Shadow generation device, shadow generation method, and program

Abstract

To efficiently design an indoor light environment.SOLUTION: A shadow generation device comprises a transparent display 121 and a control unit 123. The transparent display 121 transmits light emitted from a light source 110 illuminating a room interior 10. The control unit 123 controls an image 124 to be displayed on the transparent display 121 and generates a shadow 125 corresponding to the control in the room interior 10. For example, the transparent display 121 is disposed below the light source 110 at an upper part of the room interior 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shadow generation device, a shadow generation method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Various technologies have been proposed for adjusting the direction and light intensity of lighting to brightly illuminate designated areas in a room. Various technologies for controlling indoor light have also been proposed. For example, a system has been disclosed that controls light in a space by reflecting or transmitting light from a light source using electronic paper (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-193958 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional light control methods, it is difficult to accurately generate darkened areas, which can lead to the problem of being unable to efficiently design an indoor lighting environment.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a technique that enables efficient design of an indoor lighting environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a shadow generating device characterized by comprising: a display that transmits light from a light source that illuminates a room; and a generating unit that controls an image to be displayed on the display and generates a shadow in the room in accordance with the control.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a shadow generation method, characterized in that a shadow generation device equipped with a display that transmits light from a light source that illuminates a room controls an image to be displayed on the display and generates a shadow in the room in accordance with the control.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer of a shadow generating device equipped with a display that transmits light from a light source that illuminates a room to function as a generating means that controls an image to be displayed on the display and generates a shadow in the room in accordance with the control. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the indoor lighting environment can be efficiently designed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a shadow generation system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a shadow generation device. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a shadow generation process performed by a shadow generation device. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing experimental results of a shadow generation device. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the results of shadow generation according to the distance between the light source, the transparent display, and the surface on which the shadow is generated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Next, a shadow generation device, a shadow generation method, and a program according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to the following embodiment.

[0012] (Embodiment) The design of the lighting environment, or the light environment, is important when determining the specifications of a room. Lighting design has traditionally been considered as an element of spatial design. It is known that the lighting environment affects people's satisfaction in completing tasks and influences conversations. This suggests that differences in lighting environments can change people's behavior in a room. Generally, lighting environments are fixed in their definition. As a result, the appearance and specifications of a room, which depend on the lighting environment, are also fixed. On the other hand, if a lighting environment that can be controlled by a computer could be realized, it would be possible to optimize the space according to people's requests and situations.

[0013] Conventionally, designated areas in a room have been brightly illuminated by adjusting the direction and light intensity of lighting. For example, robotic lighting is known, which can brightly illuminate designated locations by individually controlling the on / off and direction of lights arranged in a matrix on the ceiling. There is also a system that allows robotic lighting to be controlled with a painting interface, allowing the brightness distribution in a room to be intuitively set. All of these are methods for controlling the "light" of lighting.

[0014] However, while this method of controlling "light" makes it easy to create the size and position of a brightly illuminated area, it is difficult to create a darkened area with the same degree of freedom.

[0015] There have also been studies that have investigated the effects of creating bright and dark areas in a lighting environment. Specifically, a survey on seating choices confirmed that people tend to prefer dark seats facing brightly lit areas. It has also been confirmed that uneven lighting can make people aware of areas, which affects their perception of and relationships with others. For this reason, it has been found that areas divided by light and dark can be an important element in spatial design.

[0016] For this reason, it is desirable to be able to precisely create areas divided into light and dark according to the specifications of the space. In this embodiment, it is possible to precisely control dark areas by controlling shadows rather than controlling the light source. Specifically, this embodiment focuses on controlling "shadows" and employs a mechanism that allows dark areas to be created at any position and size. By enabling such a mechanism, it becomes possible to flexibly change the specifications of a room. Below, an overview of the shadow generation system 1 according to this embodiment will be described using FIG. 1.

[0017] (Outline of the shadow generation system 1 according to this embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a shadow generation system 1. The shadow generation system 1 is placed in a room 10. A facility that has the room 10 is, for example, a restaurant, a store, a residence, a hotel, a public facility, etc. The room 10 has a ceiling 11, a floor 12, and walls 13. The shadow generation system 1 has a light source 110 and a shadow generation device 120.

