Lighting system, control device, and control method

Abstract

To provide a lighting system with a highly relaxing effect.SOLUTION: A lighting system 1 includes a light emitting unit 21 and a controller 11. The controller 11 controls the light emitting unit 21. A first period during which the light intensity of the light emitting unit 21 is controlled by the controller 11 includes a second period during which the light intensity of the light emitting unit 21 is controlled based on a light output pattern. The light intensity of the light emitting unit 21 to be controlled by the controller 11 is such that in the second period, the component intensities of light components whose frequencies are higher than 1 Hz are 5% or less of the maximum value of the component intensities of light components whose frequencies are 1 Hz or less. The second period includes at least a third period. With respect to the light intensity of the light emitting unit 21 to be controlled by the controller 11, a maximum value Lmax of the light intensity of the light emitting unit 21 in the third period satisfies the relationship of 2≤Lmax / Lmin≤10 for a minimum value Lmin of the light intensity of the light emitting unit 21 in the third period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting system, a control device, and a control method, and more particularly to a lighting system, a control device, and a control method for controlling a light-emitting unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting device (lighting system) that can provide a relaxing effect through fluctuations in color and brightness.

[0003] The lighting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a light source (light-emitting unit) and a control device (control unit) that controls the light source based on a lighting signal. The lighting signal is a composite wave formed by combining multiple waves with different frequencies. The control device causes the light source to emit light based on a series of multiple lighting signals that are repeatedly read. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-46334 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The lighting device in Patent Document 1 uses a continuous lighting signal in which the end of one lighting signal is connected to the beginning of the next lighting signal, thereby avoiding interruptions in lighting and color loss. However, depending on the waveform of the lighting signal, lighting flicker or fluctuations may be difficult to perceive, making it difficult to achieve a sufficient relaxation effect.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a lighting system, a control device, and a control method that have a high relaxation effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An illumination system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a light-emitting unit and a control unit. The light-emitting unit includes a light source. The control unit controls the light-emitting unit. In the light intensity of the light-emitting unit controlled by the control unit, a first period includes a second period. In the first period, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled by the control unit. In the second period, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled based on a light output pattern. In the second period, the component intensity of a light component having a frequency higher than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of a light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz. The second period includes at least a third period. In the light intensity of the light-emitting unit controlled by the control unit, a maximum value Lmax of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period satisfies the relationship 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10 with respect to a minimum value Lmin of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period. The light output pattern includes partial patterns. The partial patterns are repeated multiple times in the light output pattern. The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the partial pattern and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the partial pattern satisfy the relationship 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a 0.5-second period starting from the start of the partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the partial pattern. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a 0.5-second period ending from the end of the partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the partial pattern. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an illumination system includes a light-emitting unit and a control unit. The light-emitting unit includes a light source. The control unit controls the light-emitting unit. In the light intensity of the light-emitting unit controlled by the control unit, a first period includes a second period. In the first period, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled by the control unit. In the second period, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled based on a light output pattern. In the second period, the component intensity of a light component having a frequency higher than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of a light component having a frequency of 1 Hz or less. The second period includes at least a third period. In the light intensity of the light-emitting unit controlled by the control unit, a maximum value Lmax of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period satisfies the relationship 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10 with respect to a minimum value Lmin of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period. The light output pattern includes a first partial pattern and a second partial pattern. The light output pattern includes at least a portion in which the first partial pattern and the second partial pattern are consecutive in this order. The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the second partial pattern and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the first partial pattern satisfy the relationship 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a 0.5-second period ending at the end of the first partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the first partial pattern. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a 0.5-second period starting at the start of the second partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the second partial pattern.

[0008] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit. The control unit controls the light output of a light-emitting unit including a light source. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit controlled by the control unit is such that a first period includes a second period. During the first period, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled by the control unit. During the second period, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled based on a light output pattern. During the second period, the component intensity of a light component having a frequency greater than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of a light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz. The second period includes at least a third period. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit controlled by the control unit satisfies the relationship 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10, where Lmax is the maximum value of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during the third period and Lmin is the minimum value of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during the third period. The light output pattern includes partial patterns. The partial patterns are repeated multiple times in the light output pattern. The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the partial pattern and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the partial pattern satisfy the relationship 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a 0.5-second period starting from the start of the partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the partial pattern. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a 0.5-second period ending from the end of the partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the partial pattern. A control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit. The control unit controls the light output of a light-emitting unit including a light source. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit controlled by the control unit includes a first period that includes a second period. During the first period, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled by the control unit. During the second period, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled based on a light output pattern. During the second period, the component intensity of a light component having a frequency greater than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of a light component having a frequency of 1 Hz or less. The second period includes at least a third period. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit controlled by the control unit satisfies the relationship 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10, where Lmax is the maximum value of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during the third period, and Lmin is the minimum value of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during the third period. The light output pattern includes a first partial pattern and a second partial pattern. The light output pattern includes at least a portion in which the first partial pattern and the second partial pattern are consecutive in this order. The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the second partial pattern and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the first partial pattern satisfy the relationship 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a 0.5-second period ending at the end of the first partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the first partial pattern. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a 0.5-second period starting at the start of the second partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the second partial pattern.

[0009] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a control step. The control step controls the light output of a light-emitting unit including a light source. In the control step, the light intensity of the light output of the light-emitting unit is controlled in a first period, which includes a second period. In the first period, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled by the control step. In the second period, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled based on a light output pattern. In the second period, the component intensity of a light component having a frequency greater than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of a light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz. The second period includes at least a third period. In the control step, the light intensity of the light output of the light-emitting unit satisfies the relationship 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10, where Lmax is the maximum value of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period and Lmin is the minimum value of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period. The light output pattern includes partial patterns. The partial patterns are repeated multiple times in the light output pattern. The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the partial pattern and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the partial pattern satisfy the relationship 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a 0.5-second period starting from the start of the partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the partial pattern. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a 0.5-second period ending from the end of the partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the partial pattern. A control method according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a control step. The control step controls the light output of a light-emitting unit including a light source. In the control step, the light intensity of the light output of the light-emitting unit is controlled based on a light output pattern. A first period includes a second period. In the first period, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled by the control step. In the second period, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled based on a light output pattern. In the second period, the component intensity of a light component having a frequency greater than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of a light component having a frequency of 1 Hz or less. The second period includes at least a third period. In the control step, the light intensity of the light output of the light-emitting unit satisfies the relationship 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10, where Lmax is the maximum value of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period, and Lmin is the minimum value of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period. The light output pattern includes a first partial pattern and a second partial pattern. The light output pattern includes at least a portion in which the first partial pattern and the second partial pattern are consecutive in this order. The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the second partial pattern and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the first partial pattern satisfy the relationship 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a 0.5-second period ending at the end of the first partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the first partial pattern. The light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a 0.5-second period starting at the start of the second partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the second partial pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting system, a control device, and a control method can enhance the relaxation effect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a graph showing a waveform of a light output pattern in the above light emitting system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the frequency distribution of the light output pattern in the above light emitting system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing a waveform of a light output pattern including a partial pattern in the light emitting system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the fluctuation frequency of the light intensity of the illumination and the flicker threshold. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a table showing the relationship between the fluctuation frequency and degree of change of the light intensity of lighting, and the fluctuation sensitivity and discomfort. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the frequency distribution of the light output pattern in the light emitting system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the waveform of the light output pattern in the light emitting system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the waveform of the light output pattern in the light emitting system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing a waveform of a static pattern that is a part of a light output pattern in a light emitting system according to a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the waveform of the light output pattern in the light emitting system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the waveform of the light output pattern in the light emitting system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the waveform of a light pattern in the light emitting system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 14] 14A and 14B are schematic diagrams and plan views showing the conditions for measuring illuminance, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, a lighting system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) 1. Lighting system The configuration of a lighting system 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a control device 10 and a light source device 20.

[0015] 2. Elements of the lighting system Hereinafter, each component of the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0016] (1) Control device As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 10 includes a control unit 11 and a storage unit 12.

[0017] The control unit 11 controls the lighting of the light source device 20. More specifically, the control unit 11 controls the light emitting unit 21 provided in the light source device 20 so that the light intensity of the light emitting unit 21 changes according to a light output pattern, for example. The light intensity of the light emitting unit 21 is the luminance of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 21, for example. The control unit 11 outputs a dimming signal based on the light output pattern to the light source device 20. The dimming signal is, for example, a voltage value to be applied to the light source of the light emitting unit 21, and is generated by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control.

[0018] The light output pattern is, for example, data indicating the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 21 for each time. The control unit 11 generates the light output pattern using, for example, a partial pattern. The partial pattern is, for example, data indicating the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 21 for each elapsed time from the start of a finite period.

[0019] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium that stores partial patterns.

