EP4571720A1

EP4571720A1 - Lamps, sets and methods

Info

Publication number: EP4571720A1
Application number: EP23383282.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Juan Carlos Bareche González
Original assignee: 3dcuatro Contenidos Interactivos Y Visualizacion 3d Sl
Current assignee: 3dcuatro Contenidos Interactivos Y Visualizacion 3d Sl
Priority date: 2023-12-13
Filing date: 2023-12-13
Publication date: 2025-06-18
Also published as: EP4627565A1; WO2025125438A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to lamps (1), sets and methods (25). A lamp (1) comprises a frame (2) comprising one or more sidewalls (4 - 7) and a base (3) forming an inner cavity. The lamp (1) is configured to operate in two modes. In a first mode the lamp (1) is configured to receive a card (8) and to illuminate the card (8) such that the user sees the illuminated image (9) of the card (8). In a second mode the lamp (8) is further configured to support a screen (11) at 45° with respect to the card (8) such that the user sees a reflection (12) of the image (9) of the card (8) reflected on the screen (11).

Description

The present disclosure relates to lamps configured to illuminate one or more images. The present disclosure further relates to sets and kits comprising a lamp and to methods of operating these lamps.

BACKGROUND

Lamps are generally provided in rooms or spaces for illumination. Lamps generally include a light source, e.g. one or more light bulbs, and a lampshade for diffusing the light provided by the light source. The number, type, size and materials of the light sources and the lampshades tend to vary depending on which room, and where in that room, the lamp is to be arranged. The preference of each person also affects for example a lampshade that may be chosen for a lamp.
Conventional lampshades may include one or more colors, and even images, e.g. painted or printed images. Many users, however, may regard even lamps incorporating colorful or playful images as monotone and boring.
The Pepper's ghost effect has been known for years and it may be used for creating a hologram-like or 3D-like image. This effect may for example be used in theaters, haunted houses, amusement parks, museums and others. Big spaces, a big reflector and a big light source are usually used. Therefore, obtaining this effect usually involves costly equipment and a complex and time-consuming set up.
Nowadays, Pepper's ghost effect may be created by pre-making 3D models on computers, smartphones and animation software. These pre-made images may then be projected in a desired location. However, this is also expensive, time-consuming and difficult to implement.
The present disclosure aims at providing a lamp such as a lamp which is not monotone but at the same time is relatively cheap and simple, as well as easy and convenient to use.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a lamp is provided. The lamp comprises a frame. The frame comprises a base and one or more sidewalls forming an inner cavity. The frame comprises a card retention system for removably receiving a card comprising an image with one or more regions allowing an illumination light to go through them. The lamp further comprises a light source arranged in the inner cavity and configured to illuminate the card. The frame further comprises a screen retention system for supporting a screen in an operative position at an angle of about 45° with the card when the card is arranged in the card retention system. The lamp is configured to operate in a first mode without the screen in the operative position in which the card is arranged in the card retention system and the light source illuminates the image of the card. The lamp is further configured to operate in a second mode with the screen in the operative position in which the screen reflects the image on the card when the card is illuminated.
In accordance with this aspect, a simple, compact and easy to use lamp is provided. The lamp is configured to operate in two modes. In a first mode, a card is illuminated and the user may see the image of the card. The card is not hidden from the view of the user, and the card may be seen as a type of lampshade including an image. As different cards may be used, e.g. inserted into and removed from the card retention system, the user may change the image seen in this mode and the user is not limited to seeing a single image. In a second mode, a screen is positioned at an angle of about 45° with respect to the card such that the image of the card is reflected on the screen and the user sees a holographic-like image. The user may also use different cards in this mode of operation, and therefore the user may vary between a plurality of 3D-like images.
Therefore, a user may be able to easily and quickly vary between the first mode and the second mode and see different types of images (more 2D-like in the first mode and more 3D-like in the second mode), as well to vary between different images by changing a card supported by the card retention system of the lamp.
The lamp may be configured to be supported on the base when operating in the second mode. The lamp may be configured to be supported on one of the sidewalls when operating in the first mode. I.e., a sidewall, in particular an outer face of the sidewall, may be a bottom side of the frame in the first mode and the base may be a bottom side of the frame in the second mode. This may allow to suitably position the frame, and therefore the lamp, such that the image of the card may be suitably seen in the first mode and in the second mode (in this mode the reflection of the card image is seen). The user may easily position the lamp such that it operates in the first mode or in the second mode.
The card retention system may comprise a card slot. The card slot may be provided in a front portion of the frame or sidewall, for example such that the card may go through the front sidewall and enter the inner cavity. Additional grooves or guides may be provided at the inside of the one or more sidewalls. For example, additional grooves may be provided at the inside of opposing sidewalls. Optionally a further groove may be provided at the inside of the rear sidewall. A card slot may help to support as well as to retain the card in a desired position both in the first mode and the second mode of operation of the lamp. The additional grooves, if present, may allow to guide the card while it is arranged in the lamp as well as to secure it in place.
A rear portion of the frame or rear sidewall, opposite to the front portion of the frame or front sidewall including the card slot, may comprise the screen retention system in some examples. For example, the screen retention system may be provided in a top surface or face of one of the sidewalls, and in particular in a top surface of the frame portion or sidewall opposing the sidewall comprising the card slot. The lamp may be configured to be supported on this frame portion or sidewall in the first mode. In this manner, the user may conveniently and simply transition between the first and the second modes.
The card may be retained in the retention system in such a way that the card is inclined with respect to the base. In particular, the card retention system (comprising a slot or otherwise) may be inclined with respect to the base. This may allow the user to see the image of the card properly in the first mode, while at the same time, the card is less visible in the second mode. The card may not disturb or barely disturb the user in the second mode. The illusion of the hologram is thus enhanced.
