Lighting control system

Abstract

A lighting control system (1) is provided with a control unit (14) able to set two or more scenes of a first scene and a second scene. In addition, a space includes a first area to which the first scene is applied, and a second area to which the second scene is applied. The control unit (14) controls a general lighting fixture (11) and / or a local lighting fixture (12) so as to have a higher illuminance on a desk surface provided to the first area to which the first scene is applied than the second scene, and controls the general lighting fixture (11) and / or the local lighting fixture (12) so as to cause the surface area of the first area and the surface area of the second area to change depending on the number of people who stay in the space. The surface area of the first area occupies at least 10% of one or more partitions defined by sets of a plurality of desks, or of the entirety of the space.

Description

Lighting Control System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to lighting control systems.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting system that includes a hand-held lighting device that is installed at a height of 1.5 (m) or more and less than 2.0 (m) from the floor of a room, a space lighting device that is installed above the hand-held lighting device and emits light toward the ceiling of the room, and a control device that can control the operation of the hand-held lighting device and the space lighting device.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-56016

[0004] However, in the lighting system of Patent Document 1, although energy saving can be achieved by turning on the handheld lighting device at low illuminance, this reduces the perceived brightness of the entire space, which can cause discomfort to people in the space.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a lighting control system that can achieve both an energy-saving effect and ensuring the necessary brightness in a space.

[0006] One aspect of a lighting control system according to the present disclosure includes a control unit capable of setting at least two or more scenes, a first scene and a second scene, in a space using at least one of general lighting fixtures and local lighting fixtures, the space including a first area to which the first scene is applied and a second area different from the first area to which the second scene is applied, the control unit controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so as to increase the illuminance of desk surfaces located in the first area to which the first scene is applied compared to the second scene, and controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures to change the area of ​​the first area and the area of ​​the second area according to the number of people staying in the space, the area of ​​the first area occupying one or more sections defined by a group of desks or 10% or more of the entire space.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to achieve both an energy saving effect and ensuring the necessary brightness in a space.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a lighting control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first area in a space to which a first scene is applied and a second area, different from the first area, to which a second scene is applied. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display unit of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between subjects' discomfort and Feu values. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between subjects' gloominess and Feu values. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the results of evaluating the distinguishability between a first area and a second area when the entire office space is illuminated with base lighting, and the distinguishability between the first area and the second area when the office space is illuminated using a TAL (Task and Ambient Lighting) method. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of a lighting control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing operation when the first area and the second area are changed depending on the number of people present in the space.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, step order, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0010] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In each drawing, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] First Embodiment <Configuration and Function> First, the configuration of a lighting control system 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a lighting control system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first area in a space to which a first scene is applied and a second area, different from the first area, to which a second scene is applied. FIG. 2(a) illustrates a case in which there are few workers in the space, while FIG. 2(b) illustrates a case in which the number of workers in the space increases and the first area to which the first scene is applied is expanded. Also, FIG. 2 omits the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display unit 15 of the lighting control system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a lighting control system 1 controls each lighting device 10 installed in a room space, for example, in an office building where offices are located. Six sections are set up in the space, for example. Each section is provided with desks and chairs (seats) for, for example, 10 people. A section may be physically separated by a partition or the like, or may simply be set up as a collection of multiple desks, as shown in FIG. 2 . In this space, employees can select a desired seat after coming to work, sit down freely, and work. The number of sections and the number of desks and chairs are merely examples and are not limited to the present embodiment.

[0014] The lighting control system 1 includes a plurality of lighting devices 10, an acquisition unit 13, a control unit 14, and a display unit 15.

[0015] The plurality of lighting devices 10 are made up of a plurality of general lighting fixtures 11 and a plurality of local lighting fixtures 12. The lighting device 10 is a collective term for the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12.

[0016] Each of the general lighting fixtures 11 is a lighting fixture capable of emitting light throughout the entire space, such as a ceiling light, a base light, or a spotlight that is installed on the ceiling and can illuminate the entire space.

