Illumination control system, illumination system, illumination control method, and program

Abstract

An illumination control system (3) comprises: a communication unit (31) that receives emotion information on a classification of emotions of a person to be detected by a sensor (2) installed in a space; and a control unit (32) that controls illumination devices (4) installed in the space so as to give a notification visually representing the emotion information to the person staying in the space on the basis of the received emotion information.

Description

Lighting control system, lighting system, lighting control method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control system and the like.

[0002] In recent years, systems that control lighting light in conjunction with human emotions have been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system that detects human emotions from sensors attached to household appliances and controls lighting light so as to relieve the detected emotions. For example, when the sensor detects an angry emotion, the information processing system controls the lighting light so as to soothe the person's anger. As a result, a person who sees this lighting light will feel their anger subside.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 6954290

[0004] However, the information processing system disclosed in Patent Document 1 controls the lighting light so as to relieve the emotions detected by the sensor, so it may forcefully suppress human emotions and cause stress. As a result, the quality of communication may decrease in the information processing system.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a lighting control system and the like that can improve the quality of communication.

[0006] A lighting control system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that receives emotion information regarding the classification of emotions of a target person detected by a sensor installed in a space, and based on the received emotion information, a control unit that controls lighting fixtures installed in the space so as to give a notification that visually represents the emotion information to a person staying in the space.

[0007] A lighting system according to an aspect of the present invention includes the lighting control system, the lighting fixtures, and the sensor.

[0008] A lighting control method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a receiving step of receiving emotion information regarding the classification of emotions of a target person detected by a sensor installed in a space, and a control step of controlling lighting fixtures installed in the space so as to give a notification that visually represents the emotion information to a person staying in the space based on the received emotion information.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the lighting control method described above.

[0010] The lighting control system and other related technologies disclosed herein can improve the quality of communication.

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions in tabular form. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a notification given by a lighting fixture to a person staying in a space. Figure 4A is a diagram showing an example of lighting control content. Figure 4B is a diagram showing another example of lighting control content. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the actions performed by the lighting system. Figure 6A is a flowchart showing an example of a specific determination method in step S3 of Figure 5. Figure 6B is a flowchart showing another example of a specific determination method in step S3 of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific action in step S4 of Figure 5. Figure 8A is a schematic diagram showing a specific case. Figure 8B is a schematic diagram showing a specific case that occurs after the case shown in Figure 8A. Figure 8C is a schematic diagram showing a specific case that occurs after the case shown in Figure 8B.

[0012] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, as well as the processes (steps) and their order, shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Accordingly, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in the independent claims of this disclosure will be described as optional components.

[0013] (Embodiment) [Configuration of the Lighting System] First, the configuration of the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting system 1 according to the embodiment. For example, the lighting system 1 is a system that is installed in a house or the like. The lighting system 1 may also be installed in a non-residential building such as an office building.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the lighting system 1 comprises a sensor 2, a lighting control system 3, and lighting fixtures 4. Although Figure 1 shows an example in which the lighting system 1 comprises three lighting fixtures 4, the lighting system 1 is within the scope of this disclosure as long as it comprises one or more lighting fixtures 4.

[0015] Lighting system 1 is a system that provides visual notifications of emotional information to people staying inside a building (i.e., inside a space). Emotional information includes information that includes a classification of a person's emotions and an emotional level that indicates the degree of the person's emotions. Visual notifications are information that expresses the emotions of a target person staying in the space (i.e., one of the people staying in the space) using the illumination light of lighting fixture 4. Visual notifications are realized by the illumination light of lighting fixture 4 that expresses the target person's emotions as they are, or by the illumination light of lighting fixture 4 that expresses the target person's emotions in a distorted way.

[0016] Sensor 2 is a sensor installed inside a building (i.e., within a space) that detects emotional information related to the classification of the emotions of people staying in that space. Sensor 2 can be implemented using a camera or the like. For example, Sensor 2 may analyze a person's movements or facial expressions from captured video data and detect information related to the classification of a person's emotions as emotional information. Alternatively, Sensor 2 may analyze a person's voice from captured video data and detect information related to the classification of a person's emotions as emotional information. Furthermore, Sensor 2 may be implemented using a microphone or the like. For example, Sensor 2 may analyze recorded audio data and detect information related to the classification of a person's emotions as emotional information. Note that multiple Sensor 2s may be installed within the space. Also, Sensor 2 may be, for example, a smartwatch that measures a person's pulse rate, or a blood pressure monitor that measures a person's blood pressure.

[0017] For classifying human emotions, one could use, for example, the types of emotions shown in Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions, proposed by Robert Plutchik. Figure 2 is a table showing Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions is centered around eight basic emotions ("joy," "sadness," "anticipation," "surprise," "anger," "fear," "disgust," and "trust"). Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions also includes types of emotions derived from these eight basic emotions. For example, "serenity" and "ecstasy" are derived from "joy," and "irritation" and "rage" are derived from "anger." In the rows for "emotions derived from basic emotions," the emotions shown in the upper row are weaker than the basic emotions, meaning they have less emotional fluctuation, while the emotions shown in the lower row are stronger than the basic emotions, meaning they have greater emotional fluctuation.

[0019] Furthermore, a color has been proposed to correspond to each of the eight basic emotions. For example, yellow is the color corresponding to "joy," and red is the color corresponding to "anger."

