Control system and collection device for biological information

Abstract

To provide a control system and a collection device for biological information that can facilitate management on the area where a vital sensor is installed.SOLUTION: A control system comprises a luminaire which is installed in a first area among a plurality of areas defined by dividing an object space, a vital sensor which is installed in an object area and detects biological information on a person without contact, and a control device which is stores management information showing that the luminaire is installed in the first area, and the control device specifies the installation of the vital sensor in the first area based upon information showing correspondence relation between the luminaire and vital sensor and the management information when the luminaire and vital sensor are associated with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system using biological information and a biological information collection device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a control system for lighting equipment. According to the control system, a vital sensor that acquires human biological information is attached to the ceiling or wall of a room. The lighting equipment provided in the room can be controlled according to the biological information acquired by the vital sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the control system described in Patent Document 1, the installation position of the vital sensor needs to be set manually. For example, in an environment where the layout of an office in an office building frequently changes, when the installation position of the vital sensor is changed, the user has to set the area corresponding to the vital sensor.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a control system and a biological information collection device that can facilitate the management of the area where the vital sensor is installed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The control system according to the present disclosure includes a lighting device installed in a first area among a plurality of areas into which a target space is divided, a vital sensor installed in the target space for non-contact detection of human biological information, and a control device that stores management information indicating that the lighting device is installed in the first area. When the lighting device and the vital sensor are associated with each other, the control device identifies that the vital sensor is installed in the first area based on information indicating the correspondence between the lighting device and the vital sensor and the management information.

[0007] The biological information collection device according to the present disclosure includes a vital sensor installed in the same target space as a lighting device installed in a first area among a plurality of areas into which the target space is divided, for non-contact detection of human biological information, and an identifier that stores management information indicating that the lighting device is installed in the first area. When the lighting device and the vital sensor are associated with each other, the identifier identifies that the vital sensor is installed in the first area based on information indicating the correspondence between the lighting device and the vital sensor and the management information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the control device identifies that the area where the vital sensor is installed is the same first area as the corresponding lighting device. Therefore, it is possible to easily manage the area where the vital sensor is installed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The mode for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The redundant description of such parts will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0011] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the inside of a room to which the control system in Embodiment 1 is applied.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 1 includes an air conditioning means 2. The control system 1 performs ventilation and air conditioning of the room R by the air conditioning means 2. For example, the room R is an office space. In the room R, a person is working using a desk 101, a chair 102, etc. The inside of the room R is also a target space to be ventilated and air-conditioned. The target space is divided into a plurality of areas. In FIG. 1, among the plurality of areas, an area A and an area B divided by the position of the dashed-dotted line are shown.

[0013] The air conditioning means 2 includes at least one of an air conditioner 3 and a ventilation device 4. The air conditioner 3 performs air conditioning of one or more of the plurality of areas by generating and blowing out conditioned air. In the example of FIG. 1, the air conditioner 3 is installed at the boundary between the area A and the area B on the ceiling of the room R, and performs air conditioning of the area A and air conditioning of the area B respectively. The ventilation device 4 performs ventilation of one or more of the plurality of areas by exchanging air between the inside and the outside. In the example of FIG. 1, two ventilation devices 4 are installed in the area A and the area B respectively on the ceiling of the room R. The ventilation device 4 provided in the area A performs ventilation of the area A. The ventilation device 4 provided in the area B performs ventilation of the area B. The air conditioning controller 21 controls the operations of the air conditioner 3 and the ventilation device 4.

[0014] The control system 1 further includes a control device 5, a plurality of lighting devices 6, an operation panel 61, a plurality of vital sensors 7, and a communication cable 8. The control device 5 can communicate with each device of the control system 1 by wire or wirelessly. The control device 5 can control the overall coordinated operation of the control system 1. For example, the control device 5 is provided on the wall of the room R.

[0015] The plurality of lighting devices 6 are installed on the ceiling of the room R. The plurality of lighting devices 6 emit light so that sufficient brightness can be obtained at the hands of the person working in the room R. For example, the plurality of lighting devices 6 are arranged side by side at equal intervals. Each of the plurality of lighting devices 6 is set to correspond to any one of the plurality of areas. For example, each of the plurality of lighting devices 6 corresponds to the area where it is installed.

[0016] The operation panel 61 is installed on the wall surface of the room R. The operation panel 61 is an interface for controlling the on or off of a plurality of lighting devices 6. The operation panel 61 is provided with switches for turning on or off the lighting devices 6 for each area.

[0017] Each of the plurality of vital sensors 7 is provided on the ceiling inside the room R. The vital sensor 7 non - contactedly detects at least one of a person's heartbeat and pulse wave. Specifically, the vital sensor 7 irradiates a measurement wave, which is a microwave or millimeter wave, toward the human body and measures the reflected wave. When the measurement wave is reflected by a person's chest or the like, the Doppler effect occurs due to a slight displacement of the chest caused by the pulsation of the heart. The frequency of the reflected wave is different from the frequency of the measurement wave due to the influence of the Doppler effect. The vital sensor 7 detects the fluctuation of the frequency of the measurement wave to detect the biological information of a person including at least one of the person's heartbeat and pulse wave.

[0018] Each of the plurality of vital sensors 7 is provided adjacent to one of the plurality of lighting devices 6. The vital sensor 7 is electrically connected to the adjacent lighting device 6 by a communication cable 8.

