GB2631366A

GB2631366A - Artificial Fireplace

Info

Publication number: GB2631366A
Application number: GB2414765.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Athay Michael
Original assignee: Focal Point Fires PLC
Current assignee: Focal Point Fires PLC
Priority date: 2023-06-23
Filing date: 2023-06-23
Publication date: 2025-01-01
Anticipated expiration: 2043-06-23
Also published as: GB202414765D0; GB2631366B

Abstract

An artificial fireplace 100b comprises a housing 108 with first 136 and second 138 semi-transparent mirrors arranged in an opening 116 of the housing. An artificial fuel element 120 is arranged within the housing and an image display 102 displays a fire pattern (1000, Fig. 10). The mirrors are angled relative to the image display to reflect the displayed fire pattern so that the artificial fuel element and the reflected fire pattern are aligned along a line of sight (118, Fig. 1a) to produce a simulated fire when viewed from outside the artificial fireplace through the mirrors. The semi-transparent mirrors may be arranged at angle of between 30 degrees to 60 degrees relative to the display, or at an angle of between 0.1 degrees to 10 degrees relative to each other. One of the mirrors may have a coating 140 on an outer surface. A further mirror (122a, Fig. 1a) may be arranged in a second opening (114, Fig. 1a) at an opposite end of the housing. The fireplace may comprise a heater and an LED to light the interior of the housing. A method for simulating a fire is also claimed.

Description

Artificial Fireplace

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an artificial fireplace. In particular, the disclosure relates to an artificial fireplace relying on Pepper's ghost effect, a visual illusion technique involving a (partially) transparent surface reflecting an image, the artificial fireplace having a first semi-transparent mirror and a second semi-transparent mirror, each of the mirrors being arranged to reflect a displayed fire pattern. The present disclosure further relates to a method for simulating a fire.

BACKGROUND

Wood-burning, gas-powered and electric (or artificial) fireplaces are three popular types of fireplaces that are available to consumers. Wood-burning fireplaces are popular as they provide heat with relatively high efficiency, and create a cosy and pleasant ambience. Gas-powered fireplaces also provide heat with relatively high efficiency, but do not produce the desirable flame flickering and wood crackling sound associated with a wood-burning fireplace. However, both of these types of fireplaces exhibit disadvantages. Operation of wood-burning fireplaces is effortful and manipulating logs and cleaning the ashes can be messy. Indeed, they also produce emissions including fine particulate matter (PM2.5 particles being less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter). Operation of gas-powered fireplaces is more convenient, but they carry the risk of explosion or gas leaking into the home. Both of these types of fireplaces require expert installation, insulation and ventilation to avoid risks of accidents occurring at the site of use.

Artificial fireplaces, on the other hand, may provide heating as well as a cosy and pleasant ambience while offering safety as well as easy maintenance and installation. They are also generally cheaper than the other types of fireplaces.

Various types of artificial fireplaces are known and are configured to display an image of a fireplace without actual flames being present. Liquid-crystal display (LCD) flame simulation technology is employed with a wide range of artificial fireplaces, some of which are provided as part of electric heaters to provide a visual simulation of a solid fuel fire to accompany the heat produced by the electric heater.

It is desirable to reduce anything which suggests a flame is being simulated, in order for an artificial fireplace to be as similar in appearance to a real fire as possible. For example, in an artificial fireplace comprising a semi-transparent mirror and configured to display flames by means of a Pepper's ghost projection, the image display displaying the flame simulation is arranged so that it is not visible to the user in normal use. An example of such an artificial fireplace is disclosed in US patent application US5195820A.

Although such fireplaces relying on Pepper's ghost projection provide a fair approximation of a real fire, the inventors have appreciated the need for an artificial fireplace with simulates a fire even better.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides an artificial fireplace for simulating a fire, and a method for simulating a fire, as defined in the appended claims, to which reference should now be made. Optional features are defined in the enclosed dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an artificial fireplace for simulating a fire, comprising: a housing, the housing including a first opening; a first semi-transparent mirror supported by, and/or arranged within, the housing; a second semi-transparent mirror supported by, and/or arranged within, the housing, at least one of the first semi-transparent mirror and the second semi-transparent mirror being arranged in the first opening; an artificial fuel element, arranged within the housing and visible through each of the mirrors; and an image display configured to display a fire pattern. Each of the mirrors is arranged to reflect the displayed fire pattern so that, when viewed from outside the artificial fireplace through the respective mirror, the artificial fuel element and the reflected displayed fire pattern are aligned along a line of sight to produce a simulated fire.

In other words, as an inside of the housing is visible from an outside of the housing through the first opening (and through any further openings), and at least one of the mirrors is arranged in the first opening and arranged to reflect the displayed fire pattern, when a user views the artificial fuel element inside the housing through the first opening and thus through the at least one of the mirrors arranged within the first opening, the fire pattern which is displayed by the image display is superimposed onto the artificial fuel element to create a realistic simulation of a fire.

As such, by "aligning along a line of sight", or "superimposing", a (reflected) image of the displayed fire pattern onto the artificial fuel element visible through each mirror, a simulated fire is produced.

Advantageously, providing two semi-transparent mirrors, each arranged to reflect the displayed fire pattern and permitting the artificial fuel element to be visible through the mirror, allows for an improved artificial fireplace, by allowing the simulated fire pattern to be reflected by multiple mirrors, and the artificial fuel element to be visible through multiple mirrors to create an improved simulated fire.

As used herein, terms such as "first" and "second" are for descriptive purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting.

The term "arranged in an opening" as used herein refers to a mirror being arranged so that a line of sight through the respective opening (e.g., the first opening), and into the artificial fireplace to view the artificial fuel element, includes the mirror thus arranged. In other words, a mirror or other component "arranged in an opening" does not need to cover the entire opening.

As used herein, the term "semi-transparent mirror" refers to a component which allows both reflection of light (e.g., reflection of the displayed fire pattern by the mirror) and transmission of light (e.g., the artificial fuel elements being visible due to transmission of light through the mirror). The semi-transparent mirrors may alternatively be referred to as "beam splitters", or as "beam splitter mirrors". Herein, the abbreviated term "mirror" may be used to refer to the "semi-transparent mirror".

The or each semi-transparent mirror may have a thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 15 mm, or about 1 mm to about 10 mm, or about 2 mm to about 6 mm, in particular about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4mm, or about 6 mm.

The or each semi-transparent mirror may be flat -in particular, the flatness of glass may be lower than 20 fringes per 25 mm, and in particular no more than 12 fringes per 25 mm. In some embodiments, the or each semi-transparent mirror has a flatness of less than 5 fringes per 25 mm, or about 4 fringes per 25 mm.

