Lighting systems, lighting fixtures, and notification methods

Abstract

A lighting system (10) comprises: a first switch (20), a second switch (30), and a lighting fixture (40) adopting a physical three-way circuit configuration; and an information processing unit (52). The information processing unit (52) starts the measurement of time triggered by turning on the lighting fixture (40) on the basis of a state change of the first switch (20) or a state change of the second switch (30). When the measured time exceeds a prescribed time after the start of the measurement of time and before the lighting fixture (40) turns off, the information processing unit notifies the user who turned on the lighting fixture (40) of the possibility that an abnormality has occurred.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system, a lighting fixture, and a notification method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a monitoring device capable of detecting the occurrence of an accident without limiting the persons to be monitored.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a lighting system or the like capable of notifying that there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred to a user who turned on a lighting fixture.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] A lighting system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first switch, a second switch, a lighting fixture, and an information processing unit that adopt a physical or logical three-way circuit configuration, wherein the information processing unit starts measuring time triggered by the lighting fixture being turned on based on a state change of the first switch or a state change of the second switch, and performs notification that there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred to the user who turned on the lighting fixture when the measured time exceeds a predetermined time after the start of the time measurement and before the lighting fixture is turned off.

[0006] A lighting fixture according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first switch, a second switch, and a lighting fixture, the lighting fixture having a physical or logical three-way circuit configuration, the lighting fixture having a light source and an information processing unit, the information processing unit starts measuring time when the light source is turned on based on a change in the state of the first switch or a change in the state of the second switch, and after the start of the time measurement but before the light source is turned off, if the measured time exceeds a predetermined time, the information processing unit notifies the user who turned on the light source that there may be an abnormality.

[0007] A notification method according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer-based notification method that utilizes a first switch, a second switch, and a lighting fixture, employing a physical or logical three-way circuit configuration. The method starts measuring time when the lighting fixture turns on based on a change in the state of the first switch or the second switch, and if the measured time exceeds a predetermined time after the start of the time measurement but before the lighting fixture turns off, the method notifies the user who turned on the lighting fixture that there may be an abnormality. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] A lighting system, etc., according to one aspect of the present invention can notify a user who has turned on a lighting fixture that there may be a malfunction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the arrangement of the first switch, the second switch, and the lighting fixture. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart of Operation Example 1 of the lighting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a notification screen. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows an example of a display screen for health status assessment results. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart of operation example 2 of the lighting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a modified lighting system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0011] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the lighting system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the lighting system according to the embodiment.

[0013] The lighting system 10 shown in Figure 1 is a lighting system installed in facilities such as residences. The lighting system 10 has a monitoring function for residents of the residence (for example, elderly people) and can notify residents if there is a possibility of an abnormality occurring.

[0014] The lighting system 10 includes a first switch 20, a second switch 30, a lighting fixture 40, a cloud server 50, and a mobile terminal 60. The first switch 20, the second switch 30, and the lighting fixture 40 adopt a physical three-way circuit configuration, and a resident of a house can turn on and off the lighting fixture 40 by changing the state of the first switch 20 or by changing the state of the second switch 30.

[0015] The first switch 20, the second switch 30, and the lighting fixture 40 are installed, for example, on a staircase in a house. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the first switch 20, the second switch 30, and the lighting fixture 40. Hereinafter, the first switch 20, the second switch 30, and the lighting fixture 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0016] The first switch 20 is, for example, a wiring fixture installed on a wall of a floor below a staircase 80. The first switch 20 includes a switch circuit 21, a first button 22, and a first human presence sensor 23.

[0017] The switch circuit 21 is a double-throw switch circuit. Hereinafter, the state indicating which of the two circuits included in the switch circuit 21 is selected is also referred to as the state of the first switch 20.

[0018] The first button 22 is a button pressed by a resident to switch the state of the first switch 20. Each time the first button 22 is pressed, the state of the first switch 20 is switched.

[0019] The first human presence sensor 23 is a sensor that detects a person. Each time a person is detected by the first human presence sensor 23, the state of the first switch 20 is switched. The first human presence sensor 23 is, for example, a sensor that detects infrared rays emitted from a human body, but may also be a sensor using ultrasonic waves or visible light.