[0020] Furthermore, sensor 2 may be able to detect all types of emotions shown in Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions, or it may be able to detect only some types of emotions, such as joy, anger, sadness, and happiness.

[0021] Sensor 2 may detect emotional information that indicates the degree of a person's emotion, specifically emotional level. The emotional level may be shown on a scale of 1 to 5, for example, with a higher number indicating a stronger emotion. Specifically, if the emotional classification is "anger" and the emotional level is "2", it indicates stronger anger than if the emotional classification is "anger" and the emotional level is "1". In other words, for example, if Sensor 2 detects emotional information where the emotional classification is "anger" and the emotional level is "1", it can detect "irritation". If it detects emotional information where the emotional classification is "anger" and the emotional level is "3", it can detect "anger". If it detects emotional information where the emotional classification is "anger" and the emotional level is "5", it can detect "fury". Note that the display format for the emotional level may be other than 5 levels.

[0022] Sensor 2 may also detect location information indicating the location where a person who has detected emotional information is staying within the space.

[0023] Sensor 2 transmits the detected emotion information to the lighting control system 3 every T seconds (for example, every 1 second).

[0024] The lighting control system 3 is a device that controls the lighting fixture 4 based on emotion information detected by the sensor 2. The lighting control system 3 comprises a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a measurement unit 34.

[0025] The communication unit 31 communicates with the sensor 2 and the lighting fixture 4. Specifically, the communication unit 31 receives emotion information detected by the sensor 2. The communication unit 31 also transmits information to the lighting fixture 4 for control purposes. The communication performed by the communication unit 31 may be implemented by wireless communication or wired communication, for example. Furthermore, the communication standard used by the communication unit 31 is not particularly limited.

[0026] The control unit 32 controls the entire lighting control system 3. The control unit 32 is implemented by a microcomputer or processor. In other words, the functions of the control unit 32 are realized by the microcomputer or processor executing a program stored in memory.

[0027] The control unit 32 controls the lighting fixtures 4 installed in the space to provide a visual notification of the emotional information to people staying in the space, based on the emotional information received by the communication unit 31. Specifically, the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixtures 4 according to the lighting control information associated with the emotional information (emotion classification and emotional level), based on the lighting control content stored in the memory unit 33. The lighting control content is a table that associates emotional information with lighting control information for realizing a visual notification of the emotional information. A detailed explanation of the lighting control content will be given later.

[0028] The control unit 32 transmits information regarding lighting control to the lighting fixture 4 every 10T seconds, for example, based on the emotion information received every T seconds. In other words, the control unit 32 identifies lighting control information based on emotion information within a predetermined period (for example, 10T seconds) and transmits information regarding lighting control to the lighting fixture 4. The control unit 32 may identify lighting control information corresponding to the emotion classification that was detected most frequently, or it may identify lighting control information corresponding to the average or maximum value of the emotion level.

[0029] The control unit 32 may control all the lighting fixtures 4 provided by the lighting system 1 to provide a visual notification of emotional information to a person staying in the space, or, if location information is received by the communication unit 31, it may select and control the lighting fixture 4 that is closest to the location where a person is staying in the space from among the multiple lighting fixtures 4 based on that location information.

[0030] The storage unit 33 stores lighting control content and programs, etc. The storage unit 33 is implemented, for example, by memory.

[0031] The measurement unit 34 measures time. The measurement unit 34 transmits the result of the time measurement to the control unit 32, for example.

[0032] Lighting fixture 4 is a lighting fixture installed in the space that provides visual notifications to people staying in the space based on information regarding lighting control transmitted from the lighting control system 3. Lighting fixture 4 may be a lighting fixture dedicated to lighting system 1 that only provides notifications that visually represent emotional information, or, if it has not received information regarding lighting control, it may be a lighting fixture that illuminates the space rather than emitting illumination light that provides visual notifications.

[0033] The lighting fixture 4 comprises a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0034] The communication unit 41 communicates with the lighting control system 3. Specifically, the communication unit 41 receives information related to lighting control transmitted from the communication unit 31 of the lighting control system 3. The communication performed by the communication unit 41 may be implemented by wireless communication or wired communication, for example. Furthermore, the specifications of the communication performed by the communication unit 41 are not particularly limited.

[0035] The control unit 42 controls the entire lighting fixture 4. The control unit 42 is implemented by a microcomputer or processor. In other words, the functions of the control unit 42 are realized by the microcomputer or processor executing a program stored in memory.

[0036] The control unit 42 controls the lighting state of the lighting fixture 4 based on the lighting control information received by the communication unit 41.

[0037] The storage unit 43 stores programs and the like. The storage unit 43 is implemented, for example, by memory. The storage unit 43 may also store lighting control content.

[0038] The time interval at which sensor 2 transmits emotion information to lighting control system 3 may be changed by the user using lighting system 1.

[0039] Furthermore, the time interval at which the lighting control system 3 transmits lighting control information to the lighting fixture 4 may be changed by the user using the lighting system 1.

[0040] Further, the lighting fixture 4 may be a lighting fixture integrated with the lighting control system 3.

[0041] Further, the lighting fixture 4 may use colored (chromatic) illumination light such as red or blue to realize a notification that visually represents emotional information, or may realize a notification that visually represents emotional information within the white color mixing range.

[0042] [Specific Examples When Realizing Notification by Illumination Light] Next, specific examples when the lighting fixture 4 uses illumination light to realize a notification that visually represents emotional information will be described.

