Environmental control system, environmental control method, and program

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-093204 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0005] An environmental control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control unit and a sound source generation unit. The control unit controls the environment of a target space by controlling one or more lighting fixtures assigned to the target space and one or more acoustic devices assigned to the target space. The sound source generation unit generates natural environmental sounds to be played by the one or more acoustic devices. The sound source generation unit updates the natural environmental sounds by changing at least one of the playback timing and volume of one or more sound data included in the natural environmental sounds.

[0006] An environmental control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control step and a sound source generation step. In the control step, the environment of a target space is controlled by controlling one or more lighting fixtures assigned to the target space and one or more acoustic devices assigned to the target space. In the sound source generation step, natural environmental sounds are generated to be played by the one or more acoustic devices. In the sound source generation step, the natural environmental sounds are updated by changing at least one of the playback timing and volume of one or more sound data included in the natural environmental sounds.

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

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

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

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

[0011] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

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

[0013] An environmental control system 100 according to an embodiment is used in an environment where users work, such as an office, and is a system for controlling such an environment. In the embodiment, it is assumed that the environmental control system 100 is used in an ABW (Activity Based Working) office 3, where users can freely select their work location depending on the work they want to do. Here, "ABW" refers to a working style in which users (employees, etc.) select their work location or desk, etc., depending on the work content. In an ABW office, users can select a relatively quiet location when performing work that requires concentration, and a relaxing location such as a sofa when holding a meeting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] Like the lighting fixtures 1, the sound devices 2 are assigned to multiple groups G1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the sound devices 2 are assigned to three groups G1. Here, one or more sound devices 2 assigned to the same group G1 are located near each other. The one or more sound devices 2 assigned to a certain group G1 output sound to a space in the office 3 corresponding to the group G1 (i.e., the target space 4).

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

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

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

[0029] The control unit 11 can communicate with each lighting fixture 1 and controls the dimming, color adjustment, or both of each lighting fixture 1 by transmitting a lighting control signal to each lighting fixture 1. In other words, the control unit 11 controls one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the target space 4 (group G1). In this 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). Communication between the control unit 11 and each lighting fixture 1 may be wired or wireless, and the communication standard is not particularly limited. Furthermore, multiple lighting control signals do not need to be transmitted strictly simultaneously. The time difference between the transmission of multiple lighting control signals is preferably within 60 minutes, more preferably within 30 minutes, and even more preferably within 1 minute. If the time difference is within 60 minutes, it can be expected to be labor-saving compared to manually moving fixtures or furniture to change the spatial environment.

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

[0031] The control unit 11 is also capable of communicating with each of the sound devices 2, and controls each of the sound devices 2 to play content by transmitting a sound control signal (including the content to be played) to each of the sound devices 2. In other words, the control unit 11 controls one or more sound devices 2 assigned to the target space 4 (group G1). In this embodiment, the control unit 11 controls the same The same audio control signal is transmitted to one or more audio devices 2 assigned to group G1. In other words, the control unit 11 controls each audio device 2 for each target space 4 (group G1). Communication between the control unit 11 and each audio device 2 may be wired communication or wireless communication, and there are no particular limitations on the communication standard.

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

[0033] In this way, the control unit 11 controls the environment of the target space 4 (group G1) by controlling one or more lighting devices 1 assigned to the target space 4 and one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to the target space 4. This provides the target space 4 with both a lighting environment created by one or more lighting devices 1 and an acoustic environment created by one or more acoustic devices 2, which can be expected to produce a so-called zoning effect.

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

[0035] Here, the zoning effect refers to, for example, a sense of cognitive division within a space, and may include an effect that makes it easier for users to recognize that multiple spaces are distinct from one another in appearance. Furthermore, the zoning effect may include an effect that, through user recognition, encourages users to change their behavior or flow of movement as intended by the zoning. For example, assume that a given space is zoned with the intention of making it a space where users can easily perform tasks that require concentration. In this case, if a user who sees the space uses the space primarily for the purpose of performing tasks that require concentration, it can be said that the zoning effect has been achieved.

