GB2425271A

GB2425271A - Transparent toy building blocks and illuminated transparent base.

Info

Publication number: GB2425271A
Application number: GB0605215A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Harry Prescott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-16
Filing date: 2006-03-15
Publication date: 2006-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-15
Also published as: GB0505338D0; GB0605215D0; GB2425271B

Abstract

Apparatus for creating three dimensional visual items comprises a base 4 having a transparent upper surface allowing a light source to shine through, and a plurality of at least partially transparent members 8 stackable to form columns. The upper surface of the base is also provided with a plurality of locations 14 for receiving members. The base may include a light source associated with each member receiving location. The transparent members are preferably mutually interconnectable. By appropriate stacking of the members the shading of each location when viewed from above can be set to a specific value and a picture can be created (Fig. 8). A computer program can be provided for generating instructions on how to stack the members to create the desired picture.

Description

Visual Item The present invention relates to a visual item, and in

particular to a kit of parts for creating a three dimensional visual item which can depict a pixelated two dimensional image.

A wide variety of different apparatus and kit of parts for creating a visual item are known. Such apparatus includes basic tools such as pens and paper, or paints and canvas for creating an image or picture. Such apparatus also includes the provision of a number of pieces which can be fitted together to create an image or picture, for example a mosaic or a jigsaw puzzle.

The present invention relates to a kit olparts which can be used in the creation of a visual item, and in particular a pixelatecl two-dimensional image from a three dimensional form, and which includes aspects of puzzles, entertainment and creativity.

The present invention provides a number of translucent members which can be stacked upon each other and arranged to depict a two dimensional image when viewed.

is Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts for creating a three dimensional visual item, comprising: a base having a transparent upper surface allowing the transmittance of light from a light source therethrough; and a plurality of at least partially transparent members stackable to form a column; in which the transparent upper surface provides a plurality of locations each for receiving a member.

Preferably, the transparent members are made from a translucent material. Accordingly, preferably the kit of parts comprises a plurality of at least partially translucent members stackable to form a column.

When assembled, light from the light source can he transmitted through the transparent upper surface and through translucent members received on the upper surface. Each translucent member will reduce the intensity of light passing through it. The greater the * * * * .I* * S S S S * S S S S * S S S S S S. S * * *. I

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S IS. S. S number of translucent members stacked on each other in a column, the greater the amount by which light passing through the column will he reduced. Accordingly, the greater the number of translucent members present in a column, the less intense the light will appear to a viewer viewing the assembly from above the transparent upper surface.

References herein to "above the transparent upper surface" means on the side of the transparent upper surface on which the translucent members can be received. As a result, it is possible to arrange a plurality of columns, having varying numbers of translucent members, to create a three dimensional object which depicts a two dimensional tonal or grey-scale image when viewed from above. Each location on the base can represent one pixel of the image, with the number of members stacked on any location determining the intensity of light for that pixel. The two-dimensional image is most apparent when the assembly is viewed from directly above the transparent upper surfticc (i.e. when light of sight is co-axial with an axis extending perpendicularly from the centre of the transparent upper surface). The present invention therefhre provides a new way to create a visual item.

A visual item created using the invention is particularly visually stimulating due to the counterintuitive way in which the image is created. For example, when viewed from above, the visual item will not only be a grey-scale image, but will also have a three dimensional appearance. The darker portions of the grey-scale image will be closer to the viewer and lighter portions of the image will be further away from the viewer. This is unintuitive, and can cause confusion to a viewer, because it is natural for the mind of the viewer to assume that an item becomes darker the further away the item is from the viewer.

it is an advantage of the present invention that, as the visual item is created from a plurality of translucent members, the same kit of parts can be used to produce a wide range of different visual items, and in particular can be used to produce any pixelated two dimensional image.

As will be understood, references herein to a two-dimensional tonal or grey-scale image, can mean an image constructed from a number of pixels having different intensities of a * I I S III * I I S a * * a

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SS I SS.5 S single colour. For example, the single colour can be red, blue, green, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the grey-scale image is constructed from white light.

