STANDALONE FLAME EFFECT
The invention provides systems and methods for standalone flame effects. Various aspects of the invention described herein may be applied to any of the particular applications set forth below or for any other types of fire displays. A flame effect may include a local fuel source, a burner configured to receive a flammable fuel from the fuel source, a local power source, and a wireless communication module in electrical communication with the local power source. The location of one or more flame effects may be automatically determined, and may be used in creating a desired fire display.
Flame effects used for entertainment purposes before audiences, on stages and otherwise are typically connected to fuel supplies, power supplies and control signal networks with hoses and cables that form bulky and complex networks. The cost and technical challenges inherent in designing and installing these distribution networks account for a large portion of the overall cost of flame effect systems. These costs are a major factor that limits the breadth with which flame effects are used.
Further, the costs and complexity of these distribution networks increase as the number of flame effects they are intended to supply increases. Consequently, flame effects are generally few in number at any given event (less than 100) and are commonly designed to produce large quantities of fire per flame effect to leverage a small number of effects.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to eliminate the need for fuel, power and control signal networks having connecting hoses and cables in flame effects. A need exists for a standalone flame effect system that would be far easier, cheaper and safer to install.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn aspect of the invention is directed to a standalone flame effect, which may comprise: a fuel source; a burner configured to receive a flammable fuel from the fuel source; a local power source; and a wireless communication module in electrical communication with the local power source.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method for controlling a fire display, comprising: providing one or more flame effect comprising a burner configured to receive a flammable fuel from a fuel source; and transmitting, using a wireless communication module of the flame effect, a wireless communication between the flame effect and an external device.
A standalone flame effect may be provided in accordance with another aspect of the invention. The flame effect may comprise: a fuel source; a burner configured to receive a flammable fuel from the fuel source; a local power source; and a locating system in electrical communication with the local power source, configured to provide a relative location of the standalone flame effect.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a flame effect system may comprise: one or more flame effect comprising a burner configured to receive a flammable fuel from a fuel source and a locating system configured to provide a relative location of the one or more flame effect; and a controller configured to send a signal to the one or more flame effect to vary or maintain the flammable fuel provided to the burner based on the relative location provided by the locating system. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a position transmitter configured to receive a signal with the relative location from the locating system, and provide location information to the controller.
A method for controlling a fire display may comprise: providing one or more flame effect comprising a burner configured to receive a flammable fuel from a fuel source; transmitting, from the one or more flame effect, a relative location of the one or more flame effect; receiving, at a controller, the relative location of the one or more flame effect; and sending a signal to the one or more flame effect to vary or maintain the flammable fuel provided to the burner based on the relative location, in accordance with an aspect of the invention.
A standalone flame effect may incorporate a battery with a charge monitoring and reporting system, a fuel tank with a fuel level monitoring and reporting system, a wireless communication module that operates on a protocol appropriate for controlling many nodes within a large range, and a locating system capable of automatically determining the position of the flame effect in 3 dimensions.
A standalone system may advantageously permit the economical deployment of flame effect systems with much more numerous, and potentially smaller, flame effects than traditional flame effects systems. Such a system would have its own advantages over conventional systems, by allowing far more complex visual effects to be produced in fire. A standalone flame system may also be easier, cheaper, and safer to install.
Other goals and advantages of the invention will be further appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and accompanying drawings. While the following description may contain specific details describing particular embodiments of the invention, this should not be construed as limitations to the scope of the invention but rather as an exemplification of preferable embodiments. For each aspect of the invention, many variations are possible as suggested herein that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A variety of changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit thereof.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCEAll publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention.
The invention provides systems and methods for standalone flame effects. Various aspects of the invention described herein may be applied to any of the particular applications set forth below or for any other types of fire displays. The invention may be applied as a standalone system or method, or as part of an integrated display package, such as a theatrical fire display, or any other fire display. It shall be understood that different aspects of the invention can be appreciated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other.
A standalone flame effect may be provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The flame effect may be used for a decorative fire display, and may be incorporated within a system with numerous flame effects. In some embodiments, the standalone flame effects may be used for theatrical effects, or other fire displays. The standalone flame effects may permit a cost effective, simple way to incorporate many flame effects into a fire effect system.
A standalone flame effect 100 may include a local fuel source 102. In some embodiments, fuel may be provided within a fuel tank or other container. Examples of fuel tanks may include a standard non-refillable camping cylinder, a standard detachable refillable cylinder, or an integrated refillable pressure vessel.
A combustible fuel may be provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The fuel may be a fluid, such as a liquid or gas. Some examples of fuel may include propane, gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, methanol, hydrogen, or lycopodium powder.
The local fuel source may be contained within the flame effect. In some embodiments, a flame effect may have a housing that may partially or completely surround the local fuel source. A fuel tank may be configured to receive fuel. In some embodiments, a fuel tank may be filled prior to the use of a flame effect. As previously mentioned, the fuel tank may or may not be refillable. In some embodiments, while a flame effect is in use, the fuel tank is not refilled or not refillable. The local fuel source may contain the fuel for a use of the flame effect, such as a theatrical display. The flame effect need not require an external fuel source.
A fuel level management assembly may be provided to determine the level of fuel available within the local fuel source. This may be described in further detail below.
A standalone flame effect 100 may also include a burner 104. The burner may be configured to receive a flammable fuel from the fuel source 102. In some embodiments, a portion of the burner may be in fluid communication or may selectively be brought into fluid communication with the fuel source. In some embodiments, the burner may remain in fluid communication with the fuel source. Alternatively, the burner may be brought into and out of fluid communication with the fuel source.
Fuel may be provided to a burner at a fuel flow rate. In some embodiments, the fuel flow rate may be constant. Alternatively, the fuel flow rate may be varied. The fuel flow rate may be varied or maintained to provide a desired flame characteristic.
