Information providing method, management system, and terminal

Abstract

To provide an information providing method capable of supporting a user to appropriately grasp a replacement time of a lighting apparatus by focusing on illuminance for the user who uses a space where the lighting apparatus is installed.SOLUTION: Acquiring power data indicating an amount of power used by a plurality of illumination devices installed in one space block among a plurality of space blocks constituting one space; After it is determined that the block power amount used to maintain the space illuminance corresponding to the one space block at the constant level reaches the predetermined ratio of the upper limit set value and the block power amount tends to increase beyond the constant reference set corresponding to the one space block based on the power data, the replacement recommendation data indicating that it is time to replace the group of illumination devices corresponding to the one space block among the plurality of illumination devices is transmitted to the user terminal 60 to be displayed on the user terminal 60 using the one space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information providing method, a management system, and a terminal device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting replacement timing specification system that can reduce the running costs of individual lighting equipment while controlling the illuminance of lighting fixtures to be constant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-59133 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-303663 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-73314 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides an information providing method that focuses on the illuminance of a space in which a lighting device is installed and can assist a user in appropriately determining when to replace the lighting device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information providing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information providing method in a management system that manages a space in which a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting devices are installed, the information providing method comprising: acquiring, via a network, power data representing the amount of power used by the plurality of LED lighting devices installed in one of a plurality of space blocks that make up the space; the power data representing the block power amount used to maintain the spatial illuminance corresponding to the one space block at a certain level; determining, based on the power data, that the block power amount indicates that it has reached a predetermined percentage of an upper limit setting value and is on an increasing trend beyond a certain standard set for the one space block; and then transmitting replacement recommendation data indicating that it is time to replace a group of the plurality of LED lighting devices that corresponds to the one space block among the plurality of LED lighting devices to a terminal device of a user using the one space for display on the terminal device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the information providing method of the present disclosure, the focus is on the illuminance of the space in which the lighting devices are placed, rather than the illuminance of each individual lighting device, and the user can appropriately grasp when it is time to replace the lighting device based on the illuminance of the space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a lighting management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a space block, specifically a top view of the space. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining control for making the illuminance of the space block constant. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a sequence diagram (first half) showing an example of the operation of the lighting management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a sequence diagram (second half) showing an example of the operation of the lighting management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the menu screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the illuminance management information. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen for the illuminance status in a space block. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the power management information. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the certain criteria. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen for the status of power consumption in a space block. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a prediction screen of power consumption in a space block. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen for the replacement recommendation message. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of lighting device information. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contractor information. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of building information. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the exchange plan. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of cost information. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the exchange plan confirmation screen. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of the operation for determining the contents of the replacement recommendation message. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for acquiring an upper limit setting value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (Knowledge that led to the present disclosure) LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting equipment has a longer lifespan than lighting equipment such as incandescent bulbs, and although the illuminance gradually decreases over time, it does not burn out, making it difficult for users to determine when to replace the bulb.

[0009] Therefore, it is common for LED lighting equipment to be recommended for replacement based on the number of hours it has been on or the number of years it has been installed.

[0010] In addition, for LED lighting equipment, taking into account the characteristic that illuminance gradually decreases with age, a commonly adopted method is to keep the amount of current used for LED lighting constant throughout the entire lifespan of the LED, while designing the initial illuminance high in advance so that the illuminance level will remain above the set illuminance even if the illuminance decreases with age.

[0011] However, with this method, while the LED lighting equipment provides extra brightness beyond the set illuminance in the initial stage after installation, as the equipment approaches the end of its lifespan, the illuminance gradually decreases due to deterioration over time, making it difficult for users to notice that the lighting is getting darker.

[0012] In response to this, methods have been studied that control the amount of current supplied to LED lighting devices so as to maintain a set illuminance, rather than keeping the amount of current constant. This makes it possible to maintain the set illuminance throughout the LED's lifespan, even if the illuminance gradually decreases due to aging (Patent Document 1: JP 2007-59133 A). However, with this method, the amount of current supplied to the LED lighting device increases the longer the LED lighting device is used. Because the amount of current supplied to the LED lighting device increases gradually over a long period of time, there is a problem in that users are less likely to notice an increase in their electricity bills.

[0013] That is, each of the above methods has its advantages and disadvantages.

[0014] Rather, in any of the above methods, the solution to each problem is to properly inform users when it is time to replace their LED lighting equipment.

[0015] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for a lighting fixture replacement system that determines when to replace an LED lighting fixture, in which the system performs maintenance control of illuminance so that the illuminance of the lighting fixture remains constant, stores lighting replacement cost data, accepts input of power consumption cost data required for maintaining and controlling the illuminance, and determines when to replace the lighting fixture based on the lighting replacement cost data and the power consumption cost data.

[0016] However, Patent Document 1 focuses on the illuminance of each individual LED lighting device, and does not focus on the illuminance for users who use the space where the LED lighting devices are installed.

[0017] Generally, multiple LED lighting devices are installed in a space such as a living room, and these multiple LED lighting devices form the illuminance of the space where the user is located.

[0018] Therefore, even if replacing each individual LED lighting device improves the brightness of each individual LED lighting device, it does not necessarily improve the brightness of the entire space where the user is located.

[0019] Patent Document 2 (JP 2004-303663 A) discloses a technology that can illuminate an illumination area at a target illuminance even when there is unusual external light. In Patent Document 2, the dimming rate of the lighting load is controlled so that the illuminance value of the lighting fixtures in the illumination area is a value obtained by subtracting the illuminance value of the external light calculated and corrected by an external light level calculation means from a preset target illuminance. As a result, the illuminance value of the illumination area due to unusual external light, such as the setting sun, is corrected, and the illumination area is illuminated at the target illuminance or an illuminance close to the target illuminance. However, Patent Document 2 does not disclose a technology that focuses on the illuminance of the space in which the lighting equipment is installed and appropriately notifies the user when it is time to replace the lighting equipment.

[0020] Patent Document 3 (JP 2017-73314 A) discloses a technology for reducing changes in illuminance in an illuminated area due to the influence of external light. In Patent Document 3, the luminance of illumination light is controlled within a set luminance range so that the illuminance of the area follows a target illuminance within an allowable range. When the illuminance of external light is decreasing, the minimum value of the luminance range is increased from the initial value. The illuminance of external light, such as sunlight, often decreases sharply. Even in such cases, the illuminance of the illuminated area is prevented from temporarily reaching a lower-than-expected illuminance due to a delay in the control timing of the lighting device. However, Patent Document 3 does not disclose a technology for appropriately notifying a user of the timing for replacing a lighting device by focusing on the illuminance of the space in which the lighting device is installed.

[0021] Therefore, the present invention focuses on the illuminance of the space in which the LED lighting devices are placed, rather than the illuminance of each individual LED lighting device, and determines the lifespan of the LED lighting devices based on the illuminance perceived by the user in that space.

[0022] 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 disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0023] 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.

[0024] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a lighting management system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lighting management system according to an embodiment.

[0025] The lighting management system 10 is a system that can determine when to replace multiple lighting devices 20 and notify users of the replacement times. The lighting management system 10 virtually divides a space into multiple spatial blocks and manages multiple lighting devices 20 in units of spatial blocks. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a spatial block, specifically a top view of the space.

[0026] In the example of FIG. 2, the space is divided into six space blocks: A-1, A-2, A-3, B-1, B-2, and B-3. A space block can also be referred to as an area, and multiple lighting devices 20 are installed on the ceiling of each space block. If an area along the same window is set as one space block, as in FIG. 2, it is possible to reduce the variation in the degree of influence of external light within the space block. If areas with a similar degree of influence of external light are set as one space block, the sizes (in other words, the area) of the multiple space blocks do not need to be the same.