[0020] The control device 10 includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The functions of the control device 10 of the present disclosure are realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), and ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmable after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow the reconfiguration of internal connections or circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also comprises one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0021] Furthermore, it is not essential for the control device 10 that multiple functions are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the control device 10 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the control device 10, for example, some of the functions of the control unit 11, may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0022] Conversely, in the first embodiment, at least some of the functions of the control device 10 that are distributed among multiple devices may be integrated into one housing. For example, some of the functions of the control device 10 that are distributed between the control unit 11 and the storage unit 12 may be integrated into one housing.

[0023] (2) Light source device 1, the light source device 20 includes a light-emitting unit 21. The light source device 20 is, for example, a so-called ceiling light that is installed on a ceiling. Note that the light source device 20 is not limited to a ceiling light and may be any lighting device, such as a lighting stand or spotlight.

[0024] The light-emitting unit 21 includes a light source. The light source is, for example, an LED light source that emits white light. The light-emitting unit 21 changes the light intensity of the output light output from the light source based on the control of the control unit 11. For example, the light-emitting unit 21 outputs light when a voltage indicated by a dimming signal output by the control unit 11 is applied to the light source.

[0025] 3. Light emission control by the control unit The control of the light-emitting unit 21 based on the light output pattern will be described in more detail below.

[0026] (1) Light output pattern and partial output pattern 2 is a graph showing the waveform of light output pattern 110. As described above, light output pattern 110 is the value of light intensity L of light emitted by light-emitting unit 21 at each time.

[0027] In the light output pattern 110, the maximum value Lmax of the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 and the minimum value Lmin of the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 have the following relationship: 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10 ……(Formula 1)

[0028] If the ratio Lmax / Lmin of the maximum value Lmax to the minimum value Lmin of the light intensity L is small, the fluctuation of the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 may not be perceived. Therefore, it is preferable that Lmax / Lmin is 2 or more. On the other hand, if Lmax / Lmin is large, the fluctuation of the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 may be perceived as flickering, which may be unpleasant for the viewer. Therefore, it is preferable that Lmax / Lmin is 10 or less in the light output pattern 110.

[0029] Furthermore, it is more preferable that the maximum value Lmax of the light intensity L of the light-emitting section 21 and the minimum value Lmin of the light intensity L of the light-emitting section 21 satisfy the following relationship: 3≦Lmax / Lmin≦5 ……(Formula 2)

[0030] This makes it easier to perceive the fluctuations in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21. On the other hand, it is possible to suppress discomfort caused by the fluctuations in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 being perceived as flickering. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the relaxation effect caused by the fluctuations in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 by the lighting system 1.

[0031] (2) Frequency of the optical output pattern FIG. 3 is a graph showing frequency distribution 131 of light output pattern 110. Frequency distribution 131 of light output pattern 110 indicates the component intensity (amplitude of the sine wave) of each frequency when light output pattern 110 is generated by combining sine waves. For example, if frequency distribution 131 of light output pattern 110 has a peak at 0.1 Hz, this indicates that light output pattern 110 is a combined wave containing a sine wave with a frequency of 0.1 Hz. Hereinafter, when frequency distribution 131 of light output pattern 110 has a peak with component intensity I at frequency f, this means that light output pattern 110 has a light component with frequency f, and the component intensity of the light component with frequency f is I. Frequency distribution 131 of light output pattern 110 can be obtained by Fourier transforming light output pattern 110 as a function of time into a function of frequency.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, light output pattern 110 includes at least a light component having a frequency of 1 Hz or less. Furthermore, in light output pattern 110, the component intensity of a light component having a frequency greater than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity I1 of a light component having a frequency of 1 Hz or less. Note that maximum component intensity I1 of a light component having a frequency of 1 Hz or less is the maximum component intensity of a peak present in the frequency range of 1 Hz or less in frequency distribution 131 of light output pattern 110. For example, if frequency distribution 131 of light output pattern 110 has multiple peaks in the frequency range of 1 Hz or less, the component intensity of the peak with the greatest component intensity is maximum component intensity I1 of a light component having a frequency of 1 Hz or less. Furthermore, if frequency distribution 131 of light output pattern 110 has only one peak in the frequency range of 1 Hz or less, the component intensity of that peak is maximum component intensity I1 of a light component having a frequency of 1 Hz or less. As a result, in the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment, the fluctuations in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 are prevented from being perceived as flickering, which leads to discomfort, and the relaxation effect due to the fluctuations in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 can be obtained.

[0033] Note that light output pattern 110 does not necessarily have to contain light components with frequencies greater than 1 Hz. If light output pattern 110 does not contain light components with frequencies greater than 1 Hz, the component intensity of light components with frequencies greater than 1 Hz is 0. Therefore, the component intensity of light components with frequencies greater than 1 Hz will be 5% or less of the maximum component intensity I1 of light components with frequencies equal to or less than 1 Hz.

[0034] Furthermore, in the light output pattern, the peak intensity of light components with frequencies greater than 0.5 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum value I2 of the component intensity of light components with frequencies equal to or less than 0.5 Hz. Note that the light output pattern does not necessarily include light components with frequencies greater than 0.5 Hz. In this case, the component intensity of light components with frequencies greater than 0.5 Hz is also 0, so naturally the component intensity of light components with frequencies greater than 0.5 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum value I2 of the component intensity of light components with frequencies equal to or less than 0.5 Hz. As a result, the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment can prevent fluctuations in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 from being perceived as flickering and leading to discomfort, and can obtain a relaxing effect due to the fluctuations in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21.

[0035] (3) Partial Pattern 4, the light output pattern 110 includes a partial pattern 111. In the light output pattern 110, the partial pattern 111 is repeated multiple times. More specifically, the partial pattern 111 starts at time T11, and the next partial pattern 111 starts at time T12, which is the end of the partial pattern 111 started at time T11. As described above, the partial pattern 111 is data that indicates the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 21 for each elapsed time from the start of the period P1, for the period P1. The time length of the period P1 is, for example, 40 seconds.

[0036] (3.1) The beginning and end of a subpattern The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting section 21 at the start end of the partial pattern 111 and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting section 21 at the end end of the partial pattern 111 have the following relationship. 0.9≦(L1 / L2)≦1.1……(Formula 3)

[0037] Furthermore, at time T12, the end of one partial pattern 111 and the start of the next partial pattern 111 are temporally continuous. Therefore, at time T12 when one partial pattern 111 ends and the next partial pattern 111 starts, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 changes from the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the end of the partial pattern 111 to the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the start of the partial pattern 111. Therefore, depending on the relationship between the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the end of the partial pattern 111 and the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the start of the partial pattern 111, a sudden change in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 may occur at time T12. Therefore, it is preferable that the ratio L1 / L2 of the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the start of the partial pattern 111 to the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the end of the partial pattern 111 be 0.9 or more and 1.1 or less. This prevents the change in light intensity L of light-emitting unit 21 from being perceived as flickering at time T12 when partial pattern 111 ends and the next partial pattern 111 starts, which can prevent discomfort.

[0038] (3.2) Near the beginning and end of a subpattern In a start-side period P21 having a predetermined time length with the start time T11 as the start end of the partial pattern 111, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 has the following relationship with the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the start end of the partial pattern 111. The predetermined time length, which is the period length of the start-side period P21, is, for example, 0.5 seconds. 0.85≦L / L1≦1.15……(Formula 4)

[0039] Furthermore, in an end-side period P22 having a predetermined time length with the end time T12 being the end of the partial pattern 111, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 has the following relationship with the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the end of the partial pattern 111. The predetermined time length, which is the period length of the end-side period P22, is, for example, 0.5 seconds. 0.85≦L / L2≦1.15……(Formula 5)

[0040] As described above, at time T12, the end of one partial pattern 111 and the beginning of the next partial pattern 111 are temporally continuous. Therefore, if the degree of change in light intensity L of light-emitting unit 21 differs between the end-side period P22 and the beginning-side period P21, the degree of change in light intensity L of light-emitting unit 21 at time T12 will fluctuate, and the change in light intensity L of light-emitting unit 21 at time T12 may be perceived as flickering.

[0041] In contrast, in the light output pattern 110 according to the first embodiment, in the terminal-side period P22, the difference between the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the terminal end of the partial pattern 111 is within 15% of the light intensity L2. Similarly, in the starting-end side period P21, the difference between the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 and the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the starting end of the partial pattern 111 is within 15% of the light intensity L1. Therefore, the degree of change in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is similar and small between the terminal-end side period P22 and the starting-end side period P21. As a result, in the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the degree of change in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 at time T12 when the partial pattern 111 ends and the next partial pattern 111 starts. Therefore, in the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment, at time T12 when the partial pattern 111 ends and the next partial pattern 111 starts, the change in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is perceived as flickering, which can prevent discomfort.