The burner may receive a fuel, and may ignite the fuel to provide a flame. In some embodiments, the burner may cause to be air to be mixed with the fuel. A selected air-fuel mixture may be delivered for ignition.
A burner may have one or more components, characteristics, or features of burners provided in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,413,079 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,485, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
A power source 106 may be provided in a standalone flame effect 100. The power source may be a local power source that may be contained within the flame effect. In some embodiments, a flame effect may have a housing that may partially or completely surround the local power source. A power source may provide power to one or more components of the standalone flame effect.
The power source may be an energy storage system, such as a battery or ultracapacitor. The power source may include an energy generation system, such as a photovoltaic or solar thermal component. In some embodiments, the power storage may integrate an energy storage and an energy generation system. The flame effect need not require an external fuel source. In some embodiments, the power source may be an inductive power source. For example, the flame effect may rest upon a pad or other inductive power source that may charge a power source of the flame effect.
In some examples, the power source may be a battery. The battery may be a primary battery or a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion, Li—Po, Ni—MH, NiZn, NiCd, or lead acid. Any other battery chemistry known in the art may be utilized.
A battery charge measurement may be provided to determine the level of charge or power available within the local power source. This may be described in further detail below.
A standalone flame effect 100 may also include a locating system 108. The locating system may assist with providing a relative location of the standalone flame effect within a flame effect system. In some embodiments, the locating system may transmit a location of the standalone flame effect. In some other embodiments, the locating system may transmit a location of the standalone flame effect relative to other standalone flame effects, relative to one or more position transmitter, or relative to another component within the flame effect system.
In some embodiments, the locating system may determine the location of a flame effect in two dimensions. Preferably, the locating system may determine the location of the flame effect in three dimensions.
The locating system may utilize one or more sensor arrangement. For example, an ultrasonic arrangement may be used. Alternatively, the locating system may utilize GPS or RF range-finding to determine a location of a standalone flame effect.
In some embodiments, the locating system 108 may be electrical communication with the power source 106. The power source may provide electricity, enabling the locating system to function.
The fuel tank 202 may connected to a burner 204 via one or more fuel passageway 212. The fuel passageway may be a pipe, channel, conduit, or any other passageway that may provide fluidic communication between the fuel tank and the burner.
In some embodiments, one or more flow rate controller 214 may be provided. In some embodiments, the flow rate controller may be a valve. The valve may be a solenoid. In some embodiments, the flow rate controller may be a binary controller. A binary flow controller may either permit fuel to flow, or prevent the fuel from flowing. While the fuel is flowing, the fuel may flow at a set constant rate. The binary flow controller may permit the fuel tank and burner to be selectively brought into and out of fluid communication with one another. The binary flow controller may be a binary solenoid. In other embodiments, the flow rate controller may be a proportional controller. A proportional flow controller may permit fuel to flow at a controlled rate. For example, the proportional flow controller may permit fuel to flow at an increased or decreased rate. The proportional flow controller may maintain or vary the rate of fuel flow from a fuel tank to a burner. The proportional flow may cut or create the fluid communication between the fuel tank and burner, and may increase, decrease or maintain the fluid communication between the fuel tank and burner.
A flow rate controller may be positioned along the fuel passageway, or may be positioned at the fuel tank or burner.
A fuel tank 202 may have a tank level measurer 216. The tank level measurer may determine the level of fuel within the tank. In some embodiments, the tank level measurer may determine how much fuel or the percentage of the fuel that remains. The tank level measurer may determine how much fuel has been used, or the percentage of fuel depleted. Examples of tank level measurers are provided in further detail elsewhere herein.
A burner 204 may include an igniter 218. The igniter may use any flame ignition technique known in the art. For example, the igniter may create a spark, and/or a hot surface igniter.
A flame detection module 220 may be provided. The flame detection module may be used to detect a flame utilizing one or more of the following: flame conductivity, flame rectification, or temperature-based flame detection. The flame detection module may sense the presence or absence of a flame. The flame detection module may sense the size, heat, or any other characteristic of the flame. The flame detection module may be in communication with any other component of the flame effect. For example, the flame detection module may send one or more signal to the communication module 210.
A power source 206 may include a power level indicator 230. For example, a power source may be a battery, and the battery charge level may be known. One or more technique for determining battery charge known in the art may be utilized. The state of charge of a battery may be utilized using a chemical method, voltage method, current integration method, pressure method, or any other battery state of charge determining method.
In some examples, a specific gravity, or pH of a battery electrolyte can be used to indicate the state of charge of a battery. In another example, a known discharge curve of a battery may be used. The voltage of the battery may be measured and compared with the discharge curve of the battery. A battery charge measurement may include a voltage measurement done by ADC on a microcontroller. Another example may involve utilizing coulomb counting, calculating state of charge by measuring a battery current and integrating it in time. An additional example of measuring battery state of charge may include using a pressure switch, which may indicate whether a battery is fully charged, and utilizing the principle that the internal pressure of the battery increases rapidly when the battery is charged.
In some embodiments, battery operation may make hot-surface igniters less attractive for this application because hot surface igniters may demand much electrical power to operate.
A locating system module 208 may be provided in a flame effect. The locating module may be used to determine the location of the flame effect. The locating module may be used to detect the location of the flame effect with respect to a reference point, such as a geographic reference point, or other device, such as another flame effect or position transmitter. The locating module may be capable of communicating with an external device to assist with determining the flame effect's position relative to the external device. The locating module may communicate with a plurality of external devices simultaneously. The locating module may include a GPS module or another module capable of communicating with a satellite. The locating module may include an ultrasonic emitter and/or sensor. The locating module may include one or more components useful for performing one or more of the location techniques described elsewhere herein. The locating module may directly communicate with external devices or may communicate via the communication module 210. The locating module may be electrically connected to the power source 206.
