection filter 112 is at a predetermined position by a hall sensor or the like. And the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 may correct an error between the designated drive amount and the actual drive amount based on the position information.

  Thus, by detecting the position of the specific filter unit 201 and using this position information, the filter unit 201 through which the incident light is transmitted can be accurately specified, and the accuracy of the synchronization signal transmission timing is further improved.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the equipment control system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. The configuration of the facility control system of the present embodiment is the same as that of the facility control system 100 of the first embodiment, and the configuration of the environment information acquisition device is also the same as that of the environment information acquisition device of the first embodiment. In the environment information acquisition apparatus of the present embodiment, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 specifies the type of the filter unit 201 based on the change in the intensity of incident light detected by the light intensity detection unit 122, and the synchronization signal and It is characterized in that the transmission timing of the type signal is determined.

  Hereinafter, this feature will be described in detail. When the environment information acquisition apparatus 101 is powered on, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 controls the wavelength selection filter driving unit 113 to continuously drive (that is, continuously rotate) the wavelength selection filter 112. Thus, the wavelength selective filter 112 is continuously rotated, so that incident light passes through each filter unit 201 at a constant period.

  The light intensity detection unit 122 periodically obtains the intensity of incident light detected by the light detection unit 111 at a cycle earlier than the cycle at which the filter unit 201 is switched. For example, the wavelength selection filter 112 is provided with three filter units 201 (for example, filter a, filter b, and filter c) that correspond to different wavelength regions, and the switching period of the filter unit 201 is set to each wavelength region. 7 is considered to be as shown in FIG. 7 when the incident light intensity is sufficiently shorter than the change in incident light corresponding to.

  In FIG. 7, t1, t4, and t7 indicate times when the intensity of the incident light transmitted through the filter a reaches a peak (P1), and t2 and t5 indicate the intensity of the incident light transmitted through the filter b (P3). T3 and t6 indicate times when the intensity of the incident light transmitted through the filter c reaches a peak (P2).

  The wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 can identify the type of the filter unit 201 based on the change in the intensity of incident light and determine the transmission timing of the synchronization signal and the type signal by the following method.

(Method 1: Method of comparing data for each peak)
In this case, it is assumed that information about the type of the filter unit 201 is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) included in the environment information acquisition apparatus 101. Further, it is assumed that data relating to the intensity of incident light for each type of the filter unit 201 measured in a planned use environment is stored in this memory or the like in association with the type of the filter unit 201.

  When the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 detects the peak of the intensity of the incident light (for example, P1, P2, and P3 at t1 to t7 in FIG. 7), the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 sends a synchronization signal to the light intensity detection unit 122. In synchronization with this, the wavelength selective filter synchronization control unit 121 compares the intensity at each peak with the above data stored in advance in a memory or the like, and as a result, the type corresponding to the closest data is obtained. A corresponding type signal is sent to the environment information generation unit 123.

(Method 2: Method for obtaining the reference time point based on the reference intensity)
As a premise in this case, it is assumed that data related to the reference strength is stored in advance in the memory or the like in association with the type of the filter unit 201. The reference intensity is the largest or smallest intensity of the incident light intensity for each type of the filter unit 201 measured in a planned use environment. In addition, it is assumed that information (type order information) regarding the order in which the types are switched (for example, filter a → filter b → filter c) is stored in advance in the memory or the like.

  The wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 monitors the intensity of incident light detected by the light intensity detection unit 122. Then, when detecting the time point when the incident light intensity closest to the reference intensity is obtained, a synchronization signal is sent to the light intensity detection unit 122, and a type signal corresponding to the type corresponding to the reference intensity is sent to the environment information generation unit. 123. The wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 uses this detection time as a reference time, and thereafter transmits a synchronization signal every time a peak of the intensity of incident light is detected, and also transmits a type signal according to the above-described type order information.

  Referring to FIG. 7 as an example, for example, if P1 is a reference intensity, t1, t4, and t7 are reference time points. At these reference time points, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 corresponds to P1 together with a synchronization signal. The type signal to be sent is sent. At the time of peak detection at t2, t3, t5, and t6, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 transmits a type signal according to the type order information stored in advance together with the synchronization signal.

  In this way, by using each of the above methods, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 identifies the type of the filter unit 201 based on the change in the intensity of the incident light, and sets the transmission timing of the synchronization signal and the type signal. Can be determined.