[0036] Furthermore, the zoning effect can include the subjective effects and actual sensations of the user, or the effects that show a tendency in physiological, psychological, and biological responses in accordance with the purpose of the zoning when the user actually uses the zoned space. For example, suppose a given space is zoned with the intention of making it easier to perform tasks that require concentration, and the user uses that space. In this case, if the user feels that they were able to concentrate by using the space, or if indicators and data are obtained that suggest that the user was concentrating in terms of psychological and biological responses, then it can be said that the zoning effect has been achieved.

[0037] By controlling lighting as described above, it is possible to zone a space without using fixtures or furniture. This facilitates enhancing the design of the space and enables so-called active zoning, in which the layout of office 3 can be instantly changed by controlling lighting such as dimming and color. That is, when zoning is performed using the above-described lighting control, changing the control parameters for dimming and color in each space can be completed in, for example, a few seconds. In this case, the layout of office 3 can be changed in a few seconds. However, if the layout of office 3 were to be changed by manually moving fixtures or furniture, it would take 60 minutes, several hours, a day, or even several days in some cases. From this perspective, zoning using the above-described lighting control can achieve extremely significant effects.

[0038] Compared to changing the office layout by changing the fixtures or furniture arrangement in the past, active zoning allows you to change the office layout in short cycles such as by the hour, day, or month. It is possible to vary the layout of the three.

[0039] In this embodiment, in at least one target space 4 (group G1), controller 11 controls one or more lighting devices 1 so that the color temperature of the illumination light is higher than the reference color temperature (in other words, so that target space 4 is illuminated with cool-colored lighting). In this embodiment, the reference color temperature is 4000 K. By controlling in this manner, target space 4 can be provided with a space in which the user can relatively easily concentrate.

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

[0041] It is preferable that the specific sound be music that can be expected to have a zoning effect similar to that expected from lighting. This is because by doing so, it becomes easier to achieve an effect that is greater than the simple sum of the zoning effect expected from lighting and the zoning effect expected from music, and it becomes easier to have an unexpected and desirable synergistic effect. This point will be explained in detail in [Verification of Zoning Effect] below.

[0042] In the embodiment, the specific sound is a sound that has the effect of increasing the user's ability to concentrate. For example, the specific sound is a sound that is likely to stimulate the user's parasympathetic nervous system. More specifically, the specific sound is a natural environmental sound. Here, "natural environmental sound" refers to sounds other than voice and music that are emitted in everyday environments in nature, such as the sound of wind, waves, thunder, sounds made by animals, or sounds made by insects. In the embodiment, the natural environmental sound is preferably the sound of birds chirping or the sound of running water. The zoning effect of natural environmental sound will be described in detail in "Verification of Zoning Effect" below.

[0043] By controlling in this manner, it is possible to provide a space in the one or more target spaces 4 (group G1) that is expected to have an even greater effect of increasing concentration compared to when only illumination light from one or more lighting devices 1 is provided.

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

[0045] Here, "generating natural environmental sounds" may include generating new natural environmental sounds by randomly changing part or all of one or more pieces of sound data that make up a natural environmental sound based on an existing natural environmental sound. Note that "randomly changing" here may include changing according to pseudo-random numbers generated by a pseudo-random number generation algorithm, for example.

[0046] The sound data is data of sounds other than voice and music that are emitted in everyday natural environments, such as the above-mentioned sounds of running water, wind, waves, thunder, sounds made by animals (birds chirping, etc.), sounds made by insects, etc. The sound data may be data obtained by sampling actual sounds such as birds chirping, or may be data of sounds that simulate sounds such as birds chirping.

[0047] Furthermore, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sound by changing at least one of the playback timing and volume of one or more sound data included in the natural environmental sound. Specifically, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sound by changing at least one of the playback timing and volume of one or more sound data included in the natural environmental sound before the update to generate a natural environmental sound that is different from the natural environmental sound before the update. The natural environmental sound before the update may be a sound being played by one or more audio devices 2 before the update, or may be a sound stored in the storage unit 13.