A communication module 210 may permit the flame effect to communicate with one or more external device. The external device may be a controller, position transmitter, and/or another flame effect. The communication module may permit the flame effect to engage in one-way or two-way communications with the external device. The communication module may permit the flame effect to communicate with a single selected external device, or a plurality of external devices simultaneously. The communication module may permit wireless and/or wired communications. The communication module may have an antenna that may assist with wireless communications. Examples of wireless communication modes that may be employed may include but are not limited to radio, microwave, ultrasonic, optical, and/or infra-red communications. Wireless communications may employ point-to-point communication, point-to-multipoint communication, broadcasting, cellular networks and other wireless networks. In some examples, the wireless communication module may employ a single chip 802.11 and antenna (e.g., Broadcom BCM3417). The wireless communication module may be Zigbee enabled for mesh network.
The communication module may be connected to the power source 206. The power source may provided power to one or more component of the flame effect, such as the power source.
The flame effect may have a support or housing 222. A housing may partially or completely enclose one or more components of the flame effect. For example, a housing may partially or completely enclose a power source, fuel tank, flame detection module, wireless communication module, and/or location system module. A support or housing may support one or more of the components, and may permit the components of the flame effect to move together.
The fuel tank 252 may have any of the characteristics described elsewhere herein. The fuel tank may be connected to a burner 254 via one or more fuel passageway 264. The fuel passageway may be a pipe, channel, conduit, or any other passageway that may provide fluidic communication between the fuel tank and the burner.
In some embodiments, one or more flow rate mechanism 266 may be provided. In some embodiments, the flow rate mechanism may be a valve, or any other type of flow rate mechanism or controller described elsewhere herein. The flow rate mechanism may be determined whether fuel flows from the tank 252 to the burner 254. The flow rate mechanism may determine the amount/rate of fuel that flows from the tank to the burner. One or more flow rate controller 267, may provide instructions that may cause the actuation or modification of the flow rate mechanism, or cause the flow rate mechanism to maintain its setting. In one example, the flow rate controller may be a valve driver which may send instructions to a valve, causing the valve to permit a greater amount of fluid to flow, permit a smaller amount of fluid to flow, or maintain the same amount of fluid flow. A valve driver may dictate the degree that a valve may be opened. A valve driver may be a PWM-driven current-controlled driver. In some embodiments, the valve driver may be a straight voltage control with PWM and optionally a filter.
A flow rate mechanism may be positioned along the fuel passageway, or may be positioned at the fuel tank or burner.
A fuel tank 252 may have a tank level measurer 268. The tank level measurer may determine the level of fuel within the tank. In some embodiments, the tank level measurer may determine how much fuel or the percentage of the fuel that remains. The tank level measurer may determine how much fuel has been used, or the percentage of fuel depleted. Examples of tank level measurers are provided in further detail elsewhere herein.
A burner 254 may include an igniter 270. The igniter may use any flame ignition technique known in the art, including those described elsewhere herein. For example, the igniter may create a spark, and/or a hot surface igniter. In some embodiments, one or more ignition module 272 may provide instructions to operate the igniter. The ignition module may control when the igniter ignites the flame, or any special instructions as to how the flame may be ignited. Alternatively, the ignition module may detect when the flame has been ignited, or when the igniter has operated.
A flame detection module 274 may be provided. The flame detection module may sense the presence or absence of a flame 275. The flame detection module may sense the size, heat, or any other characteristic of the flame. The flame detection module may have one or more of the characteristics or features described elsewhere herein.
A power source 256 may include a power level indicator 276. For example, a power source may be a battery, and the battery charge level may be known. Any other power level measurement technique, such as those described elsewhere herein, may be used.
A locating system module 258 may be provided in a flame effect. The locating module may be used to determine the location of the flame effect. The locating module may be used to detect the location of the flame effect with respect to a reference point, such as a geographic reference point, or other device, such as another flame effect or position transmitter. The locating module may be capable of communicating with an external device to assist with determining the flame effect's position relative to the external device. The locating module may communicate with a plurality of external devices simultaneously. The locating module may have one or more of the characteristics of a locating module described elsewhere herein. The locating module may directly communicate with external devices or may communicate via the communication module 260. The locating module may be electrically connected to the power source 256.
A communication module 260 may permit the flame effect to communicate with one or more external device. The external device may be a controller, position transmitter, and/or another flame effect. The communication module may permit communications as described elsewhere herein. The communication module may have one or more characteristics or features of communication modules described elsewhere herein.
The communication module may be connected to the power source 256. The power source may provide power to one or more component of the flame effect, such as the power source.
A controller 262 may be provided on the flame effect. The controller may utilize one or processor and/or memory to operate. In some examples, the controller may be a microcontroller, such as microchip's PIC 16F688, AVR, or microprocessor. The controller may be in communication with one or more component of the flame effect. For example, the controller may be in communication with the communication unit 260. In some instances, the controller may receive instructions through the communication unit. The instructions may have been generated from a controller external to the flame effect. The controller may provide information to the communication unit to be transmitted to an external device. The controller may send information relating to the location of the flame effect, fuel level, power level, flame characteristics, fault conditions or alerts, or any other information. Two-way communications may be provided between the controller and the communication unit.
The controller may communicate with the locating module. The locating module may send data that may be useful for determining the location of the flame effect. The controller may send instructions to the locating module to perform one or more action (e.g., send an ultrasonic signal) that may assist with determining the location of the flame effect. Two-way communications may be provided between the controller and location module.
