JP7055320B2 - Lighting equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lighting device including a laser light source.

As a light source for a lighting device or a display device, LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) have become widespread in place of conventional incandescent lamps and fluorescent lamps. On the other hand, lasers are attracting attention as one of the light sources that will become more widespread in the next generation.

The vehicle headlight disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 includes an LED or a laser device as a light source for emitting white light, which is a light source for blue light that excites a phosphor that emits yellow light.

This blue light is scanned onto the surface of the panel containing the phosphor by a mirror member such as a MEMS (Micro Electro Electrical Systems) mirror and projected as white light toward the front of the vehicle.

Japanese Patent No. 5577138 Japanese Patent No. 5662599

However, the use of the laser light source as described above does not fully utilize the characteristics of the laser light, such as high directivity and high brightness, which are superior to the LED light.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to expand the use of the laser light source while further utilizing the characteristics of the laser light source, promote the spread of the laser light source, and provide an energy-saving lighting device.

The lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention provided for achieving the above object includes a plurality of laser light sources that emit laser light having different wavelengths, including visible laser light, and the plurality of laser light sources. The optical scanner that scans the emitted visible laser light and irradiates it into the illuminated area, and the reflected light of the visible laser light from the illuminated area in synchronization with the scanning of the visible laser light by the optical scanner. A signal processing unit including a light detector for sensing, and each of the plurality of laser light sources detects an object in the illumination region based on the result of sensing the reflected light of the laser light output by the light detector. Operates according to a control signal indicating the intensity of the visible laser light that changes over time, which is output according to the result, so that both the illumination in the illumination region and the object detection are scanned. It is executed using laser light, and the signal processing unit performs the object detection based on the generation timing of the period without reflected light generated by the visible laser light not being emitted for a part of time.
Further, the lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention provided for achieving the above object includes a plurality of laser light sources that emit laser light having different wavelengths, including visible laser light, and the plurality of lasers. The optical scanner that scans the visible laser light emitted by the light source and irradiates it into the illuminated area, and the reflection of the visible laser light from the illuminated area in synchronization with the scanning of the visible laser light by the optical scanner. A light detector for sensing light is provided, and each of the plurality of laser light sources detects an object in the illumination region based on the result of sensing the reflected light of the visible laser light output by the light detector. Both the illumination in the illumination area and the object detection are scanned by the signal processing unit operating according to a control signal indicating the intensity of the visible laser light that changes with time, which is output according to the result. It is executed using the visible laser light, and the signal processing unit detects the object at a time when the visible laser light is not emitted for a part of time.

According to the present invention, an energy-saving lighting device that can be applied to a wide range of applications by taking advantage of the characteristics of laser light is provided.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the lighting device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lighting device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the function of the lighting device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the energy saving effect that the lighting device according to the embodiment can bring. FIG. 5A shows the intensity of the laser light repeatedly emitted as periodic pulsed light, the laser light reaching a certain point in the irradiation region, and the light reflected at the point and incident on the sensor light receiving portion. It is a figure which shows an example of a laser and a timing schematically. FIG. 5B shows the intensity of the laser light repeatedly emitted as periodic pulsed light, the laser light reaching a certain point in the irradiation region, and the light reflected at the point and incident on the sensor light receiving portion. It is a figure which shows the other example of a laser and timing schematically. FIG. 6 is another schematic diagram for explaining the function of the lighting device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is still another schematic diagram for explaining the function of the lighting device according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration example of the lighting device according to the modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram for explaining another configuration example of the lighting device according to the modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of the surface emitting visible laser light source included in the lighting device according to the modified example of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

It should be noted that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, connection forms, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Further, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claim indicating the highest level concept are described as arbitrary components.

Further, each figure referred to in the following description is a schematic diagram and does not accurately show the shape and the magnitude relationship of each component. Further, the common constituent members in each figure are indicated by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment)
[1. Constitution]
The configuration of the lighting device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the lighting device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the mechanical configuration of the lighting device according to the present embodiment.

The lighting device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a real space monitor unit 21, a built-in signal processing unit 131, a lighting unit 41, an information transmission unit 49, a power feeding unit 43, a display unit 47, and an instruction unit 45 as functional components. .. Further, the lighting device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a sensor light receiving unit 20, a control device 30, a laser unit 40, a communication unit 50, and an optical system 60 as mechanical components.

The real space monitor unit 21 detects an object by detecting the direction and distance of the object in the illumination area of the lighting device 100 (hereinafter referred to as object detection). More specifically, the real space monitor unit 21 can detect the position of an object in the illuminated area, the gesture of a moving object, and the like.

The object detection is performed by sensing the reflected light of the light emitted from the illuminating device 100 to the illuminating area.

The light source of the emitted light of the lighting device 100 is each laser light source included in the laser unit 40, and in the example shown in FIG. 2, the red laser light source 42, the green laser light source 44, the blue laser light source 46, and the infrared laser light source 48. Is.

The laser light emitted from these laser light sources is scanned by the optical scanning unit 62 included in the optical system 60 and irradiated into the illuminated area.

The optical system 60 includes, for example, a condenser lens (not shown in FIG. 2) that condenses a plurality of laser beams to make them coaxial, a plurality of laser beams having different wavelengths, and red, green, and blue (hereinafter, RGB) in the example of the present embodiment. It also includes a spectral coupler array (not shown in FIG. 2) that synthesizes the laser light of (also referred to as), and an optical scanning unit 62.