If a mirror is supported by the housing, it may be supported by the housing directly or it may be supported by the housing indirectly, e.g. via a supporting element which is in turn supported by the housing. In some embodiments, a lower end of each mirror may be supported by a floor of the housing. In some embodiments, an upper end of each mirror may be supported by a supporting element, and preferably the supporting element is provided within the housing. In some embodiments, an upper end of each mirror may be supported by a ceiling of the housing, or by the image display device if the image display device is arranged opposite a floor of the housing.

The mirror being arranged within the housing may refer to the mirror being fully contained within the housing. At least one of the mirrors may be arranged within the housing.

At least one of the mirrors may extend partially out of the respective opening in which it is arranged. In other words, an outer end of the mirror may protrude from the housing, out of the respective opening.

At least one of the mirrors may be arranged so that its outer end is substantially flush with the respective opening. If an outer end of a mirror is substantially flush with the respective opening, the mirror may be arranged within the housing, that is, the mirror is completely contained within the housing.

At least one of the mirrors may be arranged within, and supported by, the housing. In other words, at least one of the mirrors may be arranged so that it is entirely within the housing, and supported by the housing directly and/or indirectly via a supporting element.

Optionally, the image display is arranged substantially parallel to a floor of the housing.

The image display may be arranged within the housing, for example opposite the floor of the housing.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the image display may be arranged on the floor of the housing.

Each of the first mirror and the second mirror may be arranged at an angle relative to the image display of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. Such an angle between the image display and the mirrors may allow for the displayed fire pattern to be precisely superimposed onto the artificial fuel element.

Optionally, each of the mirrors may be arranged at an angle relative to the image display of about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees and further optionally of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees. They may be arranged at an angle relative to the image display of about 43 degrees to about 47 degrees; optionally of about 44 degrees to about 46 degrees; and further optionally of about 45 degrees.

An angle of 45 degrees has been found to provide the best trade-off between reflection of the displayed fire pattern and transmission of an interior of the housing, and in particular the artificial fuel element. However, positioning the mirrors at angles other than 45 degrees, such as 44 degrees and 46 degrees, may allow for multiple mirrors to be positioned in a single opening (i.e. in a single line of sight), improving the overall impression of the simulated fire.

The housing may further include a second opening, the second opening being arranged on an opposite end of the housing to the first opening, wherein the first mirror is arranged in the first opening, and the second mirror is arranged in the second opening.

As set out above, like the first opening, the second opening permits viewing of an inside of the housing, i.e. the second opening permits the artificial fuel element arranged within the housing to be visible from outside the housing.

In an embodiment in which the housing includes the second opening, the first mirror may be arranged in the first opening, and the second mirror may be arranged in the second opening, so that when viewed from outside the artificial fireplace through the first opening (and thus, through the first mirror), the artificial fuel element and the displayed fire pattern reflected by the first mirror are aligned along a line of sight to produce a simulated fire and when viewed from outside the artificial fireplace through the second opening (and thus, through the second mirror), the artificial fuel element and the displayed fire pattern reflected by the second mirror are aligned along a line of sight to produce a simulated fire.

In other words, the image of the displayed fire pattern reflected by the first mirror may be superimposed onto the artificial fuel element when viewed through the first opening, and the image of the displayed fire pattern reflected by the second mirror may be superimposed onto the artificial fuel element when viewed through the second opening.

Providing two openings on opposite ends of the housing may allow for a "see through" artificial fireplace to be provided. In other words, providing two openings at opposite ends of the housing may allow for a user to look through the artificial fireplace. This may improve versatility and visual appearance of the artificial fireplace. In particular, it may allow for the artificial fireplace to replace a two sided woodburning fireplace or the like.

While "see through" or tunnel fireplaces are known, by arranging mirrors in opposing openings, a "see through" artificial fireplace relying on Pepper's ghost effect may be provided. By providing the first mirror arranged in the first opening, and the second mirror arranged in the second opening, the fireplace may create an appealing simulated fire, using Pepper's ghost effect, which may be visible from two sides of the fireplace.

In other words, owing to the arrangement of the mirrors in opposing openings, the line of sight through the first opening includes the first mirror and the artificial fuel element, and the line of sight through the second opening includes the second mirror and the artificial fuel element.

The image display may be supported by, and/or arranged within, the housing.

Optionally, the image display comprises a first image display and a second image display, the first mirror being arranged to reflect the fire pattern displayed by the first image display, and the second mirror being arranged to reflect the fire pattern displayed by second image display.

As such, each of the mirrors may be arranged to reflect the fire pattern displayed on a respective image display so that, when viewed from outside the artificial fireplace, the artificial fuel element and the respective reflected displayed fire pattern align to produce a simulated fire.

The first image display and the second image display may be separate image display devices. The separate image display devices may be connected to a same source of fire pattern to display.

Alternatively, the first image display and the second image display may be portions, or sections, of a single image display device.

The first image display and the second image display may be configured to display the same fire pattern, or different fire patterns.

For example, there may be one image display device, such as an LCD screen, having two image display portions, i.e. comprising the first image display and the second image display. Alternatively, there may be a first LCD screen comprising the first image display, and a second LCD screen comprising the second image display.

Optionally, the first image display and the second image display are configured to display a same fire pattern. Advantageously, this may allow for the artificial fireplace to produce a same or very similar impression on viewers on opposite sides of the fireplace.

Alternatively, the first image display and the second image display may be configured to display different fire patterns. Advantageously, this may allow for the artificial fireplace to produce distinct impressions to viewers on opposite sides of the fireplace. In addition, it may also allow for the displayed fire pattern to be modified to take into account the different viewing angles of the artificial fuel element from opposite sides of the fireplace.

Indeed, it may be desirable for the fire patterns displayed on the first image display and the second image display to be similar, but sufficiently different to account for the different viewing angles of the artificial fuel element from opposite sides of the fireplace, i.e. through the first opening and the second opening. It is noted that the term "fire patterns" may refer to portions of a single fire pattern, displayed on a single image display device which comprises the first image display and the second image display.

If the first image display and second image display are part of a single image display device, such as a LCD screen, and the image displays are configured to display the same fire pattern, the single image on the single screen may comprise a first portion showing the fire pattern, and a second portion, also showing the fire pattern. Alternatively, if the first image display and second image display are part of a single image display device, such as a LCD screen, and the image displays are configured to display different fire patterns, the single image on the single screen may comprise a first portion showing the first fire pattern, and a second portion, showing the second fire pattern.

