Patent Publication Number: US-5251392-A

Title: Artificial window

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to artificial windows, and more particularly, to improvements in the construction operation of such devices. 
     It is known to provide so-called artificial windows wherein a scene or picture produced on a film or transparency is illuminated as from the rear side thereof, whereby a viewer in a building can observe the scene or pictures which appear similar to the viewed exterior. A &#34;window&#34; effect is thereby created, and external light has been used for this purpose. 
     There is need for such improvements in such artificial windows which can enhance the realism of the scene portrayed, and using a local light source or sources. For example, there is need to arbitrarily change the lighting of the viewed transparency to simulate morning, full day, evening, or nighttime conditions. Other realistic effects associated with the portrayed scene are also desirable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is a major object of the invention to provide an artificial window construction or constructions which meet the above need. Basically, the apparatus of the invention comprises: 
     a) a box having a rear wall, and side walls bounding an interior space which faces longitudinally forwardly, 
     b) translucent sheet means extending laterally crosswise of the space, and viewable pattern means associated with the sheet means to be illuminated by light passing forwardly from the box interior, 
     c) light source means in the box, 
     d) there being means associated with at least one of a), b) and c) for controlling the illumination of the viewable pattern means, as a function of at least one lateral dimension of the one of a), b) and c). 
     As will appear, the d) means may include means providing substantial uniformity of illumination of the sheet means. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide means, as in d) above, for illuminating edges of the sheet means in such manner as to highlight special viewable effects associated with the frontwardly portrayed scene on the transparency, as for example simulated stars, as well as sunrise and sunset sky coloration. These effects may be made to change with time. As will be seen, sun and moon effects can be simulated by use of a light pipe or pipes illuminated to produce a bright spot or spots which moves across the sky portion of the transparency or scene portrayed in the artificial window. 
     Yet another object is the provision of means associate with the light source means for producing viewable effects, such as lights and changes thereof; scene illumination intensity and coloration; and day to night and night to day changes, such as sunset, dawn, rain effects, etc. Light filters, shutters, and dimmers are usable for these purposes. Reproduction of movement of outside lights is also contemplated. In this regard, the box may be supported so that the viewable pattern or scene is viewable from a position inside a building, the pattern defining a picture. 
     Further objects include means for producing detectable sound and scent effects associated with the illuminated scene in the artificial window Controlled air flow, as from the artificial window, is also contemplated, i.e., to simulate wind or weather conditions. Horizon level change may also be provided, as is characteristic of viewing the horizon from a ship. 
     As will be seen, the means providing substantial uniformity of illumination of the referenced sheet means may typically include one or more of the following: 
     reflecting structures shapes to enhance illumination of lesser illuminated portions of the pattern means, 
     variable light-absorbing zones associated with the sheet means, 
     variable shading of the pattern means, on a transparency, 
     variable thickness of said sheet means that comprises a diffuser, or use of a separate diffuser. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in which: 
    
    
     DRAWING DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building room, with an artificial window installed on one wall; 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged section taken on lines 2--2 of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a further enlarged section, related to FIG. 2, but showing greater detail; and 
     FIG. 3a is a view showing external structure associated with FIG. 3 structure; 
     FIG. 4 is a plan view of a reflector employed in FIG. 3 looking toward the reflecting surface; 
     FIG. 5 is a plan view of illumination modifier means; 
     FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of multiple sheets; 
     FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of a multiple reflector arrangement; 
     FIG. 8 is a view showing displacement of two sheets; 
     FIG. 9 is a view of a modified diffuser; 
     FIG. 10 is a flow diagram; and 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic showing of operation of an artificial window associated with the steps of FIG. 10. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In FIGS. 1 and 2, a room 10 is defined by walls 11-14 of a building or house. Installed on wall 11 is an &#34;artificial window&#34; 15, which appears to show an external scene, such as might exist at the outer side of wall 11. One such scene appears at 20 in the artificial window 15 Note for example the depicted road, trees, sky, and clouds. The artificial window 15 includes a frame 16 with four frame members 16a-16d. Typically, as box 17 incorporates the frame, and has side wall members 17a-17d, and rear wall member 31. The latter may fit against the room wall 11 and be mounted in position in any manner desired. See for example mounting brackets 18, which may be concealed as shown. The eye of an observer looking at the artificial window 15 from within the room appear at 19. Box 17 does not communicate with the exterior and is not installed in the wall 11, so it can be installed anywhere on the wall. 
     More specifically and extending the description to FIG. 2, box walls bound an interior space 21, which faces or opens longitudinally forwardly in the direction of arrow 22. Translucent sheet means S are carried by the box to extend crosswise of space 21. Such sheet means may include, for example, first and second translucent sheets 23 and 24, seen in FIG. 3, sheet 23 located forwardly of sheet 24, and sheet 23 being transparent, whereas sheet 24 is translucent or light diffusing. Both may consist of glass, or plastic material (synthetic resin). 
