WO2006093473A1 - Lighting apparatus for a retail display of diamonds, jewellery and fine handicrafts - Google Patents

Lighting apparatus for a retail display of diamonds, jewellery and fine handicrafts Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006093473A1
WO2006093473A1 PCT/SG2006/000040 SG2006000040W WO2006093473A1 WO 2006093473 A1 WO2006093473 A1 WO 2006093473A1 SG 2006000040 W SG2006000040 W SG 2006000040W WO 2006093473 A1 WO2006093473 A1 WO 2006093473A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lights
array
lighting apparatus
lighting
illumination
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SG2006/000040
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Sung Chean Leo Wong
Jeffrey Scott Ashby
Original Assignee
Sung Chean Leo Wong
Jeffrey Scott Ashby
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sung Chean Leo Wong, Jeffrey Scott Ashby filed Critical Sung Chean Leo Wong
Publication of WO2006093473A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006093473A1/en

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47FSPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F7/00Show stands, hangers, or shelves, adapted for particular articles or materials
    • A47F7/02Show stands, hangers, or shelves, adapted for particular articles or materials for jewellery, dentures, watches, eye-glasses, lenses, or the like
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47FSPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F11/00Arrangements in shop windows, shop floors or show cases
    • A47F11/06Means for bringing about special optical effects
    • A47F11/10Arrangements of light sources
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S10/00Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect
    • F21S10/02Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect changing colors

Definitions

  • the invention provides a lighting apparatus for a retail display of diamonds, jewellery and fine handicrafts, the lighting apparatus is comprised of an array of electrical lights, and each light is able to emit varying levels of illumination and the array of lights is able to display a repeating pattern of varying illumination wherein the pattern changes over time to simulate the appearance of movement of light along the array of lights.
  • Figs. 2 (a) to (e) schematically show the pattern of illumination displayed on the same array of lights over time.

Abstract

The invention concerns a lighting apparatus for a retail display of diamonds, jewellery and fine handicrafts. For instance, a jewellery display cabinet having the lighting apparatus installed. The invention provides a lighting apparatus and a method for controlling a lighting apparatus for a retail display of diamonds, jewellery and fine handicrafts. The electrical lights of the apparatus are each able to emit varying levels of illumination and the array of lights is able to display a repeating pattern of variable illumination that changes over time to simulate the appearance of movement of light along the array of lights. This produces a lively sparkling effect in the items being illuminated. This has the benefit of enhancing the lustre, appeal and apparent beauty of diamonds, precious stones, silver and other items of jewellery or finely crafted items on display and lead to increased sales.

