JP7584089B2 - ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an environmental control system, an environmental control method, and a program.

Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting control device. This lighting control device divides the lighting area into a number of areas in advance, and determines whether each of these areas is a stay area where people are staying or a non-stay area based on the speed of people's movements in the lighting area detected by a human body information detection means. Then, based on the determination result, the lighting control means performs lighting control on the lighting fixtures arranged in the divided areas.

JP 2013-109876 A

The present invention provides an environmental control system, an environmental control method, and a program that can provide a space in which a user can relatively easily concentrate.

An environmental control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a lighting control unit that controls the illuminance of a lighting load provided in a work space. The lighting load includes a first load having a diffuse light distribution characteristic and a second load having a concentrated light distribution characteristic. The lighting control unit controls the lighting load so that the illuminance ratio of the maximum illuminance of the work space when the first load is turned on to the maximum illuminance of the work space when the second load is turned on is 0.4 or less.

An environmental control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a lighting control step of controlling the illuminance of a lighting load provided in a work space. The lighting load has a first load having a diffuse light distribution characteristic and a second load having a concentrated light distribution characteristic. In the lighting control step, the lighting load is controlled so that the illuminance ratio of the maximum illuminance of the work space when the first load is turned on to the maximum illuminance of the work space when the second load is turned on is 0.4 or less.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes one or more processors to execute the environmental control method.

The environmental control system, environmental control method, and program of the present invention have the advantage of being able to provide a space in which it is relatively easy for the user to concentrate.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an environmental control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a work space in which an environmental control system according to an embodiment is used. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display device of the environmental control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the results of the first experiment. FIG. 5 shows the results of the second experiment. FIG. 6 shows the results of the third experiment. FIG. 7 shows the results of the fourth experiment. FIG. 8 shows the results of the fifth experiment. FIG. 9 shows the results of the sixth experiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the environmental control system according to the embodiment.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim are described as optional components.

Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[Work Space]
First, a description will be given of a work space 4 in which an environmental control system 100 according to an embodiment is used. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the environmental control system 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the work space 4 in which the environmental control system 100 according to an embodiment is used.

The environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment is used in a work space 4, such as an office, where a user U1 works, and is a system for controlling the environment in such a work space 4. In the embodiment, it is assumed that the environmental control system 100 is used in an ABW (Activity Based Working) type office 3, where a user can freely select a work location depending on the work he or she wants to do. Here, "ABW" refers to a way of working in which a user U1 (an employee, etc.) selects a work location or desk, etc., according to the work content. In an ABW type office, the user U1 can select a relatively quiet location when performing work that requires concentration, and can select a relaxing location such as a sofa when holding a meeting.

The environmental control system 100 is not limited to being used in ABW type offices, but may also be used in free address type offices, or in other spaces where user U1 can freely select a work location depending on the work he or she wants to do. For example, the environmental control system 100 may be used in educational facilities such as elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, or universities, in public facilities such as community centers or libraries, or in stores or commercial facilities.

Furthermore, the work space 4 in which the environmental control system 100 is used is not limited to a space in which the user U1 can freely select a work location as described above, but may be used, for example, in an office where the work location of the user U1 is fixed.

2, the office 3 has a plurality of (here, six) work spaces 4. Each work space 4 is provided with furniture 5 for one or more users U1 to work in.
2, the work performed by the user U1 is a work performed using an information terminal 8 owned by the user U1, such as a laptop personal computer. The information terminal 8 may be a desktop personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the furniture 5 includes a desk 51 and one or more chairs 52.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, adjacent work spaces 4 are not separated, but may be separated, for example, by walls or furniture. As an example, the office 3 may be composed of multiple rooms separated by walls or furniture. In this case, the work space 4 may be each of the multiple rooms, or may be a part of the multiple rooms.

A lighting load 6 is installed in the work space 4. In the embodiment, the lighting load 6 is installed on the ceiling of the work space 4. Of course, the lighting load 6 may be installed not only on the ceiling of the work space 4, but also on a wall, a floor, or a fixture such as a desk. The lighting load 6 provides a lighting environment for the work space 4 by illuminating the work space 4 with illumination light. The parameters of the lighting environment may include, for example, the illuminance, color temperature (light color), or light distribution of the illumination light.

The lighting load 6 installed in the work space 4 has a first load 61 and a second load 62. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of (here, nine) first loads 61 are installed on the ceiling of the office 3. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of (here, six) second loads 62 are installed on the ceiling of the office 3. Here, the office 3 is evenly divided into six work spaces 4, and each work space 4 is installed with a plurality of (here, two) first loads 61 and one second load 62. Note that among the first loads 61, there are some lighting loads that are shared by multiple work spaces 4. As an example, the first load 61 located in the center of the ceiling of the office 3 shown in FIG. 2 is shared by two work spaces 4.

The first load 61 is a base light serving as ambient lighting that uniformly illuminates a target space, and is equipped with a light source having a solid-state light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In other words, the first load 61 has a diffuse light distribution characteristic. The solid-state light-emitting element used in the first load 61 is not limited to an LED, but may be an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) element, etc. The first load 61 is also not limited to a light source having a solid-state light-emitting element, but may be a fluorescent lamp, etc.

The second load 62 is a spotlight serving as a task light, and is equipped with a light source having a solid-state light-emitting element such as an LED. In other words, the second load 62 has a concentrated light distribution characteristic. Note that the second load 62 is not limited to a spotlight, and may be, for example, a stand light, a downlight, or a universal downlight. The solid-state light-emitting element used in the second load 62 is not limited to an LED, and may be an organic EL element, etc. Furthermore, the second load 62 is not limited to a light source having a solid-state light-emitting element, and may be a fluorescent lamp, etc.

Here, the light irradiation area of the lighting load 6 in the workspace 4 will be described. The first load 61 is installed so as to irradiate light onto the entire workspace 4. On the other hand, the second load 62 is installed so as to irradiate light onto the top surface of a desk 51, which is part of the workspace 4. Here, the top surface of the desk 51 is the area where, for example, a user U1 works using an information terminal 8. In other words, the top surface of the desk 51 is the work area 41 of the user U1. That is, the second load 62 is provided in the workspace 4 so as to irradiate light onto the work area 41 of the user U1 in the workspace 4.

In the embodiment, the lighting load 6 installed in one of two adjacent spaces does not necessarily have to strictly affect only the lighting environment of the other space, but is allowed to affect the other space. In other words, in any workspace 4, the lighting environment provided by the lighting load 6 corresponding to the workspace 4 may be the main lighting environment, and even if there is an influence from the lighting load 6 corresponding to a space other than the workspace 4, it is sufficient that it does not have much influence on the lighting environment of the workspace 4. This is because it is considered that the influence of the lighting load 6 corresponding to a space other than the workspace 4 on the user U1 present in the workspace 4 is limited.

