System and method for color-changing decorative construction materials

A system and method for decorative elements having multiple visual appearances. The decorative elements may present different colors and/or other visual appearance characteristics and yet function as a durable construction material, like a traditional brick, tile or shingle. The decorative elements may receive a mechanical operation that permanently physically alters the decorative element, such as a cutting, sawing, drilling or molding operation, while the decorative element is functional to provide a controllable visual appearance both before and after the physical alteration. The decorative elements may be autonomous in that power needed to change visual appearance states can be gathered by an integrated energy harvesting device, such as a solar cell. A color chip system may be used to select decorative element features.

BACKGROUND

There has been significant innovation in the field of passive decorative construction materials that act on ambient light in interesting ways. Chief among these are panel systems that have a range of materials embedded in transparent, translucent, or opaque sheets, e.g., sheet of glass used as room partitions. The companies involved in this field include 3form and Lightblocks. The types of materials that may be embedded in such sheets include both discrete pieces (e.g., wires, grass, leaves, flowers, pebbles, etc.) as well continuous films that add color and/or graphics. Further, these products may include a range of surface treatments, such as embossed patterns, grooves, specular finishes, matte finishes and anti-reflective coatings, among others. While some of these materials can create novel effects (like dichroic films whose apparent color shifts with view angle), there is no way to actively select or change the color characteristic or other visual appearance characteristic of the material after installation.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Aspects of the invention enable dynamic control of color or other visual appearance characteristics of various types of decorative elements used as a durable construction material. That is, decorative elements in accordance with aspects of the invention may be used as a visually active, durable construction material that has a controllable visual appearance, and may be employed alongside traditional passive, durable construction materials, such as tiles, bricks, shingles, etc. As used herein, a durable construction material is a material arranged to be used in constructing a building or other structure and be exposed to conditions normally experienced by building materials, such as bearing a compressive, shear and/or tensile load (such as that experienced by a tile, brick or beam), being exposed to abrasion or other physical contact (such as scuffing by shoes, scratching by fingernails, bumping by a chair, etc.), and/or being exposed to exterior environmental conditions (such as extreme cold or heat, intense sunlight, and so on). However, unlike traditional construction materials, a durable decorative element in accordance with aspects of the invention may be controlled to provide two or more visual appearances. Thus, for example, aspects of the invention provide for a floor covering exposed to pedestrian and other wear, such as a tile, or a countertop surface exposed to the weight of plates, glasses and other items, that is capable of exhibiting multiple, different colored appearances. The decorative element may consume no power when in a visual appearance state, e.g., may provide its visual appearance based on reflected and/or transmitted light. Power, e.g., electrical power, may be required only to change the decorative element's visual appearance between stable states.

In some embodiments, the decorative elements may be controlled to exhibit a visual appearance that closely matches the appearance of adjacent passive construction materials, such as standard bricks, stone, painted wall surfaces, tiles, etc. The decorative elements may provide a more convincing, matching appearance than light emitting displays (such as a plasma display panel), e.g., because of the use of reflected and/or transmitted light to create the visual appearance. For example, the decorative element may incorporate other features, such as passive aesthetic components, including surface features like scratches, grooves, a matte or gloss finish, etc., and/or embedded materials (natural or otherwise), to help provide a desired visual appearance. Thus, for example, a decorative element in accordance with aspects of the invention, may present a visual appearance that matches natural sandstone (or other natural materials) both in color and texture. However, in some modes, the decorative element may be controlled to exhibit a visual appearance that is very different from the sandstone or other material.

In one aspect of the invention, a building material having multiple selectable visual appearance capabilities includes at least one decorative element having at least one layer of light altering material arranged to selectively transmit, absorb and/or reflect light in a wavelength range, and at least upper and lower layers of covering material arranged to cover upper and lower sides of the at least one layer of light altering material. The upper and/or lower layer of covering material may include an electrode arranged to expose light altering material to an electric field and thereby control the light altering material to selectively transmit, absorb or reflect light in the wavelength range. First and second outer protective layers may be arranged over the upper and lower layers of covering material, and a controller may electrically communicate with the electrode and provide a control signal to the electrode to create the electric field and cause the light altering material to generate a component of a visual appearance in a display area, e.g., where the light altering material is visible on the decorative element. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the decorative element is arranged to function as an exposed durable construction material, e.g., so that the decorative element may be deployed as (or as part of) a brick, tile, shingle, banner, window glazing, stair tread, table top, seating surface, window or door casing or other molding, and so on.

In one embodiment, the decorative element is an exposed durable construction material for a floor, wall, stair, ceiling, curtain wall system, counter, chair or table. The decorative element may include a passive aesthetic component permanently arranged with one of the outer protective layers or fixed between the outer protective layers so that the passive aesthetic component is visible from at least one side of the decorative element. Thus, the controller may be arranged to provide suitable control signals so that the decorative element creates a corresponding visual appearance that includes visual components provided by the passive aesthetic component and the light altering material. The passive aesthetic component may include grooves, cuts, embossing, etching, printed images or embedded materials in a surface of an outer protective layer. Embedded materials may include wire, grass, wood, twigs, leaves, flowers, shells, rocks or fibers, and the passive aesthetic component(s) may mask an electrical interconnection to an electrode or other component in the decorative element.

In one embodiment, the decorative element may be controlled to provide a visual appearance that mimics a surface of an adjacent passive construction material, such as a metal surface, a wood surface, a plastic surface, a stone surface, a tile surface or a glass surface. The visual appearance may be visually similar both from color perspective and a texture, or surface finish, perspective, e.g., a gloss finish that is similar to a glossy paint on an adjacent metal panel. The decorative element may also be controlled to produce a visual appearance that is distinct from the adjacent passive construction material. Thus, a decorative element may initially provide a glossy, red visual appearance that matches an adjacent painted metal panel (such as on a vehicle), and then be controlled to present a contrasting visual appearance, such as a glossy white.