The optical scanning unit 62 is realized by using, for example, a waveguide type electro-optical modulator in which a channel is formed by LiNbO ₃ or LiTaO ₃ , or a MEMS mirror. The optical scanning unit 62 is an example of an optical scanning device according to the present embodiment.

The reflected light of this laser light from the illumination region is sensed by the visible light sensor 22 and the infrared sensor included in the sensor light receiving unit 20 in synchronization with the scanning by the optical scanning unit 62. The visible light sensor 22 and the infrared sensor 24 are examples of the photodetector in the present embodiment, respectively. The signal from the sensor light receiving unit 20 indicating the result of this sensing is input to the built-in signal processing unit 131.

The built-in signal processing unit 131 detects an object in the illumination region of the lighting device 100 based on the result of this sensing, that is, by processing the signal from the sensor light receiving unit 20. Further, the built-in signal processing unit 131 outputs a control signal for realizing the lighting unit 41, the power feeding unit 43, the instruction unit 45, the display unit 47, and the information transmission unit 49 according to the result of the above-mentioned object detection. The details of each of these functional components that receive the control signal will be described later in the next section "2. Operation", but each laser light source operates according to the control signal indicating the operation according to the result of the object detection. Realized by.

Further, the built-in signal processing unit 131 transmits a signal from the sensor light receiving unit 20 from the communication unit 50 to the centralized signal processing unit 231 outside the lighting device 100 via a high-speed communication path, and completes the processing. Alternatively, it may be partly carried. The centralized signal processing unit 231 is, for example, a server system 200 by cloud computing shown in FIG. 2, a supercomputer, or the like, and data is used by using a technique such as big data analysis, AI (artificial intelligence), or deep learning. To process. This allows for more complex or more accurate object detection. For example, object recognition may be performed. Alternatively, the centralized signal processing unit 231 may be a remote controller (not shown) used by the user of the lighting device 100, and may be connected to the lighting device 100 by wire or wireless communication. In this case, although the processing level may be inferior to that of the server system 200 or the like described above, more complicated or more accurate object detection is executed than the built-in signal processing unit 131. The result of the object detection outside the built-in signal processing unit 131 is returned to the built-in signal processing unit 131 via the communication unit 50.

The built-in signal processing unit 131 is realized by, for example, in a microcontroller (not shown) included in the lighting device 100, a program stored in a memory (not shown) is executed by a processor.

Such a built-in signal processing unit 131 and a centralized signal processing unit 231 are examples of the signal processing unit in the present embodiment, respectively, and hereinafter, the two are also referred to as a signal processing unit 31 without particular distinction.

The object detection by the real space monitor unit 21 is not limited to the one executed by sensing the reflected light of the above light. For example, the real space monitor unit 21 may further receive an input of a position signal indicating the position from an external device of the lighting device 100. Such a real space monitor unit 21 is realized by using a communication unit 50 including a receiver capable of receiving a wireless communication signal from the outside. The external device referred to here is not particularly limited as long as it can transmit a wireless communication signal. For example, it may be an information terminal device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a smart watch, or it may be a device that is communicably connected in so-called IoT (Internet of Things). Further, it may be an RF tag attached to something other than an electric appliance. The wireless communication signal may comply with communication standards such as IrDA, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and ZigBee (registered trademark). The real space monitor unit 21 further provides the input position signal to the built-in signal processing unit 131.

[2. motion]
The lighting device 100 having the above configuration has multiple functions, and operations for each function can be performed in parallel. Hereinafter, a plurality of functions of the lighting device 100 and operations for realizing each function will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, even if the operation is executed by each component of the lighting device 100, it may be described as an operation by the lighting device 100 for convenience.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the function of the lighting device 100. In the room shown in FIG. 3, two lighting devices 100 are installed for convenience of explanation and illustration, but the number of lighting devices 100 installed in one space is as follows, which is exhibited by using laser light. As long as each function described in the above is feasible, the number is not limited, and the number may be one or three or more. The entire space of this room is a lighting area of the lighting device 100 that can be illuminated with a certain degree of brightness or more according to the use of the room.

In the present application, the term “illumination area” of the illumination device 100 is used to refer to an area where the optical scanning unit 62 can scan and reach the visible laser light in the space where the illumination device 100 is installed. , Does not refer to a particular area that is actually illuminated at any given time. Further, unlike the conventional lighting equipment, the light from the light source does not always reach the entire lighting area when the lighting device 100 is operated, and the visible laser light that is scanned and reaches a part or all of the lighting area is the visible laser light. It fulfills the following functions according to the reached position.

[2-1. Object detection]
The lighting device 100 detects an object in the lighting area as described above, and detects the direction and distance of the object in the room. Thereby, for example, the position or movement of a specific part of a person such as a wall clock, a person in the lighting area, or a person such as a hand, face or eyes is detected.

For object detection, at least a part of the visible laser light emitted by the red laser light source 42, the green laser light source 44 and the blue laser light source 46, and the infrared laser light emitted by the infrared laser light source 48 is used.

[2-2. illumination]
The built-in signal processing unit 131 transmits a control signal for realizing the illumination unit 41 to the laser unit 40 according to the result of such object detection.

