JP2022115003A - Environmental control system, environmental control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an environmental control system capable of continuing the effect of an environment of a target space on a user.SOLUTION: An environmental control system 100 includes a control unit 11 and a sound generator 12. The control unit 11 controls the environment of a target space 4 by controlling one or more pieces of lighting equipment 1 allocated in a target space 4 and one or more pieces of sound equipment 2 allocated in the target space 4. The sound generator 12 generates specific music reproduced by the one or more sound equipment 2. The sound generator 12 updates the specific music by changing at least one out of melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

Patent Literature 1 discloses an acoustic lighting device. This acoustic illumination device includes an illumination section, an acoustic output section, a setting section, and a control section. The setting unit sets parameters of at least one of lighting of the lighting unit and sound output of the sound output unit according to the recognized user present in the surroundings. The control unit controls at least one of lighting of the lighting unit and sound output of the sound output unit according to the parameters set by the setting unit.

JP 2014-093204 A

The present invention provides an environment control system, an environment control method, and a program that tend to sustain the influence of the environment of the target space on the user.

An environment control system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a control section and a sound source generation section. The control unit controls the environment of the target space by controlling one or more lighting fixtures assigned to the target space and one or more sound devices assigned to the target space. The sound source generator generates specific music to be played back by the one or more sound devices. The sound source generator updates the specific music by changing at least one of melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music.

An environment control method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a control step and a sound source generation step. In the control step, the environment of the target space is controlled by controlling one or more lighting fixtures assigned to the target space and one or more sound devices assigned to the target space. In the sound source generation step, specific music to be reproduced by the one or more sound devices is generated. In the sound source generating step, the specific music is updated by changing at least one of melody, harmony and rhythm of the specific music.

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

The environment control system, environment control method, and program according to the present invention have the advantage that the environment of the target space tends to have a lasting effect on the user.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the environment control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of an office in which the environment control system according to the embodiment is used. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing results of evaluation experiments for lighting control and acoustic control. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an operation example of the environmental control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the environment control system according to the modification of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Further, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements not described in independent claims will be described as optional constituent elements.

Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Moreover, in each figure, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected with respect to substantially the same structure, and the overlapping description may be abbreviate|omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[Constitution]
First, the configuration of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an environment control system 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an overview of the office 3 in which the environment control system 100 according to the embodiment is used.

The environment control system 100 according to the embodiment is a system that is used in an environment such as an office where users work, and controls such an environment. In the embodiment, it is assumed that the environment control system 100 is used in an ABW (Activity Based Working) type office 3 where the work place can be freely selected according to the work one wants to do. Here, "ABW" refers to a working style in which a user (employee, etc.) selects a working place, desk, or the like according to the work content. In the ABW type office, the user can select a relatively quiet place when performing work that requires concentration, and can select a relaxing place such as a sofa when having a meeting. is.

The environment control system 100 may be used not only in an ABW type office but also in a free address type office. May be used in other environments. For example, the environmental control system 100 may be used in educational facilities such as elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, or universities, may be used in public facilities such as public halls or libraries, or may be used in stores or commercial facilities. may be

Moreover, the environment control system 100 may be used in an office where the user's work area is fixed, for example, without being limited to the environment in which the user can freely select the work place as described above. In other words, the environment in which the environment control system 100 is used may be any environment in which the user works.

The environment control system 100 includes a control section 11, a sound source generation section 12, and a storage section 13, as shown in FIG. The environment control system 100 may include at least the control unit 11 and the sound source generation unit 12, and may not include the storage unit 13.

In addition, in the environment where the environment control system 100 is used (here, the ABW type office 3), as shown in FIG. . The environment control system 100 may be installed in the office 3 or may be installed in a remote location away from the office 3 . In the embodiment, environmental control system 100 is installed in office 3 .

Each lighting fixture 1 is installed on the ceiling of the office 3 . Of course, each lighting fixture 1 may be installed not only on the ceiling of the office 3, but also on the wall, floor, or desk. In the embodiment, each lighting fixture 1 is, for example, a base light as ambient lighting that uniformly illuminates a target space, and includes a light source having a solid-state light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). . In addition, the light source of each lighting fixture 1 is configured to be capable of dimming, toning, or both under the control of the control unit 11 .

Each lighting fixture 1 is assigned to a plurality of groups G1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, each luminaire 1 is assigned to three groups G1. Of course, the number of groups G1 is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more. Here, one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the same group G1 are located close to each other. One or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to a certain group G1 illuminate the space corresponding to the group G1 in the office 3 (that is, the target space 4).

For example, assume the three groups G1 are groups "A", "B" and "C". In this case, one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to group "A" illuminate space "α" corresponding to group "A" in office 3 and one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to group "B". illuminates space 'β' corresponding to group 'B' in office 3, and the one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to group 'C' illuminate space 'γ' corresponding to group 'C' in office 3. Illuminate.

