JP2002299070A - Lighting control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lighting control system that can set brightness detection region, in an arbitrary position on an image and can change the position and range of the brightness detection region, when using a TV camera as a brightness detection sensor for detecting brightness distribution in the illuminating region of a luminaire and detecting brightness from obtained image information, and can thus simply and easily accommodate changes in the brightness detection region due to a change in interior layout and the like via a change in the setting of the image information. SOLUTION: The lighting control system comprises an arithmetic processing means 12, designed to capture the detection of brightness distribution in an illuminating region of the luminaire 16 as an image from the TV camera 10 and then automatically control an optical output of a light source of the luminaire, according to the image data; and the arithmetic processing means 12 sets a plurality of brightness detection regions by the TV camera 10 on the same screen.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lighting control system in a room or the like of a building, and more particularly to a TV camera (CCD camera or the like) as a brightness detection sensor in a room or the like.
The present invention relates to a lighting control system capable of exerting more functions on image information obtained by a TV camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a lighting fixture L is provided on a ceiling surface CS.
Illumination sensor IS for detecting the brightness of the irradiation area of n is provided, and the light output of the lighting equipment Ln is automatically controlled by the dimming signal Sd output based on the detection value of the illumination sensor IS. Control systems are well known (see FIG. 43). In this case, the illuminance sensor IS
S, so that the brightness detection position with respect to the irradiation area of the lighting fixture Ln is fixed, and the brightness detection area LDA is also fixed (see FIG. 44).

Further, as a conventional lighting control system, T
A method has been proposed in which the brightness distribution of the illumination area of the lighting fixture Ln is captured as an image using a V camera or the like, and illumination control is performed using the image data. In such a lighting control method, images taken by a TV camera or the like are continuously captured, and these images are compared with a brightness distribution image at the time of lighting design to detect a change in brightness, The illumination control is performed based on this detection value.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional lighting control system, in order to perform lighting control suitable for the indoor environment as much as possible, the brightness of the illuminance sensor IS with respect to the irradiation area of the lighting fixture Ln is required. It is necessary to change the detection position and to increase the set number of brightness detection areas LDA. However, when the conventional illuminance sensor IS is used, the detection position of the illuminance sensor IS and the detection area L
There is a drawback that a large-scale work such as a ceiling work is required when the DA is added.

Further, according to the conventional illuminance sensor IS installed on the ceiling surface CS, external light or the like is directly radiated to the illuminance sensor IS, so that the illumination control that does not reflect the brightness of the illumination area of the luminaire Ln. There are difficulties falling into the state. Further, when a paper or the like having an extremely high reflectance is spread on the work surface in the immediate vicinity of the illuminance sensor IS, there is a problem in that an illumination control state in which the light output is reduced more than necessary is obtained. On the other hand, when installing the illuminance sensor IS, corresponding to the mounting position of the lighting fixture Ln connected to one circuit of the dimming control circuit,
It is troublesome to determine the position of the illuminance sensor IS and mount it.

On the other hand, in a lighting control system using a conventional TV camera or the like, although there is a possibility that the above-mentioned problem can be avoided, when the brightness distribution of the illumination area of the lighting equipment Ln is taken in, the TV camera or the like is used. Is shifted, the position on the image is different, and the lighting fixture Ln
It becomes impossible to correctly detect a change in brightness at the same position in the irradiation area, and it becomes difficult to realize appropriate illumination control.

[0007] The inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive studies and studies, and as a result, have used a TV camera as a brightness detection sensor for detecting the brightness distribution of an illumination area of a lighting fixture.
By configuring to detect the brightness from the image information obtained by the TV camera, for example, the brightness detection area can be set at an arbitrary position on the image, and these brightness detection areas can be set at the position. In addition, it has been found that it is possible to easily and easily cope with a change in the brightness detection area due to a change in the layout of the room or the like by changing the setting of the image information.

In the case where a TV camera is used as a brightness detection sensor, if the installation position of the TV camera is deviated from a predetermined position due to some external factor, the degree of the positional deviation is automatically determined from the image information. It has been found that proper illumination control can be achieved by detecting and correcting the brightness detection position to the correct position or by correcting the position of the TV camera.

On the other hand, an illumination control system having a constant brightness control function requires on-site adjustment work between a brightness detection sensor and actual brightness. In this case, the on-site adjustment operation measures the illuminance when the lighting fixture is set to the full light state (100% lighting), and determines the lighting state of the lighting fixture for securing the design (target) illuminance. Is determined, and the target value of the brightness detection sensor is determined. Therefore,
For example, when dimming the lighting equipment in a plurality of groups, the on-site adjustment work is required for each group. In this case, in the on-site adjustment work for each group, if only one group is turned on, the area other than the vicinity of the group becomes dark, and there is a problem that the work efficiency is reduced and danger is caused.

Therefore, the present inventors have conducted intensive studies and studies and as a result, when the lighting fixtures are set to be divided into a plurality of groups so as to adjust the light, there is a state where the lighting fixtures of all the groups are turned on. By detecting a difference in brightness from a state in which only a group is turned off, it has been found that a state in which the brightness is equal to a state in which only one group is turned on can be obtained.

When one brightness detection sensor is used, usually only one data is obtained, and when an object having a very high or low reflectance accidentally enters the irradiation area, However, there is a difficulty in that the brightness of the lighting device does not fluctuate, but is determined to be bright, and the output of the lighting apparatus is fluctuated.

The present inventors have conducted intensive studies and studies, and as a result, have set up a plurality of observation points on an image forming a brightness detection area by using a TV camera as a brightness detection sensor. Collecting the brightness detection data of the plurality of observation points, determining the variation of the brightness detection data of each observation point, further determining whether the variation is global or local, and In the case, it is determined that it is a variation factor due to daylight, and in the case of local, it is determined that it is a variation factor other than daylight, and it is possible to recognize the variation factor and achieve appropriate lighting control respectively. Was.

When a plurality of observation points are set on an image forming a brightness detection area as described above, accurate brightness can be obtained by using brightness detection data excluding fluctuations in brightness due to disturbance. By detecting the fluctuation of the illumination, it is possible to achieve appropriate illumination control. The determination of the disturbance in this case is performed, for example, by calculating the rate of change between the reference value and the reference value for all observation points, invalidating the brightness detection data of the observation points that are significantly different from the average value, and validating the data. By using the brightness detection data of the observed points, the average value of the reference value and the average value of the reference values are compared to determine whether it is brighter or darker than the reference value, thereby achieving appropriate lighting control. I figured out what I can do.

Further, in order to achieve proper illumination control using the brightness detection data excluding the brightness fluctuation due to the disturbance, at least one past brightness detection data is determined at the time of determining the disturbance. Storing and calculating the rate of change with the current brightness detection data, and using the rate of change in daylight illuminance per time analyzed in advance as a threshold, and when the rate of change is greater than the threshold, determines that there is a disturbance, and If it is small, it can be determined that there is no fluctuation due to disturbance, and the change of a certain observation point is compared with the change of all observation points.If the change of a certain observation point is larger than the change of all observation points, It is determined that disturbance is present, and when it is small, it is determined that there is no disturbance, so that it is possible to determine even the state of disturbance, and it has been found that more appropriate lighting control can be achieved.

In the case where a TV camera is used as a brightness detection sensor, for example, when daylight comes in through a side window, the illuminance in the vertical plane increases. There is a drawback that horizontal plane illuminance cannot be obtained.

Accordingly, the present inventors have conducted intensive studies and studies, and as a result, obtained a daylight distribution from an image of a brightness detection area taken by a TV camera, and obtained a horizontal distribution of the brightness due to the daylight. By grasping the component and the vertical component, it has been found that appropriate illumination control can be achieved even when daylight is incident.

Further, when a TV camera is used as the brightness detection sensor, it is not clear where the position of the observation point for detecting the brightness is appropriate, and the image obtained by the TV camera is not clear. It is difficult to obtain information on the horizontal plane due to the vertical plane in the shooting direction, and when daylight enters from the window side, the illuminance on the vertical plane increases. There is a difficulty that falls into a state that can not be done.

