Lighting system

Abstract

To provide an illumination system that even when a situation is changed, can quickly inhibit a person inside a room from feeling discomfort and, further, can reduce power consumption.SOLUTION: An illumination system 1 comprises an illumination apparatus 4 for emitting illumination light and a tablet 6 for controlling the illumination apparatus 4. The tablet 6 acquires an indoor temperature, which is a temperature of the inside of a room, selects one reference temperature range from a plurality of reference temperature ranges held by the tablet, instructs the illumination apparatus 4 to change a color temperature of the illumination light to a higher value when the indoor temperature is higher than the upper limit value of the selected reference temperature range, and instructs the illumination apparatus 4 to change the color temperature of the illumination light to a lower value when the indoor temperature is lower than the lower limit value of the selected reference temperature range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system including a lighting fixture that emits illumination light, and a lighting control device that controls the lighting fixture.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a light source control device that changes the color temperature of light emitted by illumination based on the indoor temperature which is the temperature inside a room and the indoor humidity which is the humidity inside the room. The light source control device of Patent Document 1, based on the acquired indoor temperature and indoor humidity and a single reference for temperature ranges and humidity ranges, raises the color temperature of the light emitted by the illumination or shifts it closer to a cool color when a person in the room feels hot, and lowers the color temperature of the light emitted by the illumination or shifts it closer to a warm color when a person in the room feels cold. Thereby, the light source control device of Patent Document 1 maintains or improves the comfort of the person in the room.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, appropriate indoor temperature and indoor humidity change when conditions such as the date, time of day, and outdoor air temperature which is the temperature of the outside air change. For this reason, if the color temperature of the light emitted by the illumination is changed based only on a single reference for temperature ranges and humidity ranges, it may become too cold or too hot, and there is a risk that the comfort of the person in the room will deteriorate.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a lighting system that can suppress the deterioration of the comfort of people in a room even when the date and time change, and can further reduce power consumption.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the lighting system according to the present invention is a lighting system comprising a lighting fixture that emits illumination light and a lighting control device that controls the lighting fixture, wherein the lighting control device acquires the indoor temperature, which is the temperature inside the room, and has a plurality of reference temperature ranges, selects one reference temperature range from the plurality of reference temperature ranges, and if the indoor temperature is higher than the upper limit of the selected reference temperature range, instructs the lighting fixture to change the color temperature of the illumination light to a higher value, and if the indoor temperature is lower than the lower limit of the selected reference temperature range, instructs the lighting fixture to change the color temperature of the illumination light to a lower value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] With the above configuration, the lighting system according to the present invention can suppress a decline in the comfort of people in a room even when the situation changes, and can also reduce power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the configuration of a lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the configuration of lighting fixtures included in a lighting system. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the configuration of tablets included in the lighting system. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating specific examples of monthly light color change reference data. [Figure 5] Diagram to explain the light color change reference data. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the flow of the lighting control process. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating an example of the color temperature of illumination light. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the influence of user-defined air conditioner operating conditions on outside temperature. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the temporal transition of the color temperature of light emitted by a lighting fixture (Example 1) [Figure 10]Diagram for explaining temporal transition of color temperature of illumination light emitted by lighting fixture (second example) [Figure 11] Diagram for explaining another example of configuration of lighting system [Figure 12] Diagram for explaining color temperature ranges of cool-color and warm-color illumination light for obtaining a greater Hue-Heat effect [Figure 13] Diagram for explaining warm-color and cool-color color temperature settings based on normal-time illumination light color temperature [Figure 14] Diagram for explaining relationship between difference between reference temperature range and room temperature, and color temperature of cool-color and warm-color light [Figure 15] Diagram for explaining reference ranges for each outside air temperature [Figure 16] Diagram for explaining flow in illumination control processing (modification) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <1. First Embodiment> <1.1. Overview> Hereinafter, a lighting system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] When the room temperature or room humidity deviates from a reference range stored by the lighting system 1, the lighting system 1 changes the light color and light temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture. This suppresses reduction in comfort of a person staying in the room.

[0011] For example, appropriate room temperature and room humidity differ greatly between midsummer and midwinter. Therefore, the lighting system 1 has a plurality of reference ranges that also take into account situations such as date and time period. The reference ranges include a reference temperature range that is a range of room temperature, and a reference humidity range that is a range of room humidity.

[0012] The reference temperature range is a temperature range in which the comfort of a person staying indoors is less likely to deteriorate. Further, the reference humidity range is a humidity range in which the comfort of a person staying indoors is less likely to deteriorate. When the indoor temperature deviates from the reference temperature range, or when the indoor humidity deviates from the reference humidity range, the comfort of the person staying indoors may deteriorate.

[0013] Accordingly, the lighting system 1 suppresses the deterioration of the comfort of a person staying indoors by changing the illumination light utilizing the Hue-Heat effect when the indoor temperature deviates from the reference temperature range or when the indoor humidity deviates from the reference humidity range.

[0014] The Hue-Heat effect is an effect that the hue entering human eyes affects the thermal sensation (Heat) of a person. For example, when the illumination light for illuminating the inside of the room is changed from white light to daylight white light which is a colder color than white, a person staying inside the room feels a cool sensation. Here, the white light is, for example, light having a color temperature of 4200[K], and the daylight white light is, for example, light having a color temperature of 5500[K].

[0015] Further, for example, when the illumination light for illuminating the inside of the room is changed from white light to bulb-color light which is a warmer color than white, a person staying inside the room feels a warm sensation. Here, the bulb-color light is, for example, light having a color temperature of 3000[K].

[0016] When the color temperature of the illumination light that illuminates the inside of the room is changed to be higher, a person staying inside the room feels a cool sensation. On the other hand, when the color temperature of the illumination light that illuminates the inside of the room is changed to be lower, a person staying inside the room feels a warm sensation.

[0017] Thereby, the lighting system 1 can suppress the deterioration of the comfort of the person in the room by changing the color temperature of the illumination light when the indoor temperature deviates from the reference temperature range or when the indoor humidity deviates from the reference humidity range, and can also reduce power consumption.

[0018] In the following explanation, the same reference numerals are used to denote identical parts that are common to all the figures referenced, and redundant explanations of the same parts will be omitted as a general rule.

[0019] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a lighting system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lighting system 1 is a system for illuminating the interior of a room 10, for example, located in an office building. The lighting system 1 controls the lighting fixtures that illuminate the interior of the room 10 based on the indoor temperature, which is the temperature inside the room 10, and the indoor humidity, which is the humidity inside the room 10.

[0020] The lighting system 1 comprises a lighting fixture 4, a tablet 6 as an example of a lighting control device, an air conditioner 7, and an indoor sensor 5 that acquires information on indoor temperature and indoor humidity.

[0021] The tablet 6, lighting fixture 4, and indoor sensor 5 communicate wirelessly. The dotted arrows shown in Figure 1 schematically represent wireless communication. Wireless communication is based on, for example, the Bluetooth® Low Energy specification or the Bluetooth® mesh specification.

[0022] Tablet 6 acquires indoor temperature and humidity information from indoor sensor 5. Tablet 6 controls lighting fixture 4 based on the acquired indoor temperature and humidity information and the reference temperature range and reference humidity range information stored in Tablet 6. Tablet 6 stores the reference temperature range and reference humidity range for each month. In addition, Tablet 6 uses the reference temperature range and reference humidity range corresponding to the current month.

