Artificial fireplace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial fireplaces do not accurately display a realistic fire pattern as the projected flames appear to originate from a single plane, lacking the depth and realism of actual fires.
Innovation Solution
The artificial fireplace employs a semi-transparent mirror to combine two videos from different display devices, creating a layered effect by reflecting one video and transmitting another, simulating flames from multiple depths and enhancing realism with synchronized glow effects and adjustable flame height and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single display device projects flames in a conventional artificial fireplace, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fire pattern lacks realism and depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single video projection into two separate display devices: a first display device that projects flames and a second display device that projects the fire bed. This segmentation allows each device to specialize in specific elements, creating a more realistic layered fire effect while managing complexity through functional division
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a semi-transparent mirror positioned at an angle to reflect the first video from the first display device, creating a layered three-dimensional effect. The reflected flames appear to rise from the fire bed, adding depth and realism by utilizing spatial dimension rather than simple two-dimensional projection
2Manufacturing precision
If flames are projected from a single plane, then the projection system is simple, but the fire pattern does not accurately mimic actual fires which have flames at multiple depths
Solution Approach 1:
The fire simulation is segmented into two distinct video layers: flames from the first display device and fire bed from the second display device. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each layer's visual characteristics and positioning, accurately representing the depth structure of real fires
Solution Approach 2:
By using the semi-transparent mirror to reflect the first video at an angle, the system creates apparent depth along the line of sight. The reflected flames appear to originate from different depths within the fire bed, accurately mimicking the three-dimensional structure of actual fires
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a more realistic artificial fire pattern by simulating flames from multiple depths, improving the visual and tactile experience, and allowing users to customize the fire pattern through input devices.
Implementation Method 1
the semi-transparent mirror is arranged to at least partially reflect the first video of flames at its first side
Implementation Method 2
to at least partially transmit the second video at its second side
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an artificial fireplace for displaying an artificial fire pattern. The fireplace comprises a housing, defining an interior and comprising at least one opening to allow a line of sight into the interior, a semi-transparent mirror, which is arranged in the interior and which comprises a first side, facing the opening, and an opposite second side, facing away from the opening. The fireplace further comprises a first display device, which is arranged in the housing and which is configured to display a first video of flames, towards the first side of the semi-transparent mirror, and a second display device, which is arranged in the housing and which is configured to display a second video towards the second side of the semi-transparent mirror. The semi-transparent mirror is arranged to at least partially reflect the first video of flames at its first side and to at least partially transmit the second video at its second side, in order to recombine the first video of flames and the second video into the artificial fire pattern, such that the artificial fire pattern is visible along the line of sight.