The visible laser light source included in the laser unit 40 emits light for brightening the entire or a part of the illumination region according to this control signal, that is, illumination light to realize the illumination unit 41.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, light for spot illumination mainly illuminating the wall clock is emitted according to the position of the wall clock detected by the object detection. This is a laser beam in which each laser light source (hereinafter collectively referred to as a visible laser light source) of the red laser light source 42, the green laser light source 44, and the blue laser light source 46 included in the laser unit 40 is scanned by the optical scanning unit 62. Is realized by emitting light at the timing toward the position.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the illumination light corresponding to the position of the detected person is further emitted. The illumination light according to the position of the person may be light for spot lighting that follows a moving person and illuminates the surroundings, as in the person 510 in FIG. 3, or as in the person 520. It may be light for spot lighting that illuminates a person facing the desk or a large area on the desk. In addition, if a person's face or a part thereof, for example, eyes are detected, the face, or at least the periphery of the eyes, may be illuminated with a reduced intensity illumination light so as not to damage the eyes by the laser beam. It may be, or the illumination light may not be delivered. In this case, the eye position may be estimated from the area of the entire face or other detected parts. The position and size (range) of the object or area illuminated by the illumination light and the intensity setting thereof are determined by, for example, by the user using the user interface (not shown) of the illumination device 100. Each laser light source of the red laser light source 42, the green laser light source 44, and the blue laser light source 46 included in the laser unit 40 is scanned by the optical scanning unit 62 so that the intensity of the laser light directed to each position is as set. It emits a laser beam whose intensity changes.

As described above, the control signal from the built-in signal processing unit 131 indicates the intensity of the laser beam that is temporally changed according to the reachable position.

It should be noted that a plurality of spot illuminations having different positions as in the above example are executed in parallel as long as these positions are contained in the illumination area covered by one scan by the optical scanning unit 62.

Further, in the above example, the range to be illuminated by the laser beam is determined based on the position of the detected person or a part thereof, but the reference is not limited to the position of the person or the like. In addition, a predetermined object, for example, a book, a desk, a table, a table, a workbench, a foliage plant, a pot for plants, or the like, or an object that should be illuminated with a certain degree of brightness or an object that holds the object is a signal processing unit. When it is detected by the object recognition by 31, the range to be irradiated with the laser beam may be determined based on the position. Then, the visible laser light source may emit laser light so that, for example, a predetermined object is illuminated brighter than its surroundings by the control signal from the built-in signal processing unit 131. Alternatively, the range irradiated with the laser beam may follow a setting determined by the user.

Further, the intensity of the laser light emitted from each laser light source in order to realize the illumination unit 41 is basically adjusted so that the combined light becomes white with a predetermined brightness. The predetermined brightness is, for example, the brightness set by the user of the lighting device 100. Further, the color temperature or the hue may be appropriately changed according to the setting made by the user or as the specifications of the lighting device 100. Since the lighting device 100 in the present embodiment can synthesize RGB laser light, it is possible to realize lighting with various color temperatures or shades.

In addition, the brightness and color temperature or hue of the light for spot illumination can be changed depending on the position to which it is delivered. That is, one lighting device 100 can realize lighting customized for each user.

As described above, the lighting device 100 capable of supplying the illumination light to the place where the illumination is required only for the required time contributes to energy saving. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the energy saving effect that the lighting device 100 can bring. Here, a comparison with a lighting device provided with an LED as a light source will be described.

The upper row of the table is a schematic diagram showing an example of the light distribution of each lighting device in the room space, and the lower row is a diagram showing an example of the illuminance distribution of each lighting device in the room space. .. The lighting device of the LED light source illuminates a wide area, and the illuminance distribution is almost constant over the floor and the wall. On the other hand, in the illuminating device 100, only a narrower area can be illuminated with a desired illuminance.

For example, according to the general rules of lighting standards stipulated in JIS Z 9110: 2011 of the Japanese Industrial Standards, the brightness suitable for reading in a house is about 10 times the appropriate brightness of the entire area outside the house. Is. However, assuming that the area where lighting is required for reading is very small, for example, about 1% with respect to the area outside the area, the power consumption of the lighting device 100 in this room space is the lighting device of the LED light source. It is not impossible to reduce it to less than 1/10 of the case of using.

Here, when both object detection and illumination are performed using the scanned RGB laser light, the accuracy of the object detection is that of the laser light that is repeatedly emitted as pulsed light in a predetermined cycle (pulse cycle). It can be increased by reducing the ratio (duty ratio) of the pulse width to the pulse period. However, if this duty ratio is small, it is necessary to increase the output of the laser beam in order to secure the brightness for lighting. However, high-power laser light consumes a lot of power and has a risk of damaging the retinas of humans and animals in a very short time.

The following three methods are exemplified as methods for solving the problem of the trade-off between the accuracy of object detection and the brightness of illumination.

One is a method in which the duty ratio of each laser light source is intermittently lowered only for a very short time that is difficult for humans to detect, and object detection is performed at that time.

The other is to separate the light source for illumination light and the light source for object detection. For example, the infrared laser light source 48 may be exclusively used as the light source for object detection. Alternatively, even if it is visible light, a light source (not shown) that emits laser light having a wavelength different from that of the above visible laser light source may be used.