In another aspect of the invention, a decorative element may have the layer of light altering material, the layers of covering material and the protective layers arranged to allow permanent physical alteration of one or more portions of the layers by mechanical operation so that the decorative element is functional to provide a controllable visual appearance before and after the physical alteration of one or more portions of the layers. The mechanical operation may include drilling, cutting, molding or other operations that cause the layers to take on a different, permanent physical shape. Thus, for example, a user may be able to purchase a decorative element and then customize the physical shape of the element for a particular application by cutting, drilling, molding, etc.

In another aspect of the invention, a decorative element assembly includes a decorative element with an energy harvesting device and energy storage device, so that the assembly is arranged to allow operation without physical connection for power or control. The energy harvesting device may be a solar power device that receives illumination transmitted through the light altering material, the covering material and a protective layer, so that the solar power device receives illumination only transmitted through a display area, e.g., an area where the light altering material has an affect on incident light. In this way, the solar power device may made as unobtrusive as possible. Of course, in other embodiments, the solar power device or other energy harvesting device may be arranged to receive light in the display area and/or other areas. The assembly may include a sensor, such as a motion sensor, time of day sensor, rain sensor, etc., and the controller may control the visual appearance of the decorative element based on the sensed condition.

In another aspect of the invention, a decorative element system may include at least one decorative element having a controllable visual appearance, and a set of color chips, where each color chip includes a representation of a visual appearance of the decorative element in a corresponding mode. The controller may be constructed and arranged to control the light altering material to provide the visual appearance for a color chip in response to a corresponding control signal, e.g., so that the decorative element presents a visual appearance that closely matches, or matches, the visual appearance of the color chip. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, designers and other users of the decorative elements can touch, feel and see a physical sample of a decorative element's visual appearance, or range of visual appearances, when choosing how and where the decorative element should be deployed. The user can also custom design a decorative element to have a defined set of visual appearance modes, e.g., two or more visual appearances, and the controller may control the decorative element to selectively switch between modes at desired times, e.g., in response to detected conditions, such as a crowd of people, a time of day, and so on. This feature may be used before a decorative element is deployed, or after the decorative element is deployed (e.g., used in the construction of a building) so as to allow a user the ability to change the appearance(s) of the decorative element as desired, e.g., for different events, times of year, and so on.

These and other aspects of the invention will be appreciated from the following description and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the invention are described with reference to illustrative embodiments. However, it should be understood that aspects of the invention are not limited to the illustrative embodiments described. Instead, aspects of the invention may be implemented in any suitable way. For example, embodiments below employ a cholesteric liquid crystal material as a light altering material. However, aspects of the invention are not necessarily limited to the use of a cholesteric liquid crystal material. Also, aspects of the invention may be used alone and/or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the invention.

A. Decorative Element with Active Light Altering Material and Passive Features

In one aspect of the invention, a decorative element includes active, changeable light altering materials together with other components to create a robust decorative system that can be used like other construction materials. In these illustrative embodiments, the “light altering material” (LAM) has several key characteristics. First, the LAM acts on light from another source (e.g., sunlight or artificial lighting). Thus, the LAM is not a light emissive material. Second, the LAM can withstand substantial mechanical stress and physical deformation and yet maintain the ability to operate as intended. Third, the LAM is reasonably efficient in its light altering characteristic (i.e., may have a relatively high reflectivity and/or transmission) so that the visual appearance of the decorative element can be perceived under normal outdoor light conditions. There are several different types of material that may be used as a LAM in embodiments in accordance with aspects of the invention. One embodiment is a flexible encapsulated cholesteric liquid crystal (ChLC) material produced using the Polymerization Induced Phase Separation (PIPS) technique (developed by Kent Displays, Inc. and others). Other embodiments include: other encapsulated liquid crystal materials (in particular stacked Guest-Host types), encapsulated electrowetting devices and encapsulated opalescent photonic crystal devices. In order to be used practically, in many embodiments these typically somewhat delicate light altering materials must be protected and rendered into a standard form—usually a sheet. The individual LAM sections within a decorative element would typically be of moderate size—typically ranging from about 1×1 inches to 10's of inches along each of two dimension—although it is conceivable that very large sections measuring many feet on a side could be used. In one embodiment, the LAM is a liquid crystal material that does not require a polarizing element to function.

The element could contain a combination of light altering material section(s) along with fixed, passive aesthetic materials and treatments. Some of the fixed aesthetic materials could be embedded within the element, including both discrete pieces (wires, grass, leaves, flowers, pebbles, etc.) as well as films or other layers that add color and/or graphics. Further, a range of outer surface treatments could be employed, including: embossed patterns, grooves, specular finishes, matte finishes and anti-reflective coatings. Herein, these embedded materials and surface treatments are referred to as “passive aesthetic elements or components.” (PAEC) This aspect of the invention enables dynamic control of color altering material sections of a decorative element while retaining the benefits of the passive aesthetic elements or components.

