Lighting control system and lighting control method

Abstract

To provide a lighting control system and a lighting control method, capable of supporting a safe walking of a pedestrian who walks on an external facility passage.SOLUTION: A lighting control system 100 controls lighting fixtures 10 installed on an external facility passage 2 of a facility 1. The lighting control system 100 comprises: cameras 40; an anemometer 50; estimation means 30; and control means 20. The cameras 40 photograph a walker who walks on the external facility passage 2. The anemometer 50 measures a wind velocity on the external facility passage 2. The estimation means 30 estimates a width of a sight of the walker on the basis of at least one of photographing images of the cameras 40 and a measurement value of the anemometer 50. The control means 20 controls lighting intensity of the lighting fixtures 10 so that the lighting intensity increases as the sight of the walker becomes narrow in accordance with the width of the sight of the walker estimated by the estimation means 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control system and a lighting control method.

Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2020 / 235289 (Patent Document Ⅰ) discloses a zone management device that manages each of a plurality of zones divided on a floor provided in a facility such as an office building.

[0003] The zone management device described in Patent Document Ⅰ is configured to set the set illuminance of the lighting fixtures provided in each zone according to the age of the users using the zone, For example, in a zone where the lighting fixture to be set is provided, if the number of users in their forties or older is greater than the number of users in their thirties or younger, the zone management device sets a value greater than the reference value as the set illuminance for the lighting fixtures in the zone. Conversely, if the number of users in their forties or older is less than the number of users in their thirties or younger, the zone management device sets a value smaller than the reference value as the set illuminance for the lighting fixtures in the zone. In this way, the zone management device provides a lighting environment according to the age of the users in the zone.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document Ⅰ

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Factors that hinder safe pedestrian movement on the exterior pathways of facilities include not only age-related decline in pedestrian vision, but also the narrowing of pedestrians' field of vision. For example, when pedestrians are walking with umbrellas due to rain, their field of vision tends to be narrowed as the umbrella obstructs it. Also, in windy conditions, pedestrians tend to squint to prevent sand and dust from getting into their eyes, which also narrows their field of vision.

[0006] When a pedestrian's field of vision is narrowed in this way, the brightness of their field of vision decreases, leading to a decline in visibility. As a result, there is a concern that pedestrians may be slow to notice obstacles such as steps on the exterior pathway, potentially causing them to trip.

[0007] This disclosure was made to solve the aforementioned problem, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a lighting control system and a lighting control method that can support the safe walking of pedestrians walking on exterior pathways. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A lighting control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a lighting control system for controlling lighting fixtures installed on an exterior walkway of a facility, comprising a camera, an anemometer, an estimation means, and a control means. The camera photographs pedestrians walking on the exterior walkway. The anemometer measures the wind speed on the exterior walkway. The estimation means estimates the field of view of the pedestrians based on at least one of the images captured by the camera and the values ​​measured by the anemometer. The control means controls the illuminance of the lighting fixtures in accordance with the field of view of the pedestrians estimated by the estimation means, such that the illuminance increases as the pedestrians' field of view narrows. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, by controlling the lighting while considering the field of vision of pedestrians walking along the exterior pathway, it is possible to suppress the narrowing of the pedestrians' field of vision and support safe walking. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram of a facility to which a lighting control system according to an embodiment of this disclosure is applied. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the lighting system. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the functional configuration of the estimation system and the lighting system. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a camera table as shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 3 shows an example of an exterior lighting setting table. [Figure 6] Figure 3 shows an example of an area-specific illuminance setting table. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the estimation process performed by the estimation system. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the procedure for illuminance control processing performed by a lighting system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0012] <Overall configuration of the lighting control system> Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of facility 1 to which a lighting control system according to an embodiment of this disclosure is applied. Figure 1 shows a partial floor plan of one floor within facility 1. Facility 1 is a facility used by an unspecified number of people, such as a building or a shopping mall. The exterior of facility 1 has a passageway 2 for users of facility 1 to walk on. Passageway 2 corresponds to one embodiment of an "exterior passageway". The lighting control system 100 according to this embodiment is a system for controlling the lighting of passageway 2.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the lighting control system 100 comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures 10, a lighting system 20, an estimation system 30, a plurality of cameras 40, and a plurality of anemometers 50.

