Simulated Fireplace Multifaceted Projection for Flame-Fuel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric fire simulations lack realistic depth and alignment of flame effects with fuel elements, resulting in an unrealistic fuel bed arrangement.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a multifaceted surface and a modelled fuel bed, where the imaging system generates three-dimensional flame imagery by projecting image data onto a semi-transparent panel, creating a varied gap that aligns with the fuel bed components, using a processor to control lighting based on pixel information for enhanced realism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a translucent surface is illuminated from behind by video media to simulate fire effects, then the realism of the fire appearance is improved, but the depth and three-dimensional alignment with fuel elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional translucent screen to a three-dimensional curved or multifaceted projection surface. This allows the flame imagery to be displayed at varying depths, creating a realistic three-dimensional effect where flames appear to rise from specific fuel bed locations rather than from a flat plane behind the fuel bed.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection surface is divided into multiple facets or segments, each corresponding to specific fuel bed components. This segmentation allows different regions of the flame imagery to be projected at different depths and angles, enabling precise alignment with the three-dimensional arrangement of fuel elements in the bed.
2Illumination intensity
If electronic displays are used to project flame images, then the visual effect is improved, but the alignment with modelled fuel bed components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the projection surface have different orientations, curvatures, and depths tailored to match the local characteristics of specific fuel bed components. Each facet is optimized to project flame imagery that aligns precisely with the corresponding fuel element's position, shape, and orientation in the three-dimensional fuel bed.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection surface employs curved or multifaceted geometry rather than a flat plane. This curvature allows the projected flame images to follow the contours and depth variations of the fuel bed components, creating accurate alignment between the visual flame effects and the physical fuel elements at various positions and angles.
3Device complexity
If a flat projection surface is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the three-dimensional flame imagery and depth perception deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension to the projection surface by using curved or multifaceted geometry instead of a flat plane. This added dimensionality enables the system to create realistic three-dimensional flame imagery with varying depths, allowing flames to appear to originate from and rise above the fuel bed components in a naturally three-dimensional manner.
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
The solution provides a realistic three-dimensional flame simulation that aligns with the fuel bed components, enhancing the overall visual experience by creating a sense of depth and realism, overcoming the limitations of two-dimensional projections.
Implementation Method 1
one or more translucent panels adapted to receive light from the one or more image creation screens and reflect said light from the appliance
Implementation Method 2
a translucent panel adapted to receive light from the one or more image creation screens and partially reflect said light from the appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A simulated fireplace appliance is provided having an imaging system and a modelled fuel bed having modelled fuel bed features. The imaging system is configured to generate flame imagery overlaying the modelled fuel bed. The imaging system may have an image display apparatus adapted to project flame image data. One or more image creation screens may be adapted to receive projected image data and a translucent panel may be adapted to receive light from the image creation screens and partially reflect the light from the appliance.