Lighting control system and lighting control device

Abstract

To obtain a lighting control system and lighting control device capable of efficient control.SOLUTION: A lighting control system comprises an illuminance sensor that measures illuminance of a target area and a controller that makes the illuminance sensor update a transformation formula for calculating the illuminance from a brightness measurement value when at least one of the following conditions is met: the number of people staying in the target area is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number, it is a predetermined time period, and a dimming ratio of a lighting apparatus illuminating the target area is equal to or greater than a predetermined dimming ratio.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control system and a lighting control device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting control system that dims a lighting fixture according to the ambient illuminance. In this system, an illuminance sensor outputs a current corresponding to the illuminance of the light detected from the surroundings. An A / D conversion circuit converts the current input from the illuminance sensor into a digital signal. A conversion table stores the target value of the illuminance of the lighting fixture. The gain switching means calculates the actual illuminance based on the digital signal converted by the A / D conversion circuit, compares the calculated illuminance with the target value of the illuminance stored in the conversion table, and switches the signal amplification factor of the A / D conversion circuit. The dimming means performs dimming control of the lighting fixture based on the digital signal input from the A / D conversion circuit and the signal amplification factor switched by the gain switching means.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the signal amplification factor of the A / D conversion circuit is changed according to the detected illuminance value. At this time, the reflected light in the target area is detected and converted into an illuminance value. Therefore, even when the reflectance of the target area temporarily changes due to the presence of a person or the like, the function of changing the signal amplification factor works. Therefore, switching of the signal amplification factor may occur more than necessary, and there is a risk that the processing load will increase.

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a lighting control system and lighting control device that can be updated at the appropriate time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The lighting control system according to this disclosure includes an illuminance sensor that measures the illuminance of a target area, and a controller that causes the illuminance sensor to update a conversion formula for calculating the illuminance from a brightness measurement when at least one of the following conditions is met: the number of people staying in the target area is less than or equal to a predetermined number; it is within a predetermined time period; and the dimming rate of the lighting fixtures illuminating the target area is equal to or greater than a predetermined dimming rate.

[0007] The lighting control device according to this disclosure includes an illuminance sensor for measuring the illuminance of a target area, and a control unit that updates a conversion formula for calculating the illuminance from a measured brightness of the target area when at least one of the following conditions is met: the number of people staying in the target area is less than or equal to a predetermined number, it is within a predetermined time period, and the dimming rate of the lighting fixtures illuminating the target area is equal to or greater than a predetermined dimming rate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the lighting control system and lighting control device described herein, the conversion formula used by the illuminance sensor to calculate illuminance from brightness measurements is updated when at least one of three conditions is met. The three conditions are that the number of people in the target area is less than or equal to a predetermined number, that it is within a predetermined time period, and that the dimming rate of the lighting fixtures illuminating the target area is equal to or greater than a predetermined dimming rate. Therefore, updates can be made at the appropriate time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2]This is a block diagram showing the configuration of each terminal device in the lighting control system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the detection area of ​​the image sensor according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows the arrangement of the illuminance sensor, image sensor, and lighting fixture according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control system according to Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The lighting control systems and lighting control devices according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repetition of the description may be omitted.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting control system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The lighting control system 100 comprises a controller 1 and terminal equipment. The controller 1 is installed, for example, in a lighting control panel or on the ceiling. The controller 1 collects information from connected terminal equipment and controls the lighting state of the lighting fixtures 2. The controller 1 also transmits information to a higher-level system and executes control commands from the higher-level system.

[0012] In Figure 1, a lighting fixture 2, an image sensor 3, an illuminance sensor 4, and a wall switch 5 are connected as terminal devices. Multiple instances of each terminal device may be connected. The combination of terminal devices can also be changed. The controller 1 controls the ON / OFF, dimming, and color temperature of the lighting fixture 2 based on input information obtained from each terminal device and setting information such as target values ​​that have been set in advance in the controller 1.

[0013] Lighting fixture 2 transmits and receives data with controller 1 via wired or wireless communication. When lighting fixture 2 receives control commands such as ON / OFF, dimming rate, and color temperature from controller 1, it changes the lighting state. Lighting fixture 2 may be equipped with a control unit that converts the received control data and transmits the control commands to the LED power supply, etc. In lighting fixture 2, the LED drive power supply unit may directly transmit and receive communication data.

[0014] The wall switch 5 is installed on a wall within reach of the average user. The wall switch 5 has pre-programmed control functions corresponding to each button. These control functions include, for example, ON / OFF, dimming, and color temperature control based on the address number or group number of the lighting fixture 2. The control functions may also include ON / OFF, dimming rate, and color temperature control for multiple groups. By pressing a button on the wall switch 5, the user can execute the control function pre-programmed for that button.

[0015] The setting device 6 can configure settings related to the control content of the controller 1 and the operation of terminal devices. The setting device 6, the controller 1, and the terminal devices may directly send and receive data using infrared communication or other means. The setting device 6 may be connected to a wired or wireless connection between the controller 1 and the terminal devices. The setting device 6 may also be connected to a communication line connecting the controller 1 and a higher-level system. The functions of the setting device 6 can be implemented by a wireless remote control, a personal computer, a mobile terminal, etc.

