Environmental control system, environmental control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an environment control system capable of facilitating elimination of stagnation of user flow lines.SOLUTION: An environment control system 100 includes a control unit 11 that controls to differentiate the environment corresponding to each of multiple target spaces 4 by controlling an environment control device 10 assigned to each of the multiple target spaces 4. The control unit 11 executes maintaining control to maintain multiple environments during the maintenance period. The control unit 11 is configured to execute swap control that swaps multiple environments with each other so as not to reduce multiple environment types before the maintenance period has elapsed even when the maintenance period has elapsed.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 Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an acoustic lighting device. This acoustic lighting device includes a lighting unit, an acoustic output unit, a setting unit, and a control unit. The setting unit sets at least one parameter of the lighting of the lighting unit and the acoustic output of the acoustic output unit according to the recognized users present in the surroundings. The control unit controls at least one of the lighting of the lighting unit and the acoustic output of the acoustic output unit according to the parameter set by the setting unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an environmental control system, an environmental control method, and a program that can easily eliminate the stagnation of the user's movement route.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An environmental control system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a control unit that controls environmental control devices assigned to each of a plurality of target spaces so as to make the plurality of environments corresponding to the plurality of target spaces different from each other. During the maintenance period, the control unit executes maintenance control for maintaining the plurality of environments. When the maintenance period elapses, the control unit executes replacement control for replacing the plurality of environments with each other so as not to reduce the types of the plurality of environments before the maintenance period elapses.

[0006] An environmental control method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a control step of controlling environmental control devices assigned to each of a plurality of target spaces so as to make the environments corresponding to the plurality of target spaces different from each other. In the control step, during a maintenance period, maintenance control for maintaining the plurality of environments is executed. In the control step, when the maintenance period has elapsed, replacement control for replacing the plurality of environments with each other is executed so as not to reduce the types of the plurality of environments before the maintenance period has elapsed.

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

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] The environmental control system, environmental control method, and program of the present invention have an advantage that it is easy to eliminate the stay of the user's movement route.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that all the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. 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, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0011] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

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

[0013] The environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment is used in an environment where a user, such as in an office, performs work, 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 in which a user can freely select a work location according to, for example, the work they want to do. Here, "ABW" refers to a working style in which a user (such as an employee) selects a place to work or a desk, etc., according to the work content. In an ABW type office, when a user performs work that requires concentration, they can select a place with relatively high sound insulation, and when having a meeting, they can select a relaxing place such as a sofa.

[0014] Note that the environmental control system 100 is not limited to an ABW-type office and may be used in a free-address type office, or in other environments as long as it is an environment where the user can freely select a working place according to the work to be done. For example, the environmental control system 100 may be used in educational facilities such as elementary schools, junior high schools, senior high schools, or universities, or in public facilities such as community centers or libraries, or in stores or commercial facilities.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the environmental control system 100 includes a control unit 11, a setting unit 12, an acquisition unit 13, a calculation unit 14, and a storage unit 15. Note that the environmental control system 100 only needs to include at least the control unit 11, and does not necessarily need to include the setting unit 12, the acquisition unit 13, the calculation unit 14, and the storage unit 15.

[0016] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of environmental control devices 10 are installed in the environment (here, the ABW-type office 3) in which the environmental control system 100 is used. In the embodiment, the plurality of environmental control devices 10 include a plurality of lighting fixtures 1 and a plurality of audio devices 2. In other words, there are a plurality of environmental control devices 10, which include the lighting fixtures 1 and the audio devices 2. The environmental control system 100 may be installed in the office 3 or at a remote location away from the office 3. In the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 is installed in the office 3.

[0017] 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 the wall, the floor, or the desk. In the embodiment, as an example, each lighting fixture 1 is a base light as ambient lighting that evenly illuminates the target space and includes 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 dimmable, color-adjustable, or both by being controlled by the control unit 11. Also, the lighting fixture 1 may be a spotlight as task lighting that intensively illuminates the target range.

[0018] Each lighting fixture 1 is assigned to a plurality of 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 in the vicinity of each other. And one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to a certain group G1 illuminate the space (that is, the target space 4) corresponding to the group G1 in the office 3.

[0019] 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 the space "α" corresponding to group "A" in the office 3, and one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to group "B" illuminate the space "β" corresponding to group "B" in the office 3, and one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to group "C" illuminate the space "γ" corresponding to group "C" in the office 3.

[0020] The assignment of each lighting fixture 1 to the group G1 is performed in advance, for example, by the administrator of the environmental control system 100. The administrator executes the above assignment using, for example, an information terminal capable of setting the parameters of the environmental control system 100. The information terminal may include, as an example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like. Of course, the administrator may appropriately change the assignment of each lighting fixture 1 to the group G1 during the operation of the environmental control system 100.

