Environmental control system, environmental control method, and program

Abstract

To facilitate improving the utilization efficiency of a shared work area that can be shared by multiple users.SOLUTION: An environment control system 100 includes a lighting control portion 11 and a sound control portion 12. The lighting control portion 11 controls a lighting load 1 provided in a shared work area A1 that can be shared by a plurality of users. The sound control portion 12 controls a sound device 2 provided in the shared work area A1. The shared work area A1 includes a plurality of usage areas each usable by one user. The lighting control portion 11 controls the lighting load 1 such that the illuminance of a predetermined area and other areas are different from each other in at least one of the plurality of usage areas. The sound control portion 12 controls the sound device 2 such that the specific sound is reproduced in the at least one usage area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an acoustic lighting device. This acoustic lighting device includes a lighting unit, an acoustic output unit, a setting unit, and a control unit. The setting unit sets a parameter of at least one of lighting of the lighting unit and acoustic output of the acoustic output unit in accordance with a recognized user present in the surroundings. The control unit controls at least one of the lighting of the lighting unit and the acoustic output of the acoustic output unit in accordance with the parameter set by the setting unit. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-093204 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The present invention provides an environmental control system, an environmental control method, and a program that easily improve the utilization efficiency of a shared work area that can be shared by a plurality of users. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] An environmental control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a lighting control unit and an acoustic control unit. The lighting control unit controls a lighting load provided in a shared work area that can be shared by a plurality of users. The acoustic control unit controls an acoustic device provided in the shared work area. The shared work area is constituted by a single fixture and includes a plurality of use areas each usable by one user. One use area among the plurality of use areas is arranged adjacent to another use area. The lighting load is installed to illuminate a predetermined area in each of the plurality of usage areas. The environmental control system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires user information regarding the presence or absence of users in each of the plurality of usage areas.The lighting control unit controls the lighting load such that the illuminance of a predetermined area corresponding to one of the plurality of usage areas and the illuminance of other areas corresponding to other usage areas are different from each other. The lighting control unit adjusts the illuminance of a predetermined area in each of the plurality of usage areas based on the presence or absence of a user in each of the plurality of usage areas. The sound control unit controls the sound device so that a specific sound is reproduced in the one usage area.

[0006] An environmental control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a lighting control step and an acoustic control step. The lighting control step controls a lighting load provided in a shared work area that can be used by multiple users. The acoustic control step controls an acoustic device provided in the shared work area. The shared work area consists of a single piece of furniture and includes multiple work areas, each usable by one user. One of the multiple work areas is arranged adjacent to another work area. The lighting load is installed to illuminate a predetermined area in each of the plurality of usage areas. The environment control method further includes an acquisition step of acquiring user information regarding the presence or absence of users in each of the plurality of usage areas. In the lighting control step, the lighting load is controlled such that the illuminance of a predetermined area corresponding to one of the plurality of usage areas and the illuminance of other areas corresponding to other usage areas are different from each other. In the lighting control step, the illuminance of a predetermined area in each of the plurality of usage areas is adjusted based on the presence or absence of a user in each of the plurality of usage areas. In the aforementioned sound control step, the sound device is controlled so that a specific sound is reproduced in the one usage area.

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

[0008] The environmental control system, environmental control method, and program of the present invention have the advantage of easily improving the utilization efficiency of a shared workspace that can be shared by multiple users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view showing an overview of the shared work area in which the environmental control system according to the embodiment is used. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the environmental control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view showing an example of how the shared workspace is used. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view showing another example of how the shared workspace is used. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of responses to a questionnaire administered to the subjects. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a first example of operation of the environmental control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a second example of operation of the environmental control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view showing an overview of another example of a shared workspace. [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 general 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) [Shared work area] First, the shared work area A1 in which the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment (see Figure 2) is used will be described. Figure 1 is a plan view showing an overview of the shared work area A1 in which the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment is used.

[0013] The environment control system 100 according to the embodiment is used in an environment where users work, such as an office, and is a system for controlling such an environment. In the embodiment, it is assumed that the environment control system 100 is used in an ABW (Activity Based Working) type office where a user can freely select a work place according to the work the user wants to perform, for example. Here, "ABW" refers to a working style in which a user (such as an employee) selects a work place or a desk in accordance with work content. In an ABW type office, a user can select a place with relatively high quietness when performing work that requires concentration, and can select a relaxable place such as a sofa when having a meeting.

[0014] Note that the environment control system 100 is not limited to being used in ABW type offices, and may also be used in free address type offices, and may be used in other environments as long as the environment allows users to freely select work places according to the work they want to perform. For example, the environment control system 100 may be used in educational facilities such as elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, or universities, may be used in public facilities such as community centers or libraries, and may also be used in stores or commercial facilities.

[0015] The following description focuses on one shared work area A1 provided in the office, but the number of shared work areas A1 provided in the office is not limited to one, and may be plural. Further, the office may include work areas other than the shared work area A1. This work area is not limited to an area where users can freely select a work place, and may be, for example, an area where the user's work place is fixed.