When the grey-scale image is constructed from white light, the pixels of the image will appear either black, white, or a shade a grey. The colour of the tonal image can be determined by the colour of the translucent members, the colour of light emitted from the light source, the colour of the base, or a combination thereof Further, a transparent sheet can be placed between the light source and the translucent members, and the colour of the tonal image can be determined by the colour of the transparent sheet.

The base can generally have a three dimensional structure having a lower surface for resting on a surface, such as a table or wall, and at least one side wall extending between the base and the transparent upper surface. The lower surface of the base can he opposite and parallel to the transparent upper surface of the base. If the base is to be hung on a wall, the lower surface can provide a hanging fbrmation for allowing the base to be hung on the wall. For example, the hanging formation could be a hook which can engage a protrusion on a wall.

The cross-sectional shape of the base in a plane paralleJ to the plane of the transparent upper surface can be any regular or irregular shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the base could be rectangular, circular or triangular.

The base need not necessarily include the light source. For example, when the base does not include a lower surface, or when the lower surface of the base is transparent, the light source can be a source external to the base. In this case, light from the external source can transmit through the lower surface, ii present, and through the transparent upper surface so as to he transmitted through translucent members received on the transparent upper surface.

Preferably, the base includes the light source. This is particularly advantageous as it allows the viewing of the visual item in circumstances where there is no external light source, or when the external light source is insufficient or inappropriate to enable the proper viewing of the visual item. The external light source can be insufficient when * a a a a..

* a a. * a a t * a a a * a * S* S S S a. a a I I S as S. * ** S the intensity of the light emitted from the light source is not great enough for light emitted therefrom to transmit through a column having one less member than the tallest column used to create the visual item, and he detected by a human eye located no less than 30cm away from the column. The tallest column is the column having the greatest number of stacked members. The light source can be inappropriate when the light source is located on the same side of the transparent upper surface Ofl which the members are received.

Prefrably, when the base includes the light source, the intensity of light emitted therefrom is sufficiently intense so that the intensity of light emitted from a column oF translucent members having one less member than the tallest column is greater than the intensity of ambient light surrounding the kit of parts. This can help to ensure that variations in the tones between columns of translucent members can he detected. This is because if the intensity of ambient light is greater than the intensity of light emitted from a column of translucent members having one less member than the tallest column, then the tonal value of the pixels can appear to be the same, independent of the number oltranslucent members present in a column.

The light source can be any appropriate light source for transmitting light through the transparent upper surface and through the translucent members. Prefirahly, the light source is an electrical light. For example, the light source could he a incandescent lightbulb. In particular, the light source could be a tungsten lightbulh. Optionally, the light source could be a fluorescent lamp. Preferably, the light source is a light emitting diode (LED).

The base can include one light source only. When the base includes one light source only, preferably, the base is arranged so as to maximise the even distribution of the light source across all of the locations Ofl the upper surface. The base can also he arranged to try to avoid darkening of the image towards the edges of the visual item. Preferably, when the base includes one light source only, a diffuser is placed between the light source and the transparent upper surface to aid the distribution of light transmitted from the light source across the transparent upper surface.

I I I *Iè II a. * . I I IIS S * * a S S s* a 3* a * .* S. I..a IS I Preferably, the base includes a plurality of light sources. For example, the base can include at least two light sources. This can help to aid the even distribution of light across all of the locations on the transparent upper surface. When the locations are arranged in the regular manner, tr example in columns and rows, there can he one light source for each column of locations. For example, one fluorescent strip light could he used for each column of locations. Optionally, there can he one light source for each row of locations.

Preferably, there is provided one light Source for each location. This can be advantageous to ensure that the intensity of light transmitted through the transparent rn upper surface at each location is the same. Preferably, when there is provided one light source for each location, each light source is a LEt). It can he advantageous to use LEDs because they are small in size. LEDs are also efficient in that they produce a great intensity of light with relatively little power consumption compared to other electrical light sources. Also, LEDs generally produce less heat relative to other electrical light sources, and in particular relative to incandescent lighthulhs.

