ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

To provide an environmental control system capable of continuing the effect of an environment of a target space on a user.SOLUTION: An environmental control system 100 includes a control unit 11 and a sound generator 12. The control unit 11 controls the environment of a target space 4 by controlling one or more pieces of lighting equipment 1 allocated in a target space 4 and one or more pieces of sound equipment 2 allocated in the target space 4. The sound generator 12 generates specific music reproduced by the one or more sound equipment 2. The sound generator 12 updates the specific music by changing at least one out of melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an environmental control system, an environmental control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an audio / illumination device. This audio / illumination device includes an illumination unit, an audio output unit, a setting unit, and a control unit. The setting unit sets at least one of the parameters of the illumination of the illumination unit and the audio output of the audio output unit according to a recognized user existing in the vicinity. The control unit controls at least one of the illumination of the illumination unit and the audio output of the audio output unit according to the parameters set by the setting unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-093204 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides an environmental control system, an environmental control method, and a program that make it easier for the environment of a target space to have a sustained effect on a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An environmental control system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a control unit and a sound source generation unit. The control unit controls an environment of a target space by controlling one or more lighting fixtures assigned to the target space and one or more audio devices assigned to the target space. The sound source generation unit generates specific music to be played by the one or more audio devices. The sound source generation unit updates the specific music by changing at least one of the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music.

[0006] An environmental control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control step and a sound source generation step. In the control step, one or more lighting fixtures assigned to a target space and one or more audio devices assigned to the target space are controlled to control the environment of the target space. In the sound source generation step, specific music is generated to be played by the one or more audio devices. In the sound source generation step, the specific music is updated by changing at least one of the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes one or more processors to execute the environmental control method. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The environmental control system, the environmental control method, and the program of the present invention have an advantage that the effect that the environment of the target space has on the user is likely to last. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an environmental control system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of an office in which an environmental control system according to an embodiment is used. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the results of an evaluation experiment of lighting control and sound control. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the environmental control system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an environmental control system according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of an environmental control system 100 according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the environmental control system 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing an overview of an office 3 in which the environmental control system 100 according to an embodiment is used.

[0013] The environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment is used in an environment where a user works, such as an office, and is a system for controlling such an environment. In the embodiment, it is assumed that the environmental control system 100 is used in an ABW (Activity Based Working) type office 3 where a user can freely select a work location according to the work he or she wants to do. Here, "ABW" refers to a working style in which a user (employee, etc.) selects a work location or desk, etc. according to the work content. In an ABW type office, a user can select a relatively quiet place when performing work that requires concentration, and can select a relaxing place such as a sofa when holding a meeting.

[0014] The environmental control system 100 may be used not only in ABW type offices, but also in free address type offices, or in other environments where users can freely select a work location depending on the work they want to do. For example, the environmental control system 100 may be used in educational facilities such as elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, or universities, in public facilities such as community centers or libraries, or in stores or commercial facilities.

[0015] Furthermore, the environmental control system 100 is not limited to being used in an environment where the user can freely select the work location as described above, but may be used, for example, in an office where the user's work area is fixed. In other words, the environment in which the environmental control system 100 is used may be any environment in which the user performs work.

[0016] 1, the environmental control system 100 includes a control unit 11, a sound source generating unit 12, and a storage unit 13. Note that the environmental control system 100 only needs to include at least the control unit 11 and the sound source generating unit 12, and does not necessarily need to include the storage unit 13.

[0017] 2, a plurality of lighting fixtures 1 and a plurality of audio devices 2 are installed in the environment in which the environmental control system 100 is used (here, an ABW type office 3). The environmental control system 100 may be installed in the office 3, or may be installed in a remote location away from the office 3. In the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 is installed in the office 3.

[0018] Each lighting fixture 1 is installed on the ceiling of the office 3. Of course, each lighting fixture 1 may be installed not only on the ceiling of the office 3, but also on a wall, floor, or desk. In the embodiment, each lighting fixture 1 is, for example, a base light as ambient lighting that uniformly illuminates a target space, and is provided with a light source having a solid-state light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In addition, the light source of each lighting fixture 1 is configured to be capable of dimming, adjusting color, or both, under the control of the control unit 11.

[0019] Each lighting fixture 1 is assigned to multiple groups G1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, each lighting fixture 1 is assigned to three groups G1. Of course, the number of groups G1 is not limited to three, and may be two, or four or more. Here, one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the same group G1 are located near each other. Then, one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to a certain group G1 illuminate a space in the office 3 corresponding to the group G1 (i.e., the target space 4).

[0020] For example, assume that the three groups G1 are groups “A”, “B”, and “C”. In this case, one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to group “A” illuminate a space “α” corresponding to group “A” in office 3, one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to group “B” illuminate a space “β” corresponding to group “B” in office 3, and one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to group “C” illuminate a space “γ” corresponding to group “C” in office 3.