[0021] Note that in the office 3, the adjacent spaces may or may not be partitioned. In the embodiment, it is assumed that the office 3 is composed of one large room and there are no other rooms partitioned by walls or furniture. In this case, effects such as improved visibility and improved design quality of the office 3 can be expected.

[0022] Also, in the embodiment, in two adjacent spaces, the light irradiated from the lighting fixture 1 installed in one space does not necessarily strictly illuminate only one space, and it is allowed for some light to leak into the other space. That is, in any space, it is sufficient that the light irradiated from the lighting fixture 1 corresponding to that space serves as the main illumination light, and even if a part of the illumination light from a space different from that space leaks in, it should have little impact on the illumination of that space. This is because at this time, the influence exerted by a part of the illumination light from a space different from that space on the visibility of the user using that space or the working environment viewed by the user is limited.

[0023] Each audio device 2 is installed on the ceiling of the office 3. Of course, each audio 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 audio device 2 is, as an example, an omnidirectional speaker and reproduces the content transmitted from the control unit 11. Note that each audio device 2 may be a speaker having directivity, such as a parametric speaker, a speaker using ultrasonic waves, or a speaker with a horn-shaped housing. When a speaker with directivity is used, an effect that it is easy to reduce the ratio of some sound leaking into other spaces can be expected.

[0024] Each audio device 2 is assigned to a plurality of groups G1, similarly 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 in the vicinity of each other. And one or more audio devices 2 assigned to a certain group G1 output sound to the space corresponding to that group G1 (that is, the target space 4) in the office 3.

[0025] For example, assume that the three groups G1 are the groups "A", "B", and "C". In this case, one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to the group "A" output sound to the space "α" corresponding to the group "A" in the office 3, one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to the group "B" output sound to the space "β" corresponding to the group "B" in the office 3, and one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to the group "C" output sound to the space "γ" corresponding to the group "C" in the office 3.

[0026] The assignment of each acoustic device 2 to the group G1 is performed in advance by the administrator of the environmental control system 100 using an information terminal, in the same manner as the assignment of each lighting fixture 1 to the group G1. Of course, the administrator may appropriately change the assignment of each acoustic device 2 to the group G1 during the operation of the environmental control system 100.

[0027] Note that in the embodiment, in two adjacent spaces, the sound output from the acoustic device 2 installed in one space does not have to be output only to one space, and it is allowed for some sound to leak into the other space. That is, in any space, it is sufficient that the sound output from the acoustic device 2 corresponding to the space is the main sound, and even if some sound from a space different from the space leaks in, it does not have to affect the acoustics of the space.

[0028] The control unit 11 can communicate with each lighting fixture 1 and controls dimming, color adjustment, or both of each lighting fixture 1 by transmitting a lighting control signal thereto. 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, wireless communication, or the communication standard is not particularly limited. Also, the plurality of lighting control signals do not need to be transmitted strictly simultaneously, and the time difference in the transmission of the plurality of lighting control signals is preferably within 60 minutes, more preferably within 30 minutes, and even more preferably within 1 minute. If the above time difference is within 60 minutes, an effect of labor saving can be expected as compared with manually moving furniture or fixtures to change the environment of the space.

[0029] Also, the lighting control signals transmitted from the control unit 11 to one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the same group G1 do not need to be exactly the same, and an error in the control content is allowed within a range where the influence on the space is limited. For example, the allowable range is ±500 K in color temperature and ±20% in dimming rate.

[0030] Also, the control unit 11 can communicate with each audio device 2 and controls each audio device 2 to play content by transmitting an audio control signal (including the content to be played) thereto. 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. That is, 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, wireless communication, or the communication standard is not particularly limited.

[0031] Further, the content may be stored in the control unit 11, may be stored in each of the audio devices 2, or may be stored in the storage unit 15. The content is stored in an electronic data medium such as, for example, the WAV format or the mp3 format. In the embodiment, it is assumed that the content is stored in the storage unit 15.

[0032] In this way, the control unit 11 controls one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to each of the plurality of target spaces 4 (group G1) and one or more audio devices 2 assigned to each of the plurality of target spaces 4, thereby controlling the environments of the plurality of target spaces 4. As a result, for each of the plurality of target spaces 4, both a lighting environment by one or more lighting fixtures 1 and an acoustic environment by one or more audio devices 2 are provided, so that a so-called zoning effect can be expected.

[0033] Then, the control unit 11 controls one or more lighting fixtures 1 and one or more audio devices 2 assigned to each of the plurality of target spaces 4 so that the environments of the plurality of target spaces 4 are different from each other. In other words, the control unit 11 controls the environment control device 10 assigned to each of the plurality of target spaces 4 so as to control the plurality of environments corresponding to the plurality of target spaces 4 to be different from each other. Thereby, it is possible to make the environment different for each target space 4, and a different zoning effect can be expected for each target space 4.