[0023] If the indoor temperature is not within the standard temperature range corresponding to the current month, and / or if the indoor humidity is not within the standard humidity range corresponding to the current month, the tablet 6 changes the color or color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4.

[0024] As a result, the lighting system 1 can suppress a decrease in the comfort level of people inside room 10 even when the indoor temperature falls outside the standard temperature range and / or the indoor humidity falls outside the standard humidity range.

[0025] The following describes in detail each component of lighting system 1.

[0026] <1.2. Structure> <1.2.1. Lighting fixtures 4> Figure 2 shows the configuration of the lighting fixture 4. The lighting fixture 4 emits illumination light to light up the area around where it is placed. The lighting fixture 4 comprises a light source unit 41, a circuit unit 43, and a wireless module (hereinafter referred to as "WM") unit 45.

[0027] The light source unit 41 emits illumination light. The light source unit 41 comprises a light source and a light source substrate, which is a circuit board on which the light source is arranged. The light source is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light source only needs to function as an illumination light source and may be composed of something other than an LED, such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) device or a laser device. Based on the input control signal, the light source unit 41 turns the light source on and off, adjusts the color or temperature of the illumination light emitted by the light source, changes the dimming rate, and so on.

[0028] The circuit unit 43 includes a socket for mounting the WM unit 45. The circuit unit 43 supplies current to the light source unit 41 in response to a signal received from the WM unit 45.

[0029] The WM unit 45 is an independent device that performs wireless communication and is detachable from the socket on which the WM unit 45 is mounted. The WM unit 45 is capable of wireless communication according to multiple communication specifications, but is not limited to this; for example, a dedicated WM unit 45 may be provided for each different communication specification, and the WM unit 45 corresponding to the communication protocol to be used may be mounted in the socket.

[0030] The WM unit 45 comprises a wireless communication unit 45a, a control unit 45b, and a storage unit 45c.

[0031] The wireless communication unit 45a transmits and receives information wirelessly. When the wireless communication unit 45a receives communication data or control signals, it notifies the control unit 45b if the communication data is addressed to itself. When the wireless communication unit 45a receives communication data addressed to another device, it may forward it to the other device via a mesh network or the like.

[0032] The control unit 45b is equipped with an IC (Integrated Circuit) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or other computing element and controls the operation of the lighting fixture 4. When the control unit 45b receives an operation instruction related to the operation of the light source, such as turning the light on, turning it off, blinking it, changing the color temperature, increasing the dimming rate, or decreasing the dimming rate, it outputs a signal to the light source unit 41 via the circuit unit 43 to perform the operation indicated by the operation instruction.

[0033] The memory unit 45c stores programs and data that operate the control unit 45b and provides the stored programs and data to the control unit 45b. The memory unit 45c includes a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory that allows for the addition and modification of stored programs and data, and a volatile storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0034] The flash memory and other components in the storage unit 45c store programs and data necessary to operate the control unit 45b. The RAM and other components in the storage unit 45c are used as the working area of ​​the control unit 45b when a program is executed by the control unit 45b.

[0035] <1.2.2. Air Conditioner 7> Refer again to Figure 1. The air conditioner 7 is an example of an air conditioning system or HVAC device that adjusts the temperature and humidity of the air inside the room 10. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 7 operates according to the operating conditions instructed by the user. The operating conditions include an operating mode such as cooling, heating, or off, and a target temperature. When the operating mode is cooling or heating, the air conditioner 7 operates in the instructed operating mode so that the room temperature reaches the instructed target temperature. In this embodiment, the operating conditions of the air conditioner 7 are preset.

[0036] <1.2.3. Indoor Sensor 5> The indoor sensor 5 acquires information on indoor temperature and indoor humidity. The indoor sensor 5 transmits the acquired indoor temperature and indoor humidity information to the tablet 6.

[0037] <1.2.4. Tablet 6> The tablet 6 is a portable information terminal device having a rectangular, plate-like appearance as shown in Figure 1, with a touch panel 64 embedded on one of its surfaces. The tablet 6 has the function of displaying a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "UI") on the touch panel 64.

[0038] The tablet 6 determines the action requested by the user based on the content of the UI displayed on the touch panel 64 and the content of the user input, and transmits a control request based on the user input to the lighting fixture 4, etc. User input is, for example, a touch operation or gesture input performed by the user on the touch panel 64.

[0039] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the tablet 6. The tablet 6 comprises a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, a wireless communication unit 63, and a touch panel 64.

[0040] The storage unit 62 stores various data, including applications, programs, and UI. The storage unit 62 is used as a workspace by the control unit 61. The storage unit 62 includes a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory, which allows for the addition and modification of stored data, and a volatile storage medium such as RAM.

[0041] The flash memory and other components in the storage unit 62 store programs for operating the control unit 61 and images that constitute the UI displayed on the touch panel 64. The RAM and other components in the storage unit 62 are used as the working area of ​​the control unit 61 when a program is executed by the control unit 61.

[0042] The touch panel 64 is an electronic component that combines a display unit that displays images and information constituting the UI and an input unit that receives user instructions, and functions as a user interface means. The display unit is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The input unit is composed of, for example, a touch pad. The touch panel 64 notifies the control unit 61 of the content input by the user.

[0043] The control unit 61 is equipped with an IC or a CPU or other processing element. The control unit 61 executes a program stored in the flash memory or the like in the storage unit 62 to realize each function of the tablet 6. The control unit 61 identifies the content instructed by the user based on the UI displayed on the touch panel 64 and the user input notified from the touch panel 64, and executes processing according to the user's instructions.

[0044] The wireless communication unit 63 consists of devices that perform wireless communication. The wireless communication unit 63 communicates wirelessly with the lighting fixture 4 and the indoor sensor 5.

[0045] <1.3. Data> <1.3.1. Light Color Change Criteria Data> Figure 4 shows the light color change reference data. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the lighting control performed based on the light color change reference data.

[0046] The light color change reference data includes monthly reference range data. The reference range data includes the upper limit TH [°C] and lower limit TL [°C] of the reference temperature range, the upper limit HH [%] of the reference humidity range, and the lower limit HL [%] of the reference humidity range. For example, the reference range data for January has an upper limit TH of 22 [°C], a lower limit TL of 18 [°C], an upper limit HH of 65 [%], and a lower limit HL of 55 [%]. The reference range data for January corresponds to range 501A in Figure 5. Similarly, the reference range data for February to December corresponds to ranges 501B to 501L, which are not shown in Figure 5.

[0047] In Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents indoor temperature, the vertical axis represents indoor humidity, and the depth direction represents the month. In Figure 5, range 500A corresponds to January, range 500B corresponds to February, and similarly, ranges 500C to 500L each correspond to March to December.

[0048] Range 501A represents the reference range expressed by the January reference range data. The reference range is the range in which the indoor temperature is within the reference temperature range and the indoor humidity is within the reference humidity range. When the indoor temperature and indoor humidity are within the reference range, the lighting color is not changed. Specifically, range 501A is the range in which the indoor temperature is above the lower limit TL and below the upper limit TH, and the indoor humidity is above the lower limit HL and below the upper limit HH.

[0049] Range 503A indicates the range of indoor temperature and humidity in January where people tend to feel hot indoors. Within this range, the lighting color is changed from the normal color to a cooler color. Specifically, range 503A is the range where the indoor temperature exceeds the upper limit TH, and the range where the indoor temperature is above the lower limit TL and below the upper limit TH, and the indoor humidity exceeds the upper limit HH.

