Lighting support methods, programs, and lighting support systems

Abstract

This invention provides a lighting support method, program, and lighting support system that enable easy acquisition of desired lighting. [Solution] The lighting support method is a computer-based lighting support method and includes: step S2 of acquiring target image data which is image data of a target space S; step S5 of acquiring processed image data in which at least one of the chromaticity and brightness of the target image data has been changed; step S7 of calculating the amount of change of at least one of the chromaticity and brightness based on the target image data and the processed image data; and step S8 of generating lighting information that can realize a change in the lighting environment of the target space S corresponding to the calculated amount of change.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to perform desired lighting on a target space, it is known to perform a simulation using a computer. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for displaying a road lighting effect by a video that can confirm changes in the night-time visual environment and the in-tunnel visual environment due to changes in road lighting light sources on a moving image.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the method described in Patent Document 1 above, for example, by inputting the position of the light source, luminance, type of the light source, in the case of a spotlight, its light direction, attenuation coefficient of light rays in the air, position and angle of the light receiving surface, etc. into lighting simulation software, the road visual environment at night or in a tunnel is confirmed on the screen, Therefore, in order to create a desired lighting environment, there is a problem that it is necessary to repeatedly perform the operation of changing a large number of parameters (such as the position and luminance of the light source), and the operation is complicated.

[0005] The present invention provides a lighting support method, a program, and a lighting support system that can easily obtain desired lighting.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A lighting support method according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer-based lighting support method comprising: acquiring target image data which is image data of a target space; acquiring processed image data obtained by changing at least one of the chromaticity and brightness of the target image data; calculating the amount of change of at least one of the chromaticity and brightness based on the target image data and the processed image data; and generating lighting information that can realize a change in the lighting environment of the target space corresponding to the calculated amount of change.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the above-described lighting support method.

[0008] A lighting support system according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a target image acquisition unit that acquires target image data which is image data of a target space; a processed image acquisition unit that acquires processed image data in which at least one of the chromaticity and brightness of the target image data has been changed; a change amount calculation unit that calculates the amount of change of at least one of the chromaticity and brightness based on the target image data and the processed image data; and a lighting information generation unit that generates lighting information that can realize a change in the lighting environment of the target space corresponding to the amount of change calculated by the change amount calculation unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lighting support method, program, and lighting support system that can easily obtain the desired lighting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting support system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a target image displayed on the display unit of a lighting support system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a processed image displayed on the display unit of a lighting support system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a 3D model used to simulate the lighting environment of a target space. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting support method for a lighting support system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting support method according to one modified example of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a processed image displayed on the display unit of a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a 3D model used to simulate the lighting environment of a target space. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a 3D model used to simulate the lighting environment of a target space. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing a fourth modified example of the illumination support method of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting support system according to seven modifications of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting support method for a lighting support system according to seven modifications of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing the eighth modified example of the present invention and the lighting support method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the figures are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strictly accurate. In the figures, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a lighting support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting support system 1 of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting support system 1 is used, for example, by a user such as a designer when determining lighting conditions for illuminating a target space. In the present embodiment, the lighting support system 1 presents lighting information indicating lighting conditions to the user. The lighting support system 1 includes a terminal 照10 and a computing device 20. The terminal 10 is, for example, a device operated by the user, and image data of the target space is input by the user. The computing device 20 calculates lighting conditions based on the image data input to the terminal 10. The terminal 10 presents the calculated lighting conditions to the user. This will be specifically described below.

[0014] The terminal 10 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal operated by the user, or a personal computer or the like.

[0015] The terminal 10 has an input unit 11, a display unit 12, a control unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The input unit 11 receives various inputs from the user. The input unit 11 has, for example, a touch panel such as a touch panel type display, or physical buttons or the like.

[0016] The display unit 12 displays various images, for example. The display unit 12 displays an image for operation by the user, for example. The display unit 12 displays an image stored in the storage unit 14. Further, when the terminal 10 has an imaging unit such as a camera, the display unit 12 may display an image of the space being imaged by the imaging unit. The display unit 12 has a touch panel such as a touch panel type display, or physical buttons or the like.

[0017] In this embodiment, the display unit 12 displays a target image i1 of the target space S (see Figure 2). The target space S is the space to be illuminated. The target space S is not particularly limited, but for example, it is a room. The target image i1 may be, for example, an image showing a 2D model or a 3D model, or an image taken of the target space S. The target image i1 may be, for example, an image of the target space S as seen from a predetermined position.

[0018] The control unit 13 performs, for example, information processing on the terminal 10 and controls the operations performed by the terminal 10. The control unit 13 is composed of, for example, a processor. The processor is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit).

[0019] The storage unit 14 is a storage device that stores the control program executed by the control unit 13, and the images and the like mentioned above. The storage unit 14 may have, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 14 may also have an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like.

[0020] The communication unit 15 is a communication module (communication circuit) for communicating with the computing unit 20 and other components. The communication unit 15 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit using infrared rays or radio waves, but it may also be a wired communication circuit. There are no particular limitations on the communication standards used by the communication unit 15. The communication unit 15 also transmits various data, such as target image data, to the computing unit 20.