[0019] The communication cable 8 is a conductor capable of transmitting information. The communication cable 8 can pass electricity for operating the vital sensor 7 together with a signal indicating information. Specifically, for example, the communication cable 8 is a cable conforming to the PoE (Power over Ethernet) standard.

[0020] In this example, the vital sensor 7 receives power supply from the lighting device 6 via the communication cable 8. Also, the vital sensor 7 can communicate with the control device 5 via the communication cable 8 and the lighting device 6.

[0021] Although not shown, each of the plurality of lighting devices 6 is connected by a cable similar to the communication cable 8 to the control device 5 and the operation panel 61. The plurality of lighting devices 6 and the control device 5 communicate with each other by cable. Also, each of the plurality of lighting devices 6 receives power supply by PoE.

[0022] The control device 5 identifies the lighting device 6 based on the network state and the identifier of the lighting device 6. For example, the control device 5 detects from the network state that the lighting device 6 corresponding to Area B which is the first area is connected to the vital sensor 7 by the communication cable 8. In this case, the control device 5 associates the lighting device 6 and the vital sensor 7 connected by the communication cable 8. Then, the control device 5 associates the vital sensor 7 with the same Area B as the lighting device 6. That is, the control device 5 identifies that the vital sensor 7 is installed in Area B.

[0023] The vital sensor 7 identified as being installed in Area B detects the biometric information of a plurality of people present in Area B. The vital sensor 7 transmits the detected plurality of biometric information to the control device 5 via the communication cable 8 and the lighting device 6. The control device 5 averages the biometric information of the plurality of people present in Area B from the received plurality of biometric information to obtain average biometric information.

[0024] After that, the control device 5 controls the brightness etc. of each of the plurality of lighting devices 6 installed in Area B based on the average biometric information. The control device 5 controls the air conditioner 3 based on the average biometric information to perform air conditioning in Area B. The control device 5 controls the ventilation device 4 based on the average biometric information to perform ventilation in Area B.

[0025] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the relationship between the plurality of lighting devices 6 and the plurality of areas will be described. Note that the relationship between the arrangement of each device and the plurality of areas may not be the relationship in the examples given hereinafter. That is, any area may be set in the target space, and each device may be arranged at an arbitrary position. FIG. 2 is an overall view of the ceiling of a room to which the control system in Embodiment 1 is applied. FIG. 3 is a view of the main part of the ceiling of a room to which the control system in Embodiment 1 is applied. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the operation panel of the control system in Embodiment 1.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows the ceiling surface of room R. Room R is roughly divided into four areas H1, H2, H3, and H4. In area H1, an air conditioner 3 is installed at the center thereof. In area H1, two ventilation devices 4, eight lighting devices 6, and four vital sensors 7 are installed respectively. The eight lighting devices 6 are arranged at equal intervals so that each person working in area H1 can obtain a sufficient amount of brightness in the work area. The four vital sensors 7 are arranged at approximately equal intervals so that there is no bias in the detection results of the people working in area H1. In each of areas H2, H3, and H4, an air conditioner 3, eight lighting devices 6, and four vital sensors 7 are installed in the same arrangement as in area H1.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows the ceiling surface of area H1 as the main part of the ceiling of room R. In area H1, four areas A, B, C, and D are further set. In this example, areas A, B, C, and D are the smallest area configurations. Area H1 is formed by the aggregation of four quadrangular areas A, B, C, and D. The air conditioner 3 is arranged in the central part where areas A, B, C, and D are adjacent. The air conditioner 3 can send air with independently adjusted wind direction and air volume to all areas of areas A, B, C, and D. The ventilation device 4 is arranged at the boundary between two areas. That is, one ventilation device 4 is arranged at the boundary between area A and area B, and the other ventilation device 4 is arranged at the boundary between area C and area D. The ventilation device 4 independently ventilates two adjacent areas.

[0028] In area A, two lighting devices 6 and one vital sensor 7 are installed in the center. The vital sensor 7 is arranged between the two aligned lighting devices 6. The vital sensor 7 is connected to one of the two lighting devices 6 by a communication cable 8 not shown in FIG. 3. In each of areas C, B, and D, the same equipment as in area A is installed.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows an operation panel 61 corresponding to area H1. The operation panel 61 has four switches 62 corresponding to areas A, B, C, and D respectively. For example, when the switch 62 corresponding to area A is operated to change from the off state to the on state, a signal indicating that the switch 62 in area A has been turned on is sent to a control device 5 not shown in FIG. 4. The control device 5 stores setting information indicating the correspondence between the areas and the lighting devices 6. Based on the said signal and the setting information, the control device 5 identifies the two lighting devices 6 corresponding to area A of area H1. The control device 5 turns on the two identified lighting devices 6.

[0030] Next, the air conditioner 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the air conditioner of the control system in Embodiment 1.

[0031] The air conditioner 3 is divided into an indoor unit 31 and an outdoor unit not shown. The indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit are connected by pipes through which refrigerant flows to exchange refrigerant. FIG. 5 shows the appearance of the indoor unit 31 when viewed from below the floor.

[0032] The indoor unit 31 includes a housing 32. The housing 32 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape. At the lower part of the housing 32, a rectangular or square bottom panel 33 is provided as a part of the housing 32. The bottom panel 33 is formed with a suction port 34 and four air outlets 35.

