Spatial design system

Abstract

It provides a dynamic spatial design system that allows passengers to experience an immersive experience. [Solution] A spatial design system X for creating a passenger compartment space S of a mass transit vehicle 100, comprising: a display panel 1 fixed to an adjacent area A adjacent to a window glass 52 of a body 51 forming the passenger compartment space S; a camera 2 for photographing the scenery outside the passenger compartment of the mass transit vehicle 100; and a display control unit for displaying the scenery photographed by the camera 2 on the display panel 1. The display panel 1 is arranged continuously with the window glass 52 along the longitudinal direction of the passenger compartment, and the display control unit is configured to display the scenery reflected in the window glass 52 and the photographed scenery that is continuous with it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a space production system for producing a passenger compartment space of a mass transportation vehicle such as a railway vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technology for displaying a forward view on a monitor in the interior space of a railway vehicle (an example of a passenger compartment space) has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of technology displays a forward view image generated by photographing a forward view in real time by a camera on a passenger monitor.

[0003] The technology described in Patent Document 1 selects advertisement information, regionally focused information, and tourist guidance information based on the running position information and superimposes them on the forward view image. Thereby, the advertising revenue of a passenger transportation operator can be increased.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Merely displaying a forward view image on a passenger monitor as in the technology described in Patent Document 1 lacks a sense of immersion for passengers to enjoy the surrounding scenery, and there is room for improvement. Further, although the technology described in Patent Document 1 superimposes advertisement information and the like on the forward view image at an appropriate timing, displaying advertisement information on a passenger monitor makes it difficult to visually recognize the forward view image, and it is insufficient in producing the interior space.

[0006] A dynamic space production system that allows passengers to obtain a sense of immersion is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The characteristic configuration of the spatial design system according to the present invention is a spatial design system for designing the passenger compartment space of a mass transit vehicle, comprising: a display panel fixed to an adjacent area adjacent to a window glass of the body forming the passenger compartment space; a camera for photographing the scenery outside the passenger compartment of the mass transit vehicle; and a display control unit for displaying the scenery photographed by the camera on the display panel, wherein the display panel is arranged continuously with the window glass along the longitudinal direction of the passenger compartment, and the display control unit is configured to display the photographed scenery that is continuous with the scenery reflected in the window glass.

[0008] In this configuration, a display panel is fixed to the adjacent area of ​​the body forming the passenger compartment space, adjacent to the window glass. This display panel is arranged continuously with the window glass along the longitudinal direction of the passenger compartment, making it possible to extend the surrounding scenery that can always be seen through the window glass. Furthermore, the display control unit is configured to display the scenery reflected in the window glass and the continuously captured scenery, making it possible to create a seamless and integrated surrounding scenery. As a result, the entire passenger compartment space becomes like a window glass, and passengers feel as if they are moving together with the mass transit system, gaining a sense of immersion. Thus, it is a dynamic spatial presentation system that allows passengers to experience a sense of immersion.

[0009] Another characteristic feature is that the adjacent area is composed of the curved surfaces on the sides and above the window glass, excluding the ceiling surface of the guest room.

[0010] As in this configuration, by installing display panels on the curved surfaces of the sides and top of the window glass, the surrounding scenery expands to the passenger's line of sight and above, allowing them to enjoy the scenery while experiencing a sense of openness. Furthermore, since no display panels are placed on the ceiling of the passenger compartment, the panel arrangement is kept to a minimum, aligned with the passenger's line of sight, which reduces manufacturing costs while enhancing passenger immersion.

[0011] Other notable features include the fact that the display panel includes a suspended panel suspended from the ceiling of the passenger compartment, and the display control unit is configured to display the photographed scenery in front of the direction of travel of the mass transit vehicle on the suspended panel.

[0012] As in this configuration, displaying the forward view on a suspended panel from the ceiling of the passenger compartment allows passengers to feel even more integrated with the mass transit system, resulting in a greater sense of immersion.

[0013] Another notable feature is that the display control unit switches the display on and off of the captured scenery based on the location or time information of the mass transit system.