[0027] In the example of Figure 2, the space block is a part of a large room, but the space block may be a room itself separated by walls. Furthermore, the multiple space blocks may include a space block corresponding to a room and a space block corresponding to a corridor. In other words, the multiple space blocks may include multiple areas with different purposes of use.

[0028] The lighting management system 10 includes a plurality of lighting devices 20, a plurality of measuring devices 30, an energy management server 40, a system management server 50, a user terminal 60, and a business operator terminal 70. Fig. 1 also shows a network 80 used for communication, which may include a mobile communication network, the Internet, etc.

[0029] In this embodiment, the energy management server 40 and the system management server 50 are described as being separate servers, but a single server may perform the information processing performed by the energy management server 40 and the information processing performed by the system management server 50.

[0030] The lighting device 20 is installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to illuminate the indoor space. The lighting device 20 is, for example, a base light. The lighting device 20 may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. The lighting device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a light source unit 22, a control unit 23, and a storage unit 24.

[0031] The communication unit 21 is a communication circuit (communication module) that enables the lighting device 20 to communicate with the energy management server 40. The communication unit 21 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication.

[0032] The light source unit 22 emits white light into the indoor space so that the lighting device 20 can illuminate the indoor space. The light source unit 22 is realized by, for example, an LED element, but may also be realized by other light-emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or an inorganic EL.

[0033] The control unit 23 controls the light emission of the lighting device 20 based on the control signal received by the communication unit 21 from the energy management server 40. The light emission control here includes on / off control, dimming control, and the like. The control unit 23 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the control unit 23 are realized by hardware such as the microcomputer or processor constituting the control unit 23 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 24.

[0034] The storage unit 24 is a storage device that stores various types of information such as computer programs executed by the control unit 23. The storage unit 24 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0035] At least one measuring device 30 is installed in each space block and measures the illuminance in the space block and the power consumption of multiple lighting devices 20 installed in the space block. In other words, the measuring device 30 is both an illuminance meter and a power meter. For simplicity of explanation, this embodiment will be described as one measuring device 30 measuring illuminance and power consumption, but the measuring device 30 that measures illuminance and the measuring device 30 that measures power consumption may be separate entities. The measuring device 30 includes a communication unit 31, a measurement unit 32, a control unit 33, and a storage unit 34.

[0036] The communication unit 31 is a communication circuit (communication module) that enables the measuring device 30 to communicate with the energy management server 40. The communication unit 31 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication.

[0037] The measurement unit 32 measures the illuminance in the space block and the amount of power consumption in the space block. The measurement unit 32 is realized by an illuminance sensor for measuring the illuminance, a CT (Current Transformer) for measuring the amount of power consumption, or the like.

[0038] The control unit 33 transmits illuminance data indicating the illuminance measured by the measurement unit 32 and measured power data indicating the power consumption measured by the measurement unit 32 to the energy management server 40 using the communication unit 31. The control unit 33 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the control unit 33 are realized by hardware such as the microcomputer or processor constituting the control unit 33 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 34.

[0039] The storage unit 34 is a storage device that stores various types of information such as computer programs executed by the control unit 33. The storage unit 34 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0040] The energy management server 40 controls the plurality of lighting devices 20 and manages the power consumption of the plurality of lighting devices 20. The energy management server 40 includes a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0041] The communication unit 41 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the energy management server 40 to communicate with the lighting devices 20, the measuring devices 30, and the system management server 50. The communication performed by the communication unit 41 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

[0042] The control unit 42 controls the plurality of lighting devices 20 and manages the power consumption of the plurality of lighting devices 20. The control unit 42 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor. The functions of the control unit 42 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the control unit 42 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 43.

[0043] The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores various types of information such as computer programs executed by the control unit 42. The storage unit 43 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0044] The system management server 50 presents to the user information regarding replacement of multiple lighting devices installed in a space block. The system management server 50 is an example of a management system, and the management system may be realized by a single server or multiple servers. The system management server 50 includes a communication unit 51, a control unit 52, and a storage unit 53.

[0045] The communication unit 51 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the system management server 50 to communicate with the user terminal 60, the business operator terminal 70, and the energy management server 40. The communication performed by the communication unit 41 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

[0046] The control unit 52 performs information processing to present to the user information regarding replacement of multiple lighting devices installed in the spatial block. The control unit 52 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the control unit 52 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the control unit 52 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 53.

[0047] The storage unit 53 is a storage device that stores various types of information such as computer programs executed by the control unit 52. The storage unit 53 is realized by, for example, an HDD, but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0048] The user terminal 60 is an information terminal used by a user. Here, the user refers to a user of the space in which multiple lighting devices 20 are installed. For example, if the space is an office space, the user is a worker who uses the office space. The users include an administrative user and a general user who has less authority than the administrative user. The user terminal 60 is, for example, a personal computer, but may also be a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Specifically, the user terminal 60 includes a display unit 61, a communication unit 62, a control unit 63, and a storage unit 64.

[0049] The display unit 61 is a display that displays images. The display unit 61 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The display unit 61 includes a touch panel. The display unit 61 can receive user operations via the touch panel.

[0050] The communication unit 62 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the user terminal 60 to communicate with the system management server 50. The communication performed by the communication unit 62 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for the communication.

[0051] The control unit 63 performs information processing such as displaying images on the display unit 61. The control unit 63 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the control unit 63 are realized by the microcomputer or the like constituting the control unit 63 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 64. In other words, the functions of the control unit 63 are realized by, for example, hardware executing software.

[0052] The storage unit 64 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the control unit 63. The computer programs executed by the control unit 63 include predetermined application programs (hereinafter also referred to as predetermined apps) for using the lighting management system 10. The storage unit 64 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0053] The business operator terminal 70 is an information terminal used by a business operator (a business operator who undertakes replacement work) that provides services such as replacement work for lighting devices 20. The business operator terminal 70 is, for example, a personal computer, but may also be a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Specifically, the business operator terminal 70 includes a display unit 71, a communication unit 72, a control unit 73, and a storage unit 74.

[0054] The display unit 71 is a display that displays images. The display unit 71 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The display unit 71 includes a touch panel. The display unit 71 can accept operations from the business operator via the touch panel.

[0055] The communication unit 72 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the business operator terminal 70 to communicate with the system management server 50. The communication performed by the communication unit 72 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

[0056] The control unit 73 performs information processing such as displaying images on the display unit 71. The control unit 73 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the control unit 73 are realized by the microcomputer or the like constituting the control unit 73 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 74. In other words, the functions of the control unit 73 are realized by, for example, hardware executing software.

[0057] The storage unit 74 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the control unit 73. The storage unit 74 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0058] [Overview of Lighting Management System Operation] In general, a constant current is supplied to the lighting devices 20, and the brightness of the lighting devices 20 gradually decreases due to deterioration over time. In order to ensure brightness after a certain period of time has passed, the lighting devices 20 initially emit light brighter than necessary. In response to this, the lighting management system 10 controls the dimming of the lighting devices 20 for each space block described in FIG. 2 above so that the illuminance in the space block becomes constant. In other words, the current supplied to the light source unit 22 of the lighting devices 20 is controlled. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the control for maintaining the illuminance in the space block constant.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 3, the lighting management system 10 controls the lighting devices 20 so that the illuminance of the space block becomes the set illuminance (constant) from the time the lighting devices 20 are first installed (Fig. 3(a)). This allows the lighting management system 10 to reduce power consumption compared to when the lighting devices 20 are controlled with a constant current (Fig. 3(b)). The lighting management system 10 can also extend the life of the lighting devices 20.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 , if the lighting devices 20 are controlled so that the illuminance of a space block is constant, the power consumption of the lighting devices 20 will gradually increase over time as the lighting devices 20 deteriorate. Therefore, the lighting management system 10 monitors the power consumption of the lighting devices 20 for each space block, and if it determines that the power consumption has exceeded a certain level and is on the rise, it displays a message to the user urging them to replace the lighting devices 20. The lighting management system 10 can also create a replacement plan useful for considering replacing the lighting devices 20 and display it to the user. Note that, in this specification, replacing the lighting devices 20 installed in a space block means replacing all of the lighting devices 20 installed in the space block at once. In other words, replacing the lighting devices 20 installed in a space block means replacing all of the lighting devices 20 in the group corresponding to the space block with replacement lighting devices 20.

