Lighting control system and lighting control method

Abstract

This illumination control system (10) comprises: an acquisition unit (55) for transmitting, to a server device (60), data associated with a plurality of illumination devices (20) for individually illuminating a plurality of adjacent areas (81), each of the areas (81) having established therefor a target value for an illumination environment, and associated with a plurality of sensors (30) for individually sensing a detected value of the illumination environment in the plurality of areas (81), whereby the acquisition unit (55) acquires, from the server device (60), control information for reducing a difference between the target value and the detected value in each of the plurality of areas (81); and a control unit (56) for controlling the plurality of illumination devices (20) using the acquired control information.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting control system and a lighting control method. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known technologies for controlling the lighting environment in an indoor space. Patent Document 1 discloses an LED lighting device equipped with a tracking function that changes the color of an LED in the process of being turned on in conjunction with the color of an LED that is already turned on. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-106300 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a lighting control system and the like that can bring the lighting environments of multiple areas, where changes in the lighting environments affect each other, closer to a target. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires control information from an external server device to reduce a difference between the target value and the detected value in each of a plurality of areas by transmitting data related to a plurality of lighting devices for individually illuminating a plurality of adjacent areas, each of which has a target value of a lighting environment, and a plurality of sensors for individually sensing detected values ​​of the lighting environment in the plurality of areas to the external server device, and a control unit that controls the plurality of lighting devices using the acquired control information.

[0006] A lighting control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a lighting control method executed by a computer, the method including: acquiring control information from an external server device for reducing a difference between the target value and the detected value in each of a plurality of areas by transmitting data relating to a plurality of lighting devices for individually illuminating a plurality of adjacent areas, each of which has a target value of a lighting environment, and a plurality of sensors for individually sensing detected values ​​of the lighting environment in the plurality of areas to the external server device; and a control step of controlling the plurality of lighting devices using the acquired control information. Effect of the Invention

[0007] A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present invention can bring the lighting environments of multiple areas, where changes in the lighting environments affect each other, closer to a target. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a space to which the lighting control system according to the embodiment is applied. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the feedback control. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a target area and an adjacent area adjacent to the target area. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an overview of lighting environment control. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a first example of lighting environment control. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a second example of lighting environment control. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a third example of lighting environment control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 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.

[0010] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configuration, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a lighting control system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram (plan view) showing a space to which a lighting control system according to an embodiment is applied. In Fig. 2, lighting devices 20 are indicated by dashed circles, and sensors 30 are indicated by solid circles.

[0012] The lighting control system 10 is a system that can provide individual lighting environments to users located in a space 80 within a facility. The space 80 is, for example, an indoor space that is not partitioned by walls. The space 80 is, for example, an office space with a free address system. As shown in FIG. 2, the space 80 is, for example, divided into a plurality of areas 81, each of which is provided with seats (chairs 82 and desks 83). The dashed lines (straight lines) in FIG. 2 indicate division lines. The space 80 is, for example, divided into a matrix shape when viewed from above, but the method of dividing the space 80 is not particularly limited.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, lighting control system 10 specifically includes a plurality of lighting devices 20, a plurality of sensors 30, a plurality of setting reception devices 40, and a control device 50. The lighting devices 20, the sensors 30, and the setting reception devices 40 are installed in a plurality of areas 81, respectively. Also shown in Fig. 1 is a server device 60.

[0014] The lighting device 20 is installed on the ceiling of the space 80 and illuminates the space 80. The light source of the lighting device 20 is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, but may be realized by other light emitting elements such as a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or an inorganic EL. The lighting device 20 is, for example, a downlight, but may be a base light, a ceiling light, a spotlight, or the like, and the specific form of the lighting device 20 is not particularly limited. The lighting device 20 is capable of dimming and adjusting the color, and the brightness and color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting device 20 are controlled by the control device 50.

[0015] The sensor 30 is an illuminance sensor that detects (senses) the illuminance in the area 81 in which the sensor 30 is provided. The sensor 30 is installed, for example, on a desk 83. The sensor 30 transmits detection value information indicating a detection value that is a detection result of the illuminance (also described as brightness) to the control device 50. The sensor 30 may be a sensor that detects the color temperature of light in the area 81.