FIG. 1shows a schematic view of a decorative element1in an illustrative embodiment. The decorative element1includes a light altering material layer3, such as a cholesteric liquid crystal material having a thickness of about 10 microns, encased with upper and lower covering material layer(s)6. These covering material layers6may be made of any suitable material or materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and have any suitable thickness, such as 25 microns. Although not shown, at least one covering material layer6includes one or more electrodes to provide a control signal to the light altering material layer3, so as to change the optical properties of the light altering material3, e.g., to reflect, absorb and/or transmit light of a specific wavelength or range of wavelengths. (By “including” an electrode, it is meant that the electrode may be arranged on and in contact with either side of the covering layer, above and out of contact with the covering layer, e.g., with an intervening adhesive or other layer, or within the covering layer.) The electrodes, associated leads and other control components may be connected to a controller (not shown) by an interconnection5, such as one or more wires, conductive traces or other leads formed by printing, etc. The control of light altering materials is well known in the art and not discussed in detail herein. In this embodiment, the decorative element1also includes a front outer protective layer2and a rear outer protective layer4. The protective layers2and4may be made of any suitable material or materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and may have a thickness of several millimeters. The protective layers may be integrated with the covering layers, e.g., made together as a single sheet, if desired.

One illustrative method process for creating/assembling the layers of the decorative element1is as follows. It should be noted that the process may depend on which type of light altering material is used. The following steps assume that encapsulated cholesteric liquid crystal material produced using the Polymerization Induced Phase Separation (PIPS). Typically, a mixture of polymer and appropriate cholesteric liquid crystal materials are initially mixed in a highly controlled ratio—this ratio determines many of the device fabrication and operating parameters. This mixture is then pressed between two covering material layers using lamination equipment. Plastic spacer balls may be added to the mixture to set the initial thickness of the polymer/ChLC layer between the covering layers. The polymer is then typically polymerized using UV radiation. During this time, the ChLC materials form into droplets separated by the solidified polymer that forms an encapsulating matrix of sorts around the ChLC drops. The intensity and length of the UV exposure help to determine the characteristics of the encapsulation. In one method, additional light altering material layers may be fabricated by the same technique, but using different ChLC materials tuned to alter different regions of the visible spectrum (i.e. red, green, blue, etc.). If required, several different light altering materials may be laminated together using high quality adhesives and heat and/or pressure. At this point in the manufacturing process, the light altering material is effectively functional. To be made into a robust construction material, the outer protective layers are added (although it is possible for the protective layers to be combined with covering layers). Typically, the light altering material layer(s) are laminated to the front outer protective layer using pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), which depending on the complexity and size may be done by hand or machine. The interface between the covering layer and protective layer, if present, is critical because the light altering properties must be transferred through the interface; so care must be taken to avoid particulates, air bubbles or other observable defects. At this stage, or optionally before, interconnections may be added to the element, e.g., at the rear side covering layer. After interconnections are complete, the rear outer protective layer(s) can be attached. The method for doing so depends on the desired properties for the decorative element: a thin, flexible layer may be laminated using PSA and rollers. However, a thicker, rigid layer may require specialized equipment like an industrial autoclave to bond the rigid components together.

The completed decorative element1may be deployed in a variety of applications, as discussed in more detail below. For example, the decorative element1may be applied as a skin or exposed layer to an underlying structural material or element, such as a table top, floor underlayment, vertical wall sheathing, and so on. Alternately, the decorative element1may be arranged provide a more structural role, e.g., as a brick, beam, tension panel, etc.

FIG. 2shows a schematic side view of a decorative element1constructed with multiple light altering layers3a,3b,3cwithin covering material layers6. In this embodiment, the light altering layers3are in a stacked configuration and may each alter a different portion of the visible spectrum. In one particular case, light altering layer3amay affect the blue portion of the spectrum; light altering layer3bmay affect the green portion of the spectrum; and light altering layer3cmay affect the red portion of the spectrum. Thus, the element1may be able to provide differently colored visual appearances by the interaction of light reflected from and/or transmitted through the layers3. This assembly is further encased by a front outer protective layer2and a rear outer protective layer4. The light altering material layers3a,3b,3care electrically connected to a element controller15by interconnections8,9. More specifically, interconnection8connects the electrodes that expose each light altering layer to an electric field to interconnection9that in turn connects to controller15. In one embodiment, an adhesive7may be used to secure the interconnection8,9as well as seal the edge of the element1. (Adhesive may be used to bond covering layers6together as well, if needed. For example, each light altering layer3may be assembled with top and bottom covering layers6to form an encapsulated light altering layer3. The encapsulated light altering layers3may then be joined together, e.g., by adhesively bonding adjacent covering layers6for the light altering layers to form the laminated structure shown inFIG. 2. Thus, although adhesive is not shown in various embodiments for assembling the light altering layers3, the use of adhesives or other bonding techniques is possible.) Additionally, the element controller15may be connected to a higher level system control (that may include a power supply) using interconnection14. The higher level system control (not shown) may therefore provide power to the element controller15as well as provide control signals used by the element controller15to change the properties of the light altering material3to cause the decorative element1to provide a desired visual appearance. The element controller15may be a custom ChLC driver and controller with the ability to drive large “pixel” areas from Kent Displays, Inc., and the higher level system control may be a Sunlite Easy Stand Alone DMX controller by Nicolaudie.

As is known, the light altering material may be changed in state to provide different visual appearances for the decorative element1by exposing the light altering material to different electric fields. The electrodes used to provide the electric field(s) may have any suitable size and/or shape, and in some cases a single decorative element1may have only one electrode on either side of the light altering material so that all of the light altering material in the decorative element is changed in state based on a single control signal. In other embodiments, the decorative element may have several electrodes, but in general, the pixel area for each electrode will be relatively large, e.g., 1×1 inches or larger. Thus, it is possible for a decorative element (and/or an array of two or more decorative elements with suitable, coordinated control) to present a visual appearance that varies across different areas of the light altering material, e.g., to display text, logos or other similar information.

