Display of light patterns on a flexible guide sheet

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting module (500) comprising an assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet (510.1; 510.2), each flexible guide sheet of the assembly being suitable for receiving light rays at an edge of the flexible guide sheet and for reflecting the light rays in a direction substantially normal to a surface of the flexible guide sheet according to at least one pattern etched in said flexible guide sheet, wherein the assembly is suitable for returning light according to a first pattern and a second pattern. The module comprises a first and a second light injection element (520.1; 520.2) suitable for distributing light in the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet. At least one light source (530.1; 530.2) is suitable for selectively injecting light into the first and second light injection elements so as to form the first pattern or the second pattern.

Description

Description Title: Displaying light patterns on a flexible guide rail

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of light modules, particularly light modules with light guides. The invention applies in particular, but not exclusively, to the display of dynamic information or animations from light patterns.

[0002] It is now required to carry out such animations in many facilities, for the purpose of signaling information, for aesthetic purposes of personalization or for creating atmosphere.

[0003] It is also required to allow for animations with a high level of resolution.

[0004] To do this, it is known to use screens, such as LCD screens.

[0005] However, such technology is not only expensive but also sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, or UV radiation.

[0006] Moreover, it is preferable to have a flexible lighting module to facilitate its integration into any type of equipment.

[0007] There is therefore a need for a light module capable of producing an animation, which is robust, inexpensive and easy to integrate into any type of equipment.

[0008] The present invention improves the situation.

[0009] To this end, a first aspect concerns a lighting module comprising: an assembly of at least one flexible guide rail, each flexible guide rail of the assembly being capable of receiving light rays by at least one edge of the flexible guide sheet and to reflect the light rays in a direction substantially normal to a surface of the flexible guide sheet

[0010] according to at least one pattern engraved in the flexible guide sheet, the assembly being capable of reflecting light according to a first pattern and a second pattern engraved in said assembly; at least one first and one second light injection element, each of the first and second injection elements being capable of receiving light and distributing light in the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet; at least one light source capable of selectively injecting light into the first light injection element and into the second light injection element; wherein the first light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet are arranged so as to project light according to the first pattern and wherein the second light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet are arranged so as to project light according to the second pattern. Thus, the use of a set of flexible guide strips allows for a flexible lighting module, adaptable to numerous functionalities and easily integrated into any type of equipment. Selective light injection into at least two light injection elements controls the display of the first and second patterns, enabling the creation of animations based on such patterns. Furthermore, the number of light sources is minimized by the use of light guides, reducing both the cost and the size of the lighting module.

[0011] According to one embodiment, each injection element, including the first and second injection elements, may comprise a plurality of injection guides, each injection guide being capable of receiving light from one end of the guide and guiding the light at a given longitudinal position of the injection element, the longitudinal positions of the injection guides being all different so as to distribute the light longitudinally in the injection element.

[0012] Thus, it is possible to distribute light evenly in the edge of the flexible guide sheet, which improves the projection quality of the first and second patterns.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the module may include a first light source capable of injecting light into the first light injection element and a second light source capable of injecting light into the second light injection element.

[0014] By providing a light source per injection element, the control of the selective injection of light into the first and second injection elements is facilitated.

[0015] In addition, the first light source may be capable of generating light in a first range of wavelengths and the second light source may be capable of generating light in a second range of wavelengths, different from the first range.

[0016] Thus, the patterns can be of different colors, which facilitates the personalization of an animation made from the first and second patterns.

[0017] In addition, the first and second patterns can be geometrically identical.

[0018] Thus, it is possible to dynamically vary the color of a single pattern to create an animation or to signal information dependent on the color of the pattern.

[0019] Alternatively, the light source may be capable of selectively injecting light into a first optical fiber connected to the first injection guide and into a second optical fiber connected to the second injection guide.

[0020] This design reduces the space required near the flexible guide rails and allows the light source to be located away from them. This facilitates the integration of the lighting module into equipment with space constraints.

[0021] In addition, the light source can be a laser source.

[0022] The module is thus capable of projecting patterns with high light energy density.

[0023] According to a first embodiment, the first injection element can be arranged to inject light into a first section of the edge of the flexible guide sheet of the assembly, and the second injection element can be arranged to inject light into a second section of the edge of the flexible guide sheet, a first part of the flexible guide sheet located opposite the first section of the edge being engraved according to the first pattern, and a second part of the flexible guide sheet located opposite the second section of the edge being engraved according to the second pattern.

[0024] Thus, several patterns can be displayed individually on the same flexible guide sheet.

[0025] According to other embodiments, the assembly may comprise at least a first and a second flexible guide sheets, the first pattern being engraved in the first flexible guide sheet and the second pattern being engraved in the second flexible guide sheet, the first injection element being arranged to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide sheet and the second injection element being arranged to inject light into an edge of the second flexible guide sheet.

[0026] In these embodiments, a pattern is engraved in each flexible guide sheet, which makes it possible to multiply the patterns, without reducing their size, for the same flexible guide sheet format.

[0027] According to a second embodiment, the first and second guide sheets can be superimposed in the light module, in order to project the first and second patterns into a common area of ​​the light module.

[0028] This makes it possible to create an animation by varying a pattern in the common area.

