Roberts Systems, Inc.

H Space Technologies, Inc.

James S Angus

Andrew J Laczynski

Victor Y Juchymenko

J Richard Howard

Light processing apparatus creates a number of visual effects which simulate movement with light from a light source. A multiplicity of flexible fibre optic light guides having optically finished input and output ends are grouped into groups, with each group being assigned to create a particular effect. The input ends of each group of light guides are placed in adjacent receptor zones of pre-selected geometry, and the output ends of each group of light guides are located on an effects surface in a pre-selected pattern. Light from the light source is filtered by a color changer having a plurality of discrete moveable colored filter zones shaped to correlate with the receptor zones, and is then received by the input ends of the light guides and distributed to the output ends of the light guides. The color changer may be a rotatable color wheel filter, an endless band filter or a cylindrical filter. When the filter is activated, the filter zones successively register with and sweep across the receptor zones, thereby changing the color of the light which is transmitted to the input ends of the various groups of light guides. The subject apparatus also includes a configuration structure which holds the input and output ends of the light guides in pre-selected positions, supports and positions the light source and filter, and encapsulates the light guides. The light processing apparatus can be incorporated into a sign or other lighting product having a display panel or other device for displaying the visual effects.

Light processing apparatus for creating visual effects

Light processing apparatus creates visual effects with light from a light source. An input bundle of flexible fibre optic light guides receives light from the light source. A reconfiguration plate reconfigures the output ends of the light guides into a plurality of separated input zones of selected shape. A filter having colored areas shaped to correlate with the input zones filters the light. An output bundle of flexible fibre optic light guides distributes the light transmitted through the filter. A configuring plate configures the input ends of the output bundle of light guides into output zones which correlate with the input zones. The filter may be a rotatable color wheel or a computer-controlled liquid crystal display. When the filter is activated, the colored areas change colors, thereby creating various visual effects, such as painting with light. The light processing apparatus can be incorporated into a sign or other lighting product having a display panel or other device for displaying the visual effects.

Growing community of inventors

Toronto, Canada

James S Angus