Passive aesthetic components may be combined with a decorative element in any suitable way to provide desired visual appearance characteristics.FIG. 3shows a section of a decorative element1constructed with multiple light altering layers3a,3b,3cwithin covering material layers6, and front outer protective layers2a,2band a rear outer protective layer4. (Although the term “protective” is used to refer to the layers2aand2b, it is not required that both layers provide a protection function for the element1. Instead, only one layer, such as layer2a, may provide a protection role, and the other layer, layer2b, may operate as an aesthetic component.) In this embodiment, the front outer protective layers2a,2binclude one or more passive aesthetic elements or components. In particular, the front outer protective layer2ais shown with grooves in its outer surface to create a specific aesthetic effect, e.g., possibly a lenticular lens effect. Further, the front outer protective layer2bis shown with element embedded within it to create a specific aesthetic effect. As discussed above, passive aesthetic elements embedded in a decorative element (whether in or on the surface of the protective layers or positioned entirely within the protective layers) may be any suitable material, such as leaves, wire, stones, jewels, paper, photographs, etc. An adhesive7, thermal welding, or other techniques/materials may be used to bond the layers of the element1together as well as secure passive aesthetic components to the protective layer(s). Alternately, passive aesthetic elements may be molded into the protective layer(s), such as that shown in the layer2b, or otherwise associated with the protective layer(s) in any suitable way. The passive aesthetic elements maybe visible from one or both sides of the decorative element1, and thus may contribute to an overall visual appearance of the decorative element1together with the light altering material3.

Passive aesthetic components may be employed to hide or otherwise mask portions of the light altering layers and/or other portions of the element1and provide a desired visual appearance.FIG. 4shows a section of a decorative element1constructed with multiple light altering layers3a,3b,3cwithin covering material layers6and a front outer protective layer2and a rear outer protective layer4b. In this embodiment, front outer protective layer2is relatively thick (and possibly rigid) while rear outer protective layer4bis relatively thin and flexible. Additionally, the light altering material layers3a,3b,3care shown in a limited region within the larger outer protective layers2,4b. An outer protective layer2chas been printed (or otherwise applied) onto front outer protective layer2so as to be generally present in the regions of the element1not within light altering material region (or display area—an area of visual presentation where the light altering material has an affect on light). There may be a slight overlap between outer protective layer2cand the light altering material region to cover any irregularity that might occur at the edges of the light altering material layers3a,3b,3c. An adhesive7and/or other techniques or materials may be used to bond the layers of the element1together.

FIG. 5is a front (observer's) side view of theFIG. 4embodiment, showing that the light altering layer3is visually exposed within a limited region or display area. In this embodiment, the outer protective layer2c(that shows the image of a flower) has been printed (or otherwise applied) onto front outer protective layer2and functions as a masking element, e.g., so as to generally cover the regions of the element1not within light altering material region. In this way, as the light altering materials change colors, the center of the flower will appear to change color. Of course, the front outer protective layer2may more substantially overlap the light altering material region, if desired. There is an overlapping region3dbetween outer protective layer2cand the light altering material region that is shown in the magnified inset drawing. The light altering material region that is exposed for viewing, i.e., that contributes to the visual appearance, is referred to as the display area. As noted previously, this overlap region3dmay be used to cover any irregularities that might occur at the edges of the light altering material layer3. The larger printed region2cmay be used to mask any necessary electrical connections8,9. These connections may include interconnection8that connects the electrodes that expose each light altering layer to an electric field to interconnection9that in turn connects to a controller (not shown).

FIG. 6shows a section of a decorative element1constructed with light altering material layers3within a limited region within the larger front outer protective layers2, e.g., like that inFIGS. 4 and 5. This assembly is further encased by a front outer protective layer2and a rear outer protective layer4b. In this embodiment, front outer protective layer2is relatively thick (and possibly rigid) while rear outer protective layer4bis relatively thin and flexible. An outer protective layer2chas been printed (or otherwise applied) onto front outer protective layer2so as to generally cover the regions of the element1not within light altering material region. This embodiment shows how the printed outer protective layer2cmay be used to mask interconnections8,9as well as controller15that is shown attached to the rear of the element1. This particular case also shows how rear outer protective layer(s)4bmay be selectively applied over the region(s) with light altering materials (as opposed to the entire area of the element). Additionally, the element controller15may be connected to a higher level system control (that may include a power supply) using interconnection14.

B. Element with Ability to Blend with Adjacent Passive Materials—Stealth

Another aspect of the invention is the capability to use the dynamic color control feature of a decorative element to “blend in” with adjacent materials. In this way, the decorative elements could adopt a kind of “stealth” mode. This might be accomplished by directly matching in color the material bordering the dynamic region thus visually blurring the border between the two. Alternatively, the dynamic regions could follow a pattern (like a series of colored stripes) established across a larger installation of elements thus “fitting into” the pattern. Then, the dynamic section(s) could “emerge” from this “stealth” mode by changing its color characteristic. This could be done quickly—for “shock” value—or more slowly for a subtle effect. This could give designers a new type of control over tangible objects.

FIG. 7shows a front (observer's) side view of an embodiment of a decorative element1in the form of a portion of a terrazzo floor. Dynamic light altering material regions (or display areas)52are shown set within a larger field of passive material regions51athat is further decorated by contrasting traditional decoratively shaped inset regions51. The regions51aand51may be formed by paint, a solid plastic, tile, and/or any other suitable material. Additionally, interconnections50between the display areas52and a control system (not shown) are shown as hidden beneath the opaque surface of the passive material regions51a. The “stealth” effect could be accomplished in this case by first having the control system set the appearance of the dynamic light altering material regions52to match that of the larger field of passive material51a. This could cause the light altering material regions52to blend together visually and effectively “disappear.” Then, the control system could change the appearance of the dynamic regions52, thus causing them to “appear” again, possibly in a fashion aesthetically coordinated with the traditional regions51.