[0029] Alternatively, according to a third embodiment, the first and second guide sheets can be placed side by side so as to project the first and second patterns to distinct positions.

[0030] This makes it possible to create animations with spatial movement of a pattern, or to project several patterns at once, which increases the number of pattern combinations possible for a given number of flexible guide sheets.

[0031] In addition, the assembly may include more than two guide sheets placed side by side to form a matrix of flexible guide sheets, each flexible guide sheet being associated with a light injection element capable of injecting light into an edge of the flexible guide sheet and each flexible guide sheet having at least one pattern engraved in said flexible guide sheet.

[0032] Thus, each flexible guide sheet is a matrix element of the light module, making it possible to create complex animations from light patterns.

[0033] In addition or as an alternative, the flexible guide sheets of the assembly can have the same square or rectangular shape.

[0034] The manufacturing of the light module is thus simplified and the associated costs are reduced.

[0035] In addition, one dimension of the shape of the guide sheets is between 3 and 25 cm, in particular between 3 and 5 centimeters.

[0036] Thus, the matrix elements, which are the flexible guide sheets, are small in size, making it possible to create a lighting module with a large number of these sheets. This allows for the projection of numerous patterns and therefore the creation of complex light animations.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the module may further include a control element capable of controlling said at least one source in order to selectively project light according to the first pattern and according to the second pattern.

[0038] Thus, a single element is capable of selectively controlling the injection of light into the different light injection elements of the light module, which improves the synchronization of the display of light patterns with each other.

[0039] In addition, the control element may be capable of dynamically controlling said at least one source in order to produce a light animation comprising at least the first and second patterns.

[0040] This makes it easier to create light animations from the patterns.

[0041] According to one embodiment, each flexible guide sheet of the assembly can have a thickness between 0.2 and 1 mm.

[0042] Such a thickness allows for significant flexibility of the flexible guide sheet, and facilitates its integration, particularly on curved supports.

[0043] According to one embodiment, at least one flexible guide sheet of the assembly may be made of a transparent material.

[0044] Thus, the possibilities for integrating the light module are increased, as well as its aesthetic appearance.

[0045] At least one flexible guide sheet can be semi-transparent or opaque.

[0046] In addition, each flexible guide sheet of the assembly may include a film of polycarbonate, PC, polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA, thermoplastic polyurethane, TUP, or polyethylene terephthalate, PET.

[0047] Such materials make it possible to create a flexible and transparent guide mat.

[0048] According to one embodiment, each flexible guide sheet may include a flexible film comprising microstructures, in which each pattern among the first and second patterns are engraved by ultraviolet printing of the microstructures of the flexible film.

[0049] Such microstructures make it possible to create patterns with good resolution while maintaining a high level of transparency in the flexible guide sheet.

[0050] In addition, for each flexible guide sheet, a surface density of microstructures can decrease with the distance from the edge of the guide sheet into which the light is injected.

[0051] The homogeneity of a pattern projected by the flexible guide sheet is thus improved.

[0052] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a light module according to the first aspect of the invention, implemented by a control element capable of controlling said at least one source in order to selectively project light according to the first motif and according to the second motif, the method comprising receiving an animation command, the animation command identifying an animation comprising a succession of motifs including the first motif and the second motif, and controlling said at least one source according to the animation command, so as to dynamically project said animation.

[0053] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a light module comprising the following steps: - have a roll of flexible film capable of guiding light through its thickness; - to engrave by ultraviolet printing at least a first and a second pattern on said roll of flexible film; - cut said roll to obtain an assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet of a given dimension, the assembly comprising the first pattern and the second pattern; - Arrange a first injection element and a second injection element relative to at least one flexible guide sheet to form a light module, - arrange at least one light source in the light module so as to selectively inject light into the first light injection element and into the second light injection element.

[0054] The first light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet are arranged to project light according to the first pattern and the second light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet are arranged to project light according to the second pattern.

[0055] The flexible film is thus mechanically protected, which increases its lifespan. The protective layers can also shield the flexible film from UV rays, preventing degradation of the engraved pattern on the flexible guide sheet.

[0056] According to one embodiment, following the engraving of the first and second patterns, the manufacturing process may further include laminating the roll of flexible film to add transparent protective layers on both sides of the flexible film.

[0057] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0058] [Fig 1] illustrates part of a light module according to the invention;

[0059] [Fig 2] illustrates an injection element of a light module according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0060] [Fig 3] illustrates a light module according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0061] [Fig 4] illustrates a light module according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0062] [Fig 5] illustrates a light module according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0063] [Fig 6] is a diagram illustrating the steps of a method for controlling a light module according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0064] [Fig 7] is a diagram illustrating the steps of a manufacturing process for a light module according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0065] The description focuses on the characteristics that distinguish the processes or the light module from those known in the state of the art.

[0066] Figure 1 shows part of a light module 100 according to the invention.

[0067] The 100 light module includes a flexible guide ribbon 1 10 capable of receiving light rays through an edge 114 and reflecting the light rays in a Z direction substantially normal to a surface of the flexible guide sheet which thus extends in an XY plane on figure 1.

