Lighted Artwork Holder

Abstract

Various implementations of the present invention provide systems and methods for lighting artwork. One implementation provides for placing the artwork, such as a photograph, in intimate contact with a transparent compliant layer. A transparent front panel is placed in front of the compliant layer. A light source is disposed along an edge of the front panel and compliant layer so that light radiated by the light source travels into the front panel and then through the compliant layer where the light is scattered back to an observer.

1 . An apparatus for illuminating artwork comprising:
 a back panel;   a front panel;   a compliant layer disposed between the front panel and the back panel; and   a light source disposed along at least one edge of the front panel, wherein the artwork is disposed between the compliant layer and the back panel and in contact with the compliant layer.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a transparent material comprises the front panel. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the back panel has a convex shape. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the compliant layer is transparent. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the front panel comprises acrylic, glass or polycarbonate. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the compliant layer is applied to the front panel. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the light source is at least one of a fluorescent light, a cold cathode fluorescent light, an incandescent light, light-emitting diodes, chip-on-board light-emitting diodes and electro-luminescent strips. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the light source includes light-emitting diodes that provide a metameric white light when energized. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein, when operating, the light-emitting diodes are adjusted to emit wavelengths of light to match the reflective spectra of materials used in the artwork. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising at least one of a reflector or refractor arranged to direct light radiated by the light source into the front panel. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the radiated light is confined in the front panel by internal reflections. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the refractive index of the front panel and the compliant layer are substantially equal. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising reflectors disposed along sides of the front panel not having a light source disposed thereon. 
     
     
         14 . A method of lighting artwork comprising:
 disposing compliant layer between a front surface of the artwork and a front panel;   urging the artwork into contact with the compliant layer; and   providing a light source on an edge of the front panel,   wherein the compliant layer covers the entire front surface of the artwork and light from the light source is radiated into the front panel and compliant layer.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the front panel is planar. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , comprising providing a back panel rearward of the artwork. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the back panel is planar. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the back panel is convex. 
     
     
         19 . A method of illuminating a planar surface comprising:
 disposing a compliant layer on a transparent and planar front panel;   urging the compliant layer and front panel onto the planar surface; and   providing a light source on an edge of the front panel.   
     
     
         20 . A method of illuminating a planar surface comprising:
 bringing the planar surface into contact with a compliant layer;   covering the compliant layer with a transparent and planar front panel; and   radiating light across a front surface of the compliant layer,   wherein the radiated light is scattered forwardly of the planar surface by evanescent waves on the planar surface.