[0014] As in this configuration, by switching the display and hiding of the filmed scenery based on the location or time information of mass transit, for example, when a train arrives at a station, people waiting on the platform will not be displayed in the passenger compartment, thus protecting their privacy.

[0015] Another notable feature is that the display control unit overlays a virtual image onto the captured scene and moves the virtual image in response to the movement of the mass transit vehicle.

[0016] As in this configuration, by overlaying virtual images onto the filmed scenery and moving the virtual images in accordance with the movement of the mass transit system, it becomes possible to incorporate animation into a dynamic part of the passenger cabin space, allowing passengers to feel as if they are experiencing an attraction. The virtual images consist of effect images (fireworks, confetti, etc.) and object images (animals, balloons, etc.).

[0017] Another notable feature is that the display control unit, when the mass transit vehicle enters a tunnel, hides the filmed scenery and displays content related to past events.

[0018] When a mass transit vehicle enters a tunnel and content related to past events is displayed as in this configuration, passengers can feel as if they have time-traveled.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the passenger compartment space of a railway vehicle. [Figure 2] It is a right side layout view of the space production system in the passenger compartment space of a railway vehicle. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram of the space production system. [Figure 4] It is a control flow of the space production system.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the space production system according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In this embodiment, as a space production system for producing the passenger compartment space of a mass transit vehicle, the space production system X used in the railway vehicle 100 will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the space production system X is a space production facility for producing the passenger compartment space S of a railway vehicle 100 (an example of a mass transit vehicle). The space production system X in this embodiment is provided in the leading vehicle 10 of the railway vehicle 100. This space production system X includes a display panel 1, a camera 2, and an equipment rack 3.

[0022] The display panel 1 is composed of a plurality of LED panels 11 in which minute LEDs (light emitting diodes) serving as individual pixel elements are arranged in a grid pattern and a heat-resistant glass is attached to the surface. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the present embodiment, the display panel 1 is fixed to an adjacent region A adjacent to the window glass 52 among the bodies 51 forming the passenger compartment space S. This adjacent region A is composed of the side and upper curved surfaces of the window glass 52 excluding the ceiling surface 53 of the passenger compartment, and the display panel 1 is arranged continuously with the window glass 52 along the longitudinal direction of the passenger compartment. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the display panel 1 is continuously arranged on the upper curved surface of the window glass 52 except for the station information transmitting device at the upper part of the boarding and alighting opening 10A. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the display panel 1 is arranged at a height position near the line of sight of the passengers in the region between the boarding and alighting opening 10A and the window glass 52 on the side of the window glass 52.

[0023] The display panel 1 includes a plurality (four in the present embodiment) of hanging panels 54 suspended from the ceiling surface 53 of the passenger compartment. In the example shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to project the forward view scenery on both sides of the plurality of hanging panels 54. Further, the AC power from the overhead wire K is converted into DC power by a power supply box B fixed under the floor of the railway vehicle 100, and power is supplied to each LED panel 11 (see also FIG. 3).

[0024] Note that the display panel 1 may be a TN (Twisted Nematic) panel, a VA (Vertical Alignment) panel, an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) panel, an ADS (Advanced super Dimension Switch) panel, a PLS (Plane to Line Switching) panel, or the like.

[0025] Camera 2 is a camera that captures the scenery outside the passenger compartment of the railway car 100. Camera 2 has a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) side cameras 21 positioned at the upper corners of the window glass 52 included in the fixed windows fitted into the side structure 51a of the body 51, and a front camera 22 positioned in the upper area of ​​the window glass 52 included in the front fixed window of the staff room of the body 51, so as to capture the scenery in front of and to the side of the vehicle in a wide angle. The video data from these cameras 2 is transmitted in real time to the equipment rack 3 using wireless or wired connections.

[0026] The equipment rack 3 comprises a housing 31 and control equipment 32 housed within the housing 31. The housing 31 is located in the space beside the entrance / exit 10A of the leading vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the control equipment 32 consists of a total of nine units, located in the rear space of the left and right leading entrance / exit 10Aa, the side spaces of the left and right central entrance / exit 10Ab, the front space of the left rear entrance / exit 10Ac, and the side spaces of the right rear entrance / exit 10Ac. The housing 31 is a rectangular box with a handrail 31a on its top surface, and its opening and closing door is key-locked so that it can only be opened and closed during maintenance and inspection.