[0021] The allocation of each lighting fixture 1 to group G1 is performed in advance by, for example, an administrator of the environmental control system 100. The administrator performs the above allocation using, for example, an information terminal capable of setting parameters of the environmental control system 100. The information terminal may include, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. Of course, the administrator may change the allocation of each lighting fixture 1 to group G1 as appropriate while the environmental control system 100 is in operation.

[0022] In addition, adjacent spaces in office 3 may or may not be partitioned. In the embodiment, it is assumed that office 3 is composed of one large room, with no other rooms separated by walls or furniture. In this case, it is expected to have the effect of improving the visibility of office 3 and improving the design.

[0023] In the embodiment, in two adjacent spaces, the light emitted from the lighting fixture 1 installed in one space does not necessarily illuminate only one space, and some of the light is allowed to leak into the other space. In other words, in any space, the light emitted from the lighting fixture 1 corresponding to that space should be the main illumination light, and even if some of the illumination light leaks from a space other than that space, it should not have much effect on the illumination of that space. This is because the effect of some of the illumination light from a space other than that space on the visibility of a user using that space or the work environment viewed by the user is limited.

[0024] Each sound device 2 is installed on the ceiling of the office 3. Of course, each sound device 2 may be installed not only on the ceiling of the office 3, but also on the wall, floor, or desk. In the embodiment, each sound device 2 is, for example, an omnidirectional speaker, and plays content transmitted from the control unit 11. Note that each sound device 2 may be a directional speaker, such as a parametric speaker, a speaker using ultrasonic waves, or a speaker with a horn-shaped housing. When a directional speaker is used, it is expected to have the effect of making it easier to reduce the proportion of sound leaking into other spaces.

[0025] Each audio device 2 is assigned to a plurality of groups G1, similar to each lighting fixture 1. In the example shown in Fig. 2, each audio device 2 is assigned to three groups G1. Here, one or more audio devices 2 assigned to the same group G1 are located near each other. Then, one or more audio devices 2 assigned to a certain group G1 output sound to a space in the office 3 corresponding to the group G1 (i.e., the target space 4).

[0026] For example, assume that the three groups G1 are groups "A," "B," and "C." In this case, one or more audio devices 2 assigned to group "A" output sound to a space "α" corresponding to group "A" in office 3, one or more audio devices 2 assigned to group "B" output sound to a space "β" corresponding to group "B" in office 3, and one or more audio devices 2 assigned to group "C" output sound to a space "γ" corresponding to group "C" in office 3.

[0027] The allocation of each sound device 2 to group G1 is performed in advance by an administrator of environmental control system 100 using an information terminal, similar to the allocation of each lighting fixture 1 to group G1. Of course, the administrator may appropriately change the allocation of each sound device 2 to group G1 while environmental control system 100 is in operation.

[0028] In the embodiment, in two adjacent spaces, the sound output from an acoustic device 2 installed in one space does not have to be output only to one space, and some of the sound is allowed to leak into the other space. In other words, in any space, it is sufficient that the sound output from the acoustic device 2 corresponding to that space is the main sound, and even if some sound leaks from a space other than that space, it does not affect the acoustics of that space.

[0029] The control unit 11 can communicate with each lighting fixture 1 and transmits a lighting control signal to each lighting fixture 1 to control the dimming, color adjustment, or both of each lighting fixture 1. In other words, the control unit 11 controls one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the target space 4 (group G1). In the embodiment, the control unit 11 transmits the same lighting control signal to one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the same group G1. That is, the control unit 11 controls each lighting fixture 1 for each target space 4 (group G1). The communication between the control unit 11 and each lighting fixture 1 may be wired communication or wireless communication, and the communication standard is not particularly limited. In addition, the lighting control signals do not need to be transmitted strictly at the same time, and the time difference between the transmission of the lighting control signals is preferably within 60 minutes, more preferably within 30 minutes, and even more preferably within 1 minute. If the time difference is within 60 minutes, it is expected to have an effect of saving labor compared to changing the environment of the space by moving fixtures or furniture manually.

[0030] Furthermore, the lighting control signals transmitted from controller 11 to one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the same group G1 do not need to be strictly identical, and an error in the control content is permitted within a range in which the influence of the space is limited. For example, the allowable range is ±500K for color temperature and ±20% for dimming rate.

[0031] The control unit 11 is also capable of communicating with each audio device 2, and controls each audio device 2 to play the content by transmitting an audio control signal (including the content to be played) to each audio device 2. In other words, the control unit 11 controls one or more audio devices 2 assigned to the target space 4 (group G1). In the embodiment, the control unit 11 transmits the same audio control signal to one or more audio devices 2 assigned to the same group G1. In other words, the control unit 11 controls each audio device 2 for each target space 4 (group G1). The communication between the control unit 11 and each audio device 2 may be wired communication or wireless communication, and the communication standard is not particularly limited.

