Bioluminescent lighting system

Abstract

We will realize a bioluminescent lighting system that uses bioluminescence as the light source. [Solution] A bioluminescent lighting system 100 comprises a tank 10 for storing a liquid containing microorganisms with bioluminescent capabilities, a light-transmitting pipeline 20 extending to a predetermined facility as a flow path for the liquid containing microorganisms and connected at both ends to the tank 10, a pump 30 for circulating the liquid containing microorganisms stored in the tank 10 through the pipeline 20, and a control device 40 for adjusting the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20. The control device 40 controls the operation of the pump 30 to adjust the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms and performs a process to switch between a lighting mode that utilizes the bioluminescence of microorganisms released as the liquid containing microorganisms flows through the pipeline 20 as illumination light, and a culture mode in which microorganisms are cultured in at least the tank 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system using bioluminescence (bioluminescence lighting system).

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a lighting system formed by coupling a light source and a flexible optical fiber is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Since a flexible optical fiber can be suitably arranged even in a winding passage, a lighting system in which a light source is coupled to one end side of the flexible optical fiber can illuminate the passage with the light guided by the flexible optical fiber. And it has also been proposed to use bioluminescence (biological luminescence) for the light source of this lighting system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of the lighting system of Patent Document 1 above, even if bioluminescence (biological luminescence) is used for the light source, it is the light guided by the flexible optical fiber that illuminates the passage, and bioluminescence is not directly used as illumination light. For example, since bioluminescence in which microorganisms such as fireflies emit light in nature is known as a fantastic light, the inventor has intensively studied using such fantastic light as illumination light, and has developed a lighting system that uses bioluminescence as illumination light.

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide a bioluminescent lighting system that utilizes bioluminescence as the illumination light source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a bioluminescent lighting system, A tank for storing a liquid containing microorganisms that possess bioluminescent capabilities, A light-transmitting pipeline is extended to a predetermined facility as a flow path for the liquid containing the microorganisms, and both ends of the pipeline are connected to the tank. A circulation device that circulates the liquid containing the microorganisms stored in the tank by flowing it through the pipeline, A control device for adjusting the liquid containing the microorganisms flowing through the pipeline, Equipped with, The control device is characterized by controlling the operation of the circulation device to adjust the flow rate of the liquid containing the microorganisms, and by performing a process of switching between an illumination mode in which the bioluminescence of the microorganisms released as the liquid containing the microorganisms flows through the pipeline is used as illumination light, and a culture mode in which the microorganisms are cultured in at least the tank. In this context, "lighting mode" refers to a method of circulating a liquid containing microorganisms under conditions (flow rate) that facilitate bioluminescence by the microorganisms, while "culture mode" refers to a method of circulating a liquid containing microorganisms under conditions (flow rate) that facilitate growth and proliferation of the microorganisms. For example, the system may switch between a lighting mode in which the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms is above a predetermined value and a culture mode in which the flow rate is below a predetermined value, or it may switch between a culture mode in which the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms is above a predetermined value and a lighting mode in which the flow rate is below a predetermined value. This can be set appropriately according to the characteristics of the microorganisms that have the ability to bioluminesce (whether the microorganisms bioluminesce more easily when the flow rate is increased or when the flow rate is decreased). In other words, in lighting mode, the flow rate is adjusted and set to maximize the bioluminescence efficiency of microorganisms. In the following embodiments, we describe the case where you switch between an illumination mode in which the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms is set to a predetermined value or higher, and a culture mode in which the flow rate is set to a predetermined value or lower.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is a bioluminescent lighting system described in claim 1, The pipeline is equipped with a light sensor that detects the amount of bioluminescence emitted from the liquid containing the microorganisms flowing through the pipeline. The control device is characterized by controlling the operation of the circulation device so as to increase or decrease the flow rate of the liquid containing the microorganisms in accordance with the amount of light emitted by the light sensor. In the following embodiments, control was described in which the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms is increased to increase the amount of light emitted when the amount of light emitted detected by the light sensor is low, and the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms is decreased to decrease the amount of light emitted when the amount of light emitted detected by the light sensor is high. However, depending on the characteristics of the microorganisms that possess bioluminescence capabilities, control may be performed in which the flow rate is decreased to increase the amount of light emitted when the amount of light emitted is low, and the flow rate is increased to decrease the amount of light emitted when the amount of light emitted is high.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is a bioluminescent lighting system described in claim 2, The circulation device is provided with an enzyme injection unit for introducing the enzyme required for bioluminescence into the pipeline. The control device is characterized by controlling the operation of the enzyme injection unit to increase or decrease the amount of enzyme introduced into the pipeline in accordance with the amount of light emitted detected by the light sensor, thereby adjusting the liquid containing the microorganisms.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 relates to the bioluminescent lighting system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, The pipeline is characterized in that at least a portion of its inner wall surface is provided with irregularities for stimulating the microorganisms flowing through the pipeline.

