JP6182323B2 - Sensor device and sensor application equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sensor device and a sensor application device.

  Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a fire source sensor using an infrared sensor. In this fire source sensor, a window that provides a first angle as a viewing angle when the monitoring area is viewed from the infrared sensor is formed in a housing in which the infrared sensor is accommodated. In addition, a cover having a slit is provided outside the housing, and the slit provides a second viewing angle that is narrower than the first angle. By switching between the window and the slit, the viewing angle, that is, the monitoring range is switched.

  Patent Document 2 listed below discloses an intrusion detection device using a plurality of infrared sensors. In this apparatus, a first passive infrared sensor (PIR sensor) is installed at a height corresponding to the vicinity of the lower end of a building window, and has an upper portion as a detection area from the height. The second PIR sensor is installed at a height position corresponding to the vicinity of the upper end of the window, and has a lower portion as a detection area from the height position. An overlapping portion of the two detection areas, that is, a height range from the vicinity of the lower end of the window to the vicinity of the upper end is set as a warning target. Specifically, an intruder within the alert target is detected by the reaction of both PIR sensors.

  Patent Document 3 below discloses an intrusion detection apparatus using a camera. This apparatus has a built-in PIR sensor, and when a PIR sensor detects an object that emits infrared rays of a certain amount or more, an image taken by a camera is stored as a still image. The detection area of the PIR sensor is adjusted by partially masking the mirror provided in front of the PIR sensor.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-283580 JP 2001-56887 A JP 2009-2662 A

  According to the fire source sensor of Patent Document 1, the viewing angle is narrowed by lowering the cover and placing a slit in front of the window of the housing, and conversely, the viewing angle is widened by raising the cover. Therefore, driving means for moving the cover up and down is necessary. For this reason, the apparatus becomes large, and the cost increases accordingly.

  According to the detection device of Patent Document 2, in order to set a warning target, it is necessary to adjust the direction of the PIR sensor after the sensor is installed, and this adjustment work is complicated. In addition, since a plurality of PIR sensors are used, it is necessary to adjust the orientation of each PIR sensor. In some cases, the PIR sensor must be removed for adjusting the orientation.

  According to the detection device of Patent Document 3, in order to set the detection area of the PIR sensor, the masking operation is necessary after the device is installed, and this operation is complicated. In some cases, the PIR sensor must be removed for masking.

  An object of this invention is to provide the technique which can set easily the range made into detection object even after sensor installation at low cost.

The sensor device according to the first aspect of the present invention outputs a detection signal at a first signal level when detecting that the predetermined energy is larger than the threshold, and detects that the predetermined energy is smaller than the threshold. A sensor unit that outputs the detection signal at a second signal level different from the first signal level, and a sensor input surface of the sensor unit, and the predetermined energy is supplied to the sensor unit. a blocking portion in which the predetermined energy and opening the passage to the side prevents from entering into the sensor unit have a aligned aperture pattern alternately directed against the arrival direction of the predetermined energy, the incident selector Whether or not a predetermined situation is detected based on the first signal level appearance information including at least one of the duration and the repetition form of the first signal level To another, and a processing unit.

  A sensor device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the sensor device according to the first aspect described above, wherein the processing unit uses the first signal level appearance information in the opening pattern of the incident selection unit. Accordingly, it is compared with reference information set in advance, and based on the comparison result, it is determined whether or not the predetermined situation has been detected.

  A sensor device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the sensor device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the processing unit is configured to detect the predetermined situation based on a change in the first signal level appearance information. Whether or not is detected is determined.

  The sensor device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the sensor device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the incident selection unit has an opening width of the opening. It has different types of opening patterns.

The sensor device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the sensor device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects described above , wherein the blocking portion of the incident selection portion is in a flat plate shape. And are inclined in the same direction with respect to the arrangement direction of the blocking portions .

  A sensor device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the sensor device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the predetermined situation is a discharge source of the predetermined energy. Among the situation where the corresponding detected object is present at a predetermined location, the situation where the detected object is moving in a predetermined direction, and the situation where the detected object is a predetermined detection target At least one of the following.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the sensor application device, wherein the predetermined situation is achieved by the sensor device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects and the processing unit of the sensor device. And a controlled unit that is controlled based on the determination result of whether or not it has been detected.

