JP7756328B2 - Lighting control simulating device and lighting control simulating method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a lighting control simulation device and a lighting control simulation method.

Patent document 1 discloses a regional mutual assistance patrol support device that determines the routes for multiple patrol personnel to patrol multiple assigned destinations.

Patent document 2 discloses an information provision method that groups multiple mobile subjects that are presumed to have relationships with each other based on the attribute information of each of the multiple mobile subjects, and provides each mobile subject belonging to each group with information that will influence the destination of that mobile subject.

Patent document 3 discloses a guidance system that includes a first output device that is placed at a predetermined location and outputs content, a first measurement device that measures people flow data that indicates the dynamics of people moving around the first output device, and a control device that receives the people flow data measured by the first measurement device, calculates a coefficient for the people flow data based on the content, and selects content based on the coefficient or stops the output of content so that the people flow data falls within a predetermined range.

Non-patent document 1 discloses that a model is constructed to describe the macroscopic movement path of pedestrians, and then an existing walking model is incorporated to account for the sense of pressure from physical elements such as pillars and walls, and the two models are integrated to construct a pedestrian behavior model.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-112929 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-154458 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-35992

Estimation and Verification of Pedestrian Behavior Models Using High-Precision Trajectory Data from Laser Sensors, Toshiyasu Osaragi, Arisa Homma, Hiroyuki Kaneko, Journal of Architecture and Planning, Architectural Institute of Japan, Vol. 84, No. 763, pp. 1883-1891, September 2019, DOI https://doi.org/10.3130/aija.84.1883

However, the conventional Patent Documents 1 to 3 and Non-Patent Document 1 have the problem that they do not take any measures to simulate the effects that can be expected when installing lighting fixtures.

Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a lighting control simulation device and a lighting control simulation method that can simulate in advance the effects that can be expected when introducing lighting fixtures capable of implementing affordance lighting.

One aspect of the lighting control simulator according to the present disclosure is a lighting control simulator that simulates the effect of a lighting fixture on pedestrians depending on the conditions of the planned installation location of the lighting fixture and the surrounding area of the planned installation location. The lighting control simulator receives road map data representing the planned installation location of the lighting fixture and the surrounding area, pedestrian data representing the attributes of the pedestrians, lighting fixture specification data representing the specifications for the illumination of the lighting fixture planned to be installed at the planned installation location, and lighting illumination pattern data representing multiple illumination patterns for emitting light from the lighting fixture. The lighting control simulator receives input of road map data representing the planned installation location of the lighting fixture and the surrounding area, lighting fixture specification data representing the specifications for the illumination of the lighting fixture planned to be installed at the planned installation location, and lighting illumination pattern data representing multiple illumination patterns for emitting light from the lighting fixture. The lighting control simulator includes a processing unit that virtually sets where the lighting fixture will be installed on the road map data, and obtains simulation results that predict how the flow of pedestrians will change at the planned installation location and the surrounding area by using the lighting fixture specification data and/or the lighting illumination pattern data.

Furthermore, one aspect of the lighting control simulation method according to the present disclosure is a lighting control simulation method that simulates the effect of a lighting fixture on pedestrians depending on the conditions of the planned installation location of the lighting fixture and the surrounding area of the planned installation location, and includes inputting road map data representing the planned installation location of the lighting fixture and the surrounding area, pedestrian data representing the attributes of the pedestrians, lighting fixture specification data representing the specifications regarding the illumination of the lighting fixture planned to be installed at the planned installation location, and lighting illumination pattern data representing multiple illumination patterns for emitting light from the lighting fixture, virtually setting where on the road map data the lighting fixture will be installed, and obtaining simulation results that predict how the flow of pedestrians will change at the planned installation location and the surrounding area by using the lighting fixture specification data and/or the lighting illumination pattern data.

This disclosure makes it possible to simulate in advance the effects that can be expected when introducing lighting fixtures capable of affordance lighting.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a lighting simulation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing various data. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the results of the simulation. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the lighting control simulator according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a lighting simulation system according to a modified example of the embodiment.