[0017] Each of the general lighting fixtures 11 has a dimming function and a color adjustment function. When each of the general lighting fixtures 11 receives a control signal from the control unit 14, it lights up in a lighting mode corresponding to the control signal. For example, each of the general lighting fixtures 11 has a dimming function that adjusts the brightness of the emitted light in multiple stages, thereby making the brightness of the emitted light darker or brighter. Furthermore, each of the general lighting fixtures 11 has a color adjustment function that allows it to emit white light ranging from a low color temperature, such as incandescent white, to a high color temperature, such as warm white, daylight white, or cosmic white.

[0018] Each of the local lighting fixtures 12 is a lighting fixture that can emit light toward a part of a space, and is, for example, a spotlight, a pendant light, a downlight, or the like.

[0019] Each of the local lighting fixtures 12 has a dimming function and a color adjustment function. When each of the local lighting fixtures 12 receives a control signal from the control unit 14, it turns on in a lighting mode corresponding to the control signal. For example, each of the local lighting fixtures 12 has a dimming function that adjusts the brightness of the emitted light in multiple stages, thereby making the brightness of the emitted light darker or brighter. Furthermore, each of the local lighting fixtures 12 has a color adjustment function that allows it to emit white light ranging from a low color temperature, such as incandescent white, to a high color temperature, such as warm white, daylight white, or coarse white.

[0020] The multiple local lighting fixtures 12 are installed on the ceiling, for example, so as to correspond to multiple desks provided in each of the multiple sections. One local lighting fixture 12 can illuminate the desk surface of one desk. Alternatively, one local lighting fixture 12 may illuminate multiple desks, i.e., the desk surface of one desk and the desk surfaces of surrounding desks adjacent to the one desk. The multiple local lighting fixtures 12 may directly or indirectly illuminate the walls, ceiling, etc. of the room that makes up the space. This allows the desk surface illuminance of each of the multiple desks to be changed.

[0021] The acquisition unit 13 can acquire information indicating the number of people present in a space.

[0022] Specifically, if an office clock-in system can determine the number of people present in a space by calculating the number of people who arrive and leave, the acquisition unit 13 may acquire information indicating the number of people present in the space from the clock-in system. Furthermore, if an office schedule management system equipped with an application tool capable of managing the daily schedules of office workers is installed in the office, the acquisition unit 13 may acquire information indicating the number of people present in the space from the schedule management system. Furthermore, if an office sensor can detect the number of people present in a space and / or their locations, the acquisition unit 13 may acquire information indicating the number of people present in the space and / or their locations from the sensor. The sensor may be an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, a camera sensor, or the like. Furthermore, if the office is equipped with an occupancy detection sensor, the acquisition unit 13 may acquire information indicating the number of people present in the space and information indicating the seat locations (locations of people) from the occupancy detection sensor. Furthermore, a communication device installed in the office may emit a beacon signal, and a terminal device used by a worker may receive the beacon signal, and the terminal device may transmit a signal indicating receipt of the beacon signal to the communication device. In this way, the communication device counts the number of times a signal indicating reception of a beacon signal is received, and the acquisition unit 13 may acquire information indicating the number of people present in the space from the communication device. Note that the acquisition unit 13 may be a time attendance system, a schedule management system, a sensor, or a terminal device.

[0023] The control unit 14 can control the multiple general lighting fixtures 11 individually or collectively, and can also control the multiple local lighting fixtures 12 individually or collectively. That is, the control unit 14 outputs control signals to each of the one or more general lighting fixtures 11 and one or more local lighting fixtures 12 corresponding to the multiple lighting devices 10, for turning on the corresponding one or more general lighting fixtures 11 and one or more local lighting fixtures 12. As a result, the corresponding one or more general lighting fixtures 11 and one or more local lighting fixtures 12 turn on in response to the control signals. That is, the control unit 14 controls the one or more general lighting fixtures 11 and one or more local lighting fixtures 12 to provide the specified illumination indicated by the control signals.

[0024] The control unit 14 can set at least two or more scenes, a first scene and a second scene, in the space using at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12. For example, as shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), some of the sections of a plurality of sections provided in the space are illuminated with the first scene so as to become first areas, and the remaining sections are illuminated with the second scene so as to become second areas.

[0025] Specifically, the space shown in (a) and (b) of Figures 2 includes a first area to which a first scene is applied, and a second area that is different from the first area and to which a second scene is applied.