In addition, an acoustic device 7 is installed in the work space 4. In the embodiment, the acoustic device 7 is installed on the ceiling of the work space 4. Of course, the acoustic device 7 may be installed not only on the ceiling of the work space 4, but also on the wall, floor, or furniture such as a desk. In the example shown in FIG. 2, multiple (eight in this case) acoustic devices 7 are installed on the ceiling of the office 3, and multiple (two in this case) acoustic devices 7 are installed in each work space 4. Note that some of the acoustic devices 7 are shared by multiple work spaces 4. As an example, the two acoustic devices 7 located at the center back of the office 3 shown in FIG. 2 are both shared by two work spaces 4.

The acoustic device 7 provides an acoustic environment for a target space by outputting sound to that space. Parameters of the acoustic environment may include, for example, the content to be played or the volume of the sound. For example, the acoustic device is an omnidirectional speaker, and is controlled by the acoustic control unit 12 to play the content transmitted from the acoustic control unit 12. Note that the acoustic device 7 may be a directional speaker, such as a parametric speaker, a speaker using ultrasonic waves, or a speaker with a horn-shaped housing. When a directional speaker is used, it is expected to have the effect of making it easier to reduce the proportion of sound leaking into other spaces.

In the embodiment, in two adjacent spaces, the sound output from an acoustic device 7 installed in one space does not have to be output only to one space, and some of the sound is allowed to leak into the other space. In other words, in any given work space 4, it is sufficient that the sound output from the acoustic device 7 corresponding to that work space 4 is the main sound, and even if some of the sound leaks from a space other than that work space 4, it is sufficient that it has almost no effect on the acoustics of that work space 4.

[Environmental Control System]
1, the environmental control system 100 includes a lighting control unit 11, an audio control unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a display device 2. In the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 needs to include at least the lighting control unit 11, and may not include the audio control unit 12, the storage unit 13, and the display device 2. If the environmental control system 100 does not include the audio control unit 12, an audio device 7 may not be installed in each work space 4. Furthermore, the components of the environmental control system 100 except for the display device 2 may be installed in the office 3, or may be installed in a remote location away from the office 3.

The lighting control unit 11 is capable of communicating with the lighting loads 6 installed in each work space 4, and controls each lighting load 6 by transmitting a lighting control signal to each lighting load 6. In other words, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 6 for each work space 4. In the embodiment, the lighting control unit 11 controls both the dimming and color adjustment of each lighting load 6. The communication between the lighting control unit 11 and each lighting load 6 may be wired communication or wireless communication, and the communication standard is not particularly limited.

In the embodiment, the lighting control unit 11 is also capable of communicating with the display device 2, and is also capable of receiving a signal including a lighting control input accepted by the display device 2 by communicating with the display device 2. In this case, the lighting control unit 11 controls each lighting load 6 in accordance with the received lighting control input. The communication between the lighting control unit 11 and the display device 2 may be wired communication or wireless communication, and the communication standard is not particularly limited.

The audio control unit 12 is capable of communicating with the audio devices 7 installed in each work space 4, and controls each audio device 7 to play content by transmitting an audio control signal (including the content to be played) to each audio device 7. In other words, the audio control unit 12 controls the audio device 7 for each work space 4. The communication between the audio control unit 12 and each audio device 7 may be wired communication or wireless communication, and the communication standard is not particularly limited.

The content may be stored in the audio control unit 12, in each audio device 7, or in the memory unit 13. The content is stored in an electronic data medium, such as, for example, a WAV format or an mp3 format, but is not limited to this, and may be stored in any known storage method, such as a compact disc (CD).

In the embodiment, the audio control unit 12 can also communicate with the display device 2, and by communicating with the display device 2, can also receive a signal including an audio control input accepted by the display device 2. In this case, the audio control unit 12 controls each audio device 7 according to the received audio control input. The communication between the audio control unit 12 and the display device 2 may be wired communication or wireless communication, and the communication standard is not particularly limited.

In this way, by controlling the lighting and acoustic environments of each work space 4, it is possible to make the environment different for each work space 4, for example, and a so-called zoning effect can be expected.

Here, the zoning effect means, for example, a sense of cognitive division of space, and may include an effect that makes it easier for user U1 to recognize that multiple spaces are different from one another in appearance. Furthermore, the zoning effect may include an effect that, through user U1's recognition, makes it easier to encourage user U1 to change his or her behavior or movement lines in accordance with the intention of the zoning. For example, assume that an arbitrary space has been zoned with the intention that it will be a space where user U1 can easily perform work that requires concentration. In this case, if user U1, who sees the space, uses the space with the primary purpose of performing work that requires concentration, it can be said that the zoning effect has been achieved.

The zoning effect may also include the subjective effects and sensations of user U1, or effects in which physiological, psychological, and biological actions show a tendency according to the purpose of zoning, when user U1 actually uses a zoned space. For example, assume that an arbitrary space is zoned with the intention of making it a space in which it is easy to perform tasks that require concentration, and that user U1 uses the space. In this case, if user U1 feels that he or she was able to concentrate by using the space, or if indicators and data are obtained that suggest that user U1 was concentrating in terms of psychological and biological actions, then it can be said that the zoning effect has been achieved.

By controlling the lighting loads 6 and the acoustic equipment 7 installed in the work space 4 as described above, it is possible to zone the work space 4 without using fixtures or furniture. This makes it easy to improve the design of the work space 4, and enables so-called active zoning, in which the layout of the office 3 is instantly changed by controlling the lighting loads 6 and the acoustic equipment 7. As an example, the change of the control parameters of the color temperature (light color) of the light emitted by the lighting loads 6 in the work space 4 is completed in, for example, several seconds. In this case, it is possible to change the layout of the office 3 in several seconds as a result. Here, if the layout of the office 3 is changed by manually moving fixtures or furniture, it takes 60 minutes, several hours, or a day, or in some cases several days. From this point of view, the zoning by controlling the lighting loads 6 described above can have a very remarkable effect.

Active zoning makes it possible to change the layout of office 3 on a short cycle, such as hourly, daily, or monthly, compared to changing the layout of an office by conventionally rearranging fixtures or furniture.

