Lighting system, lighting method, and program

Abstract

To provide a lighting system that can adjust the illuminance within a target range in a place where no illuminance sensor is installed in an indoor space 70 where external light enters.SOLUTION: A lighting system 10 includes an acquisition unit 45 that acquires illuminance information indicating the illuminance at a second position sensed by an illuminance sensor 30 installed at a second position in the indoor space, an estimation unit 46 that estimates the intensity of external light entering the indoor space 70 on the basis of the acquired illuminance information and estimates the illuminance at a first position in the indoor space 70 on the basis of the estimated intensity of external light, the dimming rate of the lighting device 20, and influence information, and a control unit 47 that controls the dimming rate of the lighting device 20 such that the estimated illuminance is within a target range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system, a lighting method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting control system that can keep the actual brightness in the detection range of an illuminance sensor constant even under conditions where daylight is incident. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-200938 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a lighting system and the like that can adjust the illuminance within a target range in a place where an illuminance sensor is not installed in an indoor space where external light (daylight) enters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A lighting system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a memory unit that stores influence information indicating the influence of light emitted by a lighting fixture installed in a first position in the indoor space and external light entering the indoor space through an opening in the indoor space on the illuminance at the first position in the indoor space; an acquisition unit that acquires illuminance information indicating the illuminance at the second position sensed by an illuminance sensor installed at a second position in the indoor space; an estimation unit that estimates the intensity of external light entering the indoor space based on the acquired illuminance information, and estimates the illuminance at the first position based on the estimated intensity of external light, the dimming rate of the lighting fixture, and the influence information; and a control unit that controls the dimming rate of the lighting fixture so that the estimated illuminance is within a target range.

[0006] A lighting method according to one aspect of the present invention is a lighting method executed by a computer that can access a memory unit, wherein the memory unit stores influence information indicating the influence of light emitted by a lighting fixture installed in the indoor space and external light entering the indoor space through an opening in the indoor space on the illuminance at a first position in the indoor space, and the lighting method includes an acquisition step of acquiring illuminance information indicating the illuminance at the second position sensed by an illuminance sensor installed at a second position in the indoor space; an estimation step of estimating the intensity of external light entering the indoor space based on the acquired illuminance information, and estimating the illuminance at the first position based on the estimated intensity of external light, the dimming rate of the lighting fixture, and the influence information; and a control step of controlling the dimming rate of the lighting fixture so that the estimated illuminance is within a target range.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer to execute the lighting method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The lighting system etc. of the present invention can adjust the illuminance within a target range in a place where no illuminance sensor is installed in an indoor space where external light enters. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a plurality of illuminance sensors. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the lighting system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment.

[0013] The lighting system 10 is a system that can adjust the illuminance in a location in an indoor space 70 where no illuminance sensor 30 is installed to a target range while taking into account the influence of external light (daylight). As will be described later, the lighting system 10 can adjust the illuminance in a location where no illuminance sensor 30 is installed using a relatively small number of illuminance sensors 30. In other words, the lighting system 10 can be said to be a low-cost system that requires a small number of illuminance sensors 30.

[0014] 1, lighting system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, a plurality of illuminance sensors 30, a lighting control device 40, an information terminal 50, and a server device 60. The plurality of lighting fixtures 20, the plurality of illuminance sensors 30, the lighting control device 40, and the information terminal 50 are installed, for example, in an indoor space 70 or near the indoor space 70.

[0015] The lighting fixture 20 is a base light or the like that is installed on the ceiling of the indoor space 70 and illuminates the indoor space. The type of the lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited, and it may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. Note that the lighting system 10 is only required to include at least one lighting fixture 20.

[0016] The interior space 70 is divided into multiple areas, and at least one lighting fixture 20 is installed in each of the multiple areas. For simplicity of explanation, in the following description, one lighting fixture 20 is installed in one area, and the term "multiple lighting fixtures 20" refers to multiple lighting fixtures 20 installed in different areas. When two or more lighting fixtures 20 are installed in the same area, the two or more lighting fixtures 20 are controlled to emit light at the same dimming rate.