[0018] (Light source 110) The light source 110 is a light that illuminates the interior of the room. The light source 110 is placed at the top of the room 10. The light source 110 is, for example, a spotlight. The light source 110 is supported by the ceiling 11. Specifically, the light source 110 includes a hanger 111. The hanger 111 is supported by a wiring duct rail 112 provided on the ceiling 11. In other words, the light source 110 is supported by the ceiling 11 via the hanger 111 and the wiring duct rail 112.

[0019] If a mounting portion for mounting the light source 110 is provided on the ceiling 11, the light source 110 may be mounted on the mounting portion (or may be directly disposed on the ceiling 11). The light source 110 also includes a power cable and a plug (not shown). The plug is connected to a power outlet disposed on the wiring duct rail 112, for example.

[0020] (Transparent Display 121) The shadow generation device 120 is externally attached to the light source 110. The shadow generation device 120 includes a transparent display 121, an operation unit 122, and a control unit 123. The transparent display 121 is a transparent liquid crystal display. The transparent display 121 is disposed below the light source 110. Specifically, the transparent display 121 is supported by the ceiling 11 and disposed below the light source 110 (on the room 10 side). Specifically, the transparent display 121 includes a hanger 128. The hanger 128 is supported by the wiring duct rail 112 and disposed below the light source 110. That is, the transparent display 121 is supported by the ceiling 11 via the hanger 128 and the wiring duct rail 112. Note that the hanger 128 may be directly supported by the ceiling 11. The transparent display 121 includes a power cable and a plug (not shown). The plug is connected to, for example, an outlet disposed on the wiring duct rail 112.

[0021] (Control unit 123) A control unit 123 is attached to a portion of the transparent display 121 other than the liquid crystal (for example, a frame portion). The control unit 123 is an example of a generating unit or generating means. The control unit 123 controls an image 124 to be displayed on the transparent display 121 and generates a shadow 125 according to the control. The image 124 is, for example, a monochrome image. The control unit 123 can generate the shadow 125 within an effective area 126 formed on the floor 12. Specifically, the control unit 123 transmits light in transparent regions on the transparent display 121 and blocks light in black regions (image 124). The shadow 125 is generated by the light being blocked by the image 124. The control unit 123 also includes a power cable and a plug (not shown). The plug is connected to, for example, an outlet arranged on the wiring duct rail 112.

[0022] (Operation unit 122) The operation unit 122 is a remote control (remote control unit). The operation unit 122 includes a joystick 122a, a variable resistor (not shown), and a transmission unit (not shown). The joystick 122a receives various operations from the user. Specifically, the joystick 122a receives horizontal (vertical and horizontal) operations, rotation operations (knob operations), pressing operations, and the like from the operator. The variable resistor can change its resistance value in response to the rotation operation (knob operation), thereby adjusting the size of the shadow 125.

[0023] The transmission unit outputs an instruction according to the content received by the operation unit 122 to the control unit 123. The operation unit 122 also includes a power button that receives an instruction to turn on / off the power of the shadow generation device 120. The operation unit 122 is portable by the operator. The operator includes, for example, staff of a store or facility, or a resident. However, the operation unit 122 is not limited to being portable, and may be fixed to a wall 13 or the like. The operation unit 122 does not need to include a power button. An operation unit 122 that does not include a power button may, for example, be one that is always on, or one that is turned on at a predetermined timing (for example, a predetermined time after detecting a tilting motion).

[0024] (Generation of shadow 125 in response to instructions from operation unit 122) The control unit 123 and the operation unit 122 are connected for communication. The control unit 123 controls the image 124 based on an instruction transmitted from the operation unit 122. The instruction is based on an operation input received by the operation unit 122.

[0025] The control unit 123 controls the image 124 to change the position, size, and shape of the shadow 125. For example, when the operation unit 122 receives a horizontal operation, it transmits a change instruction related to the position of the shadow 125 to the control unit 123. The change instruction includes an instruction indicating a direction and an instruction indicating an amount of movement. Specifically, for example, when a rightward operation is received, the change instruction includes an instruction indicating the rightward direction and an instruction indicating the amount of operation (amount of movement) in the rightward direction. When the control unit 123 receives the change instruction related to the position of the shadow 125, it changes the position of the image 124 to a position according to the change instruction. In this way, the position of the shadow 125 can be moved to a position according to the horizontal operation.

