Lighting management system and lighting management method

Abstract

The present invention detects the position and the orientation of a viewer in an exhibition space in which an exhibition area for exhibiting materials is provided and determines the observation state of the viewer on the basis of the orientation of the viewer. An illumination control unit controls an illumination device provided in the exhibition space so that the device enters any one of: a first state in which the illumination device is turned off; a second state in which the inside of the exhibition space is illuminated by illuminance that enables the viewer to move from a current position to another position; a third state in which the illuminance serves to attract the attention of the viewer to the material and in which the target of the illumination differs from that of the second state; and a fourth state in which the illuminance serves to enable the viewer to observe or appreciate the material and in which the mode of the illumination differs from that of the third state. The illumination control unit controls the illumination device so that the device enters the state corresponding to the detected position and the determined determination result.

Description

Lighting management system, lighting management method

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting management system and a lighting management method. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-188433 filed in Japan on October 25, 2024, and incorporates its content herein by reference.

[0002] In recent years, in museums, art galleries, etc. (hereinafter also simply referred to as museums), there has been an increase in "display storage" that has a display area while being a storage. Originally, it is generally desirable that the illuminance environment in the storage is 50 lx (lux) or less, and in particular, for materials that are highly responsive to light and easily deteriorate, the annual exposure amount is recommended to be 15,000 lx·h / y. Therefore, it is preferable not to exceed this recommended value. Also, in museums, materials have different sensitivities to light depending on the nature and material of the materials. Therefore, the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Illuminating Engineering Society of Japan have established recommended reference values for display lighting and annual exposure amounts for each material of the materials. Therefore, museum curators determine the exposure time per day, illuminance, number of days that can be displayed annually, etc. from the recommended annual exposure amount according to the nature and material of the materials, and manage the exposure amount of the displayed materials.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-027718

[0004] However, depending on the museum, in order to reduce the exposure amount, the lighting device may be turned off when there are no visitors in the display area, and when there are visitors, the lighting may be turned on at an illuminance according to the material. Since it is also important to create an effect with light for the materials, simply turning on and off according to the presence of visitors is not sufficient as an effect.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to provide a lighting management system and a lighting management method that can perform an effect using lighting for materials while suppressing the exposure amount to the materials.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention includes: a position detection unit for detecting the position of a visitor in an exhibition space where an exhibition area for displaying materials is provided; a posture detection unit for detecting the posture of the visitor; a state determination unit for determining the visitor's observation status based on the visitor's posture; and a lighting control unit for controlling a lighting device provided in the exhibition space to one of the following states: a first state in which the lighting device is turned off; a second state in which the lighting device is illuminated with an illuminance that allows the visitor to move from their current position to another position within the exhibition space; a third state in which the illuminance is different from the second state and is intended to attract the visitor's attention to the materials; and a fourth state in which the lighting device is intended to allow the visitor to observe or appreciate the materials and is different from the third state; and the lighting control unit controls the lighting device to be in one of the states according to the detected position and the determined determination result.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a lighting management method performed by a computer, comprising: detecting the position of a visitor in an exhibition space where an exhibition area for displaying materials is provided; detecting the posture of the visitor; determining the visitor's observation status based on the visitor's posture; and controlling a lighting device provided in the exhibition space to one of the following states: a first state in which the lighting device is turned off; a second state in which the exhibition space is illuminated with an illuminance sufficient to allow the visitor to move from their current position to another position; a third state in which the illuminance is sufficient to attract the visitor's attention to the materials and is a different lighting configuration from the second state; and a fourth state in which the lighting is sufficient to allow the visitor to observe or appreciate the materials and is a different lighting configuration from the third state, wherein the lighting management method includes controlling the lighting device to reach one of the states according to the detected position and the determined configuration.

[0008] As explained above, this invention makes it possible to perform lighting effects on materials while suppressing the amount of exposure to the materials.

[0009] This is a schematic plan view of a museum exhibition room SR, as seen from above, where a lighting management system according to one embodiment of this invention is used. This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting management system S. This is a schematic functional block diagram explaining the functions of the control device 10. This is a diagram showing an example of management data. This is a graph showing the relationship between exposure amount and exhibition time. This is a flowchart explaining the operation of the control device 10. This is a diagram showing an example where visitors U1 and U2 enter the exhibition room SR from the entrance IN. This is a diagram explaining the relationship between the visible area and the point of interest. This is a diagram explaining the relationship between the visible area and the point of interest. This is a diagram explaining the relationship between the visible area and the point of interest. This is a diagram explaining lighting when there is an exhibition area that is not attracting attention. This is a schematic plan view of an exhibition room SRa where no route is set. This is a schematic plan view of an exhibition room SRa where no route is set. This is a schematic perspective view showing a shelf-like exhibition area TA50 in which multiple sections are provided so that the exhibition areas installed in the exhibition room are arranged vertically and horizontally. This is a diagram showing the configuration of the lighting management system Sa when the light environment of the exhibition area is affected by light from the outside. This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting management system according to one embodiment of this invention. This is a schematic functional block diagram explaining the functions of the control device 10B. This is a diagram showing an example of management data. This is a graph showing the relationship between exposure amount and exhibition time. This is a flowchart explaining the operation of the control device 10B. This is a diagram showing an example of the display content shown on the display screen of the terminal device 20B. This is a diagram showing the configuration of the lighting management system SB used for exhibition areas affected by light from outside. This is a schematic functional block diagram explaining the functions of the control device 10aB. This is a diagram showing the state in which the light-shielding equipment SHB is deployed.

[0010] The following describes a lighting management system according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment; In the case of an environment where no light enters the exhibition room from the outside> Figure 1 is a schematic plan view from above of an exhibition room SR in a museum where a lighting management system according to one embodiment of the present invention is used. The museum may be any of the following: art museums, science museums, aquariums, botanical gardens, zoos, literary museums, archives, memorial halls, etc., where exhibits such as materials are displayed, or it may be a related facility such as a library or archives. Furthermore, the museum may be a concept distinct from art museums, etc., but in this embodiment, the case of a museum as a concept that encompasses art museums, etc. will be described as an example. The materials may be any of the following: books, manuscripts, ancient documents, photographs, paintings, drawings, lacquerware, textiles, glass, metal, etc.

[0011] Exhibition Room SR is located in at least a portion of the museum. Exhibition Room SR houses various materials, and at least some of the stored materials are made available for viewing by visitors to the museum while still being stored. This method of storage or exhibition is sometimes called a "display storage," "exhibition-type storage," or "storage-exhibition." In a "display storage," preservation and exhibition are conflicting actions. If preservation is prioritized, it is better not to shine light on the materials, but if exhibition is prioritized, lighting is unavoidable. In a "display storage" to which the lighting management system of this embodiment is applied, the lighting system can be turned off when there are no visitors and turned on when there are visitors, and it is also possible to use the lighting system to enhance the presentation of the materials.

[0012] Exhibition Room SR can be any type of exhibition space where materials and other items are displayed, such as a general exhibition room, a space for large-scale collection and exhibition, or a space for small-scale collection and exhibition. In the case of a large-scale collection and exhibition, for example, Exhibition Room SR will have at least one exhibition area. Here, as an example, six exhibition areas will be provided: Exhibition Area TA1, Exhibition Area TA2, Exhibition Area TA3, Exhibition Area TA4, Exhibition Area TA5, and Exhibition Area TA6. The lighting environment of Exhibition Room SR will be unaffected by external light and will not fluctuate significantly in each exhibition area TA (TA1, TA2, TA3, TA4, TA5, TA6). External light includes, for example, lighting from lighting devices set up in the space surrounding Exhibition Room SR, or natural light from windows.

[0013] The exhibition area TA may be part of the exhibition room SR, or an exhibition space located near the exhibition room SR, which primarily functions as a storage area, may be used as the exhibition area TA.

[0014] Furthermore, this section explains the case where multiple exhibition areas are provided in Exhibition Room SR. However, Exhibition Room SR may also include storage areas that do not have exhibition functions. Materials stored in the storage area are not open to visitors, while materials stored in Exhibition Area TA are open to visitors and can be viewed.

[0015] In such an exhibition room SR, points of interest may be designated in advance by museum staff (e.g., curators, museum staff, etc.) for each exhibition area TA, and a route may be set as an order for viewing these points of interest. Such a route may be announced to visitors in advance by signs or information boards before they enter the exhibition room SR. In this exhibition room SR, a route RR is set in which visitors enter from the entrance IN and view the exhibition areas TA1, TA2, TA3, TA4, TA5, and TA6 in that order, and exit from the exit OUT.

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the lighting management system S. The lighting management system S manages the exposure conditions of exhibits in the museum. In Figure 2, the lighting management system S is shown controlling the lighting device L installed in exhibition area TA1, and the other exhibition areas (TA2, TA3, TA4, TA5, TA6) are not shown, but it is possible to control the lighting devices installed in those other exhibition areas as well.

[0017] In the exhibition area TA within the museum, display shelves DS are installed, and materials are displayed by placing them on these display shelves DS. Multiple shelves DS may be provided in the vertical direction.

[0018] The lighting management system S includes a lighting device L, a sensor SE, a management device 10, and a terminal device 20. The lighting device L is installed near the display shelves DS in the exhibition area TA and illuminates the materials displayed on the display shelves DS. The lighting device L may be installed only on the display shelves DS, but it may also be installed in a different location from the display shelves DS (for example, on the ceiling, wall, etc.) in order to illuminate the movement path along the route RR in a way that allows for understanding the movement path. The lighting device L is communicatively connected to the management device 10 and can turn the light source on and off based on a control signal from the management device 10, and can also be turned on according to a set illuminance specified by the control signal from the management device 10.

[0019] The number of lighting devices L provided for a single exhibition area may be one or more. If multiple lighting devices L are provided for a single exhibition area, they may be provided in different sections of the area where materials are displayed. A section is an individual area into which the exhibition area TA is divided into multiple parts. One or more materials are displayed in each section. There are two types of lighting devices L: lighting devices L that provide illumination for each material installed in each section of the exhibition area, and lighting devices L that provide room illumination by illuminating at least a part of the entire exhibition room SR.

[0020] The sensor SE has the function of a position detection unit that detects the position of a visitor in the exhibition space where the exhibited materials are displayed, and also has the function of an attitude detection unit that detects the posture of the visitor. The sensor SE may use, for example, a camera or a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) sensor, or both.

[0021] The sensor SE is connected to the management device 10 for communication and outputs the detection results to the lighting management system S. One sensor SE may be installed in the exhibition room SR, or multiple sensors may be installed. If one sensor SE cannot measure the entire exhibition room SR, multiple sensor SEs may be installed and positioned so that their measurement ranges differ from each other to cover the entire exhibition room SR.

[0022] The management device 10 is communicatively connected to each lighting device L, the sensor SE, and the terminal device 20. When the sensor SE detects the presence of a visitor, the management device 10 transmits a control signal to turn on the light source of the lighting device L according to the visitor's position and posture. When the sensor SE detects that the visitor has left the exhibition room SR, the management device 10 transmits a control signal to the lighting device L to turn off the light source. As a result, the lighting device L can illuminate the exhibition room SR when a visitor is present, and when there is no visitor, the light source of the lighting device L is turned off, preventing light from illuminating the exhibits. In addition, the management device 10 changes the illuminance of the lighting device L according to the visitor's observation of the exhibits based on the visitor's position and posture. This allows for the creation of a display effect for the exhibits. Furthermore, when visitors are not paying much attention to the materials, the amount of light illuminating the materials can be reduced by lowering the illuminance of the lighting device L. When visitors are paying a lot of attention, the illuminance of the lighting device L can be increased to a predetermined set illuminance to create a lighting environment that facilitates observation of the materials.