An ignition module may be in communication with the controller. The ignition module may provide information to the controller and/or receive instructions from the controller. Two-way communications may be provided between the controller and an ignition module. The controller may instruct the ignition module to provide signals to the igniter to ignite the flame.
The controller may be in communication with a flow rate controller. The flow rate controller may receive instructions from the controller in order to actuate a flow rate mechanism. The flow rate controller may or may not provide information about the condition of the flow rate mechanism. One-way or two-way communication may be provided between the controller and flow rate controller.
A flame detection module may be in communication with the controller. The flame detection module may send information about detected flame and/or flame characteristics to the controller. The controller may or may not send instructions to the flame detection module. One-way or two-way communication may be provided between the controller and flow rate controller.
The controller may also be in communication with a fuel level measurer and/or a power level indicator. The fuel level indicator may provide information about the level of fuel remaining or that has been consumed. The power level indicator may provide information about the amount of power remaining in the power source or that has been consumed. The fuel level, power level, and/or information from the flame detection module may be used by the controller in determining instructions to send to a flow rate controller or igniter. Alternatively the fuel level, power level, and/or information from the flame detection module may be provided through the controller to the wireless communication module, which may send the information to an external device, such as an external controller.
The internal controller may or may not autonomously determine one or more instructions to send to one or more components of the flame effect. For example, if the internal controller determines that a fuel level is almost empty, or is empty, it may instruct the flow rate controller to stop the fuel flow to the burner. In some instances, the internal controller may receive one or more instructions from an external controller and may provide instructions to one or more components of the flame effect to effect such instructions. The internal controller may send information to the external controller, which the external controller may consider when determining instructions to send to the internal controller. For example, the internal controller may collect information that the fuel level is running low, which may be transmitted to an external controller. The external controller may send instructions to the internal controller to reduce the amount of fuel that is being provided to the burner. The internal controller may send one or more instructions to the valve driver to decrease the opening of a valve, and provide less fuel, thereby conserving fuel within the flame effect. Alternatively, the internal controller may make autonomous determinations after receiving instructions from the external controller based on collected information.
The flame effect may have a support or housing 278. A housing may partially or completely enclose one or more components of the flame effect. For example, a housing may partially or completely enclose a controller, power source, fuel tank, flame detection module, wireless communication module, and/or location system module. A support or housing may support one or more of the components, and may permit the components of the flame effect to move together.
A fuel tank measurer may be provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The fuel tank measurer may determine an amount of remaining fuel within a system. Using fuel that remains in a tank, it is possible to run out of fuel during a performance. Because there may be great variation in the duty cycle with which the flame effects are used throughout a performance, an automatic way to monitor and compensate for uneven fuel depletion may be included.
Various fuel measuring systems may be employed. In some embodiments, fuel measuring system may operate when the flame tanks are mounted vertically. A desired orientation for a fuel tank for fuel level measurement may be provided. However, it may not be guaranteed that the effects be mounted vertically. It may even be desired that the flame effects be mounted at severe angles to create desired visual effects or accommodate various mounting surfaces. Therefore, either measuring and compensating for off-vertical angles in the calculation of the fuel level, or designing a system that is insensitive to off-vertical angles is desired. Several such systems are provided by way of example.
The fuel measurement system may include a container 300 which may contain and/or confine fuel 302 therein. The container may have any shape or dimensions known in the art. The container may be a tank. The container may have only one inlet/outlet 301, or may have multiple inlets and/or outlets. In some embodiments, separate inlets and outlets may be provided.
A mechanical float assembly may include a floating component 304 which may be connected via an arm 306 to a rheostat 308 or other variable electricity generating component. The floating component may be at a first position 304a when there is a greater amount of fuel, and a second position 304b when there is a less amount of fuel. The first position may be higher than the second position. As the amount of fuel decreases, the floating component may move downward along with the fuel level, and may rotate the rheostat, thus causing circuit resistance to increase as the fuel level drops. Alternatively the rheostat or other variable electricity generating component may cause the circuit resistance to decrease as the fuel level drops. A change in an electrical signal, such as resistance, impedance, or conductivity may indicate a change in the fuel level.
In alternate embodiments, a mechanical float assembly may utilize one or more magnetic components. In one example, a floating component may have a magnet therein, and the side of the tank may include one or more component that may read the magnetic signal of the floating component. As the fuel level changes, the floating level may move up and down relative to the magnetic-reading components in the tank, thus, providing an indication of fuel level.
A floating component may be moving with respect to one or more static component of the tank. The movement of the floating component may cause a change in a signal provided by the one or more static components of the tank, indicative of the fuel level. Based on the signal level and/or change, the fuel level may be determined.
The sensors 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d may be in communication with a controller 326. The sensors may be in wired or wireless communication with the controller. In some instances, the controller may be a microcontroller. The controller may or may not provide power to the sensors.
The sensors may emit one or more signal that may be useful for determining whether each individual signal is above, at, or below the fuel level. For example, sensors 324a, 324b may be determined to be above the fuel level. Sensor 324c may be determined to be at the fuel level. Sensor 324d may be determined to be below the fuel level. A signal emitted by a sensor or a characteristic detected by the sensor may be different if the sensor is above, at, or below the fuel level. The sensor may be an optical sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, motion sensor, electrical sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or any other type of sensor known in the art.
By determining which sensors are above and below the fuel level, the controller may determine the level of the fuel. The controller may also be capable of controlling the operation of the sensors, including one or more signal emitted by the sensor. The sensors may be individually independently controllable, controllable within groups, or controllable as a single entire group.
The ultrasonic sensor may send one or more ultrasonic signal into the tank. The signal may be directed downward within the tank. The signal may hit the fuel surface and bounce back. The sensor may be able to sense the bounced back signal, and may determine the level of fuel based on the characteristics and/or timing of the reflected signal.
