Lighting control system, lighting control method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a lighting control system that can change the dimming rate of lighting fixtures according to the situation when control of lighting fixtures is initiated based on the detection results of a motion sensor. [Solution] The lighting control system 10 includes an acquisition unit 44 that acquires detection information indicating the presence or absence of people in the space 50, a determination unit 46 that determines the initial dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 after switching from normal control to motion-sensing control based on the elapsed time from the moment when people become absent from the space 50 to the switching timing when the switching timing arrives while no people are present in the space 50, and a control unit 45 that controls the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 to the determined initial dimming rate after switching from normal control to motion-sensing control.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for controlling lighting fixtures using human presence sensors are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting device that can sufficiently detect a human body in an irradiation space, has an energy-saving effect, and does not give a sense of discomfort or uneasiness to a person in a certain irradiation space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a lighting control system using a human presence sensor, when the human presence sensor detects a person, the lighting fixture generally enters a bright dimming state and returns to a dark dimming state after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0005] By the way, there is room for consideration regarding how to control the dimming rate of the lighting fixture when switching from the control of a normal lighting fixture to the control of the lighting fixture based on the detection result of the human presence sensor.

[0006] The present invention provides a lighting control system and the like that can change the dimming rate of a lighting fixture according to the situation when starting the control of the lighting fixture based on the detection result of a human presence sensor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires detection information indicating the presence or absence of people in a space; a control unit that executes a first control that controls the dimming rate of a lighting fixture installed in the space regardless of the presence or absence of people in the space determined based on the acquired detection information, and a second control that controls the dimming rate of the lighting fixture based on the presence or absence of people in the space; and a determination unit that, when a switching timing arrives to switch the first control to the second control while no people are present in the space, determines the initial dimming rate of the lighting fixture after switching from the first control to the second control based on (a) the elapsed time from the time when no people became present in the space to the switching timing, or (b) the time period to which the switching timing belongs, wherein the control unit controls the dimming rate of the lighting fixture to the determined initial dimming rate after switching from the first control to the second control.

[0008] A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a lighting control method performed by a computer, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring detection information indicating the presence or absence of people in a space; an execution step of performing a first control that controls the dimming rate of a lighting fixture installed in the space regardless of the state of presence or absence of people in the space determined based on the acquired detection information, and a second control that controls the dimming rate of the lighting fixture based on the state of presence or absence of people in the space; a determination step of determining the initial dimming rate of the lighting fixture after switching from the first control to the second control, based on (a) the elapsed time from the time when people became absent from the space to the switching timing, or (b) the time period to which the switching timing belongs; and a control step of controlling the dimming rate of the lighting fixture to the determined initial dimming rate after switching from the first control to the second control.

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

[0010] The lighting control system of the present invention can change the dimming rate of a lighting fixture according to the situation when control of the lighting fixture is initiated based on the detection result of a motion sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the space to which the lighting control system according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of motion-sensing control. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a typical scheduled operation where normal control is changed to human-sensing control. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows another example of a typical scheduled operation where normal control is changed to human-sensing control. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an overview of the process for determining the initial dimming rate. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the process for determining the initial dimming rate. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control system according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control system according to modified example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0013] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily shown precisely. Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0014] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the lighting control system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the space to which the lighting control system according to the embodiment is applied.

[0015] The lighting control system 10 can switch between normal control for causing a plurality of lighting fixtures 20 to emit light at a predetermined dimming rate and human presence control for causing the plurality of lighting fixtures 20 to emit light based on detection information output by a detection device 30 (human presence sensor 37) in a space 50 according to a predetermined schedule (hereinafter, also referred to as a schedule operation). The space 50 is, for example, an indoor office space or the like, but is not particularly limited.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lighting control system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 20, a detection device 30, and a lighting control device 40. Note that the number of each device included in the lighting control system is an example. The lighting control system 10 may include at least one of each of the lighting fixtures 20, the detection device 30, and the lighting control device 40.

[0017] The lighting fixture 20 is installed on the ceiling of the space 50 and is a base light or the like that illuminates the space 50. The form of the lighting fixture 20 is not particularly limited and may be a ceiling light, a downlight, a spotlight, or the like. The lighting fixture 20 includes a light source 27, a communication unit 21, an information processing unit 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0018] The light source 27 irradiates white light into the space 50 so that the lighting fixture 20 illuminates the space 50. The light source 27 is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may also be realized by other light-emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or an inorganic EL.