As yet another method, the laser beam is emitted at a high duty ratio with respect to the pulse period, a very short time during which the laser beam is not emitted is provided, and the object is detected based on the generation timing of the period without the reflected light. You may. This method will be described below in comparison with the method of object detection based on the return timing of the reflected light of the laser beam emitted at a low duty ratio.

FIG. 5A shows a laser beam emitted from the laser unit 40 as periodic pulsed light at a low duty ratio, the laser beam reaching the point A in the irradiation region, and the laser beam reflected at the point A to receive sensor light. It is a figure which shows typically the example of the intensity and timing of the light incident on a part 20. FIG. 5B shows a laser beam emitted from the laser unit 40 as periodic pulsed light at a high duty ratio, the laser beam reaching the point A in the irradiation region, and the laser beam reflected at the point A to receive sensor light. It is a figure which shows typically the example of the intensity and timing of the light incident on a part 20. More specifically, in common with FIGS. 5A and 5B, (a) is the emitted laser light, (b) is the laser light reaching the point A, and (c) is incident on the sensor light receiving unit 20. The reflected light is shown, the horizontal axis shows time, and the height of the curve shows the intensity of light.

Further, in the following description, for convenience, the laser light emitted from the laser unit 40 is one scan by the optical scanning unit 62, and the points A, B, C ... It is assumed that the scan is directed toward a point, and that each of these points is located 3 meters from each laser light source, and that the distance from each point to the sensor light receiving unit 20 is also 3 meters. Therefore, the time required to reach each point after the laser beam traveling 30 cm in 1 nanosecond is emitted is 10 nanoseconds, and further until the light reflected at each point reaches the sensor light receiving unit 20. It takes 10 nanoseconds. The signal processing unit 31 detects an object based on the result of sensing the reflected light from each point of the laser light by the sensor light receiving unit 20.

In the example of FIG. 5A, as shown in (a), the cycle of the pulse of the laser light emitted by the laser unit 40 is 10 nanoseconds, and the time for the laser unit 40 to emit the laser light is 100 picoseconds. When scanning is performed under the above assumption, the point A receives and reflects the laser beam emitted for 100 picoseconds once every 10 milliseconds.

In the example of FIG. 5B, as shown in (a), the cycle of the pulse of the laser light emitted by the laser unit 40 is 10 nanoseconds as in the example of FIG. 5A. However, unlike the example of FIG. 5A, the time during which the laser unit 40 does not emit the laser light in one cycle is 100 picoseconds, and the laser light is emitted during the remaining time. When scanning is performed under the above assumption, point A receives and reflects a laser beam of 9900 picoseconds once every 10 milliseconds. That is, it is irradiated with a laser beam having a length of 99 times within the same time. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 5B, each point in the irradiation area is illuminated brighter than in the example of FIG. 5A. Then, the object detection based on the generation timing of the period with the reflected light as in the example of FIG. 5A and the object detection based on the generation timing of the period without the reflected light as in the example of FIG. 5B are the lengths of these periods. If they are the same, they can be carried out with substantially the same accuracy.

In this way, the ratio of the time when the pulsed light of the visible laser light repeated in a predetermined cycle is emitted to the pulse period is made very high, and the pulsed light is not emitted in a very short time within the same cycle. Brighter illumination can be realized without degrading the accuracy of object detection in the irradiation area. Substantially, if the pulsed light is emitted for a time exceeding 50% of the pulse period, it is possible to achieve both the accuracy of object detection in the irradiation region and the suitable brightness.

The infrared laser light source 48 can always be used for object detection as long as it is within the illumination region, regardless of whether or not the spot illumination is performed as described above. In addition, in the illuminated area and outside the area where spot illumination is performed, the object is detected while weakly illuminating using the pulsed light of the visible laser light emitted periodically by the visible laser light source at a low duty ratio. May be good.

[2-2. Power supply]
The built-in signal processing unit 131 acquires the position of the external device in the illumination region from the result of the object detection as described above, and transmits a control signal for realizing the power feeding unit 43 to the laser unit 40. The object to be fed by the feeding unit 43 is a device capable of optical wireless power feeding and a device including a solar cell.

This control signal may at least indicate the position of an object to be fed, or may further indicate a light intensity or color more suitable for feeding the object.

Each laser light source included in the laser unit 40 emits laser light so that the laser light scanned by the optical scanning unit 62 reaches the position indicated by the control signal to realize the feeding unit 43.

In the example of FIG. 3, a wireless communication signal (dashed-dotted line) indicating a position is transmitted to the lighting device 100 from a portable information terminal device placed on a shelf. Then, light for feeding is dropped from the lighting device 100 toward this position. It is not essential to transmit the wireless communication signal from the information terminal device to the lighting device 100. Instead, the signal processing unit 31 processes the information obtained from the reflected light used for detecting the object detected by the sensor light receiving unit 20 to recognize the object, thereby recognizing the object to be fed, and the position is set. May be obtained.

Further, since the lighting device 100 can acquire the position of the object to be fed at any time, the feeding unit 43 realized in this way can continuously feed the moving object. For example, not only mobile devices such as smartphones, but also robots or drones that can move at any time during use can be supplied with power as long as they are in the lighting area, and the time during which continuous operation is possible can be extended. Such a power feeding method has less restrictions on the location of the object to be fed than the feeding method using microwaves called wireless power feeding.