[0016] The shared work area A1 is an area that can be shared by a plurality of users U1 (see FIG. 3). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the shared work area A1 corresponds to the upper surface of a furniture (here, a desk 3) that can be shared by a plurality of (here, four) users U1. The shared work area A1 includes a plurality of use areas A10 each usable by one user U1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the desk 3 is provided with four seats each allowing a user U1 to sit down. A partial area of the upper surface of the desk 3 located in front of the user U1 when the user U1 is seated on the seat corresponds to the use area A10. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the shared work area A1 includes four use areas A11 to A14 obtained by dividing the upper surface of the desk 3 by a pair of diagonal lines.

[0017] Note that a pair of diagonal lines are not actually drawn on the upper surface of the desk 3. That is, the four use areas A11 to A14 are not clearly divided by the pair of diagonal lines. Of course, the four use areas A11 to A14 may be clearly divided by a pair of actually drawn diagonal lines. In addition, the use area A10 only needs to be an area where one user U1 can perform work, and the shape of each use area A10 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] Furthermore, the shared work area A1 is an area composed of one or more pieces of furniture (here, the desk 3) for the user U1 to perform office work. That is, in the embodiment, the shared work area A1 is an area for performing office work using an information terminal such as a desktop or laptop personal computer, or holding a remote conference, for example. Note that the office work referred to herein does not include, for example, cooking work performed in a kitchen or the like.

[0019] Furthermore, the multiple work areas A10 are positioned such that when user U1 is present in any of the work areas A10, at least one of the other work areas A10 is within the user U1's field of vision. Specifically, the multiple work areas A10 are positioned such that when user U1 is seated in a seat in any of the work areas A10, and user U1 is working while facing forward, the other work areas A10 are within user U1's field of vision.

[0020] Figure 3 is a plan view showing an example of how the shared workspace A1 is used. In the example shown in Figure 3, two users U1 are using the shared workspace A1, with one user U1 using workspace A13 and the other user U1 using workspace A14, which is adjacent to workspace A13. In this case, workspace A14 is within the field of view of one user U1, and workspace A13 is within the field of view of the other user U1.

[0021] Figure 4 is a plan view showing another example of how the shared workspace A1 is used. In the example shown in Figure 4, two users U1 are using the shared workspace A1, with one user U1 using workspace A11 and the other user U1 using workspace A13, which is directly in front of workspace A11. In this case, workspace A13 is within the field of view of one user U1, and workspace A11 is within the field of view of the other user U1.

[0022] A lighting load 1 is installed in the space where the shared work area A1 is located. In this embodiment, the lighting load 1 is installed on the ceiling of the space. Of course, the lighting load 1 may be installed not only on the ceiling of the space, but also on the walls, floor, or furniture such as desks. The lighting load 1 provides a lighting environment to the corresponding work area A10 by illuminating it with lighting light. Parameters of the lighting environment may include, for example, the illuminance of the lighting light, the color temperature (color of light), or the light distribution.

[0023] In other words, in the space where the shared work area A1 exists, lighting load 1 is installed in units equal to the number of usable areas A10 included in the shared work area A1. In the example shown in Figure 1, the shared work area A1 includes four usable areas A11 to A14. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 1, four lighting loads 1A to 1D are installed in the space where the shared work area A1 exists. Lighting load 1A illuminates usable area A11, lighting load 1B illuminates usable area A12, lighting load 1C illuminates usable area A13, and lighting load 1D illuminates usable area A14.

[0024] Lighting load 1 is a spotlight used as a task light, and is equipped with a light source having a solid-state light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). This light source has a focused light distribution characteristic. Note that this light source is not limited to a spotlight, but may also be a desk lamp, downlight, or universal downlight, for example. Furthermore, the solid-state light-emitting element used in this light source is not limited to an LED, but may also be an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) element, etc. Moreover, this light source is not limited to a solid-state light-emitting element, but may also be a fluorescent lamp, etc.

[0025] Here, we will explain the light irradiation area of ​​the lighting load 1. The lighting load 1 is installed to irradiate a predetermined area B1 on the upper surface of the desk 3, which is the usage area A10. In the example shown in Figure 1, lighting load 1A is installed to irradiate a predetermined area B11 in the usage area A11, lighting load 1B is installed to irradiate a predetermined area B12 in the usage area A12, lighting load 1C is installed to irradiate a predetermined area B13 in the usage area A13, and lighting load 1D is installed to irradiate a predetermined area B14 in the usage area A14.

[0026] In this embodiment, in two adjacent usage areas A10, the lighting load 1 that illuminates one usage area A10 does not necessarily have to strictly affect only the lighting environment of one usage area A10; it is permissible for it to affect the other usage area A10. In other words, in any usage area A10, it is sufficient that the lighting environment provided by the lighting load 1 corresponding to that usage area A10 becomes the primary lighting environment, and even if there is influence from a lighting load 1 corresponding to a usage area A10 other than the one in question, it is sufficient if it has little effect on the lighting environment of that usage area A10. This is because, in this case, the influence that the lighting load 1 corresponding to a usage area A10 other than the one in question has on the user U1 using that usage area A10 is considered to be limited.

