Mock window unit and mock window

Abstract

A false window unit (2) comprises a window frame (28) that is positioned in a wall section (20) and that has an opening section (38), an image display device (8) that is positioned facing the opening section (38) of the window frame (28) and that displays a background image toward an indoor space (16) through the opening section (38) of the window frame (28), a light source (36) that is positioned between the window frame (28) and the image display device (8) and that radiates light resembling sunshine toward the indoor space (16) through the opening section (38) of the window frame (28), and a sash frame (30) that screens some of the light from the light source (36).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pseudo window unit and a pseudo window.

Background Art

[0002] For example, due to the structure of a building, a pseudo window unit installed in a room where a window cannot be provided is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A conventional pseudo window unit includes a window frame disposed on a wall portion of an indoor space and an image display device disposed opposite to an opening of the window frame. The image display device displays a landscape image taken of a landscape visible from an actual window toward the indoor space through the opening of the window frame.

[0003] Thereby, since the landscape image projected by the pseudo window unit looks as if it were a landscape viewed from an actual window, the sense of closure in a room where a window cannot be provided is eliminated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a pseudo window unit and a pseudo window capable of enhancing the sense of presence.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The pseudo window unit in the present disclosure is a pseudo window unit installed on the wall of an indoor space, comprising a window frame disposed on the wall and having an opening, an image display device disposed opposite to the opening of the window frame and displaying a landscape image toward the indoor space through the opening of the window frame, a light source disposed between the window frame and the image display device and irradiating light simulating sunlight toward the indoor space through the opening of the window frame, and a light shielding member for shielding a part of the light from the light source.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the pseudo window unit in the present disclosure, the sense of presence can be enhanced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, a more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of well-known matters and a redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0010] Note that the inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following description for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0011] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. In FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 7 to 9, the width direction (left-right direction) of the pseudo-window unit 2 is defined as the X-axis direction, the depth direction of the pseudo-window unit 2 is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the height direction (up-down direction) of the pseudo-window unit 2 is defined as the Z-axis direction.

[0012] [1. Outline of Pseudo-Window Unit] First, with reference to FIG. 1, an outline of the pseudo-window unit 2 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the pseudo-window unit 2 according to the embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the pseudo-window unit 2 includes a camera 4, a controller 6, an image display device 8, and a pseudo-window 10.

[0014] The camera 4 is arranged outside the building 12 and generates a landscape image which is a video (moving image) of the outdoor scenery 14 taken, for example, facing south. The camera 4 can communicate with the controller 6 and transmits the generated landscape image to the controller 6. The outdoor scenery 14 photographed by the camera 4 is, for example, a) natural scenery such as mountains, rivers, forests and beaches, or b) scenery of artificial structures such as high-rise buildings, gardens and bridges. Further, the camera 4 transmits shooting condition information (described later) regarding the shooting conditions of the landscape image to the controller 6. In this embodiment, the camera 4 is arranged outside the building 12, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the camera 4 may be arranged inside the building 12 and the outdoor scenery 14 may be photographed by the camera 4 through the window of the building 12.

[0015] The controller 6 is arranged in the indoor space 16 of the building 12 and controls each of the image display device 8 and the pseudo window 10. The controller 6 receives the landscape image transmitted from the camera 4 and outputs the received landscape image to the image display device 8. Further, the controller 6 receives the shooting condition information transmitted from the camera 4 and controls the light source 36 (described later) of the pseudo window 10 based on the received shooting condition information.

[0016] The image display device 8 is, for example, a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) and is arranged in the indoor space 16 of the building 12. The image display device 8 has a display surface 18 for displaying the landscape image output from the controller 6. That is, the landscape image photographed by the camera 4 is displayed in real time on the display surface 18 of the image display device 8.

[0017] The pseudo window 10 is, for example, a structure simulating an actual south-facing window and is arranged in the indoor space 16 of the building 12. The pseudo window 10 is arranged facing the display surface 18 of the image display device 8.

