GB2629591A

GB2629591A - An etched panel lighting display

Info

Publication number: GB2629591A
Application number: GB2306502.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Iain Lamb Derek
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-05-03
Filing date: 2023-05-03
Publication date: 2024-11-06
Also published as: GB202306502D0

Abstract

The panel comprises a pane of material configured to allow passage of light, first A and second B light sources emitting first 15 and second 17 light rays of first and second wavelengths in first and second directions respectively through the pane along a plane thereof, and first 3 and second 5 lines etched on the pane in respective directions. The intensity with which the etched lines are illuminated by a particular wavelength may depend on the angle between incident rays and the lines, with lines perpendicular to the rays being more intensely illuminated than parallel lines. A second panel with further lines and light sources may be stacked above or below the first. Blocks of intersecting lines in different directions (e.g., crosses 7) may display colours comprising a mix of different wavelengths. Light blockers 21, 23, 31, 33 may be configured to block light from entering selected lateral surfaces of the panel(s).

Description

An Etched Panel Lighting Display

Field of invention

The present invention is in the field of lighting displays, in particular, lighting displays with etched panes of translucent or transparent materials. The lighting displays may be used in art displays or for street-side advertisement.

Background

Etched lighting displays are decorative ornaments in that are simple in construction and lends itself well to modern minimalist aesthetics. An etched lighting display comprises a light source shining light through an etched pane of a translucent or transparent material thus illuminating its etched design. A common application for such displays is to illuminate affectionate words or simple graphics etched into a pane of Perspex with a single coloured light.

There are technical problems associated with creating etched lighting displays that go beyond these low complexity applications. Current displays are limited in that all portions of a design etched into a single pane are illuminated with one colour. This monochrome arrangement not only limits the versatility of the etched design but also the designer's artistic expression.

Currently, additional colours can only be introduced to a display by stacking multiple panes adjacent to one another, with each pane having a different coloured light shining through it. However, this substantially increases the thickness of the display with every colour to be added, and detracts from the sleek aesthetics of the displays.

Such arrangement also significantly increases the complexity involved with design choice, design execution and assembly of the display mainly as a result of requiring designs etched onto separate panes to complement one another. Moreover, there are significant limits as to what designs may be created. For example, one colour wholly encapsulated within another to form an enclave is at present not possible in prior art designs. Naturally, such arrangement is incredibly inconvenient for an artist as it requires them to segment their designs based on.

Moreover, in the field of advertisement there is a need to provide a more energy efficient, simplistic, and multi-coloured alternative to typical neon signs or the like.

There is yet to be disclosed a lighting display that addresses the above technical problems.

Aspects of the present invention look to address some of these issues. Statements of Invention Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims. Optional features are set out in the dependant claims.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a panel configured for use in lighting displays, wherein the panel comprises: a pane of a material configured to allow at least a portion of the spectrum of light to pass through it; a first light emitting source configured to emit light rays of a first wavelength in a first direction; a second light emitting source configured to emit light rays of a second wavelength in a second direction; wherein the pane of the material is etched with a first line orientated in a first direction; wherein the pane of the material is etched with a second line orientated in a second direction; wherein the first and second light emitting sources are configured such that they emit light rays through the pane of material along the plane of the pane.

This arrangement may utilise a single sheet of transparent or translucent material that is illuminated with light from more than one light emitting source. This provides a clear advantage over the known art as it maintains a sleek aesthetic profile whilst accommodating for a greater range of wavelengths of light. Previously, it is understood that each pane of material could only accommodate wavelengths from a single source. This also allows the creation of light enclaves where one colour region is completely surrounded by a colour region of a different colour. This quality also aids in minimising material cost by reducing the number of transparent/translucent panes needed for an intended colour profile. In addition, the arrangement poses little difficulty in its implementation and can be produced with ease as it maintains the same manufacturing methods associated with the prior art.

Optionally, wherein only the first and second etched lines orientated to be nonparallel with the light rays are illuminated by said wavelengths of light. Advantageously, this arrangement may allow the user to conveniently and 35 selectively illuminate a portion of the pane with the light from either light emitting source by simply controlling the orientation of the etched line with respect to the light emitting sources.

Optionally, wherein only the first and second etched lines orientated to be non parallel with the light rays of a first direction emitted by the first light emitting source are illuminated by the light of the first wavelength. Similarly, this arrangement may allow the user to conveniently and selectively illuminate a portion of the pane with the wavelength of light from the first light emitting source by simply controlling the orientation of the etched line with respect to the first light emitting source.

Optionally, wherein both the first and second light emitting sources are configured to emit light in the same plane; wherein the plane is the plane of the pane of the material. Advantageously, this may allow for the light of two light sources to be directed into the same pane and for that light to be internally reflected (in some instances totally internally reflected, but not all) until the light reaches the etched lines.

Optionally, wherein the etched line or portion of the etched line orientated perpendicular to the rays of light incident upon it is illuminated with a greater intensity by the wavelength of said light; and wherein the etched line or portion of etched line orientated parallel to the rays of light passing through it is illuminated with a lower intensity by the wavelength of said light, optionally wherein the greater intensity is the maximum intensity, and optionally wherein the lower intensity is zero. This may be beneficial in that regardless of the location on the pane, etched lines may be created that emit either of the two different wavelengths of the light from either of the two light emitting source, by simply etching lines perpendicular or parallel to them respectively. Therefore, an orientation of an etched line likely to obtain maximum illumination from a first light emitting source by default obtains minimum illumination from a second source if the light sources are orthogonal to one another. This is convenient for a user as it allows for a very intuitive separation of colour from the two sources based on this binary arrangement.

Optionally, wherein the etched line or portion of the etched line orientated at any angle between being parallel or perpendicular to the rays of light incident upon it is illuminated with an intensity in between a maximum intensity when perpendicular and a minimum intensity when parallel. Advantageously, since an etched line orientated more perpendicular to one light source may be more parallel to another light source such an arrangement allows the user to explore a spectrum of colours in between the wavelengths of light emitted directly by the light emitting sources. It may be that by changing the angle of the etched line with respect to both light sources, results in the colour emitted by the etched line changing -making this a controllable characteristic.

Optionally, wherein the intensity of illumination decreases gradually from the intensity associated with a perpendicular orientation to an intensity associated with a parallel orientation, optionally wherein this gradual decreases is a sin(x) function, with the angle between the light ray and the etched line being the angle x. Advantageously, this gradual decrease may aid the user in identifying the colour shade (wavelength of light) they desire as the changes in intensity may be predictable and controlled.

Optionally, wherein the etched line or portion of the etched line has rays of light incident upon it from both the first and the second light emitting source simultaneously; wherein the etched line or portion of the etched line is closer to perpendicular to the light rays of the first source, and is closer to parallel to the light rays of the second source; wherein the etched line is more intensely illuminated with the first wavelength of light; wherein the etched line is less intensely illuminated with the second wavelength of light. Advantageously, as mentioned above, such an arrangement may aid a user or manufacturer in exploring colour options in between the wavelengths of light emitted directly by each light emitting sources. This significantly increases the colour options available with the lighting display of the current claims with respect to prior known art.

Optionally, wherein the etched line or portion of the etched line is angularly separated from the light emitted by both the first and second light emitting sources by the same angle, and is illuminated with light from both the first and the second light emitting sources, and is illuminated from each light emitting source with equal intensity. Advantageously a wavelength of light superposed equally from both the wavelengths of light emitted from the two separate light emitting sources may be achieved i.e. a colour formed that is the perfect mixture of both the colours of the light from the sources.

Optionally, wherein the distance of the etched line from the light emitting source determines its intensity; wherein the etched line located closer to either light emitting source is more intensely illuminated than the etched line located further away from either light emitting source. Advantageously, this may enable artistic effects previously not possible in the prior art. A subtle change in intensity of one wavelength of light from one end of the display to the other may introduce a desired depth or effect and make the design more aesthetic rather than monochrome.

Optionally, wherein the pane of the material is etched with a third etched line orientated in a third direction; wherein the third direction is slanted between the first and second directions of the first and second etched lines; wherein the third direction is at an acute angle to the rays of light emitted from both the first and second light emitting sources; wherein the third etched line is configured to be illuminated with wavelengths from both the first and second light emitting sources, optionally wherein the acute angle is 45 degrees to both the first and second directions, and optionally wherein the third etched line is configured to be illuminated by a colour that is a mix of the first and second wavelengths. Such an etched line may allow a third colour, or mixture of wavelengths of light, from a first wavelength emitted by a first light emitting source and a second wavelength emitted by a second light emitting source to be introduced to the pane. This may be alongside the first and second etched lines that are orientated perpendicular to their respective light sources and therefore the number of different illuminating wavelengths of light enabled by the present claims is threefold that of previous known art for each pane of material.