  According to said 1st-7th aspect, based on 1st signal level appearance information (information comprised including at least one of the duration of a 1st signal level, and a repetition form), predetermined | prescribed It is determined whether or not a situation has been detected. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated component (such as a mirror) for dividing the detection range into areas, and it is not necessary to divide the detection range into areas using a plurality of sensors. Therefore, since the cost for such dedicated parts and a plurality of sensors is unnecessary, a low-cost configuration can be provided. Further, work requiring physical changes such as sensor orientation adjustment and masking need not be performed after sensor installation. Moreover, the cost concerning such an operation | work and a member can be reduced. Further, since a large-scale mechanism or the like is not used, the cost can be reduced in this respect. Therefore, it is possible to provide a technology that can easily set the range to be detected even after the sensor is installed at low cost.

In particular, according to the first, fourth, and fifth aspects, the first signal level appearance information can be easily distinguished. For this reason, situation discrimination can be provided with high accuracy.

  In particular, according to the seventh aspect, since the determination result by the sensor device is used, it is possible to narrow down the situation that requires the operation of the controlled unit. For this reason, for example, the power consumption of the controlled unit can be reduced.

  The objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a sensor applied device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a sensor main body portion in the first embodiment. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an incident selection unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an incident selection unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a detection area defined by an incident selection unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a detection operation in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram illustrating a detection signal in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the incident selection unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an incident selection unit in the second embodiment. FIG. FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram for explaining a detection signal in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an incident selection unit in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram for explaining a detection signal in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram for explaining a detection signal in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining an incident selection unit in Modification 2.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a sensor application device 1 according to the first embodiment. According to the example of FIG. 1, the sensor applied device 1 includes a sensor device 2 and a controlled unit 3, and the sensor device 2 includes a sensor unit 4, a processing unit 5, and an incident selection unit 6. The unit 4 includes a sensor main body unit 7 and a sensor peripheral circuit unit 8. Here, the sensor application device 1 is exemplified by a sensor light device that is turned on by detecting infrared rays (for example, far infrared rays) (hereinafter also simply referred to as “sensor light”). Also referred to as sensor light 1.

  The sensor unit 4 is configured to be able to detect predetermined energy, and outputs a detection result signal (hereinafter also simply referred to as “detection signal”) S having a waveform corresponding to detection / non-detection of the predetermined energy. Specifically, when detecting that the predetermined energy is larger than the threshold value, the sensor unit 4 sets the signal level of the detection signal S to the first signal level. Conversely, when the sensor unit 4 detects that the predetermined energy is smaller than the threshold value, the sensor unit 4 sets the signal level of the detection signal S to a second signal level different from the first signal level. When the predetermined energy is equal to the threshold value, the first signal level may be designed to be output, or the second signal level may be designed to be output.

  In this case, the detection signal S is a digital signal expressed by the first signal level and the second signal level. Hereinafter, the first signal level corresponding to detection of predetermined energy is also referred to as “1” level, High level, H level, etc., and the second signal level corresponding to non-detection of predetermined energy is set to “0” level, Low level, Also referred to as L level or the like. However, the first signal level may be associated with the “0” level, and the second signal level may be associated with the “1” level.

  In the sensor light 1, the predetermined energy to be detected by the sensor unit 4 is infrared energy in a predetermined wavelength range. In this case, the sensor main body 7 can be configured by various infrared sensors, and hereinafter, the sensor main body 7 is also referred to as an infrared sensor 7. Here, the sensor body 7 is a passive type.

  By the way, in general, infrared sensors are roughly classified into a quantum type that detects infrared rays as light energy and a thermal type that detects infrared rays as thermal energy. In view of this point, the detection target energy of the sensor unit 4 may be understood as light energy, or may be understood as thermal energy.