[0018] By looking at the landscape image displayed on the display surface 18 of the image display device 8 through the virtual window 10, the user can feel as if they are looking at the outdoor landscape 14 through an actual window.

[0019] [2. Structure of the virtual window unit] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the structure of the virtual window unit 2 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the virtual window unit 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the virtual window unit 2 according to the embodiment taken along line III-III of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the virtual window unit 2 according to the embodiment taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 2, a part of the wall portion 20 is cut away and shown.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the image display device 8 and the virtual window 10 of the virtual window unit 2 are arranged on the wall portion 20 of the indoor space 16. The wall portion 20 is composed of an inner wall portion 22 facing the indoor space 16 and an outer wall portion (not shown) located on the outdoor side of the inner wall portion 22. The indoor space 16 is a space surrounded by the inner wall portion 22 and is, for example, a space such as a living room. A through hole 24 for installing the virtual window 10 is formed in the inner wall portion 22. The through hole 24 is formed in a rectangular shape in a view from the XZ plane.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the image display device 8 is arranged in the wall inner space 26 between the inner wall portion 22 and the outer wall portion and is supported at a height position corresponding to the height position (position in the Z-axis direction) of the virtual window 10 by a support mechanism (not shown). The display surface 18 of the image display device 8 is arranged to face the through hole 24 of the inner wall portion 22.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the virtual window 10 has a window frame 28, a sash frame 30 (an example of a light shielding member), a window plate 32, a support frame 34, and a light source 36.

[0023] The window frame 28 is a frame member that simulates the window frame of an actual window. The window frame 28 is formed in a rectangular shape in a view from the XZ plane and is disposed at the peripheral edge of the through hole 24 of the inner wall portion 22. That is, the window frame 28 is disposed to face the display surface 18 of the image display device 8. The window frame 28 is formed by arranging an upper horizontal frame 28a (see FIGS. 2 and 3), a lower horizontal frame 28b (see FIGS. 2 and 3), a left vertical frame 28c (see FIGS. 2 and 4), and a right vertical frame 28d (see FIGS. 2 and 4) in a rectangular shape. Here, the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side respectively mean the upper side (the plus side of the Z axis), the lower side (the minus side of the Z axis), the left side (the minus side of the X axis), and the right side (the plus side of the X axis) from the indoor space 16 toward the pseudo window 10. In the region surrounded by the upper horizontal frame 28a, the lower horizontal frame 28b, the left vertical frame 28c, and the right vertical frame 28d, a rectangular opening 38 is formed in a view from the XZ plane. The window frame 28 is formed of, for example, a decorative panel. Note that, in a view from the XZ plane, the size of the window frame 28 is smaller than the size of the display surface 18 of the image display device 8.

[0024] The sash frame 30 is a frame member for supporting the window pane 32. The sash frame 30 is formed in a rectangular shape in a view from the XZ plane and is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the window frame 28. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sash frame 30 is disposed at the end portion on the side closer to the image display device 8 on the inner peripheral surface of the window frame 28. The sash frame 30 is formed by arranging an upper horizontal frame 30a (see FIG. 3), a lower horizontal frame 30b (see FIGS. 2 and 3), a left vertical frame 30c (see FIGS. 2 and 4), and a right vertical frame 30d (see FIG. 4) in a rectangular shape. The sash frame 30 extends radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the window frame 28. Note that the radially inward direction means the direction from the inner peripheral surface of the window frame 28 toward the central portion of the opening 38. The sash frame 30 is formed of a light-shielding material, for example, a metal such as aluminum.

[0025] The window plate 32 is a plate member that simulates the window glass of an actual window. The window plate 32 is formed in a rectangular shape in the XZ plane view and is arranged to cover the opening 38 of the window frame 28. The outer peripheral portion of the window plate 32 is supported by the sash frame 30. The window plate 32 is formed of a light-transmissive material, such as a transparent acrylic plate or a glass plate.