[0014] The plurality of lighting fixtures 10 illuminate the passageway 2. The plurality of lighting fixtures 10 are installed, for example, at an appropriate distance from the ceiling of the passageway 2. Each lighting fixture 10 is configured to be able to change the illuminance stepwise or continuously within a predetermined illuminance range.

[0015] The lighting system 20 controls the operation of the plurality of lighting fixtures 10. In one aspect, the lighting system 20 switches the operation and stop of the plurality of lighting fixtures 10 according to the time zone during the business hours of the facility 1. For example, the lighting system 20 stops the operation of the plurality of lighting fixtures 10 in a time zone with a large amount of sunlight such as during the day. Also, the lighting system 20 activates the plurality of lighting fixtures 10 in a time zone with a small amount of sunlight such as at night.

[0016] Furthermore, the lighting system 20 controls the illuminance of the plurality of lighting fixtures 10 based on the information provided from the estimation system 30 during the operation of the plurality of lighting fixtures 10. The control of the illuminance of the plurality of lighting fixtures 10 by the lighting system 20 will be described in detail later.

[0017] The plurality of cameras 40 photograph pedestrians walking on the passageway 2. The plurality of cameras 40 are installed, for example, at an appropriate distance from the ceiling or wall surface of the passageway 2. In one aspect, the passageway 2 is divided into a plurality of areas, and at least one camera 40 is installed for each area. Each camera 40 photographs pedestrians within the corresponding area and transmits the photographed image to the estimation system 30 together with the identification information of the camera 40 (for example, camera number) and the identification information of the area (for example, area number).

[0018] A plurality of wind speed sensors 50 are installed in the passage 2 to measure the wind speed in the passage 2. At least one wind speed sensor 50 is installed for each area. Each wind speed sensor 50 transmits a signal indicating the measured value of the wind speed in the corresponding area to the estimation system 30 together with the identification information of the wind speed sensor 50 (for example, the wind speed sensor number). The number of cameras 40 and wind speed sensors 50 installed in one area may be different between areas. The number of cameras 40 and wind speed sensors 50 installed in each area can be appropriately set according to the structure of the passage 2 in that area (such as the shape, length, and width of the passage 2).

[0019] Based on the captured images transmitted from the plurality of cameras 40 and the measured values transmitted from the plurality of wind speed sensors 50, the estimation system 30 estimates the width of the field of view of pedestrians for each area. In this specification, the "field of view of pedestrians" means the range that pedestrians can surely see with the naked eye while walking in the passage 2.

[0020] The estimation system 30 further estimates the age of pedestrians for each area based on the captured images transmitted from the plurality of cameras 40. When a plurality of pedestrians are walking in an area, the estimation system 30 estimates the age of each pedestrian and determines the age group of the oldest pedestrian in that area based on the estimation results.

[0021] The estimation system 30 transmits information indicating the estimated results of the width of the field of view of pedestrians and the age of pedestrians for each area to the lighting system 20. The estimation system 30 corresponds to an embodiment of the "estimation means".

[0022] Based on the information provided by the estimation system 30, the lighting system 20 controls the illuminance of the plurality of lighting fixtures 10. The lighting system 20 corresponds to an embodiment of the "control means".

[0023] <Hardware Configuration of Lighting System and Estimation System> In the lighting control system 100 according to this embodiment, each of the lighting system 20 and the estimation system 30 is configured primarily with a computer. Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of the lighting system 20.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the lighting system 20 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 202, RAM (Random Access Memory) 204, ROM (Read Only Memory) 206, I / F (Interface) device 208, and storage device 210. The CPU 202, RAM 204, ROM 206, I / F device 208, and storage device 210 exchange various data via a communication bus 212.