[2-3. Instructions]
The operation of each component is similar to the above-mentioned feeding, and the object may be illuminated with a laser beam for the purpose of indicating the position of the object. As a result, an instruction unit 45 for instructing an object in the illumination area is realized.

In the example of FIG. 3, a wireless communication signal (dashed-dotted line) indicating a position is transmitted to the lighting device 100 from the RF tag provided in the key case on the floor. Then, light for feeding is dropped from the lighting device 100 toward this position. It should be noted that transmission of a wireless communication signal from the RF tag to the lighting device 100 is not essential. Instead, the signal processing unit 31 processes the information obtained from the reflected light used for detecting the object detected by the sensor light receiving unit 20 to recognize the object, thereby recognizing the object to be instructed and determining the position. May be obtained.

In such a case, a laser beam in a mode that is easy for the user to distinguish from the laser beam for spot lighting or power feeding may be used. For example, the object may be illuminated with a laser beam of a specific color, a flickering laser beam, or the like. Illumination of an object with a laser beam of such an embodiment is also realized by controlling each visible laser light source with a control signal indicating the intensity of the laser beam that changes with time according to the reachable position.

[2-4. display]
The built-in signal processing unit 131 transmits a control signal for realizing the display unit 47 to the laser unit 40 according to the result of the object detection as described above.

The visible laser light source included in the laser unit 40 emits visible laser light for projecting an image onto at least a part of the illumination region according to this control signal to realize the display unit 47. At least a portion of the illuminated area is the surface of an object in the illuminating device 100, such as the wall of a room comprising the illuminating device 100.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a resizable display is provided by this display feature. This is because the visible laser light source included in the laser unit 40 has a brightness corresponding to the image displayed at the timing when the laser light scanned by the light scanning unit 62 heads toward a predetermined display area, a part of the wall surface in this example. And it is realized by emitting colored light. The predetermined display area is, for example, an area based on settings such as a position or size (range) determined by the user of the lighting device 100. Further, the range of the display area or the content of the display is determined based on the result of object detection by the real space monitoring unit 21, and may change according to the change of the result.

FIG. 6 is another schematic diagram for explaining the function of the lighting device 100. FIG. 6 shows a state of a classroom in a school. For example, when the real space monitor unit 21 detects a hand gesture of a person 530 that pulls the edge of a sizeable display, which is an image projected on a wall surface, the size of the sizeable display is changed according to the hand gesture. You may. Further, on the right side of the person 530, an image including an image of an alphabet card is projected on the wall surface. The image of each card may be translated or rotated according to a gesture such as movement by a person 530.

Further, in FIG. 6, the users 540A, 540B, and 540C are also viewing the materials common to the materials projected as images on the wall surface on the screen in the hands of each user. The images displayed on these screens are projected by the display unit 47. However, on the screen at hand, different images are displayed according to each user's operation. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 6 shows an image displayed on each screen in a balloon.

More specifically, each screen displays only the portion of the material selected by each user, and additionally displays objects such as arrows entered by each user. Such display customization is performed by controlling each visible laser light source so that the gesture of each user is detected by the real space monitor unit 21 and the image projected on each screen changes according to the result of this detection. It will be realized. Further, in the example of FIG. 6, the objects additionally displayed on each screen are collectively reflected in the image showing the entire material projected on the wall surface.

The change of the display area according to the result of object detection is not limited to such an interactive one. For example, when projecting an image on a wall surface, a nearly flat portion of the wall surface is recognized by the signal processing unit 31 using the result of object detection, and the image is projected onto a display area that makes maximum use of that portion. May be good.

FIG. 7 is still another schematic diagram for explaining the function of the lighting device 100. FIG. 7 shows a state of a hospital room or the like. For example, depending on the symptoms of illness, the user may need to spend time in a room without windows. A virtual window 700 can be projected onto the wall surface of such a room by the display unit 47. The image projected on the virtual window 700 may be changed so as to reproduce the change in the appearance of the actual scenery due to the movement of the viewpoint according to the position of the patient detected by the real space monitor unit 21.

Further, FIG. 7 further shows how the current vital signs are displayed on the wall surface of the room by the display unit 47. The data for this display is transmitted from the measuring instrument in the room to the lighting device 100.

Further, the lighting device 100 may acquire data from an external device such as a data server via a communication line. For example, the data of the material of FIG. 6 can be acquired from an external server or the like of the lighting device 100. Further, in the example of FIG. 7, the result of the past inspection (for example, an X-ray photograph) acquired by the lighting device 100 from an external data server or the like is displayed on the wall surface. This makes it possible to reduce the time and effort required to move the patient to the examination room, or to reduce the amount of materials brought by the visiting doctor.

In this way, the lighting device 100 enables free use as a display medium on the wall surface, and eliminates the need for indoor equipment and wiring associated with the equipment. Therefore, the room can be used more widely.

Further, in the display unit 47 realized in this way, even if the display area is a part of the illumination area in terms of position, only visible laser light for projecting an image is scanned in this display area. , Visible laser light can be emitted so that the visible laser light for illuminating the illumination area is not scanned. In other words, each visible laser light source that operates according to the control signal is visible so that the light for projecting the image and the light for illuminating the laser light scanned by the optical scanning unit 62 do not overlap with each other. It can emit laser light. Alternatively, it can be said that the portion of the control signal that causes each visible laser light source to perform such an operation to emit light for displaying an image to each visible laser light source is a video signal.

