Scene reproduction device and soundproof wall

Abstract

A camera is installed on the outer surface of a soundproof wall 200 and a monitor is installed on the inner surface thereof. A scene image, which is an image captured by the camera, is projected onto the monitor on the inner surface.

Description

Scenery reproduction device and soundproof wall

[0001] The present invention relates to image control, and in particular to techniques for capturing images of scenes.

[0002] It is not uncommon for the construction of a building in front of one's home to ruin the view. For example, if an apartment building is built in front of another apartment building, it can be particularly detrimental to residents living on lower floors.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-175768

[0004] This is not limited to apartment buildings, but there are many situations where some kind of obstruction prevents drivers from enjoying the scenery as it should. Another example is the soundproof walls installed on highways. Because soundproof walls block the view to the left and right of highways, the view from the highway as seen by drivers tends to be monotonous.

[0005] The present invention was completed based on the above-mentioned problem recognition, and its main purpose is to provide a technology for enjoying the scenery even when an obstruction is present.

[0006] A soundproof wall in one aspect of the present invention has a camera disposed on the outer surface and a monitor disposed on the inner surface, and is equipped with a display control unit that displays an image captured by the camera on the outer surface on the monitor on the inner surface.

[0007] A scenery reproduction device according to one aspect of the present invention is connected to both a camera disposed on a first surface of a first building and a monitor disposed on an indoor wall surface of a second building located on a second surface side of the first building different from the first surface, and includes a display control unit that causes an image captured by the camera in the first building to be displayed on the monitor in the second building.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, a scenery reproduction device is connected to a monitor installed on the ceiling of an underground facility, and includes a display control unit that causes the monitor to display an outdoor image, which is an image of the outdoors as seen from the underground facility.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to enjoy the scenery even when there is an obstruction.

[0010] FIG. 5( a) is a schematic diagram showing a scenery reproduction method in a first embodiment; FIG. 5( b) is a functional block diagram of a scenery reproduction device in a first embodiment; FIG. 5( c) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a camera and a monitor; FIG. 5( a) is a schematic diagram showing a scenery reproduction method in a second embodiment; FIG. 5( a) is an external view showing the outer surface of a wall panel; FIG. 5( b) is an external view showing the inner surface of a wall panel; FIG. 5( b) is a functional block diagram of a soundproof wall; FIG. 5( c) is a schematic diagram showing a scenery reproduction method in a third embodiment; FIG. 5( b) is a functional block diagram of a scenery reproduction device in a first embodiment.

[0011] In the following, a method for enjoying scenery even when there is an obstruction will be described in a first embodiment and a third embodiment. In the first embodiment, a method for reproducing scenery indoors will be described. In the second embodiment, a method for reproducing scenery through a soundproof wall will be described. In the third embodiment, a method for reproducing scenery through a ceiling wall in an underground facility will be described. Hereinafter, when there is no particular distinction between the first embodiment to the third embodiment or when referring to them collectively, they will be referred to as "the present embodiment."

[0012] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a scenery reproduction method in the first embodiment. Building 102A is an apartment building facing west (first side). Building 102B is an apartment building located on the east side (second side) of building 102A. Therefore, the view to the west of building 102B is blocked by building 102A. Similarly, building 102C is an apartment building located on the east side of building 102B. The view to the west of building 102C is blocked by buildings 102A and 102B.

[0013] In the first embodiment, a camera 104 is installed on the west side of building 102A. A large monitor 106B is fitted into the entire surface of a window of building 102B. A monitor 106C is also fitted into a window of building 102C. The monitor 106B uses organic electroluminescence (EL) to display images aimed at the residents in the room. An input device (described below) is provided near the monitor 106B.