[0061] [Illuminance management operation] Next, we will explain the operation of managing illuminance in a space block performed by the lighting management system 10. Figures 4A and 4B are sequence diagrams showing an example of the operation of the lighting management system 10. The operation of managing illuminance corresponds to steps S11 to S21 in Figure 4A. Note that, for simplicity, the following explanation will be given with one space block as the target, but in reality, the operation will be performed with multiple space blocks as the target.

[0062] It is also assumed that the IDs of a plurality of space blocks and the IDs of the lighting devices 20 installed in each of the space blocks are stored (registered) in advance in the energy management server 40 and the system management server 50. That is, it is assumed that the energy management server 40 and the system management server 50 manage lighting device IDs indicating each group of lighting devices 20 corresponding to a space block in association with the space block ID indicating the space block.

[0063] A menu screen such as that shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 61 of the user terminal 60 while a predetermined application is running. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the menu screen. The user performs a predetermined operation on the user terminal 60 to specify a set illuminance, which is a desired illuminance for the space block, and the display unit 61 accepts the predetermined operation. The predetermined operation includes a selection operation of an icon labeled "Set space illuminance" on the menu screen of FIG. 5. The control unit 63 transmits set illuminance information indicating the set illuminance to the system management server 50 using the communication unit 62 (S11). The set illuminance information includes identification information for the target space block.

[0064] The communication unit 51 of the system management server 50 receives the set illuminance information. Here, the storage unit 53 has illuminance management information stored in advance. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the illuminance management information. As shown in FIG. 6, the illuminance management information associates the ID of a space block, the ID of a lighting device 20 installed in the space block, the setting date and time of the set illuminance, the set illuminance, the measurement date and time of the illuminance, the actual measured illuminance value, and a determination result. The nature of the determination result will be described later.

[0065] Based on the set illuminance information received in step S11, the control unit 52 updates the illuminance management information in FIG. 6 by reflecting the set illuminance and set date and time of the target space block in the illuminance management information (S12).

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 52 transmits the set illuminance information received in step S11 to the energy management server 40 using the communication unit 51 (S13).

[0067] The communication unit 41 of the energy management server 40 receives the set illuminance information and stores the received set illuminance information in the storage unit 43 (S14).

[0068] Thereafter, the measurement unit 32 of the measuring device 30 installed in the target space block measures the illuminance in the space block, and the control unit 33 transmits illuminance data indicating the measured illuminance (hereinafter also referred to as the actual measured illuminance value) to the energy management server 40 using the communication unit 31 (S15). The illuminance data includes the ID of the space block. Note that the illuminance measured by the measurement unit 32 is also affected by external light entering the space block through openings such as windows.

[0069] The communication unit 41 of the energy management server 40 receives the illuminance data. If the control unit 42 determines that the difference between the illuminance indicated by the received illuminance data and the set illuminance stored in the storage unit 43 is outside a predetermined range and that there is a difference between the illuminance indicated by the illuminance data and the set illuminance, the control unit 42 controls the dimming of the plurality of lighting devices 20 (S16). Specifically, the control unit 42 transmits control signals for controlling the dimming of the plurality of lighting devices 20 to the plurality of lighting devices 20 using the communication unit 41. The dimming control is performed so that the illuminance indicated by the illuminance data approaches the set illuminance.

[0070] In step S16, if the control unit 42 determines that the difference between the illuminance indicated by the received illuminance data and the set illuminance stored in the memory unit 53 is within a predetermined range and that the illuminance indicated by the illuminance data generally matches the set illuminance, the control unit 42 does not perform dimming control.

[0071] The processes of steps S15 and S16 are performed periodically, for example, at intervals of about one minute to several hours. As a result, the illuminance in the space block is adjusted to the set illuminance. In other words, the space illuminance corresponding to the space block is maintained at a constant level.

[0072] Furthermore, the measurement unit 32 of the measuring device 30 measures the illuminance in the space block, and the control unit 33 transmits illuminance data indicating the measured illuminance to the system management server 50 using the communication unit 31 (S17). The illuminance data includes the ID of the space block. The processing of step S17 is performed periodically, for example, at time intervals of about one minute to several hours.

[0073] The communication unit 51 of the system management server 50 receives the illuminance data. The control unit 52 updates the illuminance management information shown in Fig. 6 by reflecting the actual measurement value of the illuminance of the target space block and the measurement date and time based on the illuminance data received in step S17 (S18).

[0074] In step S18, the control unit 52 also updates the determination result column of the illuminance management information by determining whether the difference between the illuminance indicated by the illuminance data received in step S17 and the set illuminance stored in the storage unit 53 is within a predetermined range. If the control unit 52 determines that the difference between the illuminance indicated by the illuminance data and the set illuminance stored in the storage unit 53 is within the predetermined range, the control unit 52 determines that the determination result is normal. If the control unit 52 determines that the difference between the illuminance indicated by the illuminance data and the set illuminance stored in the storage unit 53 is outside the predetermined range, the control unit 52 determines that the determination result is abnormal. Note that the processes of steps S15 and S16 are performed periodically, and the illuminance in the space block is maintained at the set illuminance, so the determination result is basically normal.

[0075] With the illuminance management information being periodically updated in this manner, the user performs a predetermined operation on the user terminal 60 to check the illuminance status of the space block, and the display unit 61 accepts the predetermined operation. The predetermined operation includes selecting an icon labeled "Check current lighting environment" on the menu screen of Fig. 5. In response to the acceptance of the predetermined operation, the control unit 63 transmits a display request to the system management server 50 using the communication unit 62 (S19).

[0076] The communication unit 51 of the system management server 50 receives the display request. The control unit 52 transmits, to the user terminal 60 using the communication unit 51, display information for displaying a confirmation screen for the illuminance status in the space block based on the latest illuminance management information stored in the storage unit 53 (S20).

[0077] The communication unit 62 of the user terminal 60 receives the display information. The control unit 63 displays a confirmation screen for the illuminance status in the space block on the display unit 61 based on the received display information (S21). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen for the illuminance status in the space block, which shows the actual measured value of the current illuminance (number on the left) and the set illuminance (number on the right) for each of multiple space blocks. The smiley face mark indicates that the judgment result in the illuminance management information is normal. In this way, the confirmation screen in FIG. 7 is displayed based on the illuminance management information in FIG. 6.

[0078] Through the illuminance management operation described above, the lighting management system 10 can control the illuminance of each of a plurality of space blocks included in a space to a constant level and present the illuminance status to the user.

[0079] [Power consumption management operation] Next, the operation of managing the power consumption of multiple lighting devices 20 installed in a space block, performed by the lighting management system 10, will be described with reference to Fig. 4A. The power consumption management operation corresponds to steps S31 to S37 in Fig. 4A. Note that, for simplicity, the following description will be given focusing on one space block, but in reality, the operation will be performed focusing on multiple space blocks.