[0034] Here, the zoning effect means, for example, a sense of separation in the perception of space, and may include an effect that makes it easier for the user to recognize that a plurality of spaces are different spaces from each other in appearance. Further, the zoning effect may include an effect that, based on the user's perception, makes it easier to prompt a change in the user's behavior or movement route as intended by the zoning. For example, assume that zoning is performed for an arbitrary space with the intention of making it a space where it is easy for the user to perform work that requires concentration. In this case, it can be said that the zoning effect is exerted if the user who sees the space uses the space mainly for the purpose of performing work that requires concentration.

[0035] In addition, the zoning effect may include an effect in which when a user utilizes a actually zoned space, the user's subjective effects, feelings, or physiological, psychological, or biological effects tend to conform to the main idea of zoning. For example, for any space, assume that zoning is performed with the intention of creating a space that facilitates work requiring concentration, and the user utilizes the space. In this case, if the user obtains a feeling of being able to concentrate by using the space, or if indicators or data suggesting that the user was concentrating are obtained as psychological or biological effects, it can be said that the zoning effect has been exerted.

[0036] By controlling the environment of the target space 4 as described above, it is possible to zone the space without using fixtures or furniture. Therefore, it is easy to enhance the design quality of the space, and zoning such as instantaneously changing the layout of Office 3 by lighting control such as dimming and color adjustment becomes possible. That is, when zoning is performed by the above control, the change of the dimming and color adjustment control parameters in each space is completed, for example, in a few seconds. In this case, as a result, it is possible to change the layout of Office 3 in a few seconds. Here, if the layout of Office 3 is changed by manually moving fixtures or furniture, it takes 60 minutes, several hours, or a day, and in some cases, several days. From this point of view, the zoning by the above control can achieve extremely remarkable effects.

[0037] By zoning by the above control, it is possible to change the layout of Office 3 in a short cycle such as every hour, every day, or every month as compared with changing the layout of an office by changing the arrangement of conventional fixtures or furniture.

[0038] In the embodiment, the plurality of environments may include at least two of the following listed "Environment A" to "Environment C". In the following listed "Environment A" to "Environment C", the acoustic environment provided by the acoustic device 2 is not particularly limited, and the acoustic device 2 does not have to play content.

[0039] "Environment A" is an environment where the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture 1 is higher than the reference color temperature (in other words, the target space 4 is illuminated with cool-colored lighting). In the embodiment, the reference color temperature is, for example, 4000K. In the target space 4 where "Environment A" is provided, a zoning effect can be expected, where users are more likely to concentrate relatively easily.

[0040] "Environment B" is an environment where the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture 1 is lower than the reference color temperature (in other words, the target space 4 is illuminated with warm-colored lighting). In the target space 4 where "Environment B" is provided, a zoning effect can be expected, where users are more likely to relax relatively easily.

[0041] "Environment C" is an environment where the illuminance at the central part of the target space 4 is greater than the illuminance at the periphery of the central part. The central part of the target space 4 is, for example, the upper surface of a desk and is an area where the user performs work. When "Environment C" is provided in the target space 4, the lighting fixture 1 is a spotlight that irradiates the central part of the target space 4 with illumination light. In the target space 4 where "Environment C" is provided, a zoning effect can be expected, where users are more likely to concentrate relatively easily.

[0042] Also, in the embodiment, the plurality of environments may include at least two of "Environment D" to "Environment F" listed below. Note that in "Environment D" to "Environment F" listed below, the lighting environment provided by the lighting fixture 1 is not particularly limited.

[0043] "Environment D" is an environment where the sound device 2 plays music classified as jazz or bossa nova. Such music makes it easier for the user's parasympathetic nerve to be dominant over the sympathetic nerve. In the target space 4 where "Environment D" is provided, a zoning effect can be expected, where users are more likely to relax relatively easily.

[0044] "Environment E" is an environment in which the audio device 2 reproduces natural ambient sounds. Natural ambient sounds are sounds other than voices and music that are emitted by the daily environment in nature, such as the sound of wind, waves, thunder, sounds emitted by animals, or sounds emitted by insects, and are sounds that tend to enhance the user's parasympathetic nerves. In the embodiment, the natural ambient sound is preferably the sound of running water. In the target space 4 where "Environment E" is provided, a zoning effect can be expected in which the user is more likely to concentrate relatively easily.

[0045] "Environment F" is an environment in which the audio device 2 reproduces masking noise. Masking noise is, for example, white noise or colored noise, and is a sound that tends to enhance the user's parasympathetic nerves. Colored noise may include, for example, pink noise, Brownian noise, or blue noise. In the target space 4 where "Environment F" is provided, a zoning effect can be expected in which the user is more likely to concentrate relatively easily.

[0046] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the plurality of environments may include at least two of "Environment G" to "Environment I" listed below. In the target space 4 that provides "Environment G" to "Environment I" listed below, both the lighting environment by the lighting fixture 1 and the acoustic environment by the audio device 2 are provided. In "Environment G" to "Environment I", it is expected that the zoning effect that can be expected from the lighting light and the zoning effect that can be expected from the sound are more likely to exhibit an effect greater than simply adding them together, and are more likely to have an unexpected favorable synergistic effect.

