Lighting control device, lighting device, and lighting control method

Abstract

According to the present invention, a lighting control device controls a light source unit provided at a location that corresponds to at least one seat or passenger compartment of a moving body and comprises a processor that acquires input information that is input from the at least one seat or passenger compartment. The processor has at least a first mode and a second mode and can switch between the first mode and the second mode. In the first mode, the processor makes the light source unit emit light as a notification device that is to make a crew member of the mobile body aware of the details of the input in a light emission pattern that corresponds to the input information, and in the second mode, the processor makes the light source unit emit light as lighting using a set light emission pattern.

Description

Lighting control device, lighting device, and lighting control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control device, a lighting device, and a lighting control method for controlling light source units arranged corresponding to seats or passenger compartments of a vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, lighting devices installed in vehicles are used to provide passengers with a comfortable lighting environment by illuminating seats or passenger compartments. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting system for providing a comfortable lighting environment for sleeping passengers. The lighting system includes a lighting device, a time setting unit, and a control unit.

[0003] Patent No. 6876976

[0004] The present disclosure provides a lighting control device that enables a lighting device used to provide a light environment for a seat or cabin to also be used to notify crew members.

[0005] The lighting control device according to the present disclosure is a lighting control device that controls a light source unit provided at a position corresponding to at least one seat or a passenger compartment of a vehicle, and includes a processor that acquires input information from the one or more seats or passenger compartments. The processor has at least a first mode that causes the light source unit to emit light in a light emission pattern corresponding to the input information as a notification device that notifies a crew member of the vehicle of the content of the input, and a second mode that causes the light source unit to emit light using a set light emission pattern as lighting, and is capable of switching between the first mode and the second mode.

[0006] Furthermore, the lighting control method of the present disclosure is a lighting control method for controlling a light source unit installed at a position corresponding to at least one or more seats or cabins of a moving body, which acquires input from the one or more seats or cabins, and switches at least between a first mode in which the light source unit controls the light emission pattern of the light source unit in accordance with the input from the user so that information related to the input from the user can be recognized by a crew member of the moving body, and a second mode in which the light source unit is controlled with a preset light emission pattern, and controls the light source unit in accordance with the switching result.

[0007] The lighting control device according to the present disclosure is effective in reducing the workload of crew members who check the status and intentions of passengers.

[0008] Block diagram showing a lighting device according to the first embodiment. Outline diagram of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. Flowchart for switching to the first mode in response to flight information in the lighting device according to the first embodiment. Flowchart for switching to the first mode in response to input from a sensor in the lighting device according to the first embodiment. Flowchart for switching to the first mode in response to input from a passenger interface in the lighting device according to the first embodiment. Flowchart for switching to the first mode in response to input from a crew interface in the lighting device according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim that represents a superordinate concept will be described as optional components.

[0010] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] (Background to the invention) On an aircraft, the ratio of passengers to crew is high, and the workload per crew member is heavy. In particular, confirming passengers' status and wishes, such as safety confirmation or whether they require meals or amenities, requires verbal and visual confirmation of each passenger, which is considered to be a heavy workload.

[0012] In response to this, it is believed that providing separate notification devices for each seat or cabin to notify crew members of passenger status and intentions would improve visibility and reduce the burden on crew members when checking. However, providing separate notification devices for notifying crew members of passenger status and intentions in this way not only takes up limited space on the aircraft, but also increases the weight of the aircraft, which may have a negative impact on aircraft fuel efficiency. Therefore, the inventor has discovered a lighting control device that makes it possible to utilize lighting devices that are normally used to create spatial design in seats and cabins and provide a comfortable lighting environment for passengers, as a device to notify crew members of passenger status and intentions.

[0013] In the present disclosure, a lighting control device provided for a seat or a cabin has at least a first mode in which a light source unit emits light in a light emission pattern according to the state and decision of a passenger, and a second mode in which the light source unit emits light in a light emission pattern used for spatial presentation of the seat or cabin in the same way as a normal lighting device. The lighting control device can control the light emission of the light source unit by switching between the first mode and the second mode in a situation where it is necessary for a crew member to indicate the state and intention of the passenger.

[0014] In other words, instead of providing a separate notification device solely for notifying crew members, the lighting device used to provide a lighting environment for the seats or cabin can also be used as a notification device for crew members. This allows crew members to visually determine the passengers' status and intentions based on the light emission pattern of the light source unit, thereby reducing the burden that would otherwise be incurred when confirming information verbally or visually.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] Hereinafter, a lighting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a lighting system according to an embodiment. Also, Figure 2 is an external view of a lighting device used in the lighting system according to the embodiment.