[0021] Figure 2 shows an example of a target image i1 displayed on the display unit 12 of the lighting support system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows an example of a processed image i2 displayed on the display unit 12 of the lighting support system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] In this terminal 10, the user operates the input unit 11 while viewing the target image i1 (see Figure 2) displayed on the display unit 12, changing, for example, at least one of the chromaticity and brightness of the target image i1 so that the target space S has a desired lighting environment (lighting state). As a result, the processed image i2 (see Figure 3) obtained by changing at least one of the chromaticity and brightness of the target image i1 is displayed on the display unit 12. The display unit 12 may also display both the target image i1 before the change and the processed image i2 after the change side by side.

[0023] Next, the arithmetic unit 20 will be described. The arithmetic unit 20 is, for example, a computer device such as a server. The arithmetic unit 20 has a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0024] The communication unit 21 is a communication module (communication circuit) for communicating with terminals 10, etc. The communication unit 21 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit using infrared rays or radio waves, but it may also be a wired communication circuit for wired communication. The communication standard used by the communication unit 21 is not particularly limited.

[0025] The control unit 22 performs, for example, information processing in the arithmetic unit 20 and controls the operations performed by the arithmetic unit 20. The control unit 22 is composed of, for example, a processor. The processor is composed of, for example, a CPU or a GPU.

[0026] The control unit 22 includes a target image acquisition unit 22a, a processed image acquisition unit 22b, a change amount calculation unit 22c, and an illumination information generation unit 22d.

[0027] The target image acquisition unit 22a acquires target image data 111, which is image data of the target space S. The target image data 111 may be two-dimensional image data as seen from a predetermined position in the target space S, but it is preferable that it be three-dimensional image data.

[0028] Furthermore, the target image acquisition unit 22a may acquire design drawing information 121 that indicates the positions of walls, floors, ceilings, and lighting fixtures that form the target space S.

[0029] Figure 4 shows an example of a 3D model M for simulating the lighting environment of a target space S. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the design drawing information 121 includes, for example, a 3D model M for simulating the lighting environment of a target space S. The 3D model M includes walls a1, floor a2, and ceiling a3. The 3D model M may further include information such as a desk a4 to be placed in the target space S. The 3D model M may also include information on at least one of the location and specifications of lighting fixtures b1 and b2.

[0030] The processed image acquisition unit 22b acquires processed image data 112, which is obtained by changing at least one of the chromaticity and brightness of the target image data 111. In other words, the processed image data 112 is data that represents the processed image i2.

[0031] The change amount calculation unit 22c calculates the change amount of at least one of the chromaticity and brightness in the target space S based on the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112. In other words, the change amount calculation unit 22c calculates the change amount of at least one of the chromaticity and brightness in the target space S before and after the user changes at least one of the chromaticity and brightness of the target image i1. That is, the change amount calculation unit 22c calculates the change amount of at least one of the chromaticity and brightness that the user has changed.

[0032] The lighting information generation unit 22d generates lighting information 131 for illuminating the target space S, as shown in the processed image i2, based on the amount of change calculated by the amount of change calculation unit 22c. In other words, the lighting information generation unit 22d generates lighting information 131 that can realize a change in the target space S corresponding to the amount of change calculated by the amount of change calculation unit 22c, based on the amount of change calculated by the amount of change calculation unit 22c.

[0033] Lighting information 131 is information indicating one or more lighting conditions. Specifically, lighting information 131 may include, for example, at least one piece of information such as the chromaticity and brightness (or luminous flux value) of the light emitted by lighting fixtures b1 and b2 that illuminate the target space S. Lighting information 131 may also include information on the part numbers and / or specifications of lighting fixtures b1 and b2. Lighting information 131 may also include, for example, location information of lighting fixtures b1 and b2. In this embodiment, lighting information 131 includes information on at least one of the location and specifications of lighting fixtures b1 and b2.

[0034] The storage unit 23 is a storage device that stores control programs and the like executed by the control unit 22. The storage unit 23 may have, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 23 may also have an HDD or the like.

[0035] Furthermore, the storage unit 23 stores the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112, etc. The storage unit 23 may also store design drawing information 121. The storage unit 23 may also store the lighting information 131 generated by the lighting information generation unit 22d in association with the target image data 111.

[0036] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting support method of lighting support system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, in step S1, the user operates the terminal 10 to transmit the target image data 111 from the terminal 10 to the computing unit 20.

[0038] In step S2, the target image acquisition unit 22a of the arithmetic unit 20 acquires the target image data 111.

[0039] In step S3, the user operates the terminal 10 to process the target image i1 of the target space S displayed on the display unit 12. As a result, the processed image i2 is displayed on the display unit 12. At this time, the user obtains the desired processed image i2 by, for example, changing at least one of the chromaticity and brightness of the target image i1. In other words, the user generates the processed image i2 so that the target space S has the desired lighting environment.

[0040] In step S4, the user operates terminal 10 to transmit processed image data 112 from terminal 10 to computing unit 20.

[0041] In step S5, the processing image acquisition unit 22b of the arithmetic unit 20 acquires the processing image data 112.

[0042] In step S6, terminal 10 transmits design drawing information 121, etc., to the computing device 20. Note that the design drawing information 121, etc., may also be transmitted together with the target image data 111 in step S1. Furthermore, the design drawing information 121, etc., does not necessarily have to be transmitted to the computing device 20.

[0043] In step S7, the change amount calculation unit 22c calculates the change amount of at least one of the chromaticity and brightness in the target space S based on the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112.