Conventionally, the illumination light and the light for displaying an image in the same space are emitted from individual light sources, for example, a light source of a lighting fixture and a light source of a projector, respectively. Such illumination light is superimposed on the light for displaying the image in the area where the image is projected. In this case, in order to obtain a high-contrast image, it is necessary to turn off or weaken the illumination light.

However, in the lighting device 100, the illumination light and the light for displaying an image have a common light source, and both lights are laser light, so that the directivity is high. Therefore, the lighting device 100 emits visible light so as to switch between the illumination light and the light for displaying an image at any time according to whether or not the destination of the laser light scanned by the optical scanning unit 62 is within the display area. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate light separately and separately between the display area and the other areas in the illumination area.

Such an operation of the lighting device 100 can always be executed by the control using the control signal performed by the built-in signal processing unit 131, and according to the gesture of the user detected as a result of the object detection by the real space monitoring unit 21. It may be executed.

Such a display unit 47 can reduce the time and effort of the user to turn off the lighting of the entire room, which has been conventionally used for displaying a high-contrast image. Further, the projection of the image by the laser beam is technically easy to be performed in a focus-free manner, which makes it possible to provide the lighting device 100 having a high degree of freedom in the position of the display area.

[2-5. Information transmission]
The built-in signal processing unit 131 transmits a control signal for realizing the information transmission unit 49 to the laser unit 40 according to the result of such object detection.

At least a part of each visible laser light source included in the laser unit 40 realizes the information transmission unit 49 by emitting high-speed digitally modulated laser light for visible light communication with an external device according to this control signal. By this laser light, the communication signal of visible light communication is transmitted from the lighting device 100 to a terminal device (not shown) provided by each user and provided with a light receiving element for visible light communication. In the lighting device 100, visible light carrying different communication signals can be locally irradiated to a plurality of places in the irradiation area, so that confidential information can be transmitted to a specific individual. be. In the example of FIG. 6, the information of the result of each quiz is transmitted to the users 540A, 540B and 540C.

[2-6. others]
The lighting device 100 can also exhibit each function other than the above-mentioned object detection in parallel in the lighting area. That is, while the light scanning unit 62 scans the laser light once, the signal processing unit 63 causes each laser to change the output of the laser light in time according to the place where the scanned light reaches. Control the light source. Further, in this control, the signal processing unit 63 outputs the laser light from each laser light source so that the light laser light is scanned by the light scanning unit 62 and does not reach the place where the laser light irradiation is not required. Stop it.

Further, the lighting device 100 may be further connected to external sensors for sensing the lighting region. Examples of external sensors here include an image sensor (camera), a microphone, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor.

For example, in FIG. 3, the temperature / humidity sensor 310 and the camera 320 communicate with the lighting device 100. The signal processing device 31 recognizes the situation in the illumination region based on the signal indicating the sensing result received from these sensors, and the content of the control shown by the control signal transmitted to the laser unit 40 based on this situation. May be determined.

Alternatively, the illuminator 100 does not use the sensing results provided by these sensors, but relays a signal indicating the sensing results and yet another external device or facility, such as a smart house control system or. It may be sent to a security company or the like. Further, the lighting device 100 may supply power to these sensors. The lighting device 100 that functions in this way can reduce and simplify the physical wiring for power transmission or communication in the building.

FIG. 7 also shows an operation example in which the lighting device 100 and external sensors are connected. For example, the words spoken by the patient may be collected by a microphone in the room, and the audio signal from the microphone may be analyzed by the signal processing unit 31 to perform language recognition. Then, depending on the content of the recognized language, for example, the position of the medicine bag may be indicated by the instruction unit 45, or the view of the virtual window 700 displayed by the display unit 47 may be changed.

Further, the result of the object detection performed by the lighting device 100 may be output to the outside. For example, in FIG. 7, the position, movement, or posture of the patient, which is the result of object detection by the real space monitor unit 21, may be transmitted to the data server or the nurse station.

As described above, the lighting device 100 has at least one of the functions of lighting by scanning the laser beam, power supply, object instruction, image display, and information transmission, and object detection by sensing the reflected light of the laser beam. Combined with functions, it realizes personalization by diversification and localization of light in the lighting space. In addition, since one lighting device 100 can provide such various functions conventionally realized by a plurality of devices in parallel within the lighting area, effective use of space is promoted and further saved. It leads to resources and low cost.

Further, when the laser beam is used for lighting, there is a concern about safety due to its high power, but the substantial power density is suppressed by scanning the laser beam at high speed. Furthermore, since it is possible to constantly detect objects in the illuminated area, even if a person or animal approaches the vicinity of a light source with high power density, the output can be quickly reduced to avoid an accident. ..

The illuminating device 100 can also irradiate weak light or not irradiate a portion of the illuminating area that does not require illumination at all, which contributes to energy saving and solves a global problem of light pollution. Can also contribute.

(Modified example of the embodiment)
As described above, in the lighting device 100 of the embodiment, safety is taken into consideration by suppressing the power density of the laser beam by high-speed scanning. However, to ensure higher safety, or to ensure that the output of each laser light source used as the light source of the lighting device 100 in accordance with the regulations of the relevant regulations is above a certain level of brightness over the entire lighting area of the desired size. May be insufficient.