[0027] In this embodiment, a light source having a solid-state light-emitting element such as an LED is further installed as a lighting load 1 in the space where the shared work area A1 is located, serving as ambient lighting to uniformly illuminate the target shared work area A1. This light source has a diffuse light distribution characteristic. The solid-state light-emitting element used in this light source is not limited to an LED, but may also be an organic EL element or the like. Furthermore, this light source is not limited to a solid-state light-emitting element, but may also be a fluorescent lamp or the like.

[0028] Furthermore, an acoustic device 2 is installed in the space where the shared workspace A1 is located. In this embodiment, the acoustic device 2 is installed on the ceiling of the space. Of course, the acoustic device 2 may be installed not only on the ceiling of the space, but also on the walls, floor, or furniture such as desks. The acoustic device 2 provides an acoustic environment to the corresponding shared workspace A1 by outputting sound to it. The parameters of the acoustic environment may include, for example, the content to be played or the volume. The acoustic device is, for example, an omnidirectional speaker that is controlled by an acoustic control unit 12 (described later) to play content transmitted from the acoustic control unit 12. The acoustic device 2 may also be a directional speaker such as a parametric speaker, an ultrasonic speaker, or a speaker with a horn-shaped enclosure. When a directional speaker is used, it is expected that the amount of sound that leaks into other spaces will be reduced.

[0029] In this embodiment, one sound device 2 is installed in the space where the shared work area A1 exists, but it is also possible to install as many sound devices 2 as there are work areas A10 included in the shared work area A1. In this case, it is preferable that each sound device 2 is a directional speaker that outputs sound to the corresponding work area A10.

[0030] Furthermore, in this case, in two adjacent usage areas A10, the sound output from the sound device 2 installed in one usage area A10 does not have to be output only to that usage area A10; it is permissible for some of the sound to leak into the other usage area A10. In other words, in any usage area A10, it is sufficient that the sound output from the sound device 2 corresponding to that usage area A10 is the primary sound, and even if some sound leaks in from a space different from that usage area A10, it is sufficient that it has little effect on the acoustics of that usage area A10.

[0031] [Environmental control system] Next, the configuration of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the environmental control system 100 includes a lighting control unit 11, an acoustic control unit 12, a storage unit 13, an acquisition unit 14, and an input receiving unit 15. Note that the environmental control system 100 only needs to include the lighting control unit 11 and the acoustic control unit 12, and does not need to include the storage unit 13, the acquisition unit 14, and the input receiving unit 15. Furthermore, the environmental control system 100 may be installed in an office or in a location away from the office.

[0032] The lighting control unit 11 is capable of communicating with each lighting load 1 installed in the space where the shared work area A1 exists, and controls each lighting load 1 by transmitting a lighting control signal to each lighting load 1. In other words, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1 provided in the shared work area A1. In this embodiment, the lighting control unit 11 controls both the dimming and color adjustment of each lighting load 1. Communication between the lighting control unit 11 and each lighting load 1 may be wired communication or wireless communication, and the communication standard is not particularly limited.

[0033] The sound control unit 12 is capable of communicating with the sound device 2 installed in the space where the shared work area A1 exists, and controls the sound device 2 to play content by transmitting sound control signals (including the content to be played) to the sound device 2. In other words, the sound control unit 12 controls the sound device 2 provided in the shared work area A1. Communication between the sound control unit 12 and the sound device 2 may be wired communication or wireless communication, and the communication standard is not particularly limited.

[0034] Furthermore, the content may be stored in the sound control unit 12, the sound device 2, or the storage unit 13. The content is stored in an electronic data medium such as WAV or MP3 format, but is not limited to this, and may be stored in any known storage method, such as a compact disc (CD).

[0035] Here, by controlling the lighting and acoustic environments of each usage area A10, it is possible to create different environments for each usage area A10, and a so-called zoning effect can be expected.

[0036] Here, the zoning effect refers, for example, to a sense of spatial division, and may include the effect of making it easier for user U1 to perceive that multiple spaces are distinct from each other based on their appearance. Furthermore, the zoning effect may include the effect of making it easier to encourage changes in user U1's behavior or movement patterns in accordance with the intent of the zoning, based on user U1's perception. For example, suppose a given space is zoned with the intention of making it a space where user U1 can easily perform tasks requiring concentration. In this case, if user U1 sees the space and uses it primarily for the purpose of performing tasks requiring concentration, it can be said that the zoning effect has been achieved.

[0037] Furthermore, the zoning effect may include the effect of user U1's subjective effects and perceptions, or physiological, psychological, and biological effects, showing tendencies in accordance with the purpose of the zoning, when user U1 actually uses the zoned space. For example, suppose a space is zoned with the intention of making it a space where tasks requiring concentration can be easily performed, and user U1 uses that space. In this case, if user U1 feels that they were able to concentrate by using the space, or if indicators or data suggesting that user U1 was concentrating are obtained in terms of psychological and biological effects, then it can be said that the zoning effect was exerted.