[0047] "Environment G" is an environment in which the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture 1 is higher than the reference color temperature, and the audio device 2 reproduces natural ambient sound or masking noise. In the target space 4 where "Environment G" is provided, a zoning effect can be expected in which the user is more likely to concentrate further compared to the case where only either the lighting environment by the lighting fixture 1 or the acoustic environment by the audio device 2 is provided.

[0048] "Environment H" is an environment in which the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture 1 is lower than the reference color temperature, and the audio device 2 plays music classified as jazz or bossa nova. In the target space 4 where "Environment H" is provided, a zoning effect can be expected such that the user can relax more easily as compared to the case where only one of the illumination environment by the lighting fixture 1 and the acoustic environment by the audio device 2 is provided.

[0049] "Environment I" is an environment in which the illuminance at the center of the target space 4 is greater than the illuminance around the center, and the audio device 2 plays masking noise. In the target space 4 where "Environment I" is provided, a zoning effect can be expected such that the user can concentrate more easily as compared to the case where only one of the illumination environment by the lighting fixture 1 and the acoustic environment by the audio device 2 is provided.

[0050] Here, the control unit 11 is configured to execute maintenance control and switching control. The maintenance control is control for maintaining a plurality of environments during a maintenance period. The switching control is control for switching a plurality of environments with each other so as not to reduce the types of the plurality of environments before the elapse of the maintenance period when the maintenance period has elapsed. That is, in the switching control, since the environment of an arbitrary target space 4 is switched with the environment in another target space 4, the plurality of environments do not increase or decrease before and after the switching control.

[0051] Hereinafter, specific examples of the maintenance control and the switching control by the control unit 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an outline of the office 3 when the control unit 11 according to the embodiment is executing maintenance control. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an outline of the office when the control unit 11 according to the embodiment has executed switching control. In the examples shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, there are three target spaces 4 in the office 3. Note that in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the reference numerals of the environment control devices 10 (lighting fixture 1 and audio device 2) are not shown.

[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 3A, in the first target space 41 among the three target spaces 4, the environmental control device 10 of the first target space 41 is controlled so as to be "environment G" (refer to the dotted hatching). Also, in the second target space 42 among the three target spaces 4, the environmental control device 10 of the second target space 42 is controlled so as to be "environment H" (refer to the dashed hatching). Further, in the third target space 43 among the three target spaces 4, the environmental control device 10 of the third target space 43 is controlled so as to be "environment I" (refer to the solid hatching).

[0053] During the maintenance period, the control unit 11 controls the environmental control device 10 of each target space 4 so that the environment of each of the first to third target spaces 41 to 43 is not substantially changed from "environment G" to "environment I".

[0054] As an example, the maintenance period is three months or more. Note that the maintenance period is not limited to months, and may be in units of seconds, minutes, hours, or years. The maintenance period may be set by the user via a setting unit 12 described later, or may be calculated by an arithmetic unit 14 described later. In the embodiment, even when the maintenance period is calculated by the arithmetic unit 14, when the user sets the maintenance period via the setting unit 12, the maintenance period set by the user is adopted.

[0055] Here, "not substantially changed" means that the environmental control device 10 is controlled within a range in which the zoning effect by the environment provided in the target space 4 can be achieved. Therefore, for example, if it is within the above range, the control unit 11 may change the control content of the environmental control device 10. Specifically, if it is within the above range, the control unit 11 may increase or decrease the illuminance or color temperature of the lighting fixture 1, increase or decrease the number of lighting fixtures 1 to be lit, increase or decrease the volume of the content reproduced by the audio device 2, or the like.

[0056] On the other hand, when the maintenance period elapses, the control unit 11 controls the environment control devices 10 of the respective target spaces 4 so as to exchange the environments of the first to third target spaces 41 to 43 with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the control unit 11 changes the environment of the first target space 41 from "environment G" to "environment H", the environment of the second target space 42 from "environment H" to "environment I", and the environment of the third target space 43 from "environment I" to "environment G". Thus, in the embodiment, the environment of each target space 4 is changed every time the maintenance period elapses.

[0057] The setting unit 12 sets the maintenance period according to the user's input. The user can, for example, use an information terminal used by the user to input information for setting the maintenance period. The information on the maintenance period input by the information terminal is transmitted from the information terminal to the environment control system 100. Then, the setting unit 12 refers to the information on the maintenance period received from the information terminal and updates it as the maintenance period used by the control unit 11.

[0058] Note that it is preferable to allow only those users with authority among the users to execute the setting of the maintenance period in the setting unit 12. In this case, the authority is preferably given to, for example, the administrator of the environment control system 100. Further, the maintenance period may be set in advance by, for example, the administrator or installer of the environment control system 100.