The upper surface can he translucent. This can he advantageous as it can aid the diffusion and even distribLition of' the light source across the upper surface.

A number of different shaped translucent members can he provided. For example, at least one of the translucent members can he cuhoidal, and at least one of the translucent members can be pyramidal. A number of different sized translucent members can be provided.

Preferably, the translucent members are of equal size. Preferably, the translucent members have the same shape. This can increase the ease by which the three dimensional visual item can be created.

Preferably, the translucent members are mutually interconnectable. It can be preferable to allow the translucent members to he connected to each other as this can increase the stability of columns formed from a stack ol translucent members. It is particularly * S S S *IS * I S S * * * * * S S * S * S I S* S * S *S S

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I. S 555 5* 5 advantageous that the translucent members are mutually interconnectable as this can increase the ease with which the columns can be created. This is because the user will not be restricted to using a particular arrangement or order of translucent members when forming the columns; one translucent member can be substituted for any other s translucent member.

l'he translucent members can have any three dimensional shape which allows them to he stacked. For example, the translucent members can be generally cylindrical in shape, wherein the translucent members are stacked on their planar ends.

Prefrably, the cross-sectional shape of the translucent members in a plane parallel to the plane of the stacking surfaces of the translucent members-j *facilitate the tessellation of the translucent members. More preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the translucent members facilitate the regular tessellation of the translucent members. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the translucent members can be triangular, rectangular or hexagonal. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the translucent members is square.

Prefrably, the translucent members are cuboidal in shape. The tessellation of translucent members can allow the translucent members to be packed closely together on the transparent upper surface, thereby reducing any space between adjacent translucent members. This can be advantageous as it can reduce the amount of light transmitted through the space between translucent members. Any light transmitted through the space between translucent member could be seen by a user when viewing the item from above. Such light can interfere with the overall impression of the visual item and distort the appearance of the two dimensional image.

The translucent members can be hollow. When the translucent members are hollow, the translucent members can contain an object or substance. For example, the translucent members can he at least partially filled with a liquid. For example, the liquid can be water. Prefrahly, the translucent members are solid.

* S * S 555 S * S S I S S * * S S S S S S S SS S S S 55 S * S S S S IS SI S 555 IS S Preferably, the translucent members are shaped and sized, and the locations of the base are arranged so that there is flO gap between adjacent translucent members. If there is a gap, preferably the gap between adjacent members is the same for each pair of adjacent members. Preferably, any gap between adjacent members is not more than 5% of one of the members, more preferably not more than 3% of the width of the adjacent members, especially preferably not more than 1% of the width of the adjacent members.

Preferably, if there is a gap, the areas of the transparent upper surface left uncovered by the members is opaque. For example, the uncovered areas of the transparent upper surface can be coated in a black composition. For example, the uncovered areas can he painted with a matt black paint.

Preferably, the translucent members each include fbrmations by which they can he releasably fastened to each other. This can be advantageous as this can increase the stability of stacked translucent members in the column. It is particularly advantageous that fastened translucent members can he released so that a column of translucent members can be disassembled. Such disassembly allows the translucent members to be re- used to create a different three dimensional visual item, and in particular to create different two dimensional images by varying the three dimensional k)rm.

Preferably, the formations provide a snap-fit fastening. This allows the translucent members to be quickly and easily fastened to each other and subsequently parted from each other. Preferably, each translucent member includes a female formation in an underside of the member, and a male formation having a shape matching the shape of the female formation on an opposing upper side of the member. Preferably, the male and female formations have a rectangular cross-sectional shape, more preferably a square cross-sectional shape. It has been found that the use of square male and female formations can reduce distortions to light passing between stacked translucent members as opposed to other shaped male and female formations.