Optionally, wherein the pane of the material is etched with a curved line comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, optionally wherein the proximal portion is closer to perpendicular to the light rays of the first wavelength and the distal portion is closer to perpendicular to the light rays of the second wavelength, optionally wherein the proximal portion is illuminated more intensely by light rays of the first wavelength, and wherein the distal portion is illuminated more intensely by light rays of the second wavelength. Advantageously, this may be an efficient way to introduce a third colour over a smaller area on the pane i.e. the centre of the curve rather than the entire length of the etch. It may also be a more aesthetic way to explore the whole spectrum of the wavelengths of light resulting from combining wavelengths from a first and second light emitting source.

Optionally, wherein the first direction of light emitted by the first light emitting source is different to the first direction of the first etched line, and/or wherein the second direction of light emitted by the second light emitting source is different to the second direction of the second etched line. Advantageously, this arrangement may result in the illumination of both etched lines.

Optionally, wherein the first and second etched lines are configured to intersect one another to form an etched cross or a chevron; wherein the etched cross or chevron is configured to be illuminated with wavelengths of lights rays from both a first and second light emitting source. Advantageously, illuminating with wavelengths from both light emitting sources increases the colour repertoire available with the present lighting display as compared to known prior art. An etched cross may also be configured such that each component of the cross is perpendicular to the light rays of a particular source and hence may be illuminated with a third colour with a maximum intensity.

Optionally, wherein the etched lines are grouped to form a block of etched lines; optionally wherein the block may take any shape. Such an arrangement may allow for designs of many different shapes and patterns to be achieved as the colour blocks produced by the light displays aren't limited to any specific shape.

Optionally, wherein the etched lines are spaced 1mm apart. This may be an ideal distance as it enables the user to experience blocks of colour from blocks of etched lines, without increasing the complexity of the manufacturing process.

Optionally wherein each etched line is 1mm in length. Such a length may be a good balance between saving space of on the pane of material and achieving a desirable intensity of illumination.

Optionally, wherein the block of etched lines comprises an area of etched lines with the same orientation, optionally wherein the etched lines are all etched in the first direction, or optionally wherein the etched lines are all etched in the second direction, or optionally wherein the etched lines are all etched in a third direction in between the first and second directions. Such an arrangement may be advantageous as it allows for blocks to be illuminated with the same colour. This may allow for some control with regards to colour application on a pane.

Optionally, comprising a first block of etched lines etched in the first direction, and a second block of etched lines etched in the second direction, wherein the second block forms an enclave encircled within the first block.

Such an arrangement is advantageous as it enables design shapes that may be unachievable with previous known art.

Optionally, wherein all the etched lines perpendicular to either of the light sources within the block are configured to be illuminated with light of the same wavelength; wherein the whole block of the etched lines is illuminated with light of said wavelength to produce a coloured block on the pane of material. This may provide a designer with some control with regards to colour application on a pane.

Optionally, wherein the block of etched lines comprises either an area with a plurality of etched crosses or a single etched cross, or a plurality of slanted etched lines in a third direction, or a plurality of curved etched lines; wherein said block is illuminated with wavelengths of light from both the light emitting sources. This arrangement may produce a coloured block illuminated with a different wavelength to that of the light emitting sources. Therefore, said arrangement may provide a controllable manner in which to implement additional colour onto the lighting display.

Optionally, wherein the first light emitting source is configured to emit light onto a first lateral face of the pane of material and wherein the second light emitting source is configured to emit light onto a second lateral face of the pane of material; wherein the lateral faces of the pane of material constitute the sides of the pane of the material when viewed perpendicularly to the plane of the pane. Such an arrangement may ensure all the light is directed towards the pane with minimal wasted to the surroundings. This may enhance the contrast of the design with that of the background.

Optionally, wherein the first and second lateral faces are perpendicular to one another, optionally wherein the panel comprises a rectangular shape. Advantageously, a square or rectangular pane may be easier to manufacture.

Optionally, wherein the first etched line is configured to be perpendicular to the light rays emitted from the first light emitting source; wherein the second etched line is configured to be parallel to the light rays emitted from the first light emitting source; wherein the first etched line is illuminated by the wavelength of light that is being emitted by the first light emitting source; wherein the second etched line is not illuminated/illuminated to a lesser extent by the wavelength of light being emitted by the first light emitting source.

Optionally, wherein the second etched line is configured to be perpendicular to the light rays emitted from the second light emitted source; wherein the first etched line is configured to be parallel to the light rays emitted from the second light emitting source; wherein second etched line is illuminated by the wavelength of light that is being emitted by the second light emitting source; wherein the first etched line is not illuminated/illuminated to a lesser extent by the wavelength of light being emitted by the second light emitting source.

Advantageously, such an arrangement set out in either of the previous two optional features, may be the most simplistic implementation of the lighting display that achieves two distinct colours on a single pane of material. This arrangement may utilise the same manufacturing processes as that commonly associated with current lighting displays and so does not add additional complexity along with its clear technical benefits.

Optionally, wherein the pane of the material is etched with a third etched line. This may enable additional colours to be implemented that are not the colours of the two light emitting sources.

Optionally, wherein the pane of materials is etched with the curved line; wherein the etched curved line is configured such that it extends into both the first and second directions such that one leg of the curved line is perpendicular to the light rays emitted from the first light emitting source and a second leg is perpendicular to the light rays emitted from a second light emitting source.

Optionally, wherein the centre portion of the curved line is illuminated with wavelengths from both the first and second light emitting sources; and wherein each portion of the curved line perpendicular to the light rays emitted from either light emitting sources is illuminated with the wavelength of light emitted from said light emitting source.

As mentioned, either of the two above optional features may be an efficient way to introduce a third colour over a smaller area on the pane i.e. the centre of the curve rather than the entire length of the etch. It may also be a more aesthetic way to explore the whole spectrum of the wavelengths of light resulting from combining wavelengths from a first and second light emitting source.

Optionally, wherein the pane of material is etched with the etched cross or chevron; wherein the first line of the etched cross or chevron is configured to be perpendicular to the light rays emitted by the first light emitting source and parallel to the light rays emitted by the second light emitting source; wherein the second line of the etched cross or chevron is configured to be perpendicular to the light rays emitted by the second light emitting source and parallel to the light rays emitted by the first light emitting source; wherein the intersecting lines are illuminated with wavelengths of light from both the light emitting sources, optionally wherein a block formed from the etched cross or chevrons is configured to display a colour that is a mix of the first and second wavelengths. As mentioned, this may produce a coloured portion of the pane that is illuminated with a different wavelength to that of the light emitting sources.

Therefore, said arrangement may provide a controllable manner in which to implement additional colour onto the lighting display. Said arrangement, of the components of the crosses and chevrons being perpendicular to light rays may also ensure illumination with a maximum intensity.

Optionally, wherein the etched lines are configured to form blocks of etched lines. This advantageously segments the etched lines in a way that may allow designs to be more easily visualised.

Optionally, wherein the first etched line is configured to be parallel to the first lateral side of the pane of material; and wherein the second etched line is configured to be parallel to the second lateral surface of the pane of material. This is an easy to achieve arrangement that complements the simplest use case of the lighting display where etched lines a at right angles to both the edges and the light rays incident upon them.

Optionally, wherein both the viewing surface of the pane of material and the surface parallel the viewing surface are etched with etched lines. Advantageously, this may allow more etched lines to be fitted onto a pane of material such that it can display a more detailed design. It may also do so without negatively affecting the illumination of the etched lines of just the viewing surface.

Optionally, wherein the pane of material is any of: acrylic, Perspex, glass or other translucent planar materials. Said materials are commonly used in the industry and may be economical options. The lighting display is also not limited to one particular materials which is a positive in and of itself.

Optionally, wherein the light emitting sources are LEDS, addressable LEDS or other coloured light producing sources. Once again, these are widely available industry standard light sources that may be economical choices.

Optionally, wherein the light emitting source is a strip of a light emitting source, optionally wherein the strip is comprised of a plurality of individual light emitting sources. Advantageously, said arrangement may illuminate a pane with uniform intensity across its width or height.