[0026] The support frame 34 is a frame member for supporting the light source 36. The support frame 34 is formed in a rectangular shape in the XZ plane view and is arranged along the circumferential direction of the window frame 28 between the window frame 28 and the image display device 8. Here, the circumferential direction means the direction along the inner peripheral surface or the outer peripheral surface of the window frame 28 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the window frame 28. The support frame 34 is formed by arranging the upper horizontal frame 34a (see FIGS. 2 and 3), the lower horizontal frame 34b (see FIGS. 2 and 3), the left vertical frame 34c (see FIGS. 2 and 4), and the right vertical frame 34d (see FIGS. 2 and 4) in a rectangular shape. The upper horizontal frame 34a, the lower horizontal frame 34b, the left vertical frame 34c, and the right vertical frame 34d of the support frame 34 are respectively arranged along the upper horizontal frame 28a, the lower horizontal frame 28b, the left vertical frame 28c, and the right vertical frame 28d of the window frame 28.

[0027] The light source 36 is a light source for irradiating the indoor space 16 with light that simulates sunlight. As shown in FIG. 2, the light source 36 includes an upper left light source 40 (an example of the first light source), an upper right light source 42 (an example of the first light source), a left side light source 44 (an example of the second light source), and a right side light source 46 (an example of the third light source).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the upper left light source 40 has a long substrate 48 and a plurality of LEDs 50 (Light Emitting Diodes) mounted side by side in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the substrate 48. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper right light source 42 has a long substrate 52 and a plurality of LEDs 54 mounted in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the substrate 52. The upper left light source 40 and the upper right light source 42 are arranged side by side on the inner peripheral surface of the upper horizontal frame 34a of the support frame 34, and are arranged in a long shape along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the upper horizontal frame 34a. That is, the upper left light source 40 and the upper right light source 42 are arranged along the upper horizontal frame 28a between the upper horizontal frame 28a of the window frame 28 and the image display device 8. At this time, the upper left light source 40 and the upper right light source 42 are arranged at positions where they cannot be seen by a user in the indoor space 16. Note that the upper left light source 40 is arranged on the side closer to the left vertical frame 34c of the support frame 34, and the upper right light source 42 is arranged on the side closer to the right vertical frame 34d of the support frame 34.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the light from each of the upper left light source 40 and the upper right light source 42 is irradiated toward the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28. At this time, a part of the light from each of the upper left light source 40 and the upper right light source 42 is blocked by the upper horizontal frame 30a of the sash frame 30.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the left side light source 44 has a long substrate 56 and a plurality of LEDs 58 mounted side by side in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the substrate 56. The left side light source 44 is arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the left vertical frame 34c of the support frame 34, and is arranged in a long shape along the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the left vertical frame 34c. That is, the left side light source 44 is arranged along the left vertical frame 28c of the window frame 28 between the left vertical frame 28c and the image display device 8. At this time, the left side light source 44 is arranged at a position where it cannot be seen by a user in the indoor space 16.

[0031] Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the right lateral light source 46 has a long substrate 60 and a plurality of LEDs 62 mounted side by side in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the substrate 60. The right lateral light source 46 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the right vertical frame 34d of the support frame 34 and is arranged in a long shape along the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the right vertical frame 34d. That is, the right lateral light source 46 is arranged along the right vertical frame 28d between the right vertical frame 28d of the window frame 28 and the image display device 8. At this time, the right lateral light source 46 is disposed at a position where it cannot be seen by a user in the indoor space 16.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the light from each of the left lateral light source 44 and the right lateral light source 46 is irradiated toward the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28. At this time, a part of the light from the left lateral light source 44 is shielded by the left vertical frame 30c of the sash frame 30. Also, a part of the light from the right lateral light source 46 is shielded by the right vertical frame 30d of the sash frame 30.

[0033] [3. Functional Configuration of Controller] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the functional configuration of the controller 6 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the controller 6 of the pseudo window unit 2 according to the embodiment.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 6 has, as a functional configuration, an acquisition unit 64 and a control unit 66.

[0035] The acquisition unit 64 acquires the landscape image transmitted from the camera 4. The acquisition unit 64 outputs the acquired landscape image to the image display device 8 via the control unit 66. Thereby, the landscape image captured by the camera 4 is displayed in real time on the display surface 18 of the image display device 8.