[0032] The content may be stored in the control unit 11, in each audio device 2, or in the storage unit 13. The content is stored in an electronic data medium in, for example, a WAV format or an mp3 format. In the embodiment, the content is stored in the storage unit 13.

[0033] In this way, the control unit 11 controls the environment of the target space 4 (group G1) by controlling one or more lighting devices 1 assigned to the target space 4 and one or more audio devices 2 assigned to the target space 4. As a result, both a lighting environment provided by one or more lighting devices 1 and an audio environment provided by one or more audio devices 2 are provided in the target space 4, so that a so-called zoning effect can be expected.

[0034] In the embodiment, there are multiple target spaces 4 (groups G1). Then, the control unit 11 controls one or more lighting devices 1 and one or more audio devices 2 assigned to each of the multiple target spaces 4 so as to make the environments of the multiple target spaces 4 different from one another. This makes it possible to make the environment different for each target space 4, and a different zoning effect can be expected for each target space 4.

[0035] Here, the zoning effect means, for example, a sense of division in the perception of space, and may include an effect that makes it easier for a user to recognize that multiple spaces are different from each other in appearance. The zoning effect may also include an effect that, through the user's recognition, makes it easier to encourage a change in the user's behavior or flow of movement as intended by the zoning. For example, assume that an arbitrary space is zoned with the intention that it will be a space where the user can easily perform work that requires concentration. In this case, if a user who sees the space uses the space with the main purpose of performing work that requires concentration, it can be said that the zoning effect has been achieved.

[0036] The zoning effect may also include the subjective effect or actual feeling of the user, or the effect that the physiological, psychological, and biological effects show a tendency according to the purpose of zoning when the user actually uses a zoned space. For example, assume that a given space is zoned with the intention of making it a space where it is easy to perform tasks that require concentration, and the user uses that space. In this case, if the user feels that they were able to concentrate by using the space, or if indexes and data are obtained that suggest that the user was concentrating in terms of psychological and biological effects, it can be said that the zoning effect has been achieved.

[0037] By controlling the lighting as described above, it is possible to zone the space without using fixtures or furniture. This makes it easier to improve the design of the space, and also makes it possible to instantly change the layout of the office 3 by controlling the lighting such as dimming and color adjustment, which is called active zoning. That is, when zoning is performed by the above lighting control, the change of the control parameters for dimming and color adjustment in each space is completed in, for example, several seconds. In this case, it is possible to change the layout of the office 3 in several seconds. Here, if the layout of the office 3 is changed by manually moving the fixtures or furniture, it takes 60 minutes, several hours, or a day, or in some cases several days. From this point of view, the above zoning by lighting control can have a very remarkable effect.

[0038] Active zoning makes it possible to change the layout of office 3 on a short cycle, such as hourly, daily, or monthly, compared to changing the layout of an office by conventionally rearranging fixtures or furniture.

[0039] In the embodiment, in at least one target space 4 (group G1), controller 11 controls one or more lighting devices 1 so that the color temperature of the illumination light is lower than the reference color temperature (in other words, so that target space 4 is illuminated with warm-colored lighting). In the embodiment, the reference color temperature is 4000 K. By controlling in this manner, it is possible to provide a space in target space 4 where the user can feel relatively relaxed.

[0040] In the embodiment, in order to further enhance the zoning effect, the control unit 11 controls one or more audio devices 2 in the one or more target spaces 4 (group G1) to play specific music as content. That is, the control unit 11 controls one or more audio devices 2 in the one or more target spaces 4 to play specific music at a volume that can be sensed by users staying in the space.

[0041] The specific music may include a piece of music played by an instrument, a song, or the like. The specific music does not need to have a clear melody throughout, and may be composed of a performance by an atonal instrument such as a percussion instrument. The specific music is preferably music that can be expected to have a zoning effect similar to that expected from the illumination light. This is because by doing so, it becomes easier to achieve an effect that is greater than the simple sum of the zoning effect expected from the illumination light and the zoning effect expected from the music, and it becomes easier to have an unexpected and preferable synergistic effect. This point will be described in detail in [Verification of the zoning effect] described later.

[0042] In the embodiment, the specific music is music that gives a relaxing effect to the user. For example, the specific music is music that tends to make the user's parasympathetic nerves dominant over the sympathetic nerves. More specifically, the specific music that gives a relaxing effect to the user is music that is classified as jazz or bossa nova. The zoning effect of the specific music will be described in detail in [Verification of the zoning effect] described later.

[0043] By controlling in this manner, in the one or more target spaces 4 (group G1), a space can be provided in which an even more relaxing effect can be expected compared to a case in which only illumination light from one or more lighting devices 1 is provided.

[0044] The sound source generation unit 12 generates specific music to be played by one or more audio devices 2. In the embodiment, the sound source generation unit 12 generates specific music by having a processor execute an application that automatically generates music. In other words, the sound source generation unit 12 may be program software recorded in the memory of the CPU. Here, in the case of playing different specific music for each target space 4 (group G1), the sound source generation unit 12 generates specific music for each target space 4.