[0020] It should be noted that the first switch 20 only needs to include at least one of the first button 22 and the first human presence sensor 23.

[0021] The second switch 30 is a wiring device installed, for example, on the wall of the upper floor of the staircase 80. The second switch 30 comprises a switch circuit 31, a second button 32, and a second motion sensor 33.

[0022] Switch circuit 31 is a double-throw switch circuit. Hereafter, the state in which of the two circuits included in switch circuit 31 is selected will also be referred to as the state of the second switch 30.

[0023] The second button 32 is a button that residents press to switch the state of the second switch 30. Each time the second button 32 is pressed, the state of the second switch 30 is switched.

[0024] The second-person sensor 33 is a sensor that detects people. Each time the second-person sensor 33 detects a person, the state of the second switch 30 is switched. The second-person sensor 33 is, for example, a sensor that detects infrared rays emitted from a person's body, but it may also be a sensor that uses ultrasound or visible light.

[0025] The second switch 30 only needs to be equipped with at least one of the second button 32 and the second-person sensor 33.

[0026] The lighting fixture 40 is turned on and off by changing the state of the first switch 20 and the state of the second switch 30. The lighting fixture 40 includes a power supply circuit 41, a light source 42, a communication unit 43, an information processing unit 44, and a storage unit 45.

[0027] The power supply circuit 41 converts the AC power supplied from the grid power supply 90 into DC power and supplies the DC power to the light source 42. The power supply circuit 41 is implemented by an AC / DC converter and a DC / DC converter, etc. With the three-way circuit configuration described above, the occupant can turn the power supply circuit 41 on and off by changing the state of the first switch 20 or by changing the state of the second switch 30. The communication unit 43, the information processing unit 44, and the storage unit 45 are supplied with DC power from another power supply circuit (not shown), but they may also be supplied with DC power from the power supply circuit 41.

[0028] The light source 42 lights up when the power supply circuit 41 is turned on and turns off when the power supply circuit 41 is turned off. The light source 42 is implemented by a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED.

[0029] The communication unit 43 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the lighting fixture 40 to communicate with the cloud server 50 via the wide-area communication network 70. For example, the communication unit 43 transmits information indicating the on-time and off-time of the lighting fixture 40 to the cloud server 50. The communication unit 43 can also communicate with the mobile terminal 60 via the wide-area communication network 70.

[0030] The information processing unit 44 causes the communication unit 43 to transmit information indicating the on-time and off-time of the lighting fixture 40 to the cloud server 50. The information processing unit 44 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 44 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor (hardware) constituting the information processing unit 44 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 45.

[0031] The memory unit 45 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 44. The memory unit 45 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0032] The cloud server 50 is a cloud server that processes information to notify residents that there may be an abnormality on the staircase 80. Specifically, the cloud server 50 comprises a communication unit 51, an information processing unit 52, and a storage unit 53.

[0033] The communication unit 51 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the cloud server 50 to communicate with the lighting fixture 40 and the mobile terminal 60 via the wide-area communication network 70. For example, the communication unit 51 receives information from the lighting fixture 40 indicating the timing of when the lighting fixture 40 will be turned on and turned off. The communication unit 51 also sends notification information to the mobile terminal 60 to inform residents that there may be an abnormality on the stairs 80. The communication performed by the communication unit 51 may be wired communication, for example, but it may also be wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication.

[0034] The information processing unit 52 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred to a resident on the stairs 80 based on information indicating the lighting timing and extinguishing timing received by the communication unit 51. The information processing unit 52 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 52 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor (hardware) constituting the information processing unit 52 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 53.

[0035] The memory unit 53 is a storage device that stores the information necessary for the above determination, as well as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 52. The memory unit 53 is implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be implemented by semiconductor memory or the like.