FIG. 8shows an observer's side view of an embodiment of a decorative element1in the form of a window sash. In this particular case, it is imagined that the element1works in a transmissive mode with an ambient light source on the side opposite the observer (possibly the sun outside the building in which the window is installed). Light altering material display areas52are shown as panes set within a window frame53along with traditional glass panes51that may or may not be colored or otherwise adorned. The operation of the “stealth” effect could be similar to the preceding case inFIG. 7. However, in this case, the visual appearance of the decorative element1would be accomplished using transmitted light.

C. Element used as Durable Construction Material

In one aspect of the invention, a decorative element may serve as a durable construction material (DCM) in a variety of applications. In a general sense, this is in strong contrast to the type of special treatments that must be used to install traditional display technologies in a public space or high traffic area. These relatively fragile components (like plasma or backlit LCD screens) must typically be mounted with specialized hardware and, if they are accessible to touch or other contact, further enclosed in protective casings. The implicit goal of this aspect of the invention is to create a decorative element much more akin to a sheet of plywood or other construction material than a plasma display.

There are two important features of an embodiment in accordance with this aspect of the invention that allow a decorative element to serve as a durable construction material. First, it is able to bear a functional load and yet retain its ability to operate as intended. Such a load could be substantially in excess of that required to support itself, and may be a dynamic load and/or a static load. Depending on the configuration of the layers of the decorative element, the load could be compressive, shear, tensile or some combination. This property will allow the decorative element to be used to construct a wide variety of objects, furnishings, and structures. Additionally, it will also be able to withstand (during operation) the bumps, scrapes, and impacts of everyday use in a high traffic environment. Thus, a decorative element in this aspect of the invention may be exposed to, and withstand such that visual appearance functionality is maintained, conditions normally experienced by building materials, such as bearing a compressive, shear and/or tensile load (such as that experienced by a tile, brick or beam), being exposed to abrasion or other physical contact (such as scuffing by shoes, scratching by fingernails, bumping by a chair, etc.), and/or being exposed to exterior environmental conditions (such as extreme cold or heat, intense sunlight, and so on).

The second feature is the decorative element's ability to take the form of, or be integrated with, a variety of traditional construction components. These forms include: floor tiling, wall cladding/siding, shingling, wall tiling, bricks, and molding (e.g., door and window casings, chair rails, baseboard, etc.). In this way, decorative elements could be installed using similar (perhaps nearly identical) techniques to that of its traditional construction material analog. This property could also help to enhance the blending/stealth property mentioned earlier by allowing the outward form to also serve as a type of camouflage, if desired. For example, several dynamic, decorative element bricks may be set among an entire wall of traditional bricks, all using the same joints and mortar.

This aspect of the invention may also tend to make installed decorative elements less susceptible to vandalism and/or theft. This may work in two or more ways. First, such elements may be installed in a way so that the elements are physically difficult to remove. Secondly, the elements may not be perceived like an expensive electronic component (i.e., like a plasma display screen hung in a locked steel frame at a bus shelter), but more like a standard paver, brick or shingle.

FIG. 9shows one illustrative embodiment of a section of decorative elements1in the form of floor tiles. The elements1may be installed in typical manner for flooring with an adhesive42bonding the elements1to an underlayment layer43that is further attached to the floor34. In such an embodiment, the elements1must be able to withstand the forces45associated with people walking on them and other conditions common to floors. In particular, high compressive loads may be generated by foot traffic (e.g., by high heeled shoes), furnishings, maintenance equipment, etc. Additionally, the elements1must hold up under the typical abrasion, cleaning and general wear and tear to which flooring is subjected.

FIG. 10shows another illustrative embodiment of a decorative element1in the form of a banner. The element1may be installed in a typical manner for such a banner with cables36attached though holes36ain the element1. The banner element1may be held taut by tension placed on the cables from their attachment points to a wall, ceiling or other support (not shown). In such an embodiment, the element1must be able to withstand the substantial tensile forces46associated with such an arrangement. In this case, the element may also be subjected to additional forces, including wind loads if the element is an exposed environment.

FIG. 11shows another embodiment in which a decorative element1functions as a table top surface. The element1is installed in typical manner for a table with legs48resting on the floor34. In such an embodiment, the element1must be able to withstand the forces47associated with the use of a table. In particular, loads placed in the middle of the table may subject the element1to significant bending forces. Additionally, the element must hold up under the typical wear and tear to which a table is subjected. In another embodiment, the element1may be provided on the top surface of a traditional table, e.g., so that the element1need not provide the structural support for the table top and objects placed on the table, but rather provides only the top surface of the table with structural support being supplied by another member, such as a sheet of plywood.

FIG. 12shows a sectional view of a decorative element1constructed with multiple light altering layers3a,3b,3cwithin covering material layers6. This assembly is further encased by a front outer protective layer2and a rear outer protective layer4a. In this embodiment, the rear outer protective layer4ahas a special profile designed to enhance its structural properties. The choice of outer layers with such properties could greatly increase an element's ability to withstand particular forces likely to be encountered in operation as a durable construction material. In this case shown, the profile of the rear outer protective layer4amay enable the table top element ofFIG. 11withstand the bending forces it is likely to encounter.

FIG. 13shows a section view of another embodiment in which decorative elements1are arranged as floor tiles. The elements1are installed in typical manner for flooring with an adhesive42bonding them to an underlayment layer43that is further attached to the floor34. The tile elements1are created by encasing a light altering material layer3with a front outer protective layer2and a rear outer protective layer4that is bonded to the floor34as described. In this case, the form and appearance of traditional floor tiles could be closely mimicked by the elements, including a grout like material49placed between them. The required interconnections50could be effectively hidden by the grout material49.

