WO2014021033A1 - Information processing device, information processing method, and electrical product comprising information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A first thermopile sensor (1) with an angle of view of 22° and a second thermopile sensor (2) with an angle of view of 44° are positioned with a gap in the horizontal direction of 20cm or less therebetween. A first threshold of output voltages of the thermopile sensors (1, 2) for assessing whether a person is present is set at 650mV, and a second threshold of an output voltage difference of the thermopile sensors (1, 2) for determining a stationary person is set at 50mV. A sensing process is carried out with a sensing unit (3) on the basis of the output voltages of the thermopile sensors (1, 2), the first threshold, and the second threshold, and stationary persons, operating persons, and heat sources other than persons are sensed. Thus, not only is the presence of a heat source sensed, but a stationary person and heat sources other than persons are sensed and distinguished, from the location of the heat source, the difference in output between the first and second thermopile sensors (1, 2), and the difference in output of the second thermopile sensor (2) over a given temporal axis.

Description

Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and electrical product including information processing apparatus

The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method provided with a thermal sensor, and an electric product provided with the information processing device.

As an information processing apparatus including a thermal sensor, a human body detection sensor disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-247726 (Patent Document 1) and an infrared sensor device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-22118 (Patent Document 2) There is an object detection device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3443969 (Patent Document 3).

In the human body detection sensor, the detection area is divided into a short distance and a long distance, two optical units are installed at an angle, and a long distance detection sector and a short distance detection from each optical unit. A gap is provided between the sector. When two long-distance detection sectors are detected together, it is detected as a standing human body, while when only one long-distance detection sector is detected, it is detected as a non-human (small animal). Is used to distinguish small animals from the human body.

Further, in the infrared sensor device, in order to reduce the variation in the amount of collected light of the optical lens that collects far infrared rays emitted from a person, the number of infrared sensor elements that detect the heat source is made plural, and the characteristics of the optical system The sensitivity of each sensor element can be adjusted according to the intensity distribution of infrared rays reaching each determined sensor element. Thus, the heat source can be reliably detected by one infrared sensor.

Further, in the object detection apparatus, an infrared detection unit including an infrared sensor that detects infrared rays and a light collecting unit that divides the infrared detection area into light collection regions is scanned by the drive unit. Then, the position of the object is discriminated from the output waveform from each condensing area corresponding to the scanning speed controlled by the drive control means by the signal processing means.

However, the information processing apparatus provided with the conventional thermal sensor has a problem that a heat source other than a person (for example, an electric heater) is detected as noise, and the electric heater is erroneously detected as a stationary human body, for example.

The human body detection sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1 is advantageous as a method for distinguishing between a standing person and a small animal crawling on the floor, but does not have a function to determine whether the heat source is stationary or moving. It is impossible to distinguish a stationary human body from a heat source other than a person such as a stove or an air conditioner.

Also, the infrared sensor device disclosed in Patent Document 2 does not have a function for determining a human motion or a stationary state, and cannot distinguish a stationary human body from a heat source other than a person such as a stove.

Also, in the object detection device of Patent Document 3, the infrared detecting means can detect a stationary human body with little movement by scanning the left and right with the driving means. However, a stationary human body and a person such as a stove can be detected. It cannot be distinguished from other heat sources.

JP 2011-247726 A JP 2011-22118 A Japanese Patent No. 3443969

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of distinguishing between a stationary human body and a heat source other than a person, and an electric product including the information processing apparatus.

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention provides:
A first sensor that has a first viewing angle, detects a far infrared ray emitted from a heat source, and outputs a signal representing a detection amount;
A second sensor disposed adjacent to the first sensor, having a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle, detecting far infrared rays emitted from the heat source, and outputting a signal representing a detection amount; A sensor,
A detection unit that detects the position of the heat source and the operating state of the heat source based on the output signal from the first sensor and the output signal from the second sensor;
The first sensor and the second sensor are arranged such that the detection area of the first sensor is included in the detection area of the second sensor at a position away from the installation position of the two sensors by a detection distance. Has been
The detection unit is configured such that the output value of the first sensor is A, the output value of the second sensor is B, the output value of the second sensor before the elapse of a preset set time t is Bt1, and the second sensor When the output value after the elapse of the set time t is Bt2, the first threshold ≠ the second threshold,
When the relationship of A ≧ first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | A−B | ≦ second threshold holds, the heat source is a stationary human body in front of the first and second sensors. Detect
When the relationship of A <first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | Bt1−Bt2 | ≦ second threshold holds, the heat source is outside the detection area of the first sensor and the second It is characterized in that it is detected as a heat source other than the human body in the detection area of the sensor.

In order to distinguish between a heat source other than a person and a heat source other than a person, information on the presence or absence of the heat source, information on the position of the heat source, information on the movement of the heat source, and information processing for processing each of the above information are required.

* To detect the presence or absence of a heat source, it is possible to detect using a conventional sensor. However, in order to detect the position of the heat source and the movement of the heat source, it is not possible to distinguish whether the heat source exists in the detection area and is stationary or operating only by the output signal of one sensor. .

In addition, even if the number of sensors mounted, the number of light receiving units, optical lenses, filters, etc. are multiple, the sensor is mounted to distinguish whether the heat source is a stationary human body or an operating human body or a heat source other than a person or a person. This is impossible without an information processing method suitable for the electrical equipment and application to be used.

According to the above configuration, in addition to the size discrimination process between the output values of the first and second sensors and the first threshold as a method for distinguishing whether or not there is a heat source,
A process of detecting the position of the heat source by determining the magnitude of the output value of the first sensor and the output value of the second sensor;
The difference between the output value of the first sensor and the second sensor and the second threshold value, or the change amount of the output value of the second sensor alone before and after the set time elapses and the second threshold value And detecting the movement of the heat source.

Therefore, the position of the heat source and the movement of the heat source can be accurately detected by a simple size discrimination process, and it becomes possible to distinguish and detect a stationary human body and a heat source other than a person.

In the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment,
The detection unit is configured such that the output value of the first sensor is A, the output value of the second sensor is B, the output value of the second sensor before the elapse of a preset set time t is Bt1, and the second sensor When the output value after the elapse of the set time t is Bt2, the first threshold ≠ the second threshold,
When the relationship of A ≧ first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | AB |> second threshold is satisfied, the heat source is an operating human body in front of the first and second sensors. It comes to detect.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to distinguish and detect the stationary human body and the moving human body in front of the first and second sensors by simple size discrimination processing.

In the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment,
The detection unit is configured such that the output value of the first sensor is A, the output value of the second sensor is B, the output value of the second sensor before the elapse of a preset set time t is Bt1, and the second sensor When the output value after the elapse of the set time t is Bt2, the first threshold ≠ the second threshold,
When the relationship of A <first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | Bt1−Bt2 |> second threshold holds, the heat source is outside the detection area of the first sensor and the second It is detected that the moving human body is within the detection area of the sensor.

According to this embodiment, by a simple size discrimination process, a heat source other than a human body outside the detection area of the first sensor and within the detection area of the second sensor, and detection of the first sensor It is possible to distinguish and detect a moving human body outside the area and within the detection area of the second sensor.

In the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment,
The detection unit is configured such that the output value of the first sensor is A, the output value of the second sensor is B, the output value of the second sensor before the elapse of a preset set time t is Bt1, and the second sensor When the output value after the elapse of the set time t is Bt2, the first threshold ≠ the second threshold,
When the relationship of A <first threshold value and B <first threshold value is established, it is detected that the heat source does not exist within the detection area of the second sensor.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to detect the absence of a heat source in the detection area of the second sensor by a simple size discrimination process.

In the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment,
The first viewing angle of the first sensor is a minimum angle at which the full width of a human face can be captured at a position that is separated from the installation position of the first sensor by a preset first set distance,
The second viewing angle of the second sensor is a minimum angle at which the full width between both shoulders of a person can be captured at a position separated from the installation position of the second sensor by the first set distance.

To accurately determine the presence or absence of the heat source, the position of the heat source and the movement of the heat source,
・ Setting the sensor viewing angle to make it less susceptible to heat sources other than humans ・ Setting the sensor viewing angle to accurately capture the far-infrared amount of the chest, including the face and shoulders, where the amount of far-infrared radiation is the highest is necessary.