[0026] The first area is an area in a space where the illuminance of the desk surface is higher than that of the surrounding area, i.e., the second area. The first area may be, for example, an area including a section among multiple sections where a person is present at a desk. The area of ​​the first area may be a section defined by a collection of multiple desks, or may occupy 10% or more of the entire space. This is because if the seats and desks do not fill one section, or if the first area occupies less than 10% of the entire space, workers may not perceive the brightness as easily, making it difficult to achieve the effect of guiding workers. However, if one section or the first area occupies 10% or more of the entire space, it is easily recognized by workers, and a certain level of guiding effect can be expected.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit 14 controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 so that the illuminance of the desk surface in the first area to which the first scene is applied is higher than that of the second scene. Specifically, the control unit 14 controls the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 so that the illuminance of the desk surface in the first area to which the first scene is applied is higher than the ambient illuminance of the surrounding area other than the desk surface. Preferably, the control unit 14 controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 so that the illuminance of the desk surface in the first area to which the first scene is applied is at least twice the illuminance of the desk surface in the second area to which the second scene is applied.

[0028] For example, the control unit 14 may form a first area to which a first scene is applied by controlling a plurality of general lighting fixtures 11 and one or more local lighting fixtures 12, or by controlling only one or more local lighting fixtures 12. The control unit 14 may also form a second area to which a second scene is applied by controlling a plurality of general lighting fixtures 11 or a plurality of local lighting fixtures 12.

[0029] For example, to increase the illuminance of the desk surface in the first area compared to the second area, the control unit 14 may reduce the output of the general lighting devices 11 below a reference value and increase the output of one or more local lighting devices 12 capable of illuminating the desk surface in the first area compared to the reference value. Alternatively, the control unit 14 may increase the output of only one or more local lighting devices 12 capable of illuminating the desk surface in the first area compared to the reference value, thereby increasing the illuminance of the desk surface in the first area compared to the second area. Alternatively, the control unit 14 may increase the output of only the general lighting devices 11 below a reference value, thereby increasing the illuminance of the desk surface in the first area compared to the second area. The same applies to increasing the illuminance of the desk surface in the first area compared to the ambient illuminance of the surrounding area other than the desk surface.

[0030] For example, the illuminance of the desk surface in the first area, which is an area recommended for work, is preferably 300 (lx) or more, and more preferably 500 (lx) or more. In this case, energy saving effects can be achieved by setting the illuminance of the second area, which is an area not recommended for work, to less than 300 (lx). Furthermore, even greater energy saving effects can be expected by reducing the illuminance of the second area to about 150 (lx).

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 14 may control at least one of the general lighting devices 11 and the local lighting devices 12 so that the Feu value is 5 or greater when the area of ​​the first area to which the first scene is applied is the smallest. This is because if the Feu value in the first area is less than 5, the worker may feel uncomfortable or depressed by the brightness of the first area. However, if the Feu value in the first area is 5 or greater, the worker is expected to be able to suppress the discomfort and depression caused by the brightness of the first area. The smallest area of ​​the first area to which the first scene is applied is, for example, one section or 10% of the space.

[0032] Here, the Feu value quantifies the perceived brightness of a space, i.e., the impression the human eye gets when viewing a space. For example, we compared the perceived brightness of a rectangular parallelepiped "Space A" with four lighting fixtures placed along the four walls of the ceiling and a rectangular parallelepiped "Space B" with five lighting fixtures placed in the center of the ceiling. In "Space A," the four lighting fixtures illuminate the four walls and floor, making the space appear brighter overall, and the average floor illuminance of "Space A" was 290 lx. In "Space B," the five lighting fixtures primarily illuminate the floor, making the floor appear brighter, resulting in an average floor illuminance of 420 lx. Based on the average floor illuminance, "Space B" appears brighter. However, using the Feu value, the Feu value for "Space A" was 12.5, while the Feu value for "Space B" was 9.5. Therefore, the average floor illuminance and the perceived brightness of a space are different. Therefore, in this embodiment, attention is focused on the sense of brightness of a space perceived by humans, and at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 may be controlled so that the Feu value is 5 or greater.