The present inventors have conducted intensive studies and studies, and as a result, many people and objects enter and leave the desk surface, floor surface, and wall surfaces in the room, and accidental brightness (luminance) fluctuations occur. However, since there is almost no entry or exit of people or objects on the ceiling, and stable brightness can be detected, the main method is to detect the brightness of the ceiling surface using a TV camera, and also to calculate the daylight component. To achieve more appropriate lighting control by predicting the brightness component of the lighting equipment and the brightness component due to daylight based on information such as the season, time, and window position as daylight fluctuation factors. Figured out what can be done.

Further, a TV is used as a brightness detecting sensor.
When a camera is used, it is also known to provide a Venetian blind for windows that can use daylight and adjust the angle of the slats (wings) to adjust the amount of light taken into the room. I have. In this case, the angle adjustment of the slats of the Venetian blind depends on the season and the time, and when light is considered, it is only at the window, and does not consider the lighting environment of the entire room.

The inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive studies and studies, and as a result, obtained an image of the ceiling with a TV camera, grasped the lighting environment in the room from the brightness distribution of the ceiling obtained from this image, and From the position of the sun that fluctuates with time and time, the position of the window, and the distribution of the brightness of the ceiling,
Energy saving of lighting control can be achieved by adjusting the angle of the slats of the blind, properly taking in daylight into the room, and controlling the light output of the lighting equipment from the distribution of the brightness of the ceiling. Ascertained.

As described above, when a TV camera is used as a brightness detection sensor, a personal computer (PC terminal), a transmission signal generator, and the like are required as auxiliary equipment indispensable to the TV camera. The complexity and the occupied area of these devices increase, and there is a drawback that the installation place and the like are restricted.

The inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive studies and studies, and as a result, have formed a camera-integrated automatic lighting control terminal unit in which the functions of a TV camera, a PC terminal, and a transmission signal generator are integrated. It has been found that the overall configuration can be made compact, the installation thereof can be facilitated, and a highly reliable system configuration can be obtained.

In addition, by applying the above-described automatic lighting control terminal with a built-in camera, various monitoring and management systems for performing security management, product inventory management, and the like utilizing a function of detecting the presence of a person or an object. That it can be effectively used as a combined system with a lighting control system.

Accordingly, a general object of the present invention is to use a TV camera as a brightness detection sensor for detecting the brightness distribution of an illumination area of a lighting fixture, and to detect brightness data from obtained image information. The brightness detection area can be set at any position on the image, the position and area of the brightness detection area can be changed, and the brightness detection area can be changed when the layout of the room is changed. An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting control system that can easily and easily cope with a change.

Further, another object of the present invention is to automatically detect the degree of positional deviation from image information and correct the detected position of brightness when the installation position of the TV camera is deviated. Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting control system capable of achieving appropriate lighting control.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a method of dimming the lighting equipment by dividing the lighting equipment into a plurality of groups. Provided is a lighting control system capable of performing a proper on-site adjustment work by detecting a difference in height to obtain a state of brightness equal to a case where only a certain group is turned on. It is in.

Another object of the present invention is to use a TV camera as a brightness detection sensor to set up a plurality of observation points on an image forming a brightness detection area to reduce fluctuations in brightness detection data. It is another object of the present invention to provide an illumination control system that can determine appropriate factors for the illumination control as well as the factors for the variations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for accurately changing brightness by using brightness detection data excluding brightness changes due to disturbance when a plurality of observation points are set on an image. And to provide a lighting control system that can achieve appropriate lighting control.

Further, another object of the present invention is to determine at least one of the past brightness detection data and calculate a rate of change from the current brightness detection data at the time of the determination of the disturbance to thereby determine the disturbance. An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting control system capable of achieving more appropriate lighting control by performing determination of presence / absence of fluctuation and a state of disturbance.

Another object of the present invention is to obtain a daylight distribution from an image of a brightness detection area taken by a TV camera, and to grasp a horizontal component and a vertical component of the brightness due to the daylight. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a lighting control system capable of achieving appropriate lighting control even when daylight is incident.

Another object of the present invention is to detect the brightness of the ceiling surface using a TV camera and calculate the daylight component, thereby obtaining seasonal, time, window position, etc. as daylight fluctuation factors. An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting control system that can achieve more appropriate lighting control by predicting a brightness component of a lighting fixture and a brightness component due to daylight based on information.

Further, another object of the present invention is to obtain a brightness distribution of a ceiling obtained by acquiring an image of a ceiling with a TV camera, a position of the sun which fluctuates depending on a season or time, and a position of a window. To provide a lighting control system that can achieve energy savings in lighting control by adjusting the angle of the slats of the blinds and controlling the light output of the lighting equipment while appropriately incorporating daylight into the room. is there.

Another object of the present invention is to integrate the functions of a TV camera, a PC terminal, and a transmission signal generator into an automatic illumination control terminal with a built-in camera, thereby reducing the overall configuration and size. Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting control system that can be easily installed and has a highly reliable system configuration.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a security device based on a function capable of detecting the presence of a person or an object from image information by utilizing the camera built-in automatic lighting control terminal having the above-mentioned configuration. An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting control system that can be effectively used as a combined system of various monitoring and management systems for performing management and inventory management of products and a lighting control system.

[0035]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a lighting control system according to the present invention captures the detection of the brightness distribution of an illumination area of a lighting fixture as an image by a TV camera, and based on this image data. In a lighting control system provided with arithmetic processing means configured to automatically control the light output of a light source of a lighting fixture, in the arithmetic processing means, a plurality of brightness detection areas by the TV camera are set on the same image. It is characterized by.

In this case, the position and / or range of the brightness detection area of the lighting fixture by the TV camera can be set to be changeable.

Further, it is possible to set so that the displacement of the installation position of the TV camera is automatically detected from the image, and the automatic control data of the light output of the light source of the lighting fixture is corrected based on the image data.

In the lighting control system, a light source group of a plurality of lighting fixtures is set in a space of a brightness detection area of the lighting fixture, and when each light source group is automatically controlled, the brightness given to a target space is set. To figure out,
By performing an arithmetic operation on the image data when all the light source groups are turned on and the image data when only one target light source group is turned off, the image data when only the target light source group is turned on is obtained. It is characterized in that, based on the acquired image data, the setting is made such that the brightness given to the space can be grasped for each target light source group.

Further, the lighting control system according to the present invention comprises:
Detection of the brightness distribution of the illumination area of the lighting equipment including daylight
A lighting control system for utilizing daylight, which is configured to automatically control the light output of the light source of the lighting fixture based on the image data by capturing the image as an image by a V camera, wherein the lighting fixture including the daylight is used by the TV camera. Calculating means for collecting brightness data of a plurality of observation points in the brightness detection area from the image data and determining a change in brightness due to daylight based on the brightness data at each of the observation points. It is characterized by having.

Further, in the arithmetic means, for each of the observation points, a change in brightness is calculated from a difference between the previous brightness data and the current brightness data, and the change in brightness is calculated by a change threshold. It can be set to determine.

Further, the calculating means calculates the ratio of the observation points whose brightness has fluctuated from the number of installations of each observation point and the number of observation points whose brightness is determined to have fluctuated,
It can be set so as to determine a change in brightness of the entire detection area.

Then, the arithmetic means determines the brightness of daylight from the ratio of the number of observation points whose brightness is determined to have fluctuated and the number of observation points whose brightness has increased or decreased. It can be set to determine the increase or decrease of the fluctuation.

Further, in the lighting control system according to the present invention, the detection of the brightness distribution of the irradiation area of the lighting fixture is captured as an image by a TV camera, and a plurality of observation points of brightness are set at arbitrary positions in the image. Then, based on the representative value of the brightness obtained from the brightness data of these observation points, in the lighting control system configured to automatically control the light output of the light source of the lighting fixture, the brightness data of a certain observation point When it is determined that the change is due to disturbance, the brightness data of the observation point is invalidated, and a calculation means for calculating a representative value of brightness is provided.