[0014] Camera 104 and monitors 106B and 106C are connected to scenery reproduction device 100. Scenery reproduction device 100 displays the image captured by camera 104, i.e., the captured image of the scenery to the west of building 102A (hereinafter referred to as the "scenery image"), on monitors 106B and 106C. This allows the resident of monitor 106B to enjoy the scenery to the west through the scenery image, just like the resident of building 102A. The same applies to the resident of monitor 106C.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a scenery reproduction device 100 according to the first embodiment. The components of the scenery reproduction device 100 are implemented by hardware including computing units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various coprocessors, storage devices such as memory and storage, and wired or wireless communication lines connecting these, as well as software stored in the storage devices and supplying processing instructions to the computing units. The computer program may be configured by a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located above these, and libraries that provide common functions to these programs. The blocks described below represent functional blocks rather than hardware configurations. The same applies to the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 6.

[0016] The scenery reproduction device 100 includes an image receiving unit 110, a display control unit 112, an image transmitting unit 114, an input unit 116, and a data storage unit 118. The image receiving unit 110 receives scenery images from a camera 104 installed in the building 102. The image transmitting unit 114 transmits the scenery images to a monitor 106 installed in the building 102. The display control unit 112 controls the display of the scenery images. The data storage unit 118 stores various data. The input unit 116 accepts various inputs from an input device attached to the monitor 106.

[0017] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the camera 104 and the monitor 106. Example 1: Room R2 in building 102B is located directly east of room R1 in building 102A. Room R3 in building 102C is located directly east of room R1 in building 102A and room R2 in building 102B. In Example 1, the display control unit 112 causes the monitor 106B in room R2 to display a scenery image captured by camera 104C in room R1, which is located directly west of room R2. Similarly, the display control unit 112 also causes the monitor 106C in room R3 to display a scenery image captured by camera 104C (room R1).

[0018] <Example 2> In Example 2, scenery reproduction device 100 may determine the projection target range of the scenery image to be displayed on monitor 106B (room R2) depending on the distance between room R1 from which the western scenery can be seen and room R2 that is the target of scenery reproduction. Camera 104B is installed in room R4 adjacent to room R1 to the south in building 102A, and camera 104D is installed in room R5 adjacent to room R1 to the north.

[0019] A field of view 130B is set at a predetermined viewing angle from monitor 106B. Display control unit 112 connects a portion of the scenery image captured by camera 104B, the entire scenery image captured by camera 104C, and a portion of the scenery image captured by camera 104D to display the combined images on monitor 106B, corresponding to field of view 130B.

[0020] A field of view range 130C is set from monitor 106C at the same viewing angle. Display control unit 112 connects all of the scenery images captured by camera 104B, all of the scenery images captured by camera 104C, and all of the scenery images captured by camera 104D, and displays them on monitor 106C, corresponding to field of view range 130C.

[0021] According to the scenery reproduction method shown in Example 2, field of view 130C set for the resident of room R3 is wider than field of view 130B set for the resident of room R2. By changing field of view 130 in this way depending on the distance from building 102A, the difference in distance between the western view seen by the resident of room R2 and the western view seen by the resident of room R3 can be expressed.

[0022] [Summary] The scenery reproduction device 100 has been described above based on the first embodiment. When a new building 102A is constructed in front of building 102B, it is usually impossible to enjoy the scenery from building 102B. As a result, the construction of building 102A may result in a decrease in the real estate value of building 102B. According to the first embodiment, the scenery from building 102A can be displayed as a scenery image in buildings 102B and 102C, so that the scenery can be guaranteed for the residents of buildings 102B and 102C. This is particularly significant for residents on lower floors. While building 102A acts as an obstruction to buildings 102B and 102C, the obstruction is not limited to building 102A; other structures, such as steel towers, can also be used in the same way.