[0036] Also, the acquisition unit 64 acquires the shooting condition information transmitted from the camera 4 and outputs the acquired shooting condition information to the control unit 66. Here, the shooting condition information includes, for example, a) the date on which the landscape image was captured, b) the time at which the landscape image was captured, and c) information such as the weather at the shooting location when the landscape image was captured.

[0037] Based on the shooting condition information output from the acquisition unit 64, the control unit 66 controls the light source 36 of the virtual window 10.

[0038] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, an example of the control of the light source 36 by the controller 6 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the control of the light source 36 by the controller 6 of the virtual window unit 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the virtual window unit 2 according to the embodiment when a morning landscape image is displayed on the image display device 8. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the virtual window unit 2 according to the embodiment when a noon landscape image is displayed on the image display device 8. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the virtual window unit 2 according to the embodiment when an evening landscape image is displayed on the image display device 8.

[0039] First, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the case where a morning landscape image is captured by the camera 4 will be described. In this case, the shooting condition information acquired by the acquisition unit 64 includes the time of the morning time zone (for example, 6:00 am to 9:00 am) as the time when the landscape image was captured.

[0040] Based on the shooting condition information from the acquisition unit 64, the control unit 66 controls the light source 36 so that the light from the light source 36 simulates the refreshing morning sunlight. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, based on the shooting condition information from the acquisition unit 64, the control unit 66 controls to turn on the left horizontal light source 44 and turn off each of the upper left light source 40, the upper right light source 42, and the right horizontal light source 46. Further, based on the shooting condition information from the acquisition unit 64, the control unit 66 controls the illuminance and color temperature of the light from the left horizontal light source 44 to be high illuminance and high color temperature, respectively.

[0041] Note that the control unit 66 may control the illuminance and color temperature of the light from the left horizontal light source 44 to be illuminance and color temperature corresponding to the actual season, weather, etc., based on the date when the landscape image was captured and the weather at the shooting location when the landscape image was captured, which are included in the shooting condition information.

[0042] As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, a morning landscape image is displayed on the display surface 18 of the image display device 8. Also, as seen from the user in the indoor space 16, light with a high illuminance and a high color temperature from the left-side light source 44 that simulates the refreshing morning sunlight irradiates the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28 from the upper left of the window frame 28. At this time, since a part of the light from the left-side light source 44 is blocked by the vertical frame 30c on the left side of the sash frame 30, a shadow 68 of the vertical frame 30c on the left side of the sash frame 30 is formed at one end in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the inner peripheral surface of the lower horizontal frame 28b of the window frame 28. Also, shadows are formed on the inner wall portion 22 etc. of the indoor space 16. In FIG. 7, the shadows are represented in gray. As a result, it is possible to reproduce a state as if the refreshing morning sunlight is shining into the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28 from the eastward direction (the minus side of the X-axis), and the sense of presence can be enhanced.

[0043] Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, the case where a daytime landscape image is photographed by the camera 4 will be described. In this case, the shooting condition information acquired by the acquisition unit 64 includes the time of the daytime time zone (for example, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm) as the time when the landscape image was photographed.

[0044] Based on the shooting condition information from the acquisition unit 64, the control unit 66 controls the light source 36 so that the light from the light source 36 simulates the daytime sunlight that produces a seasonal feeling. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 66 controls to turn on each of the upper left light source 40 and the upper right light source 42, and turn off each of the left-side light source 44 and the right-side light source 46 based on the shooting condition information from the acquisition unit 64. Also, the control unit 66 controls the illuminance and color temperature of the light from each of the upper left light source 40 and the upper right light source 42 to medium illuminance and medium color temperature respectively based on the shooting condition information from the acquisition unit 64.

[0045] Note that the control unit 66 may control the illuminance and color temperature of the light from the upper left light source 40 and the upper right light source 42 to the illuminance and color temperature corresponding to the actual season, weather, etc., based on the date when the landscape image was taken and the weather at the shooting location when the landscape image was taken, which are included in the shooting condition information.