In this case, the calculating means calculates a change rate from a difference between a reference brightness and the current brightness for a plurality of set observation points, and when the change rate exceeds a predetermined threshold value, It can be set so that the brightness data of the observation point is invalidated.

Further, the threshold value can be set to a value outside the range of the standard deviation of the average value of the change rates at all observation points.

Further, the illumination control system according to the present invention captures the detection of the brightness distribution of the illumination area of the lighting fixture including daylight as an image at a fixed sampling interval by a TV camera, and an arbitrary position in the image. Use of daylight configured to set multiple observation points with different brightness and automatically control the light output of the light source of the lighting equipment based on the representative value of brightness obtained from the brightness data of these observation points The illumination control system according to the present invention is characterized in that disturbance determining means for determining a variation in brightness due to daylight and a variation in brightness due to other disturbance factors is provided.

In this case, the disturbance determination means stores at least one past brightness data Bmi (1) and a change rate Dti with the current brightness data Bmi (0).
[= {Bmi (0) -Bmi (1)} / Bmi (1)] is calculated, and the presence or absence of a change in brightness due to disturbance can be determined by the threshold value D1.

In the disturbance determining means, in addition to the presence or absence of a change in brightness due to the disturbance, the current brightness data Bmi (0) of each observation point and the brightness data Bsi of each observation point are obtained. From the rate of change Dsi [= ｛Bm at each observation point
i (0) -Bsi｝ / Bsi], and the state of the disturbance (the state changed by the disturbance, the state changed by the removal of the disturbance, the state where the disturbance continues, and the absence of the disturbance are determined by the threshold D2. Status, etc.) can be determined.

Also, the lighting control system according to the present invention
Detection of the brightness distribution of the illumination area of the lighting equipment including daylight
In a lighting control system configured to automatically control the light output of a light source of a lighting apparatus based on the image data by capturing as an image by a V camera, setting is made to acquire a daylight distribution from the image data. Calculating the distribution of brightness by the lighting device, and providing an arithmetic processing unit that is set to illuminate the illumination area of the luminaire with insufficient brightness with the luminaire only for the insufficient brightness. I do.

In this case, the arithmetic processing means can be set so as to obtain the brightness only by daylight by subtracting the brightness only by the lighting equipment from the obtained image data.

On the other hand, the lighting control system according to the present invention
In a lighting control system configured to capture a brightness distribution of an illumination area of a lighting fixture as an image by a TV camera and automatically control a light output of a light source of the lighting fixture based on the image data, the TV camera may include at least a ceiling. Is provided at a position and a direction in which the camera can be photographed, and arithmetic processing means for outputting a dimming signal of the lighting fixture based on the image data obtained by the TV camera set as described above is provided.

In this case, the arithmetic processing means can be set so as to predict the brightness distribution (horizontal plane illuminance distribution, vertical illuminance distribution, etc.) of the whole room based on the detection result of the brightness of the ceiling.

The arithmetic processing means has in advance information on the relationship between the light output of the lighting equipment and the brightness distribution of the ceiling, and calculates the brightness of the lighting equipment from the brightness distribution when daylight is incident. By subtracting, it is possible to set so as to predict the brightness distribution due to only daylight.

Further, in the arithmetic processing means, the detected brightness value is separated into a component due to the lighting equipment and a component due to daylight, and a setting is made such that a value obtained by adding each of them is a target value. Can be.

Further, the lighting control system according to the present invention comprises:
In a lighting control system provided with arithmetic processing means configured to automatically detect the light output of the light source of the lighting fixture based on the image data by detecting the brightness distribution of the illumination area of the lighting fixture as an image using a TV camera, The daylight incident angle was calculated from the relationship between the sun position information and the window position, and the horizontal and vertical components of the daylight brightness were calculated from the horizontal and vertical components. It is characterized by.

Further, the lighting control system according to the present invention captures the detection of the brightness distribution of the irradiation area of the lighting fixture as an image by a TV camera, and automatically controls the light output of the light source of the lighting fixture based on the image data. In the lighting control system thus configured, a blind capable of automatically controlling light incident from a window on an irradiation area of the lighting fixture is provided, a dimming signal of the lighting fixture is output based on image data obtained by the TV camera, and a ceiling is provided. And an arithmetic processing means for automatically controlling the blinds so as to appropriately set the brightness distribution.

In the above-described illumination control system according to the present invention, the TV camera and an arithmetic processing unit for comparing the image input from the TV camera with a preset image to generate light output control data. And a transmission unit for transmitting the light output control data as a transmission signal.

[0058]

Next, an embodiment of a lighting control system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059]

Embodiment 1 FIGS. 1 and 2 show a basic configuration of a lighting control system according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram, and FIG. 2 is a configuration layout of components constituting the system. Are respectively shown.

In FIG. 1, however, the system configuration of the illumination control system according to the present invention includes a TV camera 10 as a brightness detection sensor, an arithmetic control unit 12 including a PC terminal or the like as arithmetic processing means, Control device 1
2 for inputting an image photographed by the TV camera 10 via the PC 2 and outputting and displaying the inputted image.
A display device 14 comprising an RT or the like;
Lighting equipment 16-1, in which the light output of the light source is automatically controlled by a dimming signal output based on the image data input to
.. 16-n.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting control system having the above-described configuration is used to control the interior of the room 1 to be controlled.
8, the TV camera 10 is oriented in the required direction,
For example, a brightness detection area LDA is set at an arbitrary position in an image input area surrounded by a dashed line. And the arithmetic unit 1
In 2, the apparatus is configured to calculate the brightness data of the set brightness detection area LDA, calculate the output level of the lighting fixture based on the result, and control the light output of the lighting fixture. Note that the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS. 3 to 6 show examples of setting the brightness detection area in the illumination control system of the present invention having the above-described configuration. That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
The brightness detection areas LDA-1 to LDA-4, LDA-4 ', LDA-4 "can be set at arbitrary positions in the image input area according to the above. For example, the brightness detection area LDA- in FIG. 1 shows a case where the setting is made almost in the same manner as the conventional sensor, and the brightness detection area LDA in FIG.
-2 indicates a case where the range of the detection area is wider than the conventional sensor. Further, the brightness detection area LDA-3 in FIG.
Shows a case where the range of the detection area is the same as that of the conventional sensor and the detection position is changed. The brightness detection areas LDA-4, LDA-4 ', and LDA-4 "in FIG. 6 show the case where a plurality of detection areas having different ranges are set.
Thus, in the illumination control system of the present invention, the brightness detection areas LDA-1 to LDA-4, LDA-4 ', LDA
By providing a function that allows the user to freely change -4 ″, an advantage can be obtained that can easily and easily cope with a change in the use of the room or a change in the layout.

[0063]

Embodiment 2 FIGS. 7 to 13 show another embodiment of a lighting control system according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a control operation program of the system. Note that the system configuration of the illumination control system and the configuration and arrangement of its components in the present embodiment are the same as the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above.

However, in this embodiment, when the installation position of the TV camera 10 deviates from a predetermined position due to some external factor, the degree of the deviation is automatically detected from the image information, , The brightness detection position is corrected to a correct position, or the position of the TV camera 10 is corrected.

For example, FIG. 7 shows an image set by the TV camera 10 at the time of lighting design, and FIG.
This shows a captured image when the set position of the V camera 10 is shifted. In this case, the TV camera 10 is directed to the left and shifted, and the position of the desk and the like in the photographed image in FIG. 8 is closer to the right than in the set image in FIG. Note that “O” on the image indicates a brightness detection area LDA for performing illumination control.
Is shown. Therefore, “○” on the captured image indicates that the brightness has not been detected at the same location in the range of the illumination region in the setting image.