  Here, FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the infrared sensor 7. According to the example of FIG. 2, the infrared sensor 7 includes a detection element unit 9 and a light collecting unit 10. The detection element unit 9 is composed of one or a plurality of infrared sensor elements. Note that FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates the detection element unit 9, and the shape and size of the detection element unit 9 are not limited to the example of FIG. The condensing part 10 is comprised, for example with a lens, and condenses the light which injects into the infrared sensor 7 to the detection element part 9. FIG. The condensing part 10 functions also as an optical filter by being comprised with the material which selectively permeate | transmits infrared rays of a detection target. The detection element unit 9 is disposed in contact with, for example, the light collecting unit 10. When the condensing part 10 is a resin material, it is also possible to embed the detection element part 9 in the condensing part 10.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the condensing unit 10 has a shape imitating a cylindrical lens, and a sensor input surface (hereinafter simply referred to as “input surface”) 11 is provided on a surface corresponding to the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical lens. ing. More specifically, the sensor input surface 11 includes three continuous planes 12, 13, and 14. That is, these three planes 12, 13, and 14 imitate the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical lens, whereby light incident on each plane 12, 13, and 14 is guided to the detection element unit 9.

  Hereinafter, the plane 13 positioned in front of the detection element unit 9 is referred to as a central sensor input surface 13, and the plane 12 on the front right side (in other words, diagonally forward right) as viewed from the detection element unit 9 is the right sensor input surface 12. The plane 14 on the front left side (in other words, diagonally left front) viewed from the detection element unit 9 may be referred to as the left sensor input surface 14.

  In addition, the shape of the sensor input surface 11 is not limited to the example of FIG. 2, For example, a plane, a hemispherical surface, etc. may be sufficient.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the sensor peripheral circuit unit 8 generates a digital detection signal S from the analog signal output from the infrared sensor 7. Such a detection signal generation function can be realized by a comparator, for example. Specifically, when the output signal level of the infrared sensor 7 is larger than a predetermined threshold, the comparator outputs a signal of “1” level indicating that infrared rays are detected as the detection signal S, and the output signal of the infrared sensor 7 When the level is smaller than the predetermined threshold value, a signal of “0” level indicating non-detection of infrared rays is output as the detection signal S.

  The threshold value of the comparator corresponds to the threshold value for the detection target energy, and is set in advance according to, for example, the detection sensitivity required for the sensor light 1. The threshold value of the comparator may not be changeable or may be adjustable.

  The sensor peripheral circuit unit 8 may have an amplification function, a filter function, and the like in connection with processing of an output signal from the infrared sensor 7. The sensor peripheral circuit unit 8 may have a power supply function for the infrared sensor 7 and the like.

  The detection signal S generated by the sensor unit 4 is input to the processing unit 5. The processing unit 5 performs various processes based on the detection signal S. Processing performed by the processing unit 5 will be described later.

  The processing unit 5 implements various processes by software, for example. In this case, the processing unit 5 includes, for example, a microcomputer and a memory, and the microcomputer executes each processing step (in other words, a procedure) described in a program in the memory. Thereby, the microcomputer functions as various means corresponding to the processing step, or various functions corresponding to the processing step are realized by the microcomputer. Note that some or all of the various means or various functions realized by the processing unit 5 can be realized by hardware.

  The controlled unit 3 is a lighting device in the sensor light 1. For this reason, the controlled part 3 is also called the illuminating device 3. The illumination device 3 is controlled by the processing unit 5. That is, lighting / non-lighting (in other words, ON / OFF) of the lighting device 3 is controlled according to the processing result of the detection signal S in the processing unit 5.

  The incident selection unit 6 is provided in front of the sensor input surface 11 (see FIG. 2) of the sensor unit 4 and selectively makes incoming infrared rays enter the sensor input surface 11. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the incident selection unit 6, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view. 3 and 4 also show the infrared sensor 7 for explanation. 3 and 4, the incident selection unit 6 is separated from the sensor input surface 11, but the incident selection unit 6 may be brought into contact with the sensor input surface 11.

  According to the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, the incident selection unit 6 has an opening 15 that allows incoming infrared rays to pass to the sensor input surface 11 side, and a blocking that prevents incoming infrared rays from entering the sensor input surface 11. It has an opening pattern in which the portions 16 are alternately arranged. 3 and FIG. 4, one opening 15 is provided in front of the central sensor input surface 13, and four openings 15 are provided in front of the right sensor input surface 12 and the left sensor input surface 14, respectively. ing. However, the number of openings 15 is not limited to this example.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, one end and the other end of each blocking portion 16 are connected to the connecting portion 17. According to this example, the incident selection unit 6 can be provided as a single member in which a plurality of blocking portions 16 are connected and all the openings 15 and the blocking portions 16 are integrated. For this reason, the opening part 15 and the interruption | blocking part 16 can be easily set only by arrange | positioning the incident selection part 6 in front of the sensor input surface 11. FIG. The incident blocking part 6 can be manufactured, for example, by forming a hole 15 in a metal thin plate to form the opening 15. Alternatively, injection molding of a resin material may be used.