[0025] The CPU 202 loads the program stored in the ROM 206 into the RAM 204 and executes it. The program stored in the ROM 206 describes the processes to be performed by the lighting system 20.

[0026] The I / F device 208 is an input / output device for exchanging signals and data with the estimation system 30 and the multiple lighting fixtures 10. The I / F device 208 receives information from the estimation system 30 regarding the pedestrians' field of vision in the exterior walkway 2, as well as information regarding the pedestrians' ages.

[0027] The storage device 210 is a storage device that stores various types of information, including information about facility 1, information about the exterior walkway 2, and location information of multiple lighting fixtures 10. The storage device 210 also stores various updatable tables for controlling the illuminance of the multiple lighting fixtures 10. The various tables stored in the storage device will be explained in detail later. The storage device is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0028] Although not shown in the diagram, the estimation system 30 has a hardware configuration similar to that of the lighting system 20. In this embodiment, an example configuration is shown in which the lighting system 20 and the estimation system 30 are separate computers, but the lighting system 20 and the estimation system 30 may be integrated and configured with a single computer.

[0029] <Functional Configuration> Figure 3 shows the functional configuration of the estimation system 30 and the lighting system 20. As shown in Figure 3, the estimation system 30 includes a camera table 32, an age estimator 34, and an umbrella usage estimator 36.

[0030] The age estimator 34 receives images from multiple cameras 40. The age estimator 34 estimates the age of pedestrians in each area by analyzing the images from each camera 40. In some cases, the age estimator 34 extracts a pedestrian's face image from the captured images and estimates the pedestrian's age using the extracted face image and known image recognition technology (age estimation technology). For example, the age estimator 34 estimates the pedestrian's age by determining the contour of the pedestrian's face and the positional relationship of the eyes, nose, and mouth in the pedestrian's face image.

[0031] If multiple pedestrians are walking within the same area, the age estimator 34 estimates the age of each pedestrian from the captured image. The age estimator 34 then determines the age of the oldest pedestrian among the multiple pedestrians. If there is only one pedestrian in the area, the age estimator 34 determines that pedestrian's age as the age of the oldest pedestrian. The age estimator 34 records the estimation results in the camera table 32.

[0032] The umbrella usage estimator 36 receives images from multiple cameras 40. The umbrella usage estimator 36 analyzes the images from each camera 40 to estimate whether pedestrians are using umbrellas in each area. In certain situations, the umbrella usage estimator 36 extracts images of pedestrians and umbrellas from the captured images using known image recognition techniques to estimate whether pedestrians are using umbrellas.

[0033] The umbrella usage estimator 36 determines that pedestrians are using umbrellas if they are walking along passageway 2 and are using umbrellas. If multiple pedestrians are walking within the area, the umbrella usage estimator 36 determines that pedestrians are using umbrellas if at least one pedestrian is using an umbrella. On the other hand, if no pedestrians are using umbrellas, the umbrella usage estimator 36 determines that pedestrians are not using umbrellas. The umbrella usage estimator 36 records the estimation results in the camera table 32.

[0034] The camera table 32 also records wind speed measurements taken by the anemometer 50. The camera table 32 is stored in the memory device of the estimation system 30. Figure 4 shows an example of the camera table 32 shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the camera table 32 includes data on the location (area number) of the area where each camera 40 is installed, as well as the age of the oldest pedestrian in each area estimated from the images taken by each camera 40, whether or not the pedestrian was using an umbrella, and the wind speed measurements.

[0035] For example, regarding the first row of camera table 32, it shows that in area number 21, where camera number 1, camera 40, is installed, the oldest pedestrian is in their "30s", pedestrians are "not using" umbrellas, and the wind speed is "3 m / s".

