HK1151575B - Electrically illuminated flame simulator - Google Patents

Description

Electric lighting flame simulator

The patent application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application with the application date of 26/2/2003 and the priority date of 27/2002, namely an electric lighting flame simulator, and the application number of 03809482.7(PCT/US 2003/005919).

Field and technical background of the invention

The invention relates to an electrically illuminated flame simulator. More particularly, the present invention relates to decorative candles, fire logs, or other devices that may be illuminated so as to produce a flickering flame effect. The flame simulator of the invention is typically battery powered, either using disposable or rechargeable batteries, and it may also be powered by a conventional AC outlet, with or without an AC adapter.

Candles, fire logs, specially made street lights and other devices that may use the present invention, such as clothing, bicycles or other products, are commonly available and have value due to the effects they produce. However, in many applications where candles, fire logs or related light emitting devices are used, light is typically generated by the burning of a flame in an oil container, candle or the like. Since they may lead to accidental fire accidents, they can cause significant damage, smoke or pollution if not noticed or controlled properly, and thus, of course, there are natural hazards associated with these light emitting devices.

The present invention thus makes use of the concept of such decorative elements, but uses a programmably operable electrically illuminated flame simulator in place of the flame, so that it appears to be viewed as a flickering luminous effect as a burning candle, fire log or the like. However, the invention is not limited to devices such as candles, fire logs and the electrically illuminated flame simulator of the invention can be used in more products and in a wider range of applications such as decorative or ornamental street lights, clothing such as belts, shoes, hats, greeting cards, or bicycles, scooters and the like. In addition, the flickering effect of the flame simulator of the present invention may be used to facilitate warning of hazards, such as in road hazard or emergency vehicle lights.

It is well known that certain devices and methods can create or simulate the effects of a real flame. For example, a single specially designed unstable neon bulb may be used. However, such unstable neon bulbs inherently produce an unnatural "stop-motion" blinking pattern that is not easily controlled electronically and must be operated by high voltage power supplies. At the very least, this makes them generally unsuitable for battery operation. Another example is the use of a single incandescent light bulb whose light output can be modulated by varying the output voltage of an AC or DC voltage source. However, such incandescent bulbs are inherently limited in terms of flicker frequency and effect due to filament heat retention, and draw substantially more current than solid state light sources, such as LED light sources. Again, such a light bulb is not suitable for battery operation at least in general.

Each of several light bulbs is switched on and off for display and decorative purposes, and the illusion of light movement characteristic of a flickering flame is lacking, since the switching and modulation of the light bulb is not performed in the manner of typical light movement produced by a real flame.

Linear arrays of "moving" or "tracking" light sources are also known, but are constructed and controlled to produce large scale lighting effects moving in a linear direction, which coincides with the linear array direction of the light sources. Of course, the effects produced by these linear arrays do not mimic the illusion of a flickering flame.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an electrically illuminated flame simulator. Preferably, the flame simulator of the invention is associated with decorative or ornamental devices, or other devices, such as hazard indicators. In one form of the flame simulator of the invention, it may form part of a decoration or ornament, such as a candle, a fire log, or an indoor or outdoor light display, giving the ornament a natural flame appearance. In other such decorative applications, the flame simulator of the invention is useful in association with clothing, such as belts or hats, greeting cards, or in association with shoes.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an artificial candle having an electrically driven flame simulator, comprising: a cylinder having a side wall, a base and a top wall, comprising an upper portion having an edge at a top surface of the top wall, the edge defining a concave surface giving a depression therein, a lower portion having a surface at the base for supporting the cylinder, and a chamber therein; the flame simulator has at least two solid state light sources disposed within the recess of the cylinder, the solid state light sources visible only from the top of the cylinder; an integrated circuit within the cylinder and electrically connected to the solid state light source for intermittently illuminating the solid state light source to provide an effect of a flickering motion of light from within the recess and to provide a luminous effect of light emitted from within the cylinder; a motion detector for controlling operation of the flame simulator in response to detection of motion within a predetermined range; and a power supply for supplying power to the integrated circuit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a candle-shaped device having an electrically driven flame simulator, comprising: a cylinder having a side wall, a base and a top wall, comprising an upper portion having an edge at a top surface of the top wall, the edge defining a concave surface giving a depression therein, a lower portion having a surface at the base for supporting the cylinder, and a chamber therein; a flame simulator having at least one solid-state type light source disposed within the recess of the cylinder, the solid-state type light source visible only from the top of the cylinder; and an integrated circuit inside the chamber of the cylinder and electrically connected to the at least one solid-state type light source such that the at least one solid-state type light source provides the effect of flickering flames and the luminous effect of light emitted from within the cylinder; and a power supply for supplying power to the integrated circuit.