[0043] 1) When the lighting fixture 4 realizes notification using colored illumination light When the lighting fixture 4 uses colored illumination light to realize a notification that visually represents emotional information, for example, the lighting fixture 4 may realize the notification by emitting light in colors corresponding to the above eight basic emotions. For example, when the lighting system 1 detects the emotion of "anger", the lighting fixture 4 illuminates the space with red illumination light to give a visual notification to people staying in the space. Further, the lighting fixture 4 may change the brightness of the illumination light according to the emotion level included in the emotional information. For example, the lighting fixture 4 may make the illumination light brighter as the emotion level is higher and dimmer as the emotion level is lower. Also, the lighting fixture 4 may change the saturation of the illumination light according to the emotion level included in the emotional information. For example, when the lighting system 1 detects the classification of the emotion of "anger", the lighting fixture 4 may emit light in a more reddish color as the emotion level is higher and a more whitish red color as the emotion level is lower.

[0044] Further, the lighting fixture 4 may dynamically change the brightness of the illumination light. Thereby, the lighting system 1 can more accurately notify the emotion detected to people staying in the space.

[0045] 2) When the lighting fixture 4 uses white illumination to provide notification, if the lighting fixture 4 provides notification that visually represents emotional information within the white color temperature range, for example, the lighting fixture 4 may provide notification by changing the color temperature of the illumination light. Specifically, the lighting fixture 4 may provide notification by representing warm colors with low color temperatures (e.g., 2000K to 3000K), cool colors with high color temperatures (e.g., 5000K to 6000K), and intermediate colors with temperatures between low and high color temperatures (e.g., 3000K to 5000K). In such cases, the lighting fixture 4 may make the notification easier to understand by dynamically changing the brightness of the illumination light. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of notification given by the lighting fixture 4 to a person staying in the space. Specifically, Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform representing the change in brightness of the illumination light over time. In the graph shown in Figure 3, the vertical axis represents the brightness of the light (illumination light), and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0046] Figure 3(a) shows an example of a notification that lighting fixture 4 gives to a person in the space when sensor 2 detects emotional information classified as "joy." As shown in Figure 3(a), lighting fixture 4 gives a notification such as the color temperature of the illumination light being low and the brightness of the illumination light changing in a brighter range. Alternatively, lighting fixture 4 may give a notification such as the illumination light flickering slowly. A person who sees such a notification from lighting fixture 4 may, for example, have a heartwarming image.

[0047] Figure 3(b) shows an example of a notification that the lighting fixture 4 gives to a person in the space when the sensor 2 detects emotional information classified as "anger". As shown in Figure 3(b), the lighting fixture 4 gives a notification such as the color temperature of the illumination light being low and the brightness of the illumination light changing back and forth between a brighter range and a darker range. Alternatively, instead of keeping the illumination light on by changing the brightness of the illumination light, the lighting fixture 4 may give a notification by flashing the illumination light at short intervals (for example, every 0.5 seconds). A person who sees such a notification from the lighting fixture 4 may get an image such as lightning striking.

[0048] (c) of FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a notification given by the lighting fixture 4 to a person staying in the space when the sensor 2 detects emotion information whose emotion classification is "sadness (sorrow)". As shown in (c) of FIG. 3, the lighting fixture 4, for example, gives a notification such that the color temperature of the illumination light is a high color temperature and the brightness of the illumination light changes in a darker region. Also, the lighting fixture 4 may give a notification such that the illumination light slowly swings. A person who sees such a notification by the lighting fixture 4 can, for example, have an image of rain falling and a gloomy atmosphere.

[0049] (d) of FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a notification given by the lighting fixture 4 to a person staying in the space when the sensor 2 detects emotion information whose emotion classification is "happiness (expectation)". As shown in (d) of FIG. 3, the lighting fixture 4, for example, gives a notification such that the color temperature of the illumination light is a high color temperature and the brightness of the illumination light changes in a brighter region. Also, instead of always lighting up by changing the brightness of the illumination light, the lighting fixture 4 may give a notification of slowly blinking with a rhythm. A person who sees such a notification by the lighting fixture 4 can, for example, have an image of taking brisk steps.

[0050] Also, when comparing each graph shown in FIG. 3, the waveforms shown in (b) and (d) of FIG. 3 are waveforms that include distinct peaks, different from the waveforms shown in (a) and (c) of FIG. 3.

[0051] [Lighting Control Content] Next, the above-described lighting control content will be described. Also, hereinafter, the operation when the control unit 32 specifies lighting control information based on the lighting control content will also be described together. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of the lighting control content.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4A, the lighting control content is determined by, for example, a pattern ID, an emotion classification, an emotion level, and lighting control information. Also, the lighting control information is determined by the color of the light (illumination light) emitted by the lighting fixture, the brightness of the light (illumination light), and the light emission pattern of the lighting fixture.

