Patent Application
20140254173
The present invention relates to a device capable of projecting static and dynamic light patterns from a centralized location to objects and surfaces surrounding the device in an installation environment for ornamental, seasonal decoration, and mood lighting.
Conventional light pattern projectors, such as constellation projectors also known as ‘starry night projectors’ or ‘starry night sky projectors’ typically only display static light patterns in an installation environment. Prior art does exist for dynamic light displays using such projectors, but only with the projected light patterns revolving around a single axis in the projector mechanism.
Other mechanisms used to project dynamic light patterns onto objects and surfaces in an installation environment use a plurality of mirrors on the exterior of a rotating shape, which is typically spherical, such as the commonly known ‘disco ball’. This type of mechanism uses an external light source and the reflectivity of mirrors to project either static or rotating light points about a single axis of the mirrored shape.
A need is thus considered for a mechanism which can project light patterns onto objects and surfaces in an installation environment wherein the light patterns can be displayed moving radially about an axis in the projector mechanism, moving axially along the rotational axis of the projector mechanism and moving in a pattern that is both radial and axial with respect to the axis of rotation in the projector mechanism.
A dynamic light pattern projector mechanism wherein there is a static housing that contains a plurality of light transmissive openings and a secondary dynamic housing which rotates radially with respect to the static housing and also contains a plurality of light transmissive openings. Further, a centralized light source contained inside both housings transmits light through any point wherein the light transmissive openings of the housings overlap. As the dynamic housing rotates, the points where the light transmissive openings of both housings overlap can either move axially with respect to the rotational axis, radially with respect to the rotational axis or in a direction that is both radial and axial with respect to the rotational axis. Light passing through the overlapping portions of the light transmissive openings is thereby projected onto surrounding objects and surfaces in the given installation environment.
The dynamic light effect projecting device 300 shown creates the effect of falling snow in an installation environment when the dynamic housing 101 rotates counterclockwise. Modifying the design, direction and curvature of the light transmissive openings can create light pathways 301 that move radially, axially or both with respect to the rotational axis of the dynamic housing 101. Light pathways 301 can also be segmented or randomized on either dynamic or static housings in order to create desired light effects.
Both the electric motor 402 and light source 401 are connected to an electronic controller 404. Power supply circuitry is well known to those of ordinary skill and is therefore omitted for brevity. The device could be powered by an integrated source such as batteries or have electrical considerations allowing for connection to a standard available power grid such as a wall outlet. The electronic controller 404 could also contain circuitry to allow for sequencing of the light source and variable speed control of the drive motor.
Light pathways 504 allow light to be transmitted from inside the dynamic light effect projecting device 500 from a centralized light source, not shown.
The dynamic housing 501 comprises several vanes 503 meant to harness wind energy for rotation of the dynamic housing 501. This embodiment is preferred for outdoor installations and projects light patterns to any objects and surfaces within range of the light projected. A hanging wire 506 allows for display hanging from an available support structure. The hanging wire 506 can serve as a power input if the dynamic light effect projecting device uses external power. Integrated power, such as batteries, can be also be used.
The static and dynamic housings are preferably embodied as at least partially opaque material wherein the light transmissive openings are physical openings allowing for transmission of light. The static and dynamic housings could alternately be made of substantially light transmissive material wherein the at least partially opaque portions are applied by use of paint, printing and masking procedures. The housings are preferably made in sections to allow for ease of assembly during manufacture.
There is no design requirement for two housings with one dynamic housing allowing for rotational movement. The dynamic light effect projecting device only requires relative rotational motion between two or more housings containing light transmissive openings. A plurality, two or more, housings containing light transmissive openings can be configured by which any or all of the housings are made to rotate with respect to each other. The resulting light pattern in a given installation environment will change based on the design selected.
The centralized light source is preferably one or more high intensity LEDs (light emitting diodes) due to the low power consumption and long service life of LED components, however, any available light source can be used in the device. Larger scale installation requirements will likely require high power, higher intensity light sources.
The nested housings, dynamic and static, can also be of any shape allowing for relative rotational movement between them. Preferably, the housings will be substantially spherical or cylindrical to allow for uniform light projection.
As stated above the housings, both dynamic and static, are nested. As used herein, the term “nested” should be construed to mean that at least some of one of the housings encompasses or overlaps another.
The foregoing description is for purposes of illustration. The true scope of the invention is set forth in the following claims.
This non-provisional patent claims reference to the provisional application No. 61/637,350, entitled “Dynamic Light Effect Projecting Device”, filed on Apr. 24, 2012.