[0017] The illuminance sensor 30 is installed on the ceiling or wall of the indoor space 70 and senses the illuminance (brightness) in the indoor space 70. The illuminance sensor 30 also transmits illuminance information indicating the illuminance sensing result to the lighting control device 40. It is sufficient that the lighting system 10 includes at least one illuminance sensor 30.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a plurality of illuminance sensors 30, and is a diagram showing a top view (floor plan) of an indoor space 70.

[0019] The illuminance sensor 30 is installed, for example, corresponding to an opening 71 in the indoor space 70. The opening 71 here refers to a location through which external light enters the indoor space 70, such as a window. In the example of FIG. 2, three illuminance sensors 30 are installed on the ceiling near a wall having three openings 71, corresponding to the wall. If the indoor space 70 has three divided openings 71, it is preferable that at least one illuminance sensor 30 be installed in each opening 71 to sense the influence of external light. In other words, if the indoor space 70 has three divided openings 71, it is preferable that at least three illuminance sensors 30 be installed. Note that the illuminance sensors 30 are installed approximately 2 to 5 m away from the openings 71 to prevent excessive output fluctuations due to external light.

[0020] Furthermore, since illuminance sensor 30 is also a sensor for sensing the effect of light emitted by lighting fixture 20, it may be installed in a location where there is no opening 71. In the example of Fig. 2, one illuminance sensor 30 is installed on the ceiling near a wall that does not have an opening 71.

[0021] Lighting control device 40 receives the illuminance information transmitted by illuminance sensor 30 and controls multiple lighting devices 20 based on the received illuminance information. Lighting control device 40 includes a first communication unit 41, an information processing unit 42, a storage unit 43, and a second communication unit 44.

[0022] First communication unit 41 is a communication circuit that enables lighting control device 40 to communicate with multiple lighting fixtures 20 and multiple illuminance sensors 30 via a local communication network. First communication unit 41 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by first communication unit 41.

[0023] Information processing unit 42 performs information processing to control multiple lighting devices 20 based on the illuminance information. Information processing unit 42 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. Information processing unit 42 has, as functional components, an acquisition unit 45, an estimation unit 46, and a control unit 47. The functions of acquisition unit 45, estimation unit 46, and control unit 47 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting information processing unit 42 executing a computer program stored in storage unit 43.

[0024] The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above-described information processing. The information necessary for the information processing is, for example, a computer program executed by the information processing unit 42. The information necessary for the information processing also includes influence information for estimating the illuminance at a location where the illuminance sensor 30 is not installed. The storage unit 43 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory. The influence information will be described in detail later.

[0025] The second communication unit 44 is a communication circuit that enables the lighting control device 40 to communicate with the server device 60 and the like via the wide area communication network 80. The second communication unit 44 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the second communication unit 44.

[0026] The information terminal 50 is an information terminal used by a designer of the lighting system 10 or the like to simulate the illuminance in the indoor space 70. The information terminal 50 is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a notebook personal computer, but may also be a stationary information terminal. The information terminal 50 may also be an information terminal that can be operated remotely. The information terminal 50 includes an operation receiving unit 51, a display unit 52, an information processing unit 53, a storage unit 54, and a communication unit 55.

[0027] The operation reception unit 51 receives operations from a designer, etc. The operation reception unit 51 is realized by, for example, a mouse or a keyboard, but may also be realized by a touch panel.

[0028] The display unit 52 displays an image and is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

[0029] The information processing unit 53 performs processing such as displaying an image on the display unit 52 in response to an input received by the operation receiving unit 51. The information processing unit 53 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 53 includes a calculation unit 56 as a functional component. The function of the calculation unit 56 is realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 53 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 54.

[0030] The storage unit 54 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 53. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 54 include an application program for simulating the illuminance of the indoor space 70. The storage unit 54 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0031] The communication unit 55 is a communication circuit (communication module) that enables the information terminal 50 to communicate with the server device 60 via the wide area communication network 80. The communication unit 55 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 55.

[0032] The server device 60 is a cloud server installed outside the indoor space 70. The lighting control device 40 communicates with the server device 60 as necessary to perform processes that require cooperation with the server device 60, as will be described in the following operational examples. Note that it is not essential for the lighting system 10 to include the server device 60.

