Space control system

Abstract

A space control system as one embodiment is applied to a facility divided into a plurality of areas. The space control system includes: space control devices provided in each of the plurality of areas, which control a space environment of the each area; and a control apparatus which sets different control parameters for each of the space control devices in each of the plurality of areas to control the space control devices. The control apparatus is configured to replace the control parameters of the space control device in one of the plurality of areas with the control parameters of the same kind of space control device in another area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a space control system, and more particularly, to a space control system suitable for an activity-based working (ABW) office or an office without fixed workstations. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the ABW work style, in which employees choose their workspace based on their work content, has gained attention, and offices that have adopted ABW are on the rise. ABW offices are designed to improve organizational performance by creating spaces tailored to employees' work content. ABW offices, for example, utilize varying lighting brightness and color to create workspaces that facilitate individual focus and co-creation spaces for knowledge sharing.

[0003] Furthermore, there are also known mobile workstations, where employees are free to move around freely without having to sit in fixed seats. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system related to mobile workstations. The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an entry and exit management unit that counts the number of people in the office; an office area determination unit that determines an office area based on the counted number of people in the office; and a device control unit that controls the deactivation of devices in areas outside the determined office area.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-004047 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] One of the goals of introducing ABW and unassigned desk offices is to stimulate communication by changing the people with whom employees interact by changing their seating positions. However, since individuals have preferences for location and environment, each employee may only use a specific seat that they prefer, which can make it difficult to stimulate communication.

[0009] Furthermore, in modern society where the collapse of local communities and the increase in elderly people living alone are seen as issues, activating communication outside the workplace is also important.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a space control system capable of activating communication between facility users in a facility divided into a plurality of areas.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] A space control system, one embodiment of the present disclosure, is a space control system for a facility divided into multiple areas, comprising: space control equipment installed in each of the multiple areas to control the spatial environment of each area; and a control device configured to set different control parameters for each of the space control equipment in each of the multiple areas to control the space control equipment. The space control equipment is at least one device selected from lighting equipment, air conditioning equipment, fragrance equipment, audio equipment, and video equipment, and the control device is configured to replace the control parameters of the space control equipment in one of the multiple areas with the control parameters of the same type of space control equipment in other areas.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] The space control system disclosed herein can enhance communication among facility users in facilities divided into multiple areas. By implementing the system in automated workstations (ABW) offices and non-assigned workstations, for example, the number of employees who consistently occupy specific seats can be reduced. This changes the individuals interacting, stimulating communication and ultimately improving work performance and organizational vitality.

[0015] According to the lighting system involved in the present disclosure, it is possible to realize effective zoning that can easily cope with the mobile work performance of employees or organizations and the needs of each space that occur on an hourly, daily, monthly, or other cycle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a first lighting pattern in a space control system as an example of an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a second lighting mode in a space control system as an example of an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a space control system as an example of an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a modified example of a space control system as an example of an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of a control process of a space control system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an example embodiment of the space control system disclosed herein is described in detail. However, the space control system disclosed herein is not limited to the embodiment described below. Furthermore, it is envisioned from the outset that the various components of the various embodiments described below may be selectively combined.

[0022] The main body of the apparatus and system disclosed herein is provided with a computer. The computer realizes the functions of the main body of the apparatus and system disclosed herein by executing a program. The computer has a processor that operates according to the program as its main hardware structure. The processor is of any type as long as it can realize the above functions by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more circuits including an integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). Multiple circuits can be integrated into one chip or provided in multiple chips. Multiple chips can be collected in one device or provided in multiple devices. In addition, the program is stored in a non-temporary storage medium such as a computer-readable ROM, an optical disk, a hard disk drive, etc. The program can be stored in a storage medium in advance or supplied to the storage medium via a wide area communication network including the Internet.

[0023] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 3 , a space control system 10 as an example of an embodiment will be described in detail. In an office 100 to which the space control system 10 is applied, Figure 1 is a diagram showing a first lighting mode, Figure 2 2 is a diagram showing a second lighting mode. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the space control system 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In FIG, the difference in the lighting environment in areas 1, 2, and 3 is represented by the different densities of the dotted lines.