Allocation of each lighting fixture 1 to the group G1 is performed in advance by, for example, an administrator of the environment control system 100. FIG. The administrator uses an information terminal capable of setting the parameters of the environmental control system 100, for example, to execute the above allocation. An information terminal may include, for example, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. Of course, the administrator may appropriately change the assignment of each lighting fixture 1 to the group G1 while the environment control system 100 is in operation.

In the office 3, adjacent spaces may or may not be partitioned. In the embodiment, it is assumed that office 3 consists of one large room and there are no other rooms separated by walls or fixtures. In this case, effects such as improved visibility of the office 3 and improved design can be expected.

Further, in the embodiment, in two adjacent spaces, the light emitted from the lighting fixture 1 installed in one of the spaces may not strictly illuminate only one of the spaces. It is allowed to leak into the other space. That is, in an arbitrary space, the light emitted from the lighting fixture 1 corresponding to the space may be the main illumination light, and even if part of the illumination light leaks from a space different from the space. , should have little effect on the illumination of the space. This is because the influence of part of the illumination light from the space different from the space concerned is limited to the visibility of the user who uses the space or the work environment viewed by the user.

Each audio device 2 is installed on the ceiling of the office 3 . Of course, each sound device 2 may be installed not only on the ceiling of the office 3, but also on the wall, floor, or desk. In the embodiment, each audio device 2 is, for example, an omnidirectional speaker and reproduces content transmitted from the control unit 11 . Each acoustic device 2 may be a speaker having directivity, such as a speaker using a parametric speaker, a speaker using ultrasonic waves, or a speaker having a horn-structured housing. When a speaker having directivity is used, it is possible to expect an effect that it is easy to reduce the ratio of part of the sound leaking to another space.

Each sound device 2, like each lighting device 1, is assigned to a plurality of groups G1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, each audio device 2 is assigned to three groups G1. Here, one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to the same group G1 are located close to each other. One or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to a certain group G1 output sound to the space corresponding to the group G1 in the office 3 (that is, the target space 4).

For example, assume the three groups G1 are groups "A", "B" and "C". In this case, one or more sound devices 2 assigned to group "A" output sound to space "α" corresponding to group "A" in office 3, and one or more sound devices assigned to group "B" The sound device 2 outputs sound to the space "β" corresponding to the group "B" in the office 3, and the one or more sound devices 2 assigned to the group "C" correspond to the group "C" in the office 3. The sound is output to the space “γ” where

Allocation of each sound device 2 to the group G1 is performed in advance by the administrator of the environmental control system 100 using an information terminal, like the allocation of each lighting fixture 1 to the group G1. Of course, the administrator may appropriately change the assignment of each sound device 2 to the group G1 while the environment control system 100 is in operation.

In the embodiment, in two adjacent spaces, the sound output from the acoustic device 2 installed in one space does not have to be output only to one space. It is allowed to leak into space. In other words, in an arbitrary space, it is sufficient that the sound output from the acoustic device 2 corresponding to the space is the main sound. It should not affect the acoustics of the space.

The control unit 11 can communicate with each lighting fixture 1 , and controls dimming, toning, or both of each lighting fixture 1 by transmitting a lighting control signal to each lighting fixture 1 . In other words, the control unit 11 controls one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the target space 4 (group G1). In the embodiment, the controller 11 transmits the same lighting control signal to one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the same group G1. That is, the control unit 11 controls each lighting fixture 1 for each target space 4 (group G1). Communication between the control unit 11 and each lighting fixture 1 may be wired communication or wireless communication, and the communication standard is not particularly limited. Also, the plurality of lighting control signals need not be transmitted strictly at the same time, and the time difference between transmission of the plurality of lighting control signals is preferably within 60 minutes, more preferably within 30 minutes, and even more preferably within 1 minute. . If the time difference is within 60 minutes, it is possible to expect an effect of saving labor compared to manually moving fixtures or furniture to change the environment of the space.

Moreover, the lighting control signals transmitted from the control unit 11 to the one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the same group G1 need not be strictly the same, and can be controlled within a range where the influence of the space is limited. Errors in content are allowed. For example, the tolerances are ±500K for color temperature and ±20% for dimming ratio.

Further, the control unit 11 is capable of communicating with each sound device 2 and instructs each sound device 2 to reproduce content by transmitting a sound control signal (including content to be played back) to each sound device 2 . to control. In other words, the control unit 11 controls one or more sound devices 2 assigned to the target space 4 (group G1). In the embodiment, the control unit 11 transmits the same sound control signal to one or more sound devices 2 assigned to the same group G1. That is, the control unit 11 controls each audio device 2 for each target space 4 (group G1). Communication between the control unit 11 and each audio device 2 may be wired communication or wireless communication, and the communication standard is not particularly limited.