[0016] The setting reception device 40 is a device for a user to manually set a target value of the lighting environment (such as brightness or color temperature) of the area 81 in which the user is located. The setting reception device 40 is, for example, a dedicated remote controller having one-to-one correspondence with the lighting device 20. The setting reception device 40 transmits target value information indicating the target value set by the user to the control device 50. Note that instead of a dedicated remote controller, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user and having an application program installed thereon may be used as the setting reception device 40.

[0017] The control device 50 is a controller that controls a plurality of lighting devices 20 installed in the space 80. The control device 50 is realized, for example, by an edge server installed in a facility including the space 80, or a cloud server installed outside the facility. Specifically, the control device 50 includes a communication unit 51, an information processing unit 52, and a storage unit 53.

[0018] The communication unit 51 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the control device 50 to communicate with the plurality of lighting devices 20, the plurality of sensors 30, the plurality of setting reception devices 40, and the server device 60. The communication performed by the communication unit 51 is, for example, wired communication, but may be wireless communication. There is also no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

[0019] The information processing unit 52 processes information related to the control of the lighting device 20 in the space 80. The information processing unit 52 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor.

[0020] The information processing unit 52 has, as functional components, a detection unit 54, an acquisition unit 55, and a control unit 56. The functions of the detection unit 54, the acquisition unit 55, and the control unit 56 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 52 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 53. The detailed functions of the detection unit 54, the acquisition unit 55, and the control unit 56 will be described later.

[0021] The storage unit 53 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the above information processing, computer programs executed by the information processing unit 52, etc. The storage unit 53 is realized by, for example, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0022] The server device 60 is a computer that provides the control device 50 with a set value of feedforward control (described later). The server device 60 is realized, for example, by an edge server installed in a facility including the space 80, or a cloud server installed outside the facility. The server device 60 is provided with a machine learning model, and can determine (calculate) a set value of the feedforward control using the machine learning model. The machine learning model here has a broad meaning, and the machine learning performed by the machine learning model includes various algorithms such as deep learning. In other words, the specific algorithm of the machine learning is not particularly limited.

[0023] In the following embodiment, server device 60 is described as an external server device not included in lighting control system 10, but may be included in lighting control system 10. In other words, lighting control system 10 may include server device 60.

[0024] [Feedback control issues] As described above, each of the areas 81 is provided with the lighting device 20, the sensor 30, and the setting reception device 40 in order to control the lighting environment in the area 81. The lighting environment specifically means brightness or color temperature, but the following embodiment will mainly describe the case where the lighting environment is brightness.

[0025] For example, when a target brightness value is set in the setting reception device 40 installed in a target area 81 among the multiple areas 81, the control unit 56 of the control device 50 controls the lighting devices 20 installed in the target area 81 to achieve the brightness indicated by the target value in the target area 81. Feedback control can be considered as a control method for achieving the brightness indicated by the target value. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an overview of feedback control.

[0026] 3, in feedback control, the control device 50 calculates a set value so that the deviation between the detection value of the sensor 30 installed in the target area 81 and a target value becomes 0 (the detection value becomes equal to the target value), and controls the lighting device 20 installed in the target area 81 based on the calculated set value. Specifically, the set value here is the dimming degree (dimming rate).

[0027] Here, the target area 81 and the adjacent area 81 affect each other due to changes in brightness. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the target area 81 and the adjacent area 81. In Fig. 4, the target area 81 is described as target area 81a, and the adjacent area 81 is described as adjacent area 81b. In Fig. 4, the detection ranges of the sensors 30a and 30b are conceptually illustrated.

[0028] 4, not only light emitted by the lighting device 20a installed in the target area 81a but also light emitted by the lighting device 20b installed in the adjacent area 81b enters the sensor 30a installed in the target area 81a. Similarly, not only light emitted by the lighting device 20b installed in the adjacent area 81b but also light emitted by the lighting device 20a installed in the target area 81a enters the sensor 30b installed in the adjacent area 81b.

[0029] In this case, if feedback control is performed in each of the target area 81a and the adjacent area 81b, hunting may occur. Also, it may take a long time for the brightness of each of the target area 81a and the adjacent area 81b to converge.