[0068] A guide sheet is defined as an optical guiding element in which one dimension is significantly smaller than the other two dimensions in space, for example, smaller by one or more orders of magnitude. As illustrated in Figure 1, we consider here a flexible guide sheet whose thickness along the Z-axis is at least two orders of magnitude smaller than its dimensions along the XY plane in which the flexible guide sheet extends.

[0069] The flexible guide sheet 1 10 may include a flexible film 1 11 in its core comprising at least one edge 1 14 capable of guiding light rays in an overall direction X, and comprising a set of microstructures 1 13 capable of reflecting the light rays guided in the flexible film 11 1 out of the flexible guide sheet 1 10, in particular in one or more directions substantially along the Z axis.

[0070] The flexible film 111 can be a substrate film made of polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TUP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The flexible film 111 can have a thickness, or dimension along the Z-axis, from 12 to 1000 micrometers. More precisely, the thickness of the flexible film 111 can be from 50 to 1000 micrometers, for example, from 200 to 500 micrometers. Alternatively, the flexible guide sheet 110 has a thickness from 200 to 1000 micrometers.

[0071] The aforementioned materials, combined with a low thickness as described above, allow the production of a flexible film 1 1 1. Other materials may be used for the composition of the flexible film 11 1. However, according to the invention, it is preferable to use deformable and transparent materials.

[0072] A thin coating of microstructures 113 can be applied to one of the faces of the flexible film 111, or integrated into the flexible film 111. The coating of microstructures 113 can in particular have a thickness along the Z axis of less than 20 micrometers.

[0073] Such microstructures 113 may have a general bump shape, on which light rays are reflected in a direction substantially along the Z-axis. Such microstructures 113 may be adapted to cause the light rays exiting the flexible film 111 to form a pattern. For this purpose, the microstructures 113 may be etched by ultraviolet printing, according to the desired pattern.

[0074] Microstructures 113 are defined as structures, or irregularities, in the flexible film with dimensions smaller than a few micrometers. Microstructures also include nanometric structures. Such microstructure sizes 113 ensure high transparency of the flexible film 111. In particular, a transparency of approximately 97% can be practically achieved using microstructures 113. Alternatively, the flexible guide sheet can be semi-transparent or opaque.

[0075] Advantageously, the microstructures 113 can be distributed along the X-axis such that the linear density of microstructures 113 is proportional to the distance from the edge 114 through which the light rays injected by the injection element 120 are received. In other words, the further the microstructures 113 are from the edge 114, the more densely they are grouped. Such a distribution advantageously ensures a homogeneous distribution along the X-axis of the light intensity of the pattern emitted by the flexible guide sheet 110.

[0076] The flexible guide sheet 110 may further include one or two optional protective layers 112.1 and 112.2, which provide mechanical protection for the flexible film 111. In addition, at least one of the protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 may include an anti-treatment. UV protection is used to protect the flexible film from UV rays once the microstructures 113 have been etched. Without such UV protection, the pattern projected by the flexible guide sheet 110 is likely to degrade over time, especially when exposed to sunlight.

[0077] The flexible film 111 and the protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 are shown spaced apart in Figure 1 for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood, however, that the protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 can be bonded to the flexible film, for example by lamination.

[0078] Since the guide sheet 110 is flexible, it is not necessarily contained in a plane but can be curved, depending on the position in which it is placed and the mechanical stresses applied to it.

[0079] The part of the light module 100 illustrated in Figure 1 also includes a light injection element 120, also called a light bar, because it extends longitudinally along a Y direction, and is capable of injecting light in a direction normal to its longitudinal direction, for example along the X axis when arranged in the manner shown in Figure 1.

[0080] The light injection element 120 has a rectangular or square cross-section in Figure 1. However, the light injection element 120 can have a round, oval, or polygonal cross-section.

[0081] Thus, the light injection element 120 comprises an output surface 122 extending along the longitudinal direction and capable of injecting light in a direction substantially normal to the output surface 122. The light injection element 120 further comprises an inlet surface 121, at one end of the light injection element 120, capable of receiving light rays from a light source 130, and the light injection element 120 is capable of guiding the light longitudinally along the Y-axis, distributing it over the output surface. 122. The light distribution by the output surface 122 will be better understood in light of the description in Figure 2.

[0082] There are no restrictions on the light source 130. It could, for example, be a light-emitting diode (LED), which has the advantages of small size, low energy consumption, and low heat generation. The light source 130 can be capable of generating light within a specific wavelength range. This range can be centered around a visible color to generate colored light, such as blue, red, or green. Alternatively, the light source 130 can emit light across the entire range of wavelengths visible to the human eye to generate white light. A very narrow wavelength range can be produced by a laser-type light source 130.

[0083] Alternatively, the light source 130 is not arranged directly opposite the inlet surface 121 of the injection element 120, but the light module 100 further includes an optical fiber placed between the source 130 and the injection element 120, which allows the source 130 to be offset from the assembly formed by the injection element 120 and the flexible guide sheet 110.

[0084] Figure 2 shows an injection element 120 of a light module 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0085] The injection element 120 may include a plurality of injection guides 123 suitable for receiving light from the source 130 through the inlet surface 121 and guiding the light to a longitudinal position of the outlet surface 122, the longitudinal positions of the light guides being distinct so as to distribute the light to at least several longitudinal positions of the outlet surface 122.