Also, the content may be stored in the control unit 11 , may be stored in each audio device 2 , or may be stored in the storage unit 13 . Contents are stored in electronic data media such as WAV format and mp3 format, for example. In the embodiment, contents are assumed to be stored in the storage unit 13 .

In this way, the control unit 11 controls the one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the target space 4 (group G1) and the one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to the target space 4, thereby control the environment. As a result, the target space 4 is provided with both the lighting environment by one or more lighting fixtures 1 and the acoustic environment by one or more sound devices 2, so that a so-called zoning effect can be expected.

Also, in the embodiment, there are a plurality of target spaces 4 (group G1). Then, the control unit 11 controls one or more lighting fixtures 1 and one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to each of the plurality of target spaces 4 so that the environments of the plurality of target spaces 4 are different from each other. As a result, it is possible to make the environment different for each target space 4, and different zoning effects for each target space 4 can be expected.

Here, the zoning effect means, for example, a sense of separation in terms of perception of space, and may include an effect that a user can easily recognize that a plurality of spaces are different spaces from each other in terms of appearance. In addition, the zoning effect may include an effect of facilitating a change in user's behavior or flow line as intended by zoning, with the user's recognition. For example, assume that an arbitrary space is zoned with the intention of making it a space where the user can easily perform tasks that require concentration. In this case, it can be said that the zoning effect was exhibited if the user who saw the space used the space mainly for the purpose of performing work requiring concentration.

In addition, the zoning effect includes the subjective effect/feeling of the user, or the effect that shows the tendency of the physiological/psychological/biological effect of the user in accordance with the gist of the zoning when the user actually uses the zoning space. obtain. For example, it is assumed that an arbitrary space is zoned with the intention of becoming a space that facilitates work that requires concentration, and that the user uses the space. In this case, if the user can feel that he/she was able to concentrate by using the space, or if indicators/data suggesting that the user was concentrating as a psychological/biological effect, then the zoning effect can be obtained. It can be said that it was demonstrated.

By performing lighting control as described above, it is possible to zone a space without using fixtures or furniture. Therefore, it is possible to easily improve the design of the space, and to change the layout of the office 3 instantaneously through lighting control such as dimming and toning, so-called active zoning. That is, when zoning is performed by the above lighting control, the change of control parameters for dimming and toning in each space is completed in several seconds, for example. In this case, as a result, it is possible to change the layout of the office 3 in a few seconds. Here, if the layout of the office 3 is to be changed by manually moving fixtures or furniture, it takes 60 minutes, several hours, one day, or even several days. From this point of view, the zoning by the lighting control described above can have a very remarkable effect.

Active zoning makes it possible to change the layout of the office 3 in a short cycle such as hourly, daily, or monthly, compared to conventional office layout changes by changing the arrangement of fixtures or furniture. is.

In the embodiment, in at least one or more target spaces 4 (group G1), the control unit 11 controls the illumination light so that the color temperature of the illumination light is lower than the reference color temperature (in other words, the target space 4 is illuminated with a warm color system). control one or more lighting fixtures 1 (to illuminate with In an embodiment, the reference color temperature is 4000K. By controlling in this way, the target space 4 can be provided with a space in which the user can relatively easily relax.

Further, in the embodiment, in order to further enhance the above zoning effect, in the one or more target spaces 4 (group G1), the control unit 11 activates one or more sound devices 2 so as to reproduce specific music as content. Control. That is, the control unit 11 controls the one or more audio devices 2 in the one or more target spaces 4 so as to reproduce the specific music at a volume that can be perceived by the user staying in the space.

Specific music may include songs, songs, or the like played by an instrument. It should be noted that the specific music does not need to have a clear melody throughout, and may be composed of performances by non-tone instruments such as percussion instruments. Moreover, the specific music is preferably music that can be expected to have the same zoning effect as the zoning effect that can be expected from illumination light. This is because, by doing so, it becomes easier to produce an effect that is more than a simple addition of the zoning effect that can be expected from the illumination light and the zoning effect that can be expected from the music, and it has an unexpected and favorable synergistic effect. This is because it becomes easier. This point will be explained in detail in [Verification of zoning effect] described later.

In an embodiment, the specific music is music that gives the user a relaxing effect. For example, specific music is music in which the parasympathetic nerves of the user tend to be dominant over the sympathetic nerves. More specifically, the specific music as music that gives the user a relaxing effect is music classified as jazz or bossa nova. The zoning effect of specific music will be described in detail in [Verification of zoning effect] described later.

By controlling in this way, in the one or more target spaces 4 (group G1), a further relaxing effect can be expected compared to the case where only the illumination light from the one or more lighting fixtures 1 is provided. space can be provided.