[0050] Range 505A is the range of indoor temperature and humidity in January where people tend to feel cold indoors. Within this range, the lighting color is changed from the normal color to a warmer color. Specifically, range 505A is the range where the indoor temperature is below the lower limit TL, and the range where the indoor temperature is above the lower limit TL and below the upper limit TH, and the indoor humidity is below the lower limit HL.

[0051] For 500B to 500L from February to December, the same lighting control as described above for January will be applied.

[0052] The memory unit 62 in the tablet 6 stores the light color change reference data as shown in Figure 4.

[0053] <1.3.2. Operating conditions for air conditioner 7> In this embodiment, the user determines the operating mode of the air conditioner 7 based on the average outside temperature of the month. Specifically, the user sets the operating mode of the air conditioner 7 to cooling when the average outside temperature of the month is above 28°C, and to heating when it is below 18°C. Furthermore, when the operating mode of the air conditioner 7 is cooling, the user sets the target temperature higher than the upper limit of the reference temperature range in order to save energy and reduce electricity costs, and when the operating mode of the air conditioner 7 is heating, the user sets the target temperature lower than the lower limit of the reference temperature range.

[0054] For example, if the average outside temperature in August is 29.5°C, the operating conditions for the air conditioner 7 in August are that the operating mode is cooling, and the target temperature is 29°C, which is 1°C higher than the upper limit of the standard temperature range, TH, which is 28°C.

[0055] <1.4. Operation> The lighting system 1 executes lighting control processing based on user input into the tablet 6. User input into the tablet 6 includes, for example, instructions to start or end the lighting control processing. The specific flow of the lighting control processing is described below.

[0056] <1.4.1. Lighting Control Processing> <1.4.1.1. Flow of Lighting Control Processing> The lighting control process is a process that changes the color or color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4 based on the indoor temperature and humidity. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the lighting control process. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the color temperature of the light emitted when the lighting fixture 4 emits a predetermined warm or cool color.

[0057] The lighting control process begins when a user inputs a command to start the lighting control process into the UI displayed on the touch panel 64 on the tablet 6. The lighting control process is then repeated periodically after the user has given the command to start it. Periodically, for example, once every 10 minutes. The lighting control process ends upon user instruction.

[0058] The user's instruction to start the lighting control process is given, for example, by the office building manager on a weekday morning. The lighting fixtures 4 inside room 10 are turned on at the latest when the instruction to start the lighting control process is given. The light emitted by the lighting fixtures 4 when the instruction to start the lighting control process is given is the normal lighting light in this embodiment, and is white light with a color temperature of 4200K (Figure 7).

[0059] When the lighting control process begins, the tablet 6 obtains the lower limit TL and upper limit TH of the reference temperature range and the lower limit HL and upper limit TH of the reference humidity range for the current month (step S101). In step S101, the tablet 6 obtains the current month, either directly or indirectly, from, for example, an internet time server. If the current month is August, the tablet 6 reads from the storage unit 62 the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range, which is 25 [°C], the upper limit TH, which is 28 [°C], the lower limit HL of the reference humidity range, which is 45 [%], and the upper limit HH, which is 60 [%].

[0060] After step S101, the tablet 6 obtains the indoor temperature and indoor humidity from the indoor sensor 5 (step S103).

[0061] After step S103, tablet 6 determines whether the room temperature is above or below the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range (step S105).

[0062] If, in step S105, the indoor temperature is not above the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range and is not below the upper limit TH (NO in step S105), then tablet 6 determines whether the indoor temperature is lower than the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range (step S111).

[0063] If the indoor temperature in step S111 is higher than the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range (NO in step S111), proceed to step S117.

[0064] In step S117, the tablet 6 instructs the lighting fixture 4 to make the illumination light color cooler. When the lighting fixture 4 receives an instruction from the tablet 6 to make the illumination light color cooler, it changes the illumination light color from the normal light color to a predetermined cool color. In this embodiment, the predetermined cool color illumination light is daylight white light with a color temperature of 5500[K]. In step S117, once the color temperature of the illumination light has been changed, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0065] If the indoor temperature is lower than the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range in step S111 (YES in step S111), proceed to step S115.

[0066] In step S115, the tablet 6 instructs the lighting fixture 4 to make the illumination color warmer. When the lighting fixture 4 receives an instruction from the tablet 6 to make the illumination color warmer, it changes the illumination color from the normal light color to a predetermined warm color. In this embodiment, the predetermined warm color illumination light is a light with a color temperature of 3000[K], which is the color of an incandescent bulb. After the color temperature of the illumination light has been changed in step S115, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0067] If, in step S105, the indoor temperature is above the lower limit TL and below the upper limit TH of the reference temperature range (YES in step S105), then tablet 6 determines whether the indoor humidity is above the lower limit HL and below the upper limit HH of the reference humidity range (step S107).

[0068] If, in step S107, the indoor humidity is not above the lower limit HL and below the upper limit HH of the standard humidity range (NO in step S107), then tablet 6 determines whether the indoor humidity is lower than the lower limit HL of the standard humidity range (step S113).

[0069] If the indoor humidity in step S113 is lower than the lower limit HL of the standard humidity range (YES in step S113), proceed to step S115 as described above. On the other hand, if the indoor humidity in step S113 is higher than the lower limit HL of the standard humidity range (NO in step S113), proceed to step S117 as described above.

[0070] If, in step S107, the indoor humidity is above the lower limit HL and below the upper limit HH of the standard humidity range, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0071] In step S109, tablet 6 determines whether it has received a termination instruction from the user. If it has received a termination instruction from the user in step S109 (YES in step S109), tablet 6 terminates the lighting control process. A termination instruction from the user is given, for example, when the last user leaves room 10 in the office building on a weekday evening. If it has not received a termination instruction from the user in step S109 (NO in step S109), tablet 6 proceeds to step S103 and repeats the process described above.

[0072] <1.4.1.2.Specific Examples> Referring to Figures 4 to 8, specific examples of changing the color temperature of lighting in lighting control processing will be explained. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the operating conditions of the air conditioner 7 set by the user and the influence of the outside air temperature.

[0073] (1) If the current month is August Assume the current month is August, and the reference temperature range for August is as shown in Figures 4 and 8. Tablet 6 obtains the reference temperature range and reference temperature range for August (step S101).

[0074] In August, the operating conditions for air conditioner 7 are cooling, the target temperature is 29°C, the upper limit of the reference temperature range is 28°C, and the average outside temperature is 29.5°C (Figures 4 and 8). Therefore, after a certain amount of time, the indoor temperature exceeds the upper limit of the reference temperature range TH due to the heat entering room 10 through windows and other openings in room 10 (NO in step S105, NO in S111). When the indoor temperature exceeds the upper limit of the reference temperature range TH, tablet 6 instructs lighting fixture 4 to make the illumination color cooler (step S117). When lighting fixture 4 receives instructions from tablet 6 to make the illumination color cooler, it changes the color temperature of the illumination light from 4200K to 5500K (Figure 7).

[0075] By changing the color temperature of the lighting, people inside room 10 will feel a sense of coolness. Therefore, changing the color temperature of the lighting can suppress the decrease in comfort of people inside the room due to the rise in indoor temperature. In addition, the operating conditions for air conditioner 7 are cooling, with a target temperature of 29°C. Therefore, the power consumption of air conditioner 7 can be reduced compared to when the operating conditions for air conditioner 7 are cooling, with a target temperature of 28°C or lower.