[0036] Furthermore, regarding the second row of camera table 32, it indicates that in area number 21, where camera number 2, camera 40, is installed, the oldest pedestrian is in their "40s," pedestrians are "not using" umbrellas, and the wind speed is "3 m / s."

[0037] In addition, area number 21 has two cameras 40, camera number 1 and camera number 2. By setting up multiple cameras 40 in one area in this way, the accuracy of the estimation results for each area can be improved.

[0038] Returning to Figure 3, the estimation system 30 records the estimation results from the age estimator 34 and the umbrella usage estimator 36, as well as the measured values ​​from the anemometer 50, in the camera table 32 at predetermined intervals. Then, at predetermined intervals, the estimation system 30 transmits the various information stored in the camera table 32 to the lighting system 20.

[0039] The lighting system 20 includes an exterior illumination setting table 22 and an area-specific illumination setting table 24. The exterior illumination setting table 22 and the area-specific illumination setting table 24 are stored in the storage device 210 of the lighting system 20.

[0040] Figure 5 shows an example of the exterior illumination setting table 22 shown in Figure 3. The exterior illumination setting table 22 is used to set target illumination values ​​(hereinafter also referred to as "target illumination") for lighting fixtures 10 in each area. The target illumination is set based on the age of the oldest pedestrian in the area, whether or not pedestrians use umbrellas, and measured wind speed.

[0041] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the exterior illumination setting table 22 sets target illumination levels for each age group of the oldest pedestrian in the area. The target illumination level for each age group includes a standard illumination level, a target illumination level when pedestrians are using umbrellas, and a target illumination level when it is windy. In this embodiment, "windy" is defined as a wind speed of 7 m / s or higher than a predetermined threshold.

[0042] The standard illuminance is the target illuminance when pedestrians are not using umbrellas and the wind is light (wind speed below a threshold). The standard illuminance is set for each age group according to the average visual acuity of that age group. In certain situations, to account for age-related decline in visual acuity, the standard illuminance is set to a higher value as age increases.

[0043] The target illuminance when umbrellas are used is the target illuminance value when pedestrians are using umbrellas and the wind is light. When pedestrians are using umbrellas, their field of vision is obstructed by the umbrella, so their field of vision tends to be narrower compared to when they are not using umbrellas. When the field of vision is narrowed, the brightness of the field of vision decreases, which reduces the pedestrian's ability to see clearly. As a result, there is a possibility that pedestrians may be slow to spot obstacles in passageway 2. For this reason, the target illuminance when umbrellas are used is set to a higher value than the standard illuminance for each age group. According to this, when pedestrians are using umbrellas, the reduction in the pedestrian's ability to see clearly can be compensated for by increasing the illuminance of passageway 2 compared to when umbrellas are not being used.

[0044] The target illuminance for strong winds is the target value for illuminance when pedestrians are not using umbrellas and the wind is strong (wind speed is above the threshold (7 m / s)). When it is windy, pedestrians tend to squint to prevent dust and other particles from getting into their eyes. Therefore, as with the case where umbrellas are used as described above, there is a concern that the pedestrians' field of vision will be narrowed, reducing their visibility and delaying the detection of obstacles. For this reason, the target illuminance for strong winds is set higher than the standard illuminance for each age group. According to this, when it is windy, increasing the illuminance of passageway 2 compared to when it is not windy can compensate for the reduced visibility of pedestrians.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 5, the target illuminance for when umbrellas are used and the target illuminance for when there are strong winds are set to the same value for each age group. However, these two target illuminances may be set to different values. Furthermore, when umbrellas are used and there are strong winds, the higher of the two target illuminances may be adopted.

[0046] For example, the first row of the exterior illumination setting table 22 indicates that if the oldest pedestrian is under 10 years old, the standard illumination is "3 lux," the target illumination when an umbrella is used is "5 lux," and the target illumination when it is windy is "5 lux."