The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims are described as optional components.

Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Furthermore, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals in each figure.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment)
<Overview>
For example, by implementing affordance lighting by placing multiple lighting fixtures in a passageway, plaza, facility, etc. and adjusting the lighting mode of the light emitted from the lighting fixtures, it is possible to expect the following effects: guiding pedestrians in a predetermined direction, gathering guided pedestrians in a predetermined area, or guiding pedestrians gathered in a predetermined area to disperse. For example, the savanna effect is known, which states that pedestrians are guided to areas with brighter vertical illuminance than areas with darker vertical illuminance. Since affordance lighting mainly illuminates the ground, it is strictly different from the savanna effect, which is related to vertical illuminance. However, by changing the control state of a predetermined illumination pattern of light in order to achieve an effect similar to the savanna effect and influencing pedestrians' emotions through the savanna effect, it is possible to guide pedestrians.

Here, an illumination pattern refers to a scene in which affordance lighting is implemented, which differs from a simple, always-on scene. An illumination pattern in which affordance lighting is implemented is realized, for example, by a dynamic control signal that repeatedly increases and decreases light output. Changing the control state of an illumination pattern refers to executing affordance lighting from a simple, always-on scene or lights-off scene, executing a different affordance lighting from affordance lighting, or returning from affordance lighting to a simple, always-on scene or lights-off scene. Increasing or decreasing light output includes increasing or decreasing the luminous intensity and illuminance of light emitted by a lighting fixture, increasing or decreasing the luminous intensity and illuminance of light irradiated onto an irradiated surface, changing the color temperature or chromaticity of light emitted by a lighting fixture, and changing the color temperature or chromaticity of light irradiated onto an irradiated surface. An example of affordance lighting is lighting in which multiple lighting fixtures are arranged along a corridor, and the illuminance and chromaticity of the light irradiated onto an irradiated surface (light-irradiated area) gradually change from one side of the corridor to the other, or from the other side to one.

<Configuration and Functions>
A lighting simulation system 1 having a lighting control simulator 10 according to the following embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a lighting simulation system 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing various data. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the results of the simulation. In Figure 3, pedestrians are indicated by black or white circles, and pedestrian flow is indicated by dashed or dot-dash lines.

As shown in Figure 1, the lighting simulation system 1 of this embodiment is a system that simulates how pedestrian flow changes by virtually providing affordance lighting that can guide pedestrians (people) by adjusting the lighting aspect of light emitted from lighting fixtures. The lighting simulation system 1 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) equipped with a display unit 20 such as an LCD display and an input unit 5 such as a keyboard, or a dedicated tablet terminal.

Such a lighting simulation system 1 performs simulations of locations where people are desired to be guided, such as stores, parks, amusement parks, stations, large facilities, etc.

The lighting simulation system 1 comprises an input unit 5, a lighting control simulator 10, and a display unit 20.

[Input section 5]
The input unit 5 is an input interface such as a keyboard or a pointing device that can input various data to the lighting control simulator 10. The various data include at least the road map data shown in Fig. 1, and pedestrian data, lighting fixture specification data, and lighting irradiation pattern data as shown in Fig. 2(a) to (e). The various data may further include pedestrian traffic frequency data and vehicle traffic frequency data.

Road map data represents the planned installation locations of lighting fixtures and the surrounding areas of those locations. Virtual lighting fixtures can be placed on the road map data and superimposed on the road map data. Since road map data indicates location information such as latitude and longitude, when virtual lighting fixtures are placed on the road map data, the location information can be linked to the virtual lighting fixtures.

Pedestrian data represents the attributes of pedestrians. Pedestrian attributes include the pedestrian's gender, age, occupation, etc. For example, pedestrian attributes include a student going to or from school, an office worker commuting, shopping, taking a walk, a delivery person, a police officer on patrol, etc.

In addition to pedestrian data, various data may also include moving vehicle attribute data. Moving vehicle attribute data represents the attributes of moving vehicles. Moving vehicle attributes include vehicle type, vehicle form, etc. For example, moving vehicle attributes include bus, private car, taxi, commercial delivery vehicle, ambulance, police car, and fire engine.

