Lighting control system, lighting system, lighting control method, and program

Abstract

We provide a lighting control system that can improve the quality of communication. [Solution] The lighting control system 3 includes a communication unit 31 that receives emotion information relating to the classification of the emotions of a subject detected by a sensor 2 installed in the space, and a control unit 32 that controls lighting fixtures 4 installed in the space to give a visual notification of the emotion information to people staying in the space based on the received emotion information.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, systems for controlling lighting light in conjunction with human emotions have been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system that detects human emotions from sensors attached to home appliances and controls lighting light so as to relieve the detected emotions. For example, when the sensor detects an angry emotion, the information processing system controls the lighting light so as to soothe the anger of the person. As a result, a person who sees this lighting light calms down.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the information processing system disclosed in Patent Document 1 controls the lighting light so as to relieve the emotions detected by the sensor, it may forcefully suppress human emotions and cause stress. As a result, in the said information processing system, the quality of communication may deteriorate.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a lighting control system and the like that can improve the quality of communication.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that receives emotion information relating to the classification of the emotions of a subject detected by a sensor installed in a space, and a control unit that controls lighting fixtures installed in the space based on the received emotion information to give a visual notification of the emotion information to a person staying in the space.

[0007] A lighting system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the lighting control system, the lighting fixture, and the sensor.

[0008] A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a receiving step of receiving emotion information relating to the classification of the emotions of a subject detected by a sensor installed in a space, and a control step of controlling lighting fixtures installed in the space to give a person staying in the space a visually represented notification of the emotion information based on the received emotion information.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the lighting control method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The lighting control system and other related technologies disclosed herein can improve the quality of communication. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions in tabular form. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a notification that a lighting fixture gives to a person staying in a space. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A shows an example of lighting control content. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B shows another example of lighting control content. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the operations performed by the lighting system. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a flowchart showing an example of a specific determination method in step S3 of Figure 5. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a flowchart showing another example of a specific determination method in step S3 of Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific operation in step S4 of Figure 5. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example that occurs after the example shown in Figure 8A. [Figure 8C] Figure 8C is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example that occurs after the example shown in Figure 8B. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, as well as the processes (steps) and their order, shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Accordingly, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in the independent claims of this disclosure will be described as optional components.

[0013] (Embodiment) [Lighting system configuration] First, the configuration of the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment. For example, the lighting system 1 is a system that is installed in a house or the like. However, the lighting system 1 may also be installed in a non-residential building such as an office building.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting system 1 includes a sensor 2, a lighting control system 3, and lighting fixtures 4. In FIG. 1, an example in which the lighting system 1 includes three lighting fixtures 4 is shown. However, as long as the lighting system 1 includes one or more lighting fixtures 4, it is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] The lighting system 1 is a system that gives a person staying in a building (i.e., in a space) a notification that visually represents emotional information. The emotional information is information including the classification of a person's emotion and an emotional level indicating the degree of the strength of the person's emotion. Further, the notification that is visually represented is information in which the emotion of a target person staying in the space (i.e., one of the people staying in the space) is represented by the illumination light of the lighting fixture 4. The notification that is visually represented is realized by the illumination light of the lighting fixture 4 that represents the emotion of the target person as it is, or the illumination light of the lighting fixture 4 that represents the emotion of the target person in a deformed manner.

[0016] The sensor 2 is a sensor installed in a building (i.e., in a space), and is a sensor that detects emotional information regarding the classification of the emotion of a person staying in the space. The sensor 2 is realized by a camera or the like. For example, the sensor 2 may analyze a person's movement, expression, or the like from the captured video data and detect information regarding the classification of the person's emotion as emotional information. Further, the sensor 2 may analyze the voice of a person from the captured video data and detect information regarding the classification of the person's emotion as emotional information. Further, the sensor 2 may be realized by a microphone or the like. For example, the sensor 2 may analyze the recorded voice data and detect information regarding the classification of the person's emotion as emotional information. Note that a plurality of the sensors 2 may be installed in the space. Further, the sensor 2 may be, for example, a smartwatch that measures a person's pulse or a sphygmomanometer that measures a person's blood pressure.

[0017] For the classification of a person's emotion, for example, the types of emotions shown in Plutchik's wheel of emotions proposed by Robert Plutchik may be used. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing Plutchik's wheel of emotions in tabular form.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions is centered around eight basic emotions ("joy," "sadness," "anticipation," "surprise," "anger," "fear," "disgust," and "trust"). Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions also includes types of emotions derived from these eight basic emotions. For example, "serene" and "ecstatic" are derived from "joy," and "irritation" and "rage" are derived from "anger." In the rows labeled "emotions derived from basic emotions," the emotions listed in the upper row are weaker than the basic emotions, meaning they have less emotional fluctuation, while the emotions listed in the lower row are stronger than the basic emotions, meaning they have greater emotional fluctuation.

[0019] Furthermore, a color has been proposed to correspond to each of the eight basic emotions. For example, yellow is the color corresponding to "joy," and red is the color corresponding to "anger."

[0020] Sensor 2 may be able to detect all types of emotions shown in Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions, or it may be able to detect only some types of emotions, such as joy, anger, sadness, and happiness.