[0030] [Overview of lighting environment control in lighting control systems] Therefore, the control device 50 performs most of the control by feedforward control that takes into account the influence of changes in the target value and disturbances such as the incidence of external light, thereby suppressing the occurrence of overshoot and oscillatory response. Furthermore, the control device 50 realizes the reduction of the remaining small deviation between the target value and the detected value by feedback control. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an overview of the control of the lighting environment in the lighting control system 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 50 (control unit 56) uses both feedforward control and feedback control for reducing the deviation between the target value and the detected value of the lighting environment after the feedforward control for each of the multiple lighting devices 20.

[0031] The control device 50 acquires the setting values ​​of the feedforward control from the server device 60. The server device 60 is provided with a machine learning model that has learned the setting values ​​of the feedforward control for each of the multiple lighting devices 20 based on learning data provided in advance from the control device 50, etc.

[0032] Here, the learning data includes the following information (a) to (e).

[0033] (a) Information indicating the arrangement of the plurality of lighting devices 20 and the plurality of sensors 30 (b) Information indicating the distance between each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 and each of the plurality of sensors 30 (c) Information indicating the angle of incidence of the light emitted from each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 with respect to each of the plurality of sensors 30. (d) Detection values ​​of each of the multiple sensors 30 (e) Setting values ​​of each of the plurality of lighting devices 20

[0034] The information (a) to (c) are stored (registered) in the memory unit of the control device 50, for example, when the lighting control system 10 is introduced. The information (d) can be acquired by the acquisition unit 55 from the multiple sensors 30, for example. The information (e) indicates at what dimming level the multiple lighting devices 20 are currently emitting light, and this information is stored in the memory unit 53.

[0035] According to such learning data, the server device 60 (machine learning model) can learn the detection values ​​of the multiple sensors 30 when the multiple lighting devices 20 are emitting light according to the setting values ​​(information (e)). Specifically, the server device 60 (machine learning model) can output the setting values ​​of the feedforward control of each of the multiple lighting devices 20.

[0036] Here, the reason why the information (b) and (c) are included in the learning data will be explained. Even if the setting value (dimming level) of the lighting device 20 is the same, the detection value of the sensor 30 differs depending on the distance to the sensor 30 and the angle of incidence to the sensor 30. For example, the brightness at the position of the sensor 30 is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the lighting device 20 (light source). The brightness at the position of the sensor 30 is cosθ times the brightness when the light arrives from the vertical direction, where θ is the angle of incidence of the light with respect to the vertical direction. The information (b) and (c) are used to learn the correlation between the setting value of the lighting device 20 and the positional relationship between the lighting device 20 and the sensor 30.

[0037] Specifically, the information (a) is the coordinates of the multiple lighting devices 20 and the multiple sensors 30 in the space 80. Then, the information (b) and (c) can be calculated from the information (a), in which case the information (b) and (c) may be omitted. The information (a) to (c) can be said to be information indicating the positional relationship between the multiple lighting devices 20 and the multiple sensors 30.

[0038] In addition, it is not essential that the learning data includes all of the information (a) to (e), and some of the information may be omitted as necessary. In addition, the learning data may include information other than the information (a) to (e).

[0039] For example, a case may be considered in which task ambient lighting is adopted in the space 80, the lighting device 20 is task lighting (local lighting), and ambient lighting (general lighting) that illuminates the entire space 80 (all of the multiple areas 81) is installed separately from the lighting device 20. In such a case, the learning data may include information indicating the light emission state (setting value, etc.) of the ambient lighting. Furthermore, the learning data may include meteorological information at the location where the space 80 (multiple areas 81) is located. Specifically, the meteorological information is information on the amount of sunlight related to the external light that enters the space 80 from the outside. When the learning data includes such information, the data included in the request information described below also includes such information.

[0040] The learning data may be data in a transient state (a state in which the brightness in each of the multiple areas 81 has not converged and the target value and the detected value are different) or data in a steady state (a state in which the brightness in each of the multiple areas 81 has converged and the target value and the detected value are equal).

[0041] [Lighting environment control example 1] Next, a more detailed description will be given of lighting environment control by the lighting control system 10. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of lighting environment control example 1 by the lighting control system 10.

