Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an array of lighting modules organized in an alternating grid-like pattern. Each lighting module includes a pair of opposing light-emitting sides and a pair of opposing light-obstructing (e.g., light-reflecting) sides. Each lighting module in the grid-like pattern is mounted transversely to the lighting modules that are adjacent to it. As a result, each lighting module in the array illuminates the light-obstructing sides of lighting modules that are adjacent to its light-emitting sides.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to apparatus and methods for providing visually captivating lighting effects. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     Signage and other visual elements are used extensively in today&#39;s world to convey information, provide entertainment, and/or establish a particular mood or ambiance. As technology has improved, so has the sophistication of signage and other visual elements. For example, improvements in areas such as light generation (e.g., LEDs as opposed to incandescent bulbs) and lighting controls have enabled significant advances in signage and other visual elements. Signage displaying static content has given way to or been enhanced by more advanced signage capable of displaying moving images and/or other dynamic or changing content. This is evident in the billboard industry where conventional static billboards have given way to electronic billboards capable of displaying myriad types of static and/or dynamic content. 
     In some cases, lighting elements such as flashing lights, colored lights, color-changing lights, cove lighting, indirect lighting, or the like may be used to create special lighting effects to capture an audiences&#39; attention and thereby captivate, entertain, or convey information. Coves or other structures or shapes may be used in conjunction with lighting to create an extensive range of lighting effects to capture the attention or to create a particular mood or atmosphere. Used correctly, lighting and other visual elements may be used to heighten a sense of drama in a particular space or structure or make a space or structure feel brighter or more inviting. Lighting may also be used to enhance or highlight particular details of buildings, landscapes, or other structures. 
     As with most fields of endeavor, improvements or variations are constantly sought after by those of skill in the art. For example, new types of signage, visual elements, or lighting effects are desired to captivate, entertain, convey information, establish mood or ambiance, or provide a desired experience. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art and, in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available apparatus and methods. Accordingly, apparatus and methods in accordance with the invention have been developed to provide visually captivating lighting effects. The features and advantages of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     Consistent with the foregoing, an apparatus is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an array of lighting modules organized in an alternating grid-like pattern. Each lighting module includes a pair of opposing light-emitting sides and a pair of opposing light-obstructing (e.g., light-reflecting) sides. Each lighting module in the grid-like pattern is mounted transversely to the lighting modules that are adjacent to it. As a result, each lighting module in the array illuminates the light-obstructing sides of lighting modules that are adjacent to its light-emitting sides. 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the invention includes an array of lighting modules organized in an alternating grid-like pattern. Each lighting module includes a tent-like structure that emits light from ends thereof, while reflecting light from sides thereof. Each lighting module in the grid-like pattern is mounted transversely to the lighting modules that are adjacent to it. As a result, each lighting module in the array illuminates sides of the lighting modules that are adjacent to its light-emitting ends. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a frame for supporting various lighting modules to provide a lighting array in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an array (or sub-array or panel) of lighting modules in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the array of  FIG. 2 , except that each lighting module includes a translucent or transparent material covering its light-emitting ends or sides; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the array showing how light emitted from each lighting module is used to illuminate adjacent lighting modules; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tent-like structure that may be used with a lighting module in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a lighting module comprising a tent-like structure and a transparent or translucent material covering the light-emitting sides or ends of the tent-like structure; 
         FIG. 7  shows an alternative embodiment of a lighting module in accordance with the invention; and 
         FIG. 8  shows another alternative embodiment of a lighting module in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of certain examples of presently contemplated embodiments in accordance with the invention. The presently described embodiments will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of one embodiment of a frame  100  for supporting various lighting modules in accordance with the invention is illustrated. As shown, the frame  100  forms a grid, with each square  102  of the grid configured to support a lighting module. In the illustrated embodiment, each square of the grid includes a bracket  104  configured to retain a lighting element (not shown) such as an LED. In certain embodiments, the lighting element may be located at or near a center of a lighting module to provide a desired dispersion or emanation of light from the lighting module. As can also be observed in  FIG. 1 , each bracket  104  is mounted transversely to the brackets  104  adjacent to it. This is due to the fact that the lighting modules are mounted transversely to one another, as will be explained in more detail hereafter. 