[0016] Image sensor 3 is primarily installed on the ceiling. Image sensor 3 acquires image data using its mounted camera and determines whether a human body is present in the target area. Unlike pyroelectric sensors that only detect the movement of heat sources, image sensor 3 detects changes in the image and, using its own detection algorithm, can detect the entry, movement, presence, and passage of a human body into the target area. Image sensor 3 may transmit only the necessary information from the detected data to controller 1.

[0017] The controller 1 that receives information from the image sensor 3 transmits a control command to the lighting fixture 2 associated with the detection area of the image sensor 3 that transmitted the human detection information, and performs lighting control. For example, the target dimming rate is set in the controller 1 in advance for when a person is staying and moving, respectively. The controller 1 changes the lighting state according to the movement of the person in the target area. For example, when a person is moving, the controller 1 lights the lighting fixture 2 with the minimum brightness that allows walking. Also, when a person is staying, the controller 1 raises the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 2 to a value at which the person can work.

[0018] The image sensor 3 counts the number of people staying in the target area by its own algorithm and notifies the controller 1 of the number information. The controller 1 that has received the number data may transmit a control command to the lighting fixture 2 according to the number information to change the lighting state. The controller 1 may notify the upper system of the number information. Information on the movement, stay, and passage of people may be spontaneously transmitted by the image sensor 3 to the controller 1 every time a change occurs in the state of the detection area. Regarding the number information, the image sensor 3 may also spontaneously transmit it to the controller 1 when the number of people staying changes. According to a preset monitoring interval, the controller 1 may periodically transmit a monitoring signal to the image sensor 3, and the image sensor 3 may transmit the number information as a response. The monitoring interval can be changed arbitrarily.

[0019] The illuminance sensor 4 measures the illuminance of the target area. The illuminance sensor 4 is installed on the ceiling or the like, detects the brightness of the underlying floor surface or tabletop, and converts it into illuminance. The controller 1 manages the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 4. When the current illuminance value is higher or lower than the preset target illuminance, the controller 1 adjusts the output of the lighting fixture 2 installed in the target area and automatically controls it so that the detected illuminance value approaches the target illuminance. Control units of the lighting fixture 2 according to the illuminance value include, for example, an individual circuit that controls the lighting fixture 2 individually, a group that collectively manages a plurality of individual circuits, and a zone that collectively manages a plurality of groups in an even larger unit.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each terminal device of the lighting control system 100 according to Embodiment 1. In FIG. 2, the wall switch 5 is omitted. First, an example of the configuration of the controller 1 will be described. The arithmetic unit 1a performs main processes for communication and lighting control. The storage unit 1b stores various settings used in the control by the arithmetic unit 1a. The wired communication unit 1c communicates with terminal devices such as the image sensor 3 and the illuminance sensor 4. The infrared communication unit 1d communicates with the setter 6. The upper-level communication unit 1e communicates with a system higher than the controller 1. The date and time information management unit 1f manages information for executing a schedule control function. When the setter 6 is connected to the controller 1 via a wired communication line, the infrared communication unit 1d may not be provided.

[0021] Next, an example of the configuration of the lighting fixture 2 will be described. The arithmetic unit 2a performs main processes for communication and lighting control. The storage unit 2b stores various settings used in the control by the arithmetic unit 2a. The wired communication unit 2c communicates with the controller 1. The infrared communication unit 2d communicates with the setter 6. The lighting control unit 2e controls the lighting unit 2f based on a control command received by the wired communication unit 2c. The lighting unit 2f is mainly composed of a light source such as an LED. Also, a power supply unit may be provided separately for the lighting fixture 2 so that the lighting fixture 2 can be turned off by turning off the power supply unit. When the setter 6 is connected to the lighting fixture 2 via a wired communication line, the infrared communication unit 2d becomes unnecessary. However, in order to set an address or a group number for the lighting fixture 2 installed on the ceiling, it is desirable to mount the infrared communication unit 2d.

[0022] Next, an example of the configuration of the setter 6 will be described. The arithmetic unit 6a processes information input from the communication and operation unit 6d and the like. The storage unit 6b stores data used in the control by the arithmetic unit 6a. The infrared communication unit 6c communicates with the controller 1 and the terminal devices. The operation unit 6d receives various settings of the controller 1 and the terminal devices from the user. The display unit 6e displays the input content from the operation unit 6d or information received from the controller 1 and the terminal devices.

[0023] Next, an example of the configuration of the image sensor 3 will be described. The calculation unit 3a processes communication and detection data. The storage unit 3b stores various setting values ​​used for control by the calculation unit 3a. The wired communication unit 3c communicates with the controller 1. The infrared communication unit 3d communicates with the setting device 6. The image analysis unit 3e analyzes the image detected by the image detection unit 3f and detects the presence / absence and number of people using its own algorithm. The image detection unit 3f takes a picture of the target area with a camera. Since the image sensor 3 is also installed on the ceiling, it is advisable to include the infrared communication unit 3d for various settings of the image sensor 3.