[0016] A lighting system 1 according to this embodiment is installed inside a moving body such as an aircraft. As shown in Fig. 1, the lighting system 1 is composed of an aircraft control unit 2, a crew interface 3 connected to the aircraft control unit, and lighting devices 10. A plurality of lighting devices 10 are provided corresponding to each seat or cabin of the moving body such as an aircraft.

[0017] The aircraft control unit 2 is hardware and software used to control the equipment of a mobile body such as an aircraft. The aircraft control unit 2 is, for example, a computer system including a storage device such as a memory and a processor. The aircraft control unit 2 transmits operational information such as input from the pilot to turn on the seat belt sign switch, flight phase, current location of the aircraft, and information on time (such as a comparison of departure time or arrival time with the current time) to the lighting control device 12, which will be described later. Here, operational information is information acquired from the aircraft control unit 2 and is information related to the operation of a mobile body such as an aircraft.

[0018] Here, the flight phase refers to a series of phases from when a person boards an aircraft with the intention of flying until disembarking. The flight phases include, for example, standing, taxiing, takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, approach, and landing. Standing is the phase in which an aircraft remains stationary at an airport gate, such as during a taxi or after arrival. Taxiing is the phase in which an aircraft operates independently on the surface of an airport before takeoff or after landing. Takeoff is the phase from when a takeoff request is made until the aircraft ascends to an altitude of 35 feet above the runway. Climbing is the phase in which an aircraft ascends to a set cruising altitude after takeoff. Cruising is the phase in which an aircraft flies level from when it reaches cruising altitude until it begins its descent to its destination. Descent is the phase in which an aircraft descends from cruising altitude to approach altitude toward its destination. Approach is the phase in which an aircraft moves from approach altitude to a flare maneuver, which will be described later. Landing is the phase in which an aircraft moves from approach altitude to a flare maneuver, which reduces the descent speed by raising the nose, and then stops on the runway. Note that the flight phases in this disclosure are merely examples, and are not limited to the combinations of the flight phases in this disclosure, such as excluding the approach phase. The flight phases may include some of the flight phases in this disclosure. Furthermore, phases not exemplified in this disclosure may be included.

[0019] Furthermore, the seat belt sign switch is operated from the cockpit of the aircraft at the discretion of the pilot in order to ensure the safety of passengers during at least one of the flight phases.

[0020] The crew interface 3 is hardware and software for displaying information to the crew of the vehicle and accepting operations from the crew. For example, the crew interface 3 is a touch panel provided at the front or rear of the cabin of the vehicle. The crew interface 3 accepts inputs from the crew regarding the status of in-flight services, such as the start of catering, safety checks, and PA (Passenger Announcement). Furthermore, the crew interface 3 transmits the accepted inputs regarding the status of in-flight services to the lighting control device 12, which will be described later.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2 , the lighting device 10 includes a passenger interface 11, a lighting control device 12 (not shown), a light source unit 13, and a seat sensor 14 (not shown). The passenger interface 11 and the light source unit 13 are provided on the back of the seat or on a wall in front of the corresponding seat. The light source unit 13 is provided below the back of the monitor of the passenger interface 11 and illuminates the seat from between the monitor and a mechanism for inserting connectors provided below the monitor (light is emitted from the area surrounded by a dotted line in the figure). This provides a lighting environment for passengers as indirect lighting. Note that the installation location of the light source unit in the lighting device is not limited to the front or periphery of the monitor. Furthermore, in the lighting device according to this embodiment, the lighting control device 12 and the light source unit 13 are formed integrally, but they may also be provided separately. For example, the light source unit 13 may be a light provided on a building material such as a side wall or ceiling material, and is not limited to these configurations as long as it is provided in a position corresponding to the seat or cabin. Furthermore, the light source unit 13 may not be directly connected to the lighting control device 12 but may be connected via the aircraft control unit 2. In this case, the lighting control device 12 transmits an operation signal for the light source unit 13 to the machine control unit 2 , and the light source unit 13 is controlled by the machine control unit 2 .

[0022] The passenger interface 11 is, for example, a touch panel installed in the cabin as shown in Fig. 2. The passenger interface 11 is used when using the in-flight entertainment system, and receives input from passengers via the touch panel. Note that the passenger interface 11 is not limited to a touch panel, and may be any device capable of receiving input from passengers, such as a remote control installed in the seat or a switch installed around the seat, such as an armrest.

[0023] The lighting control device 12 is software and hardware that controls the operations of the light source unit 13, such as turning on / off, dimming, and adjusting the color, by sending LED control signals to the light source unit 13. The lighting control device 12 is, for example, a computer system including a storage device such as a memory and a processor. The lighting control device 12 is connected to equipment provided in the corresponding cabin or around the seats, including the passenger interface 11, the light source unit 13, and the seat sensor 14, and transmits and receives information. In this way, the lighting control device 12 may provide an in-flight entertainment system for passengers. The lighting control device 12 is also connected to the aircraft control unit 2 and transmits and receives information.