[0033] The second area is an area where the illuminance on the desk surface is lower than that of the first area. For example, in (a) and (b) of Figures 2, the second area is an area including the remaining sections where no one is present among the multiple sections.

[0034] For example, when a worker arrives at the office, the control unit 14 controls one or more general lighting fixtures 11 and one or more local lighting fixtures 12 to form a first area in the office space where a first scene is applied and a second area in which a second scene is applied. In this case, the worker would prefer to work in the brighter first area rather than the darker second area, and therefore would likely work at one of the desks in the first area. In this way, by increasing the illuminance of the desk surface in the first area compared to the second area, it is expected that the worker can be guided to work at a desk in the first area.

[0035] The control unit 14 can also acquire information indicating the number of people present in the space via the acquisition unit 13. The control unit 14 controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 to change the area of ​​the first area and the area of ​​the second area based on the acquired information indicating the number of people present in the space. Specifically, when the number of people present in the space reaches a predetermined number or more, the control unit 14 controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 to change the area of ​​the first area and the area of ​​the second area in accordance with the number of people present in the space.

[0036] For example, in Fig. 2(a), a person is present at a desk in one section. However, as shown in Fig. 2(b), when the number of people in the space increases and exceeds a first threshold, the control unit 14 sets any one of the sections as a first area. In other words, the control unit 14 controls the multiple general lighting fixtures 11 and the multiple local lighting fixtures 12 to expand the first area in the space and reduce the second area. The first area to be expanded, i.e., the second area to be reduced, is set in advance using a predetermined algorithm.

[0037] Furthermore, when the number of people in the space reaches or exceeds a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, the control unit 14 controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 to further expand the area of ​​the first area and further reduce the area of ​​the second area in accordance with the number of people in the space. For example, the control unit 14 sets any one of the multiple sections as the first area, and controls the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 to expand the first area in the space and reduce the second area.

[0038] The same applies when the number of people in the space increases. In this way, multiple thresholds may be set in stages in the lighting control system 1. Furthermore, the multiple thresholds may be changeable as needed according to the client's requests.

[0039] Furthermore, if the number of people present in the space falls below a predetermined number and there is a section within the first area where no one is present, the control unit 14 sets the section where no one is present as the second area. In other words, the control unit 14 controls the general lighting devices 11 and the local lighting devices 12 to expand the second area in the space and reduce the first area.

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 14 controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 to reduce the output of light illuminating a second area other than the first area to which the first scene is applied, as the area of ​​the first scene increases. For example, when the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 are turned on in the first area, only the general lighting fixture 11 may be turned on in the second area, or the output of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 may be reduced compared to the first area.

[0041] The display unit 15 is a display medium such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. As shown in Fig. 3, the display unit 15 displays information about the space for the set scene. The information about the space includes the brightness of the space, the energy saving rate, the amount of power consumption, and the CO ２ For example, the display unit 15 displays the brightness (illuminance, Feu value, etc.) of the space in a first area where a first scene is set, or the brightness (illuminance, Feu value, etc.) of the space in a second area where a second scene is set. Furthermore, the display unit 15 displays the energy saving rate, power consumption, and CO2 emission of the lighting device 10 in the current space. ２ Displays emissions.

[0042] Such a display unit 15 is installed, for example, on a wall or pillar of an office, so that workers present in the space can visually recognize the brightness and energy saving rate of the space displayed on the display unit 15.

[0043] <Experimental Results> First, the reason why the Feu value is set to 5 or more when the area of ​​the first area to which the first scene is applied is the smallest will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG.

[0044] Fig. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the subject's discomfort and the Feu value. Fig. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the subject's depression and the Feu value.

[0045] In the experiment, several dozen subjects were asked to evaluate the impressions of the office space when 22 scenes were created in the office space using base lighting fixtures, spot lighting fixtures, and wall lighting fixtures installed in a 10 (m) x 5 (m) office space. The several dozen subjects rated their impressions of the office space on a seven-point scale from -3 to +3. Figures 4 and 5 show the average impression ratings of several dozen subjects for each of the 22 scenes.

[0046] In Fig. 4, the impression evaluation is set to 0 as the reference, and values ​​less than 0 indicate that the subject felt uncomfortable, while values ​​greater than 0 indicate that the subject felt comfortable. In Fig. 5, the impression evaluation is set to 0 as the reference, and values ​​less than 0 indicate that the subject felt depressed, while values ​​greater than 0 indicate that the subject felt cheerful.