     Located between the sheets 23 and 24 is a viewable pattern means 25 shown in sheet form, and which may for example consist of a plastic film (which may be locally transparent, translucent or opaque) on which a pattern in the form of a scene (black and white or colored for example scene 20) is affixed, to be illuminated by light rays traveling forwardly in the box interior. Both sheets 23 and 24 may be the same, i.e., transparent, and an additional sheet 26 may be provided at the rear of 24, to provide light diffusion, i.e., sheet 26 may be translucent. All the sheets may be generally edgewise co-terminous for support by box structure indicated at 30. 
     A light source is provided in the window box, rearwardly of the sheet means. A reflector means is also provided in the box to reflect light from the light source means in a direction toward the sheet means for effecting illumination (for example back illumination) of the viewable pattern means, as referred to. In the simplest embodiment, the rear of the flat box 31 acts as basic reflector to provide such illumination. In an improved version, a curved reflector as at 36 is employed. A laterally horizontally elongated fluorescent lamp 35 is spaced forwardly of the elongated central region 36a of the laterally elongated reflector 36. The latter may comprise a metallic sheet, having like laterally vertically spaced and curved sections 36b and 36c to reflect light as shown. See rays 37 and 38 transmitted rearwardly and laterally for reflection at 37a and 38a, and subsequent travel at 37b and 38b to a diffuser plate 39. The latter diffuses the rays so that they then travel forwardly at 37c and 38c to illuminate the sheet means, as referred to above. Thus, all or substantially all light used for illumination may be reflected from the reflector 36, and provision is made for uniform, or substantially uniform illumination of the viewable pattern means 25. Alternatively, the diffuser sheet 39 may be forward and associated with sheets 24, 25, and 26. 
     In this regard, means is provided in association with at least one of the elements 24 and 26, and 36, for controlling the illumination of the viewable pattern means, as a function of at least one lateral dimension of such element or elements, thereby to obtain the desired uniform, or substantially uniform, illumination of the pattern means 25. As one example, reference is made to FIG. 4 showing that reflecting portions of the surface structure of the reflector 26 are modified to enhance illumination of portions of the pattern 25 that would otherwise receive lesser illumination. See portion 45 of the surface of 26, between darkened or shaded (light absorbing) zones 46. Zones 46 are spaced apart along laterally horizonal dimensions 47 of the reflector, and are elongated along shallowly, vertically curved, lateral dimensions 48 of the reflector, and also tapered away from the central region 36a of the reflector rearwardly of the bulb 35. Zones 45 progressively widen in directions 48 away from 36a, as shown. FIG. 4 may also be considered to represent a flat reflector. 
     Other means to achieve uniform illumination include: variable shading on a transparency (transparency sheet) placed adjacent or incorporated into sheet 25, and variable thickness of the diffuser sheet 39 (i.e., increasing thickness of 39 in opposite directions away from the plane 52 that bisects the sheet 26 and that bisects bulb 35, as well as extending forwardly, as shown. 
     FIG. 5 shows light-absorbing, black dots on the surface of the reflector 36, the density of such dots progressively decreasing in a direction 48 away from the central zone 36a of the reflector rearward of bulb 35. Thus, more light is absorbed at zone 53 than at zone 54, for example, zone 54 being closer to the edges of the plates 23-25 than zone 53. The light-reflecting surface of the reflector may, therefore, be likened to a variable areal density white paint. Alternatively, such a pattern 53 and 54 may be associated with the diffuser 39 or sheets 26 or 24. Such a dot pattern here may be either white (reflective) or black (absorbing). 
     Also provided are means for illuminating the edges of the sheets 23, 24, and 26, or a selected edge or edges of such sheets. See edges 23a, 24a, and 26a in FIG. 3 in the path of light from an elongated electric lamp 55 extending parallel to such edges. A reflector 56 is provided to the rear of that lamp, and circuitry 57 is connected with the lamp to control its illumination. Such circuitry may include a &#34;dimmer&#34;; for example, variable electrical resistance that increases with time so that the light source 55 is progressively dimmed, thereby to reduce the daylight effect of light transmitted into the sheet and parallel to the plane thereof. Thus, a fading daylight effect is created. Note the control circuit 58 connected to and controlling circuitry 57. Similar circuits 57a and 58a may be provided to similarly create energization of source 35, a shown. 
     The plates 23 and 24 may consist of plastic material, such as acrylic, and may bear appropriately positioned surface scratches, at surfaces facing forwardly or rearwardly, to locally emit light transmitted from 55 for creating highlighting effects, as for example simulated stars, and sunrise and sunset color streaks in the sky. See scratches at 60 in FIG. 1 which may also represent &#34;star&#34; zones for very short scratches. 
