Theatrical lightning simulator

Abstract

An apparatus and method for theatrically representing lightning bolts provides a multiplicity of chip-on-board light-emitting-diode (COB-LED) sections arranged in a pattern representing one or more lightning bolts and individually powers each of the COB-LED sections to enable variation of light intensity and illumination timing.

Claims

1. A theatrical lightning simulator, comprising: a multiplicity of chip-on-board light-emitting-diode (COB-LED) lighting sections configured as one or more lightning bolts, wherein the multiplicity of COB-LED sections are powered and controlled individually enabling intensity and timing variation for each of the sections and wherein the multiplicity of COB-LED sections are arranged as multiple branches of a single lightning bolt, which multiple branches may be selectively illuminated to appear as different lightning bolts.

2. A theatrical lightning simulator, comprising: a multiplicity of chip-on-board light-emitting-diode (COB-LED) lighting sections configured as one or more lightning bolts, wherein the multiplicity of COB-LED sections are powered and controlled individually enabling intensity and timing variation for each of the sections and, wherein the multiplicity of COB-LED sections are mounted on a fireproof surface, wherein the fireproof surface includes a visual design that disguises an overall appearance of the multiplicity of COB-LED sections when the multiplicity of COB-LED sections are not illuminated.

3. A theatrical lightning simulator, comprising: a multiplicity of chip-on-board light-emitting-diode (COB-LED) lighting sections configured as one or more lightning bolts, wherein the multiplicity of COB-LED sections are powered and controlled individually enabling intensity and timing variation for each of the sections and wherein the simulator includes a visual design that disguises an overall appearance of the multiplicity of COB-LED sections when the multiplicity of COB-LED sections are not illuminated.

4. A method for theatrically representing lightning bolts, comprising the steps of: providing a multiplicity of chip-on-board light-emitting-diode (COB-LED) sections arranged in a pattern representing one or more lightning bolts; individually powering each of the COB-LED sections to enable variation of light intensity and illumination timing; controlling power to each of the sections to produce different lightning-like effects; and further comprising sequentially powering adjacent COB-LED sections of the multiplicity of COB-LED sections to represent travel of a lightning bolt; and further comprising reducing timing between sequential powering of adjacent COB-LED sections to represent a relatively closer occurring lightning bolt.

5. A method for theatrically representing lightning bolts, comprising the steps of: providing a multiplicity of chip-on-board light-emitting-diode (COB-LED) sections arranged in a pattern representing one or more lightning bolts; individually powering each of the COB-LED sections to enable variation of light intensity and illumination timing; controlling power to each of the sections to produce different lightning-like effects; and further comprising disguising an overall appearance of the multiplicity of COB-LED sections when the multiplicity of COB-LED sections are not illuminated.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention is illustratively shown and described in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a plan view of a presentation surface of a theatrical lightning simulator constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of the simulator of FIG. 1 taken along view lines 2-2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(4) FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention in which a visual display 10 is provided with a pattern 12 of different lightning bolt paths. The pattern 12 is comprised of a multiplicity of linear chip-on-board light-emitting-diode (COB-LED) sections 14 having a variety of lengths and collectively arranged in the patterns 12 of one or more lightning bolts.

(5) Any suitable linear COB-LEDs may be used such as those provided by Vollong Electronics, which also distributes controllers for powering the individual LEDs. The COB-LEDs should be separately controllable, dimmable and have relatively short on and off switching times as LEDs normally would have. They should have varying lengths to help provide the appearance of randomness in the representation of a lightning bolt. The linear COB-LEDs may be straight or curved.

(6) As shown in FIG. 1, COB-LED sections 14 are arranged in pseudo random patterns that form a connected pattern across display 10. Sections 14 also include parallel or alternative sections 16-21 which provide alternative illumination options. Parallel or alternative sections 16-21 may also be illuminated with their respective adjacent sections 14 to provide even more display options. Sections 16-21 enable further variation of the illuminated display by allowing the simulation of lightning either to or from any of the alternative sections 16-21.

(7) Display 10 may also include various other visual design elements 24-28 which serve to disguise patterns 12 while sections 14 and 16-21 are not illuminated. Design elements 24-28 may be formed by any suitable visible means and may also serve additional functions such as the wiring for powering individual LED sections 14, 16-21. Design elements 24-28 may be passively visible or actively illuminated and even switched off during lightning simulation.

(8) FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of display 10 taken along view lines 2-2 in FIG. 1. Display 10 is shown to have a housing 30 with a right-facing surface 32 upon which COB-LED sections 16, 17 are mounted. Housing 30 or surface 32 are preferably formed from fireproof material, which may also serve a heat sink function. Power switching unit 34 is shown mounted to the back of housing 30 and may take advantage of the heat sinking qualities of housing 30. A computer 36 is shown connected to power switching unit 34. Housing 30 may also include a protective transparent cover 38 for COB-LEDs, which cover 38 may include additional graphics (not shown) and may also serve a function as part of design elements 24-28.

(9) In operation, the present invention supports a variety of operational modes which can vary from simple manual operation to sensory related operation to fully computerized operation. The separate control of individual COB-LED sections is best handled by computerized operation but is not so limited to that mode. Alternatives include simple pushbuttons that trigger one or more set sequences or configurations of illumination, or alternatively, sound sensors triggered by certain music frequencies.

(10) Computerized control of COB-LED sections 14, 16-21 provides the greatest flexibility including sequential illumination of adjacent sections 14, 16-21 or alternative illuminations of different sets of sections 14, 16-21. Sequential illumination allows lightning to be simulated from opposing corner-located sections 16, 17, 20 and also through different patterns 12 of sections 14 for a significant variety of simulations. Illuminations may occur over the entire length of display 10 or may be localized to limited areas. Sequential illumination may be performed with different sequential timing and the illumination may be maintained for various periods, such as 50 milliseconds to 1 second. Sequential lightning bolts may also be simulated within a single illumination sequence. Lastly, the level of illumination may be controlled by varying the voltage connected to the COB-LED sections. This control aspect provides even further flexibility and realism to the simulations. All of the computerized illumination functions may be created by currently known computer programming methods. The previously mentioned sensory input for triggering illumination may also be combined with computerized control.

(11) The present invention is illustratively described above in reference to the disclosed embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made to the disclosed embodiments by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.