[0047] As shown by the dashed lines in Figures 4 and 5, it was found that the subjects' discomfort and gloomy feelings were alleviated when the Feu value was 5 or higher. More preferably, it was found that the subjects' discomfort and gloomy feelings were alleviated even more when the Feu value was 6 or higher.

[0048] Next, the reason why the first area to which the first scene is applied has a stronger induction effect than the second area to which the second scene is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] FIG. 6 shows the results of evaluating the distinguishability between the first and second areas when the entire office space is illuminated using base lighting, and the distinguishability between the first and second areas when the office space is illuminated using the TAL method.

[0050] In the experiment, using base lighting fixtures, spot lighting fixtures, and wall lighting fixtures installed in a 10 (m) x 10 (m) office space, several dozen subjects were asked to evaluate (1) the ability to distinguish between the first and second areas when the entire office space was base-illuminated as in the conventional technology, and (2) the ability to distinguish between the first and second areas when the office space was illuminated using the lighting control system 1 of the present embodiment. The several dozen subjects rated the ability to distinguish on a five-point scale from -2 to +2. Figure 6 shows the average impression ratings of the several dozen subjects for each of the first and second scenes.

[0051] In Figure 6, on a five-point scale ranging from -2 to +2, 0 is used as the base, and scores below 0 indicate that the subject answered "it was a little difficult to understand" or "it was difficult to understand," while scores above 0 indicate that the subject answered "it was a little easy to understand" or "it was easy to understand."

[0052] In Figure 6, the average evaluation of subjects who answered "somewhat easy to understand" or "easy to understand" was 0.16 in the case of (1) above, but 0.65 in the case of (2) above. Also, the percentage of subjects who answered "somewhat difficult to understand" or "difficult to understand" was 35.48% in the case of (1) above, but 17.65% in the case of (2) above.

[0053] Therefore, it can be said that the subjects' discrimination ability is higher in case (2) than in case (1), and therefore it can be said that the first area to which the first scene is applied has a higher induction effect than the second area to which the second scene is applied.

[0054] <Processing Operation> Next, the processing operation of the lighting control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the lighting control system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0056] In FIG. 7, it is assumed that a plurality of workers who work in an office space start to come to work.

[0057] First, the acquisition unit 13 acquires information indicating a worker who has entered the space (S11). For example, the acquisition unit 13 acquires information indicating the worker by detecting the first worker who arrives at the office using a time-stamping system, a sensor, or a communication device installed in the office. The acquisition unit 13 transmits the acquired information indicating the worker to the control unit 14.

[0058] Next, the control unit 14 forms a first area to which the first scene is applied and a second area to which the second scene is applied for any of the multiple sections in the space (S12). At this time, the control unit 14 controls the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 so that the illuminance of the desk surface in the first area to which the first scene is applied is higher than that in the second area. The control unit 14 may also control the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 so that the illuminance of the desk surface in the first area is at least twice the illuminance of the desk surface in the second area. Furthermore, the control unit 14 may control the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 so that the Feu value is 5 or greater when the area of ​​the first area is the smallest. The lighting control system 1 then terminates the processing operation of FIG. 7 .

[0059] Next, the processing operation when the number of people present in the space increases after the process of Fig. 7 is completed will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing operation when the first area and the second area are changed depending on the number of people present in the space.

[0060] First, the acquisition unit 13 acquires information indicating the number of people present in a space from a time attendance system, a schedule management system, a sensor (including devices held by each worker such as a smartphone or a wireless tag, and devices installed in building interior materials and fixtures), or a communication device (S21). The acquisition unit 13 transmits the acquired information indicating the number of people present in the space to the control unit 14.

[0061] Next, the control unit 14 determines whether the number of people present in the space is equal to or greater than a threshold value based on the information indicating the number of people present in the space (S22).

[0062] If the control unit 14 determines, based on the information indicating the number of people present in the space, that the number of people present in the space is less than the threshold value (NO in S22), the processing operation returns to step S21.