     Controls 58 and 58a may provide illumination sequencing, as in a &#34;light filter&#34;, to provide viewable effects, such as oncoming sunrise, sunset and evening. Sun, moon, stars, and night colors (dark blue for example), and clouds may also be provided in this or similar manner. The edges of sheets 24 and 26 may be colored dark blue to produce night light, or orange to produce sunset or sunrise. The movable shutter 250 may allow or cut off light passage to either sheet. 
     FIG. 6 shows the provision of a light filter sheet 64 parallel to sheets 23 and 24, and adjacent to one or the other thereof. Multiple reflectors 36d and light sources 35d may also be employed, as in FIG. 7. 
     FIG. 3 shows the provision of a light pipe 70 projecting between 39 and 26, and receiving light from a source 71. The forward end of the pipe is turned at 70a to project toward sheet 26, directly behind same, so that light is projected in rays at 73 to simulate a moon in a scene provided by the transparency. The pipe is carried to pivot at a shaft 76, an actuator 77 providing such pivoting of the shaft so that the turned end 70a slowly translates across a sky associated with the transparency scene yielding a time-progress effect to the viewer. 
     The sun and moon are simulated by a bright light which arcs across the sky. The light emanates from ends of light pipes which pipe the light from bulbs to turned-up ends. The end of the pipe which simulates the moon may be caused to appear to go through &#34;phases&#34;. The sky may be on the acrylic plastic sheet behind the light pipe so that there is not a blue filter over the sun and moon, or the color of the sun and moon may be adjusted to compensate for this &#34;blue sky&#34; filter. 
     Referring again to the dimmer means, the dimmer ballast is switched from operating the sunrise and sunset lights to the night sky and stars lights. These two sets of lights do not need to be on at the same time. The switch is less expensive than another set of dimmer ballast. 
     Also provided is sound-producing means associated with the pattern means (as for example thunder, dogs barking, etc.). See speaker 80 in the box and tape player 81 connected with same in FIG. 3. A sound generator 82 may be provided. Wind or air current-generating means may be provided, as by blower 90 and ducting 91 exhausting frontwardly toward the viewer to enhance the natural effect of a viewable scene in the window. A scent source (forest scent, etc.) may also be provided at 92 connected to the blower to supply scent to the displaced air. Other effects may be created, including strobe light and sound amplification. 
     The transparent film 25 may be attached to sheet 24, and the latter moved up and down, or tilted, controllably, to cause shifting of a horizon provided by the film 25. See FIG. 8 showing actuator or weight 100 connected at 101 to 24 for this purpose. 
     Additional effects may be provided as follows: 
     General Local Daylight Intensity 
     Variations in the window daylight, sun and moon intensity reheating exterior illumination levels caused mainly by clouds and the time of solar day. Thus, the viewer is informed of exterior conditions. For this purpose, an exterior photo sensor 100 may be used, as above roof or outer wall 112. 
     Lightning by Strobes 
     Lightning simulated by strobe lights. 
     Repetition of External Sounds 
     Rebroadcasting outside sounds by using an outside microphone 100&#39;. This, as well as, signals relaying external lights from sensor 100&#39;, is transmitted to the artificial window by wire, optical fiber, or radio. See FIG. 3. 
     Vented Air 
     Air being vented from an air vent behind the window through a diffuser which emanates from an opening in the (open) window. 
     Recirculating Air 
     Room air recirculation, intakes at the edges of the window, for example beneath, with the output through the window. 
     Electronic Controller 
     The electronic controller incorporates stored values versus time. These values are used to control the various light banks and other features. 
     Controller 
     The various features are programmed versus time using stored digital values which are used to control light levels versus time, etc., using an analog to digital converter. 
     Normal Cycle and Rapid Cycle 
     The controller has a normal cycle and a rapid cycle. The rapid cycle is used to show the features of the window within minutes rather than hours. 
     A master controller for all other controls is indicated at 110 in FIG. 3. 
     FIG. 9 is a view showing a modified diffuser 39&#39;, which is like 39, but has progressively decreasing thickness in directions 48. 
     Referring now to the example described and shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the method of forming and operating an artificial window includes the steps: 
     a) providing a film sheet that depicts a landscape (see step 210 in FIG. 10); 
     b) mounting the film sheet, as at 200, within a box 201, and supporting that box, as at 208, adjacent the inner side 202a of a wall 202 of a building room 203, to simulate a window in that wall from which the landscape might be viewed (see step 211 in FIG. 10); 
     c) employing artificial light to provide illumination of the film sheet in such manner that, when viewed, as at 206, from the room interior 203a, the landscape is depicted, such illumination including back illumination as from a light source 204 in the box (see step 212 in FIG. 10); 
     d) and controlling said illumination of the film sheet to simulate a selected time of day associated with the landscape (see step 213 in FIG. 10). 
