초록 ▼

A decorative optical display (20) utilizing a reflective diffraction grating (94) or a transmissive diffraction grating (304) and a plurality of polychromatic light sources (60) disposed around perimeter (106) of the reflective diffraction grating or perimeter (314) of the transmissive diffraction g

A decorative optical display (20) utilizing a reflective diffraction grating (94) or a transmissive diffraction grating (304) and a plurality of polychromatic light sources (60) disposed around perimeter (106) of the reflective diffraction grating or perimeter (314) of the transmissive diffraction grating. The light sources are disposed so as to the illuminate the reflective or transmissive diffraction grating at an oblique angle (204) or (328), respectively. The oblique illumination of the reflective or transmissive diffraction grating prevents a viewer (200) from seeing undiffracted light rays (212) or (336) emanating from the light sources, which can detract from the appeal of the optical display pattern (250). The reflective or transmissive diffraction grating may be flat or curved and may be supported by a support member (90). Further, the reflective or transmissive diffraction grating may have either a single or multiple axes. A shade (114) is provided to cover the light sources to prevent undiffracted light rays from reaching the viewer, or to hide wires (76) connecting the light sources. Also, the activation of the light sources is controlled via a control unit (152), and can be set to any one of a number of different temporal and spatial activation modes. The optical display is also adaptable for a variety of uses calling for an attractive display, such as a clock (500) or a display sign (600).

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A decorative optical display comprising:a) a diffraction grating having an isotropic grating pattern and having a perimeter and a surface; andb) a plurality of light sources disposed adjacent said perimeter such that each light source substantially entirely illuminates sa

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A decorative optical display comprising:a) a diffraction grating having an isotropic grating pattern and having a perimeter and a surface; andb) a plurality of light sources disposed adjacent said perimeter such that each light source substantially entirely illuminates said diffraction grating surface over a wide range of oblique angles so as to form a display pattern comprising diffracted light curves.