Illumination system, illumination control method, and program

Abstract

A lighting system (100) comprises: a plurality of first lighting devices (10) arranged along a first path; a second lighting device (20) arranged on a second path through which a person passes before reaching the first path; and a control device (40) that guides the person from the second path to the first path by controlling the light emitting mode of each of the plurality of first lighting devices (10) and the light emitting mode of the second lighting device (20).

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, disaster prevention lighting fixtures that indicate the positions of emergency exits and the like are known. As such a disaster prevention lighting fixture, Patent Document 1 discloses an induction lamp device capable of determining the battery life.

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 illumination system, an illumination control method, and a program capable of guiding a person along a specific path.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An illumination system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of first lighting devices arranged along a first path, a second lighting device arranged on a second path through which a person passes before reaching the first path, and a control device that guides the person from the second path to the first path by controlling the light emission modes of each of the plurality of first lighting devices and the light emission mode of the second lighting device.

[0006] An illumination control method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a control step of guiding a person from the second path to the first path by controlling the light emission modes of each of a plurality of first lighting devices arranged along the first path and the light emission mode of a second lighting device arranged on a second path through which the person passes before reaching the first path.

[0007] The program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the illumination control method.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] The illumination system, illumination control method, and program of the present invention can guide a person along a specific route.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that all of 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, 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, substantially the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the outline of the lighting system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the lighting system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a plurality of first lighting devices, a plurality of second lighting devices, and a plurality of third lighting devices included in the lighting system according to the embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting system 100 includes a plurality of first lighting devices 10, a plurality of second lighting devices 20, a plurality of third lighting devices 30, a control device 40, a human sensor 50, and a number sensor 60. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of second lighting devices 20 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the second path 102. The predetermined interval is, for example, about 3 m to 5 m, but is not particularly limited. Note that at least one second lighting device 20 may be arranged on the second path 102. For example, only one second lighting device 20 may be arranged near the branch point P of the second path 102. That is, the lighting system 100 only needs to include at least one second lighting device 20.

[0014] The second path 102 is the path that people pass through before reaching the first path 101 and the third path 103. The second path 102 is connected to the first path 101 and the third path 103 at the branch point P. People who reach the branch point P through the second path 102 will choose whether to pass through either the first path 101 or the third path 103.

[0015] Along the first path 101, a plurality of first lighting devices 10 are arranged. The plurality of first lighting devices 10 are arranged at a predetermined interval along the first path 101. The predetermined interval is, for example, about 3m to 5m, but is not particularly limited. Note that at least one first lighting device 10 may be arranged on the first path 101. That is, the lighting system 100 may include at least one first lighting device 10.

[0016] Also, along the third path 103, a plurality of third lighting devices 30 are arranged. The plurality of third lighting devices 30 are arranged at a predetermined interval along the third path 103. The predetermined interval is, for example, about 3m to 5m, but is not particularly limited. Note that at least one third lighting device 30 may be arranged on the third path 103. That is, the lighting system 100 may include at least one third lighting device 30.

[0017] By controlling the light emission modes of the plurality of first lighting devices 10, the plurality of second lighting devices 20, and the plurality of third lighting devices 30, the lighting system 100 can guide people from the second path 102 to either the first path 101 or the third path 103. Hereinafter, each device included in the lighting system 100 will be described.

[0018] The first lighting device 10 is an outdoor lighting device arranged along the first path 101. FIG. 3 is an external view of the first lighting device 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the first lighting device 10 is, for example, a spotlight arranged on the upper part of a columnar member. The first lighting device 10 shown in FIG. 3 can change the direction in which light is irradiated. Also, the first lighting device 10 shown in FIG. 3 can expand the irradiation area by attaching a filter.

[0019] The first lighting device 10 may be a pole light, a street lamp, or an in-ground lighting device, etc., and the specific form of the first lighting device 10 is not particularly limited. Also, the plurality of first lighting devices 10 may include a plurality of types of lighting devices (for example, a spotlight and a street lamp, etc.).

[0020] Specifically, the first lighting device 10 includes a red light source 11r, a green light source 11g, and a blue light source 11b. Note that the first lighting device 10 may further include a white light source or the like in addition to the red light source 11r, the green light source 11g, and the blue light source 11b.