[0033] [Impact information] A designer or the like of the lighting system 10 uses the information terminal 50 to perform a simulation of the illuminance of the indoor space 70 in advance and creates influence information. If a position in the indoor space 70 where the illuminance is to be adjusted to be within a target range but where no illuminance sensor 30 is installed is defined as a first position, the influence information is information that indicates the influence of light emitted by the multiple lighting fixtures 20 installed in the indoor space 70 and external light entering the indoor space 70 through an opening 71 in the indoor space 70 on the illuminance at the first position.

[0034] A method for creating the impact information will be described below. A designer or the like inputs information required for the simulation into information terminal 50 by performing a predetermined first operation on operation reception unit 51 of information terminal 50. The information required for the simulation includes map information (floor plan information, such as FIG. 2) indicating the shape and size of indoor space 70, information indicating the installation positions of multiple lighting fixtures 20, information indicating the positions of one or more openings 71, information indicating the above-mentioned first positions, and information indicating the installation positions of multiple illuminance sensors 30. Hereinafter, the installation positions of multiple illuminance sensors 30 will also be referred to as second positions.

[0035] The simulation is performed assuming that a pseudo luminous body with a controllable dimming rate is installed at the position of the opening 71. In other words, in the simulation, the light emitted by the pseudo luminous body is considered to be external light.

[0036] Assuming that there are n first positions, m lighting fixtures 20 installed, and p pseudo-light-emitting bodies (openings 71), calculation unit 56 simulates the illuminance at each of the n first positions when the dimming rates of m lighting fixtures 20 and the dimming rates of p pseudo-light-emitting bodies are varied, and calculates influence information (a group of coefficients that can be expressed as a matrix, for example) that indicates the relationship between the illuminance at each of the n first positions and the dimming rates of m lighting fixtures 20 and the dimming rates of p pseudo-light-emitting bodies based on the simulation results. The influence information is information that indicates, using coefficients, the degree of influence on the illuminance at first position i when the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 changes by a unit dimming rate, and the degree of influence on the illuminance at first position i when the dimming rate of the pseudo-light-emitting body changes by a unit dimming rate. The influence information can also be considered as a transfer function of light (luminous flux).

[0037] Calculation unit 56 also performs a similar simulation at a second position where illuminance sensor 30 is installed, rather than at the first position. When there are q second positions (illuminance sensors 30), calculation unit 56 simulates the illuminance at each of the q second positions when the dimming rates of m lighting fixtures 20 and the dimming rates of p pseudo luminous elements are varied, and can calculate, based on the simulation results, estimation information (a group of coefficients that can be expressed as a matrix, for example) that indicates the relationship between the illuminance at each of the q second positions and the dimming rates of m lighting fixtures 20 and the dimming rates of p pseudo luminous elements.

[0038] The influence information and the information for estimation may be generated by actually measuring the illuminance in the indoor space 70 instead of by simulation. When actually measuring the illuminance, a method may be used in which an image (photograph) of the indoor space 70 is taken using a camera and the taken image is subjected to image processing to estimate the luminance distribution and illuminance distribution in the indoor space 70. The influence information and the information for estimation may also be generated by using a combination of simulation and actual measurement.

[0039] [Example of operation] Next, a description will be given of an example of the operation of the lighting system 10. FIG.

[0040] First, the impact information, estimation information, and setting information are stored in memory 43 of lighting control device 40. The impact information, estimation information, and setting information are transmitted to lighting control device 40 from information terminal 50, for example, and stored in memory 43 (S11). The impact information, estimation information, and setting information may be stored in memory 43 by manual input based on an operation on a user interface (not shown) provided in lighting control device 40, or may be stored (copied) in memory 43 by connecting a portable recording medium such as a USB memory to lighting control device 40.

[0041] The setting information will now be described. Specifically, the setting information is setting information related to the control of multiple lighting fixtures 20. The setting information specifies the target illuminance range at each first position, constraints on the control of multiple lighting fixtures 20, upper and lower limits of the dimming rate of lighting fixtures 20 during control, and the like. The setting information is specified, for example, by a designer of lighting system 10 or a user of indoor space 70. Note that it is not necessary for the setting information to include all of this information; it is sufficient if the setting information includes necessary information as appropriate.