[0063] On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines based on the information indicating the number of people present in the space that the number of people present in the space is equal to or greater than the threshold value (YES in S22), the control unit 14 controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 to expand the area of ​​the first area and reduce the area of ​​the second area (S23). For example, the control unit 14 controls the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 to expand the first area in the space and reduce the second area. Then, the lighting control system 1 ends the flowchart and repeats the processing operations of FIG. 8.

[0064] Here, since the number of workers in the office space increases each time a worker arrives at work, multiple thresholds may be set, such as "first threshold < second threshold < ...." In this case, the control unit 14 performs the process of step S22 in order from the smallest threshold based on information indicating the number of people present in the space, and if the answer to step S22 is YES, the control unit 14 can control at least one of the multiple general lighting fixtures 11 and the multiple local lighting fixtures 12 to gradually increase the area of ​​the first area and gradually decrease the area of ​​the second area.

[0065] In addition, when workers leave work, the number of people in the office space gradually decreases, so when the number of people in the space falls below a predetermined number and there is a section within the first area where no one is present, the control unit 14 controls the multiple general lighting fixtures 11 and multiple local lighting fixtures 12 to reduce the first area in the space and expand the second area.

[0066] In this way, by simultaneously changing the first area and the second area depending on the number of people present in the space, it is possible to illuminate the necessary areas with appropriate brightness.

[0067] <Operational Effects> Next, operational effects of the lighting control system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0068] As described above, the lighting control system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 14 capable of setting at least two scenes, a first scene and a second scene, in a space using at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12. The space includes a first area to which the first scene is applied and a second area different from the first area to which the second scene is applied. The control unit 14 controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 to increase the illuminance of desks in the first area to which the first scene is applied compared to the second area, and controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 to change the area of ​​the first area and the area of ​​the second area depending on the number of people in the space. The area of ​​the first area occupies one or more sections defined by a group of desks or 10% or more of the entire space.

[0069] This increases the illuminance of the desks in the first area where the first scene is applied, allowing workers to work in the first area. In the second area, which is not suitable for workers to work and has lower illuminance of the desks than the first area, energy conservation can be achieved in this area. By setting different brightness levels for the first and second areas according to the number of people in the space, it is possible to illuminate only the necessary areas, compared to simply illuminating the entire space.

[0070] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve both an energy saving effect and ensuring the necessary brightness in the space.

[0071] In recent years, lighting plans have been developed to ensure appropriate spatial brightness depending on the space's purpose, anticipated tasks, and activities. Spatial lighting can be broadly divided into ambient lighting, which ensures spatial brightness, and task lighting, which ensures visibility and operability of the work surface. For example, in general lighting systems, ambient and task lighting are simultaneously achieved using the same lighting fixtures. However, the effective lighting methods for achieving ambient lighting are generally different from those for achieving task lighting. Therefore, in order to achieve a lighting plan that is efficient and energy-efficient, it is necessary to consider ambient lighting and task lighting separately.

[0072] For example, in spaces such as offices where work is performed, brightness is required for work efficiency. The brightness of a space cannot be estimated from the illuminance on a desk surface; instead, it must be estimated using photometric quantities, such as luminance, defined based on the luminous flux incident on the user's eyes. The luminance of lighting fixtures and openings can be estimated, while the luminance of walls, ceilings, and other surfaces can be roughly estimated from the illuminance and reflectance of various surfaces within the user's field of vision. While luminance provides detailed information about the appearance of a space, it is preferable to capture and analyze the luminance distribution as an image because perceived brightness varies depending on the user's eye adaptation and the contrast between the luminance in the direction of the user's gaze and the luminance of the surrounding area. If the luminance of walls and ceilings is increased too much in an attempt to ensure a bright space, the worker's hands and the user's face may appear dark due to the luminance contrast effect.

[0073] The brightness of a space seen from a certain viewpoint is determined by the luminance distribution within the field of view. If the space is made up of non-glossy surfaces, the luminance distribution within the field of view excluding the light source can be estimated from the reflectance and illuminance of each component surface. The materials that make up a real space are glossy, making it difficult to accurately determine the luminance, but in normal lighting planning, it is sufficient to know the rough state of the luminance, and the luminance can be determined by treating all surfaces that make up the space as uniform diffusion surfaces. Luminance L (cd / m ２) is proportional to the illuminance E (lx) and the reflectance ρ, that is, it can be calculated by L = (1 / π)ρE.