Lighting fixture specification data represents the specifications regarding the illumination of the lighting fixture planned to be installed at the planned installation location. The specifications regarding the illumination of the lighting fixture include the color temperature of the lighting fixture, installation position, product number, etc.

Lighting illumination pattern data represents multiple illumination patterns for emitting light from a lighting fixture. Illumination patterns are composed of a combination of settings for the illuminance of the illumination point when the lighting fixture shines light on the illuminated surface, whether the light emitted by the lighting fixture blinks or not, the time interval for blinking, the light color of the lighting fixture, whether the illumination point is fixed or moving, and, if the illumination point is moving, whether the illumination position range and movement speed are fixed or variable. Furthermore, when setting the illumination pattern, it is possible to specify the lighting fixture to be used. For this reason, the lighting illumination pattern data also includes the lighting fixture to be used.

Pedestrian traffic frequency data represents time periods when pedestrian traffic frequency (traffic volume) is higher than a reference value. For example, pedestrian traffic frequency data may represent the pedestrian traffic frequency for each time period when the traffic frequency at a specified location is higher than a reference value, and may include only time periods with traffic frequencies equal to or greater than the specified value. The reference value is a preset value and can be changed as desired.

Vehicle traffic frequency data represents time periods when the frequency of vehicle traffic (traffic volume) other than pedestrians is higher than a reference value. For example, vehicle traffic frequency data may represent the frequency of vehicle traffic for each time period when the traffic frequency at a specified location is higher than a reference value, and may include only time periods with traffic frequencies equal to or greater than the specified value. The reference value is a preset value and can be changed as desired.

In addition, pedestrian traffic frequency data and vehicle traffic frequency data may or may not be input into the input unit 5.

As shown in Figure 1, the input unit 5 outputs the various input data to the lighting control simulator 10.

[Lighting control simulator 10]
The lighting control simulator 10 acquires various data from the input unit 5. The lighting control simulator 10 stores the acquired various data in the corresponding first to sixth storage units 11a to 11f.

The lighting control simulator 10 simulates the effect of lighting fixtures on pedestrians based on the planned installation location of the lighting fixtures and the conditions (various data) of the surrounding area of the planned installation location. For example, the lighting control simulator 10 simulates the effect of lighting fixtures on pedestrians by placing virtual lighting fixtures capable of providing affordance lighting at the planned installation location on road map data, and by inputting various data such as the planned installation location and the conditions of the surrounding area of the planned installation location.

Specifically, the lighting control simulator 10 includes a first memory unit 11a to a sixth memory unit 11f and a processing unit 12.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first memory unit 11a stores road map data. When new road map data is acquired, the first memory unit 11a can update and store the road map data.

The second memory unit 11b stores pedestrian data for each of multiple pedestrians. When new pedestrian data is acquired, the second memory unit 11b can update and store the pedestrian data.

The third memory unit 11c stores lighting fixture specification data for each of a plurality of lighting fixtures. Once lighting fixture specification data is acquired, the third memory unit 11c can update the lighting fixture specification data.

The fourth memory unit 11d stores illumination irradiation pattern data. When illumination irradiation pattern data is acquired, the fourth memory unit 11d can update and store the illumination irradiation pattern data.

The fifth memory unit 11e stores pedestrian traffic frequency pattern data. Once pedestrian traffic frequency pattern data is acquired, the fifth memory unit 11e can update and store the pedestrian traffic frequency pattern data.

The sixth memory unit 11f stores vehicle traffic frequency pattern data. Once vehicle traffic frequency pattern data is acquired, the sixth memory unit 11f can update and store the vehicle traffic frequency pattern data.

In addition, the first memory unit 11a to the sixth memory unit 11f may be a single memory unit.