Optionally, wherein the strip of light emitting source is configured to emit light of one wavelength. This may allow for a consistent coloured light provided throughout the length of the pane.

Optionally, wherein the strip is configured to emit light of one wavelength from a first end, and light of another wavelength from a second end, optionally wherein the intermediate portions of the strip emit light of a wavelength between the first wavelength and the second wavelength, optionally wherein the one wavelength and another wavelength form a narrow spectrum around the first wavelength. Advantageously, this may allow for a many more colour options that may illuminate an etched line. It may also allow for a spectrum of coloured light to illuminate a single etch.

Optionally, wherein a second panel is stacked above or below the panel. Such an arrangement may allow for the addition of colours to a design that are not formed from the mixing of wavelengths of lights from a first and second light source. It may also allow a design to include more detail as it provides additional panes to etch lines onto that overlie the etched lines from an observer's perspective.

Optionally, wherein the second panel comprises; a third light emitting source configured to emit light rays of a third wavelength in a third direction; a fourth light emitting source configured to emit light rays of a fourth wavelength in a fourth direction; wherein the pane of the material is etched with a fourth line orientated in a fourth direction; wherein the pane of the material is etched with a fifth line orientated in a fifth direction; wherein the third and fourth light emitting sources are configured such that they emit light rays through the pane of material along the plane of the pane.

Advantageously, the second panel has the same functionality as the first panel. The arrangement may also be such that the order of placement of the panels with respect to which one is closer to a user may not be constrained.

Optionally, wherein the third and fourth light emitting devices emit wavelengths of light that are different to the first and the second light emitting sources. As mentioned, such an arrangement may allow for the addition of colours to a design that are not formed from the mixing of wavelengths of lights from a first and second light source.

Optionally, wherein the fourth direction of the fourth line is the same as the first direction of the first line, and/or wherein the fifth direction of the fifth line is the same as the second direction of the second line. Advantageously, this arrangement may allow for the interchanging of the first and second panels with one another such that the colours of the designs on each panel may be reversed (swapped).

Optionally, wherein the third direction of the light emitted by the third light emitting source is the same as the first direction of the light emitted by the first light emitting source, wherein the first light emitting source is configured to emit light towards the third light emitting source, and wherein the third light emitting source is configured to emit light towards the first light emitting source; and/or wherein the fourth direction of light emitted by the fourth light emitting source is the same as the second direction of the light emitted by the second light emitting source, wherein the second light emitting source is configured to emit light towards the fourth light emitting source, and wherein the fourth light emitting source is configured to emit light towards the second light emitting source. Advantageously, this arrangement may allow for a compact configuration of the lighting display that is assembled in an intuitive manner, whereby the light emitting sources need not be angled to one another or a pane placed in between.

Optionally, wherein a light blocker is configured to be placed on selected lateral surfaces of both the first and second panels such that the light blocker limits light from the third and the fourth light emitting sources entering the first panel; and/or wherein the light blocker prevents the light from the first and second light emitting sources entering the second panel. This may allow for only the desired light entering the desired pane, which may provide a designer with another aspect of control in displaying an etched design as intended. This may also prevent bleeding of the light within the pane into the surroundings Optionally, wherein a lighting display further comprises an outline separator layer positioned between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the outline separator layer comprises a transparent portion surrounded by an opaque perimeter, optionally wherein the opaque perimeter is aligned with a perimeter of a block of etched lines on either the first or second panels. This may better define the perimeter of the illuminated blocks such that a contrast is provided between the two panel's etched design.

In accordance with a second aspect of invention, there is provided a method of use of a lighting display comprising a first pane, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a first light emitting source emitting light of a first wavelength through the plane of the first pane, a second light emitting source emitting light of a second wavelength through the plane of the first pane; illuminating with the light emitted from the first light emitting source a first etched line etched in a first direction, wherein the first etched line is illuminated with light of the first wavelength; illuminating with the light emitted from the second light emitting source a second etched line etched in a second direction, wherein the second etched line is illuminated with light of the second wavelength. This method may ensure illumination of both orientation of etches with specific wavelengths of light. It may also be easily scaled to include a plurality of different orientations of etched lines or a variety of light emitting sources.

Optionally, wherein the lighting display comprises a second panel stacked above or below the first panel, the method further comprising: a third light emitting source emitting light of a third wavelength through the plane of the second pane, a fourth light emitting source emitting light of a fourth wavelength through the plane of the second pane; illuminating with the light emitted from the third light emitting source a fourth etched line etched in a fourth direction, wherein the fourth etched line is illuminated with light of the third wavelength; illuminating with the light emitted from the fourth light emitting source a fifth etched line etched in a fifth direction, wherein the fifth etched line is illuminated with light of the fourth wavelength. Advantageously, such a step may increase the colour options available for the lighting display in a manner than adds no additional complexity or interferes with the illumination of a first panel.

Optionally, wherein the light emitting sources alternate between a first state and a second state; wherein in the first state the light emitting sources emit light; wherein in the second state the light emitting sources do not emit light, optionally wherein the time spent in each state is one second. Advantageously, this may enable the lighting display to flash the etched designs at a user which may increase curb appeal should the lighting display be used for roadside advertisement.

Optionally, wherein each of the light emitting sources emit a spectrum of wavelengths of light; wherein the light emitting sources emit one wavelength of light in a first time period and another wavelength of light in a second time period, optionally wherein each time period is one second in duration. This colour changing functionality may also increase curb appeal and allow for greater artistic expression.

Optionally, wherein the time spent in the first state is divided between the first time period and the second time period, optionally such that for a first period of duration the first light emitting source emits light of one wavelength, in a second time period the first light emitting source does not emit light, and in a third time period the first light emitting source emits light of another wavelength. This may allow for a strobing effect which may be used in a plethora of advertisement applications as well as social events.

In accordance with a third aspect of invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a panel for a lighting display, wherein the method comprises the steps of: cutting or moulding a first sheet of translucent or transparent material to form the first pane of material; etching a first etched line in a first direction on a planar surface of the first pane of material; and etching a second etched line in a second direction on the planar surface of the first plane of material. This may create a pane as set out above with the associated advantages, and the method may be simple and cost effective.

Optionally, further comprising any one of: etching a third etched line in a third direction in between the first and second directions on the planar surface of the first pane of material; etching lines such that they intersect to form an etched cross or chevron on the planar surface of the first pane of material; etching an etched curve on the planar surface of the first pane of material.

Optionally, wherein the manufacturing of a second panel of a lighting display comprises the steps of: cutting or moulding a second sheet of translucent or transparent material to form the second pane of material; etching a fourth etched line in a fourth direction on a planar surface of the second pane of material; and etching a fifth etched line in a fifth direction of a planar surface of the second plane of material; optionally stacking the second pane above or below the first pane.

Optionally, further comprising any one of: etching a sixth etched line in a sixth direction in between the fourth and fifth directions on the planar surface of the second pane of material; etching lines such that they intersect to form an etched cross or chevron on the planar surface of the second pane of material; etching an etched curve on the planar surface of the second pane of material.

Optionally, wherein the method further comprises: placing at least two light emitting sources around or in the vicinity of the perimeter of the first pane of material such that each light emitting source is in a position and location to emit light onto a separate lateral surface of the first pane of material and through the plane of the first pane of the material, and/or placing at least two light emitting sources around or in the vicinity of the perimeter of the second pane of material such that each light emitting source is in a position and location to emit light onto a separate lateral surface of the second pane of material and through the plane of the second pane of the material.

Optionally, wherein the light emitting sources are strips of LEDs adhered to lateral surfaces of the panes of material. Adhering the light emitting sources may ensure their position aligned with the correct plane. This may be especially useful in application where the lighting display is exposed to the elements or is moving.

Optionally, wherein the light emitting sources are filaments or other light emitting sources located some distance from the lateral surface in a frame/housing and facing the lateral surface such that they emit light onto it. This may constrain the position of the light emitting sources such that they are emitting light in a desired plane. It may also provide better security for the light emitting sources against theft as they may be desirable goods.

Optionally, comprising the step of a light blocker being placed on selected lateral surfaces of one of or both the first and second panes such that the light blocker limits light emitted onto a second pane from entering the first pane and/or such that the light blocker limits the light emitted onto a first pane from entering the second pane.

Optionally, comprising the step of placing an outline separator layer in between the first pane and the second pane such that an opaque perimeter is aligned with a perimeter of a block of etched lines on either the first or second panes.