[0023] In this context, various materials in a museum may be damaged by light depending on their properties and characteristics. For example, some materials are sensitive to light, while others are not. For sensitive materials, there are recommended upper limits on illuminance, such as 50 Lx or 150 Lx, to reduce damage. In the lighting management system S of this embodiment, an appropriate illuminance is assigned as a set illuminance for each section (exhibition location) of the exhibition room, within a range that does not exceed the upper limit of illuminance according to the properties and characteristics of the exhibited materials. The lighting device L has a dimming function that allows the light source to be turned on at any illuminance within the range from the off state to the set illuminance. As a result, the lighting management system S can turn on the lighting device in each section to the set illuminance set for that section only when a visitor is detected by the sensor SE.

[0024] The terminal device 20 is communicatively connected to the management device 10 and receives various data output from the management device 10. The terminal device 20 may be any of the following: a smartphone, tablet, external monitor, or PC (personal computer). There may be one terminal device 20 or multiple terminal devices. If the terminal device 20 is a portable electronic device, it is carried by a museum staff member (e.g., a curator) and receives various data from the management device 10 at any location within the museum, and displays it on a screen visible to the staff member. If the terminal device 20 is an external monitor, it is installed in the museum's control room, and can receive various data from the management device 10 and display it on a screen visible to the staff member in the control room. Furthermore, if the management device 10 functions as a cloud server provided by a cloud computing service, the terminal device 20 may be configured to log in remotely (from a location other than the museum, such as the head office of the business operator that operates the museum, or from a location where the terminal device 20 is used when museum staff work from home, etc.) rather than from the management room, receive various data from the management device 10, and display it on the display screen.

[0025] The lighting device L, sensor SE, and terminal device 20 may each be connected to the management device 10 by wire, by wireless, or by both wire and wireless connections.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic functional block diagram illustrating the functions of the management device 10. The management device 10 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, an exposure amount calculation unit 103, a status determination unit 104, an illumination control unit 105, an alert determination unit 106, an output unit 107, and a control unit 108. The communication unit 101 communicates with the illumination device L, the sensor SE, and the terminal device 20.

[0027] The storage unit 102 stores management data. Figure 4 shows an example of management data. The management data includes, for example, a section ID, a material ID, set illuminance, and a reference exposure amount. The section ID is identification information that identifies a section individually. Based on the section ID, it is possible to identify which section in the exhibition area TA it is. The material ID is identification information that identifies a material individually. Based on the material ID, it is possible to identify which of the stored materials it is.

[0028] The set illuminance is determined according to the material and characteristics of the material. The set illuminance may also be the upper limit of the recommended illuminance according to the material and characteristics of the material. Such set illuminance may be determined based on lighting standards and guidelines. For example, the Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan's indoor lighting standards recommend a 50 Lx illuminance for textiles, Japanese paintings, etc., and a 150 Lx illuminance for oil paintings, frescoes, etc., displayed in exhibition areas. Based on such standards, the recommended illuminance appropriate to the material may be used as the set illuminance.

[0029] The standard exposure level may vary depending on the material and characteristics of the material. The standard exposure level may also be the upper limit of the cumulative illuminance within a specified period. Such a standard exposure level may be a value referred to as annual exposure level, annual cumulative illuminance, limit exposure level, etc., in standards and guidelines for museum lighting. For example, for materials that are particularly responsive to light and prone to degradation, an annual exposure level of 15,000 Lx·h / y may be recommended, and such an annual exposure level may be used as the standard exposure level.

[0030] The storage unit 102 is composed of a storage medium, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Read / Write Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or any combination of these storage media. This storage unit 102 can, for example, use non-volatile memory.

[0031] The exposure calculation unit 103 determines the exposure amount based on the exposure time and illuminance of the exhibition area where the exhibited items are displayed, which is illuminated by the lighting device. The exposure time illuminated by the lighting device may be the illumination time, which is the time the light source of the lighting device is turned on. If it is assumed that the exhibition room SR is not affected by external light to the exhibition area TA, the exposure calculation unit 103 may determine the exposure amount based on the following (1): Exposure amount = illumination time × illuminance .... (1)

[0032] The exposure amount calculation unit 103 accumulates such exposure amounts for the period during which the lighting device L is lit and stores them in the storage unit 102. The exposure amount calculation unit 103 may also calculate such exposure amounts for each section of the exhibition area TA, or for the entire exhibition area TA. Furthermore, if there are lights that are on, such as lights guiding emergency exits, while the lighting device L is off, the exposure amount calculation unit 103 may also include the brightness (illuminance) that reaches the exhibition area TA due to those lights in the exposure amount calculation and accumulate it.

[0033] Here, Figure 5 is a graph showing the relationship between exposure and exhibition time. The vertical axis represents exposure, and the horizontal axis represents exhibition time. Conventionally, if the materials are continuously illuminated at the recommended illuminance from opening time to closing time, the exposure increases regardless of the number of visitors or their observation status (e.g., waveform 500). On the other hand, in the management device 10 of this embodiment, the illuminance of the lighting device L is changed according to whether or not there are visitors in the exhibition room SR and the level of observation of the materials by the visitors. Therefore, by turning on the lights only when there are visitors and changing the illuminance according to the degree of attention, it is possible to create an effect while minimizing exposure. In addition, there are fluctuations in how often visitors visit the exhibition room SR and how long they stay. As a result, the exposure can be reduced, and the management device 10 can monitor the exposure and display the materials to the maximum extent possible while keeping it within the range that does not exceed the standard exposure. For example, when using the control device 10, as shown in the waveform 501, the exposure amount can be extended from time Ta to time Tb, compared to conventional methods, to reach the standard exposure amount Ex1. If the period from time T0, when the exhibition starts, to time Tb exceeds one year, it is possible to ensure that the exposure amount does not exceed the standard exposure amount throughout the year, thus enabling continuous exhibition. Furthermore, when using the control device 10, the exhibition period is dynamically determined according to the visitor situation and observation status of each material. The cumulative exposure amount can also be adjusted to always exceed the standard exposure amount by determining whether it exceeds the standard exposure amount over a certain period in the past (for example, one year). Therefore, by managing the exposure amount so that it does not exceed the standard exposure amount, it becomes possible to continuously exhibit materials, eliminating the need to change exhibits due to exposure levels. This allows for the management of materials while reducing the effort required for changing exhibits.

[0034] The state determination unit 104 determines the viewer's observation status based on the viewer's posture. For example, the state determination unit 104 performs pose estimation based on the detection results of the sensor SE to detect the viewer's position in the space (exhibition room SR) and the direction they are facing, and determines whether the viewer is paying attention to the exhibits based on the detection results. The observation status may be the degree to which the viewer is paying attention to the exhibits, or it may be an estimate of which exhibits the viewer is paying attention to. If the viewer is standing close to the exhibits and carefully looking at them, the degree of attention is considered high. If the viewer is looking at multiple exhibits from a distance and choosing which exhibit to view, the degree of attention is considered moderate. If the viewer is facing the exhibits from a distance but is considering whether or not to view them, the degree of attention may be considered low.

[0035] The posture estimation technique may, for example, involve performing image analysis processing using an object detection algorithm such as YOLO based on images obtained by the camera of the sensor SE. Alternatively, the orientation of the viewer's body may be estimated from 3D data representing the viewer's shape obtained by the LiDAR of the sensor SE. There are various methods for image analysis, including methods for estimating the skeleton and methods for determining the face. Alternatively, the shape of the soles of the feet may be detected using a floor sensor, and the orientation of the body may be estimated from the orientation of the feet. Furthermore, by combining viewer posture estimation and estimation of face orientation and facial expression in the image analysis, the degree of attention the viewer is paying to a specific material may be measured and estimated. The function of the state determination unit 104 will be described as being provided in the management device 10, but it may also be provided in the sensor SE.

[0036] The lighting control unit 105 controls the lighting device L to enter a state corresponding to the position detected by the sensor SE and the determination result determined by the state determination unit 104. The state corresponding to the determination result may be any of a plurality of different states. The plurality of different states may be, for example, a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state. (1) First state (off) The first state is a state in which the lighting device is turned off. By turning off the lighting device, damage to the material by light from the lighting device can be eliminated.

[0037] (2) Second state (ambient) The second state is a state in which the exhibition space is illuminated with an illumination level that allows visitors to move from their current position to other positions. The illumination level in this second state is set to a low level that can be used as indoor lighting to create an atmosphere in the space and to ensure safe movement. The area illuminated in the second state is not the area that illuminates specific materials, but the area that includes the path taken by visitors when moving from their current position to other positions within the exhibition room SR. The illumination level in the second state may be determined by taking into consideration the standard illumination values ​​that are generally used for corridors, etc.

[0038] (3) Third State (Attention) The third state is an illuminance designed to attract the viewer's attention to the materials, and is a different lighting configuration from the second state. The lighting in the third state may be the same illuminance as the second state, but with a different color of light, or it may be the same illuminance as the second state, but with an effect that changes the illuminance or color over time. In this way, by illuminating the area in a different manner than the area illuminated by the second state, it is possible to attract the viewer's attention and encourage them to observe and appreciate the materials. The lighting in the third state may also be set to an illuminance different from that of the second state. For example, by illuminating the materials in the third state to be brighter than in the second state, the materials will be brighter than the corridors, etc., and it will be possible to attract the viewer's attention to the materials. The illuminance in the third state may be set to change over time within a range of illuminance up to the set illuminance, as long as it is sufficient to attract the viewer's attention. Furthermore, the illuminance in the third state may be set to a constant level such that it remains within a range that is higher than the illuminance in the second state and lower than the set illuminance. In addition, lighting may be provided with effects such as changing the color to attract the attention of viewers.

[0039] (4) Fourth State (Observation) The fourth state is an illumination level intended to allow visitors to observe or appreciate the materials, and is a lighting state that uses a different lighting method than the third state. The lighting in the fourth state is mainly for the materials, and is the same as or not exceeding the set illumination level, although it may be higher than the illumination level of the third state. In other words, the lighting in the fourth state is bright enough for observation without damaging the materials. Furthermore, since the purpose of the lighting in the fourth state is to allow visitors to observe or appreciate the materials, there are no dynamic changes in the illumination level or color, and the lighting is kept at a constant color and brightness that is optimal for observation. By providing lighting in this fourth state, visitors can observe and appreciate the materials in detail.

[0040] In this way, by illuminating the exhibits in one of three states—the first, second, or third state—depending on the viewer's observations, it is possible to use light to create a special effect within the exhibition room's SR (Skylight) area.

[0041] ≪Transition to the Second State≫ Furthermore, the lighting control unit 105, based on the position detection result detected by the sensor SE, determines to transition to the first state when it detects that there are no visitors in the exhibition space, and turns off the lighting device. Based on the position detection result detected by the sensor SE, determines to transition to the second state when the situation changes from having no visitors in the exhibition space to having visitors, and turns on the lighting device with an illuminance appropriate to the second state. As a result, when there are no visitors in the exhibition space, the lighting can be turned off, thus avoiding damage to the exhibits caused by light from the lighting device L. When visitors enter the exhibition space, the exhibition space can be illuminated with ambient lighting, allowing visitors to move around the exhibition space safely and creating an atmosphere within the exhibition space.

[0042] ≪Transition to the Third State≫ Furthermore, after the exhibition space changes from a state where there are no visitors to a state where there are visitors, the lighting control unit 105, based on the detected location of the visitors and the detected observation status of the visitors, causes the lighting device to illuminate the area corresponding to the route through the exhibition space to an illuminance corresponding to the third state. As a result, the exhibition area that the visitor will reach next from their current location along the route through the exhibition space can be illuminated according to the third state, thus attracting attention to which exhibition area should be highlighted. This third state may have a lower illuminance than the fourth state, so compared to illuminating the materials with the illuminance of the fourth state, it is possible to reduce the impact of light on the materials while still attracting attention to the next exhibit that should be highlighted.

