System and method for projecting onto an upper surface of a body of water

Abstract

A projection system for projecting light such as images or content upon a liquid surface such as a lake or pool surface is disclosed. The system includes an agitation assembly selectively operable to agitate a portion of the upper surface of liquid to form a projection screen. The system includes a projector assembly projecting or focusing light onto the projection screen on the upper surface of the liquid. The liquid is translucent to light, but the projection screen on the upper surface reflects a portion of the projected light due to the agitation. The agitation assembly may include an aeration system with a distribution manifold and is positioned below the liquid surface and has outlets discharging gas into the liquid such that air bubbles for the screen. The manifold outlets may be provided at two or more depths, whereby two or more portions of the projection screen are generated at differing times.

Description

technical field [0001] This specification relates generally to visual display and projection systems, and more particularly to a system and method for projecting light, including still and video images, onto a body of water or (or other liquid), such as in a pool or The light being transparent or at least translucent can also provide a display on the upper or outer surface of the water. Background technique [0002] There is a continuing need for methods of producing visually interesting and exciting displays containing water. All over the world, fountains have been developed and installed to entertain audiences with jets and fans of uniquely shaped water. The fountains can even provide unique, choreographed displays that operate in time with music and light displays. In some indoor displays, fog screens have been used to provide a display screen that is used as a display surface using a rear projection system, such display systems have often been used in large commercial ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This can result in unclear or distorted images as they are viewed through depths of water that reduce their clarity

Also, it is usually not desirable to illuminate the bottom of a pool or waterway as this would expose equipment such as the pumps and nozzles used to create fountains or the tracks used to move boats through amusement parks

Furthermore, these underwater lower surfaces, such as the bottom of natural lakes or rivers, which may be covered with mud, stones, or vegetation, generally cannot be used to reflect light in predictable or desirable ways

As a result, the surfaces of lakes, ponds, and rivers (all such that may be artificially created, such as waterways defining rivers used for amusement park rides) have not previously been used as display surfaces for light-based displays or projection media

Images