FIG. 14shows a section view of another embodiment in which decorative elements1are arranged in the form of window panes. The elements are installed in typical manner for windows with divided lights within a frame53(e.g., mullions) that may also hold traditional panes51. In this case, the form and appearance of traditional panes could be closely mimicked by hiding the required interconnections54behind the flange section of the frame53. Depending on the configuration, it is possible that specially designed controllers55could also be hidden by the frame53. Alternatively, additional interconnections could be run along the frame to an area where a controller (not shown) may be located.

FIG. 15shows another embodiment in which a decorative element1is arranged in the form of a shingle. The element is installed in a typical manner for shingling with a mechanical fastener56(such as a nail) attaching to the underlying surface (e.g., traditional sheathing). The shingle element1is created by encasing a light altering material layer3within outer protective layers2(with the covering layers being integrated with the protective layers). In this case, the form and appearance of a traditional shingle could be closely mimicked by the element being applied among other traditional shingles57. Note that the light altering region3need not extend under the area covered by the topping shingles57. Additionally, the controller40could be hidden in the area beneath the shingle element.

FIG. 16shows a section view of the decorative element1fromFIG. 15. As above, the element1is installed in a typical manner for shingling with a mechanical fastener56attaching to the underlying surface34through an underlayment layer43. The shingle element1is created by encasing a light altering material layer3within outer protective layers2. In this case, the form and appearance of a traditional shingle could be closely mimicked by the element1having the same dimensions of the traditional shingles57. The controller40is shown hidden in the area beneath the shingle element and the required interconnection58passes through the outer protective layer2. In an additional embodiment, the shingle-type decorative element1can become an autonomous unit with the inclusion of an energy harvesting device16and an energy storage device (not shown, but possibly included with the controller40). It is envisioned that the energy harvesting device16in this case is a photovoltaic cell and that solar radiation would pass through the light altering material layer3. However, other energy harvesting devices16, such as those generating electrical power from movement, chemical reactions, etc., can be used.

FIG. 17shows another illustrative embodiment of a decorative element1in the form of a brick. The element1may be installed in a typical manner among other traditional bricks57in a wall or floor. The brick-type decorative element1in this case is created by encasing a light altering material layer3within outer protective layers2,4. Additionally, a controller40could be hidden in an area beneath the light altering material layer3. In an alternative embodiment, the brick element1can become an autonomous unit with the inclusion of an energy harvesting device and an energy storage device (not shown in this view).

FIG. 18shows the brick-type decorative element1ofFIG. 17in a section view. As above, the element is installed in a typical manner for a brick paver among other traditional bricks57bedded on an underlayment layer43above the ground34or other support. The brick element1is created by encasing a light altering material layer3within a front outer protective layer2and a rear outer protective layer4. In this case, an additional space is created above the rear outer protective layer4. In this space, a controller40and an energy storage device40a(e.g., a battery or capacitor) may be located along with required interconnections9a,17a. With the inclusion of an energy harvesting device16, the brick element1can become an autonomous unit which could be particularly useful in this form. As above, it is envisioned that the energy harvesting device16in this case is a photovoltaic cell, but could take other arrangements. As discussed above, the brick-type decorative element1may be arranged to withstand the forces, impacts, abrasion and other environmental conditions common to bricks, particularly those located on a floor.

FIG. 19shows a top view of another embodiment in which a decorative element1is arranged in the form of a café table top. Dynamic light altering material regions52are shown set within the table surface62. Depending upon the desired effect, reflective and/or transmissive modes could be employed. The table could be supported by a central pedestal63or other suitable support. Beneath or within the table top, a controller40may be placed so as to be largely hidden from view. In a further embodiment including energy harvesting and storage devices, the table could function as an autonomous unit.

FIG. 20shows another embodiment in which a decorative element1is arranged as a seating surface of a chair. The element1may be shaped a typical chair, e.g., with legs48resting on a floor34. In this case, element1is formed from a single piece into a chair with a continuously curved seat and back, but may be arranged in other ways, such as having distinct seat and back portions. A controller40may be placed beneath the seat or otherwise so as to be largely hidden from view. In a further embodiment including energy harvesting and storage devices, the chair could function as an autonomous unit.

A further aspect of the invention is the ability of a decorative element to undergo a mechanical operation to change its form in a manner similar to other building materials. Such mechanical operations could include cutting, sawing, drilling, scoring, partial layer removal, molding, etc. to effect permanent change in decorative element. For example, an element could have several holes drilled through it to allow for mounting. These holes could be drilled directly through the light altering material sections without a loss of functionality. Further, an element could be cut and/or then bent to form a complex 3D shapes while maintaining dynamic properties to generate multiple visual appearances.

For example,FIG. 21shows a decorative element1that includes a light altering material layer3within outer protective layers2. The light altering material layer3may be electrically connected to a controller (not shown) by interconnection5so as to control the appearance state of the element1. In this embodiment, the assembled element has undergone a mechanical operation by the cutting away of two regions18. Note the cutting has included part of the light altering material layer3. The element1may retain its functionality by way of several possible mechanisms. For example, the light altering material3and other components of the element1may be made in a solid form such that cutting away portions of the element1does not cause the release of such material (as would be the case with a standard LCD display) or otherwise permanent damage to the device. In other embodiments, the light altering material3may be encased in cells, compartments or other arrangements so that cutting, drilling, etc. may damage one or more cells, yet permit remaining cells to function properly.