The first mirror may be arranged at an angle relative to the first image display, and the second mirror may be arranged at an angle relative to the second image display, of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees; or of about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees; or of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees; or of about 43 degrees to about 47 degrees; or of about 44 degrees to about 46 degrees; or of about 45 degrees.

Advantageously, arranging the first and second mirrors at such angles allows for the image displayed by the first image display to be reflected by the first mirror to create a simulated fire when viewed through the first opening, and the image displayed by the second image display to be reflected by the second mirror to create a simulated fire when viewed through a second opening.

The fire pattern may comprise a flame image, the flame image comprising at least one of a recorded flame and a simulated flame.

The fire pattern being displayed may comprise only the flame image (which may be a flame video) but no fuel element image. For example, if the fire pattern is simulated, or if the fire pattern is a recorded fire pattern, the fuel elements (e.g. logs) may be digitally removed. In another example, if the fire pattern is a recorded fire pattern, the video may be recorded so that only the flames are recorded.

Alternatively, the fire pattern may include a fuel element image, such as coals, logs, or cinders, whether simulated or recorded.

The fire pattern may comprise a still image, but preferably comprises a moving image or video, such as a looped video or a continuous video.

The flame image may be digitally edited to align the flame image, or a portion of the flame image, with the artificial fuel element.

The fire pattern, when digitally edited, may be based on a video of an actual fire, or it may be based on a video of a simulated fire. In the process of digitally editing the fire pattern, the flame image of the fire pattern may be overlayed on a photo of the artificial fuel element(s), to facilitate alignment of the flame image with the artificial fuel element(s), to make flames appear to originate from the artificial fuel element.

The fire pattern may further comprise at least one of: recorded smoke; simulated smoke; recoded ember; simulated ember; recorded flicker; and simulated flicker.

The artificial fireplace may further comprise a memory, for storing the fire pattern, and a processor, configured to control the artificial fireplace.

The memory may be configured to store a plurality of fire patterns, and the processor may be configured to permit a user to select one of the plurality of fire patterns to be displayed. The plurality of fire patterns may represent different moods or types of fires, such as a "raging fire", or a "slow and glowing fire" etc. The artificial fireplace may be controllable by at least one of: a remote control; a mobile application; or voice control. A remote control may be provided to provide a dedicated means of control for the artificial fireplace. A mobile application may allow for the artificial fireplace to be controlled using a user's own device, such as a mobile phone, or computer. Voice control, which may use a known voice assistant such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Sih, may permit hands-free control of the artificial fireplace.

At least one of the first mirror and the second mirror may comprise a pair of mirrors. Optionally, the first mirror comprises a pair of mirrors and the second mirror comprises a pair of mirrors.

If the first mirror which is arranged in the first opening comprises a pair of mirrors, a line of sight through the first opening (and thus through the pair of mirrors of the first mirror) includes the artificial fuel element and the fire pattern displayed by the first image display, reflected by each of the mirrors of the first pair of mirrors.

If the second mirror which is arranged in the second opening comprises a pair of mirrors, a line of sight through the second opening (and thus through the pair of mirrors of the second mirror) includes the artificial fuel element and the fire pattern displayed by the second image display, reflected by each of the mirrors of the second pair of mirrors.

The inventors have found that providing a pair of mirrors (i.e., two mirrors) in a single opening, in a "stacked" manner, so that a line of sight includes the pair of mirrors (and the superimposed reflections of both mirrors), provides a simulated fire which approximates the appearance of a real fire more closely.

The two mirrors of the, or each, pair of mirrors may be arranged at different angles relative to the respective image display. Advantageously, this may allow for a pair of mirrors to be provided, without increasing the dimension of the opening or housing required to accommodate the pair of mirrors.

In other words, the mirrors of the, or each, pair of mirrors may be arranged at an angle relative to one another. The angle relative to one another may be about 0.1 degrees to about 10 degrees; or about 0.5 degrees to about 5 degrees; or about 1 degree to about 3 degrees; or about 2 degrees. An angle between the mirrors of a pair of mirrors of 2 degrees has been found to result in an improved appearance without resulting in an obvious "double reflection" being created.

One mirror of the or each pair of mirrors may be arranged at an angle relative to the image display of about 35 degrees to about 45 degrees, and another mirror of the or each pair of mirrors may be arranged at an angle relative to the image display of about 45 degrees to about 55 degrees. Optionally the first mirror in the or each pair of mirrors is arranged at an angle of 44 degrees and the second mirror in the or each pair of mirrors is arranged at an angle of 46 degrees.

For example, one mirror of the pair of mirrors of the first mirror may be arranged at an angle relative to the first image display of about 35 degrees to about 45 degrees, and the other mirror of the pair of mirrors of the first mirror may be arranged at an angle relative to the first image display of about 45 degrees to about 55 degrees.

The one mirror in the or each pair of mirrors and the other mirror in the or each pair of mirrors may be offset from an angle of 45 degrees relative to the image display by the same amount. For example, the one mirror in the or each pair of mirrors may be positioned at an angle relative to the image display of 44 degrees, and the other mirror in the or each pair of mirrors may be positioned at an angle relative to the image display of 46 degrees. In another example, the one mirror in the or each pair of mirrors may be positioned at an angle relative to the image display of 43 degrees, and the other mirror in the or each pair of mirrors may be position at an angle relative to the image display of about 47 degrees.

Positioning the mirrors in a pair of mirrors so that they are offset from 45 degrees by the same amount may allow for a preferable trade-off between offset from the "optimal" reflection angle of 45 degrees, and creation of secondary reflections which improve a visual appeal.

Alternatively, one of the mirrors in the or each pair of mirrors may be positioned at an angle relative to the image display of 45 degrees, and the other mirror in the or each pair of mirrors may be provided at an angle offset from 45 degrees (e.g. 43, 44, 46, or 47 degrees). This may allow for one mirror to be positioned to provide an "optimal" reflection angle, and the other mirror to be offset so as to create the secondary reflection.

Optionally, the mirror positioned at an angle relative to the image display of 45 degrees may be provided in front of the other mirror, along the line of sight. Providing the "optimal" reflection in front (i.e. closer to the observer in the line of sight) may allow for an improved visual appearance.

It is noted that the mirrors in one pair of mirrors may be arranged at certain angles, and the mirrors in the other pair of mirrors may be arranged at other angles.

It is noted that, where the first mirror comprises a pair of mirrors, each mirror of the pair of mirrors is configured to reflect an image displayed by the first image display and where the second mirror comprise a pair of mirrors, each mirror of the pair of mirrors is configured to reflect an image displayed by the second image display.

