Artificial sky simulation apparatus and generation method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing artificial sky simulation apparatuses are costly due to the use of nano-diffusers and Rayleigh scattering panels, and they struggle to simulate various weather conditions and atmospheric states beyond clear skies with sunlight.

Innovation Solution

An artificial sky simulation apparatus using a transparent organic light emitting diode (TOLED) display and a directional light source with a reflective mirror to simulate natural light and shadows, allowing for the simulation of different sky images, weather conditions, and atmospheric states based on user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If real sky images are captured and displayed, then visual realism is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to dust, scratches, and sensor limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual realismVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates artificial sky images that copy and simulate the visual characteristics of real sky scenes without using actual captured images. This avoids transferring defects from real images while maintaining visual realism through procedural generation of sky patterns, clouds, and lighting effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system generates synthetic sky images computationally rather than relying on expensive, high-quality camera captures. These generated images can be freely discarded and regenerated without degradation, avoiding the limitations of physical image media.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If projection mapping is used to display sky images, then immersion is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to distortion and loss of detail

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveimmersionVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a calibration system that dynamically adjusts the projection mapping parameters based on the specific projector and screen configuration. This allows the system to optimize image quality for different installation environments while maintaining immersion, rather than using fixed distortion-prone mappings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses calibration images and feedback mechanisms to detect and correct projection distortions. By analyzing how test patterns appear on the screen and adjusting the mapping accordingly, the system maintains image quality while preserving the immersive projection experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Area of moving object

If fisheye lens images are used, then field of view is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to vignetting and distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent generates sky images in a coordinate system that naturally provides a wide field of view without the optical distortions of fisheye lenses. By using spherical or panoramic coordinate systems for procedural generation, the system achieves extensive coverage while maintaining uniform image quality across the entire field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus effectively simulates a realistic artificial sky with the characteristics of a natural sky, such as perspective and shadow, at a lower cost than previous technologies, and can adapt to various weather conditions and time-specific atmospheric states.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective mirror disposed on a rear surface of the transparent display unit to reflect light emitted from the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a transparent organic light emitting diode (TOLED) display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOrganic Light-emitting Diode: Organic Light-emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4567778A1Artificial sky simulation apparatus and generation method
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4567778A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4567778A1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4567778A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for generating a virtual environment having a simulated artificial sky, the present invention comprising: a transparent display unit for displaying one or more sky images; a light source unit comprising a directional light source having a predetermined radiation angle; a reflective mirror disposed on the rear surface of the transparent display unit and formed so as to reflect light radiated from the light source; and a control unit for controlling the transparent display unit so as to display a sky image selected among the one or more sky images by a user, and controlling the light source unit so as to change the intensity and color temperature of the light source in accordance with the selected sky image.