[0048] Note that "changing the playback timing" may also include not playing sound data. For example, assume that the natural environmental sounds before the update include multiple pieces of sound data. In this case, the sound source generation unit 12 may generate natural environmental sounds different from the natural environmental sounds before the update by not playing one or more pieces of sound data. For example, increasing the playback timing of bird song sound data can be expected to have the effect of making the user feel like they are in a forest full of birds. Also, for example, changing the types of bird songs included in the sound data depending on the time of day (e.g., morning and night) can be expected to have the effect of making the user more aware of the passage of time throughout the day, even indoors. Furthermore, for example, changing the sound of flowing water included in the sound data to the sound of a babbling brook or the sound of a waterfall can be expected to have the effect of making the user more aware of different original experiences of nature.

[0049] Here, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sound within a range that does not impair the zoning effect due to the environment of the target space 4. For example, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sound by changing at least one of the playback timing and volume of one or more sound data included in the natural environmental sound before the update so that the natural environmental sound includes at least data of sounds other than voices and music emitted in everyday environments in nature. Also, for example, if the natural environmental sound is a sound that has the effect of increasing the user's concentration, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sound by changing at least one of the playback timing and volume of one or more sound data included in the natural environmental sound before the update within a range that does not impair the effect.

[0050] In the embodiment, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sound when a predetermined condition is met. The predetermined condition is, for example, clocking a predetermined time. When the natural environmental sound is updated, the clocking of the predetermined time is reset. That is, in this case, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sound every predetermined time. Furthermore, the predetermined condition is, for example, when the natural environmental sound is played back a predetermined number of times.

[0051] As already mentioned, in this embodiment, the environmental control system 100 is installed in the office 3. The sound source generation unit 12 autonomously updates the natural environmental sounds as a local system without transmitting or receiving information via an external network such as the Internet. In other words, the sound source generation unit 12 is installed in a facility (here, the office 3) having the target space 4, and updates the natural environmental sounds without going through an external network. This has the advantage that the system can be more easily simplified compared to updating the natural environmental sounds via an external network, and as a result, the costs required for setting up, constructing, and maintaining the system can be more easily reduced. The term "external network" as used here includes, for example, a network connectable to the Internet, but does not include the network that constitutes the environmental control system 100 itself.

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

[0053] The storage unit 13 stores data of natural environmental sounds reproduced by each acoustic device 2. When the natural environmental sounds reproduced differ for each target space 4 (group G1), the storage unit 13 stores data of natural environmental sounds for each target space 4.

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

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

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

[0057] The experimental space was equipped with multiple desks. Each subject typed using a personal computer (a laptop computer in this case) at one of the desks. Multiple base lights were installed on the ceiling of the experimental space to uniformly illuminate the entire space. Furthermore, a spotlight was installed at each desk to locally illuminate the corresponding desk.

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

[0059] The lighting conditions were the following four conditions (A1) to (A4). (A1) is to control each base light so that the color temperature of the illumination light is 3000K and the illuminance of the experimental space is 800lx. (A2) is to control each base light so that the color temperature of the illumination light is 3500K and the illuminance of the experimental space is 800lx. (A3) is to control each base light so that the color temperature of the illumination light is 5000K and the illuminance of the experimental space is 800lx. (A4) is to control each spotlight so that the color temperature of the illumination light is 3500K and the illuminance of the center of each desk is 1200lx.

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

[0061] The questionnaire for each subject asked about the degree of preference for the experimental space, in other words, the degree of dependence on the experimental space. Specifically, each subject answered how they liked the experimental space on a seven-point scale: (a) very much like it, (b) quite a bit like it, (c) a little bit like it, (d) neither, (e) a little bit dislike it, (f) quite a bit dislike it, and (g) very much dislike it.

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

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

[0064] In the following formula (2), when subjects have no particular impression of liking or disliking the experimental space, that is, when the evaluation is as in (d) above, the score V(m) is corrected to "0" by subtracting "4". Therefore, the maximum value of the score V(m) is "3", and the minimum value of the score V(m) is "-3". For example, if the score V(m) is the maximum value, it indicates that all subjects have the impression that they "really like" the experimental space. On the other hand, if the score V(m) is the minimum value, it indicates that all subjects have the impression that they "really dislike" the experimental space.