[0080] The measurement unit 32 of the measuring device 30 installed in a target space block measures the power consumption of multiple lighting devices 20 installed in the space block, and the control unit 33 transmits measured power data determined based on the measured power consumption to the energy management server 40 using the communication unit 31 (S31). The measured power data includes the ID of the space block, information indicating the amount of power consumption over a predetermined period, such as one day, and the lighting hours of the multiple lighting devices 20. The information indicating the amount of power consumption over the predetermined period may directly indicate the amount of power consumption over the predetermined period, or may be time-series data of the power consumption over the predetermined period and indirectly indicate the amount of power consumption. The control unit 33 may consider the total length of the period during which power consumption is greater than zero as the lighting hours of the multiple lighting devices 20 and include it in the measured power data.

[0081] The communication unit 41 of the energy management server 40 receives the measured power data. The control unit 42 stores the measured power data in the storage unit 43 (S32). The processes of steps S31 and S32 are performed periodically, for example, once a day, and the storage unit 43 accumulates the measured power data every day.

[0082] The control unit 42 calculates power data by aggregating (summing up) the measured power data for the most recent month at a predetermined regular interval, such as once a month, and transmits the calculated power data to the system management server 50 using the communication unit 41 (S33). The power data represents the block power amount (the total amount of power consumed by the multiple lighting devices 20 installed in the space block) used to maintain the spatial illuminance corresponding to one space block at a constant level.

[0083] The communication unit 51 of the system management server 50 receives the power data. Here, power management information is pre-stored in the storage unit 53. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the power management information. As shown in FIG. 8, the power management information associates the ID of the space block, the measurement period (month), the amount of power consumption, the lighting time, the average power consumption, and the determination result. The control unit 52 adds the contents of the power data received in step S33 to the power management information, thereby updating the power management information (S34).

[0084] Here, the determination result in the power management information means a determination result as to whether or not it is time to replace the plurality of lighting devices 20 installed in the space block. The control unit 52 determines that it is time to replace the plurality of lighting devices 20 when the latest average power consumption exceeds a certain standard and the average power consumption has been increasing continuously for a recent predetermined period (e.g., three months). In other words, the control unit 52 determines that it is time to replace the plurality of lighting devices 20 when the state in which the average power consumption exceeds the certain standard is not a temporary state. In this case, the determination result indicates that replacement is necessary.

[0085] On the other hand, if the most recent average monthly power consumption does not exceed the certain standard, or if the most recent average monthly power consumption exceeds the certain standard but the average power consumption has not continued to increase over the most recent predetermined period (e.g., three months), the control unit 52 determines that it is not time to replace the plurality of lighting devices 20. In this case, the determination result is normal.

[0086] The certain criterion will now be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the certain criterion, in which the vertical axis of Fig. 9 represents power consumption and the horizontal axis of Fig. 9 represents time.

[0087] 9 illustrates an upper limit setting value. The upper limit setting value is the power consumption specified for each model number of the lighting device 20 by the manufacturer of the lighting device 20, and as long as the upper limit setting value is not exceeded, the lighting device 20 can be used safely. In other words, the lighting device 20 must be replaced before the average power consumption of the lighting device 20 exceeds the upper limit setting value.

[0088] Therefore, in the lighting management system 10, for example, a power equivalent to a predetermined percentage of the upper limit setting value is set as the fixed standard. The predetermined percentage is, for example, about 80% to 90%. The predetermined percentage (hereinafter also referred to as the setting value) for calculating the fixed standard is stored in advance for each space block in the storage unit 53 of the system management server 50. As shown in FIG. 9, the replacement time refers to the period from when the average power consumption reaches a certain standard to when it reaches the upper limit setting value. The timing when the average power consumption is expected to reach the upper limit setting value is also referred to as the replacement deadline. The replacement deadline may be a timing after a certain period (e.g., 15 years) has elapsed since the start of use of the lighting device 20. In other words, the replacement deadline may be either the timing when the average power consumption is expected to reach the upper limit setting value or a timing after a certain period has elapsed since the start of use of the lighting device 20, whichever is earlier.

[0089] In this manner, with the power management information including the determination results being periodically updated, the user performs a predetermined operation on the user terminal 60 to check the status of power consumption in the space block, and the display unit 61 accepts the predetermined operation. The predetermined operation includes selecting an icon labeled "Check electricity usage so far" on the menu screen of Fig. 5. In response to the acceptance of the predetermined operation, the control unit 63 transmits a display request to the system management server 50 using the communication unit 62 (S35).

[0090] The communication unit 51 of the system management server 50 receives the display request. The control unit 52 transmits, to the user terminal 60 using the communication unit 51, display information for displaying a confirmation screen showing the status of power consumption in the space block, based on the latest power management information stored in the storage unit 53 (S36).

[0091] The communication unit 62 of the user terminal 60 receives the display information. The control unit 63 displays a confirmation screen for the power consumption status of the space block on the display unit 61 based on the received display information (S37). Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen for the power consumption status of the space block. In this way, the confirmation screen of Figure 10 is displayed based on the power management information of Figure 8.

[0092] In step S35, a predetermined operation may be performed to predict power consumption in the space block. In this case, the predetermined operation includes selecting an icon labeled "Check future electricity usage" on the menu screen of Fig. 5. In this case, the same processes as in steps S35 to S37 are performed, and a prediction screen such as that shown in Fig. 11 is displayed on the display unit 61 of the user terminal 60. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the prediction screen for power consumption in the space block.

[0093] 11 shows a prediction line indicating predicted power consumption, which is generated by, for example, extending the line indicating the trend in past average power consumption (see the lower part of FIG. 10 ) toward the future. According to the inventors' investigations, unless the frequency of use of the multiple lighting devices 20 installed in a space block fluctuates significantly, the power consumption of the multiple lighting devices 20 can be considered to increase linearly according to the duration of use of the multiple lighting devices 20. In other words, the prediction line can be easily generated from the trend in average power consumption to date.

[0094] If multiple lighting devices 20 installed in a space block are due for replacement (i.e., if the power management information indicates that replacement is necessary), a replacement recommendation message is displayed on the prediction screen of Fig. 11. In Fig. 11, the replacement recommendation message is "The lighting devices in space block B-1 are due for replacement." When the prediction screen of Fig. 11 is displayed, the display information transmitted in step S36 includes replacement recommendation data indicating that it is time to replace the group of lighting devices 20 corresponding to the space block, and the control unit 52 includes in the replacement recommendation data a message urging the user to replace the group of lighting devices 20 corresponding to the space block with replacement lighting devices 20.

[0095] Furthermore, in step S35, a predetermined operation may be performed to confirm the exchange recommendation message. In this case, the predetermined operation includes selecting an icon labeled "Confirm exchange recommendation message" on the menu screen of Fig. 5. In this case, the same processes as in steps S35 to S37 are performed, and a confirmation screen such as that shown in Fig. 12 is displayed on the display unit 61 of the user terminal 60. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen for the exchange recommendation message.

[0096] Figure 12 shows a confirmation screen for a replacement recommendation message when the judgment result of the power management information for three space blocks A-1, A-2, and A-3 is normal (no replacement required), and the judgment result of the power management information for three space blocks B-1, B-2, and B-3 is that replacement is required.

[0097] 12, the message "It is recommended to replace the lighting devices in the following space blocks" corresponds to the replacement recommendation message. When the confirmation screen in Fig. 12 is displayed, the display information transmitted in step S36 includes replacement recommendation data indicating that it is time to replace the group of lighting devices 20 corresponding to the space blocks, and the control unit 52 has included in the replacement recommendation data a message urging the user to replace the group of lighting devices 20 corresponding to the space blocks with replacement lighting devices 20.