In addition, various data in the first memory unit 11a to the sixth memory unit 11f are updated by input from the input unit 5. Furthermore, at least road map data, pedestrian data, lighting fixture specification data, and lighting irradiation pattern data can be periodically or temporarily (manually) downloaded from a predetermined external device 9 to update various data in the first memory unit 11a to the fourth memory unit 11d. Furthermore, various data in the fifth memory unit 11e and the sixth memory unit 11f can be periodically or temporarily downloaded from a predetermined external device 9 to update various data in the fifth memory unit 11e and the sixth memory unit 11f.

The processing unit 12 can obtain the results of a simulation that predicts how pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and in the surrounding area.

Specifically, the processing unit 12 virtually sets where on the road map data the lighting fixtures will be installed based on the various data input to the input unit 5. After virtually setting where on the road map data the lighting fixtures will be installed, the processing unit 12 uses at least the lighting fixture specification data and/or the lighting irradiation pattern data to obtain simulation results that predict how pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and in the surrounding area.

For example, after virtually setting where lighting fixtures will be installed on road map data, the processing unit 12 uses an artificial intelligence simulation algorithm to perform a simulation based on at least the location information of the virtually installed lighting fixtures, lighting fixture specification data, and/or lighting irradiation pattern data to predict how pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and the surrounding area, and obtains the simulation results. The artificial intelligence simulation algorithm may be a learning model obtained by machine learning of past sample data. The past sample data may be training data that has learned changes in pedestrian flow based on at least the virtual installation locations of the lighting fixtures and the lighting fixture specification data and/or lighting irradiation pattern data. The learning of the artificial intelligence simulation algorithm may be performed using one or more known statistical classification techniques. Furthermore, the processing unit 12 may update the simulation algorithm by receiving feedback from the simulation results.

Furthermore, if pedestrian traffic frequency data and vehicle traffic frequency data are further input as various data from the input unit 5, the processing unit 12 may acquire the results of a simulation that predicts how pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and the surrounding area. In this case, once the processing unit 12 has virtually set where on the road map data to install the lighting fixture, it may use an artificial intelligence simulation algorithm to execute a simulation that predicts how pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and the surrounding area based on the lighting fixture specification data and/or lighting irradiation pattern data, the pedestrian traffic frequency data, and the vehicle traffic frequency data, and acquire the results of the simulation.

Then, the processing unit 12 outputs the acquired simulation results to the display unit 20.

The processing unit 12 also acquires simulation results of what proportion of multiple pedestrians can be guided when the irradiation pattern is executed, compared to when the irradiation pattern is not executed. In other words, the processing unit 12 acquires both the results of a simulation predicting how the flow of pedestrians described above will change (hereinafter referred to as the first simulation results) and the results of a simulation of what proportion of multiple pedestrians can be guided (hereinafter referred to as the second simulation results). The processing unit 12 outputs the results of these two simulations to the display unit 20.

The processing unit 12 may also cause the display unit 20 to display an image that graphs the number of customers at a store before and after the introduction of lighting fixtures capable of implementing affordance lighting, as shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the processing unit 12 may cause the display unit 20 to display, as simulation results, the change in pedestrian flow before the introduction of affordance lighting and the change in pedestrian flow after the introduction of affordance lighting.

[Display section 20]
1 and 3, the display unit 20 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 20 acquires the results of the simulation from the processing unit 12. When the display unit 20 acquires a first simulation result, the display unit 20 displays the first simulation result. When the display unit 20 acquires a second simulation result, the display unit 20 displays the second simulation result. When the display unit 20 acquires both the first simulation result and the second simulation result, the display unit 20 may display the first simulation result and the second simulation result in combination.

<Processing Operation>
The processing operations of the lighting control simulating device 10 and the lighting control simulating method according to this embodiment will be described.

(Example of operation)
This operation example will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the lighting control simulator 10 according to the embodiment.

As shown in Figure 4, first, the lighting simulation system 1 is started and the simulation program of the lighting simulation system 1 is executed. This causes a user interface that allows various data to be input to be displayed on the display unit 20.