[0043] Here, when determining the observation information, the state determination unit 104 determines the observation situation by determining which exhibition area the viewer is observing based on the direction based on the viewer's posture and the position detected by the sensor SE. The observation situation may be a combination of whether there is a possibility that the material is in the viewer's field of view and the degree of attention to the material that is in the field of view. Thereby, when facing the direction based on the viewer's posture from the viewer's position, by estimating which exhibition area is on the extension line in that direction, it is possible to estimate which exhibition area the material being appreciated is in, or which exhibition area the viewer is trying to observe.

[0044] ≪Transition to the Fourth State≫ Also, after the situation changes from a situation where there is no viewer in the exhibition space to a situation where there is a viewer, the lighting control unit 105, based on the position of the viewer detected by the sensor SE and the detected observation situation of the viewer, when it is determined that the viewer is observing the material, lights the lighting device with an illuminance corresponding to the fourth state for the material. Thereby, when it is estimated that the viewer is observing the material, the material can be illuminated with an illuminance equal to or close to the upper limit value of the illuminance for the material, so that it becomes possible for the viewer to observe and appreciate the material in detail, and at the same time, it can be illuminated with an illuminance that does not exceed the upper limit value of the illuminance determined from the perspective of material preservation. Also, since the lighting with the illuminance based on the fourth state is not performed until the viewer pays attention, it is possible to reduce the damage caused by the light from the lighting device L until the viewer pays attention to the material, and in response to the viewer starting to observe, it can be illuminated with an illuminance corresponding to the observation.

[0045] <<Regarding an area different from the observed exhibition area>> Also, the lighting control unit 105 lights the lighting device L with an illuminance corresponding to the fourth state for the material determined to be being observed by the viewer based on the detected position of the viewer and the observation situation corresponding to the detected posture of the viewer. For an area that is an area other than the material determined to be being observed and that corresponds to the route and where there is no viewer, the lighting device is controlled to be in the first state, and for an area where there is a viewer, the lighting device is controlled to be in the second state or the third state. As a result, for the exhibition area being observed by the viewer, it is illuminated with an illuminance corresponding to the observation, and for the vicinity range from the current position of the viewer on the route, it is illuminated so as to be in the second state or the third state. Therefore, it is possible to illuminate with a brightness that does not prevent the viewer from moving to another exhibition area after the observation is completed, and it is possible to reduce damage caused by light from the lighting device L to the material.

[0046] The alert determination unit 106 determines whether or not the exposure amount has reached a threshold value that is a value lower than the reference exposure amount. The threshold value may be stored in the storage unit 102 in advance. The threshold value may be stored in the storage unit 102 by being input from the terminal device 20 by a person in charge of the museum.

[0047] The output unit 107 outputs an alert signal when the exposure amount reaches the threshold value based on the determination result of the alert determination unit 106. The output unit 107 may output an alert signal to the terminal device 20 used by an administrator who manages the exhibition area.

[0048] The control unit 108 controls each part of the management device 10.

[0049] The communication unit 101, exposure amount calculation unit 103, status determination unit 104, illumination control unit 105, alert determination unit 106, output unit 107, and control unit 108 of the management device 10 may be composed of a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a dedicated electronic circuit. The management device 10 may also be composed of a single computer, and at least one of the functions included in the management device 10 (for example, the exposure amount calculation unit 103, status determination unit 104, illumination control unit 105, alert determination unit 106, output unit 107, and control unit 108) may be provided on a server device connected to the management device 10 via a communication network. Thus, the management device 10 may be a physical server or a cloud server provided by a cloud computing service.

[0050] Next, the operation of the lighting management system S described above will be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management device 10. The control unit 108 of the management device 10 stores management data in the storage unit 102 based on the content of the operation input from the terminal device 20. When the exhibition in exhibition area TA begins, the control unit 108 of the management device 10 sets the lighting device L to the first state (off) (step S101). Next, the control unit 108 takes in the detection result of the sensor SE and determines whether or not there are visitors in the exhibition room SR (step S102). If there are no visitors in the exhibition room SR (step S102-NO), after a certain waiting time has elapsed, the process of step S102 is executed again. This makes it possible to keep the lighting off during periods when there are no visitors in the exhibition room SR.

[0051] On the other hand, if the system detects that a visitor has entered the exhibition room SR from the entrance IN, or if it is estimated that a visitor will enter the entrance IN (step S102-YES), the lighting control unit 105 turns on the lighting device L according to the third state (attention) (step S103). The lighting device L that is turned on here is a lighting device L capable of providing spatial illumination within the exhibition room SR (for example, a lighting device L installed on the ceiling or wall). By providing this spatial illumination, the overall atmosphere of the exhibition room SR can be created.

[0052] Here, Figure 7 shows an example where visitors U1 and U2 enter the exhibition room SR from the entrance IN. In this example, the positions of visitors U1 and U2 are different. Also, due to the physical configuration of the exhibition room, blind spots occur depending on the respective positions of visitors U1 and U2. Specifically, if visitor U1 is positioned a short distance in a straight line from the entrance IN, visitor U1's field of view FV1 allows them to see part of exhibition area TA2 in addition to exhibition area TA1. If visitor U2 enters from the entrance IN and is positioned closer to the entrance IN than visitor U1, visitor U2's field of view FV2 allows them to see part of exhibition area TA1 but not part of it.

[0053] Here, the lighting device L is illuminated in a second state (ambient) targeting the visible range from each visitor's position, thereby reducing the opportunity for exposure to exhibits in areas not within each visitor's field of view. In addition, the illumination area of ​​the spatial lighting may be made slightly wider than the visible range so that the illuminated area transitions naturally as visitors U1 and U2 move. Sensor SE detects the positions of visitors U1 and U2, and the state determination unit 104 estimates, based on the detected positions, that both visitors U1 and U2 are located away from the exhibition area. Furthermore, if both visitors U1 and U2 are facing the exhibition area TA1, it estimates that the level of attention to the exhibition area TA1 is moderate. Based on this, the lighting control unit 105 illuminates the exhibition area TA1 in a third state (attention) (step S104) to draw attention to the starting point in the route.

[0054] Next, the state determination unit 104 determines whether the visitors are likely to observe the exhibits, based on the changes in the exhibit space from having no visitors to having visitors, the location of the visitors detected by the sensor SE, and the observation status of the visitors detected by the sensor SE (step S105). For example, if the positions of visitors U1 and U2 are approaching the exhibit area TA1 and it is estimated that they are facing the exhibit area TA1, the state determination unit 104 determines that they are likely to observe the exhibits. Alternatively, the state determination unit 104 may estimate whether the direction of the visitors' gaze is directed towards the exhibit area TA1, rather than the direction of visitors U1 and U2, and estimate that they are likely to observe the exhibits in the exhibit area TA1 if their gaze is directed towards the exhibit area TA1.

[0055] If it is determined that an observer may be observing the exhibit (step S105-YES), the lighting control unit 105 illuminates the area where the exhibit being observed is housed (e.g., exhibition area TA1) with the lighting device L in the fourth state (observation) (step S106). Here, by illuminating the exhibit in the fourth state, it is possible to illuminate it with a high illuminance suitable for observation from among the illuminances that can be illuminated by the lighting device L.

[0056] Subsequently, the lighting control unit 105 determines whether the visitor has moved based on the position detection result obtained from the sensor SE (step S107). If it is determined that the visitor has not moved (step S107-NO), after a certain waiting time has elapsed, the process of step S107 is executed again. In this case, if it is detected that the visitor has not moved, it is assumed that they are observing the exhibited materials in the exhibition area at the same location, so the materials that are presumed to be observed may continue to be illuminated in the fourth state.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined that the viewer has moved (step S107-YES), the lighting control unit 105 controls the lighting device to enter the third state for the exhibition area TA1 where observation has been completed (step S108). In this case, the illuminance from the lighting device L can be reduced for materials that are presumed to have been observed, and because they are illuminated in the third state, it is possible to create an atmosphere that can accommodate situations where a viewer returns to view materials that are presumed to have been observed again. Alternatively, the lighting control unit 105 may control the lighting device to enter the second state instead of the third state for exhibition area TA1 where observation has been completed. In this case, the illuminance from the lighting device L can be reduced for materials that are presumed to have been observed, and because they are illuminated in the second state, it is possible to create an atmosphere that can accommodate situations where a viewer returns to view materials that are presumed to have been observed again, while ensuring safe movement.

[0058] Subsequently, the lighting control unit 105 illuminates the area corresponding to the viewer's position after moving, using the lighting device L, to reach a third state (step S104). For example, if the viewer was moving along the route to the next exhibition area (e.g., exhibition area TA2), the lighting control unit 105 illuminates the next exhibition area along the route (e.g., exhibition area TA3) to reach a third state.

[0059] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the observer is not observing the material (step S105-NO), the lighting control unit 105 determines whether the viewer has left the room based on the position detected by the sensor SE (step S109). If it is determined that the viewer has left the room (step S109-YES), the lighting control unit 105 turns off the lights by setting the lighting device L to the first state (step S110).

[0060] On the other hand, if the visitor has not left the room (is still inside the exhibition room SR) in step S109 (step S109-NO), the process proceeds to step S104. As a result, if the visitor proceeds according to the route and focuses on a material in any of the exhibition areas, the material that the visitor focuses on is illuminated to the fourth state. Also, if the visitor proceeds along the route but reaches the exit OUT without focusing on any material, the lighting device L is set to the first state.

[0061] Here, the management device 10 may be configured to set points of interest for each visible area of ​​the exhibition space. Figures 8, 9, and 10 illustrate the relationship between the visible area and the points of interest. The visible area is the region in which the target exhibition area can be seen. The points of interest are the target exhibition areas that are intended to draw the viewer's attention. In Figure 8, the exhibition area TA1 is set as the point of interest for the visible area FV10. For example, if the viewer U1 is located anywhere within the visible area FV10, the exhibition area TA1 may be in their field of view. Therefore, when the management device 1 detects that the viewer U1 is located anywhere within the visible area FV10, it determines that the point of interest is the exhibition area TA1 and turns on the lighting of the exhibition area TA1 in the third state (attention).

[0062] In Figure 9, the exhibition area TA2 is set as the point of interest in relation to the visible area FV11. For example, if the viewer U1 is located anywhere within the visible area FV11, the exhibition area TA2 may come into view. Therefore, when the management device 1 detects that the viewer U1 is located anywhere within the visible area FV11, it determines that the point of interest is the exhibition area TA2 and turns on the lighting of the exhibition area TA2 in the third state (attention). Here, depending on the arrangement of multiple exhibition areas, and the layout of passages, partitions, etc., within the exhibition space, it may be set so that at least a portion of multiple visible areas overlap. For example, at least a portion of the visible area FV10 shown in Figure 8 and the visible area FV11 shown in Figure 9 overlap. If it is detected that the viewer U1 is located in this overlapping area, the lights of the points of interest (TA1, TA2) set in each visible area (FV10, FV11) may be turned on by the third state (attention), or the points of interest that are estimated to be within the viewer U1's field of vision based on the viewer U1's posture, orientation, gaze, etc. may be turned on by the third state (attention).

