GB2548134A

GB2548134A - A light box

Info

Publication number: GB2548134A
Application number: GB1604081.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Kieran
Original assignee: UNITED ALUMINIUM Ltd
Current assignee: UNITED ALUMINIUM Ltd
Priority date: 2016-03-09
Filing date: 2016-03-09
Publication date: 2017-09-13
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-09
Also published as: GB2548134B; GB201604081D0

Abstract

A light box 10 comprises a housing 12, a display substrate 14 connected to the housing and an array of light emitting diodes 18 comprising a plurality of modular subassemblies connected together to illuminate the substrate 14 from the rear. The substrate 14 may be provided with a static image 16. The array 18 comprises a plurality of independently illuminated RGB light emitting diodes which also enables a predetermined pattern to be created such as a moving image.

Description

A Light Box

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a light box for illuminating a substrate and, more particularly, to a light box for display or advertising purposes.

Background to the Invention

Light boxes are used for advertising and display, wherein a substrate, normally in the form of a tension fabric is mounted in front of a light source. Often, the light source comprises a plurality of strips of white light emitting diodes (LEDs) placed in a parallel arrangement. Whilst this illuminates the substrate, it is limited in its capabilities.

In existing arrangements, the distance between the LEDs in the light box is proportional to the distance between the LEDs and the substrate. For example, where the distance between adjacent LEDs is 60mm, the substrate will be positioned 60mm in front of the LEDs.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a light box comprising; a housing; a display substrate connected to the housing; and an array of light emitting diodes arranged to illuminate the substrate from the rear and the array comprising a plurality of RGB light emitting diodes; wherein the array of hght emitting diodes comprises a plurality of modular subassemblies connected together to from the array.

The use of RGB (red-blue-green) LEDs allows for different coloured hghting behind the substrate. A result of this is that different parts of the substrate can be illuminated or the LEDs can be illuminated in a particular pattern. Eor example, moving images may be created on the substrate by illuminating different sections of the array of LEDs in a predetermined order.

Preferably, the modular subassemblies are two-dimensional modules and are, in one embodiment rectangular and each comprise an X by Y array of light emitting diodes, where X and Y are greater than 1. The use of modular elements that combine to create the array allows for the array of light emitting diodes to be quickly and easily. Additionally, the modules can be more easily and more securely transported. Furthermore, the use of modular assemblies allows a higher illumination frequency to be employed, thereby resulting in an improved visual appearance with reduced risk of flickering, particularly on a video recording of the light box. Another advantage is that individual modules can be easily repaired and/or replaced without requiring the whole array to be removed.

It is advantageous that the RGB light emitting diodes are independently controllable. By having the LEDs individually controlled allows for an animation or pattern to be create that appears to be moving. The increased control of the array stemming from the independently controlled LEDs improves the display options that are projected onto the substrate.

In a preferred arrangement, the array of light emitting diodes is arranged to face, and directly illuminate, the substrate. Having the LED array behind the substrate and, preferably, parallel therewith, provides an advantageous illumination of the substrate. Whilst it is envisaged that the LEDs could be arranged differently and, in one construction, reflected onto the substrate, a simple arrangement of the array being positioned behind, but set back from, the substrate provides beneficial effects.

In such an arrangement, the distance between the array of light emitting diodes and the substrate is less than 20mm, and preferably, is less than 10mm. Where the LED array is too close to the substrate, the LEDs show as dots on the substrate. Where LED array and is too far away from the substrate, the image becomes blurred. Therefore, the distance between the LED array and the substrate is critical.

It is preferable that the distance between the light emitting diodes and the substrate is a function of the pitch of the light emitting diodes in the array. Advantageously, the pitch of the light emitting diodes in the array is less than 20mm and it is more advantageous that the pitch of the light emitting diodes in the array is less than 10mm. The pitch may be 3mm.

The pitch is the distance between the LEDs in the LED array. The closer adjacent LEDs are positioned, the better the resolution of the resulting image.

In order to achieve a clear image, the distance of the array of LEDs from the substrate may be dependent upon the material used for the substrate. Eor example, the substrate may be chosen from a group comprising tension fabric, acrylic and a composition of acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate.

In one embodiment the array of light emitting diodes is connected to at least one controller module. It may be that each modular subassembly is connected to its own controller module or that a single controller is connected to a plurality of subassemblies.

It may be preferable that the housing is provided with a plurality of display substrates. The light box may be double-sided or may be shaped such that it has a plurality of display faces, which may then require a plurality of LED arrays.

The invention extends to a kit comprising a plurality of modular subassemblies with each subassembly comprising a plurality of RGB LEDs, at least one controller module, a substrate and sections of housing that can be connected together to form a housing.

The array of LEDs is assembled into a single array, which is then attached to the housing.

The substrate is then affixed to, or mounted upon, the housing such that the array of LEDs are positioned behind the substrate in order to illuminate it.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a different view of the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows a further view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Fmbodiments

Figures 1 to 3 show a hght box 10, comprising a housing 12 and a substrate 14. The substrate is provided with a static image 16. An array of RGB LEDs 18 is provided within the housing 10 and behind the substrate 14.

Figures 2 and 3 show the light box with the substrate 14 removed. The array of LEDs 18 illuminates the substrate 14 and projects an image onto the substrate 14 at the same time. As the LEDs are illuminated independently, the image projected onto the substrate 14 can be a static image or a moving image, for example an animation. Such an animation is created by independently illuminating the RGB LEDs in the required colour to create a predetermined pattern.

The light box may be provided with an HDMI connection or other connection to allow it to be connected to a computer or system for providing input data to the controller.

Claims

1. A light box comprising; a housing; a display substrate connected to the housing; and an array of light emitting diodes arranged to illuminate the substrate from the rear and the array comprising a plurality of RGB light emitting diodes; wherein the array of hght emitting diodes comprises a plurality of modular subassemblies connected together to from the array.

2. A light box according to claim 1, wherein the modular subassemblies are two-dimensional modules.

3. A light box according to claim 2, wherein the modular subassemblies are rectangular and each comprise an X by Y array of light emitting diodes, wherein X and Y are greater than 1.

4. A light box according to any preceding claim, wherein the RGB light emitting diodes are independently controllable.

5. A light box according to any preceding claim, wherein the array of hght emitting diodes is arranged to face, and directly illuminate, the substrate.

6. A light box according to claim 5, wherein the distance between the array of light emitting diodes and the substrate is less than 20mm.

7. A light box according to claim 6, wherein the distance between the array of light emitting diodes and the substrate is less than 10mm.

8. A light box according to any preceding claim, wherein the distance between the light emitting diodes and the substrate is a function of the pitch of the light emitting diodes in the array.

9. A light box according to any preceding claim, wherein the pitch of the light emitting diodes in the array is less than 20mm.

10. A light box according to claim 9, wherein the pitch of the light emitting diodes in the array is less than 10mm.

11. A light box according to any preceding claim, wherein the array of light emitting diodes is connected to at least one controller module.

12. A light box according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing is provided with a plurality of display substrates.