[0033] The suction port 34 is an opening for taking air from the outside into the inside of the housing 32. For example, the suction port 34 is arranged at the center of the bottom panel 33.

[0034] The four air outlets 35 are openings for discharging air from the inside of the housing 32 to the outside. For example, on the bottom panel 33, four air outlets 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are formed. The four air outlets 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are respectively arranged around the suction port 34. The four air outlets 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are each provided along each side of the bottom panel 33.

[0035] The indoor unit 31 further includes a plurality of vertical air direction plates 36. For example, the indoor unit 31 includes four vertical air direction plates 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d. The four vertical air direction plates 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d respectively correspond to the four air outlets 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d. Since the four vertical air direction plates 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d each have the same configuration, they are simply also referred to as the vertical air direction plate 36.

[0036] The vertical air direction plate 36 is a member having a rectangular plate shape. One end in the short side direction of the vertical air direction plate 36 is rotatably attached to the portion on the side of the suction port 34 of the edge of the corresponding air outlet 35. By rotating the vertical air direction plate 36 with this one end as the rotation axis, the vertical blowing angle of the air blown out from the corresponding air outlet 35 is changed. In this way, the vertical air direction plate 36 adjusts the vertical blowing angle of the air blown out from the corresponding air outlet 35 to change the direction of the blown air. Also, when the direction of the vertical air direction plate 36 is set to be most upward, the corresponding air outlet 35 is blocked by the vertical air direction plate 36.

[0037] Although not shown in the figure, at the air outlet 35, left and right air deflectors are provided on the inner side of the housing 32 relative to the upper and lower air deflectors 36. The four left and right air deflectors respectively correspond to the four air outlets 35. The left and right air deflectors are composed of a plurality of members having a rectangular plate shape. The plurality of members are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the air outlet 35. The plate surfaces of the plurality of members are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the air outlet 35. One end of the left and right air deflectors is rotatably attached to the inner side portion of the housing 32 at the edge of the air outlet 35. By rotating the left and right air deflectors with this end as the rotation axis, the left and right blowing angles of the air blown out from the corresponding air outlet 35 are changed. In this way, the left and right air deflectors adjust the left and right blowing angles of the air blown out from the corresponding air outlet 35 to change the direction of the blown air.

[0038] By a blower (not shown) provided inside the housing 32, the air in the target space is sucked into the housing 32 from the suction port 34. The sucked air in the target space becomes conditioned air with its temperature and humidity changed through heat exchange by the refrigerant. The conditioned air is blown out from the air outlet 35. At this time, the direction of the conditioned air is adjusted in various directions by the upper and lower air deflectors 36 and the left and right air deflectors. Further, the air conditioner 3 changes the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet 35 by changing the rotation speed of the fan of the blower.

[0039] Next, the function of the control device 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the control system in the first embodiment.

[0040] Information is transmitted to the control device 5 from each device of the control system 1. The control device 5 transmits operation commands to each device of the control system 1. As functions, the control device 5 includes a reception unit 10, a management storage unit 11, a correspondence storage unit 12, a management unit 13, an identification unit 14, a state determination unit 15, and a control command unit 16.

[0041] The reception unit 10 receives various signals or information from the air conditioner 3, the ventilation device 4, a plurality of lighting devices 6, the operation panel 61, and a plurality of vital sensors 7. The reception unit 10 receives software setting changes from an external operation terminal (not shown).

[0042] The management storage unit 11 stores management information that is the correspondence relationship between a plurality of areas and a plurality of lighting devices 6. Specifically, the management storage unit 11 stores, for each of the plurality of lighting devices 6, management information indicating which area among the plurality of areas the lighting device 6 is associated with, that is, in which area among the plurality of areas the lighting device 6 is installed, based on the identifier unique to the lighting device 6.

[0043] The correspondence storage unit 12 stores correspondence information that is the correspondence relationship between the vital sensors 7 and the lighting devices 6. Specifically, the correspondence storage unit 12 stores, for each of the plurality of vital sensors 7, correspondence information in which one vital sensor 7 is associated with one of the lighting devices 6 on a one-to-one basis.

[0044] The management unit 13 manages the management information and the correspondence information stored in the management storage unit 11 and the correspondence storage unit 12 respectively. For example, when the reception unit 10 receives a software setting change regarding the management information, the management unit 13 changes the correspondence relationship between the area and the lighting device 6 in the management information stored in the management storage unit 11.

[0045] The management unit 13 can detect the configuration of a network composed of a plurality of lighting devices 6 and a plurality of vital sensors 7. Based on the network configuration, the management unit 13 identifies the lighting device 6 corresponding to the vital sensor 7. In this case, the management unit 13 updates the corresponding information regarding the vital sensor 7. That is, when a certain vital sensor 7 and a lighting device 6 are connected by a communication cable 8, the management unit 13 associates the vital sensor 7 and the lighting device 6 and updates the corresponding information. In addition, when the reception unit 10 receives a software-based setting change regarding the corresponding information, the management unit 13 may change the correspondence relationship between the area in which the corresponding storage unit 12 stores the corresponding information and the lighting device 6.