  However, the connection part 17 is an arbitrary element. For example, the blocking portion 16 may be formed by sticking a material capable of blocking infrared rays on the sensor input surface 11. Alternatively, the blocking portion 16 may be formed by applying or printing such a material on the sensor input surface 11. According to these examples, the connecting portion 17 can be omitted.

  According to the incident selection unit 6, infrared rays that arrive at the sensor input surface 11 are passed or blocked according to the direction of arrival. In other words, the detection range of the entire sensor input surface 11 is subdivided into detection areas 18 defined by the openings 15 as shown in FIG. An area between adjacent detection areas 18 is a non-detection area 19 defined by the blocking unit 16.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the arrangement direction of the opening 15 and the blocking portion 16 (which may be understood as the arrangement direction of the opening 15 or the arrangement direction of the blocking portion 16) is the sensor input surface. 11 is the same as the arrangement direction of the three planes 12, 13, and 14.

  Here, the length of the openings 15 in the arrangement direction of the openings 15 is referred to as an opening width 15w. Further, the length of the opening 15 in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the openings 15 is referred to as an opening height 15h. Similarly, the blocking width 16w and the blocking height 16h of the blocking portion 16 are understood. In the example of FIG. 3, the opening height 15h is equal to the blocking height 16h. Further, since the interval between the adjacent openings 15 (hereinafter also referred to as the opening interval) is equal to the blocking width 16w, the reference symbol 16w is used to denote the opening interval 16w. Similarly, reference numeral 15w is used as an interval between adjacent blocking portions 16 (hereinafter also referred to as a blocking interval).

  As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, the incident selection unit 6 has a plurality of types of opening patterns. Specifically, the opening 15 that allows light to pass to the central sensor input surface 13 (which may be expressed as “opening 15 for the central sensor input surface 13”) is for the right sensor input surface 12. The opening width 15 w is larger than the opening 15 for the left sensor input surface 14. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the detection area 18 defined by the opening 15 for the central sensor input surface 13 (expressed as “detection area 18 corresponding to the opening 15 for the central sensor input surface 13”). May have a larger spread angle and a larger area than the detection area 18 corresponding to the opening 15 for the right sensor input surface 12 and the left sensor input surface 14.

  Here, in order to simplify the description, a case where the opening 15 for the right sensor input surface 12 and the opening 15 for the left sensor input surface 14 have the same opening width 15w is illustrated. Note that it is not necessary for all the openings 15 for the right sensor input surface 12 to have the same opening width 15w, but all the openings 15 are compared to the opening 15 for the central sensor input surface 13. Suppose that the opening width 15w is small. The same applies to the opening 15 for the left sensor input surface 14. Moreover, the case where all the opening space | intervals 16w are equal is illustrated.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the detection operation. 6 corresponds to FIG. 5, but shows a wider range than FIG. FIG. 6 shows a situation in which the emission source 20 of predetermined energy (here, infrared rays) moves in a direction crossing the subdivided detection area 18 one after another. The infrared emission source 20 is, for example, a person. Moreover, the movement path | route of the infrared rays emission source 20 shown in FIG. 6 is an example to the last.

  When the infrared emission source 20 moves along the movement path illustrated in FIG. 6 at a constant speed, the waveform of the detection signal S is as shown in FIG. That is, the “1” level duration T1 of the detection signal S is determined according to the spread angle of the detection area 18, in other words, the opening width 15w of the incident selection section 6. Specifically, while traversing the wide detection area 18 defined by the wide opening 15 for the central sensor input surface 12, the “1” level duration T1 is relatively long. Conversely, while traversing the narrow detection area 18 defined by the narrow openings 15 for the right sensor input surface 12 and the left sensor input surface 14, the "1" level duration T1 is relatively short.

  In view of this point, whether or not the infrared emission source 20 is detected through the opening 15 for the central sensor input surface 13 from the duration T1 of “1” level (in other words, the infrared emission source). 20 is detected through the opening 15 for the right sensor input surface 12 or the left sensor input surface 14).