[0046] As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, a daytime landscape image is displayed on the display surface 18 of the image display device 8. Also, as viewed from the user in the indoor space 16, light with medium illuminance and medium color temperature from the upper left light source 40 and the upper right light source 42 that simulates the daytime sunlight irradiates the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28 from directly above the window frame 28. At this time, since a part of the light from the upper left light source and the upper right light source 42 is blocked by the upper horizontal frame 30a (see FIG. 3) of the sash frame 30, a shadow 70 of the upper horizontal frame 30a of the sash frame 30 is formed at one end in the short side direction (Y-axis direction) of the inner peripheral surface of the lower horizontal frame 28b of the window frame 28. Also, shadows are formed on the inner wall portion 22 etc. of the indoor space 16. In FIG. 8, the shadows are represented in gray. As a result, it is possible to reproduce a state as if the daytime sunlight is shining into the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28 from the southern direction (the positive side of the Y-axis), and the sense of immersion can be enhanced.

[0047] Finally, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 9, the case where an evening landscape image is taken by the camera 4 will be described. In this case, the shooting condition information acquired by the acquisition unit 64 includes the time of the evening time zone (for example, 3 pm to 6 pm) as the time when the landscape image was taken.

[0048] The control unit 66 controls the light source 36 so that the light from the light source 36 simulates the setting sun at dusk based on the shooting condition information from the acquisition unit 64. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 66 controls to turn on the right horizontal light source 46 and turn off each of the upper left light source 40, the upper right light source 42, and the left horizontal light source 44 based on the shooting condition information from the acquisition unit 64. Also, the control unit 66 controls the illuminance and color temperature of the light from the right horizontal light source 46 to low illuminance and low color temperature respectively based on the shooting condition information from the acquisition unit 64.

[0049] Note that the control unit 66 may control the illuminance and color temperature of the light from the right-side light source 46 to the illuminance and color temperature corresponding to the actual season, weather, etc., based on the date when the landscape image was taken and the weather, etc. at the shooting location when the landscape image was taken, which are included in the shooting condition information.

[0050] As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, a landscape image at dusk is displayed on the display surface 18 of the image display device 8. Also, as seen from the user in the indoor space 16, light with a low illuminance and a low color temperature from the right-side light source 46 that simulates the setting sun at dusk is irradiated toward the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28 from the upper right of the window frame 28. At this time, since a part of the light from the right-side light source 46 is blocked by the vertical frame 30d (see FIG. 4) on the right side of the sash frame 30, a shadow 72 of the vertical frame 30d on the right side of the sash frame 30 is formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the inner peripheral surface of the lower horizontal frame 28b of the window frame 28. Also, shadows are formed on the inner wall portion 22, etc. of the indoor space 16. Note that in FIG. 9, the shadows are represented in gray. As a result, it is possible to reproduce a state as if the setting sun at dusk is shining into the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28 from the western direction (the plus side of the X-axis), and the sense of presence can be enhanced.

[0051] [4. Effects] As described above, in the present embodiment, the pseudo-window unit 2 is a pseudo-window unit installed on the wall portion 20 of the indoor space 16. The pseudo-window unit 2 includes a window frame 28 disposed on the wall portion 20 and having an opening 38, an image display device 8 disposed opposite to the opening 38 of the window frame 28 and displaying a landscape image toward the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28, a light source 36 disposed between the window frame 28 and the image display device 8 and irradiating light that simulates sunlight toward the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28, and a light-shielding member (sash frame 30) that shields a part of the light from the light source 36.

[0052] According to this, since a part of the light simulating the sunlight from the light source 36 is shielded by the light-shielding member, for example, shadows 68, 70, 72 of the shielding member are formed on the window frame 28. As a result, it is possible to reproduce a state as if the sunlight is shining into the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28, and the sense of presence can be enhanced.

[0053] Further, in the present embodiment, the pseudo window unit 2 further includes a window plate 32 having translucency and disposed so as to cover the opening 38 of the window frame 28, and a sash frame 30 that functions as a light-shielding member and extends radially inward from the window frame 28 to support the outer peripheral portion of the window plate 32. The light source 36 is disposed along the window frame 28.