Description

Title
LIGHTING APPARATUS FOR A RETAIL DISPLAY OF DIAMONDS, JEWELLERY AND FINE HANDICRAFTS
Technical Field
The invention concerns a lighting apparatus for a retail display of diamonds, jewellery and fine handicrafts. For instance, but not limited to, the invention is a jewellery display cabinet having the lighting apparatus installed. The invention also concerns a method of lighting a retail display of diamonds, jewellery and fine handicrafts.
Background Art
Lights are used in retail displays to enable potential customers to clearly see the items for sale. For the display of certain types of products white lighting is preferred. These products include jewellery made from metal and stones, such as diamonds. The stones may also be on display separately, which includes both natural precious/semi-precious stones and other synthetic stones. White lighting is also preferred for fine handicrafts often found in jewellery stores such as watches, instruments and small ornaments.
These products are often displayed in cabinets and a lighting apparatus is installed to provide the necessary illumination. A lighting apparatus commonly consists of fluorescent lighting, incandescent lighting or a combination thereof. Whilst these are adequate in providing basic item highlighting within a retail display, this lighting is not capable of maximising enticement that would better promote the sale of the item.
Summary of the Invention
In a first aspect the invention provides a lighting apparatus for a retail display of diamonds, jewellery and fine handicrafts, the lighting apparatus is comprised of an array of electrical lights, and each light is able to emit varying levels of illumination and the array of lights is able to display a repeating pattern of varying illumination wherein the pattern changes over time to simulate the appearance of movement of light along the array of lights.
It is an advantage of the invention that by manipulation of the illumination of the lights in this way, a lively sparkling effect is created from the diamonds, jewellery and fine handicrafts on display. This has the benefit of enhancing the lustre, appeal and apparent beauty of the items on display. Increased sales of items may be achieved through this improved presentation when compared to items illuminated by means of a static lighting apparatus.
The array may include a highly illuminated light among less illuminated lights and the pattern changes by shifting the highly illuminated light along the array of lights to give the highly illuminated light the appearance of movement.
The array of lights may be comprised of groups of lights, wherein the same pattern of illumination is displayed on each group. The simulated appearance of movement may be along the lights of each group.
The light apparatus may include a plurality of arrays of electrical lights to create a matrix of electrical lights. The pattern displayed in each array may be different. The array may be linear.
The illumination of each light may be controlled using modulation of the current and voltage supplied or Pulse Width Modulation. The illumination of each light may be individually controllable. The array of lights may include different types of lights.
The overall total illumination produced by the lighting apparatus may be more than a predetermined minimum amount of illumination that enables the diamonds, jewellery and handicrafts to be clearly visible. The lighting apparatus may include further static electrical lights that provide the predetermined minimum illumination. The further electrical lights may be positioned in a further array that is parallel with the array of variable lights.
In a second aspect the invention provides a method of lighting a retail display of diamonds, jewellery or handicrafts, the lighting apparatus is comprised of an array of electrical lights, the method comprising the steps of: controlling the level of illumination emitted from each light so as to produce a repeating pattern of varying illumination in the array of lights that changes over time to simulate the appearance of movement of light along the array of lights.
Brief Description of the Drawings An example of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 schematically shows the arrangement of a static and variable array of lights in relation to each other; and
Figs. 2 (a) to (e) schematically show the pattern of illumination displayed on the same array of lights over time.
Best Modes of the Invention
In this example a lighting apparatus will be described that illuminates a jewellery display containing diamonds.
It can be easily-demonstrated that the movement of an illuminated object within its illuminated environment creates sparkling, scintillation or twinkling effects. The movement allows different facets of the objects being illuminated to reflect or refract light differently, creating interest and texture. This is particularly true for diamonds, which dazzle brilliantly when examined in bright light - especially when the diamond is rotated within the light. The effect of light striking various reflective or refractive surfaces of an illuminated object at continuously varying angles dramatically increases the visual appeal of the object, greatly aiding in its promotion and eventual sale. This example will describe a lighting apparatus that displays repeating patterns based on the illumination of each of the lights that change over time to produce a similar sparkling effect in the diamonds.
There are several electronic, mechanical and electro-mechanical methods that may be employed to achieve the desired effect of the invention. In this example the lights of the light apparatus 8 are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The LEDs 14 are arranged in a linear matrix 10 as shown in Fig. 1. In this example the matrix is a straight line, however the matrix need not be linear. For example, the matrix of lights 10 may form a wave-shaped line. As will be described further below, the dynamic matrix 10 provides the illusion of movement.
The matrix may be combined with a similar sized matrix 12 comprised of static lightsources of any type. The static light sources 12 provide basic illumination for the display to ensure that the items in the display are clearly visible by potential customers at all times.
Each LED 14 within the dynamic matrix or matrices are individually controllable electronically to vary their illumination. By co-ordinating the control of the individual illumination of the LEDs 14 within the matrix 10 or matrices, patterns of varying light may be achieved. When done so in a deliberate, co-ordinated and continuous manner the illusion of movement can be achieved. This apparition of movement is made possible by the phenomenon of Persistence Of Vision found in the human eye.
Varying the illumination of the LEDs 14 can be achieved by several methods, including the modulation of the LEDs' supply voltage or current or both, applying a method known as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to supply to the LEDs, alternating activation between different types of LEDs within a matrix, or even by mechanical manipulation. In this embodiment, modulation of LED intensity is achieved using varying voltage and current.
Fig. 1 shows a typical version of the preferred embodiment, which is a single linear matrix 10 of LEDs 14. This is the simplest form of the lighting apparatus 8 used for illustrating the invention. For visual brevity, the LEDs 14 are represented by simple boxes, each individually numbered serially in ascending order from left to right signifying the unique identity of each LED 14 within the matrix 10.