[0042] Next, the acquisition unit 45 acquires (receives) illuminance information indicating the illuminance at the second position where the illuminance sensor 30 is installed from each of the plurality of illuminance sensors 30 via the first communication unit 41 (S12).

[0043] The estimation unit 46 estimates the intensity of external light entering the indoor space 70 based on the acquired illuminance information and calculation formula 2 determined by the estimation information (S13). The intensity of external light entering the indoor space 70 is expressed by the dimming rate of the pseudo-illuminant, and the estimation unit 46 estimates (calculates) the dimming rate of the pseudo-illuminant by substituting the illuminance indicated by the illuminance information acquired in step S12 into calculation formula 2. In other words, the estimation unit 46 can estimate the intensity of external light based on the illuminance indicated by the illuminance information acquired in step S12 and the estimation information stored in the storage unit 43.

[0044] Estimation unit 46 then estimates the illuminance at each of the first locations based on the current dimming rates of multiple lighting devices 20 managed in storage unit 43 of lighting control device 40, the external light intensity estimated in step S13, and Equation 1 determined by the influence information (S14). Estimation unit 46 can estimate the illuminance at each of the first locations by substituting the current dimming rates of multiple lighting devices 20 and the external light intensity estimated in step S13 into Equation 1.

[0045] Next, the control unit 47 determines whether all of the illuminances estimated in step S14 are within a target range defined in the setting information (S15). The target range is defined, for example, as within ±3% of 750 lx as the median value, or within ±1% of 500 lx as the median value.

[0046] If it is determined that the illuminance estimated in step S14 is within the target range specified in the setting information (Yes in S15), the dimming rate of the multiple lighting devices 20 is not controlled, and the processing of step S12 is performed again after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0047] On the other hand, if control unit 47 determines that at least one of the illuminances estimated in step S14 is outside the target range specified in the setting information (No in S15), control unit 47 controls the dimming rate of at least one of multiple lighting devices 20 so that all of the illuminances estimated in step S14 are within the target range (S16). Thereafter, the process of step S12 is performed again after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0048] In step S16, control unit 47 calculates (searches for) a dimming rate that will bring all illuminances at the first position into the target range, for example, by varying the dimming rate in Equation 1 into which the intensity of external light estimated in step S13 is substituted, within a range that does not exceed an upper limit value specified in the setting information and does not fall below a lower limit value specified in the setting information. Control unit 47 communicates with multiple lighting devices 20 using first communication unit 41, thereby controlling the dimming rates of multiple lighting devices 20 to the calculated dimming rates.

[0049] The upper limit is, for example, 100%, and the lower limit is, for example, 5%, but are not limited thereto. Setting an upper limit makes it possible to deal with cases where, due to a lighting design error, the dimming rate of lighting device 20 must be set to a value exceeding the upper limit to keep the illuminance within the target range. Setting the lower limit other than 0% prevents lighting device 20 from being turned off while it is turned on, which can cause discomfort to the user.

[0050] If the setting information specifies constraints on the control of lighting device 20, control unit 47 calculates a dimming rate that satisfies the constraints specified in the setting information and causes all illuminance at the first position to fall within the target range.

[0051] The constraint may be, for example, that if any lighting fixture 20 is turned off (dimming rate 0%), that lighting fixture 20 is not turned on (is excluded from the control targets and maintains its dimming rate at 0%). The constraint may also be that the amount of change in the dimming rate (brightness of the area on the window side) of a lighting fixture 20 located closer to the opening 71 is greater than the amount of change in the dimming rate (brightness of other areas) of other lighting fixtures 20. This allows for emphasis on energy conservation.

[0052] The constraint may be such that the difference in dimming rates between adjacent lighting devices 20 (adjacent areas) is within a threshold, thereby prioritizing user comfort. The constraint may be such that a specific lighting device 20 is excluded from the control targets, or such that the fluctuation in the dimming rate of each of multiple lighting devices 20 is within 5% of the current dimming rate.