[0021] Sensor 2 may detect emotional information that indicates the degree of a person's emotion, specifically emotional level. The emotional level may be shown on a scale of 1 to 5, with higher numbers indicating stronger emotions. Specifically, if the emotional classification is "anger" and the emotional level is "2," it indicates stronger anger than if the emotional classification is "anger" and the emotional level is "1." In other words, for example, if Sensor 2 detects emotional information where the emotional classification is "anger" and the emotional level is "1," it will detect "irritation." If it detects emotional information where the emotional classification is "anger" and the emotional level is "3," it will detect "anger." If it detects emotional information where the emotional classification is "anger" and the emotional level is "5," it will detect "fury." Note that the emotional level may be displayed in a format other than 5 levels.

[0022] Sensor 2 may also detect location information indicating the location where a person who has detected emotional information is staying within the space.

[0023] Sensor 2 transmits the detected emotion information to the lighting control system 3 every T seconds (for example, every 1 second).

[0024] The lighting control system 3 is a device that controls the lighting fixture 4 based on emotion information detected by the sensor 2. The lighting control system 3 consists of a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a measurement unit 34.

[0025] The communication unit 31 communicates with the sensor 2 and the lighting fixture 4. Specifically, the communication unit 31 receives emotion information detected by the sensor 2. The communication unit 31 also transmits information to the lighting fixture 4 for control purposes. The communication performed by the communication unit 31 may be implemented by wireless communication or wired communication, for example. Furthermore, the communication standard used by the communication unit 31 is not particularly limited.

[0026] The control unit 32 controls the entire lighting control system 3. The control unit 32 is implemented by a microcomputer or processor. In other words, the functions of the control unit 32 are realized by the microcomputer or processor executing a program stored in memory.

[0027] The control unit 32 controls the lighting fixtures 4 installed in the space to provide a visual notification of the emotional information to people staying in the space, based on the emotional information received by the communication unit 31. Specifically, the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixtures 4 according to the lighting control information associated with the emotional information (emotion classification and emotional level), based on the lighting control content stored in the memory unit 33. The lighting control content is a table that associates emotional information with lighting control information for realizing a visual notification of the emotional information. A detailed explanation of the lighting control content will be given later.

[0028] Returning to the explanation in Figure 1, the control unit 32 transmits information regarding lighting control to the lighting fixture 4 every 10T seconds, for example, based on the emotion information received every T seconds. In other words, the control unit 32 identifies the lighting control information based on the emotion information within a predetermined period (for example, 10T seconds) and transmits information regarding the lighting control to the lighting fixture 4. The control unit 32 may identify the lighting control information corresponding to the emotion classification that was detected most frequently, or it may identify the lighting control information corresponding to the average or maximum value of the emotion level.

[0029] The control unit 32 may control all the lighting fixtures 4 provided by the lighting system 1 to provide a visual notification of emotional information to a person staying in the space, or, if location information is received by the communication unit 31, it may select and control the lighting fixture 4 that is closest to the location where a person is staying in the space from among the multiple lighting fixtures 4 based on that location information.

[0030] The memory unit 33 stores lighting control content and programs, etc. The memory unit 33 is implemented, for example, by memory.

[0031] The measurement unit 34 measures time. The measurement unit 34 transmits the result of the time measurement to the control unit 32, for example.

[0032] Lighting fixture 4 is a lighting fixture installed in the space that provides visual notifications to people in the space based on information regarding lighting control transmitted from the lighting control system 3. Lighting fixture 4 may be a lighting fixture dedicated to lighting system 1 that only provides notifications visually representing emotional information, or it may be a lighting fixture that normally illuminates the space if it has not received information regarding lighting control.

[0033] The lighting fixture 4 consists of a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0034] The communication unit 41 communicates with the lighting control system 3. Specifically, the communication unit 41 receives information regarding lighting control transmitted from the communication unit 31 of the lighting control system 3. The communication performed by the communication unit 41 may be implemented by wireless communication or wired communication, for example. Furthermore, the specifications of the communication performed by the communication unit 41 are not particularly limited.

[0035] The control unit 42 controls the entire lighting fixture 4. The control unit 42 is implemented by a microcomputer or processor. In other words, the functions of the control unit 42 are realized by the microcomputer or processor executing a program stored in memory.

[0036] The control unit 42 controls the lighting state of the lighting fixture 4 based on the lighting control information received by the communication unit 41.

[0037] The memory unit 43 stores programs and the like. The memory unit 43 is implemented, for example, by memory. The memory unit 43 may also store lighting control content.

[0038] The time interval at which sensor 2 transmits emotion information to lighting control system 3 may be changed by the user using lighting system 1.

[0039] Furthermore, the time interval at which the lighting control system 3 transmits lighting control information to the lighting fixture 4 may be changed by the user using the lighting system 1.

[0040] Furthermore, the lighting fixture 4 may be a lighting fixture that is integrated with the lighting control system 3.

[0041] Furthermore, the lighting fixture 4 may use colored (chromatic) lighting such as red or blue to provide notifications that visually represent emotional information, or it may use a white color range to provide notifications that visually represent emotional information.

[0042] [Specific examples of implementing notifications using illumination light] Next, we will explain a specific example of how lighting fixture 4 uses illumination light to provide notifications that visually represent emotional information.