The sound source generator 12 generates specific music to be played back by one or more sound devices 2 . In the embodiment, the sound generator 12 generates specific music by causing the processor to execute an application for automatically generating music. That is, the sound generator 12 may be program software recorded in the memory of the CPU. Here, in the case of reproducing different specific music for each target space 4 (group G1), the sound source generation unit 12 generates specific music for each target space 4 .

Here, "generating specific music" can include generating new specific music by randomly changing some or all of the various parameters that make up music based on existing music. . In addition, the term "generating specific music" as used herein refers to generating new specific music by randomly determining some or all of the various parameters that make up music in the absence of existing music. can include In the former case, it is necessary to prepare base music when using the sound generator 12, but in the latter case, there is no need to prepare base music. Note that "change (or decide) at random" as used herein may include changing (or deciding) according to a pseudorandom number generated by a pseudorandom number generation algorithm, for example.

Parameters that make up music can include, for example, patterns such as main melody and/or sub-melody, genre, tempo, pitch, type of musical instrument played, dynamic range (difference between maximum and minimum playback volume), and the like. .

Also, the sound source generator 12 updates the specific music by changing at least one of the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music. Specifically, the sound source generation unit 12 changes some or all of various parameters of the pre-update specific music to generate specific music different from the pre-update specific music, thereby reproducing the specific music. Update. The specific music before updating may be music being reproduced by one or more audio devices 2 before updating, or may be music stored in the storage unit 13 .

Here, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music within a range in which the zoning effect due to the environment of the target space 4 is not impaired. For example, if the specific music is music classified as jazz or bossa nova, the sound generator 12 changes some or all of the other parameters of the specific music before updating without changing the genre of the music. By doing so, the specific music is updated. Further, for example, if the specific music is music that gives the user a relaxing effect, the sound source generation unit 12 changes some or all of the various parameters of the specific music before updating within a range that does not impair the effect. to update the specific music.

Also, as a means for generating new specific music by randomly determining some or all of the various parameters that make up the music in the absence of existing music, the chord progression that characterizes the music may be used first. It can also include a method of defining and semi-randomly assigning an appropriate melody to the key of the piece of music. "Semi-random" here means, for example, in genres of music such as jazz or blues, the performer performs ad-lib (improvisation) while selecting an appropriate scale, not according to the score, according to the chord progression of the song. It means that the melody is randomly given within a range that does not break down musically, as if establishing a This method is preferable because it is possible to efficiently generate the specific music while eliminating the sense of incongruity as a piece of music, and as a result, it is easy to reduce the processing load of updating the specific music in the sound source generation unit 12 .

In the embodiment, the sound generator 12 updates the specific music when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition is, for example, clocking a predetermined time. It should be noted that when the specific music is updated, the timer for the predetermined time is reset. In other words, in this case, the sound generator 12 updates the specific music every predetermined time. Further, the predetermined condition is, for example, that the specific music has been reproduced a predetermined number of times.

Here, as already described, the environmental control system 100 is installed in the office 3 in the embodiment. The sound generator 12 autonomously updates the specific music as a local system without transmitting or receiving information via an external network such as the Internet. That is, the sound source generator 12 is installed in a facility (here, the office 3) having the target space 4, and updates the specific music without going through an external network. Therefore, compared to the case of updating specific music via an external network, there is an advantage that it is easier to simplify the system and, as a result, it is easier to reduce the costs required for setting, construction and maintenance of the system. The term "external network" as used herein includes, for example, a network that can be connected to the Internet, but does not include the network that constitutes the environmental control system 100 itself.

The storage unit 13 is a storage device that stores information (computer programs, etc.) necessary for each of the control unit 11 and the sound source generation unit 12 to perform control. The storage unit 13 is implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may be implemented by a semiconductor memory, and known electronic information storage means can be used without particular limitation.

The storage unit 13 stores data of specific music reproduced by each audio device 2 . When the specific music to be reproduced is different for each target space 4 (group G1), the storage unit 13 stores the specific music data for each target space 4 .

In the storage unit 13 , the specific music data is overwritten with updated specific music data each time the sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music. Note that the data of the specific music before updating may be stored in the storage unit 13 without being overwritten by the data of the specific music after updating. In this case, each time the sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music, the storage unit 13 additionally stores updated specific music data. Then, the updated specific music data can be referred to as the pre-update specific music data when the sound source generator 12 next updates the specific music.

The control unit 11, the sound source generation unit 12, and the storage unit 13 may all be mounted on the same substrate or housed in the same housing. The substrate or housing may be attached to the ceiling, walls, floor, or fixtures/furniture such as desks of the office 3 . In this case, an effect that the environmental control system 100 is miniaturized can be expected.

[Verification of zoning effect]
Here, the inventors of the present application conducted the following experiments in order to verify the zoning effect by combining color temperature and specific music. That is, a plurality of subjects (here, 10 people) are gathered in the experiment space (here, one office room), and each subject is given a predetermined task (here, a personal computer) while changing the conditions of the experiment space. 1 minute of typing work). Then, a questionnaire was given to each subject about their impressions of the experimental space for each condition of the experimental space.