[0010] The invention according to claim 5 is a bioluminescence lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined facility is a pool as a water bath facility, and the pipeline is extended along at least one of the bottom and the edge of the pool.

[0011] The invention according to claim 6 is a bioluminescence lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bioluminescence lighting system includes a power generation facility that converts renewable energy into electricity, and a power storage facility that stores surplus power generated by the power generation facility, and at least the circulation device is configured to operate with power supplied from at least one of the power generation facility and the power storage facility.

Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, a bioluminescence lighting system that can use bioluminescence as illumination light can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the bioluminescence lighting system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing an example of operation control of each part in the bioluminescence lighting system of this embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the bioluminescence lighting system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are technically preferably limited in various ways for implementing the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0015] The bioluminescence illumination system 100 of this embodiment includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a tank 10 that stores a liquid containing microorganisms having the ability to bioluminesce, a pipeline 20 that extends to a predetermined facility as a flow path for the liquid containing microorganisms and has both ends connected to the tank 10 and has light transmissibility, a pump 30 as a circulation device that circulates the liquid containing microorganisms stored in the tank 10 through the pipeline 20, a control device 40 that performs control for adjusting the state of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing in the pipeline 20, a power supply facility 60 that supplies power to the system, and the like.

[0016] The tank 10 is a water tank that stores the liquid containing microorganisms to be flowed into the pipeline 20 and also functions as a culture tank for culturing microorganisms having the ability to bioluminesce. For example, the tank 10 is provided with a supply path (not shown) for sending nutrients and oxygen into the liquid containing microorganisms. In addition, a water temperature regulator 11 for adjusting the temperature of the liquid containing microorganisms to an appropriate temperature is provided in the tank 10. It is preferable to provide a tank similar to this tank 10 as a sub-tank and culture microorganisms having the ability to bioluminesce in the sub-tank. By doing so, when troubles such as the death of the microorganisms in the tank 10 occur, it becomes possible to always circulate the liquid containing microorganisms in the pipeline 20 by switching the connection between the tank 10 and the pipeline 20.

[0017] Examples of microorganisms having the ability to bioluminesce include marine fireflies and glowworms. In addition, the microorganisms having the ability to bioluminesce referred to here also include bacteria. For example, bacteria such as Vibrio fischeri, Vibrio harveyi, and Vibrio phosphoreum of the family Vibrionaceae are known. As the mechanism of bioluminescence of these microorganisms, the luciferin-luciferase reaction is generally known. This is due to a chemical reaction in which a substance called luciferin, which is the source of luminescence, emits light by the action of an enzyme called luciferase.

[0018] The pipeline 20 is formed, for example, by connecting multiple tubular members together. For example, the material used for pipeline 20 can be a transparent tubular member made of acrylic or polycarbonate. At least a portion of the inner wall surface of this pipeline 20 is provided with irregularities 21 to stimulate microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20. Furthermore, the pipeline 20 is equipped with a light sensor 50 that detects the amount of bioluminescence emitted from the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20. Furthermore, the pipeline 20 is equipped with a temperature sensor 51 that measures the temperature of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20. Furthermore, the pipeline 20 is equipped with a flow sensor 52 that measures the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20. Each sensor (50, 51, 52) detects and measures the target value under the supervision of the control device 40.

[0019] The pump 30 is installed, for example, at a predetermined location in the pipeline 20 or the tank 10, and has the function of pumping up the liquid containing microorganisms stored in the tank 10, flowing it into the pipeline 20, and then circulating the liquid back into the tank 10. By adjusting the output of this pump 30, the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20 can be adjusted. Furthermore, the pump 30, which functions as a circulation device, is equipped with an enzyme injection unit 31 for introducing enzymes (for example, luciferase) required for bioluminescence into the pipeline 20. The pump 30 and enzyme injection unit 31 are powered by electricity supplied from at least one of the power generation equipment 61 and the energy storage equipment 62, which will be described later.