[0044] In this case, the change amount calculation unit 22c may calculate the change amount based on information of all pixels in the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112, for example. Alternatively, the change amount calculation unit 22c may calculate the change amount based on information of specific pixels in the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112, for example. The specific pixel may be a single pixel, but in this embodiment, it may be multiple pixels. The specific pixel may also be multiple pixels included in a predetermined area, for example. The specific pixel may also be selected by user operation, for example. Alternatively, the specific pixel may be automatically selected by the arithmetic unit 20.

[0045] In this embodiment, the change amount calculation unit 22c calculates the change amount of the representative value of brightness based on the information of multiple pixels in each of the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112. In addition, in this embodiment, the change amount calculation unit 22c calculates the change amounts of the representative value of brightness and the representative value of chromaticity based on the information of multiple pixels in each of the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112.

[0046] Representative values ​​for brightness are, for example, the mean, median, or maximum. Representative values ​​for chromaticity are, for example, For example, the mean, median, or mode.

[0047] Furthermore, the change amount calculation unit 22c may calculate, for example, the change in brightness difference between the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112. Specifically, the difference between the brightest pixel and the darkest pixel in the target image data 111 is taken as the first difference. The difference between the brightest pixel and the darkest pixel in the processed image data 112 is taken as the second difference. The change amount calculation unit 22c may then calculate the difference between the first difference and the second difference as the change amount.

[0048] In step S8, the lighting information generation unit 22d generates lighting information 131 based on the change amounts calculated by the change amount calculation unit 22c. Specifically, for example, the storage unit 23 stores change amount data showing the relationship between the change amounts of chromaticity and brightness and the change amounts of lighting conditions (e.g., the output of each light-emitting element), and the lighting information generation unit 22d may generate lighting information 131 based on the change amount data. Alternatively, for example, the lighting information generation unit 22d may generate lighting information 131 based on the relationship between the RGB values ​​of the display unit 12 of the terminal 10 and the chromaticity and brightness of the image displayed on the display unit 12. When using change amount data, and when using the relationship between the RGB values ​​of the display unit 12 and the chromaticity and brightness of the image displayed on the display unit 12, it is possible to accurately create the desired lighting environment in the target space S by controlling the lighting fixtures b1 and b2 based on the generated lighting information 131.

[0049] Furthermore, the lighting information generation unit 22d may generate lighting information 131 based on the design drawing information 121 in addition to the amount of change.

[0050] In step S9, the computing unit 20 transmits the lighting information 131 to the terminal 10.

[0051] In step S10, the display unit 12 of the terminal 10 displays lighting information 131. This allows the user to confirm the lighting information 131 for creating the desired lighting environment in the target space S. For example, the user can find out whether the desired lighting environment can be achieved simply by changing the chromaticity and / or brightness of the emitted light without changing the lighting fixtures b1 and b2 themselves. In other words, the user can find out whether it is necessary to change lighting fixtures b1 and b2 to lighting fixtures of different model numbers. Also, for example, the user can find out whether it is necessary to change the positions of lighting fixtures b1 and b2 to different positions.

[0052] As described above, the lighting support method of the lighting support system 1 of this embodiment includes a step S2 to acquire target image data 111, a step S4 to acquire processed image data 112, a step S7 to calculate the amount of change of at least one of chromaticity and brightness in the target space S based on the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112, and a step S8 to generate lighting information 131 based on the calculated amount of change.

[0053] In this lighting support system 1, the user can obtain lighting information 131 that allows the target space S to be illuminated in the desired lighting environment by processing the target image i1 into a processed image i2. Therefore, the user does not need to repeatedly change the numerous parameters included in the lighting information 131 until the target space S is illuminated in the desired lighting environment. As a result, the desired lighting environment can be easily obtained. It should be noted that obtaining the desired lighting environment does not mean that the lighting environment of the target space S is exactly the same as that of the processed image i2. Obtaining the desired lighting environment also includes getting closer to the desired lighting environment compared to the current lighting environment.

[0054] (First variation) Next, with reference to Figure 6, a lighting support method according to a first modification of the present invention will be described. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting support method according to a first modification of the present invention. In the first modification, unlike the above embodiment, an example will be described in which lighting information 131 is generated based on target lighting information.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6, after step S2, in step S11, target illumination information is transmitted from terminal 10 to processing unit 20. The target illumination information is illumination information 131 corresponding to the target image data 111. In other words, the target illumination information indicates the illumination conditions that illuminate the target space S when the target image i1 is obtained.

[0056] In step S12, the target image acquisition unit 22a of the arithmetic unit 20 acquires target illumination information. The timing of when the target image acquisition unit 22a acquires the target illumination information is not particularly limited as long as it is before step S7. For example, in step S1, both the target image data 111 and the target illumination information may be transmitted from the terminal 10 to the arithmetic unit 20, and in step S2, the target image acquisition unit 22a may acquire both the target image data 111 and the target illumination information.

[0057] In step S8, the lighting information generation unit 22d generates lighting information 131 based on the change amount calculated by the change amount calculation unit 22c and the target lighting information acquired by the target image acquisition unit 22a.

[0058] The configuration of the first modified example and other lighting support methods are the same as in the above embodiment.