Multiple desks are installed in the experimental space. Then, each subject performed typing work using a personal computer (here, a laptop personal computer) at one of the desks. In addition, multiple base lights are installed on the ceiling of the experimental space to uniformly illuminate the entire experimental space. In addition, each desk is equipped with a spotlight for locally illuminating the corresponding desk.

The condition of the space to be tested is a combination of any one of the four illumination conditions and one of the four sound conditions. That is, the experiment was conducted for a total of 16 conditions.

The illumination conditions are the following four conditions (A1) to (A4). (A1) is to control each base light so that the color temperature of the illumination light is 3000 K and the illuminance of the experimental space is 800 lx. (A2) is to control each base light so that the color temperature of the illumination light is 4000 K and the illuminance of the experimental space is 800 lx. (A3) is to control each base light so that the color temperature of the illumination light is 5000 K and the illuminance of the experimental space is 800 lx. (A4) is to control each spotlight so that the color temperature of the illumination light is 4000K and the illuminance at the center of each desk is 1200lx.

The sound conditions are the following four conditions (B1) to (B4). (B1) is to make the space of the experiment object soundless, that is, make it silent. (B2) is to let the sound of a babbling brook (running water sound) flow in the space to be tested. (B3) is to let jazz flow in the space to be tested. (B4) is to play music for meditation in the space to be tested. Meditation music is music that is played during meditation or yoga, and is so-called healing music.

In the questionnaire for each subject, responses were obtained regarding the degree of preference for the experimental space, in other words, the degree of dependence on the experimental space. Specifically, the degree of preference for the space of the experiment target is (a) very like, (b) quite like, (c) somewhat like, (d) neither, (e) somewhat dislike, (f) Each subject was asked to answer whichever of the 7 grades of dislike (g) strongly dislike.

Then, the inventors of the present application quantitatively evaluated the conditions of the experimental space based on the results of questionnaires for each subject. Specifically, the seven-level evaluation obtained in the questionnaire is treated as an equal interval scale, and the evaluations of (g), (f), ..., (a) are "7", "6", ..., "1 ” scalar value. Then, an evaluation function for evaluating the space of the experiment object is defined as the following equation (1), and the following equation (2) using the evaluation function is used to score for each condition of the space of the experiment object V(m) was obtained.

In the following formulas (1) and (2), "f(n,m)" represents the evaluation function and "v" represents the above scalar value. Also, in the following formulas (1) and (2), "n" is the number assigned to the subject, "N" is the number of subjects, and "m" is the combination of lighting conditions and sound conditions. represents the assigned number. Here, since there are 10 subjects, "N" is 10, and "n" can take any natural number from 1 to 10. Further, since there are 16 combinations of lighting conditions and sound conditions, "m" can be any natural number from 1 to 16.

In the following formula (2), the score V(m) is corrected to be "0" when the space subject to the experiment does not have a particularly good or bad impression, that is, when the evaluation is of (d) above. In order to do so, "4" is subtracted. Therefore, the maximum score V(m) is "3" and the minimum score V(m) is "-3". For example, if the score V(m) is the maximum value, it indicates that all the subjects have the impression that they "very much like" the space to be tested. On the other hand, if the score V(m) is the minimum value, it indicates that all the subjects have the impression of "extremely disliked" the experimental space.

The results of the above experiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing part of the results of evaluation experiments for lighting control and acoustic control. In FIG. 3, the vertical axis represents the score V(m) for the experimental space. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents the conditions of the experimental space. Specifically, on the horizontal axis of FIG. 3, "4000K" represents illumination condition (A1), and "3000K" represents illumination condition (A2). On the horizontal axis of FIG. 3, "silence" represents the sound condition (B1), and "jazz" represents the sound condition (B3).

In FIG. 3, the score V(m) for the combination of "silence" and "4000K" is "-0.1", whereas the score V(m) for the combination of "silence" and "3000K" is "+0.3". That is, it was confirmed that the score V(m) increased by lowering the color temperature of the illumination light in the experimental space, but the amount of change was relatively small.

On the other hand, in FIG. 3, the score V(m) for the combination of "silence" and "4000K" is "-0.1", whereas the score V(m) for the combination of "jazz" and "3000K" is m) is "+1.2". In other words, by lowering the color temperature of the illumination light in the experimental space and playing jazz in the experimental space, the score V (m) is significantly higher than when only the color temperature is changed. increase was confirmed.

It should be noted that even when the color temperature of the illumination light in the experimental space is lowered, when sounds other than jazz (here, the sound of running water or music for meditation) are played, the score V(m) is A decrease in the score V(m) was confirmed rather than an increase.