In the embodiment, in each work space 4, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 6 so that the illuminance ratio of the maximum illuminance of the work space 4 when the first load 61 is turned on to the maximum illuminance of the work space 4 when the second load 62 is turned on (hereinafter also referred to as the "illuminance ratio between the first load 61 and the second load 62") is 0.4 or less. The "maximum illuminance" here is represented by, for example, the illuminance measured at the center of the work area 41 in the work space 4. The work area 41 is the area where the user U1 works. In the embodiment, the work area 41 is the top surface of the desk 51. The illuminance is measured, for example, by an illuminance sensor installed in the work space 4.

As an example, assume that the lighting control unit 11 controls the second load 62 so that the maximum illuminance of the work space 4 when only the second load 62 is turned on is 750 lx. In this case, the lighting control unit 11 also controls the second load 62 so that the maximum illuminance of the work space 4 when only the first load 61 is turned on is 300 lx or less, that is, so that the illuminance ratio between the first load 61 and the second load 62 is 0.4 or less.

Here, assume that the maximum illuminance of the workspace 4 is 750 lx when the lighting control unit 11 controls only the first load 61 so that the dimming rate is 100%. In this case, in the embodiment, the lighting control unit 11 controls the first load 61 so that the maximum illuminance of the workspace 4 is 300 lx or less when only the first load 61 is turned on, that is, so that the dimming rate is 40% or less.

In the embodiment, in each workspace 4, the sound control unit 12 controls the sound device 7 to play at least one of natural environmental sounds and white noise in the workspace 4. In each workspace 4, the sound control unit 12 controls the sound device 7 to play natural environmental sounds and/or white noise at a volume that can be sensed by the user U1 staying in the workspace 4. It is preferable that the natural environmental sounds are sounds that can be expected to have a zoning effect similar to that expected from the illumination light. This is because doing so makes it easier to achieve an effect that is greater than the simple sum of the zoning effect that can be expected from the illumination light and the zoning effect that can be expected from the sound, and makes it easier to have an unexpected and desirable synergistic effect.

Natural environmental sounds are sounds other than voice and music that are emitted in everyday environments in nature, such as the sound of wind, waves, thunder, animals, or insects. In the embodiment, the natural environmental sounds are preferably the sound of running water. Furthermore, white noise is a sound that has a certain level of sound pressure or higher in a wide range of frequency range. Both natural environmental sounds and white noise are sounds that tend to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system of user U1.

In the embodiment, the audio control unit 12 may control the audio device 7 in each work space 4 to play background music, or may control the audio device 7 not to play sound. In this case, the zoning effect that can be expected from sound cannot be achieved, but the zoning effect that can be expected from lighting can be achieved. In other words, in the embodiment, the zoning effect can be achieved sufficiently in each work space 4 by the lighting control unit 11 simply controlling the lighting load 6 so that the illuminance ratio between the first load 61 and the second load 62 is 0.4 or less.

The memory unit 13 is a storage device that stores information (such as computer programs) necessary for each of the lighting control unit 11 and the sound control unit 12 to perform control. The memory unit 13 is realized, for example, by a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory, and any known means of electronic information storage may be used without any particular limitation.

The lighting control unit 11, the sound control unit 12, and the memory unit 13 may all be mounted on the same board or housed in the same housing. The board or housing may be attached to the ceiling, wall, floor, or fixtures or furniture such as desks in the office 3. In this case, the environmental control system 100 excluding the display device 2 is made smaller, which is preferable.

The display device 2 has a display unit 21 that displays the control parameters of the lighting control unit 11 and the audio control unit 12. The display device 2 also has an input receiving unit 22 that receives input for setting the control parameters. In the embodiment, the display unit 21 and the input receiving unit 22 are realized by a touch panel display. The control parameters of the lighting control unit 11 may include, for example, the illuminance of the working space 4, or the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting load 6, or the light distribution. The control parameters of the audio control unit 12 may include, for example, the content to be played, or the volume of the audio device 7, etc.

In the embodiment, the display device 2 is a controller dedicated to the environmental control system 100, and is installed in the office 3. In the embodiment, the display device 2 is configured so that it can be operated after authentication by a person who has authority over the execution of control by the environmental control system 100 (hereinafter referred to as an "authorized person"), such as a user U1 or an administrator of the environmental control system 100.

The display device 2 may be realized by an information terminal possessed by an authorized person. Examples of the information terminal may include a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. In this case, the authorized person can use the information terminal as the display device 2 by installing an application for executing the functions of the display device 2 on the information terminal and starting the application on the information terminal.

In addition, in the embodiment, if the environmental control system 100 does not include an acoustic control unit 12, the display unit 21 may not have a function to display the control parameters of the acoustic control unit 12. In this case, the input receiving unit 22 may not have a function to receive setting input of the control parameters of the acoustic control unit 12.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display device 2 of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 21 displays an image 211 showing the arrangement of each lighting load 6 and each audio device 7 in the office 3, a first load adjustment bar 212, and a second load adjustment bar 213. A plurality of work spaces 4 are virtually displayed in the image 211. An authorized person can input the selection of one of the work spaces 4 by touching the image 211 with a finger.

The first load adjustment bar 212 displays a knob 212a that indicates the current dimming rate of the first load 61 in the work space 4 selected in the image 211. The authorized person can input to adjust the dimming rate of the first load 61 in the work space 4 by touching the knob 212a of the first load adjustment bar 212 with a finger and sliding it up and down. The input is transmitted from the display device 2 to the lighting control unit 11 as a lighting control input.

A knob 213a indicating the current dimming rate of the second load 62 in the workspace 4 selected in the image 211 is displayed on the second load adjustment bar 213. The authorized person can input to adjust the dimming rate of the second load 62 in the workspace 4 by touching the knob 213a of the second load adjustment bar 213 with a finger and sliding it up and down. The input is transmitted from the display device 2 to the lighting control unit 11 as a lighting control input.

Here, the authorized person can change the lighting environment of the workspace 4 using the display device 2, but it is preferable to limit the range of changes that can be made. This is because if the lighting environment provided to the workspace 4 by the environmental control system 100 is changed beyond the allowable range, the expected effect on the user U1 cannot be achieved.

In the embodiment, the display unit 21 displays the range of control parameters that can be accepted by the input acceptance unit 22. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first load adjustment bar 212 displays a shaded adjustable area 212b as the adjustable range of the dimming rate of the first load 61 as a control parameter. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second load adjustment bar 213 displays a shaded adjustable area 213b as the adjustable range of the dimming rate of the second load 62 as a control parameter. This has the advantage that the authorized person can easily visually grasp the range in which the environment of the workspace 4 can be changed, making it less likely that the environment of the workspace 4 will be changed beyond the allowable range.