[0046] The identification unit 14 identifies the area corresponding to the vital sensor 7 based on the management information and the corresponding information, that is, identifies the area where the vital sensor 7 is installed. Specifically, for a certain vital sensor 7, the identification unit 14 identifies the lighting device 6 associated with the vital sensor 7 based on the corresponding information. Then, the identification unit 14 identifies the first area among the plurality of areas where the identified lighting device 6 is installed based on the management information of the lighting device 6. The identification unit 14 identifies the first area as the area where the vital sensor 7 is installed.

[0047] The state determination unit 15 determines the state of a person present in the area where the vital sensor 7 is installed from the biological information transmitted from the vital sensor 7. For example, the state of a person includes whether the person is feeling sleepy.

[0048] Based on the determination result of the state determination unit 15, the control command unit 16 determines the control content of the air conditioning means 2 and the lighting device 6 in each of the plurality of areas, and transmits a command to cause the operation of the determined control content to the devices included in the air conditioning means 2. For example, the control command unit 16 determines from the state of the people present in a certain first area that it is necessary to perform a productivity improvement operation to improve the productivity of the first area. In this case, the control command unit 16 transmits a command to perform a productivity improvement operation to the air conditioner 3 and the ventilation device 4 corresponding to the first area. Further, the control command unit 16 transmits a control command for the brightness to the lighting device 6 installed in the first area so as to create a lighting environment that improves productivity. Note that the control command unit 16 may directly control the brightness of the lighting device 6 instead of transmitting a control command to the lighting device 6.

[0049] The air conditioner controller 21 can communicate with the control device 5 by wire or wirelessly. The air conditioner controller 21 controls the operation of the air conditioning means 2 based on a control command. Further, the air conditioner controller 21 may include, as functions, a temperature control unit 21a, an up-down air direction control unit 21b, a left-right air direction control unit 21c, an air volume control unit 21d, and a ventilation control unit 21e. Also, at least a part of the functions of the air conditioner controller 21 may be provided in the control circuit of the air conditioner 3 or the ventilation device 4.

[0050] The temperature control unit 21a controls the temperature of the conditioned air blown out from the air conditioner 3. The up-down air direction control unit 21b controls the operation of the up-down air direction plate 36. The left-right air direction control unit 21c controls the operation of the left-right air direction plate. The air volume control unit 21d controls the air volume of the conditioned air blown out. The ventilation control unit 21e controls the ventilation air volume of the ventilation device 4, the air volume and the air direction of the air discharged by the ventilation device 4.

[0051] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the biological information detected by the vital sensor 7 and the control utilizing the biological information will be described. FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing examples of biological information detected by the control system in the first embodiment.

[0052] The average biological information is the average value of any one parameter among the heart rates, pulse rates, heart rate intervals, and pulse rate intervals of a plurality of people. In FIGS. 7 and 8, cases where the heart rate is used as an example of biological information and average biological information are shown.

[0053] FIG. 7 shows the time transition of the detection values of the heartbeats detected by the vital sensor 7 from a person. Heartbeats and pulses are detected by the vital sensor 7 in a form that marks beats such as P waves, QRS waves, and T waves. Generally, the peak of the R wave of the QRS wave is detected as one pulsation. That is, the number of R waves per unit time is the heart rate and the pulse rate. Also, the interval from the peak of the R wave in the QRS wave to the peak of the R wave in the next QRS wave is the interval of the heartbeat and the pulse, and is called the RRI (R - R Interval).

[0054] The upper part of FIG. 8 is a graph showing the time transition of the average biological information detected by the vital sensor 7 installed in a certain area.

[0055] In the upper graph, a reference heart rate, which is the average value of the heart rates of one or more people who were present in the area from a certain time to another time, is shown by a broken line Ba. The time from a certain time to another time is up to a point in time traced back from the present by a specified time, for example, within the most recent few hours, or, for example, within 24 hours. The reference heart rate is calculated by the state determination unit 15. After calculating the latest reference heart rate, the state determination unit 15 stores it.

[0056] Also, in the upper graph, a solid line Av shows the transition of the average heart rate of a plurality of biological information detected from the people present in the area. The transition of the average heart rate is the average value of the heart rates detected from the people present in the area at each time. The average heart rate is calculated by the state determination unit 15.

[0057] The state determination unit 15 determines the arousal state of the person present in the area at a certain time by comparing the average heart rate with the reference heart rate. At this time, when there are a plurality of people in the area, the state determination unit 15 determines the arousal state of the group composed of the plurality of people as the average state.

[0058] In the lower graph of FIG. 8, the time transition of the determined arousal state is shown corresponding to the upper graph. In the example of FIG. 8, the state determination unit 15 determines whether the person is in the state of being "awake" or feeling "sleepy" as the arousal state of the person. When the average heart rate is less than the reference heart rate, the state determination unit 15 determines that the person in the area is in the state of feeling "sleepy". When the average heart rate is equal to or higher than the reference heart rate, the state determination unit 15 determines that the person in the area is in the state of being "awake".

[0059] Next, an example of the operation performed by the control system 1 based on the biological information will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control system in the first embodiment.

[0060] For example, the flowchart of FIG. 9 starts when the power of the air conditioner 3 is turned on. In the flowchart, as an example, the control of the vital sensor 7 provided in a certain area and the air conditioner 3 corresponding to the area is shown.

[0061] In step S01, the vital sensor 7 detects the biological information of the person inside the area. When there is no person inside the area, the result that there is no person is detected.

[0062] Thereafter, in step S02, the control command unit 16 determines whether there is a person in the area.