[0047] On the other hand, regarding the sixth row of the exterior illumination setting table 22, it indicates that if the oldest pedestrian is 60 years of age or older, the standard illumination is "30lx", the target illumination when an umbrella is used is "40lx", and the target illumination when it is windy is "40lx".

[0048] In this way, a standard illuminance is set according to the age of the pedestrian, and a target illuminance is set according to the width of the pedestrian's field of vision, such that it becomes higher than the standard illuminance as the pedestrian's field of vision narrows. This makes it possible to provide pedestrians with lighting of appropriate illuminance, taking into account not only the decline in visual acuity due to age, but also the narrowing of the pedestrian's field of vision caused by the environment of the exterior walkway 2. Furthermore, by controlling the illuminance of the lighting fixture 10 according to the age of the pedestrian and the width of the pedestrian's field of vision, it is possible to ensure safe walking for pedestrians of all ages while also saving energy in the lighting fixture 10.

[0049] Returning to Figure 3, the lighting system 20 uses the information from the camera table 32 (Figure 4) sent from the estimation system 30 and the exterior illumination setting table 22 (Figure 5) to set the target illumination level for each area of ​​the lighting fixtures 10. The lighting system 20 records the target illumination level for each area of ​​the lighting fixtures 10 in the area-specific illumination setting table 24.

[0050] Figure 6 shows an example of the area-specific illuminance setting table 24 shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 6, the area-specific illuminance setting table 24 includes data for each area, such as the age of the oldest pedestrian, whether or not pedestrians use umbrellas, and measured wind speed, as well as data for the target illuminance set based on this data. The data for the age of the oldest pedestrian, whether or not pedestrians use umbrellas, and measured wind speed are taken from the data recorded in the camera table 32.

[0051] For example, regarding the first row of the area-specific illumination setting table 24, for area number 21, based on the data recorded in the camera table 32, it is shown that the oldest pedestrian is in their "30s", they are not using an umbrella, and the wind speed is "3 m / s". In this example of the first row, the target illumination is set to the standard illumination of "5 m / s" by referring to the third row of the exterior illumination setting table 22.

[0052] In the second row of the area-specific illumination setting table 24, the example shows that for area number 21, based on the data recorded in camera table 32, the oldest pedestrian is in their "40s," they are not using an umbrella, and the wind speed is "3 m / s." In this second row example, the target illumination is set to the standard illumination of "10 m / s," by referring to the fourth row of the exterior illumination setting table 22.

[0053] Furthermore, in the example of the third row of the area-specific illumination setting table 24, for area number 22, based on the data recorded in camera table 32, it is shown that the oldest pedestrian is in their "30s", that they are using an umbrella "yes", and that the wind speed is "7 m / s". In this example of the third row, referring to the third row of the exterior illumination setting table 22, the target illumination is set to the higher of the target illumination "10 m / s" when an umbrella is being used and the target illumination "10 m / s" when the wind is strong (i.e., "10 m / s").

[0054] <Flow of estimation processing in the estimation system> Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of estimation processing performed by the estimation system 30. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are performed at predetermined intervals while the multiple lighting fixtures 10 are in operation.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the estimation system 30 acquires images from at least one camera 40 installed in each area, and also acquires wind speed measurements from an anemometer 50 installed in each area (step S10). The data acquired from the camera 40 includes the identification information (camera number) of the camera 40, and the estimation system 30 identifies the source camera 40 from the identification information contained in the data acquired from the camera 40. Similarly, the estimation system 30 identifies the source anemometer 50 from the identification information (anemometer number) of the anemometer 50 contained in the data acquired from the anemometer 50.

[0056] Next, the estimation system 30 uses known image recognition technology to estimate the age of pedestrians in the area from the captured images for each camera 40. If multiple pedestrians are walking in the area, the estimation system 30 estimates the age of each pedestrian from the captured images. The estimation system 30 then records the age of the oldest pedestrian among the one or more pedestrians in the "Oldest Age" column of the camera table 32 for each camera number (step S20).