In the embodiment, even if an authorized person attempts to slide the knob 212a on the first load adjustment bar 212 outside the adjustable range 212b, the knob 212a cannot be slid outside the adjustable range 212b. The same is true for the second load adjustment bar 213. This aspect has the advantage of preventing the environment of the workspace 4 from being changed beyond the allowable range.

In addition, in the embodiment, for example, when an authorized person slides the knob 212a of the first load adjustment bar 212, the display unit 21 may slide the knob 213a of the second load adjustment bar 213 in conjunction so that the illuminance ratio between the first load 61 and the second load 62 falls within a predetermined range (here, 0.4 or less). In other words, when the input receiving unit 22 receives a setting input of a control parameter for either the first load 61 or the second load 62, the display unit 21 may display the control parameter for the other load in conjunction with one of the control parameters. In this case, the authorized person only needs to adjust the dimming rate (illuminance) of either the first load 61 or the second load 62, and the other load is automatically adjusted, improving the convenience of the authorized person.

[verification]
Here, the inventor of the present application conducted the following experiment to verify the effects of the lighting environment and the acoustic environment on the user U1. That is, a plurality of subjects (here, several tens of subjects) were gathered in the space to be experimented (here, an office room), and each subject was asked to perform a predetermined task (here, typing on a personal computer for one minute) while changing the conditions of the space to be experimented. Then, a questionnaire was conducted for each subject regarding their impression of the space to be experimented for each condition of the space to be experimented.

In the space where the experiment was conducted, multiple desks were installed. Each subject typed using a personal computer (here, a laptop personal computer) at one of the desks. In other words, the top surface of the desk corresponds to the work area 41. As an example, the dimensions of the desk used in the case were a depth of 500 to 1000 mm and a width of 1000 to 2000 mm. In addition, multiple base lights (corresponding to the first load 61) were installed on the ceiling of the space where the experiment was conducted to uniformly illuminate the entire space where the experiment was conducted. Furthermore, each desk was installed with a spotlight (corresponding to the second load 62) to locally illuminate the corresponding desk.

In addition, although a sound device was installed in the experimental space, no sound was played from the sound device under any of the experimental space conditions unless otherwise noted. Even if no sound was being played from the sound device, noise such as the sound of other subjects typing was generated in the experimental space.

In the questionnaire, each subject was asked to answer four items about their impression of the experimental space. Specifically, each subject was asked to answer each of the four items about their impression of the experimental space on a seven-point scale: (a) very good, (b) fairly good, (c) somewhat good, (d) neither good nor bad, (e) somewhat bad, (f) fairly bad, (g) very bad.

Of the four items, the first item is whether the experimental space is conducive to concentration, and the second item is whether the experimental space is conducive to a sense of immersion. The third item is whether the characters on the display of a personal computer used for typing are easy to see, and the fourth item is whether noise in the experimental space is distracting. All of the first to fourth items are factors related to the degree of concentration of user U1 when working in workspace 4.

The inventors of the present application then quantitatively evaluated the spatial conditions of the experimental subject based on the results of the questionnaire given to each subject. Specifically, for each of the four items, the seven-point evaluation obtained from the questionnaire was treated as an equal interval scale, and scalar values of "-3", "-2", ..., and "+3" were assigned to the evaluations (g), (f), ..., (a) above, respectively. Then, based on these scalar values, a score was calculated for each spatial condition of the experimental subject.

For example, assume that the score for the first item is calculated by taking the average of the scalar values for the first item for each subject. In this case, if the score is the maximum value of "+3", it means that all subjects have the impression that it is "very easy to concentrate" in the experimental space. On the other hand, if the score is the minimum value of "-3", it means that all subjects have the impression that it is "very difficult to concentrate" in the experimental space.

The results of the above experiments are listed below. Figure 4 shows the results of the first experiment. In Figure 4, the vertical axis represents the score for the space of the experimental subject, and the horizontal axis represents the conditions of the space of the experimental subject. In the first experiment, the score is the sum of the scalar values for the first and second items. Therefore, in the first experiment, the maximum score is "+6" and the minimum score is "-6". In addition, in the first experiment, the conditions of the space of the experimental subject are the environment of the space of the experimental subject. Specifically, Figure 4 shows the results of obtaining the scores for each of the first environment En1 and the second environment En2. In the first environment En1, only the base light is turned on so that the average illuminance of the space of the experimental subject is 750 lx, and the sound of running water is played from the audio device. In the second environment En2, the base light is turned on so that the maximum illuminance is 300 lx, the spot light is turned on so that the maximum illuminance is 1500 lx, and the sound of running water is played from the audio device. In other words, in the second environment En2, the base light and the spot light are controlled so that the illuminance ratio between the base light (corresponding to the first load 61) and the spot light (corresponding to the second load 62) is 0.4.

The whiskers A1 shown in FIG. 4 represent the range of scores of all subjects. The box A2 shown in FIG. 4 represents the range of standard deviation of scores of all subjects. The line segment A3 shown in FIG. 4 represents the representative value (here, the median value) of scores of all subjects. As shown in FIG. 4, the representative value of the score in the first environment En1 is "0", while the representative value of the score in the second environment En2 is "+4". That is, in the latter case, the average value of each of the scalar values of the first and second items is "+2" or more. For this reason, each subject has the impression that it is easier to concentrate in an environment in which the illuminance ratio between the base light and the spotlight is adjusted (here, the illuminance ratio is adjusted to 0.4) compared to an environment in which only the base light is turned on.

From the results of the first experiment, the inventors of the present application have found that by having the lighting control unit 11 control the lighting load 6 so that the illuminance ratio between the first load 61 and the second load 62 is 0.4, it is expected that the effect of making it easier for the user U1 working in the workspace 4 to concentrate can be achieved.

Figure 5 shows the results of the second experiment. In Figure 5, the vertical axis represents the score for the space of the subject of the experiment, and the horizontal axis represents the conditions of the space of the subject of the experiment. In the second experiment, the score is the sum of the scalar values for the first and second items. Therefore, in the second experiment, the maximum score is "+6" and the minimum score is "-6". In addition, in the second experiment, the condition of the space of the subject of the experiment is the illuminance ratio between the base light and the spotlight in the space of the subject of the experiment. In other words, Figure 5 shows the results of changing the illuminance ratio in the space of the subject of the experiment and calculating the score for each illuminance ratio.