Increasing the number of sensors mounted, increasing the viewing angle of each sensor, and expanding the detection area increases the detection amount of heat source noise other than humans such as electric stoves and air conditioners, so false detection Increasingly, the human body cannot be detected accurately. On the other hand, if the viewing angle of the sensor is narrowed, if the person moves even a little, the person moves out of the detection area, and accurate human body detection cannot be performed.

According to this embodiment, in order to reduce the influence of heat source noise from a heat source other than a person (for example, an electric heater), an electrical product (for example, a personal computer) on which the first sensor and the second sensor are mounted. The first set distance, which is the optimum distance between the first sensor and the second sensor and the operator, is defined in accordance with the display), and the first set distance (for example, 50 cm) at the optimum is set. The visual field width of the first sensor is set to the Japanese average face width (20 cm), and the visual field width of the second sensor is set to the Japanese average shoulder width (40 cm).

The face part having the highest temperature on the human body surface and the chest part including the shoulder width having the largest area are the parts where the amount of far infrared radiation is large and the person can be detected accurately. Therefore, by overlapping the detection areas of the two first and second sensors having the viewing angles set as described above and performing the detection process as described above by the detection unit, the face and the chest are If it moves within the detection area in front of the first and second sensors, the amount of change in the heat source can be detected accurately. Conversely, even when moving outside the detection area, the amount of change in the heat source can be accurately captured.

Therefore, by setting the above viewing angle, it is possible to accurately detect the far infrared rays of the face and chest radiated by people in the detection area where there are few heat sources other than humans such as stoves, air conditioners, floor heating, etc. The operation and the heat source other than the person can be distinguished with high accuracy.

In the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment,
The installation interval between the first sensor and the second sensor is 20 cm or less.

When the first and second sensors having a narrow viewing angle are installed adjacent to each other and the detection areas are overlapped, a non-detection area in which a heat source cannot be detected does not occur in the middle of the first and second sensors. It is necessary to set the distance between the first and second sensors.

According to this embodiment, the interval between the first sensor and the second sensor is set to an average face width of 20 cm or less for the Japanese, thereby preventing non-detection at the intermediate portion of the first and second sensors. It becomes possible to reduce the area. Therefore, the face portion having a high surface temperature can be surely placed in the detection area, and the front stationary human body can be accurately detected.

In the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment,
The first viewing angle of the first sensor is a minimum angle capable of capturing the full width of a person's palm at a position separated from the installation position of the first sensor by a preset second set distance.
The second viewing angle of the second sensor is wider than the first viewing angle of the first sensor.

It is most common to use hands when operating information devices such as televisions (hereinafter simply referred to as TVs), game machines or personal computers with gestures. Therefore, it is necessary to detect far infrared rays from the hand, distinguishing them from far infrared rays from the face and both shoulders.

According to this embodiment, in order to reduce the influence of heat source noise from a heat source other than the hand (for example, the face), an electrical product (for example, a TV) in which the first sensor and the second sensor are mounted is used. In addition, the second set distance that is the optimum distance between the first sensor and the second sensor and the operator is defined, and the first sensor at the optimum second set distance (for example, 200 cm) is defined. The field of view of the Japanese is set to the average Japanese hand width (8cm), and the field of view of the second sensor is set to be greater than the width of the Japanese average hand (for example, 3 times the hand width of 8cm). Yes.

Then, by overlapping the detection areas of the two first and second sensors having the viewing angles set as described above and performing the detection process as described above by the detection unit, the palm of the palm is , If it moves into the detection area in front of the second sensor, the amount of change of the heat source can be detected accurately. Conversely, even when moving outside the detection area, the amount of change in the heat source can be accurately captured.

Therefore, by setting the viewing angle to the above, it is possible to accurately detect the far-infrared light of the palm that is radiated by a person in a detection area where there are few heat sources other than the person, so that it is possible to accurately detect stillness and movement patterns of the hand. It is.

The information processing method of the present invention is
A first sensor having a first viewing angle detects a far-infrared ray emitted from a heat source and outputs a signal representing a detection amount;
A signal having a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle and detecting a far infrared ray emitted from the heat source by a second sensor disposed adjacent to the first sensor and representing a detection amount. Output,
Based on the output signal from the first sensor and the output signal from the second sensor, the detection unit sets the output value of the first sensor to A, the output value of the second sensor to B, and the second sensor. When the output value before the elapse of the preset set time t is Bt1, the output value after the set time t of the second sensor is Bt2, and the first threshold ≠ the second threshold,
When the relationship of A ≧ first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | A−B | ≦ second threshold holds, the heat source is a stationary human body in front of the first and second sensors. Detect
When the relationship of A ≧ first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | AB |> second threshold is satisfied, the heat source is an operating human body in front of the first and second sensors. Detect
When the relationship of A <first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | Bt1−Bt2 | ≦ second threshold holds, the heat source is outside the detection area of the first sensor and the second Detect that it is a heat source other than the human body in the detection area of the sensor,
When the relationship of A <first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | Bt1−Bt2 |> second threshold holds, the heat source is outside the detection area of the first sensor and the second Detects that the human body is in the detection area of the sensor,
When the relationship of A <first threshold value and B <first threshold value is established, the heat source is detected as not existing in the detection area of the second sensor.

According to the above configuration, in addition to the size discrimination process between the output values of the first and second sensors and the first threshold as a method for distinguishing whether or not there is a heat source,
A process of detecting the position of the heat source by determining the magnitude of the output signal of the first sensor and the output value of the second sensor;
The difference between the output value of the first sensor and the second sensor and the second threshold value, or the change amount of the output value of the second sensor alone before and after the set time elapses and the second threshold value And detecting the movement of the heat source.

Therefore, the position of the heat source and the movement of the heat source can be accurately detected by a simple size discrimination process, and it becomes possible to distinguish and detect a stationary human body and a heat source other than a person.

The electrical product of the present invention is
The information processing apparatus of the present invention;
The main body,
The information processing apparatus includes a control unit that controls the operation of the main body unit according to a detection result of the detection unit.

According to the above configuration, the heat source position and the movement of the heat source can be accurately detected by a simple size discrimination process, and the information processing apparatus capable of distinguishing and detecting a stationary human body and a heat source other than a person is provided. The operation of the main body is controlled by the control unit according to the detection result of the detection unit in the information processing apparatus. Therefore, when controlling the power on / off, brightness, etc. depending on the presence or absence of the human body, or when controlling the volume, brightness, brightness, program, etc. according to the movement pattern of the human hand, it is caused by heat source noise other than humans. Malfunctions can be prevented.

As is clear from the above, the information processing apparatus and information processing method of the present invention are used for the size discrimination process between the output values of the first and second sensors and the first threshold as a method for detecting whether or not there is a heat source. in addition,
A process of detecting the position of the heat source by determining the magnitude of the output value of the first sensor and the output value of the second sensor;
The difference between the output value of the first sensor and the second sensor and the second threshold value, or the change amount of the output value of the second sensor alone before and after the set time elapses and the second threshold value And detecting the movement of the heat source.

Therefore, the position of the heat source and the movement of the heat source can be accurately detected by a simple size discrimination process, and it becomes possible to distinguish and detect a stationary human body and a heat source other than a person.

In addition, the electrical product of the present invention can accurately detect the position of the heat source and the movement of the heat source by a simple size discrimination process, and can detect and distinguish between a stationary human body and a heat source other than a person. An apparatus is provided, and the operation of the main body is controlled by the control unit according to the detection result of the detection unit in the information processing apparatus. Therefore, when controlling the power on / off, brightness, etc. depending on the presence or absence of the human body, or when controlling the volume, brightness, brightness, program, etc. according to the movement pattern of the human hand, it is caused by heat source noise other than humans. Malfunctions can be prevented.