[0057] Next, the estimation system 30 uses known image recognition technology to estimate whether pedestrians are using umbrellas from the captured images for each camera 40. If multiple pedestrians are walking in the area, the estimation system 30 estimates that umbrellas are being used if at least one pedestrian is using an umbrella. The estimation system 30 then records whether umbrellas are being used for each camera number in the "Umbrella Use" column of the camera table 32 (step S30).

[0058] Next, the estimation system 30 records the wind speed measured by the anemometer 50 in the "wind speed" column of the camera table 32 for each area (step S40).

[0059] The estimation system 30 then transmits information about each area, including the "area number," "oldest age group," "presence or absence of umbrellas," and "wind speed," which are recorded in the camera table 32, to the lighting system 20 (step S50).

[0060] <Flowchart of illuminance control processing in lighting systems> Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of illuminance control processing performed by the lighting system 20. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are performed at predetermined intervals while the multiple lighting fixtures 10 are in operation.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8, the lighting system 20 first receives information from the estimation system 30 regarding the "area number," "oldest age group," "presence or absence of umbrella," and "wind speed" recorded in the camera table 32 (step S110).

[0062] Next, the lighting system 20 records the received information in the area-specific illuminance setting table 24 (Figure 6).

[0063] Next, the lighting system 20 refers to the exterior illumination setting table 22 (Figure 5) and sets the target illumination level for each area based on information such as the age of the oldest pedestrian, whether or not pedestrians are using umbrellas, and measured wind speed (step S130).

[0064] The lighting system 20 records the target illuminance set for each area in the "Target Illuminance" column of the area-specific illuminance setting table 24 (Figure 6) (step S140).

[0065] Next, the lighting system 20 controls the illuminance of the lighting fixtures 10 for each area so that it matches the illuminance recorded in the "Target Illuminance" column of the area-specific illuminance setting table 24 (Figure 6) (step S150).

[0066] As described above, according to the illumination control system of this embodiment, the width of a pedestrian's field of vision is estimated from whether or not the pedestrian is using an umbrella while walking on the exterior walkway 2 and from the measured wind speed, and the illumination of the lighting fixtures 10 installed on the exterior walkway 2 is controlled according to the estimated width of the pedestrian's field of vision. This makes it possible to provide pedestrians with lighting of an appropriate level that takes into account the narrowing of the pedestrian's field of vision caused by the environment of the exterior walkway 2. Furthermore, by controlling the illumination of the lighting fixtures 10 according to the width of the pedestrian's field of vision, it is possible to save energy in the lighting fixtures 10 while ensuring the safe passage of pedestrians.

[0067] Furthermore, by controlling the illuminance of the lighting fixtures 10 according to the pedestrian's age, in addition to the pedestrian's field of vision, it is possible to provide pedestrians with appropriate lighting that takes into account the narrowing of their field of vision due to the environment of the exterior walkway 2 and the decline in their eyesight due to their age. In addition, it is possible to achieve energy savings for the lighting fixtures 10 while ensuring safe walking for pedestrians of all ages.

[0068] <Variation> In the embodiment described above, a configuration was explained in which the illuminance of the lighting fixtures 10 installed in each area is controlled according to whether or not pedestrians use umbrellas and the width of the pedestrians' field of vision estimated from wind speed measurements. However, the method of controlling the illuminance is not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple lighting fixtures 10 may be installed in each area, and the number of operating lighting fixtures 10 may be controlled according to the width of the pedestrians' field of vision. In this case, the illuminance of the lighting illuminating the area can be increased by increasing the number of operating lighting fixtures 10 as the pedestrians' field of vision narrows. At this time, lighting fixtures 10 may be selected from among the multiple lighting fixtures 10 to illuminate obstacles present in the area. This makes it easier for pedestrians to notice obstacles even when their field of vision is narrowed.

