Illumination apparatus
Illumination apparatus ( 8 ) which comprises at least two light sources, at least one light collecting device for collecting light from the light sources ( 10 ), motion providing means for providing relative motion between the light sources ( 10 ) and the light collecting device ( 14 ), and control means for controlling the illumination of the light sources ( 10 ) such that the light sources ( 10 ) are illuminated for a predetermined time period when in a predetermined position relative to the light collecting device ( 14 ).
1. Illumination apparatus which comprises at least two light sources, at least one light collecting device for collecting light from the light sources, motion providing means for providing relative motion between the light sources and the light collecting device, and control means for controlling the illumination of the light sources such that the light sources are illuminated for a predetermined time period when in a predetermined position relative to the light collecting device, and such that the light sources are illuminated for a fraction of a cycle time with a drive current greater than the average forward current for the light sources when illuminated continuously.
2. Illumination apparatus according to claim 1 in which the light sources are stationary, and in which the light collecting device is moveable relative to the stationary light sources.
3. Illumination apparatus according to claim 1 in which the light collecting device is stationary, and in which the light sources are moveable relative to the stationary light collecting device.
4. Illumination apparatus according to claim 1 in which the light sources and the light collecting device are both moveable in either the same direction or in opposite directions.
5. Illumination apparatus according to claim 1 in which the light sources are arranged on means selected from the group consisting of a drum, a disc, and a belt.
6. Illumination apparatus according to claim 1 in which the light sources are each a light emitting diode.
7. Illumination apparatus according to claim 1 in which the light sources produce light of the same colour.
8. Illumination apparatus according to claim 1 in which the light sources produce light of different colours.
9. Illumination apparatus according to claim 8 in which the light sources produce light of different colours, and in which the light sources are arranged according to a type of panel used in the illumination apparatus in order to provide sequentially coloured light.
10. Illumination apparatus according to claim 8 in which the light sources of two or more colours are arranged with two or more sets of the light collecting devices such that each set of the light collecting devices collects light of a different colour.
11. Illumination apparatus according to claim 1 in which the light sources are arranged on a disc in a spiral shape, with one or more spirals, such that a raster-type illumination is produced.
12. Illumination apparatus according to claim 1 in which the light sources are arranged on a disc in a spiral shape, with more than one spiral, the spirals containing light sources of different colours such that scrolling colour illumination is produced.
13. Illumination apparatus according to claim 1 in which the light sources are arranged in a helical pattern on a drum, with one or more helices, such that a raster-type illumination is produced.
14. Illumination apparatus according to claim 1 in which the light sources are arranged in the form of one or more helices, with each helix being of a different colour, such that scrolling colour illumination is produced.
15. Illumination apparatus according to claim 1 and including a switchable holographic mirror, and in which the light source or sources and/or the light collecting device or devices appear to move by use of the switchable holographic mirror.