[0086] This makes it possible to inject light at different longitudinal positions along the Y-axis of edge 114. Each position longitudinal edge 114 can correspond to a guide line of the flexible film 1 1 1, suitable for guiding light along the X axis along such a guide line.

[0087] Such an association of a flexible guide sheet 1 10, an injection element 120 and a source 130 thus makes it possible to project light in the Z direction through a flexible, transparent, semi-transparent or opaque surface, with good surface homogeneity and according to a given pattern.

[0088] In practice, such a light module can emit a pattern with a brightness of between 100 and 1000 Candelas per square meter, with a light extraction efficiency that can vary between 25% and 80%.

[0089] Details on the structure and arrangement of these elements 1 10, 120 and 130 are further described in the international patent application published under number WO201 1 130715A2.

[0090] A lighting module according to the invention comprises: - an assembly of at least one guide sheet, such as the flexible guide sheet 1 10 illustrated in Figure 1, the assembly being capable of reflecting light according to a first pattern and according to a second pattern; - at least one first light injection element and one second light injection element, each light injection element being the injection element 120 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2; and - at least one light source such as the light source 130 previously described with reference to Figure 1, capable of selectively injecting light into the first and second injection elements.

[0091] According to the invention, the first light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet are arranged in in order to project light according to the first pattern and the second light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet are arranged in such a way as to project light according to the second pattern.

[0092] Thus, selectively injecting light into the first and second injection elements allows for animation based on the first and second patterns. Such animation can therefore be achieved with a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture, flexible light module offering high resolution and high light intensity.

[0093] The term “pattern” refers to any predefined spatial distribution or arrangement of the light intensity emitted by the light module. In particular, it refers to a two-dimensional or one-dimensional pattern. A pattern can thus be a two-dimensional shape or symbol obtained by contrasting the light intensities of different positions in the XY plane of the flexible guide sheet 110. The pattern may also comprise several shapes or symbols. Alternatively, a pattern encompasses a predefined, or intentional, spatial distribution of light intensity that does not exhibit an overall shape, such as a distribution that induces a cloud of light points. In the context of the present invention, a pattern is formed by injecting light into an injection element that is arranged relative to a flexible guide sheet so as to form the pattern on the flexible guide sheet.

[0094] Specific embodiments of the invention are described below.

[0095] Figure 3 illustrates a 300 light module according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0096] In the first embodiment, several injection elements are arranged to inject light into the same flexible guide sheet, comprising several patterns.

[0097] In particular, in the example of Figure 3, a first injection element 320.1 and a second injection element 320.2 are arranged to inject light into an edge 314 of a flexible guide sheet 310.

[0098] The first and second injection elements 320.1 and 320.2 may be similar to the injection element 120 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Similarly, the flexible guide sheet 310 may correspond to the flexible guide sheet 110 previously described.

[0099] As shown in Figure 3, the first injection element 320.1 and the second injection element 320.2 are arranged to inject light into the edge 314, at distinct longitudinal positions, along the Y axis.

[0100] Note that, due to its flexibility, the guide rail 310 may not be flat but can be curved. Figure 3 shows the light module 300 when the guide rail is flat, for example, placed on a rigid, flat support.

[0101] The first injection element 320.1 is thus able to inject light into the edge 314, which is then guided by the flexible guide sheet 310 into a first part 315.1 of the flexible guide sheet 310. The second injection element 320.2 is able to inject light into the edge 314, which is then guided into a second part 315.2 of the flexible guide sheet 310.

[0102] For this purpose, a first source 330.1 is arranged opposite an inlet surface of the first injection element 320.1 so as to propagate light rays inside the first injection element 320.1 and therefore towards the first part 315.1 of the flexible guide web 310. A second source 330.2 is arranged opposite an inlet surface of the second injection element 320.2 so as to propagate light rays inside the second injection element 320.2 and therefore towards the second part 315.2 of the flexible guide web 310.

[0103] Alternatively, a single source may be provided and the light module 300 includes a first optical fiber suitable for carrying the light from the single source to the inlet surface of the first injection element 320.1 and a second optical fiber suitable for carrying the light from the single source to the inlet surface of the second injection element 320.2.

[0104] The first and second sources 330.1 and 330.2, or the single source, can selectively inject into the first injection element 320.1 and / or in the second injection element 320.2. Such selective injection can be controlled by a control element 340 connected to the two sources 330.1 and 330.2, or controlling the supply of the two sources 330.1 and 330.2.

[0105] A first pattern 316.1 is engraved in the first part 315.1 while a second pattern 316.2 is engraved in the second part 315.2. Selective injection of light into the first injection element 320.1 and / or into the second injection element 320.2 thus makes it possible to project the first pattern, the second pattern, neither pattern or both patterns at the same time, thus making it possible, by dynamic control, to create an animation from at least the first and second patterns.

[0106] In the example of Figure 3, the first and second motifs 316.1 and 316.2 have distinct forms. However, in accordance with the previously given definition of pattern, patterns can be any intentional, or predetermined, spatial variation in light intensity. Furthermore, when patterns are forms, the first and second patterns 316.1 and 316.2 can have identical shapes. Animation is then enabled by the spatial movement of the pattern from the first part 315.1 to the second part 315.2, or vice versa. In addition, the colors projected for each pattern can vary when the sources 330.1 and 330.2 produce light of different colors.