Optionally, wherein the etching is done via a rotary tool/etcher, by a laser or by a sharp knife. These are widely available tools and therefore the manufacturing process does not require tailor made specific machinery.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of invention, there is provided a pane configured for use in lighting displays, wherein the pane is a pane of a material configured to allow at least a portion of the spectrum of light to pass through it; wherein the pane is etched with a first line orientated in a first direction; wherein the pane is etched with a second line orientated in a second direction. This pane may be used to create the panel of the first aspect with the associated advantages.

Optionally, wherein the pane is etched with a third line oriented in a third direction, or an etched cross or chevron comprising of intersecting first and second lines, or an etched curve.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of invention, there is provided a kit of parts for a panel to be used for a lighting display, the kit of parts comprising: a pane of a material in accordance with any of claims 57 or 58; a first light emitting source; a second light emitting source.

Optionally, further comprising: a second pane of material in accordance with any of claims 57 or 58; a third light emitting source; a fourth light emitting source.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a planar view of a first etched pane used in a panel of a lighting display.

Figure 2 shows a planar view of a first panel with the first etched pane of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a planar view of a first pane of a second panel, wherein the first pane corresponds with the first etched pane of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 shows a planar view of a second pane of the second panel of Figure 3 and shows the second etched pane with the first etched pane not visible.

Figure 5 shows a planar view of the lighting display formed by stacking the first and second etched panes of Figures 3 and 4 which show the portions of the second panel.

Figure 6a shows a side view of the lighting display of Figure 5 from a first position.

Figure 6b shows a side view of the lighting display of Figure 5 from a second position that is orthogonal to the view of Figure 6a.

Figure 7a shows a third etched pane with a bird design etched into it.

Figure 7b shows a fourth etched pane with a background design etched into it.

Figure 8 shows an outline separator layer that is to be placed between the etched panes of Figure 7a and 7b.

Figure 9 shows a planar view of a lighting display formed by stacking the third and fourth etched panes of Figures 7a and 7b together to form a third panel that is in the same overall configuration as the second panel seen in Figures 3, 4 and 5 -but with the etching design of Figures 7a and 7b.

Figure 10a shows a side view of the lighting display of Figure 9 from a first position.

Figure 10b shows a side view of the lighting display of Figure 9 from a second position that is orthogonal to the view of Figure 10a.

Figure 11 shows a flowchart of a method of use of the lighting display of the present claims.

Figure 12 shows a flowchart of a method of use of the lighting display's strobe effect.

Figure 13 shows a flowchart of a method of manufacture of the lighting display of the present claims.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 and 2 show a panel configured for use in lighting displays, wherein the panel comprises: a pane of a material configured to allow at least a portion of the spectrum of light to pass through it; a first light emitting source configured to emit light rays of a first wavelength in a first direction; a second light emitting source configured to emit light rays of a second wavelength in a second direction; wherein the pane of the material is etched with a first line orientated in a first direction wherein the pane of the material is etched with a second line orientated in a second direction; wherein the first and second light emitting sources are configured such that they emit light rays through the pane of material along the plane of the pane.

The pane 1 seen in Figure 1 is a square pane etched with a plurality of straight, uniformly spaced etched lines. The etched lines seen in this embodiment are either vertical or horizontal and can be grouped into three separate categories or blocks. A first block of entirely horizontal lines 3, a second block of entirely vertical lines 5 and a third block of both horizontal and vertical lines overlapping one another and forming etched crosses 7. Each block occupies a distinct portion of pane 1. In the embodiment shown, the squares are of decreasing sizes in the order listed above, wherein a smaller block forms an enclave within a larger block. The space between the etches in each block is uniform in Figure 1 and may be 1mm. Other embodiments may include other spacing dimensions or have non-uniform line spacing.

In other embodiments, the etched lines may be orientated at other angles instead of the vertical and horizontal orientation seen in Figure 1 (when viewed from the same square-on view). The etches may also be curves or of other none uniform construction to the straight lines seen. Similarly, blocks in other embodiments may be grouped based on these alternative etch infrastructures/geometries.

The blocks seen in Figure 1 have been grouped based on orientation. Here, a first block comprises etched lines in a first direction and a second block may comprise etched lines orientated in a second direction. It also comprises a block with a combination of both orientations (etched crosses). Therefore, for embodiments where the etched lines are not vertical or horizontal the lines may still be grouped based on this doctrine. Blocks may also comprise curved etched lines or any other geometry of etched line.

Other embodiments may also accommodate blocks of different shapes to those of the squares seen in Figure 1 or alternatively may not have blocks at all. In such embodiments the lines may merely be etched remotely on pane 1 in a manner that doesn't constitute grouping portions of the pane.

The material of pane 1 shown in Figure 1 may be any of: acrylic, Perspex, glass or other translucent planar materials.

Figure 2 shows pane 1 as part of a panel 10 of a lighting display. The lighting display 10 shown comprises two light emitting sources, LED strips A and B. Strip A is positioned such that it emits light onto the top side 11 of pane 1 and strip B is positioned such that it emits light onto the leftmost side 13 of pane 1. The two surfaces that receive the light are perpendicular to one another in this embodiment but may not be in others.

In a three-dimensional perspective, the two light emitting sources, A and B, may emit light onto the topmost and leftmost lateral surfaces of the pane 1 respectively. The two light emitting sources shown in this embodiment may also emit light in the same plane to one another, wherein the plane they emit light through is the plane of pane 1-this is better seen in Figure 6. It may be that the entire depth of the pane 1 has light emitted through it, or at least a top portion of the depth that accommodates the depth of the etches.

It is seen in Figure 2 that the horizontal lines 3 are perpendicular to the light rays 15 emitted by LED strip A and parallel to the light rays 17 emitted by LED strip B. It is also seen, that the vertical lines 5 are perpendicular to the light rays 17 emitted by LED strip B and parallel to the light rays 15 emitted by LED strip A. Note, it is the light rays for which this relationship is highlighted not the orientation of the LED strips themselves (which would be the opposite to that stated). The orientation of the etched may also be described with respect to the geometry of pane 1. In this square arrangement between the LED strips and the pane edges, the horizontal lines 3 are parallel the top and bottom edges, and the vertical lines 5 are parallel the lateral edges.

In use, an etched line will be illuminated with the wavelength of the light rays incident upon it should it be non-parallel with them. The illumination of an etched line as will be discussed throughout this description is the refraction of a light ray travelling through the plane of the pane such that it is diverted out of the plane and towards an observer. The light rays that are parallel with an etched line may pass over or through the etched line with minimal, or zero, illumination of the etched line as a result of a lack of refraction. This minimal illumination may not be picked up by the human eye or be miniscule in comparison to the illumination caused by light rays from a secondary light source where the light rays are non-parallel with the etched line.

Although the illumination of an etched line may only require an acute angular separation between line and light ray, i.e. simply not being parallel with one another, an etched line will be maximally illuminated with the wavelengths of the light rays it is perpendicular to. Here, maximally implies the highest intensity of illumination achievable for an etched line with respect to its orientation to a light ray. This may be for a given location on the pane and a given intensity of a light emitting source.

Should an etched line be orientated in between this maximal perpendicular and minimal parallel arrangement with respect to light rays incident upon it, said etched line may be illuminated with an intensity in between the two extreme intensities discussed above. It may be that the intensity of illumination decreases gradually from the intensity associated with a perpendicular orientation to an intensity associated with a parallel orientation. This gradual decrease may follow a sin(x) function, wherein x is the angle between the light ray and the etched line.

In this embodiment of Figure 2 therefore, the horizontal lines 3 will be illuminated, that too with a maximum intensity, with the wavelength of light 15 emitted from strip A and the vertical lines 5 will be illuminated, again with maximum intensity, with the wavelengths of light 17 emitted from strip B. This is because the horizontal etched lines 3 are only perpendicular to the light rays from strip A (and parallel with B) and the vertical etched 5 lines are only perpendicular to light rays from strip B (and parallel with A).

The etched crosses 7 of Figure 2, however, have a component perpendicular the light rays 15 from strip A (the horizontal portion of the etched cross), and a component perpendicular to the lights rays 17 of strip B (the vertical portion of the etched cross).

Therefore, the etched crosses 7 will be illuminated with wavelengths of the light rays from both the light emitting sources A and B with a maximum (and equal) intensity. The visual effect such an illumination has on the user is of mixing the colours of the two lights together to yield a third colour. For example, should strip A emit red light, and strip B emit blue light, the etched cross may be illuminated with a purple light.