The screen retention system may comprise a groove. For example, the frame may comprise a groove. The groove may be inclined at about 45° with respect to the card retention system. A screen may therefore be positioned at about 45° with respect to the card retention system by introducing it in the groove of the frame. In these examples, the screen may be arranged in the groove in the second mode for obtaining a holographic image, but the screen may not be arranged in the groove in the first mode.
In other examples, the screen retention system may include a hinge for modifying an angle of the screen with respect to the card retention system, and therefore with respect to the card. For example, the screen retention system, optionally the frame, may comprise a hinge configured to support and rotate the screen. For example, the hinge may comprise a groove. In particular, the screen may be attached, optionally fixedly attached, to the hinge, e.g. to the groove of the hinge. It is also possible to attach the screen to the hinge in a different manner.
In examples, the screen may be rotated between a "closed" position and an "open" position. In the "closed" position, the screen may cover the inner cavity of the lamp such that the inner cavity is a closed inner cavity. As the screen is transparent, i.e. the light visible to the human eye may pass through the screen, the user may see the image of the card and the visualization is not disturbed by the presence of the screen. In the first mode, the screen may be in the "closed" position. In the "open" position, the screen may be positioned in its operative position at about 45° with respect to the card retention system. Therefore, the screen may reflect the image of the card and the user may see a 3D-like image. In the second mode, the screen may be in the "open" position.
The lamp may further comprise a light diffuser for diffusing the light emitted by the light source. In this manner, the emitted light may be suitably dispersed, and the image may be suitably illuminated. A light diffuser may be a plate, e.g. a plastic plate in some examples. The light diffuser may be arranged substantially parallel to the card retention system. With a plate-like light diffuser and/or a light diffuser parallel to a card, light diffusion may be improved, illumination of the card may be improved (it may be more homogeneous) and the user may properly see the card image.
The light source may also be arranged parallel to the plane of inclination defined by the card retention system. This may improve an illumination of the image of the card. The light source may be arranged along an inner perimeter of the sidewalls. The light source may comprise one or more illumination strips. This may provide an effective and suitable illumination of the image of the card. The light source, e.g. the one or more illumination strips, may comprise one or more light emitting diodes, LEDs.
The lamp may further comprise a receptacle at an outer side of the frame, e.g. on the base, in particular at the bottom of the base for supporting and storing the screen. I.e., the screen may be easily stored when not in use. This avoids a user losing a screen and the screen may be protected, e.g. from scratches or damage caused by contact with other elements. This receptable, which may comprise one or more recesses, may be particularly suitable if the screen can be removably received in the screen retention system. In embodiments wherein the screen is fixedly connected to the screen retention system, the receptable may generally be dispensed with.
In another aspect, a set is provided. The set includes a lamp as described herein and a screen as described herein.
The screen may be transparent. I.e., the elements after or beyond the screen may be seen by the user. The user may therefore perceive that, in the second mode, the reflected image is "floating" in the air.
The set may further comprise one or more cards as described herein. In particular, the one or more cards may comprise an image with one or more regions allowing an illumination light of the light source of the lamp to go through them.
The cards may comprise an opaque background. I.e., the surroundings of the card image may be opaque. As the illumination light may not go through the background, the user may see an image with defined borders both in the first mode and in the second mode.
The images of the cards may comprise one or more transparent regions. This may be in contraposition to other regions of the image, which may be colored. As indicated before, herein transparent refers to transparent as perceived by the human eye. The illumination light may partially go through the colored regions of the image, and therefore these regions may be seen by the user as colored regions but possibly with a relatively low brightness. As the illumination light may totally or almost totally go through the transparent regions, these regions may be seen as bright regions by the user. The transparent regions may therefore be used for providing an image with more contrast, to remark some features, e.g. contours or lines, of the image or to create a more 3D-like image.
In another aspect, a method for operating the lamp is provided. The method comprises using a lamp as described herein in one of the first mode and the second mode. The method further comprises changing the operation mode and using the lamp in the other of the first mode and the second mode.
The user may therefore use the lamp in the first mode or in the second mode, and change to the second mode or the first mode, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended figures, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows a frontal perspective view of an example of a lamp positioned to operate in a first mode of operation with a card in the lamp.
Figure 2 schematically shows a back perspective view of the lamp of figure 1.
Figure 3 schematically shows a top perspective view of the lamp of figures 1 and 2 positioned to operate in a second mode of operation with a screen in an operative position with respect to the lamp.
Figure 4 schematically shows the lamp of figure 3 with the card outside the lamp.
Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of an inner portion of the lamp of figure 3 with the card in the lamp.
Figure 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the lamp of figures 3 and 5 with the card in the lamp.
Figure 7 schematically shows a front perspective view of another example of a lamp positioned to operate in the first mode of operation with a card in the lamp.
Figure 8 schematically shows a top perspective view of the lamp of figure 7 positioned to operate in the second mode of operation with the screen in an operative position with respect to the lamp.
Figure 9 schematically shows a top perspective view of still another example of a lamp with a card in the lamp.
Figure 10 schematically shows a top perspective view of the lamp of figure 9 positioned to operate in the second mode of operation with the screen in an operative position with respect to the lamp.
Figure 11 shows a flow chart of a method of operating a lamp of the present disclosure.

