Lighting control system and computing device

Abstract

The objective is to obtain a lighting control system and computing device that can provide lighting based on user preferences. [Solution] The lighting control system according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures and a lighting controller configured to control the plurality of lighting fixtures, wherein the lighting controller obtains from a user dimming information including at least one of brightness information and color temperature information corresponding to the user, and the user's location information, and controls the plurality of lighting fixtures based on a dimming value including at least one of a brightness value and a color temperature value and a light distribution state calculated for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures based on the dimming information and the location information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control system and an arithmetic unit.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle light distribution control device that controls the light distribution of a headlight that irradiates the front of a vehicle.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, there are individual differences in the appropriate brightness and color temperature of lighting. Therefore, there is a risk that users may feel uncomfortable with uniform brightness and color temperature.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to obtain a lighting control system and an arithmetic unit that can provide lighting based on user preferences.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The lighting control system according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of lighting fixtures and a lighting controller configured to control the plurality of lighting fixtures. The lighting controller acquires, from the user, dimming information including at least one of brightness information and color temperature information corresponding to the user, and position information of the user, and controls the plurality of lighting fixtures based on a dimming value including at least one of a brightness value and a color temperature value calculated for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures and a light distribution state based on the dimming information and the position information.

[0007] The computing device according to this disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives dimming information, which includes at least one of brightness information and color temperature information corresponding to a user, and the user's location information from a lighting controller; a control unit that calculates a dimming value, which includes at least one of a brightness value and a color temperature value, and a light distribution state for each of a plurality of lighting fixtures based on the dimming information and the location information; and an output unit that transmits the dimming value and the light distribution state to the lighting controller. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the lighting control system and computing device described herein, dimming values ​​and light distribution states are calculated for each of multiple lighting fixtures based on dimming information corresponding to the user and the user's location information. By controlling the multiple lighting fixtures based on these dimming values ​​and light distribution states, lighting can be provided according to the user's preferences. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of the lighting control system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing a lighting fixture according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the light distribution of a lighting fixture according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing on the cloud server according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a state where there are no users in the space. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the dimming and location information provided by the user. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of lighting conditions when one user is present in a space. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of lighting conditions when multiple users are present in a space. [Figure 9] This diagram shows an example of lighting conditions when multiple users are present in a space. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram of the lighting control system according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The lighting control system and computing device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repetition of the description may be omitted.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a lighting control system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The lighting control system 100 comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 and a lighting controller 10 configured to control the plurality of lighting fixtures 20. The lighting controller 10 communicates with a communication device 30 and a cloud server 40. Note that the lighting control system 100 may also include the communication device 30 and the cloud server 40.

[0012] First, let's describe the lighting fixture 20. The lighting fixture 20 can change one or more of the following: color temperature and brightness, based on a signal from the lighting controller 10. Preferably, the lighting fixture 20 can change both color temperature and brightness. The lighting fixture 20 can also change the light distribution. The lighting fixture 20 has a receiving unit 21, a control unit 22, and a light output unit 23. The receiving unit 21 receives a dimming value including at least one of the brightness value and color temperature value, and a control signal including the light distribution state from the lighting controller 10. The control unit 22 controls the light output unit 23 so that it lights up based on the received dimming value and light distribution state. Communication between the lighting fixture 20 and the lighting controller 10 can be either wired or wireless.

[0013] Figure 2 shows a lighting fixture 20 according to Embodiment 1. The lighting fixture 20 is, for example, a spotlight. Any lighting fixture that can control at least one of the color temperature and brightness, as well as the light distribution, can be used as the lighting fixture 20.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the light distribution of the lighting fixture 20 according to Embodiment 1. The lighting fixture 20 is, for example, variable in light distribution. Variable light distribution means that the lighting fixture 20 changes the refractive index of the light output unit 23 by an electrical signal without mechanically moving, thereby changing the light distribution. Each lighting fixture 20 can realize, as the light distribution state, spot light distribution in FIG. 3(a), elliptical light distribution in FIG. 3(b), horizontal line light distribution in FIG. 3(c), vertical line light distribution in FIG. 3(d), diffused light distribution in FIG. 3(e), and the like. That is, it is preferable that the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 can realize at least circular light distribution, light distribution long in the first direction, and light distribution long in the second direction intersecting the first direction. In addition to such a change in the light distribution state, by dimming the lighting fixture 20, it is possible to meet a wide range of requirements.