[0042] In a steady state (a state in which the brightness in each of the multiple areas 81 is converging), the detection unit 54 of the control device 50 detects a change in the target value of the brightness in at least one of the multiple areas 81 (S11). The change in the target value is performed, for example, by a user manually operating the setting reception device 40. Note that it is not essential that the target value is changed by the user, and for example, there are cases in which the target value is automatically changed according to predetermined schedule information.

[0043] When a change in the target value is detected, the acquisition unit 55 transmits request information for requesting a set value of the feedforward control to the server device 60 (S12). Specifically, the acquisition unit 55 transmits the request information to the server device 60 using the communication unit 51. The request information includes data, which includes the above-mentioned information (a) to (e) as well as (f) a target value of the lighting environment (brightness) in each of the multiple areas 81. This data can be said to be data related to the multiple lighting devices 20 and the multiple sensors 30. Note that the values ​​of the information (d) to (f) included in the request information are the latest values ​​at the time when a change in the target value is detected.

[0044] Here, when the server device 60 receives the request information, it can use the data included in the request information and the machine learning model to calculate a feedforward control setting value (dimming level) for compensating for a difference between a target value and a detected value in each of the multiple areas 81. The server device 60 transmits the calculated feedforward control setting values ​​for each of the multiple lighting devices 20 to the control device 50.

[0045] In response to the request information, the communication unit 51 of the control device 50 receives the feedforward control setting values ​​of the plurality of lighting devices 20. The acquisition unit 55 acquires (S13) the feedforward control setting values ​​of the plurality of lighting devices 20 received by the communication unit 51. The feedforward control setting values ​​are an example of control information for reducing the difference between the target value and the detected value in each of the plurality of areas 81.

[0046] Next, the control unit 56 performs feedforward control on each of the lighting devices 20 using the acquired set value for feedforward control (S14). The control unit 56 also performs feedback control based on the deviation between the target brightness value and the detected brightness value in each of the areas 81 (S15). Specifically, the control unit 56 calculates a set value for feedback control based on the deviation between the target brightness value and the detected brightness value, and performs feedback control on each of the lighting devices 20 using the calculated set value.

[0047] In this way, the lighting control system 10 updates the feedforward control setting value for each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 when the target value of brightness in at least one of the plurality of areas 81 is changed, and then performs feedback control on each of the plurality of lighting devices 20. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of hunting, etc., and to bring the brightness of each of the plurality of areas 81 closer to the target value with high accuracy.

[0048] The server device 60 may use the data included in the request information as learning data. That is, the server device 60 can update the machine learning model while providing the setting value of the feedforward control to the control device 50.

[0049] [Lighting environment control example 2] Next, a description will be given of a second example of lighting environment control by the lighting control system 10. FIG.

[0050] In a steady state, the detection unit 54 of the control device 50 detects a change in a detection value in at least one of the multiple areas 81 (S21). The change in the detection value occurs, for example, when external light enters the space 80.

[0051] When a change in the detection value is detected, the acquisition unit 55 transmits request information for requesting a set value for feedforward control to the server device 60 (S22). Specifically, the acquisition unit 55 transmits the request information to the server device 60 using the communication unit 51. The request information includes data, and this data includes the above-mentioned information (a) to (f). Note that the values ​​of the information (d) to (f) included in the request information are the latest values ​​at the time when the change in the detection value is detected.

[0052] Here, when the server device 60 receives the request information, it can use the data included in the request information and the machine learning model to calculate a feedforward control setting value (dimming level) for compensating for a difference between a target value and a detected value in each of the multiple areas 81. The server device 60 transmits the calculated feedforward control setting values ​​for each of the multiple lighting devices 20 to the control device 50.

[0053] In response to the request information, the communication unit 51 of the control device 50 receives the feedforward control setting values ​​of each of the plurality of lighting devices 20. The acquisition unit 55 acquires the feedforward control setting values ​​of each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 (S23). Specifically, the acquisition unit 55 acquires (receives) the feedforward control setting values ​​of each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 from the server device 60 using the communication unit 51. The feedforward control setting values ​​are an example of control information.