[0063] In Figure 10, the exhibition area TA5 is set as a point of interest within the visible area FV13. For example, if the viewer U1 is located anywhere within the visible area FV13, the exhibition area TA5 may be within their field of view. Here, exhibition area TA3 is located opposite exhibition area TA5, and exhibition areas TA4 and TA6 are located to the side of exhibition area TA5. Therefore, even if the viewer U1 is located within the visible area FV13, the viewer U1 is not necessarily looking at exhibition area TA5, but may be looking at exhibition areas TA3, TA4, TA6, etc. (Regarding exhibition area TA2, if it is a wall when viewed from the visible area FV13 side, exhibition area TA2 will not be observed from the visible area FV13 side). In this case, if the management device 1 detects that the viewer U1 is within the visible area FV13, and estimates that the exhibition area TA5 is within viewer U1's field of vision based on viewer U1's posture, orientation, gaze, etc., it may illuminate the exhibition area TA5 using the third state (attention). Data showing the relationship between the visible area and the points of interest is stored in the management device 1 in advance. When a viewer moves within the exhibition room, the visible area changes according to their new location. Therefore, the exhibition area that is the point of interest set for the visible area corresponding to the viewer's new location also changes. As a result, the exhibition area illuminated by the third state (attention) can be switched according to the viewer's location, allowing for lighting effects within the exhibition space while guiding the viewer to the exhibition area that should attract their attention according to their position. Furthermore, since the exhibition area can be guided by lighting according to changes in the viewer's position, an interactive exhibition space can be provided to the viewer using lighting. Furthermore, in spaces where the overall lighting in the exhibition room is subdued, it is possible to illuminate specific areas of interest more brightly than their surroundings depending on the viewer's position. This makes it possible to provide viewers with the experience of searching for their desired materials in a dark space while being illuminated by lights.

[0064] Furthermore, if it is determined that a visitor is not paying any attention to a particular exhibition area, the lighting device L is set to the second state (ambient) or third state (attention mode) to reduce the exposure of that exhibition area. For example, as shown in Figure 11, if visitor U1 is standing near exhibition area TA5 facing exhibition area TA5, then exhibition areas TA4 and TA6 are located to the side of visitor U1 and have their backs to exhibition area TA3. Therefore, the lighting for these exhibition areas TA4, TA6, and TA3 may be set to the third state (attention) or second state (ambient) to reduce the exposure.

[0065] Furthermore, if visitor U2 is standing near exhibition area TA2 facing exhibition area TA1, then, since visitor U1's back will be facing towards exhibition area TA3, the lighting for exhibition area TA3 may be set to the third state (attention) or the second state (ambient) to reduce the amount of light exposure.

[0066] The management device 10 may repeatedly perform the process shown in Figure 6 during the museum's opening hours.

[0067] In the embodiments described above, we explained the case where there is a predetermined route in the exhibition room SR, but we will now also explain the case where there is no route. Figures 12 and 13 are schematic plan views of the exhibition room SRa where no route is set. The exhibition room SRa is equipped with three exhibition areas TA10, TA20, and TA30. Each of these exhibition areas has a designated starting point. In exhibition area TA10, the starting point ST10 is set near the entrance IN, in exhibition area TA20, the starting point ST20 is set near exhibition area TA10, and in exhibition area TA30, the starting point ST30 is set near exhibition area TA10.

[0068] Then, when visitor U10 enters the exhibition room SRa from the entrance IN, the lighting control unit 105 illuminates the starting point ST10 of exhibition area TA1, the starting point ST20 of exhibition area TA2, and the starting point ST30 of exhibition area TA3 to the third state (attention). This allows visitor U10 to choose which of the three locations illuminated in the third state to view from. As shown in Figure 13, when visitor U10 moves to the vicinity of exhibition area TA20 and it is detected that visitor U10's visible area FV30 is facing exhibition area TA20, it is determined that visitor U10 is paying attention to exhibition area TA20, and only exhibition area TA20 is illuminated in the fourth state (observation), while the remaining two exhibition areas TA10 and TA30 are either set to the second state (ambient) or the starting points ST10 and ST30 are kept in the third state (attention mode).

[0069] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a shelf-like exhibition area TA50 in which multiple sections are arranged vertically and horizontally to form an exhibition area installed in the exhibition room. In this case, the sections of exhibition area TA50 are arranged in four rows vertically and six columns horizontally. Such an exhibition area TA50 may be installed as an exhibition area in the exhibition room SR or exhibition room SRa as described above.

[0070] When the presence of a visitor U50 in the vicinity of the exhibition area TA50 is detected, the lighting control unit 105 turns on the ambient lighting to illuminate the area near the exhibition area TA50 in the second state. Furthermore, based on the detection results from the sensor SE, the lighting control unit 105 estimates the area within the exhibition area TA50 that may be included in the viewable area, based on the visitor U50's posture, orientation, gaze, etc. This area estimation may also estimate which section the visitor U50 is focusing on. The area estimated to be the focus of attention may be one section or multiple sections. In this case, if the area R50, which includes the first and second columns from the right of the exhibition area TA50 and six sections from the second to fourth rows from the top, is estimated to be within the viewable area, the lighting control unit 105 illuminates the sections belonging to this area R50 in the third state (attention).

[0071] Furthermore, based on the detection results of the sensor SE, the state determination unit 104 estimates which section of the exhibition area TA50 the viewer U50 is focusing on, taking into account the viewer U50's body orientation, face orientation, and proximity to the shelves (e.g., distance). The lighting control unit 105 then illuminates only the estimated section in the fourth state (observation), while maintaining the lighting settings for the sections that are not being focused on in the second state (ambient) or third state (attention).

[0072] Furthermore, if there are multiple visitors, such as visitors U50 and U51, in the vicinity of a single exhibition area TA50, the lighting may be adjusted according to the area of ​​focus of each visitor. For example, the area R51 estimated to be the visible range of visitor U51 may differ from the area R50 of visitor U50. In this case, the lighting control unit 105 illuminates the sections belonging to area R51 (the first and second columns from the left, and the two sections in the fourth row from the top) in the third state. Then, based on the posture, orientation, and gaze of visitor U51, the lighting control unit 105 estimates which section of area R51 is attracting attention, and illuminates only the section estimated to be attracting attention in the fourth state.

[0073] Furthermore, if lighting devices are switched on and off within a limited range strictly according to the viewer's orientation, even slight changes in the viewer's posture or facial direction may cause the lighting state to switch, potentially impairing the comfort of the space due to flickering or other issues. In such cases, instead of immediately changing the illuminance in response to a shift in the area of ​​focus, it may be better to gradually change the illuminance to match the changed state (for example, by slowly dimming the illumination).

[0074] ≪Alerts based on exposure amount≫ In the above-described embodiment, the exposure amount calculation unit 103 may also calculate the exposure amount at regular intervals. For example, when the lighting device L is lit, the exposure amount calculation unit 103 determines the exposure amount based on the illuminance and lighting time, and stores the obtained exposure amount in the storage unit 102. Here, the exposure amount calculation unit 103 counts the lighting time and stores the exposure amount based on the cumulative count value and the illuminance of the lighting in the storage unit 102. This exposure amount calculation may be performed for each section of the exhibition area. In addition, the exposure amount calculation unit 103 may perform such exposure amount calculations at regular intervals (for example, every few minutes).

[0075] Once the exposure amount is calculated, the alert determination unit 106 determines whether the exposure amount has reached a threshold. If it determines that the exposure amount has not reached the threshold, it does not issue an alert. If it determines that the exposure amount has reached the threshold, it instructs the output unit 107 to output an alert signal. The output unit 107 sends the alert signal to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 101, along with the section ID in which the exposure amount has reached the threshold. As a result, the display screen of the terminal device 20 displays a message indicating which section the exposure amount has reached the threshold in. Here, the output unit 107 may also include a message prompting a change of exhibit in the alert signal output to the terminal device 20. In this case, the display screen of the terminal device 20 displays both which section the exposure amount has reached the threshold in and a message prompting a change of exhibit. The museum staff (e.g., curators) check the message displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 20 and take various actions to replace the exhibited material with another material from the collection.

[0076] When an exhibit in an exhibition area is replaced with another exhibit, the set illumination level and standard exposure amount corresponding to the replacement exhibit are stored in the storage unit 102, associated with the section ID of the section being replaced. When rewriting management data in conjunction with the replacement of exhibited materials in this way, the data may be rewritten based on the operation content input from the terminal device 20.

[0077] Furthermore, the terminal device 20 that outputs this alert may be a smartphone used by a museum staff member, or an external monitor installed in the museum's control room. In addition, the message output may be displayed on the screen, or it may be output by voice, or it may be notified via email or a messaging app to terminal devices connected to the management device 10 via a network, or it may be linked with external devices or services via an API (Application Programming Interface).

[0078] If the exposure level is determined to have reached a threshold, the lighting control unit 105 may reduce the illuminance in at least one of the second, third, and fourth states. For example, the lighting control unit 105 may change the set illuminance in the fourth state from 50 Lx to 45 Lx, the set illuminance in the third state from 40 Lx to 35 Lx, and the set illuminance in the second state from 30 Lx to 25 Lx. When reducing the illuminance, the lighting device L may also be kept lit for a shorter period of time. Shortening the lighting time may be done by shortening the time interval at which the control unit 108 acquires the detection result from the sensor SE. Shortening the time interval at which the sensor SE acquires the detection result allows for quick detection of visitors leaving the exhibition area or the exhibition room, shortens the time until the light source of the lighting device L turns off, and reduces the occurrence of the lighting device L being lit even when there are no visitors.

[0079] ≪Second Embodiment; In the case of an environment where light enters the exhibition room from the outside≫ In the embodiments described above, the case in which no light enters the exhibition room SR from the outside was explained. However, as shown in Figure 15, the lighting management system can also be applied in environments where sunlight or light from signage enters. Figure 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lighting management system Sa when the light environment of the exhibition area is affected by light from the outside. Light from the outside that reaches the exhibition area TA includes, for example, sunlight 700 and light 710 from electronic devices SN such as signage installed in the surrounding area. In the first embodiment described above, the case in which the exhibition area TA is in an environment that is not easily affected by external light was explained. However, in some museums, the exhibition area TA may be installed in an environment that is affected by external light. For example, in the case of a building that was designed and constructed as a museum, it is possible to design and construct the exhibition area TA in advance to be in an environment that is not easily affected by external light. However, there are cases where a building that was constructed without the intention of being used as a museum is later used as a museum. In such cases, it may be difficult to install the exhibition area TA in an area that is not affected by external light. Therefore, in display storage facilities, exhibit areas (TA) may be exposed to natural light when displaying materials. In addition, depending on the materials' lightfastness and the museum's display methods, exhibit areas (TA) may be set up in an environment with a certain level of ambient light to beautifully showcase the colors and textures of the materials or to reproduce the colors and textures intended by the creators.

[0080] The lighting management system Sa includes a management device 10a, a plurality of lighting devices L (for example, lighting devices L1, L2, L3, etc.), a plurality of illuminance sensors IS (for example, illuminance sensors IS1, IS2, IS3, etc.), and a terminal device 20.

[0081] The control device 10a is connected to multiple lighting devices L (L1, L2, L3), etc., and multiple illuminance sensors IS (IS1, IS2, IS3) in a communication manner. The illuminance sensors IS (IS1, IS2, IS3) detect the brightness in the vicinity of the exhibition area, including external light (outdoor light) reaching the exhibition area from light sources other than the lighting devices. The outdoor light may be natural light, light from lighting devices other than the lighting devices L installed in the exhibition area TA (lighting devices installed in the corridor, lighting devices installed on the ceiling, lighting devices installed in a room near the storage room, etc.). There may be one illuminance sensor, or multiple illuminance sensors IS may be installed at different locations in the vicinity of the exhibition area TA. Here, illuminance sensors IS may be installed for each section, and each section may detect its own illuminance.

[0082] Here, each section of the exhibition area TA is equipped with one lighting device and one illuminance sensor. More specifically, the section where material M1 is displayed is equipped with lighting device L1 and illuminance sensor IS1. Lighting device L1 illuminates the section where material M1 is displayed, and illuminance sensor IS1 detects the brightness in the vicinity of the section where material M1 is displayed. Similarly, the section where material M3 is displayed is equipped with lighting device L3 and illuminance sensor IS3. Lighting device L3 illuminates the section where material M3 is displayed, and illuminance sensor IS3 detects the brightness in the vicinity of the section where material M3 is displayed.