     In this regard, the landscape depicted by the film sheet (for example a transparency upon which a landscape appears at colored opaque areas) may be a representation of the same landscape as could be viewed from the room through a window in wall 202. See for example landscape 215 to the right of wall 202, as might be viewed through a window 216 in a wall 217, then being representational only. Window 216 is shown aligned with window box 201 and the transparency 210, for purposes of illustration. The landscape depicted by the film sheet 210 may alternatively be different from that at 215. 
     The control of intensity of back illumination may for example be carried out in a controller 218 connected at 219 with 204, for example to control intensity or brightness of illumination. This, bright daylight, late daylight, and evening light can be successively programmed into such illumination, other light conditions also being effectable, as described above in earlier views. The d) step above also includes the option of providing a translucent light diffuser means, as at 219, proximate the film sheet, and transmitting light into the diffuser means or sheet 219, as via its edge or edges, to travel therein generally parallel to the plane of sheet 210. See light source 222, controlled as by 218, adjacent the edge of 219. A window box frame appears at 223. 
     A sensor 224 may be exposed to the exterior 225 of the room 203, to sense external light conditions, or other conditions, for controlling or modulating, via light source 204 and 222, and thus the illumination of the film sheet, as a function of such sensing. Thus, if the exterior sky darkens, the illumination of sheet 210 may be diminished, this being one example only. 
     Other aspects of the elements described and claimed, with alternatives are listed as follows: 
     Simulated window frame means can include the following components: 
     A frame which gives the viewer the appearance of a window on a wall. 
     The frame may be made of wood, plastic, steel, or structural type of material. The construction material may have a natural finish, painted, or other type of alternative finish. 
     The frame may have a sill and/or mullions to further enhance the illusion that the frame represents the frame of an actual window. 
     Such items as venetian blinds, drapes, curtains, etc., can be combined with the simulated window frame to give the viewer the further illusion of a real window. 
     The frame means will combine the viewable pattern means to the illumination means. 
     The frame might have attachment means to hang on the wall and contain the viewable pattern means and the illumination means with illumination control. 
     Viewable pattern means can include the following elements: 
     The viewable pattern may be a photographic transparency. 
     The viewable pattern may be a printed picture or some other picture means. 
     The viewable pattern may represent a scene in nature, in the country, in a garden, in a forest, by a body of water, of a city, etc. 
     A transparent glass or plastic material may be placed in front of the viewable pattern to protect it from damage, dust, dirt, foreign material, or the like. 
     The viewable pattern may be confined between two panes of glass, plastic, or similar sheet materials which permit the passage of light. 
     The viewable pattern may be attached to one or two pieces of glass, plastic, or similar sheet materials which permit the passage of light. 
     The viewable pattern may be more than one scene, with means being provided to change the picture from one scene to another. 
     Illumination means can include the following components: 
     incandescent lamp/lamps; 
     fluorescent lamp/lamps with necessary ballast/ballasts and possibly starter/starters; 
     neon lamp/lamps and necessary ballast/ballasts; 
     electroluminescent lamp system/systems; 
     liquid crystal display lighting system/systems; 
     combination of two or more of the above light source into the illumination means; 
     illumination means can have attachment means to the wall on which it will hang; 
     illumination means may work in combination with the simulated window frame and viewable pattern means to hang on a wall; 
     illumination means may have ability to support and position light source/sources in proper position with respect to viewable pattern means and the illumination control means in order to provide proper illumination. 
     Illumination control means can include elements which have a tendency to even out the intensity of the illumination means so the viewable pattern means is not disturbing with bright and dim lighted areas. 
     The glass or plastic sheet material positioned behind the viewable pattern means may be translucent and have variable thickness to diffuse the intensity of the illumination means. 
     A reflector/reflectors may be used in conjunction with the illumination means to better distribute the light more evenly over the full display area. 
     A variable density white (or black) paint pattern may be placed on the glass, plastic sheet or plastic film behind the viewable pattern means to even out the intensity of illumination means. 
     A tinted and/or reflective material may be placed between the illumination means and the viewable pattern means to provide a more even light intensity output to the viewable pattern means. 
     The transparency may be intentionally modified to absorb, reflect, and transmit light to compensate for uneven illumination. 
     Illumination control may encompass the following: sunrise and sunset colors may be localized in clouds and just above the horizon. Starlight is localized to come from a few points. These effects may be achieved by: 
     Edge illumination of sheets which are used as light pipes. Surfaces where light is to emanate may be roughened. 
     Other light pipes may be used to transmit light from sources to small areas, such as the sun and moon, and these may move across the window.