The figures refer to example implementations and may only be used as an aid for understanding the claimed subject matter, not for limiting it in any sense.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a lamp is provided. Figure 1 schematically shows a frontal perspective view of an example of a lamp positioned to operate in a first mode of operation with a card in the lamp.
The lamp 1 comprises a frame 2. The frame 2 comprises a base 3 and a plurality of sidewalls 4-7 forming an inner cavity. The frame 2 comprises a card retention system for removably receiving a card 8 comprising an image 9 with one or more regions allowing an illumination light to go through them. The lamp 1 further comprises a light source 10 (see figure 5) arranged in the inner cavity which is configured to illuminate the card 8. The frame 2 further comprises a screen retention system, which in this example is a groove, for supporting a screen 11 such that the screen 11 is arranged in an operative position at an angle of about 45° with respect to the card 8 when the card 8 is arranged in the card retention system. In other words, the image 9 of the card 8 is reflected on the screen 11 when the card 8 is illuminated with the light source 10. In this example, the groove is configured to removably receive the screen 11.
The lamp 1 is configured to operate in a first mode without the screen 11 in the operative position in which the card 8 is arranged in the card retention system and the light source 10 illuminates the image 9 of the card 8. The lamp 1 is further configured to operate in a second mode with the screen 11 in the operative position in the screen retention system, e.g. in the groove, in which the screen 11 reflects 12 the image 9 of the card 8 when the card 8 is illuminated.
In this manner, the lamp 1 can operate in two different modes: in the first mode of operation, a card 8 with an image 9 is illuminated with a light source 10 arranged in the inner cavity of the lamp. The lamp 1 therefore works as a lamp wherein the card 8 may be considered to substantially form a lampshade with an image. When the card is arranged in the lamp, i.e. in a position suitable to be illuminated such that the operation is as described herein, and the light source is in an ON state, the image of the card 8 is illuminated and the user can see the illuminated image.
This is schematically shown in figure 1, wherein the image 9 of the card 8 is a flower. When the card 8 is suitably positioned in the card retention system and illuminated, the user can see the illuminated flower (because the light source 10 is arranged between the card 8 and an inner side or inner surface of the base 3, or in other words the card 8 is arranged between the light source 10 and the user). The areas of the card surrounding the image 9 may be substantially opaque so that light only passes through the image 9.
In the second mode of operation, a screen 11 is secured to the lamp 1 such that an angle of about 45° is formed between the screen 11 and the card 8. In this regard, reference is made to figure 6. Figure 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a lamp with the card 8 in the retention system and the screen 11 operatively positioned in the lamp 1. As can be seen in this figure, an angle between a plane defined by the card 8 and an angle between a plane defined by the screen 11 is about 45°. With such an angle, the image of the card is reflected on the screen. The areas surrounding the image on the card may be opaque such that only the image is seen and reflected. For example, the card may have a black background. When the user looks at the reflection 12 on the screen 11, the user sees a holographic-like image due to Pepper's ghost effect. Screen 11 may be referred to as reflector screen.
Accordingly, when the lamp is operated in the second mode, the user sees an image which is a holographic-like image and therefore gives a feeling of seeing a 3D image. The user may therefore use the lamp in the first mode or in the second mode, depending on whether an image closer, in the second mode, or less closer, in the first mode, to a 3D image is desired.
The lamp is configured to removably receive a card 8. The user may therefore have a plurality of cards 8, in particular cards with different images, and the user may select and use a certain card at a certain moment and a different card at another moment. Sets of cards might be provided in different series, e.g. a series of sports images, another series of superhero images, and yet another series of e.g. different types of flowers.
The lamp may be configured to be supported on one of the sidewalls 4-7 when operating in the first mode. For example, in figure 1 one of the sidewalls 7, in particular an outer face or surface thereof, acts as a support for supporting the lamp 1 in the first mode. The user can see the image 9 of the card 8 as the base 3 and the sidewalls 4-7 form an open inner cavity in this example. The lamp 1 may be configured to be supported on the base 3 when operating in the second mode.
In some examples, the card 8 may comprise a film 8a comprising the image 9 and a film frame 8b around the film 8a. An example of such a card may be seen in figure 4. The film 8a may be made of one or more materials suitable for allowing the illumination light to go through it. For example, the film may comprise polyester. In some examples, the image 9 may be printed on the film 8a.
The film frame 8b may be rigid. The film frame 8b may comprise, e.g. be made of, plastic or cardboard in some examples. The film frame 8b may be removable from the film 8a. In some examples, a film frame 8b may be configured to use with a plurality of films 8a. The use of a film frame 8b may help to protect the film 8a. If films 8a of different sizes are provided, the film frame 8b may serve as an adapter such that the films 8a of different sizes may be used with a same lamp 1.