[0015] Next, the lighting controller 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting controller 10 includes a receiving unit 11 that communicates with the user's communication device 30, output units 12 and 13 that communicate with the cloud server 40, and an output unit 15 that communicates with a plurality of lighting fixtures 20. The communication between the lighting controller 10 and the communication device 30, and the communication between the lighting controller 10 and the cloud server 40 are, for example, wireless communications. The receiving unit 11 acquires the user's position information and dimming information transmitted from the output unit 31 of the user's communication device 30. The dimming information includes at least one of brightness information and color temperature information corresponding to the user. Specifically, the brightness information is the preferred brightness set by the user, and the color temperature information is the preferred color temperature set by the user.

[0016] The output unit 12 transmits the received location information and dimming information to the cloud server 40. If the user does not transmit dimming information, the lighting controller 10 transmits a predetermined value as dimming information to the cloud server 40. If the user does not have a communication device 30, the lighting controller 10 obtains the user's location information from the image sensor or motion sensor and transmits the obtained location information to the cloud server 40. The receiving unit 13 receives the dimming value and light distribution state of each lighting fixture 20 calculated by the cloud server 40. The control unit 14 transmits the dimming value and light distribution state of each lighting fixture 20 from the output unit 15. In this way, the control unit 14 controls the multiple lighting fixtures 20 based on the calculated dimming value and light distribution state.

[0017] Next, the cloud server 40 will be described. The cloud server 40 corresponds to a computing device. The cloud server 40 may also be a computing device using AI (Artificial Intelligence). As shown in Figure 1, the cloud server 40 has a control unit 42, a receiving unit 41 and an output unit 43 that communicate with the lighting controller 10. The receiving unit 41 receives the user's location information and dimming information from the lighting controller 10. Based on the dimming information and location information, the control unit 42 calculates a dimming value and light distribution state for each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20, including at least one of the brightness value and the color temperature value. The output unit 43 transmits the calculated dimming values ​​and light distribution states of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to the lighting controller 10. Based on the location information and dimming information received from the lighting controller 10, the control unit 42 comprehensively determines and calculates which of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to light up, and with what light distribution, color temperature, and brightness. The calculation results are fed back to the lighting controller 10.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the processing in the cloud server 40 according to Embodiment 1. First, when there is no user in the space illuminated by the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 (YES in step 1), the control unit 42 calculates the dimming value and the light distribution state so as to set the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 to a dimming or extinguished state (step 6). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state where there is no user in the space. The dimming state for ensuring the minimum brightness when there is no user in the space may be realized by setting one or more of the lighting fixtures 20 to the diffused light distribution L1.

[0019] Next, a case where there is a user in the space illuminated by the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 (NO in step 1) will be described. At this time, if the user has the communication device 30, the cloud server 40 can acquire the dimming information and the position information from the user via the lighting controller 10.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the acquisition of the dimming information and the position information from the user 35. The communication device 30 of the user 35 is, for example, a smart watch, a smart phone, a tablet, or the like. For example, the favorite brightness, color temperature, and position information of the user 35 are transmitted by an application of the communication device 30. At this time, if the user 35 registers their favorite dimming information in the application in advance, the dimming information may be automatically transmitted from the communication device 30. In the case of the user 35 who does not have an application or the like, the position information is specified by an image sensor or a human presence sensor. Also, instead of the favorite brightness and color temperature of the user 35, a specified value is used.

[0021] When there is one user 35 in the space illuminated by the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 (YES in step 2), the control unit 42 calculates the dimming value and the light distribution state so that the dimming state desired by the user 35 is realized (step 7). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the lighting state when there is one user 35 in the space. When there is one user 35 in the space, for example, the lighting fixture 20 corresponding to the position of the user 35 provides lighting suitable for the preference of the user 35. The dimming state desired by the user 35 may be realized by, for example, setting one lighting fixture 20 to the spot light distribution L2.

