System and method for providing visual effects

Abstract

System and method for providing a visual effect, comprising a structure part (1), at least one water-filled basin (2) arranged below the structure part (1), at least one column (3) extending from the at least one basin (2), wherein the structure part (1) is arranged at an end of the at least one column (3) further away from the basin (2). The system further comprises a movable outer shroud part (4) laterally enclosing the structure (1), a drive mechanism (5) arranged between the shroud part (4) and the structure (1) and adapted to move the shroud part (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 basin (2) such that the water jets (8) form at least one continuous water wall (9) shielding the at least one column (3). During the method, the movable shroud part (4) is moved by the drive mechanism (5) while the height (H) of the water jets (8) provided by the high-pressure pump system (6) is adjusted such that the bottom edge (41) of the shroud part (4) and the height (H) of the water jets move in a mutually synchronized manner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for creating a visual effect and a building provided with a system for creating a visual effect according to the invention. BACKGROUND

[0002] The prior art includes various technical solutions for fountains, which use water jets for masking, providing the visual impression of floating objects at the top of the water column. Most of these solutions are implemented using a support member made of transparent material, with water flowing around the support member or water flowing down along the surface of the support member.

[0003] Document with publication number US 2003 / 015642 A1 discloses a fountain device comprising a container having a top with an opening therein and a bottom for storing a liquid, such as water. An elongated hollow support member is positioned inside the container, extending from the opening of the top, having a first end portion mounted at or near the bottom of the container, a second end portion terminating at a predetermined distance above the opening of the top, and an outer surface through which the liquid flows. A pump positioned inside and operatively connected to the first end portion of the support member pumps the liquid inside and through the hollow support member, out of its second end portion, and then back to the inside of the container along the outer surface of the support member.

[0004] According to another possible solution, water is pumped upwards from the bottom in such a way that the water curtain formed by the water jets masks the support member.

[0005] The technical solutions of the prior art, although they basically achieve the desired effect, are limited both in terms of quality of the effect and in terms of usability.

[0006] The purpose of the system and method according to the invention is to further improve the existing technical solutions both in terms of visual effect and in terms of usability.

[0007] The technical solution according to the invention is based on the recognition that, in order to convincingly imitate floating objects, it is important not only to hide the support column, but also to give the external 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

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to be achieved by providing a system, which in the most general embodiment comprises a structure part, at least one water-filled pool arranged below the structure part, at least one column extending from the at least one pool, wherein the structure part is arranged at the end of the at least one column which is further away from the pool. The system further comprises a movable outer shield part which at least laterally encloses the structure, a drive mechanism arranged between the shield part and the structure and adapted to move the shield part relative to the structure, and a high-pressure pump system for generating water jets, which pump system comprises nozzles arranged side by side in the at least one pool such that the water jets form at least one continuous water wall which screens 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 with the 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 the position of the shield part provided by the drive mechanism and the height of the water jets provided by the high-pressure pump system in a mutually synchronized manner in real time.

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

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

[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 another embodiment of the system according to the invention, the movable shield part is movable in all three spatial directions relative to the structure.

[0015] In another embodiment of the system according to the invention, the part of the at least one column which is located in the water-filled pool is provided with a reflective surface.

[0016] In yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention, the entire surface of the water-filled pool is provided with a reflective surface.

[0017] A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention can be a building comprising any of the above-mentioned systems.

[0018] The object of the present invention can be achieved by providing a method comprising the steps of: providing a structure arranged on at least one column extending from at least one pool, the structure having a shield portion arranged on a drive mechanism; further providing a high-pressure pump system including nozzles arranged side-by-side in at least one water-filled pool such that a water jet forms at least one continuous water wall that shields the at least one column; and moving the movable shield portion by the drive mechanism while adjusting the height of the water jet provided by the high-pressure pump system such that the bottom edge of the shield portion and the height of the water jet move synchronously with each other.

[0019] A preferred manner of performing the method according to the invention includes moving the movable shield portion vertically relative to the structure.

