Technical field

The present invention relates to structures used to create images using individual features provided on the structure as a proxy for pixels of the image.

Background

Picture perforating is an idea whereby images are rendered using a series of holes formed in e.g. a metal substrate. When light passes through the holes of various sizes, relatively darker and relatively lighter areas form an image similar to the way in which images are formed in large scale newsprint. One of the early examples of the use of picture perforating was undertaken at the de Young Museum San Francisco, developed by the architect Herzog & de Meuron in conjunction with A. Zahner Company. Picture perforating is now a widely utilised method for providing images and installations can be created by many companies all over the world.

Ombrae is a system of image formation developed by Rod Quin for rendering images and patterns using a multitude of angled tiles, each of which comprises a representation of a pixel of the image. Ombrae utilises a system whereby each individual similarly angled tile rotates about its own centre in order to modify the direction in which light is reflected. The modified light generated by the rotated tile creates an image or pattern that is visible to an observer. Tiles which are oriented to reflect light toward the observer appear lighter, those that reflect light away from the observer appear darker. The observer sees a representation of the overall image created by the varying amount of light directed to the viewing location for the tile elements.

The present invention builds on former techniques used to create images using structures that manipulate how light is directed towards a viewing location. In embodiments, the present invention may provide a useful alternative to prior techniques used to create images. Summary of invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a structure depicting an image, the structure comprising: a substrate defining a reference plane L, a plurality of features associated with the substrate; each feature configured to change how incident light is reflected towards a viewing location, the plurality of features comprising perforations in the substrate wherein the interior material of at least some of the perforations is retained on the substrate by one or more tabs, wherein the interior material of each perforation has been moved about the one or more tabs to change the angle of inclination of the interior material relative to the reference plane L of the substrate so that some features on the substrate are inclined to a different angle relative to other features on the substrate; and wherein, the inclination of each feature is adjusted over the substrate to correspond to an amount of light required to be reflected by that feature in order to represent an individual pixel of the image so that the overall effect is formation of the image at the viewing location.

The present structure directs light towards a viewing location to provide the appearance of an image to an observer located at the viewing location. By altering the inclination of a plurality of features on the structure, various images can be generated. For example, a word or a shape or a picture can become apparent and emerge as an image. Each feature acts as a proxy for a pixel in the image. When viewed close up, the image may not be readily discernible, but as the observer steps back and allows the light to hit the structure, the image can appear.

The variation in the amount of light reflected and the variation in visible open area of the substrate conspire to re-create the shading of an image or pattern or to achieve decorative patterning effects in the relationship between the differing shapes of holes and shapes of individual shaped planes. The individual pattern elements can also be manipulated via size, orientation and quantity in order to control visibility and light spill and to achieve differing results from different viewing directions. The substrate can be formed from any material including metal, wood, plastic or other. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is formed form a material in which perforations can be readily formed. In an embodiment, the substrate can be formed from a material which has properties that permit the interior material of the perforations to remain attached to the substrate by one or more tabs once the perforation is cut. In a preferred embodiment, the structure is formed from a metal. The metal substrate can be a panel. The panel can be used alongside other panels to form an overall larger image. The panels can be joinable to one another by any connecting means. In an embodiment, the panel is at least about 1 or 2 m in its longest dimension. The panel can be smaller e.g. 0.5m or much bigger e.g. up to 5, 10m or more depending on its use circumstances.

The substrate defines a reference plane L. The reference plane defines the level surface of the substrate. The reference plane L can have a top end (e.g. where the top of the image will be located) and a bottom end (e.g. where the bottom of the image will be located). If the image does not have a top/bottom for example in the case of the pattern, the top end is at one end and the bottom end is at the end opposite to the top end.

The substrate is preferably flat or planar. However, in embodiments, since the features are adjustable, the substrate can be undulating or curved. If the substrate is not planar, this may need to be taken into account when the image is formed on the substrate, since the light might change as it strikes the features in different planes. When references are made herein to the reference plane L, the reference plane of the substrate at the location of the feature being discussed can be used.

Structures according to the invention need not necessarily comprise a flat planar or undulating substrate, so long as the features are held in a controlled relationship to one another.