[0043] 1) When the lighting fixture 4 uses colored light to provide notification. If the lighting fixture 4 uses colored light to provide a visual notification of emotional information, for example, the lighting fixture 4 may provide such notification by emitting light in a color corresponding to the eight basic emotions mentioned above. For example, if the lighting system 1 detects the emotion of "anger," the lighting fixture 4 illuminates the space with red light, providing a visual notification to people in the space. The lighting fixture 4 may also change the brightness of the light according to the emotional level included in the emotional information. For example, the lighting fixture 4 may make the light brighter the higher the emotional level and dimmer the light the lower the emotional level. The lighting fixture 4 may also change the saturation of the light according to the emotional level included in the emotional information. For example, if the lighting system 1 detects the classification of the emotion of "anger," the lighting fixture 4 may emit light in a more reddish color the higher the emotional level and in a whiter red the lower the emotional level.

[0044] Furthermore, the lighting fixture 4 may dynamically change the brightness of the light it emits. This allows the lighting system 1 to more accurately notify people in the space of the emotions it has detected.

[0045] 2) When the lighting fixture 4 uses white illumination light to provide notification. If the lighting fixture 4 is to provide a notification that visually represents emotional information within the white color temperature range, for example, the lighting fixture 4 may provide the notification by changing the color temperature of the illuminating light. Specifically, the lighting fixture 4 may provide the notification by representing warm colors with low color temperatures (e.g., 2000K to 3000K), cool colors with high color temperatures (e.g., 5000K to 6000K), and intermediate colors with temperatures between low and high color temperatures (e.g., 3000K to 5000K). In such cases, the lighting fixture 4 may make the notification easier to understand by dynamically changing the brightness of the illuminating light. Figure 3 shows an example of a notification provided by the lighting fixture 4 to a person staying in the space. Specifically, Figure 3 shows an example of a waveform representing the change in brightness of the illuminating light over time. In the graph shown in Figure 3, the vertical axis represents the brightness of the light (illuminating light), and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0046] Figure 3(a) shows an example of a notification that lighting fixture 4 gives to a person in the space when sensor 2 detects emotional information classified as "joy." As shown in Figure 3(a), lighting fixture 4 gives a notification such as the color temperature of the illumination light being low and the brightness of the illumination light changing in a brighter range. Alternatively, lighting fixture 4 may give a notification such as the illumination light flickering slowly. A person who sees such a notification from lighting fixture 4 may, for example, have a heartwarming image.

[0047] Figure 3(b) shows an example of a notification that lighting fixture 4 gives to a person in the space when sensor 2 detects emotional information classified as "anger". As shown in Figure 3(b), lighting fixture 4 gives a notification such as the color temperature of the illumination light being low and the brightness of the illumination light changing back and forth between a brighter range and a darker range. Alternatively, lighting fixture 4 may give a notification by flashing the illumination light at short intervals (for example, every 0.5 seconds) instead of keeping the illumination light on by changing the brightness. A person who sees such a notification from lighting fixture 4 may get an image such as lightning striking.

[0048] Figure 3(c) shows an example of a notification that lighting fixture 4 gives to a person in the space when sensor 2 detects emotional information classified as "sadness (grief)." As shown in Figure 3(c), lighting fixture 4 gives a notification such as the color temperature of the illumination light being high and the brightness of the illumination light changing in darker areas. Lighting fixture 4 may also give a notification such as the illumination light flickering slowly. A person who sees such a notification from lighting fixture 4 may get an image of a gloomy, rainy day, for example.

[0049] Figure 3(d) shows an example of a notification that lighting fixture 4 gives to a person in the space when sensor 2 detects emotional information classified as "enjoyment (anticipation)". As shown in Figure 3(d), lighting fixture 4 gives a notification such as changing the color temperature of the illumination light to a high color temperature and changing the brightness of the illumination light in a brighter range. Alternatively, lighting fixture 4 may give a notification by changing the brightness of the illumination light and blinking slowly in a rhythmic manner, rather than keeping it constantly lit. A person who sees such a notification from lighting fixture 4 may get an image of taking light steps, for example.

[0050] Furthermore, comparing the graphs shown in Figure 3, the waveforms shown in Figure 3(b) and Figure 3(d) differ from those shown in Figure 3(a) and Figure 3(c) in that they contain distinct peaks.

[0051] [Lighting control details] Next, the lighting control details described above will be explained. Furthermore, the operation of the control unit 32 when it identifies lighting control information based on the lighting control details will also be explained below. Figure 4A shows an example of the lighting control details.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4A, the lighting control content is determined by, for example, the pattern ID, emotion classification, emotion level, and lighting control information. The lighting control information is determined by the color of the light emitted by the lighting fixture (illumination light), the brightness of the light (illumination light), and the light emission pattern of the lighting fixture.

[0053] For example, if the emotion classification in the emotion information received by the communication unit 31 is "anger" and the emotion level is "2", the control unit 32 identifies the lighting control information corresponding to the row with pattern ID "02". Then, the control unit 32 uses the communication unit 31 to transmit the identified lighting control information to the lighting fixture 4. If the lighting fixture 4 has the same lighting control content stored, the control unit 32 may use the communication unit 31 to transmit the pattern ID to the lighting fixture 4.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 32 may, when certain conditions are met, identify lighting control information corresponding to a higher emotional level than the lighting control information corresponding to the emotional level, based on lighting control content different from that shown in Figure 4A. Figure 4B shows another example of lighting control content. Note that in Figure 4B, the parts that differ from Figure 4A are shown in bold.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4B, the emotion classification and emotion level corresponding to the row with pattern ID "01" are the same as the emotion classification and emotion level corresponding to the row with pattern ID "01" shown in Figure 4A. However, the lighting control information corresponding to the row with pattern ID "01" corresponds to the lighting control information corresponding to the row with pattern ID "02" shown in Figure 4A. In other words, unlike when using the lighting control content shown in Figure 4A, when using the lighting control content shown in Figure 4B, the control unit 32 identifies lighting control information corresponding to a higher emotion level than the lighting control information corresponding to the emotion level.