[0074] It is known that images that ensure an induced field of view (visual angle of 100° left and right x 85° up and down) as a field of view that is involved in the induction effect on the spatial coordinate axis can create a high sense of realism. This induced field of view is the range of the field of view that is strongly influenced by space. It is known that the sense of brightness is proportional to the logarithm of luminance, as represented by Fechner's law. When calculating the luminance within the field of view, averaging the luminance within the induced field of view using the geometric mean will yield a value that is more suited to human perception. Since the luminance of most light-emitting parts within lighting fixtures is unlikely to affect the sense of brightness in a space, it is possible to obtain a value of 1000 (cd / m), which is clearly perceived as a light-emitting part in an indoor lighting environment. ２ ) and above should be excluded from the calculation of the geometric mean luminance within the visual field.

[0075] From the above, using the geometric mean luminance value Lg in the visual field, which is an index that appropriately defines the brightness sensation in a space, the Feu value = 1.5 × Lg ０．７ It is considered desirable to control the perceived brightness of the space by utilizing the above. ２ The geometric mean value Lg of the luminance of the points excluding the luminance of 2.3 (cd / m ２ ) or more is desirable.

[0076] Therefore, the lighting control system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 14 capable of setting at least two scenes, a first scene and a second scene, in a space using at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12. The space includes a first area to which the first scene is applied and a second area different from the first area to which the second scene is applied. The control unit 14 controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 to increase the illuminance of a desk surface located in the first area to which the first scene is applied compared to the second area, controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 to change the area of ​​the first area and the area of ​​the second area depending on the number of people in the space, and controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 to achieve an Feu value of 5 or greater when the area of ​​the first area to which the first scene is applied is minimum.

[0077] According to this, when the area of ​​the first area to which the first scene is applied is the smallest, the Feu value is set to 5 or more, allowing workers to work in the first area. Furthermore, in the second area, the illuminance of the desk surface is lower than in the first area, and workers do not work there, which contributes to energy conservation in this area. In this way, by setting different brightness levels for the first and second areas depending on the number of people in the space, it is possible to brighten only the necessary areas compared to simply illuminating the entire space.

[0078] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve both an energy saving effect and ensuring the necessary brightness in the space.

[0079] In addition, in the lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 14 controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 so that the illuminance of the desk surface located in the first area to which the first scene is applied is at least twice the illuminance of the desk surface located in the second area to which the second scene is applied.

[0080] This makes the first area more than twice as bright as the second area, allowing workers to easily distinguish between the first and second areas formed in the space. This makes the first area more conspicuous in the space, enhancing the eye-catching effect and guiding workers to the first area. In other words, workers can easily recognize the recommended work area.

[0081] In addition, in the lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 14 controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 to reduce the output of light illuminating a second area other than the first area to which the first scene is applied each time the area of ​​the first scene increases.

[0082] According to this, as the first area expands, the number of bright spots in the space increases, and the second area can be brightened by light reflected from the walls, floor, desk top, etc. Therefore, by reducing the light output in the second area, further energy savings can be achieved.

[0083] In addition, in the lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 14 controls the general lighting fixtures 11 and the local lighting fixtures 12 so that the illuminance of the desk surface located in the first area to which the first scene is applied is higher than the ambient illuminance of the surrounding area other than the desk surface.

[0084] This makes it possible to make the first area stand out in the space by brightly illuminating the first area, and is expected to lead workers to the first area by enhancing the eye-catching effect of the first area. In other words, it is possible to make workers easily recognize the recommended work area.

[0085] Furthermore, the lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment further includes a display unit 15 that displays information about the space for the set scene.

[0086] This allows people to easily recognize the information about the space displayed by the display unit 15. This allows the company's efforts to be highlighted.

[0087] (Other Modifications) While the lighting control system according to the present disclosure has been described above based on the above embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0088] For example, in the lighting control system according to the above embodiment, when the last worker leaves the office space, or when no human presence is detected in the office space for a certain period of time, the control unit may turn off multiple lighting devices.