[0024] The lighting control device 12 controls the light source unit 13 by switching between a first mode and a second mode. Note that the switching modes of the lighting control device 12 are not limited to these two. The first mode and the second mode will be described in detail below.

[0025] In the first mode, the lighting control device 12 controls the light source unit 13 as a notification device that notifies the crew of the status and intentions of passengers for each seat or cabin. Specifically, the lighting control device 12 first receives signals from equipment installed in the corresponding cabin or around the seat, including signals acquired by the seat sensor 14 and operation signals transmitted from the passenger interface 11. Next, the lighting control device 12 acquires, from memory, a light emission pattern corresponding to the received signal and controls the light source unit 13 according to the acquired light emission pattern. Here, the signal from the equipment installed in the cabin or around the seat contains information regarding the status and intentions of the passenger. Therefore, by recognizing the correspondence between the light emission pattern visually recognized by the crew from the light source unit 13 corresponding to the cabin or seat and the signal recognized by the crew, the status and intentions of the passenger can be grasped. Specific examples will be described later in [1-2. Operation].

[0026] In the second mode, the lighting control device 12 controls the light source unit 13 to provide a comfortable lighting environment for users and to provide lighting for spatial design in the cabin and seats. Specifically, in the second mode, the lighting control device 12 reads a preset lighting pattern from a storage device such as a memory or receives a lighting pattern from the aircraft control unit 2, and controls the light source unit 13 to provide the acquired lighting pattern. The lighting pattern may be set to a desired lighting pattern by a passenger via the passenger interface 11, for example. It may also be set for each airline, and the second mode also includes a lighting pattern that is preset to change depending on conditions such as the time of day. It may also be set by the crew interface 3 by operating the crew to provide a lighting pattern designated by the crew for spatial design, etc. The lighting pattern set in the first mode is not limited to this, as long as it is set to provide a lighting environment for spatial design, etc.

[0027] Furthermore, when the lighting control device 12 receives a specific signal, it switches to the first mode and controls the light source unit to emit a light pattern that notifies the crew of the passenger's intentions and status. Specifically, the specific signal is an operation signal from the passenger interface 11, an operation signal transmitted from the aircraft control unit 2 or the crew interface 3, a signal acquired by the seat sensor 14 (described later), etc. The specific signal is not limited to this, as long as it is a signal input to the lighting control device. A detailed example of the switching operation will be described in [1-2. Operation] (described later).

[0028] Here, the light emission pattern refers to the way the light source unit shines, including on / off, hue, brightness, saturation, and blinking cycle. The blinking cycle includes the cycle of change when brightness is gradually changed. The elements of the light emission pattern are not limited to this. Furthermore, the control of the light source unit 13 by the lighting control device 12 is not limited to direct operation by sending an operation signal to the light source unit 13. For example, the light source unit 13 may be controlled via the machine control unit 2 by sending an operation signal to the machine control unit 2.

[0029] The light source unit 13 is, for example, a light-emitting module that uses LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as light-emitting elements and an LED control unit, and emits, for example, white light. The light-emitting elements may be so-called SMD (Surface Mount Device) type LED elements. The light source unit 13 is a light-emitting module that has a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light of different colors (color temperatures), and the lighting control device 12 transmits a control signal to the light source unit 13 to perform color adjustment control and dimming control. Note that the light-emitting module may also be, but is not limited to, a module that performs dimming control and color adjustment control of the LEDs by adjusting the amount of power supplied from an external power supply unit.

[0030] The seat sensors 14 are sensors installed around each passenger seat. Examples of the seat sensors 14 include a camera installed in the passenger interface 11, a seat belt fastening / unfastening sensor capable of acquiring information regarding fastening / unfastening of a seat belt, and a sensor that detects the tilt of a monitor or seat. The information acquired by the seat sensors 14 is transmitted to the lighting control device 12 and can be used to control the passenger interface 11, the light source unit 13, and the like. Note that the seat sensors may not be directly connected to the lighting control device 12 but may be connected via the aircraft control unit 2. In this case, the lighting control device 12 receives information transmitted from the aircraft control unit 2 as seat sensor 14 information input from the corresponding seat. Note that the seat sensors 14 are not limited to those described above as long as they can acquire the status of the seats, cabin, and their surroundings, and may also be sensors that detect the opening and closing of overhead storage compartments for storing baggage, for example.

[0031] [1-2. Operation] The operation of the lighting device 10 configured as above will be described below.

[0032] 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the lighting device 10 when switching between the first mode and the second mode based on flight information. The operation of the lighting device 10 will be described below using as an example a case where a flight attendant checks that passengers are fastening their seat belts to ensure their safety during takeoff or landing of an aircraft.