It is a schematic block diagram in the information processing apparatus of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the viewing angle setting method of the 1st thermopile sensor in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the viewing angle setting method of the 2nd thermopile sensor in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the space | interval to the horizontal direction of a 1st, 2nd thermopile sensor. It is explanatory drawing of the detection area where heat sources other than a person exist. It is a flowchart of the human body detection processing operation by the detection part in FIG. 7 is a flowchart of human body detection processing operation following FIG. 6. It is explanatory drawing of the setting method of a 1st threshold value. It is a figure which shows the state in which the stationary human body exists in a 1st detection area. It is explanatory drawing of the setting method of a 2nd threshold value. It is a figure which shows the state in which an operation | movement human body exists in a 1st detection area. It is a figure which shows the state which has heat sources other than a human body in a 2nd detection area. It is a figure which shows the state in which an operation | movement human body exists in a 2nd detection area. It is a figure which shows the state which does not have a heat source other than a human body and a human body in a 1st, 2nd detection area. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of TV provided with the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a stationary human body is present in the first detection area of the stationary human body detection sensor in FIG. 15. It is a figure which shows the state which has a stationary hand in the 1st detection area of the sensor for remote control. It is a figure which shows the state which has the moving hand in the 1st detection area of the sensor for remote control. It is a figure which shows the movement of the hand for changing a selection program to an ascending order, and the example of a display of a terrestrial digital broadcasting program change screen. It is a figure which shows the state of the hand for changing a selection program in descending order, and the example of a display of a terrestrial digital broadcasting program change screen. It is a flowchart of the volume change processing operation of TV. It is a flowchart of TV program guide confirmation change processing operation. It is a flowchart of the terrestrial digital channel change processing operation of TV. It is a flowchart of BS channel change processing operation of TV.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.

-1st Embodiment FIG. 1: is a schematic block diagram in the information processing apparatus of this Embodiment. In FIG. 1, two sensors 1 and 2 for detecting far infrared rays are arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. In the present embodiment, thermopile sensors are used as the sensors 1 and 2 that detect far infrared rays. The outputs of the first and second thermopile sensors 1 and 2 are input to the detection unit 3, and a detection process as described in detail later is performed to detect a stationary human body, a moving human body, and a heat source other than a human.

The first thermopile sensor 1 and the second thermopile sensor 2 have different viewing angles. That is, as shown in FIG. 1A, the viewing angle (first viewing angle) of the first thermopile sensor 1 is narrower than the viewing angle (second viewing angle) of the second thermopile sensor 2 and is 22 °. On the other hand, the viewing angle (second viewing angle) of the second thermopile sensor 2 is 44 °. The viewing angle of the first thermopile sensor 1 and the second thermopile sensor 2 assumes that the information processing apparatus is mounted on a display, and the distance between the display and a person is 50 cm to 150 cm. It is set so that the human body can be recognized accurately.

For example, in the case of the first thermopile sensor 1, the viewing angle is set to “22 °” so that the full width of a Japanese face with an average face width of 20 cm located 50 cm away can be captured. Has been. In the case of the second thermopile sensor 2, the viewing angle is set to “44 °” so that the full width between the shoulders of the Japanese who is 50 cm away and whose average shoulder width is 40 cm can be captured. Has been.

Therefore, it can be seen that the viewing angles of both the thermopile sensors 1 and 2 are not limited to “22 °” or “44 °”, but may be changed depending on the size of the detection target. That is, the viewing angle may be changed according to the chest, waist, head, etc., in addition to the face width and shoulder width, in accordance with the electrical equipment on which both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 are mounted.

The method for setting the viewing angle in the first thermopile sensor 1 and the second thermopile sensor 2 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be performed as follows.

As shown in FIG. 2 (a), a cylindrical first thermopile sensor 1 is used. Then, the first thermopile sensor 1 is inserted into a cylindrical light shielding member 5 having an inner diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the first thermopile sensor 1, and the light incident end of the light shielding member 5 is connected to the light incident surface of the first thermopile sensor 1. Further, the light incident angle to the first thermopile sensor 1 is limited by projecting. In this case, for example, when the outer diameter d of the light incident surface of the first thermopile sensor 1 is 4 mm, the first light shielding member 5 in the case where the viewing angle θ1 is 22 ° is represented by the relationship shown in FIG. The protrusion length L1 from the light incident surface of the one thermopile sensor 1 is found to be 10.21 mm.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3A, the cylindrical second thermopile sensor 2 is inserted into the cylindrical light shielding member 6, and the light incident end of the light shielding member 6 is connected to the light incident surface of the second thermopile sensor 2. For example, if the outer diameter d of the light incident surface of the second thermopile sensor 2 is 4 mm, the light-shielding member when the viewing angle θ2 is 44 ° according to the relationship shown in FIG. The protrusion length L2 from the light incident surface of the second thermopile sensor 2 is determined to be 4.95 mm.

Therefore, the viewing angle of the first thermopile sensor 1 can be set to “22 °” by mounting the first thermopile sensor 1 on the light shielding member 5 formed so that the protruding length L1 is 10.21 mm. it can. Similarly, the viewing angle of the second thermopile sensor 2 can be set to “44 °” by mounting the second thermopile sensor 2 on the light shielding member 6 formed so that the protruding length L2 is 4.95 mm. It can be done.

In this way, by setting the viewing angle of the first thermopile sensor 1 and the second thermopile sensor 2, it is possible to accurately capture infrared rays from the human body in the light receiving spots of both the thermopile sensors 1 and 2. The noise from the heat source other than the person and the person who crosses behind can be reduced. Therefore, the stationary human body in front of both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 can be accurately determined.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first thermopile sensor 1 and the second thermopile sensor 2 in which the viewing angle is set as described above are arranged such that the distance between them in the horizontal direction is 20 cm or less, which is the average face width of the Japanese. Are arranged in parallel. Thus, by setting the distance between the horizontal direction to 20 cm or less, in the vicinity of both the thermopile sensors 1 and 2, any one formed between the first thermopile sensor 1 and the second thermopile sensor 2. The area 9 that is not detected can be narrowed.

That is, by setting the interval between the two thermopile sensors 1 and 2 to 20 cm or less, when mounted on a display, a non-detection area having a width equal to or larger than the face width does not occur in the center at a position 50 cm from the front. Therefore, a stationary human body that is directly in front of both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 can be accurately detected.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, the detection area by the first thermopile sensor 1 at the position where the detection distance, which is the distance from both the thermopile sensors 1 and 2 is 150 cm, is 60 cm in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The detection area by the second thermopile sensor 2 is 120 cm in both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

As described above, the viewing angle of the first thermopile sensor 1 is set to the minimum angle “22 °” that can capture the full width of the face of a person with a face width of 20 cm located 50 cm away, and the second thermopile sensor Let the viewing angle of 2 be the minimum angle “44 °” that can capture the full width between the shoulders of a person with a shoulder width of 40 cm located 50 cm away. The thermopile sensors 1 and 2 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction with a distance of 20 cm or less between them. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), when the information processing apparatus is mounted on a display on a desk 70 cm from the floor, both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 are located 40 cm on the desk. Therefore, it is difficult for heat sources other than people such as the air conditioner 10 and the stove 11 to enter the detection area, and the air conditioner 10 and the stove 11 are prevented from being erroneously recognized as a stationary human body.

Hereinafter, in the plan view shown in FIG. 1 (a) and the side view shown in FIG. 1 (b), a region where the detection area of the first thermopile sensor 1 and the detection area of the second thermopile sensor 2 overlap is designated as a first area. This is called a detection area 7. Further, an area of only the detection area of the second thermopile sensor 2 is referred to as a second detection area 8. A non-detection area that is neither the detection area of the first thermopile sensor 1 nor the detection area of the second thermopile sensor 2 is referred to as a third detection area 9.

In the information processing apparatus configured as described above, the detection unit 3 detects a stationary human body, a moving human body, and a heat source other than a human by the following detection process based on the outputs from both the thermopile sensors 1 and 2. is there.

6 and 7 are flowcharts of the human body detection processing operation performed by the detection unit 3. Hereinafter, the human body detection process will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. 6 and 7, the first sensor 1 is the voltage (output voltage) of the output signal of the first thermopile sensor 1, and the second sensor 2 is the output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2. It is.

When the power of the detection unit 3 is turned on, the human body detection processing operation starts.