The straight line B1 shown in FIG. 5 represents the correlation between the score and the illuminance ratio, which is calculated approximately as a linear function. As shown in FIG. 5, the score and the illuminance ratio are negatively correlated. In other words, FIG. 5 shows that the higher the illuminance ratio, the more difficult it is for each subject to concentrate. As shown in FIG. 5, in the range of illuminance ratios of 0.4 or less, the score is "+1" or more. Therefore, each subject has the impression that it is easy to concentrate when the illuminance ratio in the space of the experimental subject is in the range of 0.4 or less. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, in the range of illuminance ratios of 0.25 or less, the score is "+2" or more, and the average value of the scalar values of the first and second items is "+1" or more. Therefore, each subject has the impression that it is even easier to concentrate when the illuminance ratio in the space of the experimental subject is in the range of 0.25 or less.

From the results of the second experiment, the inventor of the present application has found that the effect of user U1 working in the workspace 4 being able to concentrate more easily can be expected by the lighting control unit 11 controlling the lighting load 6 so that the illuminance ratio between the first load 61 and the second load 62 is 0.4 or less. In addition, the inventor of the present application has found that the effect of user U1 working in the workspace 4 being able to concentrate even more easily can be expected by the lighting control unit 11 controlling the lighting load 6 so that the illuminance ratio between the first load 61 and the second load 62 is 0.25 or less.

Figure 6 shows the results of the third experiment. In Figure 6, the vertical axis represents the score for the space of the experimental subject, and the horizontal axis represents the conditions of the space of the experimental subject. In the third experiment, the score is the sum of the scalar values for the first and second items. Therefore, in the third experiment, the maximum score is "+6" and the minimum score is "-6". Furthermore, in the third experiment, the condition of the space of the experimental subject is the maximum illuminance of the spotlight in the space of the experimental subject. In other words, Figure 6 shows the results of changing the maximum illuminance of the spotlight in the space of the experimental subject and calculating the score for each maximum illuminance.

The straight line C1 shown in FIG. 6 represents the correlation between the score and the maximum illuminance, which is calculated approximately as a linear function. As shown in FIG. 6, the score and the maximum illuminance are positively correlated. In other words, FIG. 6 shows the result that the greater the maximum illuminance of the spotlight, the easier it is for each subject to concentrate. As shown in FIG. 6, in the range where the maximum illuminance of the spotlight is 750 lx or more, the score is "+1" or more. Therefore, each subject has the impression that it is easier to concentrate in the range where the maximum illuminance of the spotlight is 750 lx or more. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, in the range where the maximum illuminance of the spotlight is 1000 lx or more, the score is "+2" or more, and the average value of the scalar values of the first and second items is "+1" or more. Therefore, each subject has the impression that it is even easier to concentrate in the range where the maximum illuminance of the spotlight is 1000 lx or more.

From the results of the third experiment, the inventor of the present application has found that by controlling the lighting load 6 so that the maximum illuminance of the workspace 4 when the second load 62 is turned on by the lighting control unit 11 is 750 lx or more, the effect of making it easier for the user U1 working in the workspace 4 to concentrate can be expected. In addition, the inventor of the present application has found that by controlling the lighting load 6 so that the maximum illuminance of the workspace 4 when the second load 62 is turned on is 1000 lx or more, the effect of making it even easier for the user U1 working in the workspace 4 to concentrate can be expected.

Figure 7 shows the results of the fourth experiment. In Figure 7, the vertical axis represents the score for the space of the subject of the experiment, and the horizontal axis represents the conditions of the space of the subject of the experiment. In the fourth experiment, the score is the sum of the scalar values for the first and second items. Therefore, in the fourth experiment, the maximum score is "+6" and the minimum score is "-6". Furthermore, in the fourth experiment, the condition of the space of the subject of the experiment is the maximum illuminance of the base light in the space of the subject of the experiment. In other words, Figure 7 shows the results of changing the maximum illuminance of the base light in the space of the subject of the experiment and calculating the score for each maximum illuminance.

The straight line D1 shown in FIG. 7 represents the correlation between the score and the maximum illuminance, which is calculated approximately as a linear function. As shown in FIG. 7, the score and the maximum illuminance are negatively correlated. In other words, FIG. 7 shows that the smaller the maximum illuminance of the base light, the easier it is for each subject to concentrate. As shown in FIG. 7, in the range where the maximum illuminance of the base light is 300 lx or less, the score is "+1" or more. Therefore, each subject has the impression that it is easier to concentrate when the maximum illuminance of the base light is 300 lx or less. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, in the range where the maximum illuminance of the base light is 200 lx or less, the score is "+2" or more, and the average value of the scalar values of the first and second items is "+1" or more. Therefore, each subject has the impression that it is even easier to concentrate when the maximum illuminance of the base light is 200 lx or less.

From the results of the fourth experiment, the inventor of the present application has found that by controlling the lighting load 6 so that the maximum illuminance of the workspace 4 when the lighting control unit 11 turns on the first load 61 is 300 lx or less, the effect of making it easier for the user U1 working in the workspace 4 to concentrate can be expected. In addition, the inventor of the present application has found that by controlling the lighting load 6 so that the maximum illuminance of the workspace 4 when the lighting control unit 11 turns on the first load 61 is 200 lx or less, the effect of making it even easier for the user U1 working in the workspace 4 to concentrate can be expected.

Figure 8 shows the results of the fifth experiment. In Figure 8, the vertical axis represents the score for the space of the subject of the experiment, and the horizontal axis represents the conditions of the space of the subject of the experiment. In the fifth experiment, the score is a scalar value for the third item of each subject. Therefore, in the fifth experiment, the maximum score is "+3" and the minimum score is "-3". In addition, in the fifth experiment, the conditions of the space of the subject of the experiment are the color temperature (correlated color temperature) of the illumination light emitted by each of the base light and spotlight in the space of the subject of the experiment. In other words, Figure 8 shows the results of changing the color temperature of the illumination light in the space of the subject of the experiment and calculating the score for each color temperature. Note that in Figure 8, the values on the horizontal axis are expressed in mired values, which are units of inverse color temperature.

The straight line E1 shown in FIG. 8 represents the correlation between the score and the mired value, which is calculated approximately as a linear function. As shown in FIG. 8, the score and the mired value are negatively correlated. In other words, FIG. 8 shows the result that the lower the color temperature, the harder it is to see the characters on the display of the personal computer used for typing work. As shown in FIG. 8, in the range of the mired value of about 250 or less (in other words, in the range of the color temperature of the illumination light in the experimental space of about 3500K or more), the score is "0" or more. Therefore, in the range of the color temperature of the illumination light in the experimental space of 3500K or more, each subject has the impression that the characters on the display of the personal computer used for typing work are easy to see.