[0042] 3. Visibility of fluctuations and discomfort The relationship between the frequency of fluctuations in the light intensity of illumination, the amount of change in light intensity, and human vision will be described in more detail below.

[0043] (1) Frequency and flicker threshold Figure 5 is a graph showing the relationship between lighting fluctuation frequency and flicker threshold. The flicker threshold is the minimum ratio of maximum to minimum luminance required for perceiving flicker when the luminance of a light source changes sinusoidally. In other words, Figure 5 shows, for each lighting fluctuation frequency, whether or not a change in luminance of a light source is perceived as flicker and leads to discomfort. At a fluctuation frequency with a low flicker threshold, even a small ratio of maximum to minimum luminance is likely to be perceived as flicker, leading to discomfort. On the other hand, at a fluctuation frequency with a high flicker threshold, flicker may not be perceived unless the ratio of maximum to minimum luminance is large. This makes it less likely to cause discomfort due to the perception of flicker, and facilitates the relaxation effect of light intensity fluctuations. Note that in Figure 5, the threshold is smaller toward the top and larger toward the bottom, making flicker more likely to be perceived toward the top and less likely to be perceived toward the bottom.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, when the fluctuation frequency is 20 Hz or less, the threshold value increases as the fluctuation frequency decreases. In other words, when the fluctuation frequency is 20 Hz or less, the smaller the fluctuation frequency, the less likely it is to be perceived as flickering unless the ratio between the maximum and minimum light intensity values ​​is large. In particular, when the fluctuation frequency is 1 Hz or less, changes in light intensity due to fluctuation are less likely to be perceived as flickering, and the relaxation effect of the fluctuation can be achieved.

[0045] (2) Combination of frequency and light intensity change Figure 6 shows the results of an experiment investigating discomfort and sensitivity to fluctuations for combinations of lighting light intensity fluctuation frequency and light intensity change amount. In Figure 6, D1 indicates combinations where light intensity fluctuations are perceived as flickering and are likely to lead to discomfort. D2 indicates combinations where light intensity fluctuations are difficult to perceive and where a relaxation effect is difficult to achieve. Furthermore, for combinations where light intensity fluctuations are difficult to perceive as flickering and are unlikely to cause discomfort, A, B, and C are indicated in descending order of the percentage of people who perceived light intensity fluctuations and experienced a relaxation effect.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, when the light intensity fluctuation frequency exceeds 1 Hz, the light intensity fluctuation is more likely to be perceived as flickering and lead to discomfort than when the light intensity fluctuation frequency is 1 Hz or less. Therefore, it is preferable that the light intensity fluctuation frequency be 1 Hz or less. Furthermore, when the light intensity fluctuation frequency is 0.5 Hz or less, the relaxation effect of the light intensity fluctuation is even greater. Therefore, it is even more preferable that the light intensity fluctuation frequency be 0.5 Hz or less.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, when the ratio of the maximum to minimum light intensity exceeds 10, the fluctuations in light intensity are easily perceived as flickering, which can lead to discomfort. Therefore, it is preferable that the ratio of the maximum to minimum light intensity is 10 or less. Furthermore, when the ratio of the maximum to minimum light intensity is 5 or less, the fluctuations in light intensity are even less likely to be perceived as flickering, which is more preferable.

[0048] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6, when the difference between the maximum and minimum light intensity values ​​is less than 2, the fluctuations in light intensity are less perceptible. Therefore, it is preferable that the ratio between the maximum and minimum light intensity values ​​is 2 or more. Furthermore, when the ratio between the maximum and minimum light intensity values ​​is 3 or more, the fluctuations in light intensity are more easily perceptible, which is more preferable.

[0049] 4.Effects In the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment, in the light output pattern, the component intensity of the light component with a frequency higher than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of the light component with a frequency equal to or lower than 1 Hz. That is, the light output pattern includes light components with a frequency equal to or lower than 1 Hz, and the component intensity of the light component with a frequency higher than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of the light component with a frequency equal to or lower than 1 Hz. Therefore, the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment can provide a user with a sense of relaxation due to the fluctuations in light intensity while suppressing discomfort caused by the perception of flickering due to the fluctuations in light intensity.

[0050] Furthermore, in the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment, in the light output pattern, the ratio of the maximum value Lmax to the minimum value Lmin of the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is equal to or greater than 2 and equal to or less than 10. This allows the user to perceive the fluctuation of the light intensity L and prevents discomfort caused by the fluctuation of the light intensity L being perceived as flickering. Therefore, the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment can reliably give the user a sense of relaxation due to the fluctuation of the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21.

[0051] Furthermore, in the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment, the light output pattern includes a partial pattern. The partial pattern is repeated multiple times in the light output pattern. This eliminates the need to store in the storage unit 12 the light output pattern over the entire period in which the light-emitting unit 21 is controlled based on the light output pattern. This makes it possible to increase the variety of light output patterns while saving the capacity of the storage unit 12.

[0052] Furthermore, in the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment, the ratio L1 / L2 of the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the start of a partial pattern to the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the end of the partial pattern is 0.9 or more and 1.1 or less. Therefore, in the light output pattern, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 21 does not fluctuate between the end of a partial pattern and the start of the next partial pattern. Therefore, in the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent flickering of the light output by the light-emitting unit 21 between the end of a partial pattern and the start of the next partial pattern.

[0053] Furthermore, in the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment, during a start-side period P21 having a predetermined duration and starting from the beginning of a partial pattern, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the beginning of the partial pattern. Furthermore, during an end-side period P22 having a predetermined duration and ending from the end of the partial pattern, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the end of the partial pattern. Therefore, in the light output pattern, the degree of change in light intensity does not differ between the end of a partial pattern and the start of the next partial pattern. Therefore, the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment can prevent flickering of the light output by the light-emitting unit 21 between the end of a partial pattern and the start of the next partial pattern.

[0054] (Embodiment 2) The lighting system 1 according to the second embodiment is characterized in that the frequency distribution of the light output pattern further satisfies the following condition.

[0055] Fig. 7 is a graph showing a frequency distribution 132 of a light output pattern according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the light output pattern includes at least a light component having a frequency of 0.1 Hz or less and a light component having a frequency greater than 0.1 Hz and less than 0.3 Hz.

[0056] In the light output pattern according to the second embodiment, the peak average value of the component intensity of the light component with a frequency of 0.1 Hz or less is greater than the peak average value of the component intensity of the light component with a frequency of more than 0.1 Hz but less than 0.3 Hz, and the peak average value of the component intensity of the light component with a frequency of more than 0.1 Hz but less than 0.3 Hz is greater than the peak average value of the component intensity of the light component with a frequency of 0.3 Hz or more.

[0057] Here, the peak average value of component intensity of light components with frequencies of 0.1 Hz or less refers to the average value of peak intensities in the frequency range of 0.1 Hz or less in frequency distribution 132 of the light output pattern. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when multiple peaks exist in the frequency range of 0.1 Hz or less in frequency distribution 132 of the light output pattern, it is the average value of component intensity of each light component corresponding to the peak. That is, in FIG. 7, the average value of each component intensity of peaks F1 to F4 is the peak average value of component intensity of light components with frequencies of 0.1 Hz or less. Note that when only one peak exists in the frequency range of 0.1 Hz or less in the frequency distribution of the light output pattern, the component intensity of the light component corresponding to the peak is the peak average value of component intensity of light components with frequencies of 0.1 Hz or less.

[0058] Similarly, the peak average value of component intensity of a light component having a frequency greater than 0.1 Hz and less than 0.3 Hz refers to the average value of peak intensity in the frequency range greater than 0.1 Hz and less than 0.3 Hz in frequency distribution 132 of the light output pattern. That is, the peak average value of component intensity of a light component having a frequency greater than 0.1 Hz and less than 0.3 Hz is the average value of the intensities of each of peaks F5 to F12 in Fig. 7. Note that, when there is only one peak in the frequency range greater than 0.1 Hz and less than 0.3 Hz in the frequency distribution of the light output pattern, the component intensity of the light component corresponding to the peak is the peak average value of component intensity of the light component having a frequency greater than 0.1 Hz and less than 0.3 Hz.

[0059] Similarly, the peak average value of component intensity of light components having frequencies equal to or greater than 0.3 Hz refers to the average value of peak intensities in a frequency range greater than 0.3 Hz in frequency distribution 132 of the light output pattern. That is, the peak average value of component intensity of light components having frequencies equal to or greater than 0.3 Hz is the average value of the intensities of peaks F13 to F16 in FIG. 7. If the frequency distribution of the light output pattern has only one peak in a frequency range greater than 0.3 Hz, the light intensity of the light component corresponding to the peak is the peak average value of component intensity of light components having frequencies greater than 0.3 Hz. It is also possible that the frequency distribution of the light output pattern does not have to have a peak in a frequency range greater than 0.3 Hz, in which case the peak average value of component intensity of light components having frequencies greater than 0.3 Hz is 0.