[0089] For example, in the lighting control system according to the above embodiment, each of the plurality of lighting devices may have a light distribution control function.

[0090] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure.

[0091] (Additional Notes) The following describes the features of the lighting control system described based on the above embodiments.

[0092] <Technology 1> A lighting control system comprising: a control unit capable of setting at least two or more scenes from a first scene and a second scene in a space where at least one of general lighting fixtures and local lighting fixtures is used; the space includes a first area to which the first scene is applied, and a second area different from the first area to which the second scene is applied; the control unit controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so that the illuminance of desk surfaces located in the first area to which the first scene is applied is higher than that of the second scene; and controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so as to change the area of ​​the first area and the area of ​​the second area according to the number of people staying in the space; and the area of ​​the first area occupies one or more sections defined by a group of desks, or 10% or more of the entire space.

[0093] <Technology 2> A lighting control system comprising: a control unit capable of setting at least two or more scenes from a first scene and a second scene in a space where at least one of general lighting fixtures and local lighting fixtures is used; the space includes a first area to which the first scene is applied, and a second area different from the first area to which the second scene is applied; the control unit: controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so that an illuminance of a desk surface provided in the first area to which the first scene is applied is higher than that of the second scene; controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so that an area of ​​the first area and an area of ​​the second area change according to the number of people staying in the space; and controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so that an Feu value is 5 or greater when the area of ​​the first area to which the first scene is applied is at a minimum.

[0094] <Technology 3> The lighting control system according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so that the illuminance of a desk surface provided in the first area to which the first scene is applied is at least twice the illuminance of a desk surface provided in the second area to which the second scene is applied.

[0095] <Technology 4> The lighting control system described in any one of Techniques 1 to 3, wherein the control unit controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures to reduce the output of light illuminating the second area other than the first area to which the first scene is applied, every time an area of ​​the first scene increases.

[0096] <Technology 5> The lighting control system described in any one of Technologies 1 to 4, wherein the control unit controls the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so that the illuminance of a desk surface provided in the first area to which the first scene is applied is higher than the ambient illuminance of a surrounding area other than the desk surface.

[0097] <Technology 6> The lighting control system according to any one of Technologies 1 to 5, further comprising a display unit that displays information about the space for the set scene.

[0098] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 lighting control system 10 lighting device 11 general lighting fixture 12 local lighting fixture 14 control unit 15 display unit

Claims

1. A lighting control system comprising: a control unit capable of setting at least two or more scenes from a first scene and a second scene in a space where at least one of general lighting fixtures and local lighting fixtures is used, the space including a first area to which the first scene is applied, and a second area different from the first area to which the second scene is applied, the control unit: controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so that the illuminance of a desk surface provided in the first area to which the first scene is applied is higher than that of the second scene; and controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so as to change the area of ​​the first area and the area of ​​the second area according to the number of people staying in the space; and the area of ​​the first area occupies one or more sections defined by a group of desks, or 10% or more of the entire space.

2. A lighting control system comprising: a control unit capable of setting at least two or more scenes selected from a first scene and a second scene in a space in which at least one of general lighting fixtures and local lighting fixtures is used, the space including a first area to which the first scene is applied and a second area different from the first area to which the second scene is applied, the control unit: controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so that an illuminance of a desk surface provided in the first area to which the first scene is applied is higher than that of the second scene; controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so as to change an area of ​​the first area and an area of ​​the second area in accordance with the number of people staying in the space; and controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so that an Feu value is 5 or greater when the area of ​​the first area to which the first scene is applied is at a minimum.

3. The lighting control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls at least one of the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so that the illuminance of a desk surface provided in the first area to which the first scene is applied is at least twice the illuminance of a desk surface provided in the second area to which the second scene is applied.

4. The lighting control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls at least one of the general lighting device and the local lighting device to reduce the output of light illuminating the second area other than the first area to which the first scene is applied each time the area of ​​the first scene increases.

5. A lighting control system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the general lighting fixtures and the local lighting fixtures so that the illuminance of a desk surface located in the first area to which the first scene is applied is higher than the ambient illuminance of the surrounding area other than the desk surface.

6. The lighting control system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a display unit that displays information about the space for the set scene.

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