[0059] The acquisition unit 13 acquires user information regarding users present in each of the plurality of target spaces 4. The user information includes, for example, presence information indicating in which of the plurality of target spaces 4 a user is present and identification information of the user.

[0060] The acquisition unit 13 can acquire user information by obtaining detection results from an indoor location information detection system using, for example, BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) adopted in the office 3. Further, the acquisition unit 13 can acquire an image obtained by imaging the office 3 from a camera installed in the office 3, for example, and execute appropriate image analysis processing on this image to acquire user information. In addition, the acquisition unit 13 can acquire user information by obtaining the reading result of a wireless IC tag carried by the user from, for example, a tag reader installed in a specific space SP1.

[0061] The calculation unit 14 calculates a maintenance period according to the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 13. For example, the calculation unit 14 calculates a parameter indicating the usage tendency of each target space 4 by the user using the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 13. Then, the calculation unit 14 refers to the parameter, and the more the number of users using the same target space 4 (that is, the more the traffic line is fixed), the shorter the maintenance period, and the fewer the number of users using the same target space 4 (that is, the more the traffic line is fluid), the longer the maintenance period. The maintenance period calculated by the calculation unit 14 is used by the control unit 11. That is, in the embodiment, the maintenance period may be automatically updated according to the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 13.

[0062] The storage unit 15 is a storage device in which information (computer programs, etc.) necessary for the control unit 11 to perform control is stored. The storage unit 15 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may be realized by a semiconductor memory, and a known means for storing electronic information can be used without particular limitation.

[0063] The control unit 11, the setting unit 12, the acquisition unit 13, the calculation unit 14, and the storage unit 15 may all be mounted on the same substrate or housed in the same housing. The substrate or the housing may be installed in furniture such as the ceiling, wall, floor, or desk of the office 3. In this case, an effect that the environmental control system 100 is miniaturized can be expected.

[0064] [Verification] Here, the inventor of the present application conducted an evaluation experiment to sense the behavior of a part (here, 9 people) of the workers actually working in the office 3 in order to verify the effects of the maintenance control and the replacement control, using the office 3 as the experimental target, as follows. As shown in FIG. 3A, the environments of the three target spaces 4, i.e., the first target space 41, the second target space 42, and the third target space 43, were set as "environment G", "environment H", and "environment I", respectively. Then, these environments were maintained without change in "period 1", "period 2", and "period 3", and were replaced in "period 4". That is, maintenance control was executed in "period 1" to "period 3", and replacement control was executed in "period 4". In "period 4", as shown in FIG. 3B, the environment of the first target space 41 was changed from "environment G" to "environment H", the environment of the second target space 42 was changed from "environment H" to "environment I", and the environment of the third target space 43 was changed from "environment I" to "environment G".

[0065] "Period 1" to "period 4" are all one month. Also, "period 2" is one month after "period 1", "period 3" is one month after "period 2", and "period 4" is one month after "period 3". That is, in the experiment, the maintenance period is a total of three months from "period 1" to "period 3".

[0066] In the evaluation experiment, the presence information and identification information of each subject were detected using the indoor position information detection system using BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or the like described above, and known vector analysis was performed on the detection results of the system, whereby the number of times of selecting a seat (i.e., the number of times of use) in each target space 4 for each subject was calculated. The number of times of selecting a seat as used herein is the number of times selected as the own seat for performing work or the like when the subject comes to the company. Therefore, in the evaluation experiment, when the subject stayed in the seat (target space 4) significantly for a certain period of time, it was counted as the number of times of selecting a seat, and for example, when the subject happened to stop by the target space 4 for chatting or the like, it was not counted as the number of times of selecting a seat.

[0067] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the results of the evaluation experiment of the maintenance control and the replacement control. Figure 4 shows the results of the evaluation experiment for three subjects among nine subjects in whom the effect of the replacement control was significantly manifested. The bar graph in Figure 4 represents the number of times of selecting a seat (i.e., the number of times of using the target space 4) by the subject.

[0068] As shown in Figure 4, among the three subjects, the first subject tended to use the first target space 41 and the second target space 42 almost equally during "Period 1" to "Period 3" (i.e., the maintenance period), but it was confirmed that the tendency changed to use the first target space 41 relatively more during "Period 4" (i.e., after the execution of the replacement control).

[0069] Also, among the three subjects, the second subject tended to use the second target space 42 and the third target space 43 almost equally during "Period 1" to "Period 3" (i.e., the maintenance period), but it was confirmed that the tendency changed to use the second target space 42 relatively more during "Period 4" (i.e., after the execution of the replacement control).

[0070] Also, the third subject among the three subjects tended to use the third target space 43 relatively frequently during "Period 1" to "Period 3" (i.e., the maintenance period), but it was confirmed that during "Period 4" (i.e., after the execution of the replacement control), the subject changed to a tendency to use only the second target space 42.