[0065]

number

[0066] The results of the above experiment will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 shows some of the results of the evaluation experiment for lighting control and sound control. In Figure 3, the vertical axis represents the score V(m) for the space under test. Also, in Figure 3, the horizontal axis represents the conditions of the space under test. Specifically, on the horizontal axis of Figure 3, "5000K" represents the lighting condition (A3), and "3500K" represents the lighting condition (A2). Also, on the horizontal axis of Figure 3, "silence" represents the sound condition (B1), and "natural environmental sound" represents the sound condition (B2).

[0067] In Figure 3, the score V(m) for the combination of "silence" and "3500K" is "+0.6", while the score V(m) for the combination of "silence" and "5000K" is "+0.6". In other words, even if the color temperature of the lighting light in the experimental space was increased, no increase in the score V(m) was confirmed. Also, the score V(m) for the combination of "natural environmental sounds" and "3500K" is "+0.4". In other words, here, even if natural environmental sounds were played in the experimental space, no increase in the score V(m) was confirmed.

[0068] On the other hand, in Figure 3, the score V(m) for the combination of "silence" and "3500K" is "+0.6," while the score V(m) for the combination of "natural environmental sounds" and "5000K" is "+1.4." In light of the experimental results described above, it is expected that the latter combination would not result in an increase in score V(m). However, by increasing the color temperature of the lighting in the experimental space and playing natural environmental sounds in the experimental space, a significant increase in score V(m) was confirmed compared to when only the color temperature was changed.

[0069] Based on the results of the above experiments, the inventors of the present application have discovered that by increasing the color temperature of the illumination light above the reference color temperature and playing specific sounds such as natural environmental sounds, it is easier to achieve an effect that is greater than the simple sum of the zoning effect that can be expected from the illumination light and the zoning effect that can be expected from the sound, compared to when only the color temperature of the illumination light is changed, and that it is possible to expect an unexpected and desirable synergistic effect to be more easily achieved.

[0070] [Operation] An example of the operation of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that the control unit 11 starts process S1 upon receiving a control input. In other words, before receiving the control input, the control unit 11 has not yet controlled one or more lighting devices 1 and one or more sound devices 2 in each target space 4 (group G1).

[0071] The control input is, for example, a lighting schedule and a sound schedule from the start of work to the end of work on any given day. In this case, the environment of each target space 4 is controlled in accordance with the lighting schedule and the sound schedule.

[0072] First, when the control unit 11 receives a control input, it controls one or more lighting devices 1 and one or more acoustic devices 2 in each target space 4 (group G1) in accordance with the received control input (S1). Process S1 corresponds to control step ST1 of the environmental control method. As a result, the environment of each target space 4 is controlled in accordance with the control input.

[0073] Thereafter, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (S2: Yes), the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sound (S3). Process S3 corresponds to sound source generation step ST2 of the environment control method. On the other hand, until the predetermined condition is satisfied (S2: No), the sound source generation unit 12 does not update the natural environmental sound (S4). In other words, the sound source generation unit 12 does not update the natural environmental sound unless the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0074] Here, the control unit 11 may control the one or more sound devices 2 to play the updated natural environmental sound after the natural environmental sound is updated by the sound source generation unit 12. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may control the one or more sound devices 2 to play the updated natural environmental sound from the day after the natural environmental sound is updated by the sound source generation unit 12. In other words, the timing at which the updated natural environmental sound is played does not necessarily have to coincide with the timing at which the natural environmental sound is updated by the sound source generation unit 12.

[0075] [advantage] The advantages of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment will be explained below. First, the viewpoint of the inventor of the present application will be explained. In recent years, users' work styles have become more diverse, and for example, ABW-type offices 3 and the like have become popular. As already mentioned, "ABW" is a working style in which users select the place or desk to work at depending on the work content. Specifically, "ABW" is a type of working in which users can work alone while concentrating, or in which multiple people share ideas. This is a work style that aims to improve users' productivity and wellness by providing multiple spaces or environments suitable for the user's activities, such as group work where participants contribute their ideas.

[0076] Here, by appropriately controlling the lighting environment and acoustic environment of the target space 4, it is possible to achieve a zoning effect, such as an effect of increasing the concentration of the user staying in the target space 4. However, there is a possibility that the user's ears will become accustomed to the natural environmental sounds reproduced in the target space 4 and the user will become bored, and if the user becomes bored with the natural environmental sounds, there is a possibility that the zoning effect will not be fully achieved. Therefore, the inventors of the present application have studied a system that makes it easy to maintain the zoning effect that the environment of the target space 4 has on the user.