[0056] [Lighting system operation] This section describes the actions that lighting system 1 takes when it provides a visually represented notification of emotional information to people staying inside a building (i.e., within a space). Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the actions performed by lighting system 1.

[0057] First, sensor 2 detects emotional information of a person staying in the space and location information indicating the position of the person in the space (S1). Sensor 2 transmits the detected emotional information and location information to the lighting control system 3 (S2). In other words, in step S2, the communication unit 31 of the lighting control system 3 receives the emotional information and location information from sensor 2.

[0058] The control unit 32 determines whether or not to provide a notification that visually represents the emotional information based on the received emotional information (emotion classification and emotional level) (S3). If the control unit 32 determines that it will provide a notification that visually represents the emotional information, it executes the processes from step S4 onward. On the other hand, if the control unit 32 determines that it will not provide a notification that visually represents the emotional information, it controls the lighting fixture 4 regardless of the emotional information. For example, proceeding to step S7, the control unit 32 outputs information regarding lighting control so that the lighting fixture 4 illuminates the space normally or turns off.

[0059] The control unit 32 reads the lighting control information stored in the memory unit 33 and identifies the lighting control information corresponding to the emotion information received in step S2 (S4). In step S4, the control unit 32 reads, for example, the lighting control information shown in Figure 4A or Figure 4B.

[0060] Based on the position information received in step S2, the control unit 32 selects from among multiple lighting fixtures 4 the lighting fixture 4 that is closest to the location where a person is staying in the space (S5).

[0061] The control unit 32 uses the communication unit 31 to transmit information regarding lighting control to the lighting fixture 4 identified in step S4 (S6). The operations performed by the control unit 32 from step S4 to step S6 correspond to control steps.

[0062] The communication unit 41 of the lighting fixture 4 receives information related to lighting control. The control unit 42 controls the lighting state of the lighting fixture 4 based on the received information related to lighting control. In other words, the lighting fixture 4 provides a visual notification of emotional information to people staying in the space (S7).

[0063] Step S3 may be omitted. In other words, the control unit 32 may execute the processing from step S4 onward when it receives emotional information.

[0064] Furthermore, step S5 may also be omitted. In other words, the control unit 32 may transmit information regarding the lighting control information identified in step S4 to all lighting fixtures 4 provided in the lighting system 1.

[0065] As explained above, the lighting control system 3 controls the lighting fixtures 4 to provide visual notifications of emotional information to people in the space, allowing people in the space to deepen their understanding of their own emotions or the emotions of those around them. This enables people in the space to be more empathetic towards one another.

[0066] [Method for determining whether or not to provide notifications that visually represent emotional information] A detailed example of the operation of step S3 in Figure 5 will be explained using Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 6A is a flowchart showing an example of a specific determination method in step S3 of Figure 5.

[0067] Based on the time measurement results by the measurement unit 34, the control unit 32 determines whether or not emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received by the communication unit 31 for a predetermined time (e.g., 3T seconds) or longer within a certain time (e.g., 10T seconds) (S31). If there are multiple pieces of emotion information indicating the same emotion classification that have been received for a predetermined time or longer, the control unit 32 may determine, for example, that the emotion classification indicating the emotion classification that has been received for the longest time has been received.

[0068] If it is determined that emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received for a predetermined amount of time within a certain period of time (Yes in S31), the control unit 32 transitions to the first state (S32). The first state refers to a control mode in which the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 to provide a visual notification of emotion information to people staying in the space. The control unit 32 then executes the process of step S4 in Figure 5.

[0069] On the other hand, if it is determined that no emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received for a predetermined period of time within a certain time frame (No in S31), the control unit 32 transitions to a second state (S33). The second state refers to a control mode in which the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 regardless of the emotion information. For example, the control unit 32 transitions to step S7 in Figure 5 and outputs information regarding lighting control so that the lighting fixture 4 illuminates the space normally or turns off.

[0070] As explained above, the lighting control system 3 has two control modes, a first state and a second state, so it can also be controlled so that the lighting fixture 4 does not give notifications that visually represent emotional information to people in the space. As a result, the lighting control system 3 can reduce the number of times the lighting fixture 4 gives notifications that visually represent emotional information, thereby reducing the possibility that people in the space may feel annoyed by being given such notifications frequently.

[0071] Furthermore, the lighting control system 3 controls the lighting fixture 4 to provide a visual notification of the emotional information if emotional information indicating the same emotional classification is received for a predetermined period of time within a certain period of time. This allows for more accurate notification to be given to people staying in the space.

[0072] In the determination method shown in Figure 6A, the control unit 32 may use the number of occurrences instead of time as the threshold. For example, in step S31 of Figure 6A, the control unit 32 may determine whether the sensor 2 has detected the same emotion classification a predetermined number of times (e.g., 3 times) or more within the first period.