[0033] First, after the lighting device 10 is powered on, the lighting control device 12 operates in the second mode (S21). For example, the lighting control device 12 receives information about the light emission color and color temperature (examples of light emission patterns) set for each airline from the aircraft control unit 2, and controls the light source unit 13 to emit light at the light emission color and color temperature set by the airline. In addition, in the second mode, passengers can adjust the light emission color and color temperature to their own preference using the passenger interface 11 after boarding, thereby creating a more comfortable lighting environment for themselves. Furthermore, at nighttime, in order to avoid disturbing the sleep of passengers in the cabin and nearby seats, settings made by the airline, such as turning off the lights, may take precedence over the light emission color and color temperature settings set by the passengers themselves.

[0034] Next, the lighting control device 12 acquires flight operation information (S22). For example, in the case of passenger safety confirmation, the flight phase and whether or not the seat belt sign is on may be acquired as flight operation information.

[0035] Next, the lighting control device 12 determines whether the flight information acquired in S22 satisfies a specific condition (S23). Here, the specific condition is a condition related to the flight information for determining whether the crew has started checking using the lighting device 10. Specifically, in an aircraft boarding situation, the timing of a safety check after passengers have boarded may be determined based on the flight information. For example, before departure, when the crew performs a safety check after passengers have boarded, the flight phase switches to taxiing. Furthermore, at this time, the pilot turns on the seat belt sign to ensure passenger safety. Therefore, the lighting control device 12 can determine that the crew has started checking passenger safety as an in-flight service by determining whether the flight phase is stop or taxiing and whether there is an input to turn on the seat belt sign. If the flight information satisfies the specific condition, i.e., if it is determined that a safety check has started, the process proceeds to S24.

[0036] If the flight information satisfies a predetermined condition in S23, the lighting control device 12 switches to the first mode (S24). For example, if it is determined that passenger safety confirmation has started, the lighting control device 12 switches to the first mode.

[0037] Next, the lighting control device 12 operates in the first mode and controls the light emission pattern of the light source unit 13 based on the input information (S25).

[0038] For example, when checking passenger safety, before an aircraft takes off, a crew member visually checks whether passengers are fastening their seat belts in each cabin or seat. In this case, in the first mode, the lighting control device 12 may acquire, as input information, whether a seat belt is fastened or untucked as determined by a seat belt fastening sensor, which is the seat sensor 14. The whether a seat belt is fastened or untucked as determined by the seat belt fastening sensor may be acquired directly by the lighting control device 12, for example, as a sensor signal itself, or may be an alert signal transmitted from the sensor or the aircraft control unit 2 connected to the sensor. Therefore, the lighting control device 12 determines whether a seat belt is fastened or untucked by acquiring the signal from the seat belt fastening sensor.

[0039] If a seat belt corresponding to a passenger cabin or seat is not fastened, the lighting control device 12 retrieves from its memory a light emission pattern indicating that the passenger's seat belt is not fastened. The light emission pattern is set in advance by, for example, an aircraft manufacturer or an airline so that a flight attendant can determine whether the seat belt is fastened or not by looking at the light source unit. For example, in the first mode, the lighting control device 12 may operate to emit red light and flash at a regular interval when a seat belt is not fastened. On the other hand, if it is determined that the passenger in the corresponding passenger seat or seat is fastening their seat belt or has fastened their seat belt at the instruction of the flight attendant, the lighting control device 12 may control the light source unit 13 to emit light of the same color and color temperature as when the lighting control device 12 was operating in the second mode in S21.

[0040] In this way, when the lighting control device 12 is operated in the first mode, the light emission pattern of the light source unit 13 differs depending on whether the seat belt is fastened or not. This allows the crew to recognize passengers who are not fastening their seat belts by checking whether the light emission pattern (flashing red) for when the seat belt is not fastened when checking for safety, thereby enabling safety checks to be performed more efficiently than by simply visually checking the seat belt fastenings themselves.

[0041] Finally, when the lighting control device 12 determines that it has received a specific input from the crew interface 3 as input regarding the status of in-flight service provision, indicating that passenger safety checks have been completed, it terminates operation in the first mode and switches to the second mode (S26, S27).

[0042] As described above, it has been explained that the lighting device used to provide a lighting environment for seats or cabins can also be used as a notification device for crew members by switching between the first mode and the second mode in the lighting control device 12. In this case, the crew members can visually determine the status of passengers, such as whether their seat belts are fastened or unfastened, based on the light emission pattern of the light source units, thereby reducing the burden on the crew members when they need to confirm the status verbally or visually.