[0021] Each of the red light source 11r, the green light source 11g, and the blue light source 11b is realized by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element or the like, and the emission luminance of each light source can be independently controlled. Thereby, the brightness and the emission color of the first lighting device 10 can be changed. That is, the first lighting device 10 has a dimming function and a color adjustment function. Note that each of the red light source 11r, the green light source 11g, and the blue light source 11b may be realized by a semiconductor light emitting element such as a semiconductor laser, or a solid light emitting element such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) or an inorganic EL.

[0022] The second lighting device 20 is an outdoor lighting device arranged along the second path 102. The second lighting device 20 is, for example, a lighting device with substantially the same specifications as the first lighting device 10, and the appearance of the second lighting device 20 is the same as that of the first lighting device 10 shown in FIG. 3. That is, the second lighting device 20 is, for example, a spotlight arranged on the upper part of a columnar member. The second lighting device 20 may be a pole light, a street lamp, or an in-ground lighting device, etc., and the specific form of the second lighting device 20 is not particularly limited. The second lighting device 20 may be a lighting device with specifications different from those of the first lighting device 10. Also, the plurality of second lighting devices 20 may include a plurality of types of lighting devices (for example, a spotlight and a street lamp, etc.).

[0023] Specifically, the second lighting device 20 includes a red light source 21r, a green light source 21g, and a blue light source 21b. Note that the second lighting device 20 may further include a white light source or the like in addition to the red light source 21r, the green light source 21g, and the blue light source 21b.

[0024] Each of the red light source 21r, the green light source 21g, and the blue light source 21b is realized by an LED element or the like, and the emission luminance of each light source can be independently controlled. Thereby, the brightness and the emission color of the second lighting device 20 can be changed. That is, the second lighting device 20 has a dimming function and a color tuning function. Note that each of the red light source 21r, the green light source 21g, and the blue light source 21b may be realized by a semiconductor light emitting element such as a semiconductor laser, or a solid light emitting element such as an organic EL or an inorganic EL.

[0025] The third lighting device 30 is an outdoor lighting device arranged along the third path 103. The third lighting device 30 is, for example, a lighting device with substantially the same specifications as the first lighting device 10, and the appearance of the third lighting device 30 is the same as that of the first lighting device 10 shown in FIG. 3. That is, the third lighting device 30 is, for example, a spotlight arranged on the upper part of a columnar member. The third lighting device 30 may be a pole light, a street lamp, or an in-ground lighting device, etc., and the specific form of the third lighting device 30 is not particularly limited. The third lighting device 30 may be a lighting device with specifications different from those of the first lighting device 10. Also, the plurality of third lighting devices 30 may include a plurality of types of lighting devices (for example, a spotlight and a street lamp, etc.).

[0026] Specifically, the third lighting device 30 includes a red light source 31r, a green light source 31g, and a blue light source 31b. Note that the third lighting device 30 may also include a white light source or the like in addition to the red light source 31r, the green light source 31g, and the blue light source 31b.

[0027] Each of the red light source 31r, the green light source 31g, and the blue light source 31b is realized by an LED element or the like, and the emission luminance of each light source can be independently controlled. Thereby, the brightness and the emission color of the third lighting device 30 can be changed. That is, the third lighting device 30 has a dimming function and a color tuning function. Note that each of the red light source 31r, the green light source 31g, and the blue light source 31b may be realized by a semiconductor light-emitting element such as a semiconductor laser, or a solid-state light-emitting element such as an organic EL or an inorganic EL.

[0028] The control device 40 controls the light emission modes of the plurality of first lighting devices 10, the light emission modes of the plurality of second lighting devices 20, and the light emission modes of the plurality of third lighting devices 30. The control of the light emission mode here means controlling at least one of the light emission parameters such as brightness, emission color, blinking period, and light distribution. The control device 40 is, for example, a dedicated controller of the lighting system 100, but may also be realized by installing a dedicated application program in a general-purpose computer device such as a personal computer. The control device 40 includes a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0029] The communication unit 41 is a communication circuit (communication module) for the control device 40 to communicate with the plurality of first lighting devices 10, the plurality of second lighting devices 20, the plurality of third lighting devices 30, the human sensor 50, the number sensor 60, etc. through a local communication network. The communication unit 41 is, for example, a wired communication circuit for performing wired communication, but may also be a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 41 is not particularly limited.

[0030] The control unit 42 controls the light emission modes of the plurality of first lighting devices 10, the light emission modes of the plurality of second lighting devices 20, and the light emission modes of the plurality of third lighting devices 30 by causing the communication unit 41 to transmit a control signal. The control unit 42 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The function of the control unit 42 is realized by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the control unit 42 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 43.