From the results of the fifth experiment, the inventors of the present application have found that by having the lighting control unit 11 control the lighting load 6 so that the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting load 6 is 3500K or higher, it is possible to expect an effect of improving the workability of the user U1 working in the workspace 4.

Figure 9 shows the results of the sixth experiment. In Figure 9, the vertical axis represents the score for the space of the experimental subject, and the horizontal axis represents the conditions of the space of the experimental subject. In the sixth experiment, the score is the sum of the scalar values for the fourth item of each subject. Therefore, in the sixth experiment, the maximum score is "+3" and the minimum score is "-3". In the sixth experiment, the conditions of the space of the experimental subject are the environment of the space of the experimental subject. Specifically, Figure 6 shows the results of obtaining the scores in each of the second environment En2, the third environment En3, and the fourth environment En4. In the third environment En3, only the base light is turned on so that the average illuminance of the space of the experimental subject is 750 lx, and no sound is played from the audio device. In the fourth environment En4, the base light is turned on so that the maximum illuminance is 300 lx, the spotlight is turned on so that the maximum illuminance is 1500 lx, and white noise is played from the audio device.

The whiskers F1 in FIG. 9 represent the range of scores for all subjects. The box F2 in FIG. 9 represents the range of standard deviations for scores for all subjects. The line segment F3 in FIG. 9 represents the representative value (here, the median) of scores for all subjects. As shown in FIG. 9, the representative value of the score in the third environment En3 is "-1.5", while the representative value of the score in the fourth environment En4 is "0" or more. Furthermore, the representative value of the score in the second environment En2 is "+1" or more. For this reason, each subject had the impression that an environment in which white noise or the sound of running water was played in the experimental space was less disruptive to work than an environment in which no sound was played in the experimental space.

From the results of the sixth experiment, the inventor of the present application has found that by having the sound control unit 12 control the sound device 7 to play at least one of natural environmental sounds and white noise in the workspace 4, it is expected that noise in the workspace 4 will be less likely to interfere with the work of the user U1. Furthermore, the inventor of the present application has found that by having the sound control unit 12 control the sound device 7 to play the sound of running water in the workspace 4, it is expected that noise in the workspace 4 will be even less likely to interfere with the work of the user U1.

[Action]
An example of the operation of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that the lighting control unit 11 and the sound control unit 12 do not control the lighting loads 6 and the sound devices 7 installed in each work space 4 before receiving a lighting control input and a sound control input, respectively.

First, the lighting control unit 11 and the sound control unit 12 wait until they receive a lighting control input and a sound control input, respectively (S1: No). Then, when they receive the lighting control input and the sound control input (S1: Yes), the lighting control unit 11 and the sound control unit 12 control the lighting loads 6 and the sound devices 7 installed in each work space 4 according to the received lighting control input and the sound control input, respectively (S2). A part of the process S2 and processes S4 and S5 described later correspond to the lighting control step ST1 of the environmental control method. As a result, the lighting environment and the sound environment of each work space 4 are controlled based on the lighting control input and the sound control input.

The lighting control input is, for example, a lighting schedule from the start of work to the end of work on any given day. The sound control input is, for example, a sound schedule from the start of work to the end of work on any given day. In this case, the lighting environment and sound environment of each work space 4 are controlled according to the lighting schedule and sound schedule, respectively.

After that, if there is no change in the received lighting control input (S3: No), the lighting control unit 11 maintains the above control (S4). On the other hand, if there is a change in the received lighting control input (S3: Yes), the lighting control unit 11 controls to change the lighting environment of each work space 4 based on the changed lighting control input (S5). This updates the lighting environment of each work space 4.

Similarly, if there is no change in the received acoustic control input (S6: No), the acoustic control unit 12 maintains the above control (S7). On the other hand, if there is a change in the received acoustic control input (S6: Yes), the acoustic control unit 12 controls to change the acoustic environment of each workspace 4 based on the changed acoustic control input (S8). This updates the acoustic environment of each workspace 4.

A change in the lighting control input may occur, for example, when an authorized person adjusts the lighting environment of each work space 4 using the display device 2. A change in the sound control input may occur, for example, when an authorized person adjusts the sound environment of each work space 4 using the display device 2. The above series of processes are then repeated until the lighting schedule and sound schedule are completed (S9: Yes).

[advantage]
The advantages of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below. First, the viewpoint of the inventor of the present application will be described. In recent years, the work styles of users have become more diverse, and for example, ABW-type offices 3 and the like have become more prominent. As already mentioned, "ABW" is a way of working in which the user U1 selects a place or desk to work at according to the work content. Specifically, "ABW" is a work style that aims to improve the productivity of the user U1 by preparing multiple spaces or environments suitable for the activities of the user U1, such as solo work in which one person concentrates on working alone or group work in which multiple people share ideas.

By the way, it is possible to provide a space where user U1 can easily concentrate on their work by providing a private room or individual booth. However, in an office 3 having an open space where multiple users U1 stay in the same space, it is difficult to provide an environment where each user U1 can easily concentrate on their work. Therefore, the inventor of the present application has considered a system that makes it easier for users U1 to concentrate on their work in the office 3.

Based on the results of the above [Verification], in the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 6 so that the illuminance ratio between the first load 61 and the second load 62 is 0.4 or less. As a result, the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment has the advantage of being able to provide a space in which the user U1 can relatively easily concentrate. Specifically, in the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, even in an office 3 having an open space in which multiple users U1 stay in the same space, if the lighting load 6 is controlled so that the illuminance ratio between the first load 61 and the second load 62 is 0.4 or less for each work space 4 in which each user U1 stays, it is possible to provide an environment in which each user U1 can easily concentrate on their work.

(Modification)
Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Modifications of the embodiment will be listed below. The modifications described below may be combined as appropriate.

In the embodiment, in each work space 4, the lighting control unit 11 and the audio control unit 12 may control the lighting load 6 and the audio device 7 during the day, may control the lighting load 6 and the audio device 7 at night, or may control the lighting load 6 and the audio device 7 both during the day and at night. By controlling the lighting load 6 during the day as in the above embodiment, there is an advantage that it is easier to improve both workability and comfort compared to a case where only the lighting load 6 is controlled so that the color temperature (correlated color temperature) is relatively high during the day, taking into account the circadian rhythm.