Chevrons (not shown) may be implemented in place of the etched crosses to yield the same effect.

Alternatively, a similar effect may be achieved via a diagonal line-not shown and defined as such due to being angled to the light emitting sources. In the embodiment of Figure 2, this diagonal line may be of an angle of 45 degrees to the horizontal and therefore would be a slanted line between the vertical 5 and horizontal etched lines 3. The diagonal line, although not shown, would be non-parallel with (or angled to) both the light rays 15,17 emitted from Strip A and Strip B and therefore be illuminated with wavelengths from both light rays. Since the angular separation of the diagonal etched line may be the same with respect to light rays from each strip, the diagonal line may be illuminated with wavelengths from both light sources with an equal intensity. Hence, the same colour mixing effect may be seen by an observer.

However, this illumination may be of a lower intensity to that of the etched crosses since only an acute angular separation shall be present between the etched line and the light rays and not a perpendicular arrangement that yields a maximum intensity as is the case with the etched crosses with two orthogonal components. Nevertheless, these diagonal lines may be preferential in some instances as is explained in the next passage.

Light rays 15,17 from both light emitting sources are incident upon each etched line simultaneously in Figure 2. This may not be readily observable or noticed by an observer in the vertical and horizontal etched line arrangement due to the maximum intensity through which each etched line is illuminated by singular light source. However, a diagonal line may be implemented to explore a balance between the wavelengths of light from each source such that different shades of colours may be observed. For example, to be illuminated with a purple colour with more red tones than blue tones the diagonal line may be orientated such that it is closer to perpendicular to the light rays from a LED strip emitting red light. This orientation may make the diagonal line more parallel with the light rays from a light source emitting blue light.

This balance between wavelengths may be explored with alternative etched line shapes not limited to diagonal lines, wherein portions of etched lines may be made closer to perpendicular to the light rays of one source and therefore closer to parallel to the light rays of another source. Thereby increasing the intensity of the illumination with the first source over the second.

It may also be the case that etched crosses be formed with the diagonal lines with respect to light sources in place of the horizontal and vertical lines.

Curved etched lines (not shown) may also be used to explore further colour profiles seen by an observer. A curved line may be positioned such that a proximal portion is closer to perpendicular with light rays from a first light emitting source, and a distal end is closer to perpendicular to light rays from a second light emitting source. The portion connecting the proximal and distal portions may be curved. The visual effect of such arrangement may be a proximal portion illuminated with light from a first wavelength and a distal portion illuminated with light from a second wavelength. The portion connecting the two portions may be illuminated with a spectrum of wavelengths of lights with the centre most portion illuminated with light of both equally such that the colour of the light seen is a mix of both the light wavelengths. Portions of the etched line adjacent the centremost portion may be illuminated with a spectrum of light in between the colour of the central portion and the proximal/distal ends.

For the embodiment of Figure 2, the proximal leg may be perpendicular to the top edge 11 and a distal leg may be perpendicular to the leftmost edge 13, such that the curved etched line is illuminated with light from either light emitting source at their respective ends and the centre of the curved line may be illuminated with both lights. Alternatively, the curved etched lines may be oriented in a different orientation to explore further colour profiles (again not shown).

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, it may be that the horizontal etched lines 3 towards the bottom of pane 1 may be illuminated with lesser intensity with wavelengths of light from Strip A than the horizontal lines 3 closer to the top of pane 1, simply due to the distance between the etched lines and the light emitting source.

Although, the principle of total internal reflection states light rays may travel within the pane of the material without losing intensity, the etched lines located along the height of the pane in between the bottom portion of the pane and the light source may enable some light rays to leave the pane and therefore decrease intensity of illumination for etched lines at distances further away from the light emitting sources.

The same relationship applies to vertical lines 5 located towards the right side of the pane 1 away from Strip B. Figure 1 described the etched lines of pane 1 being arranged into blocks. The same applies for Figure 2. It may be that each box is illuminated with a single colour. This may be in cases where a block has etched lines that are perpendicular to the light rays from a light emitting source (namely blocks 3 and 5), or where a block is illuminated with the colour derived from mixing light from both light emitting sources (in the case of block 7 or blocks of diagonal lines). In this latter scenario although the block is illuminated with two wavelengths of light, the effect observed may be its illumination with one colour (the mixed colour).

In the case of blocks of curved lines, a portion of the block may be of one colour (the colour of the light emitting by a emitting source) and another portion of the block being another colour (either the colour of the light from another light emitting source or a mixture of light from both).

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the etched lines are etched only onto one surface of pane 1. This surface is the one shown in the Figure, which may be the surface intended to viewed by an observer. However, it may be in other embodiments, particular those of more detailed designs where more etched lines are needed, that the surface opposite to the viewing surface is also etched. This would allow more real estate for etching lines.

Thus far, the orientation of the etched lines have been disclosed, and described, in mainly a vertical or horizontal direction with the exception of exploring the concept of a diagonal line. The light emitting sources of Figure 2 are also configured such that they emit light vertically and horizontally through the panes of material. This was done for the sake of simplicity as it allows for a simpler communication of the scenarios of illumination in a pseudo binary arrangement.

However, it is to be understood that the teachings of the current invention refer merely to the relationship between the etched lines and the light rays incident on them, and in particular, the orientation of the etched lines with respect to said light rays. The invention is in no way limited to etched lines only in a horizontal or vertical orientation, nor is it limited to a pane with a square/rectangular shape. Rather, it is understood by the skilled person that, in its simplest form, the main teaching of the current invention is such that the light emitting sources that are able to emit light through the same pane of material are angularly separated to one another and whereby the etched lines may be angled with respect to the light rays and to each other.

Therefore, the invention explored in this description encompasses embodiments where: light rays are not incident on the edges (lateral surfaces) orthogonally, the light rays do not pass through the pane either vertically or horizontally, where the pane is of a different planar shape, or where the etched lines are not parallel to any particular edge of the pane.

Figure 3 shows a planar view of a second panel 20 of a lighting display in which two panes are used (of which only the first pane is visible in this Figure). The panel 20 shown in Figure 3 is substantially similar to panel 10 as shown in Figure 2 with the differences being the addition of two LED strips C and D and two light blockers 21 and 23.

The LED strips C and D are configured such that they are in a position and orientation to emit light through the plane of pane 1. In an embodiment without light blockers 21 and 23, the LED strips C and D may emit light onto the rightmost lateral and bottom surface of pane 1 respectively. Note, the arrangement is such that LED strip C emits light towards LED strip B and LED strip D emits light towards LED strip A. All the light emitting sources in the embodiment shown emit light in a common plane to one another, however, in other embodiments there may be a slight off set in the planes of strips A and B and that of C and D. In the embodiment seen in Figure 3, the light blockers 21 and 23 are placed on the lateral faces of pane 1 that face the LED strips C and D and prevent the light rays emitted from said LED strips from entering into pane 1. This prevention may be via means of absorbing the light rays or via reflecting them away from the pane. Therefore, the light blockers may be of an opaque material (as shown) or a reflective one.

LED strips C and D therefore have limited to no effect on pane 1 or the illumination of its etched lines in the embodiment seen. The etched lines of pane 1 are therefore only illuminated with light from the first and second light emitting sources discussed above i.e. LED strips A and B. The light emitting sources seen in Figures 2 and 3 are addressed as LED strips in this description. However, the light emitting sources may be any of LEDS, addressable LEDS or other coloured light producing sources.

Figures 2 and 3 also show the LED strips as having a plurality of individual light emitting sources or LEDS. It may be that other embodiments have a continuous strip of an LED that emits light throughout its length.

Figures 2 and 3 also show embodiments of light emitting sources where each light emitting sources emits one wavelength of light. Albeit the different light emitting sources emit a different wavelength of light to one another. However, in other embodiments it may be that each light emitting sources may emit more than one wavelength of light, i.e. a first wavelength in a first time period and second wavelength in a second time period. It may also be that a strip of light emitting source may emit a plurality of wavelengths, wherein a different portion of the strip may emit a different wavelength of light. This may be simultaneously or at different times. An embodiment not shown but may be implemented is a strip of light emitting source emitting one wavelength of light form a first end and light of another wavelength from a second end. Whereby the intermediate portions of the strip may emit light in between the wavelengths emitted at either end forming a spectrum of light that varies narrowly in wavelength from adjacent points on the strip.