The card retention system 13, see e.g. figures 4 and 5, may comprise a card slot. A card slot may be regarded as an opening configured to receive a card. The card retention system 13 may be of different types and may vary between different examples of lamps. The card retention system may comprise one or more elements for supporting and retaining the card 8. A retaining element may comprise a slot, a clamp, a magnet and others. If the card retention system comprises a plurality of elements, all the elements may be of the same type (e.g. clamping elements), or some of the elements may be of different types (e.g. slots and clamping elements). In some cases, magnetic coupling between a retention system and a card may be used.
The lamp 1 may comprise a slit 15 for introducing the card 8 in the lamp 1. The slit 15 may be part of the card retention system. The card 8 may therefore be easily introduced in the lamp 1, e.g. in the inner cavity of the lamp. The slit 15 in this example is shown as being inclined. In other examples, the slit may be straight, i.e., parallel to a base 3.
The slit 15 may help to keep the card in a suitable position once the card is totally inserted in the lamp. The slit 15 may be provided in a portion of the frame 2 of the lamp 1, e.g. a sidewall 5, opposite the portion of the frame 2 configured to form a support for the lamp in the first mode. The slit may therefore be provided on a top portion of the lamp, e.g. on a top sidewall 5, in terms of the first mode of operation. In other examples, a slit may be provided in a different sidewall. For example, a slit may be provided in one or more lateral sidewalls 4, 6.
In some examples, the card retention system 13 may be configured to guide the card 8. For example, a card slot may guide the card 8 when the card is inserted in the slot. In figure 5, a sidewall 7 configured to be a support or bottom wall in the first mode of operation comprises a groove or recess 13 in which an end of the card 8 can be introduced. The adjacent lateral sidewalls 4, 6 also comprise recesses configured to receive the edges of a card 8 for supporting and guiding the card while the card is introduced in the lamp 1.
Providing recesses on the sidewalls, e.g. on the bottom 7 (referring to the first mode of operation) and lateral sidewalls 4, 6, may help to keep the card 8 in a desired position and to reduce its movement in the lamp. The risk of the card moving, e.g. falling from the lamp 1, may be reduced. As indicated previously, other suitable card retention elements may be provided. For example, the frame 2 may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more flanges or protrusions protruding towards an inside of the lamp 1 to this end.
The card 8 may be retained at an angle with respect to the base 3. The card retention system 15, 13 may be inclined with respect to the base 3. The card 8 may therefore be supported and retained at a certain angle (different from 0°) with respect to the base 3. In particular, and in general for any example of the lamp, the card retention system 15, 13 may define a plane of inclination with respect to the base 3 of the lamp 1 or in general with respect to the surface on which the lamp is positioned.
Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of an inner portion of a lamp 1 with the card 8 arranged in the lamp 1 to be illuminated. At least a portion of a card retention system 13 can be seen in this example. In this and other examples, the card retention system may in particular be arranged such that, in the second mode of operation, an end of the card closer to a screen retention system 14, e.g. a groove 14, (in which the screen is to be arranged in this example), and therefore an end of the card retention system that is closer to the groove 14, is more sunken in the lamp 1 than an opposite end of the card, and therefore of the card retention system. In this way, the image 9 of the card 8 may be relatively hidden from the view of the user in the second mode. The user may easily see the reflection 12 on the screen 11 without being disturbed by the image 9 of the card 8. The Pepper's ghost effect may be more effective as only, or almost only, the reflection 12 may be perceived by the user.
In the example of figure 5, the end of the card retention system of the sidewall 7 comprising the groove 14 is more sunken than the opposite end of the card retention system, i.e. the slot 15 going through the sidewall 5 through which the card 8 is inserted in the lamp 1.
The plane defined by the card retention system 15, 13 may have an inclination between 5° and 20°, e.g. of 10°, with respect to the base 3 or with respect to a surface on which it is positioned. An inclination in this range may be particularly suitable for hiding the card 8 from the view of the user in the second mode while obtaining a good quality image and view of the reflection 12 on the screen 11 in the second mode as well as a good view of the image 9 on the card 8 in the first mode.
For example, a sidewall 7 including the groove 14 for supporting the screen 11 may be the bottom sidewall in the first mode. The lamp may be configured to be supported on the base 3 when operating in the second mode. This may allow the user to effectively see the image 9 of the card 8 in the first mode as well as to effectively see the reflection 12 on the screen 11 in the second mode. In general, a sidewall may be configured to be the bottom side of the frame in the first mode, and the base may be configured to be the bottom side of the frame in the second mode. This may allow an easy transition between the first and second modes.
The groove 14 may be configured to support the screen 11 with an angle of about 45° with respect to the card retention system 13, and therefore with respect to the card 8 when present. The groove 14 may have an inclination of 45° with respect to the card retention system 13. A "thickness" of the groove 14 may be adapted to a thickness of the screen 11 to be operatively supported.