[0053] For example, if the emotion classification in the emotion information received by the communication unit 31 is "anger" and the emotion level is "2", the control unit 32 identifies the lighting control information corresponding to the row with pattern ID "02". Then, the control unit 32 uses the communication unit 31 to transmit the identified lighting control information to the lighting fixture 4. If the lighting fixture 4 has the same lighting control content stored, the control unit 32 may use the communication unit 31 to transmit the pattern ID to the lighting fixture 4.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 32 may, when certain conditions are met, identify lighting control information corresponding to a higher emotional level than the lighting control information corresponding to the emotional level, based on a different lighting control content than that shown in Figure 4A. Figure 4B shows another example of lighting control content. Note that in Figure 4B, the parts that differ from Figure 4A are shown in bold.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4B, the emotion classification and emotion level corresponding to the row with pattern ID "01" are the same as the emotion classification and emotion level corresponding to the row with pattern ID "01" shown in Figure 4A. However, the lighting control information corresponding to the row with pattern ID "01" corresponds to the lighting control information corresponding to the row with pattern ID "02" shown in Figure 4A. In other words, unlike when using the lighting control content shown in Figure 4A, when using the lighting control content shown in Figure 4B, the control unit 32 identifies lighting control information corresponding to a higher emotion level than the lighting control information corresponding to the emotion level.

[0056] [Operation of the Lighting System] This section describes the actions that lighting system 1 takes when it provides a visually represented notification of emotional information to people staying inside the building (i.e., inside the space). Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the actions performed by lighting system 1.

[0057] First, sensor 2 detects emotional information of a person staying in the space and location information indicating the position of the person in the space (S1). Sensor 2 transmits the detected emotional information and location information to the lighting control system 3 (S2). In other words, in step S2, the communication unit 31 of the lighting control system 3 receives the emotional information and location information from sensor 2.

[0058] The control unit 32 determines whether or not to provide a notification that visually represents the emotional information (emotion classification and emotional level) based on the received emotional information (S3). If the control unit 32 determines to provide a notification that visually represents the emotional information, it executes the processes from step S4 onward. On the other hand, if the control unit 32 determines not to provide a notification that visually represents the emotional information, it controls the lighting fixture 4 regardless of the emotional information. For example, proceeding to step S7, the control unit 32 outputs information regarding lighting control so that the lighting fixture 4 illuminates the space or turns off.

[0059] The control unit 32 reads the lighting control contents stored in the memory unit 33 and identifies the lighting control information corresponding to the emotion information received in step S2 (S4). In step S4, the control unit 32 reads, for example, the lighting control contents shown in Figure 4A or Figure 4B.

[0060] Based on the position information received in step S2, the control unit 32 selects from among the multiple lighting fixtures 4 the lighting fixture 4 that is closest to the location where the person is staying in the space (S5).

[0061] The control unit 32 uses the communication unit 31 to transmit information regarding lighting control to the lighting fixture 4 identified in step S4 (S6). The operations performed by the control unit 32 from step S4 to step S6 correspond to control steps.

[0062] The communication unit 41 of the lighting fixture 4 receives information related to lighting control. The control unit 42 controls the lighting state of the lighting fixture 4 based on the received information related to lighting control. In other words, the lighting fixture 4 provides a visual notification of emotional information to people staying in the space (S7).

[0063] Step S3 may be omitted. In other words, the control unit 32 may execute the processing from step S4 onward when it receives emotional information.

[0064] Furthermore, step S5 may also be omitted. In other words, the control unit 32 may transmit the information regarding the lighting control information identified in step S4 to all the lighting fixtures 4 provided in the lighting system 1.

[0065] As explained above, the lighting control system 3 controls the lighting fixtures 4 to provide visual notifications of emotional information to people in the space, allowing people in the space to deepen their understanding of their own emotions or the emotions of those around them. This enables people in the space to be more empathetic towards one another.

[0066] [Method for determining whether or not to provide a notification that visually represents emotional information] A detailed example of the operation of step S3 in Figure 5 will be explained using Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 6A is a flowchart showing an example of a specific determination method in step S3 of Figure 5.

[0067] Based on the time measurement results by the measurement unit 34, the control unit 32 determines whether or not emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received by the communication unit 31 for a predetermined time (e.g., 3T seconds) or longer within a certain time (e.g., 10T seconds) (S31). If there are multiple pieces of emotion information indicating the same emotion classification that have been received for a predetermined time or longer, the control unit 32 may determine, for example, that the emotion classification indicating the emotion classification that has been received for the longest time has been received.

[0068] If the control unit 32 determines that emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received for a predetermined amount of time within a certain period of time (Yes in S31), the control unit 32 transitions to the first state (S32). The first state refers to a control mode in which the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 to provide a visual notification of emotion information to people staying in the space. The control unit 32 then executes the process of step S4 in Figure 5.

[0069] On the other hand, if it is determined that no emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received for a predetermined period of time within a certain time frame (No in S31), the control unit 32 transitions to a second state (S33). The second state refers to a control mode in which the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 regardless of the emotion information. For example, the control unit 32 proceeds to step S7 in Figure 5 and outputs information regarding lighting control information so that the lighting fixture 4 illuminates the space or turns off.

[0070] As explained above, the lighting control system 3 has two control modes, a first state and a second state, so it can also be controlled so that the lighting fixture 4 does not give notifications that visually represent emotional information to people staying in the space. As a result, the lighting control system 3 can reduce the number of times the lighting fixture 4 gives notifications that visually represent emotional information, and thus reduce the possibility that people staying in the space will feel annoyed by being given such notifications frequently.

[0071] Furthermore, the lighting control system 3 controls the lighting fixture 4 to provide a visual notification of the emotion information when it receives emotion information indicating the same emotion classification for a predetermined period of time within a certain period of time. This allows for more accurate notification to be given to people staying in the space.

[0072] In the determination method shown in Figure 6A, the control unit 32 may use the number of occurrences instead of time as the threshold. For example, in step S31 of Figure 6A, the control unit 32 may determine whether the sensor 2 has detected the same emotion classification a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times) or more within the first period.