When used as a hazard warning signal, the flame simulator of the invention may be used in conjunction with a bicycle or bicycle cover, or a road barrier, driver warning signal, or as a vehicle emergency light.

In a preferred form, the electrically illuminated flame simulator is used in a decorative candle. The candle itself may be constructed of wax or other conventional materials from which candles are made, or a plastic material that can emulate the appearance of a candle. The flame simulator of the present invention is preferably mounted within the candle body so that when illuminated, the flame simulator can be viewed not only from the top of the candle, but also as a source of light emitted from or within the candle.

According to another aspect of the invention, the flame simulator can also be used to provide an effect similar to a candle when it is desired to produce a simulated fire log of the natural effect of burning wood.

In one form, the flame simulator of the invention comprises at least two light sources, preferably four light sources, such as light bulbs, which may be illuminated randomly, sequentially, or semi-randomly to produce a flickering and moving light effect to simulate a real flame, such as a flame produced by burning a candle. The light sources are preferably Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that can be illuminated randomly or semi-randomly.

In another embodiment, the flame simulator of the present invention comprises a single filament-free (solid state) light source, such as an LED bulb, liquid crystal display, or electroluminescent material, driven by a randomly or semi-randomly modulated voltage source to provide a flickering effect to simulate a real flame.

Further, in another aspect of the invention, the illumination source that produces the flame flicker effect may be operated (i.e., turned on or off) by an externally generated, preselected sound. Thus, the electrically illuminated flame simulator of the present invention may be associated with a microphone integrated as part of the electronics, such that the sound or different frequencies are programmed to produce a predetermined effect, such as turning the flame simulator on and off.

The flame simulator of the invention may also incorporate other components including motion detectors, light sensors, etc. so that any decorative or ornamental devices incorporated with the flame simulator of the invention may operate automatically, for example, when ambient light reaches a certain level and/or when motion is detected within a certain range.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrically driven flame simulator comprising: at least two light sources; an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently, e.g., systematically, randomly, or semi-randomly, illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of the other light sources, such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering motion; and a power supply for powering the integrated circuit. Preferably, the flame simulator comprises at least four light sources.

The flame simulator preferably includes a switch means for activating and deactivating the integrated circuit. The switch device may have three states including an on state, an off state, and a timed state that keeps the flame simulator activated until a predetermined length of time.

The flame simulator may further include a microphone coupled to the integrated circuit, wherein the microphone inputs a preselected sound signal that is processed by the integrated circuit to switch the flame simulator between an on state, an off state, and a timed state that causes the flame simulator to continue to activate for a predetermined length of time. Preferably, the high frequency signal input from the microphone, such as a snap sound produced by a finger twiddle, is processed by the integrated circuit to place the flame simulator in an on state, and the low frequency signal, such as the sound of a blow, is processed to place the flame simulator preferably in an off state.

The integrated circuit may illuminate the light source in a random or semi-random mode of operation, a preselected, predetermined mode of operation, and may only be active when selected ambient sound or light conditions are present.

In one form, the flame simulator comprises a candle-shaped body in which the flame simulator is mounted, the body having a mounting means at an upper end thereof for receiving the integrated circuit, the light source and a chamber for receiving a power source.

The light source is preferably a Light Emitting Diode (LED). The integrated circuit may be mounted on a rigid substrate or on a flexible substrate that may be molded to conform to at least a portion of the exterior shape of the candle to save space.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a candle having an electrically driven flame simulator comprising: a candle body having an upper portion, a lower portion and a chamber therein; and a flame simulator having at least two light sources located adjacent an upper portion of the candle body, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources within the candle body for illuminating at least one of the light sources intermittently, e.g., randomly or semi-randomly, independently of the other light sources such that the light sources together provide a flickering motion effect, and a power source for powering the integrated circuit within the cavity of the candle body.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of a candle having a flame simulator of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an artificial fire log incorporating the flame simulator of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing various elements of an artificial candle having a flame simulator of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the candle shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the candle shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the flame simulator of the invention, shown separately from any decorative or ornamental device that may be associated therewith;