[0023] [Modification] The height of camera 104 does not have to be the same as the height of monitor 106 on which the scenic image captured by camera 104 is displayed. For example, a monitor 106 installed on the first floor of building 102A may display a scenic image captured by camera 104 installed on the tenth floor of building 102A. According to this control method, even if you are on a lower floor, you can enjoy the view from a higher floor.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the description is based on the assumption that the scenery image is displayed on the monitor 106 in real time. As a variant, the timing of capturing the scenery and the timing of displaying the scenery may not coincide. For example, the display control unit 112 stores winter scenery images captured by the camera 104 in the data storage unit 118. In spring, the resident of room R2 operates the monitor 106B to set "winter." At this time, the input unit 116 receives the "winter" setting, and the display control unit 112 loads a scenery image previously saved for winter and displays it on the monitor 106B. This control method allows the resident of room R2 to enjoy western scenery at different times and seasons.

[0025] The scenery reproduction device 100 may store scenery images captured at various times by various cameras 104. A resident of room R2 in building 102B may display various scenery images using an input device attached to the monitor 106B in his or her room. When the resident selects "real-time reproduction" using the input device, the display control unit 112 causes the monitor 106B to display real-time scenery images captured by cameras 104A, etc. When the resident selects "Hawaii" using the input device, the display control unit 112 causes the monitor 106B to display scenery images captured by cameras 104 installed in Hawaii. The scenery images of Hawaii may be real-time images of Hawaii or may be stored as scenery images of Hawaii at a specified date and time. This control method makes it possible to enjoy the scenery of Hawaii in August while living in Japan in December. When the resident selects "off" using the input device, the display control unit 112 may cause the monitor 106B to display the actual scenery of building 102B.

[0026] The display control unit 112 of the scenery reproduction device 100 may display various guide images such as advertisements, weather forecasts, etc. on the monitor 106. For example, nearby stores register advertisements for their products and services in the data storage unit 118 of the scenery reproduction device 100. The display control unit 112 periodically displays the advertisements registered in the data storage unit 118 on the monitor 106. In addition, the display control unit 112 may display advertisements aimed at people outdoors on the monitor 106 installed on the exterior wall of the building 102.

[0027] The scenery reproduction device 100 may include an information acquisition unit (not shown) that acquires various information such as weather information, traffic information, etc. from external sites. For example, the display control unit 112 may cause the monitor 106 to display information such as "Earthquake occurs in Chiba Prefecture: seismic intensity 5" and "Possibility of rainfall within two hours" superimposed on the scenery image.

[0028] The display control unit 112 may also reproduce sound in addition to images. The image receiving unit 110 may receive scenic images from the camera 104, and may also acquire sounds of wind and rain using a sound collecting microphone, and reproduce the sounds from a speaker attached to the monitor 106.

[0029] A scenery image taken by a camera 104 located in an area other than that of the building 102 may be displayed on the monitor 106 of this building 102. For example, a scenery image taken by a camera 104 located in City A may be displayed on the monitor 106 of a building 102 located in another city B. In this way, the scenery reproduction device 100 may reproduce on the monitor 106 the scenery of an area other than the residential area.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the building 102B is located directly east of the building 102A. The view to the west of the building 102A may be reproduced in the building 102 located south or north of the building 102A.

[0031] The display control unit 112 may move the scenery displayed on the monitor 106 by sequentially displaying multiple scenery images captured by multiple cameras 104. Specifically, the display control unit 112 may display a scenery image captured by camera 104B (see FIG. 3) on the monitor 106B during a first time period, and then display a scenery image captured by camera 104C on the monitor 106B during a second time period. Alternatively, the display control unit 112 may scroll through the multiple scenery images.

[0032] Second Embodiment Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a scenery reproduction method in a second embodiment. Soundproof walls are installed on expressways to suppress automobile noise. As a result, the soundproof walls obstruct the view from automobiles. As in the first embodiment, the soundproof wall 200 in the second embodiment reproduces scenery by displaying the scenery outside the soundproof wall 200 on the inside.

[0033] The soundproof wall 200 in the second embodiment is composed of a plurality of wall panels 202. The wall panels 202 have an imaging function and a display function.