[0024] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the detection area of ​​the image sensor 3 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 shows an example of the detection area when the image sensor 3 installed on the ceiling captures images in the direction of the floor with a camera. The detection area of ​​the image sensor 3 varies depending on the camera used or the detection accuracy, but for example, it is a 7.2m x 7.2m square area on the floor. The image sensor 3 divides the detection area into 64 blocks, with 8 rows per side, for example, treating a 0.9m x 0.9m square within the detection area as one block.

[0025] The camera mounted on the image sensor 3 has a wide-angle imaging range. The image sensor 3 may narrow the detection area by designating unnecessary areas, such as the outer edges of the imaging range, as prohibited areas. The image sensor 3 may be a high-performance image sensor capable of detecting a 7.2m square detection area by dividing it into 256 blocks with 16 rows per side. The imaging range of the camera also differs depending on the height at which the image sensor 3 is installed. For this reason, the installation height may be set in advance as an initial setting of the lighting control system 100 to adjust the detection area. The detection range may also be changed by arbitrarily changing one side of the detection area of ​​the image sensor 3 to 6.4m, 7.2m, 9.0m, etc. The height of the object detected by the image sensor 3 may also be selectable according to the operation, such as 0.7m, 1.2m, etc. The height of the object detected by the image sensor 3 may be set to, for example, the floor surface, the surface of a desk, or the height of a person's head when seated.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 2, the image sensor 3 determines whether a person is present in each block. The image sensor 3 divides the entire range of 64 blocks into four areas of 16 blocks each, and notifies the controller 1 of the presence of people in each area. The controller 1 pre-stores the assignment information of the four areas to the individual addresses or group numbers of the lighting fixtures 2. The controller 1 changes the lighting state of the lighting fixtures 2 assigned to each area based on the change in the presence / absence of people in that area. The combinations of blocks included in each area and the blocks whose detection is prohibited can be configured by the setting device 6.

[0027] Image sensor 3 determines the number of people currently present in the detection area, for example, by the total number of blocks in which it detects the presence of a person. In this case, as shown in Figure 2, it can detect up to 64 people. Image sensor 3 may use its own algorithm to count the presence of a person in adjacent blocks simultaneously as one person. Image sensor 3 may also automatically calculate the number of blocks corresponding to the size of a human body, depending on the pre-set installation height or detection area of ​​the image sensor 3. When image sensor 3 detects a human body in adjacent blocks, it may determine the number of people based on the number of blocks contained within those adjacent blocks. This can improve the accuracy of person detection.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 2, the image sensor 3 acquires image data by taking a picture with the camera provided by the image detection unit 3f. Based on the image data acquired by the image detection unit 3f, the image analysis unit 3e calculates the number of people currently present in the target area. The wired communication unit 3c transmits the calculated number of people information to the controller 1. This allows the controller 1 to acquire the number of people information. The image sensor 3 may also wait for a monitor signal from the controller 1 and transmit the number of people information as a response when it receives a monitor signal.

[0029] Next, an example of the configuration of the illuminance sensor 4 will be described with reference to Figure 2. The calculation unit 4a processes communication and detection data. The storage unit 4b stores various settings used for control by the calculation unit 4a. The wired communication unit 4c communicates with the controller 1. The infrared communication unit 4d communicates with the setting device 6. The illuminance calculation unit 4e converts the analog voltage value detected and output by the light detection unit 4f into an illuminance value. The light detection unit 4f measures the brightness of the target area. Since the illuminance sensor 4 is also installed on the ceiling, it is advisable to include the infrared communication unit 4d for various settings of the illuminance sensor 4.

[0030] The light detection unit 4f is equipped with a sensor element that converts the detected amount of light into a voltage signal. The analog voltage value output from the sensor element changes depending on the amount of light entering the light detection unit 4f. The analog voltage value is input to the control unit mounted on the illuminance sensor 4. The control unit corresponds to, for example, the calculation unit 4a and the illuminance calculation unit 4e. The control unit includes, for example, an amplification circuit and a calculation circuit such as a microcontroller. The memory unit 4b has a conversion formula for calculating illuminance from the brightness measurement value from the light detection unit 4f stored in advance. The conversion formula may be a conversion table. The illuminance calculation unit 4e converts the measurement value from the light detection unit 4f into illuminance using the conversion formula. In this way, the control unit of the illuminance sensor 4 calculates illuminance according to the measurement value from the light detection unit 4f.

[0031] The illuminance calculation unit 4e includes an amplification circuit that converts the measured value of the light detection unit 4f, which is an analog DC voltage value, into an appropriate voltage range that can be input to the microcontroller. The illuminance sensor 4 is installed on the ceiling and receives reflected light from the floor, etc. The reflectivity differs depending on the color or material of the floor, wall, ceiling, desk surface, etc. of the target area. If the reflectivity differs, the amount of light incident on the illuminance sensor 4 will differ even if the illuminance value is the same. The amplification degree of the amplification circuit can be arbitrarily selected from several pre-installed amplification degrees. This allows the measured value of the light detection unit 4f to be adjusted to a voltage range that the microcontroller can process, even if the reflectivity of the target area changes. In this way, the control unit of the illuminance sensor 4 amplifies the measured value of the light detection unit 4f and calculates the illuminance according to the amplified measured value.