[0027] One of the nine control devices 32 is a communication device 32A located in the space behind the right-hand front entrance 10Aa, and the other eight control devices 32 are interior space design devices 32B. In the example shown in Figure 2, the control device 32 on the right side is shown, but on the left side, the interior space design device 32B located in the space behind the rear entrance 10Ac is omitted, and the communication device 32A located in the space behind the front entrance 10Aa becomes the interior space design device 32B.

[0028] The communication-related equipment 32A is a 5G-compatible communication control device that includes a traffic generator (not shown), a switch, a control PC (personal computer), a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), etc. As shown in Figure 3, the in-vehicle space presentation equipment 32B includes a PC (personal computer, an example of a display control unit) 32a, an LED controller 32b (an example of a display control unit), a switching hub 32c, an AC / DC converter 32d, a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) 32e, a power supply unit 32f, a power strip 32g, and a router 32h.

[0029] PC32a has a communication interface that can receive and transmit the captured scene transmitted from camera 2 via switching hub 32c, a processor that performs processing such as superimposing a virtual image on the captured scene, and memory for storing the virtual image, etc. In addition, PC32a receives location information of the railway vehicle 100 from GPS antenna 4 located in the driver's cab or elsewhere via the communication interface, and transmits a signal to the LED controller 32b or switching hub 32c to switch the display and hiding of the captured scene based on the location information or time information of the railway vehicle 100.

[0030] The LED controller 32b controls the operation of each LED in order to display the scene captured by camera 2 on the display panel 1. The LED controller 32b supplies power to each LED in a pulsed manner to control the on / off state, brightness, color, and light emission pattern of the LEDs. The LED controller 32b can assign the scene reflected in the window glass 52, as well as continuous scenes and virtual images, to each LED panel 11 and display them as a continuous video on the display panel 1. In addition, the LED controller 32b can assign scenes and virtual images of the view ahead of the direction of travel of the railway vehicle 100 to each LED panel 11 and display them as a continuous video on the hanging panel 54. The virtual images consist of effect images (fireworks, confetti, etc.) and object images (animals, balloons, etc.).

[0031] The switching hub 32c is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switching hub that allows data communication via LAN cable to PoE-compatible devices (such as camera 2 and router 32h) while simultaneously supplying power. This switching hub 32c is configured to be remotely controllable via router 32h, and can also operate the power strip 32g based on command signals from an external remote monitoring device E. In other words, the remote monitoring device E can monitor the status of the in-vehicle space design equipment 32B and perform remote resets as needed.

[0032] The AC / DC converter 32d converts the AC power supplied from the overhead line K via the pantograph D into DC power and supplies power to the PC32a. The UPS 32e is an emergency power supply that provides power to the PC32a when the power supplied from the overhead line K via the pantograph D is temporarily interrupted. In other words, when there is a problem such as a voltage fluctuation in the power supplied from the overhead line K, the UPS 32e switches the power supply from the overhead line K to the power supply from the battery, preventing the PC32a from shutting down.

[0033] The power supply unit 32f has an inrush power prevention function such as a noise filter and an overvoltage protection function such as an inverter, transformer, and smoothing circuit, and converts the AC power supplied from the overhead line K via the pantograph D into DC power and supplies power to the switching hub 32c. The power tap 32g is a switch that switches the supply or interruption of power from the overhead line K based on an electrical signal from the switching hub 32c. The router 32h can receive command signals from the remote monitoring device E and transmit status signals from the in-car space design equipment 32B.

[0034] In this embodiment, a display panel 1 is fixed to an adjacent area A of the body 51 that forms the passenger compartment space S, adjacent to the window glass 52. Since this display panel 1 is arranged continuously with the window glass 52 along the longitudinal direction of the passenger compartment, it is possible to extend the surrounding scenery that can be constantly seen from the window glass 52. Furthermore, since the display control unit (PC 32a and LED controller 32b) is configured to display the scenery reflected in the window glass 52 and the continuously captured scenery, it is possible to create a seamless and integrated surrounding scenery. As a result, the entire passenger compartment space S becomes like the window glass 52, and passengers feel as if they are moving together with the train car 100, gaining a sense of immersion. Thus, this is a dynamic spatial presentation system X that allows passengers to experience a sense of immersion.