[0060] When the light output pattern satisfies the above-mentioned conditions, the frequency distribution 132 of the light output pattern has a characteristic of so-called "1 / f fluctuation," in which the component intensity increases as the frequency of the light component decreases and the component intensity decreases as the frequency of the light component increases. That is, because the component intensity of the light component with a high frequency is low, the fluctuation of the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is less likely to be perceived as flickering. On the other hand, because the component intensity of the light component with a low frequency is high, the fluctuation of the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is more likely to be perceived. Therefore, the lighting system 1 according to the second embodiment can enhance the relaxation effect due to the fluctuation of the light intensity while suppressing the discomfort caused by flickering. Furthermore, the lighting system 1 according to the second embodiment includes a light output pattern that includes multiple frequency components. Therefore, the lighting system 1 according to the second embodiment can enhance the irregularity of the fluctuation of the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 based on the light output pattern, thereby further enhancing the relaxation effect.

[0061] (Embodiment 3) The lighting system 1 according to the third embodiment is characterized in that the light output pattern includes a plurality of types of partial patterns.

[0062] In the lighting system 1 according to the third embodiment, the light output pattern includes two or more types of partial patterns. For example, the storage unit 12 stores a first partial pattern 112 and a second partial pattern 113. The light output pattern may be, for example, a pattern in which the first partial pattern 112 and the second partial pattern 113 are alternately repeated. The light output pattern may be, for example, a pattern in which the first partial pattern 112 appears twice followed by the second partial pattern 113 once. Alternatively, the light output pattern may be, for example, a pattern in which the first partial pattern 112 appears three times followed by the second partial pattern 113. That is, the light output pattern may include any combination of multiple types of partial patterns.

[0063] 8 is a graph showing a light output pattern 115 according to embodiment 3. The light output pattern 115 includes a first partial pattern 112 and a second partial pattern 113 that immediately follows the first partial pattern 112. The first partial pattern 112 shows the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 during a period P11 from time T13 to time T14. The second partial pattern 113 shows the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 during a period P12 from time T14 to time T15.

[0064] In this case, the first partial pattern 112 and the second partial pattern 113 satisfy the following conditions.

[0065] In an end-side period P24 having a predetermined time length with the end time T14 being the end of the first partial pattern 112, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 has the following relationship with the light intensity L4. 0.85≦L / L4≦1.15……(Formula 6)

[0066] In addition, in a start-end side period P25 having a predetermined time length with the start time T14 being the start end of the second partial pattern 113, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 has the following relationship with the light intensity L5. 0.85≦L / L5≦1.15……(Formula 7)

[0067] Furthermore, the light intensity L5 of the light-emitting section 21 at the starting end of the second partial pattern 113 and the light intensity L4 of the light-emitting section 21 at the ending end of the first partial pattern 112 have the following relationship. 0.9≦(L5 / L4)≦1.1……(Formula 8)

[0068] This makes it possible to suppress fluctuations in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 at time T14 when the first partial pattern 112 ends and the second partial pattern 113 starts in the light output pattern 115. Therefore, in the lighting system 1 according to the third embodiment, it is possible to suppress discomfort caused by the change in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 being perceived as flickering at time T14 when the first partial pattern 112 ends and the second partial pattern 113 starts.

[0069] When the light output pattern 115 includes a repetition of the first partial pattern 112, in addition to the above-mentioned conditions, the first partial pattern 112 preferably satisfies the following condition, as in the first embodiment: That is, for the first partial pattern 112, the light intensity L3 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the starting end and the light intensity L4 at the end satisfy the following condition. 0.9≦(L3 / L4)≦1.1……(Formula 9)

[0070] Furthermore, in a start-end side period P23 having a predetermined time length with the start time T13 being the start end of the first partial pattern 112, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 has the following relationship with the light intensity L3. 0.85≦L / L3≦1.15……(Formula 10)

[0071] When the light output pattern 115 includes a repetition of the second partial pattern 113, in addition to the above-mentioned conditions, the second partial pattern 113 preferably satisfies the following condition, as in the first embodiment: That is, for the second partial pattern 113, the light intensity L5 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the starting end and the light intensity L6 at the end satisfy the following condition. 0.9≦(L5 / L6)≦1.1……(Formula 11)

[0072] Furthermore, in an end-side period P26 having a predetermined time length with the end time T15 being the end of the second partial pattern 113, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 has the following relationship with the light intensity L6. 0.85≦L / L6≦1.15……(Formula 12)

[0073] Therefore, similar to the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment, the lighting system 1 according to the third embodiment can provide a user with a sense of relaxation due to the fluctuations in light intensity while suppressing the discomfort caused by the fluctuations in light intensity being perceived as flickering.

[0074] (Embodiment 4) The lighting system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is characterized in that the light output pattern includes patterns other than the partial patterns.

[0075] 9 is a graph showing a light output pattern 120 according to embodiment 4. The light output pattern 120 includes a first partial pattern 112, a static pattern 121 following the first partial pattern 112, and a second partial pattern 113 following the static pattern 121. More specifically, the first partial pattern 112 occurs from time T16 to time T17, the static pattern 121 occurs from time T17 to time T18, and the second partial pattern 113 occurs from time T18 to time T19.

[0076] Similarly to the third embodiment, the first partial pattern 112 satisfies the following conditions. That is, the ratio L3 / L4 of the light intensity L3 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the starting end of the first partial pattern 112 to the light intensity L4 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the ending end of the first partial pattern 112 is 0.9 or more and 1.1 or less. Furthermore, in a start-end-side period P23 (see FIG. 8 ) having a predetermined length and starting from the starting end of the first partial pattern 112, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L3 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the starting end of the first partial pattern 112. Furthermore, in an end-end-side period P24 (see FIG. 8 ) having a predetermined length and ending from the ending end of the first partial pattern 112, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L4 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the ending end of the first partial pattern 112.

[0077] Furthermore, in static pattern 121, during period P3 from time T17 to time T18, light intensity L of light-emitting unit 21 is light intensity L4.

[0078] Therefore, in the light output pattern 120, at time T17 when the first partial pattern 112 ends and the static pattern 121 starts, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 does not change from light intensity L4. Furthermore, in the first partial pattern 112, the degree of change in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is small in the termination-side period P24. Therefore, at time T17 when the first partial pattern 112 ends and the static pattern 121 starts, the degree of change in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 does not change significantly. As a result, in the lighting system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to prevent the change in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 from being perceived as flickering at time T17 when the first partial pattern 112 ends and the static pattern 121 starts.

[0079] Furthermore, in the light output pattern 120, at time T18 when the static pattern 121 ends and the second partial pattern 113 begins, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 changes from L4 to L3. However, the ratio L5 / L4 between the light intensity L5 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the beginning of the second partial pattern 113 and the light intensity L4 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the end of the first partial pattern 112 satisfies a relationship of 0.9 to 1.1. Therefore, the change in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 at time T18 is unlikely to be perceived as flickering. Furthermore, in the second partial pattern 113, the degree of change in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is small during the beginning-side period P25 (see FIG. 8 ) starting from the beginning. Therefore, even at time T18 when the static pattern 121 ends and the second partial pattern 113 begins, the degree of change in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 does not change significantly. As a result, in the lighting system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, at time T18 when the static pattern 121 ends and the second partial pattern 113 starts, the change in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 can be prevented from being perceived as flickering.

[0080] Furthermore, in the static pattern 121, there is no fluctuation in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21. Therefore, in the lighting system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the irregularity of the fluctuation in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 can be further improved in the light output pattern 120, thereby enhancing the relaxation effect.

[0081] In the light output pattern 120 according to the fourth embodiment, the partial pattern immediately before the static pattern 121 is the first partial pattern 112, and the partial pattern immediately after the static pattern 121 is the second partial pattern 113. However, for example, both the partial pattern immediately before the static pattern 121 and the partial pattern immediately after it may be the partial pattern 111 according to the first embodiment.

[0082] (Variation) In the modified example, other aspects of the static pattern will be described.

[0083] In the static pattern 121 according to the fourth embodiment, the light intensity of the light emitting unit 21 does not change. However, the static pattern is not limited to this, and may be the following.