FIG. 9 shows the brightness distribution of the set image, and FIG. 10 shows the brightness distribution of the photographed image. In this case, focusing on the high-luminance portion (the portion indicated by red and orange) and the low-luminance portion (the portion indicated by blue) and comparing the two, the positions of the high-luminance portion and the low-luminance portion that are respectively summarized are It is confirmed that it is shifted.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing extraction of a high-brightness portion and a low-brightness portion from the brightness distribution of the set image (see FIG. 9). FIG. FIG. 10 shows extraction diagrams of a high luminance portion and a low luminance portion from FIG. 9). From these figures,
When only connected regions having a size equal to or larger than a certain size (the size is determined in consideration of the viewing angle of a TV camera or the like) are extracted, the regions are each surrounded by “O”. Therefore, the center of gravity of each area is obtained, and the moving distance (indicated by X and Y coordinates) between the maximum luminance area (or the minimum luminance area) between the setting image and the photographed image is obtained [Table 1 and Expression (1) shown therein]. , Equation (2)]. Since the distance calculated in this way is the size of the deviation of the TV camera, it is possible to correct the brightness detection area for lighting control based on the calculated value.

[0068]

[Table 1]

FIG. 13 shows a photographed image after the brightness detection area has been corrected. In this way, the brightness can be detected at almost the same position on the setting image. When detecting the displacement of the TV camera 10, the arithmetic and control unit 12 uses a warning means such as turning on an LED or sounding a buzzer to notify the user of the system of the displacement of the TV camera 10. May be notified. If a motor or the like is attached to the TV camera 10, a control signal for correcting the displacement distance, direction, and the like of the TV camera 10 is transmitted from the arithmetic and control unit 12 to the TV camera 10, and the position of the TV camera 10 is automatically corrected. It can also be configured as follows. In this case, there is no need to correct the brightness detection area.

[0070]

Embodiment 3 FIGS. 14 to 21 show still another embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the configuration and arrangement of lighting fixtures and their groups. Note that the system configuration of the illumination control system and the configuration and arrangement of its components in the present embodiment are the same as the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above.

However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the luminaire is divided into a plurality of light source groups 16-1 and 16-1.
In the case of dimming control divided into 6-2 and 16-3, the present invention proposes an improvement in work when performing on-site adjustment for each light source group 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3. That is, in such an on-site adjustment work, for example, if only one certain light source group is turned on, the area other than the vicinity of the light source group becomes dark, resulting in a decrease in work efficiency and a danger. Therefore, in the present embodiment, only one light source group is turned on by obtaining a difference in the brightness detection value between a state in which all light source groups are turned on and a state in which only one light source group is turned off. Thus, it is possible to calculate the brightness in the same state as the above, and thereby to perform the on-site adjustment work smoothly and safely.

FIGS. 15 to 21 show specific examples of the on-site adjustment work in this embodiment. First, FIG. 15 shows all light source groups 16-1, 16-2,
A photographed image when the lighting equipment of No. 16-3 is turned on is shown (this is referred to as an A image). Next, FIG. 16 shows a captured image when only the light source group 16-1 is turned off (this is referred to as a B image). FIG. 17 shows the A image and the B image.
An image obtained by performing arithmetic processing on the image and
This image is the same image as when only the light source group 16-1 is turned on.

FIG. 18 shows a captured image when only the light source group 16-2 is turned off in the same manner as described above (this is referred to as a C image). FIG. 19 shows the A image and the C image.
An image obtained by performing arithmetic processing on the image and
This image is the same image as when only the light source group 16-2 is turned on. Similarly, FIG. 20 shows a captured image when only the light source group 16-3 is turned off (this is referred to as a D image). FIG. 21 shows the A image and the D image.
An image obtained by performing arithmetic processing on the image and
This image is the same image as when only the light source group 16-3 is turned on. In this way, it is possible to easily obtain an image when only the target light source group is turned on by the arithmetic processing, and to perform the on-site adjustment work of the lighting control system efficiently and safely in a bright environment. Can be.

[0074]

Embodiment 4 FIGS. 22 to 24 show another embodiment of a lighting control system according to the present invention.
Is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the system configuration. Note that the basic system configuration of the lighting control system in the present embodiment and the configuration and arrangement of its components are the same as the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, a TV camera 10 as a brightness detection sensor and an arithmetic control unit 12 comprising a PC terminal or the like as arithmetic processing means
And the TV camera 10 via the arithmetic and control unit 12.
A dimming signal conversion device 13 for inputting an image captured by the camera and outputting a dimming signal based on the input image data; a lighting fixture 16 for automatically controlling the light output of a light source by the dimming signal; It is composed of Therefore, in the present embodiment, by setting observation points having a plurality of brightnesses at arbitrary positions in an image input by the TV camera 10, the daylight fluctuation can be determined with high accuracy, so that it is further improved. The configuration is such that appropriate lighting control can be performed.

FIGS. 23 (a) to 23 (c) are explanatory views of setting examples of a plurality of brightness observation points in an image acquired by the TV camera 10 in this embodiment, as viewed from each side. That is, in (a) to (c) of FIG.
Five observation points S1 to S5 are set at substantially equal intervals on the common desk 20. In FIG. 23,
Reference numeral 19 indicates a window, and other reference numerals are those in FIG.
The components are the same as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 22.

Table 2 and FIG. 24 show the above observation points S1 to S1.
It shows an example of the measurement of the observed values of the brightness detection data in S5, each of which is the result of five observations. In this case, the observed value changes not only due to daylight but also due to movement of a person or an object. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the brightness detection data increases or decreases as a whole, it is determined that the change is caused by daylight. When one point of the observed value changes, the change is caused by factors other than daylight. Judge as fluctuation.

[0078]

[Table 2]

Table 3 shows the rate of change in brightness at each of the observation points S1 to S5 based on the previous observation value. Table 4 shows the results of the determination of the change, the change probability, the increase probability, the decrease probability, and the final determination based on Table 3, respectively. In this case, the fluctuation was determined with ± 5% as the threshold. And, when it increases by 5% or more, it is indicated by ““ ”, and when it decreases, it is indicated by“ ▼ ”. The change probability indicates the change ratio (the number of “▲” and “▼”) among the five observation points S1 to S5, and it is determined whether or not the change has occurred as a whole. If it fluctuates as a whole, it is determined that it fluctuates due to daylight, and if it fluctuates locally, it is determined that it fluctuates due to factors other than daylight. However, in this example, the judgment was made based on 50%. That is, if it is determined that three of the five observation points have changed, it is determined that the total has changed. Accordingly, in Table 4, since the values fluctuate as a whole during the fourth and fifth observations, these are determined to be fluctuations due to daylight.

[0080]

[Table 3]

[0081]

[Table 4]

The increase probability and the decrease probability are to determine whether the change has increased or decreased when it is determined that the change has entirely changed due to daylight. In the fourth observation point S4, 75% of the changed observation points are reduced, and in the fifth observation point S5, all of the changed observation points (100%) are reduced. Therefore, in the final determination, the determination is made based on the increase probability and the decrease probability. In this example, the judgment was made based on 50%. As a result, the fourth and fifth observation points S4,
S5 is determined to have both decreased. Then, after such a final determination, the output of the lighting fixture is adjusted as needed.

At the time of the fourth observation, only the third observation point S3 is locally increased, and the other observation points are rather decreased. This is the third observation point S3
It is presumed that an object with high brightness entered the observation point. In this case, in the case where only one observation point (S3) is used in the conventional system, control is performed to reduce the brightness based on the result of only the observation point (S3) despite the fact that the entire area is dark. It is conceivable that they will be damaged. However, according to the present embodiment, by grounding a plurality of observation points, it is possible to appropriately determine the overall variation in brightness.

[0084]

Embodiment 5 FIGS. 25 to 27 show still another embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a control operation program of the system. Note that the basic system configuration of the lighting control system in the present embodiment and the configuration and arrangement of its components are the same as the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above.