Based on the results of the above experiments, the inventors of the present application found that only the color temperature of the illumination light is changed by making the color temperature of the illumination light lower than the reference color temperature and by reproducing specific music such as jazz. In comparison, it is easier to produce an effect that is more than the simple sum of the zoning effect that can be expected from illumination light and the zoning effect that can be expected from music, and it is expected that an unexpected favorable synergistic effect can be easily produced. I got the knowledge that.

[motion]
An example of the operation of the environment control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an operation example of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment. In the following description, it is assumed that the control unit 11 starts the processing S1 by receiving a control input. In other words, the control unit 11 does not control the one or more lighting fixtures 1 and the one or more sound devices 2 in each target space 4 (group G1) before receiving the control input.

Control inputs are, for example, a lighting schedule and a sound schedule from working hours to closing hours on any given day. In this case, the environment of each target space 4 is controlled according to the lighting schedule and sound schedule.

First, when receiving a control input, the control unit 11 controls one or more lighting fixtures 1 and one or more sound devices 2 in each target space 4 (group G1) according to the received control input (S1). Processing S1 corresponds to control step ST1 of the environment control method. Thereby, the environment of each target space 4 is controlled according to the control input.

After that, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (S2: Yes), the sound generator 12 updates the specific music (S3). The process S3 corresponds to the sound source generation step ST2 of the environment control method. On the other hand, until the predetermined condition is satisfied (S2: No), the sound generator 12 does not update the specific music (S4). In other words, unless a predetermined condition is satisfied, the sound source generator 12 will not update the specific music.

Here, the control unit 11 may control the one or more audio devices 2 to reproduce the updated specific music after the specific music is updated by the sound source generation unit 12 . Further, the control unit 11 may control the one or more audio devices 2 to reproduce the updated specific music from the day after the specific music is updated by the sound source generation unit 12 . In other words, the timing at which the updated specific music is reproduced does not necessarily have to coincide with the timing at which the specific music is updated by the sound generator 12 .

[advantage]
Advantages of the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below. First, the point of view of the inventor of the present application will be described. In recent years, users' work styles are diversifying, and for example, ABW type offices 3 and the like are on the rise. "ABW" is, as already mentioned, a way of working in which the user selects a place to work, a desk, or the like, according to the content of the work. Specifically, "ABW" prepares multiple spaces or environments suitable for the user's activities, such as solo work where one person concentrates on work, or group work where multiple people come up with ideas. It is a work style that aims to improve the user's productivity or wellness by doing so.

Here, by appropriately controlling the lighting environment and the acoustic environment of the target space 4, it is possible to exert a zoning effect such as providing a relaxing effect to the user staying in the target space 4. FIG. However, there is a possibility that the user will get tired of the specific music played in the target space 4 as his ears become accustomed to it. . Therefore, the inventors of the present application have studied a system that easily maintains the zoning effect that the environment of the target space 4 gives to the user.

In the environmental control system 100 according to the embodiment, the sound source generator 12 updates the specific music by changing at least one of the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music. Therefore, in the environment control system 100 according to the embodiment, it is possible to update the specific music before the user gets tired of the specific music played in the target space 4 . Therefore, the environment control system 100 according to the embodiment has the advantage that the user is less likely to get tired of the specific music and the zoning effect is likely to be maintained, in other words, the influence of the environment of the target space 4 on the user is likely to be sustained. .

By the way, in addition to the mode in which the sound source generator 12 generates the specific music, a mode in which new specific music data is prepared and the specific music is updated is conceivable. However, in this aspect, new specific music data must be prepared each time the specific music is updated, and the problem arises that the system setup, construction, and maintenance costs tend to increase. On the other hand, in the environment control system 100 according to the embodiment, since the sound source generation unit 12 generates and updates the specific music, there is no need to prepare new specific music data, and system setting, construction, and maintenance can be easily performed. There is also the advantage that it is easy to reduce the costs involved.

(Modification)
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Modifications of the embodiment are listed below. Modifications described below may be combined as appropriate.

An environment control system 100A according to a modification of the embodiment differs from the environment control system 100 according to the embodiment in that an acquisition unit 14 is provided as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an environment control system 100A according to Modification 1 of the embodiment.

The acquisition unit 14 acquires user information about users in the target space 4 . Then, the sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 14 .

Examples of user information acquired by the acquisition unit 14 and examples of updating specific music based on the acquired user information are listed below. In addition, the environmental control system 100A may execute at least one of the following first and second examples, and may execute both examples.

In the first example, the acquisition unit 14 acquires presence/absence information indicating the presence/absence of a user in the target space 4 as user information. The acquisition unit 14 can acquire presence/absence information by acquiring a detection result transmitted from a motion sensor such as an infrared sensor installed in the target space 4, for example. In addition, the acquisition unit 14 acquires presence/absence information by acquiring detection results from an indoor position information detection system using BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or the like, which is adopted in the target space 4, for example. It is possible.