[0020] The power supply facility 60 includes a power generation facility 61 that converts renewable energy into electricity, and a power storage facility 62 that stores surplus electricity generated by the power generation facility 61. Renewable energy sources that are generally known include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, wave energy, and geothermal energy. Facilities that convert these energies into electricity include solar power generation facilities, wind power generation facilities, hydroelectric power generation facilities, wave power generation facilities, and geothermal power generation facilities. The amount of electricity generated by these renewable energy power generation facilities 61 increases or decreases depending on the season and weather (in the case of solar power generation facilities, it also increases or decreases depending on the time of day). By storing the surplus electricity generated by the power generation facilities 61 in the energy storage facility 62, it becomes possible to operate the pumps 30 and other equipment even during times when the amount of electricity generated is low, and the illumination light from the bioluminescent lighting system 100 does not unintentionally go out.

[0021] The control device 40 is composed of a computer having, for example, a control unit (CPU) 41, a storage unit 42, a display unit 43, an input unit 44, etc., as shown in Figure 1. The control device 40 is designed to operate using electricity supplied from the power supply equipment 60 (electricity converted from renewable energy), but it is also configured to receive power from outside the system so that the bioluminescence lighting system 100 can be stopped or kept running in an emergency.

[0022] The memory unit 42 is composed of, for example, RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, and a hard disk drive, and stores various control programs executed by the CPU, as well as various data. The memory unit 42 stores data regarding the optimal flow rate (flow velocity) of the liquid containing microorganisms in the illumination mode, where the bioluminescence of microorganisms is used as illumination light, as well as data regarding the output of the pump 30 to achieve that flow rate. The memory unit 42 also stores data regarding the optimal flow rate (flow velocity) of the liquid containing microorganisms in the culture mode, where microorganisms are cultured in the tank 10, as well as data regarding the output of the pump 30 to achieve that flow rate. Furthermore, the memory unit 42 stores data regarding the flow rate (flow velocity) of the liquid containing microorganisms, which corresponds to the output of the pump 30. Furthermore, the memory unit 42 stores data regarding the reference values ​​(upper and lower limits) of the amount of bioluminescence from microorganisms that can be used as illumination light. Furthermore, the memory unit 42 stores data for adjusting the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms according to the amount of bioluminescence emitted from the liquid containing microorganisms detected by the light sensor 50. Furthermore, the memory unit 42 stores data regarding the amount of enzyme to be introduced from the enzyme introduction unit 31, based on the amount of bioluminescence emitted from the liquid containing microorganisms detected by the light sensor 50. Furthermore, the memory unit 42 stores data for operating the water temperature controller 11 to maintain the temperature of the liquid containing microorganisms at an appropriate temperature.

[0023] The display unit 43 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an EL display, and displays the operating status of each part of the bioluminescence lighting system 100. For example, the display unit 43 displays values ​​such as the amount of light emitted by the light sensor 50, the temperature of the liquid containing microorganisms measured by the temperature sensor 51, and the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms measured by the flow rate sensor 52.

[0024] The input unit 44 can be, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, and various operations, as well as input and modification of various data, can be performed using this input unit 44.

[0025] The control unit 41 is, for example, a CPU, which executes various processes according to the control program stored in the memory unit 42.

[0026] The control unit 41 controls the operation of the pump 30 to adjust the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms, and performs a process to switch between an illumination mode in which the bioluminescence of microorganisms released as the liquid containing microorganisms flows through the pipeline 20 is used as illumination light by adjusting the flow rate to be above a predetermined value, and a culture mode in which microorganisms are cultured in at least the tank 10 by adjusting the flow rate to be below a predetermined value. For example, during daylight hours, the control unit 41 reduces the output of the pump 30 to a minimum flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20, thereby performing a process that focuses on culturing (growing and multiplying) the microorganisms at least within the tank 10. When focusing on culturing microorganisms within the tank 10, the pump 30 may be stopped to reduce the flow rate to zero, or the output of the pump 30 may be temporarily increased to circulate and agitate the liquid containing microorganisms in the pipeline 20 for a short time in order to activate the microorganisms or to maintain a uniform concentration and temperature of the liquid. In culture mode, microorganisms are also being cultivated (grown and multiplied) in the liquid remaining in the pipeline 20. Then, when it gets dark, the control unit 41 operates the pump 30 to circulate the liquid containing microorganisms in the pipeline 20, and during the dark hours of the night, it increases the output of the pump 30 to adjust the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20 to be above a predetermined value, and executes a process that utilizes the bioluminescence of the microorganisms as illumination light. The control unit 41 monitors the amount of power generated in the power generation equipment 61 and the amount of energy stored in the energy storage equipment 62, and performs processing to operate the pump 30 efficiently in order to minimize energy loss.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit 41 operates the water temperature controller 11 according to the temperature of the liquid containing microorganisms measured by the temperature sensor 51, and performs a process to adjust the temperature of the liquid containing microorganisms to an appropriate temperature.