In the present embodiment, as described above, when a plurality of observation points are set on an image forming a brightness detection area, brightness detection data excluding a change in brightness due to disturbance is used. , Detect the fluctuation of brightness with high accuracy,
It is configured to achieve proper lighting control.
That is, in the present embodiment, the determination of the disturbance is based on, for example, a change between a reference value (brightness detection data serving as a reference of the observation point) and a reference value (current brightness detection data of the observation point) for all observation points. The ratio [= (reference value−reference value) / reference value] is calculated, and the brightness detection data of the observation point that is significantly different from the average value is invalidated. For example, data of observation points whose change rate is out of the range of the average value ± the standard deviation is invalidated. And
Other than invalid due to disturbance judgment (valid)
By using the brightness detection data of the observation point, the magnitude of the “average value of the reference value” and the “average value of the reference value” are compared to determine whether the brightness is darker or brighter than the reference value. Lighting control can be achieved.

Therefore, the control operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of the control operation program shown in FIG. First, an image acquired by a TV camera is input (STEP-1), and the input image is converted into image data (STEP-2). Then, for a plurality of observation points (see FIG. 26) set in advance on the image, the reference value of the brightness data (STEP-
3) is compared with the reference value (STEP-4), and the rate of change is calculated (STEP-5). After calculating the rate of change in this manner, the above-described determination of disturbance (STEP-
According to 6), an observation point having a significantly different change rate is invalidated, and an average value of the reference value (representative value) and an average value of the reference value (representative value) are calculated using data of other valid observation points. (STEP-7), it is determined whether the current brightness is brighter or darker than the reference (STEP-8). Then, a dimming signal is output so as to reduce the light output of the light source when it is bright, and to increase the light output of the light source when it is dark (STEP-9), so that appropriate lighting control is performed. Can be achieved.

Next, the determination of the disturbance will be described.
FIG. 26 shows a plurality of observation points (eight points) set on an image acquired by the TV camera. Further, the indoor environment shown in the image will be examined in the case of the four patterns shown in Table 5. Thereby, the measurement example of the change rate of the brightness of each of the observation points for the four patterns, the average value of all the observation points, the standard deviation, and the representative value, respectively,
This is as shown in Table 6 and FIG.

[0088]

[Table 5]

[0089]

[Table 6]

From the results shown in Table 6 and FIG. 27, for example, under the condition of the T2 pattern (when the entire area becomes brighter due to daylight), the brightness at all observation points becomes brighter at almost the same rate of change. In this case, a change in brightness is determined using data of all observation points. Also, the condition of the T3 pattern (when a person enters) shows that the first observation point and the seventh observation point change greatly compared to the other observation points, and the total observation value ± standard deviation is within the range. Is off. Therefore, the average value of the data excluding the first and seventh observation points is treated as a representative value. Further, the condition of the T4 pattern (when a person is present and darkened by daylight) is the same as the T3 pattern, and the change is larger than the T3 pattern. In this manner, if the brightness fluctuation due to the disturbance is invalidated by the disturbance determination rule, the fluctuation in the indoor brightness can be accurately detected.

[0091]

Embodiment 6 FIGS. 28 and 29 show still another embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.
FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 are flow charts each showing a control operation program of the system. Note that the basic system configuration of the lighting control system in the present embodiment and the configuration and arrangement of its components are the same as the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above.

In the present embodiment, at the time of determining a disturbance, at least one past brightness detection data is stored, the rate of change from the current brightness detection data is calculated, and the daylight illuminance per time analyzed in advance is analyzed. The change rate is set as a threshold value. When the change rate is larger than the threshold value, it is determined that there is a disturbance, and when the change rate is smaller, it is determined that there is no change due to the disturbance (change due to daylight). In addition, the change of a certain observation point is compared with the change of all the observation points. If the change of a certain observation point is larger than the change of all the observation points, it is determined that the disturbance is included. It can be determined that it has not entered. Then, by combining these two determinations, the state of the disturbance (“disturbance has entered”,
“Disturbance has been removed”, “Disturbance continues”, “No disturbance” can be determined, and more appropriate lighting control can be achieved.

Next, a control operation for determining a disturbance according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts of control operation programs shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. First, with respect to the brightness detection data of all observation points, temporal changes are obtained from the brightness detection data Bsi at the time of design, the current brightness detection data Bmi (0), and the brightness detection data Bmi (1) one second before. The amount Dti and the amount of spatial change Dsi are calculated (STEP-1, STEP-2). Then, the threshold value D2
Is calculated. In this case, the threshold value D2 is set to the average value Ds of the rate of change.
± Standard deviation σDs (STEP-3). The determination of the disturbance is performed by a combination of the comparison of the temporal judgment Dti and D1 (± 10%) and the comparison of the spatial judgment Dsi and D2 (Ds ± σDs) (STEP-4 to STEP-).
7). That is, after the temporal determination, a spatial determination is further performed.

If the temporal change Dti is greater than the threshold value D1 (| Dti |> 10%),
It is determined that there is a fluctuation due to disturbance (STEP-5), and if it is larger than the threshold value D2 by the next spatial determination (Ds
i> Ds + .sigma.Ds or Dsi <Ds-.sigma.Ds), it is determined that disturbance has occurred, and if it is smaller than the threshold value D2 (Ds
i ≦ Ds + σDs or Dsi ≧ Ds−σDs), and it is determined that disturbance has occurred (STEP-6).

The temporal change amount D is determined by the temporal judgment.
ti is smaller than the threshold value D1 (| Dti | <10
%), It is determined that there is no fluctuation due to disturbance (STEP-
5) If it is larger than the threshold value D2 by the next spatial judgment (Dsi> Ds + .sigma.Ds or Dsi <Ds-.sigma.D)
s), it is determined that a disturbance is present, and if it is smaller than the threshold value D2 (Dsi ≦ Ds + σDs or Dsi ≧ Ds−
σDs), it is determined that there is no disturbance (STEP-7).

[0096]

Seventh Embodiment FIGS. 30 to 33 show another embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.
(A) and (b) are schematic explanatory diagrams respectively showing the system configuration. Note that the basic system configuration of the lighting control system in the present embodiment and the configuration and arrangement of its components are the same as the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above.

In the present embodiment, the light distribution of daylight is acquired from the image of the brightness detection area taken by the TV camera, and the horizontal component and the vertical component of the brightness due to the daylight are grasped. The configuration is such that appropriate illumination control can be achieved even when daylight is incident.

Next, the control operation of the illumination control system in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of the control operation program shown in FIG. First, in the present embodiment, for example, in the photographed image shown in FIG.
Seven observation points (F1 to
F7) and seven points (P1 to P7) are set on the partition surface. Then, an image of the target space is photographed by the TV camera and is taken into the arithmetic processing unit 12 (ST
EP-1). At this time, the current dimming state by the lighting fixture 16 is stored. Next, the arithmetic processing unit 12 detects the brightness of each set observation point from the captured image (STEP-2). The brightness at this time is
Includes daylight and artificial light from lighting fixtures. Then, from the dimming state of the lighting fixture 16 stored earlier, the lighting fixture 16
Calculate the brightness that gives to the space. Then, the brightness given by the lighting fixture 16 is subtracted from the brightness obtained from the acquired image to calculate the brightness given only by daylight (STE).
P-3). Further, the light distribution of daylight is calculated from the brightness of only daylight. From this calculation result, it is possible to know where and how much brightness can be obtained only by daylight (STEP-4). FIG. 33 shows an image of daylight light distribution, and shows that daylight is directed to the left side of the room and the window side.

Next, the brightness by daylight alone is compared with a design value (STEP-5). In a region where the brightness is sufficiently obtained only by daylight, the lighting equipment is turned off or controlled to a predetermined lower limit. (STEP-6), in the region where the brightness is insufficient only by daylight, the shortage is calculated (STEP-6).
7), the dimmer 1 so that the design value is satisfied by the certification device
3 is controlled (STEP-8). In this way, according to the present embodiment, as described above, by grasping the light distribution of daylight, more appropriate illumination control can be achieved.