[0107] An example with two patterns and two injection elements was shown in Figure 3. However, the first embodiment also covers a light module with a flexible guide sheet with three or more parts, each part comprising an engraved pattern, and with at least three injection elements, each injection element being placed opposite one of the parts.

[0108] Dedicated sources for each injection element can be provided for this purpose, or a single source with several optical fibers can be provided for this purpose.

[0109] Figure 4 illustrates a 400 light module according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0110] In the second embodiment of the invention, the light module 400 comprises at least a first flexible guide sheet 410.1 and a second flexible guide sheet 410.2, the two flexible guide sheets being superimposed, which implies that at least a part of the first flexible guide sheet 410.1, in the XY plane, is superimposed with at least a part of the second flexible guide sheet 410.2, in a common area, which corresponds to a set of positions in the XY plane.

[0111] Preferably, the first and second flexible guide sheets 410.1 and 410.2 have the same dimensions in the X-Y plane, and are fully superimposed.

[0112] Note that due to their flexibility, the guide rails may not be flat but can be curved. Figure 4 shows the 400 light module when the guide rails are flat, for example stacked on a flat surface.

[0113] Such an overlap is particularly advantageous because the flexible guide sheets are preferentially transparent, as detailed previously.

[0114] Thus, the first and second flexible guide sheets 410.1 and 410.2 are capable of projecting respectively a first pattern 416.1 and a second pattern 416.2 in a common area.

[0115] A first injection element 420.1 is arranged to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide sheet 410.1 and a second injection element 420.2 is suitable and arranged to inject light into an edge of the second guide sheet 410.2.

[0116] For this purpose, a first source 430.1 is arranged opposite an inlet surface of the first injection element 420.1 so as to propagate light rays inside the first injection element 420.1 and therefore towards the first flexible guide sheet 410.1. A second source 430.2 is arranged opposite an inlet surface of the second injection element 420.2 so as to propagate light rays inside the second injection element 420.2 and therefore towards the second flexible guide sheet 410.2.

[0117] Alternatively, a single source can be used, and the light module includes a first optical fiber capable of carrying the light from the single source to the inlet surface of the first injection element. 420.1 and a second optical fiber is capable of carrying light from the single source to the inlet surface of the second injection element 420.2.

[0118] The first and second sources 430.1 and 430.2, or the single source, can selectively inject into the first injection element 420.1 and / or in the second injection element 420.2. Such selective injection can be controlled by a control element 440 connected to the two sources 430.1 and 430.2, or controlling the supply of the two sources 430.1 and 430.2.

[0119] The first pattern 416.1 is etched into the first flexible guide sheet 410.1, while the second pattern 416.2 is etched into the second flexible guide sheet 410.2. Selective light injection in the first injection element 420.1 and / or in the second injection element 420.2 thus allows to project the first pattern, the second pattern, neither pattern or both patterns at the same time, thus making it possible, by dynamic control, to create an animation from at least the first and second patterns.

[0120] In the example of Figure 4, the first and second motifs 416.1 and 416.2 have distinct forms, and are identical to patterns 316.1 and 316.2 of Figure 3, for illustration. However, in accordance with the previously given pattern definition, patterns can be any intentional, or predetermined, spatial variation in light intensity. Furthermore, when patterns are shapes, the first and second patterns 416.1 and 416.2 may have identical shapes but distinct colors. Indeed, the colors projected for each pattern can vary when sources 430.1 and 430.2 produce light of different colors.

[0121] An example with two patterns, two injection elements, and two flexible guide sheets is shown in Figure 4. However, the second embodiment also covers a light module with at least three flexible guide sheets and at least three injection elements, each injection element being positioned opposite one of the flexible guide sheets. Dedicated light sources for each injection element can be provided for this purpose, or a single source with multiple optical fibers can be used.

[0122] At least one of the flexible guide sheets may be transparent. Alternatively, according to the second embodiment, the flexible guide sheet located below the light module 400, i.e., the first flexible guide sheet 410.1, may be opaque or semi-transparent. Conversely, the second flexible guide sheet 410.2 is transparent or semi-transparent, so as to allow light to pass through. minus a portion of the light emitted by the first flexible guide sheet 410.2.

[0123] Figure 5 illustrates a 500 light module according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0124] In the third embodiment of the invention, the light module 500 comprises at least a first flexible guide sheet 510.1 and a second flexible guide sheet 510.2, the two flexible guide sheets being placed side by side, and the two flexible guide sheets are thus able to project light beams from distinct positions in the XY plane in which the flexible guide sheets extend mainly.

[0125] Note that due to their flexibility, the guide rails may not be flat but can be curved. Figure 5 shows the 500 light module when the flexible guide rails are flat, for example, placed on a rigid, flat support.

[0126] Thus, the first flexible guide sheet 510.1 is capable of projecting a first motif, not shown, to a first position in the XY plane, and the second flexible guide sheet 510.2 is capable of projecting a second motif 516.2 to a second position in the XY plane, the first and second positions being distinct, for example, adjacent to each other. Each projected motif may include a symbol or a part of a symbol. When a motif of a flexible guide sheet includes a part of a symbol, such a part may be complementary to another part of a symbol formed by the motif of another flexible guide sheet, or to other parts of a symbol formed by the motifs of other flexible guide sheets.