[0038] As described above, by controlling the lighting load 1 and sound device 2 installed in the shared work area A1, it is possible to zone each work area A10 without using furniture or fixtures. This makes it easier to enhance the aesthetic appeal of work area A10, and enables zoning that instantly changes the office layout by controlling the lighting load 1 and sound device 2. For example, changing the control parameter of the color temperature (light color) of the light emitted by lighting load 1 in work area A10 can be completed in a few seconds. In this case, it is possible to change the office layout in a few seconds. If the office layout were to be changed by manually moving furniture or fixtures, it would take 60 minutes, several hours, a day, or even several days. From this perspective, zoning by controlling the lighting load 1 as described above can have an extremely remarkable effect.

[0039] The zoning control described above makes it possible to change the office layout on a short-term basis, such as hourly, daily, or monthly, compared to changing the layout of an office by rearranging the placement of furniture or fixtures.

[0040] In this embodiment, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1 such that in at least one of the multiple usage areas A10, the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 and other areas are different from each other. For example, in usage area A11, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1A such that the illuminance of a predetermined area B11 and other areas in usage area A11 are different from each other.

[0041] In particular, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1 so that in at least one of the multiple usage areas A10, the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 is higher than the illuminance of the other areas. In this embodiment, the predetermined area B1 corresponds to the central part of each usage area A10. Therefore, in each usage area A10, the lighting environment is such that the illuminance of the central part is greater than the illuminance of the area surrounding the central part.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sound control unit 12 controls the sound device 2 so that a specific sound is played in at least one of the work areas A10. For example, the sound control unit 12 plays a specific sound from the sound device 2 in the shared work area A1 so that the specific sound is played in each work area A10.

[0043] Here, the specific sound is a sound that masks sounds from outside the shared work area A1. The specific sound is, for example, a natural environmental sound such as the sound of flowing water or birdsong, or masking noise. Masking noise is, for example, white noise or colored noise, which is a sound that tends to increase the user's parasympathetic nervous system. Colored noise may include, for example, pink noise, brownian noise, or blue noise. By playing the specific sound, it is possible to mask, for example, the sounds of conversations of people outside the shared work area A1, and it is expected that this will make it easier for user U1 to concentrate on their work in each work area A10.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least one usage area A10 is provided with both an illumination environment provided by the lighting load 1 and an acoustic environment provided by the sound device 2. Therefore, in at least one usage area A10, it is easier to achieve an effect greater than simply adding up the zoning effect that can be expected from the illumination light and the zoning effect that can be expected from the sound, and it is expected that an unexpected and desirable synergistic effect will be more likely to occur.

[0045] In this embodiment, as described above, at least one of the work areas A10 is provided with a lighting environment in which the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 and other areas are different from each other, and an acoustic environment in which a specific sound is played. As a result, compared to the case in which only one of the lighting environment provided by the lighting load 1 and the acoustic environment provided by the sound device 2 is provided in at least one of the work areas A10, a zoning effect can be expected in which user U1 is less likely to be bothered by other users U1 in other work areas A10, and is also less likely to be bothered by external noise, making it easier to concentrate on work.

[0046] The memory unit 13 is a storage device that stores information (such as computer programs) necessary for the lighting control unit 11 and the sound control unit 12 to perform control. The memory unit 13 is implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be implemented by semiconductor memory, and is not particularly limited to any known means of electronic information storage that can be used.

[0047] The acquisition unit 14 acquires user information regarding the presence or absence of user U1 in each of the multiple usage areas A10. The acquisition unit 14 can acquire user information by, for example, acquiring detection results from human presence sensors such as infrared sensors installed in each usage area A10. The acquisition unit 14 can also acquire user information by, for example, acquiring detection results from an indoor location information detection system using BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) or the like, which is used in the office. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 14 can acquire user information by, for example, acquiring images of the office taken from a camera installed in the office and performing appropriate image analysis processing on these images. In addition, the acquisition unit 14 can acquire user information by, for example, acquiring the reading results of wireless IC tags possessed by user U1 from tag readers installed in each usage area A10.

[0048] In this embodiment, the lighting control unit 11 controls each lighting load 1 corresponding to each usage area A10 based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 14. That is, the lighting control unit 11 adjusts the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 in each of the multiple usage areas A10 based on the presence or absence of user U1 in each of the multiple usage areas A10.

[0049] For example, in a usage area A10 where user U1 is present, the lighting control unit 11 controls the corresponding lighting load 1 so that the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 in that usage area A10 is higher than the illuminance of other areas. Hereinafter, this mode of control by the lighting control unit 11 will be referred to as the "first mode". Also, for example, in a usage area A10 where user U1 is not present, the lighting control unit 11 controls the corresponding lighting load 1 so that the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 in that usage area A10 is relatively low. This control of the lighting load 1 may also include control to turn off the lighting load 1. Hereinafter, this mode of control by the lighting control unit 11 will be referred to as the "second mode". In other words, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1 in the first mode in a usage area A10 where user U1 is present, and controls the lighting load 1 in the second mode in a usage area A10 where user U1 is not present.