[0073] Furthermore, if the classification of emotions contained in the received emotion information changes rapidly, the control unit 32 may transition to the first state without waiting for a certain amount of time to elapse. For example, if the classification of emotions contained in the emotion information received at a certain time is "joy," and the classification of emotions contained in the emotion information received T seconds later is "anger," the control unit 32 may determine that there has been a rapid change in emotion and transition to the first state. In addition, even if the classification of emotions contained in the received emotion information is the same, if the rate of change in the emotion level exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 32 may similarly transition to the first state without waiting for a certain amount of time to elapse. For example, if the emotion level contained in the emotion information received T seconds later is two or more levels higher than the emotion level contained in the emotion information received at a certain time, the control unit 32 may determine that there has been a rapid change in emotion and transition to the first state. This shortens the time it takes for the lighting control system 3 from when a person's emotion changes in the space until the lighting fixture 4 provides a visual notification of the emotion to the person in the space. Therefore, the lighting control system 3 can make it less likely for people staying in the space to feel uncomfortable with the notification.

[0074] Figure 6B is a flowchart showing another example of a specific determination method in step S3 of Figure 5. The flowchart shown in Figure 6B is a specific example of operation after the control unit 32 has transitioned to the first state. In other words, Figure 6B is a flowchart showing a specific determination method when emotional information is received after the control unit 32 has controlled the lighting fixtures 4 installed in the space to give a visually represented notification of the emotional information to people staying in the space based on the received emotional information.

[0075] After transitioning to the first state, the control unit 32 determines whether emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received consecutively a predetermined number of times or more by the communication unit 31 (S34).

[0076] If the control unit 32 determines that emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has not been received consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more (No in S34), it maintains the first state (S35). Then, based on the received emotion information, the control unit 32 executes the processes from step S4 onwards in Figure 5.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined that emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received consecutively more than a predetermined number of times (Yes in S34), the control unit 32 transitions to the second state (S36). Then, the control unit 32 moves to step S7 in Figure 5 and outputs information regarding lighting control information so that the lighting fixture 4 illuminates the space normally or turns off.

[0078] In step S4, even if emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more, the control unit 32 may maintain the first state if the emotion level has changed.

[0079] As explained above, after transitioning to the first state, if the lighting control system 3 receives emotion information indicating the same emotion classification a predetermined number of times consecutively, the lighting fixture 4 is controlled not to provide a visual notification of the emotion information to a person in the space. By doing so, the lighting control system 3 reduces the number of times the lighting fixture 4 provides a visual notification of the emotion information, preventing a person in the space from becoming accustomed to the notification and making it easier for them to notice it.

[0080] Note that the determination method in step S3 of Figure 5 may be other than the determination method shown in Figures 6A and 6B. For example, the control unit 32 may randomly determine the notification that visually represents emotional information. In other words, the control unit 32 may randomly switch between the two control modes, the first state and the second state, described above. The control unit 32 may, for example, use a random number generator to transition to the first state if the number is even, and to the second state if the number is odd. As a result, the lighting control system 3 reduces the number of times the lighting fixture 4 gives a notification that visually represents emotional information, thereby preventing people staying in the space from becoming accustomed to the notification and making it easier for them to notice the notification.

[0081] [Method for identifying lighting control information corresponding to emotional information] A detailed example of the operation in step S4 of Figure 5 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the operation in step S4 of Figure 5.

[0082] The control unit 32 determines whether the rate of change in the emotional level exceeds a threshold (S41). For example, the control unit 32 determines whether the emotional level within a certain period of time has changed by two or more levels compared to the emotional level within another certain period of time (the previous certain period of time).

[0083] If the control unit 32 determines that the rate of change in the emotional level does not exceed a threshold (No in S41), it transitions from the first state to the third state (S42). The third state is a control mode in which the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 so that it issues a first notification when the emotional level contained in the received emotional information is the first level, and a second notification when the emotional level contained in the received emotional information is the second level, which is higher than the first level. In other words, the third state is a control mode in which the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 so that it issues a notification corresponding to the emotional level contained in the received emotional information.

[0084] The control unit 32 reads the lighting control content stored in the memory unit 33 (S43). In step S43, the control unit 32 reads, for example, the lighting control content shown in Figure 4A. Based on the lighting control content read in step S43, the control unit 32 identifies the lighting control information corresponding to the emotion level included in the emotion information (S44).

[0085] On the other hand, if the control unit 32 determines that the rate of change in the emotional level exceeds a threshold (Yes in S41), the control unit 32 transitions from the first state to the fourth state (S45). The fourth state is a control mode in which the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 to issue a second notification when the emotional level included in the received emotional information is the first level. In other words, the fourth state is a control mode in which the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 to issue a notification corresponding to an emotional level higher than the emotional level included in the received emotional information.

[0086] The control unit 32 reads the lighting control information stored in the memory unit 33 (S46). In step S46, the control unit 32 reads, for example, the lighting control information shown in Figure 4B. Based on the lighting control information read in step S46, the control unit 32 identifies lighting control information corresponding to a higher emotion level than the lighting control information corresponding to the emotion level included in the emotion information (S47).

[0087] In steps S46 and S47, the control unit 32 may, for example, read the lighting control information shown in Figure 4A and identify lighting control information corresponding to a higher emotion level than the lighting control information corresponding to the emotion level. For example, the control unit 32 may amplify values ​​such as the brightness of the light among the identified lighting control information.