[0045] The term "generating specific music" as used herein may include generating new specific music by randomly changing some or all of the various parameters that make up music based on existing music. Also, the term "generating specific music" as used herein may include generating new specific music by randomly determining some or all of the various parameters that make up music when there is no existing music. In the former case, it is necessary to prepare base music when using the sound source generation unit 12, but in the latter case, it is not necessary to prepare base music. Note that "randomly changing (or determining)" as used herein may include changing (or determining) according to pseudorandom numbers generated by a pseudorandom number generation algorithm, for example.

[0046] The parameters that make up the music may include, for example, a pattern such as a main melody and / or a secondary melody, a genre, a tempo, a pitch, a type of instrument played, or a dynamic range (the difference between the maximum and minimum playback volume).

[0047] Furthermore, the sound source generating unit 12 updates the specific music by changing at least one of the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music. Specifically, the sound source generating unit 12 updates the specific music by changing some or all of various parameters of the specific music before the update to generate specific music different from the specific music before the update. The specific music before the update may be music that is being played by one or more audio devices 2 before the update, or may be music that is stored in the storage unit 13.

[0048] Here, the sound source generating unit 12 updates the specific music within a range that does not impair the zoning effect due to the environment of the target space 4. For example, if the specific music is music classified as jazz or bossa nova, the sound source generating unit 12 updates the specific music by changing some or all of the other parameters of the specific music before the update without changing the genre of the music. Also, for example, if the specific music is music that gives a relaxing effect to the user, the sound source generating unit 12 updates the specific music by changing some or all of the various parameters of the specific music before the update within a range that does not impair the effect.

[0049] In addition, a method for generating new specific music by randomly determining some or all of the various parameters that make up music when there is no existing music may include a method of first defining a chord progression that characterizes a piece of music, and then quasi-randomly assigning an appropriate melody to the key of the piece of music. "Quasi-random" here means that in music genres such as jazz or blues, for example, a performer randomly assigns a melody to a range that does not break musically, as if the performer were to perform an ad-lib performance by selecting appropriate scales in accordance with the chord progression of the piece of music, rather than following the score. This method is preferable because it can efficiently generate specific music while eliminating any sense of incongruity as a piece of music, and as a result, it is easy to reduce the processing load of updating the specific music in the sound source generation unit 12.

[0050] In the embodiment, the sound source generating unit 12 updates the specific music when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition is, for example, clocking a predetermined time. When the specific music is updated, the clocking of the predetermined time is reset. That is, in this case, the sound source generating unit 12 updates the specific music every predetermined time. Also, the predetermined condition is, for example, that the specific music is played a predetermined number of times.

[0051] Here, as already described, in the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 is installed in the office 3. The sound source generating unit 12 updates the specific music autonomously as a local system without transmitting and receiving information via an external network such as the Internet. That is, the sound source generating unit 12 is installed in a facility having the target space 4 (here, the office 3), and updates the specific music without going through an external network. Therefore, compared with the case where the specific music is updated via an external network, there is an advantage that the system can be simplified more easily, and as a result, the costs required for setting, constructing, and maintaining the system can be reduced. The "external network" here includes, for example, a network that can be connected to the Internet, but does not include the network that constitutes the environmental control system 100 itself.

[0052] The storage unit 13 is a storage device that stores information (such as computer programs) necessary for the control unit 11 and the sound source generating unit 12 to perform control. The storage unit 13 is realized, for example, by a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory, and is not particularly limited and any known means for storing electronic information can be used.

[0053] The storage unit 13 stores data of the specific music played by each audio device 2. When the specific music played back differs for each target space 4 (group G1), the storage unit 13 stores data of the specific music for each target space 4.

[0054] In the storage unit 13, the data of the specific music is overwritten with the updated data of the specific music every time the specific music is updated by the sound source generation unit 12. The data of the specific music before the update may be stored in the storage unit 13 without being overwritten with the updated data of the specific music. In this case, the data of the specific music after the update is additionally stored in the storage unit 13 every time the sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music. Then, the next time the sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music, this updated data of the specific music can be referred to as the data of the specific music before the update.

[0055] The control unit 11, the sound source generating unit 12, and the storage unit 13 may all be mounted on the same board or housed in the same housing. The board or housing may be attached to the ceiling, wall, floor, or fixtures / furniture such as desks of the office 3. In this case, the effect of miniaturizing the environmental control system 100 can be expected.

[0056] [Verification of zoning effects] Here, the inventor of the present application conducted the following experiment to verify the zoning effect of the combination of color temperature and specific music. That is, a number of subjects (here, 10 people) were gathered in the space to be experimented (here, an office room), and each subject was asked to perform a given task (here, typing on a personal computer for one minute) while changing the conditions of the space to be experimented. Then, a questionnaire was administered to each subject regarding their impression of the space to be experimented for each condition of the space to be experimented.