[0028] Furthermore, the control unit 41 performs a process to control the operation of the pump 30 so as to increase or decrease the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms in accordance with the amount of bioluminescence emitted from the liquid containing microorganisms detected by the light sensor 50. For example, if the amount of light emitted is lower than a predetermined value, the output of the pump 30 is increased to stimulate the microorganisms in the liquid by increasing the flow rate. On the other hand, if the amount of light emitted is higher than a predetermined value, the output of the pump 30 is reduced to decrease the flow rate in order to reduce the stress on microorganisms in the liquid. In nature, it is known that bioluminescence is stimulated by external stimuli, such as when noctiluca are washed ashore. To provide such external stimuli to microorganisms, at least a portion of the inner wall surface of the pipeline 20 is provided with irregularities 21, and the flow rate of the liquid containing the microorganisms is adjusted to increase or decrease these stimuli and thereby adjust the amount of bioluminescence.

[0029] Furthermore, the control unit 41 adjusts the state of the liquid containing microorganisms by increasing or decreasing the amount of enzyme introduced from the enzyme introduction unit 31 into the pipeline 20 according to the amount of bioluminescence emitted from the liquid containing microorganisms detected by the light sensor 50. For example, if the amount of light emitted is lower than a predetermined value, an amount of enzyme corresponding to the amount of light emitted is introduced from the enzyme injection unit 31 into the pipeline 20 to stimulate bioluminescence of microorganisms in the liquid, thereby adjusting the light emission of the liquid containing microorganisms. On the other hand, if the amount of light emitted is higher than a predetermined value, the amount of enzyme introduced from the enzyme delivery unit 31 into the pipeline 20 is reduced or the introduction of the enzyme is stopped in order to suppress the bioluminescence of microorganisms in the liquid, thereby adjusting the light emission of the liquid containing microorganisms. Microorganisms capable of bioluminescence synthesize the enzymes necessary for their emission on their own. However, in this system, the amount of light emitted from the liquid containing the microorganisms can be adjusted by artificially adding these enzymes.

[0030] Such a bioluminescent lighting system 100 can be used, for example, as a lighting system in a swimming pool, which is a bathing facility. Bioluminescence emitted by microorganisms is known for its enchanting light and can be suitably used as a highly aesthetic lighting source in night swimming pools, which are gaining popularity in recent years. When this bioluminescent lighting system 100 is used as a lighting system for a swimming pool, for example, by extending the pipeline 20 along at least one of the pool's bottom and edge, it is possible to create a fantastical effect by illuminating the pool and its users with bioluminescent light.

[0031] Next, an example of the operation control of each part of the bioluminescent lighting system 100 of this embodiment will be explained based on the flowchart shown in Figure 2, and an example of the operation of the bioluminescent lighting system 100 will be described.

[0032] When the bioluminescent lighting system 100 is activated, the control device 40 (control unit 41) determines whether the time is after sunset or not (step S1). In this embodiment, the time of sunset may refer to the meteorological time of sunset, but here it refers to the time set by the system administrator, which is the time when the lights are turned on. If the control device 40 determines that the time is daytime and not after sunset (step S1; NO), the control device 40 operates the pump 30 at a relatively low output to reduce the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20 to almost zero, and executes a culture mode to cultivate the microorganisms (step S2). On the other hand, if the control device 40 determines that the time is after sunset (step S1; YES), the process proceeds to step S4.

[0033] In the bioluminescent lighting system 100 operating in culture mode, the control device 40 continuously determines whether the time is after sunset or not (step S3). If the time is not after sunset (step S3; NO), it returns to step S2. If the time is after sunset (step S3; YES), it proceeds to step S4.