[0073] Furthermore, if the classification of emotions contained in the received emotion information changes rapidly, the control unit 32 may transition to the first state without waiting for a certain amount of time to elapse. For example, if the classification of emotions contained in the emotion information received at a certain time is "joy," and the classification of emotions contained in the emotion information received T seconds later is "anger," the control unit 32 may determine that there has been a rapid change in emotion and transition to the first state. In addition, even if the classification of emotions contained in the received emotion information is the same, if the rate of change in the emotion level exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 32 may similarly transition to the first state without waiting for a certain amount of time to elapse. For example, if the emotion level contained in the emotion information received T seconds later is two or more levels higher than the emotion level contained in the emotion information received at a certain time, the control unit 32 may determine that there has been a rapid change in emotion and transition to the first state. This shortens the time it takes for the lighting control system 3 from when a person's emotion changes in the space until the lighting fixture 4 provides a visual notification of the emotion to the person in the space. Therefore, the lighting control system 3 can make it less likely for people staying in the space to feel uncomfortable with the notification.

[0074] Figure 6B is a flowchart showing another example of a specific determination method in step S3 of Figure 5. The flowchart shown in Figure 6B is a specific example of operation after the control unit 32 has transitioned to the first state. In other words, Figure 6B is a flowchart showing an example of a specific determination method when emotional information is received again after the control unit 32 has controlled the lighting fixtures 4 installed in the space to give a visual notification of the emotional information to people staying in the space based on the received emotional information.

[0075] After transitioning to the first state, the control unit 32 determines whether emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received consecutively a predetermined number of times or more by the communication unit 31 (S34).

[0076] If the control unit 32 determines that emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has not been received consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more (No in S34), it maintains the first state (S35). Then, based on the received emotion information, the control unit 32 executes the processes from step S4 onwards in Figure 5.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined that emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received consecutively more than a predetermined number of times (Yes in S34), the control unit 32 transitions to the second state (S36). Then, the control unit 32 moves to step S7 in Figure 5 and outputs information regarding lighting control information so that the lighting fixture 4 illuminates the space or turns off.

[0078] In step S34, even if the control unit 32 determines that emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received consecutively for a predetermined number of times or more, it may maintain the first state if it determines that the emotion level has changed.

[0079] As explained above, after transitioning to the first state, if the lighting control system 3 receives emotion information indicating the same emotion classification a predetermined number of times consecutively, the lighting fixture 4 is controlled not to give a visual notification of the emotion information to a person staying in the space. As a result, the lighting control system 3 reduces the number of times the lighting fixture 4 gives a visual notification of the emotion information, which prevents a person staying in the space from becoming accustomed to the notification and makes it easier for them to notice the notification.

[0080] Note that the determination method in step S3 of Figure 5 may be other than the determination method shown in Figures 6A and 6B. For example, the control unit 32 may randomly determine the notification that visually represents emotional information. In other words, the control unit 32 may randomly switch between the two control modes, the first state and the second state, described above. The control unit 32 may, for example, use a random number generator to transition to the first state if the number is even, and to the second state if the number is odd. As a result, the lighting control system 3 reduces the number of times the lighting fixture 4 gives a notification that visually represents emotional information, thereby preventing people staying in the space from becoming accustomed to the notification and making it easier for them to notice the notification.

[0081] [Method for identifying lighting control information corresponding to emotional information] A detailed example of the operation in step S4 of Figure 5 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the operation in step S4 of Figure 5.

[0082] The control unit 32 determines whether the rate of change in the emotional level exceeds a threshold (S41). For example, the control unit 32 determines whether the emotional level within a certain period of time has changed by two or more levels compared to the emotional level within another certain period of time (the previous certain period of time).

[0083] If the control unit 32 determines that the rate of change in the emotional level does not exceed a threshold (No in S41), it transitions from the first state to the third state (S42). The third state is a control mode in which the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 so that it issues a first notification when the emotional level contained in the received emotional information is the first level, and a second notification when the emotional level contained in the received emotional information is the second level, which is higher than the first level. In other words, the third state is a control mode in which the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 so that it issues a notification corresponding to the emotional level contained in the received emotional information.

[0084] The control unit 32 reads the lighting control content stored in the memory unit 33 (S43). In step S43, the control unit 32 reads, for example, the lighting control content shown in Figure 4A. Based on the lighting control content read in step S43, the control unit 32 identifies the lighting control information corresponding to the emotion level included in the emotion information (S44).

[0085] On the other hand, if the control unit 32 determines that the rate of change in the emotional level exceeds a threshold (Yes in S41), it transitions from the first state to the fourth state (S45). The fourth state is a control mode in which the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 to issue a second notification when the emotional level included in the received emotional information is the first level. In other words, the fourth state is a control mode in which the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 to issue a notification corresponding to an emotional level higher than the emotional level included in the received emotional information.

[0086] The control unit 32 reads the lighting control contents stored in the memory unit 33 (S46). In step S46, the control unit 32 reads, for example, the lighting control contents shown in Figure 4B. Based on the lighting control contents read in step S46, the control unit 32 identifies lighting control information corresponding to a higher emotion level than the lighting control information corresponding to the emotion level included in the emotion information (S47).