[0057] In the space where the experiment was conducted, multiple desks were installed. Each subject typed using a personal computer (here, a laptop-type personal computer) at one of the desks. In addition, multiple base lights were installed on the ceiling of the space where the experiment was conducted to uniformly illuminate the entire space. Furthermore, each desk was installed with a spotlight to locally illuminate the corresponding desk.

[0058] The spatial conditions of the experiment were a combination of one of four lighting conditions and one of four sound conditions, meaning that the experiment was conducted under a total of 16 different conditions.

[0059] The lighting conditions were the following four conditions (A1) to (A4). (A1) is to control each base light so that the color temperature of the illumination light is 3000K and the illuminance of the space being experimented is 800lx. (A2) is to control each base light so that the color temperature of the illumination light is 4000K and the illuminance of the space being experimented is 800lx. (A3) is to control each base light so that the color temperature of the illumination light is 5000K and the illuminance of the space being experimented is 800lx. (A4) is to control each spotlight so that the color temperature of the illumination light is 4000K and the illuminance of the center of each desk is 1200lx.

[0060] The sound conditions were the following four conditions (B1) to (B4). (B1) is to play no sound in the space of the experimental subject, in other words, to keep it silent. (B2) is to play the sound of a babbling brook (running water) in the space of the experimental subject. (B3) is to play jazz music in the space of the experimental subject. (B4) is to play meditation music in the space of the experimental subject. Meditation music is music played during meditation or yoga, and is so-called healing music.

[0061] In the questionnaire, each subject was asked to answer the degree of preference for the experimental space, in other words, the degree of dependence on the experimental space. Specifically, each subject was asked to answer the degree of preference for the experimental space on a 7-point scale: (a) very like, (b) quite like, (c) slightly like, (d) neutral, (e) slightly dislike, (f) quite dislike, and (g) very dislike.

[0062] The inventors of the present application quantitatively evaluated the conditions of the experimental space based on the results of the questionnaire given to each subject. Specifically, the seven-point evaluation obtained from the questionnaire was treated as an equal interval scale, and scalar values ​​of "7", "6", ..., and "1" were assigned to the evaluations (g), (f), ..., (a) above, respectively. An evaluation function for evaluating the experimental space was defined as shown in the following formula (1), and a score V(m) was calculated for each condition of the experimental space using the following formula (2) using the evaluation function.

[0063] In the following formulas (1) and (2), "f(n,m)" represents the evaluation function, and "v" represents the scalar value. In addition, in the following formulas (1) and (2), "n" represents a number assigned to the subject, "N" represents the number of subjects, and "m" represents a number assigned to a combination of lighting conditions and sound conditions. Here, since there are 10 subjects, "N" is 10, and "n" can be any natural number from 1 to 10. In addition, since there are a total of 16 combinations of lighting conditions and sound conditions, "m" can be any natural number from 1 to 16.

[0064] In the following formula (2), in cases where no particular impression of good or bad is felt toward the experimental space, that is, in cases where the evaluation is as in (d) above, in order to correct the score V(m) to be "0", "4" is subtracted. Therefore, the maximum value of the score V(m) is "3", and the minimum value of the score V(m) is "-3". For example, if the score V(m) is the maximum value, it indicates that all subjects have the impression that they "really like" the experimental space. On the other hand, if the score V(m) is the minimum value, it indicates that all subjects have the impression that they "really dislike" the experimental space.

[0065]

number

[0066] The results of the above experiment will be explained using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing some of the results of the evaluation experiment of lighting control and sound control. In FIG. 3, the vertical axis represents the score V(m) for the space of the experimental subject. Also, in FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents the conditions of the space of the experimental subject. Specifically, on the horizontal axis of FIG. 3, "4000K" represents the lighting condition (A1), and "3000K" represents the lighting condition (A2). Also, on the horizontal axis of FIG. 3, "silence" represents the sound condition (B1), and "jazz" represents the sound condition (B3).

[0067] In Figure 3, the score V(m) for the combination of "Silence" and "4000K" is -0.1, while the score V(m) for the combination of "Silence" and "3000K" is +0.3. In other words, it was confirmed that lowering the color temperature of the illumination light in the experimental space increased the score V(m), but the amount of change was relatively small.

[0068] On the other hand, in Figure 3, the score V(m) for the combination of "Silence" and "4000K" is -0.1, while the score V(m) for the combination of "Jazz" and "3000K" is +1.2. In other words, by lowering the color temperature of the lighting in the experimental space and playing jazz in the experimental space, a significant increase in the score V(m) was confirmed compared to when only the color temperature was changed.

[0069] Furthermore, even when the color temperature of the lighting in the experimental space was lowered, when sounds other than jazz (here, the sound of running water or meditation music) were played, the score V(m) did not increase, but rather decreased.