[0024] As an example of an embodiment, the space control system 10 is a system for activating communication between employees in the workplace. However, the system disclosed herein is not limited thereto. The space control system disclosed herein can also be applied to facilities other than workplaces that are divided into multiple areas, such as senior citizen facilities, community centers, libraries, and sharehouses.

[0025] The office 100 to which the space control system 10 is applied is an office divided into a plurality of areas. Figure 1 and Figure 2The figure shows three areas 1, 2, and 3, but the number and size of the areas are not particularly limited. Areas 1, 2, and 3 are target areas for spatial environment control by the space control system 10. For example, they are located on the same floor of the same building and are configured so that the environment of each area can be seen at a glance. Each area in areas 1, 2, and 3 is controlled by the space control system 10 to have a different spatial environment from other areas, and is controlled to have the same spatial environment in each area. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, the lighting environments in areas 1, 2, and 3 are different.

[0026] Furthermore, areas 1, 2, and 3 may be located on other floors or in other buildings, as long as a work system exists that allows employees to confirm the environmental conditions of each area and freely use each area according to their work content. If areas 1, 2, and 3 are not located on the same floor, it is preferable to use a system or display equipped with a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to allow employees to easily confirm the environmental conditions of each floor.

[0027] An office 100 employing the space control system 10 is designed so that employees do not have fixed seats but can freely change their seating arrangements depending on the workload. Examples of offices 100 include ABW offices and non-assigned workstation offices. Applying the space control system 10 to an office where employees have fixed seats and then changing the spatial environment over short periods of time, such as a day or a week, as described later, is expected to cause confusion and dissatisfaction among employees. On the other hand, ABW offices and non-assigned workstation offices, where employees can freely move to their preferred areas, are suitable facilities for the space control system 10.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the example, a copy machine 5 is installed in area 1, a bookshelf 6 is installed in area 2, and a vending machine 7 is installed in area 3. That is, office 100 has different fixed equipment in each of the multiple areas 1, 2, and 3. Fixed equipment generally refers to equipment that is fixed in position for a long period of time, such as one or five years (a period significantly longer than the specified period for replacing the spatial environment, which will be described later), or equipment that cannot be moved due to the facility's structure. As will be explained in detail later, the spatial control system 10 can utilize fixed equipment that is strongly related to people's preferences for the spatial environment and location to activate communication.

[0029] Examples of fixed equipment include a copier 5 (which may also be a multifunction printer or scanner), a bookshelf 6, a vending machine 7, a fax machine, a shredder, tables, chairs, cubicles, lockers, refrigerators, water dispensers, and coffee machines. Furthermore, fixed equipment within each zone may also be structures such as windows, floors, ceilings, and walls. Furthermore, fixed equipment cannot control the brightness, temperature, odor, sound, or image quality of zones 1, 2, and 3 to arbitrarily alter the spatial environment of each zone.

[0030] Furthermore, if office 100 has different fixtures near each of areas 1, 2, and 3, it is expected that the presence of these fixtures will significantly influence employees' choices of areas 1, 2, and 3. Examples of fixtures outside of areas include restrooms, meeting rooms, corridors, lounges, smoking rooms, and hot water rooms. For example, if area 1 is close to restrooms, area 2 is close to meeting rooms, and area 3 is close to smoking rooms, it is expected that employees who smoke frequently will prefer area 3. Furthermore, even if there are no different fixtures in areas 1, 2, and 3 or their vicinity, the locational relationship between the areas may still influence employees' choices of areas.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown in the example, the space control system 10 includes space control devices such as lighting equipment 11, and a control device 20 that controls the space control devices by setting different control parameters for each space control device in each of the multiple areas 1, 2, and 3. The space control device is a device that is installed in each of the multiple areas 1, 2, and 3 to control the space environment of each area. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, lighting devices 11 are installed as space control devices in each of zones 1, 2, and 3. The control device 20 is configured to replace the control parameters of the set space control devices with the control parameters of the same type of space control devices in other zones, thereby changing the spatial environments of multiple zones.