Various data are input to the input unit 5 (S11). That is, the input unit 5 accepts at least road map data, pedestrian data, lighting fixture specification data, and lighting irradiation pattern data as various data. Furthermore, the input unit 5 may also accept pedestrian traffic frequency data and vehicle traffic frequency data as various data. The input unit 5 outputs the various input data to the lighting control simulator 10.

Next, the worker uses the input unit 5 to virtually place the lighting fixtures on the road map data displayed on the display unit 20. This causes the processing unit 12 to virtually set where on the road map data the lighting fixtures should be installed based on the various data input to the input unit 5 and the virtual placement of the lighting fixtures on the road map data (S12).

Next, once the processing unit 12 has virtually set where on the road map data the lighting fixtures will be installed, it uses at least the lighting fixture specification data and/or the lighting irradiation pattern data to obtain simulation results predicting how pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and the surrounding area (S13). For example, the processing unit 12 uses an artificial intelligence simulation algorithm to run a simulation predicting how pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and the surrounding area based on the position information of the lighting fixtures virtually installed on the road map data and the lighting fixture specification data and/or the lighting irradiation pattern data, and obtains the simulation results (first simulation results).

The processing unit 12 may also acquire a simulation result (second simulation result) that also indicates what percentage of multiple pedestrians can be guided when the irradiation pattern is executed, compared to when the irradiation pattern is not executed. That is, the processing unit 12 may acquire both the first simulation result and the second simulation result. The processing unit 12 may output the results of these two simulations to the display unit 20.

Next, the processing unit 12 outputs the results of the simulation to the display unit 20 (S14). As shown in FIG. 3, when the display unit 20 acquires the simulation results from the processing unit 12, it displays the acquired simulation results. If the display unit 20 acquires only the first simulation results, it displays only the first simulation results. If the display unit 20 acquires the second simulation results, it may further display the first and second simulation results in combination. Furthermore, if the display unit 20 acquires only the second simulation results, it may display only the second simulation results.

Then, the lighting simulation system 1 completes the processing operation of the flowchart shown in Figure 4.

<Action and effect>
Next, the effects of the lighting control simulator 10 and the lighting control simulation method according to this embodiment will be described.

As described above, the lighting control simulator 10 of this embodiment is a lighting control simulator 10 that simulates the effect of lighting fixtures on pedestrians depending on the conditions of the planned installation location of the lighting fixtures and the surrounding area of the planned installation location, and is equipped with a processing unit 12 that receives as input road map data representing the planned installation location of the lighting fixtures and the surrounding area, pedestrian data representing pedestrian attributes, lighting fixture specification data representing the specifications for illumination of the lighting fixtures planned to be installed at the planned installation location, and lighting illumination pattern data representing multiple illumination patterns for emitting light from the lighting fixtures, and virtually sets where on the road map data the lighting fixtures will be installed, and obtains simulation results that predict how pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and the surrounding area by using the lighting fixture specification data and/or the lighting illumination pattern data.

By inputting the planned installation location, the surrounding area of the planned installation location, pedestrian data, lighting fixture specification data, and lighting illumination pattern data, it is possible to simulate the flow of pedestrians when lighting fixtures capable of implementing affordance lighting are introduced.

Therefore, the lighting control simulator 10 makes it possible to simulate in advance the effects that can be expected when introducing lighting fixtures capable of implementing affordance lighting.

In addition, the lighting control simulation method of this embodiment is a lighting control simulation method that simulates the effect that lighting fixtures have on pedestrians depending on the conditions of the planned installation location of the lighting fixtures and the surrounding area of the planned installation location, and includes inputting road map data representing the planned installation location of the lighting fixtures and the surrounding area, pedestrian data representing pedestrian attributes, lighting fixture specification data representing the specifications regarding the illumination of the lighting fixtures planned to be installed at the planned installation location, and lighting illumination pattern data representing multiple illumination patterns for emitting light from the lighting fixtures, virtually setting where on the road map data the lighting fixtures will be installed, and obtaining simulation results that predict how pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and the surrounding area by using the lighting fixture specification data and/or the lighting illumination pattern data.