[0019] The communication unit 21 is a wireless communication circuit for the lighting fixture 20 to perform wireless communication (more specifically, radio wave communication) with the detection device 30 and the lighting control device 40. Specifically, the communication unit 21 performs wireless communication according to communication standards such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Zigbee (registered trademark), but the communication standard is not particularly limited. Note that the communication unit 21 may be a wired communication circuit for performing wired communication with the detection device 30 and the lighting control device 40.

[0020] The information processing unit 22 performs information processing for controlling the light emission of the light source 27. The information processing unit 22 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit.

[0021]

[0022] The storage unit 23 is a storage device that stores various information used by the information processing unit 22, such as a computer program executed by the information processing unit 22. The storage unit 23 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0022] The detection device 30 is installed on the ceiling or wall of the space 50 and detects a person located in the space 50. As a detection result, the detection device 30 outputs (wirelessly transmits) detection information indicating the presence or absence of a person in the space 50 to the lighting control device 40. The detection device 30 includes a human presence sensor 37, a communication unit 31, an information processing unit 32, and a storage unit 33.

[0023] The human presence sensor 37 is implemented, for example, by a pyroelectric sensor (infrared sensor) that detects infrared radiation emitted from a person's body. The detection device 30 may be implemented by an image sensor (camera) that captures an image of the space 50, or by a radio wave sensor.

[0024] The communication unit 31 is a wireless communication circuit for the detection device 30 to communicate wirelessly (more specifically, via radio waves) with multiple lighting fixtures 20 and lighting control devices 40. Specifically, the communication unit 31 communicates wirelessly according to communication standards such as BLE, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Zigbee (registered trademark), but is not particularly limited to any communication standard. The communication unit 31 may also be a wired communication circuit for wired communication with multiple lighting fixtures 20 and lighting control devices 40.

[0025] The information processing unit 32 performs information processing related to the output (transmission) of detection information. The information processing unit 32 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit.

[0026] The memory unit 33 is a storage device that stores various types of information used by the information processing unit 32, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 32. The memory unit 33 is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0027] The lighting control device 40 is installed on the ceiling or walls of the space 50 and controls multiple lighting fixtures 20. The lighting control device 40 is, for example, a scheduler used for the scheduled operation of the lighting control system 10. The lighting control device 40 comprises a communication unit 41, an information processing unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0028] The communication unit 41 is a wireless communication circuit for the lighting control device 40 to communicate wirelessly (more specifically, via radio waves) with multiple lighting fixtures 20 and detection devices 30. Specifically, the communication unit 41 communicates wirelessly according to communication standards such as BLE, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Zigbee (registered trademark), but is not particularly limited to any communication standard. The communication unit 41 may also be a wired communication circuit for wired communication with multiple lighting fixtures 20 and detection devices 30.

[0029] The information processing unit 42 performs information processing for controlling the lighting fixtures 20. The information processing unit 42 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or dedicated circuit. The information processing unit 42 comprises, as functional components, an acquisition unit 44, a control unit 45, and a determination unit 46. The acquisition unit 44 acquires detection information indicating the presence or absence of a person in the space 50, which is detection information received by the communication unit 41. The control unit 45 controls the light emission state (dimming rate) of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 by transmitting control signals to the multiple lighting fixtures 20 using the communication unit 41. The determination unit 46 determines the initial dimming rate (described later) of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 after switching from normal control to motion-sensing control (described later).

[0030] The functions of the acquisition unit 44, the control unit 45, and the determination unit 46 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 43 by the hardware, such as a microcomputer or processor, that constitutes the information processing unit 42.

[0031] The memory unit 43 is a storage device that stores various types of information used by the information processing unit 42, such as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 42. The memory unit 43 is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

[0032] The lighting control device 40, the multiple lighting fixtures 20, and the detection device 30 described above can, for example, form a wireless mesh network and communicate wirelessly with each other. For example, the control unit 45 of the lighting control device 40 controls the illumination of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 by transmitting control signals to each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 via the wireless mesh network using the communication unit 41.