[0063] In step S02, when there is no person, the operation of step S03 is performed. In step S03, the control command unit 16 creates a command to stop the air blowing to the area by closing the up-and-down air deflector 36, stopping each device, etc. for the air conditioner 3. The air conditioner 3 stops the air blowing to the area for the purpose of energy saving based on the command. Thereafter, the operations after step S01 are performed.

[0064] In step S02, when there is a person, the operation of step S04 is performed. In step S04, the state determination unit 15 determines the state of the person in the area.

[0065] Thereafter, in step S05, the state determination unit 15 sums up the determination results of the states of the people existing in all of the plurality of areas corresponding to the air conditioner 3. In this example, the state determination unit 15 sums up the determination results of the states of the people existing in all four areas. For example, the average heart rate is calculated by this summation. At this time, the reference heart rate at this point may be calculated, or the reference heart rate may be calculated at the start point of the flowchart.

[0066] Thereafter, in steps S06 and later, the control command unit 16 determines the control conditions of the air conditioner 3 based on the detection result of the biological information. Specifically, in step S06, the control command unit 16 determines whether a person in a certain area is in a waking state.

[0067] If it is determined in step S06 that a person in a certain area is in a waking state, the control conditions are not changed, and the operations after step S01 are performed.

[0068] If it is determined in step S06 that a person in a certain area is not in a waking state, that is, is in a state of feeling sleepy, the operation of step S07 is performed. In step S07, the control command unit 16 generates a command to perform a productivity improvement operation on the area. The air conditioner 3 performs a productivity improvement operation on an area where the overall waking state of the existing people is low and the productivity is considered to be decreased, such as the area.

[0069] In the productivity improvement operation, the air conditioner 3 changes at least one of the blowing direction of the conditioned air sent to the area, the temperature of the conditioned air, and the volume of the conditioned air sent to the area so as to promote the awakening of the people in the area due to the change in the air conditioning state. Specifically, the air conditioner 3 changes the blowing direction of the conditioned air so that the wind directly hits the people present in the area. The air conditioner 3 lowers the temperature of the conditioned air sent to the area. The air conditioner 3 increases the volume of the conditioned air sent to the area so that the wind hits the people present in the area.

[0070] After that, the operations after step S01 are repeated.

[0071] Note that the operation of step S05 may be omitted, and step S06 may be performed after step S04.

[0072] In addition to the air conditioner 3, the same control as shown in the flowchart may be performed for the ventilation device 4. For example, in the productivity improvement operation, the ventilation device 4 increases the blowing volume to the area with a low awakening state and changes the wind direction.

[0073] An example of the operation of specifying the area where the vital sensor 7 is installed by the control device 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device of the control system in the first embodiment.

[0074] For example, the flowchart in FIG. 10 starts when the vital sensor 7 is communicably connected to a certain lighting device 6 by a communication cable 8. In this example, the lighting device 6 is installed in the first area among a plurality of areas.

[0075] In step S11, the management unit 13 detects that the vital sensor 7 and the lighting device 6 are connected.

[0076] After that, in step S12, the management unit 13 creates or updates the correspondence information between the vital sensor 7 and the lighting device 6.

[0077] After that, in step S13, the specifying unit 14 reads the correspondence information of the vital sensor 7 and the management information of the lighting device 6. The specifying unit 14 specifies that the vital sensor 7 is installed in the first area based on the correspondence information and the management information.

[0078] After that, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0079] Note that the flowchart in FIG. 10 may start when a specific operation is performed. Also, the flowchart in FIG. 10 may start when the vital sensor 7 establishes a wireless communication connection with the lighting device 6 in a one-to-one relationship.

[0080] According to the first embodiment described above, the control system 1 includes the lighting device 6, the vital sensor 7, and the control device 5. When the lighting device 6 and the vital sensor 7 are associated with each other, the control device 5 specifies that the area where the vital sensor 7 is installed is the first area where the lighting device 6 is installed. Generally, in an office building or the like, the lighting device 6 is pre-associated with the area of the target space. Also, the lighting device 6 is arranged so as not to be irregular or biased in the target space. In the control system 1, the addresses of such lighting devices 6 and the addresses of the vital sensors 7 are shared. When the user installs the vital sensor 7 or changes its installation position, there is no need to set the installation position using map information or the like. Therefore, it is possible to easily manage the area where the vital sensor 7 is installed.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the vital sensor 7 is not of a type that corresponds one-to-one with a person, such as being worn on a person or installed on a person's desk, but is of a type installed on the ceiling or the like. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare as many vital sensors as the number of people. As a result, the system can be configured at a lower cost.

[0082] Further, the lighting device 6 and the vital sensor 7 are electrically connected by a communication cable 8. In this case, the control device 5 associates the lighting device 6 and the vital sensor 7 with each other. Based on this association relationship, the control device 5 identifies the area where the vital sensor 7 is installed. That is, without performing settings on software or the like, the control device 5 associates the vital sensor 7 with the area only by the user connecting the lighting device 6 and the vital sensor 7 with the communication cable 8. Therefore, the management of the area where the vital sensor 7 is installed can be easily performed.

[0083] Also, the vital sensor 7 operates by the power supplied from the lighting device 6 via the communication cable 8. That is, a separate power line is not required for the vital sensor 7. Therefore, the work for the user to install the vital sensor 7 can be made easier.

