Simulated Fireplace with Multifaceted Screen for 3D Flame Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric fire simulations lack realistic depth and alignment with fuel elements, resulting in an unrealistic arrangement of flame projection.
Innovation Solution
An appliance with a multifaceted image creation screen and translucent panel system that projects three-dimensional flame imagery over a modelled fuel bed, using a processor to control lighting elements 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 flame 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 surface illumination to a three-dimensional flame simulation by introducing multiple image creation screens arranged at different depths and angles. These screens are positioned to create overlapping flame imagery that extends in depth, allowing the flame effects to align with fuel bed features in three-dimensional space rather than merely on a flat plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single illumination source into multiple segmented image creation screens, each displaying portions of the flame imagery. These screens are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration with different orientations and depths, allowing each segment to contribute to the overall three-dimensional flame effect while maintaining alignment with specific fuel bed components.
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:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different image creation screens to specific regions and depths corresponding to different fuel bed components. Each screen is positioned and oriented to align with particular fuel elements (such as logs or coals), allowing precise local alignment rather than a uniform projection across the entire fuel bed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces three-dimensional positioning and angular orientation of multiple image creation screens to achieve precise alignment with fuel bed components. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows flame imagery to be projected from specific angles and depths that match the spatial configuration of the modelled fuel bed, creating accurate alignment between virtual flames and physical fuel elements.
3Device complexity
If a linear arrangement of flame projection is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the realism of fire simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple linear arrangement with a three-dimensional configuration of image creation screens arranged at various angles and depths. This spatial arrangement mirrors the natural three-dimensional structure of a real fire, with flames rising from different heights and angles around the fuel bed, thereby enhancing realism without requiring excessively complex machinery.
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
Creates a realistic, three-dimensional flame effect that aligns with the modelled fuel bed components, providing a more immersive and realistic simulation of a burning fire.
Implementation Method 1
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
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AI summary
A simulated fireplace appliance (100) which has an imaging system (200) and a modelled fuel bed (110) where the imaging system generates flame imagery which is overlaid the modelled fuel bed. The imaging system includes one or more image display apparatus (220) which projects flame image data, one or more an image creation screens (140) adapted to receive projected image data from the one or more image display apparatus. The one or more image creation screens are, each or in combination, a multifaceted surface. A translucent panel (130) is adapted to receive light from the one or more image creation screens and partially reflect said light from the appliance such that three-dimensional imagery can be observed from the appliance.