[0043] Also, it has been explained that the lighting control device 12 can be switched to the first mode based on flight information, using as an example a case where a crew member checks whether a seatbelt is fastened or unfastened to ensure the safety of passengers during takeoff or landing of an aircraft, etc. This allows the lighting control device 12 to determine the timing for providing the task of checking the passenger's condition and intention according to the flight status of the aircraft, and then operate the light source unit as a notification device, thereby making it possible to reduce the burden on the crew member when performing the checking task.

[0044] Furthermore, as described above, by using different inputs for switching to the first mode and for terminating operation in the first mode, it is possible to more appropriately determine the time period during which the crew needs to check the status and intentions of passengers using the lighting control device 12. This allows the light source unit 13 to more appropriately switch between its function as a lighting device for spatial design and its function as a notification device for the crew.

[0045] Furthermore, the light emission patterns when the seat belt is fastened and when it is not fastened are merely examples, and in the above description, when the seat belt is not fastened, the light source unit 13 is controlled to emit light of the same color and color temperature as when it was operating in the second mode in S21, but this is not limited to this. The light emission patterns in the first mode and the second mode may be different in at least one of the blinking cycle, hue, brightness, saturation, luminance, and color scheme when emitting light, as long as the crew can recognize from the light emission pattern whether the light is being used as a notification device. By changing the light emission pattern in this way, the crew can clearly distinguish whether the light source unit is being controlled as a lighting device or a notification device.

[0046] For example, an arbitrary lighting pattern that is preset by an aircraft manufacturer, an airline, etc. to be different from the lighting pattern when the seatbelt is fastened may be set as a notification to the crew when the seatbelt is not fastened. In addition, whether to use the lighting pattern set in the second mode in the first mode may be set by each airline.

[0047] As described above, in the first mode, the lighting control device 12 causes the light source unit 13 to emit light in a light emission pattern corresponding to the information from the seat sensor 14 in the seat or cabin. This allows the crew to read the passenger's condition from the light emission pattern, thereby enabling the confirmation work to proceed more smoothly.

[0048] In the above description, the flight phase and whether the seat belt sign is illuminated are used as operational information for switching to the first mode, but this is not limited to this. For example, the determination may be based on a single piece of information, such as the flight phase alone or the seat belt sign being illuminated alone, or on a combination of multiple pieces of operational information, such as a combination of time-related information indicating the aircraft's operational status (such as a comparison of the departure time or estimated arrival time with the current time) and the flight phase. Furthermore, the flight phase used to determine whether a safety check is required may be when the aircraft is stopped or when the aircraft is descending to determine whether a safety check is being performed before the aircraft prepares for landing, and is not limited to this, as long as it is a flight phase in which a safety check is performed. Furthermore, information indicating the timing at which the crew will begin providing services, such as the start of a safety check, may be acquired directly from the aircraft control unit 2, etc., as operational information.

[0049] Although an input from the crew interface is used here as a signal indicating the end of operation in the first mode, other inputs may also be used, and are not limited to this. For example, the lighting control device 12 may determine the timing of switching using flight operation information such as a change in flight phase or the illumination status of the seat belt sign. Furthermore, an input indicating the completion of safety checks may be obtained from the passenger interface 11, or information regarding seat belt fastening and unfastening may be obtained from the seat sensor 14.

[0050] In addition, the first mode may be switched to the second mode when it is determined that safety confirmation has been completed when the flight phase switches to ascent, cruising, or the like.

[0051] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the lighting device 10 when switching the control mode in response to input from the seat sensor 14. Below, details of the content that overlaps with [1-2-1. Changing the lighting pattern based on flight information] will be omitted, and the differences will be explained by taking as an example the operation of the lighting system when notifying the crew whether or not passengers have fastened their seatbelts.

[0052] S31 is the same as S21 in FIG.

[0053] The lighting control device 12 acquires, as input information related to the seat sensor 14, whether or not the seat belt is fastened or untucked as determined by the seat belt fastening / unfastening sensor, which is the seat sensor 14 (S32). For example, the lighting control device 12 acquires, as input information, an alert signal output by the seat belt fastening / unfastening sensor of the seat when a passenger is not fastening the seat belt in the seat.

[0054] Next, the lighting control device 12 determines whether the input information related to the seat sensor 14 satisfies a specific condition (S33). For example, the lighting control device 12 determines whether the seat belt is not fastened by the seat belt fastening sensor. When the input information related to the seat sensor 14 satisfies the specific condition, that is, when the seat belt sensor receives an alert signal and determines that the seat belt is not fastened, the lighting control device 12 proceeds to S34.

[0055] If the input information regarding the seat sensor 14 satisfies a predetermined condition in S33, the lighting control device 12 switches to the first mode (S34). For example, if it is determined that the seat belt is not fastened, the lighting control device 12 switches to the first mode.