[0031] The storage unit 43 stores information necessary for controlling the light emission modes of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the light emission modes of the plurality of second lighting devices 20, such as the computer program executed by the control unit 42. The storage unit 43 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0032] The human presence sensor 50 is provided at a position closer to the second path 102 than the branch point, and detects a person approaching the branch point from the second path 102. Further, when a person is detected, the human presence sensor 50 transmits detection information indicating that fact to the control device 40. The human presence sensor 50 is realized, for example, by an infrared detection element that senses infrared rays emitted from a human body. The human presence sensor 50 may detect a person by ultrasonic waves, or may detect a person by performing image processing on an image captured by a camera.

[0033] The number-of-people sensor 60 senses the number of people and transmits number-of-people information indicating the sensed number of people to the control device 40. Specifically, the number-of-people sensor 60 is realized by a camera and an image processing device. The lighting system 100 includes, for example, two number-of-people sensors. One of the two number-of-people sensors 60 uses a camera to capture an image (video image or still image) of the first path 101, and uses an image processing device to identify the number of people shown in the captured image through image processing. The other of the two number-of-people sensors 60 included in the lighting system 100 uses a camera to capture an image (video image or still image) of the third path 103, and uses an image processing device to identify the number of people shown in the captured image through image processing. Note that the lighting system 100 may include three or more number-of-people sensors 60 as needed, or may include one number-of-people sensor 60 if the number of people in each of the first path 101 and the third path 103 can be sensed by one number-of-people sensor 60.

[0034] The image processing device included in the number-of-people sensor 60 is realized, for example, by a machine learning model. This machine learning model is a trained model that can take an image captured by a camera as input information and output the number of people shown in the image as output information. The image processing device may identify the number of people from the image by a method such as template matching, or may identify the number of people using other existing methods.

[0035] Note that the number sensor 60 may sense the number of people in each of the facilities located at the ends of the first path 101 and the third path 103 on the side opposite to the second path 102. That is, the number sensor 60 may sense the number of people at the locations where the first path 101 and the third path 103 each lead.

[0036] [Operation Example 1] Next, Operation Example 1 of the lighting system 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of Operation Example 1 of the lighting system 100.

[0037] The control unit 42 of the control device 40 initially operates in the normal mode (S11). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the light emission modes of the plurality of first lighting devices 10, the plurality of second lighting devices 20, and the plurality of third lighting devices 30 during the operation in the normal mode. The ellipses in FIG. 5 schematically show the light irradiation ranges of the plurality of first lighting devices 10, the plurality of second lighting devices 20, and the plurality of third lighting devices 30, respectively.

[0038] In the normal mode, each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10, the plurality of second lighting devices 20, and the plurality of third lighting devices 30 emits light steadily in the same light emission mode (the same brightness and the same light emission color). Specifically, the control unit 42 can realize the operation in the normal mode by transmitting a control signal to each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10, the plurality of second lighting devices 20, and the plurality of third lighting devices 30 using the communication unit 41. That is, this control signal is a control signal for causing each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10, the plurality of second lighting devices 20, and the plurality of third lighting devices 30 to emit light in the same light emission mode.

[0039] During the operation in the normal mode, when the control unit 42 determines that a person has been detected by the human presence sensor 50 (S12), it performs the operations in the guidance mode of the following steps S13 to S15. For example, the control unit 42 determines that a person has been detected when the communication unit 41 receives detection information from the human presence sensor 50. On the other hand, during the period when the communication unit 41 has not received information indicating that a person has been detected, the control unit 42 determines that no person has been detected and continues the operation in the normal mode. The operations in the guidance mode are performed, for example, for a certain period after a person has been detected, and after the operations in the guidance mode are performed, the operations in the normal mode are resumed.

[0040] In the operation in the guidance mode, the control unit 42 receives the number of people information from each of the two number of people sensors 60, thereby specifying the number of people in each of the first path 101 and the third path 103, and selects the path with the smaller number of people as the target path (S13). Here, it is assumed that the first path 101 is selected as an example.

[0041] Next, the control unit 42 transmits a first control signal to each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 provided along the selected first path 101 (hereinafter also referred to as the plurality of target first lighting devices 10), and the plurality of second lighting devices 20.