Further, the acquisition unit 14 acquires an image of the target space 4 captured by a camera installed in the target space 4, for example, and performs appropriate image analysis processing on this image to acquire presence/absence information. is possible. In addition, the acquisition unit 14 can acquire presence/absence information by acquiring the reading result of the wireless IC tag possessed by the user from a tag reader installed in the target space 4, for example.

Then, in the first example, the sound source generator 12 updates the specific music based on the presence/absence information. Specifically, the sound source generator 12 calculates the utilization rate of the target space 4 by referring to the presence/absence information. Note that the calculation of the utilization rate of the target space 4 may be performed by the control unit 11, for example. Then, the sound source generator 12 updates the specific music if the utilization rate of the target space 4 is equal to or less than the threshold. That is, in the first example, if the utilization rate of the target space 4 is equal to or less than the threshold, the predetermined condition is satisfied. Therefore, in the first example, it is possible to update the specific music at the timing when it is estimated that the usage rate of the target space 4 is relatively low, in other words, the user is bored with the specific music.

In a second example, the acquisition unit 14 acquires, as user information, evaluation information indicating a user's evaluation of specific music. The acquisition unit 14 broadcasts questionnaire information that can be received by, for example, an information terminal possessed by the user. The questionnaire information includes, for example, questions asking for evaluation of specific music that is currently being played in the target space 4 . When receiving the questionnaire information, the user possessing the information terminal operates the information terminal to answer the questionnaire information, and transmits the answer to the acquisition unit 14 . The acquisition unit 14 can acquire the evaluation information by receiving the reply transmitted from the user's information terminal.

Then, in the second example, the sound source generator 12 updates the specific music based on the evaluation information. Specifically, the sound source generator 12 counts the number of negative evaluations of the specific music by referring to the evaluation information. Note that the control unit 11 may count the number of negative evaluations, for example. Then, if the number of negative evaluations is equal to or greater than the threshold, the sound source generator 12 updates the specific music. That is, in the second example, if the number of users who gave a negative evaluation is equal to or greater than the threshold, the predetermined condition is satisfied. Therefore, in the second example, it is possible to update the specific music at the timing when it is estimated that the number of users who gave a negative evaluation is relatively large, in other words, the users are bored with the specific music.

In the embodiment, the environment control system 100 controls the environments of multiple target spaces 4, but is not limited to this. For example, the environment control system 100 may control the environment of one target space 4 only.

In the embodiment, each lighting fixture 1 employs a base light as ambient lighting, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, some of the plurality of lighting fixtures 1 may employ spotlights as task lights.

In the embodiment, the lighting fixture 1 and the acoustic device 2 are configured separately, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lighting device 1 and the audio device 2 may be configured integrally by incorporating the audio device 2 in the lighting device 1 .

In the embodiment, the office 3 is made up of one large room with no other rooms, but it is not limited to this. For example, the office 3 may be configured with a large room having one or more rooms, or may be configured across multiple layers.

In the embodiment, the environmental control system 100 targets one office 3, but is not limited to this. For example, the environment control system 100 may target a plurality of offices 3 and control each lighting fixture 1 and each sound device 2 for each office 3 .

In the embodiment, the lighting device 1 and the sound device 2 are not included in the environmental control system 100, but at least one of the lighting device 1 and the sound device 2 is included in the environmental control system 100. good too.

Also, for example, in the above embodiment, the environmental control system 100 is implemented by a plurality of devices, but may be implemented as a single device. For example, the environmental control system 100 may be implemented as a single device corresponding to a server device. When the environment control system 100 is realized by a plurality of devices, the constituent elements included in the environment control system 100 may be distributed to the plurality of devices in any way. For example, the components included in the server device in the above embodiments may be included in an information terminal installed in a closed space. That is, the present invention may be realized by cloud computing or by edge computing.

For example, the communication method between devices in the above embodiments is not particularly limited. Further, a relay device (not shown) may intervene in communication between devices.

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

Also, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. These circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits.

Also, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs and recording media may be implemented.

For example, the present invention may be implemented as an environment control method executed by a computer such as the environment control systems 100 and 100A, or may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such an environment control method. , may be realized as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium in which such a program is recorded.

In addition, forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art can think of, or realized by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also included in the present invention.

(summary)
As described above, the environmental control systems 100 and 100A are provided with the control section 11 and the sound source generation section 12 . The control unit 11 controls the environment of the target space 4 by controlling one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the target space 4 and one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to the target space 4 . The sound source generator 12 generates specific music to be played back by one or more sound devices 2 . The sound source generator 12 updates the specific music by changing at least one of the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music.

According to the environment control systems 100 and 100A as described above, there is an advantage that the user is less likely to get tired of the specific music and the zoning effect is likely to be sustained, in other words, the influence of the environment of the target space 4 on the user is likely to be sustained. .