[0083] Since the control device 10a has functions common to the control device 10 of the first embodiment, the description of the functions common to both will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly described. The control device 10a determines the exposure amount based on the exposure time, which is exposed by at least one of the illumination from the lighting device L or ambient light, and the illuminance obtained from the illuminance sensor. The exposure amount may also be determined by integrating the exposure time and the illuminance obtained from the illuminance sensor.

[0084] In such a lighting management system Sa, the museum staff inputs information about the materials of the exhibits to be displayed in the exhibition area TA and the sections in which they will be displayed, via the terminal device 20, before the exhibition begins. Based on this, the control unit 108 stores this data as management data in the storage unit of the management device 10a, based on the information input from the terminal device 20. The exposure amount calculation unit of the management device 10a calculates the available lighting time for each section by dividing the difference between the reference exposure amount and the exposure amount by the current set illuminance. The control unit 108 may also output the calculated available lighting time to the terminal device 20 to display the available lighting time for each section. The status determination unit 104 determines whether the exposure amount has reached a threshold set relative to the reference exposure amount, and if the exposure amount has reached the threshold, the output unit 107 sends an alert signal to the terminal device 20.

[0085] In this way, the brightness of each section, including ambient light, is measured by its respective illuminance sensors IS (IS1, IS2, IS3), making it possible to constantly monitor the illuminance, including ambient light, near the exhibits and the lighting time of the lighting devices L (L1, L2, L3). Furthermore, even when exhibiting exhibits in environments that reach the exhibition area TA, the lighting can be adjusted according to the exposure conditions, thereby reducing deterioration and damage caused by light.

[0086] ≪Method for Determining Thresholds≫ In addition, in the first and second embodiments described above, thresholds may be determined according to the circumstances of the museum staff. The control unit 108 may determine a threshold based on the period during which the museum staff can change the exhibits displayed in the exhibition area and the degree of exposure, so as to output an alert before the period during which the exhibits can be changed, and write the threshold to the storage unit 102. For example, the management device 10 obtains the schedule on which the museum staff can change the exhibits from the terminal device 20 or the like. The schedule on which the exhibits can be changed can be the museum's closing days, the period during which the exhibit changes are scheduled, etc.

[0087] According to the first and second embodiments described above, in large-scale exhibition spaces and exhibition storage facilities, it is possible to create an exhibition atmosphere using lighting while taking into account the attention of visitors, while minimizing damage to materials caused by lighting, and to easily manage materials through calculation of cumulative illuminance and over-alerts.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, the set illuminance and standard exposure amount may be entered by a museum staff member via the input screen of the terminal device 20, either by inputting a numerical value or selecting a numerical value, and stored in the memory unit 102. Alternatively, by selecting the material of the material from a pull-down menu displayed on the input screen of the terminal device 20, a preset recommended value for each material may be written to the management data as the set illuminance.

[0089] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above described the use of the lighting management system for exhibition rooms and "display storage facilities" with exhibition functions, it may also be used for lighting equipment in general storage facilities that are solely for preservation and management purposes and do not have exhibition functions. In storage facilities solely for preservation and management purposes, lighting is not used for exhibition purposes, but curators and others may turn on the lights to check and manage the materials.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the first and second embodiments described above, the workload of curators can be reduced in museums, art galleries, etc., by automatically managing the lighting for exhibited and stored materials. Strict control of lighting can also suppress deterioration and damage to materials. In addition, according to the embodiments described above, the light source of the lighting device is turned off when there are no visitors in the exhibition room, so it is possible to avoid the lighting in the exhibition room being on all the time. Also, if there is a possibility of reaching the standard exposure level, the dimming can be reduced, which can reduce the possibility of deterioration such as deformation, discoloration, and fading of colored parts of the materials. Furthermore, since the dimming of the lighting device that illuminates the materials and the output of alert signals to the terminal device 20 can be performed, the management workload of museum staff such as curators can be reduced, thus reducing the management workload in museums where there is a shortage of curators.

[0091] The management device 10 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented using a computer. In that case, the program for implementing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that acts as a server or client in such a case. Furthermore, the above-mentioned program may be for implementing a part of the above-mentioned function, or it may be a program that can implement the above-mentioned function in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, or it may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0092] ≪Third Embodiment≫ Figure 16 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a lighting management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The lighting management system SB manages the exposure conditions of materials exhibited in a museum. The museum may be any of the following: art museums, science museums, aquariums, botanical gardens, zoos, literary museums, archives, memorial halls, etc., where exhibits such as materials are displayed. Furthermore, the museum may be a concept distinct from art museums, etc., but in this embodiment, the case of a museum as a concept encompassing art museums, etc. will be described as an example. The materials may be any of the following: books, manuscripts, ancient documents, photographs, paintings, drawings, lacquerware, textiles, glass, metal, etc.

[0093] The museum is equipped with a storage room (SRB). The lighting environment in the storage room (SRB) is unaffected by external light sources (such as ambient lighting or natural light from windows) in relation to the exhibition area (TAB), and remains relatively stable. Various materials are stored in the storage room (SRB), and at least some of these materials are kept in a state where they can be viewed by visitors to the museum. This type of storage or exhibition method is sometimes called a "display storage," "exhibition-type storage," or "storage-exhibition." In a "display storage," preservation and exhibition are conflicting actions. If preservation is prioritized, it is better not to shine light on the materials, but if exhibition is prioritized, light must be used. In a "display storage" to which the lighting management system SB of this embodiment is applied, the lighting is turned off when there are no visitors and turned on when there are visitors.

[0094] The storage facility SRB includes a storage area SAB and an exhibition area TAB. The materials stored in the storage area SAB are not open to visitors, while the materials stored in the exhibition area TAB are open to visitors and can be viewed. The exhibition area TAB is equipped with display shelves DSB, on which materials are displayed. The display shelves DSB may be arranged in multiple tiers in the vertical direction. The exhibition area TAB may be part of the storage facility SRB, or an exhibition space may be provided near the storage facility SRB and used as the exhibition area TAB.

[0095] The lighting management system SB includes a lighting device LB, a sensor SEB, a management device 10B, and a terminal device 20B. The lighting device LB is installed near the display shelf DBS in the exhibition area TAB and illuminates the materials displayed on the display shelf DSB. The lighting device LB is communicatively connected to the management device 10B and can turn the light source on and off based on a control signal from the management device 10B, and can also be turned on according to a set illuminance specified by the control signal from the management device 10B. There may be one lighting device LB or multiple lighting devices. If multiple lighting devices LB are provided, they may be provided in different sections of the area where materials are displayed. A section is an individual area into which the exhibition area TAB is divided into multiple parts. One or more materials are displayed in one section.

[0096] The sensor SEB is installed near the exhibition area TAB and detects whether or not there are visitors near the exhibition area TAB. The sensor SEB may use any of the following sensors: a motion sensor that uses infrared light to detect the presence or absence of people; a sensor that uses a camera to capture images of the monitoring area and performs image processing to detect whether the captured data contains images corresponding to people; or a load sensor that detects the load on the floor from the soles of a person's feet as they walk. The sensor SEB is communicably connected to the management device 10B and outputs the detection results to the lighting management system SB. When the sensor SEB detects the presence of visitors, the lighting management system SB sends a control signal to the lighting device LB to turn on the light source. As a result, the lighting device LB turns on the light source of the lighting device L in response to visitors arriving in the exhibition area TAB, and illuminates the exhibits. When the sensor SEB detects that visitors have left the exhibition area TAB, the lighting management system SB sends a control signal to the lighting device LB to turn off the light source. This allows the lighting device LB to turn off its light source, preventing light from illuminating the exhibits. There may be one or more sensors SEB. If multiple sensors SEB are installed, they may be installed so that each section of the exhibition area TAB has a different detection area. This allows for individual on / off control of the lighting device LB for each section of the exhibition area TAB.

[0097] In this context, each exhibit in a museum may be susceptible to damage due to light, depending on its properties and characteristics. For example, some exhibits are sensitive to light, while others are not. For sensitive exhibits, there are recommended upper limits on illuminance, such as 50 Lx or 150 Lx, to reduce damage. In this embodiment, the lighting management system SB assigns an appropriate illuminance level to each section (exhibition location) of the "display storage area," according to the exhibited materials. The lighting device LB has a dimming function that allows it to turn on the light source to achieve the set illuminance. As a result, the lighting management system SB can turn on the lighting device in each section to the set illuminance for that section only when a visitor is detected by the sensor SEB.

[0098] Terminal device 20B is communicatively connected to management device 10B and receives various data output from management device 10B. Terminal device 20B may be any of the following: a smartphone, tablet, external monitor, PC (personal computer), etc. There may be one terminal device 20B or multiple terminal devices. If terminal device 20B is a portable electronic device, it is carried by a museum staff member (e.g., a curator) and receives various data from management device 10B at any location within the museum and displays it on a screen visible to the staff member. If terminal device 20B is an external monitor, etc., it is installed in the museum's control room, etc., and can receive various data from management device 10B and display it on a screen visible to the staff member in the control room. Furthermore, if the management device 10B functions as a cloud server provided by a cloud computing service, the terminal device 20B may be configured to log in remotely (such as from the headquarters of the company operating the museum, which is located in a different location from the museum, or from a location where the terminal device 20B is used when museum staff work from home, etc.) rather than from the management room, receive various data from the management device 10B, and display it on the display screen.

[0099] The lighting device LB, sensor SEB, and terminal device 20B may each be connected to the management device 10B by wire, by wireless, or by a combination of wire and wireless connections.

[0100] Figure 17 is a schematic functional block diagram illustrating the functions of the management device 10B. The management device 10B may be a physical server or a cloud server provided by a cloud computing service. The management device 10B includes a communication unit 101B, a storage unit 102B, an exposure amount calculation unit 103B, a determination unit 104B, a dimming unit 105B, an output unit 106B, and a control unit 107B. The communication unit 101B communicates with the lighting device LB, the sensor SEB, and the terminal device 20B.

[0101] The storage unit 102B stores management data. Figure 18 shows an example of management data. The management data includes, for example, a section ID, a material ID, set illuminance, and a reference exposure amount. The section ID is identification information that identifies a section individually. Based on the section ID, it is possible to identify which section in the exhibition area TAB it is. The material ID is identification information that identifies a material individually. Based on the material ID, it is possible to identify which of the stored materials it is.

[0102] The set illuminance is determined according to the material and characteristics of the material. The set illuminance may also be the upper limit of the recommended illuminance according to the material and characteristics of the material. Such set illuminance may be determined based on lighting standards and guidelines. For example, the Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan's indoor lighting standards recommend a 50 Lx illuminance for textiles, Japanese paintings, etc., and a 150 Lx illuminance for oil paintings, frescoes, etc., displayed in exhibition areas. Based on such standards, the recommended illuminance appropriate to the material may be used as the set illuminance.

[0103] The standard exposure level may vary depending on the material and characteristics of the material. The standard exposure level may also be the upper limit of the cumulative illuminance within a specified period. Such a standard exposure level may be referred to as annual exposure level, annual cumulative illuminance, limit exposure level, etc., in standards and guidelines for museum lighting.

[0104] When materials displayed in exhibition area TAB are swapped with materials stored in storage area SAB, the set illumination and standard exposure amount corresponding to the swapped materials are stored in association with the section ID of the section being swapped. When rewriting management data in conjunction with the swap of displayed materials in this way, the rewriting may be made based on the operation content entered from terminal device 20B.

[0105] The storage unit 102B is composed of a storage medium, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Read / Write Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or any combination of these storage media. This storage unit 102B can, for example, use non-volatile memory.