[0098] In the example of FIG. 12, the determination result that replacement is necessary is classified into Level 1 and Level 2. A space block in which it is determined that the lighting device 20 needs replacement and the period until the replacement deadline (see FIG. 9) is determined to be equal to or greater than a reference value is determined to be Level 1. The reference value is, for example, a value corresponding to a period of about six months to one year. Level 1 indicates that the time for replacement has come, but there is still a relatively long time until the replacement deadline.

[0099] On the other hand, a space block in which it is determined that the lighting device 20 needs to be replaced and the time until the replacement deadline is determined to be less than the reference value is determined to be at Level 2. Level 2 indicates that the time for replacement has come and the replacement deadline is approaching.

[0100] By the power consumption management operation described above, the lighting management system 10 can present the user with a replacement recommendation message urging them to replace the lighting devices 20 when the power consumption of the lighting devices 20 installed in a space block exceeds a certain standard and is on the rise.

[0101] [Presenting a lighting equipment replacement plan] Next, the operation of presenting a replacement plan for multiple lighting devices 20 installed in a space block, performed by the lighting management system 10, will be described with reference to Fig. 4B. Note that, for simplicity, the following description will be given focusing on one space block, but in reality, the operation will be performed focusing on multiple space blocks.

[0102] When the control unit 52 of the system management server 50 determines that it is time to replace a plurality of lighting devices 20 by referring to the power management information stored in the memory unit 53 (S41), the control unit 52 transmits an information request for the lighting device information and the contractor information to the business operator terminal 70 using the communication unit 51 (S42).

[0103] The communication unit 72 of the business operator terminal 70 receives the information provision request. Based on the received information provision request, the control unit 73 transmits the lighting device information and the contractor information stored in the storage unit 74 to the system management server 50 using the communication unit 72 (S43). Note that since the business operator terminal 70 is a terminal of the business operator that undertakes the replacement work, there are cases in which the lighting device information is not stored in the storage unit 74 of the business operator terminal 70. In such a case, the lighting device information is transmitted, for example, from an information terminal of a manufacturer that produces the replacement lighting device 20 (an example of a second information processing device) to the business operator terminal 70 (an example of a first information processing device), and then transmitted from the business operator terminal 70 to the system management server 50.

[0104] The communication unit 51 of the system management server 50 receives the lighting device information and the contractor information. The control unit 52 stores the received lighting device information and contractor information in the storage unit 53 (S44). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the lighting device information, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the contractor information. As shown in FIG. 13, the lighting device information associates the product number, manufacturer, unit price, fixture efficiency, CO2 emissions, and recycling rate. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, the contractor information associates the name of the contractor, contact information, and labor cost.

[0105] Here, building information indicating the product numbers of the lighting devices 20 installed in the space blocks is pre-stored in the storage unit 53. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the building information. As shown in Fig. 15, the building information associates the ID of the space block, the update date, the updater, and the product numbers of the lighting devices 20.

[0106] The control unit 52 creates a replacement plan for the lighting devices 20 based on the lighting device information, contractor information, and building information (S45). First, the control unit 52 identifies the product numbers of the lighting devices 20 (hereinafter also referred to as new lighting devices 20) that can replace the lighting devices 20 (hereinafter also referred to as old lighting devices 20) installed in the target space block. The control unit 52 identifies the specifications of the old lighting devices 20 by comparing the product numbers of the old lighting devices 20 identified from the building information with the product numbers specified in the lighting device information.

[0107] The control unit 52 selects, as a new lighting device 20, a lighting device 20 having specifications closest to those of the old lighting device 20 from among the lighting devices 20 specified in the lighting device information, based on a predetermined algorithm stored in advance in the storage unit 53. Note that the user may specify conditions for selecting the new lighting device 20. For example, the user may specify the manufacturer of the new lighting device 20, the unit price of the new lighting device 20 such as XX yen or less, or the product number of the new lighting device 20 directly.

[0108] Next, the control unit 52 selects a contractor capable of installing the new lighting device 20 in the space block by referring to the contractor information. The control unit 52 selects a contractor based on a predetermined algorithm pre-stored in the storage unit 53. The contractor may be designated by the user.

[0109] Next, the control unit 52 creates a plurality of replacement plans, each with a different timing for replacing the old lighting devices 20 with the new lighting devices 20. Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining the replacement plans, in which the vertical axis of Fig. 16 represents cost (yen) and the horizontal axis of Fig. 16 represents time.

[0110] 16 is a plan to use the old lighting device 20 until the replacement deadline, and then replace the old lighting device 20 with a new lighting device 20 at the replacement deadline. In this case, the control unit 52 can calculate the electricity cost for the period during which the old lighting device 20 is used (the period until the replacement deadline) by multiplying the amount of power consumption based on the above-mentioned power consumption forecast line by the unit price of electricity, and the cost incurred at the replacement deadline can be calculated by adding the unit price of the new lighting device 20 indicated in the lighting device information and the labor cost of the contractor indicated in the contractor information. The electricity cost for the period during which the new lighting device 20 is used (the period after the replacement deadline) can be calculated based on the fixture efficiency, set illuminance, and unit price of electricity of the new lighting device 20 indicated in the lighting device information.

[0111] 16 is a plan to replace old lighting devices 20 with new lighting devices 20 at start timing t1 of the replacement period. In other words, plan 1 is a plan to quickly replace old lighting devices 20 with new lighting devices 20.

[0112] In this case, the control unit 52 can calculate the cost incurred at timing t1 by adding the unit price of the new lighting device 20 indicated in the lighting device information and the labor cost of the contractor indicated in the contractor information. The power cost during the period in which the new lighting device 20 is used (the period after timing t1) can be calculated based on the device efficiency, set illuminance, and unit price of power of the new lighting device 20 indicated in the lighting device information.

[0113] Plan 2 in FIG. 16 is a plan to replace old lighting devices 20 with new lighting devices 20 at start timing t2 of the replacement period.

[0114] In this case, the control unit 52 can calculate the power cost for the period during which the old lighting device 20 is used (the period until timing t2) by multiplying the amount of power consumption based on the above-mentioned power consumption prediction line by the power unit price. The control unit 52 can calculate the cost incurred at timing t2 by adding the unit price of the new lighting device 20 indicated in the lighting device information and the labor cost of the contractor indicated in the contractor information. The control unit 52 can calculate the power cost for the period during which the new lighting device 20 is used (the period after timing t2) based on the device efficiency, set illuminance, and power unit price of the new lighting device 20 indicated in the lighting device information.

[0115] Plan 3 in FIG. 16 is a plan to replace old lighting devices 20 with new lighting devices 20 at start timing t3 of the replacement period.

[0116] In this case, the control unit 52 can calculate the power cost for the period during which the old lighting device 20 is used (the period until timing t3) by multiplying the amount of power consumption based on the above-mentioned power consumption prediction line by the power unit price. The control unit 52 can calculate the cost incurred at timing t3 by adding the unit price of the new lighting device 20 indicated in the lighting device information and the labor cost of the contractor indicated in the contractor information. The control unit 52 can calculate the power cost for the period during which the new lighting device 20 is used (the period after timing t3) based on the device efficiency, set illuminance, and power unit price of the new lighting device 20 indicated in the lighting device information.

[0117] Furthermore, the control unit 52 creates cost information, which is table information summarizing the costs of each plan, in addition to information for displaying the expected cost (graph) as shown in Fig. 16, and stores the cost information in the storage unit 53. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of cost information.

