GB2567192A - Illuminated Sign - Google Patents

Abstract

An illuminated sign comprises a channel, e.g. a channel letter 120, an LED controller 140 and a plurality of LEDs mounted within and spaced apart along the length of the channel. Each LED is individually and uniquely digitally addressable by the LED controller and the LED controller is configured to display a pattern of illumination on the LEDs in correspondence with the position of each LED in an X-Y plane. The LEDs are preferably provided on an LED lighting strip. The LEDs may be controlled to create pattern effects, e.g. waves of illumination. A programming system is also disclosed for programming the LED controller. The programming system enables the position of the LEDs to be determined based on information relating to the shape of the channel and the location of a reference LED.

Description

(57) An illuminated sign comprises a channel, e.g. a channel letter 120, an LED controller 140 and a plurality of LEDs mounted within and spaced apart along the length ofthe channel. Each LED is individually and uniquely digitally addressable by the LED controller and the LED controller is configured to display a pattern of illumination on the LEDs in correspondence with the position of each LED in an X-Y plane. The LEDs are preferably provided on an LED lighting strip. The LEDs may be controlled to create pattern effects, e.g. waves of illumination. A programming system is also disclosed for programming the LED controller. The programming system enables the position ofthe LEDs to be determined based on information relating to the shape of the channel and the location of a reference LED.

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ILLUMINATED SIGN

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to illuminated signs housing a series of discrete internal LEDs within a channel, which each emit light that is locally diffused by the housing to provide a pattern of illumination that is smoothly blended between adjacent LEDs.

BACKGROUND

Light emitting diode (LED) signs are known having a uniform width and a circuitous path, with a cross-sectional shape that resembles neon signs. However, as with neon signs, the operation of such LED signs is limited to uniformly modulating their output intensity.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to an aspect, there is provided an illuminated sign comprising:

a channel extending along a path in an X-Y plane of the illuminated sign and within a rigid housing;

a LED controller;

a plurality of LEDs mounted within the channel and spaced apart along the length of the channel, wherein each LED is digitally addressable by the LED controller; and wherein the programmable LED controller is configurable to display a pattern of illumination on the LEDs in correspondence the location of each LED within the X-Y plane.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a programming system for programming the programmable LED controller of any preceding claim, wherein the programming system is configured:

to receive channel shape information relating to the shape of the channel in the X-Y plane;

to receive LED positioning information corresponding to the location of a reference LED within the channel;

to determine the location of each LED within the X-Y plane; and to program the programmable LED controller to display a pattern of illumination on the LEDs in correspondence the location of each LED within the X-Y plane.

The channel may extend along a circuitous path in the X-Y plane.

The channel may comprise a plurality of LEDs that are uniformly spaced apart along the channel.

The plurality of LED may be spaced apart with a repeat distance along the channel of at least 5mm.

The channel may comprise a plurality of LEDs spaced apart along the length of an LED lighting strip.

The plurality of LED may be spaced apart along the length of a plurality of LED lighting strips, and the programmable LED controller may be configurable to display a pattern of illumination on the LEDs of the plurality of LED lighting strips in correspondence the location of their respective LEDs within a common X-Y plane.

The LED controller may be configurable to display a pattern of illumination on the LEDs that changes as a function of time.

The LED controller may be configurable to display patterns of illumination on the LEDs that move progressively across the illuminated sign.

The patterns of illumination may be waves of illumination that move transversely to their length.

The plurality of LED may be spaced apart along the length of a plurality of separate channels.

The plurality of LEDs may be provided within a plurality of separate channels of a common housing.

The plurality of LEDs may be provided within channels of a plurality of separate housings.

Substantially the full length of the housing may have a uniform external width. A uniform width housing may simulate the visual appearance of a legacy neon tube illuminated sign.

The channel may comprise a plurality of LEDs that are uniformly spaced apart along the channel, and the LED positioning information comprises the position of a first LED and the separation between successive LEDs along the length of the channel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1A shows an illuminated sign;

• Figure 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the illuminated sign of Figure 1A;

• Figure 1C shows the internal view of part of the channel of the illuminated sign of Figure 1A;

• Figure 1D shows a schematic of the programming system for a programmable LED controller; and • Figures 2A and 2B show a further illuminated sign in use at successive times.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the described examples, like features have been identified with like numerals, albeit in some cases having increments of integer multiples of 100, or the addition of primes and suffixes. For examples, in different figures, 100 and 200 have been used to indicate an illuminated sign, and 220A and 220B have been used to indicate a housing.