[0106] Returning to Figure 17, the exposure calculation unit 103B determines the exposure based on the exposure time and illuminance of the exhibition area where the stored items are displayed, which is illuminated by the lighting device. The exposure time illuminated by the lighting device may be the illumination time, which is the time the light source of the lighting device is turned on. If it is assumed that the storage SRB is not affected by external light on the exhibition area TAB, the exposure calculation unit 103B may determine the exposure based on the following (1): Exposure = illumination time × illuminance .... (1)

[0107] The exposure amount calculation unit 103B accumulates such exposure amounts for the period during which the lighting device L is lit and stores them in the storage unit 102B by writing them down. The exposure amount calculation unit 103B may also calculate such exposure amounts for each section of the exhibition area TAB, or for the entire exhibition area TAB. Furthermore, if there are lights that are on, such as lights guiding emergency exits, while the lighting device L is off, the exposure amount calculation unit 103B may also include the brightness (illuminance) reaching the exhibition area TAB due to those lights in the exposure amount calculation and accumulate it.

[0108] Here, Figure 19 is a graph showing the relationship between exposure and exhibition time. The vertical axis represents exposure, and the horizontal axis represents exhibition time. Conventionally, if the materials are continuously illuminated at the recommended illuminance from opening time to closing time, the exposure increases regardless of the number of visitors or their observation status (e.g., waveform 300B). On the other hand, in the management device 10B of this embodiment, the illuminance of the lighting device L is changed according to whether or not there are visitors in the storage SRB and whether or not the exposure exceeds a threshold. Therefore, by turning on the lights only when there are visitors and changing the illuminance according to whether or not the exposure exceeds the threshold Ex2, it is possible to create an effect while minimizing exposure. In addition, there are fluctuations in how often visitors visit the storage SRB and how long they stay. As a result, the exposure can be reduced, and the management device 10B can monitor the exposure and display the materials to the maximum extent possible while keeping it within the range that does not exceed the standard exposure. For example, when using the control device 10B, by adjusting the light output in response to the exposure reaching the threshold Ex2 at time Ta, the increase in exposure becomes more gradual compared to conventional methods, as shown in waveform 301B. This makes it possible to extend the time to reach the standard exposure Ex1 from time Tb to time Tc. If the period from time T0, when the exhibition starts, to time Tc exceeds one year, it becomes possible to ensure that the exposure does not exceed the standard exposure throughout the year, thus enabling continuous exhibition. Furthermore, when using the control device 10B, the exhibition period is dynamically determined according to the visitor situation and observation status of each material. The cumulative exposure can also be adjusted to always ensure that it does not exceed the standard exposure by determining whether it exceeds the standard exposure over a certain past period (for example, one year). Therefore, by managing the exposure so that it does not exceed the standard exposure, it becomes possible to continuously exhibit materials, and it may become unnecessary to change exhibits due to exposure levels. This allows for the management of materials while reducing the effort required for changing exhibits.

[0109] The determination unit 104B determines whether the exposure amount has reached a threshold value, which is lower than the reference exposure amount, which is the upper limit of the exposure amount for a specified period for the exhibited items in the exhibition area. The threshold value may be stored in advance in the storage unit 102B. The threshold value may also be stored in the storage unit 102B by being input from the terminal device 20B by a museum staff member.

[0110] The dimming unit 105B dims the lighting device L to reduce the exposure amount when the determination unit 104B determines that the exposure amount has reached a threshold. When the dimming unit 105B dims the lighting device L, it may dim the lighting device L by reducing the illuminance of the lighting device L, or by shortening the period during which the lighting device LB is lit.

[0111] The output unit 106B outputs an alert signal when the exposure amount reaches the threshold. The output unit 106B may also output an alert signal to a terminal device 20B used by the administrator who manages the exhibition area.

[0112] The control unit 107B controls each part of the management device 10B.

[0113] Such a lighting management system (SB) can be used in museums where materials of various materials are exhibited or stored. It can understand the material and characteristics of each material, and for each material, it can count the illuminance and lighting time during the exhibit based on the exhibit's location and standard exposure level. It can then calculate and visualize the remaining lighting time relative to the standard exposure level of each material, and manage the lighting to prevent it from exceeding a certain exposure level. Furthermore, if a certain exposure level (e.g., a threshold) is exceeded, the lighting management system (SB) can notify the exhibitor to replace the exhibited material via an alert and can also adjust the lighting.

[0114] The communication unit 101B, exposure amount calculation unit 103B, determination unit 104B, dimming unit 105B, output unit 106B, and control unit 107B of the management device 10B may be composed of a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a dedicated electronic circuit. Furthermore, the management device 10B may be composed of a single computer, and at least one of the functions included in the management device 10B (for example, the exposure amount calculation unit 103B, determination unit 104B, dimming unit 105B, output unit 106B, and control unit 107B) may be provided on a server device connected to the management device 10B via a communication network. Thus, the management device 10B may be a physical server or a cloud server provided by a cloud computing service.

[0115] Next, the operation of the lighting management system SB described above will be explained. Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management device 10B. The control unit 107B of the management device 10B stores management data in the storage unit 102B based on the content of the operation input from the terminal device 20B. After the exhibition of the exhibition area TAB begins, the control unit 107B of the management device 10B takes in the detection results of the sensor SEB and turns on the light source of the lighting device LB at a predetermined brightness (e.g., 50 Lx) if there are visitors in the exhibition area TAB, and turns off the light source of the lighting device LB if there are no visitors in the exhibition area TAB. The control unit 107B uses the sensor SE to detect whether or not there are visitors at regular intervals (e.g., every few seconds). This on / off control of the light source of the lighting device L based on the detection results of the sensor SEB is continuously performed while the exhibition is running.

[0116] The exposure amount calculation unit 103B detects whether the lighting device LB is lit or not (step S101B). If the lighting device L is off (step S101B-NO), the exposure amount calculation unit 103B executes the process in step S101B again after a certain waiting time has elapsed. On the other hand, if the lighting device LB is lit (step S101B-YES), the exposure amount calculation unit 103B calculates the exposure amount based on the illuminance and lighting time, and stores the obtained exposure amount in the storage unit 102B (step S103B). Here, the exposure amount calculation unit 103B counts the lighting time and stores the exposure amount based on the cumulative count value and the illuminance in the storage unit 102B.

[0117] Once the exposure amount is calculated, the determination unit 104B determines whether the exposure amount has reached a threshold (step S104B). If it is determined that the exposure amount has not reached the threshold (step S104B-NO), the control unit 107B proceeds to step S101B. On the other hand, if it is determined that the exposure amount has reached the threshold (step S104B-YES), the output unit 106B causes the terminal device 20B to send an alert signal via the communication unit 101B along with the section ID in which the exposure amount has reached the threshold (step S105B). As a result, the display screen of the terminal device 20B displays a message indicating which section the exposure amount has reached the threshold. Here, the output unit 106B may also include a message prompting a change of display in the alert signal output to the terminal device 20B. In this case, the display screen of the terminal device 20B displays both which section the exposure amount has reached the threshold and a message prompting a change of display. Museum staff (e.g., curators) check the message displayed on the terminal device 20B's screen and take various actions to replace the exhibited material with another material from the museum's collection.

[0118] Furthermore, when it is determined that the exposure amount has reached a threshold, the dimming unit 105B dims the light (step S106B). This dimming may involve, for example, changing the set illuminance of the lighting device LB from 50 Lx to 40 Lx (or 35 Lx, etc.), or shortening the time the lighting device LB is lit. Shortening the lighting time may also involve shortening the time interval at which the control unit 107B acquires the detection result of the sensor SEB. Shortening the time interval at which the sensor SEB acquires the detection result allows for quick detection of visitors leaving the exhibition area TAB, shortens the time until the light source of the lighting device LB turns off, and reduces the occurrence of the lighting device LB remaining lit even when there are no visitors.

[0119] Figure 21 shows an example of the display content shown on the display screen of the terminal device 20B. The display screen 600B shows an image 601B that allows the arrangement of multiple materials displayed in the exhibition area TAB to be understood. The display screen 600B also shows status data that allows the exposure status of the materials to be understood. Here, for example, status data 611B is displayed near material 610, and status data 621B is displayed near material 620B. Status data 611B and 621B each include the name of the material, the set illuminance, the reference exposure amount, and the remaining time that can be exposed (remaining illumination time). Such status data is transmitted to the terminal device 20B by the output unit 106B of the management device 10B along with an alert signal, and the name of the material, the set illuminance, the reference exposure amount, and the remaining time that can be exposed (remaining illumination time) are displayed. The illumination time may be calculated by the exposure amount calculation unit 103B by dividing the difference between the reference exposure amount and the exposure amount by the set illuminance. When determining the duration for which the lights can remain on, the set illuminance may be the currently set illuminance.

[0120] The available illumination time can be determined by calculating the time it takes to reach a standard exposure level, based on the trend of changes in exposure levels from the start date and time of the exhibition to the present, assuming continued exposure. The available illumination time may be calculated by the control unit 107B and transmitted to the terminal device 20B.

[0121] Museum staff can understand the exposure status of materials by referring to the status data displayed on the terminal device 20B, and can also determine the timing to swap exhibited materials with those stored in the storage area SA, taking into account the remaining exposure time. Furthermore, this status data may be displayed only for materials to which an alert signal has been sent, or, regardless of alert signals, the output unit 106B of the management device 10B may transmit the name of the material, set illuminance, reference exposure amount, and remaining exposure time for each material to the terminal device 20B at regular intervals for display.

[0122] According to the embodiment described above, when the exposure amount corresponding to the lighting time and the illuminance reaches a certain exposure amount (e.g., a threshold) relative to the reference exposure amount, a message based on an alert signal is displayed on the terminal device 20B. The terminal device 20B to which this alert is output may be a smartphone used by a museum staff member, or it may be an external monitor installed in the museum's control room. Furthermore, the message output may not only be displayed on the screen, but may also be output by voice, or it may be notified via email or a messaging app to terminal devices connected to the management device 10B via a network, or it may be linked with external devices or services via an API (Application Programming Interface).

[0123] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in addition to displaying and notifying an alert when the exposure amount approaches the standard exposure amount, the lighting device LB is automatically dimmed to reduce its illuminance. This prevents the exposure amount from reaching the standard exposure amount before the scheduled end time of the exhibition. Alternatively, if there is a possibility that the exposure amount will exceed the standard exposure amount, instead of reducing the illuminance, the lighting in that section may be completely turned off.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the set illuminance and reference exposure amount may be entered by a museum staff member via the input screen of the terminal device 20B, either by inputting a numerical value or selecting a numerical value, and stored in the storage unit 102B. Alternatively, by selecting the material of the exhibit from a pull-down menu displayed on the input screen of the terminal device 20B, a preset recommended value for each exhibit may be written to the management data as the set illuminance.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the management device 10B may be equipped with a machine learning function to generate a trained model by learning the frequency and trends of viewing, and by inputting the exposure amount from the current exhibition start date and time into the trained model, it may predict when the standard exposure amount will be reached and change the timing of issuing an alert (change the threshold), or it may perform dimming to reduce the illuminance based on the prediction result so as not to reach the standard exposure amount, thereby leveling out the exposure amount.

[0126] ≪Fourth Embodiment≫ In the above-described embodiment, the lighting management system SB was described as being used in an environment where ambient light does not reach the exhibition area TAB. However, it may also be used in an environment where ambient light does reach. Figure 22 shows the configuration of the lighting management system SaB when the light environment of the exhibition area is affected by ambient light. Ambient light reaching the exhibition area TA includes, for example, sunlight 700B and light 710B from electronic devices SN such as signage installed in the vicinity. In the first embodiment described above, the case in which the exhibition area TAB is in an environment less affected by ambient light was described. However, in some museums, the exhibition area TAB may be installed in an environment affected by ambient light. For example, in the case of a building designed and constructed as a museum, it is possible to design and construct the exhibition area TAB in advance to be in an environment less affected by ambient light. However, there are cases where a building constructed without anticipating its use as a museum is later used as a museum. In such cases, it may be difficult to install the exhibition area TAB in an area unaffected by ambient light. Therefore, in display storage facilities, exhibit areas (TABs) may be exposed to natural light when displaying materials. Additionally, depending on the materials' lightfastness and the museum's display methods, exhibit areas (TABs) may be set up in environments with a certain level of ambient light to beautifully showcase the colors and textures of the materials or to reproduce the colors and textures intended by the creators.