Preferably, the non-stacking sides of the translucent members are opaque. Preferably, the non-stacking sides of the translucent members are coated in a composition which prevents the transmission of light. For example, the non-stacking sides can he coated in * * S * *SS * * S * S S S S * S S S S * S S *5 S S * S* S * S S * S *S 5 *SS *S * matt black paint. This has been found to improve the channelling of the light from the light source to the upper surface of the top translucent member in a column of stacked translucent members. For example, when the non-stacking sides are opaque, this can prevent the transmittance of light from translucent members in one column, to translucent members in an adjacent column. Such crossing of light between columns can result in an uneven distribution of light between columns, and as a result can distort the appearance of the visual image.

Preferably, the material of the translucent members, and the shape and size of the translucent members are such that, for a given intensity of light emitted from a light source, the intensity of light passing through a translucent member is reduced by at least 5%, more preferably at least 7%, for example approximately 10%. When a translucent member reduces the intensity of light passing through it by approximately 10%, the intensity of light will be reduced by approximately 41% when it is transmitted through 5 translucent members, and by approximately 75% when it is transmitted through 10 translucent members. It has been found that a reduction in intensity of light by 75% is sufficient for the area of the transparent upper surface covered by the column, to appear substantially black to the human eye relative to the other tones within the two dimensional image.

Preferably the translucent members are configured so that the intensity of light passing through a translucent member is reduced evenly across the entire width of the translucent member. Preferably, each translucent member has a constant depth across its entire width. The depth of a translucent member is measured in the direction perpendicular the plane of the stacking surfaces. The width of a translucent member can be measured in any direction parallel to the plane of the stacking surfaces. When the translucent members have formations by which they can be releasably fastened to each other, preferably the formations are arranged such that the depth of translucent material of a translucent member is constant across its entire width. When the translucent members comprise male and female formations, preferably the male and female formations are correspondingly shaped and sized and are located directly opposite each other on the opposing stacking surfaces of the translucent member.

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* * . I S I I * * S S S S I I S 5 S S II S * S I I * SI II S 151 II S Preferably the translucent members are identical in all respects. This can increase the ease of manufacture of the translucent members and assembly of the three dimensional visual item.

Preferably, the plurality of locations are arranged in a regular matrix. The provision of a regular matrix of locations can allow a greater degree of freedoni of choice in selecting which portions of the transparent upper surthce to COVer with a translucent member or a column or translucent members.

Preferably, the plurality of locations arc spaced, and the members are sized, such that the members on adjacent locations are immediately adjacent. As described above, this can be advantageous as it can reduce the amount of light transmitted through the space between the translucent members.

Preferably, the visual item provides a picture. For example, the translucent members can be stacked and arranged on the base so as to provide a tonal/grey-scale picture.

Preferably, the translucent members arc colourless. F-lowever, it will be appreciated that the translucent members can have ally colour. Prcfi. rahly, the plurality of translucent members all have the same colour.

Preferably, when the base includes a light source, there is provided a switch for enabling the light source to be turned on and off More preferably, there is provided a switch which allows the intensity of the light being transmitted from the light source to be varied between a maximum and off. Preferably, there is provided a dimmer switch for controlling the intensity of light emitted from the light source. For example, there can be provided a potentiometer fbr controlling the voltage applied across the light source.

The appearance of the visual item can be dependent on the ambient light surrounding the kit of parts. For example, the less intense the ambient light, the more intense the light emitted from the translucent members located on the upper transparent surface will appear when viewed from above. The provision of a dimmer switch can allow the intensity of light emitted from the light sources to be reduced, and therefore reduce the * * S * *S* * * * * S S * * * S S * S S S * * * S 55 S * S S S S ** S. S *SS *5 * overall intensity of the light emitted from the translucent members. Therefore, it can he preferable to allow the intensity of light emitted from the light sources to be varied to compensate ior variations in the ambient light.

Preferably, when the plurality of locations are arranged in a regular matrix, there are provided markings on the base which identify the individual locations. For example, each row of the regular matrix can be marked with an individual marker and each column ol the regular matrix can be marked with an individual marker. Therefore, the base can he provided with a coordinate system so as to uniquely identify any individual location.