Figure 1A shows an illustrated sign 100 having a rigid housing 120 and a programmable LED controller 140. Figure 1B shows a cross-sectional view of part of the housing 120, along the plane indicated as A-A in Figure 1A. Figure 1C shows an inverted view of part of the housing of Figure 1A, with a channel cover removed.

The housing 120 has a housing body with an internal channel 124, an optional channel cover 126, and an LED lighting strip 128.

Figure 1A shows the front of the housing body 122, in the orientation in which the illuminated sign 100 is displayed to a viewer, and it is shaped as required, for example as one or a sequence of separate or linked letters, numbers or symbols. For example, the illuminated sign may have a shape in the style of a neon tube sign, e.g. showing a word in the style of joined-up handwriting.

The channel 124 is provided in the back of the illustrated housing body 122, curves around an annular path to describe the letter Ό”, and is generally parallel-sided in cross-section, e.g. a rectangularly-shaped channel. More generally, the channel 124 (or a portion of the channel) has a side wall 130A, 130B (or both side walls) that curves in an X-Y plane, i.e. the radii of curvature of different portions of the side wall all extend in a common plane, the X-Y plane.

The LED lighting strip 128 has a strip of flexible substrate 132, along the length of which individually addressable light emitting diodes (LEDs) 134 are spaced apart at regular distances, with one LED provided after every repeat distance D, e.g. D may be at least 5 mm. In the illustrated LED lighting strip 128, the repeat distance D is approximately 17 mm.

The LED lighting strip 128 is mounted onto a sidewall inner surface 130A of the channel 124, and curves along its length, in the X-Y plane. The width of the LED lighting strip is parallel to the Z-direction, i.e. perpendicular to the X-Y plane. The channel cover 126 (which is optional) seals the LED lighting strip within the channel 124, e.g. to protect it from moisture. In use, the individually addressable LEDs 134 may be provided with a common bias and their operation may be individually controlled by a common digital signal provided along a common communications wire.

The channel 124 extends along a circuitous path (i.e. not a direct path, rather a path that meanders or is diverted away from a straight path, for example by the inclusion of one or more of curves and bends) within which the LEDs 134 are provided. In particular, in the illustrated channel 124, the sidewall inner surface 130A to which the LED lighting strip 128 is mounted is circuitous.

The housing body 122 is formed from a translucent (semi-transparent) material (e.g. a colourless translucent acrylic), which locally diffuses light from each LED 134, to provide a pattern of illumination that appears smoothly blended between adjacent LEDs, as viewed by the human eye, i.e. the light is sufficiently diffused that when adjacent LEDs are equally illuminated, the human eye does not perceive a reduced illumination between the adjacent LEDs.

The channel cover 126 may be formed from a translucent material (e.g. a colourless translucent acrylic), which locally diffuses light from each LED 134, to provide a pattern of illumination that appears smoothly blended between adjacent LEDs, as viewed by the human eye, i.e. the light is sufficiently diffused that when adjacent LEDs are equally illuminated, the human eye does not perceive a reduced illumination between the adjacent LEDs. Alternatively, the channel cover 126 may be opaque (e.g. sheet aluminium).

The housing body 122 is machined from a block of material by a computer numerical control (CNC) process, in correspondence with mechanical dimensions defined using computeraided design (CAD) software. After machining, finishing steps (e.g. deburring, buffing and polishing steps) may be applied.

Subject to the illumination profile required from the housing 120, masking paint or tape may be applied across all or part of the front or side faces. For use, the housing may be mounted parallel to and spaced apart from a mounting surface, with light from the housing 120 illuminating the mounting surface. A translucent channel cover 126 (or the absence of a channel cover) may be used where the emission of light is required towards a mounting surface. Where light is only required to be emitted towards a mounting surface, the exterior surfaces of the front and side faces of the housing may be fully masked. Alternatively, the housing 120 may be mounted perpendicularly to a mounting surface, or may be freestanding.