[0127] The lighting management system SaB includes a management device 10aB, multiple lighting devices LB (e.g., lighting devices L1B, L2B, L3B, etc.), multiple illuminance sensors ISB (e.g., illuminance sensors IS1B, IS2B, IS3B, etc.), a terminal device 20B, and a light-shielding device SHB.

[0128] The management device 10aB is connected to multiple lighting devices L (L1B, L2B, L3B), etc., and multiple illuminance sensors ISB (IS1B, IS2B, IS3B) in a communication manner. The illuminance sensors ISB (IS1B, IS2B, IS3B) detect the brightness of light that includes at least one of the following: the light that illuminates the exhibition area where the stored items are displayed by the lighting devices L, and the external light that reaches the exhibition area from a light source other than the lighting devices L. The external light may be natural light, light from lighting devices other than the lighting devices L installed in the exhibition area TAB (lighting devices installed in the corridor, lighting devices installed on the ceiling, lighting devices installed in a room near the storage room, etc.). There may be one illuminance sensor, or multiple illuminance sensors ISB may be installed at different locations near the exhibition area TAB. Here, illuminance sensors ISB may be installed for each section, and each section may detect its own illuminance.

[0129] Here, each section of the exhibition area TAB is equipped with one lighting device and one illuminance sensor. More specifically, the section where document M1B is displayed is equipped with lighting device L1B and illuminance sensor IS1B. Lighting device L1B illuminates the section where document M1B is displayed, and illuminance sensor IS1B detects the brightness in the vicinity of the section where document M1B is displayed. Similarly, the section where document M3B is displayed is equipped with lighting device L3B and illuminance sensor IS3B. Lighting device L3B illuminates the section where document M3B is displayed, and illuminance sensor IS3B detects the brightness in the vicinity of the section where document M3B is displayed.

[0130] Shading equipment (SHB) refers to equipment that can block external light, such as blinds and curtains. In recent years, such shading equipment, such as blinds and curtains, can be automatically controlled by building management systems. By using such shading equipment with control functions in the lighting management system SaB, the shading equipment (SHB) is controlled based on control signals from the management device 10aB.

[0131] Figure 23 is a schematic functional block diagram illustrating the functions of the control device 10aB. In the control device 10aB, the same reference numerals are used for functions similar to those of the control device 10B shown in Figure 17, and their explanations are omitted. Functions different from those of the control device 10B will be explained. The exposure amount calculation unit 103aB determines the exposure amount based on the exposure time, which is exposed by at least one of the illumination from the lighting device L or ambient light, and the illuminance obtained from the illuminance sensor. The exposure amount calculation unit 103aB may also determine the exposure amount by integrating the exposure time and the illuminance obtained from the illuminance sensor.

[0132] The determination unit 104aB determines whether the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor exceeds the recommended illuminance for the exhibited items in the exhibition area. The determination unit 104aB may also have the functions of the determination unit 104B described above. The dimming unit 105aB may dim the lighting device L if the illuminance obtained from the illuminance sensor exceeds the recommended illuminance based on the determination result of the determination unit 104aB. For example, if the illuminance obtained from the illuminance sensor exceeds the recommended illuminance, and dimming without driving the shielding equipment SHB prevents the illuminance from exceeding the recommended illuminance, the dimming unit 105aB may only perform dimming. Furthermore, if dimming alone would exceed the recommended illuminance, the dimming unit 105aB may drive the shielding equipment SHB. Alternatively, it may drive the shielding equipment SHB and dim the light. Furthermore, the dimming unit 105aB may be configured to dim when an alert signal is output.

[0133] The output unit 106B may also output an alert signal if the illuminance based on the detection result obtained from the illuminance sensor ISB exceeds the recommended illuminance.

[0134] The prediction unit 108B predicts when the brightness based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor ISB and the exposure amount based on the exposure time will reach the reference exposure amount.

[0135] The shielding control unit 109B outputs a control signal to the shielding equipment SHB when it is predicted that the exposure amount will reach a standard exposure amount within a certain period of time, thereby driving the shielding equipment SHB to block external light from reaching the exhibition area with a shielding object. The certain period of time may be any period, but for example, it may be set to one year. In addition, the shielding control unit 109B drives the shielding equipment SHB to block external light from reaching the exhibition area with a shielding object when the illuminance obtained from the illuminance sensor exceeds the recommended illuminance according to the nature and characteristics of the materials. Figure 24 shows the state in which the light-shielding equipment SHB is deployed. For example, if the light-shielding equipment SHB is a blind, the blind is lowered and the angle of the flap is changed so that it is difficult for external light to reach, thereby blocking light. If the light-shielding equipment SHB is a curtain, light is blocked by driving the curtain to close it. By blocking external light in this way, the amount of ambient light (in this case, sunlight 700B) reaching the exhibits in the exhibition area TAB can be reduced, and the time it takes for the exposure to reach the standard exposure level can be extended. In addition, if the illuminance obtained from the illuminance sensor exceeds the recommended illuminance, the shielding device SHB can be activated to block the ambient light, thereby preventing the illuminance from exceeding the recommended illuminance. In this case, if the illuminance of the light source of electronic devices SN such as signage is set to be sufficiently lower than the illuminance of the lighting device LB, the impact on the exhibits in the exhibition area TAB will be minimal. In that case, it is not necessary to provide the shielding device SHB to block the light reaching the exhibition area TAB from the electronic devices SNB, but if the impact of the light reaching the exhibition area TAB from the electronic devices SNB is to be considered, the shielding device SHB may be provided.

[0136] In this lighting management system SaB, museum staff input information about the materials of the exhibits to be displayed in the exhibition area TAB and the sections in which they will be displayed, via terminal device 20B, before the exhibition begins. Based on this, the control unit 107B stores this data as management data in the storage unit 102B, based on the information input from terminal device 20B. The exposure amount calculation unit 103aB calculates the available lighting time for each section by dividing the difference between the reference exposure amount and the exposure amount by the current set illuminance. The control unit 107B may also output the calculated available lighting time to terminal device 20B to display the available lighting time for each section. The determination unit 104B determines whether the exposure amount has reached a threshold set relative to the reference exposure amount, and if the exposure amount has reached the threshold, the output unit 106B sends an alert signal to terminal device 20B.

[0137] Furthermore, when the exposure level reaches a threshold, the shielding control unit 109B outputs a control signal to the shielding equipment SHB, driving the shielding device SH to block external light from reaching the exhibition area with the shielding material. This reduces the amount of external light reaching the exhibition area TA after the exposure level exceeds the threshold, preventing the exposure level from reaching the standard exposure level before the scheduled end time of the exhibition. In addition, when the exposure level reaches the threshold, the dimming unit 105B may lower the set illuminance. In this way, the brightness of each section, including external light, is measured by the respective illuminance sensors ISB (IS1B, IS2B, IS3B), making it possible to constantly monitor the illuminance, including external light, near the exhibits and the lighting time of the lighting devices LB (L1B, L2B, L3B). Furthermore, even when exhibiting exhibits in an environment where light reaches the exhibition area TAB, dimming and shading can be performed according to the exposure conditions, reducing deterioration and damage caused by light.

[0138] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the sensor SEB of the third embodiment may be provided. When the sensor SEB is provided, the lighting management system SB turns off the lighting device L and drives the shielding equipment SHB to block out ambient light when the sensor SEB detects that there are no visitors near the exhibition area TAB. Alternatively, when the lighting management system SB detects that there are visitors near the exhibition area TAB using the sensor SEB, it may turn on the lighting device LB to light up at a set illuminance and drive the shielding equipment SHB to prevent blocking out ambient light. Alternatively, when the shielding equipment SH is driven to prevent blocking out ambient light, the exposure amount may be determined based on the brightness detected by the illuminance sensor near the area where the exhibited materials are displayed and the exposure time, and if it is predicted that the exposure amount will reach a standard exposure amount within a certain period, the shielding equipment SHB may be driven to block out ambient light from the exhibition area with a shield.

[0139] In the fourth embodiment, the determination unit 104B may predict whether the exposure amount is likely to reach a standard exposure amount within a certain period (for example, within one year) based on the detection results of the illuminance sensors ISB installed at each exhibition location and the illuminance of natural light according to the weather based on information obtained from external services such as weather forecasts. In the fourth embodiment, the dimming unit 105B may dim the lights to reduce the illuminance until closing time for the day when the exposure amount approaches the standard exposure amount (when the exposure amount reaches a threshold). This makes it possible to continue the exhibition until closing time, and to carry out various measures such as changing the exhibits at closing time. In addition, the dimming unit 105B may dim the lights to continue until the next period for changing exhibits arrives when the exposure amount approaches the standard exposure amount (when the exposure amount reaches a threshold). This makes it possible to continue the exhibition until the next exhibit change, and to carry out the exhibit change when the time for changing exhibits arrives. Furthermore, the dimming unit 105B may dim the lights until the next time the exhibit can be changed, and during the dimming process, if the exposure amount exceeds the standard exposure amount, the lighting device LB may be turned off.

[0140] ≪Method for determining the threshold≫ In addition, in the third and fourth embodiments described above, the threshold may be determined by the following method (A).

[0141] <(A): Status of museum staff> The control unit 107B may determine a threshold based on the period during which museum staff can change the exhibits displayed in the exhibition area and the degree of exposure, so that an alert is output before the period during which changes can be made, and write the threshold to the storage unit 102B. For example, the management device 10B obtains the schedule on which museum staff can change exhibits from the terminal device 20B, etc. The schedule on which changes can be made can be the museum's closing days, the period during which changes are scheduled to be made, etc.

[0142] ≪How to change the set illuminance≫ In the third and fourth embodiments described above, when dimming, the setting illuminance to be changed to may be determined by the following method (B1).

[0143] <(B1): When using AI (artificial intelligence)> The dimming unit 105B may predict when the standard exposure level will be reached based on the arrival status (frequency of arrival and arrival trend) of visitors coming to the exhibition area, and determine the threshold based on the predicted result. For example, the prediction unit 108B of the management device 10B may generate a trained model by training a learning device with data representing the arrival status of visitors who have come to the exhibition area in the past (data showing the number of visitors for each number of days since the start of the exhibition) and data showing the relationship between the exposure level for each number of days since the start of the exhibition and training data. The control unit 107B may then input the number of days since the start of the exhibition and the number of visitors into the generated trained model to obtain the future exposure level and predict when the exposure level will reach the standard exposure level. The control unit 107B may then determine the threshold so that an alert is output before the predicted future exposure level reaches the standard exposure level if the predicted future exposure level will reach the standard exposure level more than a certain period (for example, one year). Furthermore, if it is predicted that the predicted future exposure amount will reach the standard exposure amount before a certain period (for example, one year), the dimming unit 105B may change to lower the set illuminance according to the predicted exposure amount, thereby leveling out the exposure amount and preventing it from increasing. Also, the learning method used by the learning device may be any of the following, for example, machine learning or deep learning.

[0144] Furthermore, the control device 10B may use a learning function to determine the set illuminance. For example, the control device 10B may predict a set illuminance such that the exposure amount does not exceed the standard exposure amount during the exhibition period, and turn on the light source of the lighting device LB based on the predicted set illuminance. This makes it possible to suppress the illuminance from the lighting device LB and level it out during the exhibition period.

[0145] In the third and fourth embodiments described above, the lighting management system SB was described as being used for a "display storage facility" that has an exhibition function. However, it may also be used for lighting equipment in general storage facilities that are solely for preservation and management and do not have an exhibition function. In storage facilities that are solely for preservation and management, lighting is not used for exhibition purposes, but curators and others may turn on the lights to check and manage the materials.