[0127] A first injection element 520.1 is arranged to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide sheet 510.1 and a second injection element 520.2 is suitable and arranged to inject light into an edge of the second guide sheet 510.2.

[0128] The relative arrangement of the injection elements and flexible guide sheets is consistent with the explanations previously given, and is not detailed again for the third embodiment of Figure 5.

[0129] A first source 530.1 is arranged opposite an inlet surface of the first injection element 520.1 so as to propagate light rays inside the first injection element 520.1 and thus towards the first flexible guide sheet 510.1. A second source 530.2 is arranged opposite an inlet surface of the second injection element 520.2 so as to propagate light rays inside the second injection element 520.2 and thus towards the second flexible guide sheet 510.2.

[0130] Alternatively, a single source may be provided and the light module 500 includes a first optical fiber suitable for carrying the light from the single source to the inlet surface of the first injection element 520.1 and a second optical fiber suitable for carrying the light from the single source to the inlet surface of the second injection element 520.2.

[0131] The first and second sources 530.1 and 530.2, or the single source, can selectively inject light into the first injection element 520.1 and / or into the second injection element 520.2. Such selective injection can be controlled by a control element 540 connected to both sources 530.1 and 530.2, or controlling the supply of both sources 530.1 and 530.2.

[0132] The first pattern is etched into the first flexible guide sheet 510.1, while the second pattern is etched into the second flexible guide sheet 510.2. Selective injection of light into the first injection element 520.1 and / or the second injection element 520.2 thus allows the projection of the first pattern, the second pattern, neither pattern, or both patterns simultaneously, thereby making it possible to through dynamic control, the creation of an animation from at least the first and second patterns.

[0133] In the example in Figure 5, a 500 light module comprising twelve flexible guide sheets, twelve injection elements and twelve light sources, arranged in a three-row, four-column matrix, has been shown for illustrative purposes only.

[0134] No restriction is attached to the number of flexible guide sheets in the third embodiment. The third embodiment thus applies to N flexible guide sheets, N injection elements respectively associated with them, and N light sources, or a single source connected by N optical fibers to the N injection elements, N being any integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0135] Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the arrangement of the flexible guide sheets relative to each other. When positioned in matrices, there are no restrictions on the number of rows or columns.

[0136] The first and second patterns can have distinct shapes and may, for example, be identical to patterns 316.1 and 316.2 in Figure 3. However, in accordance with the previously given definition of a pattern, patterns can be any intentional or predetermined spatial distribution of light intensity. Furthermore, when the patterns are shapes, the first and second patterns may have identical shapes but distinct colors. This is because the projected colors for each pattern may vary when sources 530.1 and 530.2 produce light of different colors.

[0137] The flexible guide sheets can be linked together by a supporting matrix structure, which can itself be flexible. Alternatively, each flexible guide sheet can be connected to the surrounding flexible guide sheets by means of fastening, such as gluing, clamping, clipping, or any other method.

[0138] All light sources can be controlled by the control element 540 via a set of wires, each wire connecting the control element 540 to a light source. The wires can be supported by a structure 550, which centralizes the wires and routes them to the control element, reducing clutter and concealing the wires.

[0139] There are no restrictions on the dimensions of the flexible guide sheets in the XY plane. For example, each flexible guide sheet can be rectangular or square, with at least one dimension between 2 and 10 cm. For example, the flexible guide sheets are squares or rectangles, with: - a dimension between 2cm and 10cm, for example between 2cm and 5cm, for example equal to 5cm; and - another dimension between 2cm and 10cm, for example between 2cm and 5cm, for example equal to 5cm.

[0140] For example, each flexible guide mat is a 3cm x 3cm square.

[0141] The first, second, and third embodiments have been described in isolation from one another. However, it should be noted that these three embodiments can be combined in a single light module, in particular: - the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are superimposed, and one of the two flexible guide sheets is associated with two light injection guides capable of selectively injecting light into two distinct parts of the guide sheet, two patterns being respectively engraved in the two parts; - The first and third embodiments can be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are placed side by side, and one of the two flexible guide sheets is associated with two light injection guides capable of selectively injecting light into two distinct parts of the guide sheet, with two patterns respectively engraved in the two parts; - the second embodiment and the third embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are placed side by side, and one of the two flexible guide sheets is superimposed with a third flexible guide sheet of the light module; - the first embodiment, the second embodiment and the third embodiment can be combined: at least two flexible guide sheets are placed side by side, and one of the two flexible guide sheets is superimposed with a third flexible guide sheet of the light module, and one of these three flexible guide sheets is associated with two light injection guides capable of selectively injecting light into two separate parts of the guide sheet, two patterns being respectively engraved in the two parts.

[0142] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the steps of a method for controlling a light module according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0143] The piloting process can be implemented by a control element such as one of the control elements 340, 440 and 540 capable of controlling the single light source, or the light sources dedicated to the injection elements.