Alternatively, the mirrors of the, or each, pair of mirrors may be arranged at a same angle relative to the respective image display. For example, both mirrors in the, or each, pair of mirrors may be arranged, in a stacked configuration, at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the respective image display.

In some embodiments, the first mirror and the second mirror may be arranged as a pair of mirrors in the first opening so that, when viewed from outside the artificial fireplace through the first opening, the line of sight includes the first mirror, the second mirror, and the artificial fuel element.

In this way, when viewed from outside the artificial fireplace through the first opening, the artificial fuel element and the displayed fire pattern reflected by the first mirror and the displayed fire pattern reflected by the second mirror may be aligned along a line of sight to produce a simulated fire. In other words, the reflections of the displayed fire pattern by the first mirror and the second mirror are superimposed onto the artificial fuel element to produce a simulated fire.

The inventors have found that providing two mirrors in a single opening, in a "stacked" manner, so that a line of sight through the single opening to view the artificial fuel element includes two mirrors (and thus, two "superimposed" reflections), provides a simulated fire which approximates the appearance of a real fire more closely.

The housing may include only one opening, i.e. only the first opening.

The first mirror and the second mirror of the pair of mirrors may be arranged at different angles relative to the image display.

In other words, the mirrors of the pair of mirrors may be arranged at an angle relative to one another. The angle relative to one another may be about 0.1 degrees to 10 degrees; or about 0.5 degrees to about 5 degrees; or about 1 degree to about 3 degrees; or about 2 degrees. An angle between the mirrors of a pair of mirrors of 2 degrees has been found to result in an improved appearance without resulting in an obvious "double reflection" being created.

Optionally, the first mirror may be positioned at an angle relative to the image display of about 35 degrees to about 45 degrees, and the second mirror may be positioned at an angle relative to the image display of about 45 to about 55 degrees.

Optionally, the first mirror and the second mirror may be offset from an angle of 45 degrees relative to the image display by the same amount.

For example, the first mirror may be positioned at an angle relative to the image display of about 44 degrees, and the second mirror may be positioned at an angle relative to the image display of about 46 degrees. In another example, the first mirror may be positioned at an angle relative to the image display of about 43 degrees, and the second mirror may be position at an angle relative to the image display of about 47 degrees. Positioning the mirrors so that they are offset from 45 degrees by the same amount may allow for a preferable tradeoff between offset from the "optimal" reflection angle of 45 degrees, and creation of secondary reflections which improve visual appeal.

Alternatively, one of the first mirror and the second mirror may be positioned at an angle relative to the image display of 45 degrees, and the other mirror may be provided at an angle offset from 45 degrees (e.g. 43, 44, 46, or 47 degrees). This may allow for one mirror to be positioned to provide an "optimal" reflection, and the other mirror to be offset so as to create the desired secondary reflection.

Optionally, the mirror positioned at an angle relative to the image display of 45 degrees may be provided in front of the other mirror, along the line of sight. Providing the "optimal" reflection in front, that is closer to an observer viewing the artificial fuel element, may allow for an improved visual appearance.

Alternatively, the mirrors of the pair of mirrors may be arranged at a same angle relative to the respective image display. For example, both mirrors of the pair of mirrors may be arranged, in a stacked configuration, at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the image display.

At least one of the first mirror and the second mirror may comprise a coating. Optionally, both the first mirror and the second mirror may comprise a coating.

At least one of the first mirror and the second mirror may comprise transparent float glass, and the coating may make the float glass reflective. In other words, it may be the coating which enables the semi-transparent mirror to be semi-transparent, that is, to act as a beam splitter mirror which both transmits and reflects light.

If at least one of the first mirror and the second mirror comprises a pair of mirrors, the or each pair of mirrors may be provided with a coating.

The coating may be provided on an outer surface of the respective mirror. Optionally, the coating may be provided on an inner surface of the respective mirror. In some embodiments, the coating may be provided on both an inner and an outer surface of the respective mirror.

As used herein, the term "outer" refers to a surface facing away from the artificial fireplace (and the artificial fuel element), i.e. a surface which is closer to an observer along a line of sight, whereas the term "inner" refers to a surface facing towards a centre of the artificial fireplace (and towards the artificial fuel element), i.e. a surface which is further from an observer along a line of sight.

Providing a coating on an outer surface may improve the appearance of the simulated fire by reducing backlight and/or improving reflectivity. Providing a surface coating on both surfaces may further improve the appearance of the simulated fire by further reducing backlight and/or improving reflectivity.

The coating may be provided on an outermost surface of the or each pair of mirrors. This may allow for backlight to be further reduced and/or reflectivity to be further improved.

The coating may be provided only on an outermost surface of the or each pair of mirrors. This may allow for backlight to be further reduced and/or reflectivity to be further improved, while reducing the amount of coating required.

The coating may comprise at least one of a metal, a dielectric material, and titanium oxide.

Advantageously, by selecting a material of the coating, and modifying a thickness of the coating, a ratio of reflection and transmission may be adjusted.

In preferred embodiments, the coating comprises titanium oxide deposited by vacuum vapour deposition.

A ratio of reflection to transmission of each semi-transparent mirror may be between about 10%:90% to about 50%:50%. In particular, the ratio may be about 15%:85%, or about 20%:80%, or about 30%:70%, or about 35%:65%.

The coating may be configured to improve a reflectivity of the mirror and/or to reduce backlight reflected by the mirror. The coating may be configured to improve reflectivity and/or reduce backlight by choice of material, thickness of coating, and composition of the coating layer.

The coating may be abrasion resistant and adhesive to the mirror to fulfil the requirements of BS-G-211 and U.S. MIL-M-13508C.

Optionally, an outer surface and an inner surface of the, or each, mirror comprise different coatings.

An outer surface of at least one of the mirrors may comprise a coating for making the mirror a "beam splitter mirror". Additionally, or alternative, an inner surface of at least one of the mirrors may comprise an anti-reflective coating. An anti-reflective coating may reduce or eliminate secondary reflections, also referred as ghosting.

Preferably, an outer surface of at least one of the mirrors comprises a coating for making the mirror a "beam splitter" mirror, and an inner surface of the, or each, at least one mirror comprises an anti-reflective coating.

Optionally, the artificial fireplace further comprises a heater. Advantageously, providing the artificial fireplace with a heater may allow for the artificial fireplace to produce heat, thus increasing the ambience and emulating the heating effect of a real fire.