[0084] Further, the control system 1 further includes air conditioning means 2. The air conditioning means 2 performs air conditioning in the first area based on the biological information detected by the vital sensor 7. Thus, in the control system 1, the detection result of the vital sensor 7 can be linked to the air conditioning. Even in such a system, the management of the area where the vital sensor 7 is installed can be easily performed.

[0085] Also, the vital sensor 7 detects biological information including at least one of the heartbeats and pulses of a plurality of people existing in the first area. The air conditioning means 2 operates based on the average biological information obtained by averaging the detected biological information of the plurality of people. In particular, the average biological information is the average value of any one parameter among the heart rates, pulse rates, heart rate intervals, and pulse rate intervals of the plurality of people. Therefore, when there are a plurality of people in the area, air conditioning control can be performed according to all the people in the area rather than a specific person.

[0086] In addition, the air conditioning means 2 operates based on the result of comparing the reference biological information and the average biological information. Therefore, based on the reference biological information which is the reference value specific to the area, the current air conditioning can be controlled.

[0087] In addition, the air conditioning means 2 includes an air conditioner 3. The air conditioner 3 performs an operation to improve productivity by blowing conditioned air to people based on biological information. Therefore, in a space such as an office, the productivity of people can be improved while referring to the result of biological information.

[0088] In addition, the air conditioning means 2 may include the air conditioner 3 and a ventilation device 4. The air conditioner 3 and the ventilation device 4 perform an operation to improve productivity by increasing the air volume blown to the first area based on biological information and increasing the amount of air hitting people. Therefore, in a space such as an office, the productivity of people can be improved while referring to the result of biological information.

[0089] In addition, the lighting device 6 is controlled based on the biological information detected by the vital sensor 7. For example, when there is no person in the first area, the lighting device 6 in the first area is turned off. Therefore, energy consumption can be saved.

[0090] Note that the control device 5 may be a biological information collection device specialized in collecting biological information from the vital sensor 7. In this case, the collection device includes the vital sensor 7 and an identifier having at least the function of the specifying unit 14. The identifier of the collection device acquires information corresponding to the management information and the correspondence information, and when the lighting device 6 and the vital sensor 7 are associated, specifies that the area where the vital sensor 7 is installed is the first area where the lighting device 6 is installed. Therefore, the management of the area where the vital sensor 7 is installed can be easily performed. Note that the identifier may have all the functions of the control device 5.

[0091] Note that in the control system 1, the ventilation device 4 may be provided integrally with the air conditioner 3.

[0092] Note that the setting information indicating the correspondence between the lighting device 6 and the area may be stored in the operation panel 61.

[0093] Note that the control device 5 may be provided in a corridor outside the room R, a control room of a building such as a building where the room R is located, or the like. Further, at least a part of the functions of the control device 5 may be realized by a server outside the building, or may be realized on a cloud server.

[0094] Note that the control device 5 and the plurality of lighting devices 6 may be communicable wirelessly. Further, the plurality of lighting devices 6 and the vital sensor 7 may be communicable wirelessly. In this case, the control device 5 may specify the correspondence between the lighting device 6 and the vital sensor 7 based on the network structure formed wirelessly.

[0095] Although not shown, as a modification example, the vital sensor 7 may detect a person's surface temperature as biometric information. In this case, for example, the vital sensor 7 may be a surface temperature sensor having a plurality of thermopiles.

[0096] The surface temperature sensor non - contact - detects a thermal image that is the surface temperature distribution of an object existing in the corresponding area. The range detected by the surface temperature sensor is set to cover the entire corresponding area.

[0097] The reception unit 10 processes the information on the surface temperature distribution received as biometric information from the vital sensor 7. Specifically, the reception unit 10 detects whether there is a heat source including a person inside the corresponding area, the position of the heat source, the surface temperature of the person, particularly the skin temperature of the person, and the like.

[0098] The state determination unit 15 determines, based on the skin temperature of the person, the sense of warmth or cold that the person feels, that is, whether the person feels hot or cold. The control command unit 16 creates a command to perform air - conditioning control of the corresponding area based on the sense of warmth or cold.

[0099] Note that the state determination unit 15 may determine the waking state of a person based on the skin temperature of the person. The control command unit 16 may create a command for a productivity improvement operation based on the determined waking state.

[0100] Note that in a modification, the surface temperature sensor may not have a plurality of thermopiles, but may have a non-cooled infrared image sensor of an SOI (Silicon On Insulator) diode type. In this case, a silicon diode is used in the sensor unit. Such a sensor has the same function as a surface temperature sensor having a plurality of thermopiles, but can be manufactured in a semiconductor manufacturing line, so the production cost is relatively low. Thus, any type of sensor can be applied to the surface temperature sensor.

[0101] Embodiment 2. FIG. 11 is an overall view of the ceiling of a room to which the control system according to Embodiment 2 is applied. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device of the control system according to Embodiment 2. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts as those in Embodiment 1, and the description of such parts is omitted.

[0102] In Embodiment 2, the type of the ceiling and the arrangement of the air conditioning means 2, the lighting device 6, and the vital sensor 7 are different from those in Embodiment 1. Other controls are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 11, in Embodiment 2, the ceiling is of a type called a system ceiling or a grid ceiling. A system ceiling is a ceiling in which necessary devices such as a ceiling board and lighting equipment are fitted to a framework assembled in a lattice pattern.