[0026] Furthermore, for example, when the operation unit 122 receives a rotation operation, it transmits an instruction to change the size of the shadow 125 to the control unit 123. The instruction to change includes an instruction indicating the amount of scaling (enlargement or reduction). Specifically, for example, if an enlargement operation is received, the instruction to change includes an instruction indicating the amount of enlargement. When the control unit 123 receives the instruction to change the size of the shadow 125, it changes the size of the image 124 to a size according to the instruction to change. This allows the size of the shadow 125 to be changed to a size according to the rotation operation.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, when the operation unit 122 receives a pressing operation, it transmits a change instruction relating to the shape of the shadow 125 to the control unit 123. The change instruction includes an instruction to switch to a preset image shape. The preset image shapes are, for example, circle, square, and triangle. When the control unit 123 receives the change instruction relating to the shape of the shadow 125, it changes the shape of the image 124 to a shape according to the change instruction. In this way, the shape of the shadow 125 can be changed in the order of circle → square → triangle → circle → square → ... according to the pressing operation.

[0028] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the shadow generation device 120. The shadow generation device 120 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a memory 202, a communication interface (I / F) 203, and a transparent display 121. Each component is connected to the other via a bus 220.

[0029] The CPU 201 controls the entire shadow generation device 120. The memory 202 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk, etc. The memory 202 records various programs and various data. The various programs include a shadow generation program according to this embodiment. The CPU 201 controls the entire shadow generation device 120 by executing the various programs recorded in the memory 202.

[0030] The communication interface 203 is connected to the operation unit 122. The communication interface 203 may be connected to a network and connected to the operation unit 122 or other devices via the network. Examples of communication networks that function as networks include the Internet and mobile phone networks.

[0031] (An example of a shadow generation process performed by the shadow generation device 120) 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a shadow generation process performed by the shadow generation device 120. In FIG. 3, when the operation unit 122 accepts a power-on command, the shadow generation device 120 determines whether or not a power-on command has been received from the operation unit 122 (step S301). The shadow generation device 120 waits until the power-on command is received (step S301: NO). When the shadow generation device 120 receives the power-on command (step S301: YES), it displays an image 124 on the transparent display 121 (step S302). Note that the image 124 displayed in step S302 is the image 124 that was displayed the last time the power was turned off.

[0032] Then, when the operation unit 122 accepts a horizontal operation, the shadow generation device 120 determines whether or not a change instruction for changing the position of the shadow 125 has been received from the operation unit 122 (step S303). If the change instruction has not been received (step S303: NO), the shadow generation device 120 proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if the change instruction has been received (step S303: YES), the shadow generation device 120 changes the position of the image 124 to a position according to the change instruction (step S304). As a result, the shadow 125 is generated at a position according to the user's horizontal operation.

[0033] Next, the shadow generation device 120 determines whether or not an instruction to change the size of the shadow 125 has been received from the operation unit 122 as a result of the operation unit 122 accepting the rotation operation (step S305). If the instruction to change has not been received (step S305: NO), the shadow generation device 120 proceeds to step S307. On the other hand, if the instruction to change has been received (step S305: YES), the shadow generation device 120 changes the size of the image 124 to a size according to the instruction to change (step S306). As a result, a shadow 125 having a size according to the user's rotation operation is generated.

[0034] Next, when the operation unit 122 accepts a pressing operation, the shadow generation device 120 determines whether or not a change instruction related to the shape of the shadow 125 has been received from the operation unit 122 (step S307). If the change instruction has not been received (step S307: NO), the shadow generation device 120 proceeds to step S309. On the other hand, if the change instruction has been received (step S307: YES), the shadow generation device 120 changes the shape of the image 124 to a shape according to the change instruction (step S308). As a result, a shadow 125 having a shape according to the user's pressing operation is generated.

[0035] Next, the shadow generation device 120 determines whether or not a power-off instruction has been received by the operation unit 122 accepting a power-off instruction (step S309). If a power-off instruction has not been received (step S309: NO), the shadow generation device 120 returns to step S303 and repeats the processes of steps S303 to S309. On the other hand, if a power-off instruction has been received (step S309: YES), the shadow generation device 120 ends the series of processes.

[0036] (Experimental result 1) Next, experimental results 1 and 2 conducted by the present inventor will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing experimental results of the shadow generation device 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the light source 110 placed in the room 10 is placed at a height of 2470 mm from the floor 12. The size of the transparent display 121 is 21.5 inches (display area: 460 (W) × 280 (H)). The transparent display 121 is placed at a position 2350 mm from the floor 12. In other words, the transparent display 121 is placed at a position 120 mm below the light source 110. With this placement, it was confirmed that the effective area 126 was 7000 mm × 4260 mm. In this way, it was confirmed that the shadow generation device 120 can activate a wide area at a shorter projection distance than, for example, a general projector.