[0054] According to this, since a part of the light simulating the sunlight from the light source 36 is shielded by the sash frame 30, for example, shadows 68, 70, 72 of the sash frame 30 can be formed on the window frame 28.

[0055] Further, in the present embodiment, the window frame 28 is formed by arranging upper and lower horizontal frames 30a, 30b and left and right vertical frames 30c, 30d in a rectangular shape. The light source 36 includes a left upper light source 40 and a right upper light source 42 disposed along the upper horizontal frame 28a of the window frame 28, a left horizontal light source 44 disposed along the left vertical frame 28c of the window frame 28, and a right horizontal light source 46 disposed along the right vertical frame 28d of the window frame 28.

[0056] According to this, by lighting at least one of the left upper light source 40, the right upper light source 42, the left horizontal light source 44, and the right horizontal light source 46, it is possible to reproduce a state in which sunlight from an arbitrary direction is shining into the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28, and the sense of presence can be further enhanced.

[0057] Further, in the present embodiment, the pseudo window unit 2 further includes a rectangular support frame 34 disposed along the circumferential direction of the window frame 28 between the window frame 28 and the image display device 8. The left upper light source 40, the right upper light source 42, the left horizontal light source 44, and the right horizontal light source 46 are supported by the support frame 34.

[0058] According to this, the upper left light source 40, the upper right light source 42, the left side light source 44, and the right side light source 46 can be stably supported by the support frame 34.

[0059] Further, in the present embodiment, the pseudo window unit 2 further includes an acquisition unit 64 that acquires shooting condition information regarding shooting conditions of a landscape image, and a control unit 66 that controls the individual turning on and off of the upper left light source 40, the upper right light source 42, the left side light source 44, and the right side light source 46 based on the shooting condition information.

[0060] According to this, for example, by controlling the turning on and off of the upper left light source 40, the upper right light source 42, the left side light source 44, and the right side light source 46 according to the date, time, weather, etc. at the time of shooting a landscape image, the direction of the light inserted into the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28 can be matched with the direction of the sunlight in the landscape image, and the sense of presence can be further enhanced.

[0061] Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 66 further controls at least one of the illuminance and color temperature of the light from each of the upper left light source 40, the upper right light source 42, the left side light source 44, and the right side light source 46 based on the shooting condition information.

[0062] According to this, for example, by controlling at least one of the illuminance and color temperature of the light from each of the upper left light source 40, the upper right light source 42, the left side light source 44, and the right side light source 46 according to the date, time, weather, etc. at the time of shooting a landscape image, the illuminance or color temperature of the light inserted into the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28 can be respectively matched with the illuminance or color temperature of the sunlight in the landscape image, and the sense of presence can be further enhanced.

[0063] In addition, in the present embodiment, the virtual window 10 is a virtual window installed on the wall portion 20 of the indoor space 16 for projecting the landscape image displayed on the image display device 8. The virtual window 10 is a window frame 28 disposed on the wall portion 20, the window frame 28 having an opening 38 disposed to face the image display device 8, a light source 36 disposed between the window frame 28 and the image display device 8 for irradiating light simulating sunlight toward the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28, and a light shielding member (sash frame 30) for shielding a part of the light from the light source 36.

[0064] According to this, as described above, it is possible to reproduce a state as if sunlight is shining into the indoor space 16 through the opening 38 of the window frame 28, and the sense of presence can be enhanced.

[0065] (Other Embodiments) As described above, embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and is also applicable to embodiments in which appropriate changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Further, it is also possible to form a new embodiment by combining the respective components described in the above embodiments.