     The frame  100  may be constructed from any suitable material having sufficient rigidity and strength, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, or various plastics. The frame members  106  may be welded together or held together with fasteners such as screws, rivets, or the like. The frame members  106  may be square tubing but could also be open channel or angled members. As shown, the frame members  106  may provide a flat surface onto which to mount the lighting modules. The frame  100  is provided by way of example and is not intended to be limiting. Other methods or techniques for constructing a frame  100  are possible and within the scope of the invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of one embodiment of an array  200  (or sub-array or panel) of lighting modules  202  in accordance with the invention is illustrated. As shown, each lighting module  202  includes a tent-like structure, attached to the frame  100  by screws, rivets, welding, or other means, that acts as a shroud  204  or covering  204  for the lighting module  202 . The tent-like structure may also provide an architectural element to the array  200  that adds visual interest thereto. In addition, when the tent-like structures are fabricated from a reflective or semi-reflective material such as aluminum or alloys thereof, the tent-like structures may provide reflective properties to the array  200  that are evident to observers not only when the array  200  is lit, but also under natural lighting conditions such as sunlight. The inventor of the disclosed invention has found that the illustrated tent-like structures provide unexpected visual and reflective qualities to the array  200  that may not be present with other shapes or structures. For example, using the tent-like structures, certain patterns may be visible in the array  200  depending on the angle from which the array  200  is viewed, and depending on the angle and/or intensity of natural or generated light directed onto the array  200 . 
     As shown, the lighting modules  202  are mounted transversely to adjacent lighting modules  202 . That is, each lighting module  202  is rotated ninety degree relative to the lighting modules  202  that are adjacent to it. This provides an interesting lighting effect, which will be explained in more detail in association with  FIG. 4 . In general, mounting the lighting modules  202  in the disclosed manner causes a lighting module  202  to illuminate lighting modules  202  which are adjacent to its light-emitting ends  206  or sides  206 . In other words, light emitted from a lighting module  202  is most visible or evident on lighting modules  202  that are adjacent to its light-emitting ends  206  or sides  206 . If the lighting modules  202  are thought of as creating “pixels” of light in an overall array  200 , then the pixels for each lighting module  202  are apparent on the sides  208  of the lighting modules  202  adjacent to its light-emitting ends  206  or sides  206 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments, the ends of each lighting module  202  are covered with a transparent or translucent material  300 , such as sign-grade acrylic glass or a similar material. A translucent material  300  may be selected to allow light to emanate from the lighting modules  202  onto adjacent lighting modules  202 , while substantially hiding from view components (e.g., LEDs, brackets, etc.) within the lighting modules  202 .  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the same array  200  as  FIG. 2 , except that each lighting module  202  includes a translucent or transparent material  300  covering its light-emitting sides  206  or ends  206 . The translucent or transparent covering  300  may not only hide internal components from view, but also protect internal components from weather or other elements. 
     An array  200  in accordance with the invention may be used by itself, or the array  200  may be a sub-module or panel that is assembled into a larger array. For example, a plurality of panels  200  may be placed adjacent to one another on a wall or structure to provide a much larger array. This modular approach may facilitate assembly and serviceability. For example, panels  200  may be pre-assembled on the ground and installed in a modular fashion on a wall or building to create a much larger array. Similarly, instead of removing, replacing, or servicing an entire array, panels  200  or individual lighting modules  202  on a panel  200  may be removed, replaced, or serviced without disturbing other panels  200  or lighting modules  202 . Thus, array panels  200  and lighting modules  202  may be designed in a way that facilitates installation, removal, and servicing. 
     In certain embodiments, wiring may be provided to each array  200  individually or the arrays  200  may be daisy-chained together in order to enable control of the lighting elements  504  contained therein. In certain embodiments, the lighting elements  504  in each lighting module  202  are individually addressable to enable a large number of lighting elements  504  to be controlled using a relatively small number of control wires. For, example, the lighting modules  202  may include individually addressable RGB LEDs  504 , where each RGB LED  504  contains a small controller chip that recognizes control signals addressed to it, and displays desired colors and/or color intensities in accordance with the received control signals. 
     In addition to providing lighting effects, the unique design of the array  200  and lighting modules  202  may also provide a sound-dampening effect. For example, the triangular shape of the lighting modules  202  and the transverse mounting of the lighting modules  202  relative to one another may deflect and scatter sound waves that are incident on the array  200 , as opposed to reflecting the sound waves back toward a listener. Thus, the array  200  may significantly deaden sound and noise. The inventor of the disclosed invention has noticed significant sound-dampening effects with respect to freeway noise when the array  200  is mounted on a wall or building close to a freeway. In certain embodiments, other sound-dampening or sound-absorbing elements, such as sound-dampening foams or boards, may be incorporated into the lighting modules  202  to provide additional sound-dampening qualities. 
     The array  200  may be used for a wide variety of applications and is not limited to any single application. In certain embodiments, the array  200  may be used as a dynamic building skin to display static or moving images and/or provide lighting effects to captivate or draw the interest of an audience. The array  200  may also be used as a backdrop for a stage, for signs such as large marquee signs or billboards, or as architectural elements to draw interest to structures, monuments, or landscapes. The array may also be used for seasonal displays or events where lighting is needed, or provide props for lighting shows or performances. A wide variety of different applications or uses are within the scope of the invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a top view of the array  200  is illustrated that shows how light emitted from each lighting module  202  is used to illuminate adjacent lighting modules  202 . As mentioned above, mounting the lighting modules  202  transversely to adjacent lighting modules  202  causes a lighting module  202  to illuminate lighting modules  202  which are adjacent to its light-emitting ends  206  or sides  206 . The arrows in  FIG. 4  show the approximate directions that light is emanated in the array  200 , as well as the surfaces onto which the light is directed. For example, lighting module  202   a  will emanate light onto sides  208   a ,  208   b  of adjacent lighting modules  202   b ,  202   c ; lighting module  202   b  will emanate light onto sides  208   c ,  208   d  of adjacent lighting modules  202   d ,  202   e ; and lighting module  202   c  will emanate light onto sides  208   e ,  208   f  of adjacent lighting modules  202   f ,  202   g . Each side  208  of each lighting module  202  will create a “pixel” in the overall array  200 . By varying the color and intensity of light emanated from the lighting modules  202 , and thus the color and intensity of each pixel, a desired image or lighting effect may be generated on the array  200 . 