[0077] In the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sound by changing at least one of the playback timing and volume of one or more sound data included in the natural environmental sound. Therefore, in the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, the natural environmental sound can be updated before the user gets bored with the natural environmental sound played in the target space 4. Therefore, the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment has the advantage that the user is less likely to get bored with the natural environmental sound, and the zoning effect is more likely to be sustained, in other words, the impact that the environment of the target space 4 has on the user is more likely to be sustained.

[0078] In addition to the mode in which the sound source generation unit 12 generates natural environmental sounds, a mode in which new natural environmental sound data is prepared and the natural environmental sounds are updated can be considered. However, this mode poses the problem that new natural environmental sound data must be prepared every time the natural environmental sounds are updated, which tends to increase the costs required for setting up, constructing, and maintaining the system. On the other hand, in the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, the sound source generation unit 12 generates and updates the natural environmental sounds, so there is no need to prepare new natural environmental sound data, which has the advantage of making it easier to reduce the costs required for setting up, constructing, and maintaining the system.

[0079] (Variation) Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Modifications of the embodiment will be listed below. The modifications described below may be combined as appropriate.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 5, an environmental control system 100A according to a modification of the embodiment differs from the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment in that it includes an acquisition unit 14. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the environmental control system 100A according to a first modification of the embodiment.

[0081] The acquisition unit acquires user information relating to a user in the target space 4. Then, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sound based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit .

[0082] Examples of user information acquired by the acquisition unit 14 and examples of updating natural environmental sounds based on the acquired user information are listed below. Note that the environmental control system 100A only needs to execute at least one of the first and second examples shown below, and may execute both examples.

[0083] In the first example, the acquisition unit 14 acquires presence / absence information indicating the presence or absence of a user in the target space 4 as user information. The acquisition unit 14 can acquire the presence / absence information by acquiring a detection result transmitted from a human presence sensor such as an infrared sensor installed in the target space 4. The acquisition unit 14 can also acquire a detection result from an indoor position information detection system using BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or the like, which is adopted in the target space 4. By doing so, it is possible to obtain presence / absence information.

[0084] The acquisition unit 14 can also acquire presence / absence information by, for example, acquiring an image of the target space 4 from a camera installed in the target space 4 and performing appropriate image analysis processing on the image. Additionally, the acquisition unit 14 can acquire presence / absence information by, for example, acquiring the results of reading a wireless IC tag carried by a user from a tag reader installed in the target space 4.

[0085] Then, in the first example, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sounds based on the presence / absence information. Specifically, the sound source generation unit 12 calculates the utilization rate of the target space 4 by referring to the presence / absence information. Note that the calculation of the utilization rate of the target space 4 may be performed by, for example, the control unit 11. Then, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sounds if the utilization rate of the target space 4 is equal to or lower than a threshold. In other words, in the first example, if the utilization rate of the target space 4 is equal to or lower than a threshold, the predetermined condition is met. Therefore, in the first example, it is possible to update the natural environmental sounds at a timing when it is estimated that the utilization rate of the target space 4 is relatively low, in other words, that the user is tired of the natural environmental sounds.

[0086] In a second example, the acquisition unit 14 acquires evaluation information indicating a user's evaluation of natural environmental sounds as user information. The acquisition unit 14 broadcasts, for example, survey information that can be received by an information terminal carried by the user. The survey information includes, for example, a question inquiring about an evaluation of the natural environmental sounds currently being played in the target space 4. When a user carrying an information terminal receives the survey information, the user operates the information terminal to answer the survey information and transmits the answers to the acquisition unit 14. The acquisition unit 14 is able to acquire the evaluation information by receiving the answers transmitted from the user's information terminal.