The substrate has a plurality of features associated with the substrate. There can be any number of features required to form the image. The features and or perforations can have any shape including round, square, rectangular, triangular, multi sided polygonal including hexagonal, pentagonal, and so on. The shapes can be made up of sections of arcs. There can be at least about 50, 100, 500, 1500, 10,000, 50,000 or 100,000 or more (infinitely scalable). Each feature can be at least about 1 , 10 or 100cm or larger in its largest dimension. The features can be larger or smaller than these sizes, however, with small features, the amount of features required becomes burdensome; and with larger features some resolution may be lost when forming an image. However, ultimately, the size of the features is relative to the size of the resultant images required. In some commercial situations, such as for domestic use, a small image may be required which might benefit from small features less than 1cm. In some commercial situations, a large image might be required, such as an image on the side of a building or in a roof space, in which case very large features greater than 10cm in their longest dimension might be beneficial.

Each feature is configured to change how incident light is reflected towards a viewing location. The viewing location can be any location from which the image can be seen. The viewing location can be from either side of the substrate. In some embodiments, the image is intended to be viewed from one side of the substate, but a similar or reverse (negative) image might be viewable from the other side of the substrate. The feature is configured to change how incident light is reflected by somehow providing a modification in the surface of the substrate. The modification may be a hole in the substrate (which no light is reflected). The modification may be a change in the angle of the substrate where the incident light strikes that angled part of the structure and then is reflected back normal to the surface. The modification may be a dimple or protrusion in the substate where the light will hit that dimple or protrusion and be deviated from its normal course.

By changing how the light behaves following striking the substrate of the structure an image can by formed. Controlling the amount of light reflected to the viewing location can be harnessed to create the image. In an image, there are light and dark parts to the image, each part of the image can be broken down into pixels. A calculation can be performed to determine where the light and shade needs to be according to the pixel map for the image. The substrate can be modified accordingly to match the required pixels and thereby form the image. If a pixel is required to provide a certain “amount of light” a corresponding feature can be selected to provide that amount of light. Once a feature is selected, its orientation can be changeable to provide that amount of light. A combination of holes, dimples, protrusions and inclined features can be employed to together form the image. The whole perforations, the partial-formed perforations, the partial-formed perforations with part of the remaining shape removed and the embossed formed shapes can all be modified to achieve variation between individual perforations and forms. In some embodiments, only one type of feature is used to create the image. In other embodiments, different types of features are used together to achieve an optimum effect.

In embodiments, the invention provides a structure and method of depicting an image or pattern comprised of areas of differing shade as well as patterning produced by the interrelation of the different shapes of holes and formed planes. In an embodiment, the method utilises the construction of a plurality of pattern elements (e.g. features), these being embossed forms and perforations cut through e.g. a metal substrate.

Various types of features can be selected from perforations and embossed forms. These can be selected from the features as follows:

• Embossed forms which comprise a shaped dimple being pushed upward or downward into the substrate.

• Whole shapes where the interior of a perforation is removed completely.

• Partial shapes which retain one or more tabs supporting the middle of each shaped perforation.

• Partial shapes which retain one or more tabs supporting the middle of each shaped perforation and which also have part of the remaining shape removed.

In an embodiment, the plurality of features must comprise perforations in the substrate wherein the interior material of at least some of the perforations is retained on the substrate by one or more tabs. Once cut, these perforations can be opened from a closed position and in some, embodiments, closable by folding the interior material back over the cut hole. In some embodiments, the material will fatigue if the tab is moved more than once, so a single movement of the interior material once cut is preferred. In some embodiments, the process of cutting out the perforation leaves a cut line around the outside of the interior material, so that even once folded back over the hole the whole area is not covered and there is an open rim around the interior material. Once cut, the perforation can be openable by folding the interior material away from the hole. The fold of the interior material away from the hole from which it was cut can be means of a pivot about the tab holding the material to the substrate