[0144] At step 600, the control element receives an animation command, the animation command identifying an animation comprising a sequence of patterns including the first pattern and the second pattern. Of course, the animation can involve three or more patterns when the lighting module includes at least three injection elements in which the light injection is controllable.

[0145] The control element determines, at step 601, based on the animation command, instructions for controlling the light source(s). These instructions control the light source(s) for the selective injection of light into one or more of the injection elements. The control instructions can correspond to given time ranges, thus allowing the animation indicated in the animation command to be executed dynamically. For example, the first pattern is projected during a first time range, then the first and second patterns are both projected during a second time range following the first, and finally, the second pattern is projected during a third time range following the second. The duration of a given time range thus determines the refresh rate of the projected patterns.This duration can be on the order of one second, or even less than one second. To allow for smooth animation, the time span can be less than one-tenth of a second.

[0146] At step 602, the light source(s) are controlled from the control instructions, so as to dynamically project the animation.

[0147] The control element may include a processor configured to communicate unidirectionally or bidirectionally, via one or more buses or via a wired connection, with memory such as Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), or any other type of memory (Flash, EEPROM, etc.). Alternatively, the memory comprises several of the aforementioned types. Preferably, the memory is non-volatile. The processor is capable of executing instructions stored in the memory to implement the steps of the control process illustrated with reference to Figure 6. Alternatively, the processor can be replaced by a microcontroller designed and configured to perform the steps of the control process according to the invention.

[0148] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the steps of a manufacturing process for a light module according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0149] The manufacturing process includes a step 700 of obtaining a roll of flexible film suitable for guiding light through its thickness, such as the flexible film 111 described with reference to Figure 1. For example, the roll has at least one dimension greater than ten centimeters, or even one meter. Preferably, the roll has a width on the order of several tens of centimeters, or one meter, and a greater length, for example, greater than one meter. The thickness of the roller is, however, small and equal to the thickness of the flexible film described above, so that several flexible guiding sheets can be obtained by cutting the roll.

[0150] At a step 702, at least a first and a second pattern on the roll are engraved by ultraviolet printing. Microstructures such as the microstructures 111 previously described are thus formed on the surface of the flexible film, the microstructures being capable of reflecting the light guided in the flexible film outwards from the flexible film, in particular in a direction substantially normal to the plane in which the flexible film extends when it is placed on a rigid flat support.

[0151] At step 702, the flexible film roll can optionally be laminated to add transparent protective layers to each side of the flexible film roll. Such layers can be the protective layers 112.1 and 112.2 previously described with reference to Figure 1.

[0152] At step 703, the roll, optionally laminated, is cut to obtain an assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet of a given dimension, the assembly comprising the first pattern and the second pattern. According to the first embodiment, the first pattern and the second pattern are on the same guide sheet thus cut, while in the second and third embodiments, the two patterns are on two separate flexible guide sheets.

[0153] At step 704, a first injection element and a second injection element are arranged with respect to at least one previously cut flexible guide sheet. In the first embodiment, the first and second injection elements are fixed to an edge of the same flexible guide sheet. In the second and third embodiments, each injection element is fixed to a given flexible guide sheet, thus obtaining assemblies, each assembly comprising a flexible guide sheet and an injection element.

[0154] At step 705, at least one light source is arranged to selectively inject light into the first light injection element and the second light injection element. As previously described, a light source may be dedicated to each injection element, in which case a light source is added to each assembly for the second and third embodiments, or, alternatively, a single light source is connected to the injection elements by respective optical fibers.

[0155] At step 706, implemented for the first and second embodiments, the assemblies are arranged in relation to each other.

[0156] In the second embodiment, the assemblies are arranged so that the flexible guide sheets overlap. In the third embodiment, the assemblies are arranged side by side, for example in a matrix. For this purpose, each assembly can be fixed to a matrix support, or the assemblies can be fixed to each other.

[0157] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example; it extends to other variants.

Claims

Demands

1. Light module (300; 400; 500) comprising: - an assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), each flexible guide sheet of the assembly being capable of receiving light rays by at least one edge (114; 314) of said flexible guide sheet and of reflecting the light rays in a direction substantially normal to a surface of the flexible guide sheet according to at least one pattern engraved in said flexible guide sheet, wherein the assembly being capable of reflecting light according to a first pattern (316.1; 416.1) and a second motif (316.2; 416.2) engraved in said set; - at least one first and one second light injection elements (120; 320.1; 320.2; 420.1; 420.2; 520.1; 520.2), each of the first and second injection elements being capable of receiving light and distributing light throughout at least one flexible guide sheet; - at least one light source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) capable of selectively injecting light into the first light injection element and into the second light injection element; wherein the first light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet are arranged so as to project light according to the first pattern and wherein the second light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet are arranged so as to project light according to the second pattern.

2. A light module according to claim 1, wherein each injection element (120; 320.1; 320.2; 420.1; 420.2; 520.1; 520.2) of the first and second injection elements comprises a plurality of injection guides (123), each injection guide being capable of receiving light from one end of the guide and of guiding the light to a given longitudinal position of the injection element, the longitudinal positions of the injection guides being all different so as to distribute the light longitudinally in the injection element.

3. Light module according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a first light source (330.1; 430.1; 530.1) capable of injecting light into the first light injection element (320.1; 420.1; 520.1) and a second light source (330.2; 430.2; 530.2) capable of injecting light into the second light injection element (320.2; 420.2; 520.2).

