System and method for providing visual effects

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing visual effects, comprising a structural portion (1), at least one water-filled pool (2) arranged below the structural portion (1), at least one post (3) extending from the at least one pool (2), where the structural portion (1) is arranged at an end of the at least one post (3) that is further from the pool (2). The system further comprises: a movable outer shroud portion (4) at least laterally enclosing the structure (1); a drive mechanism (5) arranged between the shroud portion (4) and the structure (1) and adapted to move the shroud portion (4) relative to the structure (1); and a high-pressure pump system (6) for generating water jets (8), said pump system comprising nozzles (7) arranged side by side in the at least one pool (2) such that the water jets (8) form at least one continuous water wall (9) covering the at least one column (3). During the method, the movable shroud portion (4) is moved by the drive mechanism (5) while adjusting the height (H) of the water jet (8) provided by the high-pressure pump system (6) such that the bottom edge (41) of the shroud portion (4) and the height (H) of the water jet move in a mutually synchronized manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a system and a method for producing a visual effect and a building provided with a system for producing a visual effect according to the invention. Background Art

[0002] Prior art includes various technical solutions for fountains that use water jets for shielding, providing the visual impression that an object floats on top of a water column. Most of these solutions are implemented using a support member made of a transparent material, with water flowing around the support member or with water flowing down the surface of the support member.

[0003] The document with publication number US 2003 / 015642 A1 discloses such a fountain device, which includes a container having a top with an opening therein and a bottom for storing liquid (e.g., water). An elongated hollow support member is positioned inside the container and extends from the opening at the top, the support member having a first end mounted at or near the bottom of the container, a second end terminating at a predetermined distance above the opening at the top, and an outer surface through which the liquid flows. A pump positioned inside and operably connected to the first end of the support member pumps the liquid inside into and through the hollow support member, flows out from the second end thereof, and then returns to the inside of the container along the outer surface of the support member.

[0004] According to another possible solution, water is pumped upward from the bottom in some way, wherein a water curtain formed by the water jets shields the supporting structure.

[0005] Although the technical solutions of the prior art have basically achieved the desired effects, they are limited in terms of effect quality and usability.

[0006] The system and method according to the present invention aims to further improve the existing technical solutions in terms of visual effects and applicability.

[0007] The solution according to the invention is based on the recognition that, in order to convincingly simulate a floating object, it is important not only to hide the supporting columns, but also to give the outside observer the impression that the floating object or structure is moving (swaying, rocking) independently of the ground, as if the two objects were completely independent of each other. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved by providing a system, which in the most general embodiment comprises a structural part, at least one water-filled pool arranged below the structural part, at least one column extending from the at least one pool, wherein the structural part is arranged at the end of the at least one column that is farther from the pool. The system also includes: a movable outer shield part, which at least laterally encloses the structure; a drive mechanism, which is arranged between the shield part and the structure and is suitable for moving the shield part relative to the structure; and a high-pressure pump system, which is used to generate water jets, the pump system including nozzles, which are arranged side by side in the at least one pool so that the water jets form at least one continuous water wall, which shields the at least one column.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the height of the water wall formed by the water jets can be adjusted by means of a high-pressure pump system.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system further comprises a control unit adapted to control in real time the position of the shield portion provided by the drive mechanism and the height of the water jet provided by the high pressure pump system in a mutually synchronized manner.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the structure partially encloses a freely usable interior space.

[0012] In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the movable shield part is formed by a plurality of separate shield components.

[0013] In another embodiment of the system according to the invention, the movable shield part is movable up and down relative to the structure.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, the movable cover part is movable in all three spatial directions relative to the structure.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention the part of said at least one column situated in said pool filled with water is provided with a reflecting surface.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the system according to the invention the entire surface of said water-filled pool is provided with a reflecting surface.

[0017] A preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be a building including any of the above-mentioned systems.

[0018] The object of the present invention can be achieved by providing a method, which includes the following steps: providing a structure, which is arranged on at least one column extending from at least one pool, and the structure is provided with a shield part arranged on a driving mechanism; further providing a high-pressure pump system, which includes nozzles, which are arranged side by side in at least one pool filled with water so that water jets form at least one continuous water wall, which shields the at least one column; and moving the movable shield part by the driving mechanism, while adjusting the height of the water jet provided by the high-pressure pump system, so that the bottom edge of the shield part and the height of the water jet move in a synchronous manner with each other.

[0019] A preferred way of carrying out the method according to the invention comprises moving the movable shield part up and down relative to the structure.