[0032] The amplification level of the amplification circuit can be automatically calculated internally by the illuminance sensor 4. For example, the user controls the target lighting fixture 2 to a desired dimming level and then performs an automatic amplification level setting operation. In response, the illuminance sensor 4 sequentially reproduces several pre-set amplification levels and extracts the amplification level that the voltage value input to the microcontroller is determined to be optimal. Subsequently, the illuminance sensor 4 operates using the extracted amplification level.

[0033] Figure 4 shows the arrangement of the illuminance sensor 4, image sensor 3, and lighting fixtures 2 according to Embodiment 1. In the example of Figure 4, similar to the example shown in Figure 3, the detection area of ​​the image sensor 3 is divided into four areas. Four lighting fixtures 2 are installed in each area. The controller 1 associates the four lighting fixtures 2 in each area with the area number of the image sensor 3 as the same group number. If the image sensor 3 detects a human body in one or more of the 16 blocks within an area, the controller 1 turns on, for example, the four lighting fixtures 2 associated with that area. If there are many areas in the detection area, the lighting fixtures 2 may be controlled more finely, for example, by associating one lighting fixture 2 with each area.

[0034] In this manner, the image sensor 3 can control the lighting state of the lighting fixture 2 according to the presence or absence of people in each area. The image sensor 3 can also simultaneously count the number of people present in the target area and notify the controller 1. The information notified from the image sensor 3 to the controller 1 may be the total number of people in multiple areas constituting the detection area of ​​the image sensor 3, or the number of people in each individual area.

[0035] In Figure 4, the illuminance sensor 4 is installed near the center of the area. The purpose of the illuminance sensor 4 is to reduce power consumption by lowering the output of the lighting fixtures 2, mainly by using light from outdoors, including sunlight. Therefore, the illuminance sensor 4 is set to control the lighting fixtures 2 in areas that are easily affected by light from outdoors, for example. Areas that are easily affected by light from outdoors are, for example, areas adjacent to windows.

[0036] Next, the method for automatic illuminance control will be explained. To perform automatic control, the memory unit 4b of the illuminance sensor 4 stores the reference illuminance and the reference measured value, which is the measurement value of the light detection unit 4f corresponding to the reference illuminance. The reference illuminance can be obtained by measuring the illuminance value of the floor or desk surface under the illuminance sensor 4 using an illuminance meter or the like, with the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 2 adjusted to an appropriate brightness for use in operation. The reference measured value is the analog voltage value input to the microcontroller of the illuminance sensor 4 when the reference illuminance is measured. The illuminance sensor 4 stores the reference illuminance and the reference measured value linked together as a reference value. Alternatively, the reference illuminance and the reference measured value may be obtained in the maximum output state with the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 2 set to 100%. The calculation of the reference value is performed by the calculation unit 4a.

[0037] When the measured value of the light detection unit 4f changes, the illuminance sensor 4 can calculate the current illuminance value by proportional calculation based on the reference illuminance and the reference measured value. In this embodiment, the proportional calculation formula using the reference illuminance and the reference measured value corresponds to the conversion formula for calculating illuminance from the brightness measured value.

[0038] Controller 1 is pre-set as the target illuminance value to be achieved during operation. Controller 1 receives the current illuminance value from the illuminance sensor 4 periodically or as needed. If the current illuminance value is lower than the target illuminance, Controller 1 increases the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 2, and if the current illuminance value is higher than the target illuminance, it decreases the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 2. Controller 1 adjusts the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 2 to automatically control the system to achieve a stable illuminance.

[0039] Next, we will explain how to update the conversion formula. As an initial setting when the lighting control system 100 is installed, the amplification of the illuminance sensor 4 is set, and optimization is performed for the installation environment, such as the floor color and the installation height of the illuminance sensor 4. After that, it is rare that it is necessary to change the settings during operation. However, if the reflectance of the target area changes due to a change in the layout of desks, etc., continuing to use the reference value set in the initial settings may result in a discrepancy in the actual illuminance.

[0040] For example, suppose that after setting a reference illuminance using the initial settings, the reflectance of the detection area increases by about 5% due to a layout change. In this case, even if the lighting fixture 2 is controlled with the same dimming rate before and after the layout change, the amount of light detected by the illuminance sensor 4 will increase. As a result, a higher illuminance than the actual illuminance is detected, and the controller 1 lowers the dimming rate. Consequently, the actual illuminance may be lower than the target illuminance. To avoid such issues, it is desirable to reset the reference value to an appropriate value when the environment, such as the reflectance of the target area, changes due to a layout change.

[0041] Controller 1 stores the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 2 that illuminates the target area when the reference illuminance was acquired during initial setup, linked to the reference illuminance. When resetting the reference value, Controller 1 turns on the lighting fixture 2 at the dimming rate linked to the reference illuminance. With the lighting fixture 2 lit at the said dimming rate, the illuminance sensor 4 acquires the reference measurement value using the light detection unit 4f. The illuminance sensor 4 updates the reference value with the acquired reference measurement value. In this way, the control unit of the illuminance sensor 4 measures the brightness using the light detection unit 4f in response to a command from Controller 1 and updates the reference measurement value. This allows the conversion formula to be updated. Therefore, optimization for the installation environment can be performed.