  Specifically, the processing unit 5 (see FIG. 1) compares the “1” level duration T1 of the detection signal S with a preset reference value, and based on the comparison result, the “infrared emission source” 20 is present at a location that is detected via the central sensor input surface 13, or “infrared emission source 20 moves the right sensor input surface 12 or the left sensor input surface 14. It is discriminated whether or not the situation “is present at a location detected via the network” is detected.

  Further, when the “1” level is not detected, in other words, when the duration time T0 of the “0” level is equal to or longer than a predetermined value, it is possible to determine the situation that “the infrared emission source 20 does not exist in the entire detection range”. .

  The reference value related to the duration “1” of the “1” level is set in advance according to the opening pattern of the incident selection unit 6. For example, the opening 15 for the central sensor input surface 13 is larger than the maximum time expected to cross the detection area 18 corresponding to the opening 15 for the right sensor input surface 12 and the left sensor input surface 14. A value smaller than the maximum time assumed to cross the detection area 18 corresponding to can be set as a reference value for the duration T1 of the “1” level. According to this example, if the duration T1 of the “1” level is greater than the reference value, “the infrared emission source 20 is present at a location that is detected via the central sensor input surface 13”. Is determined. On the contrary, if the duration “T1” of the “1” level is smaller than the reference value, “the infrared emission source 20 is present at the place where the right sensor input surface 12 or the left sensor input surface 14 is detected. Is determined. In addition, in the case where the duration time T1 of the “1” level is equal to the reference value, it may be designed in advance which of the two types of predetermined situations belongs.

  Here, the maximum time assumed to cross the detection area 18 depends on the distance between the infrared emission source 20 and the sensor unit 4. The maximum time also depends on the speed of the infrared emission source 20. For this reason, you may utilize the reference value range which gave the said reference value the width | variety according to the numerical range assumed about them. In addition, the maximum distance (for example, about 5 to 10 m) of the detection range of the sensor light 1, the environment within the detection range (presence and position of a path through which the infrared emission source 20 can move), the infrared emission source 20 to be detected Considering the type (for example, person) or the like, the above range of distance and speed can be assumed, and therefore a practical reference value range can be set.

  Further, when the infrared emission source 20 has a size that extends over two or more of the narrow detection areas 18 for the right sensor input surface 12 and the left sensor input surface 14, the narrow detection areas 18 are successively moved. Even when crossing, the “0” level does not appear and the “1” level continues. For this reason, according to the assumed size of the infrared emission source 20, the opening width 15w and / or the opening interval 16w of the narrow opening 15 may be set.

  The case where the infrared emission source 20 extends over two or more detection areas 18 is also described in the third embodiment.

  In the above description, the “1” level duration T1 is focused. However, the “0” level duration T0 may be focused. However, since there are two types of signal levels that the detection signal S can take, “0” level and “1” level, the processing focusing on the duration time T0 of the “0” level is also substantially “1” level. This can be interpreted as processing focusing on the duration T1.

  The processing unit 5 controls the controlled unit 3 based on the determination result of whether or not a predetermined situation has been detected.

  For example, when the situation that “the infrared emission source 20 exists at a place detected via the central sensor input surface 13” is detected, the lighting device 3 is turned on, while in other cases (infrared rays It is possible to control that the lighting device 3 is not turned on (including the case where the emission source 20 does not exist).

  Alternatively, for example, if the infrared emission source 20 is detected regardless of the location, the lighting device 3 is turned on. In particular, “in the place where the infrared emission source 20 is detected via the central sensor input surface 13”. When the state of “existing” is detected, it is possible to perform control of increasing the brightness of the illumination device 3 (in other words, changing the control amount of the controlled unit 3).

  By the way, instead of or in addition to the use of the reference value or the reference value range described above, it is also possible to determine a predetermined situation by using a change in the repeated form of the “1” level of the detection signal S.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 7, the waveform of the detection signal S has changed from a shape in which the “1” level is repeated in a substantially constant cycle to a shape in which the “1” level continues for a longer time than the predetermined cycle. In the case where “the infrared emission source 20 has moved from the location detected via the right sensor input surface 12 or the left sensor input surface 14 toward the location detected via the central sensor input surface 13”. It can be determined. Further, when the waveform of the detection signal S changes in the opposite direction, “from the place where the infrared emission source 20 is detected via the central sensor input surface 13, the right sensor input surface 12 or the left sensor input surface. It is possible to determine the situation of “moved toward the place detected via 14”.