[0070] Based on the results of the above experiments, the inventors of the present application have discovered that by lowering the color temperature of the illumination light below a reference color temperature and playing specific music, such as jazz, it is easier to achieve an effect that is greater than the simple addition of the zoning effect that can be expected from the illumination light and the zoning effect that can be expected from the music, compared to the case where only the color temperature of the illumination light is changed, and it is expected that an unexpected and desirable synergistic effect can be easily achieved.

[0071] [Operation] An example of the operation of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that the control unit 11 starts the process S1 by receiving a control input. In other words, before receiving the control input, the control unit 11 does not control one or more lighting devices 1 and one or more audio devices 2 in each target space 4 (group G1).

[0072] The control input is, for example, a lighting schedule and a sound schedule from the start of work to the end of work on any given day. In this case, the environment of each target space 4 is controlled according to the lighting schedule and the sound schedule.

[0073] First, when the control unit 11 receives a control input, it controls one or more lighting devices 1 and one or more audio devices 2 in each target space 4 (group G1) in accordance with the received control input (S1). The process S1 corresponds to a control step ST1 of the environmental control method. As a result, the environment of each target space 4 is controlled in accordance with the control input.

[0074] Thereafter, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (S2: Yes), the sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music (S3). Process S3 corresponds to sound source generation step ST2 of the environment control method. Meanwhile, until the predetermined condition is satisfied (S2: No), the sound source generation unit 12 does not update the specific music (S4). In other words, the sound source generation unit 12 does not update the specific music unless the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0075] Here, the control unit 11 may control one or more sound devices 2 to play the updated specific music after the specific music is updated by the sound source generation unit 12. Also, the control unit 11 may control one or more sound devices 2 to play the updated specific music from the day after the specific music is updated by the sound source generation unit 12. In other words, the timing of playing the updated specific music does not necessarily have to coincide with the timing of updating the specific music by the sound source generation unit 12.

[0076] [advantage] The advantages of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below. First, the viewpoint of the inventor of the present application will be described. In recent years, the work styles of users have become more diverse, and for example, ABW-type offices 3 and the like have become more prominent. As already mentioned, "ABW" is a way of working in which a user selects a place or desk to work at depending on the work content. Specifically, "ABW" is a work style that aims to improve the productivity or wellness of a user by providing multiple spaces or environments suitable for the user's activities, such as solo work in which one person concentrates on work or group work in which multiple people share ideas.

[0077] Here, by appropriately controlling the lighting environment and acoustic environment of the target space 4, it is possible to exert a zoning effect, such as a relaxing effect on the user staying in the target space 4. However, there is a possibility that the user's ears will become accustomed to the specific music played in the target space 4 and the user will tire of it, and if the user tires of the specific music, there is a possibility that the zoning effect will not be fully exerted. Therefore, the inventor of the present application has considered a system that makes it easy to sustain the zoning effect that the environment of the target space 4 gives to the user.

[0078] In the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, the sound source generating unit 12 updates the specific music by changing at least one of the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music. Therefore, in the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, the specific music can be updated before the user gets tired of the specific music played in the target space 4. Therefore, the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment has an advantage that the user is less likely to get tired of the specific music, and the zoning effect is more likely to be sustained, in other words, the influence of the environment of the target space 4 on the user is more likely to be sustained.

[0079] In addition to the mode in which the sound source generating unit 12 generates specific music, a mode in which new specific music data is prepared and the specific music is updated can be considered. However, in this mode, new specific music data must be prepared every time the specific music is updated, which creates a problem that the costs required for setting up, constructing, and maintaining the system tend to increase. On the other hand, in the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, the sound source generating unit 12 generates and updates the specific music, so there is no need to prepare new specific music data, which has the advantage of making it easier to reduce the costs required for setting up, constructing, and maintaining the system.

[0080] (Modification) Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Modifications of the embodiment will be listed below. The modifications described below may be combined as appropriate.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 5, an environmental control system 100A according to the modification of the embodiment differs from the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment in that it includes an acquisition unit 14. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the environmental control system 100A according to the modification 1 of the embodiment.

[0082] The acquisition unit 14 acquires user information related to the user in the target space 4. Then, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 14.

[0083] Examples of user information acquired by the acquisition unit 14 and examples of updating specific music based on the acquired user information are listed below. Note that the environmental control system 100A may execute at least one of the first and second examples shown below, or may execute both examples.

[0084] In the first example, the acquisition unit 14 acquires, as user information, presence / absence information indicating the presence / absence of a user in the target space 4. The acquisition unit 14 can acquire the presence / absence information by, for example, acquiring a detection result transmitted from a human presence sensor such as an infrared sensor installed in the target space 4. The acquisition unit 14 can also acquire the presence / absence information by, for example, acquiring a detection result from an indoor position information detection system using BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or the like adopted in the target space 4.