In such a case, in order to secure a certain level of brightness in the entire illumination area of a desired size, for example, the configuration of the illumination device is a set of a laser unit and an optical scanner (hereinafter referred to as a scanning light emitting unit). The plurality of scanning light emitting units may be arranged so that the illumination areas in which the laser light is scanned by the optical scanners included in the plurality of scanning light emitting units are arranged in a tile shape. It will be described below with reference to a figure. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration example of the lighting device 100 according to the present modification.

In FIG. 8, the red laser light source 42, the green laser light source 44, and the blue laser light source 46 (visible laser light source) are visible laser light sources included in one laser unit 40. There is a condenser lens on the emission side of each laser light source. The condenser lens, the spectroscopic coupler, and the optical scanning unit 62 are included in the optical system 60 of the lighting device 100.

In FIG. 8 and below, the infrared laser light source 48 that the laser unit 40 may further include is not shown. Further, in FIG. 8, only the laser unit 40 and the condenser lens corresponding to the four uppermost rows of the array of spectroscopic couplers are shown, and the others are not shown. Further, among the components shown in the figure, in another configuration example described later, since the condenser lens and the spectroscopic coupler are unnecessary, the laser unit 40 and the optical scanning unit 62 are used as the scanning light emitting unit. The configuration does not limit the present invention.

The visible laser light emitted by each visible laser light source according to the control signal is condensed coaxially by the condenser lens and incident on one corresponding spectroscopic coupler. The visible laser light incident on the spectroscopic coupler is synthesized and then scanned into the illumination region by the light scanning unit 62. FIG. 8 schematically shows how the optical scanning unit 62 at the left end of the uppermost row of the array of the optical scanning units 62 scans the laser beam from the upper left as a starting point in one illumination region. This illumination area is large enough to ensure the required brightness even when the laser light from a laser light source having a small output is scanned.

In the example of FIG. 8, such a series of operations is executed in a total of 12 sets of scanning light emitting units, and the laser light is scanned in 12 illumination regions, each of which is different from each other. These illuminated areas are arranged in tiles as shown. In the illuminating device 100 according to the present modification, by arranging the scanning light emitting portions in this way, one larger illuminating area and the required brightness are secured in the entire set of a plurality of illuminating areas. It has been realized.

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram for explaining another configuration example of the lighting device 100 according to the present modification. This configuration example differs from the configuration example shown in FIG. 8 in that a surface emitting laser light source (VCSEL: Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser, meaning a vertical cavity surface emitting laser) is used as each visible laser light source. Hereinafter, the differences from the configuration example shown in FIG. 8 will be mainly described.

In FIG. 9A, each visible laser light source is stacked so that the long wavelength of the laser light emitted by each is located further rearward in the emission direction of the laser light. FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of the surface emitting visible laser light source included in the lighting device 100.

In FIG. 9B, the emission directions of the laser light indicated by the arrows are aligned with each surface emitting visible laser light source. The surface-emitting visible laser light sources are arranged in the order of the red laser light source 42, the green laser light source 44, and the blue laser light source 46 from the rear in this emission direction. That is, the surface-emitting visible laser light source having a long wavelength of the emitted laser light is located further rearward in the emission direction of the laser light. The emitted light of the surface-emitting visible laser light source at the rear is transmitted through the surface-emitting visible laser light source at the front, and the combined light of three colors is emitted from the light emitting surface of the blue laser light source 46.

In FIG. 9B, there is a gap between these surface-emitting visible laser light sources for the sake of visibility, but in reality, they are stacked without a gap.

The light emitted from the laser unit 40 configured in this way does not need to be coaxial with the condenser lens, and does not need to be synthesized by the spectroscopic coupler. As shown in FIG. 9A, such a laser unit 40 is attached along the incident surface of the optical scanning unit 62 in order to allow the emitted light to enter as efficiently as possible.

The operation of scanning by the optical scanning unit 62 and the point that the scanning light emitting unit is arranged so that a plurality of illumination areas are arranged in a tile shape are common to the configuration shown in FIG.

The lighting device 100 configured in this way is smaller and lighter than the lighting device 100 shown in FIG.

The above is a configuration example of the lighting device 100 according to this modification.

It should be noted that each configuration of the lighting device 100 according to this modification may be used when the lighting device 100 is used in a large space such as an exhibition hall or a concert hall, regardless of whether or not the output of the laser light source is restricted. good.

Although the lighting device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention or a modification thereof has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, more detailed modification examples will be illustrated.

For example, the laser unit 40 may further include a laser light source that emits visible light of a color other than RGB. More specifically, a yellow laser light source may be provided. As a result, the lighting unit 41 of the lighting device 100 can exhibit higher color rendering properties. That is, the average color rendering index Ra is 60 or less for the three colors of RGB, but Ra is improved to about 90 by using a light source of four colors including yellow. Further, a laser light source that emits visible light of other colors, which is used only in some functional components such as the information transmission unit 49, may be provided.

Further, depending on the use of the illuminated space and the like, the lighting device according to the present invention may be configured to output laser light having a number of colors less than the three colors of RGB. Further, the color combination of the emitted light of each laser light source is not limited to RGB.

Further, a part of the light source may include an LED or a phosphor that emits a conversion light having a desired light color.