Preferably, at least one side extending between the base surface and the transparent upper surfiice can be actuated between an open position and a closed position SO as to allow access to the inside of the base. This allows replacement of the light source when the base includes a light source. Also, markings for allowing identification ofan individual location can be provided on the inside surface of the side. Therefre, when the side is in its open position the markings can be seen and when the side is in its closed position, the markings can be hidden from view.

The base can he made of any material suitable for supporting a plurality of translucent members as previously described. The base can include the side walls and a lower surface which can he made from a plastic or metallic material. The transparent upper surfhce of the base can be made from any material which is suitable to support a plurality ol translucent members as described above and which is suitable for transmitting light therethrough. For example, the transparent upper surface can he made Irom a plastics material, such as any amorphous thermoplastic. For example, the transparent upper surface can be made from Polystyrene, Styrene Acrilonitrile (SAN), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Acrylic, Polycarbonate, or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). For example, the material can be perspex. Other examples of materials from which the transparent upper surface can be made include ice and glass.

* S S S 555 * S 5 * S S * S * S S * S I S S S. S * * S. * * S S I S SI S. S *** S. S Preferably, the translucent members are made from any sufficiently rigid and translucent material so as to allow the transmittance of light therethrough and so as to be able to support the stacking of multiple translucent members. For example, the translucent members can be made from a plastics material, such as any amorphous thermoplastic.

For example, the translucent members can he made from Polystyrene, Styrene Acrilonitrile (SAN), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Acrylic, Polycarbonate, or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). For example, the material can he perspex. Other examples of materials from which the translucent members can made include ice and glass.

Preferably, each location on the transparent upper surface is provided with a formation by which a translucent member can be releasably fastened to the location. Preferably, the formation at each location provides a snap-fit fastening with a translucent member.

Preferably, the formation provided at each location corresponds to the formations provided on each translucent member. For example, when the translucent member includes a female portion in an under side ol the member, preferably, the formation at each location is a male formation having a shape which matches the shape of the female member on the translucent member.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for providing a visual item comprising: making a base having a transparent upper surfitce allowing the transmittance of light from a light source therethrough, wherein the transparent upper surface defines a plurality of locations each sized to receive a member; and making a plurality of members, the members being at least partially translucent and being stackable to form a column.

In a yet further aspect, the invention provides a computer implemented method for generating instructions for creating a three-dimensional visual item depicting an image.

The method can comprise reading data representing the image; pixelating the image; determining a tonal or gray scale value for each pixel of the image; and determining and outputting the number of members required to he stacked for each pixel location in order to depict the image.

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S. S *SS 55 5 Embodiments of the present invention will now he described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure Ia shows a schematic perspective view of a kit of parts for creating a visual item according to the present invention; Figure lb shows a schematic perspective view of the base of the kit ol parts according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an aerial view of the kit of parts shown in Figure Ia, when looking from above the upper transparent surface of the base; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a translucent member shown in Figure Ia; io Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a plurality of stacked translucent members and a location on the base shown in Figure Ia; Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional of a side of the base shown in figure Ia; Figure 6 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the base shown in Figure Ia; Figure 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of creating a picture using the kit of parts shown in Figure Ia; and Figure 8 shows a plan view of a kit of parts shown in Figure Ia which has been assembled to a create a picture.

Referring to the drawings, Figure Ia shows a schematic perspective view of a kit of parts 2 according to the invention. The kit of parts 2 generally comprises a base 4 and a plurality of translucent members 8.