In step S1, output signals from the first thermopile sensor 1 and the second thermopile sensor 2 are acquired, and an output voltage is acquired. In step S2, it is determined whether “output voltage of first thermopile sensor 1 ≧ first threshold (650 mV)” and “output voltage of second thermopile sensor 2 ≧ first threshold”. As a result, if any output voltage is equal to or higher than the first threshold (650 mV), it is determined that there is a human body (heat source) in the first detection area 7 (front), and the process proceeds to step S3. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S6.

Here, the setting of the first threshold value (650 mV) used for determining the presence or absence of the human body will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a method for setting the first threshold value. However, FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the relationship between the detection distance and the thermopile sensor output. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of the human best position. As shown in FIG. 8B, when it is assumed that the information processing apparatus is mounted on a display, the best position from both human thermopile sensors 1 and 2 is 50 cm to 150 cm. Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, the thermopile sensors 1 and 2 have higher output voltages as a person approaches. Also, the output voltage value changes depending on the size of the human body, and the output voltage is lower for a person with a small body (small person) than for a person with a large body (adult). Therefore, as can be seen from FIG. 8A, the output voltage (= 650 mV) of both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 when the detection distance of the dwarf is the longest 150 cm at the best position is the presence or absence of the human body (heat source). This is set as the first threshold value for discriminating.

In step S3, it is determined whether or not “| (output voltage of the first thermopile sensor 1) − (output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2) | ≦ second threshold (50 mV)”. If the result is less than or equal to the second threshold (50 mV), the process proceeds to step S4. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S4, it is determined that the human body in the first detection area 7 (front) is a stationary human body. After that, the process proceeds to step S14.

FIG. 9 shows a state where there is a stationary human body in the first detection area 7 (front). FIG. 9A shows an area where a human body is present. FIG. 9B shows a change with time of the output voltages of the sensors 1 and 2 when a stationary human body is present in the first detection area 7 (front).

As can be seen from FIG. 9, in step S2, it is determined that the output voltages of both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 are equal to or higher than the first threshold (650 mV), so that the human body (heat source) is placed in the first detection area 7 (front). ) Is determined. Further, in step S3, it is determined that the value of | (output voltage of the first thermopile sensor 1) − (output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2) | is equal to or less than the second threshold value (50 mV). The human body in the area 7 (front) is determined to be a stationary human body.

Here, the setting of the second threshold value (50 mV) used for the determination of the presence or absence of the stationary human body will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a method for setting the second threshold value. However, FIG. 10A is a diagram showing the relationship between the detection distance and the thermopile sensor output. FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram of an operating human body. FIG. 10C is a diagram showing changes in the thermopile sensor output when the face and body are moved to the left and right.

In order to determine whether a person is stationary or moving, it is first necessary to define the movement of the person. Therefore, in this embodiment,
・ If the moving distance of the human body exceeds 20cm, it is “moving”
・ If the moving distance of the human body is 20 cm or less, it is “still”
Is defined.

Next, the amount of change in the output voltage of the thermopile sensor when it is determined that a person is moving (that is, when the moving distance exceeds 20 cm) is required.

As shown in FIG. 10B, when it is assumed that the information processing apparatus is mounted on a display and the best position from both human thermopile sensors 1 and 2 is 50 cm to 150 cm, both thermopile sensors 1 As shown in FIG. 10 (a), when the small dwarf moves 20 cm forward, the output voltage of both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 increases by 50 mV. Further, as can be seen from FIG. 10 (c), when the dwarf moves his / her body left and right, the output voltage drops by 50 mV.

Therefore, the output voltage difference 50 mV between the two thermopile sensors 1 and 2 is set as the second threshold value used for determining whether or not there is a stationary human body.

As described above, according to the second threshold value setting method, when the movement of a person is determined, the second threshold value cannot be detected even when a child is present based on the fluctuation of the sensor output value of a small person. This is useful for reducing false positives.

Also, it is possible to change the second threshold value according to the electrical equipment on which the information processing apparatus is mounted. For example, when it is desired to capture the movement of a person smaller than 20 cm, the movement distance of the person serving as a criterion may be defined to be smaller than 20 cm. When it is desired to capture the movement of a person larger than 20 cm, the determination is performed. A reference person's moving distance may be defined to be larger than 20 cm.

In step S5 in the flowchart of the human body detection processing operation shown in FIG. 6, it is determined that the human body in the first detection area 7 (front) is an operating human body. After that, the process proceeds to step S14.

FIG. 11 shows a state where there is a moving human body in the first detection area 7 (front). In addition, Fig.11 (a) shows the area where a human body exists. FIG. 11B shows a change with time of the output voltages of the sensors 1 and 2 when an operating human body is present in the first detection area 7 (front).

As can be seen from FIG. 11, in step S2, it is determined that the output voltages of both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 are equal to or higher than the first threshold (650 mV), so that a human body (heat source) is placed in the first detection area 7 (front). ) Is determined. Further, in step S3, it is determined that the value of | (output voltage of the first thermopile sensor 1) − (output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2) | exceeds the second threshold (50 mV). The human body in the detection area 7 (front) is determined to be an operating human body.

In step S6 in the flowchart of the human body detection processing operation shown in FIG. 6, “output voltage of the first thermopile sensor 1 <first threshold (650 mV)” and “output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2 ≧ the first It is determined whether or not it is “threshold”. As a result, if so, it is determined that there is a human body (heat source) in the second detection area 8, and the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if not, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S7, the output voltage value of the second thermopile sensor 2 taken in in step S1 is stored in the memory 4 (see FIG. 1A) as “Vt1”. In step S8, after the elapse of 1000 msec as an example of the set time t after the output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2 is taken in in step S1, the output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2 is taken in as “Vt2”. Stored in the memory 4.

In step S9, it is determined whether or not “| Vt1-Vt2 | ≦ second threshold value (50 mV)”. As a result, if it is equal to or less than the second threshold value (50 mV), the process proceeds to step S10, and if not, the process proceeds to step S11.

Here, in the case of step S3, the output voltage of the first thermopile sensor 1 is compared with the output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2, whereas in this step S9, the second voltage before and after the time of 1000 msec is compared. The output voltage of the thermopile sensor 2 is compared. This is because it has already been determined in step S6 that there is a heat source in the second detection area 8.

In step S10, it is determined that the heat source in the second detection area 8 (periphery) is a heat source other than the human body. After that, the process proceeds to step S14.

FIG. 12 shows a state in which there is a heat source other than a non-moving human body in the second detection area 8 (periphery). FIG. 12A shows an area where the stove 11 as a heat source other than a human body without movement is present. FIG. 12B shows the change with time of the output voltages of both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 when there is a heat source other than the non-moving human body in the second detection area 8 (periphery).

As can be seen from FIG. 12, in step S6, it is determined that “the output voltage of the first thermopile sensor 1 <the first threshold (650 mV)” and “the output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2 ≧ the first threshold”. Therefore, it is determined that there is a heat source in the second detection area 8 (periphery). In step S9, since it is determined that “| Vt1−Vt2 | ≦ second threshold value (50 mV)”, the amount of change in the output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2 is small, and the second detection area 8 (peripheral area) ) Is determined to be a heat source other than the human body that hardly moves.

Here, “Vt1” and “Vt2” are output voltages of the second thermopile sensor 2 measured with a time interval, and the time interval is set to 1 second. However, the time interval is not limited to 1 second, and may be changed in accordance with the electronic device in which the information processing apparatus is mounted.

In step S11 in the flowchart of the human body detection processing operation shown in FIG. 6, it is determined that there is an operating human body in the second detection area 8 (periphery). After that, the process proceeds to step S14.

FIG. 13 shows a state where there is an operating human body in the second detection area 8 (periphery). FIG. 13A shows an area where an operating human body is present. FIG. 13B shows a change with time of the output voltages of both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 when an operating human body is present in the second detection area 8 (periphery).

As can be seen from FIG. 13, in step S6, it is determined that “the output voltage of the first thermopile sensor 1 <the first threshold (650 mV)” and “the output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2 ≧ the first threshold”. Therefore, it is determined that there is a heat source in the second detection area 8 (periphery). Further, in step S9, it is determined that | Vt1-Vt2 |> second threshold value (50 mV), so that the amount of change in the output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2 is large, and the second detection area 8 (periphery) Determines that there is a moving human body.