  In view of these, information including at least one of “1” level duration and “1” level repetition form is represented by “1” level appearance information (in other words, the first signal level). It can be understood that the processing unit 5 determines whether or not a predetermined situation is detected based on the “1” level appearance information.

  In addition, for example, as described above, the determination process based on the “1” level appearance information compares the “1” level appearance information with the reference information, and whether or not a predetermined situation is detected based on the comparison result. This is a process for determining. Here, the reference information is the reference value and the reference value range related to the “1” level. As described above, the reference value and the reference value range are set in advance according to the opening pattern of the incident selection unit 6.

  In addition, the determination process based on the “1” level appearance information is a process for determining whether or not a predetermined situation is detected from the change in the “1” level appearance information as described above. Note that the technique for determining the situation from the change in the “1” level appearance information can be combined with the technique for determining the situation using the reference information.

  As described above, since it is determined whether or not a predetermined situation is detected based on the “1” level appearance information, it is necessary to provide a dedicated part (mirror or the like) for dividing the detection range into areas, unlike the conventional technique. In addition, there is no need to divide the detection range by a plurality of sensors. Therefore, since the cost for such dedicated parts and a plurality of sensors is unnecessary, the sensor device 2 and the sensor light 1 can be provided at low cost. Also, unlike the prior art, work requiring physical changes such as sensor orientation adjustment and masking need not be performed after sensor installation. Moreover, the cost concerning such an operation | work and a member can be reduced. Further, since a large-scale mechanism or the like is not used, the cost can be reduced in this respect. Therefore, it is possible to provide a technology that can easily set the range to be detected even after the sensor is installed at low cost.

  Moreover, since the illuminating device 3 is controlled using the discrimination | determination result by the sensor apparatus 2, the condition which requires operation | movement of the illuminating device 3 can be narrowed down. For this reason, for example, the power consumption of the illuminating device 3 can be reduced.

  Here, the incident selection unit 6 has an opening pattern composed of a narrow opening 15 and an opening pattern composed of a wide opening 15. According to such different opening patterns, it becomes easy to distinguish “1” level appearance information corresponding to each opening pattern as illustrated in FIG. For this reason, situation discrimination can be provided with high accuracy.

  2 to 5, the opening width 15 w of the opening 15 for the right sensor input surface 12 and the left sensor input surface 14 is set as the opening width of the opening 15 for the central sensor input surface 13. It may be larger than 15w. If the opening width 15w is different between the opening 15 for the right sensor input surface 12 and the opening 15 for the left sensor input surface 14, three types of opening patterns can be configured. If a plurality of opening patterns are provided on one or more of the sensor input surfaces 12, 13, and 14, a larger number of opening patterns can be given to the incident selection unit 6.

  Note that all the openings 15 may have the same opening height 15h, or some or all of the openings 15 may have different opening heights 15h. The same applies to the cutoff height 16h.

  Moreover, although the case where the incident selection part 6 has the shape along the sensor input surface 11 was illustrated above (refer FIG.3 and FIG.4), the incident selection part 6 is comprised planarly so that it may illustrate in FIG. It is also possible.

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the incident selection unit 6B according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 9, the infrared sensor 7 is also illustrated for the sake of explanation. The incident selection unit 6B can be applied to the sensor device 2 (see FIG. 1) instead of the incident selection unit 6 (see FIGS. 3 to 5) according to the first embodiment.

  The incident selection unit 6B has directivity with respect to the direction of arrival of infrared rays that are energy to be detected. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, directivity can be given by inclining the planar blocking portions 16 in the same direction with respect to the arrangement direction of the blocking portions 16. In the example of FIG. 9, each blocking portion 16 is inclined so as to be parallel to the left sensor input surface 14, in other words, to be orthogonal to the right sensor input surface 12. The incident selection section 6B having such a shape can be manufactured by press molding of a thin metal plate, injection molding of a resin material, or the like.