* * * I III * I I I I S I I * I I * * I * I I. I S SI * * I I I S IS I. I III IS I As shown in Figures Ia, Ib, 2, 5 and 6, the base has first 10 and second 60 opposing side walls, third 12 and fourth 62 opposing side walls, a transparent upper surface 6 and a lower surface 64 opposite the upper surface. The upper surface 6 is transparent and allows the transmittal of light through it. The light is emitted from a light source contained within the base 4 as described in more detail hereinafter with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The upper surface 6 defines a plurality of locations 14 which are sized to receive a member 8. Each location 14 corresponds to one pixel of an image to be created. A location 14 is defined by a male lbrmation which protrudes from the planar surface 16 of the upper surface 6. The cross-sectional shape of the male formation, in a plane parallel to the plane of the upper surlice 6, is sqUare. The locations are arranged in a regular matrix, i.e. they are arranged into a number of rows and columns on the upper surface 6. In the embodiment shown, there are 20 columns and 20 rows of locations. Therefore, in total, there are 40(.) locations.

The upper surface 6 is made from a transparent material. In the embodiment shown, the upper surface is made from perspex. The first It), second 60, third 12 and fourth 62 side walls are made from a non- transparent plastic material. In another embodiment, the side walls can he made from the same transparent material as the transparent upper surface, and be coated in an opaque composition or material, for example rnatt black paint.

The first 10 and third 12 side walls of the base are hinged along their edge that joins with the lower surface, and can he moved between a closedposition (shown in Figure la), and an open position (shown in Figure Ib). The inside surfaces of the first 10 and third 12 side walls have a number of markings 66 present on their inside surface. Each marking 66 corresponds either to a column or a row of locations 14 on the upper surface 6, and can be used to uniquely identify each location, by way of a co- ordinate system.

This can aid creation of a visual item as described in more detail hereinafter.

With reference to Figure 6, there is shown a schematic circuit diagram of an electric circuit in the base 4. The circuit comprises a power source 18, a plurality of light sources 20 connected in parallel to the power source 1 8, a switch 22 operable to turn the light sources on or off, and a potentiometer 24 fbr controlling the voltage supplied to the * . ala * * E I S * 4 4 4 S S S I S. S S $5 S a a I S S ale 14 $ lights 20 in order to control the intensity of light emitted from the light sources. The power source I 8 is a battery located in the base. Flowever, it will be appreciated that the power source I 8 could he external to the base. For example, the circuit could he powered by a mains supply. The light sources 20 are light emitting diodes (LEDs). In S the embodiment described, the LEDs emit substantially white light. The switch 22 is a mechanical press switch which can be pressed to turn the lights on and pressed again to turn the lights oft The light sources 20 are arranged in a regular matrix. The light sourceS 20 are arranged so that there is one light source that corresponds to each location 14 on the upper surface 6. However, for ease of illustration, as shown in figure 5, there arc less light sources 20 shown than there are locations shown in the base 4 of figure Ia.

As illustrated in Figure 5, each light source 20 is arranged so that the centre of the light source is located directly under the centre of its corresponding location 14. Therefore, each light source 20 is arranged so that the longitudinal axis of the light source and the centre line of the location's 14 fbrmation, which extends perpendicular to the plane of the formation, are coaxial. This can help to ensure the even distribution of light across the location and thereibre can help to reduce the appearance of fading across the viewing sur!iice of a column of translucent members when viewed from above (i.e. when the intensity of light across the viewing surface of a column of translucent members varies).

The upper surface 6 has a plurality of recesses 42, formed in its underside. There is provided one recess 42 tbr each location 14. The cross-sectional shape of each hole is generally square. However, it will be understood that the cross-sectional shape of each recess can be any other regular or irregular shape, for example circular. Each recess 42 is configured SO that its longitudinal axis is coaxial with the centre line of the location's 14 formation described above. The provision of recesses 42 has been found to help minimise the scattering of light emitted from a light source 20 across locations 14 adjacent to the light source's corresponding location. The provision of recesses 42 can help to channel light in a direction parallel to the centre line of the location 14 as shown in the direction indicated by arrows A. S S ** S SS * $ S I S

S SI S SI I

I. - I S SI I $1 I S I IS . S dIl IS Figures 1, 3 and 4, show a translucent member 8 which is generally cuboidal in shape.

The member 8 has first 26 and second 28 opposing side walls and third 30 and fourth 32 opposing side walls. The member 8 also has an upper surface 34 and a base surface 36.