[0053] Note that the combinations (patterns) of the dimming rates of the multiple lighting devices 20 and the dimming rates of one or more pseudo-luminous elements used in the simulation to obtain Formula 1 above may be compiled into a database and stored in server device 60. In this case, in step S16, control unit 47 can communicate with server device 60 using second communication unit 44, and by referencing the database, calculate (search for) a dimming rate that will bring all of the illuminance at the first position into the target range.

[0054] As described above, lighting system 10 acquires illuminance information indicating the illuminance at a second position sensed by illuminance sensor 30 installed at a second position in indoor space 70, and estimates the intensity of external light entering indoor space 70 based on the acquired illuminance information. Lighting system 10 also estimates the illuminance at a first position where illuminance sensor 30 is not installed based on the estimated external light intensity, the dimming rate of lighting device 20, and the influence information stored in memory 43, and controls the dimming rate of lighting device 20 so that the estimated illuminance falls within a target range.

[0055] Such a lighting system 10 can adjust the illuminance in places where no illuminance sensor 30 is installed, and there is no need to install a large number of illuminance sensors 30 in the lighting system 10. In other words, the lighting system 10 can be said to be a low-cost system that requires a small number of illuminance sensors 30.

[0056] [Variations] In the above embodiment, lighting system 10 may control the dimming rates of at least some of multiple lighting fixtures 20 so that the horizontal illuminance at the first position (such as ceiling illuminance or desk illuminance) falls within a target range, or may control the dimming rates of at least some of multiple lighting fixtures 20 so that the vertical illuminance at the first position (such as facial illuminance) falls within a target range. When illuminance sensor 30 senses horizontal illuminance, if it is desired that the vertical illuminance at the first position fall within a target range, conversion from one of the horizontal illuminance and the vertical illuminance to the other may be performed as needed.

[0057] In the above embodiment, some or all of the processing described as being executed by lighting control device 40 may be executed by server device 60. That is, server device 60 may include some or all of acquisition unit 45, estimation unit 46, and control unit 47. Furthermore, the simulation performed by information terminal 50 may be performed by lighting control device 40 or server device 60. That is, lighting control device 40 or server device 60 may include calculation unit 56.

[0058] [Effects, etc.] Hereinafter, examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like that can be obtained from these inventions will be explained.

[0059] Invention 1 is lighting system 10 including: memory unit 43 that stores influence information indicating the influence of light emitted by lighting fixtures 20 installed in indoor space 70 and external light entering indoor space 70 through openings 71 in indoor space 70 on the illuminance at a first position in indoor space 70; acquisition unit 45 that acquires illuminance information indicating the illuminance at a second position sensed by illuminance sensor 30 installed at a second position in indoor space 70; estimation unit 46 that estimates the intensity of external light entering indoor space 70 based on the acquired illuminance information, and estimates the illuminance at the first position based on the estimated external light intensity, the dimming rate of lighting fixture 20, and the influence information; and control unit 47 that controls the dimming rate of lighting fixture 20 so that the estimated illuminance is within a target range.

[0060] The lighting system 10 can adjust the illuminance at a first position where no illuminance sensor 30 is installed in the indoor space 70 where external light enters, to within a target range.

[0061] Invention 2 is the lighting system 10 of Invention 1, in which the estimation unit 46 considers that external light entering the indoor space 70 is light emitted by a pseudo-luminous body installed in the opening 71, and estimates the dimming rate of the pseudo-luminous body as the intensity of the external light entering the indoor space 70.

[0062] Such a lighting system 10 can estimate the intensity of external light entering the indoor space 70 by considering the external light entering the indoor space 70 to be light emitted by a pseudo-illuminant installed in the opening 71.

[0063] Invention 3 is the lighting system 10 of Invention 2, further comprising a calculation unit 56 that simulates the illuminance at the first position when the dimming rate of the lighting device 20 and the dimming rate of the pseudo-illuminant are varied, and calculates influence information based on the simulation results.

[0064] Such a lighting system 10 can estimate the illuminance at the first position using the influence information calculated by the simulation.