[0042] The control unit of the illuminance sensor 4 may also update the amplification of the measured value of the light detection unit 4f when updating the conversion formula.

[0043] When updating the conversion formula for calculating illuminance, it is desirable to meet several environmental conditions. First, as with the initial setup, it is desirable that no light other than that from lighting fixture 2 enters the target area when updating the formula. If the update is performed while sunlight from outside enters through windows, etc., during the daytime, the target illuminance may not be achieved if the illuminance is to be secured using only the output of lighting fixture 2. In addition, the illuminance may be affected by changes in the amount of light from outside.

[0044] Therefore, it is preferable for controller 1 to update the conversion formula for calculating illuminance in illuminance sensor 4 during a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period is the time when no light from outside enters the target area.

[0045] The date and time information management unit 1f of controller 1 is equipped with a clock function. The date and time information management unit 1f counts and manages, for example, the year, month, day, day of the week, hour, minute, and second. Controller 1 continues to measure the time even if the power is temporarily turned off. Controller 1 is equipped with, for example, a secondary battery or capacitor for backup. This allows the clock function to continue measuring for a certain period even if the power is turned off, and the date and time information is not lost even when the power is turned on again. The clock function may be implemented, for example, by the RTC (Real-Time Clock) function built into the microcontroller, or an electronic component with RTC functionality may be attached externally to the microcontroller. To improve the accuracy of the clock measurement, components such as a quartz crystal oscillator or ceramic oscillator may be installed.

[0046] The data table set in the memory unit 1b of controller 1 stores sunrise and sunset times for each region. For example, when the lighting control system 100 is used in Japan, controller 1 stores the sunrise and sunset times for the prefectural capitals of each prefecture. When the lighting control system 100 is installed, the name of the region corresponding to the installation area is registered in controller 1. For example, by registering the prefectural capital or region closest to the area where the lighting control system 100 is installed in controller 1, it is possible to detect periods of time when no light from outside, including sunlight, enters the area, depending on the season. Controller 1 reflects the detected time periods in the conditions for automatically performing updates. In this way, controller 1 sets periods of time when no light from outside enters the area, according to the sunrise or sunset time corresponding to the region where the illuminance sensor 4 is installed.

[0047] When selecting a region where the lighting control system 100 is installed, the latitude and longitude of that region may be registered in the controller 1. The controller 1 may also have data stored in advance so that sunrise and sunset times can be extracted from the latitude and longitude. When a specific region is set in the controller 1, the controller 1 may extract sunrise and sunset times based on the latitude and longitude of the set region. If the lighting control system 100 is installed in Japan, for example, the latitude may be set in the range of 20° to 50° and the longitude in the range of 120° to 160°. If the lighting control system 100 is used outside of Japan, the latitude and longitude will be adjusted to the optimal data range. Without using latitude and longitude information, the controller 1 may maintain a data table so that sunrise and sunset times can be referenced based on the selected region information. The location information of the lighting control system 100 may be set manually by the administrator, or it may be automatically detected by base station information or GPS (Global Positioning System), etc.

[0048] This allows the time period from after sunset to before sunrise, which varies depending on the season, to be treated as nighttime when no light enters from outside. Controller 1 uses whether or not it is currently nighttime as a condition for updating. The time period after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since sunset and before a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since sunrise may also be considered nighttime. The arithmetic unit 1a of Controller 1 determines whether it is nighttime based on the data held in the storage unit 1b.

[0049] Furthermore, in order to update the conversion formula, lighting fixture 2 must be lit. When updating the conversion formula, it is preferable that lighting fixture 2 is lit at the same dimming rate as in the initial settings. Even if lighting fixture 2 is lit at a different dimming rate than in the initial settings, it is possible to calculate the reference measurement value relatively from the detected measurement value using proportional calculation.

[0050] Here, for example, it may be undesirable to suddenly turn on the lights using a timer during times when the facility is not in use and the lights are off, such as at night. For this reason, it is desirable that lighting fixture 2 is already on in order to automatically update the conversion formula. Also, when calculating the reference measurement value relatively, the accuracy of the reference measurement value will be higher the closer the dimming rate is to the dimming rate at the initial setting. For this reason, if the lights are on at a dimming rate of 5%, for example, there is a possibility that the calculated reference measurement value may be inaccurate.

[0051] Therefore, it is preferable for controller 1 to update the conversion formula for calculating illuminance in illuminance sensor 4 when the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 2 illuminating the target area is equal to or greater than a predetermined dimming rate. The predetermined dimming rate is set, for example, in the range of 40% to 100%. This allows for accurate updating of the reference measurement value. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress sudden changes in lighting conditions, such as when the lights are turned off, which could cause discomfort to administrators or those around the facility. In addition, by suppressing sudden changes in lighting conditions, user safety can be ensured.