In the embodiment, in each work space 4, the acoustic control unit 12 preferably controls the acoustic device 7 so that the noise level in the work space 4 is 40 dB or more and less than 60 dB. For example, if the acoustic device 7 is controlled so that the noise level in the work space 4 is 60 dB or more, the user U1 will be bothered by the sound reproduced from the acoustic device 7, and it is highly likely that this will interfere with the work. On the other hand, this aspect has the advantage that when the user U1 is working, the sound reproduced from the acoustic device 7 is less likely to interfere with the work.

In an embodiment, when there are multiple work spaces 4, the lighting control unit 11 and the sound control unit 12 may control the lighting loads 6 and sound devices 7 assigned to each of the multiple work spaces 4 so as to make the environments of the multiple work spaces 4 different from each other. This makes it possible to make the environment different for each work space 4, and it is possible to expect different zoning effects and the above-mentioned active zoning effects for each work space 4.

In the above case, in any one of the multiple work spaces 4, the lighting control unit 11 may control the lighting load 6 so that the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting load 6 is 4000K or less, and the audio control unit 12 may control the audio device 7 to play music classified as jazz or bossa nova in the work space 4.

This provides a space that is expected to have a more relaxing effect than when only the illumination light from the lighting load 6 is provided to the workspace 4. Note that instead of music classified as jazz or bossa nova, other music that tends to make the parasympathetic nerves of the user U1 more dominant than the sympathetic nerves may be used.

Furthermore, in the above case, in any one of the multiple work spaces 4, the lighting control unit 11 may control the lighting load 6 so that the illuminance in the center of the work area 41 in the work space 4 is higher than the illuminance in other parts, and the audio control unit 12 may control the audio device 7 to play white noise or natural environmental sounds in the work space 4.

This provides a space that is expected to have an even greater effect of enhancing concentration compared to when only illumination light from the lighting load 6 is provided to the work space 4.

In the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 controls the lighting loads 6 and the audio devices 7 of each of the multiple work spaces 4, but is not limited to this. For example, the environmental control system 100 may control only the lighting loads 6 and the audio devices 7 of one work space 4.

In the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 targets one office 3, but is not limited to this. For example, the environmental control system 100 may target multiple offices 3 and control the lighting loads 6 and audio equipment 7 of each work space 4 for each office 3.

In the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 does not need to include a display device 2. In this case, the environmental control system 100 may be configured in advance at the start of use of the environmental control system 100 to control, for example, the lighting loads 6 and the audio device 7.

In the embodiment, the lighting load 6 is not included in the components of the environmental control system 100, but the lighting load 6 may be included in the components of the environmental control system 100. Similarly, in the embodiment, the audio device 7 is not included in the components of the environmental control system 100, but the audio device 7 may be included in the components of the environmental control system 100.

In the embodiment, the office 3 has multiple work spaces 4, but this is not limited to this. For example, the office 3 may have only one work space 4. In other words, the entire office 3 may be the work space 4.

In addition, for example, in the above embodiment, the environmental control system 100 is realized by multiple devices, but it may be realized as a single device. For example, the environmental control system 100 may be realized as a single device equivalent to a server device. When the environmental control system 100 is realized by multiple devices, the components of the environmental control system 100 may be distributed in any way among the multiple devices. For example, the components of the server device in the above embodiment may be provided in an information terminal installed in a closed space. In other words, the present invention may be realized by cloud computing or edge computing.

For example, the method of communication between the devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, a relay device (not shown) may be used in the communication between the devices.

In addition, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

In addition, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. In addition, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

In addition, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

For example, the present invention may be realized as a lighting control method executed by a computer such as the environmental control system 100, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a lighting control method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

(summary)
As described above, the environmental control system 100 includes the lighting control unit 11. The lighting control unit 11 controls the illuminance of the lighting load 6 provided in the work space 4. The lighting load 6 includes a first load 61 having a diffuse light distribution characteristic and a second load 62 having a concentrated light distribution characteristic. The lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 6 so that the illuminance ratio of the maximum illuminance of the work space 4 when the first load 61 is turned on to the maximum illuminance of the work space 4 when the second load 62 is turned on is 0.4 or less.

Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of providing a space in which user U1 can concentrate relatively easily.

For example, in the environmental control system 100, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 6 so that the illuminance ratio is 0.25 or less.

Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of providing a space in which user U1 can concentrate more easily.

For example, in the environmental control system 100, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 6 so that the maximum illuminance of the working space 4 when the second load 62 is turned on is 750 lx or more.

Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of providing a space in which user U1 can concentrate more easily.

For example, in the environmental control system 100, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 6 so that the maximum illuminance of the working space 4 when the second load 62 is turned on is 1000 lx or more.

Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of providing a space in which user U1 can concentrate more easily.

For example, in the environmental control system 100, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 6 so that the maximum illuminance of the working space 4 when the first load 61 is turned on is 300 lx or less.

Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of providing a space in which user U1 can concentrate more easily.

For example, in the environmental control system 100, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 6 so that the maximum illuminance of the working space 4 when the first load 61 is turned on is 200 lx or less.

Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of providing a space in which user U1 can concentrate more easily.

Also, for example, in the environmental control system 100, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 6 so that the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting load 6 is 3500K or higher.

Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of making it easier to improve the workability of user U1 working in the workspace 4.

For example, in the environmental control system 100, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 6 during the day.

Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage that it is easier to improve both workability and comfort compared to a case in which only the lighting load 6 is controlled so that the color temperature (correlated color temperature) is relatively high during the day, taking into account the circadian rhythm.

For example, the environmental control system 100 further includes an audio control unit 12 that controls the audio device 7 provided in the workspace 4. The audio control unit 12 controls the audio device 7 to play at least one of natural environmental sounds and white noise in the workspace 4.

Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage that noise in the work space 4 is less likely to interfere with the work of the user U1.

Furthermore, for example, according to the environmental control system 100, the audio control unit 12 controls the audio device 7 to reproduce the sound of running water in the working space 4.

Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage that noise in the work space 4 is even less likely to interfere with work.

For example, in the environmental control system 100, the acoustic control unit 12 controls the acoustic device 7 so that the noise level in the work space 4 is greater than or equal to 40 dB and less than 60 dB.

This type of environmental control system 100 has the advantage that the sound played from the audio device 7 is less likely to interfere with the work of the user U1.

For example, the environmental control system 100 further includes a display device 2 having a display unit 21 that displays the control parameters of the lighting control unit 11.

Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage that it allows the authorized person to easily visually grasp the control content.

For example, in the environmental control system 100, the display device 2 further includes an input receiving unit 22 that receives input for setting control parameters. The display unit 21 displays the range of control parameters that can be received by the input receiving unit 22.