[0054] Next, the control unit 56 performs feedforward control on each of the lighting devices 20 using the acquired set value for feedforward control (S24). Furthermore, the control unit 56 performs feedback control based on the deviation between the target brightness value and the detected brightness value in each of the areas 81 (S25). Specifically, the control unit 56 calculates a set value for feedback control based on the deviation between the target brightness value and the detected brightness value, and performs feedback control on each of the lighting devices 20 using the calculated set value.

[0055] In this way, the lighting control system 10 updates the feedforward control setting value for each of the multiple lighting devices 20 when a change occurs in the detected brightness value in at least one of the multiple areas 81 (multiple sensors 30), and then performs feedback control for each of the multiple lighting devices 20. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of hunting, etc., and to bring the brightness of each of the multiple areas 81 closer to the target value with high accuracy.

[0056] The server device 60 may use the data included in the request information as learning data. That is, the server device 60 can update the machine learning model while providing the setting value of the feedforward control to the control device 50.

[0057] [Lighting environment control example 3] Next, a description will be given of a third example of lighting environment control by the lighting control system 10. FIG.

[0058] In the control example 3, the set value of the feedforward control is periodically updated at update timings that occur at predetermined time intervals. The detection unit 54 of the control device 50 detects that the update timings have arrived (S31). The predetermined time intervals are appropriately determined empirically or experimentally.

[0059] When the arrival of the update timing is detected, the acquisition unit 55 transmits request information for requesting a set value of the feedforward control to the server device 60 (S32). Specifically, the acquisition unit 55 transmits the request information to the server device 60 using the communication unit 51. The request information includes data, and this data includes the above-mentioned information (a) to (f). Note that the values ​​of the information (d) to (f) included in the request information are the latest values ​​at the time when the arrival of the update timing is detected.

[0060] Here, when the server device 60 receives the request information, it can use the data included in the request information and the machine learning model to calculate a feedforward control setting value (dimming level) for compensating for a difference between a target value and a detected value in each of the multiple areas 81. The server device 60 transmits the calculated feedforward control setting values ​​for each of the multiple lighting devices 20 to the control device 50.

[0061] In response to the request information, the communication unit 51 of the control device 50 receives the feedforward control setting values ​​of each of the plurality of lighting devices 20. The acquisition unit 55 acquires the feedforward control setting values ​​of each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 (S33). Specifically, the acquisition unit 55 acquires (receives) the feedforward control setting values ​​of each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 from the server device 60 using the communication unit 51. The feedforward control setting values ​​are an example of control information.

[0062] Next, the control unit 56 performs feedforward control on each of the lighting devices 20 using the acquired set value for feedforward control (S34). Furthermore, the control unit 56 performs feedback control based on the deviation between the target brightness value and the detected brightness value in each of the areas 81 (S35). Specifically, the control unit 56 calculates a set value for feedback control based on the deviation between the target brightness value and the detected brightness value, and performs feedback control on each of the lighting devices 20 using the calculated set value.

[0063] In this way, the lighting control system 10 updates the feedforward control setting values ​​for each of the plurality of lighting devices 20 when the update timing arrives, and then performs feedback control for each of the plurality of lighting devices 20. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of hunting and the like, and to bring the brightness of each of the plurality of areas 81 closer to the target value with high accuracy.

[0064] The server device 60 may use the data included in the request information as learning data. That is, the server device 60 can update the machine learning model while providing the setting value of the feedforward control to the control device 50.

[0065] [Learning mode operation] Furthermore, the lighting control system 10 may operate in a learning mode for providing learning data to the server device 60. In other words, the operation in the learning mode is an operation for generating learning data. In the learning mode, the lighting control system 10 operates, for example, as follows.

[0066] The control unit 56 of the control device 50 selects one of the multiple lighting devices 20 as a target lighting device. The control unit 56 causes the target lighting device to emit light at a first setting value (e.g., dimming level 50%), and causes the non-target lighting devices (all lighting devices 20 other than the target lighting device) to emit light at a second setting value (e.g., dimming level 20%). In this state, the control unit 56 generates learning data (data including the above information (a) to (e)).