Optionally, the artificial fire further comprises a speaker. The speaker may be configured to play sound effects emulating a real fire.

The artificial fireplace may further comprise at least one LED configured to light an interior of the housing. This may produce a more realistic appearance within the housing. Optionally, the at least one LED comprises at least one LED array.

A duty cycle of the at least one LED may be configured to vary so as to produce a flickering effect. Advantageously, this may make an appearance of the simulated fire more realistic.

The at least one LED may be arranged underneath the artificial fuel element, and configured to illuminate the artificial fuel element. Advantageously, this may improve the appearance of the artificial fuel element.

Optionally, the artificial fuel element comprises at least one of: at least one artificial log; at least one artificial coal; and at least one artificial cinder. Preferably, the artificial fuel element comprises a plurality of artificial logs and a plurality of artificial cinders, in a visually pleasing arrangement.

In a further embodiment, the housing may including three openings. In an artificial housing including three openings, a mirror may be arranged in each of the three openings. Each mirror may be configured to reflect the displayed fire pattern so that, when viewed from outside the artificial fireplace, the artificial fuel element and the reflected displayed fire pattern align along a line of sight to produce a simulated fire.

Each mirror in the further embodiment may comprise a pair of mirrors.

If the housing includes three openings, the image display may comprise three separate image displays, or the image display may comprise three image display portions.

If the housing is a hexahedron, the three openings may be provided in three faces of the hexahedron, so that two of the openings are provided on opposite ends. It is noted that the openings may not be provided in the top face or in the bottom face of the hexahedron. Alternatively, if the housing is a tetrahedron, one of the three openings may be provided in each of three faces of the tetrahedron, while the fourth face is a bottom of the tetrahedron.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for simulating a fire. The method comprises the steps of: displaying a fire pattern on an image display; arranging at least one of a first semi-transparent mirror and a second semi-transparent mirror in a first opening of a housing of an artificial fireplace; and arranging each of the mirrors to reflect the displayed fire pattern so that, when viewed from outside an artificial fireplace through the first opening or through a further opening of the housing, the artificial fuel element and the reflected displayed fire pattern are aligned to produce a simulated fire.

It will be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present disclosure may also be applied equally to all of the other aspects of the present disclosure. Features described in relation to the first aspect of the present disclosure may be applied equally to the second aspect of the present disclosure and vice versa. For example, features of the artificial fireplace described in relation to the first aspects may be applied, mutatis mutandis, to the method of the second aspect.

It will further be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention may be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the figures, in which: Figure la shows a schematic overview of an example of an artificial fireplace according to the disclosure; Figure lb shows a schematic overview of a further example of an artificial fireplace according to the disclosure; Figure 2 shows a side view of a further example of an artificial fireplace according to the disclosure; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the artificial fireplace of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a further side view of the artificial fireplace of Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 shows a flame image before editing; Figure 6 shows a photograph of an artificial fuel element; Figure 7 shows an edited image of the flame image of Figure 5; Figure 8 shows an edited image of a fire pattern, including an edited flame image, superimposed on an image of artificial fuel elements; Figure 9 shows an image of the edited image of Figure 8 without the image of the artificial fuel element; and Figure 10 shows a still image of a video of the fire pattern as displayed on an image display.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Figure la shows a schematic overview of an artificial fireplace 100 for simulating a fire using a Pepper's ghost projection. The artificial fireplace comprises an image display device 102 having a first image display 104 and a second image display 106, the image displays 104, 106 being configured to display a fire pattern 1000.

Although the image display device 102 is shown as having two image displays 104, 106, the image display device 102 may have a single image display, having two separate image display portions 104, 106.

The artificial fireplace 100 comprises an opaque housing 108 arranged to separate an inside 110 of the artificial fireplace 100, and an outside 112 of the artificial fireplace 100. The housing 108 includes a first opening 114 on a first side of the housing 108, making the inside 110 of the artificial fireplace 100 visible from the outside 112, through the first opening 114.

The housing 108 further includes a second opening 116, at an opposite end of the housing 108 to the first opening 114. The second opening 116 also makes the inside 110 of the artificial fireplace 100 visible from the outside 112, through the second opening 116.

As the first opening 114 and the second opening 116 are arranged on opposite ends of the housing 108, the artificial fireplace 100 is a "see through" fireplace, i.e. a fireplace allowing a user to look through the fireplace 100, i.e. through one of the openings 114, 116 and out the other opening 114, 116.

Each of the openings 114, 116 allows a user to see into the artificial fireplace 100, i.e. to see the interior 110 of the fireplace 100. Arranged within the housing 108, and visible along a user's line of sight 118 through the first opening 114 and the second opening 116, respectively, is an artificial fuel element 120, configured to look like an actual fuel element.

A first semi-transparent mirror 122a is supported by the housing 108 and arranged in the first opening 114, so that the line of sight 118 into the housing 108 and at the artificial fuel element 120 includes the first semi-transparent mirror 122a. The first semi-transparent mirror 122a comprises a pair of mirrors, including a first mirror 124 and a second mirror 126. Each of the first mirror 124 and the second mirror 126 of the first semi-transparent mirror 122a is arranged at an angle relative to the image display device 102.

The first mirror 124 may be referred to as an "outer" mirror, as it is closer to an outside 112 (and thus a viewer of the fireplace) than the second mirror 126 (or "inner" mirror), and further away from the artificial fuel element 120. The first mirror 124 and the second mirror 126 are made of float glass.

The angles at which the mirrors 124, 126 in the first semi-transparent mirror 122a are arranged relative to the image display device 102 are selected so that the mirrors 124, 126 reflect a fire pattern displayed by the image display device 102. The angles are selected in particular so that, when viewed from outside 112 the artificial fireplace 100 along a line of sight 118, images 128 of a fire pattern 1000 being displayed by the first image display 104 reflected by the first mirror 124 and images 130 of the fire pattern 1000 reflected by the second mirror 126 are aligned with the artificial fuel element 120, so as to produce a simulated fire.

It is noted that, as the first semi-transparent mirror 122a is semi-transparent, light 132 coming off the artificial fuel element 120 is transmitted by the first semi-transparent mirror 122a, whereas light coming off the first image display 104 is at least partially reflected, thus allowing for a user to view reflections of the fire pattern 1000 being displayed by the first image display 104 which are aligned with (or "superimposed onto") the transmitted view of the artificial fuel element 120.

The first mirror 124 of the pair of mirrors of the first semi-transparent mirror 122a, that is the mirror closer to the outside 112, comprises, on an outside surface, a coating 134 comprising pure titanium oxide deposited by high vacuum vapour deposition. The coating 134 improves a reflectivity of the first mirror 124 and reduces backlight reflected by the first mirror 124. As such, the coating 134 makes the float glass a semi-transparent mirror 124.