A weight measurement of the fuel tank may be taken. The strain gauge may be one way of determining the weight of the fuel tank, and thus the relative weight of the fuel remaining in the tank. In some instances, weight measurements may be made using a 3DOF flexure or load cell, or a 1DOF load cell with an accelerometer to measure inclination and compensate for non-vertical mounting. Any other weight measurement technique known in the art may be utilized to determine fuel level.
Another technique for fuel measurement may include calculating the fuel level without measuring the fuel level. In one example, the fuel level may be calculated based on a flow rate of a valve or other flow rate controller. For example, the flow rate of a fuel exiting a fuel tank may be known for a particular valve. The flow rate of the fuel may depend on the degree that the valve is open. In some instances, the degree that the valve is open may be known. The amount of time that the valve is open may be known, and the amount of fuel exiting the fuel tank may be calculated based on the valve characteristics and open time. The initial fuel level of the tank may be known to be full, and the calculations subtracting the amount of fuel departing the tank may be made, determining the amount of fuel remaining within the tank.
Any of the fuel measurement techniques described herein may be used alone or in combination, along with any other fuel measurement techniques known in the art. One or more of the fuel measurement techniques may be orientation agnostic, and/or one or more of the fuel measurement techniques may depend on orientation of the tank.
In some instances, the tanks may be re-filled with fuel. Alternatively, tanks may be disposable. Common disposable tanks may not need to be refilled. In some instances, common disposable tanks do not have liners to protect them from rust. In some instances, a re-filling technique for a tank may be selected based on speed and ease with which the tanks can be re-filled.
In some embodiments, monitoring the fuel level within various flame effects may affect instructions sent to one or more flame effect. For example, if it is known ahead of time that a particular flame effect has a low fuel level, that flame effect may be used sparingly during the performance, and may be used only when needed. Or if it is known that a flame effect has a low fuel level, the flames provided from that flame effect may be smaller or utilize less fuel. Alternatively, if it is noticed prior to a performance that a fuel level is low, an individual may be instructed to refill the fuel for that flame effect, or to swap in a new fuel tank. If fuel runs out during a performance, then the system may be capable of not sending instructions to the flame effect to turn on.
The flame effects described herein may be part of a flame effects system. The flame effects system may use an automatic location determination system. The automatic location determination system may determine the relative positions of the flame effects. For example, the positions of the flame effects within a system, relative to one another or a reference point, may be determined. The use of automatic location determination may permit an installer to simply mount each flame effect and turn it on. In some instances, the installer may put specific flame effects in specific locations. Further, if the flame effects can be placed anywhere, then a set designer is not limited to using well-defined geometries like rectilinear truss. Therefore, having a flame effect that operates in a system to determine its location would provide enhanced ease and flexibility.
A location may be determined with reference to something. In the case with small flame effects, it may be desirable to have a high precision in location determination. For example, precision in location determination may be made on the order of mm's, cm's, inches, feet, or meters.
The flame effects of the system may have any position relative to one another. In some instances, the flame effects may be provided in an array or staggered rows. Alternatively, the flame effects may be randomly positioned in any desired manner without requiring they be positioned in an array. In some instances, the flame effects may be positioned within a plane. The plane may be a horizontal plane, vertical plane, or a plane of any other orientation. Alternative, the flame effects need not be positioned within a plane and may be positioned in any manner within a three-dimensional space. For example, various flame effects may have different latitudes, longitudes, and/or altitudes.
A controller may be in communication with the flame effects. In some instances, the controller may be a single controller. Alternatively, multiple controllers may be utilized within the system. Multiple controllers may or may not communicate with one another. In some instances, a master controller may be utilized which may communicate with one or more slave controllers. Any description of a controller herein may apply to a single controller or multiple controllers.
The controller may provide one-way or two-way communication with the flame effects. In some embodiments, each of the flame effects within a system may in communication with one or more controller. A controller may send instructions to the flame effects. Such instructions may include instructions about when to ignite and/or the characteristics of the flame to be ignited (e.g., duration, height, size, direction, steadiness/variation).
A controller may receive one or more signal from the flame effects. Such signals may be related to one or more of the following: location of the flame effects, characteristics of burner performance, fuel level, power source level, detected errors or alerts, or any other information relating to the flame effect. In some instances, two-way communication may be provided where the controller may send one or more instructions to the flame effect, and the flame effect may send information back to the controller, which may include feedback regarding the instructions.
The controller may communicate wirelessly with the flame effects or through a wired connection. In some instances, wireless communication may occur through a wireless communication unit of the controller and a wireless communication unit of the flame effects.
In some embodiments, a flame effect may send a signal to and/or receive a signal from a controller. A flame effect may be capable of one-way or two-way communication with a controller. A flame effect may send a signal to and/or receive a signal from a transmitter. The flame effect may be capable of one-way or two-way communication with the position transmitter. The position transmitter may send a signal to and/or receive a signal from a controller. The position transmitter may be capable of one-way or two-way communication with the controller.
In one example, a controller may send instructions to the flame effect. The instructions may include protocols relating to the operation of a burner of the flame effect. The instructions may include flame characteristics for the flame effect.
The flame effect may send information to a position transmitter. The information may include the flame effect's identity and a timestamp or other indication of time. The position transmitter may calculate the time delay from the time the flame effect sent the signal to when the position transmitter received the signal. This delay information may be sent to the controller. The flame effect may communicate with a plurality of position transmitters. The flame effect may communicate with one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, ten or more, twenty or more, or any number of position transmitters. The relative time delays from the flame effect to each of the position transmitters may be sent to the controller. The position transmitter may send the time delay information to the controller.