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing electronics in one embodiment of the flame simulator of the present invention;

FIGS. 8a and 8b independently illustrate another embodiment of the flame simulator of the invention in front and top views, respectively;

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a candle having an electrically illuminated flame simulator of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, except with the LED light sources facing upward;

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a single "birthday" type candle according to the present invention; and

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a greeting card according to the present invention; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a single light source flame simulator of the invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention is directed to an electrically driven flame simulator comprising a plurality of light bulbs or LEDs that can provide a visual effect of a flickering flame randomly, semi-randomly, or in a predetermined manner. The device is preferably combined with a decorative element, such as a candle or a fire log, to enhance this effect.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a candle 12, which is generally cylindrical in shape having a side wall 14, a base 16, and a top surface 18. The candle 12 includes a hollow outer core 20 extending generally between the top surface 18 and the base 16, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may house a power source, such as a battery 22. An electrical circuit 24 is disposed adjacent the top surface 18, the electrical circuit 24 being connected to LED light sources 26, four of which are shown in the embodiment of fig. 1. LED light sources 26, which lead to a chamber 28, are typically arranged between the top of the battery 22 and the bottom surface of the circuit 24. In a variation, the LED light sources 26 may be directed upward.

The circuit 24 also includes a microphone 30 that is at least partially exposed and not embedded within the candle 12. The microphone 30 has an active portion that is exposed to the outside air and is capable of receiving and processing signals at different frequencies, which are transmitted to and processed by the circuitry 24, as described below, to activate the LED light sources 26 to provide a flickering flame effect.

At the bottom end of the hollow central portion 20 there is provided an electrical plug 32 which can be connected to a power supply (not shown). Such a plug 32 may be used for different purposes, for example, when the battery 22 is of the rechargeable type, it may be used to recharge the battery 22, or to directly power the circuitry 24 and the LED light sources 26. Of course, the battery may also be disposable, and in further variations, the candle 12 may be capable of housing both disposable and rechargeable batteries.

The candle 12 is preferably cylindrical in shape and may be made of wax or a synthetic material that provides a candle-like appearance. The candle 12 may be of a desired color or a combination of colors, and may be translucent or opaque. The material of the candle 12 is selected and its thickness is chosen so that the possibility exists of: the light emitted from the LED light source 26 is not only visible from the top surface 18 of the candle 12, but also through the candle body 34, which may provide a glowing effect in a subdued or translucent manner.

As explained below, the LED light sources 26 may be illuminated randomly, semi-randomly, or in a predetermined manner. However, the overall purpose of illuminating the LED light sources 26 is to illuminate in such a way that: when LED light sources having similar lighting patterns are illuminated in combination, each LED light source is modulated to illuminate to provide an aesthetically pleasing flickering effect, thus producing light and its motion to emulate a natural candle flame.

Referring to fig. 2, there is shown a pair of artificial fire logs 40 and 42 which may be made of conventional materials known to those skilled in the art and which have ornamentation and design features thereon that make them appear to be real fire logs. In fig. 2, which shows only one embodiment of the invention, the fire log 40 has two circuits 44 and 46 that are substantially identical and each of which may be powered by a battery source 48. In an alternative embodiment to this example, an AC power source may be used for power. The battery source 48 is preferably located within a particular hollow portion 50 within the torch 40 and is configured to be electrically connected to the circuits 44 and/or 46 in a conventional manner, not shown in FIG. 2.

Connected to each of the circuits 44 and 46 are a number of LED light sources 51. Each of the circuits 44 and 46 may also include a microphone 52. The circuits 44 and 46, together with the LED light source 51 and microphone 52 connected thereto, operate in substantially the same manner as described with reference to figure 1. Thus, each of the array of LED light sources 51 can be activated and illuminated in a random or predetermined manner to emit light at different points along the fire log 40 to provide the effect that the fire log 40 is emitting light, or that a flame is burning on the fire log.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in a side view, FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a decorative candle incorporating the flame simulator of the present invention. Wherein the reference numerals applied correspond to those in figure 1. In FIG. 3, the candle 12 includes a side wall 14, a base 16, and a top wall 18. These various walls of the candle 12 define a candle body 34.