As shown in the enlarged section 141 of Figure lb, discussed below, the first mirror 124 may also comprise a secondary coating 140b, on an inner surface. The secondary coating 140b may be an anti-reflective coating which reduces or eliminates secondary reflections (ghosting).

A second semi-transparent mirror 122b is supported by the housing 108 and arranged in the second opening 116, so that a line of sight (not shown) through the second opening 116 and at the artificial fuel element 120 includes the second semi-transparent mirror 122b. Like the first semi-transparent mirror 122a, the second semi-transparent mirror 122b comprises a pair of mirrors, including a first mirror 136 and a second mirror 138. Each of the first mirror 136 and second mirror 138 of the second semi-transparent mirror 122b is arranged at an angle relative to the image display device 102.

The mirrors 136, 138 of the second semi-transparent mirror 122b are angled, relative to the image display, in an opposite direction to the mirrors 124, 126 of the first semitransparent mirror 122a. This permits the viewer to see the fire pattern displayed on the image display device 102 reflected by the second semi-transparent mirror 122b.

The first mirror 136 may be referred to as an "outer" mirror and the second mirror 138 may be referred to as an "inner" mirror. Like the first mirror 124 of the first semi-transparent mirror 122a, an outer surface of the first mirror 136 (or outer mirror) of the second semitransparent mirror 122b comprises a coating 140 for improving a reflectivity of the first mirror 136 and reducing backlight reflected by the first mirror 136. The first mirror 136 of the second semi-transparent mirror 122b may also comprise a secondary coating (not shown).

Although not shown in Figure la, the second mirrors 126, 138 of the first and second semi-transparent mirrors 122a, 122b may also comprise a "beam-splitter" coating of titanium oxide on their outer surface, and/or an "anti-reflective" coating on their inner surface.

Figure lb shows a further example artificial fireplace 100b according to the disclosure, which is substantially identical to the artificial fireplace 100 of Figure la, except that it is not a "see through" fireplace. In particular, fireplace 100b does not have two opening, and instead only has the "second" opening 116 (and no "first" opening 114), and thus only one pair of semitransparent mirrors (the "second" semi-transparent mirror 122b).

It is noted that while the artificial fireplace 100b is shown as having the second opening 116 and the second semi-transparent mirror 122b, a "one-sided" fireplace such as the artificial fireplace 100b may instead have only the first opening 114 and the first semi-transparent mirror 122a.

As shown in the enlarged section 141 of Figure 1 b, the first mirror 136 comprises an outer, reflective coating 140 of vapour-deposited titanium oxide, and an inner, anti-reflective coating 140b. The secondary (anti-reflective) coating 140b may reduce or eliminate secondary reflections (ghosting).

Although not shown in Figure lb, the second mirror 138 may also comprise a reflective coating and/or an anti-reflective coating.

Figures 2, 3, and 4 show a further example artificial fireplace 200. The artificial fireplace 200 also comprises a first semi-transparent mirror 122a and a second semitransparent mirror 122b, each comprising a pair of mirrors having a first, outer, mirror 124, 136 and a second, inner, mirror 126, 138.

The artificial fireplace 200 comprises a vent 202 for allowing heated air generated by a heater (not shown) to be exhausted by the artificial fireplace 200, thus creating a heating effect similar to that created by a real fire.

The first semi-transparent mirror 122a and the second semi-transparent mirror 122b are coupled, at an upper edge, to a holder 204 supported by the housing 108, and extend, at an angle, outwardly from the holder 204 to a lower or bottom surface, or floor 206, of the artificial fireplace 200. An artificial fuel element (not shown), similar to the artificial fuel element 120, is positioned on the floor 206. Although the term "floor" is used herein, it is understood that the fireplace 200 may comprise further components beneath the floor 206, and the term is merely descriptive and should not be considered limiting.

As such, the mirrors 122a and 122b are supported by the floor 206 of the housing 108 and by the holder 204, which is in turn supported by the housing 108.

As is apparent from Figures 2 and 3, an angle between the first mirror 124, 136 and the second mirror 126, 138 is about 2 degrees.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the holder 204 comprises a first projection 300, extending towards the first opening 104, the first projection 300 being at the same angle, relative to the image display device 102, as the inner, second mirror 126. Similarly, the holder 204 comprises a second projection 302, extending towards the second opening 106, the second projection 302 being at the same angle, relative to the image display device 102, as the inner, second mirror 138.

An upper edge 304 of the first semi-transparent mirror 122a overlaps the first projection 300, the upper edge 304 and the first projection 300 being coupled using an adhesive. An upper edge 306 of the second semi-transparent mirror 122b overlaps the second projection 302, the upper edge 306 and the second projections 302 being coupled using an adhesive.

As shown in Figure 4, the first mirror 124 is provided at an angle, relative to the floor 206, of 44°, and the second mirror 126 is provided at an angle, relative to the floor 206, of 46°.

Similarly, the first mirror 136 of the second semi-transparent mirror 122b is provided at an angle, relative to the floor 206, of 44°, and the second mirror 138 is provided at an angle, relative to the floor 206, of 46°.

In other words, as the floor 206 and image display device 102 are provided substantially parallel to one another, the first mirror 124 is provided at an angle, relative to the image display device 102, of 44°, and the second mirror 126 is provided at an angle, relative to the image display device 102, of 46°. Similarly, the first mirror 136 of the second semitransparent mirror 122b is provided at an angle, relative to the image display device 102, of 44°, and the second mirror 138 is provided at an angle, relative to the image display device 102, of 46°. This is shown, schematically, in Figure 1.

It is noted that the mirrors of the first semi-transparent mirror 122a are angled relative to the image display device 102 in one direction, and that the mirrors of the second semitransparent mirror 122b are angled relative to the image display device 102 in the opposite direction. In the view shown in Figure 4, the mirrors of the first semi-transparent mirror 122a are angled relative to the image display device 102 in an anti-clockwise direction, and the mirrors of the second semi-transparent mirror 122b are angled relative to the image display device in a clockwise direction.

It is further noted that the artificial fuel element 120 is not shown in Figures 2-4.

The fire pattern 1000 being displayed by the image display device 102 is based on a recorded flame video (still image 500 shown in Figure 5) which comprises a recorded flame 502 having a flat bottom 504. Figure 6 shows a photograph 600 of the artificial fuel element 120, the artificial fuel element 120 comprising a plurality of artificial logs 602 and cinders 604.