[0088] As explained above, the lighting control system 3 further controls the lighting fixtures 4 based on the emotional level contained in the emotional information, so it can provide people in the space with notifications that visually represent emotional information with greater accuracy. As a result, people in the space can gain a deeper understanding of their own emotions, or the emotions of the people around them (targets).

[0089] Furthermore, since the lighting control system 3 has two control modes, a third state and a fourth state, it can also provide people staying in the space with notifications that visually represent the emotions of the subject in a stylized way. This allows people staying in the space to gain a deeper understanding of their own emotions, or the emotions of the people (subjects) around them.

[0090] [Specific examples] Figures 8A to 8C are schematic diagrams illustrating specific examples. These diagrams show a situation where a mother 100 is cooking in the kitchen, and four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 are gathered around the dining table. In Figures 8A to 8C, the lighting system 1 detects the emotional information of the mother 100 (the subject) and provides a visual notification of this emotional information to the mother 100 and the four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 (the people present in the space). Furthermore, in Figures 8A to 8C, the control unit 32 of the lighting control system 3 identifies the nearest lighting fixture 4 based on location information indicating the mother 100's position and controls that lighting fixture 4.

[0091] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example. Figure 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example that occurs after the example shown in Figure 8A. Figure 8C is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example that occurs after the example shown in Figure 8B.

[0092] As shown in Figure 8A, a sensor 2 installed in the space where the mother 100 and her four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 are staying detects the mother 100's emotional information. The control unit 32 of the lighting control system 3 outputs information regarding the lighting control information identified based on this emotional information to the lighting fixture 4 located closest to where the mother 100 and her four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 are staying. The control unit 42 of the lighting fixture 4 then controls the lighting to a state such as a warm white light that flickers slowly (the area indicated by dots in the example in Figure 8A). As a result, the four children 110, 120, 130, and 140, sitting in dining chairs, see the notification that visually represents the emotional information given by the lighting fixture 4 and, for example, have a quiet conversation like the following:

[0093] (Child 110) "Is Mom in a bad mood today?" (Child 120) "That's bad."

[0094] In this way, the four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 can understand that their mother 100 is in a bad mood and irritated by seeing the notifications that visually represent the emotional information given by the light fixture 4.

[0095] And in the situation described above, for example, child 130 knocks over a cup and says the following:

[0096] (Child 130) "Oh, I spilled the water!"

[0097] Then, as shown in Figure 8B, for example, mother 100 gives the following warning to child 130 when the child spills water.

[0098] (Mother 100) "Hey!" (Child 130) "Waaahhh"

[0099] At this time, sensor 2 analyzes the mother 100's facial expression or voice to detect her emotional information. The control unit 32 of the lighting control system 3 outputs information regarding the lighting control information identified based on this emotional information to the lighting fixture 4 located closest to where the mother 100 and the four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 are staying. The control unit 42 of the lighting fixture 4 then controls it to a state where it flashes intensely in a daylight color (in the example in Figure 8B, the area shown by the upward-sloping diagonal line). As a result, the mother 100 can see the notification that visually represents the emotional information given by the lighting fixture 4 and reflect on her actions, for example, thinking, "Oh, I've gotten angry again."

[0100] Then, as shown in Figure 8C, for example, mother 100 has the following conversation with child 130.

[0101] (Mother 100) "I'm sorry I got so angry. Please be more careful next time." (Child 130) "I'm sorry. I'll be more careful."

[0102] And, upon receiving an apology from Mother 100, Child 130 can feel relieved, thinking, "That's good. We were able to make up right away."

[0103] At this time, sensor 2 analyzes the mother 100's facial expression or voice to detect emotional information (i.e., a decrease in emotional level, or a classification of an emotion other than "anger"). The control unit 32 of the lighting control system 3 outputs, for example, information regarding lighting control information identified based on the emotional information, or lighting control information that will alleviate the mother 100's "anger," to the lighting fixture 4 located closest to where the mother 100 and the four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 are staying. The control unit 42 of the lighting fixture 4 then controls the lighting to a state that gently envelops the light with daylight white light (in the example in Figure 8C, the area shown by the downward sloping diagonal line). The mother 100 can calm down by seeing the notification that visually represents the emotional information provided by the lighting fixture 4.

[0104] In the specific example above, the lighting system 1 uses a lighting fixture 4 located near the mother 100 to provide a visually represented notification of emotional information, but it is not limited to this. For example, the lighting system 1 may use a lighting fixture 4 located near the father 150 staying in the hallway to provide the father 150 with a visually represented notification of emotional information, or it may use a lighting fixture 4 located near another mother 160 staying in the bedroom to provide the other mother 160 with a visually represented notification of emotional information.

[0105] [Effects, etc.] The above 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 such inventions.

[0106] Invention 1 is a lighting control system 3 comprising a communication unit 31 that receives emotion information relating to the classification of the emotions of a subject detected by a sensor 2 installed in the space, and a control unit 32 that controls lighting fixtures 4 installed in the space to provide a visual notification of the emotion information to people staying in the space based on the received emotion information.

[0107] This lighting control system 3 controls the lighting fixtures 4 to provide visual notifications of emotional information to people in the space, allowing those in the space to deepen their understanding of their own emotions or the emotions of those around them. As a result, people in the space can connect with each other, and the lighting control system 3 can improve the quality of communication.

[0108] Invention 2 is a lighting control system 3 of Invention 1, which is realized by a combination of one or more of the following: the color of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4, the brightness of the light, and the light emission pattern of the lighting fixture 4.