Triangulation techniques may be utilized to determine the relative location of the flame effect with respect to the position transmitters. The relative time delay between the flame effect and each of the position transmitters may be correlated to distances between the flame effect and the position transmitters. There may be a linear correlation between time delay and distances. Alternatively, other correlations may be applied. The distances around each of the position transmitters may be represented as a circle or sphere around the position transmitters. The intersection point of the various circles or spheres around each of the position transmitters may indicate the position of the flame effect. The intersection point may or may not be exact. The intersection point may be on the order of mms, cms, inches, feet, or meters, which may indicate the specificity of the. The position of the transmitters may be known relative to the earth, or may be known relative to one another. The controller may perform the triangulation calculations based on the signals received from the position transmitters.
In some instances, a general area of a flame effect may be determined based on an initial set of position transmitters. Then the location of the flame effect may be further narrowed down or pinpointed following additional triangulation calculations with different position transmitters. The position transmitters used for optional subsequent triangulation steps may be selected for being positioned close to the flame effect. One, two, three or more triangulation rounds may occur.
Other triangulation techniques, such as those described elsewhere herein, may be employed. Such triangulation techniques may or may not require that the positions of the position transmitters be known.
In other embodiments, the flame effect may include a GPS (global positioning system) transmitter or other location determining components. The flame effect may transmit the location of the flame effects directly to the controller, or via one or more position transmitter. Including GPS functionality on each flame effect could work. However, utilizing GPS systems to attain such precision may significantly increase the cost of the effects, and may have difficulty operating indoors or where objects may obstruct the sky. Radar systems may be costly as well. Therefore, an ultrasonic system using three or more ultrasonic position transmitter modules as reference points may be used to determine the spatial arrangement of an entire system once all the effects are installed.
Any number of flame effects may be in communication with the controller and/or position transmitter. In some instances, of a plurality of flame effects may communicate with the same position transmitters. Alternatively, different flame effects may communicate with different position transmitters.
In some instances, each of the flame effects may be the same. For example, they may all be capable of delivering the same flame characteristics. Alternatively, different types of flame effects may be provided. In some embodiments, the different types of flame effects may be capable of delivering different flame characteristics. In one example, some flame effects may be capable of delivering tall thin flames, while other flame effects may deliver wider and stouter flames. Some flame effects may deliver larger flames, while other flame effects may be capable of delivering smaller flames. In some instances, different fuels may be provided for different types of flame effects, which may result in the color of the flames being different. In some embodiments, if different types of flame effects are provided, the flame effect may transmit information about the type of flame effect it is. This information may reach a controller (e.g., computer) which may incorporate knowledge of the flame effect type in sending instructions to the various flame effects.
The flame effect may or may not be in the same plane as the plurality of transmitters. For example, the flame effect may be elevated above the stage, while the transmitters may be on the stage. In other examples, the flame effect may be elevated above the stage, may be located on the stage, or may be located below the stage, while one or more of the transmitters may be located above the stage, on the stage, and/or below the stage, or any combinations thereof
In some embodiments, steps for automatic location determination may include one or more of the following. Any of the steps described herein may occur in the order described or in different orders. One or more of the steps may be optional. Additional steps may be provided, or comparable steps may be switched with the steps described herein.
1. Install of some or all of the flame effects. The flame effects may be installed with any arrangement, as described elsewhere herein.
2. Place emitter units on a stage or on a horizontal plane near the flame effect system, with sufficient spacing between the emitters. In some embodiments, the emitter units may be ultrasound emitters. Any number of emitters may be provided, such as three or more emitters. The emitters may be positioned on the horizontal plane or may be positioned at any known arrangement, which may or may not be coplanar. In some embodiments, sufficient spacing between emitters may require at least a few meters spacing between the emitters. Alternatively, sufficient spacing may require at least one inch, at least one foot, at least one meter, at least three meters, at least five meters, at least ten meters, or at least twenty meters between two or more, or three or more of the emitters.
3. Instruct the central controller to begin the locating process.
4. The central controller may send a general request to initialize the system.
5. A first emitter (e.g., Transmitter 1) may self-select as an active emitter based on its factory index.
6. An active emitter may simultaneously transmit an RF and ultrasonic marker.
7. The flame effects and the other emitters (e.g., Transmitter 2, Transmitter 3) may record the time delay between receiving the RF marker and detecting the ultrasonic marker.
8. Based on the time delay, the flame effects and the other emitters may calculate and store their distance from the active emitter.
9. All emitters wait for a programmed time period long enough for all ultrasonic signatures to dissipate.
10. Steps 3 thru 5 may be repeated with the other emitters (e.g., Transmitter 2, Transmitter 3) taking turns being the active emitter. In some embodiments, each of the other emitters may take turns being active emitters. In other examples, two of the other emitters may take turns being active emitters.
11. Once all flame effects have calculated their distances to the emitters (e.g., Transmitter 1, Transmitter 2, Transmitter 3), the flame effects may transmit that information back to the central controller.
12. Emitters may each transmit their calculated distances to the other emitters to the central controller.
13. The central controller may compute the size and shape of the triangle formed by three of the emitters on the stage. The computer may assume that the plane defined by the emitters is horizontal, and that two of the emitters (e.g., Transmitter 1, Transmitter 2) are on the front edge of the stage. Alternatively, the central controller need not make assumptions about the emitters—the relative positions of the emitters may be calculated or known.
14. Using the distance measurements recorded by each flame effect, the computer may calculate the 3-dimensional position of each effect relative to the emitters. In some instances, three distance measurements may be recorded by each flame effect, and the position of each effect relative to the corresponding three emitters may be calculated.