Fig. 2 presents a series of diagrams that show one example of the changing patterns that can be displayed inorder to simulate movement. In this example, the movement being simulated will be that of the lighting being oscillated horizontally, or, in other words, being moved from left to right repeatedly. The simulated movement in this example will only be slight, but sufficient to illustrate that other patterns of simulated movement can easily be achieved with variations in the control and/or power signals received by the lighting apparatus 8.
It is assumed that the lighting apparatus 8 already supplies some measure of static light to the items on display. This static light provided by the basic lighting matrix 12 where most, if not all, LEDs within the static matrix 12 are switched on to some degree of intensity.
To simulate movement, individual LEDs 14 or groups 18 of LEDs within the matrix are manipulated sequentially to achieve the desired effect. The manipulation would consist of altering the lighting intensity of individual LEDs 14 or groups of LEDs 18, or even switching them on or off. For simplicity, only the first three LEDs within the shown matrix are described here, however subsequent linear matrixes (not shown) of the LEDs could follow the same sequence of operation. For example, the lighting apparatus 8 may be comprised of four linear matrices 10, that each operate in a manner similar to that described here.
In Fig. 2, the shaded or grey boxes represent LEDs that are partially switched on, that is only partial power is provided to these lights. The black boxes represent LEDs that are completely switched on, that is full power is provided to these lights.
Referring first to Fig. 2(a), at the start of the sequence, LED #1 is fully lit, while LEDs #2 and #3 are partially lit. At this point LED #1, by virtue of its higher intensity, forms the highlighting element. The other two LEDs #2 and #3 serve to provide a base level of lighting. As we follow the sequence of diagrams in Fig. 2(b) and (c), we notice that LEDs #2 and #3 are lit in turn. After LED #3 is lit the sequence is reversed in Fig. 2(d) and (e) until we arrive back at where LED #1 is at full intensity once more, completing one iteration of the sequence. Viewed continuously, the repeating sequence will appear as if the highlighting element is moving repeatedly left and right along the physical distance between LED #1 and LED #3.
While not shown, additional manipulation may occur to enhance this illusion. For example, as the highlight "moves" from one LED to the next, the LEDs may fade in and out to give the appearance of more seamless movement. Further, any pattern that gives the appearance of movement in the light source could be utilised.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. A lighting apparatus for a retail display of diamonds, jewellery and fine handicrafts, the lighting apparatus is comprised of an array of electrical lights, and each light is able to emit varying levels of illumination and the array of lights is able to display a repeating pattern of varying illumination wherein the pattern changes over time to simulate the appearance of movement of light along the array of lights.
2. A lighting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the array of lights includes a highly illuminated light among less illuminated lights and the pattern changes by shifting the highly illuminated light along the array of lights to give the highly illuminated light the appearance of movement.
3. A lighting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the array of lights are comprised of groups of lights, wherein the same pattern of illumination is displayed on each group.
4. A lighting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the simulated appearance of movement is simulated along the lights of each group.
5. A lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting apparatus includes a plurality of arrays of electrical lights to create a matrix of electrical lights.
6. A lighting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the pattern displayed in each array is different.
7. A lighting apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the illumination of each light is individually controllable.
8. A lighting apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the array of lights includes different types of lights.
9. A lighting apparatus in accordance with anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the overall total illumination produced by the lighting apparatus is always more than a predetermined minimum amount of illumination that enables the diamonds, jewellery and handicrafts to be clearly visible.
10. A lighting apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the lighting apparatus includes further static electrical lights that provide the predetermined minimum amount of illumination.
11. A lighting apparatus in accordance with claim 10, wherein the rurther electrical lights are positioned in a further array that is parallel with the array of variable lights.
12. A lighting apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the array of lights is a linear array.
13. A method of lighting a retail display of diamonds, jewellery or handicrafts, the lighting apparatus is comprised of an array of electrical lights, the method comprising the steps of: controlling the level of illumination emitted from each light so as to produce a repeating pattern of varying illumination in the array of lights that changes over time to simulate the appearance of movement of light along the array of lights.
14. A method of lighting a retail display according to claim 13, wherein the array of lights includes a highly illuminated light among less illuminated lights and the pattern changes by shifting the highly illuminated light along the array of lights to give the highly illuminated light the appearance of movement.
15. A method of lighting a retail display according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the array of lights are comprised of groups of lights, wherein the same pattern of illumination is displayed on each group.
16. A method of lighting a retail display according to claim 15, wherein the simulated appearance of movement is simulated along the lights of each group.
17. A method of lighting a retail display according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the light apparatus includes a plurality of arrays of electrical lights to create a matrix of electrical lights.
18. A method of lighting a retail display according to claim 17, wherein the pattern displayed in each array is different.
19. A method of lighting a retail display according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the step of controlling is performed individually for each light.
20. A method of lighting a retail display according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the array of lights includes different types of lights.
21. A method of lighting a retail display according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the overall total illumination produced by the lighting apparatus is always more than a predetermined minimum amount of illumination that enables the diamonds, jewellery and handicrafts to be clearly visible.
22. A method of lighting a retail display according to claims 21, wherein the lighting apparatus includes further static electrical lights that provide the predetermined minimum amount of illumination.
23. A method of lighting a retail display according to claim 22, wherein the further electrical lights are positioned in a further array that is parallel with the array of variable lights.
24. A method of lighting a retail display according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the array of lights is a linear array.
PCT/SG2006/000040 2005-03-01 2006-03-01 Lighting apparatus for a retail display of diamonds, jewellery and fine handicrafts WO2006093473A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US66031805P 2005-03-01 2005-03-01
US60/660,318 2005-03-01