[0109] This lighting control system 3 provides notifications that visually represent emotional information through one or more combinations of the color of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4, the brightness of the light, and the light emission pattern of the lighting fixture 4. As a result, people staying in the space can objectively understand their own emotions, or understand the emotions of people (targets) around them, by looking at the lighting.

[0110] Invention 3 is a lighting control system 3 of Invention 1 or 2, comprising a storage unit 33 that stores lighting control content in which the classification of emotions and lighting control information for realizing notification are associated, and a control unit 32 that controls the lighting fixture 4 according to the lighting control information associated with the classification of emotions indicated by the received emotion information in the lighting control content, thereby giving a notification to a person staying in the space.

[0111] This type of lighting control system 3 can notify people staying in a space by controlling the lighting fixtures 4 installed in the space based on the lighting control content stored in the memory unit 33.

[0112] Invention 4 is a lighting control system 3 of any of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the control unit 32 has a first state in which it controls the lighting fixture 4 to give a notification to a person staying in the space, and a second state in which it controls the lighting fixture 4 regardless of emotional information.

[0113] Since such a lighting control system 3 has two control modes, a first state and a second state, it can also be controlled so that the lighting fixture 4 does not give notifications that visually represent emotional information to people in the space. As a result, the lighting control system 3 reduces the number of times the lighting fixture 4 gives notifications that visually represent emotional information, thereby reducing the possibility that people in the space may feel annoyed by being given such notifications frequently.

[0114] Invention 5 is the lighting control system 3 of Invention 4, wherein the control unit 32 randomly switches between a first state and a second state.

[0115] This lighting control system 3 randomly switches between two control modes, a first state and a second state, so that even when emotional information is received, the lighting fixture 4 may be controlled not to visually represent the emotional information to people in the space. As a result, the lighting control system 3 reduces the number of times the lighting fixture 4 visually represents the emotional information, preventing people in the space from becoming accustomed to the notifications and making them more likely to notice them.

[0116] Invention 6 is a lighting control system 3 of Invention 4, comprising a measuring unit 34 for measuring time, and a control unit 32, based on the time measurement result by the measuring unit 34, determines that emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received by the communication unit 31 for a predetermined time or longer within a certain period of time, and transitions to a first state.

[0117] This lighting control system 3 controls the lighting fixture 4 to provide a visually represented notification of emotional information when emotional information indicating the same emotional classification is received for a predetermined period of time within a certain period of time, thereby enabling more accurate notifications to be given to people staying in the space.

[0118] Invention 7 is a lighting control system 3 of Invention 4, wherein the control unit 32 transitions to a first state, and then, if the communication unit 31 receives emotion information indicating the same emotion classification a predetermined number of times or more consecutively, it transitions to a second state.

[0119] This lighting control system 3 controls the lighting fixture 4 so as not to visually represent emotional information to people in the space if the emotional classification detected for a predetermined time or longer during the first period is the same as the emotional classification detected for a predetermined time or longer during the second period. As a result, the lighting control system 3 reduces the number of times the lighting fixture 4 visually represents emotional information, preventing people in the space from becoming accustomed to the notifications and making them more likely to notice them.

[0120] Invention 8 is a lighting control system 3 according to any of Inventions 1 to 7, wherein the communication unit 31 further receives location information from a sensor 2 that also detects the location where a person is staying in the space, and the control unit 32 selects the lighting fixture 4 that is closest to the location where the person is staying from among a plurality of lighting fixtures 4 based on the received location information.

[0121] This type of lighting control system 3 selects the lighting fixture 4 closest to the location where a person is staying in the space from among multiple lighting fixtures 4 based on the received location information, so that people staying in the space are more likely to notice notifications that visually represent emotional information.

[0122] Invention 9 is a lighting control system 3 according to any of Inventions 1 to 8, wherein the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 based on the emotion level, which indicates the degree of the intensity of the subject's emotions, contained in the received emotion information.

[0123] Such a lighting control system 3 further controls the lighting fixtures 4 based on the emotional level contained in the received emotional information, thereby providing people in the space with notifications that visually represent emotional information with greater accuracy. As a result, people in the space can gain a deeper understanding of their own emotions, or the emotions of those around them.

[0124] Invention 10 is a lighting control system 3 of Invention 9, wherein the control unit 32 has a third state in which it controls the lighting fixture 4 to give a first notification when the emotion level included in the received emotion information is at a first level, and a second notification when the emotion level included in the received emotion information is at a second level which is higher than the first level, and a fourth state in which it controls the lighting fixture 4 to give a second notification when the emotion level included in the received emotion information is at a first level.

[0125] Since this lighting control system 3 has two control modes, a third state and a fourth state, it can also provide people staying in the space with notifications that visually represent the emotions of the subject in a stylized way. This allows people staying in the space to gain a deeper understanding of their own emotions, or the emotions of the people (subjects) around them.

[0126] Invention 11 is a lighting control system 3 of Invention 10, wherein the control unit 32 transitions to a fourth state when the rate of change of the emotion level indicated by the received emotion information exceeds a threshold.

[0127] When the emotional level contained in the received emotional information exceeds a threshold, this lighting control system 3 transitions to a fourth state and provides a notification to people in the space that visually represents the subject's emotions in a stylized way. As a result, people in the space can gain a deeper understanding of their own emotions, or the emotions of those around them (subjects).