[0066] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the acquisition unit 64 acquires the landscape image from the camera 4, but is not limited to this. For example, the landscape image from the camera may be stored in a server disposed outside the building 12, and the landscape image may be streamed from the server to the acquisition unit 64. In this case, the server may store the shooting condition information from the camera together with the landscape image. Alternatively, a pre-shot landscape image (recorded video) may be stored in the server. As a result, the landscape image streamed from the server is displayed on the image display device 8. Also in this case, the control unit 66 may control the illuminance, color temperature, etc. of the light from the light source 36 based on the shooting condition information acquired from the server.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the landscape image from the camera 4 is output to the image display device 8 via the controller 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the camera 4 may be omitted, and the playback device may be electrically connected to the image display device 8. In this case, by playing back the recording medium storing the landscape image in the playback device, the acquisition unit 64 acquires the landscape image and the shooting condition information from the playback device. As a result, the landscape image (recorded video) played back by the playback device is displayed on the image display device 8. Also in this case, the control unit 66 may control the illuminance, color temperature, etc. of the light from the light source 36 based on the shooting condition information acquired from the playback device.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the light shielding member is constituted by the sash frame 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, it may be constituted by a louver or a reflector disposed in front of the light source 36.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the LEDs 50 and 54 of the upper left light source 40 and the upper right light source 42 are arranged such that the optical axes of the respective LEDs 50 and 54 face the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the LEDs 50 and 54 of the upper left light source 40 and the upper right light source 42 may be arranged obliquely such that the optical axes of the respective LEDs 50 and 54 face a direction inclined toward the indoor space 16 side with respect to the vertical direction. Alternatively, LEDs 50 and 54 having directivity in a direction inclined toward the indoor space 16 side with respect to the vertical direction may be used.

[0071] Similarly, in the above embodiment, the LEDs 58 and 62 of the left side light source 44 and the right side light source 46 are arranged such that the optical axes of the respective LEDs 58 and 62 face the left-right direction (X-axis direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the LEDs 58 and 62 of the left side light source 44 and the right side light source 46 may be arranged obliquely such that the optical axes of the respective LEDs 58 and 62 face a direction inclined toward the indoor space 16 side with respect to the left-right direction. Alternatively, LEDs 58 and 62 having directivity in a direction inclined toward the indoor space 16 side with respect to the left-right direction may be used.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, one set of pseudo-windows 10 and the image display device 8 are arranged on the wall portion 20 of the indoor space 16. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of sets of pseudo-windows 10 and image display devices 8 may be arranged. In this case, the plurality of sets of pseudo-windows 10 and image display devices 8 are controlled by, for example, a single controller 6.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the image display device 8 is arranged in a horizontal posture in which the display surface 18 is horizontal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display surface 18 may be arranged in a vertical posture in which it is vertical.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the landscape image is a video (moving image). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a still image may be used.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the acquisition unit 64 acquires, as shooting condition information from the camera 4, a) the date on which the landscape image was shot, b) the time at which the landscape image was shot, and c) the weather at the shooting location when the landscape image was shot. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, d) the aperture of the camera (a camera for shooting still images) when the landscape image was shot, e) the shutter speed of the camera when the landscape image was shot, and f) the ISO sensitivity of the camera when the landscape image was shot, etc. may be acquired. In this case, the control unit 66 can calculate the brightness of the location where the landscape image was shot based on the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity, etc. from the acquisition unit 64. The control unit 66 can control the illuminance, etc. of the light from each of the upper left light source 40, upper right light source 42, left side light source 44, and right side light source 46 based on the calculated brightness.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the light source 36 is configured by being divided into four light sources (upper left light source 40, upper right light source 42, left side light source 44, and right side light source 46). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the arrangement and the number of divisions of the light source 36 can be arbitrarily set. For example, by increasing the number of divisions of the light source 36, shadows can be reproduced more realistically.

[0077] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 64 may acquire, as the shooting condition information from the camera 4, information regarding the position where the landscape image was shot (for example, longitude and latitude). Thereby, the control unit 66 can control the individual point extinguishing and the like of the upper left light source 40, the upper right light source 42, the left side light source 44, and the right side light source 46 according to the position where the landscape image was shot.

[0078] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure. For that purpose, the accompanying drawings and the detailed description have been provided.