[0036] The mobile terminal 60 is a portable information terminal (user interface device) used by family members of residents who live separately from the resident to receive notifications if there is a possibility of an abnormality occurring to the resident on the staircase 80. The mobile terminal 60 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet device with a dedicated application program for the lighting system 10 installed. The mobile terminal 60 comprises a communication unit 61, an information processing unit 62, a storage unit 63, a display unit 64, and a speaker 65.

[0037] The communication unit 61 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the mobile terminal 60 to communicate with the cloud server 50 via the wide-area communication network 70. For example, the communication unit 61 receives notification information from the cloud server 50 to notify a resident that there may be an abnormality on the staircase 80. The communication performed by the communication unit 61 is, for example, wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication.

[0038] The information processing unit 62 provides notification based on the notification information received by the communication unit 61 by displaying an image on the display unit 64 or by outputting sound from the speaker 65. The information processing unit 62 may also provide notification based on the received notification information by lighting or flashing an LED lamp (not shown) on the mobile terminal 60. The information processing unit 62 is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 62 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor (hardware) constituting the information processing unit 62 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 63.

[0039] The memory unit 63 is a storage device that stores the information necessary for the above notification, as well as computer programs (dedicated application programs) executed by the information processing unit 62. The memory unit 63 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0040] The display unit 64 displays an image for notification. The display unit 64 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel. The speaker 65 outputs sound for notification.

[0041] [Example of operation 1] Next, we will describe example 1 of the operation of the lighting system 10. Figure 3 is a flowchart of example 1 of the operation of the lighting system 10.

[0042] Initially, the light source 42 of the lighting fixture 40 is off. The resident operates (presses) the first button 22 of the first switch 20, and when the first switch 20 receives this operation (S11), it switches the circuit of the switch circuit 21. As a result, the light source 42 of the lighting fixture 40 turns on (S12).

[0043] The information processing unit 44 transmits lighting timing information (information indicating the timing when the light source 42 was turned on) to the cloud server 50 when the light source 42 of the lighting fixture 40 is turned on.

[0044] The communication unit 51 of the cloud server 50 receives the lighting timing information. The information processing unit 52 starts measuring time from the moment the lighting timing information is received (S13).

[0045] Next, the information processing unit 52 determines whether or not the light source 42 has been turned off (S14). In other words, this determination determines whether or not it can be assumed that the resident has gone up the stairs 80 from the location of the first switch 20 to the location of the second switch 30 and operated the second button 32. Specifically, the information processing unit 52 determines whether or not it has received the off-time information (information indicating the timing at which the light source 42 was turned off) transmitted by the lighting fixture 40 when the light source 42 is turned off.

[0046] When the information processing unit 52 determines that the light source 42 has turned off (Yes in S14), it stops measuring time and stores the length of the measured time in the storage unit 53 (S17).

[0047] If the information processing unit 52 determines that the light source 42 is not turned off (No in S14), it determines whether the measured time has exceeded a predetermined time (S15). If the information processing unit 52 determines that the measured time has not exceeded a predetermined time (No in S15), it determines whether the light source 42 has turned off (S14).

[0048] In step S15, if it is determined that the measured time exceeds the predetermined time, it is considered that some kind of accident occurred while the resident was going up the stairs 80, and the resident did not reach the installation location of the second switch 30 at the top of the stairs 80.

[0049] Therefore, if the information processing unit 52 determines that the measured time has exceeded a predetermined time (Yes in S15), it notifies that there may be an abnormality occurring to the resident on the stairs 80 (S16). Specifically, the information processing unit 52 generates notification information for the notification and transmits the generated notification information to the mobile terminal 60 using the communication unit 51. As a result, an image like the one in Figure 4 is displayed on the display unit 64 of the mobile terminal 60. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen. In addition to displaying an image, or instead of displaying an image, the notification may also be made by outputting sound from the speaker 65.

[0050] The mobile terminal 60 to which notifications are received is pre-registered with the cloud server 50 (storage unit 53). For example, the ID of a dedicated application program installed on the mobile terminal 60 to receive notifications is pre-registered with the storage unit 53.