[0050] The input receiving unit 15 receives a switching input for switching the control of the lighting load 1 by the lighting control unit 11. The input receiving unit 15 receives the switching input by receiving a signal corresponding to the switching input received by the controller, for example by communicating with a dedicated controller in an environmental control system 100 that can be used by user U1. The controller is installed in an office, for example. The controller may be implemented by an information terminal owned by user U1, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.

[0051] In this embodiment, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1 to change the usage pattern of the shared work area A1 in response to the switching input. Specifically, the lighting control unit 11 switches between two modes in response to the switching input: one mode in which the lighting load 1 is controlled so that the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 and other areas differs from each other in at least one of the multiple work areas A10; and another mode in which the lighting load 1 is controlled so that the shared work area A1 is illuminated uniformly. The former mode corresponds to the "first mode" described above. The latter mode will be referred to as the "third mode" below.

[0052] For example, when the input receiving unit 15 receives a switching input instructing the lighting control unit 11 to switch to the first mode, the lighting load 1 controls the lighting load 1 so that the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 in at least one of the work areas A10 is higher than the illuminance of other areas. Also, for example, when the input receiving unit 15 receives a switching input instructing the lighting control unit 11 to switch to the third mode, the lighting load 1 controls the lighting load 1 so that the shared work area A1 is illuminated uniformly. In this case, the lighting control unit 11 illuminates the shared work area A1 uniformly by irradiating the shared work area A1 with light from a light source having a diffuse light distribution characteristic among the lighting load 1.

[0053] The lighting control unit 11, the sound control unit 12, the memory unit 13, the acquisition unit 14, and the input receiving unit 15 may all be mounted on the same circuit board or housed in the same enclosure. The circuit board or enclosure may be attached to the ceiling, walls, floor, or furniture such as desks in an office. In this case, the effect of miniaturizing the environmental control system 100 can be expected.

[0054] [verification] Here, the inventor of the present application conducted the following evaluation experiment to verify the effect of controlling the lighting load 1 and sound device 2 by the environmental control system 100. Specifically, multiple subjects were allowed to use the shared work area A1, and a questionnaire was administered to each subject after use. In particular, in the evaluation experiment, each subject was allowed to use the shared work area A1 in three different environments: "Zoning A", "Zoning B", and "Zoning C". A questionnaire was then administered to each subject for each of the three environments.

[0055] In the "Zoning A" environment, there are no barriers separating each usage area A10, no lighting environment is provided that illuminates a designated area B1 within each usage area A10 with spotlights, and no acoustic environment is provided that plays a specific sound for masking toward the shared work area A1. In the "Zoning B" environment, there are barriers separating each usage area A10, and the above-mentioned lighting and acoustic environments are provided. In the "Zoning C" environment, there are no barriers separating each usage area A10, and the above-mentioned lighting and acoustic environments are provided.

[0056] The barrier used in the evaluation experiment was installed on the top surface of desk 3, which constitutes the shared work area A1, and was tall enough so that a user U1 seated in a seat corresponding to one of the work areas A10 could enter the field of vision of a user U1 seated in a seat corresponding to another work area A10. In other words, this barrier does not completely shield user U1 from other users U1, like a partition, for example.

[0057] Figure 5 shows an example of responses to a questionnaire administered to the subjects. In Figure 5, the columns marked "Zoning" and "(Person next to me)" indicate whether the subject was able to work in shared workspace A1 without being bothered by other people (the person next to them) who were also using shared workspace A1. In Figure 5, the columns marked "Zoning" and "(Ambient noise)" indicate whether the subject was able to work in shared workspace A1 without being bothered by the surrounding noise. In Figure 5, the columns marked "Zoning" and "(Would like to use again)" indicate whether the subject would like to use shared workspace A1 again.

[0058] Furthermore, in Figure 5, the columns marked "Regardless of the presence or absence of obstructions" and "(Person next door)" represent the question of whether the effect of not being bothered by other people (person next door) using the shared work area A1 can be achieved solely by the lighting and sound environment described above, regardless of the presence or absence of obstructions. Also, in Figure 5, the columns marked "Regardless of the presence or absence of obstructions" and "(Ambient noise)" represent the question of whether the effect of not being bothered by ambient noise can be achieved solely by the lighting and sound environment described above, regardless of the presence or absence of obstructions. In addition, the right column of Figure 5 shows the answers to the corresponding questions using bar graphs and numbers on a 5-point scale. In the answers, the longer the bar graph and the larger the number, the more positive the answer.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, in the "Zoning A" environment, i.e., when the above-mentioned lighting and sound environment is not provided in the shared work area A1, the subjects gave somewhat negative responses, stating that they tended to be bothered by other people (the person next to them) and by surrounding noises. On the other hand, in the "Zoning B" and "Zoning C" environments, i.e., when the above-mentioned lighting and sound environment is provided in the shared work area A1, the subjects gave positive responses, stating that they were not bothered by other people (the person next to them) and were not bothered by surrounding noises. Furthermore, in the "Zoning A" environment, the subjects gave somewhat negative responses, stating that they were not very inclined to use it again, while in the "Zoning B" and "Zoning C" environments, the subjects gave positive responses, stating that they would be inclined to use it again.