[0118] After the exchange plan is created in step S45 in this manner, the user performs a predetermined operation on the user terminal 60 to confirm the exchange plan, and the display unit 61 accepts the predetermined operation. The predetermined operation includes, for example, selecting an icon labeled "Confirm exchange plan" on the prediction screen of Fig. 11. In response to the acceptance of the predetermined operation, the control unit 63 transmits a display request to the system management server 50 using the communication unit 62 (S46).

[0119] The communication unit 51 of the system management server 50 receives the display request. The control unit 52 transmits, to the user terminal 60, information for displaying the estimated cost stored in the storage unit 53 and display information for displaying a confirmation screen for the exchange plan based on the cost information, using the communication unit 51 (S47).

[0120] The communication unit 62 of the user terminal 60 receives the display information. The control unit 63 displays an exchange plan confirmation screen on the display unit 61 based on the received display information (S48). Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of the exchange plan confirmation screen.

[0121] When the user actually wishes to request replacement work for the lighting device 20, the user performs a predetermined operation on the user terminal 60 to request replacement, and the display unit 61 accepts the predetermined operation. The predetermined operation includes, for example, selecting an icon labeled "Request replacement work" on the prediction screen of FIG. 11 or the confirmation screen of FIG. 12. In response to the acceptance of the predetermined operation, the control unit 63 transmits work request information to the business operator terminal 70 using the communication unit 62 (S49).

[0122] When the communication unit 72 of the business operator terminal 70 receives the installation request information, it transmits (replies) response information to the user terminal 60 (S50). Thereafter, the business operator carries out the installation work to replace the lighting device 20 (S51).

[0123] When the replacement work of the lighting device 20 is completed, the control unit 73 of the business operator terminal 70 transmits a work completion notice to the system management server 50 using the communication unit 72 based on a predetermined operation of the business operator, etc. (S52). The work completion notice includes information indicating the ID of the space block, the product number of the new lighting device 20, the person who performed the update, etc.

[0124] The communication unit 51 of the system management server 50 receives the construction completion notification. The control unit 52 updates the building information ( FIG. 15 ) based on the received construction completion notification (S53). Specifically, the control unit 52 updates the product number of the old lighting device 20 to the product number of the new lighting device 20 in the row of the space block ID that is the same as the ID of the space block included in the construction completion notification in the building information, and updates the update date and the updater.

[0125] According to the above-described operation of presenting a replacement plan, the lighting management system 10 can support the user in considering replacement of lighting devices 20.

[0126] The presentation of the replacement plan has the same meaning as recommending replacement of the lighting devices 20. When the confirmation screen of FIG. 18 is displayed, the display information transmitted in step S47 includes replacement recommendation data indicating that it is time to replace the group of lighting devices 20 corresponding to the space block. Furthermore, the confirmation screen of FIG. 18 may also display a replacement recommendation message. In this case, the control unit 52 includes, in the replacement recommendation data, a message urging the user to replace the group of lighting devices 20 corresponding to the space block with replacement lighting devices 20.

[0127] 18 may be determined based on, for example, the fixture efficiency included in the lighting device information. For example, the control unit 52 may include the replacement recommendation message in the replacement recommendation data when it determines, based on the lighting device information (an example of fixture efficiency information indicating the fixture efficiency of a new lighting device 20), that the power consumption of the new lighting device 20, when replacing the old lighting device 20 with the new lighting device 20, is lower than the power consumption of the old lighting device 20 when the old lighting device 20 is continued to be used. In other words, the old lighting device 20 is the existing lighting device 20, and the new lighting device 20 is the replacement lighting device 20.

[0128] Furthermore, when the control unit 52 determines, based on the lighting device information, that the new lighting device 20 is a lighting device 20 such that, if the old lighting device 20 is replaced with the new lighting device 20, the CO2 emissions will be lower than the CO2 emissions if the old lighting device 20 is continued to be used, the control unit 52 may include a replacement recommendation message in the replacement recommendation data.

[0129] [Determining the content of the replacement recommendation message] The determination result that replacement is necessary may include, in addition to the above-mentioned levels 1 and 2, level 3, which indicates that the lighting device 20 has reached its replacement deadline (the lighting device 20 needs to be replaced immediately). In this way, when the determination result that replacement is necessary includes multiple levels, the content of the replacement recommendation message may be changed (determined) depending on the level. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the operation of determining the content of the replacement recommendation message. Note that in the following description of the determination operation, an example will be described in which the content of the replacement recommendation message is determined for each of N spatial blocks.

[0130] The control unit 52 of the system management server 50 reads out the power management information for space block n (1≦n≦N) from the power management information stored in the storage unit 53 (S61). The control unit 52 also reads out the setting value (predetermined ratio for calculating the fixed standard) for space block n from the storage unit 53 (S62).

[0131] Next, the control unit 52 acquires the upper limit setting value (S63). Fig. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process of acquiring the upper limit setting value.

[0132] The control unit 52 transmits a transmission request for the upper limit setting value of the lighting device 20 installed in the space block n to the business operator terminal 70 using the communication unit 51 (S63a). The communication unit 72 of the business operator terminal 70 receives the transmission request, and the control unit 73 transmits the upper limit setting value to the system management server 50 using the communication unit 72 based on the received transmission request (S63b).

[0133] The communication unit 51 of the system management server 50 receives the upper limit setting value. The control unit 52 converts the upper limit setting value for the lighting devices 20 into the upper limit setting value for the space block n by, for example, multiplying the received upper limit setting value by the number of lighting devices 20 installed in the space block n (S63c). In other words, the control unit 52 acquires the upper limit setting value.

[0134] Based on the power management information read in step S61, the control unit 52 determines whether the latest average power consumption exceeds a certain standard and whether the average power consumption has continued to increase over the most recent specified period (S64). In other words, the control unit 52 determines whether it is time to replace the battery. The certain standard can be determined by multiplying the upper limit setting value obtained in step S63 by the setting value obtained in step S62.

[0135] When the control unit 52 determines that the most recent average power consumption exceeds a certain standard and that the average power consumption has continued to increase over the most recent specified period (Yes in S64), it determines the replacement deadline (S65). The control unit 52 can determine the replacement deadline by assuming that the increase in power consumption in the space block n occurs at the same pace (slope) as before, based on the difference between the most recent average power consumption and the upper limit set for the space block n. If the operation of the flowchart in FIG. 19 is performed periodically, such as every month, the replacement deadline may fluctuate each time the operation of the flowchart in FIG. 19 is performed due to factors such as an increase or decrease in the frequency of use of the lighting device 20 recently. If the current time falls within the replacement period, the replacement deadline can be said to be variably set for the space block n depending on the power consumption or power consumption amount used at the replacement period (the most recent average power consumption or the power consumption amount in the most recent space block n).

[0136] Next, the control unit 52 creates an exchange plan (S66). The method for creating the exchange plan has been explained in steps S42 to S45 of Fig. 4B, and therefore detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0137] Next, the control unit 52 determines whether the period from the current time to the replacement deadline is equal to or greater than a reference value (S67). If the control unit 52 determines that the period from the current time to the replacement deadline is equal to or greater than the reference value and that there is a relatively long time until the replacement deadline (Yes in S67), the control unit 52 sets the replacement recommendation message for the space block n to level 1 (low necessity of replacement) (S68).

[0138] On the other hand, if the control unit 52 determines that the period from the current time to the replacement deadline is less than the reference value and that the replacement deadline is approaching (No in S67), it determines whether the current time has passed the replacement deadline (S69). If the control unit 52 determines that the current time has not passed the replacement deadline (No in S69), it sets the replacement recommendation message for the space block n to level 2 (high necessity of replacement) (S70). A level 2 replacement recommendation message is a message that more strongly recommends replacement of the lighting device 20 than a level 1 replacement recommendation message.