Further, in the above-mentioned illumination area or display area, for example, the locus of a user's fingertip or the locus of an RF tag embedded in the tip of a pen-shaped tool is visible so as to be irradiated with visible light lasers having different colors or intensities. By controlling the laser light source, the surface of a wall surface or other object irradiated with laser light can be used like a so-called electronic blackboard. Further, this surface may be a three-dimensional surface, and can be used as a display medium having higher expressive power than a flat electronic blackboard, for example, for experiential exhibitions or artistic activities.

The above-described embodiments and modifications thereof are described as examples for the purpose of explaining the technical contents of the present invention, and the purpose is to limit the technical scope of the invention according to the present application to the contents of the description. is not. The technical scope of the invention according to the present application includes modifications, replacements, additions and omissions to the extent possible to those skilled in the art within the scope of the description, drawings and claims or equivalent.

The present invention can be used in places where lighting is required, such as residences, offices, schools, hospitals, factories, etc., especially when the quality or quantity of light required varies depending on the position in the space or the person in the space. It is useful.

100 Lighting device 131 Built-in signal processing unit 20 Sensor light receiving unit 22 Visible light sensor 24 Infrared sensor 21 Real space monitor unit 200 Server system 231 Centralized signal processing unit 30 Control device 40 Laser unit 42 Red laser light source 44 Green laser light source 46 Blue Laser light source 48 Infrared laser light source 41 Lighting unit 43 Power supply unit 45 Indicator 47 Display unit 49 Information transmission unit 50 Communication unit 60 Optical system 62 Optical scanning unit (optical scanner)

Claims (14)

Multiple laser light sources that emit laser light of different wavelengths, including visible laser light,
An optical scanner that scans the visible laser light emitted by the plurality of laser light sources and irradiates the illuminated area.
A light detector that senses the reflected light of the visible laser light from the illumination region in synchronization with the scanning of the visible laser light by the optical scanner is provided.
Each of the plurality of laser light sources is output by a signal processing unit that detects an object in the illumination region based on the result of sensing the reflected light of the visible laser light output by the light detector. By operating according to a control signal indicating the intensity of the visible laser light that changes over time, both the illumination in the illumination area and the object detection are performed using the visible laser light to be scanned .
The signal processing unit detects the object based on the generation timing of the period without reflected light generated by the visible laser light not being emitted at a part of time.
Lighting equipment. Multiple laser light sources that emit laser light of different wavelengths, including visible laser light,
An optical scanner that scans the visible laser light emitted by the plurality of laser light sources and irradiates the illuminated area.
A light detector that senses the reflected light of the visible laser light from the illumination region in synchronization with the scanning of the visible laser light by the optical scanner is provided.
Each of the plurality of laser light sources is output by a signal processing unit that detects an object in the illumination region based on the result of sensing the reflected light of the visible laser light output by the light detector. By operating according to a control signal indicating the intensity of the visible laser light that changes over time, both the illumination in the illumination area and the object detection are performed using the visible laser light to be scanned.
The signal processing unit is a lighting device that detects an object during a time when the visible laser light is not emitted for a part of time. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the visible laser light is pulsed light repeatedly emitted in a predetermined cycle, and the ratio of the pulse width of the pulsed light to the cycle exceeds 50%. The plurality of laser light sources are
Including an infrared laser light source that emits an infrared laser beam for object detection.
The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the visible laser light is scanned by the optical scanner and projected as an image on a display area which is at least a part of the lighting area. The range of the display area is determined by the signal processing unit based on the result of the object detection.
The lighting device according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of laser light sources operating according to the control signal emit the visible laser light so that the image is projected on the range of the display area. When the display area is a part of the illumination area,
In the plurality of laser light sources operating according to the control signal, only the visible laser light for projecting the image of the visible laser light is scanned in the display area to illuminate the illumination area. The lighting device according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the visible laser light is emitted so that the visible laser light is not scanned. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the visible laser light having a time-varying intensity carries a communication signal of visible light communication. When a predetermined object is detected by the object detection by the signal processing unit, the plurality of laser light sources following the control signal illuminate the detected predetermined object brighter than the periphery of the predetermined object. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , which emits the visible laser light. The signal processing unit acquires the position of an object in the illumination area and obtains the position of the object.
The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the plurality of laser light sources according to the control signal operate so that the visible laser light reaches the acquired position. When at least a part of a person's face is detected by the object detection by the signal processing unit, the plurality of laser light sources according to the control signal emit the visible laser light around at least the eyes of the detected person. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , which operates so as not to reach or reduce the intensity of visible laser light reaching at least around the eyes of the person. The plurality of laser light sources are
A red laser light source that emits red laser light,
A green laser light source that emits green laser light,
The lighting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , further comprising a blue laser light source that emits a blue laser beam. A plurality of scanning light emitting units including the plurality of laser light sources and the optical scanner are provided.
The illumination according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the plurality of scanning light emitting units are arranged so that the illumination areas of the optical scanner included in each of the plurality of scanning light emitting units are arranged in a tile shape. Device. The plurality of laser light sources are a plurality of surface emitting laser light sources that emit laser light having different wavelengths from each other.
The lighting device according to claim 13 , wherein the plurality of surface emitting laser light sources are stacked so that the surface emitting laser light sources having a longer wavelength of the laser light emitted from each of them are located more rearward in the emission direction of the laser light.

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