[0084] 10 is a graph showing a static pattern 122 according to a modified example. The static pattern 122 is a sine wave with a constant frequency during period P31. The frequency of the static pattern 122 is, for example, 0.3 Hz. Similarly to the partial pattern according to the first embodiment, the static pattern 122 satisfies the following conditions: That is, the ratio L1 / L2 of the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the beginning of the static pattern 122 to the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the end of the static pattern 122 is 0.9 or more and 1.1 or less. Furthermore, during a period having a predetermined length of time starting from the beginning of the static pattern 122, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is 0.85 or more and 1.15 or less times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit 21 of the static pattern 122. Furthermore, during a period having a predetermined length of time and ending at the end of static pattern 122, light intensity L of light-emitting unit 21 is 0.85 to 1.15 times light intensity L2 of light-emitting unit 21 at the end of static pattern 122.

[0085] Even in this case, it is possible to reduce the change in the light intensity of light-emitting unit 21 and the change in the degree of change in the light intensity of light-emitting unit 21 at the time when the partial pattern ends and static pattern 122 starts. Also, it is possible to reduce the change in the light intensity of light-emitting unit 21 and the change in the degree of change in the light intensity of light-emitting unit 21 at the time when static pattern 122 ends and the partial pattern starts. Therefore, it is possible to suppress flickering of the light emitted by light-emitting unit 21.

[0086] The frequency of the static pattern 122 is not limited to 0.3 Hz. The frequency of the static pattern 122 is 1 Hz or less. The frequency of the static pattern 122 may also be 0.5 Hz or less.

[0087] Furthermore, the static pattern may be, for example, one in which the light intensity L5 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the start of the second partial pattern 113 following the static pattern is set to the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21. Furthermore, the static pattern may be, for example, one in which the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is changed from the light intensity L4 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the end of the first partial pattern 112 immediately before the static pattern to the light intensity L5 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the start of the second partial pattern immediately after the static pattern, while keeping the degree of change in the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 21 constant.

[0088] (Embodiment 5) In the lighting system 1 according to the fifth embodiment, the light output pattern includes a plurality of partial patterns, and is characterized by the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 at the start and end of each partial pattern.

[0089] 11 is a graph showing a light output pattern 116 according to the fifth embodiment. The light output pattern 116 includes a partial pattern 114 and a partial pattern 114 following the partial pattern 114. The partial pattern 114 indicates the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 during a period P4. The partial pattern 114 satisfies the conditions for the partial pattern of the first embodiment.

[0090] Partial pattern 114 further satisfies the following condition: In partial pattern 114, the light intensity L of light-emitting unit 21 is a minimum value at both the beginning and end of partial pattern 114. That is, in partial pattern 114, in period P42 whose end time is the end, the light intensity L of light-emitting unit 21 monotonically decreases (dL / dt≦0), and the degree of change in the light intensity of light-emitting unit 21 at the end of partial pattern 114 is 0 (dL / dt=0). Also, in partial pattern 114, in period P41 whose start time is the beginning, the light intensity L of light-emitting unit 21 monotonically increases (dL / dt≧0), and the degree of change in the light intensity of light-emitting unit 21 at the beginning of partial pattern 114 is 0 (dL / dt=0).

[0091] By satisfying the above conditions, the degree of change in the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 changes smoothly before and after the end of the partial pattern 114 and the start of the next partial pattern 114. Therefore, in the lighting system 1 according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to suppress flickering of the output of the light-emitting unit 21 when the end of the partial pattern 114 and the start of the next partial pattern 114.

[0092] Furthermore, when the light output pattern includes a combination of multiple types of partial patterns, each of the partial patterns may satisfy the above-mentioned conditions, thereby preventing flickering of the output of the light-emitting unit 21 when a partial pattern ends and the next partial pattern begins, regardless of the combination of the partial patterns.

[0093] Furthermore, when the above-described conditions are satisfied, the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the start of the partial pattern and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit 21 at the end of the partial pattern are both small. That is, even if the ratio L1 / L2 of the light intensity L1 to the light intensity L2 is not 1, the difference L1-L2 between the light intensity L1 and the light intensity L2 is small. Therefore, the lighting system 1 according to the fifth embodiment can suppress flickering of the output of the light-emitting unit 21 when a partial pattern ends and the next partial pattern starts.

[0094] (Embodiment 6) The lighting system 1 according to the sixth embodiment is characterized in that the time during which the control unit 11 controls the light-emitting unit 21 includes a time that is not based on the light output pattern. Also, the lighting system 1 according to the sixth embodiment is characterized in that the light output pattern includes a time during which the light intensity L does not satisfy the condition Lmin≦L≦Lmax.

[0095] Fig. 12 is a graph showing a light output pattern 130 according to embodiment 6. In Fig. 12, the control unit 11 controls the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 in a first period P50 from time 0 s to time 50 s.

[0096] Control unit 11 increases light intensity L of light-emitting unit 21 from 0 to Lmin during period P53, from time 0s to time T1. Change 141 in light intensity L during period P53 includes a time when light intensity L is less than Lmin. Furthermore, change 141 in light intensity L during period P53 may include a time when light intensity L is greater than Lmax, as shown in FIG. 12. The time when light intensity L is greater than Lmax occurs, for example, due to an inrush current to light-emitting unit 21.

[0097] Next, during a second period P51 from time T1 to time T2, controller 11 controls light intensity L of light-emitting unit 21 based on light output pattern 130. Light output pattern 130 during second period P51 includes at least a light component with a frequency of 1 Hz or less. Furthermore, in light output pattern 130, the light intensity of light components with frequencies greater than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of light components with frequencies of 1 Hz or less.

[0098] Furthermore, in the second period P51, the light output pattern 130 includes at least a third period P52 in which the light intensity L satisfies the condition Lmin≦L≦Lmax. Furthermore, in the second period P51, the light output pattern 130 may include a fourth period P54 in which the light intensity L does not satisfy the condition Lmin≦L≦Lmax. The duration of the fourth period P54 is preferably less than 10% of the duration of the second period P51 in which the controller 11 controls the light-emitting unit 21 based on the light output pattern 130. Note that Lmin is the minimum value of the light intensity L in the third period P52. Furthermore, Lmax is the maximum value of the light intensity L in the third period P52. That is, the light intensity L in the fourth period P54 is excluded from the calculation of Lmax and Lmin. Furthermore, as described in the first embodiment, Lmax / Lmin is 2 or more and 10 or less.

[0099] As in the first to fourth embodiments, the second period P51 does not necessarily include the fourth period P54. If the second period P51 does not include the fourth period P54, the third period P52 coincides with the second period P51. That is, the third period P52 is the entire duration of the second period P51. Furthermore, Lmin is the minimum value of the light intensity L in the second period P51. Furthermore, Lmax is the maximum value of the light intensity L in the second period P51. In this case, the light output pattern 130 in the second period P51 satisfies the conditions of the light output pattern described in any of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0100] Next, control unit 11 reduces the light intensity of light-emitting unit 21 from Lmin to 0 during period P55, which is from time T2 to time 50 s. Change 142 in light intensity L during period P55 includes a time when light intensity L is less than Lmin. Furthermore, change 141 in light intensity L during period P55 may include a time when light intensity L is greater than Lmax.

[0101] Therefore, in the lighting system 1 according to the sixth embodiment, during the second period P51 in which the control unit 11 controls the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 based on the light output pattern 130, similarly to the lighting system 1 according to the first embodiment, the fluctuations in light intensity can provide the user with a sense of relaxation due to the fluctuations in light intensity while suppressing discomfort caused by the fluctuations being perceived as flickering.

[0102] On the other hand, in the lighting system 1 according to the sixth embodiment, in the periods P53 and P55 in which the control unit 11 controls the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 without reference to the light output pattern, the light intensity L does not necessarily satisfy the condition Lmin≦L≦Lmax. Therefore, in the periods P53 and P55, it is easy to start or end the second period P51 in which the control unit 11 controls the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 without reference to the light output pattern 130. Furthermore, in the lighting system 1 according to the sixth embodiment, throughout the first period P50, the light intensity of light components with frequencies greater than 1 Hz does not necessarily have to be 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of light components with frequencies equal to or less than 1 Hz. That is, in the periods P53 and P55 in which the control unit 11 controls the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 without reference to the light output pattern, the light intensity L does not necessarily have to include light components with frequencies equal to or less than 1 Hz, and may include light components with frequencies greater than 1 Hz. Therefore, the operation of the control unit 11 during the periods in which the control unit 11 controls the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 without reference to the light output pattern 130 can be simplified.

[0103] Furthermore, in the lighting system according to the sixth embodiment, in the second period P51, the light output pattern 130 may include a fourth period P54 in which the light intensity L does not satisfy the condition Lmin≦L≦Lmax. The duration of the fourth period P54 is preferably less than 10% of the duration of the second period P51 in which the controller 11 controls the light-emitting unit 21 based on the light output pattern 130. This makes it possible to prevent a significant decrease in the sense of relaxation due to fluctuations in light intensity, thereby simplifying the operation of the controller 11.