This allows the lighting control simulation method to achieve the same effects as described above.

In addition, in the lighting control simulator 10 of this embodiment, the processing unit 12 also obtains simulation results on what percentage of multiple pedestrians can be guided when the irradiation pattern is executed, compared to the movement of multiple pedestrians when the irradiation pattern is not executed.

This allows users to know the expected effects of affordance lighting on guiding pedestrian flow, which can be used as a basis for making decisions before installing lighting fixtures.If the expected effects are lower than expected, users can carefully consider the placement and illumination pattern of lighting fixtures that will meet their expectations before installing the lighting fixtures.

In addition, the lighting control simulator 10 of this embodiment further inputs pedestrian traffic frequency data representing time periods when the frequency of pedestrian traffic is higher than a reference value, and vehicle traffic frequency data representing time periods when the frequency of vehicle traffic other than pedestrians is higher than a reference value, thereby obtaining simulation results that predict how pedestrian traffic will change at the planned installation location and the surrounding area.

For example, if a simulation is performed for all time periods, the processing load on the lighting control simulator 10 will increase, and it may take a long time to obtain the simulation results.

However, according to this embodiment, simulations can be performed in a shorter time by, for example, narrowing down the focus to dangerous time periods when traffic volume is high and traffic accidents are likely to occur.

In particular, in systems where simulations rely on calculations performed by remote external devices 9 such as cloud servers, limiting calculations to only the most important ones can help prevent overloading of calculations and communications.

In addition, in the lighting control simulator 10 according to this embodiment, the irradiation pattern is configured by combining settings for the illuminance of the irradiation point, whether to blink or not, the time interval for blinking, the light color, and, if the irradiation point moves, settings for the irradiation position range and movement speed, which can be fixed or variable. The lighting fixture to be used can be specified when setting the irradiation pattern.

This allows various illumination patterns to be generated by changing the settings. Therefore, even if pedestrians have a wide variety of preferences, it is possible to provide an illumination pattern that suits each pedestrian. As a result, it is possible to enrich pedestrian data, making it possible to obtain more accurate simulation results.

In addition, the lighting control simulator 10 of this embodiment can update at least road map data, pedestrian data, lighting fixture specification data, and lighting irradiation pattern data by downloading them periodically or on an ad hoc basis from a predetermined external device 9.

This allows the latest data to be updated automatically or on an ad hoc basis, which prevents a decrease in the accuracy of the simulation results and makes the results more realistic.

(Modification of the embodiment)
The lighting control simulator 10a and lighting control simulating method of this modification differ from the lighting control simulator and lighting control simulating method of the embodiment in that a communication unit 12a is used instead of a processing unit. The configurations and functions of the lighting control simulator 10a and lighting control simulating method of this modification that are the same as those of the lighting control simulator 10 and lighting control simulating method of the embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of the configurations and functions will be omitted.

<Configuration and Functions>
A lighting control simulator 10a and a lighting control simulation method according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a lighting control simulator 10a relating to a modified embodiment.

In this modified example, the lighting control simulator 10a has a communication unit 12a in addition to the first memory unit 11a to the sixth memory unit 11f.

The communication unit 12a transmits the various data input to the input unit 5 to an external device 9, such as a cloud server. That is, the communication unit 12a requests the external device 9 to perform a simulation to predict how pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and the surrounding area, based on the various data input to the input unit 5 and the virtual installation position (location information) of the lighting fixture on the road map data input to the input unit 5. The external device 9 performs a simulation to predict how pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and the surrounding area, and transmits the results of the performed simulation to the communication unit 12a. As a result, the communication unit 12a receives (acquires) the results of the simulation from the external device 9. The communication unit 12a outputs the acquired simulation results to the display unit 20.

<Action and effect>
Next, the effects of the lighting control simulator 10a and the lighting control simulation method according to this modification will be described.

As described above, in the lighting control simulator 10a according to this modified example, the processing unit is a communication unit 12a capable of communicating with an external device 9. A request is made to the external device 9 for a simulation to predict how pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and in the surrounding area, and the results of the requested simulation are obtained from the external device 9.