  Note that the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 calculates, for example, each difference from the detected peak time (for example, t1 to t7 in FIG. 7) and obtains an average, for example, the peak interval, that is, You may make it obtain | require the period (Tf1) in which the filter part 201 switches. In this case, for example, in the case of the above-described method 2, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 only needs to transmit the synchronization signal and the type signal every Tf1 from the reference time point to the next reference time point, and needs to detect the peak. Disappears.

  In addition, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 detects the time at which the peak corresponding to the reference intensity is repeatedly detected, for example, the times t1, t4, and t7 at which P1 is repeatedly detected, calculates the respective differences, By obtaining an average or the like, an interval between reference times (that is, a period (Tf2) until switching to the same type of filter unit 201 again) may be obtained. And after calculating | requiring Tf2, the wavelength selection filter synchronous control part 121 should just make Tf2 progress after a reference | standard time as the next reference | standard time instead of acquiring a reference | standard time based on reference | standard intensity | strength. In this way, even when the intensity of incident light corresponding to the reference intensity is not detected due to the influence of noise or the like, the synchronization signal and the type signal can be transmitted.

  When both Tf1 and Tf2 are used, either one may be obtained first and the other obtained from the result. For example, when Tf1 is obtained first, Tf2 may be calculated from the product of the Tf1 and the number of types of the filter unit 201. When Tf2 is obtained first, the Tf2 is obtained by the filter unit 201. Tf1 may be calculated by dividing by the number of types.

  The wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 may update the obtained Tf1 or Tf2 at a predetermined timing (for example, every time Tf1 or Tf2 elapses or every certain time). Alternatively, immediately after startup or in accordance with an instruction from the user, a peak of incident light intensity is detected for a predetermined time, and Tf1 or Tf2 is acquired as described above, and the acquired Tf1 or Tf2 is stored in a memory or the like. It may be used in subsequent processing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 specifies the type of the filter unit 201 based on the change in the intensity of the incident light detected from the light intensity detection unit 122, and the synchronization signal In addition, since the transmission timing of the type signal is determined, the filter unit 201 through which the incident light is transmitted can be accurately specified, and the accuracy of the synchronization signal transmission timing is further improved.

  Further, since no special hardware or the like for detecting the position of the filter unit 201 is required, it can be manufactured at a low cost, similar to the environment information acquisition apparatus 101 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, the equipment control system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the environmental information acquisition apparatus according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a wind receiving unit 301 composed of blades and gears. The wind receiving unit 301 converts wind power into motive power. It is characterized in that the selection filter 112 is driven (rotated).

  The environment information acquisition apparatus of this embodiment is installed in a place where necessary wind force can be obtained, for example, in the vicinity of the air outlet of the air conditioner 104.

  The environment information acquisition apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the filter position detection unit 116 in another example of the first embodiment described above (see FIG. 6), and based on the position information detected by the filter position detection unit 116, the wavelength selection filter The synchronization control unit 121 can specify the type of the filter unit 201 and determine the transmission timing of the synchronization signal and the type signal. Alternatively, as described in the second embodiment, the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit 121 specifies the type of the filter unit 201 based on the change in the intensity of incident light detected from the light intensity detection unit 122, and the synchronization signal The transmission timing of the type signal may be determined.

  Thus, in the environmental information acquisition apparatus of this embodiment, since it is not necessary to use a motor etc., manufacturing cost can be suppressed further. In addition, since the power used by the environment information acquisition apparatus can be reduced, the maintenance cost can be reduced.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the facility control device 102 controls one lighting device 103 and one air conditioning device 104 each corresponding to one control target area, but the facility control device controls a plurality of spaces. Of course, it is logically divided into target areas, and lighting devices and air conditioners corresponding to the respective control target areas can be controlled. In this case, an environment information acquisition device may be installed for each control target area, and the facility control device may hold information on the equipment and environment information acquisition device corresponding to each control target area in advance.

  Further, the control target area and the equipment are not in one-to-one correspondence. For example, one air conditioner capable of blowing air in a plurality of directions may correspond to a plurality of control target areas. A plurality of equipment may correspond to one control target area.

  In the above embodiment, the facility control device 102 is configured to communicate with each of the environment information acquisition device 101, the lighting device 103, and the air conditioning device 104 via the LAN cable 105. Of course, it does not matter even if it communicates by a system. Moreover, the network in communication between an equipment control apparatus and an environmental information acquisition apparatus may differ from the network in communication between an equipment control apparatus and equipment. Furthermore, a different network may be constructed for each type of equipment such as a lighting device or an air conditioner.