[0033] Furthermore, the detection device 30 transmits detection information indicating whether or not a person is currently present in space 50 to multiple lighting fixtures 20 and lighting control devices 40 via a wireless mesh network, for example, when the presence or absence of a person changes. In the following specification, unless otherwise specified, whether or not a person is present in space 50 will be determined based on the detection information.

[0034] [Human motion control] The lighting control device 40 (lighting control system 10) can perform scheduled operations. The control unit 45 of the lighting control device 40 can perform, for example, normal control, which causes multiple lighting fixtures 20 to emit light at a predetermined dimming rate, and motion control, which controls the emission of multiple lighting fixtures 20 based on detection information output by the detection device 30, and can switch between normal control and motion control according to the time. Normal control is an example of first control, which controls the dimming rate of multiple lighting fixtures 20 regardless of the presence or absence of people in the space 50 determined based on detection information, and motion control is an example of second control, which controls the dimming rate of multiple lighting fixtures 20 according to the presence or absence of people in the space 50 determined based on detection information.

[0035] Now, let's explain motion detection control. In motion detection control, the control unit 45 determines (estimates) the presence or absence of people in the space 50 based on detection information received by the communication unit 41 and acquired by the acquisition unit 44, and controls the dimming rate of multiple lighting fixtures 20 according to the result of the determination. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of motion detection control.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, in motion-activated control, the control unit 45 controls the dimming rate of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to a third dimming rate when no one is present. At a first timing t1 when the state changes from one where no one is present to one where a person is present, the control unit 45 controls the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to a first dimming rate.

[0037] If the state changes from one where a person is present to one where a person is absent at the second timing t2 following the first timing t1, the control unit 45 maintains the dimming rate of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 at the first dimming rate from the second timing t2 for a predetermined lighting hold time, and then controls it to the second dimming rate. The second dimming rate is higher than the third dimming rate and lower than the first dimming rate. After a predetermined standby lighting time has elapsed, the control unit 45 controls the dimming rate of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to the third dimming rate.

[0038] The first dimming ratio is, for example, 80%, the second dimming ratio is, for example, 15%, and the third dimming ratio is, for example, 0%. The illumination hold time is, for example, 60 seconds, and the standby illumination time is, for example, 60 seconds. The first dimming ratio, the second dimming ratio, the third dimming ratio, the illumination hold time, and the standby illumination time can be arbitrarily set (changed) by the user.

[0039] This type of motion-activated control can brighten multiple lighting fixtures 20 when people are present in the space 50, and dim them when people are absent from the space 50. In other words, motion-activated control can reduce the power consumption of multiple lighting fixtures 20 by brightening them as needed.

[0040] [General scheduling behaviors and challenges] Next, we will explain the operation when normal control is changed to human-sensing control using a typical scheduled operation. Figures 4 and 5 show typical scheduled operations for changing normal control to human-sensing control.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, when the switching timing t3 arrives, which is the time to switch from normal control to motion-sensing control, if there are people in the space 50 at the switching timing t3, the initial dimming rate of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 (hereinafter also referred to as the initial dimming rate) will be controlled to the first dimming rate. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, if there are no people in the space 50 at the switching timing t3, the initial dimming rate of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 will be controlled to the second dimming rate. The switching timing can be set arbitrarily by the user.

[0042] In this typical scheduled operation, it is possible that a person may move outside the detection range of the detection device 30 shortly before the switching timing t3, causing the device to determine that there is no person in space 50 at the switching timing t3. In such a case, even though a person is actually present in or near space 50 at the switching timing t3, the dimming rate of multiple lighting fixtures 20 is controlled to the second dimming rate (causing space 50 to become dark), which presents a problem.

[0043] [Initial dimming rate determination process] To address these challenges, when the lighting control system 10 switches from normal control to motion-sensing control by scheduled operation, the determination unit 46 of the lighting control device 40 determines the initial dimming rate of multiple lighting fixtures 20 based on the elapsed time from the moment when no one is present in the space 50 until the switching timing t3. Figure 6 shows an overview of the operation for determining the initial dimming rate.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, specifically, the determination unit 46 determines the initial dimming rate of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to the first dimming rate if the elapsed time is less than the first threshold, even if there are no people in the space 50 at the switching timing t3. Furthermore, if the elapsed time is between the first threshold and the second threshold, the determination unit 46 determines the initial dimming rate of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to the second dimming rate, and if the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the determination unit 46 determines the initial dimming rate of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to the third dimming rate.