[0051] As explained above, the information processing unit 52 of the cloud server 50 starts measuring time when the lighting fixture 40 is turned on based on the pressing of the first button 22. After the start of time measurement, if the measured time exceeds a predetermined time before the lighting fixture 40 turns off, it notifies the resident who turned on the lighting fixture 40 that there may be an abnormality.

[0052] This allows family members who live separately from residents (for example, elderly people) to be notified if something unusual may have happened to the resident.

[0053] In example 1, the time from when the first button 22 was pressed until the light fixture 40 turned on and the time from when the resident finished climbing the stairs 80 was measured. However, it is also possible to measure the time from when the second button 32 was pressed until the light fixture 40 turned on and the time from when the resident finished descending the stairs 80.

[0054] Furthermore, the information processing unit 52 may determine the resident's health status (aging) by accumulating the length of time it takes to climb the stairs 80 (or descend the stairs 80), which was stored in step S17, in the memory unit 53 on a daily basis. The determination result is displayed on the display unit of the resident's mobile terminal (not shown) or on the display unit 64 of the mobile terminal 60. Figure 5 shows an example of a display screen for the health status determination result.

[0055] Generally, residents who ascend and descend stairs 80 for shorter periods of time and at faster speeds can be judged as being healthier. Therefore, in the example in Figure 5, the relative value of the current ascent and descent speed to past ascent and descent speeds of stairs 80 is displayed.

[0056] [Example of operation 2] Next, we will describe example 2 of the operation of the lighting system 10. Figure 6 is a flowchart of example 2 of the operation of the lighting system 10.

[0057] Initially, the light source 42 of the lighting fixture 40 is off. When the first motion sensor 23 detects an occupant (S21), the first switch 20 switches the circuit of the switch circuit 21. As a result, the light source 42 of the lighting fixture 40 turns on (S22).

[0058] The information processing unit 44 transmits lighting timing information to the cloud server 50 when the light source 42 of the lighting fixture 40 is turned on.

[0059] The communication unit 51 of the cloud server 50 receives the lighting timing information. The information processing unit 52 starts measuring time from the moment the lighting timing information is received (S23).

[0060] Next, the information processing unit 52 determines whether or not the light source 42 has been turned off (S24). In other words, this determination determines whether or not it is considered that the resident has gone up the stairs 80 from the location of the first switch 20 to the location of the second switch 30, and that the second motion sensor 33 has detected the resident. Specifically, the information processing unit 52 determines whether or not the off-timing information transmitted by the lighting fixture 40, triggered by the light source 42 being turned off, has been received.

[0061] When the information processing unit 52 determines that the light source 42 has turned off (Yes in S24), it stops measuring time and stores the length of the measured time in the storage unit 53 (S27).

[0062] If the information processing unit 52 determines that the light source 42 is not turned off (No in S24), it determines whether the measured time has exceeded a predetermined time (S25). If the information processing unit 52 determines that the measured time has not exceeded a predetermined time (No in S25), it determines whether the light source 42 has turned off (S24).

[0063] In step S25, if it is determined that the measured time exceeds the predetermined time, it is considered that some kind of accident occurred while the resident was going up the stairs 80, and the resident did not reach the installation location of the second switch 30 at the top of the stairs 80.

[0064] Therefore, if the information processing unit 52 determines that the measured time has exceeded a predetermined time (Yes in S25), it notifies that there may be an abnormality occurring to the resident on the stairs 80 (S26). Specifically, the information processing unit 52 generates notification information for the notification and transmits the generated notification information to the mobile terminal 60 using the communication unit 51. As a result, an image like that shown in Figure 4 is displayed on the display unit 64 of the mobile terminal 60. In addition to displaying the image, or instead of displaying the image, the notification may also be made by outputting sound from the speaker 65.

[0065] The mobile terminal 60 to which notifications are received is pre-registered with the cloud server 50 (storage unit 53). For example, the ID of a dedicated application program installed on the mobile terminal 60 to receive notifications is pre-registered with the storage unit 53.