In step S12 in the flowchart of the human body detection processing operation shown in FIG. 7, “output voltage of first thermopile sensor 1 <first threshold value (650 mV)” and “output voltage of second thermopile sensor 2 <first threshold value” are satisfied. It is determined whether or not there is. As a result, if any output voltage falls below the first threshold value (650 mV), the process proceeds to step S13. Otherwise, the process returns to step S1 and proceeds to the next human body detection processing operation. In step S13, it is determined that there is no human body (heat source) in the first and second detection areas 7 and 8, and there is no heat source other than the human body. After that, the process proceeds to step S14.

FIG. 14 shows a state in which the first and second detection areas 7 and 8 have neither a human body nor a heat source other than the human body. However, FIG. 14A shows an area where a human body or a heat source other than the human body is present. FIG. 14B shows changes with time in the output voltages of both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 when the first and second detection areas 7 and 8 have neither a human body nor a heat source other than the human body.

As can be seen from FIG. 14, in step S12, it is determined that “the output voltage of the first thermopile sensor 1 <the first threshold value (650 mV)” and “the output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2 <the above first threshold value”. Therefore, it is determined that the first and second detection areas 7 and 8 have neither a human body nor a heat source other than the human body.

In step S14 in the flowchart of the human body detection processing operation shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the power is turned off. As a result, if it is not turned off, the process returns to step S1 and shifts to the next detection processing operation. On the other hand, if it is off, the human body detection processing operation is terminated.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the two first and second thermopile sensors 1 and 2 that detect far infrared rays are arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction, and the first and second thermopile sensors 1 and 2 are arranged. 2 is input to the detection unit 3, and the detection process is performed to detect a stationary human body, a moving human body, and a heat source other than a human. In that case, the viewing angle of the first thermopile sensor 1 is set to the minimum angle “22 °” that can capture the full width of a Japanese face with an average face width of 20 cm at a position 50 cm away. . Further, the viewing angle of the second thermopile sensor 2 is set to a minimum angle “44 °” that can capture the entire width between both shoulders of a Japanese person with an average shoulder width of 40 cm located 50 cm away.

Further, the horizontal distance between the first thermopile sensor 1 and the second thermopile sensor 2 is set to 20 cm or less, which is the average face width of Japanese people, and is 50 cm from the front at the center of both thermopile sensors 1 and 2. The third detection area 9 which is a non-detection area having a width equal to or larger than the face width is not generated at the position, so that the stationary human body directly in front of both the thermopile sensors 1 and 2 can be accurately detected.

Furthermore, the first threshold value for determining the presence or absence of a human body (heat source) from the output voltage 650 mV of both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 when the detection distance of a small person (small person) is 150 cm, which is the longest best position. And set. If the moving distance of the human body exceeds 20 cm, it is defined as “moving”, and a short dwarf moves forward at the position of 150 cm which is the detection area limit of both thermopile sensors 1 and 2. The output voltage difference 50 mV between the two thermopile sensors 1 and 2 when moving 20 cm to the second is set as the second threshold value for determining the presence or absence of a stationary human body.

And by the detection unit 3,
(1) It is determined that the output voltage of both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 is not less than the first threshold (650 mV) and the absolute value of the output voltage difference between both thermopile sensors 1 and 2 is not more than the second threshold (50 mV). If it is determined that there is a stationary human body in the first detection area 7 (front).
(2) It was determined that the output voltage of both thermopile sensors 1, 2 is equal to or higher than the first threshold (650 mV), and the absolute value of the output voltage difference between both thermopile sensors 1, 2 exceeds the second threshold (50 mV). In this case, it is determined that there is an operating human body in the first detection area 7 (front).
(3) “Output voltage of first thermopile sensor 1 <first threshold (650 mV)” and “output voltage of second thermopile sensor 2 ≧ first threshold”,
If it is determined that the amount of change in the output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2 before and after the passage of 1 second is less than or equal to the second threshold (50 mV), other than a human body with little movement in the second detection area 8 (periphery) It is determined that there is a heat source.
(4) “Output voltage of first thermopile sensor 1 <first threshold (650 mV)” and “output voltage of second thermopile sensor 2 ≧ first threshold”,
If it is determined that the amount of change in the output voltage of the second thermopile sensor 2 before and after 1 second has exceeded the second threshold (50 mV), it is determined that there is an operating human body in the second detection area 8 (periphery). .
(5) If it is determined that the output voltages of both the thermopile sensors 1 and 2 are lower than the first threshold (650 mV), the first and second detection areas 7 and 8 have neither a human body nor a heat source other than the human body. judge.

That is, in the present embodiment, the position of the heat source (first, second and third detection areas) and the operation state (stationary, operation) of the heat source can be detected by the detection unit 3.

In this way, the first thermopile sensor 1 with a viewing angle of “22 °” and the second thermopile sensor 2 with a viewing angle of “44 °” are arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction at intervals of 20 cm or less. By performing the above detection process based on the outputs of the first and second thermopile sensors 1 and 2, not only the presence or absence of the heat source is detected, but also the heat source between the front and the periphery of the first and second thermopile sensors 1 and 2 is detected. It is possible to distinguish and detect a stationary human body and a heat source other than a person from the position information and the operation information of the heat source at the front and the periphery of the first and second thermopile sensors 1 and 2. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine a stationary human body, a moving human body, a heat source other than a human, and no heat source.

Further, in the present embodiment, the viewing angle of the first thermopile sensor 1 is set to the minimum angle that can capture the full width of a Japanese face with an average face width of 20 cm at a position 50 cm away. ing. In addition, the viewing angle of the second thermopile sensor 2 is set to the minimum angle that can capture the full width between both shoulders of a Japanese person with an average shoulder width of 40 cm located 50 cm away.

In this way, in order to reduce the influence of heat source noise from heat sources other than humans (for example, electric heaters), the sensors 1 and 2 are matched to the electrical products (for example, personal computer displays) on which the sensors 1 and 2 are mounted. Set the optimal distance between the person and the person, and at the optimal position (for example, 50 cm), the visual field width of the first thermopile sensor 1 is the average Japanese face width (20 cm), and the visual field width of the second thermopile sensor 2 The viewing angle is set so that the average shoulder width (40cm) is Japanese.

The face part with the highest temperature on the human body surface and the chest part including the shoulder width, which has the largest area, have a large amount of far-infrared radiation, and can be detected accurately by far-infrared rays. Therefore, if the detection areas of the two sensors 1 and 2 set to the above-described viewing angles are used in an overlapping manner, if the face and chest move into the detection area in front of the sensors 1 and 2, the heat source can be accurately detected. The amount of change can be detected. Conversely, when the face and chest move out of the detection area from the front of the sensors 1 and 2, it is possible to accurately capture the amount of change that has moved.

In other words, if the viewing angle is set as described above, it is possible to accurately detect far-infrared rays of the face and chest radiated by a person in a detection area where there are few heat sources other than humans. This is very useful for distinguishing from heat sources other than people.

In the present embodiment, the horizontal distance between the first thermopile sensor 1 and the second thermopile sensor 2 is set to 20 cm or less, which is the average face width of the Japanese.

As described above, when the two sensors 1 and 2 having a narrow viewing angle are adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction and the detection areas are overlapped with each other, a heat source is detected at an intermediate portion between the sensors 1 and 2. It is necessary to set the distance between the sensors 1 and 2 so that a non-detectable area that cannot be generated does not occur.

By setting the horizontal distance between the first thermopile sensor 1 and the second thermopile sensor 2 to 20 cm or less, which is the average face width of Japanese people, the non-detection area in front of the sensors 1 and 2 is narrowed. This makes it possible to reliably put a face portion having a high surface temperature within the detection area, which is useful for accurately detecting a stationary human body in front.

Second Embodiment The present embodiment relates to an electrical product that includes the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a TV as an example of the electrical product. The TV in the present embodiment performs remote operation without using a remote controller.

15, a stationary human body detection sensor 18 is installed at the center of the upper edge of the edge 17 of the display screen 16 of the TV main body 15 (hereinafter referred to as TV 15). Further, a volume changing sensor 19 is installed at the upper left corner of the edge 17. Further, a program guide confirmation change sensor 20 is installed at the lower left corner of the edge 17. A terrestrial digital (terrestrial digital) channel changing sensor 21 is installed at the upper right corner of the edge 17. A BS channel changing sensor 22 is installed at the lower right corner of the edge 17.