[0076] (2) If the current month is January Assume the current month is January, and the reference temperature range for January is as shown in Figures 4 and 8. Tablet 6 obtains the reference temperature range and reference humidity range for January (step S101).

[0077] In January, the operating conditions for air conditioner 7 are heating, with a target temperature of 17°C, a lower limit TL of the reference temperature range of 18°C, and an average outside temperature of 5.6°C (Figures 4 and 8). Therefore, after a certain period of time, the indoor temperature falls below the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range due to the heat escaping from the room 10 through windows and other openings (NO in step S105, YES in S111). When the indoor temperature falls below the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range, tablet 6 instructs lighting fixture 4 to make the illumination color warmer (step S115). When lighting fixture 4 receives instructions from tablet 6 to make the illumination color warmer, it changes the color temperature of the illumination light from 4200K to 3000K (Figure 7).

[0078] By changing the color temperature of the lighting, people inside room 10 will feel warmer. Therefore, changing the color temperature of the lighting can prevent a decrease in the comfort level of people inside the room due to a drop in indoor temperature. Also, the operating conditions for air conditioner 7 are heating, with a target temperature of 17°C. Therefore, compared to when the operating conditions for air conditioner 7 are heating, with a target temperature of 18°C ​​or higher, the power consumption of air conditioner 7 can be reduced.

[0079] (3) If the current month is May Assume the current month is May, and the reference temperature range for May is as shown in Figures 4 and 8. Tablet 6 acquires May as the current month and obtains the reference temperature range and reference humidity range for May (step S101).

[0080] In May, the upper limit TH of the standard temperature range is 22°C, the lower limit TL is 18°C, and the average outside temperature is 20°C (Figures 4 and 8). Also, the air conditioner is turned off in May. If the indoor temperature or indoor humidity falls outside the standard temperature range, tablet 6 instructs lighting fixture 4 to change the color temperature of the illumination light (step S115 or S117).

[0081] When the air conditioner 7 is not operated, power consumption can be reduced compared to when the air conditioner 7 is operated. In addition, if the indoor temperature or indoor humidity falls outside the standard temperature range, the tablet 6 instructs the lighting fixture 4 to change the color temperature of the lighting. Therefore, by changing the color temperature of the lighting, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the comfort of people in the room due to the rise in indoor temperature.

[0082] <1.5. Effects> As described above, the lighting system 1 according to this embodiment has a standard temperature range and a standard humidity range for each month. Furthermore, if the indoor temperature falls outside the standard temperature range or the indoor humidity falls outside the standard humidity range, the lighting system 1 according to this embodiment changes the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4 to a cooler or warmer color. The Hue-Heat effect caused by this change in light can suppress discomfort for people in the room.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air conditioner 7 is operated with a target temperature outside the reference temperature range. This reduces the power consumption of the air conditioner 7.

[0084] Therefore, the lighting system 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the amount of electricity consumed in room 10 while suppressing discomfort for people in the room, even as the month changes.

[0085] <2. Second Embodiment> <2.1. Overview> In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the decrease in comfort of people in a room is suppressed by the Hue-Heat effect caused by changing the color and color temperature of the lighting. However, it is also thought that the Hue-Heat effect may weaken after a certain amount of time has passed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the color and color temperature of the lighting are changed again at a time when the Hue-Heat effect is thought to be weakening, in order to maintain the effectiveness of the Hue-Heat effect.

[0086] <2.2 Temporal transition of the color temperature of illumination light> <2.2.1 Transition between the original color temperature CT1 and the modified color temperature CT2> A specific example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram (first example) illustrating the temporal transition of the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture 4. When the tablet 6 changes the color of the illumination light to a cooler color, it changes the color temperature of the illumination light as shown in Figure 9, for example.

[0087] Specifically, the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture 4 at a time prior to time t11 is defined as the pre-change color temperature CT1. The pre-change color temperature CT1 is the color temperature of the illumination light before instructions are given to change the color temperature of the illumination light to a higher or lower value. For example, the pre-change color temperature CT1 is 4200[K], which is the normal color temperature.

[0088] Next, the tablet 6 changes the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture 4 from the original color temperature CT1 to the new color temperature CT2, from time t11 to time t12, which is 10 seconds after time t11. The new color temperature CT2 is the color temperature after the change, when instructing the tablet to change the color temperature of the illumination light higher or lower than the original color temperature. The new color temperature CT2 is, for example, 5500[K].

[0089] Next, tablet 6 maintains the color temperature of the light emitted by lighting fixture 4 from time t12 to time t13, which is 10 seconds after time t12. Then, tablet 6 changes the color temperature of the light emitted by lighting fixture 4 from the modified color temperature CT2 to the original color temperature CT1 from time t13 to time t14, which is one hour after time t13.

[0090] Tablet 6 changes the color temperature of the illumination light again after time t14, or slightly before, at a time when the Hue-Heat effect is thought to be weakening. For example, from time t21 onwards, Tablet 6 raises and lowers the color temperature of the illumination light at the same timings as t11-t14. The time intervals t21, t22, and t23 shown in Figure 9 are the same as the time intervals t11, t12, and t13.

[0091] In this embodiment, the color temperature of the illumination light is changed from the original color temperature CT1 to the new color temperature CT2, and then returned to the original color temperature CT1. Then, at a time when the Hue-Heat effect is thought to weaken, or slightly before that time, the color temperature of the illumination light is changed again from the original color temperature CT1 to the new color temperature CT2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the effectiveness of the Hue-Heat effect can be maintained.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when changing the illumination color temperature from the normal color temperature of 4200[K] to the cool color temperature of 5500[K], the change is made in a short period of 10 seconds. As a result, people inside room 10 feel a sense of coolness due to the change in the color temperature of the illumination. On the other hand, when changing the illumination color temperature from the cool color temperature of 5500[K] to the normal color temperature of 4200[K], it is changed over a long period of 1 hour. In this case, people inside room 10 are less likely to feel a sense of warmth due to the change in the color temperature of the illumination.

[0093] In other words, by changing the color temperature of the lighting in this way, it is possible to give people inside Room 10 only a feeling of coolness. Furthermore, by returning the lighting to its normal color temperature, and then changing the color temperature of the lighting back to a cool color, it is possible to give people inside Room 10 a feeling of coolness again and maintain the effectiveness of the Hue-Heat effect.

[0094] Therefore, the lighting system 1 according to this embodiment can maintain the Hue-Heat effect even if the Hue-Heat effect weakens over time. In other words, it can reduce the amount of electricity consumed in room 10 repeatedly while suppressing discomfort for people in the room.

[0095] In this embodiment, an example of changing the illumination light color temperature from the normal color temperature to a cool color has been described, but the illumination light color temperature may also be changed from the normal color temperature to a warm color. When changing the illumination light color temperature from the normal color temperature to a warm color, for example, the color temperature CT1 before the change is 4200[K] and the color temperature CT2 after the change is 3000[K].

[0096] <2.2.2 Transitions between color temperatures other than CT1 before change and CT2 after change> In this embodiment, the color temperature of the illumination light may be changed from the original color temperature CT1 to the new color temperature CT2, and then returned to a different color temperature CT3. This case will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram (second example) illustrating the temporal transition of the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture 4.