[0067] The control unit 56 repeats the above operations by changing the target lighting device. When all of the multiple lighting devices 20 have been selected once as the target lighting devices, the operation of the learning mode ends. Note that the control unit 56 may change at least one of the first set value and the second set value and further repeat the operation of the learning mode. The learning data generated during the operation of the learning mode is provided from the control device 50 to the server device 60 as appropriate.

[0068] In this way, the lighting control system 10 can expand the variety of learning data by acquiring the detection values ​​of the multiple sensors 30 when the setting values ​​of the multiple lighting devices 20 are forcibly changed.

[0069] In the learning mode operation, the order in which the multiple lighting devices 20 are selected as the target lighting devices is not particularly limited. When the multiple lighting devices 20 are arranged in a matrix as shown in Fig. 2, the central lighting device 20 may be selected first as the target lighting device, or the lighting device 20 located at the corner may be selected first as the target lighting device.

[0070] Meanwhile, the server device 60 (machine learning model) may learn the setting value of the feedforward control by using not only the learning data based on the lighting conditions in the space 80 but also the learning data based on the lighting conditions in other spaces. For example, when the space 80 (multiple areas 81) is provided on the first floor of a facility, the server device 60 may collect learning data based on the lighting conditions in a second floor (other space) in the same facility in addition to the learning data based on the lighting conditions in the first floor (space 80). The second floor is a floor different from the first floor. The server device 60 may collect learning data based on the lighting conditions in three or more floors.

[0071] In this way, the server device 60 can improve the calculation accuracy of the set value of the feedforward control by collecting learning data based on the lighting conditions on two or more floors in the same facility.

[0072] Also, for example, when the space 80 (multiple areas 81) are provided in a first facility, the server device 60 may collect learning data based on the lighting conditions in a second facility (another space) in addition to the learning data based on the lighting conditions in the first facility (space 80). The second facility is a facility different from the first facility. The server device 60 may collect learning data based on the lighting conditions in three or more facilities.

[0073] In this way, the server device 60 can improve the calculation accuracy of the set value of the feedforward control by collecting learning data based on the lighting conditions in each of the spaces in two or more facilities.

[0074] [Variations] In the above embodiment, an example in which the brightness of each of the multiple areas 81 is controlled has been described, but color temperature or light distribution may be controlled instead of brightness. The lighting control system 10 can be applied to control of a lighting environment including at least one of brightness, color temperature, and light distribution.

[0075] The arrangement of the lighting devices 20 and the sensors 30 in the above embodiment is merely an example. The lighting devices 20 may be arranged in any manner as long as they can individually illuminate the adjacent areas 81. The sensors 30 may be arranged in any manner as long as they can individually sense the detection values ​​of the lighting environments in the areas 81.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the target values ​​of the lighting environment in each of the multiple areas 81 are set (changed) by a user located in the space 80, but it is not essential that the target values ​​are set by a user. For example, the target values ​​may be set by a manager or the like located outside the space. Also, the target values ​​may be automatically changed according to predetermined schedule information.

[0077] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the lighting control system 10 comprises an acquisition unit 55 that acquires control information from the server device 60 for reducing differences between target values ​​and detected values ​​in each of the plurality of areas 81 by transmitting data related to the plurality of lighting devices 20 for individually illuminating the plurality of adjacent areas 81, each of which has a set target value for the lighting environment, and the plurality of sensors 30 for individually sensing detected values ​​of the lighting environment in the plurality of areas 81, to the server device 60, and a control unit 56 that controls the plurality of lighting devices 20 using the acquired control information.

[0078] Such a lighting control system 10 can bring the lighting environments of multiple areas 81, in which changes in the lighting environments affect each other, closer to a target.

[0079] Also, for example, the control unit 56 uses both feedforward control and feedback control for each of the multiple lighting devices 20, and the control information is information indicating a setting value of the feedforward control for each of the multiple lighting devices 20.

[0080] Such a lighting control system 10 performs most of the control by feedforward control, and the remaining small amount of reduction in the deviation between the target value and the detected value is realized by feedback control. The lighting control system 10 can suppress the occurrence of hunting, etc.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the data includes information indicating the positional relationship between the multiple lighting devices 20 and the multiple sensors 30.

