Virtual Window Apparatus Simulating Exterior Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spaces without natural light, such as basements or urban areas with no pleasing views, can feel confining, and existing solutions fail to provide a realistic and efficient way to simulate exterior locations.
Innovation Solution
The development of virtual window systems that use electronic displays and processors to composite videos of exterior locations with virtual frames, allowing users to experience a realistic view of different geographic locations, including synchronization of time and weather conditions, and the ability to customize views and add interactive elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If no windows are installed in spaces like basements or urban areas, then construction flexibility and structural integrity are maintained, but natural light and pleasing views are unavailable making spaces feel confining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of an exterior window view and displays it on an electronic display device positioned within the interior space. This virtual window image replicates the visual appearance of a real window, providing natural light and exterior views without the need for physical window installations in basement or urban spaces where windows are not feasible.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional window installations are attempted in spaces without exterior access, then natural light and views might be achieved, but construction complexity and structural modifications increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical window installations with an electronic display system that shows virtual window images. This substitution eliminates the need for structural modifications, drilling, sealing, and other complex construction tasks while providing adaptable views of exterior locations through software-controlled image selection and display.
3Reliability
If virtual window systems are implemented, then realistic exterior views and natural light simulation are achieved, but system complexity involving electronic displays and video processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of exterior window views using electronic display technology. By displaying processed video images on an electronic display device, the system reliably simulates realistic exterior scenes and natural light conditions, transforming complex video processing and display technology into a seamless visual experience that indistinguishably replicates real window views.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an electronic display configured to be positioned in a first location and one or more processors electronically coupled to the electronic display. The processors receive a video from a server. The video depicts a view of a second location and includes an image of a rectangular casing, a frame, and one or more muntins. The image is composited with the video by the server to provide an illusion of a window in the second location to a user viewing the video. The rectangular casing surrounds the window. The processors synchronize a time-of-view at the second location in the video with a time-of-day at the first location and synchronize a second length-of-day at the second location in the video with a first length-of-day at the first location. The processors transmit the video to the electronic display for viewing by the user.