[0020] Another preferred manner of carrying out the method according to the invention includes moving the movable shield portion in all three spatial directions. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The following describes some preferred embodiments of the technical solution of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

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

[0023] Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of an embodiment,

[0024] Figure 3 A preferred configuration of an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown, having a truncated pyramidal geometry.

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

[0026] Figure 5 A perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the embodiment, and

[0028] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of another feasible embodiment of the system according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 and Figure 2A preferred embodiment of a system according to the present application is shown. The system according to the exemplary embodiment comprises a cylindrical structural part 1, which can also be configured to have other simple or complex geometrical shapes, such as a block shape with a triangular base, a square base or a hexagonal base or a truncated pyramid shape, as an alternative to this embodiment. The system further comprises a pool 2 filled with water or a liquid having the same properties as water, wherein a column 3 is arranged in the pool 2 such 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 end of the column 3.

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

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

[0032] The movable shroud part 4 is configured such that during its movement the structural part 1 is obscured for an external observer in any position of the movement. Preferably, this can be achieved by ensuring that the shroud part 4 overhangs both the upper side and the underside 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 shroud part 4 can be configured to enclose the structural part 1 like a hood from above, so that the structural part is also obscured when viewed from above (and thus not visible in Figure 4 In this case, it must be ensured that the upward and downward movement of the shroud part 4 is also possible 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 it obstructs the view of the column 3 for an outside observer, so that the column is not visible.

[0035] In order for the individual components of the system to be able to operate in a coordinated manner, the system also comprises a control unit adapted to control the position of the shield part 4 provided by the drive mechanism 5 and the height H of the water jets provided by the high-pressure pump system 6 in a mutually synchronized manner in real time. It is even possible to apply the control unit to adjust the height H of the water jets 8 independently, i.e. individually, by the high-pressure pump system 6.

[0036] In Figure 5 and Figure 6 Another preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention can be seen in which the structural part 1 is provided at the top end of more than one substantially vertical column 3, said columns being preferably arranged in a pool 2 filled with water. The columns can have any number and shape that provides a secure support for the structural part 1.

[0037] In this exemplary embodiment, the structural part 1 is provided with a movable outer shield part 4 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 one whole, preferably in the 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, i.e. in all spatial directions.

[0038] The drive mechanism 5 is arranged 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 freedom of movement, thus allowing the shield members 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to be moved.

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

[0040] Figure 5 and Figure 6The shield members 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d of the moveable shield part 4 of the depicted preferred embodiment are configured such that during their movement the structure part 1 is masked for an external observer in any movement position. Preferably this can be achieved by ensuring that the shield part 4 overhangs both the upper side and the underside of the building part at its upper edge 42 as well as at its lower edge 41 and by ensuring that they fit closely or overlap each other laterally.

[0041] Other preferred configurations can also be employed, wherein the shield part 4 is configured to comprise a plurality of individual shield members 4a, 4b,... 4n, which consist of elements of different sizes or of the same elements surrounding the structure part in an overlapping manner, depending on the geometry of the structure part 1. Figure 7 One example of such a configuration is depicted.

[0042] Also in the case of embodiments according to Figures 5 to 7 the system comprises a high-pressure pump system 6 suitable for providing water jets 8, wherein its nozzles 7 are arranged side by side in the basin 2 such that the water jets 8 form a substantially continuous water wall 9, which is arranged to mask the column 3 for an external observer.

[0043] For the purpose of operating its components, the system further comprises a control unit, which is suitable for controlling the position of the shield part 4 provided by the drive mechanism 5 and the height H of the water jets provided by the high-pressure pump system 6 in a mutually synchronized manner in real time. It is even possible for the control unit to apply an individual, i.e. nozzle-by-nozzle adjustment of the height H of the water jets 8 by the high-pressure pump system 6.

[0044] In all exemplary embodiments ( Figures 1-7 ), the structure part 1 comprises a usable interior space 11, which can be, for example, a visitor space, a living space or other functional room, or the structure part 1 itself can be implemented as an exhibition stand, a kiosk or other architectural unit.