[0034] In step S4, the control device 40 operates the pump 30 with a relatively strong output to circulate the liquid containing microorganisms in the pipeline 20, adjusts the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20 to be above a predetermined value, and executes an illumination mode that utilizes the bioluminescence of the microorganisms as illumination light (step S4).

[0035] In the bioluminescent lighting system 100 operating in illumination mode, the control device 40 determines whether the amount of bioluminescence emitted from the liquid containing microorganisms detected by the light sensor 50 is appropriate (step S5). If the control device 40 determines that the amount of light emitted from the lighting system 100 is within the standard range and is appropriate (step S5; YES), it returns to step S4 and continues the lighting mode that uses the bioluminescence of microorganisms as illumination light. On the other hand, if the control device 40 determines that the amount of light emitted from the lighting system 100 is not appropriate (step S5; NO), it performs a process to adjust the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20. Specifically, if the control device 40 determines that the amount of light emitted from the lighting system 100 has not reached the lower limit of the reference value (step S5; NO), the control device 40 increases the output of the pump 30 to increase the amount of light emitted, thereby increasing the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20 (step S6). Furthermore, if the control device 40 determines that the amount of light emitted from the lighting system 100 exceeds the upper limit of the reference value (step S5; NO), the control device 40 reduces the output of the pump 30 to reduce the amount of light emitted, thereby reducing the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20 (step S6).

[0036] In step S6, after adjusting the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20, the control device 40 determines whether the amount of bioluminescence emitted from the liquid containing microorganisms detected by the light sensor 50 is appropriate (step S7). If the control device 40 determines that the amount of light emitted from the lighting system 100 is within the standard range and is appropriate (step S7; YES), it returns to step S4 and continues the lighting mode that uses the bioluminescence of microorganisms as illumination light. On the other hand, if the control device 40 determines that the amount of light emitted from the lighting system 100 is not appropriate (step S7; NO), it performs a process to adjust the amount of enzyme introduced into the pipeline 20. Specifically, if the control device 40 determines that the amount of light emitted from the lighting system 100 has not reached the lower limit of the reference value (step S7; NO), the control device 40 performs a process to increase the amount of enzyme introduced into the pipeline 20 in order to increase the amount of light emitted (step S8). Furthermore, if the control device 40 determines that the amount of light emitted from the lighting system 100 exceeds the upper limit of the reference value (step S7; NO), the control device 40 performs a process to reduce the amount of enzyme introduced into the pipeline 20 in order to lower the amount of light emitted (step S8).

[0037] In step S8, after adjusting the amount of enzyme introduced into pipeline 20, the control device 40 determines whether the amount of bioluminescence emitted from the liquid containing microorganisms detected by the light sensor 50 is appropriate (step S9). If the control device 40 determines that the amount of light emitted from the lighting system 100 is within the standard range and is appropriate (step S9; YES), it returns to step S4 and continues the lighting mode that uses the bioluminescence of microorganisms as illumination light. On the other hand, if the control device 40 determines that the amount of light emitted from the lighting system 100 is not appropriate (step S9; NO), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0038] In step S10, the control device 40 continues to determine whether the time is after sunset or not in the bioluminescence lighting system 100 operating in illumination mode (step S10). If the time is not after sunset but during the daytime (step S10; NO), the device returns to step S2 and executes the culture mode for culturing microorganisms. For example, if the amount of light emitted from the lighting system 100 is deemed inappropriate, switching to a culture mode for culturing microorganisms can be expected to restore the activity of the microorganisms and bring their light emission levels to an appropriate level. On the other hand, if the time is after sunset (step S10; YES), proceed to step S11.

[0039] In step S11, for example, a maintenance procedure is performed in which a sub-tank is connected to the pipeline in place of the tank 10 in use to replace the liquid containing microorganisms with reduced activity (step S11). After this maintenance, the bioluminescence lighting system 100 may be temporarily stopped, or it may be returned to step S1 after the maintenance.

[0040] In the embodiment described above, the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20 was adjusted based on the amount of bioluminescence emitted from the liquid containing microorganisms detected by the light sensor 50. However, it is preferable to adjust the flow rate of the liquid containing microorganisms flowing through the pipeline 20 by also taking into account data such as the liquid temperature measured by the temperature sensor 51 and the liquid flow rate measured by the flow sensor 52.