By having the external device 9 analyze the impact of the illumination pattern on pedestrians, it is possible to suppress an increase in the processing load on the lighting control simulator 10a.

(Other variations, etc.)
The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments and modified examples of the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modified examples of the embodiments.

For example, the lighting control simulating device and lighting control simulating method in this embodiment and the modified example of this embodiment may be realized by a program that causes a computer to execute the lighting control simulating method. This program may be stored in a memory unit provided in the lighting control simulating device.

In addition, in the lighting control simulation device and lighting control simulation method in this embodiment and the modified example of the embodiment, the processing unit may use, in addition to road map data, pedestrian data, lighting fixture specification data, and lighting irradiation pattern data, moving vehicle attribute data to obtain simulation results that predict how pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and in the surrounding area.

Furthermore, the processing units and the like included in the lighting control simulation device and lighting control simulation method in this embodiment and its modified examples are typically realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually implemented as single chips, or may be integrated into a single chip that includes some or all of them.

In addition, integrated circuits are not limited to LSIs, but may be realized using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or reconfigurable processors, which allow the connections and settings of circuit cells within an LSI to be reconfigured, may also be used.

In the above embodiments and variations thereof, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program appropriate for that component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program stored on a storage medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

Furthermore, all numbers used above are examples to specifically explain the present disclosure, and the embodiments and variations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplified numbers.

Furthermore, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is one example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to other functional blocks. Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions may be processed in parallel or time-shared by a single piece of hardware or software.

The order in which each step in the flowchart is performed is for illustrative purposes only and may be other than the above. Furthermore, some of the steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

Below are shown the features of the lighting control simulation device and lighting control simulation method described based on the above embodiment and modified embodiment.

<Technology 1>
A lighting control simulator that simulates an effect of a lighting fixture on pedestrians in accordance with a planned installation location of the lighting fixture and a situation in a surrounding area of the planned installation location, comprising:
road map data representing the planned installation location of the lighting fixture and the surrounding area;
Pedestrian data representing attributes of the pedestrian;
lighting fixture specification data representing specifications related to illumination of the lighting fixture to be installed at the planned installation location;
illumination irradiation pattern data representing a plurality of irradiation patterns for emitting light from the lighting fixture;
a processing unit that receives input of data, virtually sets where on the road map data the lighting fixtures will be installed, and obtains simulation results that predict how the flow of pedestrians will change in the planned installation locations and the surrounding area by using the lighting fixture specification data and/or the lighting irradiation pattern data.

<Technology 2>
The processing unit also acquires a simulation result as to what proportion of the plurality of pedestrians can be guided in the movement of the plurality of pedestrians when the irradiation pattern is executed, compared to the movement of the plurality of pedestrians when the irradiation pattern is not executed.

<Technology 3>
The lighting control simulator according to Technology 1 or 2 further inputs pedestrian traffic frequency data representing time periods when the pedestrian traffic frequency is higher than a reference value, and vehicle traffic frequency data representing time periods when the pedestrian traffic frequency is higher than a reference value, thereby obtaining simulation results that predict how the pedestrian flow will change in the planned installation location and the surrounding area.

<Technology 4>
The irradiation pattern is configured by combining settings of illuminance of the irradiation point, settings of whether to blink or not, settings of the time interval when blinking, settings of the emitted color, and settings of the irradiation position range and the moving speed as fixed or variable values when the irradiation point moves,
The lighting control simulator according to any one of techniques 1 to 3, wherein the lighting fixture to be used can be designated in setting the irradiation pattern.

<Technology 5>
The lighting control simulator according to any one of techniques 1 to 4, wherein at least the road map data, the pedestrian data, the lighting fixture specification data, and the lighting irradiation pattern data can be updated by being downloaded from a predetermined external device periodically or on an ad hoc basis.

<Technology 6>
the processing unit is a communication unit capable of communicating with an external device,
The lighting control simulator according to any one of techniques 1 to 5, wherein a request is made to the external device for a simulation that predicts how the flow of pedestrians will change in the planned installation location and the surrounding area, and a result of the requested simulation is obtained from the external device.