Figure 4 shows a planar view of the second panel 20 introduced in Figure 3 with a second etched pane lb visible (the first etched pane 1 is not visible in this Figure).

The only other difference between Figures 3 and 4 is the location of the light blockers 31, 33, and the etching design. Therefore, the arrangement of the light emitting sources explained above stands here. It may be the case in other embodiments that panels (with their own light emitting sources) are stacked upon one another and not just panes as shown here.

The third and fourth light emitting sources, LED strips C and D, now emit light through the plane of the pane lb and onto its rightmost and bottom lateral surface. It is noted in current embodiments that the light emitting sources that are able to emit light through the same pane of material are orthogonal to one another, however in others embodiments a mere acute angular separation may suffice.

The inventive concept explained with the relationship between etched lines and the light rays incident upon them also stands for Figure 4, whereby the light rays incident on the etched lines will illuminate the etched lines should they be non-parallel to them.

It is seen from Figure 4, that the etched lines on pane lb occupy the same pattern of etches (3b,5b and 7b) as pane 1 albeit at a different portion of the panes surface. Of course, other embodiments may have an entirely different pattern to that shown in Figures 3 and 4, with etched lines in separate directions entirely to the first and second directions (horizontal and vertical).

The light blockers 31, 33 in Figure 4 are positioned on the lateral surfaces that face the first and second light emitting sources, LED strips A and B. Therefore, consistent with that described in Figure 3, the light blockers prevent light rays LED strips A and B from entering pane lb, whereby in Figure 3 the light blockers prevented light from LED strips C and D from entering pane 1.

The light emitted from each light emitting source is of a different wavelength to one another. This allows a minimum of four wavelengths of light to illuminate the panes of the lighting display with, with addition scope to create more colour; wavelengths of light travelling within the same pane, as explained above, may be illuminated together at one location to create further colours that are a mix of their wavelengths.

In other embodiments, the wavelengths of light emitted by the third and fourth light emitting sources (strips C and D) may match one or both of the wavelengths of light emitted by the first and second emitting sources. The latter scenario may aid in adding additional detail to a design with the same illumination between panes.

Figure 5 shows a planar view of the lighting display formed by stacking panes 1 and lb in the panel 20 of Figures 3 and 4.

It is noted, pane lb is the same pane lb as that shown in Figure 4 which has only vertical and horizontal lines. The etched lines of pane lb in Figure 5 are shown as diagonal lines to more easily distinguish them from those of the etched lines of pane 1. This is only for clarity purposes to better allow the reader to distinguish between the two panes in this stacked arrangement. It should be assumed that lb has only horizontal and vertical lines, consistent with that of Figure 4 (however diagonal lines could of course be used in other implementations of this concept).

It is seen in Figure 5 that the etched pattern of panes 1 and lb do not overlie one another when viewed from this planar perspective. This may be for more clear viewing of each design. However, it may be the case that the patterns are made to overlie in another embodiments so that a colour mix is seen of light from a first and second pane. These may significantly increase the numbers of colours that can be produced for a given lighting display.

As already mentioned previously, but repeated for the sake of completeness, the embodiment in Figure 5 shows that the LED strips A and B (along with light blockers 21 and 23) are configured such that they are in a position and orientation to emit light through the plane of pane 1; and the LED strips C and D (along with light blockers 31 and 33) are configured such that they are in a position and orientation to emit light through the plane of pane lb. The LED strips C emits light towards LED strip B and whereby the LED strip D emits light towards LED strip A. The LED strips A and B may emit light onto the leftmost lateral and bottom surface of pane 1; and the LED strips C and D may emit light onto the rightmost lateral and bottom surface of pane lb respectively.

All the light emitting sources in the embodiment shown emit light in a common plane to one another as seen in Figure 6, however, in other embodiments there may be a slight off set in the planes of strips A and B and that of C and D. Finally, the light display of Figure 5 is configured such that the etched lines of pane 1 are illuminated with light from LED strips A and B only; and whereby the etched lines of pane lb are illuminated with light from LED strips C and D only. This is courtesy of the light blockers placed on the lateral faces of both panes that prevent light bleeding into the pane from unwanted light sources. In other scenarios, this bleeding may be preferential for aesthetic purposes.

Figures 6a and 6b show a side view of the lighting display of Figure 5 from two different viewpoints. It is clear that both the light emitting source pairs A, B and C, D are in the same plane to one another. In other embodiments, they may be in separate planes in line with the plane of the pane they are configured to emit light through.

However, the current arrangement may make assembly of the lighting display more convenient.

Figures 7 to 10 relate to a second embodiment of a lighting display that applies the concepts discussed above in Figures 1 to 6 in a realistic design application.

Figure 7a shows a third etched pane lc with a bird design etched into it and Figure 7b shows a fourth etched pane ld with a background design etched into it. Much like the etched lines of panes 1 and lb in Figures 1 to 5, the etched lines in Figures 7a and 7b are either horizontal or vertical. However, unlike panes 1 and lb, the etched lines are grouped in blocks of irregular and abstract shapes rather than the hollow squares seen previously.

Figure 8 shows an outline separator layer 80 to be placed in between the etched panes lc and ld of Figures 7a and 7b respectively. It may also be placed atop or underneath both panes lc and ld. This outline layer may provide the etched design of a lighting display with an outline that marks the perimeter of blocks. The outline layer in the embodiment shown comprises two portions: a transparent portion 81 and an opaque portion 83. The transparent portion is to be sized and shaped to the overlie the blocks of etched lines of a bottom pane, whilst the opaque portion occupies the area associated with the perimeter of blocks on both panes. The result is such that the perimeters of the blocks of both a top and bottom panes are marked without covering or hindering the illumination of the etched lines. In the embodiment seen, the outline layer is of a black opaque construction, however, it may be of an assortment of colours in other embodiments, or even translucent such that it is illuminated to some degree by either (or both) light emitting source(s).

Figure 9 shows a lighting display formed by two stacking the panes lc and ld, of Figures 7a and 7b, in the same arrangement as the panel 20 seen in Figures 3, 4 and 5. Figure 9 highlights the complexity of the designs that can be created with the invention as disclosed.

Figures 10a and 10b show a side view of the lighting display of Figure 9.

As is evident once more in Figures 10a and 10b, all the light emitting sources in the current embodiment emit light in the planes of both the panes lc and ld. The arrangement seen is such that LED strips A and B only illuminate the etched lines of pane 1c, whilst LED strips C and D only illuminate the etched lines of 1d. This is mainly due to the lateral faces of both panes that are facing the undesired light source being covered with a light blocker to prevent any bleeding of light rays into the pane from said light source.

Figure 11 shows a flowchart 110 of a method of use of the lighting display of the present claims. The method may comprise the step of emitting first and second wavelengths of light via first and second light emitting sources (these may be strips A and B in the embodiments shown above) through the plane of the first pane. These wavelengths may then illuminate first and second etched lines etched in a first and second direction 111,112. Note, the first direction may be the horizontal direction and the second direction may be the vertical direction for the embodiments shown above.

The same steps may apply to a second pane stacked above the first pane. Whereby the step may comprise emitting third and fourth wavelengths of light via third and fourth light emitting sources (these may be strips C and D in the embodiments shown above) through the plane of the second pane. These wavelengths may then illuminate fourth and fifth etched lines etched in a fourth and fifth direction 113,114.

Figure 12 shows a flowchart 120 of a method of use of the lighting display's strobe effect. The method may comprise the initial step of emitting light of a first wavelength via a first light emitting source for a duration of 1 second 121. This may then be proceeded by a period of 1 second where no light is emitted by the light emitting source 122. Following this, the first light emitting source may emit light of a second wavelength for a duration of 1 second 123. This may be followed, one again, by a period of 1 second where no light is emitted by the light emitting source 124. Steps 121-124 may be repeated any number of times as decided by the user.

The embodiment described here, is of a very specific case that has been selected to highlight the strobing capabilities of the lighting display. It is entirely possible in other embodiments that only the flashing functionality be utilised, whereby step 123 emits the same wavelength of light as 121. Alternatively, it may also be possible to disregard the periods of no light emission (steps 122 and 124) and have the lighting display change colour instantly from a first wavelength to a second. Therefore, the strobing and the flashing functionalities of the lighting display are entirely independent. Finally, it must be outlines that the duration of steps 122 and 124 may be changed to be longer or shorter.