[0060] Furthermore, participants gave positive feedback indicating that both the effect of not being bothered by others (the person next to you) and the effect of not being bothered by surrounding noises could be achieved solely through the lighting and acoustic environments described above, regardless of the presence or absence of barriers.

[0061] Based on the results of the evaluation experiment described above, the inventors of this application have found that the following effects can be expected when the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1 so that the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 and other areas differs in at least one of the multiple work areas A10, and when the sound control unit 12 controls the sound device 2 so that a specific sound is played in the at least one work area A10. Specifically, by the lighting control unit 11 and the sound control unit 12 controlling the lighting load 1 and sound device 2 as described above, it can be expected that a user U1 using the shared work area A1 can work without being bothered by other users U1 using the same shared work area A1, and without being bothered by surrounding noise. Furthermore, the inventors of this application have found that the above effects can be expected regardless of the presence or absence of shielding objects in the shared work area A1.

[0062] [Operation] The following describes an example of the operation of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment. Note that the first and second operation examples described below are merely examples of the operation of the environmental control system 100, and the operation of the environmental control system 100 is not limited to the first and second operation examples.

[0063] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment. In the following description, the lighting control unit 11 and the sound control unit 12 will be described as starting process S11 upon receiving a control input. In other words, the lighting control unit 11 and the sound control unit 12 do not control the lighting load 1 and sound device 2 in the shared work area A1 before receiving a control input. The control input corresponds to, for example, reaching the start of work on any given day, or an operation by a user to start the operation of the environmental control system 100.

[0064] First, upon receiving a control input, the lighting control unit 11 and the sound control unit 12 begin control according to the received control input, controlling the lighting load 1 and sound device 2 in the shared work area A1. Then, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1 in second mode (S11). As a result, the predetermined area B1 becomes relatively low in each usage area A10 of the shared work area A1.

[0065] Until the acquisition unit 14 acquires user information indicating that user U1 is present in any of the work areas A10 (S12: No), the lighting control unit 11 maintains control in the second mode. On the other hand, once the acquisition unit 14 acquires user information indicating that user U1 is present in any of the work areas A10 (S12: Yes), the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1 corresponding to that work area A10 in the first mode (S13). As a result, in the work area A10 where user U1 is present, the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 becomes higher than that of other areas until user U1 leaves their seat. Therefore, user U1 is less likely to be distracted by other users U1 in other work areas A10, and is also less likely to be distracted by external noise, making it easier for them to concentrate on their work.

[0066] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment. In the second operation example, as in the first operation example, the lighting control unit 11 and the sound control unit 12 will be described as starting processing S21 by receiving a control input.

[0067] First, upon receiving a control input, the lighting control unit 11 and the sound control unit 12 begin control according to the received control input, controlling the lighting load 1 and sound device 2 in the shared work area A1. Then, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1 in the first mode in each usable area A10 of the shared work area A10 (S21). As a result, in each usable area A10, the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 becomes higher than the illuminance of other areas. Therefore, a user U1 using usable area A10 will be less distracted by other users U1 in usable areas A10, and will also be less distracted by external noise, making it easier for them to concentrate on their work.

[0068] Until the input receiving unit 15 receives a switching input (S22: No), the lighting control unit 11 maintains control in the first mode. On the other hand, once the input receiving unit 15 receives a switching input (S22: Yes), the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1 in the shared work area A1 in the third mode (S23). As a result, the shared work area A1 is illuminated uniformly, making it easier for multiple users U1 to perform collaborative work, such as meetings, in the shared work area A1.

[0069] [advantage] The advantages of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below. First, the inventor's focus will be explained. In recent years, users' work styles have been diversifying, and for example, ABW-type offices have emerged. As already mentioned, "ABW" is a work style in which users choose their workspace or desk according to the content of their work. Specifically, "ABW" is a work style that aims to improve the productivity or wellness of users by providing multiple spaces or environments suitable for the content of users' activities, such as solo work where one person concentrates on their work, or group work where multiple people brainstorm ideas.

[0070] In recent years, due to global pandemics and other factors, teleworking and remote conferencing via the internet have rapidly emerged, and remote meetings are now being held in abundance even in offices. For example, if one user U1 starts a remote meeting at an open shared desk (shared workspace A1) without walls or partitions, it becomes difficult for other users U1 to use this shared desk. As a result, a shared desk intended for use by multiple users U1 is occupied by one user U1, which presents a problem for the office owner as it reduces the efficiency of using the shared desk and, consequently, the efficiency of using the office. Therefore, the inventors of this application have considered a system to improve the efficiency of using a shared workspace A1 that can be shared by multiple users U1.

[0071] In the environmental control system 100 according to this embodiment, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1 so that the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 and other areas differs in at least one of the multiple work areas A10. The sound control unit 12 controls the sound device 2 so that a specific sound is played in the at least one work area A10. Therefore, compared to the case where only the lighting environment provided by the lighting load 1 and the sound environment provided by the sound device 2 are provided in the at least one work area A10, a zoning effect can be expected in which user U1 is less likely to be bothered by other users U1 in other work areas A10 and is also less likely to be bothered by external noise, making it easier to concentrate on work.