[0032] Employees with a high preference for environment are those who have a higher preference for at least one parameter of at least one of the space control devices (lighting 11, air conditioning 12, fragrance 13, audio 14, and video 15) than for any other fixtures within the area, and this parameter is a major factor in determining their seating position. On the other hand, users with a high preference for location are those who have a higher preference for a specific fixture within the area than for all parameters of all the space control devices (lighting 11, air conditioning 12, fragrance 13, audio 14, and video 15), and this fixture is a major factor in determining their seating position.

[0033] As will be explained in detail later, every specified period, such as one day or one week, the control device 20 replaces the output, color temperature, and other control parameters set for each lighting device 11 in each of zones 1, 2, and 3 with the control parameters of lighting devices 11 in other zones. This replaces the lighting environments in zones 1, 2, and 3. By replacing the lighting environment, it is possible to encourage the movement of employees who prefer their environment and reduce the number of employees who consistently occupy specific seats. Furthermore, it is expected that even if the lighting environment changes, employees who prefer their location will not move to other zones. Therefore, the people interacting with each other will change, thereby stimulating communication.

[0034] In this case, communication can be activated without putting pressure on users who have a strong preference for location to leave their preferred location. Therefore, compared with systems and operating methods that force all users working in the office to choose seats when they go to work, such as using darts, roulette, etc., this system is characterized by being able to easily reduce the burden on users.

[0035] When replacing control parameters, the parameters can be replaced unchanged while remaining exactly the same. However, if the parameter variation range is within a range that is essentially considered the same, the parameters can also be varied. For example, the light source color of lighting equipment is divided into five categories: "warm white (2600K-3250K)", "white (3250K-3800K)", "cool white (3800K-4500K)", "neutral white (4600K-5500K)", and "daylight color (5700K-7100K)" (JIS Z9112:2012). If the light source color is within this category, the perceived color will not change significantly, which is unlikely to affect the determination of the seating position. Therefore, when replacing parameters, the parameters can be varied within the same category. In addition, the variation of these parameters is not limited to quantitative variables such as color temperature; qualitative variables such as musical content can also be varied. In the case of music content, even if each song is a different piece of music, if the music style is the same, such as jazz, classical music, or techno, and the composer and singer are the same, the impression felt from the music will not change significantly and will not affect the decision of the seating position. Therefore, when replacing parameters, the parameters can also be changed within the same category.

[0036] Furthermore, when replacing control parameters, it's not necessary to replace all control parameters for each area's control devices unless it substantially impacts seating position determination. For example, suppose there are 50 identical lighting devices in each of areas 1, 2, and 3, and the replacement control parameter is color temperature. Even if the color temperature of each of the five devices in each area remains unchanged, the perceived spatial impression will not significantly change, nor will it impact seating position determination. Therefore, replacing all control parameters for each area's control devices is unnecessary unless it substantially impacts seating position determination.

[0037] The space control system 10 includes at least one device selected from lighting equipment 11, air conditioning equipment 12, fragrance equipment 13, audio equipment 14, and video equipment 15 as a space control device. In the space control system 10, the control parameters of the space control devices are replaced between areas 1, 2, and 3 at predetermined intervals, so at least one space control device of the same type is provided in each area. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, lighting fixtures 11 are installed in each area.

[0038] In addition, the space control system 10 may also include a camera 30 as a sensor for acquiring information related to the status of areas 1, 2, and 3. The camera 30 is installed in each of areas 1, 2, and 3, for example. The control device 20 may also be configured to measure the number of employees in each area based on the image of the camera 30, and change the area of ​​each area based on the measured value. Specifically, the area of ​​the area with fewer people is reduced and the area of ​​the area with more people is expanded. In addition, other sensors such as infrared sensors, pressure sensors, seat sensors, scanners in indoor position information systems called LPS (Local Positioning System), laser sensors in laser-based ranging systems called LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) may be used instead of or in addition to the camera 30 to acquire information related to the status of each area, such as the number of employees in each area 1, 2, and 3.

[0039] Next, the space control equipment (the lighting equipment 11 , the air conditioning equipment 12 , the fragrance equipment 13 , the audio equipment 14 , and the video equipment 15 ) and the control device 20 will be described in detail.