A hollow chamber 60 is formed in the lower half of the candle 12 and is adapted to receive three batteries 62, 64 and 66, which form a battery pack or power pack. At the upper portion of the chamber 60 leads out a wire slot 68 extending therefrom to the circuitry and light source, as will be described below.

The chamber 60 may be accessed through a removable cover plate 70 adjacent the base 16 of the candle. The batteries 62, 64 and 66 are connected to a power switch 72 contained within the chamber 60, the power switch 72 having a switch stem 74 extending from within the chamber 60 through the cover 70 to outside the candle. In this manner, the user can manually contact and control the switch lever 74 to turn the candle 12 on or off.

There is a recessed portion 76 in the base 16 of the candle 12, the recessed portion 76 opening into the cavity 60, but, in normal use, it is closed off from the cavity 60 by the cover plate 70.

At the upper end 78 of the candle 12 is an upper recess 80 that opens into an LED cavity 82. A Printed Circuit (Printed Circuit) board 84 or integrated Circuit mounted on the board 84 contains electronics for activating the candle 12, one embodiment of which is described below. Attached to the PC board 84 are four LED light sources 26 that extend from the PC board 84 into the LED cavity 82. The microphone 30 extends upwardly from the PC board 84 into the upper recess 80. The PC board 84 is electrically connected to the power source formed by the batteries 62, 64, 68 by suitable electrical connectors extending through the wire slot 68.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a flame simulator 90 external to a separate body or ornament, wherein the flame simulator 90 may be mounted on the body or ornament, the flame simulator 90 including an integrated circuit 92; an arm 94 extending therefrom, the arm supporting or containing a wire, preferably a flexible wire; and a support plate 96 at the end of the arm 94, which can be positioned at an angle relative to the arm 94 as desired. The support tray 96 includes a microphone 98 and an LED 100. The integrated circuit 92 is powered by a power supply, generally indicated at 102.

Referring to fig. 7, a preferred circuit diagram showing the operation of some of the electronic devices and equipment is depicted.

At the heart of the system is an integrated circuit IC1 connected to a number of LEDs, LD1-LD 4. The IC1 systematically, randomly, or semi-randomly turns the LEDs on or off to simulate the flickering of the candle 12, as selected by the designer.

A power supply, indicated by "VCC", supplies all of the electronics and is controlled by switch S1. Switch S1 has three positions: on, off, and timed. In the "on" position of switch S1, integrated circuit IC1 operates in a continuous mode after being activated and only stops operating when user command stops. That is, in this mode, both the start and stop operations are remotely controlled by the user, as explained below. In the "off" position of switch S1, the entire system is turned off because switch S1 disconnects the battery from VCC. In the "timed" position of the switch S1, the integrated circuit IC1 starts operating and then automatically stops operating after a predetermined time has elapsed.

In the "on" position of switch S1, the battery typically outputs a voltage of at least 3 volts (2 x 1.5V), which is transmitted through switch S1 and applied to all circuits requiring VCC. All circuit nodes labeled "GND" are connected together and represent the ground potential of the system. Ground (GND) is not controlled by switch S1 except in the "on" position of switch S1, which sets the functional operation of IC1 to a continuous mode of operation when GND is applied to pin 17 of IC1, and does not stop operation until pin 18 receives a "stop" signal. In the "timed" position of switch S1, VCC is applied to pin 17 of IC1, which causes expiration of the internal timer of IC1 to stop after a predetermined time delay, e.g., three hours, and operation of IC1 to stop.

In the "on" position of switch S1, all circuits are powered and in a standby state, which determines an initial rest state of IC1, in which none of the LEDs, LD1-LD4, are illuminated. However, when a high frequency sound appears at the microphone MIC1, such as a clap caused by a clapping or twisting of a finger, the output of the microphone MIC1 generates a signal that is applied to the + terminal of the operational amplifier IC 2A. IC2A amplifies the sharp sound detected by microphone MIC1 and applies this amplified output signal to both the + input of IC3A and the-input of IC3B, causing IC1 to begin modulating the LED to produce a flickering effect. The circuit may be adjusted to respond to signals of different frequencies without altering the basic principles of the invention.