[0072] In other words, in at least one of the usage areas A10 described above, an environment with low psychological barriers is provided, where users are less likely to be bothered by other users U1 and also less likely to be bothered by external noise. Therefore, even if user U1 is already working in the shared work area A1, such as conducting a remote meeting, it becomes easier for other users U1 to use the shared work area A1. Accordingly, the environment control system 100 according to this embodiment has the advantage that it becomes difficult for one user U1 to occupy the shared work area A1, which can be shared by multiple users U1, and thus the utilization efficiency of the shared work area A1 is easily improved.

[0073] (modified version) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Modifications of the embodiments are listed below. The modifications described below may be combined as appropriate.

[0074] In this embodiment, the shared workspace A1 is composed of one piece of furniture (desk 3), but it is not limited to this. For example, the shared workspace A1 may be composed of multiple pieces of furniture that are close to each other. Figure 8 is a plan view showing an overview of another example of the shared workspace A1. In the example shown in Figure 8, the shared workspace A1 is composed of four desks 31 to 34 arranged close to each other. The shared workspace A1 includes four workspaces A11 to A14. In the example shown in Figure 8, the top surface of desk 31 is workspace A11, the top surface of desk 32 is workspace A12, the top surface of desk 33 is workspace A13, and the top surface of desk 34 is workspace A14.

[0075] In this embodiment, the environmental control system 100 includes an acquisition unit 14 and an input receiving unit 15, but is not limited to this. For example, if it is not necessary to change the control of the lighting load 1 depending on the presence or absence of user U1, the environmental control system 100 does not need to include an acquisition unit 14. Also, for example, if it is not necessary to change the control of the lighting load 1 depending on the switching input, the environmental control system 100 does not need to include an input receiving unit 15.

[0076] In this embodiment, the lighting load 1 and the sound device 2 are configured as separate units, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the sound device 2 may be built into the lighting load 1, so that the lighting load 1 and the sound device 2 are configured as a single unit.

[0077] In this embodiment, the lighting load 1 is not included as a component of the environmental control system 100, but the lighting load 1 may be included as a component of the environmental control system 100. Similarly, in this embodiment, the sound device 2 is not included as a component of the environmental control system 100, but the sound device 2 may be included as a component of the environmental control system 100.

[0078] In this embodiment, the environmental control system 100 targets one shared work area A1, but is not limited to this. For example, the environmental control system 100 may target multiple shared work areas A1 and control the lighting load 1 and sound device 2 for each shared work area A1.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the environmental control system 100 was implemented by a single device, but it may also be implemented by multiple devices. When the environmental control system 100 is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the environmental control system 100 may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way. For example, in the above embodiment, the environmental control system 100 may be provided in a server device, or it may be provided in an information terminal installed in a closed space. In other words, the present invention may be implemented by cloud computing or by edge computing.

[0080] For example, the method of communication between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (not shown) may be involved in the communication between devices.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] For example, the present invention may be implemented as an environmental control method executed by a computer such as an environmental control system 100, as a program for causing a computer to execute such an environmental control method, or as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0085] 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.

[0086] (summary) As described above, the environmental control system 100 comprises a lighting control unit 11 and an acoustic control unit 12. The lighting control unit 11 controls a lighting load 1 provided in a shared work area A1 that can be used by multiple users U1. The acoustic control unit 12 controls an acoustic device 2 provided in the shared work area A1. The shared work area A1 includes multiple work areas A10, each usable by one user U1. The lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1 so that the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 and the other areas differs in at least one of the multiple work areas A10. The acoustic control unit 12 controls the acoustic device 2 so that a specific sound is played in the at least one work area A10.

[0087] Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of making it easier to improve the utilization efficiency of the shared workspace A1 that can be shared by multiple users U1.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, in the environmental control system 100, the specific sound is a sound that masks sounds from outside the shared work area A1.

[0089] Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of being able to mask, for example, conversation sounds of people outside the shared work area A1 with specific sounds, making it easier for user U1 to concentrate on their work in the work area A10.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, in the environmental control system 100, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 1 such that in at least one of the multiple usage areas A10, the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 is higher than the illuminance of the other areas.

[0091] Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of making it easier for user U1 to concentrate on their work in the work area A10.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, in the environmental control system 100, the shared work area A1 is an area consisting of one or more pieces of furniture 3 for user U1 to perform work.

[0093] Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of making it easier for user U1 to concentrate on their work in the work area A10.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, in the environmental control system 100, the multiple usage areas A10 are positioned such that if a user U1 is present in any of the usage areas A10, at least one other usage area A10 will be within the user U1's field of vision.

[0095] Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage that even in an open space where other users U1 are within line of sight, users can easily perform their work in the work area A10 without being bothered by other users U1.