[0059] As explained above, in the first modification, target lighting information is acquired, and lighting information 131 is generated based on the acquired target lighting information. Since the target lighting information is the lighting information 131 corresponding to the target image data 111, the relationship between the lighting conditions and the target image i1 can be understood. Therefore, by using the target lighting information in addition to the amount of change, lighting information 131 that can realize changes in the lighting environment of the target space S can be generated with high accuracy.

[0060] (Second variation) Next, a lighting support method according to a second modification of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a processed image i2a displayed on the display unit 12 of the lighting support system 1 of the second modification of the present invention. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a 3D model M for simulating the lighting environment of a target space S. In the second modification, unlike the embodiments described above, an example will be described in which the user processes a part of the target image i1.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, in step S3, the user operates the terminal 10 to make the area R1 around the desk a4 and a part of the wall a1 R2 (see Figure 7) in the target image i1 brighter. As a result, the processed image i2a shown in Figure 7 is displayed on the display unit 12. At this time, the user uses an input unit 11, such as a mouse, to specify the areas R1 and R2 whose brightness to be changed and to change their brightness.

[0062] In step S7, the change amount calculation unit 22c divides the image (for example, the target image i1 and the processed image i2) into multiple regions and calculates the change amount for each region. In the second modified example, the change amount calculation unit 22c compares the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112 to identify the regions that have changed (in this case, regions R1 and R2). The change amount calculation unit 22c then calculates the change amounts for regions R1 and R2, and sets the change amounts for regions other than regions R1 and R2 to zero.

[0063] The method for dividing the target space S into multiple regions is not particularly limited, but for example, the number of divisions in the vertical and horizontal directions of the image may be predetermined. Alternatively, for example, modified region data indicating regions modified by the user may be transmitted from the terminal 10 to the computing device 20, and the image may be divided into multiple regions based on the modified region data. Alternatively, for example, the image may be divided into processed regions and unprocessed regions using machine learning or the like.

[0064] In step S8, the lighting information generation unit 22d generates lighting information 131 based on the change amount calculated by the change amount calculation unit 22c. In this case, in the second modified example, it is difficult to achieve the desired lighting environment by simply changing the outputs of lighting fixtures b1 and b2, for example. For this reason, the lighting information generation unit 22d generates lighting information 131 that adds lighting fixtures b3 and b4 (see Figure 8) to illuminate regions R1 and R2, respectively.

[0065] The configuration of the second modified example and other lighting support methods are the same as those of the embodiments described above.

[0066] As explained above, in the second modification, the user processes a portion of the target image i1. In this case as well, the desired lighting environment can be easily achieved, for example, by calculating the amount of change for each region.

[0067] (Third variation) Next, with reference to Figure 9, a lighting support method according to a third modification of the present invention will be described. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a 3D model M for simulating the lighting environment of a target space S. In the third modification, unlike the embodiments described above, an example will be described in which the amount of change is calculated based on rendering information.

[0068] As shown in Figure 9, in step S2, the target image acquisition unit 22a acquires the rendered image as the target image data 111, and rendering information. Alternatively, the target image acquisition unit 22a may acquire the rendered image by generating a rendered image from the target image data 111.

[0069] The rendered image is, for example, an image showing the 3D model M, or the target image i1.

[0070] The rendering information includes, for example, the position of the camera c1 that captured the target image i1, the orientation of the camera c1, and at least one of the reflectivity of the elements in the target image i1. In the third modified example, the rendering information includes the position of the camera c1, the orientation of the camera c1, and the reflectivity of all the elements (wall a1, floor a2, and ceiling a3, etc.) in the target image i1. The target image i1 is, for example, a virtual image of a 3D model M captured by the camera c1 from a predetermined position in a predetermined direction.

[0071] Then, in the third modified example, in step S7, the amount of change is calculated based on the rendered image and rendering information.

[0072] The configuration of the third modified example and other lighting support methods are the same as those of the embodiments described above.

[0073] As explained above, in the third modified example, in step S7, the amount of change is calculated based on the rendered image and rendering information.

[0074] In this way, based on the rendered image and rendering information, the relationship between the x and y coordinates in the processed image i2a of regions R1 and R2 and their positions in the 3D model M can be easily determined. Specifically, since the shooting area can be determined from the shape of the room, the size of the room, and the position of the camera c1, it is easy to determine where in the room a certain part of the processed image i2 corresponds to. Therefore, for example, lighting fixtures b3 and b4 can be easily added in the appropriate positions.

[0075] Furthermore, without using rendered images or rendering information, it is also possible to obtain the relationship between the x and y coordinates in the processed image i2a of regions R1 and R2 and their positions in the 3D model M, for example, through machine learning.

[0076] The configuration of the third modified example is particularly effective when processing a portion of the target image i1, as in the second modified example.

[0077] (Fourth variation) Next, with reference to Figure 10, a lighting support method according to a fourth modification of the present invention will be described. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting support method according to a fourth modification of the present invention. In the fourth modification, unlike the embodiments described above, an example will be described in which the user generates lighting information 131 while maintaining some of the lighting conditions.

[0078] As shown in Figure 10, after step S2, in step S21, the user operates terminal 10 to send maintenance information from terminal 10 to the computing unit 20. The maintenance information is information indicating the lighting conditions that the user wants to maintain from the lighting information 131 (target lighting information) corresponding to the target image i1. For example, if the user does not want to change the model number of lighting fixture b1, they input maintenance information indicating that the model number of lighting fixture b1 should be maintained. Also, for example, if the user does not want to change the position of lighting fixture b1, they input maintenance information indicating that the position of lighting fixture b1 should be maintained.

