GB2484375A - Flame effect using a micro or pico projector - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for simulating a flame effect and suitable for use in an electric or gas fire is arranged so that in use a moving flame image held on a media storage device 3 is transmitted continuously in a loop onto a media player 2 which sends it to a Micro or Pico projector 4, projecting the moving flame image onto an image screen 8. Preferably a fuel effect 10 is provided adjacent the image screen 8. The image can be reflected by mirrors 5,6,7, or a single mirror (figs 2a-3b); it can pass through a magnifier (11, figs 2a,2b); or project directly on the screen (figs 4a,4b). Multiple projectors or media players can be used.

Description

Projected simulated flame effect This invention relates to an apparatus and method for simulating a realistic flame effect e.g. for use in an electric or gas fire.

There are many designs of fire on the market which include some form of flame effect picture (flame image'), usually behind or in front of a fuel effect e.g. coal or wood, or a decorative fuel effect e.g. pebbles or glass spheres or a false (simulated) gas type burner. Unfortunately these flame effects are often not very realistic and can spoil the appearance of an otherwise good fire design. The aim of this invention is to create a realistic 3d randomly moving flame image by using one or more Micro or Pico projectors (aka Handheld projector/Pocket projector/Mobile projector/mini-digital projector e.g. fed by a flash' memory) and projecting the image to look as if it is burning at the centre of a fuel effect.

According to one aspect of the present invention an apparatus for simulating a flame effect and suitable for use in an electric or gas fire comprises at least one or more Micro or Pico projectors, at least one media player means, at least one media storage means holding a moving flame image and an image screen, arranged in such a way that in use the moving flame image held on the media storage means is transmitted in a loop (continuously) onto the media player which sends it to the Micro or Pico projector, projecting the moving flame image onto the image screen.

According to another aspect of the present invention an apparatus for simulating a flame effect and suitable for use in an electric or gas fire comprises at least one or more Micro or Pico projectors, at least one media player means, at least one media storage means holding a moving flame image, at least one or more mirrors and an image screen, arranged in such a way that in use the moving flame image held on the media storage means is transmitted in a loop (continuously) onto the media player which sends it to the Micro or Pico projector, projecting the moving flame image onto the one or more mirrors then onto the image screen.

One media player can only play a single content of media (The Flame image') supplied by one storage device held internally or externally of the media player. The single content of media can be sent to one, two, three or more Micro or Pico projectors but it will only be the same piece of media displayed on the capture screens. This is done by passing the played contents through a signal splitter.

A plurality of media playing devices each using its own media storage means holding its own specific content can play that content on its own separate Micro or Pico projector. So by using two media players with two different media storage devices you can get two different flame images to be played on 2 Micro or Pico projectors and so on. It will be appreciated that a combination of the two types of projection described in the above two paragraphs may be combined to give a variety of flame images.

The media storage means may be in the form of internal memory in the media player or as external memory storage. For example the media storage means can either be memory card based, circuit board based, USB (Universal Serial Bus) based or a form of SD (Secure Digital) card fitted during manufacture or assembly becoming a non removable part of the appliance, although it may also be possible to use consumer-removable and replacement storage devices.

The Projector is preferably a type of Micro or Pico projector also know as a Handheld projector/Pocket projector/Mobile projector which involve miniaturized hardware and software that can project digital images onto a nearby viewing surface.

The system may include adjustable mirrors, e.g. a twin mirror system required due to size restrictions to assist the projection installation by reducing the amount of space required for the throw of the projector; by bouncing the projected image through mirrors, it shortens the physical distance required. By projecting the image then onto a final mirror before capture it may send the image back under the apparatus, thereby reducing the depth of the apparatus further. The mirrors are preferably flat and set at 45 degrees, although for image manipulation they maybe offset at increased or decreasing angles as well as being concave or convex and shaped in such a way as square, round or such like.

In the simplest form there are 2 or more mirrors which may be adjustable relative to each other. The aim is to throw the flame image onto the image screen within a minimal depth by reflecting the image in a general zig zag' or trapezoidal pattern rather than as a single straight path.

A further potential advantage is that the mirrors can be positioned in the top or bottom part of the apparatus, hidden from front view. In a preferred embodiment 3 mirrors are used as the resulting 3 changes in path direction allow an even greater reduction in depth of the apparatus. Whilst it would be possible to include more mirrors and thereby reduce the overall depth even further, it may well not be cost-effective to do so.

Preferably a twin or two mirror system is used to assist the projection installation by reducing the amount of space required for the throw of the projector, by bouncing the projected image through mirrors, it shortens the physical distance required.

By directing the projected flame image onto a third or final mirror before capture on the image screen, it may send the image back under or over the apparatus reducing the depth of the casing further.

The image screen will usually be transparent but can be translucent e.g. of plastic or glass. Alternatively it may be a mirror or of metal, polyester or nylon or such like material. A black dot effect may be used on the screen to give a graduating or distorted view. This will usually sit in between, in front or behind a fuel effect, where present, although there may not always be a fuel effect or burner.

In a further embodiment a fuel effect e.g. coal or wood, or a decorative fuel effect e.g. pebbles or glass spheres and/or a gas imitation burner may be provided as part of the fire.

Preferably the fire comprises a casing in which at least one of the apparatus is fitted, and the casing is inset into a wall or other building component. Alternatively the casing may be free-standing, e.g. in the form of a stove, or the fire may be hung on a wall.