R1, C3, R5; c4, C5, R2, R4; r11; and R7, R8 are coupling, frequency compensation, feedback, and biasing elements, respectively, whose function and operation are familiar to those skilled in the art and need not be described in further detail herein. C2 and R6 define a high pass filter, while R10, C1 and R3 define a low pass filter circuit.

In the case of a sharp, high frequency sound input to the microphone MIC1, a high frequency signal component appears at the output of IC2A, and this signal component is passed through the high pass filter C2, R6 only to the-terminal of IC3B, i.e., the high frequency signal output by IC2A is blocked from reaching the + terminal of IC3A due to the presence of the low pass filters R10, C1, R3.

Thus, IC3B amplifies its input signal and transmits it as a "start" pulse to pin 4 of IC1, initiating operation of IC 1. When in the operating mode, IC1 applies sufficient power systematically (e.g., sequentially) or randomly to LD1 via pins 6 and 13, LD2 via pins 7 and 12, LD3 via pins 8 and 11, and LD4 via pins 9 and 10 to individually illuminate the LEDs, LD1-LD 4.

When the switch is set to the "on" position, this state continues until the switch S1 is switched to the "off" position, or until the microphone MIC1 detects a low-frequency sound, such as a sound generated by wind blowing or a sound like an impact sound generated near the microphone.

In the case of low-frequency sound input to the microphone MIC1, a low-frequency signal component appears at the output of IC2A, and this signal component is passed through the low-pass filters R10, C1, R3 only to the + terminal of IC3A, i.e., the presence of the high-pass filter C2, R6 blocks the low-frequency signal output by IC2A from reaching the-terminal of IC 3B.

Thus, IC3A amplifies its input signal and transmits it as a "stop" pulse to pin 18 of IC1, stopping the operation of IC1, at which point the circuit again returns to its quiescent state, awaiting another high frequency sound near microphone MIC 1. As previously explained, other frequencies of sound may be selected to control various functions including on and off functions.

When the switch S1 is moved to the "timed" position, the IC1 completes the start-up operation in the same manner as described above, i.e., by detecting the presence of high frequency sound at the microphone MIC 1. However, in the "timed" mode, VCC is applied to pin 17 of IC1 through switch S1. This VCC potential on pin 17 sets an internal timer running for the predetermined delay time, after which the operation of IC1 automatically stops and the circuit returns to its quiescent state again, waiting for another high frequency sound near microphone MIC 1.

It will be appreciated that the circuit diagram of fig. 7 depicts a preferred embodiment of the electronic device of the present invention, and that other functions may be used by adapting the connection to IC1 and/or by using additional or other electronic components. Variations of the described circuits will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the switch S1 may be modified, or a separate switch may be provided, to operate the modified electronic system in another mode in which the microphone MIC1 is disconnected from the system and the start and stop operations of the IC1 are entirely manually controlled. As another example, the delay of the timing stop can be made selectable with only minor modifications to the circuit diagram and the provision of a manual delay control device.

Another embodiment of a circuit board 104 is shown in fig. 8a and 8b, which is bowed in order to conform to the shape of the next battery and may be a space saving approach. The arm 106 (or a flexible simple wire and may be in a flexible tube) preferably extends upwardly or away from the printed circuit board and circuit 104 and terminates in a support tray 110 at substantially right angles to the arm 106. The support plate 110 supports the microphone 108 and the LED light source, which may be positioned near the upper portion of the candle for use.

FIG. 9 shows a view of a candle very similar to that shown in FIG. 1, except that the upwardly directed light source 26 shows a slight difference. FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a "birthday" type candle 120 having a battery zone 122, circuitry 124 and an LED 126. Without altering the principles of the present invention, the LEDs 126 may be replaced by alternative forms of light sources.

In FIG. 11, there is shown a greeting card 130 which includes a printed candle having an LED light source 134 thereon which is connected to and operated by an electrical circuit 136 via an internal electrical wire 138. In addition, a power supply 140 is provided.

The circuit board may be made of a flexible material so that its outer shape can be easily controlled to fit a desired installation space. The circuit board may be connected to the LED light source by suitable electrical connection means so that it can be placed away from the LED light source, and this also serves as a space-saving method to confine and mount the electronic device in a small space.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are at least two bulbs, although more (e.g., four) are preferably included, which are powered by the voltage source randomly or sequentially to produce the flickering effect. In a preferred embodiment, at least two pairs of microcontroller output ports are programmable to provide a 12-hour clock multiplex function for a seven segment LED/LCD. In one embodiment, an audio signal is processed by a high frequency filter circuit, the output of which provides a power-on signal that is responsive to a finger-twitter, clapping, etc., as illustrated in FIG. 7. In addition, the sound signal may be processed by a low frequency filter circuit, the output of which provides a power cut-off signal that is responsive to sounds such as wind blows.