[0041] As described above, the bioluminescence lighting system 100 of this embodiment can suitably utilize the bioluminescence of microorganisms as illumination light. Since illumination produced by the bioluminescence of microorganisms does not require electricity, it can be used as an environmentally friendly form of lighting. In particular, the bioluminescent lighting system 100 of this embodiment includes a power generation facility that converts renewable energy into electricity and a power storage facility that stores the surplus electricity generated by the power generation facility, thus avoiding the use of electricity that relies on fossil fuels, and thus further reducing the burden on the environment. Furthermore, since the bioluminescence of microorganisms produces a fantastical light, it can be suitably used as a highly aesthetic lighting source.

[0042] In the embodiments described above, the example described was one in which the switching between a lighting mode, which utilizes the bioluminescence of microorganisms as illumination light, and a culture mode, which cultivates microorganisms, is performed based on the time of day. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the switching between the lighting mode and the culture mode may be performed based on the intensity of sunlight, such as switching to the lighting mode when the sun is obscured or it becomes dark.

[0043] Furthermore, although the above embodiments have described an example in which the bioluminescent lighting system 100 is applied to a swimming pool, which is a bathing facility, the present invention is not limited to this and may be used as a lighting system for other facilities such as resorts and accommodations.

[0044] Furthermore, although the above embodiments have described the use of the illumination light from the bioluminescent lighting system 100 at night as an example, the present invention is not limited thereto and may also be used as illumination light in a room during the daytime. Furthermore, the illumination light from the bioluminescent lighting system 100 may not only be used as a source of light, but may also be used as decorative light in illuminations and the like.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the illumination light from the bioluminescence lighting system 100 is used at night, and a culture mode for culturing microorganisms is performed during the day. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the system may switch to a culture mode for culturing microorganisms after 2:00 AM, after the lights have been turned off.

[0046] Furthermore, it goes without saying that other specific structural details can be modified as needed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 10 tanks 11 Water temperature regulator 20 pipelines 21 Uneven part 30 Pumps (circulation devices) 40 Control device 41 Control Unit 42 Storage section 43 Display section 44 Input section 50 light sensors 51 Temperature sensor 52 Flow Sensor 60 Power supply equipment 61 Power generation equipment 62 Energy storage equipment 100 Bioluminescent Lighting Systems

Claims

1. A tank for storing a liquid containing microorganisms that possess bioluminescent capabilities, A light-transmitting pipeline is extended to a predetermined facility as a flow path for the liquid containing the microorganisms, and both ends of the pipeline are connected to the tank. A circulation device that circulates the liquid containing the microorganisms stored in the tank by flowing it through the pipeline, A control device for adjusting the liquid containing the microorganisms flowing through the pipeline, Equipped with, The bioluminescent lighting system is characterized in that the control device controls the operation of the circulation device to adjust the flow rate of the liquid containing the microorganisms, and performs a process of switching between a lighting mode in which the bioluminescence of the microorganisms released as the liquid containing the microorganisms flows through the pipeline is used as illumination light, and a culture mode in which the microorganisms are cultured in at least the tank.

2. The pipeline is equipped with a light sensor that detects the amount of bioluminescence emitted from the liquid containing the microorganisms flowing through the pipeline. The bioluminescence lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device controls the operation of the circulation device so as to increase or decrease the flow rate of the liquid containing the microorganisms in accordance with the amount of light emitted detected by the light sensor.

3. The circulation device is provided with an enzyme injection unit for introducing the enzyme required for bioluminescence into the pipeline. The bioluminescence lighting system according to claim 2, characterized in that the control device controls the operation of the enzyme input unit to increase or decrease the amount of enzyme introduced into the pipeline in accordance with the amount of light emitted detected by the light sensor, thereby adjusting the liquid containing the microorganisms.

4. The bioluminescent lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least a portion of the inner wall surface of the pipeline is provided with irregularities for stimulating the microorganisms flowing through the pipeline.

5. The bioluminescent lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the predetermined facility is a swimming pool as a bathing facility, and the pipeline extends along at least one of the bottom of the pool and the edge of the pool.

6. The bioluminescent lighting system includes a power generation facility that converts renewable energy into electricity, and a power storage facility that stores the surplus electricity generated by the power generation facility. The bioluminescent lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least the circulation device is configured to operate on electricity supplied from at least one of the power generation equipment and the energy storage equipment.

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