[0104] In the lighting system according to the sixth embodiment, the light output pattern 130 may include a partial pattern in the second period P51. In this case, the partial pattern may include a period in which the light intensity L does not satisfy the condition Lmin≦L≦Lmax. In addition, in the second period P51, the duration of the period in which the light intensity L does not satisfy the condition Lmin≦L≦Lmax is preferably less than 10% of the duration of the second period P51. For example, in the partial pattern, the duration of the period in which the light intensity L does not satisfy the condition Lmin≦L≦Lmax may be less than 10% of the duration of the partial pattern. In this way, regardless of the combination of partial patterns, the condition that the duration of the fourth period P54 is less than 10% of the duration of the second period P51 can be satisfied.

[0105] (Embodiment 7) The lighting system 1 according to the seventh embodiment is characterized in that, similarly to the sixth embodiment, the time during which the control unit 11 controls the light-emitting unit 21 includes a time that is not based on a light output pattern. Also, the lighting system 1 according to the seventh embodiment is characterized in that the light output pattern includes a plurality of partial patterns and a plurality of static patterns during the time during which the control unit 11 controls the light-emitting unit 21.

[0106] Fig. 13 is a graph showing a light output pattern according to embodiment 7. In Fig. 13, the control unit 11 controls the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 in a first period P50 from time 0 s to time 450 s.

[0107] Control unit 11 controls light intensity L of light-emitting unit 21 from time 0s to time T3 so that the light intensity of light-emitting unit 21 at time T3 becomes the light intensity at the starting end of partial pattern 117, which will be described later. The control by control unit 11 from time 0s to time T3 is not based on the light output pattern.

[0108] Next, from time T3, the control unit 11 starts control based on the light output pattern 140. That is, time T3 is the start of the second period P51.

[0109] Light output pattern 140 includes a plurality of partial patterns 117 , a static pattern 123 , a plurality of partial patterns 118 , a static pattern 124 , and a plurality of partial patterns 118 .

[0110] The control unit 11 repeatedly executes the partial pattern 117 multiple times (seven times in the illustrated example) between time T3 and time T4. The partial pattern 117 satisfies the conditions of the partial pattern 111 or 114 described above. Therefore, the period from time T3 to time T4 during which the partial pattern 117 is repeatedly executed is a third period P52.

[0111] Next, the control unit 11 executes the static pattern 123 from time T4 to time T5.

[0112] Next, the control unit 11 repeatedly executes the partial pattern 118 a plurality of times (eight times in the illustrated example) from time T5 to time T6. The partial pattern 118 satisfies the conditions of the partial pattern 111 or 114 described above. Therefore, the period from time T4 to time T5 during which the partial pattern 118 is repeatedly executed is a third period P52.

[0113] Next, the control unit 11 executes the static pattern 124 from time T6 to time T7.

[0114] Next, the control unit 11 repeatedly executes the partial pattern 119 a plurality of times (five times in the illustrated example) from time T7 to time T8. The partial pattern 119 satisfies the conditions of the partial pattern 111 or 114 described above. Therefore, the period from time T7 to time T8 during which the partial pattern 119 is repeatedly executed is a third period P52.

[0115] Next, the control unit 11 controls the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 from time T8 to time 450s. The control by the control unit 11 from time T8 to time 450s is not based on the light output pattern.

[0116] In the lighting system 1 according to the seventh embodiment, a first period P50 in which the control unit 11 controls the light-emitting unit 21 includes a second period P51 in which the control unit 11 controls the light-emitting unit 21 based on the light output pattern 140. In each of the partial patterns 117, 118, and 119 and the static patterns 123 and 124, the component intensity of the light component having a frequency greater than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of the light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz. Therefore, in the second period P51, the component intensity of the light component having a frequency greater than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of the light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz. Furthermore, in each of the partial patterns 117, 118, and 119, the maximum value Lmax and the minimum value Lmin of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 21 satisfy the relationship 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10.

[0117] Therefore, the lighting system according to the seventh embodiment can provide a user with a sense of relaxation due to the fluctuations in light intensity while suppressing the discomfort caused by the fluctuations in light intensity being perceived as flickering.

[0118] Note that the combination of partial pattern 117, static pattern 123, and partial pattern 118 may satisfy the conditions that should be satisfied by the combination of the first partial pattern 112, static pattern 121, and second partial pattern 113. Similarly, the combination of partial pattern 118, static pattern 124, and partial pattern 119 may satisfy the conditions that should be satisfied by the combination of the first partial pattern 112, static pattern 121, and second partial pattern 113. This causes the entire second period P51 to become the third period P52, thereby more effectively suppressing the discomfort caused by fluctuations in light intensity perceived as flickering.

[0119] Note that the number of repetitions of each of partial patterns 117, 118, and 119 is an example, and each may be repeated any number of times. Furthermore, light output pattern 140 may further include other partial patterns. Furthermore, any two or all of partial patterns 117, 118, and 119 may be the same partial pattern.

[0120] (Other Modifications of the Embodiment) (1) In the first to seventh embodiments and the modified examples, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is the luminance of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting unit 21. However, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 is not limited to the luminance of the light-emitting unit 21, and may be any index that directly or indirectly indicates the intensity of the light output by the light-emitting unit 21.

[0121] For example, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 may be the luminous intensity of the light-emitting unit 21. Alternatively, for example, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 may be the luminous flux of the light-emitting unit 21. Alternatively, for example, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 may be the dimming rate of the light-emitting unit 21. Alternatively, for example, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 may be the power consumption of the light-emitting unit 21.

[0122] Furthermore, for example, the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 may be the illuminance at a predetermined position in a predetermined space illuminated by the light-emitting unit 21. FIGS. 14A and 14B show an example of the measurement conditions for illuminance. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the predetermined space 30 is a rectangular parallelepiped space with a width Wa in the x direction, a depth Da in the y direction, and a height Ha in the z direction. The light source device 20 is placed on the ceiling with the light-emitting unit 21 facing the floor. The light source device 20 is installed at a distance Db in the y direction from the end of the ceiling on the major axis side and a distance Wb in the x direction from the end of the ceiling on the minor axis side. The predetermined position 31 is on the floor surface in the z direction from the light source device 20. That is, the predetermined position 31 and the light source device 20 are separated by a distance Ha in the z direction. Furthermore, the predetermined position 31 and the light source device 20 overlap in a plan view from the z direction. The width Wa in the x direction, the depth Da in the y direction, and the height Ha in the z direction are, for example, 4.54 m, 3.5 m, and 2.5 m, respectively. The distance Wb in the x direction between the end of the ceiling on the short axis side and the light source device 20, and the distance Db in the y direction between the end of the ceiling on the long axis side and the light source device 20, are, for example, 1.9 m and 1.4 m, respectively.

[0123] (2) In the first, second, fourth, fifth, and fifth embodiments and the modified examples, the time length of the partial pattern is described as 40 seconds. However, the time length of the partial pattern is not limited to 40 seconds. It is preferable that the time length of the partial pattern is 30 seconds or more. This can prevent the light output pattern from appearing monotonous.

[0124] Similarly, in the third embodiment, the time length of each of the first and second partial patterns is described as 40 seconds. However, the time lengths of the first and second partial patterns are not limited to 40 seconds. It is preferable that the time lengths of the first and second partial patterns be 30 seconds or more. This can prevent the light output pattern from appearing monotonous.

[0125] Furthermore, although the first to fifth embodiments and the modified examples do not specify the duration of the light output pattern, it is preferable that the duration be 30 seconds or more, which can reduce the irregularity of the light output pattern and enhance the relaxation effect.

[0126] (3) In the first to seventh embodiments and the modified examples, the lighting system 1 is described as including the control device 10 and the light source device 20. However, the lighting system 1 may be an illumination device including all of the elements of the control device 10 and the elements of the light source device 20. Alternatively, the lighting system 1 may be one including a single control device 10 and multiple light source devices 20, and the single control device 10 may control the multiple light source devices 20.

[0127] Furthermore, the light source device 20 is not limited to one that emits light when a voltage is applied in accordance with the dimming signal output by the control device 10. For example, the light-emitting unit 21 of the light source device 20 may emit light using the dimming signal as a power source. Furthermore, for example, the light source device 20 may include the light-emitting unit 21 and a dimming control unit, and the dimming control unit may control the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21 based on the dimming signal output by the control device 10. In this case, the dimming signal may be any signal that can instruct the dimming control unit to set the light intensity L of the light-emitting unit 21, and may be, for example, a signal that indicates the light intensity L at each time point.