[0100]

Embodiment 8 FIGS. 34 and 35 show still another embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a control operation program of the system. It should be noted that the basic system configuration of the lighting control system and the configuration and arrangement of its components in the present embodiment are described above with reference to FIGS.
Is the same as that shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, although there are many people and things coming and going on the desk surface, floor, wall surface, etc. in the room, accidental brightness (luminance) fluctuations occur, but people and things come and go almost on the ceiling. In addition, since it is possible to detect the brightness stably (see FIG. 35), it is mainly intended to detect the brightness of the ceiling surface by the TV camera, and further, it is possible to calculate the daylight component. Season, time,
By predicting a brightness component of a lighting fixture and a brightness component due to daylight based on information such as a position of a window, a more appropriate lighting control can be achieved.

Next, the control operation of the illumination control system in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of the control operation program shown in FIG. First, an image of a target space is photographed by a TV camera, and is taken into the arithmetic processing unit 12 (STEP-1). At this time, the position of the sun is calculated from the season (date) and the time, and the angle of incidence of daylight on the window is calculated from the relationship with the position of the window (STE).
P-2). Next, from the image obtained from the TV camera,
The brightness of the ceiling surface is detected (STEP-3). And
From the light output state of the lighting equipment at this time, the distribution of brightness by the lighting equipment is calculated (STEP-4). Further, by detecting the brightness of the ceiling of the lighting fixture and subtracting the brightness from the brightness, the brightness of daylight alone can be calculated (STEP-5). Therefore, the horizontal and vertical components of daylight can be calculated from the angle of incidence of the daylight and the like, and the distribution of room brightness due to daylight can be calculated (STEP).
-6). FIG. 35 is an image example showing a state in which the distribution of brightness by the lighting fixture and the distribution of room brightness by daylight can be appropriately observed on the ceiling surface in this embodiment.

Next, by adding the distribution of the brightness of the lighting equipment and the distribution of the brightness by daylight, the distribution of the brightness of the room by the lighting equipment and daylight is calculated. And
The obtained brightness is compared with the target value (STEP-
7) If the value is larger than the target value, the output of the lighting device is reduced (STEP-8), and if the value is smaller than the target value, the output of the lighting device is increased (STEP-9). In this way, according to the present embodiment, as described above, more appropriate lighting control can be achieved by grasping the brightness components of the lighting fixture and daylight, respectively.

[0104]

Ninth Embodiment FIGS. 36 to 40 show still another embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention. FIGS. 36A and 36B are schematic diagrams showing the system configuration. FIG. Note that the basic system configuration of the lighting control system and the configuration and arrangement of its components in this embodiment are the same as the configurations shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 30 described above.

In the present embodiment, an image of the ceiling is acquired by a TV camera, the lighting environment in the room is grasped by the brightness distribution of the ceiling obtained from this image, and the position of the sun, which varies depending on the season and time, and the window And the brightness distribution of the ceiling, the angle of the slats of the blinds 22 is adjusted and controlled (see FIG. 36), the daylight is properly introduced into the room, and the distribution of the brightness of the lighting fixture is determined from the brightness distribution of the ceiling. By controlling the light output, it is possible to achieve energy saving in lighting control.

Next, the control operation of the entire lighting control system in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of the control operation program shown in FIG. First, the brightness of the ceiling is detected from the image input by the TV camera (STEP-1), and based on the result,
The amount of daylight incident is predicted (STEP-2), and the light output of the blind is controlled (STEP-3). Further, based on the detection result of the ceiling brightness (STEP-1), the brightness of the room is grasped (STEP-4), and the light output of the lighting equipment is controlled (STEP-5).

The control operation of the blind of the lighting control system in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of the control operation program shown in FIG.
In this case, details of the blind control (STEP-3) in the control operation of the entire system are shown. When the amount of incident daylight is predicted (STEP-2), the predicted value is compared with a required threshold value. [STEP-3 (1)], and if it is larger than the threshold, the blinds are lowered [STEP-3 (1)].
-3 (2)], and when it is smaller than the threshold value, the blind is wound up [STEP-3 (4)]. When the blinds are lowered [STEP-3 (2)], the incident angle of daylight (with respect to the window) is calculated from the position of the sun (calculated according to the season and time) and the position of the window (position of the building). Controls the angle of the slats (blades) of the blind [STEP
-3 (3)]. In this case, the blind slats can be controlled individually, so that the light from the low position slat (at least below the viewpoint height) is directed to the window side and the high position slat (at least the viewpoint height) so that the light from the slat does not enter the eyes. The light of (above) is controlled to the interior of the room.

Further, the control operation of the lighting control of the lighting control system in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of the control operation program shown in FIG.
In this case, it shows the details of the illumination control (STEP-5) in the control operation of the entire system, and compares the detected value of the brightness of the ceiling (STEP-4) with the target value [STE-5].
P-5 (1)], when the detected value is higher than the target value, the light output of the lighting equipment is reduced [STEP-5 (2)]. When the detected value is lower than the target value, the light output of the lighting equipment is reduced. Control is performed to increase the output [STEP-5 (3)].

FIG. 40 shows an example of an image to be subjected to lighting control in which a window is provided with a blind and a dimmable lighting device is provided on a ceiling in this embodiment. In FIG. 40, the lighting fixtures are arranged in the first row from the window by the dimming circuit 1 and in the second row from the window by the dimming circuit 2.
The light control circuit 3 controls the third to fifth columns. Also, in the present embodiment, from the detection result of the brightness of the ceiling, since the daylight is large, the blinds are lowered, and the light from the low-position slats goes to the window,
The slat angle is controlled so that light from the high position slat is introduced into the interior of the room. Further, based on the result of the detection of the brightness of the ceiling, the light control circuit 1 is turned off because the window is bright, and the light control circuits 2 and 3 are controlled so as to match the target values. As described above, according to the present embodiment, energy saving can be achieved while maintaining a comfortable visual environment by using a combined system of blind and lighting control.

[0110]

Embodiment 10 FIGS. 41 and 42 show another embodiment of a lighting control system according to the present invention.
1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the configuration and arrangement of the components of the system, and FIG. 42 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of the components.

That is, in the present embodiment, the TV camera 10 in the embodiment shown in FIGS.
And a computer-equipped automatic lighting control terminal 30 in which the functions of the TV camera, the PC terminal, and the transmission signal generator are integrated, instead of separately providing the arithmetic device 12 comprising a PC terminal Thus, the entire apparatus has a compact configuration and can be easily installed, and has a highly reliable system configuration.

However, the automatic lighting control terminal 30 with a built-in camera for detecting the brightness by the TV camera applied to the lighting control system in the present embodiment and performing the dimming control of the lighting equipment is as shown in FIG. , Camera 31, a setting device interface unit 32 for performing light control, an arithmetic processing unit 34, an image memory 33, and a control signal transmission unit 36.
Are integrated. The setting device interface unit 32 is provided with a connection terminal 32a for connection to an external setting device, and the control signal transmission unit 36 also connects the lighting control system transmission line to the lighting fixture. A connection terminal 36a is provided.

Therefore, in the lighting control system according to the present invention having the above-described embodiments, the installation space for the system configuration can be expanded by using the camera built-in automatic lighting control terminal 30 having the above configuration. Therefore, the degree of freedom in installation can be increased, and advantages such as easy system design of lighting control can be obtained.

Further, by using the camera built-in automatic lighting control terminal 30 having excellent functions as described above, the function of detecting the presence of a person or an object is utilized to perform security management, product inventory management, etc. It can also be used as various types of monitoring and management systems for performing lighting control, and it is possible to effectively and economically achieve system integration with lighting control. As security management, for example, it can be applied as a monitoring system for detection of illegal intruders, crime prevention detection in stores, etc., fire notification, etc., and also monitors the movement or change state of people or products in stores, etc. It can be applied as a business management system that performs management.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. .

[0116]

As is clear from the above-described embodiment, according to the lighting control system of the present invention, the detection of the brightness distribution of the illumination area of the lighting fixture is captured as an image by a TV camera, and based on this image data. In a lighting control system provided with arithmetic processing means configured to automatically control the light output of a light source of a lighting apparatus, the arithmetic processing means includes a plurality of brightness detection areas set by the TV camera on the same image. When detecting brightness data from image information obtained by a TV camera as a brightness detection sensor for detecting the brightness distribution of the illumination area of the lighting fixture, the brightness detection area is located at an arbitrary position on the image. Can be set, and the position and area of the brightness detection area can be changed. It can respond simply and easily change the setting change of the image information.