[0045] Such a lighting control device 40 can illuminate the space 50 when, at the switching timing t3, the detection device 30 has determined that no one is present, but there is actually a high probability that a person is present in or near the space 50.

[0046] The following describes the process for determining the initial dimming rate. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the process for determining the initial dimming rate.

[0047] When the decision unit 46 determines that the switching timing t3 has arrived (S11), it determines whether or not a person is present in the space 50 (S12). The determination in step S12 is made based on the detection information received by the communication unit 31 from the detection device 30 and acquired by the acquisition unit 44.

[0048] If the determination unit 46 determines that a person is present in space 50 (Yes in S12), it determines the initial dimming rate to the first dimming rate (S13). In other words, if the switching timing t3 arrives while a person is present in space 50, the determination unit 46 determines the initial dimming rate to the first dimming rate.

[0049] If the decision unit 46 determines that there is no person in space 50 (No in S12), it determines whether the elapsed time since the person became absent is less than the first threshold (S14). The first threshold is, for example, 60 seconds. The specific value of the first threshold is not particularly limited. The first threshold can be arbitrarily set (changed) by the user.

[0050] If the determination unit 46 determines that the elapsed time is less than the first threshold (Yes in S14), it determines the initial dimming rate to the first dimming rate (S13). In other words, if the elapsed time is less than the first threshold, the determination unit 46 determines the initial dimming rate to the first dimming rate.

[0051] If the determination unit 46 determines that the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the first threshold (No in S14), it determines whether the elapsed time is less than the second threshold (S15). The second threshold is a threshold greater than the first threshold, for example, 120 seconds. The specific value of the second threshold is not particularly limited. The second threshold can be arbitrarily set (changed) by the user.

[0052] If the determination unit 46 determines that the elapsed time is less than the second threshold (Yes in S15), it determines the initial dimming rate to the second dimming rate (S16). In other words, if the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the determination unit 46 determines the initial dimming rate to the second dimming rate, which is lower than the first dimming rate.

[0053] If the determination unit 46 determines that the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the second threshold (No in S15), it determines the initial dimming rate to be the third dimming rate (S17). In other words, if the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the determination unit 46 determines the initial dimming rate to be the third dimming rate.

[0054] Subsequently, the control unit 45 switches from the first control to the second control and controls the dimming rate of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to the determined initial dimming rate (S18). As described above, the control unit 45 can switch to the second control and control the dimming rate by transmitting a control signal (for example, a control signal specifying the initial dimming rate) to the multiple lighting fixtures 20 using the communication unit 41.

[0055] As described above, the lighting control device 40 includes a communication unit 41 that communicates with a detection device 30 that outputs detection information to receive detection information from the detection device 30 indicating the presence or absence of people in the space 50, an acquisition unit 44 that acquires the received detection information, a control unit 45 that performs normal control and motion-sensing control, and a determination unit 46. When the switching timing t3 arrives while there are no people in the space 50, the determination unit 46 determines the initial dimming rate based on the elapsed time from the time when there are no people in the space 50 to the switching timing t3. The control unit 45 then switches from normal control to motion-sensing control and controls the dimming rates of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 to the determined initial dimming rate. More specifically, the determination unit 46 determines the dimming rate such that the initial dimming rate is higher the shorter the elapsed time.

[0056] Such a lighting control device 40 can illuminate space 50 when, at the switching timing t3, the detection device 30 determines that no one is present, but there is a high probability that a person is actually present in or near space 50 (i.e., when a short amount of time has elapsed).

[0057] Furthermore, if the initial dimming rate is determined to be the first dimming rate because the elapsed time is less than the first threshold (if Yes is confirmed in S14 and S13 is confirmed), the dimming rates of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 will be controlled to the first dimming rate for a period of time equal to the duration of the lighting hold time, and thereafter, similar to motion sensor control, they will transition to the second dimming rate and then to the third dimming rate in that order. Specifically, if the duration of the lighting hold time is 60 seconds, and the space 50 becomes unoccupied 10 seconds before the switching timing t3, the dimming rates of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 will be controlled to the first dimming rate for 50 seconds (60 seconds - 10 seconds) from the switching timing t3.