The length and widths of the sides are approximately 5mm. The translucent member 8 has male 38 and female 40 formations in its upper 34 and lower 36 surfaces respectively. The male formation 38 is in the form of a spigot projecting from the upper surface 34. The female formation is in the fhrni of a recessed socket in the lower surface 36. The male 38 and female 40 firmations arc correspond in shape and size, SO that one translucent member's female formation 40 can be received on another translucent member's male formation 38 SO as to allow connection of the translucent members 8 via a snap-fit fastening. The cross-sectional shapes of the formations 38, 40 are square. The translucent members 8 are made from a translucent material. For example, the members can be made from perspex. In the embodiment described, the translucent members are colourless. Each of the translucent members 8 is identical in shape and dimensions so that they can be stacked upon each other as shown in Figure 4, and so that the members are mutually interconnectable.

The shape and size of the female formation 40 of a translucent member 8 corresponds to the shape and size of the locations' 14 male ft)rmation, SO that the female formation 40 of a translucent member 8 can be received at a location via a snap-fit, as shown in figure 4.

When a column of translucent members 8 is assembled on a location 14 on the upper surface 6, and the light source 20 is turned on, light emitted from the light source will transmit through the column in the direction indicated by arrow B, shown in figure 4.

The intensity of light will he reduced as it travels through a translucent member 8.

Therefore, when viewed from above, the intensity of light transmitted through the viewing surface 44 of the column of translucent members 8 will be less than the intensity of light emitted from the light source. The viewing surface 44 of a translucent member 8 (or of a column of translucent members 8) received on a location 14, is the exposed upper surface 34 of'the translucent member 8 (or of the topmost translucent member 8 of the column of translucent members).

* * * . *.* * * * S S * S * * S S S * S S S SS S S S S. S * S S S S 55 S. S *S5 *S S The translucent members 8 are shaped and sized, and made of a suitable material so that, when one member is placed on a location 14, the intensity of light passing through a translucent member is reduced by approximately 10%. Therefire, when a column of five stacked translucent members 8 is placed on a location 14, the intensity of light that is transmitted through the viewing surface 44 will be approximately 41% less than that emitted by the light source 20. When a column often stacked translucent members are placed on a location, the intensity of light that is transmitted through the viewing surthce 44 will he approximately 75% less than that emitted by the light source, and as a result, the viewing surface will appear black. This effect illustrated by figures 1 a and 2. As shown in figure 2, the greater the number of translucent members in a column, the less the intense the light transmitted from the viewing surface 44 of the topmost translucent member, and therefbre the darker the appearance of the viewing surface.

Figure 8 shows a plan view of a kit of parts according to the present invention which have been assembled to create a visual image of a lion's face. A plurality of columns of stacked translucent members have been arranged on the locations 14 of the upper surface 6 of the base 4, and the light sources 20 switched on. As shown, the image is made up of a number of pixels, each of which corresponds to a location 14 on the upper surface. The darker a pixel appears, the greater the number of translucent members 8 that are present in the column that has been received on the location 14 corresponding to that pixel. Therefore, in accordance with the description above, the location 14 which corresponds to pixel 46 has a column of 10 stacked translucent members received on it, and accordingly appears black. The location 14 which corresponds to pixel 48 has no translucent members received on it, and therefore appears white.