[0066] Furthermore, after step S27 (i.e., after the start of time measurement, if the lighting fixture 40 turns off), the information processing unit 52 determines whether the duration of the human detection by the second human presence sensor 33 that triggered the turning off of the lighting fixture 40 exceeds a threshold (S28). In this case, the second switch 30 uses a communication unit (not shown) to transmit information indicating the detection start time and information indicating the detection end time to the cloud server 50. Based on this information received by the communication unit 51, the information processing unit 52 can determine the duration of the information.

[0067] In step S28, if it is determined that the duration exceeds a threshold, it is considered that the resident has stopped moving within the detection range of the second motion sensor 33, and specifically, the resident may have fallen down or something similar.

[0068] Therefore, if the information processing unit 52 determines that the duration of human detection by the second human presence sensor 33 exceeds a threshold (Yes in S28), it notifies the resident that there may be an abnormality (S26). Specifically, the information processing unit 52 generates notification information for this notification and transmits the generated notification information to the mobile terminal 60 using the communication unit 51. On the other hand, if it determines that the duration of human detection by the second human presence sensor 33 does not exceed a threshold (No in S28), the operation ends.

[0069] As explained above, the information processing unit 52 of the cloud server 50 starts measuring time when the lighting fixture 40 turns on based on the detection of a person by the first motion sensor 23. After the start of time measurement, if the measured time exceeds a predetermined time before the lighting fixture 40 turns off, it notifies the resident who turned on the lighting fixture 40 that there may be an abnormality.

[0070] This allows family members who live separately from residents (for example, elderly people) to be notified if something unusual may have happened to the resident.

[0071] In example 2, the lighting fixture 40 was turned on when the first motion sensor 23 detected a person, and the time until the resident finished climbing the stairs 80 was measured. However, it is also possible to measure the time until the lighting fixture 40 was turned on when the second motion sensor 33 detected a person, and the time until the resident descended the stairs 80.

[0072] Furthermore, the information processing unit 52 may determine the resident's health status (aging) by accumulating the length of time it takes to climb the stairs 80 (or descend the stairs 80), which was stored in step S27, in the memory unit 53 on a daily basis. Generally, the shorter the time, the faster the resident is climbing and descending the stairs 80, and the healthier they are judged to be. In this case, as a result of the determination, an image like that shown in Figure 5 is displayed on the display unit of the resident's mobile terminal (not shown), or on the display unit 64 of the mobile terminal 60.

[0073] [Example 1] In the above Operation Example 1, the processing in steps S13 to S17, and in Operation Example 2, the processing in steps S23 to S28 were performed by the information processing unit 52 of the cloud server 50, but they may also be performed by the information processing unit 62 of the mobile terminal 60. In other words, in Operation Example 1 and Operation Example 2, the cloud server 50, communication unit 51, information processing unit 52, and storage unit 53 may be replaced with the mobile terminal 60, communication unit 61, information processing unit 62, and storage unit 63. In this case, in steps S16 and S26, the mobile terminal 60 does not need to transmit notification information to other devices, and can simply make the notification using the speaker 65 or display unit 64 provided by the mobile terminal 60.

[0074] [Differentiation 2] Furthermore, the processing in steps S13 to S17 of Operation Example 1 and the processing in steps S23 to S28 of Operation Example 2 may be performed by the information processing unit 44 of the lighting fixture 40. In other words, in Operation Example 1 and Operation Example 2, the cloud server 50, communication unit 51, information processing unit 52, and storage unit 53 may be replaced with the lighting fixture 40, communication unit 43, information processing unit 44, and storage unit 45. In this case, in steps S16 and S26, the lighting fixture 40 transmits notification information to the mobile terminal 60 that has been pre-registered with the lighting fixture 40. In this configuration, since it is not necessary to transmit on-time information and off-time information, the effect of suppressing communication can be obtained.

[0075] [Difference 3] In the lighting system 10, a physical three-way circuit configuration is employed for the first switch 20, the second switch 30, and the lighting fixture 40. However, a logical three-way circuit configuration may also be employed for the first switch 20, the second switch 30, and the lighting fixture 40. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lighting system according to such a modified example.