According to the lighting control system of the present invention, the TV camera collects brightness data of a plurality of observation points in the brightness detection area of the lighting fixture including daylight from image data, and collects the brightness data. By using a configuration provided with arithmetic means for determining the change in brightness due to daylight based on the data on the brightness at each of the observation points, along with the determination of the change in brightness, the factors of the change are also determined, Appropriate lighting control can be achieved.

Further, according to the illumination control system of the present invention, a plurality of observation points of brightness are set at arbitrary positions in an image obtained by the TV camera, and the brightness data of these observation points is determined. Based on the representative value of the brightness obtained,
It is configured to automatically control the light output of the light source of the lighting equipment, and when it is determined that the change in the brightness data at a certain observation point is due to disturbance, the brightness data at that observation point is invalidated and the brightness With the provision of the calculating means for calculating the representative value of, the brightness fluctuation data obtained by removing the fluctuation of the brightness due to the disturbance is used to detect the fluctuation of the brightness with good accuracy and the appropriate lighting Control can be achieved.

Further, according to the illumination control system of the present invention, the detection of the brightness distribution of the illumination area of the lighting equipment including daylight is captured as an image by the TV camera at a fixed sampling interval, and any of the images in the image is detected. A plurality of observation points with different brightness are set at the positions, and based on the representative value of the brightness obtained from the brightness data of these observation points, the daylight of the daylight is configured to automatically control the light output of the light source of the lighting fixture. In the illumination control system for the purpose of use, by using a configuration provided with disturbance determination means for determining the fluctuation of brightness due to daylight and the fluctuation of brightness due to other disturbance factors, the presence or absence of fluctuation due to disturbance and By performing the determination of the state of the disturbance, more appropriate illumination control can be achieved.

Further, according to the illumination control system of the present invention, it is set so as to obtain the daylight distribution from the image data, and the brightness distribution by daylight alone is calculated, and the brightness is insufficient. As for the illumination area of the lighting equipment, the horizontal and vertical components of the daylight brightness can be grasped by providing a processing unit that is set so that the lighting equipment illuminates only the insufficient brightness. By doing so, proper illumination control can be achieved even when daylight is incident.

Furthermore, according to the lighting control system of the present invention, the TV camera is installed at least in a position and a direction in which the ceiling can be photographed, and the lighting fixture is set based on the image data obtained by the TV camera set in this manner. The daylight component is calculated by providing the arithmetic processing means for outputting the dimming signal of
A more appropriate lighting control can be achieved by predicting a brightness component of a lighting fixture and a brightness component due to daylight based on information such as a time and a position of a window.

According to the lighting control system of the present invention,
A blind capable of automatically controlling light incident from a window with respect to an irradiation area of a lighting device is provided, and a dimming signal of the lighting device is output based on image data obtained by the TV camera, and a brightness distribution of a ceiling is appropriately set. By providing the arithmetic processing means for automatically controlling the blind so that it can be performed, the angle of the slat of the blind can be determined from the brightness distribution of the ceiling, the position of the sun that fluctuates depending on the season and time, and the position of the window. By adjusting and controlling the lighting device, the daylight can be properly introduced into the room, and the light output of the certification device can be controlled, thereby achieving energy saving in lighting control.

Further, according to the illumination control system of the present invention, the TV camera and the arithmetic processing unit for comparing the image input from the TV camera with a preset image to generate light output control data are provided. By using an automatic lighting control terminal with a built-in camera integrated with a transmission unit for transmitting the light output control data as a transmission signal, the overall configuration can be made compact and installation is easy. And a highly reliable system configuration.

According to the lighting control system of the present invention, images can be arbitrarily specified by comparing and calculating two images having different times inputted from the TV camera of the automatic lighting control terminal with built-in camera. If an arithmetic processing unit capable of detecting a change in the image (brightness) of the area is provided and a lighting control system and a complex system are configured, the function of detecting the presence of a person or an object from the image information can be detected. Based on the above, it can be effectively used as an integrated system of various monitoring and management systems for performing security management, product inventory management and the like, and a lighting control system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a system configuration example as a first embodiment of a lighting control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration and arrangement of components of a lighting control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting a brightness detection area by the illumination control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of setting a brightness detection area by the illumination control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing still another setting example of the brightness detection area by the illumination control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing still another setting example of the brightness detection area by the illumination control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting image of a brightness detection area at the time of lighting design according to a second embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a captured image of a brightness detection area according to a second embodiment of the illumination control system according to the present invention.

9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a luminance distribution state of a setting image of a brightness detection area illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a luminance distribution state of a captured image in a brightness detection area illustrated in FIG. 8;

11 is an explanatory diagram showing a maximum luminance region and a minimum luminance region of a setting image in the luminance distribution diagram shown in FIG. 9, respectively.

12 is an explanatory diagram showing a maximum luminance region and a minimum luminance region of a captured image in the luminance distribution diagram shown in FIG. 10, respectively.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a captured image in which the position of a brightness detection area is corrected according to the second embodiment of the illumination control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a light source grouping state of a lighting certification device according to a third embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a captured image when all the light source groups of the light source groups illustrated in FIG. 14 are turned on.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a captured image when only light source group 1 in the light source groups shown in FIG. 14 is turned off.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an image based on a calculation processing result (equivalent to a case where only the light source group 1 is turned on) on the captured images shown in FIGS. 15 and 16;

18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a captured image when only the light source group 2 in the light source group illustrated in FIG. 14 is turned off.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image based on a calculation processing result (equivalent to a case where only the light source group 2 is turned on) on the captured images illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 18;

20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a captured image when only the light source group 3 in the light source group illustrated in FIG. 14 is turned off.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an image based on a calculation processing result (equivalent to a case where only the light source group 3 is turned on) on the captured images shown in FIGS. 15 and 20;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example according to a fourth embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting observation points in a space of a brightness detection area according to a fourth embodiment of the illumination control system according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a plan view of the space;
(B) is a front view of the space, and (c) is a window side view of the space.

FIG. 24 is a graph showing a change in an observed value of brightness at each observation point shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a control operation program according to a fifth embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting a brightness detection area according to a fifth embodiment of the illumination control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a graph showing a change rate of brightness and a representative value at each observation point shown in FIG.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a control operation program according to a sixth embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm for performing a disturbance determination in the control operation program shown in FIG. 28;

FIGS. 30 (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams respectively showing a system configuration example according to a fifth embodiment of the illumination control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing captured images in which detection points are set in a brightness detection area according to a seventh embodiment of the illumination control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a control operation program according to a seventh embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing an analysis state of a brightness detection area according to a seventh embodiment of the illumination control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a control operation program according to an eighth embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram illustrating captured images in which detection points in a brightness detection area are set according to the eighth embodiment of the illumination control system according to the present invention.

FIGS. 36 (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams respectively showing a system configuration example according to an eighth embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a control operation program according to a ninth embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a modification of the control operation program according to the ninth embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing yet another modified example of the control operation program according to the ninth embodiment of the lighting control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram illustrating captured images in which detection points in a brightness detection area are set according to the ninth embodiment of the illumination control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the components of the illumination control system according to the present invention.