[0052] Controller 1 has pre-associated illuminance sensors 4, image sensors 3, and lighting fixtures 2 whose target areas overlap by grouping or other means. The calculation unit 1a of Controller 1 extracts the lighting fixture 2 associated with the target illuminance sensor 4 from the setting information of the storage unit 1b. The calculation unit 1a reads the dimming rate that serves as a discrimination criterion set in the storage unit 1b in advance, and determines whether the dimming rate of the extracted lighting fixture 2 is higher than the dimming rate that serves as the discrimination criterion.

[0053] Furthermore, if there are many people in the target area, the reflectivity may fluctuate due to the influence of clothing or hair of multiple people. This can cause the amount of light detected by the illuminance sensor 4 to fluctuate significantly. Generally, when many people are present, the reflectivity decreases, and the amount of light detected by the illuminance sensor 4 decreases. If an update is performed in this state, the analog voltage value output by the light detection unit 4f will be set as the reference measurement value when it is low. If the number of people decreases during operation, it will be detected as brighter than at the time of the update, and the controller 1 may control the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 2 to be lower.

[0054] Based on the above, it is desirable for controller 1 to update the conversion formula for calculating illuminance in illuminance sensor 4 when the number of people in the target area is less than or equal to a predetermined number. The predetermined number can be set within the range of 0 to 64 people. The number of people present in the target area can be estimated by the administrator depending on the day of the week or time of day. However, since the number of people may temporarily increase even during times when the number of people is expected to be low, it is desirable to accurately detect the number of people and use this information as a condition for updating the conversion formula. The closer the number of people in the target area is to zero, the less impact it has on the measurement, which is desirable. However, since lighting fixture 2 is turned on at night, it may be difficult to limit the condition to when the target area is unoccupied. For this reason, it is advisable to set the predetermined number to, for example, 3 people.

[0055] The calculation unit 1a of the controller 1 compares the number of people information acquired from the image sensor 3 with the number of people conditions set in advance in the storage unit 1b, and determines whether the number of people indicated by the number of people information is less than or equal to the number of people conditions.

[0056] Controller 1 should update the conversion formula for the illuminance sensor 4 if all three of the above conditions are met. The three conditions are that the number of people in the target area is less than or equal to a predetermined number, that it is within a predetermined time period, and that the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 2 illuminating the target area is equal to or greater than a predetermined dimming rate. However, controller 1 may update the conversion formula for the illuminance sensor 4 if at least one of the above three conditions is met. For example, in an environment where the influence of light from outdoors is minimal, the time period condition may be omitted. Also, in an environment where the influence of people in the target area on the brightness measurement is minimal, the number of people condition may be omitted. Furthermore, the combination of conditions may be changed depending on the date or time period.

[0057] Controller 1, at a set frequency, sends a control command to the illuminance sensor 4 from the wired communication unit 1c to update the conversion formula when the three conditions described above are met. When the illuminance sensor 4 receives the control command from the wired communication unit 4c, it obtains the current measurement value from the light detection unit 4f. If the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 2 is the same as the initial setting, the illuminance sensor 4 overwrites the memory unit 4b with the current measurement value as the reference measurement value. If the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 2 is different from the initial setting, the illuminance sensor 4 calculates a reference measurement value equivalent to the initial setting from the current measurement value by proportional calculation based on the ratio of the current dimming rate to the initial dimming rate, and overwrites the memory unit 4b with this value. From then on, the newly set reference value is used for illuminance calculation by the illuminance sensor 4.

[0058] In this embodiment, the conversion formula can be updated automatically. Therefore, compared to when an administrator manually updates the formula while considering the time of day or the environment of the target area, optimization for the installation environment can be easily performed. Furthermore, by performing the update based on the three conditions mentioned above, it becomes possible to update at the appropriate time.

[0059] When environmental changes are significant, not only can the reference measurement value be optimized, but the amplification level can also be optimized simultaneously. If the reference measurement value does not fall within the pre-set range of analog voltage values, it is advisable to change the amplification level.

[0060] The frequency at which Controller 1 updates the conversion formula of Illuminance Sensor 4 can be set externally using a setting device 6 or the like. The update frequency can be arbitrarily changed by the administrator, for example, every day, every week, or every month. The update may also be performed on a designated day, such as Sunday. Controller 1 automatically updates the conversion formula when the conditions are met, according to the set frequency. Controller 1 checks the conditions for updating the conversion formula according to the pre-set frequency. For example, if the conditions are not met on the day corresponding to the set frequency and the update cannot be performed, Controller 1 may retry the next day. This prevents updates from occurring more than necessary and enables efficient control.

[0061] Initial values ​​are set for the predetermined number of people, predetermined time period, and predetermined dimming rate. The predetermined number of people, predetermined time period, or predetermined dimming rate can be set externally, for example, by the setting device 6, and can be adjusted according to the actual environment. The predetermined number of people, predetermined time period, and predetermined dimming rate may be changed depending on the date and time.

[0062] The lighting control system 100 may use artificial intelligence to accumulate data on the number of people, which varies depending on the day of the week or time of day. The controller 1 may adjust the interval for monitoring the number of people in the target area based on learning data of the number of people in the target area according to the date and time. Regular monitoring results in a constant increase in communication traffic. Therefore, it is desirable to widen the monitoring interval to reduce communication traffic on days of the week or time of day when the number of people does not change much. Accordingly, the system may use learning data to identify days of the week or time of day when the number of people does not change much, and then widen the monitoring interval during those times.