[0097] The temporal change in the color temperature of the illumination light from time t11 to time t13 in Figure 10 is the same as in Figure 9. However, in Figure 10, from time t13 to time t15, the color temperature of the illumination light is changed from the modified color temperature CT2 to color temperature CT3. Color temperature CT3 is higher than the original color temperature CT1 and lower than the modified color temperature CT2, for example, 4500[K].

[0098] Assuming that the change in color temperature per unit time from time t13 to time t14 in Figure 9 is the same as the change in color temperature per unit time from time t13 to time t15 in Figure 10, the time interval from time t13 to time t15 is shorter than the time interval from time t13 to time t14. Therefore, time t15 is earlier than time t14.

[0099] Furthermore, if time t15 is earlier than time t14, and the time interval from time t14 to time t21 is the same as the time interval from time t15 to time t41, then time t41 is earlier than time t21. Therefore, the cooling sensation due to the Hue-Heat effect can be provided to people inside room 10 at shorter time intervals.

[0100] Therefore, even in cases where the Hue-Heat effect is expected to weaken in a shorter time, the effectiveness of the Hue-Heat effect can be maintained.

[0101] <3. Third Embodiment> <3.1. Overview> In the above-described embodiment of lighting system 1, the modification of the color temperature of the illumination light based on indoor temperature and humidity and a reference range was explained. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, lighting system 1a controls the color and color temperature of the illumination light that lights up the interior of the room based on the outside air temperature. As a result, lighting system 1a suppresses the discomfort that a person entering the room from outside the building continues to feel.

[0102] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the lighting system 1a according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the building is provided with rooms 10a and 10b. In the lighting control of room 10b, the detection result of a person entering room 10b from outside the building and the outside air temperature are used instead of the indoor temperature as in the first embodiment. In the lighting control of room 10b, the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture is changed when the outside air temperature is higher than the upper limit of the reference temperature range by a predetermined value or lower than the lower limit of the reference temperature range by a predetermined value.

[0103] The lighting control in room 10a is the same as the lighting control process in the first embodiment.

[0104] <3.2. Structure> Room 10a is equipped with a lighting fixture 4a, a tablet 6, an air conditioner 7a, and an indoor sensor 5a. Room 10b is equipped with a lighting fixture 4b, an air conditioner 7b, and an indoor sensor 5b. An outdoor sensor 9b is also located outside the building. Lighting fixtures 4a and 4b have the same configuration as lighting fixture 4 in the first embodiment. Air conditioners 7a and 7b have the same configuration as air conditioner 7 in the first embodiment.

[0105] The indoor sensor 5a has the same configuration as the indoor sensor 5 in the first embodiment. The indoor sensor 5b has the same configuration as the indoor sensor 5 in the first embodiment, plus a configuration for functioning as a human body detection sensor. When the indoor sensor 5b detects that the state of room 10b has changed from being empty to being occupied, it notifies the tablet 6 that a person has entered room 10b.

[0106] The outdoor sensor 9b acquires the outside air temperature. The outdoor sensor 9b communicates wirelessly with the tablet 6. The outdoor sensor 9b notifies the tablet 6 of the acquired outside air temperature information.

[0107] <3.3. Lighting control in Room 10b> Room 10b is, for example, an elevator or room near the entrance of a building. A person entering room 10a from outside the building passes through the interior of room 10b before entering room 10a. In this case, the surface temperature of the person's body remains close to the outside air temperature for a certain period of time.

[0108] If the outside temperature is more than a certain value higher than the upper limit TH of the reference temperature range, or more than a certain value lower than the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range, people outside the building are likely to feel uncomfortable due to the heat or cold. Furthermore, in these situations, the surface temperature of a person entering room 10b from outside the building will remain close to the outside temperature for a certain period of time. Therefore, these people will continue to feel uncomfortable for a certain period of time.

[0109] For example, suppose the outside air temperature during the hottest part of summer is a certain value higher than the upper limit TH of the standard temperature range. In this case, when a person returns to room 10a from outside the building and enters room 10b, the surface temperature of that person's body will remain higher than the upper limit TH of the standard temperature range for a certain period of time after entering room 10b.

[0110] Therefore, when the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor sensor 9b is higher than the upper limit TH of the reference temperature range by a predetermined value, and the indoor sensor 5b detects that a person has entered room 10b from outside the building, the tablet 6 changes the color of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4b located in room 10b to a cooler color. The predetermined value is, for example, 2°C.

[0111] In room 10b, the color temperature when the lighting is made cooler is higher than the color temperature when the lighting is made cooler in room 10a. For example, if the color temperature when the lighting is made cooler in room 10a is 5500[K], then the color temperature when the lighting is made cooler in room 10b is 6500[K].

[0112] Furthermore, for example, suppose the outside air temperature during the coldest part of winter is a certain value lower than the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range. In this case, when a person returns to room 10a from outside the building and enters room 10b, the surface temperature of that person's body will remain lower than the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range for a certain period of time after entering room 10b.

[0113] Therefore, when the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor sensor 9b is lower than the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range by a predetermined value or more, and the indoor sensor 5b detects that a person has entered room 10b from outside the building, the tablet 6 changes the color of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4b located in room 10b to a warmer color. The predetermined value is, for example, 2°C.

[0114] In room 10b, the color temperature when the lighting is made warmer is lower than the color temperature when the lighting is made warmer in room 10a. For example, if the color temperature when the lighting is made warmer in room 10a is 3000[K], then the color temperature when the lighting is made warmer in room 10b is 2000[K].

[0115] As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to quickly prevent a person who enters room 10b from outside the building from continuing to feel uncomfortable.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the color temperature control of the lighting in room 10b and the color temperature control of the lighting in room 10a are independent. Therefore, the color temperature control of the lighting in room 10a is not performed in conjunction with the color temperature control of the lighting in room 10b. Thus, in this embodiment, when a person in room 10a is feeling comfortable, the color temperature of the lighting in room 10a is not changed for a person entering room 10b, thereby preventing the person in room 10a from feeling uncomfortable.

[0117] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to quickly suppress the feeling of discomfort experienced by people who enter some rooms, while simultaneously suppressing the feeling of discomfort experienced by people who are comfortable in other rooms.

[0118] <4. Fourth Embodiment> <4.1. Overview> The above-described embodiment explains the case where the reference range is constant from month to month, and the color temperature of the normal illumination light, the color temperature of a predetermined warm-colored illumination light, and the color temperature of a predetermined cool-colored illumination light are constant. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0119] In this embodiment, the reference range and the color temperature of the normal lighting, cool-colored lighting, or warm-colored lighting are changed based on the user's preferences or physical condition.

[0120] <4.2. Changing the standard temperature range based on the user's physical condition, etc.> For example, if the tablet 6 receives input that the user has a cold, the tablet 6 shifts the reference temperature range towards the higher temperature side. Specifically, when the tablet 6 receives input that the user has a cold, the tablet 6 raises both the upper limit TH and the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range by 2°C.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, if the user presses the "warmer" button displayed on the tablet 6, the tablet 6 shifts the reference temperature range towards the higher temperature side. Specifically, when the "warmer" button displayed on the tablet 6 is pressed, the tablet 6 raises both the upper limit TH and the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range by 1°C.

[0122] Furthermore, for example, if the user presses the "Cooler" button displayed on the tablet 6, the tablet 6 shifts the reference temperature range to the lower side. Specifically, when the "Cooler" button displayed on the tablet 6 is pressed, the tablet 6 lowers both the upper limit TH and the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range by 1°C.