FIG. 22shows another a decorative element1that has undergone a mechanical operation by the drilling of holes19. Note the drilling has included part of the light altering material layer3. These holes19may be used to physically support the element1, e.g., on a wall, to reveal visual elements located behind the element1, and/or for any other suitable reason. For example,FIG. 23shows a decorative element1having holes to form decorative patterns21, e.g., made by a mechanical punching operation. Note the punching has included part of the light altering material layer3.

FIG. 24shows a decorative element1that has undergone a mechanical operation by the bending of a portion22of the element. Note the bending has included part of the light altering material layer3. The element1may elastically and/or plastically resist the bending operation such that the element1may recover (partially or completely) to a starting shape upon release of the bending forces. In another embodiment, the element1may be molded to permanently take a bent or otherwise deformed state relative to a starting shape (e.g., a flat sheet form). For example,FIG. 25shows a decorative element1that has undergone a mechanical operation of molding by which the element1is permanently formed into a complex 2D (or 3D) shape defined by a mold22a. Molding may be done by heating the element1to a suitable temperature before and/or after applying physical molding force by press, rolling or otherwise. This aspect of the invention is not limited to any particular shape, andFIG. 26shows an illustrative complex 3D shape for a decorative element. Depending on the desired shape, different mechanical operations could be employed, including: using complex computer generated forms22b, thin profile elements, and elements created from strips or other geometric units. This embodiment is intended to indicate that almost any form might be created and that CAD design tools and CNC type tooling could be readily applied.

E. Element as Part of Autonomous System

A further aspect of the invention is the ability of a decorative element to be configured to not require any connection to an external power or control source. This “autonomous operation” configuration could be very useful in remote installations, temporary installations, or those requiring frequent rearrangement, among others. In the first case, one could use decorative elements1in a hanging mobile or other kinetic application requiring free movement. The second case, one could quickly install a series of elements in an atrium for a promotional activity without having to run expensive and/or unsightly wiring. Finally, outdoor furniture, like café tables that need to be moved and stored periodically could benefit from not having to plug in to an electrical power source, yet still have the ability to change visual appearance on demand, randomly, or at some other control.

Another variation on this capability is shown in some of the building components (like shingles and bricks) in the previous section. For these formats to achieve the usability of their traditional analogs, the decorative element1should also be stand alone units without specialized wiring. In this way, a mason could have a stack of autonomous dynamic decorative element brick next to other standard bricks and simply include the brick-type decorative elements in a wall as the design indicates without any special equipment or other trade's involvement.

The most likely embodiment of such decorative elements1may include integrated photovoltaic cells as an energy source, an energy storage device, such as a battery, and a special low power controller. The solar cell approach is well suited to this application as most installations will be in areas of moderate to high ambient lighting, up to and including direct sun light (particularly because the decorative elements1are not light-emitting). Other energy harvesting methods are also possible. Further, as most of the light altering methods envisioned (including the PIPS cholesteric embodiment) do not consume power unless they are changing visual appearance states, the decorative elements1may have a very low average power consumption that is compatible with small integrated solar cells. Finally, if the stored power became depleted, the dynamic element could simply stay in its current state until additional charging took place. Thus, due to its non-emissive nature, the decorative element1would not “go out” or fail to have at least some visual appearance.

The controller of such an autonomous system could operate in several different ways. In one example, the controller could play through a timed sequence of visual appearance states without any other inputs. In another case, the controller could respond to input from an integrated sensor (e.g., detecting motion, CO2 levels, temperature, time of day, etc.) and cause the element(s) to change accordingly. In another case, the controller has wireless communication capability and could thus adopt some combination of the previous modes as well as be controlled remotely as part of a larger system. For example, a decorative element or collection of elements may receive wireless control signals from a “clicker” or other handheld control device, allowing a user to selectively set the appearance state for the element(s).

FIG. 27shows an edge of a decorative element1constructed with multiple light altering layers3a,3b,3cwithin covering material layers6. This assembly is further encased by a front outer protective layer2and a rear outer protective layer4. The light altering material layers3a,3b,3care electrically connected to a specialized element controller13by interconnections8. In this embodiment, the element may be used as an autonomous unit due to the inclusion of an energy harvesting device16and an energy storage device40a. It is envisioned that the energy harvesting device16in this case is a photovoltaic cell that is connected with an energy storage device40ato the specialized controller13by interconnect17. An adhesive7may be used to secure the interconnections8,17and controller13as well as seal the edge of the element1. In an optional configuration, the element controller13may be connected to a higher level system control using wireless communication. Another option could include a sensor(s) to help govern the control of the element1.

F. Method to Control Using Color Chip System

One aspect of the invention is to enable design professionals (architects, interior decorators, industrial designers, furniture makers, etc.) to use the decorative elements in a way in which they are already familiar when choosing paint or other building materials. When specifying material and color choices, designers are accustomed to being able to see (and handle) physical samples. Another aspect of the invention enables this sort of familiar experience with the dynamic decorative elements, both before the decorative elements are deployed (as is the case when choosing paint or other traditional, passive materials) and after the decorative elements are deployed (which is impossible with passive materials, unless the materials are removed and/or replaced).