[0042] By transmitting the first control signal, the control unit 42 causes the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 to emit light in the same light emission mode (the same brightness and the same light emission color). That is, the control unit 42 matches the brightness of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 (S14). The light emission mode at this time may be the same as or different from the normal mode. When the light emission mode is the same as the normal mode, the process of step S14 can be omitted. Note that matching the brightness does not mean in a strict sense and may include an error that cannot be recognized by the human eye.

[0043] On the other hand, the control unit 42 transmits a second control signal to each of the plurality of third lighting devices 30 provided along the third path 103. By transmitting the second control signal, the control unit 42 causes the plurality of third lighting devices 30 to emit light with the same emission color as the plurality of second lighting devices 20 and with a brightness lower than that of the plurality of second lighting devices 20 (S15).

[0044] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the light emission modes of the plurality of first lighting devices 10, the plurality of second lighting devices 20, and the plurality of third lighting devices 30 during the operation in the guidance mode. As shown in FIG. 6, as a result of the processes in steps S13 to S15, the second path 102 and the first path 101 are brightly illuminated, while the third path 103 is illuminated darker than the second path 102 and the first path 101.

[0045] In this way, the lighting system 100 can guide a person approaching the branch point P from the second path 102 to the less crowded (i.e., uncongested) first path 101 by making the lighting modes (lighting brightness) in the second path 102 and the first path 101 consistent.

[0046] [Operation Example 2] In Operation Example 1, the lighting system 100 guided a person from the second path 102 to the target first path 101 by matching the brightness of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the brightness of the plurality of second lighting devices 20. Here, the lighting system 100 may guide a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101 by matching the emission color of the plurality of target first lighting devices 10 and the emission color of the plurality of second lighting devices 20. Hereinafter, Operation Example 2 of such a lighting system 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of Operation Example 2 of the lighting system 100.

[0047] The control unit 42 of the control device 40 initially performs the operation in the normal mode (S21). When it is determined by the human sensor 50 that a person has been detected (S22), the operations in the guidance mode of the following steps S23 to S25 are performed. Since the processes in steps S21 and S22 are the same as the processes in steps S11 and S12, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0048] Similar to Operation Example 1, the operation in the guidance mode is performed, for example, for a certain period after a person is detected, and after the operation in the guidance mode is performed, the operation in the normal mode is resumed.

[0049] In the operation in the guidance mode, the control unit 42 receives the number information from each of the two number sensors 60, thereby specifying the number of people in each of the first path 101 and the third path 103, and selects the path with the smaller number of people as the target path (S23). Here, it is assumed that the first path 101 is selected as an example.

[0050] Next, the control unit 42 transmits a first control signal to each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20, thereby causing the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 to emit light in the same light emission mode (the same brightness and the same light emission color). That is, the control unit 42 matches the light emission colors of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 (S24). The light emission mode at this time may be the same as or different from the normal mode. When the light emission mode is the same as the normal mode, the process of step S24 can be omitted. Note that matching the light emission colors does not mean in a strict sense, and may include an error that cannot be recognized by the human eye. The light emission colors of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 are, for example, white with a low color temperature, but may also be white with other color temperatures, or a single color such as red, green, or blue, and are not particularly limited.

[0051] On the other hand, the control unit 42 transmits a second control signal to each of the plurality of third lighting devices 30, thereby causing the plurality of third lighting devices 30 to emit light with the same brightness as the plurality of second lighting devices 20 and a different light emission color from the plurality of second lighting devices 20 (S25). The light emission color of the plurality of third lighting devices 30 is, for example, white with a high color temperature, but may also be white with other color temperatures, or a single color such as red, green, or blue, and is not particularly limited.

[0052] As a result of the processes in steps S23 to S25, the second path 102 and the first path 101 are illuminated with the same emission color, while the third path 103 is illuminated with an emission color different from those of the second path 102 and the first path 101.

[0053] In this way, by making the illumination modes (illumination colors) in the second path 102 and the first path 101 consistent, the lighting system 100 can guide a person approaching the branch point P from the second path 102 to the less crowded (i.e., uncongested) first path 101.

[0054] Note that operation example 1 and operation example 2 may be combined. For example, the control unit 42 may cause the plurality of first lighting devices 10 to emit light with the same brightness and the same emission color as the second lighting device 20, and may cause the plurality of third lighting devices 30 to emit light in an emission mode in which both the brightness and the emission color are different from those of the second lighting device 20.