[0123] In this embodiment, the appropriate temperature range is changed based on the user's physical condition and preferences. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to more effectively suppress discomfort for people in the room.

[0124] <4.3. Changing the color temperature of the lighting> Refer to Figures 12 and 13 to specifically explain the changes in the color temperature of the illumination light. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the color temperature ranges of cool and warm illumination light to obtain a greater Hue-Heat effect. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the warm and cool color temperature settings based on the normal illumination light color temperature.

[0125] It is believed that the degree of coolness or warmth obtained through the Hue-Heat effect increases with the amount of change in the color temperature of the illuminating light. Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, instead of fixing the color temperature of the illuminating light at 3000[K] when the illuminating light is a predetermined warm color, it is changed within the range of 2700[K] to 3300[K]. For example, if you want to give a strong sense of warmth, set the color temperature of the predetermined warm color to 2700K, and if a weaker sense of warmth is sufficient, set the color temperature of the predetermined warm color to 3300K.

[0126] Furthermore, when the illumination light is a predetermined cool color, the color temperature of the illumination light is not fixed at 5500[K], but is changed within the range of 5200[K] to 5800[K]. For example, if you want to give a strong sense of coolness, set the predetermined cool color temperature to 5800[K], and if a weak sense of coolness is sufficient, set the predetermined cool color temperature to 5200[K].

[0127] Furthermore, if you wish to create an even cooler feeling, you may set the upper limit of the color temperature for cool colors to 12000[K]. Conversely, if you wish to create a warmer feeling, you may set the lower limit of the color temperature for warm colors to 1800[K].

[0128] Furthermore, there may be cases where it is desired to change the color temperature of the light emitted by lighting fixture 4 under normal conditions. For example, one might want to increase the color temperature of the light under normal conditions in summer and decrease it under normal conditions in winter. In such cases, the color temperature of the light under normal conditions is changed, and then the color temperatures of the cool-toned and warm-toned light are changed based on the changed color temperature of the light under normal conditions. This case will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 13.

[0129] As shown in Figure 13, cool colors are set to have a color temperature 1500[K] higher than the normal illumination color temperature, and warm colors are set to have a color temperature 1500[K] lower than the normal illumination color temperature. For example, if the normal illumination color temperature is 4200[K], warm colors are set to 2700[K], which is 1500[K] lower than the normal color temperature, and cool colors are set to 5700[K], which is 1500[K] higher than the normal color temperature. On the other hand, if the normal illumination color temperature is 4700[K], warm colors are set to 3200[K], which is 1500[K] lower than the normal color temperature, and cool colors are set to 6200[K], which is 1500[K] higher than the normal color temperature.

[0130] In this way, even when the color temperature of the lighting is changed according to the season, it is possible to reduce the amount of electricity consumed in room 10 while suppressing discomfort for people in the room.

[0131] <4.4. Determining the color temperature of cool or warm colors based on the difference between indoor temperature and the reference temperature range> The discomfort felt by people inside a room is thought to increase as the indoor temperature deviates from the standard temperature range. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the degree of coolness or warmth obtained by the Hue-Heat effect is said to increase as the amount of change in the color temperature of the lighting increases. Therefore, the color temperature of the lighting is changed more significantly as the indoor temperature deviates from the standard temperature range.

[0132] Let's explain this in detail with reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the difference between the reference temperature range and the room temperature, and the color temperatures of cool and warm light. For example, if the room temperature is higher than the reference temperature range, the difference TD is calculated as the difference between the room temperature and the upper limit TH of the reference temperature range (difference TD = room temperature - upper limit TH of the appropriate temperature range). For example, if the room temperature is 1.5 [°C] higher than the reference temperature range, the difference TD is 1.5 [°C]. In this case, the tablet 6 sets the light temperature of the illumination light to 5700 [K] (Figure 14).

[0133] Furthermore, for example, if the indoor temperature is lower than the reference temperature range, the difference TD is calculated as the difference between the indoor temperature and the lower limit TL of the reference temperature range (difference TD = indoor temperature - lower limit TL of the appropriate temperature range). For example, if the indoor temperature is 1°C lower than the reference temperature range, the difference TD is -1°C. In this case, the tablet 6 sets the light temperature of the illumination light to 3000K (Figure 14).

[0134] In this way, the color temperature of warm or cool-toned lighting is changed based on the difference TD between the reference temperature range and the room temperature. Therefore, it is possible to provide a more nuanced sense of coolness or warmth to people in the room while suppressing excessive sensations of coolness or warmth.

[0135] <5. Variation> <5.1. Variation 1: Determination based on location or region of the reference temperature range> The above-described embodiment illustrates an example of defining a monthly reference range. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0136] In this embodiment, a monthly reference range is determined based on the geographical location of the room 10. For example, the reference temperature range in Okinawa Prefecture is 5°C higher than the reference temperature range in Hokkaido. In this modified example, the modified appropriate temperature range and appropriate humidity range are stored for each location or region.

[0137] In this modified version, the appropriate temperature and humidity ranges are changed based on the geographical location and region of room 10. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress discomfort for people inside room 10 and reduce the amount of electricity consumed in room 10.

[0138] <5.2. Variation 2: Reference ranges for time, day, and season>

[0139] The above-described embodiment illustrates an example where the reference range is set on a monthly basis. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0140] In this modified version, the reference range is defined not by month, but by time, day, or season.

[0141] When reference ranges are defined seasonally, the amount of memory required to store the reference range data can be reduced compared to when reference ranges are defined monthly.

[0142] On the other hand, outside temperatures and other conditions tend to fluctuate significantly from day to day, especially during seasonal changes. Therefore, having a daily baseline range allows for more precise control of lighting compared to having a monthly baseline range.

[0143] Furthermore, having a reference range for each time of day allows for control of lighting in response to temperature changes throughout the day, such as morning, noon, and evening. Therefore, compared to having a reference range for each month or day, it becomes possible to control lighting when rapid changes in outside temperature or other factors are expected.

[0144] <5.3. Modification Example 3: Reference Temperature and Reference Humidity Values> The embodiments and modifications described above illustrate examples where the reference range is set monthly, daily, etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0145] In this modified version, instead of having reference ranges for each month, day, and time, reference temperature and reference humidity values ​​are set for each month, day, and time. Furthermore, the reference temperature range is set to ±1.5°C from the reference temperature value, and the reference humidity range is set to ±7.5% from the reference humidity value.

[0146] In this modified version, the reference temperature range and reference humidity range are determined based on the reference temperature value and reference humidity value. Therefore, it is possible to suppress discomfort for people inside room 10 and reduce the amount of electricity consumed in room 10 with a simpler configuration.

[0147] <5.4. Modification 4: Reference range based on ambient temperature> In the above-described embodiment and modified lighting system 1, an example was given where the reference range is determined on a monthly basis. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In this modified example, the reference range is determined based on the ambient temperature. In other words, in this modified example, the reference range is determined for each ambient temperature.

[0148] Refer to Figure 15 to explain how to determine the reference range for each ambient temperature. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the reference range for each ambient temperature.

[0149] In this modified example, first, the upper and lower limit ambient temperature is determined. The upper limit ambient temperature is the ambient temperature at which the reference temperature range and reference humidity range remain constant if the ambient temperature exceeds this level. The lower limit ambient temperature is the ambient temperature at which the reference temperature range and reference humidity range remain constant if the ambient temperature falls below this level. In the example shown in Figure 15, the upper limit ambient temperature is set to 30°C and the lower limit ambient temperature to 10°C.