[0071] According to the results of the above evaluation experiment, it is suggested that during the maintenance period, the environment of each target space 4 is maintained, and when the maintenance period elapses, the environments of the target spaces 4 are swapped with each other, increasing the number of users who change the seats they use (i.e., change the target space 4 they use). That is, based on the results of the above evaluation experiment, the inventor of the present application obtained the knowledge that by executing the maintenance control and the replacement control, an effect of eliminating the stagnation of the user's movement route can be expected.

[0072] [Operation] Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the environment control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the environment control system 100 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, it will be described that the control unit 11 starts the process S1 by receiving a control input. That is, before receiving the control input, the control unit 11 does not control the environment control device 10 of each target space 4. The control input corresponds to, for example, reaching the working time on an arbitrary day or an operation by the user to start the operation of the environment control system 100.

[0073] First, when the control unit 11 receives a control input, it starts the maintenance control according to the received control input and controls the environment control device 10 of each target space 4 (S1). As a result, the environments of the respective target spaces 4 are controlled to be different from each other. Further, when starting the maintenance control, the control unit 11 starts measuring the maintenance period (S2).

[0074] Until the maintenance period elapses (S3: No), the control unit 11 executes maintenance control. That is, during the maintenance period, the environment of each target space 4 is maintained. After that, when the maintenance period elapses (S3: Yes), the control unit 11 executes replacement control (S4). As a result, the environments of the respective target spaces 4 are swapped with each other. Further, when the control unit 11 executes the replacement control, it resets the measurement of the maintenance period (S5). That is, in the embodiment, the control unit 11 measures the maintenance period and resets the measurement of the maintenance period when it executes the replacement control. Hereinafter, the control unit 11 repeats the above series of processes S1 to S5. The processes S1 to S5 correspond to the control step ST1 of the environment control method.

[0075] [Advantages] Hereinafter, the advantages of the environment control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. First, the focus of the inventor of the present application will be described. In recent years, the work styles of users have been diversifying, and for example, ABW-type offices 3 and the like have emerged. As already described, "ABW" is a working style in which the user selects a place to work, a desk, etc. according to the work content. Specifically, "ABW" is a work style aimed at improving the productivity or well-being of the user by preparing a plurality of spaces or environments suitable for them according to the activity content of the user, such as solo work in which a person works concentratedly alone or group work in which a plurality of people exchange ideas.

[0076] Here, by appropriately controlling the environment of each of the plurality of target spaces 4, it is possible to exhibit a zoning effect such as giving an effect of enhancing the concentration of the users staying in each target space 4. As a result, it is possible to expect an effect of making the movement lines of the users in the office 3 fluid and promoting the activation of communication between users or the creation of innovations.

[0077] However, when the environment of each target space 4 is fixed, as time passes, the user tends to use only the target space 4 that provides the environment he or she prefers, and there is a problem that the user's movement line tends to stay. That is, there is a problem that the effect originally intended by "ABW" is reduced over time. Therefore, the inventor of the present application considered a system that can easily eliminate the stay of the user's movement line.

[0078] In the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, the control unit 11 maintains the environment of each of the plurality of target spaces 4 during the maintenance period, and when the maintenance period elapses, the environments of the plurality of target spaces 4 are interchanged with each other. For this reason, in the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, by interchanging the environments of the respective target spaces 4, it is possible to expect an effect that the number of users who change the target space 4 to be used increases, and there is an advantage that it becomes easy to eliminate the stay of the user's movement line. That is, in the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, there is an advantage that it becomes easy to solve the problem that the effect originally intended by "ABW" is reduced over time.

[0079] Further, in the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, instead of changing the environment of each target space 4 to a completely different environment, only the environments of the respective target spaces 4 are interchanged, so there is also an advantage that it becomes easy to eliminate the stay of the user's movement line by simple control.

[0080] Furthermore, in the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, the plurality of environments are interchanged with each other so as not to reduce the types of the plurality of environments before the elapse of the maintenance period. For example, assume that during the maintenance period, an illumination environment with a color temperature of 3000K of illumination light, an illumination environment with a color temperature of 4000K of illumination light, and an illumination environment with a color temperature of 5000K of illumination light are respectively provided in three target spaces 4. In this case, in the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, even after the elapse of the maintenance period, these three illumination environments are only interchanged with each other, and their types are not contributed.

[0081] Therefore, in the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, for example, after the lapse of the maintenance period, the user's preferred environment does not disappear, so it is possible to suppress an increase in the user's dissatisfaction due to the disappearance, and as a result, there is an advantage that it becomes easier to provide an environment that is easy for the user to use. Note that, before and after the lapse of the maintenance period, the area of each target space 4 may increase or decrease.

[0082] (Modification example) As described above, the embodiments have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Hereinafter, modification examples of the embodiments will be listed. The modification examples described below may be combined as appropriate.