[0139] On the other hand, when the control unit 52 determines that the replacement deadline has passed (Yes in S69), it sets a replacement alert (replacement required) for the space block n instead of a replacement recommendation message (S71). The replacement alert is realized by displaying a message such as "Do not use any more. Please replace immediately." In other words, the replacement alert is a level 3 replacement recommendation message.

[0140] If the control unit 52 determines in step S64 that the latest average power consumption does not exceed a certain standard, or that the latest average power consumption exceeds the certain standard but the increasing trend of the average power consumption has not continued for the most recent predetermined period (No in S64), it considers that replacement of the lighting devices 20 installed in space block n is unnecessary and does not set a replacement recommendation message for space block n. Then, the control unit 52 determines whether n=N (S72), and if it determines that n=N (Yes in S72), it ends the operation. If it determines that n≠N (No in S72), the control unit 52 sets n=n+1 and performs the process for other space blocks from step S61. The control unit 52 also performs the determination in step S72 after the processes of steps S68, S70, and S71.

[0141] In this way, the lighting management system 10 can change the content of the replacement recommendation message depending on the length of the period from the current time to the replacement deadline.

[0142] [Variations] In the above embodiment, when a user performs a predetermined operation on the user terminal 60, replacement recommendation data for displaying a replacement recommendation message, a replacement alert, or a replacement plan on the display unit 61 is transmitted from the system management server 50 to the user terminal 60, and display content based on the replacement recommendation data is displayed on the display unit 61. Here, the replacement recommendation data may be transmitted from the system management server 50 to the user terminal 60 in the form of a push notification or the like, based on a start trigger on the system management server 50 side, without requiring a user operation. For example, the replacement recommendation message or the like (replacement recommendation data) may be transmitted periodically at the time of replacement.

[0143] [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 the exemplified inventions will be explained.

[0144] Invention 1 is an information providing method in a management system for managing a space where multiple LED lighting devices are installed, the information providing method comprising: acquiring, via a network, power data representing the amount of power used by multiple LED lighting devices installed in one of multiple space blocks that make up the space; determining, based on the power data, that the block power amount represents the amount of power used to maintain the spatial illuminance corresponding to the space block at a certain level; determining that the block power amount has reached a predetermined percentage of the upper limit setting value and is increasing beyond a certain standard set for the space block; and transmitting replacement recommendation data indicating that it is time to replace a group of the multiple LED lighting devices corresponding to the space block among the multiple LED lighting devices to a terminal device of a user using the space for display on the terminal device. The lighting devices 20, the system management server 50, the network 80, and the user terminal 60 in the above embodiment are examples of LED lighting devices, a management system, a network, and a terminal device.

[0145] This information provision method can present a message to the user urging them to replace lighting devices when the power consumption of lighting devices installed in a space block exceeds a certain standard and is on the rise, thereby helping the user to properly understand when to replace LED lighting devices for each space block.

[0146] Invention 2 is an information providing method of Invention 1, in which the replacement deadline when the block power amount reaches the upper limit set value is variably set for one spatial block depending on the block power amount used at the replacement time.

[0147] According to this information providing method, the replacement deadline is set individually for each space block, so that the replacement time can be grasped more accurately based on the block power amount corresponding to each space block.

[0148] Invention 3 is the information providing method of Invention 2, in which the replacement recommendation data is transmitted periodically at the time of replacement.

[0149] This method of providing information can prompt users to periodically replace their LED lighting equipment when the time for replacement arrives.

[0150] Invention 4 is the information providing method of any one of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the upper limit setting value corresponds to one space block.

[0151] According to this information providing method, the upper limit setting value corresponds to each spatial block, so it is possible to determine whether the block power amount exceeds a certain standard and is on the rise based on the upper limit setting value corresponding to the spatial block.

[0152] Invention 5 is the information providing method of any one of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the power data is acquired from an energy management server 40 that manages a plurality of LED lighting devices installed in one space.

[0153] In this information providing method, power data can be acquired from the energy management server 40.

[0154] Invention 6 is an information providing method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 5, in which equipment efficiency information indicating the fixture efficiency of a replacement LED lighting device is acquired in a management system, and if it is determined based on the equipment efficiency information that the replacement LED lighting device is a lighting device that will consume less power if the existing LED lighting devices corresponding to a certain space block are replaced with the replacement LED lighting devices than if the existing LED lighting devices were continued to be used, a message encouraging the replacement of a group of LED lighting devices corresponding to the certain space block with the replacement LED lighting devices is transmitted to a terminal device of a user using the certain space to be displayed on the terminal device.

[0155] This information provision method can encourage users to switch to LED lighting equipment when doing so can reduce power consumption, which not only provides cost benefits to individual users but also leads to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

[0156] Invention 7 is the information providing method of Invention 6, in which the equipment efficiency information is acquired from a first information processing device of the business operator contracted to perform the replacement work using replacement LED lighting equipment. The business operator terminal 70 in the above embodiment is an example of the first information processing device.

[0157] In this information providing method, the equipment efficiency information can be acquired from the first information processing device.

[0158] Invention 8 is the information providing method of Invention 7, in which the equipment efficiency information is transmitted from a second information processing device of a manufacturer that produces replacement LED lighting equipment to a first information processing device of the business operator.

[0159] In this information providing method, the equipment efficiency information transmitted from the second information processing device to the first information processing device can be acquired from the first information processing device.

[0160] Invention 9 is an information providing method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 8, in which a lighting device ID indicating each of a group of LED lighting devices corresponding to one spatial block is managed in a management system in association with a spatial block ID indicating one spatial block.

[0161] This information provision method makes it possible to manage which LED lighting devices are installed in which spatial blocks.

[0162] Invention 10 is the information providing method of any one of Inventions 6 to 8, wherein the replacement recommendation data encourages replacement of all of a group of LED lighting devices corresponding to one space block with replacement LED lighting devices.

[0163] This method of providing information can encourage replacement of all LED lighting equipment installed in a spatial block.

[0164] Invention 11 is a management system for managing a space in which a plurality of LED lighting devices are installed, which acquires, via a network, power data representing the amount of power used by each of a plurality of LED lighting devices installed in a space block among a plurality of space blocks that make up the space, the power data representing the block power amount used to maintain the space illuminance corresponding to the space block at a certain level, and determines, based on the power data, that the block power amount has reached a predetermined percentage of an upper limit setting value and is on the rise, exceeding a certain standard set for the space block. After that, the management system outputs replacement recommendation data, indicating that it is time to replace a group of LED lighting devices among the plurality of LED lighting devices that corresponds to the space block, to a terminal device for display on the terminal device of a user using the space.

[0165] This management system can display a message to users urging them to replace lighting equipment when the power consumption of lighting equipment installed in a space block exceeds a certain standard and is on the rise, thereby helping users to properly understand when to replace LED lighting equipment for each space block.

[0166] Invention 12 is a terminal device in the management system of Invention 11, which obtains replacement recommendation data from the management system encouraging the replacement of a group of LED lighting devices corresponding to one spatial block among multiple LED lighting devices with replacement LED lighting devices, and displays display content based on the replacement recommendation data on a display.

[0167] Such a terminal device can assist the user in determining when to replace LED lighting devices for each spatial block.