     It is worth noting that each lighting module  202  may be configured to direct light of a different color and/or intensity from each end  206  of the lighting module  202 . That is, each lighting module  202  may have a separate lighting element  504  for each end  206  of the lighting module  202 . Thus, referring again to  FIG. 4 , a lighting module  202   a  may include a first lighting element  504  to direct light having a first color and/or intensity onto a side  208   a , and a second lighting element  504  to direct light having a second color and/or intensity onto a side  208   b . In other embodiments, each lighting module  202  may direct light of the same color and/or intensity from both ends of the lighting module  202 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , as previously mentioned, in certain embodiments, each lighting module  202  may include a tent-like structure that acts as a shroud  204  or covering  204  for the lighting module  202 . A bracket  104  (attached to a frame  100 ) may hold a lighting element  504  (such as an LED or incandescent light) inside the tent-like structure, such as at or near a center of the structure. In certain embodiments, the bracket  104  holds two separate lighting elements  504 ; a first lighting element  504  for emitting light from a first end of the tent-like structure; and second lighting element  504  for emitting light from a second end of the tent-like structure. 
     In addition to providing a shroud  204  for the lighting module  202 , the exterior of the tent-like structure also provides a canvas or reflective element for light emanated from neighboring lighting modules  202 . In certain embodiments, the pitch of the tent-like structure may be adjusted to provide a desired lighting effect. For example, in certain embodiments, a width (W) of the tent-like structure is substantially the same as a length (L) of the tent-like structure (giving the lighting module  202  a substantially square footprint), while a height (H) of the tent-like structure may be substantially larger than the width (W) or length (L). In certain embodiments, the height (H) is 1.1 to 2.5 times larger then the width (W) or length (L). In other embodiments, the height (H) is related to the width (W) or length (L) by the golden ratio. For example, in certain embodiments, the height (H) of the tent-like structure is about 1.618 (the golden ratio) times the width (W) or length (L) of the tent-like structure. The inventor of the disclosed invention has found that lighting modules  202  with dimensions in accordance with the golden ratio are visually attractive and lend themselves well to providing the lighting effects described herein. 
     In certain embodiments, the tent-like structure is fabricated such that it may be cut, stamped, or bent from a sheet-like material, such as aluminum sheet metal. This may reduce the manufacturing costs of the tent-like structure and make large arrays  200  of the lighting modules  202  more economically feasible. As shown in  FIG. 5 , in certain embodiments, the tent-like structure may include a lip  500  or flange  500  on each end of the tent-like structure. The translucent or transparent material  300  (e.g., sign-grade acrylic glass or similar material) previously discussed may rest against or be mounted to this lip  500  or flange  500 , such as to the inside of the lip  500  or flange  500 .  FIG. 6  shows the tent-like structure with the translucent or transparent material  300  in place. In certain embodiments, the tent-like structure may also include a lip  502  or flange  502  extending from a base of the tent-like structure. This lip  502  or flange  502  may allow the tent-like structure to be mounted to a frame  100  with fasteners or welds, as previously discussed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , although particular emphasis has been directed herein to shrouds  204  having a tent-like shape, other open-ended shrouds  204  or coverings  204  are possible and within the scope of the invention. Several non-limiting examples are illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 .  FIG. 7  shows an open-ended shroud  204  having a trapezoidal prism shape. In such an embodiment, light may emanate through a transparent or translucent material  300  at ends of the shroud  204 , while light from neighboring lighting modules  202  may be directed onto sides  208  of the shroud  204 . 
       FIG. 8  shows an open-ended shroud  204  having a half cylinder shape. In such an embodiment, light may emanate through a transparent or translucent material  300  at ends of the shroud  204 , while light from neighboring lighting modules  202  may be incident on sides  208  of the shroud  204 . One notable difference between the shroud  204  illustrated in  FIG. 8  and those illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  is the light-diffusing characteristics of the shroud  204 . Light that is incident on the sides  208  of the shroud  204  will be diffused or reflected more widely due to its curved exterior surface. This may provide a different lighting effect than a shroud  204  that has substantially planar sides, like the shrouds  204  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     The apparatus and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.