[0058] Similarly, if the initial dimming rate is determined to be the second dimming rate (in the case of S16), the dimming rates of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are controlled to the second dimming rate for a period of time equal to the sum of the on-hold time and the standby lighting time, and thereafter transition to the third dimming rate, similar to motion sensor control. Specifically, if the on-hold time and the standby lighting time are both 60 seconds, and the space 50 becomes unoccupied 70 seconds before the switching timing t3, the dimming rates of the multiple lighting fixtures 20 are controlled to the second dimming rate for 50 seconds (60 seconds + 60 seconds - 70 seconds) from the switching timing t3.

[0059] [Variations in the method for determining the initial dimming rate] In the operation to determine the initial dimming rate described above, the determination unit 46 determined the initial dimming rate based on the elapsed time, but it may also determine the initial dimming rate based on the time period to which the switching timing t3 belongs (in other words, the time of the switching timing t3). That is, if the switching timing t3 arrives while there are no people in the space 50, the determination unit 46 may determine the initial dimming rate based on the time to which the switching timing t3 belongs.

[0060] For example, the decision unit 46 determines the initial dimming rate to the second dimming rate when the switching timing t3 falls within the morning hours (e.g., 8:00-10:00) and the space 50 is somewhat bright due to ambient light. When the switching timing t3 falls within the daytime hours (e.g., 10:00-17:00) and the space 50 is bright due to ambient light, the decision unit 46 determines the initial dimming rate to the first dimming rate. When the switching timing t3 falls within the evening hours (after 17:00) and the space 50 is dark, the decision unit 46 determines the initial dimming rate to the first dimming rate. In this way, the decision unit 46 determines the initial dimming rate according to the brightness of the space 50, thereby preventing the space 50 from becoming dark immediately after switching to motion-activated control, even if there are people in the space.

[0061] [Modified configuration 1] In the lighting control system 10, the initial dimming rate was determined by the lighting control device 40, but this may be done by the detection device 30 instead of the lighting control device 40. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control system according to this modified example 1.

[0062] The lighting control system 10a shown in Figure 8 comprises multiple lighting fixtures 20 and a detection device 30a, but does not include a lighting control device 40. The functional configuration of the lighting control device 40 is provided by the detection device 30a. Specifically, the information processing unit 32a of the detection device 30 comprises an acquisition unit 34, a control unit 35, and a determination unit 36 ​​as functional components. The functions of the acquisition unit 34, the control unit 35, and the determination unit 36 ​​are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 33 by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 32a.

[0063] Such a lighting control system 10a can also perform the same operations as the lighting control system 10. In other words, the acquisition unit 44, control unit 45, and determination unit 46 in the above embodiment may be read as the acquisition unit 34, control unit 35, and determination unit 36. In the lighting control system 10, the acquisition unit 44 of the lighting control device 40 acquires detection information received by the communication unit 41, whereas in the lighting control system 10a, the acquisition unit 34 of the detection device 30a acquires detection information output by the motion sensor 37.

[0064] [Modified configuration 2] In the lighting control system 10, the initial dimming rate was determined by the lighting control device 40, but this may be done by the lighting fixture 20 instead of the lighting control device 40. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting control system according to this modified example 2.

[0065] The lighting control system 10b shown in Figure 9 comprises multiple lighting fixtures 20b and a detection device 30, but does not include a lighting control device 40. The functional configuration of the lighting control device 40 is provided by each of the multiple lighting fixtures 20b. Specifically, the information processing unit 22b of the lighting fixture 20 comprises an acquisition unit 24, a control unit 25, and a determination unit 26 as functional components. The functions of the acquisition unit 24, the control unit 25, and the determination unit 26 are realized by the execution of a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 23 by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 22b.