Figure 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for creating an image using the kit of parts shown in Figures 1 to 6. The method begins at step 50 at which a user scans the image they want to re-create using the kit of parts of the present invention, into an image file, for example a JPEG file, and stores the file in a computer memory. Then at step 52, the user loads a computer program which is able to pixelate an image stored in the image file, in accordance with a number of variables. Then at step 54, the user loads the scanned image into the loaded program. The program is driven by a graphical user * * * S *SS * S S S * S * S * * S S * S * * S* S * S 55 S * S * S S 55 SS S 555 5* 5 interface, rather than having a command driven interface. At step 56, the user enters a number of parameters which are used in the pixelation of the image. For example, the user can enter the numbers of rows and columns present on the upper surface 6 of the base 4 and the number of translucent members present in the kit of parts. The computer program uses these parameters to determine how many pixels the image will be divided into, and how many translucent members should he placed at each location. At step 58, the user selects the option to pixelate the image and the computer program pixelates the image. In doing so, the computer program determines the lightest and darkest points on the image. Then, using the parameters given, the computer program determines the number of blocks required for each location. In another embodiment, the step of pixelating the image can include converting the image into a tonal or grey-scale image before determining the lightest and darkest points on the image. At step 60, the computer program displays a map which indicates how many blocks are required to be stacked Ofl each location. For example, when the base includes markers 66 which can be used to uniquely identify each location 14, the map can list the number of translucent members that need to be stacked on each location by ieftrring to each location's co- ordinate, e.g. 4 blocks at location 4B. At step 62, the user can then create the image using the kit of parts by building stacks of members placed at the locations in accordance with the map, and turning the light source on using the switch 22. The step of creating the image can also include varying the brightness of the light sources 20 using the potentiometer 24 until the viewing surthce of the column with the most number of translucent members appears black.

The invention can also be used as a puzzle in which the user does not use a map which tells the user how to arrange the members on the base in order to depict an image.

Instead, the user can work out how many members are required to he stacked at each location in order fbr the visual item to depict an image which replicates another image.

Further, the invention can be used as an entertainment or creativity device in which the user can stack the members in any arrangement in order to create a new visual item.

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Claims

CLAIMS: I. A kit of parts for creating a three dimensional visual item,

comprising: a base having a transparent upper surface allowing the transmittance of light from a light source therethrough; and a plurality of'at least partially translucent members stackable to form a column; in which the transparent upper surface provides a plurality of locations each for receiving a member.
2. A kit of parts as claimed in claim I, in which the base includes the light source.
3. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 1, in which the base includes a plurality of light sources.
4. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 3, in which there is provided one light source for each location.
5. A kit ol parts as claimed in claim I, in which the translucent members are ol equal size.
6. A kit olparts as claimed in claim I, in which the translucent members are mutually interconnectable.
7. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 1, in which the translucent members are cuboidal in shape.
8. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 1, in which the translucent members each 2() include fhrmations by which they can be releaseably fastened to each other.
9. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 8, in which the formations provide a snap-fit fasten i 11g.

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10. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 8, in which each translucent member includes a female formation in an under side of the member, and a male thrmation having shape matching the shape of the female member on an opposing upper side of the member.
II. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 9, in which the male and female formations have a rectangular cross-sectional shape.
12. A kit of parts as claimed in claim i, in which the non-stacking sides of the translucent members are opaque.
13. A kit of parts as claimed in claim I, in which the depth of the translucent members is constant across their width.
14. A kit of parts as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the translucent members are identical.
15. A kit of parts as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the plurality of locations are arranged in a regular matrix.
16. A kit of parts as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the plurality of locations are spaced, and the members are sized, such that members on adjacent locations are immediately adjacent.
17. A kit of parts as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the upper surface is translucent.
1 8. A method for creating a visual item comprising: making a base having a transparent upper surface that allows the transmittance of light from a light source therethrough, wherein the transparent upper surface defines a plurality of locations each sized to receive a member; making a plurality of the members, the members being at least partially translucent and being stackable to firm a column; and * * S 5 515 * S S I I * S I * S I I S S S S S. S S * I. I * S S I I IS IS S 511 I. I arranging at least one column of members on a location on the transparent upper surface.
19. A computer implemented method fbr generating instructions for creating a three-dimensional visual item depicting an image from a plurality of at least partially translucent members stackable to form columns at locations on a base from which light can be emitted, the method comprising: reading data representing the image to be depicted by the visual item; pixelating the image, wherein each pixel corresponds to a respective location on the base; determining a tonal value thr each pixel of the image; and determining and outputting the number of members required to be stacked at each location in order to replicate the image.

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