[0104] In this example, the target space provided with the system ceiling is divided into four areas A, B, C, and D. In each area, four lighting devices 6 are arranged at equal intervals so as to ensure sufficient brightness in the working area. In each area, four vital sensors 7 are provided. In this case, one vital sensor 7 corresponds to one lighting device 6. Therefore, the vital sensors 7 are arranged at equal intervals together with the lighting devices 6.

[0105] In this example, most of the air conditioning means 2 is provided behind the ceiling or in a remote part and is not visible from the inside of the room. Among the air conditioning means 2, an outlet panel 22 for blowing out conditioned air or the outside air after ventilation is provided together with the lighting device 6.

[0106] FIG. 12 shows a set of one lighting device 6, a vital sensor 7, and an outlet panel 22. Further, one frame 103 on the system ceiling is also shown. In the lighting device 6, two light sources 6a are arranged along the sides of the frame 103.

[0107] The outlet panel 22 is provided so as to fill the space between the two light sources 6a. Although not shown, a duct through which conditioned air or the air after ventilation passes is provided in the outlet panel 22. A wind direction plate is provided on the outlet panel 22 so that the direction and the volume of the blown air can be adjusted. The vital sensor 7 is provided at a position between the two light sources 6a, that is, so as to overlap with the outlet panel 22.

[0108] Note that the lighting device 6 may not be provided with the outlet panel 22. In this case, the space between the two light sources 6a is blocked by a plate. The vital sensor 7 is attached to the plate.

[0109] According to the second embodiment described above, in the control system 1, on various ceilings as well, similar to the first embodiment, the control device 5 specifies the relationship between the vital sensor 7 and the area. In particular, the air conditioning means 2 has an outlet panel 22 capable of changing the air volume. Therefore, even if the housing of the air conditioning means 2 is deeper than the ceiling surface, the air conditioning means 2 can perform operations for improving productivity and the like.

[0110] Next, an example of the hardware constituting the control device 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control device of the control system in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0111] Each function of the control device 5 can be realized by a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200.

[0112] When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, each function of the control device 5 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and the firmware is described as a program. At least one of the software and the firmware is stored in at least one memory 100b. At least one processor 100a reads and executes the program stored in at least one memory 100b to realize each function of the control device 5. At least one processor 100a is also referred to as a central processing unit, a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. For example, at least one memory 100b is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM, or an EEPROM, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, or a DVD.

[0113] When the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit is realized by, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. For example, each function of the control device 5 is realized by the processing circuit respectively. For example, each function of the control device 5 is realized by the processing circuit collectively.

[0114] Regarding each function of the control device 5, a part may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and the other part may be realized by software or firmware. For example, the function of the state determination unit 15 may be realized by a processing circuit as dedicated hardware 200, and for functions other than the function of the state determination unit 15, at least one processor 100a may read and execute a program stored in at least one memory 100b to realize it.

[0115] In this way, the processing circuit realizes each function of the control device 5 with hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0116] Although not shown in the figure, each function of the lighting device 6, the operation panel 61, the vital sensor 7, and the air conditioner controller 21 is also realized by a processing circuit equivalent to the processing circuit that realizes each function of the control device 5.

[0117] Note that at least a part of each function of the control device 5 may be realized on a cloud server. In this case, the processing circuit is composed of a plurality of sub-circuits. The plurality of sub-processing circuits are respectively provided in a plurality of devices constituting the cloud server. The plurality of devices constituting the cloud server may each be provided in a different building. In this case, the functions of the control device 5 realized on the cloud server are related to the control of the air conditioning means 2 by communicating with the air conditioner 3 or the like through a network.

[0118] Summarizing the above description, the possible configurations of the technology according to the present disclosure include the following configurations shown as appendices. (Appendix 1) A lighting device installed in a first area among a plurality of areas into which the target space is divided, A vital sensor installed in the target space for non-contact detection of human biometric information, A control device that stores management information indicating that the lighting device is installed in the first area, Comprising, When the control device determines that the lighting device and the vital sensor are associated with each other, the control device identifies that the vital sensor is installed in the first area based on information indicating the association relationship between the lighting device and the vital sensor and the management information. Control system. (Appendix 2) The lighting device and the vital sensor are electrically connected by a communication cable. When the lighting device and the vital sensor are connected by the communication cable, the control device associates the lighting device with the vital sensor. The control system according to Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The vital sensor operates with power supplied from the lighting device via the communication cable. The control system according to claim 2. (Appendix 4) When it is identified by the control device that the vital sensor is installed in the first area, air conditioning means for performing air conditioning in the first area based on the biological information detected by the vital sensor. The control system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, further comprising the above. (Appendix 5) The biological information includes at least one of a person's heartbeat and pulse wave. The vital sensor detects the biological information of a plurality of people present in the first area respectively. The air conditioning means operates based on average biological information obtained by averaging the biological information of a plurality of people present in the first area detected by the vital sensor. The control system according to Appendix 4. (Appendix 6) The average biological information is the average value of any one parameter among the heart rate, pulse rate, heart rate interval, and pulse rate interval of a plurality of people present in the first area. The control system according to Appendix 5. (Appendix 7) The air conditioning means operates based on the result of comparing the reference biometric information obtained by averaging the biometric information detected from a plurality of people present in the first area up to a point in time retrogressing from the present by a specified time, with the average biometric information at present. The control system according to appendix 5 or appendix 6. (Appendix 8) The biometric information includes at least one of a person's heartbeat and pulse wave. The air conditioning means includes an air conditioner capable of changing at least one of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction when blowing out conditioned air. Based on the biometric information detected by the vital sensor, the air conditioner performs a productivity improvement operation of directing conditioned air at the people present in the first area. The control system according to any one of appendices 4 to 7. (Appendix 9) The biometric information includes at least one of a person's heartbeat and pulse wave. The air conditioning means An air conditioner capable of changing the air volume blown out of the conditioned air, A ventilation device that ventilates the target space and is capable of changing the air volume blown into the target space, and includes Based on the biometric information detected by the vital sensor, the air conditioner and the ventilation device perform a productivity improvement operation of increasing the air volume blown into the first area. The control system according to any one of appendices 4 to 8. (Appendix 10) The air conditioning means has an air outlet panel capable of changing the air volume. The control system according to appendix 9. (Appendix 11) Based on the biometric information detected by the vital sensor, the lighting of the first area by the lighting device is controlled. The control system according to any one of appendices 1 to 10. (Appendix 12) A vital sensor that is installed in the same target space as the lighting device installed in the first area among a plurality of areas into which the target space is divided, and that detects human biometric information in a non-contact manner, An identifier that stores management information indicating that the lighting device is installed in the first area, and includes, when the lighting device and the vital sensor are associated with each other, the identifier specifies that the vital sensor is installed in the first area based on information indicating the correspondence relationship between the lighting device and the vital sensor and the management information, A biometric information collection device.