[0055] [Operation Example 3] In operation examples 1 and 2, the brightness and color temperature of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 during the operation in the guidance mode are constant. However, the lighting system 100 may guide a person from the second path 102 to the target path by periodically varying the brightness of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20. Hereinafter, operation example 3 of such a lighting system 100 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of operation example 3 of the lighting system 100.

[0056] The control unit 42 of the control device 40 initially performs the operation in the normal mode (S31). When it is determined by the human sensor 50 that a person has been detected (S32), the operations in the guidance mode of the following steps S33 to S35 are performed. The processes in steps S31 and S32 are the same as the processes in steps S11 and S12, and thus detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0057] Similar to operation example 1, the operation in the guidance mode is performed, for example, for a certain period after a person is detected, and after the operation in the guidance mode is performed, the operation in the normal mode is resumed.

[0058] In the operation of the induction mode, the control unit 42 receives the number-of-people information from each of the two number-of-people sensors 60, thereby identifying the number of people in each of the first path 101 and the third path 103, and selects the path with the smaller number of people as the target path (S33). Here, it is assumed that the first path 101 is selected as the target path as an example.

[0059] Next, the control unit 42 transmits a first control signal to each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20, thereby periodically varying the brightness of each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 (S34). The emission colors of each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 are the same.

[0060] Here, the control unit 42 may vary the brightness of each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 without shifting the phase in the same period, but varies the brightness of each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 while shifting the phase in the same period. Thereby, the control unit 42 can perform an effect such that the light moves from the second path 102 toward the first path 101. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an effect such that the light moves from the second path 102 toward the first path 101. The ellipses in FIG. 9 schematically show the irradiation ranges of the lights of each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20. The hatching of the ellipse indicates the brightness of the light, and it means that the irradiation ranges with the same hatching have the same brightness.

[0061] In the example of FIG. 9, as time elapses, the brightness of the irradiation range of the light changes in the order of (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 9. In the example of FIG. 9, the brightness of each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 varies in the same period, but the phases of the adjacent lighting devices are shifted by 1 / n period each. In the example of FIG. 9, n = 3, but n may be an integer of 2 or more. Thereby, an effect such that the light moves from the second path 102 toward the first path 101 is realized.

[0062] Here, an example of how to vary the brightness of the lighting device in one cycle will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of how to vary the brightness of the lighting device in one cycle.

[0063] During the above-described effect, the control unit 42 may change the brightness of the lighting device in a convex quadratic function as shown in FIG. 10(a). Further, during the above-described effect, the control unit 42 may perform control to suddenly brighten the lighting device and then gradually darken it as shown in FIG. 10(b). According to such control, an effect of continuous movement of light can be achieved.

[0064] On the other hand, the control unit 42 causes the plurality of third lighting devices 30 to emit light constantly (S35) by transmitting a second control signal to each of the plurality of third lighting devices 30. The light emission mode at this time may be the same as or different from the normal mode. When the light emission mode is the same as the normal mode, the process of step S35 can be omitted.

[0065] As a result of the processes of steps S33 to S35, in the second path 102 and the first path 101, a lighting effect is performed such that the light moves from the second path 102 toward the first path 101, but such a lighting effect is not performed in the third path 103.

[0066] In this way, the lighting system 100 can guide a person approaching the branch point P from the second path 102 to the first path 101 with less people (i.e., not crowded) by performing a lighting effect in the second path 102 and the first path 101.

[0067] In the operation example 3, the brightness of each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 is periodically varied. However, instead of the brightness, the emission color may be periodically varied, or both the brightness and the emission color may be periodically varied.

[0068] Moreover, Operation Example 3 may be combined with Operation Example 1. For example, the control unit 42 may periodically vary the brightness of each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 within a range brighter than that of the plurality of third lighting devices 30.

[0069] Moreover, Operation Example 3 may be combined with Operation Example 2. For example, the control unit 42 may cause each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the plurality of second lighting devices 20 to emit light with a light emission color different from that of the plurality of third lighting devices 30 while periodically varying the brightness.