[0056] Next, the lighting control device 12 operates in the first mode and controls the light emission pattern of the light source unit 13 based on the input information (S35). For example, the lighting control device 12 may control the light emission color of the light source unit 13 to be red and to flash at a constant speed as a light emission pattern to notify the crew that the seat belt is not fastened.

[0057] The input information does not have to be the same as that obtained in S32, and may be obtained again from the seat sensor 14. For example, when a signal from the seat belt sensor is obtained again as input information and the seat belt sensor determines that the passenger's seat belt is fastened, the lighting control device 12 switches to the second mode and controls the light source unit 13 with the light emission pattern set in the second mode.

[0058] Finally, when it is determined that a specific input indicating that passenger safety confirmation has been completed has been received from the aircraft control unit, the lighting control device 12 terminates operation in the first mode and switches to the second mode (S36, S37). Here, the specific input indicating that passenger safety confirmation has been completed is operational information such as a change in flight phase received from the aircraft control unit, and may be, for example, information indicating that the flight phase has been switched to takeoff or descent.

[0059] In the above, it has been explained that the lighting control device 12 can be switched to the first mode based on information from sensors installed in seats or the cabin, using as an example a case where a crew member checks whether a seatbelt is fastened or unfastened to ensure the safety of passengers during takeoff or landing of an aircraft, etc. This allows the lighting control device to switch the lighting device to a notification device depending on the passenger's condition or intention.

[0060] Although an input from the aircraft control unit is used here as a signal indicating the end of operation in the first mode, other inputs may also be used, and are not limited to this. For example, as shown in [1-2-1. Changing the illumination pattern based on flight information], the switching may be determined based on an input from the crew interface 3, an input from the passenger interface 11, or information on the fastening and unfastening of the seat belt from the seat sensor 14.

[0061] Although an example in which a seat belt fastening sensor is used as the seat sensor 14 has been shown, other sensors may be used to switch between the first mode and the second mode. For example, a camera may be used as the seat sensor 14 to check the physical condition of a passenger. In this case, the physical condition of the passenger may be analyzed from an image of the passenger acquired by the camera, and when it is determined that the passenger is in poor physical condition, the sensor may switch to the first mode and emit light in a color that matches the passenger's physical condition (for example, red when the passenger is in poor physical condition).

[0062] [1-2-3. Changing of Light Emission Pattern in Response to Input from Passenger Interface] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the lighting device 10 when switching the control mode in response to input from the passenger interface 11. Below, details that overlap with [1-2-1. Changing of Light Emission Pattern Based on Flight Information] will be omitted, and the differences will be described by taking as an example the operation of the lighting device 10 when a passenger calls a crew member using the passenger interface 11.

[0063] S41 is the same as S21 in FIG.

[0064] Next, the lighting control device 12 determines whether a specific input related to a passenger's service request has been received from the passenger interface 11 (S42). Here, the specific input is an input from the passenger interface 11 indicating that the passenger is requesting in-flight service. For example, the lighting control device 12 determines whether the passenger has pressed the crew call button as a passenger's service request. If it is determined that the passenger has pressed the crew call button, the process proceeds to S43.

[0065] In S42, if a specific input related to a passenger's service request is received from the passenger interface 11, the lighting control device 12 switches to the first mode (S43). For example, if it is determined that a passenger has pressed the crew call button, the lighting control device 12 switches to the first mode.

[0066] Next, the lighting control device 12 operates in the first mode and controls the light emission pattern of the light source unit 13 based on the input information (S44). For example, the lighting control device 12 controls the light emission color of the light source unit 13 to be red and to blink at a constant speed as a light emission pattern that notifies the crew that a passenger has called.

[0067] Finally, when it is determined that a specific input has been received from the passenger interface 11, the lighting control device 12 terminates operation in the first mode and switches to the second mode (S45, S46). Here, the specific input is an input indicating that a response to the passenger's service request has been completed.

[0068] In the above, it has been explained that the lighting control device 12 can be switched to the first mode based on an input from the passenger interface 11, taking as an example a case where a passenger makes a call or a service request to a crew member. This allows the crew member to determine the passenger who made the request by visually checking the lighting around the passenger, making it easier to recognize a passenger who has made a call or input a service request to the passenger interface.

[0069] Although an input from the passenger interface 11 is used here as a signal indicating the end of operation in the first mode, other inputs may also be used, and are not limited to this. For example, it may be an input from the crew interface 3 indicating that a response to a passenger's service request has been completed. Furthermore, the signal indicating the end of operation in the first mode may be operational information such as the flight phase or the illumination status of the seat belt sign, or information indicating the completion of the response based on a seat sensor 14 such as a camera.