[0035] Furthermore, since display panels 1 are installed on the curved surfaces of the sides and top of the window glass 52, the surrounding scenery extends to the passenger's line of sight and above, allowing them to enjoy the scenery while experiencing a sense of openness. In addition, since the forward scenery is displayed on a suspended panel 54 suspended from the ceiling 53 of the passenger compartment, passengers feel even more integrated with the train car 100 as they travel, providing a greater sense of immersion.

[0036] Furthermore, the display control unit (PC32a and LED controller 32b) switches the display and hiding of the filmed scenery based on the location or time information of the railway vehicle 100. For example, when the railway vehicle 100 arrives at a station, people waiting on the platform are not displayed in the passenger compartment, thus protecting their privacy. Based on the location or time information of the railway vehicle 100, the display control unit (PC32a and LED controller 32b) can display videos using virtual images appropriate to regional characteristics, or images using virtual images such as fireworks at night, on the display panel 1.

[0037] Next, using Figure 4, an example of a spatial presentation method (control program) using the spatial presentation system X will be explained. The spatial presentation method (control program) is mainly executed by the PC32a processor.

[0038] When the train 100 is started, the pantograph D rises and power is supplied from the overhead line K, and the control equipment 32 starts up automatically. At the same time, power is supplied to multiple cameras 2 to photograph the scenery outside the passenger compartment of the train 100, and the PC 32a receives (acquires) the photographed scenery transmitted from the cameras 2 via the switching hub 32c (#41). The PC 32a also receives location information or time information of the train 100 from the GPS antenna 4 (#42). Then, based on the location information or time information of the train 100, the PC 32a determines whether or not to display the photographed scenery on the display panel 1 of the spatial presentation system X (#43).

[0039] For example, if the train car 100 is on a platform, PC32a does not transmit the captured scenery data to LED controller 32b so as not to display the captured scenery on display panel 1 (#43NO). Also, if the train car 100 is inside a tunnel, PC32a transmits content related to past events (for example, a video containing information about past events) to LED controller 32b and displays it on display panel 1 (screens the content) (#44YES, #45). In this way, when the train car 100 enters a tunnel, displaying content related to past events allows passengers to feel as if they have traveled back in time.

[0040] On the other hand, if the railway vehicle 100 is not in a tunnel or on a platform, PC32a transmits the captured image to LED controller 32b and displays it on display panel 1 (#43YES, #46NO, #47). At this time, PC32a determines whether or not to superimpose a virtual image on the captured image based on location information or time information (#46). If the virtual image is not to be superimposed on the captured image, PC32a transmits only the captured image to LED controller 32b and displays it on display panel 1 (#46NO, #47). As shown in Figure 1, the spatial presentation system X is configured to display the scenery reflected in the window glass 52 and the continuously captured scenery on display panel 1, making it possible to create a seamless and integrated surrounding landscape. As a result, the entire passenger compartment space S becomes like the window glass 52, and passengers feel as if they are moving together with the railway vehicle 100, providing a sense of immersion.

[0041] Furthermore, as the train car 100 approaches the event venue, the PC 32a may transmit the captured images and virtual images related to the event to the LED controller 32b, which may then display them on the display panel 1 (show the content) (#46YES, #48). In addition, as shown by the star in Figure 1, for example, the display control unit (PC 32a and LED controller 32b) may superimpose the virtual image onto the captured scenery and move the virtual image in response to the movement of the train car 100 (#46YES, #48). By superimposing the virtual image onto the captured scenery and moving the virtual image in response to the movement of the train car 100, animation is incorporated into a part of the dynamic passenger compartment space S, allowing passengers to feel as if they are experiencing an attraction. The example shown in Figure 1 is just one example; animations of marine animals crossing the train car 100 may be included, fireworks may be included at night, or local information videos related to the region may be included, and the method is not particularly limited.