[0066] Such a lighting control system 10b can also perform the same operations as the lighting control system 10. In other words, the acquisition unit 44, control unit 45, and determination unit 46 in the above embodiment may be read as the acquisition unit 24, control unit 25, and determination unit 26. In the lighting control system 10, the acquisition unit 44 of the lighting control device 40 acquires detection information received by the communication unit 41, whereas in the lighting control system 10b, the acquisition unit 24 of the lighting fixture 20b acquires detection information received by the communication unit 21.

[0067] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, the multiple lighting fixtures 20, the detection device 30, and the lighting control device 40 communicated wirelessly, but wired communication may also be used.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 is changed, the dimming rate changes linearly over a predetermined period of time (see drawing), but it may also change non-linearly or instantly. The length of the predetermined period of time is also not particularly limited.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the initial dimming rate was determined to be one of three types: a first dimming rate, a second dimming rate, and a third dimming rate. However, it may be determined to be one of two types of dimming rates, or one of four or more types of dimming rates.

[0070] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from such inventions.

[0071] Invention 1 is a lighting control system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires detection information indicating the presence or absence of people in a space 50; a control unit that executes a first control that controls the dimming rate of a lighting fixture 20 installed in the space 50 regardless of the presence or absence of people in the space 50 determined based on the acquired detection information, and a second control that controls the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 based on the presence or absence of people in the space 50; and a determination unit that, when a switching timing t3 arrives in which the first control should be switched to the second control while no people are present in the space 50, determines the initial dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 after switching from the first control to the second control based on (a) the elapsed time from the time when no people became present in the space 50 to the switching timing t3, or (b) the time period to which the switching timing t3 belongs, wherein the control unit controls the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 to the determined initial dimming rate after switching from the first control to the second control. The acquisition unit here is, for example, any of the acquisition units 44, 34, and 24 of the above embodiment, and the control unit is, for example, any of the control units 45, 35, and 25 of the above embodiment. The determination unit here is, for example, any of the determination units 46, 36, and 26 of the above embodiment, and the lighting control system is, for example, any of the lighting control system 10, 10a, and 10b of the above embodiment. The first control is, for example, the normal control of the above embodiment, and the second control is, for example, the motion detection control of the above embodiment.

[0072] Such a lighting control system can change the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 when the second control is initiated, according to the elapsed time from the moment when no one is present in the space 50 until the switching timing t3, or according to the time period to which the switching timing t3 belongs. In other words, the lighting control system can change the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 when the second control is initiated, according to the situation.

[0073] Invention 2 is a lighting control system of Invention 1, wherein the determination unit determines the initial dimming rate to a first dimming rate when the switching timing t3 arrives while a person is present in space 50.

[0074] Such a lighting control system can control the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 to the first dimming rate (bright state) when the switching timing t3 arrives while people are present in the space 50, and the second control is initiated.

[0075] Invention 3 is a lighting control system of Invention 2, wherein the determination unit determines the initial dimming rate based on the elapsed time when the switching timing arrives while no people are present in space 50, and if the elapsed time is less than a first threshold, it determines the initial dimming rate to a first dimming rate.

[0076] Such a lighting control system can control the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 when the second control is initiated to the same first dimming rate (bright state) as when a person is present in the space 50, if the elapsed time is less than the first threshold (if there may be a person in the space 50).

[0077] Invention 4 is a lighting control system of Invention 3, wherein the determination unit determines the initial dimming rate to a second dimming rate lower than the first dimming rate if the elapsed time is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold greater than the first threshold.

[0078] Such a lighting control system can control the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 when the second control is initiated to a second dimming rate that is lower than when a person is present in the space 50, if the elapsed time is between a first threshold and a second threshold.

[0079] Invention 5 is a lighting control system of Invention 4, wherein the determination unit determines the initial dimming rate to a third dimming rate that is lower than the second dimming rate if the elapsed time is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

[0080] Such a lighting control system can control the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 when the second control is initiated to a third dimming rate that is lower than when a person is present in the space 50, if the elapsed time is greater than or equal to a second threshold (i.e., there is a low probability that a person is present in the space 50).

[0081] Invention 6 is a lighting control system of Invention 1 or 2 in which, when the switching timing t3 arrives while no people are present in the space 50, the determination unit determines the initial dimming rate based on the time period to which the switching timing t3 belongs.