[0087] In steps S46 and S47, the control unit 32 may, for example, read the lighting control information shown in Figure 4A and identify lighting control information corresponding to a higher emotion level than the lighting control information corresponding to the emotion level. For example, the control unit 32 may amplify values ​​such as the brightness of the light among the identified lighting control information.

[0088] As explained above, the lighting control system 3 further controls the lighting fixtures 4 based on the emotional level contained in the emotional information, so it can provide people staying in the space with notifications that visually represent emotional information with greater accuracy. As a result, people staying in the space can deepen their understanding of their own emotions, or the emotions of the people (targets) around them.

[0089] Furthermore, since the lighting control system 3 has two control modes, a third state and a fourth state, it can also provide people staying in the space with notifications that visually represent the emotions of the subject in a stylized way. This allows people staying in the space to gain a deeper understanding of their own emotions, or the emotions of the people (subjects) around them.

[0090] [Specific Example] Figures 8A to 8C are schematic diagrams illustrating a specific example. Figures 8A to 8C are schematic diagrams showing a situation where a mother 100 is cooking in the kitchen and four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 are gathered around the dining table. In Figures 8A to 8C, the lighting system 1 detects the emotional information of the mother 100 (the subject) and provides a visual notification of the emotional information to the mother 100 and the four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 (people present in the space). In Figures 8A to 8C, the control unit 32 of the lighting control system 3 identifies the lighting fixture 4 installed at the closest location based on the location information indicating the position of the mother 100 and controls the lighting fixture 4.

[0091] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example. Figure 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example that occurs after the example shown in Figure 8A. Figure 8C is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example that occurs after the example shown in Figure 8B.

[0092] As shown in Figure 8A, a sensor 2 installed in the space where the mother 100 and her four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 are staying detects the mother 100's emotional information. The control unit 32 of the lighting control system 3 outputs information regarding the lighting control information identified based on this emotional information to the lighting fixture 4 located closest to where the mother 100 and her four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 are staying. The control unit 42 of the lighting fixture 4 then controls the lighting to a state such as a warm white light that flickers slowly (the area indicated by dots in the example in Figure 8A). As a result, the four children 110, 120, 130, and 140, sitting in dining chairs, see the notification that visually represents the emotional information given by the lighting fixture 4 and, for example, have a quiet conversation like the following:

[0093] (Child 110) "Is Mom in a bad mood today?" (Child 120) "Yeah, she's in a bad mood."

[0094] In this way, the four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 can understand that their mother 100 is in a bad mood and irritated by seeing the notifications that visually represent the emotional information given by the lighting fixture 4.

[0095] And in the situation described above, for example, child 130 knocks over a cup and says the following:

[0096] (Child 130) "Oh, I spilled water!"

[0097] Then, as shown in Figure 8B, for example, the mother 100 gives the following warning to the child 130 for spilling water.

[0098] (Mother 100) "Hey!" (Child 130) "Waaah"

[0099] At this time, sensor 2 analyzes the mother 100's facial expression or voice to detect her emotional information. The control unit 32 of the lighting control system 3 outputs information regarding the lighting control information identified based on the emotional information to the lighting fixture 4 located closest to where the mother 100 and the four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 are staying. The control unit 42 of the lighting fixture 4 then controls it to a state where it flashes intensely in a daylight color (in the example in Figure 8B, the area shown by the upward-sloping diagonal line). As a result, the mother 100 can see the notification that visually represents the emotional information given by the lighting fixture 4 and reflect on her actions, for example, thinking, "Oh, I've gotten angry again."

[0100] Then, as shown in Figure 8C, for example, the mother 100 has the following conversation with the child 130.

[0101] (Mother 100) "I'm sorry I got so angry. Please be more careful next time." (Child 130) "I'm sorry. I'll be more careful."

[0102] And, upon receiving an apology from mother 100, child 130 can feel relieved, thinking, "That's good. We were able to make up right away."

[0103] At this time, sensor 2 analyzes the mother 100's facial expression or voice to detect emotional information (i.e., a decrease in emotional level, or a classification of an emotion other than "anger"). The control unit 32 of the lighting control system 3 outputs, for example, information regarding lighting control information identified based on the emotional information, or lighting control information that would alleviate the mother 100's "anger," to the lighting fixture 4 located closest to where the mother 100 and the four children 110, 120, 130, and 140 are staying. The control unit 42 of the lighting fixture 4 then controls the lighting to a state that gently envelops the light with daylight white light (in the example in Figure 8C, the area shown by the downward sloping diagonal line). The mother 100 can calm down by seeing the notification that visually represents the emotional information provided by the lighting fixture 4.

[0104] In the specific example described above, the lighting system 1 uses a lighting fixture 4 located near the mother 100 to provide a visual notification of emotional information, but it is not limited to this. For example, the lighting system 1 may use a lighting fixture 4 located near the father 150 staying in the hallway to provide a visual notification of emotional information to the father 150, or it may use a lighting fixture 4 located near another mother 160 staying in the bedroom to provide a visual notification of emotional information to the other mother 160.

[0105] [Effects, etc.] The above describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures of this specification, and explains the effects, etc. that can be obtained from said inventions.

[0106] Invention 1 is a lighting control system 3 comprising a communication unit 31 that receives emotion information relating to the classification of the emotions of a subject detected by a sensor 2 installed in the space, and a control unit 32 that controls lighting fixtures 4 installed in the space to give a visual notification of the emotion information to people staying in the space based on the received emotion information.