[0065] Invention 4 is lighting system 10 of Invention 3, in which the impact information indicates, by coefficients, the impact on the illuminance at the first position when the dimming rate of lighting fixture 20 fluctuates by a unit dimming rate and the impact on the illuminance at the first position when the dimming rate of the pseudo-illuminant fluctuates by a unit dimming rate.

[0066] Such a lighting system 10 can estimate the illuminance at the first position using coefficients calculated by simulation.

[0067] Invention 5 is lighting system 10 of any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein acquisition unit 45 further acquires setting information related to the control of lighting device 20, and control unit 47 controls the dimming rate of lighting device 20 based on the acquired setting information so that the estimated illuminance falls within a target range.

[0068] Such a lighting system 10 can control the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 based on the setting information.

[0069] Invention 6 is lighting system 10 of Invention 5, in which a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 are installed in indoor space 70, the setting information specifies constraints on controlling the dimming rates of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20, and control unit 47 controls the dimming rates of at least some of the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 based on the constraints specified in the acquired setting information so that the estimated illuminance falls within a target range.

[0070] Such lighting system 10 can adjust the illuminance at the first position to within a target range by controlling the dimming rates of at least some of the multiple lighting devices 20 within a range that satisfies the constraints defined in the setting information.

[0071] Invention 7 is lighting system 10 of Invention 5 or 6, wherein a target range is specified in the setting information, and control unit 47 controls the dimming rate of lighting device 20 so that the estimated illuminance falls within the target range specified in the acquired setting information.

[0072] Such a lighting system 10 can control the illuminance at the first position to be within a target range defined in the setting information.

[0073] Invention 8 is lighting system 10 of any of Inventions 5 to 7, in which the setting information specifies an upper limit value for the dimming rate in controlling lighting device 20, and control unit 47 controls the dimming rate of lighting device 20 within a range that does not exceed the upper limit value specified in the acquired setting information so that the estimated illuminance falls within a target range.

[0074] Such lighting system 10 can adjust the illuminance at the first position to within a target range by controlling the dimming ratios of at least some of the multiple lighting devices 20 within a range that does not exceed an upper limit value.

[0075] Invention 9 is lighting system 10 of any of Inventions 5 to 8, in which the setting information specifies a lower limit value for the dimming rate for controlling lighting device 20, and control unit 47 controls the dimming rate of lighting device 20 within a range that does not fall below the lower limit value specified in the acquired setting information, so that the estimated illuminance falls within a target range.

[0076] Such lighting system 10 can adjust the illuminance at the first position to within a target range by controlling the dimming ratios of at least some of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 within a range that does not fall below a lower limit value.

[0077] Invention 10 is the lighting system 10 of any one of Inventions 1 to 9, further comprising a lighting fixture 20 and an illuminance sensor 30.

[0078] Such a lighting system 10 can be realized as a system including a lighting fixture 20 and an illuminance sensor 30.

[0079] Invention 11 is a lighting method executed by a computer that can access a memory unit 43. The memory unit 43 stores influence information indicating the influence of light emitted by lighting fixtures 20 installed in the indoor space 70 and external light entering the indoor space 70 through openings 71 in the indoor space 70 on the illuminance at a first position in the indoor space 70. The lighting method includes an acquisition step S12 of acquiring illuminance information indicating the illuminance at a second position sensed by an illuminance sensor 30 installed at a second position in the indoor space 70; estimation steps S13 and S14 of estimating the intensity of external light entering the indoor space 70 based on the acquired illuminance information, and estimating the illuminance at the first position based on the estimated external light intensity, the dimming rate of the lighting fixtures 20, and the influence information; and a control step S16 of controlling the dimming rate of the lighting fixtures 20 so that the estimated illuminance is within a target range.

[0080] Such an illumination method can adjust the illuminance at the first position where the illuminance sensor 30 is not installed in the indoor space 70 where external light enters, to within a target range.

[0081] Invention 12 is a program for causing a computer to execute the lighting method of Invention 11.

[0082] According to such a program, the computer can adjust the illuminance at the first position where the illuminance sensor 30 is not installed in the indoor space 70 where external light enters, to within the target range.