While it is described that the perforations can be cut in the substrate of the structure and the interior material can be retained with tab(s), it should be understood that the same effect could be achieved by making perforations and then adding a flap of material over the top of the hole. The flap of material could be attached at (at least one) location by a small screw or other fastener. In this instance, the tab is not an original part of the substrate holding the flap of interior material, but the tab is a retro-addition. However, this modification is within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The interior material of each perforation is movable about the one or more tabs to change the inclination of the interior material relative to the reference plane L of the substrate. The inclination of the interior material can therefore be changed to change the amount of light reflected from the surface of the interior material. This movement of the interior material can be thought of as a movement of the remaining internal of the partial perforations which is essentially folded at various folded angles. The folded angles can be referred to in relation to the flat plane of the substrate sheet (L). Once folded, each piece creates a small individual planar surfaces attached to the substrate sheet. These small individual planar surfaces are essentially the pixels that will form the image. In any one image, each of the features will be folded to a different inclination angle relative to another of the features. There may be some features folded to the same angle, but there will inevitably be some that are folded at a different angle.

The inclination of each feature can be adjusted over the substrate to correspond to an amount of light required to be reflected by that feature in order to represent an individual pixel of the image. The folded angle (and optionally the rotational direction of each individual partial perforation) can be varied according to the corresponding shade visible in the pattern or image at the particular position of each perforation within the pattern or image. Alternatively, the folded angle (and optionally the rotational direction of each individual partial perforation) can be modified to produce patterning in the interrelationship of the other differing form angles. The overall effect of the folded pieces once taken together is formation of the image at the viewing location.

In order to rotate the direction of each feature, the tab that attaches the feature to the surface will need to be movable. The tab can be movable by removal of any fastener holding the interior material to the substrate and relocating it. The features can be movable with respect to the locations of the tab around the perforation and also separately inclinable relative to one another. This can result in features which can be angled in many and varied ways relative to one another. In other embodiments, the tab is fixed to the substate and immovable.

Thus, according to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a structure depicting an image, the structure comprising: a substrate defining a reference plane L, wherein the reference plane has a top end and a bottom end, a plurality of features associated with the substrate, each feature configured to change how incident light is reflected towards a viewing location, the plurality of features comprising perforations in the substrate wherein the interior material of at least some of the perforations is retained on the substrate by at least one fixed tab, wherein each of the at least one fixed tabs of the plurality of features are located in a direction facing the top end of the reference plane L of the substrate, wherein the interior material of each perforation is pivotable about the at least one tab to change the inclination of the interior material relative to the reference plane L of the substrate, and wherein, the inclination of each feature is adjustable over the substrate to correspond to an amount of light required to be reflected by that feature in order to represent an individual pixel of the image so that the overall effect is formation of the image at the viewing location.

The description in relation to any one aspect of the invention applies equally to the other aspects of the invention unless the context makes clear otherwise.

The interior material can be fixed to the substrate by at least one fixed tab. By fixed it is meant that the tab is not movable in its location with respect to the substrate. The tab can be the short piece of uncut material that holds the interior material to the substrate. There can be one tab. There can be more than one tab. The more than one tab can be adjacent to another tab. For example, in a square cut, one of the walls of the square might not be cut and may have a tab at each corner. In some embodiments, if there is more than one tab, preferably each tab (or group of tabs) are spaced equidistantly around the outside of the interior material. In an embodiment in which there are two tabs, a first tab can be located at one side of the perforation and a second tab can be located at the opposite side of the perforation.

When the tabs are fixed, preferably, they are all fixed in the same direction. In an embodiment, the fixed tabs of the plurality of features are all located in a direction facing the top end of the reference plane L of the substrate. This means that each feature is pivotable about the tab in the same plane as all the other features. While it is stated that all the fixed tabs are located in the same place around each perforation, there could be some fixed tabs at changed locations without affecting the overall ability of the substate to form the image.

When there is one tab, the interior material can be folded about that one tab. Where there are two (or three or more) tabs, the interior material can be folded about those two tabs. With two (or more tabs) there will be two (or more) locations of folding. With two tabs there may be four locations of folding. The interior material can be folded in one direction, and a second part of the interior material can be folded in another direction. The folds will generally be towards the centre of the perforation which means that the pieces fold towards one another. This multiple folding of each tab can allow for the creation of more varied surfaces for light to reflect from. In some embodiments, the centre of the interior material is removed. This can further add to the flexibility provided in image creation.