[0150] In this modified example, the reference temperature range and reference humidity range are determined for the case where the outside temperature is at the upper limit (30°C) and the case where the outside temperature is at the lower limit (10°C). Then, the reference temperature range and reference humidity range corresponding to the outside temperature in between are determined by linear interpolation.

[0151] In this modified example, the reference temperature range and reference humidity range are determined based on the outside temperature. Therefore, the lighting system 1b according to this embodiment can reduce the amount of electricity consumed in room 10 while suppressing discomfort for people inside room 10, even if the outside temperature changes from month to month compared to previous years.

[0152] <5.5. Variation 5: Decision prioritizing indoor humidity> In the above-described embodiment and modified example of the lighting system 1, an example was described in which, in the lighting control process, it is determined whether the indoor temperature is within the reference temperature range before determining whether the indoor humidity is within the reference humidity range (Figure 6). However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0153] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 16, the lighting control process determines whether the indoor humidity is within the appropriate temperature range before determining whether the indoor temperature is within the appropriate temperature range. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the lighting control process in this modified example.

[0154] The modified example will be explained below with reference to Figures 6 and 16.

[0155] In this modified example, the lighting control process is the same as in the embodiment until the indoor temperature and indoor humidity are acquired (steps S201, S203), and after the lighting color is changed (steps S209, S215, S217). Specifically, steps S201, S203, S209, S215, and S217 shown in Figure 12 are the same as steps S101, S103, S109, S115, and S117 shown in Figure 6, respectively.

[0156] However, in the above embodiment, after obtaining the indoor temperature and indoor humidity (step S103), it is determined whether the indoor temperature is within the reference temperature range (step S105). On the other hand, in this modified example, after obtaining the indoor temperature and indoor humidity (step S203), it is determined whether the indoor humidity is within the reference humidity range (step S205).

[0157] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after determining whether the indoor temperature is within the reference temperature range (step S105), it is determined whether the indoor humidity is within the reference humidity range (step S107). On the other hand, in this modified example, after determining whether the indoor humidity is within the reference humidity range (step S205), it is determined whether the indoor temperature is within the reference temperature range (step S207).

[0158] Therefore, in this modified version, even when indoor humidity has a greater impact on the comfort of people in the room than indoor temperature, it is possible to suppress the feeling of discomfort experienced by people in the room.

[0159] <5.6. Other variations> (1) Changes in the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4 and the operating conditions of the air conditioner 7 and the circulator 8 The embodiments and modifications described above illustrate an example where only the color temperature of the illumination light emitted by the lighting fixture 4 is changed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0160] The lighting system 1c according to this modified example further includes a circulator 8 placed inside the room 10, in addition to the configuration of the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. The circulator 8 circulates the air inside the room 10.

[0161] Furthermore, in this modified version, in addition to changing the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4, the operating conditions of the air conditioner 7 and the circulator 8 are also changed. In this process, the tablet 6 communicates wirelessly with the air conditioner 7 and the circulator 8 and instructs them on the operating conditions.

[0162] For example, when changing the light emitted by lighting fixture 4 to a cool color, the temperature setting of the air conditioner 7 is lowered, and the circulator 8 is operated or the airflow output by the circulator 8 is increased. Also, for example, when changing the light emitted by lighting fixture 4 to a warm color, the temperature setting of the air conditioner 7 is raised, and the circulator 8 is stopped or the airflow output by the circulator 8 is reduced.

[0163] In this modified version, in addition to changing the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4, the temperature setting of the air conditioner 7 and the operating conditions of the circulator 8 are also changed. As a result, it is possible to more effectively suppress discomfort for people inside the room 10.

[0164] (2) Changes to the operating conditions of the air conditioner 7 In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which, when the air conditioner 7 is stopped, the reduction in comfort due to an increase or decrease in indoor temperature is suppressed simply by changing the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0165] In this modified version, the air conditioner 7 is activated if, for any reason, the indoor temperature falls significantly outside the standard temperature range. For example, if the indoor temperature exceeds the standard temperature range by 3°C or more, the operating conditions for the air conditioner 7 are set to cooling, with the target temperature set to the upper limit of the appropriate temperature range, TH+1°C. Furthermore, if the indoor temperature falls 3°C or more below the standard temperature range, the operating conditions for the air conditioner 7 will be heating, with the target temperature set to the lower limit of the appropriate temperature range, TL-1°C.

[0166] (3) Changing the light temperature of lighting based only on the reference temperature range and room temperature. The embodiments and modifications described above illustrate examples of changing the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4 based on a reference temperature range and room temperature, and a reference humidity range and room humidity. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0167] In this modified version, the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4 is changed based only on the reference temperature range and the room temperature. In this modified version, since the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4 is changed based only on the reference temperature range and the room temperature, it is possible to reduce discomfort to people inside the room 10 and reduce the amount of electricity consumed in the room 10 with a simpler configuration.

[0168] (4) Obtaining the outdoor temperature from outside In the embodiments and modifications described above, the outdoor temperature was assumed to be obtained by a sensor such as the outdoor sensor 9. However, the outdoor temperature may also be obtained from outside the lighting system. Specifically, the lighting system 1 may obtain the outdoor temperature from news reports, weather forecasts, etc.

[0169] (5) Acquisition of information from sensors The embodiments and modifications described above illustrate an example in which the indoor sensor 5 transmits indoor temperature and indoor humidity information to the tablet 6, and the outdoor sensor 9 transmits outdoor temperature information to the tablet 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0170] In this modified example, the tablet 6 may read information on indoor temperature, indoor humidity, and outdoor temperature from the indoor sensor 5 or the outdoor sensor 9.

[0171] (6) Regarding indirect wireless communication In the embodiments and modifications described above, the tablet 6 was described as directly communicating wirelessly with other devices. However, the tablet 6 may communicate wirelessly with other devices indirectly. For example, in Figure 1, the tablet 6 may communicate wirelessly with the lighting fixture 4 via other devices (not shown).

[0172] (7) Regarding communication specifications In the embodiments and modifications described above, communication between the tablet 6, air conditioner 7, circulator 8, lighting fixture 4, indoor sensor 5, and outdoor sensor 9 was described as using the same communication specification. However, these communications may all use the same communication specification, or multiple communication specifications may be used. Furthermore, each of the tablet 6, air conditioner 7, circulator 8, lighting fixture 4, indoor sensor 5, and outdoor sensor 9 may communicate using multiple communication specifications.

[0173] (8) Regarding lighting control devices In the embodiments and modifications described above, an example was given in which the lighting control device is a tablet 6. However, the lighting control device can be any device or equipment that has the function of controlling lighting fixtures 4, etc., and may be, for example, a notebook personal computer or a smartphone.

[0174] <6. Extraction of Inventions> Examples of inventions that can be derived from the above embodiments and modifications include the following:

[0175] (1) A lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a lighting system comprising a lighting fixture that emits illumination light and a lighting control device that controls the lighting fixture, wherein the lighting control device acquires the indoor temperature, which is the temperature inside a room, has a plurality of reference temperature ranges, selects one reference temperature range from the plurality of reference temperature ranges, instructs the lighting fixture to change the color temperature of the illumination light to a higher value if the indoor temperature is higher than the upper limit of the selected reference temperature range, and instructs the lighting fixture to change the color temperature of the illumination light to a lower value if the indoor temperature is lower than the lower limit of the selected reference temperature range.