The sensors 18 to 22 are composed of two first and second thermopile sensors that detect far-infrared rays, as in the case of the first embodiment. Outputs from the two first and second thermopile sensors constituting each of the sensors 18 to 22 are input to the detection unit 23. Then, the detection result of the detection unit 23 is input to the control unit 24, and control processing as will be described in detail later is performed to control the TV 15 volume change, program table confirmation change, terrestrial digital channel change, BS channel change, and the like. Do. However, in FIG. 15, to avoid complication, the wiring from the first and second thermopile sensors to the detection unit 23 is represented by a single wiring.

Here, control such as volume change, program guide confirmation change, terrestrial digital channel change and BS channel change by the control unit 24 is performed based on the presence / absence of a stationary human body, the position of the hand, and the movement pattern of the hand. That is, the detection unit 23 detects the presence / absence of a stationary human body, the position of the hand, and the movement pattern of the hand in the same manner as the detection unit 3 in the first embodiment. And the control part 24 performs the above-mentioned control according to the presence or absence of the stationary human body detected by the detection part 3, the position of the hand, and the movement pattern of the hand.

In order to remotely control the TV 15 based on the presence / absence of a stationary human body, the position of the hand, and the movement pattern of the hand using the thermopile sensor, detection of the presence / absence of a stationary human body, detection of the position of the hand, Detection of hand movement patterns is required. For this purpose, the following measures are taken for each of the sensors 18-22.

The stationary human body detection sensor 18 is a sensor for detecting whether or not there is a stationary human body in front of the TV 15. Therefore, the smallest field of view that can capture the full width of a Japanese face with an average face width of 20 cm located 200 cm away from the TV 15 so that it can accurately detect the presence of a stationary human body in front of the TV 15 The first viewing angle (first viewing angle) 6 ° and the smallest viewing angle (first viewing angle) that can capture the full width between the shoulders of Japanese people with an average shoulder width of 40 cm located 200 cm away from the TV 15 The second thermopile sensor 18b (2 viewing angles) is set to have a horizontal interval of 20 cm or less, which is the average face width of Japanese people.

FIG. 16 shows a state in which a stationary human body is present in the first detection area 23 (front). However, FIG. 16A shows an area where a human body is present. FIG. 16B shows a change with time of the output voltage of both thermopile sensors 18a and 18b when a stationary human body is present in the first detection area 25 (front).

In addition, the setting method of the 1st detection area 25 and the 2nd detection area 26 in Fig.16 (a) is the same as that of the said 1st Embodiment. The first threshold value for determining that there is a stationary human body in the first detection area 25 is also “650 mV” as in the case of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the second threshold value of the output voltage difference between the two thermopile sensors 18a and 18b for determining the presence or absence of a stationary human body is also “50 mV”, similar to the case of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16 (b), the output voltage of both thermopile sensors 18a, 18b is equal to or higher than the first threshold (650 mV), and the absolute value of the output voltage difference between both thermopile sensors 18a, 18b is the second threshold. When it is (50 mV) or less, it is determined that there is a stationary human body in the first detection area 25 (in front of the TV 15).

Also, the volume changing sensor 19, the program guide confirmation changing sensor 20, the terrestrial digital channel changing sensor 21 and the BS channel changing sensor 22 are sensors for detecting hand movement patterns. Therefore, in order to be able to accurately detect the movement of a human hand, the minimum viewing angle that can capture the full width of a Japanese palm with an average palm width of 8 cm located 200 cm away from the TV 15 (first view) (Viewing angle) The first thermopile sensor 19a, 20a, 20a, and the first thermopile sensor 19a, 20a so that the movement of a Japanese hand located 200 cm away from the TV 15 can be captured. , 21a, 22a and a second thermopile sensor 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b with a viewing angle of 6 times the second viewing angle (second viewing angle) 6 °, the horizontal spacing of the average Japanese palm It is installed and configured to be 8 cm or less, which is the width of.

FIG. 17 shows a state where there is a stationary hand in the first detection area 27 (front). However, FIG. 17A shows an area with a hand. FIG. 17B shows a change with time of the output voltages of the sensors 19 to 22 when there is a stationary hand in the first detection area 27 (front).

In addition, the setting method of the 1st detection area 27 and the 2nd detection area 28 in Fig.17 (a) is the same as that of the said 1st Embodiment. Further, the first threshold value for determining that the first detection area 27 has a hand is also “650 mV”, which is the same as in the case of the first embodiment. Further, the second threshold value of the output voltage difference between the two thermopile sensors 19a to 22a and 19b to 22b for determining the presence / absence of a stationary hand is also “50 mV” as in the case of the first embodiment.

Then, as shown in FIG. 17B, the output voltage of the sensors 19 to 22 is equal to or higher than the first threshold (650 mV), and the absolute value of the output voltage difference between the first and second thermopile sensors of the sensors 19 to 22 Is less than or equal to the second threshold value (50 mV), it is determined that there is a stationary hand in the first detection area 27 (front of the TV 15).

FIG. 18 shows a state where there is a moving hand in the first detection area 27 (front). However, FIG. 18A shows an area where there is a moving hand. FIG. 18B shows the change over time in the output voltages of the sensors 19 to 22 when there is a moving hand in the first detection area 27 (front). As shown in FIG. 18B, the output voltage of the sensors 19 to 22 is equal to or higher than the first threshold (650 mV), and the absolute value of the output voltage difference between the first and second thermopile sensors of the sensors 19 to 22 When the value exceeds the second threshold value (50 mV), it is determined that there is a moving hand in the first detection area 27 (in front of the TV 15).

Next, a description will be given of the control processing of the volume change of TV 15, the program guide confirmation change, the terrestrial digital channel change and the BS channel change performed by the detection unit 23 and the control unit 24.

When changing the volume, program guide, or channel of the TV 15 by remote control using a hand, the detecting unit 23 first detects that a stationary human body is in front of the TV 15. Next, when there is a hand in the detection area of the volume change sensor 19, the program guide confirmation change sensor 20, the terrestrial digital channel change sensor 21 or the BS channel change sensor 22, the movement of the hand is detected. Is detected to match the hand movement pattern. Then, the control unit 24 displays a volume change screen, a program guide screen, a terrestrial digital broadcast program change screen, or a BS broadcast program change screen on the display screen 16 of the TV 15 and enables remote operation by hand.

Here, the movement pattern of the hand is a movement in which the hand is stopped for 5 seconds or more in front of the sensors 19 to 22 and then moved left and right five times. By setting such a movement pattern of the hand, the control unit 23 can accurately detect that the movement is a human hand, and prevents malfunction due to a heat source other than the operator who performs the remote operation. It can be done. The hand movement pattern is not limited to the above-described movement pattern, and may be changed as appropriate.

19 and 20 show the movement pattern of the hand when it is detected that there is a hand in the detection area of the terrestrial digital channel changing sensor 21 and the movement of the hand is "moved left and right five times after being stationary for 5 seconds or more" The terrestrial digital broadcast program change screen 29 displayed on the display screen 16 of the TV 15 in the case of matching is shown. In the figure, the hatched portion indicates the currently selected channel. With the terrestrial digital broadcast program change screen 29 displayed, the selected program is changed in ascending order as indicated by an arrow by moving the hand left and right within the detection area of the sensor 21 as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, by keeping the hand still in the detection area of the sensor 21, the selected program is changed in descending order as indicated by the arrows. Also, when 5 seconds or more have passed after the hand is lowered and moved out of the detection area of the sensor 21, the terrestrial digital broadcast program change screen 29 disappears and the remote operation is terminated.

It should be noted that the operation in the case of instructing the ascending order change and descending order change at the time of the volume change, program guide confirmation change, and BS channel change is exactly the same as the above-described terrestrial digital broadcast program change.

Although not described in detail, the set values of the stationary time and the number of left and right movements in the movement pattern of the hand can be arbitrarily changed on the display screen 16 of the TV 15.