  Further, for example, the light detection unit 111 may be configured by a plurality of light detection elements, and a wide-angle lens such as a fisheye lens may be used as an optical system so that the light intensity at each point in a wide space can be detected. . In this way, it is possible to divide the space into a plurality of areas, generate environment information for each area, and control equipment in the corresponding area. Accordingly, it is possible to simultaneously perform illumination and air conditioning of a plurality of control target areas without installing a plurality of environment information acquisition devices.

  Further, even when the light detection unit 111 is configured by a single light detection element and a normal lens is employed as an optical system, for example, the environment information acquisition device is driven by a motor or the like (for example, a swinging operation or the like) ), The intensity of light at each point in a wide space can be detected.

  The light detection unit 111 may be a color CCD, that is, a configuration in which, for example, a Bayer color filter is provided on the CCD.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be suitably employed as a system for controlling lighting and air conditioning in a space where various people work such as offices and factories.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Equipment control system 101 Environment information acquisition apparatus 110 Communication part 111 Photodetection part 112 Wavelength selection filter 201 Filter part 113 Wavelength selection filter drive part 115 Data processing part 121 Wavelength selection filter synchronous control part 122 Light intensity detection part 123 Environment information generation part 116 Filter position detection unit 102 Equipment control device 103 Illumination device 104 Air conditioning device 105 LAN cable 301 Wind receiving unit

Claims (6)

A wavelength selection filter provided with a plurality of light transmission filters respectively corresponding to a plurality of wavelength regions;
Light detection means for detecting light transmitted through the light transmission filter;
A light intensity detecting means for detecting the intensity of light detected by the light detecting means;
When the wavelength selection filter is driven and the light detection means detects whether or not the light transmitted through any of the light transmission filters is detected. Wavelength selective filter synchronization control means for outputting a synchronization signal indicating;
Environment information generating means for generating environment information relating to the environment of a predetermined area based on the intensity of the light detected by the light intensity detecting means when the wavelength selection filter synchronization control means outputs the synchronization signal; Comprising
An environmental information acquisition apparatus characterized by that. The plurality of light transmission filters provided in the wavelength selection filter include at least a light transmission filter that transmits only light in a visible light region and a light transmission filter that transmits only light in an infrared region,
The environment information acquisition apparatus according to claim 1. The wavelength selective filter synchronization control means further outputs a type signal indicating the type of the light transmission filter when the light detection means determines that the light transmitted through any of the light transmission filters is detected. And
When the synchronization signal is output by the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit, the environment information generation unit outputs the intensity of the light detected by the light intensity detection unit and the wavelength selection filter synchronization control unit. Based on the type signal, environment information relating to the environment of the predetermined area is generated.
The environment information acquisition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the environment information acquisition apparatus is an environment information acquisition apparatus. The environmental information generated by the environmental information generating means includes at least one of information related to air temperature in the area and information related to illuminance in the area.
The environment information acquisition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the environment information acquisition apparatus is an environment information acquisition apparatus. The environment information generated by the environment information generating means includes information on the presence or absence of a person in the area.
The environment information acquisition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the environment information acquisition apparatus is an environment information acquisition apparatus. It consists of an environmental information acquisition device, a facility control device, and one or more facility devices,
The environmental information acquisition device includes:
A wavelength selection filter provided with a plurality of light transmission filters respectively corresponding to a plurality of wavelength regions;
Light detection means for detecting light transmitted through the light transmission filter;
A light intensity detecting means for detecting the intensity of light detected by the light detecting means;
When the wavelength selection filter is driven and the light detection means detects whether or not the light transmitted through any of the light transmission filters is detected. Wavelength selective filter synchronization control means for outputting a synchronization signal indicating;
Environment information generating means for generating environment information relating to the environment of a predetermined area based on the intensity of the light detected by the light intensity detecting means when the wavelength selection filter synchronization control means outputs the synchronization signal; ,
Communication means for transmitting the environment information generated by the environment information generation means to the facility control device connected via a predetermined network,
The facility control device controls the operation of the facility device connected via a predetermined network based on the environment information transmitted from the environment information acquisition device.
An equipment control system characterized by that.

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