[0083] In the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 includes the setting unit 12, the acquisition unit 13, and the calculation unit 14, but is not limited thereto. For example, when it is not necessary for the user to set the maintenance period, the environmental control system 100 may not include the setting unit 12. Further, for example, when it is not necessary to automatically set the maintenance period, the environmental control system 100 may not include the acquisition unit 13 and the calculation unit 14.

[0084] In the embodiment, the lighting fixture 1 and the audio device 2 are configured separately, but are not limited thereto. For example, the audio device 2 may be built in the lighting fixture 1, so that the lighting fixture 1 and the audio device 2 may be integrally configured.

[0085] In the embodiment, there are a plurality of environmental control devices 10 assigned to each target space 4, and both the lighting fixture 1 and the audio device 2 are included, but are not limited thereto. For example, the environmental control device 10 assigned to each target space 4 may include only one of the lighting fixture 1 and the audio device 2. Further, for example, there may be one environmental control device 10 assigned to each target space 4.

[0086] In the embodiment, the office 3 is composed of one large room without any other rooms, but it is not limited to this. For example, the office 3 may be composed of a large room having one or more rooms, or may be configured across multiple floors.

[0087] In the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 targets one office 3, but it is not limited to this. For example, the environmental control system 100 may target a plurality of offices 3 and control the environmental control device 10 for each office 3.

[0088] In the embodiment, the environmental control device 10 is not included in the components of the environmental control system 100, but the environmental control device 10 may be included in the components of the environmental control system 100.

[0089] 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 included in the environmental control system 100 may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner. For example, the components included in the server device in the above embodiment may be included in an information terminal installed in a closed space. That is, the present invention may be realized by cloud computing or may be realized by edge computing.

[0090] For example, the communication method between the devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. Also, in the communication between the devices, a relay device (not shown) may be interposed.

[0091] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, 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.

[0092] Alternatively, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits respectively. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0093] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, they may be realized by any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0094] For example, the present invention may be realized as an environment control method executed by a computer such as the environment control system 100, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such an environment control method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0095] In addition, forms obtained by applying various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to each embodiment, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0096] (Summary) As described above, the environmental control system 100 includes a control unit 11 that controls the environmental control devices 10 assigned to each of the plurality of target spaces 4, so as to control the plurality of environments corresponding to the plurality of target spaces 4 to be different from each other. During the maintenance period, the control unit 11 executes maintenance control to maintain the plurality of environments. When the maintenance period elapses, the control unit 11 executes replacement control to swap the plurality of environments with each other so as not to reduce the types of the plurality of environments before the maintenance period elapses.

[0097] According to such an environmental control system 100, there is an advantage that as the environments of the respective target spaces 4 are swapped with each other, it is possible to expect an effect that the number of users who change the target space 4 to be used increases, and it becomes easier to eliminate the stagnation of the user's movement route.

[0098] Also, for example, in the environmental control system 100, the control unit 11 measures the maintenance period and resets the measurement of the maintenance period when executing the replacement control.

[0099] According to such an environmental control system 100, there is an advantage that by repeatedly executing the maintenance control and the replacement control, it becomes easier to further eliminate the stagnation of the user's movement route.

[0100] Also, for example, in the environmental control system 100, the environmental control device 10 includes a lighting fixture 1. The plurality of environments include at least two of an environment in which the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture 1 is higher than the reference color temperature, an environment in which the color temperature of the illumination light is lower than the reference color temperature, and an environment in which the illuminance at the central portion of the target space 4 is greater than the illuminance at the periphery of the central portion.

[0101] According to such an environmental control system 100, there is an advantage that it becomes easier for the user to select and use an environment that is relatively easy to concentrate in or an environment that is relatively easy to relax in.

[0102] Also, for example, in the environmental control system 100, the environmental control device 10 includes the audio device 2. The plurality of environments include at least two of an environment in which the audio device 2 plays music classified as jazz or bossa nova, an environment in which the audio device 2 plays natural environmental sounds, and an environment in which the audio device 2 plays masking noise.

[0103] According to such an environmental control system 100, there is an advantage that it becomes easier for the user to select and use an environment that is relatively easy to concentrate in or an environment that is relatively easy to relax.

[0104] Also, for example, in the environmental control system 100, there are a plurality of environmental control devices 10, which include the lighting fixture 1 and the audio device 2.

[0105] According to such an environmental control system 100, there is an advantage that it is easier to construct a variety of environments in the target space 4 compared to the case where the environmental control device 10 includes only one of the lighting fixture 1 and the audio device 2.

[0106] Also, for example, in the environmental control system 100, the plurality of environments include at least two of an environment in which the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture 1 is higher than the reference color temperature and the audio device 2 plays natural environmental sounds or masking noise, an environment in which the color temperature of the illumination light is lower than the reference color temperature and the audio device 2 plays music classified as jazz or bossa nova, and an environment in which the illuminance at the center of the target space 4 is greater than the illuminance around the center and the audio device 2 plays masking noise.