[0034] 5(a) and 5(b) are external views of the wall panel 202. FIG. 5(a) shows the outer surface of the wall panel 202, and FIG. 5(b) shows the inner surface of the wall panel 202. The outer surface corresponds to the outside of the expressway, and the inner surface corresponds to the side of the expressway (inside). A camera 204 is installed on the outer surface of the wall panel 202. The entire inner surface of the wall panel 202 is configured as a monitor 206. The monitor 206 is configured from an organic EL, as in the first embodiment, but may be configured from other display devices such as a liquid crystal display.

[0035] Monitor 206 displays the image captured by camera 204, i.e., the image of the scenery outside soundproof wall 200. A plurality of grooves 208 are formed on the surface of monitor 206 to enhance the sound absorption effect. Therefore, as described in relation to Figure 4, the scenery image can be enjoyed from the car as if soundproof wall 200 were a transparent wall.

[0036] 6 is a functional block diagram of the soundproof wall 200. The soundproof wall 200 includes a plurality of wall panels 202 and a scenery reproduction device 220. The scenery reproduction device 220 includes an image receiving unit 210, an image transmitting unit 214, a display control unit 212, and a data storage unit 216. The image receiving unit 210 receives scenery images from the camera 204, and the image transmitting unit 214 transmits the scenery images to the monitor 206. The display control unit 212 controls the display of the scenery images. The data storage unit 216 stores various data.

[0037] In the second embodiment, the scenery reproduction device 220 performs integrated control of the display on a large number of wall panels 202. However, the soundproof wall 200 may not be provided with a scenery reproduction device 220, and each wall panel 202 may be configured as a simple device that simply displays a scenery image captured by an outer camera 204 on an inner monitor 206. In this case, the display control unit 212 becomes a function of the wall panel 202.

[0038] The wall panel 202 may be equipped with a secondary battery. Alternatively, power may be supplied by a dye-sensitized solar cell or the like. By using sunlight as a power source and equipping the wall panel 202 (soundproof wall 200) with a secondary battery, the wall panel 202 (soundproof wall 200) can constantly display a scenery image without requiring an external power supply or control.

[0039] [Summary] The soundproof wall 200 has been described above based on the second embodiment. According to the soundproof wall 200 of the second embodiment, the view from a vehicle is not blocked by the soundproof wall 200. From a vehicle, the view outside the soundproof wall 200 can be enjoyed by passing through the soundproof wall 200. This provides a new level of enjoyment to driving on expressways. Conventionally, the scenery on expressways has tended to be monotonous, which has often led to excessive speeding and driver inattention due to boredom of driving. The soundproof wall 200 of the second embodiment can also contribute to reducing speeding and maintaining driver attention, and is therefore effective in preventing accidents on expressways.

[0040] [Modification] Instead of the groove 208, a protrusion such as a plate may be provided in front of the monitor 206 to enhance the sound absorbing effect.

[0041] As in the modified example of the first embodiment, the timing of capturing the scenery image and the timing of displaying it may not coincide. For example, the display control unit 212 may cause the monitor 206 to display a morning scenery image even during a night drive.

[0042] A scenic image of another region may be reproduced on the soundproof wall 200 of another region. For example, a scenic image including Mt. Fuji may be displayed not only on the soundproof wall 200 actually near Mt. Fuji, but also at other locations. Providing multiple locations across Japan where Mt. Fuji can be enjoyed increases the enjoyment of driving.

[0043] The display control unit 212 may scroll a plurality of scenery images. For example, the display control unit 212 may scroll the scenery images in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle, thereby giving the driver the feeling that the vehicle is traveling at a higher speed than it actually is.

[0044] The scenery may be reproduced on the inner wall surface of a tunnel, not limited to the soundproof wall 200. For example, even in the case of a linear motor car that runs deep underground, by displaying a scenery image on the inner wall of an underground tunnel, it becomes possible to enjoy the scenery on the linear motor car in the same way as on a Shinkansen that runs on land.

[0045] As in the first embodiment, the soundproof wall 200 may also include an information acquisition unit (not shown) that acquires various information such as weather information, traffic information, etc. from external sites. For example, the display control unit 212 may cause the monitor 206 to display information such as "Watch out for traffic jams ahead!" or "Earthquake has occurred! Drive slowly and stop" superimposed on a scenic image.