[0076] The lighting system 10a shown in Figure 7 comprises a first switch 20a, a second switch 30a, a lighting fixture 40, a cloud server 50, and a mobile terminal 60. The first switch 20a, the second switch 30a, and the lighting fixture 40 employ a logical three-way circuit configuration. The first switch 20a includes a communication unit 21a instead of a switch circuit 21, and the second switch 30a includes a communication unit 31a instead of a switch circuit 31.

[0077] The communication unit 21a is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the first switch 20a to communicate with the cloud server 50 via the wide-area communication network 70. The communication unit 21a transmits first information to the cloud server 50 each time the first button 22 is pressed. In addition, the communication unit 21a transmits first information to the cloud server 50 each time the first human presence sensor 23 detects a person.

[0078] The communication unit 31a is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the second switch 30a to communicate with the cloud server 50 via the wide-area communication network 70. The communication unit 31a transmits second information to the cloud server 50 each time the second button 32 is pressed. In addition, the communication unit 31a transmits second information to the cloud server 50 each time the second human presence sensor 33 detects a person.

[0079] In the lighting system 10a, the information processing unit 52 of the cloud server 50 counts the number of times the first information and the second information have been received, and sends on-light and off-light commands to the lighting fixture 40 according to the number of times, thereby realizing a logical three-way circuit configuration. In other words, the lighting system 10a can perform the operation examples 1 and 2 of the above embodiment.

[0080] Furthermore, if the first information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 60 by the communication unit 21a and the second information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 60 by the communication unit 31a, the lighting system 10a can perform the operation of Modification 1 of the above embodiment. If the first information is transmitted to the lighting fixture 40 by the communication unit 21a and the second information is transmitted to the lighting fixture 40 by the communication unit 31a, the lighting system 10a can perform the operation of Modification 2 of the above embodiment.

[0081] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, the first switch 20 is installed at the bottom of the stairs and the second switch 30 is installed at the top of the stairs. However, the first switch 20 may be installed at the top of the stairs and the second switch 30 may be installed at the bottom of the stairs. The same applies to the first switch 20a and the second switch 30a.

[0082] Furthermore, the first switch 20 and the second switch 30 may be installed in locations other than the stairs, such as passageways. The same applies to the first switch 20a and the second switch 30a.

[0083] Furthermore, although lighting system 10 and lighting system 10a were described as systems used in residences, they may also be used in facilities other than residences.

[0084] [Effects, etc.] The inventions derived from the disclosures in this specification include, for example, the following. The inventions derived from the disclosures in this specification will be described below, along with the effects obtained by such inventions.

[0085] Invention 1 is a lighting system 10 comprising a first switch 20, a second switch 30, and a lighting fixture 40, which employ a physical or logical three-way circuit configuration, and an information processing unit 52. The information processing unit 52 starts measuring time when the lighting fixture 40 is turned on based on a change in the state of the first switch 20 or a change in the state of the second switch 30, and if the measured time exceeds a predetermined time after the start of time measurement but before the lighting fixture 40 is turned off, it notifies the user who turned on the lighting fixture 40 that there may be an abnormality.

[0086] Such a lighting system 10 can notify the user if the lighting fixture 40 remains lit for a relatively long period of time after being turned on, as this may indicate a malfunction. In other words, the lighting system 10 can notify the user who turned on the lighting fixture 40 that a malfunction may have occurred.

[0087] Invention 2 is a lighting system 10 of Invention 1, wherein the state of the first switch 20 changes each time the first button 22 on the first switch 20 is pressed, and the state of the second switch 30 changes each time the second button 32 on the second switch 30 is pressed.

[0088] With such a lighting system 10, the user can turn the lighting fixture 40 on and off by pressing the first button 22 or the second button 32.

[0089] Invention 3 is a lighting system 10 of Invention 1, wherein the state of the first switch 20 changes each time the first motion sensor 23 provided in the first switch 20 detects a person, and the state of the second switch 30 changes each time the second motion sensor 33 provided in the second switch 30 detects a person.

[0090] With such a lighting system 10, the user can turn the lighting fixture 40 on and off by activating the first motion sensor 23 or the second motion sensor 33.