[0069] [Note] The embodiments described above are specific examples of the following appendix.

[0070] (Note 1) A lighting control system for controlling lighting fixtures installed on the exterior pathways of a facility, A camera for photographing pedestrians walking along the aforementioned exterior walkway, An anemometer for measuring wind speed in the aforementioned exterior walkway, An estimation means for estimating the field of view of the pedestrian based on at least one of the image captured by the camera and the measurement value of the anemometer, A lighting control system comprising: control means for controlling the illuminance of a lighting fixture so that the illuminance increases as the pedestrian's field of view narrows, according to the width of the pedestrian's field of view estimated by the estimation means.

[0071] (Note 2) The estimation means is, From the images captured by the aforementioned camera, we estimate whether the pedestrian is using an umbrella. The lighting control system described in Appendix 1, which estimates that the pedestrian's field of vision is narrower when the pedestrian is using an umbrella compared to when the pedestrian is not using an umbrella.

[0072] (Note 3) If multiple pedestrians are walking on the aforementioned exterior pathway, the estimation means will The lighting control system according to Appendix 1 or 2, which estimates that the field of vision of a pedestrian is narrowed when at least one of the aforementioned multiple pedestrians is using an umbrella.

[0073] (Note 4) The estimation means is, A lighting control system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, which estimates that when the wind speed on the exterior walkway is high, the pedestrian's field of vision is narrower than when the wind speed is low, based on the measurement value of the anemometer.

[0074] (Note 5) The estimation means further, The age of the pedestrian is estimated from the image captured by the aforementioned camera. The control means is The reference illuminance of the lighting fixture is set to increase as the estimated age of the pedestrian increases. A lighting control system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the illuminance of the lighting fixture is controlled such that, according to the width of the pedestrian's field of view estimated by the estimation means, the illuminance of the lighting fixture becomes higher than the reference illuminance as the pedestrian's field of view narrows.

[0075] (Note 6) When multiple pedestrians are walking on the aforementioned exterior pathway, the control means will: The lighting control system described in Appendix 5, which sets the reference illuminance based on the age of the oldest pedestrian among the aforementioned group of pedestrians.

[0076] (Note 7) A lighting control method for controlling lighting fixtures installed on the exterior walkways of a facility, The facility is equipped with a camera for photographing pedestrians walking along the exterior walkway and an anemometer for measuring wind speed along the exterior walkway. The steps include: estimating the field of view of the pedestrian using a computer based on at least one of the images captured by the camera and the measured values ​​of the anemometer; A lighting control method comprising the steps of controlling the illuminance of a lighting fixture by a computer according to the estimated width of the pedestrian's field of vision.

[0077] (Note 8) The step of estimating the field of vision of the pedestrian is as follows: The steps include: estimating whether the pedestrian is using an umbrella from the image captured by the camera; The lighting control method described in Appendix 7, which includes the step of estimating that the pedestrian's field of vision is narrower when the pedestrian is using an umbrella compared to when the pedestrian is not using an umbrella.

[0078] (Note 9) The step of estimating the field of vision of the pedestrian is as follows: The lighting control method according to Appendix 7 or Appendix 8, which includes the step of estimating that the pedestrian's field of vision is narrower when the wind speed on the exterior walkway is high compared to when the wind speed is low, based on the measurement value of the anemometer.

[0079] (Note 10) The process further includes the step of estimating the age of the pedestrian from the image captured by the camera. The step of controlling the illuminance of the lighting fixture is: The steps include setting the reference illuminance of the lighting fixture so that it increases as the estimated age of the pedestrian increases, A lighting control method according to any one of Appendix 7 to 9, comprising the step of controlling the illuminance of the lighting fixture such that, in accordance with the estimated width of the pedestrian's field of view, the illuminance of the lighting fixture becomes higher than the reference illuminance as the pedestrian's field of view narrows.