42 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of the components shown in FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration and arrangement of components of a conventional illumination control system using an illuminance sensor.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a system configuration of a lighting control system using a conventional illuminance sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 TV camera 12 Arithmetic controller (arithmetic processor) 13 Dimming signal converter (dimming circuit) 14 Display device 16 Lighting fixture 18 Indoor 19 Window 20 Desk 22 Blind 30 Camera built-in automatic lighting control terminal 31 Camera 32 Setting device Interface 32a connection terminal 33 image memory 34 arithmetic processing unit 36 control signal transmission unit 36a connection terminal

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takashi Ichijo 4-3-1 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation (72) Inventor Kenji Takahashi 4-3-1 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation Inside the company (72) Inventor Masaki Matsuzawa 4-3-1 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation (72) Inventor Yoshimasa Takahashi 4-3-1 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Toshiba Lighting Corporation F term (reference) 3K073 AA12 AA75 AA83 AA85 AB03 AB04 AB07 BA28 CE00 CE12 CF13 CF14 CF16 CF18 CG02 CG06 CG15 CG42 CH21 CJ11 CJ22

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An arithmetic processing means configured to capture detection of a brightness distribution of an illumination area of a lighting fixture as an image by a TV camera and to automatically control a light output of a light source of the lighting fixture based on the image data. The illumination control system according to claim 1, wherein the arithmetic processing unit sets a plurality of brightness detection areas of the TV camera on the same image. 2. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein a position and / or a range of a brightness detection area of the lighting fixture by the TV camera is set to be changeable. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a displacement of an installation position of the TV camera is automatically detected from an image, and automatic control data of a light output of a light source of the lighting apparatus is corrected based on the image data. Item 2. The lighting control system according to Item 1. 4. A method for setting a light source group by a plurality of lighting fixtures in a space of a brightness detection area of the lighting fixture and grasping the brightness given to a target space when each light source group is automatically controlled. The image data when only the target light source group is turned on by the arithmetic processing of the image data when all the light source groups are turned on and the image data when only one target light source group is turned off. 2. The lighting control system according to claim 1, wherein the lighting control system is configured to obtain the brightness given to the space for each target light source group based on the obtained image data. 5. A daylight detecting device configured to automatically detect and control the light output of a light source of a lighting device based on the image data of a brightness distribution of an illumination area of the lighting device including daylight detected by a TV camera. In a lighting control system for the purpose of use, while collecting, from the image data, brightness data of a plurality of observation points in a brightness detection region of the lighting fixture including the daylight by the TV camera, An illumination control system, comprising: arithmetic means for determining a change in brightness due to daylight based on brightness data. 6. The calculation means calculates a change in brightness from a difference between previous brightness data and current brightness data for each of the observation points, and calculates a change in brightness by a change threshold. The lighting control system according to claim 5, wherein the setting is set to be determined. 7. The calculating means calculates a ratio of the observation points whose brightness has fluctuated from the number of installations of each of the observation points and the number of observation points whose brightness is determined to have fluctuated. 7. The lighting control system according to claim 6, wherein a setting is made to determine a change in brightness of the entire area. 8. The brightness of daylight brightness is calculated from the ratio of the number of observation points whose brightness has been determined to fluctuate and the number of observation points whose brightness has increased or decreased in the arithmetic means. 7. The lighting control system according to claim 6, wherein a setting is made so as to determine an increase or a decrease in the fluctuation. 9. A TV camera captures the detection of the brightness distribution of the illumination area of the lighting fixture as an image, sets a plurality of observation points at arbitrary positions in the image, and sets the brightness of these observation points. In the lighting control system configured to automatically control the light output of the light source of the lighting equipment based on the representative value of the brightness obtained from the data, it is determined that the change in the brightness data at a certain observation point is due to disturbance The lighting control system further comprises a calculating means for calculating the representative value of the brightness by invalidating the brightness data of the observation point when the observation is performed. 10. The calculating means calculates a change rate from a difference between a reference brightness and a current brightness for a plurality of set observation points, and when the change rate exceeds a predetermined threshold value, 10. The lighting control system according to claim 9, wherein the brightness data of the observation point is set to be invalid. 11. The illumination control system according to claim 10, wherein the threshold value is set to a value outside a standard deviation range with respect to an average value of the change rates at all observation points. 12. Detection of brightness distribution of an illumination area of a lighting fixture including daylight as an image by a TV camera at a fixed sampling interval, and setting a plurality of observation points at arbitrary positions in the image. However, based on a representative value of the brightness obtained from the brightness data of these observation points, a lighting control system for the purpose of using daylight, which is configured to automatically control the light output of the light source of the lighting fixture, comprises: An illumination control system comprising a disturbance determining means for determining a change in brightness due to light and a change in brightness due to other disturbance factors. 13. The disturbance determining means stores at least one past brightness data Bmi (1) and a change rate Dti [= to the current brightness data Bmi (0).
{Bmi (0) −Bmi (1)} / Bmi (1)], and
13. The illumination control system according to claim 12, wherein whether the brightness has changed due to disturbance is determined based on the threshold value D1. 14. The disturbance determining means includes, in addition to the presence / absence of a change in brightness due to the disturbance, data Bmi (0) of current brightness of each observation point and brightness data Bsi of each observation point. From the change rate Dsi [= ｛Bmi of each observation point
(0) −Bsi｝ / Bsi], and the threshold D2 is used to determine the state of the disturbance (the state where the disturbance has been changed, the state where the disturbance has been removed, the state where the disturbance has been continued, the state where the disturbance is continuing, and the state where there is no disturbance). 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
3. The lighting control system according to 3. 15. A detection of brightness distribution of an illumination area of a lighting fixture including daylight is captured as an image by a TV camera.
In a lighting control system configured to automatically control the light output of the light source of the lighting fixture based on the image data, setting is made to acquire a daylight distribution from the image data,
Arithmetic processing means that calculates the distribution of brightness by daylight alone and sets the lighting area of the lighting equipment with insufficient brightness to be illuminated by the lighting equipment with the insufficient brightness is provided. Lighting control system characterized by the above-mentioned. 16. The illumination according to claim 15, wherein the arithmetic processing means is configured to subtract the brightness of only the lighting fixture from the obtained image data to obtain the brightness of only daylight. Control system. 17. A lighting control system configured to capture detection of a brightness distribution of an irradiation area of a lighting fixture as an image by a TV camera, and to automatically control a light output of a light source of the lighting fixture based on the image data. The camera is provided at least in a position and a direction in which the ceiling can be photographed, and provided with arithmetic processing means for outputting a dimming signal of the lighting fixture based on the image data obtained by the TV camera set as described above. Lighting control system. 18. The arithmetic processing means is set to predict a brightness distribution (horizontal plane illuminance distribution, vertical illuminance distribution, etc.) of the entire room based on a detection result of a ceiling brightness. The lighting control system according to claim 17. 19. The arithmetic processing means has in advance information on the relationship between the light output of the lighting equipment and the brightness distribution of the ceiling, and calculates the brightness of the lighting equipment from the brightness distribution when daylight is incident. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the brightness distribution is predicted only by daylight by subtraction.
The lighting control system according to claim 7. 20. The arithmetic processing means, wherein the detection value of the brightness is separated into a component by a lighting fixture and a component by daylight, and a setting is made such that a value obtained by adding each of the components becomes a target value. The lighting control system according to claim 17, wherein: 21. An arithmetic processing means configured to capture the detection of the brightness distribution of the illumination area of the lighting fixture as an image by a TV camera, and to automatically control the light output of the light source of the lighting fixture based on the image data. In the lighting control system, the arithmetic processing means calculates the incident angle of daylight from the relationship between the position information of the sun and the position of the window, and from the horizontal component and the vertical component, the horizontal component of the brightness by daylight and A lighting control system set to calculate a vertical component. 22. A lighting control system configured to capture detection of a brightness distribution of an illumination area of a lighting fixture as an image by a TV camera and automatically control a light output of a light source of the lighting fixture based on the image data. A blind capable of automatically controlling light incident from a window with respect to an irradiation area of the fixture is provided, a dimming signal of the lighting fixture is output based on image data obtained by the TV camera, and a brightness distribution of a ceiling is appropriately set. A lighting control system, comprising: an arithmetic processing means for automatically controlling a blind so as to obtain the same. 23. A TV camera, an arithmetic processing unit for comparing and calculating an image input from the TV camera and a preset image to generate light output control data, and transmitting the light output control data as a transmission signal. The lighting control system according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein an automatic lighting control terminal with a built-in camera, which is integrated with a transmission unit for performing the control, is used.