[0045] Various different openings 12, such as ventilation holes, windows or door openings, can be formed in the structure part 1 and the shield part 4, so that the interior space 11 can be utilized according to its intended purpose ( Figure 7 ).

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

[0047] The object of the present invention is substantially achieved by a method performed by applying any one of the preferred embodiments depicted in the attached 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 in such a way that the bottom edge 41 of the shield part 4 and the height H of the water jet 8 are moved in a mutually coordinated manner. The bottom edge 41 and the height H of the water jet 8 are preferably arranged relative to each other in such a way that the visual impression for an external observer is that the shield part 4 of the system is held at a given height by means of the water wall 9 formed by the water jet 8. Preferably, this can be achieved by bringing the top end of the shield part 4 into contact with the top end of the water jet 8 or by bringing the top end of the shield part into a distance from the top end of the water jet that is negligible to the naked eye. The simplest way to perform this exemplary method accurately is by applying a built-in control unit.

[0048] In this way, the technical solution according to the present invention has a wider field of application than the prior art solution, for example for buildings and information kiosks, and can also visually simulate the movement of a building without moving the interior space and the occupants thereof. This increases the enjoyment value of the visual effect without the users of the interior space feeling an uncomfortable "sway".

[0049] List of reference signs

[0050] 1 - structural part

[0051] 2 - basin

[0052] 3 - column

[0053] 4 - shield part

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

[0055] 5 - drive mechanism

[0056] 6 - high-pressure pump system

[0057] 7 - nozzle

[0058] 8 - water jet

[0059] 9 - water wall

[0060] 11 - interior space

[0061] 12 - opening

[0062] 41 - bottom edge

[0063] 42 - upper edge

Claims

1. A system for creating visual effects, comprising: - a structure part (1), - at least one water-filled basin (2) arranged below the structure part (1), - at least one column (3) extending from the at least one water-filled basin (2), wherein the structure part (1) is arranged at the end of the at least one column (3) that is further from the basin (2), characterized in that the system for creating visual effects further comprises: - a movable outer shroud part (4) at least laterally enclosing the structure part (1); - a drive mechanism (5) arranged between the movable outer shroud part (4) and the structure part (1) and adapted to move the movable outer shroud part (4) relative to the structure part (1); and - a high-pressure pump system (6) for creating water jets (8), the high-pressure pump system comprising nozzles (7) arranged side by side in the at least one water-filled basin (2) such that the water jets (8) form at least one continuous water wall (9) that screens the at least one column (3).

2. The system for generating visual effects of claim 1, wherein, The height (H) of the water wall (9) formed by the water jets (8) can be adjusted with the high-pressure pump system (6).

3. The system for generating visual effects of claim 2, wherein, The system for creating visual effects further comprises a control unit adapted to control in real time the position of the movable outer shroud part (4) provided by the drive mechanism (5) and the height (H) of the water jets provided by the high-pressure pump system (6) in a mutually synchronized manner.

4. The system for generating visual effects according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The structure part encloses an interior space (11) that can be freely used.

5. The system for producing a visual effect according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The movable outer shroud part (4) is formed from a plurality of individual shroud members (4a, 4b,... 4n).

6. The system for producing a visual effect according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The movable outer shroud part (4) can be moved up and down relative to the structure part (1).

7. The system for producing a visual effect according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The movable outer shroud part (4) can be moved in all spatial directions relative to the structure part (1).

8. The system for producing a visual effect according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The part of the at least one column (3) that is in the water-filled basin (2) is provided with a reflective surface.

9. The system for producing a visual effect according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The entire surface of the water-filled basin (2) is provided with a reflective surface.

10. A building, characterized in that The building is provided with a system for creating visual effects according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The movable shroud part is moved up and down relative to the structure part (1).

13. The method of claim 11, wherein, The movable shroud part is moved in all three spatial directions.

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