[0085] The acquisition unit 14 can acquire the presence / absence information by, for example, acquiring an image of the target space 4 from a camera installed in the target space 4 and performing an appropriate image analysis process on the image. In addition, the acquisition unit 14 can acquire the presence / absence information by, for example, acquiring the reading result of a wireless IC tag carried by a user from a tag reader installed in the target space 4.

[0086] Then, in the first example, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music based on the presence / absence information. Specifically, the sound source generation unit 12 calculates the utilization rate of the target space 4 by referring to the presence / absence information. The calculation of the utilization rate of the target space 4 may be performed by, for example, the control unit 11. Then, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music if the utilization rate of the target space 4 is equal to or lower than a threshold. That is, in the first example, if the utilization rate of the target space 4 is equal to or lower than a threshold, the predetermined condition is satisfied. Therefore, in the first example, it is possible to update the specific music at a timing when it is estimated that the utilization rate of the target space 4 is relatively low, in other words, that the user is tired of the specific music.

[0087] In the second example, the acquisition unit 14 acquires evaluation information indicating a user's evaluation of a specific piece of music as user information. The acquisition unit 14 broadcasts, for example, survey information that can be received by an information terminal carried by the user. The survey information includes, for example, a question inquiring about an evaluation of a specific piece of music currently being played in the target space 4. When the user carrying the information terminal receives the survey information, the user operates the information terminal to answer the survey information and transmits the answer to the acquisition unit 14. The acquisition unit 14 is able to acquire the evaluation information by receiving the answer transmitted from the user's information terminal.

[0088] Then, in the second example, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music based on the evaluation information. Specifically, the sound source generation unit 12 counts the number of negative evaluations for the specific music by referring to the evaluation information. Note that the counting of the number of negative evaluations may be performed by, for example, the control unit 11. Then, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music if the number of negative evaluations is equal to or greater than a threshold. That is, in the second example, if the number of users who have made negative evaluations is equal to or greater than a threshold, the predetermined condition is met. Therefore, in the second example, it is possible to update the specific music at a timing when it is estimated that the number of users who have made negative evaluations is relatively large, in other words, that the users are tired of the specific music.

[0089] In the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 controls the environments of a plurality of target spaces 4, but is not limited to this. For example, the environmental control system 100 may control the environment of only one target space 4.

[0090] In the embodiment, each of the lighting fixtures 1 employs a base light as ambient lighting, but this is not limited thereto. For example, some of the lighting fixtures 1 may employ spotlights as task lights.

[0091] In the embodiment, the lighting fixture 1 and the audio device 2 are configured as separate entities, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the lighting fixture 1 may have the audio device 2 built therein, so that the lighting fixture 1 and the audio device 2 are configured as one body.

[0092] In the embodiment, the office 3 is configured as one large room with no other rooms, but is not limited to this. For example, the office 3 may be configured as a large room with one or more rooms, or may be configured across multiple floors.

[0093] In the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 targets one office 3, but is not limited to this. For example, the environmental control system 100 may target multiple offices 3 and control each lighting fixture 1 and each audio device 2 for each office 3.

[0094] In the embodiment, the lighting fixture 1 and the audio device 2 are not included as components of the environmental control system 100. However, at least one of the lighting fixture 1 and the audio device 2 may be included as components of the environmental control system 100.

[0095] Also, for example, in the above embodiment, the environmental control system 100 is realized by a plurality of devices, but it may be realized as a single device. For example, the environmental control system 100 may be realized as a single device corresponding to a server device. When the environmental control system 100 is realized by a plurality of devices, the components of the environmental control system 100 may be distributed in any manner among the plurality of devices. For example, the components of the server device in the above embodiment may be provided in an information terminal installed in a closed space. In other words, the present invention may be realized by cloud computing or edge computing.

[0096] For example, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. Also, a relay device (not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0097] In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0098] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit, or a dedicated circuit.

[0099] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0100] For example, the present invention may be realized as an environmental control method executed by a computer such as environmental control system 100, 100A, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such an environmental control method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0101] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0102] (summary) As described above, the environmental control systems 100, 100A include the control unit 11 and the sound source generation unit 12. The control unit 11 controls the environment of the target space 4 by controlling one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the target space 4 and one or more audio devices 2 assigned to the target space 4. The sound source generation unit 12 generates specific music to be played by one or more audio devices 2. The sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music by changing at least one of the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music.

[0103] Such environmental control systems 100, 100A have the advantage that the user is less likely to tire of the specific music and the zoning effect is more likely to be sustained, in other words, the effect that the environment of the target space 4 has on the user is more likely to be sustained.

[0104] Also, for example, in the environmental control systems 100 and 100A, there are multiple target spaces 4. The control unit 11 controls one or more lighting devices 1 and one or more audio devices 2 assigned to each of the multiple target spaces 4 so as to make the environments of the multiple target spaces 4 different from one another.