15. The computer may produce a graphical representation of the flame effect arrangement for simulation purposes. The graphical representation may be displayed on a display device. The display device may be a video screen, computer screen, TV screen, monitor screen, touchscreen, mobile device screen, LCD panel, plasma panel, LED panel, projector, or any other display device known in the art. The graphical representation may show the location of each flame effect. The location of each flame effect may be shown in a three-dimensional space, and/or two-dimensional space. The perspective of the image may be rotatable or modifiable. The graphical representation may show the location of the emitters. The emitters may be displayed along with the flame effects. Alternatively, they may be selectively displayed separately. In some embodiments, different types of flame effects may be used. The different types of flame effects may be visually discernible in the display. A user may be able to selectively view specific types of flame effects, or may view all the types of flame effects together.
16. Images and patterns may be mapped to this measured arrangement of flame effects. In some instances, the images and patterns may be three-dimensional, two-dimensional, or one-dimensional images or patterns. In one example, a desired model or images of flames may be mapped to the location of the flame effects as determined using the automated location determination.
Any other triangulation techniques described elsewhere herein or known in the art may be used to determine the positions of the flame effects. In some instances, the positions of the emitters may already be known. Alternatively, the positions of the emitters may be determined, using one or more of the techniques described herein, which may include a triangulation technique, or GPS locators.
Any description or functionality provided for the position transmitters and/or emitters may be performed by a flame effect. In some embodiments, three or more flame effects may be designated as an emitter. The three flame effects designated as emitters may be fixed, or may be variable. For example, in a system with four flame effects, three of the flame effects may be functioning as emitters to determine the position of the fourth flame effect.
In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, visual locating systems may be utilized. Visual locating systems may use one or more of the principles discussed elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, one, two, three, four or more video cameras may be directed/pointed at a flame display. A software system may be capable of determining the spatial position of the flame effects in one, two, or three dimensions.
The flame effects may be triggered at varying or known heights. In one example, two flame effects that are equidistant from a video camera may appear visually to have the same height if they are triggered to the same flame height. The equidistant flame effects may also appear visually to have the same screen area in the captured image, and their position in the screen plane (left-right, up-down, or x- and y-axis) may be determined. In another example, two flame effects that are in line with one another in the back-front (z-axis) could be visually differentiated by actuating them to the same flame height and detecting the difference in screen area.
In some embodiments, a camera may be capable of capturing still images of the fire display. Alternatively, the camera may capture video images of the fire display. Still images and/or video images may be analyzed to determine relative height and/or size of the flames from the flame effect. In some instances, the sizes of the bases of the flame effects may be analyzed. The heights and/or areas of the flames and/or flame effect bases may be known, and the size they appear on the screen may be utilized to analyze the distance and/or relative positions of the flame effects. Alternatively, the heights and/or areas of the flame effect bases need not be known, and the sizes they appear relative to one another may be utilized to determine their relative positions. The relative positions may include their relative distances away from the camera, up-down position relative to the camera and/or right-left position relative to the camera.
The software used to analyze the images may be capable of detecting and/or isolating the flames and/or flame effect bases. The software may be capable of determining height and/or area of the flames and/or flame effect bases. The software may be capable of differentiating flames from a first flame effect from the flames from a second flame effect. The software may be capable of developing a two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional model of the location of the various flame effects in a fire display. The software may be operably connected to one or more cameras. The software may be implemented on a device, such as a computer, server, tablet, mobile device, or any other device, which may be in communication with one or more cameras.
A focal length of the camera lens may be known. In some instances, a stereo camera may be used, or a visual occlusion may be known to assist in determining the depth (z-axis position) of the flame effects relative to one another and/or relative to the camera. In some instances, multiple cameras may be utilized to determine an overall fire display arrangement. The multiple cameras may be directed at the fire display from multiple angles. In some instances, two or more cameras may be directed at the fire display so that they are pointed at the fire display from different angles. The different angles may be greater than or equal to about 5 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees, or 150 degrees. In some embodiments, three or more cameras may be directed at the fire display. The three or more cameras may or may not be collinear. For example, the cameras may be provided at varying heights, or from varying lateral directions. The cameras may be used to determine the location of the flame effects at set-up or during a fire display performance. In some instances, one or more diagnostics may be run to determine the locations of the flame effects (e.g., causing the flame at flame effects to be triggered to known heights or settings).
In some instances, the visual locating system may utilize one or more thermal cameras. For example, the cameras may be capable of detecting radiation along the electromagnetic spectrum. This may include detection of light. Alternatively, this may include the detection of infra-red. The cameras from the visual locating system may detect thermal images, such as those emitted by flames, and may use the thermal images to determine the relative positions of the flame effects. Any description herein relating to visual images may also apply to thermal images or other images that may be captured along an electromagnetic spectrum.
In some embodiments, the location of the flame effects may be determined at set-up. For example, once all the flame effects are set up, their locations may be determined using the automated location determination, and may not be determined again throughout the use of the set-up, e.g., throughout a show. In another example, the location of the flame effects may be determined periodically, in case a flame effect moves. This determination may occur on a regular time basis, according a predetermined schedule of regular and/or irregular time intervals, or in response to an event (e.g., an instruction to check the locations, or a sensor indication that a flame effect has moved or is malfunctioning). In some embodiments, the location of the flame effects may be determined frequently or continuously. In some instances, the location of a flame effect may be expected to move during the course of a show. For example, one or more flame effect may be mounted on a structure that may move during a show. In such situations, it may be advantageous to more frequently monitor the location of the flame effects.
In some embodiments, the systems herein may include an interface with a desired fire display. For example, a desired visual flame pattern may be provided. The desired flame pattern may be provided as an image, video, animation, text, numbers, values, or may be created from existing flame templates. In one example, they may be provided as three-dimensional, two-dimensional, or one-dimensional images or patterns. A file or data may be imported from a pre-existing format, or may be entered into a desired format. For example, a video file created in one or more pre-existing video program may be imported.