[0020] Another preferred way of carrying out the method according to the invention comprises moving the movable hood part in all three spatial directions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Some preferred embodiments of the technical solution of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 An exemplary preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown in a perspective view,

[0023] Figure 2 is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention,

[0024] Figure 3 shows a preferred configuration of an exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention, which has a truncated pyramid geometry,

[0025] Figure 4 A further preferred embodiment of an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown, which has a truncated pyramidal geometry,

[0026] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention,

[0027] Figure 6 is based on Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0028] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another possible embodiment of a system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 and Figure 2A preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention is shown. The system according to the exemplary embodiment includes a cylindrical structural part 1, which, as an alternative to this embodiment, can also be configured to have other simple or complex geometric shapes, such as a block shape or a truncated pyramid shape with a triangular base, a square base or a hexagonal base. The system also includes a pool 2, which is filled with water or a liquid with the same properties as water, wherein a column 3 is arranged in the pool 2, so that the base of the column 3 is surrounded by the pool 2 from all directions, and the structural part 1 is arranged at the top of the column 3.

[0030] The structural part 1 is provided with a movable outer shield part 4, which preferably surrounds the structural part from the side and is connected to the structural part 1 via a drive mechanism 5 arranged between the shield part 4 and the structural part 1, wherein the drive mechanism 5 makes the shield part 4 movable relative to the structural part 1. The distance between the wall of the shield part 4 and the wall of the structural part 1 must be selected such that the necessary components of the drive mechanism 5 can be accommodated therein.

[0031] If not like Figure 1 and Figure 2 If, as in the illustrated embodiment, the walls of the structural part 1 are not parallel to each other, the shield part 4 must be configured so that sufficient space is provided between the walls of both the shield part 4 and the structural part 1 for accommodating the drive mechanism 5, because in this case, the distance between the structural part 1 and the shield part 4 varies depending on the position of the drive mechanism 5. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Such an embodiment is shown.

[0032] The movable shielding part 4 is configured so that during its movement, the structural part 1 is shielded from external observers in any position of the movement. Preferably, this can be achieved by ensuring that the shielding part 4 overhangs both the upper side and the bottom side of the building part at its upper edge 42 and at its lower edge 41.

[0033] Figure 4 Another feature of the embodiment shown is that the shield portion 4 can be configured to enclose the structural portion 1 from above like a hood, so that when viewed from above, the structural portion is also shielded (thus Figure 4 In this case, it must be ensured that the upward and downward movement of the shield part 4 can also be carried out in the upper part.

[0034] Figures 1 to 4Another essential component of the depicted system is a high-pressure pump system 6 adapted to provide water jets 8. The high-pressure pump system 6 comprises a plurality of nozzles 7 arranged at the bottom of the pool 2, said nozzles being arranged side by side so that the water jets 8 form a substantially continuous water wall 9. The water wall 9 is arranged so that for an external observer it blocks the view of the column 3, so that the column is not visible.

[0035] In order that the various components of the system can be operated in a coordinated manner, the system also includes a control unit, which is suitable for controlling in real time in a mutually synchronized manner the position of the shield portion 4 provided by the drive mechanism 5 and the height H of the water jet provided by the high-pressure pump system 6. The height H of the water jet 8 can even be adjusted independently, i.e. nozzle by nozzle, using the high-pressure pump system 6 by the control unit.

[0036] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 Another preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention can be seen in , wherein the structural part 1 is arranged at the top end of more than one substantially vertical columns 3, which are preferably arranged in a water-filled pool 2. The columns may be of any number and shape that provides a safe support for the structural part 1.

[0037] In this exemplary embodiment, the structural part 1 is provided with a movable outer shield part 4, which is formed by a plurality of shield members 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. The shield part can be moved in a member-by-member manner or even as a whole, preferably in an up-down direction perpendicular to the water surface of the pool 2, but it is also conceivable that the shield members can be moved with multiple degrees of freedom, that is, in all spatial directions.

[0038] The driving mechanism 5 is provided on the structural part 1 and between the structural part 1 and the shield members 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d of the shield part 4 according to the degree of freedom of movement, thereby allowing the shield members 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to move.

[0039] The drive mechanism 5 is essentially a mechanical solution known per se consisting of multiple components (e.g. a set of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders), or a solution with a rack and pinion or a capstan and wire arrangement driven by an (electric) motor, but other technical solutions providing the required functionality may also be applied.

[0040] Figure 5 and Figure 6The shield members 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d of the movable shield part 4 of the depicted preferred embodiment are configured so that during their movement, the structural part 1 is shielded from external observers in any movement position. Preferably, this can be achieved by ensuring that the shield part 4 overhangs both the upper side and the bottom side of the building part at its upper edge 42 and at its lower edge 41 and that they fit closely or overlap each other in the lateral direction.

[0041] Other preferred configurations are possible, in which the shield portion 4 is configured to include a plurality of separate shield members 4a, 4b, ... 4n, which, depending on the geometry of the structural portion 1, consist of elements of different sizes, or consist of identical elements surrounding the structural portion in an overlapping manner. Figure 7 An example of such a configuration is depicted.

[0042] Still according to Figures 5 to 7 In the case of an embodiment of the system, the system comprises a high-pressure pump system 6 suitable for providing water jets 8, wherein the nozzles 7 thereof are arranged side by side in the pool 2 so that the water jets 8 form a substantially continuous water wall 9, which is arranged to shield the column 3 from an external observer.