[0146] Furthermore, according to the third and fourth embodiments described above, the workload of curators can be reduced in museums, art galleries, etc., by automatically managing the lighting for exhibited and stored materials. Strict control of lighting can also suppress deterioration and damage to materials. In addition, according to the embodiments described above, in a display storage area, the light source of the lighting device is turned off when there are no visitors, thus avoiding the lights in the storage area being on at all times. Furthermore, if there is a possibility of reaching the standard exposure level, dimming can be performed, reducing the possibility of deterioration such as deformation, discoloration, and fading of colored parts of the materials. In addition, since the dimming of the lighting device that illuminates the materials and alert signals can be output to the terminal device 20B, the management workload of museum staff such as curators can be reduced, thus reducing the management workload in museums where there is a shortage of curators.

[0147] Furthermore, in the third and fourth embodiments described above, if a certain level of brightness is required to perform various management tasks on materials in the storage facility, the lighting device L may be turned on to an illuminance appropriate for the task (e.g., 500 Lx) that is higher than the set illuminance. In this case, the exposure amount calculation unit 103B may calculate the exposure amount to include the exposure amount resulting from turning on the lighting device L at an illuminance appropriate for the task. This makes it possible to manage the exposure amount so as not to exceed the standard exposure amount, taking into account the amount of exposure in situations different from those of an exhibition.

[0148] In addition, in the third and fourth embodiments described above, the exhibition period may be taken into consideration. For example, when the dimming unit 105B dims the light in response to the exposure amount reaching the standard exposure amount, the set illuminance is changed to decrease. In this case, the changed set illuminance may be predetermined or determined according to the situation. If determined according to the situation, for example, the dimming unit 105B changes the set illuminance so that the exposure amount does not exceed the standard exposure amount by the end of the planned exhibition period, based on the exposure amount since the start of the exhibition of the stored items, the remaining exhibition period during which the stored items are displayed in the exhibition area, and the standard exposure amount. For example, the dimming unit 105B may use the value obtained by calculating the difference between the standard exposure amount and the exposure amount and dividing it by the exhibition time until the end of the exhibition period as the set illuminance. As a result, the longer the remaining exhibition period when the exposure amount reaches the standard exposure amount, the lower the set illuminance will be set compared to the set illuminance before the exposure amount reached the standard exposure amount, and the shorter the remaining exhibition period, the lower the set illuminance will be set compared to the set illuminance before the exposure amount reached the standard exposure amount.

[0149] For example, if there are only a few days left in the exhibition period and the exposure has reached 80% of the standard exposure, the set illuminance may be halved. If there is only one day left in the exhibition period and the exposure has reached 80% of the standard exposure, the set illuminance may be maintained or slightly reduced (10%, 20%, etc.). Such changes to the set illuminance may be updated at regular intervals after the exposure has reached the standard exposure. For example, if the frequency of visitor attendance does not fluctuate much and remains relatively constant, the rate at which the exposure accumulates can be estimated (predicted), so the interval for changing the set illuminance may be made somewhat longer. On the other hand, if the frequency of visitor attendance fluctuates greatly, the rate at which the exposure accumulates is difficult to estimate (predict), so the interval for changing the set illuminance may be made shorter. Furthermore, if the number of visitors is high on certain days of the week, the set illuminance may be determined according to the number of times and timing of those days of the week that will occur during the remaining exhibition period.

[0150] The management device 10B in the above-described embodiment may be implemented using a computer. In that case, the program for implementing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that acts as a server or client in such cases. Furthermore, the above-mentioned program may be for implementing a part of the above-mentioned function, or it may be a program that can implement the above-mentioned function in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, or it may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0151] Although embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention.

[0152] This disclosure includes the following technical concepts: (Note 1) An illumination management system comprising: an exposure amount calculation unit that calculates the exposure amount based on the exposure time and illuminance of an exhibition area where an exhibited item is displayed, illuminated by a lighting device; a determination unit that determines whether the exposure amount has reached a threshold value that is lower than a reference exposure amount, which is the upper limit of the exposure amount for an exhibited item in the exhibition area over a specified period; and an output unit that outputs an alert signal when the exposure amount reaches the threshold. (Note 2) An illumination management system comprising: an illuminance sensor that detects the brightness of light that includes at least one of the light illuminating an exhibition area where an exhibited item is displayed by a lighting device and external light reaching the exhibition area from a light source other than the lighting device; a determination unit that determines whether the illuminance based on the detection result obtained from the illuminance sensor exceeds a recommended illuminance corresponding to the exhibited item in the exhibition area; and an output unit that outputs an alert signal when the illuminance based on the detection result exceeds the recommended illuminance. (Note 3) The lighting management system according to Note 2, comprising: an exposure amount calculation unit that calculates the exposure amount based on the exposure time by at least one of the illumination by the lighting device or the external light and the illuminance obtained from the illuminance sensor; and a determination unit that determines whether the exposure amount has reached a threshold value which is lower than a reference exposure amount which is the upper limit of the exposure amount for a period of time specified for the exhibited items in the exhibition area, wherein the output unit outputs an alert signal when the exposure amount reaches the threshold. (Note 4) The lighting management system according to Note 1 or Note 3, comprising a dimming unit that dims the lighting device so that the exposure amount is reduced when the alert signal is output. (Note 5) The lighting management system according to Note 4, wherein the dimming unit dims by reducing the illuminance of the lighting device or shortening the period of time the lighting device is turned on.(Appendix 6) The lighting management system according to Appendix 3, comprising: a prediction unit that predicts whether the exposure amount based on the brightness detected by the illuminance sensor and the exposure time will reach the standard exposure amount; and a shielding control unit that, based on the predicted prediction result, shields the exhibition area from external light with a shielding object when it is predicted that the exposure amount will reach the standard exposure amount within the predetermined period. (Appendix 7) The lighting management system according to Appendix 1, wherein the output unit outputs the alert signal to a terminal device used by the manager who manages the exhibition area. (Appendix 8) A lighting management method performed by a computer, comprising: determining the exposure amount based on the exposure time and illuminance of the exhibition area where the exhibited items are displayed illuminated by a lighting device; determining whether the exposure amount has reached a threshold value which is lower than the standard exposure amount, which is the upper limit of the exposure amount for the exhibited items in the exhibition area over a predetermined period; and outputting an alert signal when the exposure amount reaches the threshold. (Note 9) A lighting management method performed by a computer, comprising: detecting the brightness of light including at least one of the light that illuminates the exhibition area where the collection is displayed by a lighting device and external light that reaches the exhibition area from a light source other than the lighting device using an illuminance sensor; determining whether the illuminance based on the detection result obtained from the illuminance sensor exceeds the recommended illuminance corresponding to the collection displayed in the exhibition area; and outputting an alert signal if the illuminance based on the detection result exceeds the recommended illuminance. (Note 10) The lighting management method according to Note 9, comprising: determining the exposure amount based on the exposure time exposed by at least one of the lighting by the lighting device or the external light and the illuminance obtained from the illuminance sensor; determining whether the exposure amount has reached a threshold value which is lower than the reference exposure amount, which is the upper limit of the exposure amount for a specified period for the collection displayed in the exhibition area; and outputting an alert signal, which comprises outputting an alert signal when the exposure amount reaches the threshold.

[0153] 10, 10a Management device 20 Terminal device 101 Communication unit 102 Storage unit 103 Exposure amount calculation unit 104 Status determination unit 105 Lighting control unit 106 Alert determination unit 107 Output unit 108 Control unit DS Display shelf IN Entrance OUT Exit IS1, IS2, IS3 Illuminance sensor L, L1, L2, L3 Lighting device S, Sa Lighting management system SE Sensor SN Electronic equipment SR, SRa Exhibition room TA, TA1, TA2, TA3, TA4, TA5, TA6, TA10, TA20, TA30, TA50, TA52 Exhibition area 10B, 10aB Management device 20B Terminal device 101B Communication unit 102B Storage unit 103B, 103aB Exposure amount calculation unit 104B Judgment unit 105B Dimming unit 106B Output unit 107B Control unit 108B Prediction unit 109B Shielding control unit DSB Display shelf Ex1 Reference exposure amount Ex2 Threshold IS1B, IS2B, IS3B Illuminance sensor L1B, L2B, L3B Lighting device SEB Sensor SB, SaB Lighting management system SAB Storage area SHB Shielding device SNB Electronic equipment SRB Storage room TAB Display area

Claims

1. A lighting management system comprising: a position detection unit for detecting the position of a visitor in an exhibition space where an exhibition area for displaying materials is provided; a posture detection unit for detecting the posture of the visitor; a state determination unit for determining the observation status of the visitor based on the posture of the visitor; and a lighting control unit for controlling a lighting device provided in the exhibition space to one of the following states: a first state in which the lighting device is turned off; a second state in which the exhibition space is illuminated with an illuminance sufficient to allow the visitor to move from their current position to another position; a third state in which the illuminance is sufficient to attract the visitor's attention to the materials and is a different lighting configuration from the second state; and a fourth state in which the lighting is sufficient to allow the visitor to observe or appreciate the materials and is a different lighting configuration from the third state, wherein the lighting control unit controls the lighting device to be in one of the states according to the detected position and the determined determination result.

2. The lighting control unit illuminates according to claim 1, wherein the lighting control unit illuminates according to an illuminance such that the illuminance in the fourth state is less than or equal to the upper limit of illuminance determined according to the material.

3. The lighting control unit, based on the detection result of the position detection unit, determines to transition to the first state when it detects that there are no visitors in the exhibition space and turns off the lighting device; and based on the detection result of the position detection unit, determines to transition to the second state when it changes from a situation where there are no visitors in the exhibition space to a situation where there are visitors, and turns on the lighting device with an illuminance corresponding to the second state, according to claim 2.

4. The lighting control unit, after the state in which there are no visitors in the exhibition space changes to a state in which there are visitors, causes the lighting device to illuminate the exhibition area according to the route taken to tour the exhibition space to an illuminance corresponding to the third state, based on the location of the detected visitors and the observation status of the detected visitors.

5. The lighting control unit, after the state in which there are no visitors in the exhibition space changes to a state in which there are visitors, determines, based on the location of the detected visitors and the observation status of the detected visitors, that the visitors are observing the materials, and then lights up the lighting device for the materials with an illuminance corresponding to the fourth state, according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The lighting control unit illuminates the lighting device with an illuminance corresponding to the fourth state for the material determined to be observed by the visitor, based on the position of the detected visitor and the observation status corresponding to the posture of the detected visitor; controls the lighting device to be in the first state for areas other than the material determined to be observed and which are part of the route, in areas where there are no visitors; and controls the lighting device to be in the second state or the third state for areas where there are visitors, according to claim 5.

7. The lighting management system according to claim 1 or claim 4, wherein the state determination unit determines which exhibition area the visitor is observing based on the orientation based on the visitor's posture and the position detected by the position detection unit, thereby determining the observation status.

8. A lighting management method performed by a computer, comprising: detecting the position of a visitor in an exhibition space where an exhibition area for displaying materials is provided; detecting the posture of the visitor; determining the visitor's observation status based on the visitor's posture; and controlling a lighting device provided in the exhibition space to one of the following states: a first state in which the lighting device is turned off; a second state in which the exhibition space is illuminated with an illuminance sufficient to allow the visitor to move from their current position to another position; a third state in which the illuminance is sufficient to attract the visitor's attention to the materials and is a different lighting configuration from the second state; and a fourth state in which the lighting is sufficient to allow the visitor to observe or appreciate the materials and is a different lighting configuration from the third state, wherein the lighting management method includes controlling the lighting device to reach one of the states according to the detected position and the determined configuration.

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