[0079] Therefore, among the components described in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description, not only the components essential for solving the problem but also the components not essential for solving the problem for exemplifying the above technology may be included. Therefore, just because those non-essential components are described in the accompanying drawings or the detailed description, it should not be immediately determined that those non-essential components are essential.

[0080] Also, since the above-described embodiments are for exemplifying the technology in the present disclosure, various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or the equivalent scope thereof.

Industrial Applicability

[0081] The present disclosure is applicable to, for example, a pseudo window unit installed on a wall portion of an indoor space.

Explanation of Signs

[0082] 2 Pseudo window unit 4 Camera 6 Controller 8 Image display device 10 Pseudo window 12 Building 14 Landscape 16 Indoor space 18 Display surface 20 Wall portion 22 Inner wall portion 24 Through hole 26 Wall inner space 28 Window frame 28a, 30a, 34a Upper horizontal frame 28b, 30b, 34b Lower horizontal frame 28c, 30c, 34c Left vertical frame 28d, 30d, 34d Right vertical frame 30 Sash frame 32 Window panel 34 Support frame 36 Light source 38 Opening 40 Upper left light source 42 Upper right light source 44 Left horizontal light source 46 Right horizontal light source 48, 52, 56, 60 Substrate 50, 54, 58, 62 LED 64 Acquisition unit 66 Control unit 68, 70, 72 Shadow

Claims

1. A pseudo-window unit installed on a wall of an indoor space, comprising: a rectangular window frame disposed on the wall and having an opening; an image display device disposed opposite to the opening of the window frame and displaying a landscape image toward the indoor space through the opening of the window frame; a light source disposed between the window frame and the image display device and irradiating light simulating sunlight toward the indoor space through the opening of the window frame; a light-shielding member for shielding a part of the light from the light source; wherein the light-shielding member is a rectangular sash frame disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the window frame, disposed at an end of the inner peripheral surface of the window frame closer to the image display device, and extending radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the window frame pseudo-window unit.

2. The pseudo-window unit further comprises: a window plate disposed so as to cover the opening of the window frame and having translucency; wherein the light source is disposed along the window frame The pseudo-window unit according to claim 1.

3. The window frame is formed by arranging upper and lower horizontal frames and left and right vertical frames in a rectangular shape, The light source is a first light source disposed along the upper horizontal frame of the window frame; a second light source disposed along the left vertical frame of the window frame; a third light source disposed along the right vertical frame of the window frame, The pseudo-window unit according to claim 2.

4. The pseudo-window unit further comprises a rectangular support frame disposed between the window frame and the image display device along the circumferential direction of the window frame, wherein the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source are supported by the support frame The pseudo-window unit according to claim 3.

5. The support frame is formed by arranging upper and lower horizontal frames and left and right vertical frames in a rectangular shape, the first light source is disposed on the upper horizontal frame of the support frame, the second light source is disposed on the left vertical frame of the support frame, the third light source is disposed on the right vertical frame of the support frame The pseudo-window unit according to claim 4.

6. Each of the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source has a long substrate; a plurality of LEDs mounted side by side in the longitudinal direction of the substrate The pseudo-window unit according to claim 5.

7. The pseudo-window unit further comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires shooting condition information regarding shooting conditions of the landscape image; A control unit that controls the individual point extinguishments of the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source based on the imaging condition information. The pseudo window unit according to any one of claims 3 to 6. **Claim 8** The control unit further controls at least one of the illuminance and color temperature of the light from each of the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source based on the imaging condition information. The pseudo window unit according to claim 7. **Claim 9** A pseudo window installed on a wall portion of an indoor space for projecting a landscape image displayed on an image display device, A rectangular window frame disposed on the wall portion, the window frame having an opening disposed opposite to the image display device; A light source disposed between the window frame and the image display device, irradiating light simulating sunlight toward the indoor space through the opening of the window frame; A light shielding member that shields a part of the light from the light source. The light shielding member is a rectangular sash frame disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the window frame, disposed at an end portion of the inner peripheral surface of the window frame closer to the image display device, and extending radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the window frame. Pseudo window.

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