[0082] Such a lighting control system 10 can acquire control information taking into consideration the positional relationship between the multiple lighting devices 20 and the multiple sensors 30. In other words, the lighting control system 10 can control the multiple lighting devices 20 taking into consideration the positional relationship between the multiple lighting devices 20 and the multiple sensors 30.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, the information indicating the positional relationship includes information indicating the distance between each of the multiple lighting devices 20 and each of the multiple sensors 30, and information indicating the angle of incidence of the light emitted by each of the multiple lighting devices 20 with respect to each of the multiple sensors 30.

[0084] Such a lighting control system 10 can acquire control information that takes into account the distance and the incident angle. In other words, the lighting control system 10 can control the multiple lighting devices 20 in consideration of the distance and the incident angle.

[0085] Also, for example, the acquisition unit 55 acquires the control information from the server device 60 by transmitting data to the server device 60 when the target value of the lighting environment in at least one of the multiple areas 81 is changed.

[0086] Such a lighting control system 10 can acquire (update) control information when a target value of the lighting environment is changed.

[0087] Also, for example, the acquisition unit 55 acquires the control information from the server device 60 by transmitting data to the server device 60 when a detection value of the lighting environment in at least one of the multiple areas 81 changes.

[0088] Such a lighting control system 10 can acquire (update) control information when the detection value of the lighting environment is changed.

[0089] Also, for example, the acquisition unit 55 acquires the control information from the server device 60 by transmitting data to the server device 60 at a predetermined time interval.

[0090] Such a lighting control system 10 can obtain (update) the control information at predetermined time intervals.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, the data includes at least one of information indicating the light emission state of the general lighting that illuminates the entire plurality of areas 81 and meteorological information at the location where the plurality of areas 81 are located.

[0092] Such a lighting control system 10 can acquire control information that takes into consideration at least one of the light emission state of the overall lighting and meteorological information. In other words, the lighting control system 10 can control the multiple lighting devices 20 in consideration of at least one of the light emission state of the overall lighting and meteorological information.

[0093] Also, for example, the server device 60 includes a machine learning model that outputs control information based on the received data. In a learning mode operation for providing learning data to the machine learning model, the lighting control system 10 generates learning data by repeating control for causing only a target lighting device among the multiple lighting devices 20 to emit light at a setting value different from that of the other lighting devices while changing the target lighting device.

[0094] Such a lighting control system 10 can increase the variety of learning data.

[0095] For example, the areas 81 are provided on a first floor of a facility. The server device 60 collects learning data based on the lighting conditions on a second floor of the facility, in addition to learning data based on the lighting conditions on the first floor.

[0096] Such a server device 60 can improve the accuracy of the control information by collecting learning data based on the lighting conditions on multiple floors in the same facility.

[0097] Also, for example, the multiple areas 81 are provided in a first facility. The server device 60 collects learning data based on the lighting conditions in the first facility, as well as learning data based on the lighting conditions in a second facility.

[0098] Such a server device 60 can improve the accuracy of the control information by collecting learning data based on the lighting conditions in each of a plurality of spaces in the facilities.

[0099] In addition, the lighting control method executed by a computer such as the lighting control system 10 includes an acquisition step of acquiring control information from the server device 60 for reducing a difference between the target value and the detected value in each of the plurality of areas 81 by transmitting data related to a plurality of lighting devices 20 for individually illuminating a plurality of adjacent areas 81, each of which has a target value of the lighting environment, and a plurality of sensors 30 for individually sensing detected values ​​of the lighting environment in the plurality of areas 81 to the server device 60, and a control step of controlling the plurality of lighting devices 20 using the acquired control information.

[0100] Such a lighting control method can bring the lighting environments of multiple areas 81, where changes in the lighting environments affect each other, closer to a target.

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

[0102] For example, in the above embodiment, the lighting control system is realized by a plurality of devices. In this case, the components (particularly, functional components) of the lighting control system may be distributed in any manner among the plurality of devices. The lighting control system may also be realized as a single device. For example, the lighting control system may be realized as a single device corresponding to the control device.