Also, for example, in the environmental control systems 100 and 100A, there are a plurality of target spaces 4 . The control unit 11 controls one or more lighting fixtures 1 and one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to each of the plurality of target spaces 4 so that the environments of the plurality of target spaces 4 are different from each other.

According to the environment control systems 100 and 100A, by providing different environments for each target space 4, it becomes easier for the user to select the desired environment, and there is an advantage that the user's convenience is easily improved. .

Further, for example, in the environment control systems 100 and 100A, the sound source generator 12 is installed in a facility having the target space 4, and updates the specific music without going through an external network.

According to the environmental control system 100, 100A, compared to the case of updating the specific music via an external network, the system can be easily simplified, and as a result, the system setup, construction, and maintenance costs can be increased. has the advantage of being easy to reduce

Also, for example, in the environmental control systems 100 and 100A, the specific music is music classified as jazz or bossa nova. The control unit 11 controls the one or more lighting fixtures 1 so that the color temperature of the illumination light is lower than the reference color temperature.

According to the environment control systems 100 and 100A, there is an advantage that it is easy to give a relaxing effect to the user staying in the target space 4 .

Also, for example, the environment control system 100</b>A further includes an acquisition unit 14 that acquires user information about the user in the target space 4 . The sound source generation unit 12 updates the specific music based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 14 .

According to the environment control system 100</b>A as described above, there is an advantage that the specific music can be easily updated at a timing suitable for the situation of the user who uses the target space 4 .

The environment control method also includes a control step ST1 and a sound source generation step ST2. In the control step ST1, the environment of the target space 4 is controlled by controlling one or more lighting fixtures 1 assigned to the target space 4 and one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to the target space 4. FIG. In the sound source generation step ST2, specific music to be reproduced by one or more sound devices 2 is generated. In the sound source generating step ST2, the specific music is updated by changing at least one of the melody, harmony and rhythm of the specific music.

According to such an environment control method, there is an advantage that the user is less likely to get tired of the specific music and the zoning effect is likely to be sustained, in other words, the influence of the environment of the target space 4 on the user is likely to be sustained.

Also, for example, the program causes one or more processors to execute the environment control method described above.

According to such a program, there is an advantage that the user is less likely to get tired of the specific music and the zoning effect is likely to be sustained, in other words, the influence of the environment of the target space 4 on the user is likely to be sustained.

By the way, in the above-described embodiment, the environment control system 100 does not need to control the lighting environment of the target space 4 unless it is assumed that the user staying in the target space 4 is given a zoning effect. In this case, the environment control system 100 may be configured as follows. Specifically, the environment control system 100 includes a control section 11 and a sound source generation section 12 . The control unit 11 controls one or more acoustic devices 2 assigned to the target space 4 . The sound source generator 12 generates specific music to be played back by one or more sound devices 2 . The sound source generator 12 updates the specific music by changing at least one of the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music. Also, the sound source generator 12 is installed in a facility having the target space 4, and updates the specific music without going through an external network.

In this aspect, the environmental control system 100 may be configured separately from the audio device 2 or may be mounted on the audio device 2 . In the latter case, if there are a plurality of sound devices 2, one of the sound devices 2 may be equipped with the environment control system 100, or each sound device 2 may be equipped with the environment control system 100. may be installed.

100, 100A Environment control system 11 control unit 12 sound source generation unit 14 acquisition unit 1 lighting fixture 2 sound device 4 target space ST1 control step ST2 sound source generation step

Claims (7)

a control unit that controls the environment of the target space by controlling one or more lighting fixtures assigned to the target space and one or more sound devices assigned to the target space;
a sound source generation unit that generates specific music to be played back by the one or more sound devices,
The sound source generator updates the specific music by changing at least one of melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music.
Environmental control system. The target space is plural,
The control unit controls the one or more lighting fixtures and the one or more acoustic devices assigned to each of the plurality of target spaces so that the environments of the plurality of target spaces are different from each other.
The environmental control system of claim 1. The sound source generation unit is installed in a facility having the target space, and updates the specific music without going through an external network.
The environment control system according to claim 1 or 2. The specific music is music classified as jazz or bossa nova,
The control unit controls the one or more lighting fixtures so that the color temperature of the illumination light is lower than a reference color temperature.
The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1-3. Further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires user information about the user in the target space,
the sound source generation unit updates the specific music based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit;
The environmental control system according to any one of claims 1-4. a control step of controlling the environment of the target space by controlling one or more lighting fixtures assigned to the target space and one or more sound devices assigned to the target space;
a sound source generation step of generating specific music to be played back by the one or more audio devices;
In the sound source generating step, the specific music is updated by changing at least one of melody, harmony, and rhythm of the specific music.
Environmental control method. to one or more processors;
executing the environment control method according to claim 6;
program.

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