The lamp 1 may further comprise a light diffuser 16 for diffusing the light emitted by the light source 10. The light diffuser 16 may be a plate, e.g. a plastic plate. The plastic plate may comprise, e.g. be made of, acrylic. Acrylic, also known as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), is a transparent plastic material with high strength and stiffness. An acrylic plate may be easy to manufacture and may be durable. The plastic plate may be a plastic laminate, e.g. made of two sub-plates of acrylate, in some examples.
The light diffuser 16 may be arranged substantially parallel to the card retention system 13. I.e., the light diffuser 16 may be parallel to a plane of inclination defined by the card retention system 13. For example, the recesses and the slit 15 may define a plane. The light diffuser 16 also defines its own plane. These planes may be substantially parallel. The example of figure 6 illustrates that the plane formed by the card retention system 13, and therefore the card plane when suitably arranged in the lamp 1, are parallel to the plane of the light diffuser 16. This may help to effectively diffuse the light emitted by the light source 10.
One or more light diffuser supports may be provided in the frame 2, e.g. on the inner surfaces of one or more of the sidewalls, for supporting the light diffuser 16. For example, one or more recesses may be provided. Additionally, or alternatively, the light diffuser may be bonded to an inside of the frame 2, e.g. to an inner surface of one or more of the sidewalls. The light diffuser 16 may also be attached or connected to the frame 2 in other suitable ways.
The dimensions of the card 8 and of the light diffuser 16 may be similar. For example, if the card has a certain width and length, and the light diffuser has a certain width and length, the widths of the card and the light diffuser may be similar. The lengths of the card and the light diffuser may also be similar. A length of the light diffuser may be smaller than a length of the card in some examples, e.g. if the card 8 is to extend beyond a corresponding sidewall 5 when totally inserted in the lamp. A thickness of a card and the light diffuser 16 may be similar, although in some examples the thickness of the light diffuser may be bigger than the thickness of the card.
In the example of figure 6, the light diffuser 16 is a plate, e.g. a suitable plastic plate, and the light diffuser 16 and the plane defined by the card supports 13 form a same angle with respect to the base 3 of the lamp 1.
The light source 10 may be arranged along an inner perimeter of the frame 2, e.g. along an inner perimeter of the sidewalls 4-7. The light source 10 may comprise, e.g. be formed by, one or more illumination strips. The light source, e.g. the illumination strips, may define a plane. The plane defined by the light source 10 and the plane formed by the card retention system 13 may be substantially parallel, see e.g. the example of figure 5.
The illumination strips may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs). LED strips may be an effective, durable and non-expensive way to illuminate the card 8. Other illumination elements may be provided in the illumination strips in other examples. Illumination may also be provided in other manners which do not include strips along an inner perimeter of the sidewalls.
The light source 10 may be configured to emit light with a color temperature of 4000 K in some examples. This color temperature may provide a neutral white light. In other examples, other color temperatures may be used.
Like the light diffuser 16, the light source 10 may be arranged substantially parallel to the card retention system 13. This may allow to effectively and symmetrically illuminate the light diffuser 16.
The illumination strips may be arranged around a perimeter of the light diffuser 16, e.g. between an inner surface of the sidewalls 4 - 7 and an outer edge of the light diffuser 16, in some examples. This may maximize the homogeneity of the light passing through the light diffuser 16. The card 8 may therefore be illuminated homogeneously.
In some examples, the card retention system 13, the light source 10 and the light diffuser 16 may be provided such that an inclination of these elements with respect to the base 3 may be varied simultaneously. For example, the card retention system 13, the light source 10 and the light diffuser 16 may be pivoted around a common axis parallel to a sidewall including the (imaginary) axis, e.g. around an axis parallel to the bottom sidewall 7. The inclination of the card 8 with respect to the base 3 may therefore be varied within a certain range.
The lamp, in particular the frame 2 thereof, may further comprise a receptacle 17 at an outer side of the frame 2, e.g. on the base 3, for supporting and storing one or more screens when not in use. This may in particular be applicable to the examples where a screen 11 may be removably received in the screen retention system 14. Figure 2 schematically shows a rear perspective view of the lamp of figure 1. In this figure it can be seen that the base 3 may include one or more screen receptacles 17 which are configured to support and store the screen 11 when not in use. In some examples, the receptacle may form a flange along a portion of a perimeter of the base 3, e.g. along three of its four edges of the base 3. The screen 11 may therefore be slid along the receptacle 17 and stored therein.
In other examples, the receptacle 17 may be provided in a different portion or side of the frame 2. Still in other examples, the lamp 1 may not include the receptacle 17.