[0103] The order of the processes described in the above embodiment is merely an example. The order of the processes may be changed, or the processes may be executed in parallel. Furthermore, the processes executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] In addition, 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 recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. For example, the present invention may be implemented as a lighting control method executed by a computer such as a lighting control system, or may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such a lighting control method. Also, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0107] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10 Lighting control system 20, 20a, 20b lighting equipment 30, 30a, 30b Sensor 40 Setting reception device 50 Control device 51 Communications Department 52 Information Processing Section 53 Storage section 54 Detection unit 55 Acquisition Department 56 Control section 60 Server device (external server device) 80 space 81 Area 81a Target area 81b Adjacent area 82 Chair 83 desk

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires, from a server device, control information for reducing a difference between a target value and a detection value in each of a plurality of areas by transmitting data related to a plurality of lighting devices for individually illuminating a plurality of adjacent areas, each of the areas having a target value of a lighting environment, and a plurality of sensors for individually sensing detection values ​​of the lighting environment in the plurality of areas to the server device; a control unit that controls the plurality of lighting devices using the acquired control information, the control information is information indicating a setting value of a feedforward control for suppressing an influence of a disturbance caused by incidence of external light on each of the plurality of lighting devices, The control unit performs the feedforward control based on the set value for each of the plurality of lighting devices, and reduces a difference between the target value and the detected value after the feedforward control by a feedback control. Lighting control system.

2. The data includes information indicating a positional relationship between the plurality of lighting devices and the plurality of sensors.

2. A lighting control system as claimed in claim 1.

3. An acquisition unit that acquires control information from a server device for reducing a difference between the target value and the detected value in each of a plurality of areas by transmitting data related to a plurality of lighting devices for individually illuminating a plurality of adjacent areas, each of which has a target value of the lighting environment, and a plurality of sensors for individually sensing detected values ​​of the lighting environment in the plurality of areas to the server device; a control unit that controls the plurality of lighting devices using the acquired control information, the data includes information indicating a positional relationship between the plurality of lighting devices and the plurality of sensors; The information indicating the positional relationship includes information indicating a distance between each of the plurality of lighting devices and each of the plurality of sensors, and information indicating an incident angle of light emitted by each of the plurality of lighting devices with respect to each of the plurality of sensors. Lighting control system.

4. The control unit uses a feedforward control and a feedback control for each of the plurality of lighting devices, The control information is information indicating a setting value of the feedforward control for each of the plurality of lighting devices.

4. A lighting control system as claimed in claim 3.

5. The acquisition unit acquires the control information from the server device by transmitting the data to the server device when the target value in at least one of the plurality of areas is changed. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The acquisition unit acquires the control information from the server device by transmitting the data to the server device when a change in the detection value in at least one of the plurality of areas occurs. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The acquiring unit acquires the control information from the server device by transmitting the data to the server device at a predetermined time interval. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The data includes at least one of information indicating a light emission state of an overall light that illuminates the entirety of the plurality of areas and meteorological information at a location where the plurality of areas are located. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. the server device includes a machine learning model that outputs the control information based on the received data; In a learning mode operation for providing learning data to the machine learning model, the lighting control system generates learning data by repeating control for causing only a target lighting device among the plurality of lighting devices to emit light at a setting value different from that of other lighting devices while changing the target lighting device. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The plurality of areas are provided on a first floor of a facility, The server device collects learning data based on the lighting conditions on the first floor as well as learning data based on the lighting conditions on a second floor in the facility.

10. A lighting control system as claimed in claim 9.

11. The plurality of areas are provided within a first facility, The server device collects learning data based on a lighting condition in the first facility as well as learning data based on a lighting condition in a second facility.

10. A lighting control system as claimed in claim 9.

12. 1. A computer-implemented lighting control method, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring, from a server device, control information for reducing a difference between a target value and a detected value in each of a plurality of areas by transmitting data related to a plurality of lighting devices for individually illuminating a plurality of adjacent areas, each of the areas having a target value of a lighting environment, and a plurality of sensors for individually sensing detected values ​​of the lighting environment in the plurality of areas to the server device; and controlling the plurality of lighting devices using the acquired control information, the control information is information indicating a setting value of a feedforward control for suppressing an influence of a disturbance caused by incidence of external light on each of the plurality of lighting devices, In the control step, the feedforward control based on the set value is performed for each of the plurality of lighting devices, and a difference between the target value and the detection value after the feedforward control is reduced by a feedback control. Lighting control methods.

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