[0168] Invention 13 is an information providing method in a management system for managing a space in which a plurality of LED lighting devices are installed, comprising: acquiring, via a network, first power data representing the amount of power used by each of the plurality of LED lighting devices installed in a first space block among a plurality of space blocks constituting the space, the first power data representing the first block power amount used to maintain the space illuminance corresponding to the first space block at a constant level; acquiring, via the network, second power data representing the amount of power used by each of the plurality of LED lighting devices installed in a second space block among a plurality of space blocks constituting the space, the second power data representing the second block power amount used to maintain the space illuminance corresponding to the second space block at a constant level; and based on the first power data, an information providing method in which, after determining that one block of power consumption has reached a first predetermined rate of a first upper limit setting value and has exceeded a first fixed standard set for the first spatial block and is on an increasing trend, first replacement recommendation data is sent to a terminal device of a user using the space, indicating that it is time to replace a group of LED lighting devices corresponding to the first spatial block among the plurality of LED lighting devices; and, after determining based on the second power data that a second block of power consumption has reached a second predetermined rate of a second upper limit setting value and has exceeded a second fixed standard set for the second spatial block and is on an increasing trend, second replacement recommendation data is sent to the terminal device, indicating that it is time to replace a group of LED lighting devices corresponding to the second spatial block among the plurality of LED lighting devices; the first fixed standard is different from the second fixed standard.

[0169] This information provision method can present a message to the user urging them to replace the lighting device when the power consumption of the lighting device installed in the space block exceeds a certain standard and is on the rise. This helps the user to properly understand when to replace the LED lighting device for each space block. Note that, for example, the first space block may be a space block corresponding to a room where the user works, while the second space block may be a space block corresponding to a hallway.

[0170] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the information providing method of the thirteenth aspect, wherein the first upper limit setting value is the same as the second upper limit setting value.

[0171] This information providing method can help the user to know when to replace each of the LED lighting devices for each space block when the LED lighting devices have the same upper limit setting value installed in the first space block and the second space block.

[0172] A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the information providing method of the thirteenth aspect, wherein the first upper limit setting value is different from the second upper limit setting value.

[0173] This information providing method can help the user to know when to replace each of the LED lighting devices in each space block when LED lighting devices with different upper limit setting values ​​are installed in the first space block and the second space block.

[0174] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0175] For example, in the above embodiment, it has been explained that the management system may be realized by a single server or by multiple servers. As such, the "system" in this specification may be configured by a single device or by multiple devices. When a system is configured by multiple devices, the components (especially functional components) of the system may be allocated in any way among the multiple devices.

[0176] Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (such as a broadband router, not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0177] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure 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.

[0181] For example, the present disclosure may be realized as an information providing method executed by a computer such as the management system of the above-described embodiment, or as a program (computer program product) for causing a computer to execute the information providing method. Furthermore, the present disclosure may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0182] In addition, the invention of this disclosure 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 that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 10 Lighting Management System 20 Lighting equipment 21, 31, 41, 51, 62, 72 Communications Department 22 Light source section 23, 33, 42, 52, 63, 73 Control section 24, 34, 43, 53, 64, 74 Storage section 30 Measuring Equipment 40 Energy Management Server 50 System Management Server 60 User terminals 70 Operator terminal 80 Network

Claims

1. An information providing method in a management system that manages a space in which a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting devices are installed, comprising: acquiring, via a network, power data representing the amount of power used by the plurality of LED lighting devices installed in one of the plurality of space blocks constituting the one space, the power data representing the block power amount used to maintain the space illuminance corresponding to the one space block at a constant level; and after determining, based on the power data, that the block power amount has reached a predetermined percentage of the upper limit setting value and is on an increasing trend beyond a certain standard set corresponding to the one space block, transmitting replacement recommendation data indicating that it is time to replace a group of LED lighting devices among the plurality of LED lighting devices corresponding to the one space block to a terminal device of a user using the one space for display on the terminal device. Information provision method.

2. The replacement deadline when the block power amount reaches the upper limit set value is variably set for the one space block according to the block power amount used at the replacement time. The information providing method according to claim 1.

3. the replacement recommendation data is periodically transmitted at the replacement time; 3. The information providing method according to claim 2.

4. The upper limit setting value corresponds to the one spatial block. The information providing method according to claim 1.

5. the power data is acquired from an energy management server that manages the plurality of LED lighting devices installed in the one space; The information providing method according to claim 1.

6. In the management system, Equipment efficiency information indicating the fixture efficiency of the replacement LED lighting equipment is obtained; When it is determined based on the equipment efficiency information that the replacement LED lighting equipment is a lighting equipment that will consume less power if the existing LED lighting equipment corresponding to the one space block is replaced with the replacement LED lighting equipment than if the existing LED lighting equipment were continued to be used, a message urging the user to replace the group of LED lighting equipment corresponding to the one space block with the replacement LED lighting equipment is transmitted to a terminal device of a user who uses the one space to be displayed on the terminal device. The information providing method according to claim 1.

7. the equipment efficiency information is acquired from a first information processing device of a business operator that undertakes the replacement work using the replacement LED lighting equipment; 7. The information providing method according to claim 6.

8. the equipment efficiency information is transmitted from a second information processing device of a manufacturer that manufactures the replacement LED lighting equipment to the first information processing device of the business; 8. The information providing method according to claim 7.

9. In the management system, a lighting device ID indicating each of the group of LED lighting devices corresponding to the one space block is managed in association with a space block ID indicating the one space block. The information providing method according to claim 1.

10. the replacement recommendation data prompts replacement of all of a group of LED lighting devices corresponding to the one space block with the replacement LED lighting devices; 7. The information providing method according to claim 6.

11. A management system for managing a space in which a plurality of LED lighting devices are installed, acquiring, via a network, power data representing the amount of power used by each of the plurality of LED lighting devices installed in one of the plurality of space blocks constituting the one space, the power data representing the amount of block power used to maintain the spatial illuminance corresponding to the one space block at a constant level; and after determining, based on the power data, that the block power amount has reached a predetermined ratio of an upper limit setting value and is on an increasing trend beyond a certain standard set corresponding to the one space block, outputting replacement recommendation data indicating that it is time to replace a group of LED lighting devices among the plurality of LED lighting devices corresponding to the one space block to a terminal device of a user using the one space for display on the terminal device. Management system.

12. acquiring, from the management system, replacement recommendation data that prompts a group of the LED lighting devices corresponding to the one spatial block among the plurality of LED lighting devices to be replaced with replacement LED lighting devices; displaying on a display the content based on the replacement recommendation data; A terminal device in the management system according to claim 11.

13. An information providing method in a management system that manages a space in which a plurality of LED lighting devices are installed, comprising: acquiring, via a network, first power data representing the amount of power used by each of the plurality of LED lighting devices installed in a first space block among a plurality of space blocks constituting the one space, the first power data representing the amount of first block power used to maintain a space illuminance corresponding to the first space block at a constant level; acquiring, via the network, second power data representing the amount of power used by each of the plurality of LED lighting devices installed in a second space block among the plurality of space blocks constituting the one space, the second power data representing the amount of second block power used to maintain a space illuminance corresponding to the second space block at a constant level; and after determining, based on the first power data, that the first block power amount has reached a first predetermined percentage of a first upper limit set value and is on an increasing trend beyond a first certain standard set corresponding to the first space block, transmitting first replacement recommendation data indicating that it is time to replace a group of LED lighting devices corresponding to the first space block among the plurality of LED lighting devices to a terminal device of a user using the one space; and after determining, based on the second power data, that the second block power amount has reached a second predetermined ratio of a second upper limit set value and is on an increasing trend beyond a second certain standard set corresponding to the second spatial block, transmitting second replacement recommendation data to the terminal device indicating that it is time to replace a group of LED lighting devices corresponding to the second spatial block among the plurality of LED lighting devices; The first predetermined criterion is different from the second predetermined criterion. Information provision method.

14. The first upper limit setting value is the same as the second upper limit setting value.

14. The information providing method according to claim 13.

15. The first upper limit setting value is different from the second upper limit setting value.

14. The information providing method according to claim 13.

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