[0046] In the second embodiment, the display control unit 212 of the scenery reproduction device 220 may also display various guide images such as advertisements and weather forecasts on the monitor 206.

[0047] [Third Embodiment] People in underground facilities such as subway stations, underground shopping malls, and basements may lose their sense of direction because they cannot see the scenery above ground. In the third embodiment, a large monitor is embedded in the ceiling of the underground facility. The monitor displays an image of the ground (hereinafter referred to as an "outdoor image") using an organic electroluminescence (EL) display.

[0048] 7 is a schematic diagram showing a scenery reproduction method in the third embodiment. A large monitor is configured from multiple monitors 106 on the ceiling 232 in the underground facility 240. An outdoor image is displayed on each monitor 106 on the ceiling 232. The outdoor image is an image that would be visible from the pedestrian's position if the ceiling 232 were not there, that is, a transparent scenery image as described in relation to FIG. 4. The outdoor image is an image that was previously captured on the ground and is displayed as a moving or still image.

[0049] A mark 234 such as a QR code (registered trademark) is superimposed on the outdoor image on the ceiling portion 232. When a pedestrian captures an image of the mark 234 using a communication terminal such as a smartphone, a guide image showing various information guides is displayed on the communication terminal. Specifically, a code ID and server address information are associated with the mark 234. The communication terminal accesses the server according to the address information of the mark 234 and transmits the code ID to the server. The server has previously registered the code ID and the guide image in association with each other. The server transmits the guide image corresponding to the code ID to the communication terminal, causing the communication terminal to display the guide image.

[0050] The guide image may be an advertisement for a store on the ground. For example, various information related to the building on the ground may be provided as guide information, such as "There is a Japanese restaurant famous for shrimp dishes on the fourth floor of this building. It has been rated 4.2 by visitors."

[0051] 8 is a functional block diagram of a scenery reproduction device 300 according to the third embodiment. The scenery reproduction device 300 includes an image transmission unit 314, a display control unit 312, and a data storage unit 318. The display control unit 312 controls the display of the outdoor image and the mark 234. The data storage unit 318 stores various data.

[0052] In the third embodiment, the data storage unit 318 registers outdoor images in association with the positions of the monitors 106 in the underground facility 240. The display control unit 312 displays the outdoor images in accordance with the positions of the monitors 106. For example, when outdoor image B1 is associated with position A1, the display control unit 312 displays the outdoor image B1 on the monitor 106 corresponding to position A1. The image transmission unit 314 transmits the outdoor image B1 to the monitor corresponding to position A1, thereby making it possible to display appropriate outdoor images in accordance with the positions of the multiple monitors 106.

[0053] [Summary] The scenery reproduction device 300 has been described above based on the third embodiment. According to the third embodiment, even while walking in the underground facility 240, pedestrians can see the situation above ground through the outdoor image, making it easier for pedestrians to maintain a sense of direction. Furthermore, the outdoor image allows pedestrians to feel a sense of openness even in the underground facility 240. Since the system displays pre-captured outdoor images rather than installing a camera above ground to display outdoor images in real time, it is easier to protect the privacy of pedestrians above ground. Furthermore, the scenery reproduction device 300 can provide various advertising or information services targeted at pedestrians in the underground facility 240 by displaying marks 234 on the outdoor image and providing various guide images via the marks 234.

[0054] [Modification] The display control unit 312 may superimpose the guide image directly on the outdoor image on the monitor 106, instead of the mark 234. In this case, when a pedestrian looks up at the ceiling in the underground facility 240, the pedestrian can see the outdoor image and the guide image at the same time.