[0070] [Modification Example] In the above embodiment, the less congested path of the first path 101 and the third path 103 is selected as the target path, and the lighting system 100 guides people to the less congested path. However, the lighting system 100 may guide people to the more congested path. Also, it is not essential to change the guiding destination path according to the number of people (congestion level). For example, a configuration in which people are fixedly guided to one of the first path 101 and the third path 103 regardless of the congestion level for the purpose of attracting customers or the like is also conceivable.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the lighting system 100 guides people when the human sensor 50 detects a person. However, the lighting system 100 may guide people regardless of the detection result of the person by the human sensor 50. The lighting system 100 may, for example, guide people at a predetermined time every day.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the guidance of people outdoors in the evening or at night has been described. However, the lighting system 100 may guide people indoors. That is, the first lighting device 10, the second lighting device 20, and the third lighting device 30 may be installed indoors. In this case, the lighting system 100 can guide people regardless of day or night.

[0073] Further, in the above-described embodiment, each of the first path 101 and the third path 103 was one of a plurality of paths (roads) branching from the branch point P, but such a configuration is not essential. For example, the first path 101 and the third path 103 may be provided on the same road (or passage). For example, the right side of a certain road may be the first path 101, and the left side of the road may be the third path 103.

[0074] Also, the first path 101 and the third path 103 may be provided on the same staircase. For example, the left side of a certain staircase may be the first path 101, the right side of the staircase may be the third path 103, and the road approaching the staircase may be the second path 102. In this case, the lighting system 100 can guide a person, for example, so that the first path 101 becomes a path dedicated for going up, by matching the light emission modes and the like of the second lighting device 20 arranged on the second path 102 and the first lighting device 10 arranged on the first path 101.

[0075] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the plurality of third lighting devices 30 emitted steady light during the operation in the guidance mode, but the light emission mode of the plurality of third lighting devices 30 during the operation in the guidance mode may be any light emission mode as long as the guidance of people to the third path 103 is suppressed, and is not limited to steady light emission.

[0076] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the lighting system 100 includes a plurality of first lighting devices 10 arranged along the first path 101, a second lighting device 20 arranged on the second path 102 through which a person passes before reaching the first path 101, and a control device 40 that controls the light emission mode of each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the light emission mode of the second lighting device 20 to guide a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101.

[0077] Such a lighting system 100 can guide a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101 by controlling the light emission modes of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the second lighting device 20.

[0078] Further, for example, the control device 40 guides a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101 by adjusting the brightness of each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the brightness of the second lighting device 20 through the above control.

[0079] Such a lighting system 100 can guide a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101 by controlling the brightness of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the second lighting device 20.

[0080] Further, for example, the lighting system 100 further includes a plurality of third lighting devices 30 arranged along the third path 103, and the light emission modes of the plurality of third lighting devices 30 are controlled by the control device 40. After passing through the second path 102, a person selects whether to pass through the first path 101 or the third path 103. The control device 40 adjusts the brightness of each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the brightness of the second lighting device 20 through the above control, and makes the brightness of each of the plurality of third lighting devices 30 darker than the brightness of the second lighting device 20, thereby guiding the person from the second path 102 to the first path 101.

[0081] Such a lighting system 100 can guide a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101 by controlling the brightness of the plurality of first lighting devices 10, the second lighting device 20, and the plurality of third lighting devices 30.

[0082] Further, for example, the control device 40 guides a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101 by adjusting the emission color of each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the emission color of the second lighting device 20 through the above control.

[0083] Such a lighting system 100 can guide a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101 by controlling the emission colors of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the second lighting device 20.

[0084] Further, for example, the control device 40 combines the emission colors of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the emission color of the second lighting device 20, and makes the emission colors of the plurality of third lighting devices 30 different from the emission color of the second lighting device 20 by the above control, thereby guiding a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101.

[0085] Such a lighting system 100 can guide a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101 by controlling the emission colors of the plurality of first lighting devices 10, the second lighting device 20, and the plurality of third lighting devices 30.

[0086] Further, for example, the control device 40 periodically varies the brightness of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the second lighting device 20 so that the light moves from the second path 102 toward the first path 101 by the above control, thereby guiding a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101.

[0087] Such a lighting system 100 can guide a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101 by periodically varying the brightness of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the second lighting device 20.

[0088] Further, for example, the control device 40 periodically varies the brightness of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the second lighting device 20 so that the light moves from the second path 102 toward the first path 101 by the above control, and makes the plurality of third lighting devices 30 emit light constantly, thereby guiding a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101.

[0089] Such a lighting system 100 can guide a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101 by making the plurality of third lighting devices 30 emit light constantly and then periodically varying the brightness of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the second lighting device 20.