  FIG. 10 illustrates a waveform diagram of the detection signal S when the incident selection unit 6B is applied. Specifically, the infrared emission source 20 moves in a direction D1 orthogonal to the blocking unit 16 (in other words, a direction parallel to the right sensor input surface 12) and in an arrangement direction D2 of the blocking unit 16. The waveform of the detection signal S is illustrated for the case and the case of moving in the direction D3 parallel to the blocking unit 16 (in other words, the direction parallel to the left sensor input surface 14). The moving direction of the infrared emission source 20 may be opposite to the direction of the illustrated arrow.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10, the “1” level duration T1 of the detection signal S is maximized when the infrared emission source 20 moves in the direction D1, and the infrared emission source 20 moves in the direction D3. To the minimum. This is because the influence of the blocking portion 16 differs depending on the direction of arrival of infrared rays, in other words, the substantial opening width and opening interval are different.

  By utilizing such characteristics, it is possible to determine the situation based on the “1” level appearance information (the “1” level duration T1 and / or the “1” level repetition mode). For example, the moving direction and / or location of the infrared emission source 20 can be determined.

  Further, according to the incident selection unit 6B having directivity, the “1” level appearance information can be easily distinguished as illustrated in FIG. 10, and thus the situation determination can be provided with high accuracy.

<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the incident selection unit 6C according to the third embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 11, the infrared sensor 7 is also illustrated for description. The incident selecting unit 6C can be applied to the sensor device 2 (see FIG. 1) instead of the incident selecting unit 6 (see FIGS. 3 to 5) according to the first embodiment.

  The incident selection portion 6C is configured in a planar shape, and the openings 15 having the same opening width 15w are arranged at the same opening interval 16w. In the example of FIG. 11, the opening width 15w and the opening interval 16w are illustrated with the same dimensions, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

  FIG. 12 illustrates a waveform diagram of the detection signal S when the incident selection unit 6C is applied. When the infrared emission source 20 (see FIG. 11) moves near the sensor unit 4 so as to straddle two or more detection areas 18 (see FIG. 6), as shown in the upper part of FIG. The “0” level does not appear and the “1” level continues. On the other hand, when the infrared emission source 20 moves away from the sensor unit 4 so as to be within one detection area 18, the “1” level appears intermittently as shown in the lower part of FIG.

  However, if the distance from the sensor unit 4 is too large, the amount of infrared rays reaching the sensor unit 4 from the infrared emission source 20 becomes small, and the infrared emission source 20 is not detected. On the other hand, the infrared emission source 20 can be detected if the emission amount of the infrared ray is large even at such a distance.

  Here, when a person and a car are illustrated, since the engine room of the car becomes high temperature, the amount of infrared rays emitted by the automobile is larger than the amount of infrared rays emitted by people. For this reason, a person who moves near the sensor unit 4 with a small amount of infrared emission is discriminated by the waveform in the upper part of FIG. 12, and a car that moves far from the sensor unit 4 with a large amount of infrared emission is shown in FIG. It is possible to discriminate by the lower 12 waveforms.

  In view of this point, the situation determination can be performed based on the “1” level appearance information (the “1” level duration T1 and / or the “1” level repetition mode). For example, by comparing “1” level appearance information with reference information, it is possible to determine whether the detected object is a person or a car. In other words, when a person is preset as a detection target, it is possible to determine a situation in which the detected object is the predetermined detection target (that is, a person). The same applies to the case where an automobile is preset as a detection target.

  According to this, for example, when the sensor unit 4 is installed at a building entrance toward the road facing the entrance, it is possible to discriminate between a car running on the road and a person moving near the entrance. Then, it is possible to perform control such that the lighting device 3 is turned on when a person is identified, while the lighting device 3 is not turned on when a vehicle is identified.

  By the way, depending on the distance from the sensor unit 4, it is conceivable to detect both a person and an automobile with the lower waveform in FIG. 12. However, even in such a case, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the “1” level appearance information differs depending on the moving speed. That is, considering that the assumption that a car is faster than a person is sufficiently valid in general life, for example, if the duration T1 of the “1” level is longer than a reference value, the detected object is a person. It can be determined that there is. Further, if the “1” level repetition mode, for example, the total repetition time is longer than the reference value, it can be determined that the detected object is a person.

  In addition, although the person and the motor vehicle were illustrated, it is not limited to this example.

<Modification 1>
In the above, a sensor light is exemplified as the sensor application device 1. As another example, the monitoring camera system can be configured by the sensor application device 1. Specifically, a camera and a recording device may be provided as the controlled unit 3. Moreover, you may add an illuminating device to the to-be-controlled part 3 as needed.