[0043] For the purpose of operating its components, the system also comprises a control unit adapted to control in real time, in a mutually synchronized manner, the position of the shield portion 4 provided by the drive mechanism 5 and the height H of the water jets provided by the high-pressure pump system 6. The height H of the water jets 8 can even be adjusted individually, i.e. nozzle by nozzle, by the control unit using the high-pressure pump system 6.

[0044] In all exemplary embodiments ( Figure 1-7 ), the structural part 1 includes a usable interior space 11, which can be, for example, a visitor space, a living space or other functional room, or the structural part 1 itself can be implemented as a booth, a kiosk or other building unit.

[0045] Various openings 12, such as ventilation holes, windows or door openings, may be formed in the structural part 1 and the shield part 4, so that the interior space 11 ( Figure 7 ).

[0046] In another possible exemplary embodiment, in order to provide an improved visual effect, the part of the column 3 located in the pool 2 or the entire underwater surface of the pool is provided with a mirrored or reflective surface, preferably a mirror.

[0047] The object of the present invention is basically achieved by a method performed by applying any of the preferred embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings. The method comprises moving the shield part 4 by means of a drive mechanism 5 while providing a water jet 8 by means of a high-pressure pump system 6. The height H of the water jet 8 is adjusted so that the bottom edge 41 of the shield part 4 and the height H of the water jet 8 move in a coordinated manner. The bottom edge 41 and the height H of the water jet 8 are preferably arranged relative to each other to give an external observer such a visual impression that the shield part 4 of the system is maintained at a given height by a water wall 9 formed by the water jet 8. Preferably, this can be achieved by bringing the top of the shield part 4 into contact with the top of the water jet 8 or by bringing the top of the shield part to a distance negligible to the naked eye from the top of the water jet. The simplest way to accurately perform this exemplary method is to use a built-in control unit.

[0048] Thus, the technical solution according to the invention has a wider field of application than the prior art solutions, for example for buildings and information kiosks, and can also visually simulate the movement of buildings without moving the interior space and its occupants together. This increases the enjoyment value of the visual effect without causing the users of the interior space to feel an uncomfortable "shake".

[0049] Reference numerals list

[0050] 1-Structure

[0051] 2-Pool

[0052] 3-column

[0053] 4-Shield part

[0054] 4a, 4b...4n-shield components

[0055] 5- Driving mechanism

[0056] 6-High pressure pump system

[0057] 7-Nozzle

[0058] 8- Water jet

[0059] 9- Water Wall

[0060] 11-Inner Space

[0061] 12-Opening

[0062] 41 - bottom edge

[0063] 42-Top edge

Claims

1. A system for generating visual effects, comprising: - structural part (1), - at least one pool (2) filled with water arranged below the structural part (1), - at least one column (3) extending from said at least one tank (2), wherein the structural part (1) is arranged at an end of the at least one column (3) which is farther from the pool (2), Characterized in that the system further comprises: a removable outer shield portion (4) at least laterally enclosing the structure (1); a drive mechanism (5) arranged between the shield portion (4) and the structure (1) and adapted to move the shield portion (4) relative to the structure (1); and A high-pressure pump system (6) for generating water jets (8), the pump system comprising nozzles (7) which are arranged side by side in the at least one pool (2) so that the water jets (8) form at least one continuous water wall (9) shielding the at least one column (3).

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The height (H) of the water wall (9) formed by the water jet (8) can be adjusted by means of the high-pressure pump system (6).

3. The system according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that The system further comprises a control unit adapted to control in real time, in a mutually synchronized manner, the position of the shield portion (4) provided by the drive mechanism (5) and the height (H) of the water jet provided by the high-pressure pump system (6).

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The structure partially encloses an interior space (11) that can be used freely.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The movable shield part (4) is formed by a plurality of separate shield members (4a, 4b, ... 4n).

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The movable shield part (4) is capable of moving up and down relative to the structure (1).

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The movable hood part (4) is movable in all spatial directions relative to the structure (1).

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The portion of the at least one column (3) situated in the water-filled pool (2) is provided with a reflecting surface.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The entire surface of the water-filled pool (2) is provided with a reflective surface.

10. A building, characterized in that: The building is provided with a system according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A method for producing a visual effect, characterized in that Perform the following steps: A structure (1) is provided, the structure being arranged on at least one column (3) extending from at least one tank (2), the structure (1) being provided with a shield portion (4) arranged on a drive mechanism (5), A high-pressure pump system (6) is also provided, comprising nozzles (7) arranged side by side in the at least one water-filled pool (2) so that the water jets (8) form at least one continuous water wall (9) shielding the at least one column (3), and The movable shield part (4) is moved by the drive mechanism (5) and the height (H) of the water jet (8) provided by the high-pressure pump system (6) is adjusted simultaneously, so that the bottom edge (41) of the shield part (4) and the height (H) of the water jet move in a mutually synchronized manner.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The movable shield portion (4) is moved up and down relative to the structure (1).

13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The movable hood part (4) is moved in all three spatial directions.

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