[0040] [Lighting equipment 11]

[0041] The lighting device 11 is a device that can control at least one selected from the brightness (output), light color (color temperature), light distribution and light shaking (movement) of the space. The structure, configuration, etc. of the lighting device 11 are not particularly limited. Various devices such as ceiling lamps, line lamps, floor lamps, downlights, chandeliers, spotlights, etc. can be applied as lighting fixtures 11. The lighting device 11 includes, for example, semiconductor light-emitting elements such as red, green, and blue LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and the control circuit adjusts the light amount of each color LED, thereby controlling the output, color temperature, etc. of the lighting light. In addition, the lighting device 11 may also have an optical lens that can control the light distribution angle by changing the distance between the light source and the lens, and may also have a shaking function that can change the irradiation direction of the light.

[0042] One or more lighting devices 11 may be provided in each of the areas 1, 2, and 3. When multiple lighting devices 11 are provided in each area, the multiple lighting devices 11 may be the same device or devices with different structures. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, the same number (three each) of identical lighting fixtures 11 are installed on the ceiling of each zone. In this case, the lighting environment of each zone can be changed by simply replacing the control parameters such as output and color temperature set for each lighting fixture 11 in each zone 1, 2, and 3 with the control parameters of the lighting fixture 11 in other zones. For example, the initial color temperature set for each lighting fixture 11 in each zone 1, 2, and 3 is 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K, respectively. After a predetermined period of 12 hours, the color temperature set for each lighting fixture 11 in each zone 1, 2, and 3 is replaced with 4000K, 5000K, and 3000K, respectively. In this case, since parameter variations are allowed within the same light source color category, the color temperature set for each lighting fixture 11 in each zone 1, 2, and 3 can also be replaced with 3900K, 4700K, and 2700K, respectively, after the predetermined period of 12 hours. The environment replacement by the lighting equipment is determined based on the measurement results of a measuring device such as a colorimeter and the setting values ​​of the parameter setting processing unit.

[0043] [Air conditioning equipment 12]

[0044] Air conditioning equipment 12 is a device capable of controlling at least one of the following: temperature, humidity, and air flow in a space. It can perform operations such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, humidification, and ventilation, and can arbitrarily control output, air volume, and air direction. The structure and configuration of air conditioning equipment 12 are not particularly limited. Air conditioning equipment 12 can employ various devices, including air conditioners, heaters, fans, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and ceiling fans. The environmental changes achieved by the air conditioning equipment are determined based on measurement results from measuring devices such as thermometers and hygrometers, and the settings in the parameter setting processing unit.

[0045] The air conditioning equipment 12, like the lighting equipment 11, can also be set up one or more in each of areas 1, 2, and 3. When multiple air conditioning equipment 12 are set up in each area, the multiple air conditioning equipment 12 can be the same device or devices with different structures (the same applies to the fragrance equipment 13, the audio equipment 14, and the imaging equipment 15). For example, when areas 1, 2, and 3 are adjacent, one air conditioning equipment 12 can also be used to control the temperature, humidity, etc. of all areas to be the same. In this case, the air conditioning equipment 12 cannot be used in the spatial environment replacement. In addition, the same is true for other space control devices. They can also be configured to control all areas to the same spatial environment and not be used in the spatial environment replacement.

[0046] [Aromatherapy equipment 13]

[0047] The aroma device 13 is a device that releases a predetermined fragrance into a space and controls the fragrance of the space. The aroma device 13 has the function of arbitrarily controlling, for example, the type of fragrance, the intensity of the fragrance, etc. An example of the aroma device 13 is an aroma diffuser that can release several types of fragrances. The structure of the aroma device 13 is not particularly limited, and various devices such as heating type, ultrasonic type, and air supply type can be applied as the aroma device 13. In addition, the aroma device 13 can also have a humidification function or other functions of the air conditioning device 12. The environmental replacement performed by the aroma device is determined by the measurement results of the measuring device such as the odor detection sensor and the setting value of the parameter setting processing unit.