[0107] This lighting control system 3 controls the lighting fixtures 4 to provide visual notifications of emotional information to people in the space, allowing those in the space to deepen their understanding of their own emotions or the emotions of those around them. As a result, people in the space can connect with each other, and the lighting control system 3 can improve the quality of communication.

[0108] Invention 2 is a lighting control system 3 of Invention 1, which is realized by a combination of one or more of the following: the color of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4, the brightness of the light, and the light emission pattern of the lighting fixture 4.

[0109] This lighting control system 3 provides notifications that visually represent emotional information through one or more combinations of the color of the light emitted by the lighting fixture 4, the brightness of the light, and the light emission pattern of the lighting fixture 4. As a result, people staying in the space can objectively understand their own emotions, or understand the emotions of people (targets) around them, by looking at the lighting.

[0110] Invention 3 is a lighting control system 3 of Invention 1 or 2, comprising a storage unit 33 that stores lighting control content in which the classification of emotions and lighting control information for realizing notification are associated, and a control unit 32 that controls the lighting fixture 4 according to the lighting control information associated with the classification of emotions indicated by the received emotion information in the lighting control content, thereby giving a notification to a person staying in the space.

[0111] This type of lighting control system 3 can notify people staying in a space by controlling the lighting fixtures 4 installed in the space based on the lighting control content stored in the memory unit 33.

[0112] Invention 4 is a lighting control system 3 according to any of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the control unit 32 has a first state in which it controls the lighting fixture 4 to give a notification to a person staying in the space, and a second state in which it controls the lighting fixture 4 regardless of emotional information.

[0113] Since such a lighting control system 3 has two control modes, a first state and a second state, it can also be controlled so that the lighting fixture 4 does not give notifications that visually represent emotional information to people in the space. As a result, the lighting control system 3 reduces the number of times the lighting fixture 4 gives notifications that visually represent emotional information, thereby reducing the possibility that people in the space may feel annoyed by being given such notifications frequently.

[0114] Invention 5 is the lighting control system 3 of Invention 4, wherein the control unit 32 randomly switches between a first state and a second state.

[0115] This lighting control system 3 randomly switches between two control modes, a first state and a second state. Therefore, even when emotional information is received, it may control the lighting fixture 4 so as not to visually represent the emotional information to people in the space. As a result, the lighting control system 3 reduces the number of times the lighting fixture 4 visually represents the emotional information, preventing people in the space from becoming accustomed to the notifications and making them more likely to notice them.

[0116] Invention 6 is a lighting control system 3 of Invention 4, which includes a measuring unit 34 for measuring time, and the control unit 32, based on the result of time measurement by the measuring unit 34, determines that emotion information indicating the same emotion classification has been received by the communication unit 31 for a predetermined time or longer within a certain period of time, and transitions to a first state.

[0117] This lighting control system 3 controls the lighting fixture 4 to provide a visual notification of the emotion information when emotion information indicating the same emotion classification is received for a predetermined period of time within a certain period of time, thereby enabling more accurate notifications to be given to people staying in the space.

[0118] Invention 7 is a lighting control system 3 of Invention 4, wherein the control unit 32 transitions to a first state, and then, if the communication unit 31 receives emotion information indicating the same emotion classification a predetermined number of times or more consecutively, it transitions to a second state.

[0119] This lighting control system 3 controls the lighting fixture 4 so that it does not visually display emotional information to people in the space if emotional information indicating the same emotional classification is received consecutively more than a predetermined number of times. As a result, the lighting control system 3 reduces the number of times the lighting fixture 4 visually displays emotional information, which prevents people in the space from becoming accustomed to the notifications and makes them more likely to notice them.

[0120] Invention 8 is a lighting control system 3 according to any of Inventions 1 to 7, wherein the communication unit 31 further receives position information indicating the location of a person staying in a space from a sensor 2, and the control unit 32 selects the lighting fixture 4 that is closest to the location of the person staying from among a plurality of lighting fixtures 4 based on the received position information.

[0121] This lighting control system 3 selects the lighting fixture 4 closest to the location where a person is staying in the space from among multiple lighting fixtures 4 based on the received location information, so that people staying in the space are more likely to notice notifications that visually represent emotional information.

[0122] Invention 9 is a lighting control system 3 according to any of Inventions 1 to 8, wherein the control unit 32 controls the lighting fixture 4 based on the emotion level, which indicates the degree of the intensity of the subject's emotions, contained in the received emotion information.

[0123] Such a lighting control system 3 further controls the lighting fixtures 4 based on the emotional level contained in the received emotional information, so it can provide people in the space with notifications that visually represent emotional information with greater accuracy. As a result, people in the space can gain a deeper understanding of their own emotions, or the emotions of those around them (targets).

[0124] Invention 10 is a lighting control system 3 of Invention 9, wherein the control unit 32 has a third state in which it controls the lighting fixture 4 to give a first notification when the emotion level included in the received emotion information is at a first level, and a second notification when the emotion level included in the received emotion information is at a second level which is higher than the first level, and a fourth state in which it controls the lighting fixture 4 to give a second notification when the emotion level included in the received emotion information is at a first level.

[0125] Since this lighting control system 3 has two control modes, a third state and a fourth state, it can also provide people staying in the space with notifications that visually represent the emotions of the subject in a stylized way. As a result, people staying in the space can gain a deeper understanding of their own emotions, or the emotions of the people (subjects) around them.