[0037] (Experimental result 2) The distance between the light source 110 and the transparent display 121 affects the size, intensity, blur, etc. of the shadow 125. In this experiment, in order to investigate the conditions under which the shadow 125 is clearly projected over a wide area, the positions of the light source 110 and the transparent display 121 were gradually changed and the generated shadow 125 was observed.

[0038] 5A to 5E show the results of generating the shadow 125 according to the distances between the light source 110, the transparent display 121, and the surface on which the shadow 125 is generated. Each of FIGS. 5A to 5E shows five conditions with different positional relationships between the light source 110, the transparent display 121, and the shadow generating surface 500. Each positional relationship is defined as follows: α: the distance between the shadow generating surface 500 and the light source 110. β: The distance between the shadow generating surface 500 and the transparent display 121. γ: the distance between the transparent display 121 and the light source 110.

[0039] (A) α = 75 cm, β = 70 cm, γ = 5 cm (B) α=75cm, β=65cm, γ=10cm (C) α=75cm, β=60cm, γ=15cm (D) α=70cm, β=60cm, γ=10cm (E) α = 65 cm, β = 60 cm, γ = 5 cm

[0040] The light source 110 is, for example, a point light source. The brightness of the light source 110 is 800 lm. The measurement environment was a dark room. In each measurement, the value for adjusting the size of the shadow (the value of the variable resistor) was the same. From the comparison results of (A), (B) and (C) and (D) and (E), it was found that the shorter the distance (γ) between the light source 110 and the transparent display 121, the larger the shadow 125 projected.

[0041] Furthermore, from the comparison results of (A) and (E) and the comparison results of (B) and (D), it was found that even if the distance (γ) between the light source 110 and the transparent display 121 is the same, the shorter the distance (α and β) from the shadow generating surface 500 to the light source 110 and the transparent display 121, the brighter the area 501 other than the shadow 125 becomes, and the more likely it is that a difference in brightness will appear between the area and the shadow 125. This is thought to be because the illuminance of the shadow generating surface 500 increases as the distance (α) between the light source 110 and the shadow generating surface 500 becomes shorter.

[0042] From Experiment Result 2, it was confirmed that the shadow 125 can be clearly projected over a wide area by lowering the position of the light source 110 (by reducing α) to increase the illuminance of the shadow generating surface 500, and further by bringing the transparent display 121 closer to the light source 110 (by reducing β) to project a larger shadow 125. Furthermore, since the shadow 125 is generated depending on the positions of the light source 110, the transparent display 121, and the shadow generating surface 500, it was confirmed that the shadow 125 can be generated at any position depending on these positions.

[0043] As described above, the shadow generation device 120 according to this embodiment places the transparent display 121 on the room 10 side of the light source 110 that illuminates the room 10, controls the image 124 to be displayed on the transparent display 121, and generates a shadow 125 in the room 10 according to the control. This makes it possible to generate a shadow 125 having a shape corresponding to the image 124 (figure) displayed on the transparent display 121. Therefore, it is possible to easily generate a shadow 125 having a complex shape. Furthermore, the shadow generation device 120 can accurately generate the shadow 125 at a specified position in the room 10 without controlling light. Furthermore, since the shadow generation device 120 is externally attached to the light source 110, it can be applied to various light sources 110. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily and accurately create bright areas and dark areas (shadows 125) in the room 10, thereby efficiently designing the lighting environment of the room 10.

[0044] In this embodiment, the transparent display 121 is supported on the ceiling 11 of the room 10 and is disposed below the light source 110 supported on the ceiling 11. This allows the shadow 125 to be generated in the room 10 using the light from the light source 110 disposed on the ceiling 11, which is the most general type.

[0045] Furthermore, the shadow generating device 120 according to this embodiment controls the image 124 based on an operation input received by the operation unit 122 from the operator to generate a shadow 125. This allows the operator to generate a desired shadow 125 in the room 10. Specifically, the operator can adjust the shadow 125 while observing the state of the shadow 125 generated in the room 10, and therefore the operator can create an ideal shadow 125 by himself.

[0046] Furthermore, the shadow generating device 120 according to this embodiment controls the image 124 to vary the shape, size, and position of the shadow 125. This increases the variety of the shadows 125 that can be generated. Furthermore, the operator can adjust the shape, size, and position of the shadow 125 while observing the state of the shadow 125 that is generated in the room 10. Therefore, the operator can more effectively create the ideal shadow 125.