[0048] [Audio equipment 14]

[0049] The audio device 14 is a device that emits sound into a space and controls the sound of the space. The audio device 14 has the function of arbitrarily controlling, for example, music content, volume (output), sound quality, etc. An example of the audio device 14 is a device including a speaker, earphones, headphones, etc. The structure of the audio device 14 is not particularly limited, and devices with various structures such as a dipole type, a bass reflex type, and a passive radiation type (drone cone) can be applied as the audio device 14. The audio device 14 has a memory for storing music content or has a function of receiving music content, and may also have an equalizer function, etc. In addition, the audio device 14 may also be integrated with other space control devices such as the lighting device 11 and the imaging device 15. The environment replacement performed by the audio device is determined by the measurement results of measuring devices such as noise meters and spectrum analyzers, the parameters of each music assigned to the music distribution website, and the setting values ​​of the parameter setting processing unit.

[0050] [Image equipment 15]

[0051] The imaging device 15 is a device that controls the image output to the space. The imaging device 15 has the function of arbitrarily controlling, for example, the image content, brightness, color, projection range, projection position, etc. An example of the imaging device 15 is a device including a display, a projector, etc., and it can also be a general television. The imaging device 15 has a memory for storing image content or has the function of receiving image content. The imaging device 15 can apply various devices and can also be integrated with other space control devices such as the lighting device 11 and the audio device 14. The environment replacement performed by the imaging device is determined by the measurement results of the measuring device such as the color illuminance meter and the setting value of the parameter setting processing unit.

[0052] [Control device 20]

[0053] As described above, the control device 20 is configured to control the spatial control devices by setting different control parameters for each of the spatial control devices in each of zones 1, 2, and 3, and to change the area to which the set spatial control device control parameters are applied at predetermined intervals. The control device 20 includes a parameter setting processing unit 23 and an application area change processing unit 24 as processing units for performing the aforementioned functions. Furthermore, the control device 20 may also include an area area change processing unit 25, which expands or reduces the application range of the set spatial control device control parameters to change the area of ​​at least one of zones 1, 2, and 3.

[0054] The control device 20 is configured using a computer equipped with a processor 21, memory 22, and input / output interfaces. The processor 21, for example, is configured using a CPU or GPU, and implements the functions of each of the aforementioned processing units by reading and executing application software (control programs) for performing the functions of the space control system 10. The memory 22 includes non-volatile memory such as ROM, HDD, and SSD, and volatile memory such as RAM, which stores the aforementioned control programs, control parameters for space control devices, and the specified period for replacing control parameters.

[0055] The control device 20 is configured using a server capable of accessing the space control equipment to be controlled in areas 1, 2, and 3 via a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet or a private network such as an intranet. The server can be dedicated to the space control system 10 or can also serve as a computing device for other systems. By installing a control program for executing the functions of the space control system 10 on the server, the server can function as the control device 20. Alternatively, the control device 20 can be configured using a server located within the office 100, a cloud server, a standard personal computer, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0056] The parameter setting processing unit 23 has a function of setting control parameters for each space control device in each of the areas 1, 2, and 3. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, different control parameters are set for the lighting devices 11 in area 1, the lighting devices 11 in area 2, and the lighting devices 11 in area 3, thereby creating different lighting environments in each area. The parameter setting processing unit 23 sets the same control parameters for the same lighting devices 11 in each area. In other words, the parameter setting processing unit 23 creates a group of lighting devices 11 with the same control parameters.

[0057] The parameter setting processing unit 23 sets control parameters such as output and color temperature for each lighting device 11 based on specified setting operations and stores the set control parameters in the memory 22. The specified setting operations are performed by a system administrator or user (employee) using, for example, a dedicated controller or a tablet terminal, smartphone, or personal computer installed with application software for the space control system 10. The control device 20 transmits the set control parameters to the lighting device 11, which then illuminates according to the parameters. The control device 20 also has location information for each lighting device 11 and is configured to obtain information regarding the lighting status of each lighting device 11.

[0058] Table 1 shows an example of the control parameters of each space control device set by the parameter setting processing unit 23 .

[0059] [Table 1]

[0060]

[0061] As described above, the parameter setting processing unit 23 sets the same control parameters for multiple space control devices of the same type to create a group of space control devices. For example, the parameter setting processing unit 23 creates a first group in which the output and color temperature are set to a first condition, a second group in which the output and color temperature are set to a second condition, and a third group in which the output and color temperature are set to a third condition. Since the first to third conditions are different from each other, multiple areas 1, 2, and 3 with different lighting environments can be formed. In addition, the areas of areas 1, 2, and 3 can also be changed according to the number of space control devices for which the same control parameters are set (the number of space control devices constituting the group).