[0126] Invention 11 is a lighting control system 3 of Invention 10, wherein the control unit 32 transitions to a fourth state when the rate of change of the emotion level indicated by the received emotion information exceeds a threshold.

[0127] When the rate of change in the emotional level contained in the received emotional information exceeds a threshold, this lighting control system 3 transitions to a fourth state and provides a notification to people in the space that visually represents the subject's emotions in a distorted way. As a result, people in the space can gain a deeper understanding of their own emotions, or the emotions of those around them (subjects).

[0128] Invention 12 is a lighting system 1 comprising a lighting control system 3 according to any of Inventions 1 to 11, a lighting fixture 4, and a sensor 2.

[0129] Such a lighting system 1 provides the same effects as the lighting control system 3 described above.

[0130] Invention 13 is a lighting control method that includes a receiving step (S2) of receiving emotion information relating to the classification of the emotions of a subject detected by a sensor 2 installed in the space, and a control step (S4 to S6) of controlling a lighting fixture 4 installed in the space to give a visual notification of the emotion information to a person staying in the space based on the received emotion information.

[0131] This lighting control method controls the lighting fixtures 4 to provide visual notifications of emotional information to people in the space, allowing those in the space to deepen their understanding of their own emotions or the emotions of those around them. As a result, people in the space can connect with each other, and the lighting control system 3 can improve the quality of communication.

[0132] Invention 14 is a program for causing a computer to execute the lighting control method of Invention 13.

[0133] Such a program produces the same effects as the lighting control method described above.

[0134] (Modifications) Although lighting control systems, etc., relating to one or more embodiments have been described above based on the above embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art can conceive of may be applied to the above embodiments, and forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more embodiments.

[0135] For example, in the above embodiment, the sensor may include a software program that identifies emotional information based on images captured by the camera.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit of the lighting control system may identify emotional information.

[0137] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lighting control system may control audio equipment in addition to lighting fixtures. Specifically, the lighting control system may provide auditory notifications to people in the space by expressing their emotions through the sounds of the audio equipment.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be implemented by being composed of dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0139] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the lighting control system, etc., according to the above embodiment may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0140] Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may consist of detachable IC cards or standalone modules attached to each device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may also include a highly functional LSI. The microprocessor operates according to a computer program, thereby enabling the IC card or module to achieve its function. The IC card or module may also be tamper-resistant.

[0141] Furthermore, the lighting control system or lighting system of the above embodiment may be implemented by multiple devices or by a single device. When the lighting system is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the lighting system (in particular, the functional components) may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way.

[0142] Furthermore, the general or specific embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. They may also be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0143] For example, this disclosure may be implemented as a method executed by a computer, or as a program causing a computer to execute such a method. Alternatively, this disclosure may be implemented as a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0144] 1. Lighting system 2. Sensor 3. Lighting control system 31. Communication unit 32. Control unit 33. Memory unit 34. Measurement unit 4. Lighting fixture

Claims

1. A lighting control system comprising: a communication unit that receives emotional information relating to the classification of the emotions of a subject detected by sensors installed in a space; and a control unit that controls lighting fixtures installed in the space to provide a visual notification of the emotional information to a person staying in the space based on the received emotional information.

2. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the notification is realized by a combination of one or more of the color of the light emitted by the lighting fixture, the brightness of the light, and the light emission pattern of the lighting fixture.

3. The lighting control system according to claim 1, comprising a storage unit that stores lighting control content in which a classification of emotions and lighting control information for realizing the notification are associated, wherein the control unit provides the notification to a person staying in the space by controlling the lighting fixture in the lighting control content according to the lighting control information associated with the classification of emotions indicated by the received emotion information.

4. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a first state in which it controls the lighting fixture to give the notification to a person staying in the space, and a second state in which it controls the lighting fixture regardless of the emotional information.

5. The lighting control system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit randomly switches between the first state and the second state.

6. The lighting control system according to claim 4, comprising a measuring unit for measuring time, wherein the control unit, based on the result of time measurement by the measuring unit, determines that the communication unit has received the emotion information indicating the same emotion classification for a predetermined time or longer within a certain period of time, and transitions to the first state.

7. The lighting control system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit, after transitioning to the first state, transitions to the second state if the communication unit receives emotion information indicating the same emotion classification a predetermined number of times or more consecutively.

8. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit further receives location information indicating the location of the person staying in the space from the sensor, and the control unit selects the lighting fixture closest to the location of the person staying from among a plurality of lighting fixtures based on the received location information.

9. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the lighting fixture based on the emotion level, which indicates the degree of the intensity of the subject's emotions, included in the received emotion information.

10. The lighting control system according to claim 9, wherein the control unit has a third state in which it controls the lighting fixture to give a first notification when the emotion level included in the received emotion information is a first level, and to give a second notification when the emotion level included in the received emotion information is a second level higher than the first level; and a fourth state in which it controls the lighting fixture to give a second notification when the emotion level included in the received emotion information is a first level.

11. The lighting control system according to claim 10, wherein the control unit transitions to the fourth state when the rate of change of the emotion level indicated by the received emotion information exceeds a threshold.

12. A lighting system comprising the lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the lighting fixture, and the sensor.

13. A lighting control method comprising: a receiving step of receiving emotion information relating to the classification of the emotions of a subject detected by a sensor installed in a space; and a control step of controlling lighting fixtures installed in the space to give a visually representing notification of the emotion information to a person staying in the space based on the received emotion information.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute the lighting control method described in claim 13.

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