[0022] In other words, the control unit 42 calculates the dimming value and light distribution state of the lighting fixture 20 corresponding to the user 35's position, and determines values ​​that will allow the user 35 to achieve the desired dimming state. In this case, even if the lighting fixture 20 has the same output, the brightness, such as the illuminance on the desk surface, will change depending on the light distribution state. Therefore, the dimming value is calculated taking into account the light distribution state of the lighting fixture 20. Furthermore, for lighting fixtures 20 that do not correspond to the user 35's position, the control unit 42 calculates the dimming value and light distribution state to, for example, dim or turn off.

[0023] If there are multiple users 35 in a space illuminated by multiple lighting fixtures 20 (NO in Step 2), the control unit 42 determines whether there is only one user 35 within the light distribution range of one lighting fixture 20 (Step 3). If there is only one user 35 within the light distribution range of one lighting fixture 20 (YES in Step 3), the control unit 42 calculates the dimming value and light distribution state so that the dimming state desired by each user 35 is achieved (Step 7). In this case, as in the case of one user, the control unit 42 calculates values ​​that will allow the dimming state desired by each user 35 to be achieved as the dimming value and light distribution state of the lighting fixture 20 corresponding to the location of each user 35. In this case, the dimming value is calculated taking into account the light distribution state of the lighting fixture 20.

[0024] If there is more than one user 35 within the light distribution range of a single lighting fixture 20 (NO in step 3), the control unit 42 determines whether multiple lighting fixtures 20 can accommodate the dimming state desired by each user 35 (step 4). If it can (YES in step 4), the control unit 42 calculates the dimming values ​​and light distribution states of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 so that the dimming state desired by each user 35 is achieved (step 7).

[0025] Figure 8 shows an example of the lighting state when there are multiple users 35 in a space. When multiple users 35 are present in a space illuminated by multiple lighting fixtures 20, the light distribution state of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 may be calculated taking into account the direction in which the multiple users 35 are lined up. For example, in an area where the users 35 are lined up vertically, the light distribution state of one or more lighting fixtures 20 may be used to realize a vertical line light distribution L3 as shown in Figure 8. In this case, the light distribution state of one or more lighting fixtures 20 corresponding to the positions of the users 35 is set to a vertical line light distribution as shown in Figure 3(d), for example.

[0026] Furthermore, in an area where users 35 are lined up side by side, for example, a horizontal line light distribution L4 as shown in Figure 8 may be achieved by adjusting the light distribution state of one or more lighting fixtures 20. In this case, the light distribution state of one or more lighting fixtures 20 corresponding to the positions of users 35 is set to a horizontal line light distribution as shown in Figure 3(c), for example. In addition, the dimming value required to achieve the dimming state desired by each user 35 is calculated by taking into account the light distribution states of multiple lighting fixtures 20. Moreover, the brightness can be increased or decreased by overlapping the light distributions of multiple lighting fixtures 20. For this reason, the dimming value is calculated by taking into account the overlap of light from multiple lighting fixtures 20.

[0027] Figure 9 shows an example of lighting conditions when multiple users 35 are present in a space. Note that in Figure 9, the lighting fixtures are long, rectangular fixtures 20a, not spotlights. For example, in an area where users 35 are clustered together, a diffuse light distribution L1 as shown in Figure 9 may be achieved by adjusting the light distribution of one or more lighting fixtures 20. In this case, the color temperature is set to, for example, 5000K based on the color temperature preferences of the multiple users. In an area where only one user 35 is present, a horizontal line light distribution L4 as shown in Figure 9 may be achieved by adjusting the light distribution of one or more lighting fixtures 20. In this case, the color temperature is set to, for example, 3500K based on the color temperature preferences of the user 35. In areas where there are no users 35, the lighting is dimmed or off L0.

[0028] Next, we will explain the case where the dimming state desired by each user 35 cannot be met by the multiple lighting fixtures 20 (NO in Step 4). In this case, the control unit 42 calculates the dimming values ​​and light distribution states of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 so that the multiple lighting fixtures 20 can achieve values ​​that are as close as possible to the dimming state desired by the multiple users 35 (Step 5). For example, the dimming values ​​and light distribution states are calculated to achieve values ​​between or intermediate values ​​of the dimming information corresponding to the multiple users 35. This makes it possible to handle cases where there are many users 35, or where there are users 35 with greatly different preferences.