Explanation of Signs

[0119] 1 Control system, 2 Air conditioning means, 3 Air conditioner, 4 Ventilation device, 5 Control device, 6 Lighting device, 6a Light source, 7 Vital sensor, 8 Communication cable, 10 Reception unit, 11 Management storage unit, 12 Correspondence storage unit, 13 Management unit, 14 Identification unit, 15 State determination unit, 16 Control command unit, 21 Air conditioning controller, 21a Temperature control unit, 21b Up and down air direction control unit, 21c Left and right air direction control unit, 21d Air volume control unit, 21e Ventilation control unit, 22 Air outlet panel, 31 Indoor unit 32 Housing, 33 Bottom panel, 34 Suction port, 35, 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d Air outlets, 36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d Up and down air direction plates, 61 Operation panel, 62 Switch, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 101 Desk, 102 Chair, 103 Frame, 200 Hardware, R Room

Claims

1. A lighting device installed in a first area among a plurality of areas into which a target space is divided, a vital sensor installed in the target space for non-contact detection of human biological information, a control device that stores management information indicating that the lighting device is installed in the first area, comprising: when the lighting device and the vital sensor are associated with each other, the control device identifies that the vital sensor is installed in the first area based on information indicating the association relationship between the lighting device and the vital sensor and the management information, a control system.

2. The lighting device and the vital sensor are electrically connected by a communication cable, when the lighting device and the vital sensor are connected by the communication cable, the control device associates the lighting device and the vital sensor, The control system according to claim 1.

3. The control system according to claim 2, wherein the vital sensor operates with electric power supplied from the lighting device via the communication cable.

4. Air conditioning means for performing air conditioning in the first area based on the biological information detected by the vital sensor when it is identified by the control device that the vital sensor is installed in the first area, The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising.

5. The biological information includes at least one of a human heartbeat and a pulse wave, the vital sensor detects the biological information of a plurality of people present in the first area respectively, the air conditioning means operates based on average biological information obtained by averaging the biological information of a plurality of people present in the first area detected by the vital sensor, The control system according to claim 4.

6. The average biological information is an average value of any one parameter among the heart rate, pulse rate, heart rate interval, and pulse rate interval of a plurality of people present in the first area, The control system according to claim 5.

7. The air conditioning means operates based on a result of comparing reference biological information obtained by averaging the biological information detected from a plurality of people present in the first area up to a point in time retrogressed from the present to a specified time with the current average biological information, The control system according to claim 5.

8. The biological information includes at least one of a human heartbeat and a pulse wave, The air conditioning means includes an air conditioner capable of changing at least one of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction when blowing out conditioned air. The air conditioner performs a productivity improvement operation of blowing conditioned air onto the person present in the first area based on the biological information detected by the vital sensor. The control system according to claim 4.

9. The biological information includes at least one of a person's heartbeat and pulse wave. The air conditioning means includes an air conditioner capable of changing the air volume blown out of the conditioned air, and a ventilation device that ventilates the target space and is capable of changing the air volume blown into the target space. The air conditioner and the ventilation device perform a productivity improvement operation of increasing the air volume blown into the first area based on the biological information detected by the vital sensor. The control system according to claim 4.

10. The air conditioning means has an air outlet panel capable of changing the air volume. The control system according to claim 9.

11. Based on the biological information detected by the vital sensor, the lighting of the first area by the lighting device is controlled. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. A vital sensor that is installed in the same target space as a lighting device installed in a first area among a plurality of areas into which the target space is divided, and that non - contact detects a person's biological information, and a specifier that stores management information indicating that the lighting device is installed in the first area. When the lighting device and the vital sensor are associated with each other, the specifier specifies that the vital sensor is installed in the first area based on information indicating the correspondence relationship between the lighting device and the vital sensor and the management information. A biological information collection device.

22. ​

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