[0055] The display control unit 312 may display a guide mark 234 on the outdoor image. When a pedestrian captures an image of this mark 234, a menu such as "Shopping," "Sightseeing," "Dining," and "Public Facilities" is displayed on the communication terminal. The mark 234 is displayed at various positions in the underground facility 240 and includes a location ID indicating the location. When a pedestrian captures an image of a certain mark 234, the communication terminal transmits the location ID of the mark 234 to the server. When the communication terminal displays a menu corresponding to the mark 234, the pedestrian selects "Sightseeing." The server transmits tourist information associated with the location ID, in other words, tourist information about the area surrounding the pedestrian's current location, to the pedestrian's communication terminal. According to this control method, a pedestrian can obtain various guide information according to his or her location even while walking through the underground facility 240.

[0056] Images other than those of the ground may be displayed on the monitor 106. For example, the display control unit 312 may entertain pedestrians by displaying various images, such as images of the underwater world or space, on the monitor 106.

[0057] The monitor 106 may be installed on the floor surface instead of the ceiling portion 232. The display control unit 312 may display an image of a river, the ocean, or the like on the floor monitor 106. In this case, pedestrians can be given the sensation of walking on the surface of water.

[0058] As a modified example, the display control unit 312 may attach a camera on the ground and display an actual captured image as an outdoor image on the monitor 106. In this case, the display control unit 312 may recognize people in the captured image and perform a blurring process to protect the privacy of pedestrians on the ground.

[0059] The display control unit 312 may prepare a plurality of outdoor images and select an outdoor image to be displayed in accordance with changes in the environment. For example, the display control unit 312 may display a rainy outdoor image on a rainy day, allowing pedestrians in the underground facility 240 to know the outdoor weather simply by looking up at the ceiling. The scenery reproduction device 300 may acquire weather information from an external server. In addition, the display control unit 312 may change the outdoor image in accordance with the time of day. The data storage unit 318 may prepare a plurality of outdoor images for each display location, such as a daytime outdoor image, an evening outdoor image, a nighttime outdoor image, and a morning outdoor image. The display control unit 312 may select an outdoor image to be displayed from these outdoor images in accordance with the current time.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and the components can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, some components can be omitted from all the components shown in the above-described embodiments and modifications.

Claims

1. A plurality of wall panels are arranged with a camera on one side and a monitor on the back side of the camera, A soundproof wall comprising: a display control unit that displays an imaging image captured by the camera of the first wall panel arranged at the first position on the monitor of the second wall panel arranged at a second position different from the first position.

2. The soundproof wall according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays an imaging image captured by the camera of the first wall panel on both the monitor of the first wall panel and the monitor of the second wall panel.

3. The soundproof wall according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays an imaging image at a first time point captured by the camera of the first wall panel on the monitor of the second wall panel at a second time point after the first time point.

4. A camera arranged on a first surface of a first building, Connected to both the camera on the first surface of the first building and a monitor arranged on the interior wall surface of a second building located on the side of a second surface different from the first surface with respect to the first building, A scenery reproduction device comprising: a display control unit that displays an imaging image of the camera in the first building on the monitor in the second building.

5. The scenery reproduction device according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit displays an imaging image at a first time point of the camera on the monitor at a second time point different from the first time point.

6. Connected to a monitor installed on the ceiling portion of an underground facility, A scenery reproduction device comprising: a display control unit that displays an outdoor image, which is an image when looking outside from the underground facility, on the monitor.

7. The scenery reproduction device according to claim 6, wherein the display control unit superimposes and displays a guidance image for information guidance on the outdoor image.

8. The display control unit displays a mark including a communication address of an external site together with the outdoor image, When a user captures the mark with a communication terminal, the communication terminal displays a guidance image for information guidance obtained from an external site associated with the mark. The scenery reproduction device according to claim 6.

9. The soundproof wall according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit scrolls and displays one or more imaging images captured by the cameras of one or more wall panels on the monitors of a plurality of wall panels constituting the soundproof wall.

10. The soundproof wall according to claim 9, wherein the display control unit scrolls and displays the one or more imaging images in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the driving lane adjacent to the soundproof wall.