[0070] Note that calling a crew member is an example of a service request from a passenger, and is not limited to this. For example, a service request from a passenger may be a request for amenities or a meal. Furthermore, the light-emitting pattern in S44 may be set for each service request, a requested amenity, or a requested meal. In this way, the crew member can visually determine the content of the corresponding service request from the light-emitting pattern. For example, when requesting a beverage, a light-emitting pattern corresponding to the color of the beverage may be used, such as brown for coffee and light blue for water.

[0071] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the lighting device 10 when switching the control mode in response to an input from the crew interface 3. Below, details of the content that overlaps with [1-2-1. Changing the lighting pattern based on flight information] will be omitted, and the differences will be described by taking as an example the operation of the lighting system when a crew member checks the meal menu selected by a passenger during meal distribution duties.

[0072] S51 is the same as S21 in FIG.

[0073] Next, the lighting control device 12 determines whether a specific input related to the crew's provision of service has been received from the crew interface 3 (S52). Here, the specific input refers to an input from the crew interface 3 for determining whether the crew has started checking using the lighting device 10. For example, when starting meal service, the crew makes an input indicating the start of meal service from the crew interface 3. Then, the aircraft control unit 2 notifies the lighting control device 12 that an input indicating the start of meal service has been received from the crew interface 3. When an input indicating the start of meal service has been received from the crew interface 3, the process proceeds to S53.

[0074] In S52, if a specific input is received from the crew interface 3, the lighting control device 12 switches to the first mode (S53). For example, if it is determined that an input indicating the start of food distribution has been received from the crew, the lighting control device 12 switches to the first mode.

[0075] Next, the lighting control device 12 operates in the first mode and controls the light emission pattern of the light source unit 13 based on the input information (S54). For example, when a flight attendant inputs a message indicating the start of meal distribution, the passenger interface 11 may display two options for passengers to choose from among the meal menus: "FISH" and "BEEF." In this case, the passenger further inputs their desired option from the displayed meal menu using the passenger interface 11. At this time, the lighting control device 12 accepts the passenger's selection as input information. Then, in the first mode, the lighting control device 12 controls the light source unit 13 with a preset light emission pattern corresponding to the selected meal menu option (input information). For example, the light source unit 13 may flash blue for "FISH," flash yellow for "BEEF," and be off if no option is selected. In this way, by controlling the light source unit 13 with a light emission pattern corresponding to each of the meal menu options to be distributed and a light emission pattern indicating that the passenger has not made a selection, the flight attendant can visually confirm the passenger's intention regarding the meal menu from the light emission pattern. This reduces the time and effort required for the flight attendant to verbally confirm the meal menu with each passenger.

[0076] Finally, when it is determined that a specific input has been received from the passenger interface 11, the lighting control device 12 terminates operation in the first mode and switches to the second mode (S45, S46). Here, the specific input is an input indicating that the crew member has completed providing service. For example, in the case of catering, this is an input indicating that a meal menu has been provided to the passenger.

[0077] In the above, it has been explained that the lighting control device 12 can be switched to the first mode based on an input from the crew interface 3, taking the example of a case where a crew member serves a meal. This allows the crew member to determine the timing when confirmation work regarding the passenger's condition or expression of intent is required, and the lighting near the passenger can be used as a notification device.

[0078] Furthermore, the lighting control device 12 can determine the start of provision of a service having options selectable by passengers based on input from the crew interface, and notify the crew with a light emission pattern according to the input of the options received from passengers via the passenger interface 11. This allows the crew to visually confirm the options input by passengers from the light emission pattern, reducing the burden of confirming the options requested by passengers.

[0079] The timing to start providing a service from which passengers can choose options may be determined not only by input from the crew interface but also from flight information, etc. For example, the timing to start providing a service may be determined using flight information such as a comparison between the meal serving time and the current time, or the status of the seat belt sign.

[0080] Although an input from the passenger interface 11 is used as a signal indicating the end of operation in the first mode, other inputs may also be used, and are not limited to this. For example, an input from the crew interface 3 indicating that the crew has completed providing the service may be used.

[0081] In addition, the signal indicating the end of operation in the first mode may be operational information such as the flight phase or the status of the seat belt sign, or may be information indicating that the response has been completed based on a seat sensor 14 such as a camera.

[0082] Furthermore, the input indicating that the crew member has completed providing service may be an input indicating that service has been completed for each seat or seat group, or may be an input indicating that service has been completed for the entire fleet.

[0083] [1-3. Other] In the present embodiment, it has been described that the light source unit 13 is installed near the monitor corresponding to the passenger's seat, such as below the passenger interface 11 having a monitor operated by the passenger. In this way, by using the lighting control device 12 to utilize the lighting light source unit installed in a position that is easily visible to the crew as a notification device, the crew can more easily check the passenger's condition and intentions.

