Indoor Sunshine Simulation Apparatus and Methods

摘要

Apparatus and methods to simulate current local outdoor lighting conditions, current lighting conditions of another location, or programmed outdoor lighting conditions are provided. The apparatus comprises at least one lighting device and one or more computers for controlling the lighting device, and may include one or more photosensors. The apparatus may resemble a window and may be installed on or in a building surface. The lighting device comprises one or multiple lighting elements to emit a spectrum of light, at variable brightness levels, to reproduce a range of outdoor light conditions. The apparatus may comprise elements to produce a directionality or diffuseness to the emitted light. One or more photosensors may sense outdoor lighting conditions, and transmit that information to the computer controlling the apparatus. The apparatus may be programmed without the photosensor, or be internet-connected to access programming or current lighting conditions of another location and/or time.