[0062] The application area change processing unit 24 has the function of replacing the control parameters of the spatial control devices in one of the multiple areas with the control parameters of the same type of spatial control devices in other areas at predetermined intervals, thereby changing the spatial environment of the multiple areas. For example, the application area change processing unit 24 utilizes the functions of the parameter setting processing unit 23 to replace the control parameters of the spatial control devices that have been initially set or changed with the control parameters of the same type of spatial control devices in other areas, and stores the newly set control parameters in the memory 22. This control parameter replacement is then repeated every time the predetermined interval elapses.

[0063] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, at the time point after a predetermined period has elapsed, control parameter B1 of the lighting device 11 in area 1 is applied to the lighting device 11 in area 2, control parameter B2 of the lighting device 11 in area 2 is applied to the lighting device 11 in area 3, and control parameter B3 of the lighting device 11 in area 3 is applied to the lighting device 11 in area 1. Here, control parameters B1, B2, and B3 represent the control parameters in areas 1, 2, and 3 before the predetermined period has elapsed. Since the lighting fixtures 11 in each area are identical, the application area change processing unit 24, for example, does not change the control parameters but simply replaces them.

[0064] In other words, the application area change processing unit 24 replaces the control parameters between groups of lighting fixtures 11 that are initially set to the same control parameters at predetermined intervals. Specifically, the initial control parameters of the first group are newly set as the control parameters of the second group. Furthermore, the initial control parameters of the second group are newly set as the control parameters of the third group, and the initial control parameters of the third group are newly set as the control parameters of the first group.

[0065] If the number of lighting fixtures 11 constituting each group differs in the initial setting, the application area change processing unit 24 may replace the control parameters so that the areas of areas 1, 2, and 3 remain unchanged by increasing or decreasing the number of lighting fixtures 11 constituting each group. Alternatively, the control parameters may be replaced so that the number of lighting fixtures 11 to which the initial setting control parameters are applied remains unchanged. In the latter case, the areas of areas 1, 2, and 3 are changed.

[0066] When two or more space control devices are installed in each of the multiple areas, the application area change processing unit 24 replaces the control parameters of at least one space control device with the control parameters of the same type of space control devices in other areas at a predetermined period. For example, when lighting fixtures 11, fragrance devices 13, and audio devices 14 are installed in each of areas 1, 2, and 3 (see the following description), Figure 4 ), only the control parameters of the lighting fixtures 11 can be replaced between areas. Alternatively, the control parameters of all space control devices including the fragrance device 13 and the audio device 14 can be replaced.

[0067] The prescribed period can be set to any length, such as half a day, a day, a week, two weeks, or a month, but is preferably set to less than one year. Business activities are planned annually, and as a result, the staffing within business units and organizations often changes annually. Setting the prescribed period to one year can enhance communication within the organization for employees who have just transferred departments. Similarly, business activities are often divided into two periods, such as the previous and next quarters, or four periods, such as the first to fourth quarters, within a year. As a result, the staffing within business units and organizations often changes every six or three months. Setting the prescribed period to six or three months can enhance communication within the organization for employees who have just transferred departments. Furthermore, regardless of whether there has been a department transfer, by subtly changing the prescribed period over a shorter period, such as half a day or a day, employees who interact on a daily basis can be changed, thereby enhancing communication within the organization. The application area change processing unit 24 can also alternate the control parameters of the space control equipment multiple times a day, for example, in the morning and afternoon. Furthermore, even before the specified period has passed, the control parameters of the space control equipment can be replaced at any time by employees or managers such as general affairs. If different types of space control equipment, such as lighting equipment 11 and air conditioning equipment 12, are installed in each area, the application area change processing unit 24 can replace the control parameters of all space control equipment at the same time, but different specified periods can also be set for each type of space control equipment.