<Technology 7>
1. A lighting control simulation method for simulating an effect of a lighting fixture on pedestrians according to a planned installation location of the lighting fixture and a situation of an area surrounding the planned installation location, the method comprising:
road map data representing the planned installation location of the lighting fixture and the surrounding area;
Pedestrian data representing attributes of the pedestrian;
lighting fixture specification data representing specifications related to illumination of the lighting fixture to be installed at the planned installation location;
illumination irradiation pattern data representing a plurality of irradiation patterns for emitting light from the lighting fixture;
inputting the lighting fixture specification data and/or the lighting irradiation pattern data, virtually setting where on the road map data the lighting fixture will be installed, and obtaining a simulation result that predicts how the flow of pedestrians will change in the planned installation location and the surrounding area by using the lighting fixture specification data and/or the lighting irradiation pattern data.

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

9 External device 10, 10a Lighting control simulator 12 Processing unit 12a Communication unit

Claims (7)

A lighting control simulator that simulates an effect of a lighting fixture on pedestrians in accordance with a planned installation location of the lighting fixture and a situation in a surrounding area of the planned installation location, comprising:
road map data representing the planned installation location of the lighting fixture and the surrounding area;
Pedestrian data representing attributes of the pedestrian;
lighting fixture specification data representing specifications related to illumination of the lighting fixture to be installed at the planned installation location;
illumination irradiation pattern data representing a plurality of irradiation patterns for emitting light from the lighting fixture;
a processing unit that receives input of data, virtually sets where on the road map data the lighting fixtures will be installed, and obtains simulation results that predict how the flow of pedestrians will change in the planned installation locations and the surrounding area by using the lighting fixture specification data and/or the lighting irradiation pattern data. 2. The lighting control simulator according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit also acquires a simulation result of what proportion of the plurality of pedestrians can be guided when the irradiation pattern is executed, compared to when the irradiation pattern is not executed. 3. The lighting control simulator according to claim 1, further comprising: inputting pedestrian traffic frequency data representing time periods when the pedestrian traffic frequency is higher than a reference value; and vehicle traffic frequency data representing time periods when the pedestrian traffic frequency is higher than a reference value; and acquiring simulation results predicting how the pedestrian flow will change at the planned installation location and in the surrounding area. The irradiation pattern is configured by combining settings of illuminance of the irradiation point, settings of whether to blink or not, settings of the time interval when blinking, settings of the emitted color, and settings of the irradiation position range and the moving speed as fixed or variable values when the irradiation point moves,
The lighting control simulator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lighting fixture to be used can be designated in setting the irradiation pattern. 3. The lighting control simulator according to claim 1, wherein at least the road map data, the pedestrian data, the lighting fixture specification data, and the lighting irradiation pattern data can be updated by being downloaded periodically or temporarily from a predetermined external device. the processing unit is a communication unit capable of communicating with an external device,
3. The lighting control simulator according to claim 1, wherein the external device is requested to perform a simulation to predict how the flow of pedestrians will change in the planned installation location and the surrounding area, and the results of the requested simulation are obtained from the external device. 1. A lighting control simulation method for simulating an effect of a lighting fixture on pedestrians according to a planned installation location of the lighting fixture and a situation of an area surrounding the planned installation location, the method comprising:
road map data representing the planned installation location of the lighting fixture and the surrounding area;
Pedestrian data representing attributes of the pedestrian;
lighting fixture specification data representing specifications related to illumination of the lighting fixture to be installed at the planned installation location;
illumination irradiation pattern data representing a plurality of irradiation patterns for emitting light from the lighting fixture;
inputting the lighting fixture specification data and/or the lighting irradiation pattern data, virtually setting where on the road map data the lighting fixture will be installed, and obtaining a simulation result that predicts how the flow of pedestrians will change in the planned installation location and the surrounding area by using the lighting fixture specification data and/or the lighting irradiation pattern data.