[0047] In particular, in this embodiment, the operation unit 122 includes a joystick 122a. Therefore, even without including multiple buttons, multiple instructions (change in shape, size, position) can be accepted simply by operating the stick (up / down movement operation, rotation operation, pressing operation). This allows the operation unit 122 to be simplified.

[0048] <Modifications of the embodiment> Next, modified examples of this embodiment will be listed. Note that it is also possible to combine each of the following modified examples with the above-described embodiment. It is also possible to combine each of the modified examples with each other.

[0049] (An example in which at least one of the shape, size, and position of the shadow 125 is variable.) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which all of the shape, size, and position of the shadow 125 are variable. Instead of or in addition to this example, in a modified example, at least one of the shape, size, and position of the shadow 125 may be variable. For example, only the shape of the shadow 125 may be variable. In this case, the operation unit 122 may be configured to include at least an input operation unit (button) that receives changes only to the object to be variable (for example, the shape of the shadow 125).

[0050] (Example in which the light source 110 is installed somewhere other than the ceiling 11) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the light source 110 is arranged on the ceiling 11 (above the room 10). Instead of or in addition to this example, in a modified example, the light source 110 may be arranged somewhere other than the ceiling 11. For example, the light source 110 may be arranged on the floor 12. When the light source 110 is arranged on the floor 12, the transparent display 121 may be arranged above the light source 110. In this way, by blocking part of the light from the light source 110 directed upward (towards the room 10) from the floor 12, a shadow 125 can be generated in the space of the room 10 or on the ceiling 11.

[0051] The light source 110 may also be arranged on the wall 13. When the light source 110 is arranged on the wall 13, the transparent display 121 may be arranged on the room 10 side of the wall 13, to the side of the light source 110. This blocks part of the light from the light source 110 directed from the wall 13 to the side (towards the room 10), thereby generating a shadow 125 in the space of the room 10 or on the other wall 13.

[0052] (Example of a device with multiple light sources 110) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which one light source 110 is arranged in the room 10. Instead of or in addition to this example, in a modified example, a plurality of light sources 110 may be arranged in the room 10. When a plurality of light sources 110 are arranged, a plurality of shadow generating devices 120 may be provided according to the number of light sources 110. Specifically, a transparent display 121 is arranged for each of the plurality of light sources 110. This makes it possible to generate a plurality of shadows 125 in the room 10.

[0053] When multiple light sources 110 are provided, multiple operation units 122 are also provided according to the number of light sources 110. The number of operation units 122 is not limited to multiple, and it is also possible to provide a single operation unit 122. In this case, the operation unit 122 may have a function to switch the transmission destination, and transmit various instructions to the shadow generation device 120 corresponding to the switched destination.

[0054] (Another example of the light source 110) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a spotlight is used as the light source 110. Instead of or in addition to such an example, in a modified example, the light source 110 can be another light, such as a ceiling light. Since the shadow generating device 120 is externally attached to the light source 110, it can be applied to various light sources 110 regardless of the type of lighting.

[0055] (Example where light source 110 is natural light) It is also possible to use natural light (sunlight) as the light source 110. The light source 110 is located above the room 10. Specifically, the ceiling 11 is provided with a glass portion (hereinafter referred to as the "ceiling glass portion") that collects natural light. The ceiling glass portion may be transparent, or may have a lower transmittance than transparency. The area of ​​the ceiling glass portion may be the entire area of ​​the ceiling 11, or may be a part of the area of ​​the ceiling 11.

[0056] The transparent display 121 can also be substituted for the ceiling glass portion itself. In other words, the transparent display 121 can be part of the ceiling 11. The transparent display 121 can also be provided below the ceiling glass portion. When the transparent display 121 is provided below the ceiling glass portion, the transparent display 121 does not necessarily have to be suspended from the ceiling 11. For example, the transparent display 121 can be attached to a column-shaped support member supported on the floor 12, or to a beam-shaped support member supported from the wall 13. No special power supply is required for the transparent display 121; for example, it can be directly connected to an outlet provided on the wall 13.

[0057] In this way, by using natural light (sunlight) as the light source 110, it is possible to easily and accurately create bright areas and dark areas due to natural light in the room 10. Therefore, the lighting environment of the room 10 can be efficiently designed.