[0042] By the way, if an error occurs, such as a temporary interruption of power supplied from the overhead line K via the pantograph D for any reason (#49YES), it is necessary to be able to immediately restart the spatial presentation system X. Therefore, if an error occurs, the aforementioned UPS32e will continue to supply power only to PC32a as an emergency power source (#49YES, #50). This maintains power supply to PC32a, which takes time to restart, so that the spatial presentation system X can be quickly restarted when power supply from the overhead line K is restored. As a result, even if the video is temporarily unavailable, it can be displayed instantly, allowing passengers to enjoy the presentation effects without any sense of unease.

[0043] Next, when the train car 100 enters a depot or similar location and the pantograph D is lowered, the spatial design system X is terminated, and the power supply from the overhead line K to the in-car spatial design equipment 32B is cut off, automatically turning off the power (#51YES, #52). Also, if the spatial design system X is terminated due to any communication trouble, the switching hub 32c can send a switch-off operation signal to the power strip 32g based on a command signal from the remote monitoring device E, thereby turning off the power (#51YES, #52).

[0044] [Other embodiments] (1) In the above-described embodiment, it was explained that the scenery reflected in the window glass 52 and the continuously filmed scenery can be displayed, but "continuous" means that the filmed scenery has a certain degree of unity. In other words, the arrangement of the display panel 1 is not particularly limited as long as there is a degree of continuity that gives passengers in the passenger compartment space S a sense of openness. (2) In the embodiments described above, a railway vehicle 100 was used as an example of a mass transit system, but other examples of mass transit systems may include buses, ships, aircraft, etc. (3) In the above-described embodiment, the display control unit is said to consist of a PC 32a and an LED controller 32b. However, the display control unit may consist only of a PC 32a with a built-in LED controller 32b, or it may be any control device capable of displaying the scene captured by the camera 2 on the display panel 1. (4) The arrangement of the display panel 1 is not particularly limited and may be on one side of the hanging panel 54, or not include the hanging panel 54, or may be placed on the top surface 53. (5) The arrangement and number of cameras 2 and equipment racks 3 are not particularly limited; for example, equipment racks 3 may be placed under the floor. (6) The virtual images and content described above may be stored in the PC32a in advance, or they may be transmitted from the remote monitoring device E each time. (7) In the embodiments described above, the illustration of the slings has been omitted, but a transparent sling strap may be used to avoid obstructing vision. [Industrial applicability]

[0045] This invention can be used in spatial design systems for creating the passenger compartment environment of mass transit vehicles such as railway cars. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 1: Display panel, 2: Camera, 32a: PC (Display control unit), 32b: LED controller (Display control unit), 51: Body, 52: Window glass, 53: Top surface, 54: Hanging panel, 100: Railway vehicle (mass transit system), A: Adjacent area, S: Passenger compartment space, X: Spatial presentation system

Claims

1. A spatial design system for creating the passenger compartment space of mass transit vehicles, Among the body forming the aforementioned passenger compartment space, a display panel is fixed to an adjacent area adjacent to the window glass, A camera for photographing the scenery outside the passenger compartment of the aforementioned mass transit vehicle, The system includes a display control unit that displays the scene captured by the camera on the display panel, The display panel is arranged in a continuous manner with the window glass along the longitudinal direction of the guest room. The display control unit is a spatial presentation system configured to display the scenery reflected in the window glass and the continuous scenery being photographed.

2. The spatial design system according to claim 1, wherein the adjacent area is composed of the curved surfaces on the sides and above the window glass, excluding the ceiling surface of the guest room.

3. The display panel includes a suspended panel that is suspended from the ceiling of the guest room. The spatial presentation system according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit is configured to display the photographed scenery in front of the direction of travel of the mass transit vehicle on the hanging panel.

4. The spatial presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit switches the display and non-display of the photographed scenery based on the location information or time information of the mass transit system.

5. The spatial presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit overlays and displays a virtual image on the captured scene, and moves the virtual image in response to the movement of the mass transit vehicle.

6. The spatial presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit, when the mass transit vehicle enters the tunnel, hides the filmed scenery and displays content related to past events.

Images