As shown in still image 700 of Figure 7, the flame 502 of the flame video is digitally edited to align with a general shape (shown as box 702) of the artificial fuel element 120, and to provide portions and duplicates 502a, 502b of the flame 502 in different positions. The edited flames 502a, 502b are then overlaid on the photograph 600 of the artificial fuel element 120, and additional elements are added to the fire pattern 800. These additional elements include smoke 804, sparks 806, ember 808, and flicker.

Still image 900 of Figure 9 shows a portion of the fire pattern when no longer overlaid on the photograph 600 of the artificial fuel element 120. The fire pattern 1000 being displayed by the image display device 102, which is shown in Figure 10, is based in the fire pattern created when overlaid on images of the artificial fuel element 120. As can be appreciated from Figure 10, the fire pattern 1000 is asymmetrical to account for the difference between the artificial fuel element 120 when viewed through either opening 104, 106. In other words, a first portion 1002 and a second portion 1004 of the fire pattern 1000 differ, based on the different appearance of the artificial fuel element 120 when viewed from different angles.

In use, the image display device 102 is configured to display a video of the fire pattern 1000. The displayed fire pattern 1000 comprises a first portion 1002 being displayed by the first image display 104 of the image display device 102, and a second portion 1004 being displayed by the second image display 106 of the image display device 102.

When a user looks at the artificial fuel element 120 through the first opening 114 in the housing 108 while the video of the fire pattern 1000 is being displayed, the images being displayed on the first image display 104 of the image display device 102 are reflected by the first mirror 124 and the second mirror 126 of the first semi-transparent mirror 122a, so that the reflected images and the artificial fuel element 120 are aligned, along the line of sight 118, to create a simulated fire.

Similarly, when a user looks at the artificial fuel element 120 through the second opening 116 in the housing 108 while the video of the fire pattern 1000 is being displayed, the images being displayed by the second image display 106 of the image display device 102 are reflected by the first mirror 136 and the second mirror 138 of the second semi-transparent mirror 122b, so that the reflected images and the artificial fuel element 120 are aligned, along a line of sight, to create a simulated fire.

Further features of the disclosure are defined in the following list of numbered clauses, and numbered sub-clauses: 1. An artificial fireplace for simulating a fire, comprising: a housing, the housing including a first opening; a first semi-transparent mirror supported by, and/or arranged within, the housing; a second semi-transparent mirror supported by, and/or arranged within, the housing, at least one of the first semi-transparent mirror and the second semi-transparent mirror being arranged in the first opening; an artificial fuel element, arranged within the housing and visible through each of the mirrors; and an image display configured to display a fire pattern, wherein each of the mirrors is arranged to reflect the displayed fire pattern so that, when viewed from outside the artificial fireplace through the respective mirror, the artificial fuel element and the reflected displayed fire pattern are aligned along a line of sight to produce a simulated fire.

2. An artificial fireplace according to clause 1, wherein the image display is arranged substantially parallel to a floor of the housing.

3. An artificial fireplace according to clause 1 or 2, wherein each of the first mirror and the second mirror are arranged at an angle relative to the image display of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees; or of about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees; or of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees; or of about 43 degrees to about 47 degrees; or of about 44 degrees to about 46 degrees; or of about 45 degrees.

4. An artificial fireplace according to clause 1, 2 or 3, wherein the housing further includes a second opening, the second opening being arranged on an opposite end of the housing to the first opening, and wherein the first mirror is arranged in the first opening, and the second mirror is arranged in the second opening.

5. An artificial fireplace according to clause 4, wherein the image display comprises a first image display and a second image display, the first mirror being arranged to reflect the fire pattern displayed by the first image display, and the second mirror being arranged to reflect the fire pattern displayed by second image display.

6. An artificial fireplace according to clause 5, wherein the first image display and the second image display are configured to display a same fire pattern, or different fire patterns.

7. An artificial fireplace according to clause 5 or 6, wherein the first mirror is arranged at an angle relative to the first image display, and the second mirror is arranged at an angle relative to the second image display, of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees; or of about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees; or of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees; or of about 43 degrees to about 47 degrees; or of about 44 degrees to about 46 degrees; or of about 45 degrees.

8. An artificial fireplace according to any of clauses 4 to 7, wherein at least one of the first mirror and the second mirror comprises a pair of mirrors.

9. An artificial fireplace according to clause 8, wherein the mirrors of the or each pair of mirrors are arranged at an angle, relative to one another, of about 0.1 degrees to about 10 degrees; optionally of about 0.5 degrees to about 5 degrees; optionally of about 1 degree to about 3 degrees; and further optionally of about 2 degrees.

10. An artificial fireplace according to clause 8 or 9, wherein a first mirror in the or each pair of mirrors is arranged at an angle relative to the respective image display of about 35 degrees to about 45 degrees, and another mirror in the or each pair of mirrors is arranged at an angle relative to the respective image display of about 45 degrees to about 55 degrees; optionally wherein the first mirror in the or each pair of mirrors is arranged at an angle of 44 degrees and the second mirror in the or each pair of mirrors is arranged at an angle of 46 degrees.

11. An artificial fireplace according to clause 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first mirror and the second mirror are arranged as a pair of mirrors in the first opening so that, when viewed from outside the artificial fireplace through the first opening, the line of sight includes the first mirror, the second mirror, and the artificial fuel element.

12. An artificial fireplace according to clause 11, wherein the mirrors of the pair of mirrors are arranged at an angle, relative to one another, of about 0.1 degrees to about 10 degrees; optionally of about 0.5 degrees to about 5 degrees; optionally of about 1 degree to about 3 degrees; and further optionally of about 2 degrees.

13. An artificial fireplace according to clause 11 or 12, wherein the first mirror is positioned at an angle relative to the image display of about 35 degrees to about 45 degrees, and the second mirror is positioned at an angle relative to the image display of about 45 degrees to about 55 degrees, and optionally wherein the first mirror is arranged at an angle of 44 degrees and the second mirror is arranged at an angle of 46 degrees.

14. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the first mirror and the second mirror comprises a coating.

15. An artificial fireplace according to clause 14, wherein the coating is provided on an outer surface of the, or each, mirror.

16. An artificial fireplace according to clause 14 or 15, wherein the coating comprises at least one of a metal, a dielectric material, and titanium oxide.

17. An artificial fireplace according to clause 14, 15, or 16, wherein the coating is configured to improve a reflectivity of the mirror and/or wherein the coating is configured to reduce backlight reflected by the mirror.

18. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding clause, wherein the fire pattern comprises a flame image, the flame image comprising at least one of recorded flames and simulated flames.

19. An artificial fireplace according to clause 18, wherein the flame image is digitally edited to align the flame image with the artificial fuel element.

20. An artificial fireplace according to clause 18 or 19, wherein the fire pattern further comprises at least one of: recorded smoke; simulated smoke; recoded ember; simulated ember; recorded flicker; and simulated flicker.

21. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding clause, further comprising memory for storing the fire pattern.

22. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding clause, further comprising a heater.

23. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding clause, further comprising at least one LED configured to light the interior of the housing, optionally wherein a duty cycle of the at least one LED is configured to vary so as to produce a flickering effect.

24. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding clause, wherein the artificial fuel element comprises at least one of: at least one artificial log; at least one artificial coal; and at least one artificial cinder.

25. A method for simulating a fire, comprising the steps of: displaying a fire pattern on an image display; arranging at least one of a first semi-transparent mirror and a second semitransparent mirror in a first opening of a housing of an artificial fireplace; and arranging each of the mirrors to reflect the displayed fire pattern so that, when viewed from outside an artificial fireplace through the first opening or through a further opening of the housing, the artificial fuel element and the reflected displayed fire pattern are aligned to produce a simulated fire.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An artificial fireplace for simulating a fire, comprising: a housing, the housing including a first opening; a first semi-transparent mirror supported by, and/or arranged within, the housing; a second semi-transparent mirror supported by, and/or arranged within, the housing, the first semi-transparent mirror and the second semi-transparent mirror being arranged in the first opening; an artificial fuel element, arranged within the housing and visible through the mirrors; and an image display configured to display a fire pattern, wherein each of the mirrors is arranged to reflect the displayed fire pattern so that, when viewed from outside the artificial fireplace through the first opening, the artificial fuel element and the displayed fire pattern reflected by each of the mirrors are aligned along a line of sight to produce a simulated fire.
2. An artificial fireplace according to claim 1, wherein the image display is arranged substantially parallel to a floor of the housing.
3. An artificial fireplace according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the first mirror and the second mirror are arranged at an angle relative to the image display.
4. An artificial fireplace according to claim 3, wherein each of the first mirror and the second mirror are arranged at an angle relative to the image display of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees; or of about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees; or of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees; or of about 43 degrees to about 47 degrees; or of about 44 degrees to about 46 degrees; or of about 45 degrees.
5. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding claim, wherein the first semitransparent mirror and the second semi-transparent mirror are arranged at an angle, relative to one another, of about 0.1 degrees to about 10 degrees; optionally of about 0.5 degrees to about 5 degrees; optionally of about 1 degree to about 3 degrees; and further optionally of about 2 degrees.
6. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding claim, wherein the first mirror is positioned at an angle relative to the image display of about 35 degrees to about 45 degrees, and the second mirror is positioned at an angle relative to the image display of about 45 degrees to about 55 degrees, and optionally wherein the first mirror is arranged at an angle of 44 degrees and the second mirror is arranged at an angle of 46 degrees.
7. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing further includes a second opening on an opposite end of the housing to the first opening, and wherein the artificial fireplace further comprises a further semi-transparent mirror, the further semi-transparent mirror being arranged in the second opening.
8. An artificial fireplace according to claim 7, wherein the image display comprises a first image display and a second image display, the first mirror and the second mirror being arranged to reflect the fire pattern displayed by the first image display, and the further mirror being arranged to reflect the fire pattern displayed by second image display.
9. An artificial fireplace according to claim 8, wherein the first image display and the second image display are configured to display a same fire pattern, or different fire patterns.
10. An artificial fireplace according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first mirror is arranged at an angle relative to the first image display, and the further mirror is arranged at an angle relative to the second image display, of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees; or of about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees; or of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees; or of about 43 degrees to about 47 degrees; or of about 44 degrees to about 46 degrees; or of about 45 degrees.
11. An artificial fireplace according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the further mirror comprises two semi-transparent mirrors.
12. An artificial fireplace according to claim 11, wherein the two semi-transparent mirrors of the further mirror are arranged at an angle, relative to one another, of about 0.1 degrees to about 10 degrees; optionally of about 0.5 degrees to about 5 degrees; optionally of about 1 degree to about 3 degrees; and further optionally of about 2 degrees.
13. An artificial fireplace according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a first mirror of the two semitransparent mirrors of the further mirror is arranged at an angle relative to the second image display of about 35 degrees to about 45 degrees, and another mirror of the two semi-transparent mirrors of the further mirror is arranged at an angle relative to the second image display of about 45 degrees to about 55 degrees; optionally wherein the first mirror of the further mirror is arranged at an angle of 44 degrees and the second mirror of the further mirror is arranged at an angle of 46 degrees.
14. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first mirror, the second mirror, and the, or a, further mirror comprises a coating.
15. An artificial fireplace according to claim 14, wherein the coating is provided on an outer surface of the, or each, mirror.
16. An artificial fireplace according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the coating comprises at least one of a metal, a dielectric material, and titanium oxide.
17. An artificial fireplace according to claim 14, 15, or 16, wherein the coating is configured to improve a reflectivity of the mirror and/or wherein the coating is configured to reduce backlight reflected by the mirror.
18. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding claim, wherein the fire pattern comprises a flame image, the flame image comprising at least one of recorded flames and simulated flames.
19. An artificial fireplace according to claim 18, wherein the flame image is digitally edited to align the flame image with the artificial fuel element.
20. An artificial fireplace according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the fire pattern further comprises at least one of: recorded smoke; simulated smoke; recoded ember; simulated ember; recorded flicker; and simulated flicker.
21. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding claim, further comprising memory for storing the fire pattern.
22. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding claim, further comprising a heater.
23. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one LED configured to light the interior of the housing, optionally wherein a duty cycle of the at least one LED is configured to vary so as to produce a flickering effect.
24. An artificial fireplace according to any preceding claim, wherein the artificial fuel element comprises at least one of: at least one artificial log; at least one artificial coal; and at least one artificial cinder.
25. A method for simulating a fire, comprising the steps of: displaying a fire pattern on an image display; arranging a first semi-transparent mirror and a second semi-transparent mirror in a first opening of a housing of an artificial fireplace; and arranging each of the mirrors to reflect the displayed fire pattern so that, when viewed from outside the artificial fireplace through the first opening, an artificial fuel element, arranged within the housing and visible through the mirrors, and the displayed fire pattern reflected by each of the mirrors are aligned to produce a simulated fire.