  According to the application to the surveillance camera system, for example, when a situation that “the infrared emission source 20 is present at a location detected via the central sensor input surface 13” is detected, a captured image is recorded. On the other hand, it is possible to perform control such that recording is not performed in other cases.

  Alternatively, for example, recording is performed if the infrared emission source 20 is detected regardless of the location of the infrared emission source 20, but in particular, “the infrared emission source 20 exists at a location detected via the central sensor input surface 13. When the situation “is being detected” is detected, it is possible to perform control to increase the recording quality (in other words, to change the control amount of the controlled unit 3).

  According to the surveillance camera system using the sensor device 2, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the recording device and save the recording capacity by narrowing down the situation that requires recording. Moreover, since saving of recording capacity leads to securing of remaining capacity, it is possible to reduce the situation where the recording medium capacity becomes insufficient during recording.

<Modification 2>
In the above-described incident selectors 6, 6B, 6C, the case where the rectangular openings 15 and the blocking portions 16 are arranged in a line is illustrated. As another example, it is also possible to alternately arrange the annular openings 15 and the blocking parts 16 in a concentric manner as in the incident selection part 6D shown in the plan view of FIG.

<Modification 3>
In the above, the case where the sensor unit 4 is a passive type and the detected object itself is an infrared emission source has been illustrated. As another example, an active sensor unit can be configured by adding a light projecting unit that projects infrared rays (for example, near infrared rays) to the sensor unit 4. According to this example, the infrared sensor 7 detects infrared rays emitted from the light projecting unit and reflected by the detection target. In this case, the detected object itself does not need to emit infrared rays. However, if the infrared ray reflected by the detected object is interpreted as the infrared ray emitted from the detected object, the detected object also corresponds to the infrared emission source.

<Modification 4>
In the above, the case where the detection target energy of the sensor unit 4 is infrared is exemplified, and it is described that infrared is an example of light energy and thermal energy. As another example, the detection target energy of the sensor unit 4 may be ultrasonic waves.

<Modification 5>
Although the present invention has been described in detail, the above description is illustrative in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations that are not illustrated can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the above examples can be combined in various ways.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sensor applied apparatus 2 Sensor apparatus 3 Controlled part 4 Sensor part 5 Processing part 6, 6B, 6C, 6D Incident selection part 11 Sensor input surface 15 Opening part 15w Opening width (cut off space | interval)
16 Blocking part 16w Blocking width (opening interval)
18 Detection area 20 Energy emission source S Detection signal T1 First signal level duration (second signal level interval)
T0 Second signal level duration (first signal level interval)
D1, D2, D3 Movement direction

Claims (7)

When it is detected that the predetermined energy is greater than the threshold, a detection signal is output at the first signal level, and when it is detected that the predetermined energy is less than the threshold, a second different from the first signal level is output. A sensor unit for outputting the detection signal at a signal level; and
An opening that is provided in front of the sensor input surface of the sensor unit and allows the predetermined energy to pass to the sensor unit side and a blocking unit that prevents the predetermined energy from entering the sensor unit are alternately arranged. I have a opening pattern having directivity for the direction of arrival of the predetermined energy, the incident selector,
A sensor device comprising: a processing unit that determines whether or not a predetermined situation has been detected based on first signal level appearance information including at least one of a duration and a repetition form of the first signal level. . The sensor device according to claim 1,
The processing unit compares the first signal level appearance information with reference information set in advance according to the opening pattern of the incident selection unit, and whether the predetermined situation is detected based on the comparison result A sensor device for determining whether or not. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2,
The processing unit is a sensor device that determines whether or not the predetermined situation is detected from a change in the first signal level appearance information. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The said incident selection part is a sensor apparatus which has multiple types of opening pattern from which the opening width of the said opening part differs. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:
The sensor unit , wherein the blocking unit of the incident selection unit has a flat plate shape and is inclined in the same direction with respect to the arrangement direction of the blocking units. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The predetermined situation is:
A situation in which an object to be detected corresponding to an emission source of the predetermined energy exists in a predetermined place;
A situation in which the detected object is moving in a predetermined direction;
A sensor device comprising at least one of a situation in which the detected object is a predetermined detection target. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A sensor application device comprising: a controlled unit that is controlled based on a determination result of whether or not the predetermined situation is detected by the processing unit of the sensor device.

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