[0087] Then, in the second example, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sounds based on the evaluation information. Specifically, the sound source generation unit 12 counts the number of negative evaluations on the natural environmental sounds by referring to the evaluation information. Note that the counting of the number of negative evaluations may be performed by, for example, the control unit 11. Then, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sounds if the number of negative evaluations is equal to or greater than a threshold. In other words, in the second example, if the number of users who have given negative evaluations is equal to or greater than a threshold, the predetermined condition is met. Therefore, in the second example, it is possible to update the natural environmental sounds at a timing when it is estimated that the number of users who have given negative evaluations is relatively large, in other words, that users are tired of the natural environmental sounds.

[0088] In the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 controls the environments of a plurality of target spaces 4, but this is not limiting. For example, the environmental control system 100 may control the environment of only one target space 4.

[0089] In the embodiment, each lighting fixture 1 employs a base light as ambient lighting, but this is not limited to this. For example, some of the lighting fixtures 1 may employ spotlights as task lights.

[0090] In the embodiment, the lighting fixture 1 and the acoustic device 2 are configured as separate entities, but this is not limiting. For example, the lighting fixture 1 may have the acoustic device 2 built in, so that the lighting fixture 1 and the acoustic device 2 are configured as an integrated unit.

[0091] In the embodiment, the office 3 is configured as one large room with no other rooms, but this is not limiting. For example, the office 3 may be configured as a large room with one or more rooms, or may be configured across multiple floors.

[0092] In the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 targets one office 3, but is not limited to this. For example, the environmental control system 100 may target multiple offices 3 and control each lighting fixture 1 and each sound device 2 for each office 3.

[0093] In the embodiment, lighting fixture 1 and acoustic device 2 are not included as components of environmental control system 100, but at least one of lighting fixture 1 and acoustic device 2 may be included as components of environmental control system 100.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, although the environmental control system 100 in the above embodiment is realized by multiple devices, it may also be realized as a single device. For example, the environmental control system 100 may also be realized as a single device equivalent to a server device. When the environmental control system 100 is realized by multiple devices, the components of the environmental control system 100 may be distributed in any manner among the multiple devices. For example, the components of the server device in the above embodiment may be provided in an information terminal installed in a closed space. In other words, the present invention may be realized by cloud computing or edge computing.

[0095] For example, the communication method between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited, and a relay device (not shown) may be used in the communication between the devices.

[0096] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0097] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0098] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0099] For example, the present invention may be realized as an environmental control method executed by a computer such as the environmental control system 100, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such an environmental control method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0100] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0101] (summary) As described above, the environmental control systems 100, 100A include the control unit 11 and the sound source generation unit 12. The control unit 11 controls the environment of the target space 4 by controlling one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the target space 4 and one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to the target space 4. The sound source generation unit 12 generates natural environmental sounds to be reproduced by one or more acoustic devices 2. The sound source generation unit 12 determines the reproduction timing and sound of one or more sound data included in the natural environmental sounds. The natural ambient sound is updated by changing at least one of the amounts.

[0102] Such environmental control systems 100, 100A have the advantage that the user is less likely to tire of natural environmental sounds and the zoning effect is more likely to be sustained, in other words, the effect that the environment of the target space 4 has on the user is more likely to be sustained.

[0103] Furthermore, for example, in the environmental control systems 100 and 100A, there are multiple target spaces 4. The control unit 11 controls one or more lighting devices 1 and one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to each of the multiple target spaces 4 so as to make the environments of the multiple target spaces 4 different from one another.

[0104] According to such environmental control systems 100, 100A, different environments are provided for each target space 4, which makes it easier for the user to select a desired environment, and thus has the advantage of easily improving user convenience.

[0105] Also, for example, in the environmental control systems 100 and 100A, the sound source generation unit 12 is installed in a facility having the target space 4, and updates the natural environmental sounds without going through an external network.

[0106] Such environmental control systems 100, 100A have the advantage that the system can be more easily simplified compared to updating natural environmental sounds via an external network, which in turn makes it easier to reduce the costs involved in setting up, constructing, and maintaining the system.

[0107] Furthermore, for example, in environmental control systems 100 and 100A, controller 11 controls one or more lighting fixtures 1 so that the color temperature of the illumination light is higher than the reference color temperature.

[0108] Such environmental control systems 100, 100A have the advantage of easily providing the effect of increasing the concentration of users staying in the target space 4.