This type of environmental control system 100 has the advantage that the authorized person can easily visually grasp the range within which the environment of the workspace 4 can be changed, making it less likely that the environment of the workspace 4 will be changed beyond the allowable range.

In addition, for example, in the environmental control system 100, when the input receiving unit 22 receives a setting input for a control parameter of either the first load 61 or the second load 62, the display unit 21 displays the control parameter of the other load in conjunction with the control parameter of the other load.

According to the environmental control system 100, the authorized person can control the first load 61 and the second load 6
2, it is sufficient for the authorized person to set only one of the control parameters, which improves convenience for the authorized person.

For example, the environmental control system 100 further includes an audio control unit 12 that controls an audio device 7 provided in the work space 4. There are multiple work spaces 4. The lighting control unit 11 and the audio control unit 12 control the lighting loads 6 and the audio device 7 assigned to each of the multiple work spaces 4 so as to make the environments of the multiple work spaces 4 different from one another.

This type of environmental control system 100 has the advantage that by providing a different environment for each work space 4, it becomes easier for user U1 to select the environment he or she desires, which can improve the convenience of user U1.

For example, in the environmental control system 100, in any one of the multiple work spaces 4, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 6 so that the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting load 6 is 4000K or less. The audio control unit 12 controls the audio device 7 to play music classified as jazz or bossa nova in the work space 4.

Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of being able to provide a space in which user U1 can feel relatively relaxed.

For example, in the environmental control system 100, in any one of the multiple work spaces 4, the lighting control unit 11 controls the lighting load 6 so that the illuminance in the center of the work area 41 in the work space 4 is higher than the illuminance in other parts. The audio control unit 12 controls the audio device 7 to play white noise or natural environmental sounds in the work space 4.

Such an environmental control system 100 has the advantage of providing a space in which user U1 can concentrate relatively easily.

For example, the environmental control method also includes a lighting control step ST1. In the lighting control step ST1, the illuminance of a lighting load 6 provided in the work space 4 is controlled. The lighting load 6 has a first load 61 having a diffuse light distribution characteristic and a second load 62 having a concentrated light distribution characteristic. In the lighting control step ST1, the lighting load 6 is controlled so that the illuminance ratio of the maximum illuminance of the work space 4 when the first load 61 is turned on to the maximum illuminance of the work space 4 when the second load 62 is turned on is 0.4 or less.

This type of environmental control method has the advantage of providing a space in which user U1 can concentrate relatively easily.

Also, for example, the program causes one or more processors to execute the above-mentioned environmental control method.

This type of program has the advantage of providing a space where user U1 can concentrate relatively easily.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Environmental control system 11 Lighting control unit 12 Sound control unit 2 Display device 21 Display unit 22 Input reception unit 4 Working space 41 Working area 6 Lighting load 61 First load 62 Second load 7 Sound device ST1 Lighting control step

Claims (16)

A lighting control unit that controls the illuminance of a lighting load provided in the working space,
The lighting load includes a first load having a diffuse light distribution characteristic and a second load having a condensed light distribution characteristic,
the lighting control unit controls the lighting loads such that an illuminance ratio of a maximum illuminance in the working space when the first load is turned on to a maximum illuminance in the working space when the second load is turned on is 0.4 or less ;
A display device having a display unit that displays a control parameter of the lighting control unit,
The display device further includes an input receiving unit for receiving a setting input of the control parameter.
And,
the display unit displays a range of the control parameter that can be accepted by the input acceptance unit;
When the input receiving unit receives a setting input of the control parameter of one of the first load and the second load, the display unit displays the control parameter of the other load in conjunction with the control parameter of the first load.
Environmental control system. The lighting control unit controls the lighting load so that the illuminance ratio is 0.25 or less.
The environmental control system of claim 1 . The lighting control unit controls the lighting loads so that a maximum illuminance of the working space when the second load is turned on is 750 lx or more.
3. An environmental control system according to claim 1 or 2. The lighting control unit controls the lighting load so that a maximum illuminance of the working space when the second load is turned on is 1000 lx or more.
The environmental control system of claim 3. The lighting control unit controls the lighting loads so that a maximum illuminance of the working space when the first load is turned on is 300 lx or less.
The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The lighting control unit controls the lighting loads so that a maximum illuminance of the working space when the first load is turned on is 200 lx or less.
The environmental control system of claim 5. The lighting control unit controls the lighting load so that the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting load is 3500 K or higher.
The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The lighting control unit controls the lighting load during the day.
The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Further, an audio control unit is provided to control an audio device provided in the working space,
The acoustic control unit controls the acoustic device to reproduce at least one of natural environmental sound and white noise in the working space.
The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The sound control unit controls the sound device to reproduce the sound of running water in the working space.
10. The environmental control system of claim 9. The acoustic control unit controls the acoustic device so that the noise level in the working space is equal to or greater than 40 dB and less than 60 dB.
11. An environmental control system according to claim 9 or 10. Further, an audio control unit is provided to control an audio device provided in the working space,
The working space is a plurality of spaces,
the lighting control unit and the sound control unit respectively control the lighting loads and the sound devices assigned to each of the plurality of work spaces so as to make the environments of the plurality of work spaces different from one another;
The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . In any one of the plurality of working spaces,
The lighting control unit controls the lighting load so that a color temperature of light emitted by the lighting load is 4000 K or less,
The audio control unit controls the audio device to play music classified as jazz or bossa nova in the work space.
13. The environmental control system of claim 12 . In any one of the plurality of working spaces,
the lighting control unit controls the lighting load so that an illuminance at a center of a work area in the work space is higher than an illuminance at other portions;
The audio control unit controls the audio device to reproduce white noise or natural environmental sounds in the work space.
14. An environmental control system according to claim 12 or 13 . A lighting control step of controlling illuminance of a lighting load provided in the work space,
The lighting load includes a first load having a diffuse light distribution characteristic and a second load having a condensed light distribution characteristic,
In the lighting control step, the lighting loads are controlled so that an illuminance ratio of a maximum illuminance in the working space when the first load is turned on to a maximum illuminance in the working space when the second load is turned on is 0.4 or less ;
The method further includes a display step of displaying a control parameter of the lighting control step on a display unit of a display device,
The display device further includes an input receiving unit for receiving a setting input of the control parameter.
And,
In the display step, a range of the control parameter that can be accepted by the input acceptance unit is displayed on the display unit;
In the display step, when the input receiving unit receives a setting input of the control parameter of either the first load or the second load, the display unit displays the control parameter of the other load in conjunction with the control parameter of the first load.
Environmental control methods. One or more processors,
Executing the environmental control method according to claim 15 ,
program.

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