[0079] In step S22, the target image acquisition unit 22a acquires maintenance information. The timing of when the target image acquisition unit 22a acquires the maintenance information is not particularly limited, as long as it is before step S7.

[0080] In step S8, the lighting information generation unit 22d generates lighting information 131 while maintaining the lighting conditions corresponding to the maintenance information.

[0081] The configuration of the fourth modified example and other lighting support methods are the same as those of the embodiments described above.

[0082] As described above, in the fourth modified example, in step S8, the lighting information generation unit 22d generates lighting information 131 while maintaining the lighting conditions corresponding to the maintenance information. This makes it possible to achieve a desired lighting environment, for example, by using a lighting fixture b1 of a specific model number or by placing the lighting fixture b1 in a specific location.

[0083] (Fifth variation) Next, with reference to Figure 5, a fifth modification of the present invention and a method for providing illumination will be described. In the fifth modification, unlike the embodiments described above, an example will be described in which the target image acquisition unit 22a of the computing device 20 acquires a plurality of processed image data 112.

[0084] As shown in Figure 5, in step S3, the user operates the terminal 10 to process the target image i1. In the fifth modified example, the user generates multiple processed images i2. For example, the user may want to change the lighting environment of the target space S to suit various situations, and in such cases, multiple processed images i2 are generated.

[0085] In step S4, the user operates the terminal 10 to send multiple processed image data 112 from the terminal 10 to the computing unit 20.

[0086] In step S5, the processing image acquisition unit 22b of the arithmetic unit 20 acquires a plurality of processing image data 112.

[0087] In step S7, the change amount calculation unit 22c calculates the change amount for each of the multiple processed image data 112. As a result, the same number of change amounts as the processed image data 112 are calculated.

[0088] In step S8, the lighting information generation unit 22d generates a target space S corresponding to multiple change amounts. Lighting information 131 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as multiple lighting information) that enables changes in the lighting environment is generated. The ability to enable changes in the lighting environment of the target space S corresponding to multiple change amounts includes, for example, cases where multiple lighting environments can be realized by changing the chromaticity and brightness of one or more lighting fixtures b1 and b2. Furthermore, the ability to enable changes in the lighting environment of the target space S corresponding to multiple change amounts also includes, for example, cases where multiple lighting environments can be realized by illuminating some of the lighting fixtures b1, or illuminating some other lighting fixtures b2, or all of the lighting fixtures b1 and b2.

[0089] The multiple realization lighting information includes location information for lighting fixtures b1 and b2. Preferably, the multiple realization lighting information also includes the part numbers and / or specifications of lighting fixtures b1 and b2.

[0090] The configuration of the fifth modified example and other lighting support methods are the same as those of the embodiments described above.

[0091] As explained above, in the fifth modified example, the change amount calculation unit 22c calculates the change amount for each of the multiple processed image data 112. The lighting information generation unit 22d then generates lighting information 131 (multiple realized lighting information) that can realize changes in the lighting environment of the target space S corresponding to the multiple change amounts. As a result, multiple lighting environments can be realized by changing the chromaticity and brightness of lighting fixtures b1 and b2 without replacing the lighting fixtures b1 and b2.

[0092] (Sixth variation) Next, a lighting support method according to a sixth modification of the present invention will be described. In the sixth modification, unlike the embodiments described above, an example will be described in which the lighting information 131 does not include information about lighting fixtures whose rated power consumption is greater than a predetermined value.

[0093] In the sixth modified example, the lighting information 131 generated by the lighting information generation unit 22d includes information on lighting fixtures b1 and b2 whose rated power consumption is less than or equal to a predetermined value, but does not include information on lighting fixtures whose rated power consumption is greater than a predetermined value. Specifically, when generating the lighting information 131, the lighting information generation unit 22d excludes lighting fixtures whose rated power consumption is greater than a predetermined value from among the lighting fixtures included in the lighting fixture information that shows information on multiple lighting fixtures, and selects lighting fixtures b1 and b2 whose rated power consumption is less than or equal to a predetermined value. Then, the lighting information generation unit 22d selects lighting fixtures b1 and b2 that can realize the desired lighting environment from among the lighting fixtures b1 and b2 whose rated power consumption is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and generates the lighting information 131.

[0094] The configuration of the sixth modified example and other lighting support methods are the same as those of the embodiments described above.

[0095] As explained above, in the sixth modified example, the lighting information 131 generated by the lighting information generation unit 22d includes information on lighting fixtures b1 and b2 whose rated power consumption is less than or equal to a predetermined value, but does not include information on lighting fixtures whose rated power consumption is greater than a predetermined value. This makes it possible to suppress, for example, the tripping of the circuit breaker.

[0096] (Seventh variation) Next, a lighting support method according to a seventh modification of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting support system 1 according to a seventh modification of the present invention. In the seventh modification, unlike the embodiments described above, an example will be described in which the lighting fixture 30 is operated based on the generated lighting information 131.