The LED lighting strip 128 is fixed to the inner surface of a side wall 130A of the housing 120 with a reference LED 134A at a reference location Xref, Yref. From the known arrangement of the LEDs 134A-134E along the LED lighting strip 128 (e.g. an LED at every increment by the repeat distance D), the known reference location Xref, Yref of the reference LED 134A, and the known shape of the inner surface of the side wall 130A to which the LED lighting strip is mounted, the location in the housing’s X-Y plane of the other LEDs 134B-134E can be determined.

In the illustrated illuminated sign, the channel has a single curved portion. However, alternatively, the channel may have a plurality of channel portions, which meet at corners or branches of the channel, where one or both side walls has a corner (i.e. an abrupt change in direction), for example in the case of channels in illuminated signs that describe the letters “Z” or Ύ”. Where the side wall to which the LED lighting strip is mounted has an abrupt change in direction, which bends more sharply than is possible for the flexible substrate, then separate LED lighting strip may be mounted on each side of the corner. Electrical connection may be provided between the adjacent LED lighting strips at the corner (e.g. an arrangement akin to a daisy-chain), or each LED lighting strip may be separately electrically connected to an LED controller (e.g. as a hub-and-spoke arrangement). Similarly, manufacturing may be facilitated by the provision of a plurality of coordinated LED lighting strips along a common side wall inner surface, even when not separated by an abrupt corner in the side wall inner surface.

In use, programmable LED controller 140 is programmed to provide a pattern of illumination of the LEDs 134A-134E in correspondence with the position of the LEDs within the housing’s X-Y plane. The programmable LED controller 140 may be programmed by a programming system 160 for a bespoke pattern of illumination. As shown in Figures 1C and 1D, the programming system 160 may programme the programmable LED controller 140, based upon channel shape information 162 corresponding to the shape of the channel in the X-Y plane (e.g. supplied as data from a CAD system) and LED positioning information corresponding to the location (Xref, Yref) of at least one reference LED 134A, and based upon the programming system determining the position of each LED 134A-134E in a common X-Y plane and the illumination output of each LED based upon its position in the common X-Y plane. Alternatively, the programmable LED controller may be programmed with the location of each LED within a common X-Y plane, and with a fixed or time varying illumination template that is overlaid with the LED locations, in use (i.e. with the instantaneous illumination of each LED corresponding to the illumination at the corresponding location of the template).

Where more than one LED lighting strip 128 is provided within a single channel, within different portions of a single channel, or within different channels, the position of each LED on each LED lighting strip may be determined in a similar manner to the case of a single LED lighting strip, by additionally knowing the orientations and displacements of secondary LED lighting strips relative to a primary LED lighting strip. For example, in the case of separate housings (e.g. the profiles of separate letters or numerals of a multi-housing illuminated sign), the locations of the LEDs may be determined within each housing relative to a corresponding X-Y frame of reference, and then the locations of LEDs within secondary housings may be coordinated with the X-Y plane of a primary housing from knowing the orientations and displacements of the secondary housings relative to the primary housing.

An illuminated sign housing 120 has been described with an LED lighting strip 128 along one inner surface of a side wall 130A. However, secondary LED lighting strips may additionally be provided along the same portion of channel 124 on the opposed inner side wall 130B, to enhance the illumination output and uniformity of the illuminated sign 100.

The pattern of illumination of the LEDs 134A-134E that the LED controller 140 controls may be programmed to change with time. The pattern of illumination may correspond with one or more waves of illumination that sweep across of colour that sweep across the housing 120, in use. The wave of illumination may be a wave of illumination intensity, e.g. a wave of increased illumination intensity. Alternatively, or additionally, the travelling wave of illumination may be a wave of different colour. The use of a travelling wave of illumination may enhance the visibility of the illuminated sign to the viewer, relative to a static sign, e.g. providing increased visibility relative to a neon tube sign. In the case of an illuminated sign displaying safety-related information (e.g. an exit sign), the provision of enhanced visibility may enhance safety.

The control of spaced apart LEDs in correspondence with their positions in the X-Y plane of a rigid housing enables a complex pattern of illumination to be provided at a reduced cost and level of manufacturing complexity.

Figures 2A and 2B show an illuminated sign 200 comprised of two housings 220A, 220B, each corresponding with the housing 120 of the illuminated sign 100 of Figure 1A, with their LEDs being controlled by a single programmable LED controller 240 to display a pattern of illumination across both housings that changes with time. The illustrated pattern of illumination is a wave of illumination between a leading edge wavefront F1 and a trailing edge wavefront F2 (effectively the leading edge wavefront of a wave of reduced illumination) that travels to the right, changing from an initial wave of illumination 242 in Figure 2A to a subsequent wave of illumination 242’ in Figure 2B. The wave of illumination 242 may travel at a uniform speed, perpendicularly to its wavefronts F1, F2 as indicated by the arrows.