[0128] Invention 12 is a lighting system 1 comprising a lighting control system 3 according to any of Inventions 1 to 11, a lighting fixture 4, and a sensor 2.

[0129] Such a lighting system 1 produces the same effects as the lighting control system 3 described above.

[0130] Invention 13 is a lighting control method that includes a receiving step (S2) of receiving emotion information relating to the classification of the emotions of a subject detected by a sensor 2 installed in the space, and a control step (S4-S6) of controlling a lighting fixture 4 installed in the space to give a visual notification of the emotion information to a person staying in the space based on the received emotion information.

[0131] This lighting control method controls the lighting fixtures 4 to provide visual notifications of emotional information to people in the space, allowing those in the space to deepen their understanding of their own emotions or the emotions of those around them. As a result, people in the space can connect with each other, and the lighting control system 3 can improve the quality of communication.

[0132] Invention 14 is a program for causing a computer to execute the lighting control method of Invention 13.

[0133] Such a program produces the same effects as the lighting control method described above.

[0134] (modified version) Although lighting control systems, etc., relating to one or more embodiments have been described above based on the above embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art can conceive of may be applied to the above embodiments, and forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more embodiments.

[0135] For example, in the above embodiment, the sensor may include a software program that identifies emotional information based on images captured by the camera.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit of the lighting control system may identify emotional information.

[0137] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lighting control system may control audio equipment in addition to lighting fixtures. Specifically, the lighting control system may provide auditory notifications of emotional information to people in the space by expressing their emotions through the sounds of the audio equipment.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be implemented by being composed of dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0139] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the lighting control system, etc., according to the above embodiment may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0140] Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may consist of detachable IC cards or standalone modules attached to each device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include a highly functional LSI. The microprocessor operates according to a computer program, thereby enabling the IC card or module to achieve its function. The IC card or module may also be tamper-resistant.

[0141] Furthermore, the lighting control system or lighting system of the above embodiment may be implemented by multiple devices or by a single device. When the lighting system is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the lighting system (in particular, the functional components) may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way.

[0142] Furthermore, the general or specific embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. They may also be implemented in any combination of systems, apparatus, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.

[0143] For example, this disclosure may be implemented as a determination method executed by a computer, such as the lighting control system of the above embodiment, or as a program for causing a computer to execute the determination method. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0144] 1. Lighting System 2 sensors 3. Lighting control system 31 Communications Department 32 Control Unit 33 Storage section 34 Measurement Unit 4 Lighting fixtures

Claims

1. A communication unit that receives emotional information regarding the classification of the emotions of a subject detected by sensors installed in the space, The system includes a control unit that controls lighting fixtures installed in the space to provide a visually represented notification of the emotional information to a person staying in the space, based on the received emotional information. Lighting control system.

2. The notification is realized by one or more combinations of the color of the light emitted by the lighting fixture, the brightness of the light, and the light emission pattern of the lighting fixture. The lighting control system according to claim 1.

3. It includes a storage unit that stores lighting control content, which associates the classification of emotions with lighting control information for realizing the aforementioned notification. The control unit, in the lighting control content, controls the lighting fixture according to the lighting control information associated with the classification of emotions indicated by the received emotion information, thereby providing the notification to a person staying in the space. The lighting control system according to claim 1.

4. The control unit, A first state in which the lighting fixture is controlled to give the notification to a person staying in the space, A second state in which the lighting fixture is controlled regardless of the aforementioned emotional information, Having, The lighting control system according to claim 1.

5. The control unit randomly switches between the first state and the second state. The lighting control system according to claim 4.

6. Equipped with a time measurement unit, The control unit, based on the time measurement results by the measurement unit, determines that the communication unit has received the emotion information indicating the same emotion classification for a predetermined period of time or longer within a certain period of time, and then transitions to the first state. The lighting control system according to claim 4.

7. After transitioning to the first state, the control unit transitions to the second state if the communication unit receives emotion information indicating the same emotion classification a predetermined number of times or more consecutively. The lighting control system according to claim 4.

8. The communication unit further receives location information indicating the location from the sensor that also detects the location where the person is staying within the space. The control unit selects the lighting fixture closest to the location where the person is staying from among a plurality of lighting fixtures, based on the received location information. The lighting control system according to claim 1.

9. The control unit controls the lighting fixture based on the emotion level, which indicates the degree of intensity of the subject's emotions, included in the received emotion information. The lighting control system according to claim 1.

10. The control unit, A third state in which the lighting fixture is controlled such that a first notification is given when the emotion level included in the received emotion information is a first level, and a second notification is given when the emotion level included in the received emotion information is a second level, which is higher than the first level. A fourth state in which the lighting fixture is controlled to give the second notification when the emotion level included in the received emotion information is the first level, Having, The lighting control system according to claim 9.

11. The control unit transitions to the fourth state when the rate of change in the emotional level indicated by the received emotional information exceeds a threshold. The lighting control system according to claim 10.

12. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The aforementioned lighting fixture, The sensor and the above-mentioned sensor are included, Lighting system.

13. A receiving step of receiving emotional information regarding the classification of the emotions of a subject detected by sensors installed in the space, The process includes a control step of controlling lighting fixtures installed in the space to provide a visually representing notification of the emotional information to a person staying in the space, based on the received emotional information. Lighting control method.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute the lighting control method described in claim 13.

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