[0091] Invention 4 is a lighting system 10 of Invention 3, wherein, if the lighting fixture turns off after the start of time measurement, the information processing unit 52 notifies the user that an abnormality may have occurred if the duration of the human detection by the second human presence sensor 33 that triggered the turning off exceeds a threshold.

[0092] With such a lighting system 10, the user can turn the lighting fixture 40 on and off by having the first motion sensor 23 or the second motion sensor 33 detect them.

[0093] Invention 5 is a lighting system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the first switch 20 is located at the bottom of the stairs 80 and the second switch 30 is located at the top of the stairs 80.

[0094] Such a lighting system 10 can notify users passing through the stairs 80 that there may be an abnormality.

[0095] Invention 6 is a lighting system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 5, wherein the information processing unit 52 stops measuring time when the lighting fixture 40 turns off before the measured time exceeds a predetermined time, stores the length of the measured time in the storage unit 53, and determines the user's health status based on the length of the stored time.

[0096] Such a lighting system 10 can determine the user's health status (leg strength).

[0097] Invention 7 is a lighting system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the information processing unit 52 is provided by a cloud server 50 and notifies a mobile terminal 60 that has been pre-registered with the cloud server 50.

[0098] In such a lighting system 10, the cloud server 50 can notify the user if there is a possibility of an anomaly occurring.

[0099] Invention 8 is a lighting system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the information processing unit 62 is provided by a mobile terminal 60, and notifications are made using a speaker or display unit provided by the mobile terminal 60.

[0100] In such a lighting system 10, the mobile terminal 60 can notify the user that a malfunction may have occurred.

[0101] Invention 9 is a lighting system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the information processing unit 44 is provided by a lighting fixture 40 and notifies a mobile terminal 60 that has been pre-registered with the lighting fixture 40.

[0102] In such a lighting system 10, the lighting fixture 40 can notify the user that a malfunction may have occurred.

[0103] Invention 10 is a lighting fixture 40 comprising a first switch 20, a second switch 30, and a lighting fixture 40, which employ a physical or logical three-way circuit configuration, and the lighting fixture 40 comprises a light source 42 and an information processing unit 44, wherein the information processing unit 44 starts measuring time when the light source 42 is turned on based on a change in the state of the first switch 20 or a change in the state of the second switch 30, and after the start of time measurement and before the light source 42 turns off, if the measured time exceeds a predetermined time, the lighting fixture 40 notifies the user who turned on the light source 42 that there may be an abnormality.

[0104] Such a lighting fixture 40 can notify the user if it remains lit for a relatively long period of time after being turned on, as this may indicate a malfunction. In other words, the lighting fixture 40 can notify the user that a malfunction may have occurred.

[0105] Invention 11 is a notification method executed by a computer, utilizing a first switch 20, a second switch 30, and a lighting fixture 40, which employ a physical or logical three-way circuit configuration. The notification method starts measuring time when the lighting fixture 40 turns on based on a change in the state of the first switch 20 or a change in the state of the second switch 30, and if the measured time exceeds a predetermined time after the start of time measurement but before the lighting fixture 40 turns off, it notifies the user who turned on the lighting fixture 40 that there may be an abnormality. The computer here is, for example, a cloud server 50, a mobile terminal 60, or a computer installed in the lighting fixture 40.

[0106] This notification method allows the system to notify the user if the lighting fixture 40 remains lit for a relatively long period after being turned on, as this may indicate a malfunction. In other words, the notification method can notify the user who turned on the lighting fixture 40 that a malfunction may have occurred.

[0107] In inventions 1 to 6, the information processing unit 52 may be read as the information processing unit 62 or the information processing unit 44. In inventions 1 to 9, the lighting system 10 may be read as the lighting system 10a. In inventions 1 to 10, the first switch 20 and the second switch 30 may be read as the first switch 20a and the second switch 30a.

[0108] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0109] For example, in the above embodiment, the lighting system was implemented by multiple devices. When a lighting system is implemented by multiple devices in this way, the components of the lighting system (especially the functional components) may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner.