[0096] Furthermore, for example, the environmental control system 100 further includes an acquisition unit 14 that acquires user information regarding the presence or absence of user U1 in each of the multiple usage areas A10. The lighting control unit 11 adjusts the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 in each of the multiple usage areas A10 based on the presence or absence of user U1 in each of the multiple usage areas A10.

[0097] Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of making it easier to save energy by adjusting the illuminance of the lighting load 1, for example, by making the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 relatively low in the usage area A10 where user U1 is absent.

[0098] Furthermore, for example, the environmental control system 100 further includes an input receiving unit 15 that receives a switching input for switching the control of the lighting load 1 by the lighting control unit 11. The lighting control unit 11 switches between a mode in which it controls the lighting load 1 so that the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 and other areas differ from each other in at least one of the multiple work areas A10, and a mode in which it controls the lighting load 1 so that the shared work area A1 is illuminated uniformly.

[0099] Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of being able to switch between using the shared work area A1 as multiple user areas A10 and using the shared work area A1 as a single user area, thus making it easier to improve the convenience of the user U1.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, the environmental control method includes a lighting control step (S13, S21) and an acoustic control step (S13, S21). In the lighting control step, a lighting load 1 provided in a shared work area A1 that can be shared by multiple users U1 is controlled. In the acoustic control step, an acoustic device 2 provided in the shared work area A1 is controlled. The shared work area A1 includes multiple work areas A10, each usable by one user U1. In the lighting control step, the lighting load 1 is controlled so that in at least one of the multiple work areas A10, the illuminance of a predetermined area B1 and the other areas are different from each other. In the acoustic control step, the acoustic device 2 is controlled so that a specific sound is played in the at least one work area A10.

[0101] This environmental control method has the advantage of making it easier to improve the utilization efficiency of the shared workspace A1, which can be shared by multiple users U1.

[0102] Furthermore, for example, the program causes one or more processors to execute the above-described environment control method.

[0103] Such a program has the advantage of easily improving the utilization efficiency of a shared workspace A1 that can be shared by multiple users U1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D lighting load 2 Sound equipment 3, 31, 32, 33, 34 Desks (furniture) 11 Lighting Control Unit 12 Acoustic control unit 14 Acquisition Department 15 Input Reception Section 100 Environmental Control Systems A1 Shared work area A10, A11, A12, A13, A14 Usage area B1, B11, B12, B13, B14 designated areas U1 User

Claims

1. A lighting control unit that controls the lighting load in a shared workspace accessible to multiple users, The system includes an acoustic control unit for controlling an acoustic device provided in the shared work area, The aforementioned shared workspace consists of a single piece of furniture and includes multiple workspaces, each usable by a single user. One of the aforementioned usage areas is located adjacent to another usage area. The lighting load is installed to irradiate light into a predetermined area in each of the plurality of usage areas. The system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires user information regarding the presence or absence of the user in each of the multiple usage areas, The aforementioned lighting control unit, The lighting load is controlled such that the illuminance of a predetermined area corresponding to one of the plurality of usage areas and the illuminance of other areas corresponding to other usage areas are different from each other. Based on the presence or absence of the user in each of the plurality of usage areas, the illuminance of the predetermined area in each of the plurality of usage areas is adjusted. The sound control unit controls the sound device so that a specific sound is reproduced in the one usage area. Environmental control system.

2. The aforementioned specific sound is a sound that masks sounds from outside the shared work area. The environmental control system according to claim 1.

3. The lighting control unit controls the lighting load in at least one of the plurality of usage areas such that the illuminance of the predetermined area is higher than the illuminance of the other areas. The environmental control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned shared workspace is an area consisting of a single piece of furniture for the user to perform their work. An environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned multiple usage areas are positioned such that, when the user is in any of the usage areas, at least one other usage area is within the user's field of vision. An environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The system further includes an input receiving unit that receives a switching input for switching the control of the lighting load by the lighting control unit, The lighting control unit switches between, in response to the switching input, a mode in which it controls the lighting load so that the illuminance of a predetermined area and other areas differs from that of at least one of the plurality of work areas, and a mode in which it controls the lighting load so that the shared work area is illuminated uniformly. The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A lighting control step that controls the lighting load in a shared workspace that can be used by multiple users, The steps include an acoustic control step for controlling an acoustic device provided in the shared work area, The aforementioned shared workspace consists of a single piece of furniture and includes multiple workspaces, each usable by a single user. The lighting load is installed to irradiate light into a predetermined area in each of the plurality of usage areas. One of the aforementioned usage areas is located adjacent to another usage area. The process further includes an acquisition step of acquiring user information regarding the presence or absence of the user in each of the multiple usage areas, In the aforementioned lighting control step, The lighting load is controlled such that the illuminance of a predetermined area corresponding to one of the plurality of usage areas and the illuminance of other areas corresponding to other usage areas are different from each other. Based on the presence or absence of the user in each of the plurality of usage areas, the illuminance of the predetermined area in each of the plurality of usage areas is adjusted. In the aforementioned sound control step, the sound device is controlled so that a specific sound is reproduced in the one usage area. Environmental control methods.

8. One or more processors, The environmental control method described in claim 7 is to be executed. program.

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