In some examples, the frame 2 of the lamp 1, i.e. the base 3 and the one or more sidewalls 4-7, may be integrally formed. For example, the frame 2 may be made by additive manufacturing, e.g. the frame 2 may be 3D printed. In other examples, the one or more sidewalls 4 - 7 may be integrally formed, and the base 3 may be attached or connected to the sidewalls. The base 3 may be removable from the sidewalls 4 - 7, in some examples, e.g. for allowing to repair or replace some electric component arranged in the inner cavity. The base 3 may be connected to the sidewalls 4 - 7 e.g. with bolts, magnets or any other suitable retention system.
The lamp 1 of the example of figures 1 - 6 comprises four sidewalls 4-7. In other examples, a lamp may comprise a different number of sidewalls, for example more than four sidewalls. The shape of the card may be adapted to the perimetral shape of the inner cavity in some examples. For example, if a lamp comprises six walls and a perimetral shape of the inner cavity is hexagon-like, a card may comprise a hexagonal shape or a similar shape.
The lamp 1 may further comprise support elements 18 for other components inside the lamp 1. For example, one or more flanges, recesses, protrusions or other may help to arrange and secure a corresponding element, e.g. electronic elements such as a printed circuit board (PCB) or other.
The lamp 1 may be configured to be connected to the electrical grid, e.g. to a wall socket. The lamp 1 may include a transformer for supplying electricity of a suitable voltage and amperage to the light source 10. A connector 19 to this end may be seen in e.g. figures 1 and 6. If such a connector 19 for connecting the lamp 19 to an electrical grid is provided, it may be arranged in any suitable position. In the examples of figures 1 and 6, the connector 19 is provided in a lateral sidewall 4.
The lamp 1 may also be configured to be connected to an external device such as a laptop or an external battery for powering the light source 10, e.g. through a USB connection. Additionally, or alternatively to be previous options, the lamp 1 may comprise an internal battery for powering the light source 10. The internal battery may be rechargeable. The internal battery may be configured to allow the lamp 1 to operate during 10 hours or more in some examples.
The lamp 1 may further comprise a switch 20, see e.g. figure 2. The switch 20 may serve for turning the light source 10 ON and OFF. The lamp 1 may further comprise a dimmer for regulating an intensity of the light emitted by the light source 10. In some examples, the switch 20 may incorporate the regulation function. In other examples, the turning ON/OFF function and the intensity regulation function may be provided by separate elements, e.g. different buttons.
The light source 10 may be connected to the switch 20 such that acting on the switch turns ON and OFF the light source 10. If a dimmer is provided separately, the light source 10 may be connected to the separate dimmer as well.
Figure 7 schematically shows a frontal perspective view of another example of a lamp 1 positioned to operate in the first mode of operation with a card 8 in the lamp 1. In this example, the frame 2 of the lamp 1 comprises a single inner side surface or side face limiting the inner cavity. A cross-section of the inner cavity may be circular. The frame 2 of the lamp 1 is mainly rounded, although the frame 2 comprises a bottom outer surface or pedestal 7a for supporting the lamp 1 in the first mode.
As can be seen in figure 7, the card 8 is shaped as an oval in this example. A front portion of the frame 2 comprises a card slot 15 through which the card 8 may be inserted in the lamp 1. The frame 2 further comprises inner grooves or recesses 13 for guiding the card during insertion and for supporting the card 8 both in the first mode and the second mode.
Like the example of figures 1 - 6, the screen retention system 14 is a groove. In the first mode, the screen 11 is not arranged in the groove 14. In the second mode, as may be seen in figure 8, the screen 11 is arranged in the groove 14.
Details and explanations provided with respect to figures 1 - 6 may be applied to and combined with figures 7 and 8, and vice versa. For example, the lamp 1 of figures 7 and 8 may also comprise a card retention system 13 which is inclined with respect to the base 3 of the lamp, a light diffuser 16, a light source 10, a receptacle 17 for storing the screen 11, etc. The lamps of both examples may work in a same or very similar manner, except for the fact that the frame 2 of the lamp 1 of figures 1 - 6 is rectangular or squared and that the frame 2 of the lamp 1 of figures 7 and 8 is mainly oval or circular and the cards 8 are shaped accordingly.
Figure 9 schematically shows a top perspective view of still another example of a lamp 1 with a card 8 in the lamp. The lamp is like the lamp of figures 7 and 8, but in this example the screen retention system 14 comprises a hinge with a groove. The screen 11 may in some of the examples be fixedly connected to the hinge, e.g. glued to the groove of the hinge. The hinge may be configured to rotate the screen 11 between a "closed" position and an "open" position. The screen is in the "closed" position in figure 9. The screen 11 may therefore cover the inner cavity and close it. In this position, the screen 11 may be parallel to the base 3 of the lamp frame 2. The shape of the screen 11 and a cross-sectional shape of the inner cavity of the lamp may be the same or very similar in some examples.
In the first mode of operation of the lamp 1, when the lamp 1 is supported by the pedestal 7a, the screen may be in the "closed" position. The screen 11 is substantially transparent and does not interfere with the user seeing the image 9 of the card 8 in this mode.
Figure 10 schematically shows a top perspective view of the lamp of figure 9 positioned to operate in the second mode of operation with the screen in an operative position with respect to the lamp. The lamp 1 is now supported on the base 3, and the screen 11 is in the "open" position in figure 10. As the angle between the screen 11 and the card 8 is about 45°, the user may see a hologram as previously explained.