[0090] Further, for example, the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and the second lighting device 20 are arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0091] Such a lighting system 100 can guide light from the second path 102 to the first path 101 by controlling the light emission modes of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and second lighting devices 20 arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0092] Moreover, for example, the lighting system 100 further includes a human presence sensor 50. When the human presence sensor 50 detects a human, the control device 40 performs the above-described control.

[0093] Such a lighting system 100 can guide a person from the second route 102 to the first route 101 when the human sensor 50 detects the person.

[0094] Also, for example, the second route 102 is connected to a plurality of routes at a branch point P, and the first route 101 is one of the plurality of routes.

[0095] Such a lighting system 100 can guide a person who has traveled along the second route 102 and has reached the junction P to the first route 101.

[0096] In addition, the lighting control method executed by a computer such as the lighting system 100 includes a control step of guiding a person from the second path 102 to the first path 101 by controlling the light emission mode of each of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 arranged along the first path 101 and the light emission mode of the second lighting device 20 arranged on the second path 102 through which the person passes before reaching the first path 101.

[0097] Such a lighting control method can guide light from the second path 102 to the first path 101 by controlling the light emission modes of the plurality of first lighting devices 10 and second lighting devices 20.

[0098] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0099] For example, in the above embodiment, the lighting system is realized by a plurality of devices. In this case, the components included in the lighting system described in the above embodiment may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner. Further, the lighting system may be realized as a single device. For example, the lighting system may be realized as a single device corresponding to a control device. Further, the lighting system may be realized as a client-server system in which the functions of the control device are distributed to a client device and a server device.

[0100] Also, in the above embodiment, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Further, the order of a plurality of processes may be changed, or a plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

[0101] Also, 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.

[0102] Also, each component may be realized by hardware. Each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits respectively. Further, these circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits respectively.

[0103] Also, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized by a system, a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Further, it may be realized by any combination of a system, a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0104] For example, the present invention may be realized as the control device of the above-described embodiment. Further, the present invention may be realized as an illumination control method executed by a computer, such as the illumination system of the above-described embodiment. The present invention may be realized as a program (computer program product) for causing a computer to execute such an illumination control method, or may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0105] 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.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0106] 10 First lighting device 20 Second lighting device 30 Third lighting device 40 Control device 50 Human presence sensor 100 Lighting system 101 First path 102 Second path 103 Third path P Branch point

Claims

1. a plurality of first lighting devices arranged along a first path; a second lighting device arranged on a second path through which a person passes before reaching the first path; a control device that controls the brightness of the plurality of first lighting devices and the second lighting device to periodically vary so that light moves from the second path toward the first path, thereby guiding the person from the second path to the first path; during the control, the brightness of each of the plurality of first lighting devices and the second lighting device in one cycle monotonically increases and then monotonically decreases; the time taken for the brightness to reach the maximum value from the minimum value during the monotonic increase is substantially shorter than the time taken for the brightness to reach the minimum value after reaching the maximum value during the monotonic decrease; a lighting system.

2. further comprising a plurality of third lighting devices arranged along a third path, the plurality of third lighting devices being controlled in a light emission mode by the control device; the person selects whether to pass through the first path or the third path after passing through the second path; the control device, by the control, periodically varies the brightness of the plurality of first lighting devices and the second lighting device so that light moves from the second path toward the first path, and makes the plurality of third lighting devices emit light constantly, thereby guiding the person from the second path to the first path; The lighting system according to claim 1.

3. the plurality of first lighting devices and the second lighting device are arranged at a predetermined interval; The lighting system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. further comprising a human presence sensor; the control device performs the control when the person is detected by the human presence sensor; The lighting system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the second path is connected to a plurality of paths at a branch point; the first path is one of the plurality of paths; The lighting system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a lighting control method executed by a computer, the method including a control step of guiding a person from a second path to a first path by controlling the brightness of a plurality of first lighting devices arranged along the first path and a second lighting device arranged on a second path through which the person passes before reaching the first path to periodically vary so that light moves from the second path toward the first path; ​ During the control, the brightness of each of the plurality of first lighting devices and the second lighting device in one cycle increases monotonically and then decreases monotonically. The time until the brightness reaches the maximum value due to the monotonic increase is substantially shorter than the time until the brightness reaches the minimum value after reaching the maximum value due to the monotonic decrease. Lighting control method.

7. A program for causing the computer to execute the lighting control method according to claim 6.

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