[0083] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0084] For example, in the above embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0085] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0086] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0087] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0088] For example, the present invention may be realized as the lighting system or lighting control device according to the above-described embodiments, or as a method executed by a computer of the lighting system, lighting control device, etc. The present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method, or as a non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0089] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10. Lighting System 20 Lighting fixtures 30 Illuminance sensor 40 Lighting control device 41 First Communications Department 42 Information Processing Department 43 Storage section 44 Second Communications Department 45 Acquisition Department 46 Estimation part 47 Control Unit 50 Information terminal 51 Operation reception section 52 Display section 53 Information Processing Department 54 Storage section 55 Communications Department 56 Calculation section 60 Server equipment 70 Indoor space 71 Opening 80 Wide Area Communication Network

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores influence information indicating the influence of light emitted by a lighting device installed in the indoor space and external light entering the indoor space through an opening in the indoor space on the illuminance at a first position in the indoor space; an acquisition unit that acquires illuminance information indicating illuminance at a second position sensed by an illuminance sensor installed at a second position in an indoor space; an estimation unit that estimates an intensity of external light entering the indoor space based on the acquired illuminance information, and estimates an illuminance at the first position based on the estimated intensity of external light, a dimming rate of the lighting device, and the influence information; a control unit that controls the dimming rate of the lighting device so that the estimated illuminance falls within a target range. Lighting system.

2. The estimation unit considers that external light entering the indoor space is light emitted by a pseudo light-emitting body installed at the opening, and estimates a dimming rate of the pseudo light-emitting body as the intensity of the external light entering the indoor space.

10. The lighting system of claim 1.

3. The lighting device further includes a calculation unit that simulates the illuminance at the first position when the dimming rate of the lighting device and the dimming rate of the pseudo light-emitting element are varied, and calculates the influence information based on the simulation result.

3. The lighting system of claim 2.

4. The influence information indicates, by coefficients, the influence on the illuminance at the first position when the dimming rate of the lighting fixture changes by a unit dimming rate and the influence on the illuminance at the first position when the dimming rate of the pseudo-light-emitting element changes by a unit dimming rate.

4. The lighting system of claim 3.

5. The acquisition unit further acquires setting information related to control of the lighting device, The control unit controls a dimming rate of the lighting device based on the acquired setting information so that the estimated illuminance falls within the target range.

5. The lighting system according to claim 1.

6. A plurality of the lighting fixtures are installed in the indoor space, The setting information specifies constraints on control of dimming rates of the plurality of lighting devices, The control unit controls the dimming rates of at least some of the lighting devices based on the constraints defined in the acquired setting information so that the estimated illuminance falls within a target range.

6. The lighting system of claim 5.

7. The setting information defines the target range, The control unit controls a dimming rate of the lighting device so that the estimated illuminance falls within the target range defined in the acquired setting information.

6. The lighting system of claim 5.

8. The setting information specifies an upper limit of a dimming rate for controlling the lighting device, The control unit controls the dimming rate of the lighting device within a range not exceeding the upper limit value defined in the acquired setting information so that the estimated illuminance falls within the target range.

6. The lighting system of claim 5.

9. The setting information specifies a lower limit of a dimming rate for controlling the lighting device, The control unit controls the dimming rate of the lighting device within a range not below the lower limit value defined in the acquired setting information so that the estimated illuminance falls within the target range.

6. The lighting system of claim 5.

10. Further, the lighting device and the illuminance sensor are provided.

10. The lighting system of claim 1.

11. 1. A lighting method implemented by a computer having access to a memory, comprising: the storage unit stores influence degree information indicating influence degrees of light emitted by lighting fixtures installed in the indoor space and external light entering the indoor space through an opening in the indoor space, with respect to the illuminance at a first position in the indoor space; The illumination method includes: an acquiring step of acquiring illuminance information indicating illuminance at a second position sensed by an illuminance sensor installed at a second position in an indoor space; an estimation step of estimating an intensity of external light entering the indoor space based on the acquired illuminance information, and estimating an illuminance at the first position based on the estimated intensity of external light, the dimming rate of the lighting device, and the influence information; and a control step of controlling the dimming rate of the lighting device so that the estimated illuminance falls within a target range. lighting method.

12. A program for causing the computer to execute the lighting method according to claim 11.

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