A mode switch or remote control may be used to select between a power-off mode, a power-on mode or a power-on mode with different microphone functions, or a mode in which power is on for a predetermined period of time.

Another preferred feature of the present invention includes the use of LED-type light bulbs, which are generally used in the manner described above, wherein the light bulbs emit light in a non-parallel and substantially downward direction so as to illuminate a translucent candle body, as briefly noted in the description of FIG. 1. An incandescent or neon bulb may replace one or more LED bulbs and non-microcontroller circuitry may be used.

At least two bulbs are operated by two voltage sources, wherein each voltage source can be randomly powered, semi-randomly powered, or sequentially powered, thereby producing the effect of flickering flames and moving light.

The flame simulator of the present invention may cause the microphone and microphone amplifier to generate a signal that triggers the modulated voltage source to alternately turn it on and off. Frequency equalization may be applied to the amplifier, for example, to facilitate high frequency sounds (such as finger-flicking or hand-clapping) to trigger a power-on state, and frequency equalization may be applied to the amplifier, for example, to facilitate low frequency sounds (such as wind-blowing in the air) to trigger a power-off state. Preferably, at least one of the light bulbs emits light into or out of the translucent candle body, and the directions of light emission of any two such light bulbs may or may not be parallel to each other.

The invention is not limited to the precise details and variations of the specific electronics and circuitry, and the decorations or devices that may be attached thereto, as may be varied within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, additional features may form part of the invention. For example, a light sensor may be incorporated into and electrically connected to the circuitry of the present invention. Only when the light level falls below a preselected intensity, does the light sensor detect the ambient light level and turn on the flame simulator, or in a mode to receive an audible signal as described above. In this manner, the flame simulator of the present invention is used only during periods of darkness or in dark environments.

The present invention may also include a motion detector associated with and electrically connected to the circuitry of the flame simulator of the present invention. The addition of a motion detection sensor will limit the operation of the flame simulator of the present invention to only those periods when motion is present, such as the movement of a nearby person, thereby saving energy by ceasing operation of the flame simulator when no motion is detected. Another option is to incorporate a thermal sensor in the flame simulator to limit its operation to conditions when the temperature drops below or moves above a preselected level.

Claims (3)

1. An artificial candle having an electrically driven flame simulator, comprising:

a cylinder having a side wall, a base and a top wall, comprising an upper portion having an edge at a top surface of the top wall, the edge defining a concave surface giving a depression therein, a lower portion having a surface at the base for supporting the cylinder, and a chamber therein;

the flame simulator has at least two solid state light sources disposed within the recess of the cylinder, the solid state light sources visible only from the top of the cylinder;

an integrated circuit within the cylinder and electrically connected to the solid state light source for intermittently illuminating the solid state light source to provide an effect of a flickering motion of light from within the recess and to provide a luminous effect of light emitted from within the cylinder;

a motion detector for controlling operation of the flame simulator in response to detection of motion within a predetermined range; and

and the power supply is used for supplying power to the integrated circuit.

2. The artificial candle with an electrically driven flame simulator of claim 1, wherein the solid state light sources are electrically connected for intermittently illuminating at least one of the solid state light sources independently of the other solid state light sources such that the solid state light sources together provide the effect of a flickering motion.

3. A candle-shaped device having an electrically driven flame simulator, comprising:

a cylinder having a side wall, a base and a top wall, comprising an upper portion having an edge at a top surface of the top wall, the edge defining a concave surface giving a depression therein, a lower portion having a surface at the base for supporting the cylinder, and a chamber therein;

a flame simulator having at least one solid-state type light source disposed within the recess of the cylinder, the solid-state type light source visible only from the top of the cylinder; and

an integrated circuit inside the chamber of the cylinder and electrically connected to the at least one solid-state type light source such that the at least one solid-state type light source provides a flickering flame effect and provides a luminous effect of light emitted from within the cylinder; and a power supply for supplying power to the integrated circuit.