[0110] Furthermore, the lighting system may be implemented as a single device. For example, the lighting system may be implemented as a single device equivalent to a server device.

[0111] Furthermore, the communication method between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, relay devices (such as broadband routers) not shown may be involved in the communication between devices.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processing units may be changed, or multiple processing units may be executed in parallel.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0114] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0115] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0116] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a lighting fixture, cloud server, or mobile terminal as described in the above embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a method executed by a computer, or as a program (in other words, a computer program product) that causes a computer to execute the method. The present invention may also be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0117] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 10, 10a Lighting System 20, 20a First switch 21, 31 Switch Circuits 21a, 31a, 43, 51, 61 Communication Department 22 First button 23 First-person sensor 30, 30a Second switch 32 Second button 33 Second-person sensor 40 Lighting fixtures 41 Power supply circuit 42 Light source 44, 52, 62 Information Processing Unit 45, 53, 63 Storage section 50 Cloud Servers 60 Mobile devices 64 Display section 65 speakers 70 Wide-area telecommunications network 80 stairs 90 Grid power supply

Claims

1. A physical or logical three-way circuit configuration is employed for the first switch, the second switch, and the lighting fixture. It is equipped with an information processing unit, The aforementioned information processing unit, When the lighting fixture turns on based on a change in the state of the first switch or the second switch, time measurement is started. If, after the start of the measurement of the aforementioned time, and before the lighting fixture is turned off, the measured time exceeds a predetermined time, the user who turned on the lighting fixture will be notified that there may be an abnormality. If the lighting fixture turns off before the measured time exceeds a predetermined time, the measurement of the time is stopped, and the length of the measured time is stored in the memory unit. Based on the length of the stored time, the user's health status is determined. Lighting system.

2. The state of the first switch changes each time the first button on the first switch is pressed. The state of the second switch changes each time the second button on the second switch is pressed. The lighting system according to claim 1.

3. The state of the first switch changes each time the first human presence sensor equipped with the first switch detects a person. The state of the second switch changes each time the second motion sensor attached to the second switch detects a person. The lighting system according to claim 1.

4. If the lighting fixture turns off after the start of time measurement, and the duration of the human detection by the two-person motion sensor that triggered the turning off exceeds a threshold, the information processing unit notifies the user that there may be an abnormality. The lighting system according to claim 3.

5. The first switch is located at the bottom of the stairs. The second switch is located at the top of the stairs. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned information processing unit is provided by a cloud server and sends the aforementioned notification to a mobile terminal that has been pre-registered with the cloud server. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The information processing unit is provided by a mobile terminal and provides the notification using the speaker or display unit provided by the mobile terminal. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The information processing unit is provided by the lighting fixture and sends the notification to a mobile terminal that has been pre-registered with the lighting fixture. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. A first switch, a second switch, and a lighting fixture, among which a physical or logical three-way circuit configuration is employed, Light source and It is equipped with an information processing unit, The aforementioned information processing unit, When the state of the first switch changes, or when the light source turns on based on the state of the second switch, time measurement is started. If, after the start of the measurement of the aforementioned time, and before the light source is turned off, the measured time exceeds a predetermined time, the user who turned on the light source will be notified that there may be an abnormality. If the light source turns off before the measured time exceeds a predetermined time, the measurement of the time is stopped, and the length of the measured time is stored in the memory unit. Based on the length of the stored time, the user's health status is determined. Lighting fixtures.

10. A notification method performed by a computer, utilizing a first switch, a second switch, and a lighting fixture, employing a physical or logical three-way circuit configuration, When the lighting fixture turns on based on a change in the state of the first switch or the second switch, time measurement is started. If, after the start of the measurement of the aforementioned time, and before the lighting fixture is turned off, the measured time exceeds a predetermined time, the user who turned on the lighting fixture will be notified that there may be an abnormality. If the lighting fixture turns off before the measured time exceeds a predetermined time, the measurement of the time is stopped, and the length of the measured time is stored in the memory unit. Based on the length of the stored time, the user's health status is determined. Notification method.

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