[0082] Such a lighting control system can change the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 when the second control is initiated, according to the time period to which the switching timing t3 belongs.

[0083] Invention 7 is a lighting control system according to any of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the control unit, after switching from the first control to the second control, immediately changes the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 to an initial dimming rate determined from the dimming rate during the first control, or changes it over a predetermined period of time.

[0084] Such a lighting control system can change the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 in various ways.

[0085] Invention 8 is a lighting control system (lighting control system 10) according to any of Inventions 1 to 7, comprising a lighting control device 40 including an acquisition unit 44, a control unit 45, and a determination unit 46, wherein the lighting control device 40 further comprises a communication unit 41 that receives detection information from a detection device 30 by communicating with the detection device 30 which outputs detection information, and the acquisition unit 44 acquires the received detection information.

[0086] Such a lighting control system 10 can be realized as a system that includes a lighting control device 40.

[0087] Invention 9 is the lighting control system of Invention 8, further comprising a detection device 30 and a lighting fixture 20.

[0088] Such a lighting control system 10 can be realized as a system comprising a lighting control device 40, a detection device 30, and a lighting fixture 20.

[0089] Invention 10 is a lighting control system (lighting control system 10a) according to any of Inventions 1 to 7, comprising a detection device 30a including an acquisition unit 34, a control unit 35, and a determination unit 36, wherein the detection device 30a includes a human presence sensor 37 that outputs detection information, and the acquisition unit 34 acquires the detection information output by the human presence sensor 37.

[0090] Such a lighting control system 10a can be implemented as a system equipped with a detection device 30a.

[0091] Invention 11 is the lighting control system of Invention 10, further comprising a lighting fixture 20.

[0092] Such a lighting control system 10a can be implemented as a system comprising a detection device 30a and a lighting fixture 20.

[0093] Invention 12 is a lighting control system (lighting control system 10b) according to any of Inventions 1 to 7, comprising a lighting fixture 20b including an acquisition unit 24, a control unit 25, and a determination unit 26, wherein the lighting fixture 20b further comprises a communication unit 21 that receives detection information from a detection device 30 by communicating with the detection device 30 which outputs detection information, and the acquisition unit 24 acquires the received detection information.

[0094] Such a lighting control system 10b can be implemented as a system that includes lighting fixtures 20b.

[0095] Invention 13 is the lighting control system 10 of Invention 12, further comprising a detection device 30.

[0096] Such a lighting control system 10b can be implemented as a system comprising a lighting fixture 20b and a detection device 30.

[0097] Invention 14 is a lighting control method performed by a computer, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring detection information indicating the presence or absence of people in a space 50; an execution step of performing a first control that controls the dimming rate of a lighting fixture 20 installed in a space 50 regardless of the presence or absence of people in the space 50 determined based on the acquired detection information, and a second control that controls the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 based on the presence or absence of people in the space 50; a determination step of determining the initial dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 after switching from the first control to the second control, based on (a) the elapsed time from the moment when people become absent from the space 50 to the switching timing t3, or (b) the time period to which the switching timing t3 belongs, when a switching timing t3 has arrived in which the first control should be switched to the second control while no people are present in the space 50; and a control step of controlling the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 to the determined initial dimming rate after switching from the first control to the second control.

[0098] This lighting control method allows the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 when the second control is initiated to be changed according to the elapsed time from the moment when no one is present in the space 50 until the switching timing t3, or according to the time period to which the switching timing t3 belongs. In other words, the lighting control method allows the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 when the second control is initiated to be changed according to the situation.

[0099] Invention 15 is a program for causing a computer to execute the lighting control method of Invention 14.

[0100] According to such a program, the computer can change the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 when the second control is initiated, depending on the elapsed time from the moment when no one is present in the space 50 until the switching timing t3, or the time period to which the switching timing t3 belongs. In other words, the computer can change the dimming rate of the lighting fixture 20 when the second control is initiated, depending on the situation.

[0101] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0102] For example, in the above embodiment, the lighting control system was implemented by multiple devices, but it may also be implemented as a single device. Thus, the systems described herein may consist of a single device or multiple devices. When the system is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the system (e.g., acquisition unit, control unit, and determination unit) may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processing units may be changed, or multiple processing units may be executed in parallel.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0105] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0106] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0107] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a lighting control system, lighting fixture, detection device, or lighting control device as described in the above embodiment, or as a method executed by a computer such as a lighting control system, lighting fixture, detection device, or lighting control device. The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method, or as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such a program may include an upgrade program for causing an existing lighting control device to operate like the lighting control device of the above embodiment.