4. Light module according to claim 3, wherein the first light source (330.1; 430.1; 530.1) is capable of generating light in a first wavelength range and wherein the second light source (330.2; 430.2; 530.2) is capable of generating light in a second wavelength range, different from the first range.

5. Light module according to claim 4, wherein the first and second motifs (316.1; 416.1; 316.2; 416.2) are geometrically identical.

6. Light module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source is capable of selectively injecting light into a first optical fiber connected to the first injection element (320.1; 420.1; 520.1) and into a second optical fiber connected to the second injection element (320.2; 420.2; 520.2).

7. Light module according to claim 6, wherein the light source is a laser source.

8. A light module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first injection element (320.1) is arranged to inject light into a first section of the edge (314) of the guide sheet (310) of the assembly, and wherein the second injection element (320.2) is arranged to inject light into a second section of the edge of the flexible guide sheet, a first part (315.1) of the flexible guide sheet located opposite the first section of the edge being engraved according to the first pattern (316.1), and a second part (315.2) of the flexible guide sheet located opposite the second section of the edge being engraved according to the second pattern (316.2).

9. A light module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the assembly comprises at least a first and a second flexible guide sheets (410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), the first pattern (416.1) being engraved in the first flexible guide sheet and the second pattern (416.2) being engraved in the second flexible guide sheet, the first injection element (420.1; 520.1) being arranged to inject light into an edge of the first flexible guide sheet and the second injection element (420.2; 520.2) being arranged to inject light into an edge of the second flexible guide sheet.

10. Light module according to claim 9, wherein the first and second guide sheets (410.1; 410.2) are superimposed in the light module (400), in order to project the first and second patterns (416.1; 416.2) into a common area of ​​the light module. [Claim 1 1] Light module according to claim 9, wherein the first and second guide sheets (510.1; 510.2) are placed next to each other so as to project the first and second patterns to distinct positions.

12. Light module according to claim 1 1, wherein the assembly comprises more than two flexible guide sheets (510.1; 510.2) placed side by side so as to form a matrix of flexible guide sheets, each flexible guide sheet being associated with a light injection element (520.1; 520.2) capable of injecting light into an edge of the flexible guide sheet and each flexible guide sheet having at least one pattern engraved in said sheet.

13. Light module according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the flexible guide sheets (510.1; 510.2) of the assembly have the same square or rectangular shape.

14. Light module according to claim 13, wherein a dimension of the shape of the guide sheets (510.1; 510.2) is between 3 and 25 cm, in particular between 3 and 5 centimeters.

15. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control element (340; 440; 540) capable of controlling said at least one source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) in order to selectively project light according to the first pattern (316.1; 416.1) and according to the second pattern (316.2; 416.2).

16. Module according to claim 15, wherein the control element (340; 440; 540) is capable of dynamically controlling said at least one source so as to produce a light animation comprising at least the first and second patterns (316.1; 416.1; 316.2; 416.2).

17. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each flexible guide web (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) of the assembly has a thickness between 0.2 and 1 mm.

18. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one flexible guide web (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) of the assembly is made of a transparent material.

19. Module according to claim 18, wherein each flexible guide web (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) of the assembly comprises a film of polyethylene carbonate, PC, polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA, thermoplastic polyurethane, TUP, or polyethylene terephthalate, PET.

20. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each flexible guide web (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2) comprises a film (111) comprising microstructures (113), wherein each pattern (316.1; 416.1; 316.2; 416.2) among the first and second patterns are etched by ultraviolet printing of the film's microstructures.

21. Module according to claim 20, wherein, for each flexible guide web (110; 310; 410.1; 410.2; 510.1; 510.2), a density surface area of ​​microstructures (1 13) decreases with distance from the edge of the guide sheet into which the light is injected.

22. A method for controlling a light module according to claim 15, implemented by a control element (340; 440; 540) capable of controlling said at least one source (130; 330.1; 330.2; 430.1; 430.2; 530; 530.2) in order to selectively project light according to the first pattern (316.1; 416.1) and according to the second pattern (316.2; 416.2), the method comprising receiving (600) an animation command, the animation command identifying an animation comprising a succession of patterns including the first pattern and the second pattern, and controlling (601; 602) said at least one source according to the animation command, so as to dynamically project said animation.

23. Method for manufacturing a light module (300; 400; 500) comprising the following steps: - have (700) a roll of flexible film suitable for guiding light in its thickness; - to engrave (701) by ultraviolet printing at least a first and a second pattern on said roll of flexible film; - cut (703) said roll to obtain an assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet of a given dimension, the assembly comprising the first pattern and the second pattern; - arrange (704) a first injection element and a second injection element with respect to the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet to form a light module, arrange (705) at least one light source in the light module so as to selectively inject light into the first light injection element and into the second light injection element; in the first light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet being arranged so as to project light according to the first pattern and in which the second light injection element and the assembly of at least one flexible guide sheet are arranged so as to project light according to the second pattern.

24. A method according to claim 23, further comprising, following the engraving of the first and second patterns, the lamination (702) of the roll of flexible film to add transparent protective layers on both sides of the flexible film.

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