Figure 13 shows a flowchart 130 of a method of manufacture of the lighting display of the present claims. The method may initially comprise the step of cutting or moulding a first sheet of translucent or transparent material to form the first pane of material 131. Then, a first etched line may be etched in a first direction on a planar surface of the first pane 132. This step may be repeated for a second etched line in a second direction 133. Proceeding this, a first light emitting source may be placed in the vicinity of the first pane such that the light emitting source is in a position and location to emit light onto a lateral surface of the first pane of material and through the plane of the first pane of the material 134. This may be repeated for a second light emitting source, whereby the lateral surface it emits light onto is orthogonal to the surface a first light emitting source emits light onto 135. It may be that the light emitting sources are LED strips that may be adhered to said surfaces, or placed in a housing or frame some distance from the desired lateral surface.

Steps 131 to 135 may be repeated for a second pane shout it need to be implemented. For such lighting displays, it may also be beneficial to add light blockers on either pane on faces facing the light emitting sources that are not to emit light into that specific pane. For such lighting displays, there may be a step which includes placing an outline separator layer in between the two panes. The etching of steps 132 and 133 may be done via a sharp knife or a laser.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples. Further embodiments are also envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments.

Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

In some examples, one or more memory elements can store data and/or program instructions used to implement the methods described herein. For instance a processor or memory element may store the instructions associated with the method of illuminating the lighting device by switching on or off various of the light emitting sources and/or changing the colour emitted, and/or changing the intensity of the light emitted by those light emitting sources as detailed above. Additionally a processor or memory element may store instructions relating to the manufacture process such as the steps involved in the manufacture of the etched pane. An etching device may be programmed to reproduce a pre-set pattern as defined in the stored data.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide tangible, non-transitory storage media comprising program instructions operable to program a processor to said method and/or claimed herein.

The processor/controller of such apparatus (and any of the methods, activities or instructions outlined herein) may be implemented with fixed logic such as assemblies of logic gates or programmable logic such as software and/or computer program instructions executed by a processor. Other kinds of programmable logic include programmable processors, programmable digital logic (e.g. a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any other kind of digital logic, software, code, electronic instructions, flash memory, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD ROMs, magnetic or optical cards, other types of machine-readable mediums suitable for storing electronic instructions, or any suitable combination thereof. Such data storage media may also provide the data storage of the manufacturing device, or the lighting device.