[0128] (summary) The lighting system (1) according to a first aspect includes a light-emitting unit (21) including a light source and a control unit (11). The control unit (11) controls the light-emitting unit (21). A first period (P50) includes a second period (P51). In the first period (P50), the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) is controlled by the control unit (11). In the second period (P51), the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) is controlled based on light output patterns (110; 115; 116; 120; 130; 140). In the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) controlled by the control unit (11) in the second period (P51), the component intensity of a light component having a frequency greater than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of a light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz. The second period (P51) includes at least a third period (P52). Furthermore, in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) controlled by the control unit (11), the maximum value Lmax of the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) in the third period (P52) satisfies the relationship 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10 with respect to the minimum value Lmin of the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) in the third period (P52).

[0129] According to the lighting system (1) of the above aspect, while fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) are perceived, the fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) can be prevented from being perceived as flickering, which leads to discomfort. Therefore, a lighting system (1) that reproduces natural fluctuations and has a high relaxation effect can be realized.

[0130] In the lighting system (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the second period (P51) includes a third period (P52) and a fourth period (P54). In the fourth period (P54), the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) is greater than a maximum value Lmax or less than a minimum value Lmin. The time length of the fourth period (P54) is less than 10% of the time length of the second period (P51).

[0131] According to the lighting system (1) of the above aspect, the length of the fourth period (P54) in which the fluctuation of the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) has a low relaxation effect is sufficiently short in the second period (P51). Therefore, a lighting system (1) that reproduces natural fluctuations and has a high relaxation effect can be realized.

[0132] In the lighting system (1) according to the third aspect, in the first aspect, the third period (P52) is the entire period of the second period (P51).

[0133] According to the lighting system (1) of the above aspect, while fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) are perceived in the second period (P51), the fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) can be prevented from being perceived as flickering and leading to discomfort. Therefore, a lighting system (1) that reproduces natural fluctuations and has a high relaxation effect can be realized.

[0134] In the lighting system (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the first to third aspects, the light output pattern (110; 116; 120; 140) includes partial patterns (111; 114; 117-119). The partial patterns (111; 114; 117-119) are repeated multiple times in the light output pattern (110; 116; 120; 140). The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit (21) at the start of the partial pattern (111; 114; 117-119) and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit (21) at the end of the partial pattern (111; 114; 117-119) satisfy the relationship 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1.

[0135] According to the lighting system (1) of the above aspect, the light output patterns (110; 116; 120; 140) can be generated by repeating the partial patterns (111; 114; 117-119) multiple times. Therefore, it is not necessary to store the entire light output patterns (110; 116; 120; 140), thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the storage medium. Furthermore, since a sudden change in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting element (21) can be suppressed from the end of one partial pattern (111; 114; 117-119) to the beginning of the next partial pattern (111; 114; 117-119), flickering of the light-emitting element (21) can be suppressed.

[0136] In the lighting system (1) according to the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) during a 0.5-second period (P21) starting from the beginning of the partial pattern (111; 114; 117-119) is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit (21) at the beginning of the partial pattern (111; 114; 117-119). Furthermore, the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) during a 0.5-second period (P22) ending from the end of the partial pattern (111; 114; 117-119) is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit (21) at the end of the partial pattern (111; 114; 117-119).

[0137] According to the lighting system (1) of the above aspect, the degree of change in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) is small and approximately the same during a 0.5-second period (P21) starting from the beginning of a partial pattern (111; 114; 117-119) and a 0.5-second period (P22) ending from the end of a partial pattern (111; 114; 117-119). Therefore, the degree of change in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) is small and approximately the same from the end of a partial pattern (111; 114; 117-119) to the start of the next partial pattern (111; 114; 117-119), thereby preventing flickering of the light-emitting unit (21).

[0138] In the lighting system (1) according to the sixth aspect, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the partial pattern (111; 114) is data indicating the operation of the light-emitting unit (21) for a period of 30 seconds or more.

[0139] According to the lighting system (1) of the above aspect, the repetition period of the partial patterns (111; 114) in the light output patterns (110; 116; 120) is 30 seconds or more. Therefore, it is possible to avoid short-term periodic changes in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21), and to achieve more natural fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21).

[0140] In the lighting system (1) according to a seventh aspect, in the first to third aspects, the light output pattern (115) includes a first partial pattern (112) and a second partial pattern (113). The light output pattern (115) includes at least a portion in which the first partial pattern (112) and the second partial pattern (113) are continuous in this order. The light intensity L1 (L5) of the light-emitting unit (21) at the start of the second partial pattern (113) and the light intensity L2 (L4) of the light-emitting unit (21) at the end of the first partial pattern (112) satisfy the relationship 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1.

[0141] According to the lighting system (1) of the above aspect, a light output pattern (115) can be generated by combining the first partial pattern (112) and the second partial pattern (113). Therefore, by maintaining the first partial pattern (112) and the second partial pattern (113), various light output patterns (115) can be generated. Furthermore, since a sudden change in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) can be suppressed from the end of the first partial pattern (112) to the beginning of the second partial pattern (113), flickering of the light-emitting unit (21) can be suppressed.

[0142] In the lighting system (1) according to the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the light output pattern (115) further includes a portion in which the second partial pattern (113) and the first partial pattern (112) are consecutive in this order.

[0143] According to the lighting system (1) of the above aspect, a wider variety of light output patterns (115) can be generated by combining the first partial patterns (112) and the second partial patterns (113).

[0144] In the lighting system (1) according to the ninth aspect, in the seventh or eighth aspect, the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) during a 0.5-second period (P24) ending at the end of the first partial pattern (112) is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 (L4) of the light-emitting unit (21) at the end of the first partial pattern (112). Furthermore, the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) during a 0.5-second period (P25) starting at the beginning of the second partial pattern (113) is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 (L5) of the light-emitting unit (21) at the beginning of the second partial pattern (113).

[0145] According to the lighting system (1) of the above aspect, the degree of change in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) is small and approximately the same during a 0.5-second period (P24) ending at the end of the first partial pattern (112) and a 0.5-second period (P25) starting at the beginning of the second partial pattern (113). Therefore, the degree of change in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) is small and approximately the same from the end of the first partial pattern (112) to the beginning of the second partial pattern (113), thereby preventing flickering of the light-emitting unit (21).

[0146] In the lighting system (1) according to the tenth aspect, in any of the seventh to ninth aspects, each of the first partial pattern (112) and the second partial pattern (113) is data indicating the operation of the light-emitting unit (21) for a period of 30 seconds or more.

[0147] According to the lighting system (1) relating to the above aspect, in the light output pattern (115), it is possible to avoid short-term periodic changes in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21), and to achieve more natural fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21).

[0148] In the lighting system (1) according to the eleventh aspect, in any of the first to tenth aspects, in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) based on the light output pattern (110; 115; 116; 120; 130; 140), the component intensity of the light component having a frequency greater than 0.5 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of the light component having a frequency of 0.5 Hz or less.

[0149] According to the lighting system (1) of the above aspect, while fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) are perceived, the fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) can be prevented from being perceived as flickering, which leads to discomfort. Therefore, a lighting system (1) that reproduces natural fluctuations and has a high relaxation effect can be realized.

[0150] In the lighting system (1) according to the twelfth aspect, in any of the first to eleventh aspects, in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) based on the light output pattern (110; 115; 116; 120; 130; 140), the peak average value of the component intensity of the light component having a frequency greater than 0.1 Hz and less than 0.3 Hz is smaller than the peak average value of the component intensity of the light component having a frequency equal to or less than 0.1 Hz, and is larger than the peak average value of the component intensity of the light component having a frequency equal to or greater than 0.3 Hz.

[0151] According to the lighting system (1) of the above aspect, the frequency distribution of the light output pattern (110; 115; 116; 120; 130; 140) has a characteristic of so-called 1 / f fluctuation, in which the component intensity of a light component with a lower frequency is greater and the component intensity of a light component with a higher frequency is smaller. Therefore, while fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) are perceived, it is possible to prevent the fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) from being perceived as flickering, which leads to discomfort. Therefore, it is possible to realize a lighting system (1) that reproduces natural fluctuations and has a high relaxation effect.

[0152] In a lighting system (1) according to a thirteenth aspect, in any of the first to twelfth aspects, the light output pattern (110; 115; 116; 120; 130; 140) is data indicating the operation of the light-emitting unit for a period of 30 seconds or more.

[0153] According to the lighting system (1) relating to the above aspect, in the light output pattern (110; 115; 116; 120; 130; 140), short-term periodic changes in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) can be avoided, and more natural fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) can be achieved.

[0154] A control device (10) according to a fourteenth aspect includes a control unit (11). The control unit (11) controls the light output of a light-emitting unit (21) including a light source. A first period (P50) includes a second period (P51). In the first period (P50), the control unit (11) controls the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21). In the second period (P51), the control unit (11) controls the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) based on light output patterns (110; 115; 116; 120; 130; 140). In the second period (P51), the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) controlled by the control unit (11) is such that the component intensity of a light component having a frequency greater than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of a light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz. The second period (P51) includes at least a third period (P52). Furthermore, the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) controlled by the control unit (11) satisfies the relationship 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10, where Lmax is the maximum value of the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) in the third period (P52) and Lmin is the minimum value of the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) in the third period (P52).