Hereinafter, a flowchart of the volume change of the TV 15, the program guide confirmation change, the terrestrial digital channel change, and the BS channel change executed by the detection unit 23 and the control unit 24 will be described.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the volume change processing operation of the TV 15. When the power source of the TV 15 is turned on, the volume change processing operation starts.

In step S21, the detection unit 23 takes in output signals from the first thermopile sensor 18a and the second thermopile sensor 18b of the sensor 18 for detecting a stationary human body. In step S22, based on the output voltages from the first thermopile sensor 18a and the second thermopile sensor 18b, the detection unit 23 determines whether or not there is a stationary human body in front of the TV 15 as shown in FIG. . As a result, if it is present, the process proceeds to step S23, and if it is not present, the volume change processing operation is terminated.

In step S23, the detection unit 23 takes in output signals from the first thermopile sensor 19a and the second thermopile sensor 19b of the volume change sensor 19. In step S24, based on the output voltages from the first thermopile sensor 19a and the second thermopile sensor 19b, the detection unit 23 determines whether or not there is a hand in the detection area of the sensor 19 as shown in FIGS. Is determined. As a result, if present, the process proceeds to step S25, and if not, the process returns to step S21.

In step S25, the detection unit 23 determines whether or not the hand movement matches the “hand movement pattern”. As a result, if they do match, the process proceeds to step S26, and if they do not match, the process returns to step S23. In step S26, the volume change screen is displayed on the display screen 16 of the TV 15 by the control unit 24. In step S27, the detection unit 23 takes in output signals from the first thermopile sensor 19a and the second thermopile sensor 19b of the volume change sensor 19. In step S28, the detection unit 23 determines again whether or not there is a hand in the detection area of the sensor 19 based on the output voltages from the first thermopile sensor 19a and the second thermopile sensor 19b. As a result, if present, the process proceeds to step S29, and if not, the process proceeds to step S34.

In step S29, the detection unit 23 takes in output signals from the first thermopile sensor 19a and the second thermopile sensor 19b of the volume changing sensor 19. In step S30, based on the output voltages from the first thermopile sensor 19a and the second thermopile sensor 19b, the detection unit 23 moves the hand to the left and right in front of the detection area of the sensor 19 as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not it exists. As a result, if it is moving, the process proceeds to step S31, and if it is not moving, the process proceeds to step S32.

In step S31, the control unit 24 changes the selected volume by one level. After that, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S32, the control unit 24 changes the selected volume by one step. In step S33, the control unit 24 updates the display of the volume change screen to the currently selected volume. After that, the process returns to step S27 and the volume change is continued.

In step S34, the control unit 24 deletes the volume change screen displayed on the display screen 16 of the TV 15. After that, the volume change processing operation is terminated.

In this way, when there is a stationary human body in front of the TV 15, there is a hand in the detection area of the sensor 19, and the movement of the hand matches the “hand movement pattern”, the display screen 16 of the TV 15. The above volume change screen is displayed. Thereafter, the volume is changed to the rising side or the lowering side depending on whether or not the hand is moving. Therefore, the remote control for changing the volume can be performed without using the remote control. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the program table confirmation change processing operation of the TV 15. In this program guide confirmation change processing operation, the sensor used is the sensor 20 for program guide confirmation change, and the control operations performed by the control unit 24 are “display program guide” and “change program guide”. Except for this point, the operation is basically the same as the volume change processing operation shown in FIG. A brief description is given below. When the power of the TV 15 is turned on, the program guide confirmation change processing operation starts.

In step S41 and step S42, it is determined that there is a stationary human body in front of the TV 15 in the same manner as the sound volume change processing operation shown in FIG. If it is determined that the hand movement matches the “hand movement pattern”, the program guide is displayed on the display screen 16 of the TV 15 by the control unit 24 in step S46.

If it is determined in steps S47 to S50 that there is a moving hand in the detection area of the program guide confirmation changing sensor 20 in the same manner as the sound volume changing processing operation shown in FIG. 21, the control unit 24 in step S51. The displayed program guide is changed to the future side. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no moving hand (there is a stationary hand) within the detection area of the program change sensor 20, in step S52, the displayed program table is displayed on the past side by the control unit 24. Changed to

In this way, when there is a stationary human body in front of the TV 15, there is a hand in the detection area of the sensor 20, and the movement of the hand matches the “hand movement pattern”, the display screen 16 of the TV 15. The above program table is displayed. Thereafter, the program guide is changed to the future side or the past side depending on whether or not the hand is moving. Therefore, the remote control of the confirmation change of the program guide can be performed without using the remote control.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the terrestrial digital channel change processing operation of the TV 15. In this terrestrial digital channel change processing operation, the sensor used is the terrestrial digital channel change sensor 21, and the control performed by the control unit 24 is “display of terrestrial digital broadcast program change screen” and “program change”. Except for this point, it is basically the same as the volume change processing operation shown in FIG. A brief description is given below. When the TV 15 is turned on, the terrestrial digital channel change processing operation starts.

In steps S61 and S62, it is determined that there is a stationary human body in front of the TV 15 in the same manner as the sound volume changing processing operation shown in FIG. 21, and in steps S63 to S65, the output voltage of the terrestrial digital channel changing sensor 21 is obtained. If it is determined that the hand movement matches the “hand movement pattern”, the terrestrial digital broadcast program change screen is displayed on the display screen 16 of the TV 15 by the control unit 24 in step S66. The

If it is determined in steps S67 to S70 that there is a moving hand in the detection area of the terrestrial digital channel changing sensor 21 in the same manner as the sound volume changing processing operation shown in FIG. 21, the control unit 24 in step S71. As a result, the displayed program is changed to the ascending side. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no moving hand (there is a stationary hand) in the detection area of the terrestrial digital channel changing sensor 21, the control unit 24 lowers the displayed program in step S72. Is changed to the side.

In this way, when there is a stationary human body in front of the TV 15, there is a hand in the detection area of the sensor 21, and the movement of the hand matches the “hand movement pattern”, the display screen 16 of the TV 15. The above terrestrial digital broadcast program change screen is displayed. Thereafter, the program is changed to the ascending side or the descending side depending on whether or not the hand is moving. Therefore, the remote operation for changing the terrestrial digital channel can be performed without using the remote controller.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the BS channel BS channel change processing operation of the TV 15. In this BS channel change processing operation, the sensor used is the BS channel change sensor 22, and the control performed by the control unit 24 is "display BS program change screen" and "change program". Is basically the same as the volume change processing operation shown in FIG. A brief description is given below. When the power of the TV 15 is turned on, the BS channel change processing operation starts.

In step S81 and step S82, it is determined that there is a stationary human body in front of the TV 15 in the same manner as the sound volume change processing operation shown in FIG. 21, and based on the output voltage of the BS channel change sensor 22 in steps S83 to S85. If it is determined that the hand movement matches the “hand movement pattern”, the BS broadcast program change screen is displayed on the display screen 16 of the TV 15 by the control unit 24 in step S86.

If it is determined in steps S87 to S90 that there is a moving hand in the detection area of the BS channel changing sensor 22 in the same manner as the sound volume changing processing operation shown in FIG. The displayed program is changed to the ascending side. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no moving hand (there is a stationary hand) within the detection area of the BS channel change sensor 22, the control unit 24 displays the displayed program on the descending side in step S92. Changed to

In this way, when there is a stationary human body in front of the TV 15, there is a hand in the detection area of the sensor 22, and the movement of the hand matches the “hand movement pattern”, the display screen 16 of the TV 15. The BS broadcast program change screen is displayed. Thereafter, the program is changed to the ascending side or the descending side depending on whether or not the hand is moving. Therefore, the remote operation for changing the BS channel can be performed without using the remote controller.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, stationary human body detection including the first thermopile sensor 18a and the second thermopile sensor 18b is provided at the center of the upper edge of the edge 17 of the display screen 16 of the TV 15. Sensor 18 is installed. Also, a volume change sensor 19 is provided at the upper left corner of the edge 17, a program guide confirmation change sensor 20 is provided at the lower left corner, and a terrestrial digital channel change sensor 21 is provided at the upper right corner. The BS channel changing sensor 22 is installed in the lower right corner, and each sensor 19 to 22 is connected to the first thermopile sensor 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a and the second thermopile sensor 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b.