Claims

Claims 1. A panel configured for use in lighting displays, wherein the panel comprises: a pane of a material configured to allow at least a portion of the spectrum of light to pass through it; a first light emitting source configured to emit light rays of a first wavelength in a first direction; a second light emitting source configured to emit light rays of a second wavelength in a second direction; wherein the pane of the material is etched with a first line orientated in a first direction; wherein the pane of the material is etched with a second line orientated in a second direction; wherein the first and second light emitting sources are configured such that they emit light rays through the pane of material along the plane of the pane.
2. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein only the first and second etched lines orientated to be non-parallel with the light rays are illuminated by said wavelengths of light, optionally wherein only the first and second etched lines orientated to be non-parallel with the light rays of a first direction emitted by the first light emitting source are illuminated by the light of the first wavelength.
3. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein both the first and second light emitting sources are configured to emit light in the same plane; wherein the plane is the plane of the pane of the material.
4. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein the etched line or portion of the etched line orientated perpendicular to the rays of light incident upon it is illuminated with a greater intensity by the wavelength of said light; and wherein the etched line or portion of etched line orientated parallel to the rays of light passing through it is illuminated with a lower intensity by the wavelength of said light, optionally wherein the greater intensity is the maximum intensity, and optionally wherein the lower intensity is zero; preferably wherein the etched line or portion of the etched line orientated at any angle between being parallel or perpendicular to the rays of light incident upon it is illuminated with an intensity in between a maximum intensity when perpendicular and a minimum intensity when parallel; preferably wherein the intensity of illumination decreases gradually from the intensity associated with a perpendicular orientation to an intensity associated with a parallel orientation, optionally wherein this gradual decreases is a sin(x) function, with the angle between the light ray and the etched line being the angle x; and/or wherein the etched line or portion of the etched line has rays of light incident upon it from both the first and the second light emitting source simultaneously; wherein the etched line or portion of the etched line is closer to perpendicular to the light rays of the first source, and is closer to parallel to the light rays of the second source; wherein the etched line is more intensely illuminated with the first wavelength of light; wherein the etched line is less intensely illuminated with the second wavelength of light; and/or wherein the etched line or portion of the etched line is angularly separated from the light emitted by both the first and second light emitting sources by the same angle, and is illuminated with light from both the first and the second light emitting sources, and is illuminated from each light emitting source with equal intensity.
5. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein the distance of the etched line from the light emitting source determines its intensity; wherein the etched line located closer to either light emitting source is more intensely illuminated than the etched line located further away from either light emitting source.
6. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein the pane of the material is etched with a third etched line orientated in a third direction; wherein the third direction is slanted between the first and second directions of the first and second etched lines; wherein the third direction is at an acute angle to the rays of light emitted from both the first and second light emitting sources; wherein the third etched line is configured to be illuminated with wavelengths from both the first and second light emitting sources, optionally wherein the acute angle is 45 degrees to both the first and second directions, and optionally wherein the third etched line is configured to be illuminated by a colour that is a mix of the first and second wavelengths.
7. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein the pane of the material is etched with a curved line comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, optionally wherein the proximal portion is closer to perpendicular to the light rays of the first wavelength and the distal portion is closer to perpendicular to the light rays of the second wavelength, optionally wherein the proximal portion is illuminated more intensely by light rays of the first wavelength, and wherein the distal portion is illuminated more intensely by light rays of the second wavelength.
8. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein the first direction of light emitted by the first light emitting source is different to the first direction of the first etched line, and/or wherein the second direction of light emitted by the second light emitting source is different to the second direction of the second etched line.
9. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second etched lines are configured to intersect one another to form an etched cross or a chevron; wherein the etched cross or chevron is configured to be illuminated with wavelengths of lights rays from both a first and second light emitting source.
10. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein the etched lines are grouped to form a block of etched lines, optionally: wherein the block may take any shape, and/or wherein the etched lines are spaced 1mm apart, and/or wherein each etched line is 1mm in length; and/or wherein the block of etched lines comprises an area of etched lines with the same orientation, optionally wherein the etched lines are all etched in the first direction, or optionally wherein the etched lines are all etched in the second direction, or optionally wherein the etched lines are all etched in a third direction in between the first and second directions; and/or wherein the lighting display comprises a first block of etched lines etched in the first direction, and a second block of etched lines etched in the second direction, wherein the second block forms an enclave encircled within the first block; and/or wherein all the etched lines perpendicular to either of the light sources within the block are configured to be illuminated with light of the same wavelength; wherein the whole block of the etched lines is illuminated with light of said wavelength to produce a coloured block on the pane of material; and/or wherein the block of etched lines comprises either an area with a plurality of etched crosses or a single etched cross, or a plurality of slanted etched lines in a third direction, or a plurality of curved etched lines; wherein said block is illuminated with wavelengths of light from both the light emitting sources.
11. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein the first light emitting source is configured to emit light onto a first lateral face of the pane of material and wherein the second light emitting source is configured to emit light onto a second lateral face of the pane of material; wherein the lateral faces of the pane of material constitute the sides of the pane of the material when viewed perpendicularly to the plane of the pane; preferably wherein the first and second lateral faces are perpendicular to one another, optionally wherein the panel comprises a rectangular shape.
12. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein the first etched line is configured to be perpendicular to the light rays emitted from the first light emitting source; wherein the second etched line is configured to be parallel to the light rays emitted from the first light emitting source; wherein the first etched line is illuminated by the wavelength of light that is being emitted by the first light emitting source; wherein the second etched line is not illuminated/illuminated to a lesser extent by the wavelength of light being emitted by the first light emitting source; preferably wherein the second etched line is configured to be perpendicular to the light rays emitted from the second light emitted source; wherein the first etched line is configured to be parallel to the light rays emitted from the second light emitting source; wherein second etched line is illuminated by the wavelength of light that is being emitted by the second light emitting source; wherein the first etched line is not illuminated/illuminated to a lesser extent by the wavelength of light being emitted by the second light emitting source; and/or wherein the pane of material is etched with the etched cross or chevron of claim 9; wherein the first line of the etched cross or chevron is configured to be perpendicular to the light rays emitted by the first light emitting source and parallel to the light rays emitted by the second light emitting source; wherein the second line of the etched cross or chevron is configured to be perpendicular to the light rays emitted by the second light emitting source and parallel to the light rays emitted by the first light emitting source; wherein the intersecting lines are illuminated with wavelengths of light from both the light emitting sources, optionally wherein a block formed from the etched cross or chevrons is configured to display a colour that is a mix of the first and second wavelengths.
13. The panel of claim 12, wherein the pane of the material is etched with a third etched line of claim 6; and/or wherein the pane of materials is etched with the curved line of claim 7; and/or wherein the etched curved line is configured such that it extends into both the first and second directions such that one leg of the curved line is perpendicular to the light rays emitted from the first light emitting source and a second leg is perpendicular to the light rays emitted from a second light emitting source; and/or wherein the centre portion of the curved line is illuminated with wavelengths from both the first and second light emitting sources; and wherein each portion of the curved line perpendicular to the light rays emitted from either light emitting sources is illuminated with the wavelength of light emitted from said light emitting source.
14. The panels of claims 12 or 13, wherein the etched lines are configured to form blocks of etched lines; wherein the block of etched lines is the block of etched lines of claim 10; and/or wherein the first etched line is configured to be parallel to the first lateral side of the pane of material; and wherein the second etched line is configured to be parallel to the second lateral surface of the pane of material, when dependant on claim 11.
15. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein both the viewing surface of the pane of material and the surface parallel the viewing surface are etched with etched lines.
16. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein the light emitting source is a strip of a light emitting source, optionally wherein the strip is comprised of a plurality of individual light emitting sources; and/or wherein the strip of light emitting source is configured to emit light of one wavelength; and/ or wherein the strip is configured to emit light of one wavelength from a first end, and light of another wavelength from a second end, optionally wherein the intermediate portions of the strip emit light of a wavelength between the first wavelength and the second wavelength, optionally wherein the one wavelength and another wavelength form a narrow spectrum around the first wavelength.
17. The panel of any preceding claim, wherein a second panel is stacked above or below the panel; preferably wherein the second panel comprises: a third light emitting source configured to emit light rays of a third wavelength in a third direction; a fourth light emitting source configured to emit light rays of a fourth wavelength in a fourth direction; wherein the pane of the material is etched with a fourth line orientated in a fourth direction; wherein the pane of the material is etched with a fifth line orientated in a fifth direction; wherein the third and fourth light emitting sources are configured such that they emit light rays through the pane of material along the plane of the pane; preferably wherein the third and fourth light emitting devices emit wavelengths of light that are different to the first and the second light emitting sources; and/or wherein the fourth direction of the fourth line is the same as the first direction of the first line, and/or wherein the fifth direction of the fifth line is the same as the second direction of the second line; and/or wherein the third direction of the light emitted by the third light emitting source is the same as the first direction of the light emitted by the first light emitting source, wherein the first light emitting source is configured to emit light towards the third light emitting source, and wherein the third light emitting source is configured to emit light towards the first light emitting source; and/or wherein the fourth direction of light emitted by the fourth light emitting source is the same as the second direction of the light emitted by the second light emitting source, wherein the second light emitting source is configured to emit light towards the fourth light emitting source, and wherein the fourth light emitting source is configured to emit light towards the second light emitting source.
18. The panel of claim 17, wherein a light blocker is configured to be placed on selected lateral surfaces of both the first and second panels such that the light blocker limits light from the third and the fourth light emitting sources entering the first panel; and/or wherein the light blocker prevents the light from the first and second light emitting sources entering the second panel; and/or further comprising an outline separator layer positioned between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the outline separator layer comprises a transparent portion surrounded by an opaque perimeter, optionally wherein the opaque perimeter is aligned with a perimeter of a block of etched lines on either the first or second panels.
19. A method of use of a lighting display comprising a first pane, the method comprising the steps of: a first light emitting source emitting light of a first wavelength through the plane of the first pane, a second light emitting source emitting light of a second wavelength through the plane of the first pane; illuminating with the light emitted from the first light emitting source a first etched line etched in a first direction, wherein the first etched line is illuminated with light of the first wavelength; illuminating with the light emitted from the second light emitting source a second etched line etched in a second direction, wherein the second etched line is illuminated with light of the second wavelength.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the lighting display comprises a second panel stacked above or below the first panel, the method further comprising: a third light emitting source emitting light of a third wavelength through the plane of the second pane, a fourth light emitting source emitting light of a fourth wavelength through the plane of the second pane; illuminating with the light emitted from the third light emitting source a fourth etched line etched in a fourth direction, wherein the fourth etched line is illuminated with light of the third wavelength; illuminating with the light emitted from the fourth light emitting source a fifth etched line etched in a fifth direction, wherein the fifth etched line is illuminated with light of the fourth wavelength.
21. The method of any claims 19 or 20, wherein the light emitting sources alternate between a first state and a second state; wherein in the first state the light emitting sources emit light; wherein in the second state the light emitting sources do not emit light, optionally wherein the time spent in each state is one second; and/or wherein each of the light emitting sources emit a spectrum of wavelengths of light; wherein the light emitting sources emit one wavelength of light in a first time period and another wavelength of light in a second time period, optionally wherein each time period is one second in duration; and/or wherein the time spent in the first state is divided between the first time period and the second time period, optionally such that for a first period of duration the first light emitting source emits light of one wavelength, in a second time period the first light emitting source does not emit light, and in a third time period the first light emitting source emits light of another wavelength.
22. A method of manufacturing the panel of claims 1-18, comprising the steps of: cutting or moulding a first sheet of translucent or transparent material to form the first pane of material; etching a first etched line in a first direction on a planar surface of the first pane of material; and etching a second etched line in a second direction on the planar surface of the first plane of material.
23. The method of manufacture of claims 22, further comprising any one of: etching a third etched line in a third direction in between the first and second directions on the planar surface of the first pane of material; etching lines such that they intersect to form an etched cross or chevron on the planar surface of the first pane of material; etching an etched curve on the planar surface of the first pane of material; and/or wherein manufacturing the second panel of claims 17 and 18, comprises the steps of: cutting or moulding a second sheet of translucent or transparent material to form the second pane of material; etching a fourth etched line in a fourth direction on a planar surface of the second pane of material; and etching a fifth etched line in a fifth direction of a planar surface of the second plane of material; optionally stacking the second pane above or below the first pane; preferably wherein the method further comprising any one of: etching a sixth etched line in a sixth direction in between the fourth and fifth directions on the planar surface of the second pane of material; etching lines such that they intersect to form an etched cross or chevron on the planar surface of the second pane of material; etching an etched curve on the planar surface of the second pane of material.
24. The method of manufacture of any claims 22 to 23, wherein the method further 25 comprises: placing at least two light emitting sources around or in the vicinity of the perimeter of the first pane of material such that each light emitting source is in a position and location to emit light onto a separate lateral surface of the first pane of material and through the plane of the first pane of the material, and/or placing at least two light emitting sources around or in the vicinity of the perimeter of the second pane of material such that each light emitting source is in a position and location to emit light onto a separate lateral surface of the second pane of material and through the plane of the second pane of the material; preferably wherein the light emitting sources are strips of LEDs adhered to lateral surfaces of the panes of material; and/or wherein the light emitting sources are filaments or other light emitting sources located some distance from the lateral surface in a frame/housing and facing the lateral surface such that they emit light onto it; and/or the method of manufacture further comprising the step of a light blocker being placed on selected lateral surfaces of one of or both the first and second panes such that the light blocker limits light emitted onto a second pane from entering the first pane and/or such that the light blocker limits the light emitted onto a first pane from entering the second pane; and/or the method of manufacture further comprising the step of placing an outline separator layer in between the first pane and the second pane such that an opaque perimeter is aligned with a perimeter of a block of etched lines on either the first or second panes.
25. A pane configured for use in lighting displays, wherein the pane is a pane of a material configured to allow at least a portion of the spectrum of light to pass through it; wherein the pane is etched with a first line orientated in a first direction; wherein the pane is etched with a second line orientated in a second direction; preferably wherein the pane is etched with a third line oriented in a third direction, an etched cross and a chevron comprising of intersecting first and second lines and an etched curve.
26. A kit of parts for a panel to be used for a lighting display, the kit of parts comprising: a pane of a material in accordance with claim 25; a first light emitting source; a second light emitting source; preferably a second pane of material in accordance with claim 25; a third light emitting source; a fourth light emitting source.