Although not illustrated in the figures, a lamp 1 with a square or rectangular cross-section such as the one of figures 1 - 6 may comprise a screen retention system including a hinge. I.e., as long as a lamp works as described herein, a lamp 1 may include a fixed screen retention system or a movable retention system. And likewise, a lamp 1 may include a suitable number and shape of sidewalls. The shape of the card and the screen may be adapted accordingly.
In a further aspect of the disclosure, a set is provided. A set comprises a lamp 1 as described herein and a screen 11 as described herein. Therefore, one or more screens 11 as described herein may be provided with the lamp 1. For example, the frame 2 of the lamp 1 may comprise a receptacle 17 at an outer side of the frame 2, e.g. on the base 3, and one or more screens 11 may be supported and stored therein when not in use. A receptacle 17 may be dispensed with. For example, if the frame 2 comprises a hinge to which a screen 11 is fixedly connected, a receptacle 17 may not be provided.
The screen 11 may comprise, e.g. be made of, tempered glass, acrylate, polycarbonate, or in general of any suitable material such that the lamp works as described herein. The screen 11 may be rigid or relatively rigid, i.e. not flexible or barely flexible. The screen 11 may be configured to reflect the light emitted by the light source 10.
The screen 11 may be relatively thin. A thin screen 11 may help to avoid or decrease the risk of double reflection, therefore improving the quality of the reflected image. In some examples, a screen 11 may have a thickness below 2 mm, optionally below 1 mm.
The screen 11 may be transparent, i.e. they may be configured such that elements lying beyond it may be seen by the user. For example, if a user is located at the left of the lamp 1 of figure 5 and an element, e.g. a wall, lies to the right of the lamp 1, the user may see the element through the screen 11. When the lamp 1 is operating in the second mode, the user may see the image reflected by the screen 11, and the background, e.g. the wall. The user may therefore feel or perceive that the holographic-like image is "floating" in the air.
The set may further comprise one or more cards 8 as described herein, e.g. comprising an image 9 with one or more regions allowing an illumination light of the light source 10 of the lamp 1 to go through them. In some examples, a plurality of films 8a and a card frame 8b may be provided such that the films 8a may be interchangeably framed by the card frame 8b. In some examples, a plurality of films 8a and more than one card frame 8b may be provided.
The one or more cards 8 may comprise an opaque background. An opaque background may block the passage of the illumination light emitted by the light source, and therefore only the desired image 9 will be reflected by screen 11. The surroundings of the reflected image 12 will not be affected, and the perimeter of the image 9 may be clearly seen by the user.
The image 9 of the cards 8 may comprise regions of different colors, e.g. blue, green, red, white and others. The light emitted by the light source 10 may go through these regions such that the colors in the image 9 of the card 8 may be seen by the user, both in the first mode and in the second mode.
The image of the cards 8 may comprise transparent regions. For example, these regions may lack color, e.g. blue, green, and others. In this manner, the illumination light may go through these regions without being attenuated, or barely attenuated, such that these regions may be perceived as bright regions by the user. This may help to enhance the contrast in the image. Certain features of the image may be better seen by the user. Also, the user may perceive a more 3D-like image due to the presence of the transparent regions.
As the screens 11 and the cards 8 are to be used with the lamp 1 such that operation in the two modes is provided, details and explanations of this aspect (set) can be applied and combined with the previous aspect (lamp), and vice versa. For the same reason, details and explanations of these two aspects are applicable to, and may be combined with, the following aspect, and vice versa.
In a further aspect of the disclosure, a method 25 is provided. A flowchart showing the method is provided in figure 11. The method comprises, at block 26, using a lamp 1 as described herein in one of the first mode and the second mode; and at block 27, changing the operation mode and using the lamp 1 in the other of the first mode and the second mode.
A user may therefore use the lamp in the first mode and in the second mode. In the first mode, the card 8 is arranged in the lamp, and the user may see the image provided by the card 8, see e.g. figure 1 or figure 7. By changing the card 8, the user may see a different image. The lamp may be supported on one of the sidewalls.
In the second mode, the user positions the screen 11 at 45° with respect to the card retention system 13, and therefore with respect to the card 8 when supported by the card retention system. The user may for example arrange the screen in a groove of the frame 2 or may for example rotate the screen to the "open" position. The user may therefore see a 3D-like or holographic-like image, see e.g. figure 3, figure 8 or figure 9. The lamp may be supported on the base 3.
The user may change, e.g. rotate, the frame 2 such that a suitable portion of the frame 2 acts as the bottom side of the frame 2 in each operation mode.
Although only a number of examples have been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses and/or equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the described examples are also covered. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by particular examples, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Claims