[0063] The lighting control system 100 may use artificial intelligence-based learning data to extract days of the week or time periods when the conditions for updating the conversion formula are likely to be met. In this case, the lighting control system 100 may narrow down the time periods for determining the conditions for updating the conversion formula based on the extracted time periods. This can suppress unnecessary determination processing at times when the conditions are not met, thereby reducing the load on the controller 1. It can also suppress delays in other important processes due to the condition determination processing. Thus, the controller 1 may set a date and time for the illuminance sensor 4 to update the conversion formula based on learning data of the number of people staying in the target area according to the date and time, or the dimming rate of the lighting fixtures 2 illuminating the target area according to the date and time.

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 2, the terminal device and the controller 1 communicate via a wired connection, but wireless communication is also possible. In this embodiment, the image sensor 3 was used to determine the conditions for updating the conversion formula. However, the image detection unit 3f may capture image data, the image analysis unit 3e may determine the movement, passage, or presence of a human body, and based on the information from the image sensor 3, the controller 1 may control the corresponding lighting fixture 2 based on settings previously stored in the storage unit 1b.

[0065] These modifications can be appropriately applied to the lighting control system and lighting control device according to the following embodiments. Since the lighting control system and lighting control device according to the following embodiments have many similarities with Embodiment 1, the explanation will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0066] Embodiment 2. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control system 100 according to Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, the controller 1 is equipped with the functions of both an image sensor 3 and an illuminance sensor 4, which is different from Embodiment 1. The other configurations are the same as in Embodiment 1. The controller 1, which is a lighting control device, includes an illuminance sensor and a control unit that updates the conversion formula when at least one of the three conditions for performing the update described in Embodiment 1 is met.

[0067] Due to their functional nature, both the image sensor 3 and the illuminance sensor 4 are often installed in the center of the target area. Therefore, it is possible to integrate both the image sensor 3 and the illuminance sensor 4 into the controller 1. This configuration reduces the effort and cost of installing the image sensor 3 and the illuminance sensor 4. It also reduces the transmission and reception of data for updating and providing people information over the communication line.

[0068] The controller 1 may be equipped with either the function of the image sensor 3 or the function of the illuminance sensor 4. The communication method between the controller 1, the lighting fixture 2, and the wall switch 5 may be wired or wireless.

[0069] Embodiment 3. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control system 100 according to Embodiment 3. In this embodiment, the system configuration below controller 1 is the same as in Embodiment 1, and the processing operation is also the same. Also, as in Embodiment 2, controller 1 may include the functions of some terminal devices. In this embodiment, a gateway device 7 is connected to the upper side of controller 1, and a central management device 8 is connected to the gateway device 7.

[0070] The gateway device 7 performs conversions between the communication modes of the higher-level system and the lighting control system 100 when the controller 1 transmits control information to the higher-level system and when the higher-level system transmits control commands to the controller 1. The gateway device 7 can convert from the communication method of the lighting control system 100 to a communication method with other equipment, including open standards such as BACnet. The central management device 8 monitors the status of the lighting control system 100 from the gateway device 7 using BACnet communication using Ethernet®. The central management device 8 also manages the lighting control system 100 by issuing control commands.

[0071] In this embodiment, the image sensor 3 can notify a central control device 8, which is part of other equipment, of the number of people detected or the lighting status. This allows, for example, an air conditioning system or a security system to utilize the number of people information notified from the lighting control system 100. Furthermore, the central control device 8 can perform settings, operations, and status monitoring related to lighting control. In addition, various setting items set by the setting device 6, as well as judgment values ​​related to the conditions for updating the conversion formula, can also be set from a higher-level system.

[0072] The technical features described in each embodiment may be used in combination as appropriate.