[0068] The application area change processing unit 24 may also include, as a part thereof, a process of randomly performing replacement of the control parameters of the space control device at intervals of a specified period. Alternatively, the replacement of the control parameters at intervals of a specified period may be performed regularly, such as area 1 → area 2 → area 3 → area 1... In this case, since the employee can predict the replacement pattern of the spatial environment, he or she can consider the area to be used in advance. On the other hand, it is expected that when the control parameters are randomly replaced at intervals of a specified period, since the replacement pattern of the spatial environment cannot be predicted, the employee selects the area to be used based on the mood of the day, intuition, etc., which may further promote the change of the person to be communicated with.

[0069] The region area change processing unit 25 has the function of changing the area of ​​at least one of the multiple regions 1, 2, and 3 by increasing or decreasing the number of spatial control devices that are set with the same control parameters. In the case where the region area can be changed by changing the range (the number of spatial control devices) within which the same control parameters are applied, the region area change processing unit 25 can, for example, reduce the range within which the same control parameters are applied to reduce the region area. On the other hand, the region area can be increased by expanding the range within which the same control parameters are applied outside the region. Furthermore, if regions 1, 2, and 3 are adjacent, changing the area of ​​one region will generally also change the areas of the other regions.

[0070] The area change processing unit 25 can change the area of ​​a region at any time, or in conjunction with a change in the spatial environment. The area change processing unit 25 measures the number of employees in each region based on sensor information such as images from the camera 30, and changes the area of ​​each region based on this measurement. Specifically, the area of ​​regions with fewer than a specified threshold number of employees is reduced, while the area of ​​regions with more than a specified threshold number of employees is expanded. Furthermore, if regions 1, 2, and 3 are adjacent, for example, if the number of employees in one region exceeds a threshold and the number of employees in another region is less than a threshold, the area of ​​that region is expanded, while the area of ​​the other region is reduced.

[0071] According to the space control system 10 having the above-described configuration, communication between employees can be activated by promoting the movement of employees between areas while retaining a certain number of employees who always use a specific area.

[0072] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2In the example shown, by replacing the lighting environment of each area in an office 100 divided into a plurality of areas 1, 2, and 3 at specified intervals such as 1 day or 1 week, it is possible to prevent employees from staying in the same area. In particular, employees with high environmental preferences (lighting preferences) move to other areas as the lighting environment changes. For example, it is expected that employee A who likes the lighting environment of the initial area 1 will move to area 2, which reproduces the lighting environment of the initial area 1 after a specified period. For the same reason, employees D and E with high lighting preferences move to other areas. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, employee E moves from area 2 to area 3, and employee D moves from area 3 to area 1.

[0073] On the other hand, it is expected that employees with high location preferences, such as employee B who prefers copier 5 (e.g., frequently uses copier 5), employee F who prefers bookshelf 6 (e.g., frequently uses bookshelf 6), and employee C who prefers vending machine 7 (e.g., frequently uses vending machine 7), will not move from their original areas even if the lighting environment changes. In other words, since there are employees who move to other areas due to their environmental preferences and employees who do not move due to their location preferences, the people with whom they interact change, thereby stimulating communication between employees.

[0074] Figure 4 FIG is a diagram showing a modified example of the above embodiment. Figure 4 The space control system 10 illustrated in the example has lighting fixtures 11A, 11B, and 11C of different structures in areas 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In this case, the lighting environment of areas 1, 2, and 3 can also be replaced by simply replacing the control parameters of the lighting fixtures 11A, 11B, and 11C with the control parameters of other lighting fixtures in other areas at predetermined intervals. However, since the structures of the lighting fixtures 11A, 11B, and 11C are different, simply replacing the control parameters may not always achieve the target lighting environment. Therefore, the control device 20 may also correct the setting values ​​of the control parameters of the lighting fixtures 11A, 11B, and 11C so that the original lighting environment of each area can be reproduced in other areas. For example, the corrected control parameters of the lighting fixture 11A are newly set as the control parameters of the lighting fixture 11B.