[0080] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The technical scope provided herein is defined by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Facility, 2 Exterior walkways, 10 Lighting fixtures, 20 Lighting systems, 22 Exterior illumination setting tables, 24 Area-specific illumination setting tables, 30 Estimation systems, 32 Camera tables, 34 Age estimators, 36 Umbrella usage estimators, 40 Cameras, 50 Anemometers, 100 Lighting control systems, 202 CPUs, 204 RAM, 206 ROMs, 208 IF devices, 210 Storage devices, 212 Communication buses.

Claims

1. A lighting control system for controlling lighting fixtures installed on the exterior pathways of a facility, A camera for photographing pedestrians walking along the aforementioned exterior walkway, An anemometer for measuring wind speed in the aforementioned exterior walkway, An estimation means for estimating whether or not the pedestrian is using an umbrella based on the image captured by the aforementioned camera, A lighting control system comprising: control means for controlling the illuminance of a lighting fixture to increase the illuminance when the pedestrian's field of vision tends to be narrowed, based on at least one of the measured value of the anemometer and the estimated result of whether or not the pedestrian is using an umbrella.

2. The control means is The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the illuminance of the lighting fixture is controlled such that when a pedestrian is using an umbrella, the illuminance is higher than when an umbrella is not being used.

3. When multiple pedestrians are walking on the aforementioned exterior pathway, the control means will: The lighting control system according to claim 2, wherein the illuminance of the lighting fixture is controlled so that the illuminance increases when at least one of the multiple pedestrians is using an umbrella.

4. The control means is The lighting control system according to claim 1, which controls the illuminance of the lighting fixtures so that when the wind speed in the exterior walkway is high, the illuminance is higher than when the wind speed is low, based on the measurement value of the anemometer.

5. The estimation means further, The age of the pedestrian is estimated from the image captured by the aforementioned camera. The control means is The reference illuminance of the lighting fixture is set to increase as the estimated age of the pedestrian increases. A lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the illuminance of the lighting fixture is controlled to be higher than the standard illuminance when the pedestrian's field of vision tends to be narrowed, based on at least one of the measured value of the anemometer and the estimated result of whether or not the pedestrian is using an umbrella.

6. When multiple pedestrians are walking on the aforementioned exterior pathway, the control means will: The lighting control system according to claim 5, wherein the reference illuminance is set based on the age of the oldest pedestrian among the plurality of pedestrians.

7. A lighting control method for controlling lighting fixtures installed on the exterior walkways of a facility, The facility is equipped with a camera for photographing pedestrians walking along the exterior walkway and an anemometer for measuring wind speed along the exterior walkway. The steps include: estimating whether the pedestrian is using an umbrella based on the image captured by the camera, A lighting control method comprising the step of controlling the illuminance of a lighting fixture by a computer according to at least one of the measured value of the anemometer and whether or not the pedestrian is using an umbrella as estimated.

8. The step of controlling the illuminance of the lighting fixture is: The lighting control method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of controlling the illuminance of the lighting fixture so that the illuminance is higher when a pedestrian is using an umbrella compared to when an umbrella is not being used.

9. The step of controlling the illuminance of the lighting fixture is: The lighting control method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of controlling the illuminance of the lighting fixtures such that, based on the measured value of the anemometer, the illuminance of the lighting fixtures is higher when the wind speed in the exterior walkway is high compared to when the wind speed is low.

10. The process further includes the step of estimating the age of the pedestrian from the image captured by the camera. The step of controlling the illuminance of the lighting fixture is: The steps include setting the reference illuminance of the lighting fixture so that it increases as the estimated age of the pedestrian increases, A lighting control method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising the step of controlling the illuminance of the lighting fixture to be higher than the standard illuminance when there is a tendency for the pedestrian's field of vision to be narrowed, based on at least one of the measured value of the anemometer and the estimated result of whether or not the pedestrian is using an umbrella.

Images