[0155] According to the control device (10) of the above aspect, while fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) are perceived, the fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) can be prevented from being perceived as flickering, which leads to discomfort. Thus, the control device (10) can cause the light-emitting unit (21) to function as lighting that reproduces natural fluctuations and has a high relaxation effect.

[0156] A control method according to a fifteenth aspect includes a control step. The control step controls the light output of a light-emitting unit (21) including a light source. The first period (P50) includes a second period (P51). In the first period (P50), the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) is controlled by the control step. In the second period (P51), the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) is controlled based on a light output pattern (110; 115; 116; 120; 130; 140). In the control step, the light intensity (L) of the light output of the light-emitting unit (21) is such that, in the second period (P51), the component intensity of a light component having a frequency greater than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of a light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz. The second period (P51) includes a third period (P52). Furthermore, in the control step, the light intensity (L) of the light output of the light-emitting unit (21) satisfies the relationship 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10, where Lmax is the maximum value of the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) in the third period (P52) and Lmin is the minimum value of the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) in the third period (P52).

[0157] According to the control method of the above aspect, while fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) are perceived, it is possible to prevent the fluctuations in the light intensity (L) of the light-emitting unit (21) from being perceived as flickering and leading to discomfort. Therefore, the control method allows the light-emitting unit (21) to function as lighting that reproduces natural fluctuations and has a high relaxation effect. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1. Lighting system 10 Control device 11 Control section 20 Light source device 21 Light-emitting part 110, 115, 116, 120, 130, 140 Light output pattern 111, 114, 117, 118, 119 Partial patterns 112 First Part Pattern 113 Second Part Pattern L light intensity Lmax Maximum light intensity Lmin Minimum light intensity L1 light intensity L2 light intensity P50 1st period P51 2nd period P52 3rd period P54 4th period P21 Starting period (period) P22 Terminal side period (period) P24 Terminal side period (period) P25 Starting period (period)

Claims

1. a light-emitting unit including a light source; a control unit that controls the light emitting unit, In the light intensity of the light emitting unit controlled by the control unit, a first period in which the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled by the control unit includes a second period in which the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled based on a light output pattern; In the second period, the component intensity of the light component having a frequency higher than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum value of the component intensity of the light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz, the second period includes at least a third period; The maximum value Lmax of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period is, relative to the minimum value Lmin of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period, 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10 Fulfilling the relationship, the light output pattern includes a sub-pattern; the sub-pattern is repeated multiple times in the light output pattern; The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start end of the partial pattern and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end end of the partial pattern are 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1 Fulfilling the relationship, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a period of 0.5 seconds starting from the start of the partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the partial pattern, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a period of 0.5 seconds whose end time is the end of the partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the partial pattern; Lighting system.

2. The partial pattern is data indicating the operation of the light-emitting unit for a period of 30 seconds or more.

10. The lighting system of claim 1.

3. A light-emitting unit including a light source; a control unit that controls the light emitting unit, In the light intensity of the light emitting unit controlled by the control unit, a first period in which the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled by the control unit includes a second period in which the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled based on a light output pattern; In the second period, the component intensity of the light component having a frequency higher than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum value of the component intensity of the light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz, the second period includes at least a third period; The maximum value Lmax of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period is, relative to the minimum value Lmin of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period, 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10 Fulfilling the relationship, the light output pattern includes a first partial pattern and a second partial pattern; the light output pattern includes at least a portion in which the first partial pattern and the second partial pattern are continuous in this order; The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting portion at the start end of the second partial pattern and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting portion at the end end of the first partial pattern are 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1 Fulfilling the relationship, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a period of 0.5 seconds ending at the end of the first partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the first partial pattern, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a period of 0.5 seconds starting from the start of the second partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the second partial pattern; Lighting system.

4. The light output pattern further includes a portion that is continuous in the order of the second partial pattern and the first partial pattern.

4. The lighting system of claim 3.

5. Each of the first partial pattern and the second partial pattern is data indicating the operation of the light-emitting unit for a period of 30 seconds or more.

5. A lighting system according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The second period includes the third period and a fourth period in which the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is greater than the maximum value Lmax or less than Lmin, The fourth period of time is less than 10% of the second period of time.

6. A lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The third period is the entire duration of the second period.

6. A lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. In the light intensity of the light-emitting unit based on the light output pattern, The component intensity of the light component having a frequency greater than 0.5 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of the light component having a frequency of 0.5 Hz or less.

8. A lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. In the light intensity of the light-emitting unit based on the light output pattern, the peak average value of the component intensity of the light component having a frequency greater than 0.1 Hz and less than 0.3 Hz is smaller than the peak average value of the component intensity of the light component having a frequency of 0.1 Hz or less, and is larger than the peak average value of the component intensity of the light component having a frequency of 0.3 Hz or more; 9. A lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The light output pattern is data indicating the operation of the light-emitting unit for a period of 30 seconds or more.

10. A lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A control unit that controls the light output of a light-emitting unit including a light source, The light intensity of the light emitting unit controlled by the control unit is a first period in which the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled by the control unit includes a second period in which the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled based on a light output pattern; In the second period, the component intensity of the light component having a frequency higher than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of the light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz, the second period includes at least a third period; The maximum value Lmax of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period is smaller than the minimum value Lmin of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period. 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10 Fulfilling the relationship, the light output pattern includes a sub-pattern; the sub-pattern is repeated multiple times in the light output pattern; The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start end of the partial pattern and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end end of the partial pattern are 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1 Fulfilling the relationship, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a period of 0.5 seconds starting from the start of the partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the partial pattern, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a period of 0.5 seconds whose end time is the end of the partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the partial pattern; Control device.

12. A control unit that controls the light output of a light-emitting unit including a light source, The light intensity of the light emitting unit controlled by the control unit is a first period in which the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled by the control unit includes a second period in which the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled based on a light output pattern; In the second period, the component intensity of the light component having a frequency higher than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of the light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz, the second period includes at least a third period; The maximum value Lmax of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period is smaller than the minimum value Lmin of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period. 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10 Fulfilling the relationship, the light output pattern includes a first partial pattern and a second partial pattern; the light output pattern includes at least a portion in which the first partial pattern and the second partial pattern are continuous in this order; The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting portion at the start end of the second partial pattern and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting portion at the end end of the first partial pattern are 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1 Fulfilling the relationship, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a period of 0.5 seconds ending at the end of the first partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the first partial pattern, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a period of 0.5 seconds starting from the start of the second partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the second partial pattern; Control device.

13. A control step of controlling the light output of a light-emitting unit including a light source, In the control step, the light intensity of the light output from the light emitting unit is a first period in which the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled by the control step includes a second period in which the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled based on a light output pattern; In the second period, the component intensity of the light component having a frequency higher than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of the light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz, the second period includes at least a third period; The maximum value Lmax of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period is smaller than the minimum value Lmin of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period. 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10 Fulfilling the relationship, the light output pattern includes a sub-pattern; the sub-pattern is repeated multiple times in the light output pattern; The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start end of the partial pattern and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end end of the partial pattern are 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1 Fulfilling the relationship, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a period of 0.5 seconds starting from the start of the partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the partial pattern, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a period of 0.5 seconds whose end time is the end of the partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the partial pattern; Control method.

14. A control step of controlling the light output of a light-emitting unit including a light source, In the control step, the light intensity of the light output from the light emitting unit is a first period in which the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled by the control step includes a second period in which the light intensity of the light-emitting unit is controlled based on a light output pattern; In the second period, the component intensity of the light component having a frequency higher than 1 Hz is 5% or less of the maximum component intensity of the light component having a frequency equal to or less than 1 Hz, the second period includes at least a third period; The maximum value Lmax of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period is smaller than the minimum value Lmin of the light intensity of the light-emitting unit in the third period. 2≦Lmax / Lmin≦10 Fulfilling the relationship, the light output pattern includes a first partial pattern and a second partial pattern; the light output pattern includes at least a portion in which the first partial pattern and the second partial pattern are continuous in this order; The light intensity L1 of the light-emitting portion at the start end of the second partial pattern and the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting portion at the end end of the first partial pattern are 0.9≦L1 / L2≦1.1 Fulfilling the relationship, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a period of 0.5 seconds ending at the end of the first partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L2 of the light-emitting unit at the end of the first partial pattern, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit during a period of 0.5 seconds starting from the start of the second partial pattern is 0.85 to 1.15 times the light intensity L1 of the light-emitting unit at the start of the second partial pattern; Control method.

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