Thus, in a third aspect of the invention there is provided a structure depicting an image, the structure comprising: a substrate defining a reference plane L, a plurality of features associated with the substrate, each feature configured to change how incident light is reflected towards a viewing location, the plurality of features comprising perforations in the substrate wherein the interior material of at least some of the perforations is retained on the substrate by one or more tabs, wherein middle portion(s) of the interior material is removed completely to define one or more further perforations; wherein, the orientation of the interior material of each feature is adjustable over the substrate to correspond to an amount of light required to be reflected by that feature in order to represent an individual pixel of the image so that the overall effect is formation of the image at the viewing location.

In some embodiments, one or more middle portion of the interior material is removed completely to define one or more further perforations. The further protrusions are located in the interior material. Optionally, the centre part of the interior material is removed to mirror the outside shape of the underlying perforation, however any shape can be cut out of the interior material. In some embodiments, there are a plurality of smaller shapes removed from the interior material e.g. small round holes. The size of the excavated shape can leave a rim around the outside edge of the interior material. The cut out from the middle part of the interior material can comprise at least about 80, 85 or 90 % of material removed. In some embodiments, the cut out to form the further perforation leave the material attached by a tab allowing for a feature to be inclined on an inclinable feature.

Also provided is a method for forming an image, the method comprising, providing a structure as described herein, selecting an image to be displayed on the structure, adjusting the plurality of features on the substrate of the structure to cause each feature to reflect an amount of light required to represent an individual pixel of the image so that the overall effect is formation of the image at the viewing location.

In order to generate the image, a control system can receive an image to be represented. The control system will determine if the resolution of the image received needs to be adjusted for example if the image has a different number of pixels from the number of features. If the resolution needs to be adjusted, the resolution of the image can be adjusted to match the number of features. If the image has a higher resolution, the resolution of the image may be adjusted by grouping a plurality of pixels of the image together and calculating a single adjusted pixel from the plurality of pixels. The control system can assign inclination angles to the features to be formed based on characteristics of the corresponding pixels (or adjusted pixels) of the image. The features can be adjusted manually. The features can be adjusted automatically to provide the required amount of light to represent the pixel.

Once formed, the structure can be viewed in ambient light, or it can be lit using positioned light sources. The structure can be illuminated with light from different light sources incident on the structures at different angles. The different light sources may emit different colours of light, such that the colours appear to mix together when viewed by an observer. The visual effect produced by a structure may be enhanced by applying coatings to the features. For example, a flat or matte white coating may be applied to surfaces of the features and a dark coating may be applied to substrate. Alternatively, the features may be covered with an iridescent or fluorescent coating. Other coatings which enhance, augment or alter reflectivity may also be used to cover the features. The substrate and or the features may themselves be constructed from materials which enhance, augment or alter reflectivity.

Brief Description of the Figures

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are not drawn to scale and which are exemplary only and in which:

Figure 1A is a perspective view of a sample showing the types of features that can be cut into a substrate.

Figure 1 B is a perspective view of a sample showing more types of features that can be cut into a substrate.

Figure 2 is an example of a simple image.

Figure 3 is a structure displaying the image of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a close up of an exemplary feature according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

A sample of substate 5 is shown in Figure 1 A. In the Figures, the substrate 5 is shown as flat or planar. The substrate 5 shown is formed from metal in which perforations can be laser cut. The substrate defines a reference plane L. The reference plane defines the level surface of the substrate. The reference plane L can have a top end 14 as seen in Figure 3 and a bottom end 16.

The substrate 5 has a plurality of features 1 , 2, 3, 4 associated with the substrate 5. In Figure 1 B, the features 1 , 2, 3 are shown in various shapes including round, triangular and hexagonal.

In this embodiment, each feature is about 5 cm in its longest dimension. Each feature 1 , 2, 3, 4 is configured to change how incident light is reflected towards a viewing location. The features as shown as follows: Embossed forms 4 which comprise a shaped dimple 4 being pushed upward or downward into the substrate. Whole shapes 1 where the interior of a perforation is removed completely. Partial shapes 2 which retain one or more tabs 20 supporting the middle of each shaped perforation. Partial shapes 3 which retain one or more tabs 20 supporting the middle of each shaped perforation and which also have part of the remaining shape removed.