[0075] exist Figure 4In the example shown, aroma equipment 13 and audio equipment 14 are installed in each of zones 1, 2, and 3. Alternatively, control device 20 can fix the control parameters of lighting fixtures 11A, 11B, and 11C to their initial settings and replace the control parameters of at least one of aroma equipment 13 and audio equipment 14 with the control parameters of the same type of equipment in another zone. In this case, while the lighting environment in each zone does not automatically change at predetermined intervals, the spatial environment can be altered by changing the scent and music in each zone.

[0076] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, there is a small window 8 in area 1, a large window 9 in area 2, and no window in area 3. The presence and size of windows can be important factors in employees' choice of area. In addition, although the brightness of windows cannot be arbitrarily controlled like lighting fixtures, they also affect the spatial environment. Therefore, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, there are a certain number of employees who remain in the original area even if the spatial environment of each area is replaced, thereby enabling communication with employees who move to other areas due to the change in the spatial environment.

[0077] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a basic control process of the space control system 10 having the above-mentioned structure. Figure 5 As illustrated, during the control process of the space control system 10, control parameters are first set for each air control device in each zone (S10). In other words, a group of air control devices operating under the same control parameters is created. The process of S10 is executed by the function of the parameter setting processing unit 23. The set control parameters are transmitted to each air control device, and each air control device operates according to the parameters to achieve the specified spatial environment in each zone (S11).

[0078] Then, at a point in time after a predetermined period of time has passed (S12), the control parameters of the spatial control devices are replaced to replace the spatial environment of each area (S13). This process is performed by the function of the application area change processing unit 24. As described above, the application area change processing unit 24 replaces the spatial environment of multiple areas by replacing the control parameters of the spatial control device of one of the multiple areas with the control parameters of the same type of spatial control device in other areas. At this time, the control parameters can be simply replaced directly without changing them, or the control parameters can be corrected and the corrected parameters applied to the devices in other areas.

[0079] In addition, in the above embodiment, the lighting fixture 11 is mainly illustrated as the space control device, but other space control devices such as air conditioning equipment 12 can also be used to control the space environment instead of the lighting fixture 11 described above or in addition to the lighting fixture 11.

[0080] Description of Reference Numerals

[0081] 1, 2, 3: Area; 5: Copier; 6: Bookshelf; 7: Vending machine; 8, 9: Windows; 10: Space control system; 11, 11A, 11B, 11C: Lighting equipment; 12: Air conditioning equipment; 13: Fragrance equipment; 14: Audio equipment; 15: Video equipment; 20: Control device; 21: Processor; 22: Memory; 23: Parameter setting processing unit; 24: Application area change processing unit; 25: Area change processing unit; 30: Camera; 100: Office.

Claims

1. A space control system, applied to a facility divided into multiple areas, characterized in that it comprises: a space control device, which is provided in each of the plurality of areas and controls the space environment of each area; and a control device for setting different control parameters for each of the space control devices in each of the plurality of areas to control the space control devices; in, Each area is provided with seats where users can sit freely. The space control device is at least one device selected from lighting equipment, air conditioning equipment, fragrance equipment, audio equipment and imaging equipment, The control device controls so that the control parameters of the space control device in one of the multiple areas are replaced with the control parameters of the same type of space control device in other areas at specified intervals, and the control device randomly performs the replacement of the control parameters of the space control device.

2. A space control system, applied to a facility divided into multiple areas, characterized in that it comprises: a space control device, which is provided in each of the plurality of areas and controls the space environment of each area; and a control device for setting different control parameters for each of the space control devices in each of the plurality of areas to control the space control devices; in, Each area is provided with seats where users can sit freely. The space control device is at least one device selected from lighting equipment, air conditioning equipment, fragrance equipment, audio equipment and imaging equipment, The control device controls so that the control parameters of the space control device in one of the multiple areas are replaced with the control parameters of the same type of space control device in other areas at predetermined intervals. The control device randomly performs the replacement of the control parameters of the space control device. The control device is configured to increase or decrease the number of the space control devices with the same control parameters set to change the area of ​​at least one of the multiple areas.

3. The space control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The facility includes different fixed equipment in each of the plurality of areas or in the vicinity of each area.

4. The space control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Two or more space control devices are provided in each of the plurality of areas. The control device is configured to replace the control parameters of at least one of the space control devices with the control parameters of the same type of space control devices in other areas.

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