Although Figures 2A and 2B show only a single straight wave of illumination moving perpendicularly to its wavefront, the pattern of illumination may comprise many waves of illumination (waves of different colours, intensities or both).

The illustrated pattern of illumination in Figures 2A and 2B is a linear wave moving in a straight line, perpendicular to its wavefront. However, alternatively, a pattern of illumination may have non-linear waves, e.g. spiral-shaped waves of illumination, radially expanding waves of illumination, or rotating radial waves of illumination (e.g. a pattern of illumination may sweep continuously around the ring-shaped housing, shown in Figure 1A). The pattern of illumination may be determined by matching the locations of the LEDs in the X-Y plane with a two-dimensional image, e.g. a GIF file.

In Figure 1B of the LEDs 130 have been shown mounted on a deformable LED lighting strip 128, and uniformly spaced apart along the LED lighting strip. However, alternatively, the LEDs may be spaced along the LED lighting strip at known positions, but with non-uniform spacings. In a further alternative, individual LEDs may be provided within the channel, spaced apart (e.g. spaced apart by at least 5mm) at known locations within the X-Y plane of the housing and connected to the LED controller (i.e. not mounted onto a common flexible strip-like substrate).

The programmable LED controller 140 may comprise a remote control (not shown), to facilitate user operation.

The LED controller 140 may provide both power and control signals (e.g. digital logic signals) to the individually addressable LEDs 134. Alternatively, power may be provided directly to the LEDs.

The figures provided herein are schematic and not to scale.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (15)

1. An illuminated sign comprising:

a channel extending along a path in an X-Y plane of the illuminated sign and within a rigid housing;

a LED controller;

a plurality of LEDs mounted within the channel and spaced apart along the length of the channel, wherein each LED is digitally addressable by the LED controller; and wherein the programmable LED controller is configurable to display a pattern of illumination on the LEDs in correspondence the location of each LED within the X-Y plane.

2. The illuminated sign of claim 1, wherein the channel extends along a circuitous path in the X-Y plane.

3. The illuminated sign of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the channel comprises a plurality of LEDs that are uniformly spaced apart along the channel.

4. The illuminated sign of claim 34, wherein the plurality of LED are spaced apart with a repeat distance along the channel of at least 5mm.

5. The illuminated sign of any preceding claim, wherein the channel comprises a plurality of LEDs spaced apart along the length of an LED lighting strip.

6. The illuminated sign of claim 5, wherein the plurality of LED are spaced apart along the length of a plurality of LED lighting strips, and the programmable LED controller is configurable to display a pattern of illumination on the LEDs of the plurality of LED lighting strips in correspondence the location of their respective LEDs within a common X-Y plane.

7. The illuminated sign of any preceding claim, wherein the LED controller is configurable to display a pattern of illumination on the LEDs that changes as a function of time.

8. The illuminated sign of any preceding claim, wherein the LED controller is configurable to display patterns of illumination on the LEDs that move progressively across the illuminated sign.

9. The illuminated sign of claim 8, wherein the patterns of illumination are waves of illumination that move transversely to their length.

10. The illuminated sign of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of LED are spaced apart along the length of a plurality of separate channels.

11. The illuminated sign of claim 10, wherein the plurality of LEDs are provided within a plurality of separate channels of a common housing.

12. The illuminated sign of claim 10, wherein the plurality of LEDs are provided within channels of a plurality of separate housings.

13. The illuminated sign of any preceding claim, wherein substantially the full length of the housing has a uniform external width

14. A programming system for programming the programmable LED controller of any preceding claim, wherein the programming system is configured:

to receive channel shape information relating to the shape of the channel in the X-Y plane;

to receive LED positioning information corresponding to the location of a reference LED within the channel;

to determine the location of each LED within the X-Y plane; and to program the programmable LED controller to display a pattern of illumination on the LEDs in correspondence the location of each LED within the X-Y plane.

15. The programming system of claim 14, wherein the channel comprises a plurality of LEDs that are uniformly spaced apart along the channel, and