As can be seen in Figure 1 , the features 2 that are inclined towards the light reflect the incident light 10 as reflected light 12 in a different way to the other features e.g. 3 or 4. The dimples 4 reflect the light differently according to their size. A combination of holes 1 , dimples 4, protrusions, and inclined features 2, 3 can be employed to together form the image.

Once cut, the perforations can be openable to the required inclination by folding the interior material 2 around a tab 20. In some embodiments, the process of cutting out the perforation leaves a cut line around the outside of the interior material (as can be seen e.g. with feature 3), so that even once folded back over the hole the whole area is not covered and there is an open rim around the interior material. Once cut, the perforation can be openable by folding the interior material 2, 3, away from the cut hole. The fold of the interior material away from the hole from which it was cut can be means of a pivot about the tab 20 holding the material to the substrate. As the skilled person will appreciate the interior material 2, 3 can be folded to the desired inclination and the material is rigid enough to remain in that orientation once folded.

The inclination of the interior material 2, 3 can be changed to change the amount of light reflected from the surface of the interior material. Once folded, each piece creates a small individual planar surfaces attached to the substrate sheet. These small individual planar surfaces are essentially the pixels that will form the image. In any one image, each of the features will be folded to a different inclination angle relative to another of the features. There may be some features folded to the same angle, but there will inevitably be some that are folded at a different angle.

The inclination of each feature can be adjusted over the substrate to correspond to an amount of light required to be reflected by that feature in order to represent an individual pixel of the image. In Figure 3 there are about 400 individual roundshaped features arranged in overlapping rows. In Figure 3, an image can be seen formed by the features. In Figure 3, the viewing location is essentially where the image can be seen from off the page. The effect of the image will be more striking in 3D. The image created in Figure 3 is the cube of Figure 2. The cube has a lighter face 6 and a darker face 7. The cube image is broken down into pixels. The substrate 5 can be modified by altering the features 10, 11 , 12 accordingly to match the required light intensity of the pixels and thereby form the image. As can be seen in Figure 3, in the lighter part 6, the features are reflecting light and in the darker part 7, the features are allowing light to pass through the perforation (darker). In Figure 3, there are whole perforations 10 formed in the sheet substrate 13. There are also partial-formed perforations 11 , 12.

The tab 20 can be a fixed tab. By fixed it is meant that the tab is not movable with respect to the substrate 5. In an embodiment shown in Figure 4 there are two tabs 20. A first tab 20 can be located at one side of the perforation and a second tab 20 can be located at the opposite side of the perforation. When the tabs are fixed, as shown in Figure 3, preferably, they are all fixed in the same direction. In an embodiment, the fixed tabs 20 of the plurality of features 10 are all located in a direction facing the top end 14 of the reference plane L of the substrate 13. This means that each feature 10 is pivotable about the tab 20 in the same plane as all the other features.

When there is one tab 20 as seen in e.g. Figure 1 , the interior material can be folded about that one tab. With two tabs as shown in Figure 4, a first part of the interior material 22 can be folded in one direction, and a second part of the interior material 22 can be folded in another direction. This results in four folds two at each tab. The folds will generally be towards the centre of the perforation which means that the pieces 22 fold towards one another. This multiple folding of each tab can allow for the creation of more varied surfaces for light to reflect from.

In some embodiments, the centre of the interior material is removed as represented by feature 16 in Figure 4. The removal of the additional material in a hexagonal shape creates a further perforation. The further perforations are located in the body of the interior material. This can further add to the flexibility provided in image creation. Optionally, the centre part of the interior material is removed to mirror the outside shape of the underlying perforation as shown in feature 16, Figure 4. However, any shape can be cut out of the interior material for example a square or diamond is cut from the substantially triangular feature 3 in Figure 1 A. In some embodiments, there are a plurality of smaller shapes removed from the interior material e.g. small round holes as show in relation to feature 3, Figure 1A.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any promises made in the present description should be understood to relate to some embodiments of the invention and are not intended to be promises made about the invention as a whole. Where there are promises that are deemed to apply to all embodiments of the invention, the applicant/patentee reserves the right to later delete them from the description and does not rely on these promises for the acceptance or subsequent grant of a patent in any country.