[0105] According to such environmental control systems 100 and 100A, by providing a different environment for each target space 4, it becomes easier for the user to select a desired environment, and there is an advantage that convenience for the user can be easily improved.

[0106] Also, for example, in the environmental control systems 100 and 100A, the sound source generating unit 12 is installed in a facility having the target space 4, and updates the specific music without going through an external network.

[0107] Such environmental control systems 100, 100A have the advantage that the system can be simplified more easily than when specific music is updated via an external network, and as a result, the costs involved in setting up, installing, and maintaining the system can be reduced.

[0108] Also, for example, in environmental control systems 100 and 100A, the specific music is music classified as jazz or bossa nova. Controller 11 controls one or more lighting fixtures 1 so that the color temperature of the illumination light is lower than the reference color temperature.

[0109] Such environmental control systems 100, 100A have the advantage that they can easily provide a relaxing effect to users staying in the target space 4.

[0110] Moreover, for example, the environmental control system 100A further includes an acquisition unit that acquires user information related to a user in the target space 4. The sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit .

[0111] Such an environmental control system 100A has the advantage that the specific music can be easily updated at a timing suitable for the situation of the user who uses the target space 4.

[0112] The environmental control method also includes a control step ST1 and a sound source generation step ST2. In the control step ST1, the environment of the target space 4 is controlled by controlling one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the target space 4 and one or more audio devices 2 assigned to the target space 4. In the sound source generation step ST2, specific music is generated to be played by one or more audio devices 2. In the sound source generation step ST2, the specific music is updated by changing at least one of the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music.

[0113] Such an environmental control method has the advantage that the user is less likely to tire of the specific music and the zoning effect is more likely to be sustained, in other words, the effect that the environment of the target space 4 has on the user is more likely to be sustained.

[0114] Also, for example, the program causes one or more processors to execute the above-described environmental control method.

[0115] Such a program has the advantage that the user is less likely to tire of the specific music and the zoning effect is more likely to be sustained, in other words, the effect that the environment of the target space 4 has on the user is more likely to be sustained.

[0116] Incidentally, in the above embodiment, if it is not assumed that a zoning effect is given to the user staying in the target space 4, the environmental control system 100 does not need to control the lighting environment of the target space 4. In this case, the environmental control system 100 may be configured as follows. That is, the environmental control system 100 includes a control unit 11 and a sound source generation unit 12. The control unit 11 controls one or more sound devices 2 assigned to the target space 4. The sound source generation unit 12 generates specific music to be played by the one or more sound devices 2. The sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music by changing at least one of the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music. In addition, the sound source generation unit 12 is installed in a facility having the target space 4, and updates the specific music without going through an external network.

[0117] In this embodiment, the environmental control system 100 may be configured separately from the acoustic device 2, or may be mounted on the acoustic device 2. In the latter case, when there are multiple acoustic devices 2, the environmental control system 100 may be mounted on any one of the acoustic devices 2, or the environmental control system 100 may be mounted on each of the acoustic devices 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 100,100A Environmental Control System 11 Control section 12 Sound source generation section 14 Acquisition Department 1 Lighting equipment 2 Sound equipment 4 Target Space ST1 Control step ST2 Sound source generation step

Claims

1. A control unit that controls an environment of a target space by controlling one or more lighting devices assigned to the target space and one or more audio devices assigned to the target space; a sound source generating unit that generates specific music to be played by the one or more sound devices; the sound source generation unit updates the specific music by changing at least one of a melody, a harmony, and a rhythm of the specific music; The generation of the specific music is either one of generating new specific music by randomly changing a part or all of one or more parameters constituting existing music based on the existing music, and generating new specific music by randomly determining a part or all of one or more parameters constituting music when there is no existing music. Environmental control system.

2. The target space is multiple, The control unit controls the one or more lighting devices and the one or more audio devices assigned to each of the plurality of target spaces so as to make the environments of the plurality of target spaces different from each other. The environmental control system of claim 1 .

3. The sound source generating unit is installed in a facility having the target space, and updates the specific music without going through an external network.

3. An environmental control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The specific music is music classified as jazz or bossa nova, The control unit controls the one or more lighting devices so that a color temperature of illumination light is lower than a reference color temperature. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An acquisition unit that acquires user information related to a user in the target space, The sound source generation unit updates the specific music based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The sound source generation unit updates the specific music at predetermined time intervals. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A control step of controlling an environment of the target space by controlling one or more lighting devices assigned to the target space and one or more audio devices assigned to the target space; a sound source generating step for generating specific music to be played by the one or more sound devices; In the sound source generation step, the specific music is updated by changing at least one of a melody, a harmony, and a rhythm of the specific music; The generation of the specific music is either one of generating new specific music by randomly changing a part or all of one or more parameters constituting existing music based on the existing music, and generating new specific music by randomly determining a part or all of one or more parameters constituting music when there is no existing music. Environmental control methods.

8. One or more processors, 8. A method for controlling an environment according to claim 7, program.

Images