[0029] The dimming values ​​and light distribution states of each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 calculated in steps 5, 6, and 7 may be calculated taking into account the installation environment and product information of the multiple lighting fixtures 20. For example, the dimming values ​​and light distribution states may be calculated taking into account the decrease in luminous flux, i.e., brightness, due to changes in the light source of the lighting fixture 20 over time or due to dirt accumulation such as dust. In this case, the brightness value may be calculated by taking into account the maintenance factor from the number of years the lighting fixture 20 has been installed. The maintenance factor is a correction coefficient to compensate for the decrease in luminous flux mentioned above. Furthermore, the control unit 42 may also calculate the dimming values ​​and light distribution states by taking into account the illuminance of the desk surface calculated from the installation height information of the lighting fixture 20.

[0030] Information on the installation environment and product information of the lighting fixture 20 is stored in the memory 42b of the cloud server 40. The installation environment includes, for example, the installation spacing and height of the lighting fixture 20. The product information includes, for example, the installation date of the lighting fixture 20 and various specifications such as the luminous flux in each light distribution state shown in Figure 3. Based on this information, along with the user's 35 dimming information and location information, appropriate dimming values ​​and light distribution states are calculated, for example, by AI.

[0031] If the illumination of a lighting fixture 20 is insufficient when it is using a diffuse light distribution, the dimming value and light distribution state of each lighting fixture 20 may be calculated to change the light distribution of the other lighting fixtures 20 in order to ensure sufficient illumination on the desk surface. For this reason, the spacing between the lighting fixtures 20 should be such that the light distribution of each lighting fixture 20 partially interferes with each other. In addition, in steps 5, 6, and 7, lighting fixtures 20 that have little impact on the user 35 may be dimmed or turned off. The brightness of lighting fixtures 20 that do not correspond to the area where the user 35 is located may be set lower than the brightness of lighting fixtures 20 that correspond to the area where the user 35 is located.

[0032] The control unit 42 can be composed of, for example, one or more processors 42a and one or more memories 42b. The memories 42b store information about the installation environment and product information of the lighting fixture 20, as well as a program that causes the processor 42a to execute the functions of the control unit 42 described above. In this embodiment, an example in which the computing device is a cloud server 40 has been described, but the computing device can be configured in any way as long as it can realize the above functions. For example, the computing device may be part of the lighting controller 10.

[0033] As described above, according to this embodiment, by calculating the dimming values ​​and light distribution states of multiple lighting fixtures 20 from dimming information and position information based on the user's preferences, lighting tailored to the user's preferences can be provided. In other words, by changing the light distribution of multiple lighting fixtures 20, the optimal brightness and color temperature can be obtained. Therefore, the user's needs related to comfort can be reflected in the lighting, improving satisfaction and work efficiency. In addition, energy consumption can be reduced by changing the light distribution depending on the user's position or by lowering the illuminance in areas where the user is absent.

[0034] The above modifications can be appropriately applied to the lighting control system and computing device according to the following embodiments. Since the lighting control system and computing device according to the following embodiments share many similarities with Embodiment 1, the explanation will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0035] Embodiment 2. Figure 10 is a block diagram of the lighting control system 200 according to Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, a sensor 50 is provided instead of the communication device 30. The sensor 50 is an image sensor or a motion sensor. The sensor 50 has a sensor unit 51 that detects the user's location information and an output unit 52 that transmits the location information to the lighting controller 10. As described above, if the lighting controller 10 does not obtain location information from the user, it may obtain the user's location information from the sensor 50. Also, if dimming information is not obtained from the user, the dimming values ​​and light distribution states of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are calculated based on the specified values ​​of the dimming information. Thus, this embodiment can also handle cases where the user does not possess the communication device 30.

[0036] The technical features described in each embodiment may be used in combination as appropriate.