A desired model of flames may be generated and/or mapped to the location of the flame effects. In some instances, a model of desired flame display may be mapped to a model of existing flame effects. Such mapping may utilize spatial mapping. For example, if the desired model of flames includes a flame at a particular location, the closest flame effect to that location may be selected to be on at that time. As previously described, the flame effects may or may not be stationary during the course of a fire display. The locations of the flame effects may be monitored so that if the positions of the flame effects do change, they are updated. This may also result in updating the display model. A model of a desired flame display may be mapped to the model of the existing flame effects at corresponding points in time. Thus, the model may incorporate changes in flame effect positions. This may be mapped ahead of time with anticipated flame effect positions, or may be done in real-time as flame effects may change positions in an unpredicted manner.
The models may include change in flames over time. For example, an example of a desired flame model may create the appearance of flames traveling from one side of a stage to another. This may requiring timing the turning on and off of flames from different flame effects at set times to create the appearance of the traveling flame. The locations of the various flame effects may be determined, and the timing for each flame effect to emit a flame to create the desired visual effect may be calculated. During a fire display, the various flame effects may be controlled to produce the desired flame effect.
The systems and methods described elsewhere herein may advantageously provide a flame effect assembly that may include a fuel tank, eliminating the need for a plumbing system to operate. Thus the systems described herein need not require pipes or other fluid conduits connecting plurality of flame effects.
The systems and methods may also provide a flame effect with a fuel tank that includes a simple re-fueling system. The systems and methods may permit the measurement of the amount of fuel inside the tank with a fuel-level reporting system to prevent accidental depletion of the fuel during a performance.
Systems and methods herein may also advantageously provide a flame effect that includes a battery, which may eliminate the need for an electrical power distribution system. For example, having a local power source on the flame effect may eliminate the need for power cords to connect all the flame effects, which may reduce the time and messiness associated with wiring. The flame effect may include a simple re-charging system, a battery level monitoring and reporting system, and/or a low operating power requirement to extend the operating time on a single charge.
Similarly, systems and methods disclosed herein may provide a flame effect that may communicate wirelessly with a controller, which may eliminate the need for a wired control signal network. Such a flame element could incorporate appropriate hardware, software and/or firmware to allow it to be wirelessly networked with many other flame effects like itself within a large spatial volume.
Advantageously, systems and methods may be provided that may automatically determine the spatial locations of many flame effects in a single system, which may permit the generation of complex visual patterns and animations in 1, 2 or 3 dimensions without needing pre-determined or manually derived knowledge of the flame effect locations.
It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular implementations have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made thereto and are contemplated herein. It is also not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of embodiments of the invention herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. Various modifications in form and detail of the embodiments of the invention will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such modifications, variations and equivalents.
Claims
1. A standalone flame effect, comprising:
- a fuel source;
- a burner configured to receive a flammable fuel from the fuel source;
- a local power source; and
- a wireless communication module in electrical communication with the local power source.
2. The flame effect of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication module is configured to communicate with a flow rate controller that controls a flow rate of the flammable fuel between the fuel source and the burner.
3. The flame effect of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication module is configured to provide a relative location of the standalone flame effect.
4. The flame effect of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication module is configured to provide an identity of the standalone flame effect.
5. A method for controlling a fire display comprising:
- providing one or more flame effect comprising a burner configured to receive a flammable fuel from a fuel source;
- transmitting, using a wireless communication module of the flame effect, a wireless communication between the flame effect and an external device.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the external device is a controller configured to send a signal to the one or more flame effect to vary or maintain flow rate of the flammable fuel provided to the burner.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein the wireless communication includes instructions to a flow rate controller that controls the flow rate of the flammable fuel between the fuel source and burner.
8. The method of claim 5 wherein the wireless communication includes a relative location of the flame effect.
9. The method of claim 5 wherein the wireless communication includes an identity of the flame effect.
10. A standalone flame effect, comprising:
- a fuel source;
- a burner configured to receive a flammable fuel from the fuel source;
- a local power source; and
- a locating system in electrical communication with the local power source, configured to provide a relative location of the standalone flame effect.
11. The flame effect of claim 10 wherein the local power source is a battery.
12. The flame effect of claim 11 wherein the battery has a charge monitoring and reporting system.
13. The flame effect of claim 10 wherein the fuel source includes a fuel monitoring and reporting system.
14. The flame effect of claim 10 wherein the locating system is capable of automatically determining the position of the flame effect in three dimensions.
15. A flame effect system comprising:
- one or more flame effect comprising a burner configured to receive a flammable fuel from a fuel source and a locating system configured to provide a relative location of the one or more flame effect; and
- a controller configured to send a signal to the one or more flame effect to vary or maintain flow rate of the flammable fuel provided to the burner based on the relative location provided by the locating system.
16. The system of claim 15 further comprising a position transmitter configured to receive a signal with the relative location from the locating system, and provide location information to the controller.
17. A method for controlling a fire display comprising:
- providing one or more flame effect comprising a burner configured to receive a flammable fuel from a fuel source;
- transmitting, from the one or more flame effect, a relative location of the one or more flame effect;
- receiving, at a controller, the relative location of the one or more flame effect; and
- sending a signal to the one or more flame effect to vary or maintain the flammable fuel provided to the burner based on the relative location.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 7, 2011
Publication Date: Jun 13, 2013
Inventors: Mike Thielvoldt (Hayward, CA), Brett Levine (San Francisco, CA)
Application Number: 13/314,144
International Classification: F23N 1/00 (20060101); F23D 14/46 (20060101); F24B 1/181 (20060101); F23C 5/00 (20060101);