[0097] As shown in Figure 11, in the seventh modified example, the lighting support system 1 includes a lighting fixture 30 for illuminating the target space S. The lighting fixture 30 is an actual lighting fixture installed on the ceiling a3, etc., of the target space S. The lighting fixture 30 is controlled, for example, by terminal 10. .

[0098] In the seventh modified example, the target image i1 is, for example, an image captured by an imaging unit (not shown) of the terminal 10, or an image captured by another imaging device and transmitted to the terminal 10. In the seventh modified example, as in the embodiments described above, the target image i1 may be an image showing a 2D model or a 3D model.

[0099] The other configurations of the seventh modified example are the same as those of the embodiments described above.

[0100] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing a lighting support method of a lighting support system 1 according to a seventh modification of the present invention. As shown in Figure 12, in the seventh modification, after step S9, in step S31, the control unit 13 generates a control signal to control the lighting fixture 30 based on the lighting information 131. The control signal includes control information for controlling at least one of the luminous flux value and chromaticity of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 30 that illuminates the target space S.

[0101] In step S32, the control unit 13 transmits a control signal to the lighting fixture 30.

[0102] In step S33, the lighting fixture 30 starts illuminating according to the control signal. This brings the target space S to the desired lighting environment.

[0103] Other lighting support methods in the seventh modified example are the same as those in the embodiments described above.

[0104] As described above, in the seventh modification, the lighting information 131 includes control information for controlling the light emitted by the lighting fixture 30 that illuminates the target space S. This makes it easy to create a desired lighting environment in the target space S.

[0105] (Variation 8) Next, with reference to Figure 13, a lighting support method according to the eighth modified example of the present invention will be described. Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing the lighting support method according to the eighth modified example of the present invention. In the eighth modified example, unlike the seventh modified example described above, an example in which lighting information 131 stored in the storage unit 23 is read will be described.

[0106] As shown in Figure 13, in the eighth modified example, in step S41, the terminal 10 stores the received lighting information 131 in the storage unit 14. Therefore, the storage unit 14 stores multiple lighting information 131 that have been generated in the past.

[0107] Subsequently, steps S31 to S33 are performed in the same manner as in the seventh modified example. This results in the target space S having a predetermined lighting environment. However, the user may want to revert to a previously performed lighting environment for reasons such as the lighting environment being different from what was intended.

[0108] In this case, in step S42, the user selects information indicating a particular lighting information 131 from among the multiple lighting information 131 stored in the memory unit 14 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "selected information"). As a result, the control unit 13 acquires the selected information.

[0109] In step S43, the control unit 13 reads the lighting information 131 stored in the storage unit 14 based on the selection information.

[0110] In step S44, the control unit 13 generates a control signal to control the lighting fixture 30 based on the lighting information 131 that it has read.

[0111] In step S45, the control unit 13 transmits a control signal to the lighting fixture 30.

[0112] In step S46, the lighting fixture 30 changes its lighting according to the control signal. This changes the lighting environment of the target space S to the lighting environment that was previously configured.

[0113] Other lighting support methods for the eighth variant are the same as those for the seventh variant.

[0114] As explained above, in the eighth modification, the lighting information 131 stored in the memory unit 14 is read based on the selection information selected by the user. This makes it easy to change the target space S to a lighting environment that has been used in the past.

[0115] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from these examples.

[0116] Invention 1 is a lighting support method performed by a computer, comprising: step S2 of acquiring target image data 111 which is image data of a target space S; step S5 of acquiring processed image data 112 in which at least one of the chromaticity and brightness of the target image data 111 has been changed; step S7 of calculating the amount of change of at least one of the chromaticity and brightness based on the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112; and step S8 of generating lighting information 131 which can realize a change in the lighting environment of the target space S corresponding to the calculated amount of change.

[0117] With this lighting support method, the user can obtain lighting information 131 that allows them to transform the target space S into a desired lighting environment by processing the target image i1 into a processed image i2. Therefore, the user does not need to repeatedly change the numerous parameters included in the lighting information 131 until the target space S becomes the desired lighting environment. As a result, the desired lighting environment can be easily obtained.

[0118] Invention 2 is a lighting support method of Invention 1, which includes step S12 of acquiring target lighting information corresponding to target image data 111, and step S8 of generating lighting information 131, in which lighting information 131 is generated based on the acquired target lighting information.

[0119] With this lighting support method, the target lighting information is the lighting information 131 corresponding to the target image data 111, so the relationship between the lighting conditions and the target image i1 can be understood. Therefore, by considering the amount of change as well as the target lighting information, it is possible to accurately generate lighting information 131 that can realize changes in the lighting environment of the target space S.

[0120] Invention 3 is a lighting support method of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the lighting information 131 includes control information for controlling at least one of the luminous flux value and chromaticity of the light emitted by lighting fixtures b1 and b2 that illuminate a target space S.

[0121] This type of lighting support method makes it easy to create a desired lighting environment in the target space S.

[0122] Invention 4 is a lighting support method of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the lighting information 131 includes information on at least one of the location and specifications of lighting fixtures b1 and b2 that illuminate the target space S.

[0123] This type of lighting support method allows the target space S to be precisely illuminated to the desired lighting environment.

[0124] Invention 5 is a lighting support method of Invention 4, wherein in step S5, a plurality of processed image data 112 are acquired; in step S7, a change amount is calculated for each of the plurality of processed image data 112; and in step S8, lighting information 131 is generated that can realize changes in the lighting environment of the target space S corresponding to the plurality of change amounts.