[0037] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) Multiple lighting fixtures, A lighting controller configured to control the aforementioned plurality of lighting fixtures, Equipped with, The aforementioned lighting controller is The system obtains from the user dimming information, which includes at least one of brightness information and color temperature information corresponding to the user, and the user's location information. A lighting control system characterized by controlling the plurality of lighting fixtures based on a dimming value and light distribution state, which are calculated for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures based on the dimming information and the position information, and which include at least one of a brightness value and a color temperature value. (Note 2) The lighting control system according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the dimming value is calculated taking into account the light distribution state of the plurality of lighting fixtures. (Note 3) The lighting control system according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, characterized in that the dimming value is calculated taking into account the overlap of light from the plurality of lighting fixtures. (Note 4) The lighting control system according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3, characterized in that when multiple users are present in the space illuminated by the multiple lighting fixtures, the light distribution state is calculated taking into account the direction in which the multiple users are lined up. (Note 5) The lighting control system according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4, characterized in that the plurality of lighting fixtures are capable of realizing at least a circular light distribution, a light distribution that is long in a first direction, and a light distribution that is long in a second direction intersecting the first direction. (Note 6) Equipped with a com, The lighting control system according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5, characterized in that if the location information is not obtained from the user, the lighting controller obtains the user's location information from the sensor. (Note 7) If the dimming information is not obtained from the user, The lighting control system according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 6, characterized in that the dimming value and the light distribution state are calculated based on the specified value of the dimming information. (Note 8) The lighting control system according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7, characterized in that when multiple users are present in the space illuminated by the multiple lighting fixtures, the dimming value and the light distribution state are calculated to realize a value between the dimming information corresponding to the multiple users. (Note 9) A lighting control system according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 8, characterized in that the dimming value and the light distribution state are calculated taking into account the installation environment and product information of the plurality of lighting fixtures. (Note 10) A lighting control system according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 8, characterized in that the dimming value and the light distribution state are calculated by a cloud server. (Note 11) A receiving unit receives dimming information from a lighting controller, which includes at least one of brightness information and color temperature information corresponding to the user, and the user's location information. A control unit calculates a dimming value and light distribution state for each of a plurality of lighting fixtures, which includes at least one of a brightness value and a color temperature value, based on the dimming information and the position information. An output unit that transmits the dimming value and the light distribution state to the lighting controller, A computing device characterized by comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 10 Lighting controller, 11 Receiver, 12 Output unit, 13 Receiver, 14 Control unit, 15 Output unit, 20 Lighting fixture, 20a Lighting fixture, 21 Receiver, 22 Control unit, 23 Optical output unit, 30 Communication equipment, 31 Output unit, 35 User, 40 Cloud server, 41 Receiver, 42 Control unit, 42a Processor, 42b Memory, 43 Output unit, 50 Sensor, 51 Sensor unit, 52 Output unit, 100 Lighting control system, 200 Lighting control system

Claims

1. Multiple lighting fixtures, A lighting controller configured to control the aforementioned plurality of lighting fixtures, Equipped with, The aforementioned lighting controller is The system obtains from the user dimming information, which includes at least one of brightness information and color temperature information corresponding to the user, and the user's location information. A lighting control system characterized by controlling the plurality of lighting fixtures based on a dimming value and light distribution state, which are calculated for each of the plurality of lighting fixtures based on the dimming information and the position information, and which include at least one of a brightness value and a color temperature value.

2. The lighting control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimming value is calculated taking into account the light distribution state of the plurality of lighting fixtures.

3. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dimming value is calculated taking into account the overlap of light from the plurality of lighting fixtures.

4. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when multiple users are present in the space illuminated by the multiple lighting fixtures, the light distribution state is calculated taking into account the direction in which the multiple users are lined up.

5. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality of lighting fixtures are capable of achieving at least a circular light distribution, a light distribution that is long in a first direction, and a light distribution that is long in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

6. Equipped with a com, The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that if the location information is not obtained from the user, the lighting controller obtains the user's location information from the sensor.

7. If the dimming information is not obtained from the user, The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dimming value and the light distribution state are calculated based on the specified value of the dimming information.

8. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when multiple users are present in the space illuminated by the multiple lighting fixtures, the dimming value and the light distribution state are calculated to realize a value between the dimming information corresponding to the multiple users.

9. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recorded dimming value and the light distribution state are calculated taking into account the installation environment and product information of the plurality of lighting fixtures.

10. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recorded dimming value and the light distribution state are calculated by a cloud server.

11. A receiving unit receives dimming information from a lighting controller, which includes at least one of brightness information and color temperature information corresponding to the user, and the user's location information. A control unit calculates a dimming value and light distribution state for each of a plurality of lighting fixtures, which includes at least one of a brightness value and a color temperature value, based on the dimming information and the position information. An output unit that transmits the dimming value and the light distribution state to the lighting controller, A computing device characterized by comprising:

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