[0176] Having these configurations, the lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention can suppress a decline in the comfort of people in a room even when the situation changes, and can also reduce power consumption.

[0177] (2) In the lighting system, the lighting control device may acquire indoor humidity, which is the humidity inside the room, and have a plurality of reference humidity ranges, and select one reference humidity range from the plurality of reference humidity ranges, and if the indoor temperature is within the reference temperature range corresponding to the selected situation and the indoor humidity is higher than the upper limit of the reference humidity range corresponding to the selected situation, it may instruct the lighting fixture to change the color temperature of the lighting light to a higher value, and if the indoor temperature is within the reference temperature range corresponding to the selected situation and the indoor humidity is lower than the lower limit of the reference humidity range corresponding to the selected situation, it may instruct the lighting fixture to change the color temperature of the lighting light to a lower value.

[0178] Having these configurations, the lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention can suppress the decrease in the comfort level of people in a room, even when humidity may cause a decrease in that comfort level.

[0179] (3) After instructing the lighting fixture to change the color temperature of the illumination light to a higher or lower level, the lighting fixture may be instructed to bring the color temperature of the illumination light closer to the pre-change color temperature, which is the color temperature of the illumination light before being instructed to change the color temperature of the illumination light to a higher or lower level.

[0180] Having these configurations, the lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention can maintain the effect of the Hue-Heat effect even if the Hue-Heat effect weakens over time. In other words, it can continue to suppress discomfort for people in the room.

[0181] (4) In the lighting system, the time it takes for the color temperature of the illumination light to change from the original color temperature to the modified color temperature, which is the modified color temperature when instructing the system to change the color temperature of the illumination light to be higher or lower, may be shorter than the time it takes for the color temperature to change from the modified color temperature back to the original color temperature.

[0182] Because of these configurations, the lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention causes people in a room to feel cool or warm when the lighting temperature is changed from the original color temperature to the new color temperature, but it does not easily cause people in a room to feel cool or warm when the light temperature of the lighting is changed from the new color temperature to the original color temperature. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the feeling of discomfort experienced by people in a room when the color temperature of the lighting is changed.

[0183] (5) In the lighting system, the outside temperature, which is the temperature outside the building in which the room is located, may be obtained, and the reference temperature range or the reference humidity range may be determined based on the outside temperature.

[0184] Having these configurations, the lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention can suppress discomfort for people in a room even when the outside temperature shows a change different from that of previous years.

[0185] (6) In the lighting system, the system may acquire the outside temperature, which is the temperature outside the building in which the room is located, and if the outside temperature is higher than the upper limit of the reference temperature range by a predetermined value or more, the system may detect that a person has entered the room from outside the building and instruct the lighting fixture to change the color temperature of the illumination light to a higher value. If the outside temperature is lower than the lower limit of the reference temperature range by a predetermined value or more, the system may detect that a person has entered the room from outside the building and instruct the lighting fixture to change the color temperature of the illumination light to a lower value.

[0186] Having these configurations, the lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent a person entering a room from outside the building from continuing to feel uncomfortable.

[0187] (7) In the lighting system, the plurality of reference temperature ranges and the plurality of reference humidity ranges may include reference temperature ranges and reference humidity ranges for each season, month, day, time, outside temperature, or for each predetermined region.

[0188] Having these configurations, the lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention can more precisely suppress discomfort felt by people in a room.

[0189] (8) In the lighting system, the reference temperature range may be changed according to the user's instructions.

[0190] Having these configurations, the lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention can suppress discomfort experienced by people in a room, depending on their physical condition, tendencies, and preferences.

[0191] The embodiments, modifications, and possible inventions derived from these embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above. These embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c: Lighting system 4, 4a, 4b, :Lighting equipment 5, 5a, 5b: Indoor sensors 6: Tablet 7, 7a, 7b: Air conditioner 8: Circulator 9, 9b: Outdoor sensor 10, 10a, 10b: Rooms 41:Light source section 43:Circuit section 45: WM Department 45a: Wireless Communication Section 45b: Control Unit 45c: Storage section 61: Control Unit 62: Storage section 63: Wireless Communication Department 64: Touch panel

Claims

1. A lighting system comprising a lighting fixture that emits illumination light and a lighting control device that controls the lighting fixture, The aforementioned lighting control device is We obtain the indoor temperature, which is the temperature inside the room. It has multiple reference temperature ranges, Select one reference temperature range from the aforementioned multiple reference temperature ranges, If the indoor temperature is higher than the upper limit of the selected reference temperature range, the lighting fixture is instructed to change the color temperature of the lighting light to a higher value. If the indoor temperature is lower than the lower limit of the selected reference temperature range, the lighting fixture is instructed to lower the color temperature of the illumination light. After instructing the lighting fixture to change the color temperature of the illumination light to a higher or lower level, the lighting fixture is instructed to bring the color temperature of the illumination light closer to the pre-change color temperature, which is the color temperature of the illumination light before being instructed to change the color temperature of the illumination light to a higher or lower level. The time it takes for the color temperature of the illumination light to change from the original color temperature to the modified color temperature (which is the color temperature after the instruction to change the color temperature of the illumination light to a higher or lower temperature) is shorter than the time it takes for the color temperature to change from the modified color temperature to the original color temperature. Lighting system.

2. The aforementioned lighting control device is The indoor humidity, which is the humidity of the aforementioned room, is obtained. It has multiple reference humidity ranges, which are humidity ranges within which the lighting color is not changed. Select one reference humidity range from the aforementioned multiple reference humidity ranges, If the indoor temperature is within the selected reference temperature range and the indoor humidity is higher than the upper limit of the selected reference humidity range, the lighting fixture is instructed to change the color temperature of the lighting light to a higher value. If the indoor temperature is within the selected reference temperature range and the indoor humidity is lower than the lower limit of the selected reference humidity range, the lighting fixture is instructed to lower the color temperature of the illumination light. The lighting system according to claim 1.

3. The outside temperature, which is the temperature outside the building, is obtained. Based on the ambient temperature, the reference temperature range or the reference humidity range is determined. The lighting system according to claim 2.

4. A lighting system comprising a lighting fixture that emits illumination light and a lighting control device that controls the lighting fixture, The aforementioned lighting control device is We obtain the indoor temperature, which is the temperature inside the room. It has multiple reference temperature ranges, Select one reference temperature range from the aforementioned multiple reference temperature ranges, If the indoor temperature is higher than the upper limit of the selected reference temperature range, the lighting fixture is instructed to change the color temperature of the lighting light to a higher value. If the indoor temperature is lower than the lower limit of the selected reference temperature range, the lighting fixture is instructed to lower the color temperature of the illumination light. The outside temperature, which is the temperature outside the building, is obtained. If the outside temperature is higher than the upper limit of the reference temperature range by a predetermined value or more, and it is detected that a person has entered the room from outside the building, the lighting fixture is instructed to change the color temperature of the lighting light to a higher value. If the outside temperature is lower than the lower limit of the reference temperature range by a predetermined value or more, and it is detected that a person has entered the room from outside the building, the lighting fixture is instructed to lower the color temperature of the lighting light. Lighting system.

5. The aforementioned plurality of reference temperature ranges and the plurality of reference humidity ranges include reference temperature ranges and reference humidity ranges for each season, month, day, time, outside temperature, or for each predetermined region. The lighting system according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned reference temperature range is changed according to user instructions. The lighting system according to claim 1.

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