In one embodiment, a set of physical “paint chips” or other color samples formed by a solid material or a painted surface on a carrier may be created to show the possible dynamic color choices for decorative elements1. The designer could thus examine the options and compare them to other traditional material samples in order to reach a decision about what colors to employ with the dynamic elements. Such decisions could be made after one or more decorative elements have been deployed, e.g., where the designer wishes to change the visual appearance(s) that the decorative element(s) exhibit in one or more modes, or prior to deploying the decorative element(s). Use of the “color chip” system could provide a more accurate representation of the actual aesthetic of the dynamic elements due to the same color experience of the observer (i.e., a reflective color sensation as opposed to the emissive (or backlit) nature of the computer monitor.) Practically, this is also a technique to present the available palette, realizing that all colors shown on a computer monitor may not be achievable in the element—just as all computer images cannot be printed accurately due to differences between the devices' color gamuts and other variations. The color chips could be calibrated to provide a reasonably accurate representation of the decorative elements' actual color characteristics. Further, the chips could also have the same sort of surface treatment (shiny, matte, frosted, etc.) that is being specified for the actual installation. More generally, the color chips could include any passive aesthetic elements or components that the user feels are important to give an accurate representation. These chips could be created using a number of methods, including: printing, painting, pigmented films or actual light altering material left in a particular state. Finally, they may be designed to represent a reflective system, a transmissive system or both.

Normally, the decorative elements are configured to be controlled to present a plurality of different visual appearances, e.g., all of the colors or other appearance types in a set of color chips. Thus, a deployed decorative element could be controlled in different ways to present different visual appearances. For example, a decorative element may be controlled to present a particular visual appearance during winter days and another visual appearance during winter nights. Once spring arrives, a designer may wish to change the visual appearance of the decorative element during day and night. To do so, the designer may select an appearance from a set of color chips, one for day and another for night. The decorative element controller may then be provided with suitable control signals so as to replace the winter day/night visual appearances with the new spring day/night visual appearances. In another embodiment, the decorative elements could be specially configured to present only a limited number of visual appearances. For example, before a decorative element is deployed, a designer may select two or more visual appearances and based on the selected appearances, the decorative element may be specially programmed or otherwise made or configured to present only the selected visual appearances.

Choices of decorative element visual appearances could be made using a simple and intuitive computer interface to allow the designer to pick among options on the screen that correspond to the physical “chips.” For example, the physical chips could have a number or other identifier that could be entered into or selected on the computer user interface. This interface could also show a “visualizer” mock-up of the decorative element layout that would represent the color choices as they are made. (Again, although the term “color choice” is used, this refers to a choice of visual appearance, which may include a color component as well as surface texture, etc.) This might be particularly useful where several different decorative elements are to be used in an area, and the decorative elements are arranged to coordinate with adjacent passive materials and/or each other. Thus, for example, a designer could create a layout of several decorative elements together with passive materials of any desired shape or configuration on a computer. The visual appearances for the decorative elements could be selected based on the color chip identifications, and then displayed on the computer. Once a set of choices was complete, the visualizer could play through the chosen sequence for review. In this way, the control system of the invention could combine the advantages of both tangible materials and virtual imagery.

Once the selection process is complete, the user interface could generate and send suitable control signals to a controller for a set of deployed decorative elements so as to change the control arrangement to provide the newly selected visual appearances, or in the case that selections are made before deployment, the user interface could generate and provide a detailed listing of the decorative elements, their various passive aesthetic element details and other construction and/or programming information, as needed.

FIG. 28shows an illustrative embodiment of a color selection system70. Although the terms “color selection” and “color chip” are used, it should be understood that the system70may be used to select any feature of visual appearances for a decorative element, such as surface finish (matte, gloss or other), color, degree of opacity or translucency, size, shape or other configuration of aesthetic elements (such as embedded materials), and so on. Once provided with a set of physical color chips, a user may examine the color chips71that represent potential color states or other visual appearance characteristics of the decorative elements1. The color chips71may be compared to a sample72of a traditional material (such as stone, wood, brick, etc.) to enable aesthetic coordination. When a choice is made, the selection can be entered in the system through a user interface74as part of specialized software operating on a computer73. In particular, the user interface74may show a palette of possible color choices that correspond to the physical paint chips71and a virtual layout that could be set to correspond to the user's desired application75. As an example, the user interface74could operate much like Microsoft Paint or a similar program that allows the user to define the shape and relative size of decorative elements, as well as define the visual appearance of the elements from a multi-choice palette and the location of decorative elements in a layout, e.g., with other passive building materials. As selections are made, the virtual layout may change to represent those selections. The user interface74could also be operated to change the visual appearance state of the decorative elements1according to the defined scheme, helping the designer to visualize the effects of the different visual appearance states. The system70could thus enable an accurate representation of both the dynamic elements1and the traditional material76as they may be configured in an actual application75, such as tile-type decorative elements1and traditional tiles76in a floor layout application75. This may enable a user to control the new dynamic material in a relatively familiar and accurate manner.

G. Overlapping Decorative Elements

In another embodiment of the invention, some portions of a decorative element could physically overlap one another to provide a visual appearance in the overlapping areas that is contributed to by both of the decorative elements. For example, two overlapping portions may each have their own respective color (e.g., blue and yellow), providing a combined appearance (a green color) in the overlapped region. In another example, applicable elements could be “woven” together to create a series of multiple overlapping regions. This “lattice” type arrangement could be visually compelling.

FIG. 29shows a decorative element1created so that the light altering material layer regions3overlap one another in a desired manner (in this case, to give the appearance of overlapping rings). In the overlapping regions, the visual appearance could include contributions from both light altering material layers. The resulting effect would depend on which mode (reflective and/or transmissive) was employed.

FIG. 30shows an embodiment in which multiple decorative elements are woven together. This assembly consists of strip like decorative elements running in a horizontal direction25woven together with strip-like decorative elements running in a vertical direction26. In this embodiment, the woven elements25,26create a visually compelling system regardless of the scale of the elements. In the overlapping regions, the visual appearance could include contributions from both elements. As above, the resulting effect would depend on which mode was employed; however, the transmissive mode may hold the greater promise for such a configuration.