A lamp comprising:
a frame comprising a base and one or more sidewalls forming an inner cavity, and the frame comprising a card retention system for removably receiving a card comprising an image with one or more regions allowing an illumination light to go through them;

a light source arranged in the inner cavity and configured to illuminate the card;

wherein the frame further comprises a screen retention system for supporting a screen in an operative position at an angle of about 45° with respect to the card when the card is arranged in the card retention system;

wherein the lamp is configured to operate in a first mode without the screen in the operative position in which the card is arranged in the card retention system and the light source illuminates the image of the card;

and wherein the lamp is further configured to operate in a second mode with the screen in the operative position in which the screen reflects the image of the card when the card is illuminated.
The lamp of claim 1, wherein the lamp is configured to be supported on the base when operating in the second mode.
The lamp of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the lamp is configured to be supported on one of the sidewalls when operating in the first mode.
The lamp of claim 3, wherein one of the sidewalls includes a pedestal for supporting the lamp.
The lamp of any of claims 1 - 4, wherein the card retention system comprises a card slot.
The lamp of any of claims 1-5, wherein the card retention system is inclined with respect to the base.
The lamp of any of claims 1-6, wherein the screen retention system comprises a groove, optionally wherein the groove is provided in the frame.
The lamp of any of claims 1-7, wherein the screen retention system includes a hinge for modifying an angle of the screen with respect to the card.
The lamp of any of claims 1-8, further comprising a light diffuser for diffusing the light emitted by the light source, optionally wherein the light diffuser is a plastic plate.
The lamp of any of claims 1-9, wherein the light source is arranged along an inner perimeter of the frame, and optionally
wherein the light source comprises one or more illumination strips, optionally including light emitting diodes, LEDs.
A set comprising:
the lamp of any of claims 1 - 10; and

a screen configured to be supported in the screen retention system of the lamp.
The set of claim 11, further comprising one or more cards comprising an image with one or more regions allowing an illumination light of the light source of the lamp to go through them.
The set of claim 12, wherein the one or more cards comprise an opaque background.
The set of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the images of the cards comprise one or more transparent regions.
A method comprising:
using the lamp of any of claims 1 - 10 in one of the first mode and the second mode; and

changing the operation mode and using the lamp in the other of the first mode and the second mode.