[0084] Other Embodiments As described above, the above-described embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate.

[0085] Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments. In the first embodiment, for example, it was described that flight information is used as the specific condition for determining the timing to start passenger safety checks as shown in 1-2-1. However, the combination of the check work by the crew using lighting devices and the specific condition for determining the timing to start the check work is not limited to the combinations shown in 1-2-1, 1-2-2, 1-2-3, and 1-2-4. A combination of multiple conditions may also be used. Here, the conditions and check work described above may be combined in different ways.

[0086] For example, the start of meal delivery may be determined based on flight operation information, and the start of passenger safety checks may be determined based on input from a crew interface. When determining the start of meal delivery based on flight operation information, the start of meal delivery may be determined based on, for example, time-related information such as a comparison between the current time and the lunch schedule, information that the seat belt sign has not been input, or a combination of these pieces of information. In other words, in order to be used for switching to the first mode, any information that can determine that the crew has started providing service or that a passenger has requested service may be used.

[0087] Furthermore, the confirmation work performed by the crew using the lighting devices is not limited to the above-described embodiment, as long as the crew can confirm the intentions of passengers and the status of the seats, cabin, and their surroundings based on the light emission patterns. For example, the lighting devices may be used in the work of checking whether the overhead storage compartments for storing baggage are closed using a sensor or the like that detects whether the overhead storage compartments are open or closed.

[0088] The present disclosure can be applied to a lighting control device that notifies a crew member of the status and intentions of passengers in a moving object.

[0089] 2 Aircraft control unit 3 Crew interface 10 Lighting device 11 Passenger interface 12 Lighting control device 13 Light source unit 14 Seat sensor

Claims

1. A lighting control device that controls a light source unit provided at a position corresponding to at least one or more seats or passenger cabins of a moving body, comprising a processor that acquires input information that is input from the at least one or more seats or passenger cabins, the processor having at least a first mode in which the light source unit emits light in a light emission pattern corresponding to the input information as a notification device that makes a crew member of the moving body aware of the content of the input, and a second mode in which the light source unit emits light using a set light emission pattern as lighting, and is capable of switching between the first mode and the second mode.

2. The lighting control device as described in claim 1, wherein the moving object is an aircraft, and the processor further acquires operational information which is information obtained from an aircraft control unit of the aircraft, and switches to the first mode based on the operational information.

3. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor further obtains information regarding sensors installed in the at least one seat or cabin, and switches to the first mode based on the information regarding the sensors.

4. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein the processor further receives an input from a passenger interface operable by a passenger in the at least one seat or cabin, and switches to the first mode based on the input from the passenger interface.

5. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor further receives an input from a crew interface operated by the crew, and switches to the first mode based on the input from the crew interface.

6. The lighting control device of claim 5, wherein the input from the crew interface is an input indicating the start of provision of a service having options selectable by passengers in the one or more seats or cabins, and the input information is information regarding the options from a passenger interface operable by the passengers.

7. The lighting control device of claim 1, wherein the moving body is an aircraft, the processor switches to the first mode based on first information and terminates operation in the first mode based on second information, the first information and the second information include at least one of operational information obtained from an aircraft control unit of the aircraft, information relating to a sensor installed in at least one seat or cabin, input from a passenger interface, and input from a crew interface, and the first information and the second information differ in at least part.

8. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the light emission pattern in the first mode and the light emission pattern in the second mode differ in at least any of the blinking cycle, hue, brightness, saturation, luminance, and color scheme when emitting light.

9. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the input information is information based on sensors installed in at least one of the seats or the passenger compartment.

10. A lighting control device as described in claim 1, wherein switching to the first mode is performed based on either information indicating that a crew member has started providing a service or information indicating that a passenger has requested a service.

11. The lighting control device according to claim 10, wherein the services provided by the flight attendant include at least one of serving meals, checking passenger safety, and checking whether storage shelves are open or closed.

12. The lighting control device according to claim 10, wherein the service request from the passenger includes any one of a call for a flight attendant, a request for an amenity, and a request for a meal.

13. A lighting device comprising: a lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a passenger interface including at least a monitor and operable by a passenger; and a light source unit connected to the passenger interface, wherein the position corresponding to at least one or more seats or cabin is in the vicinity of the monitor.

14. A lighting control method for controlling a light source unit installed in a position corresponding to at least one or more seats or cabins of a moving body, comprising: acquiring input for the at least one or more seats or cabins; switching at least between a first mode for controlling the light emission pattern of the light source unit in response to the input from a user so that information related to the input from the user can be recognized by a crew member of the moving body; and a second mode for controlling the light source unit with a set light emission pattern; and controlling the light source unit in response to the switching result.

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