[0109] Moreover, for example, the environmental control system 100A further includes an acquisition unit 14 that acquires user information related to a user in the target space 4. The sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sound based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 14.

[0110] Such an environmental control system 100A has the advantage that it is easy to update the natural environmental sounds at a timing suited to the situation of the user who uses the target space 4.

[0111] The environmental control method also includes a control step ST1 and a sound source generation step ST2. In the control step ST1, the environment of the target space 4 is controlled by controlling one or more lighting devices 1 assigned to the target space 4 and one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to the target space 4. In the sound source generation step ST2, natural environmental sounds are generated to be played by one or more acoustic devices 2. In the sound source generation step ST2, the natural environmental sounds are updated by changing at least one of the playback timing and volume of one or more sound data included in the natural environmental sounds.

[0112] Such an environmental control method has the advantage that the user is less likely to tire of natural environmental sounds and the zoning effect is more likely to be sustained, in other words, the effect that the environment of the target space 4 has on the user is more likely to be sustained.

[0113] Also, for example, the program causes one or more processors to execute the above-described environmental control method.

[0114] According to such a program, the user will be less likely to tire of the natural environmental sounds, and the zoning effect will be more likely to be sustained. In other words, the effect that the environment of the target space 4 has on the user will be more likely to be sustained. , which has the advantage.

[0115] In the above embodiment, if it is not assumed that a zoning effect is provided to users staying in the target space 4, the environmental control system 100 does not need to control the lighting environment of the target space 4. In this case, the environmental control system 100 may be configured as follows. That is, the environmental control system 100 includes a control unit 11 and a sound source generation unit 12. The control unit 11 controls one or more sound devices 2 assigned to the target space 4. The sound source generation unit 12 generates natural environmental sounds to be played by the one or more sound devices 2. The sound source generation unit 12 updates the natural environmental sounds by changing at least one of the playback timing and volume of one or more sound data included in the natural environmental sounds. Furthermore, the sound source generation unit 12 is installed in a facility having the target space 4, and updates the natural environmental sounds without going through an external network.

[0116] In this embodiment, the environmental control system 100 may be configured separately from the acoustic device 2, or may be mounted on the acoustic device 2. In the latter case, if there are multiple acoustic devices 2, the environmental control system 100 may be mounted on any one of the acoustic devices 2, or the environmental control system 100 may be mounted on each of the acoustic devices 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 100,100A Environmental Control System 11 Control section 12 Sound source generation section 14 Acquisition Department 1. Lighting equipment 2 Sound equipment 4 Target Space ST1 control step ST2 Sound source generation step

Claims

1. a control unit that controls the environment of the target space by controlling one or more lighting devices assigned to the target space and one or more sound devices assigned to the target space; a sound source generator that generates natural environmental sounds to be reproduced by the one or more acoustic devices; an acquisition unit that acquires user information related to a user in the target space, when the utilization rate of the target space calculated based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or lower than a threshold value, the sound source generation unit updates the natural environmental sound by changing at least one of a playback timing, a volume, and a type of playback sound of one or more sound data included in the natural environmental sound; The generation of the natural environmental sound is performed by randomly changing a part or all of one or more pieces of sound data constituting an existing natural environmental sound as a base to generate a new natural environmental sound. Environmental control system.

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

3. the sound source generation unit is installed in a facility having the target space, and updates the natural environmental sound without going through an external network.

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

4. the control unit controls the one or more lighting devices so that the color temperature of the illumination light is higher than a reference color temperature. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a control step of controlling an environment of the target space by controlling one or more lighting devices assigned to the target space and one or more sound devices assigned to the target space; a sound source generating step of generating natural environmental sounds to be reproduced by the one or more sound devices; acquiring user information about a user in the target space; In the sound source generation step, when the utilization rate of the target space calculated based on the user information acquired in the acquisition step is equal to or less than a threshold value, the natural environmental sound is updated by changing at least one of a playback timing, a volume, and a type of playback sound of one or more sound data included in the natural environmental sound; The generation of the natural environmental sound is performed by randomly changing a part or all of one or more pieces of sound data constituting an existing natural environmental sound as a base to generate a new natural environmental sound. Environmental control methods.

6. one or more processors, Executing the environmental control method according to claim 5 . program.

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