Then, the viewing angle of the first thermopile sensor 18a is set to a viewing angle of 6 ° capable of capturing the full width of a Japanese face having an average face width of 20 cm located 200 cm away from the TV 15. On the other hand, the viewing angle of the second thermopile sensor 18b is set to a viewing angle of 12 ° capable of capturing the full width between the shoulders of the Japanese who has an average shoulder width of 40 cm located 200 cm away from the TV 15.

In addition, the viewing angle of the first thermopile sensor 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a is a viewing angle 2 that can capture the full width of a Japanese palm that is 200 cm away from the TV 15 and whose average palm width is 8 cm. °. On the other hand, the viewing angle of the second thermopile sensors 19b, 20b, 21b, and 22b is set to 6 °.

Then, the detection unit 23 detects whether there is a stationary human body in front of the TV 15 based on the output voltage from the stationary human body detection sensor 18 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. To do. Further, based on output voltages from the volume change sensor 19, the program guide confirmation change sensor 20, the terrestrial digital channel change sensor 21 and the BS channel change sensor 22, the front of each of the sensors 19-22. It has a hand in it, and it is made to detect whether the hand is moving.

Therefore, whether or not there is a stationary human body in front of the TV 15 and whether or not there is a hand in front of each of the remote control sensors 19 to 22 and the hand moves in accordance with the operation pattern. Can be detected correctly by distinguishing from other heat sources. As a result, each remote operation can be performed without malfunction.

In this case, the viewing angles of the first thermopile sensors 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a and the second thermopile sensors 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b are set as described above. Therefore, it can accurately detect far-infrared rays from the face, chest and hands radiated by people in a detection area with few heat sources other than humans such as stoves, air conditioners and floor heating. It is possible to accurately distinguish between a heat source other than a person and between a face and a hand.

In the second embodiment, a TV is illustrated as an electrical product on which the information processing apparatus of the first embodiment is mounted. However, the present invention is not limited to the TV, and any device that can control the operation of the main body unit based on the detection result of the position of the heat source from the detection unit and the operation state of the heat source may be used. It can be used for remote control of various electric products such as personal computers.

In each of the above embodiments, the first thermopile sensors 1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a and the second thermopile sensors 2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b are arranged in the horizontal direction. is doing. However, this is not always necessary in the present invention, and the arrangement direction may be changed according to the moving direction of the heat source such as the face, hand, or body.

1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a ... 1st thermopile sensor,
2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b ... the second thermopile sensor,
3, 23 ... detection part,
4 ... Memory,
5, 6 ... light shielding member,
7, 25, 27 ... first detection area,
8, 26, 28 ... second detection area,
9 ... Third detection area,
10 ... Air conditioner,
11 ... Stove,
15 ... TV,
16 ... display screen,
17 ... edge,
18 ... A sensor for detecting a stationary human body,
19 ... A sensor for changing the volume,
20 ... Sensor for changing the program guide confirmation,
21 ... Sensor for terrestrial digital channel change,
22 ... BS channel change sensor,
24 ... control unit,
29 ... Terrestrial digital broadcast program change screen.

Claims (9)

1. A first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) that has a first viewing angle, detects a far infrared ray emitted from a heat source, and outputs a signal representing a detection amount;
   The first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) is disposed adjacent to the first sensor, has a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle, and detects far infrared rays emitted from the heat source. A second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b) that outputs a signal representing the detected amount;
   Based on the output signal from the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) and the output signal from the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b), the heat source And a detection part (3, 23) for detecting the position of the heat source and the operating state of the heat source,
   The first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) and the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b) are separated from the installation positions of both sensors by a detection distance. At the position, the detection area of the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) is included in the detection area of the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b). Are located in
   The detection unit (3, 23) outputs the output value of the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) as A, and the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b). Output value B, the output value of the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b) before the elapse of a preset set time t is Bt1, and the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b). , 20b, 21b, 22b) when the output value after the elapse of the set time t is Bt2, where the first threshold is not equal to the second threshold.
   When the relationship of A ≧ first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | A−B | ≦ second threshold is satisfied, the heat source is the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a). ) And the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b)
   When the relationship of A <first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | Bt1−Bt2 | ≦ second threshold is satisfied, the heat source is the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a). ) And a heat source other than a human body within the detection area of the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b). Information processing apparatus.
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
   The detection unit (3, 23) outputs the output value of the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) as A, and the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b). Output value B, the output value of the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b) before the elapse of a preset set time t is Bt1, and the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b). , 20b, 21b, 22b) when the output value after the elapse of the set time t is Bt2, where the first threshold is not equal to the second threshold.
   When the relationship of A ≧ first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | A−B |> second threshold is satisfied, the heat source is the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a). ) And the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b).
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
   The detection unit (3, 23) outputs the output value of the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) as A, and the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b). Output value B, the output value of the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b) before the elapse of a preset set time t is Bt1, and the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b). , 20b, 21b, 22b) when the output value after the elapse of the set time t is Bt2, where the first threshold is not equal to the second threshold.
   When the relationship of A <first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | Bt1−Bt2 |> second threshold is satisfied, the heat source is the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a). ) Is detected outside the detection area and within the detection area of the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b). Information processing device.
4. In the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
   The detection unit (3, 23) outputs the output value of the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) as A, and the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b). Output value B, the output value of the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b) before the elapse of a preset set time t is Bt1, and the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b). , 20b, 21b, 22b) when the output value after the elapse of the set time t is Bt2, where the first threshold is not equal to the second threshold.
   When the relationship of A <first threshold and B <first threshold is satisfied, it is detected that the heat source does not exist within the detection area of the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b). An information processing apparatus characterized by that.
5. In the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   The first viewing angle of the first sensor (1, 18a) captures the full width of the human face at a position that is a preset first set distance from the installation position of the first sensor (1, 18a). Is the smallest possible angle,
   The second viewing angle of the second sensor (2, 18b) captures the full width between the human shoulders at a position separated from the installation position of the second sensor (2, 18b) by the first set distance. Is the smallest possible angle.
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,
   An information processing apparatus, wherein an installation interval between the first sensor (1, 18a) and the second sensor (2, 18b) is 20 cm or less.
7. In the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   The first viewing angle of the first sensor (19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) is a position separated from the installation position of the first sensor (19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) by a preset second set distance. Is the smallest angle that can capture the full width of a person's palm,
   The second viewing angle of the second sensor (19b, 20b, 21b, 22b) is wider than the first viewing angle of the first sensor (19a, 20a, 21a, 22a). Information processing apparatus.
8. The first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) having the first viewing angle detects far infrared rays emitted from the heat source and outputs a signal indicating the detection amount,
   A second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, having a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle and disposed adjacent to the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a). 20b, 21b, 22b) detects far-infrared rays emitted from the heat source and outputs a signal indicating the detection amount,
   An output signal from the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) and a signal from the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b) are detected by the detection unit (3, 23). Based on the output signal, the output value of the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a) is A, and the output value of the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b). B, the output value of the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b) before the elapse of a preset set time t is Bt1, and the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b) when the output value after the elapse of the set time t is Bt2, the first threshold ≠ the second threshold,
   When the relationship of A ≧ first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | A−B | ≦ second threshold is satisfied, the heat source is the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a). ) And the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b)
   When the relationship of A ≧ first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | A−B |> second threshold is satisfied, the heat source is the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a). ) And the second human sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b).
   When the relationship of A <first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | Bt1−Bt2 | ≦ second threshold is satisfied, the heat source is the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a). ) And a heat source other than a human body within the detection area of the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b),
   When the relationship of A <first threshold, B ≧ first threshold, and | Bt1−Bt2 |> second threshold is satisfied, the heat source is the first sensor (1, 18a, 19a, 20a, 21a, 22a). ) That is outside the detection area and within the detection area of the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b),
   When the relationship of A <first threshold and B <first threshold is satisfied, it is detected that the heat source does not exist within the detection area of the second sensor (2, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b, 22b). An information processing method characterized by the above.
9. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
   A main body (15);
   An electrical product comprising a control unit (24) for controlling the operation of the main body (15) in accordance with a detection result of the detection unit (23) in the information processing apparatus.

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