[0108] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10, 10a, 10b Lighting control system 20, 20b Lighting equipment 21, 31, 41 Communications Department 22, 22b, 32, 32a, 42 Information Processing Unit 23, 33, 43 storage section 24, 34, 44 Acquisition Department 25, 35, 45 Control Unit Sections 26, 36, and 46: Decision Section 27 Light source 30, 30a Detection device 37 motion sensors 40 Lighting control device 50 space

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires detection information indicating the presence or absence of a person in a space, A control unit that performs a first control to control the dimming rate of lighting fixtures installed in the space regardless of the presence or absence of people in the space determined based on the acquired detection information, and a second control to control the dimming rate of lighting fixtures based on the presence or absence of people in the space. When a switching timing occurs in which the first control should be switched to the second control while no person is present in the space, the system includes a determination unit that determines the initial dimming rate of the lighting fixture after switching from the first control to the second control based on (a) the elapsed time from the time when no person was present in the space to the switching timing, or (b) the time period to which the switching timing belongs. The control unit switches the first control to the second control, and then controls the dimming rate of the lighting fixture to the determined initial dimming rate. Lighting control system.

2. The determination unit determines the initial dimming rate to the first dimming rate when the switching timing occurs while a person is present in the space. The lighting control system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned determination unit, If the switching timing occurs while no people are present in the space, the initial dimming rate is determined based on the elapsed time. If the elapsed time is less than the first threshold, the initial dimming rate is determined to be the first dimming rate. The lighting control system according to claim 2.

4. The determination unit determines the initial dimming rate to a second dimming rate lower than the first dimming rate if the elapsed time is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold. The lighting control system according to claim 3.

5. The determination unit determines the initial dimming rate to a third dimming rate that is lower than the second dimming rate if the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the second threshold. The lighting control system according to claim 4.

6. The determination unit determines the initial dimming rate based on the time period to which the switching timing belongs when the switching timing occurs while no people are present in the space. The lighting control system according to claim 1.

7. After switching the first control to the second control, the control unit immediately changes the dimming rate of the lighting fixture to the initial dimming rate determined from the dimming rate during the first control, or changes it over a predetermined period of time. The lighting control system according to claim 1.

8. The lighting control device includes the acquisition unit, the control unit, and the determination unit, The lighting control device further includes a communication unit that communicates with a detection device that outputs the detection information and receives the detection information from the detection device, The acquisition unit acquires the received detection information. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Furthermore, the detection device and the lighting fixture are also provided. The lighting control system according to claim 8.

10. The detection device includes the acquisition unit, the control unit, and the determination unit, The detection device includes a human presence sensor that outputs the detection information, The acquisition unit acquires the detection information output by the human presence sensor. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. Furthermore, the lighting fixture is provided The lighting control system according to claim 10.

12. The lighting fixture includes the acquisition unit, the control unit, and the determination unit, The lighting fixture further includes a communication unit that communicates with a detection device that outputs the detection information and receives the detection information from the detection device, The acquisition unit acquires the received detection information. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

13. Furthermore, the detection device is also provided. The lighting control system according to claim 12.

14. A lighting control method performed by a computer, An acquisition step to obtain detection information indicating the presence or absence of a person in a space, An execution step of performing a first control that controls the dimming rate of lighting fixtures installed in the space regardless of the presence or absence of people in the space determined based on the acquired detection information, and a second control that controls the dimming rate of lighting fixtures based on the presence or absence of people in the space. When a switching timing occurs in which the first control should be switched to the second control while no people are present in the space, a decision step is made to determine the initial dimming rate of the lighting fixture after switching from the first control to the second control, based on (a) the elapsed time from the time when no people were present in the space to the switching timing, or (b) the time period to which the switching timing belongs. The control step includes switching the first control to the second control, and then controlling the dimming rate of the lighting fixture to the determined initial dimming rate. Lighting control method.

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

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