[0125] This lighting support method allows for the creation of multiple lighting environments by changing the chromaticity and brightness of lighting fixtures b1 and b2 without replacing the fixtures themselves.

[0126] Invention 6 is an illumination support method according to any of Inventions 1 to 5, wherein in step S7 for calculating the amount of change, the amount of change is calculated based on the information of all pixels of the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112.

[0127] This type of lighting support method calculates the amount of change based on information from all pixels, allowing the target space S to be illuminated to the desired lighting environment with greater accuracy.

[0128] Invention 7 is an illumination support method according to any of Inventions 1 to 5, wherein in step S7 for calculating the amount of change, the amount of change is calculated based on information of specific pixels in the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112.

[0129] This type of lighting support method can reduce the time required to calculate the amount of change.

[0130] Invention 8 is an illumination support method according to any of Inventions 1 to 7, wherein in step S7 for calculating the amount of change, the amount of change of the representative value of brightness in the target space S is calculated based on the information of multiple pixels in each of the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112.

[0131] With this lighting support method, it is only necessary to compare representative values ​​of the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112, thus reducing the time required to calculate the amount of change.

[0132] Invention 9 is an illumination support method of Invention 8, in which, in step S7 for calculating the amount of change, the amount of change of the representative value of chromaticity and the representative value of brightness in the target space S is calculated based on the information of multiple pixels in each of the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112.

[0133] This type of lighting support method allows for a more precise transformation of the target space S into the desired lighting environment.

[0134] Invention 10 is an illumination support method according to any of Inventions 1 to 7, wherein in step S7 for calculating the amount of change, the amount of change in brightness difference in each of the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112 is calculated.

[0135] With this lighting support method, it is only necessary to compare the brightness differences between the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112, thus reducing the time required to calculate the amount of change.

[0136] Invention 11 is a lighting support method of Invention 4, wherein the lighting information 131 includes information on lighting fixtures b1 and b2 whose rated power consumption is less than or equal to a predetermined value, but does not include information on lighting fixtures whose rated power consumption is greater than a predetermined value.

[0137] This type of lighting support method can, for example, prevent circuit breakers from tripping.

[0138] Invention 12 is a lighting support method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 11, comprising the steps of: S41 storing generated lighting information 131; S42 obtaining selection information selected by the user from a plurality of stored lighting information 131; and S43 reading the lighting information 131 stored in the storage unit 14 based on the selection information.

[0139] This type of lighting support method allows the target space S to be easily changed to a lighting environment that has been used in the past.

[0140] Invention 13 is a lighting support method according to any of Inventions 1 to 12, wherein in step S2, a rendering image as the target image data 111 and rendering information are acquired, and in step S7, the amount of change is calculated based on the rendering image and rendering information.

[0141] With this lighting support method, the relationship between the x and y coordinates in the processed images of regions R1 and R2 and their positions in the 3D model M can be easily determined based on the rendered images and rendering information. Specifically, since the shooting area can be determined from the shape of the room, the size of the room, and the position of camera c1, it is easy to determine where in the room a certain part of the processed image i2 corresponds to.

[0142] Invention 14 is a lighting support method according to any of Inventions 1 to 13, which includes a step S22 to acquire maintenance information entered by the user, and in a step S8 to generate lighting information 131, generates the lighting information 131 while maintaining the lighting conditions corresponding to the maintenance information.

[0143] This type of lighting support method makes it possible to achieve a desired lighting environment, for example, by using a lighting fixture b1 of a specific model number or by placing the lighting fixture b1 in a specific location.

[0144] Invention 15 is a program that causes a computer to execute one of the lighting support methods described in Inventions 1 to 14.

[0145] According to this program, the user can obtain lighting information 131 that allows the target space S to be transformed into a desired lighting environment by processing the target image i1 into a processed image i2. Therefore, the user does not need to repeatedly change the numerous parameters included in the lighting information 131 until the target space S is transformed into the desired lighting environment. As a result, the desired lighting environment can be easily obtained.

[0146] Invention 16 is a lighting support system 1 comprising: a target image acquisition unit 22a that acquires target image data 111 which is image data of a target space S; a processed image acquisition unit 22b that acquires processed image data 112 in which at least one of the chromaticity and brightness of the target image data 111 has been changed; a change amount calculation unit 22c that calculates the amount of change of at least one of the chromaticity and brightness based on the target image data 111 and the processed image data 112; and a lighting information generation unit 22d that generates lighting information 131 that can realize a change in the lighting environment of the target space S corresponding to the amount of change calculated by the change amount calculation unit 22c.

[0147] With this lighting support system 1, the user can obtain lighting information 131 that allows them to transform the target space S into a desired lighting environment by processing the target image i1 into a processed image i2. Therefore, the user does not need to repeatedly change the numerous parameters included in the lighting information 131 until the target space S becomes the desired lighting environment. As a result, the desired lighting environment can be easily obtained.

[0148] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments and variations have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and variations described above.

[0149] For example, in the above embodiments, an example was described in which the lighting information generation unit 22d generates one piece of lighting information 131, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lighting information generation unit 22d may generate multiple pieces of lighting information 131, and the multiple pieces of lighting information 131 may be transmitted from the computing device 20 to the terminal 10. In this case, for example, the user can select one piece of lighting information 131 from the multiple pieces of lighting information 131.