[0107] According to such an environmental control system 100, there is an advantage that it becomes easier for the user to select and use an environment that is relatively easy to concentrate in or an environment that is relatively easy to relax.

[0108] Also, for example, the environmental control system 100 further includes a setting unit 12 that sets a maintenance period according to the user's input.

[0109] According to such an environmental control system 100, there is an advantage that a user can set a desired maintenance period.

[0110] Also, for example, the environmental control system 100 further includes an acquisition unit 13 and a calculation unit 14. The acquisition unit 13 acquires user information regarding users present in each of the plurality of target spaces 4. The calculation unit 14 calculates a maintenance period according to the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 13.

[0111] According to such an environmental control system 100, there is an advantage that a user does not need to set a maintenance period deliberately.

[0112] Also, for example, in the environmental control system 100, the maintenance period is three months or more.

[0113] According to such an environmental control system 100, there is an advantage that it is less likely for a user to get confused compared to the case where the environment of each target space 4 is frequently changed.

[0114] Also, for example, the environmental control method includes a control step ST1 of controlling the environmental control devices 10 assigned to each of the plurality of target spaces 4 so as to make the plurality of environments corresponding to each of the plurality of target spaces 4 different from each other. In the control step ST1, during the maintenance period, maintenance control for maintaining the plurality of environments is executed. In the control step ST1, when the maintenance period has elapsed, replacement control for replacing the plurality of environments with each other is executed so as not to reduce the types of the plurality of environments before the maintenance period has elapsed.

[0115] According to such an environmental control method, there is an advantage that it can be expected that the number of users who change the target space 4 to be used will increase due to the replacement of the environments of the respective target spaces 4 with each other, and it becomes easier to eliminate the stagnation of the user's movement route.

[0116] Also, for example, the program causes one or more processors to execute the above environmental control method.

[0117] According to such a program, by swapping the environments of each target space 4 with each other, it is expected that the number of users who change the target space 4 to be used will increase, and there is an advantage that it becomes easier to eliminate the stagnation of the user's movement route.

Explanation of Signs

[0118] 1 Lighting fixture 2 Audio device 4 Target space 10 Environment control device 11 Control unit 12 Setting unit 13 Acquisition unit 14 Calculation unit 100 Environment control system ST1 Control step

Claims

1. A control unit that controls environmental control devices assigned to each of a plurality of target spaces, and controls the plurality of environments corresponding to each of the plurality of target spaces to be different from each other. During the maintenance period, the control unit executes maintenance control to maintain the plurality of environments. When the maintenance period elapses, the control unit executes replacement control to swap the plurality of environments so as not to reduce the types of the plurality of environments before the maintenance period elapses, where each of the types of the plurality of environments before the maintenance period elapses is realized by operating the environmental control device. An acquisition unit that acquires user information regarding users present in each of the plurality of target spaces. The environmental control system further includes an arithmetic unit that calculates the maintenance period according to the user information acquired by the acquisition unit. Environmental control system.

2. The control unit measures the maintenance period and resets the measurement of the maintenance period when executing the replacement control. The environmental control system according to claim 1.

3. The environmental control device includes a lighting fixture. The plurality of environments include an environment where the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture is higher than a reference color temperature, an environment where the color temperature of the illumination light is lower than the reference color temperature, and at least two of an environment where the illuminance at the center of the target space is greater than the illuminance around the center. The environmental control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The environmental control device includes an audio device. The plurality of environments include an environment where the audio device plays music classified as jazz or bossa nova, an environment where the audio device plays natural environmental sounds, and at least two of an environment where the audio device plays masking noise. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. There are a plurality of the environmental control devices, including a lighting fixture and an audio device. The environmental control system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The plurality of environments include an environment where the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture is higher than a reference color temperature, and the audio device plays natural environmental sounds or masking noise, an environment where the color temperature of the illumination light is lower than the reference color temperature, and the audio device plays music classified as jazz or bossa nova, and at least two of an environment where the illuminance at the center of the target space is greater than the illuminance around the center, and the audio device plays the masking noise. The environmental control system according to claim 5.

7. Further comprising a setting unit configured to set the maintenance period according to a user input, The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The maintenance period is 3 months or longer. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Including a control step of controlling environmental control devices assigned to each of a plurality of target spaces so as to make the plurality of environments corresponding to each of the plurality of target spaces different from each other, In the control step, during the maintenance period, maintenance control for maintaining the plurality of environments is executed, In the control step, when the maintenance period elapses, without reducing the types of the plurality of environments which are the types of the plurality of environments before the maintenance period elapses and each of which is realized by operating the environmental control device, replacement control for replacing the plurality of environments with each other is executed, An acquisition step of acquiring user information regarding a user existing in each of the plurality of target spaces; and An arithmetic step of calculating the maintenance period according to the user information acquired in the acquisition step. An environmental control method.

10. A program for causing execution of the environmental control method according to claim 9. A program.

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