[0073] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) An illuminance sensor that measures the illuminance of the target area, A controller that causes the illuminance sensor to update the conversion formula for calculating the illuminance from the brightness measurement when at least one of the following conditions is met: the number of people staying in the target area is less than or equal to a predetermined number; it is within a predetermined time period; and the dimming rate of the lighting fixtures illuminating the target area is equal to or greater than a predetermined dimming rate; A lighting control system characterized by comprising the following features. (Note 2) The lighting control system according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the controller causes the illuminance sensor to update the conversion formula when all of the following conditions are met: the number of people staying in the target area is less than or equal to the predetermined number of people; it is within the predetermined time period; and the dimming rate of the lighting fixtures illuminating the target area is equal to or greater than the predetermined dimming rate. (Note 3) The lighting control system described in Appendix 1 or 2 is characterized in that the predetermined time period is a time period during which no light from outside enters the target area. (Note 4) The lighting control system according to Appendix 3, characterized in that the controller sets a time period during which no light from outside enters, according to the sunrise time or sunset time according to the region in which the illuminance sensor is installed. (Note 5) The aforementioned illuminance sensor is A light detection unit for measuring the brightness of the target area, A control unit that calculates the illuminance according to the measured value of the light detection unit, A storage unit that stores a reference illuminance and a reference measurement value which is the measurement value corresponding to the reference illuminance, Equipped with, The lighting control system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit measures brightness using the light detection unit in response to a command from the controller and updates the conversion formula by updating the reference measurement value. (Note 6) The aforementioned illuminance sensor is A light detection unit for measuring the brightness of the target area, A control unit that amplifies the measured value of the light detection unit and calculates the illuminance according to the amplified measured value, Equipped with, The lighting control system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit updates the amplification of the measured value when updating the conversion formula. (Note 7) The lighting control system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, characterized in that the predetermined number of people, the predetermined time period, or the predetermined dimming rate can be set externally. (Note 8) The lighting control system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that the frequency at which the controller causes the illuminance sensor to update the conversion formula can be set externally. (Note 9) The lighting control system according to any one of Appendix 1 to 8, characterized in that the controller adjusts the interval for monitoring the number of people staying in the target area based on learned data of the number of people staying in the target area according to the date and time. (Note 10) The lighting control system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 9, characterized in that the controller sets a date and time for the illuminance sensor to update the conversion formula based on the number of people staying in the target area according to the date and time or the dimming rate of the lighting fixtures illuminating the target area according to the date and time. (Note 11) An illuminance sensor that measures the illuminance of the target area, A control unit updates the conversion formula for calculating the illuminance from the brightness measurement of the target area when at least one of the following conditions is met: the number of people staying in the target area is less than or equal to a predetermined number; it is within a predetermined time period; and the dimming rate of the lighting fixtures illuminating the target area is equal to or greater than a predetermined dimming rate. A lighting control device characterized by comprising the following: [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Controller, 1a Calculation Unit, 1b Memory Unit, 1c Wired Communication Unit, 1d Infrared Communication Unit, 1e Higher-Level Communication Unit, 1f Date and Time Information Management Unit, 2 Lighting Fixture, 2a Calculation Unit, 2b Memory Unit, 2c Wired Communication Unit, 2d Infrared Communication Unit, 2e Lighting Control Unit, 2f Lighting Unit, 3 Image Sensor, 3a Calculation Unit, 3b Memory Unit, 3c Wired Communication Unit, 3d Infrared Communication Unit, 3e Image Analysis Unit, 3f Image Detection Unit, 4 Illuminance Sensor, 4a Calculation Unit, 4b Memory Unit, 4c Wired Communication Unit, 4d Infrared Communication Unit, 4e Illuminance Calculation Unit, 4f Light Detection Unit, 5 Wall Switch, 6 Setting Device, 6a Calculation Unit, 6b Memory Unit, 6c Infrared Communication Unit, 6d Operation Unit, 6e Display Unit, 7 Gateway Device, 8 Central Management Device, 100 Lighting Control System

Claims

1. an illuminance sensor for measuring the illuminance of a target area; a controller that causes the illuminance sensor to update an amplification factor for calculating the illuminance when at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: the number of people staying in the target area is equal to or less than a predetermined number of people; the time is equal to or greater than a predetermined time; and a dimming rate of a lighting fixture illuminating the target area is equal to or greater than a predetermined dimming rate; A lighting control system comprising:

2. 2. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the controller causes the illuminance sensor to update the amplification factor when all of the following conditions are met: the number of people staying in the target area is equal to or less than the predetermined number of people, it is the predetermined time period, and the dimming rate of the lighting fixture illuminating the target area is equal to or greater than the predetermined dimming rate.

3. 3. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time period is a time period during which no light from outdoors enters the target area.

4. The lighting control system according to claim 3, characterized in that the controller sets a time period during which no light from outdoors enters according to a sunrise time corresponding to a region in which the illuminance sensor is installed or a sunset time corresponding to the region.

5. The illuminance sensor includes: a light detector for measuring the brightness of the target area; A control unit that calculates the illuminance in accordance with a measurement value of the light detection unit; A storage unit that stores a reference illuminance and a reference measurement value that is the measurement value corresponding to the reference illuminance; Equipped with The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit measures brightness using the light detection unit in response to an instruction from the controller, and updates the amplification degree by updating the reference measurement value.

6. The illuminance sensor includes: a light detector for measuring the brightness of the target area; a control unit that amplifies a measurement value of the light detection unit by the amplification factor and calculates the illuminance in accordance with the amplified measurement value; 3. The lighting control system according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. 3. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of people, the predetermined time period, or the predetermined dimming rate can be set externally.

8. 3. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the frequency at which the controller causes the illuminance sensor to update the amplification factor can be set externally.

9. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the controller adjusts the interval for monitoring the number of people staying in the target area based on learning data of the number of people staying in the target area according to date and time.

10. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the controller sets a date and time for causing the illuminance sensor to update the amplification level based on learning data of the number of people staying in the target area according to date and time or learning data of the dimming rate of the lighting fixtures that illuminate the target area according to date and time.

11. an illuminance sensor for measuring the illuminance of a target area; a control unit that updates an amplification factor for calculating the illuminance of the target area when at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: the number of people staying in the target area is equal to or less than a predetermined number of people, it is a predetermined time period, and a dimming rate of a lighting fixture illuminating the target area is equal to or greater than a predetermined dimming rate; and A lighting control device comprising:

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