[0150] Furthermore, although the lighting support system 1 was implemented by multiple devices in the above embodiments, it may also be implemented as a single device. Thus, the system in this specification may consist of a single device or it may consist of multiple devices. When the system is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the system may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way.

[0151] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0152] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component. Each component may also be realized 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.

[0153] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. Each component may also be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0154] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0155] For example, the present invention may be implemented as any of the systems or devices described above, such as the lighting support system 1, the computing device 20, or the terminal 10. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a control method or device control method executed by a computer system. The present invention may also be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute the control method or device control method, or as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0156] Specifically, for example, the generation of the processed image i2, the calculation of the amount of change, and the generation of the lighting information 131 may all be performed in a single device (e.g., terminal 10).

[0157] Furthermore, for example, in the seventh modified example, the arithmetic unit 20 may transmit a control signal to the lighting fixture 30, and the arithmetic unit 20 may control the lighting fixture 30.

[0158] Furthermore, various modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive of to the above embodiments and modifications may be obtained, or the configuration in the above embodiments and modifications may be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention also includes forms realized by arbitrarily combining constituent elements and functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 1. Lighting support system 14 Storage section 22a Target image acquisition unit 22b Processed image acquisition section 22c Change Amount Calculation Unit 22d Lighting information generation section 30 Lighting fixtures 111 Target image data 112 Processed image data 121 Design drawing information 131 Lighting Information b1~b4 Lighting equipment S Target space S2 step (step to acquire target image data) S5 Step (Step to obtain processed image data) S7 Step (Step in which the change amount is calculated) S8 Step (Step to generate lighting information) S12 Step (Step to acquire target lighting information) S22 Step (Step to obtain maintenance information) S41 Step (Step to store lighting information) S42 Step (Step to obtain selection information) S43 Step (Step to read out lighting information)

Claims

1. A computer-assisted lighting method, The steps include: acquiring target image data, which is image data of the target space; The steps include obtaining processed image data in which at least one of the chromaticity and brightness of the aforementioned target image data has been changed, A step of calculating the amount of change of at least one of the chromaticity and brightness based on the target image data and the processed image data, A step of generating lighting information that can realize a change in the lighting environment of the target space corresponding to the calculated amount of change, Lighting support methods, including

2. The step includes acquiring target lighting information corresponding to the aforementioned target image data, The lighting support method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of generating the lighting information, the lighting information is generated based on the acquired target lighting information.

3. The lighting support method according to claim 1, wherein the lighting information includes control information for controlling at least one of the luminous flux value and chromaticity of the light emitted by a lighting fixture that illuminates the target space.

4. The lighting support method according to claim 1, wherein the lighting information includes information on at least one of the location and specifications of a lighting fixture that illuminates the target space.

5. In the step of acquiring the processed image data, a plurality of the processed image data are acquired, In the step of calculating the amount of change, the amount of change is calculated for each of the plurality of processed image data, The lighting support method according to claim 4, wherein in the step of generating the lighting information, the lighting information is generated that can realize changes in the lighting environment of the target space corresponding to a plurality of change amounts.

6. The lighting support method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of calculating the amount of change, the amount of change is calculated based on the information of all pixels of the target image data and the processed image data.

7. The lighting support method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of calculating the amount of change, the amount of change is calculated based on information of specific pixels in the target image data and the processed image data.

8. The lighting support method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein in the step of calculating the amount of change, the amount of change of the representative value of brightness in the target space is calculated based on the information of multiple pixels in each of the target image data and the processed image data.

9. The lighting support method according to claim 8, wherein in the step of calculating the amount of change, the amount of change of the representative value of chromaticity and the representative value of brightness in the target space is calculated based on the information of multiple pixels in each of the target image data and the processed image data.

10. The lighting support method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein in the step of calculating the amount of change, the amount of change in brightness difference in each of the target image data and the processed image data is calculated.

11. The lighting information includes information on lighting fixtures whose rated power consumption is less than or equal to a predetermined value, but does not include information on lighting fixtures whose rated power consumption is greater than the predetermined value, according to claim 4. method.

12. A step of storing the generated lighting information, A step of obtaining selection information selected by the user from a plurality of stored lighting information, The steps include reading the illumination information stored in the memory unit based on the selection information, A lighting support method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, including the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

13. In the step of acquiring the target image data, the rendered image and rendering information are acquired as the target image data. The lighting support method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the step of calculating the amount of change, the amount of change is calculated based on the rendered image and the rendering information.

14. The process includes the step of obtaining maintenance information entered by the user, The lighting support method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the step of generating the lighting information, the lighting information is generated while maintaining the lighting conditions corresponding to the maintenance information.

15. A program that causes a computer to execute the lighting support method described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

16. A target image acquisition unit acquires target image data, which is image data of the target space, A processed image acquisition unit acquires processed image data in which at least one of the chromaticity and brightness of the aforementioned target image data has been changed. A change amount calculation unit calculates the amount of change of at least one of the chromaticity and brightness based on the target image data and the processed image data, A lighting information generation unit generates lighting information that can realize a change in the lighting environment of the target space corresponding to the amount of change calculated by the amount of change calculation unit, A lighting support system equipped with the following features.

Images