According to another aspect of the present invention an apparatus for simulating a flame effect and suitable for use in an electric or gas fire comprises at least one Micro or Pico projector, at least one media player means, at least one media storage means holding a moving flame image, at least one magnifying means, at least one mirror, and an image screen, arranged in such a way that in use the moving flame image held on the media storage means is transmitted in a loop (continuously) through the media player which sends it to the Micro or Pico projector, through the magnifying means onto the mirror then onto the image screen.

The magnifying means preferably comprises one or more lenses including Fresnels, clear or coloured, plastic or glass which enlarge and focus the flame pattern. The lenses may be flat, convex or concave; a simple magnifying lens could be used.

Another aspect of the present invention comprises an apparatus for simulating a flame effect and suitable for use in an electric or gas fire comprises at least one Micro or Pico projector, at least one media player means, at least one media storage means holding a moving flame image and an image screen, arranged in such a way that in use the moving flame image held on the media storage means is transmitted in a loop (continuously) through the media player which sends it to the Micro or Pico projector onto one or more mirrors then onto the image screen.

Where the finished product is an electric or gas heater, then a heat source would be provided e.g. the heat source is preferably an electric element from which hot air is preferably moved to the exterior of the fire by means of a fan. Alternatively, the heat source could be a gas fired burner, but again an electric fan could be provided to direct hot air to the exterior of the fire.

Preferably the apparatus is itself contained in a housing, as a unit which can be easily removed e.g. when a component needs servicing or is to be used in other fire designs.

It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are for brevity described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 a is a schematic side/front view of an electric fire according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 b is a schematic side view of the electric fire in Figure 1 a.

Figure 2a is a schematic perspective side/front view of an electric fire according to a second embodiment using a magnify means with a mirror reflector Figure 2b is a schematic side view of the electric fire in Figure 2a.

Figure 3a is a schematic perspective angled view of an electric fire using only one reflective mirror Figure 3b is a schematic side view of the electric fire in Figure 3a.

Figure 4a is a schematic perspective side/front view of an electric fire sending the moving image direct from the projector to the image screen.

Figure 4b is a schematic side view of the electric fire in Figure 4b.

Referring now to Figure 1 a &1 b, the electric fire comprises a casing 1 containing a media player 2 and a media storage device 3. Content (The flame image) is played from the media storage device 3 on the media player 2 and sent to the Micro/Pico projector 4 which projects onto twin mirrors 5 & 6 then onto a mirror 7, captured on the image screen 8, in-between (or in front or behind) an imitation fuel effect 10 (or fake burner). The result is a moving, random flame picture which mimics real flames.

A heater 9 may be switched on to provide heat, if desired.

Referring now to Figure 2a &2b, the electric fire comprises a casing 1 containing a media player 2 and a media storage device 3. Content (The flame image) is played from the media storage device 3 on the media player 2 and sent to the Micro/Fico projector 4, through a magnifying means 11 onto the mirror 7 then captured on the image screen 8, in-between (or in front or behind) an imitation fuel effect 10 (or fake burner). The result is a moving, random flame picture which mimics real flames.

A heater 9 may be switched on to provide heat, if desired.

Referring now to Figure 3a &3b, the electric fire comprises a casing 1 containing a media player 2 and a media storage device 3. Content (The flame image) is played from the media storage device 3 on the media player 2 and sent to the Micro/Fico projector 4, onto the mirror 7 then captured on the image screen 8, in-between (or in front or behind) an imitation fuel effect 10 (or fake burner). The result is a moving, random flame picture which mimics real flames. A heater 9 may be switched on to provide heat, if desired.

Referring now to Figure 4a &4b, the electric fire comprises a casing 1 containing a media player 2 and a media storage device 3. Content (The flame image) is played from the media storage device 3 on the media player 2 and sent to the Micro/Pico projector 4, onto the image screen 8, in-between (or in front or behind) an imitation fuel effect 1 0 (or fake burner). The result is a moving, random flame picture which mimics real flames. A heater 9 may be switched on to provide heat, if desired.

Referring to 1 a, 1 b, 2a, 2b,3a, 3b, 4a and 4b a heat source could be positioned anywhere suitable in the casing together with a fan to direct the resulting hot air, if desired.

Claims (14)

1. CLAIMS1. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect and suitable for use in an electric or gas fire comprises at least one or more Micro or Fico projectors, at least one media player means, at least one media storage means holding a moving flame image and an image screen, arranged in such a way that in use the moving flame image held on the media storage means is transmitted in a loop (continuously) onto the media player which sends it to the Micro or Fico projector, projecting the moving flame image onto the image screen.
2. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1 which further comprises at least one or more mirrors arranged in such a way that in use the moving flame image is projected onto the one or more mirrors then onto the image screen.
3. 3. An apparatus according to claim 2 which further comprises at least two mirrors arranged in such a way that in use the moving flame image is projected onto the mirrors then onto the image screen.
4. 4. An apparatus according to claim 3 in which the mirrors are adjustable.
5. 5. An apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 in which the mirrors are flat.
6. 6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5 in which the mirrors are set at 45 degrees to each other
7. 7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim which comprises two media player means and two media storage devices.
8. 8. An apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 7 in which the mirror(s) is or are positioned within the apparatus such that it or they are hidden from view from the front.
9. 9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which there are 3 mirrors positioned with respect to each other such that in use the moving flame image will experience 3 changes of direction.
10. 1O.An apparatus according to any preceding claim which further includes at least one magnifying means.
11. 11.An apparatus according to any preceding claim which is provided with a heat source.
12. 12.An apparatus according to any preceding claim which is contained within a housing.
13. 13. An apparatus according to claim 1 2 which is contained within a housing which is easily removable.
14. 14.An apparatus according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 1 a, 1 b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a or 4c.