[0058] (Another example of a display) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the display is a transparent display 121. Instead of or in addition to this example, in a modified example, the display may be a non-transparent display. A display transmits light according to its transmittance. Therefore, if light is to be easily transmitted through a display, a display with a high transmittance (close to 100%) can be used. On the other hand, if light is to be less easily transmitted through a display, a display with a low transmittance can be used.

[0059] (Another example of the operation unit 122) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation unit 122 includes a joystick 122a. Instead of or in addition to such an example, in a modified example, the operation unit 122 may include a plurality of input operation units (buttons) corresponding to change instructions. For example, the operation unit 122 may include a button for accepting a change in shape, a button for accepting a change in size, and a button for accepting a change in position.

[0060] (Example without operation unit 122) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the shadow generation device 120 includes the operation unit 122. Alternatively or additionally to such an example, the shadow generation device 120 may not include the operation unit 122. The shadow generation device 120 according to this modification, for example, displays a predetermined specific image 124 on the transparent display 121, and generates a specific shadow 125 corresponding to the image 124 in the room 10.

[0061] The specific image 124 may be an image that switches periodically. For example, the specific image 124 may change shape every predetermined time, such as from circle to square to triangle to circle to square, and so on, or may change size or position every predetermined time. This allows a shadow 125 of a complex shape that has been set in advance to be generated.

[0062] (Another example in image 124) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the image 124 is a single color, black, has been described. Instead of or in addition to this example, in a modified example, the image 124 may be a color other than black. Furthermore, the image 124 is not limited to a single color, and may be a plurality of colors. This increases the variety of the shadow 125.

[0063] (Another example of shadow 125 generated in room 10) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a shadow 125 of a predetermined shape (circle, square, triangle) is generated has been described. Instead of or in addition to such an example, in a modified example, the image 124 can use the shadow 125 to create a pseudo-private room or passageway in the room 10, separated by light and dark. It is also possible to make any location or object less noticeable by generating the shadow 125 on that location or object. In other words, it is also possible to control the presence of any location or object. According to this modified example, the space in the room 10 can be designed using the shadow 125.

[0064] (An example of moving the transparent display 121 up and down) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the transparent display 121 is fixedly disposed has been described. Instead of or in addition to such an example, in a modified example, the transparent display 121 may be movable. The shadow generation device 120 according to this modified example includes, for example, a movement mechanism that can move the transparent display 121 up and down. The movement mechanism includes, for example, a rack gear provided on the hanger 128, a pinion gear connected to the rack gear, and a drive motor connected to the pinion gear. Rotation of the drive motor rotates the pinion gear, which in turn moves the rack gear up and down. The transparent display 121 can move up and down along with the up and down movement of the rack gear.

[0065] In this way, by moving the transparent display 121 in the vertical direction, it is possible to increase the illuminance or enlarge the shadow 125. Furthermore, the transparent display 121 is moved up and down in accordance with a movement instruction based on the operation of the operation unit 122. This allows the operator to operate the operation unit 122 to more suitably create the ideal shadow 125.

[0066] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0067] The program for implementing the shadow generation system 1 and the shadow generation device 120 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and loaded into a computer system for execution. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to portable media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), flexible disk, optical magnetic disk, ROM, and CD-ROM, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. The term "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium capable of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be a program for implementing some of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already stored in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1... shadow generation system, 110... light source, 120... shadow generation device, 121... transparent display, 122... operation unit, 123... control unit, 124... image, 125... shadow, 126... effective area

Claims

1. A display that transmits light from a light source that illuminates the room, a generating unit that controls an image to be displayed on the display and generates a shadow in the room according to the control; Equipped with A shadow generating device characterized by:

2. The display is positioned above the room and below the light source. The shadow generating device according to claim 1 .

3. an operation unit that receives operation input from an operator; the generation unit controls the image based on an instruction corresponding to the operation input received by the operation unit to generate the shadow. The shadow generating device according to claim 1 .

4. 4. The shadow generating device according to claim 1, wherein the generating unit controls the image to vary any one of the shape, size, and position of the shadow.

5. A shadow generating device having a display that transmits light from a light source that illuminates the room, controlling an image to be displayed on the display and generating a shadow in the room according to the control; A shadow generating method comprising:

6. A computer of a shadow generating device having a display that transmits light from a light source that illuminates the room, a generating means for controlling an image to be displayed on the display and generating a shadow in the room according to the control; A program characterized by functioning as

Images