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WO2006093473A1 true WO2006093473A1 (en) 2006-09-08

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008029352A1 (en) * 2006-09-08 2008-03-13 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Lighting device with a plurality of light sources and two lighting patterns
WO2008093304A1 (en) * 2007-02-01 2008-08-07 Scintalite (Pty) Limited A lighting device
WO2010150069A1 (en) 2009-06-24 2010-12-29 Cyril Pilet Illumination system for item of jewellery having movable light sources
DE102012022230A1 (en) 2012-11-14 2014-05-15 MüllerKälber GmbH Showcase for displaying e.g. jewelry, has lighting device comprising lighting controller that is provided with digital memory for lighting program i.e. time-controlled program, and point light sources triggered with each other by program

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3806722A (en) * 1972-09-05 1974-04-23 Ds De Sure Visual effect device
US5317238A (en) * 1991-10-07 1994-05-31 Richard Schaedel Electromagnetic field sensitive animated ornamental display
US6405858B1 (en) * 1997-04-02 2002-06-18 Frank S. Gagliardi Jewelry enhancing lighting device and process
WO2003024269A1 (en) * 2001-09-17 2003-03-27 Color Kinetics Incorporated Methods and apparatus for generating and modulating white light illumination conditions

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3806722A (en) * 1972-09-05 1974-04-23 Ds De Sure Visual effect device
US5317238A (en) * 1991-10-07 1994-05-31 Richard Schaedel Electromagnetic field sensitive animated ornamental display
US6405858B1 (en) * 1997-04-02 2002-06-18 Frank S. Gagliardi Jewelry enhancing lighting device and process
WO2003024269A1 (en) * 2001-09-17 2003-03-27 Color Kinetics Incorporated Methods and apparatus for generating and modulating white light illumination conditions

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008029352A1 (en) * 2006-09-08 2008-03-13 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Lighting device with a plurality of light sources and two lighting patterns
WO2008093304A1 (en) * 2007-02-01 2008-08-07 Scintalite (Pty) Limited A lighting device
WO2010150069A1 (en) 2009-06-24 2010-12-29 Cyril Pilet Illumination system for item of jewellery having movable light sources
DE102012022230A1 (en) 2012-11-14 2014-05-15 MüllerKälber GmbH Showcase for displaying e.g. jewelry, has lighting device comprising lighting controller that is provided with digital memory for lighting program i.e. time-controlled program, and point light sources triggered with each other by program

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