Systems and methods for creating visual effects

Abstract

A system and method for creating a visual effect includes a structure (1), a pool (2) disposed below the structure, and support columns (3) extending from the pool, the structure disposed at the ends of the support columns protruding from the pool. The system further includes a movable outer shroud (4) laterally surrounding the structure, a drive mechanism (5) disposed between the shroud and the structure for moving the shroud relative to the structure, and a high-pressure pump system (6) for generating water jets (8), the pump system including nozzles (7) arranged side by side within the pool so that the water jets form a continuous water wall that conceals the support columns. The height of the water jets supplied by the pump system is adjusted simultaneously with the movement of the movable shroud by the drive mechanism so that the lower edge (41) of the shroud and the height (H) of the water jets move synchronously with each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for creating visual effects, and to a building provided with a system for creating visual effects according to the invention. [Background technology]

[0002] The prior art contains various technical solutions for fountains that give the visual impression of an object floating at the top of a water column, hidden by a water jet. Most of these solutions are implemented by using a support member made of a transparent material, with water flowing around the support member or running down along its surface.

[0003] Publication No. US2003 / 015642A1 discloses a fountain arrangement including a container having a top with an opening and a bottom for storing a liquid, such as water. An elongated hollow support member is positioned within the container, extending from the top opening. The support member has a first end at or near the bottom of the container, a second end terminating a predetermined distance above the top opening, and an outer surface through which the liquid flows. A pump disposed within the container and operably connected to the first end of the support member pumps the liquid up the hollow support member, out the second end, and back into the container along the outer surface of the support member.

[0004] According to another possible solution, the water is pumped from the bottom in some way, and the water curtain formed by the water jets hides the support members.

[0005] Although the prior art technical solutions basically achieve the desired effect, they are limited in both the quality and usefulness of the effect.

[0006] The aim of the system and method according to the present invention is to further improve existing technical solutions both in terms of visual appearance and applicability.

[0007] The technical solution according to the present invention is based on the realization that in order to convincingly simulate a floating object, it is important not only to hide the supports, but also to give an outside observer the impression that the floating object or structure is moving (swaying, swaying) independently from the ground. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In its most general implementation, the object of the present invention is realized by providing a system comprising a structure, at least one water-filled pool arranged below the structure, and at least one support column extending from the at least one pool, the structure arranged on an end of the at least one support column protruding from the pool, the system further comprising a movable outer shroud portion at least laterally surrounding the structure, a drive mechanism arranged between the shroud portion and the structure and adapted to move the shroud portion relative to the structure, and a high-pressure pump system for generating water jets, the pump system comprising nozzles arranged side by side in the at least one pool such that the water jets form at least one continuous water wall hiding the at least one support 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 using a high-pressure pump system.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system further comprises a control unit adapted for controlling in real time the position of the shroud portion provided by the drive mechanism and the height (H) of the water jet supplied by the high-pressure pump system in synchronization with each other.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the structure comprises a freely available internal space.

[0012] In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the present invention, the movable shroud portion is formed from a plurality of individual shroud members.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, the movable shroud portion is movable up and down relative to the structure.

[0014] In another embodiment of the system according to the invention, the movable shroud portion is movable in all three spatial directions relative to the structure portion.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, at least one pole located within the pool filled with water is provided with a reflective surface on a portion thereof.

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

[0017] A suitable exemplary implementation of the present invention may be a building equipped with any one of the systems described above.

[0018] The object of the present invention can be achieved by providing a method comprising the steps of: providing a structure provided with a shroud portion arranged on at least one support column extending from at least one pool and arranged on a drive mechanism; further providing a high-pressure pump system with nozzles arranged side by side in the at least one pool filled with water so that the water jets form at least one continuous water wall that hides the at least one support column; and moving the movable shroud portion by the drive mechanism while simultaneously adjusting the height of the water jet supplied by the high-pressure pump system so that the lower edge of the shroud portion and the height of the water jet move synchronously with each other.

[0019] A preferred way of carrying out the method of the present invention comprises moving the movable shroud portion up and down relative to the structure.

[0020] Another preferred way of carrying out the method according to the invention comprises moving the movable shroud portion in all three spatial directions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] Certain preferred embodiments of the technical solutions according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows an exemplary preferred embodiment of a system according to the present invention in a perspective view; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment according to FIG. [Figure 3] 1 shows a preferred configuration of an exemplary embodiment of a system according to the present invention having a truncated pyramidal geometry. [Figure 4] 1 shows another preferred implementation of an exemplary embodiment of a system according to the present invention, having a truncated pyramidal geometry. [Figure 5] 1 shows a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment according to FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view of a further possible embodiment of the system according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention. The system according to the exemplary embodiment comprises a cylindrical structural part 1, which may alternatively be configured to have other simple or complex geometric shapes, such as a triangular, square, or hexagonal pyramid block shape, or a pyramidal truncation. The system further comprises a pool 2 filled with water or a liquid having the same properties as water, in which a support 3 is arranged, the base of which is surrounded by the pool on all sides, and the structural part 1 is arranged at the top of the support 3.

[0023] The structure 1 is provided with a movable outer shroud part 4, which preferably laterally surrounds the structure 1 and is connected to the structure 1 via a drive mechanism 5 arranged between the shroud part 4 and the structure 1, and is movable relative to the structure 1 by means of the drive mechanism 5. The distance between the wall of the shroud part 4 and the wall of the structure 1 must be selected so that the essential components of the drive mechanism 5 can be accommodated.

[0024] 1 and 2, if the walls of the structure 1 are not parallel to each other, the distance between the structure 1 and the shroud 4 will vary depending on the position of the drive mechanism 5, and therefore the shroud 4 will need to be configured such that there is sufficient space between the walls of the shroud 4 and the walls of the structure 1 to accommodate the drive mechanism 5. Such an embodiment is shown in FIGS.

[0025] The movable shroud portion 4 is configured such that, during the course of movement, the structural portion 1 is hidden from outside observers in any position of movement. Preferably, this can be achieved by ensuring that the shroud portion 4 overhangs both the top and bottom of the building portion at its upper edge 42 and lower edge 41.

[0026] Another feature of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 is that the shroud portion 4 may be configured to cover the structure 1 from above like a hood, thereby hiding the structure when viewed from above (and therefore not visible in Figure 4). In such a case, it is necessary to ensure that up and down movement of the shroud portion 4 is possible at the top.

[0027] Another exemplary component of the system shown in Figures 1-4 is a high-pressure pump system 6 adapted to supply water jets. The high-pressure pump system 6 includes a plurality of nozzles 7 disposed on the bottom surface of the pool 2, the nozzles being arranged in an array such that the water jets 8 form a substantially continuous water wall 9. The water wall 9 is positioned to obscure the support columns 3 from view to an outside observer, so that the support columns 3 are not visible.

[0028] So that the various components of the system can work in unison, the system further comprises a control unit adapted for controlling in real time the position of the shroud portion 4 provided by the drive mechanism 5 and the height H of the water jets supplied by the high-pressure pump system 6 in synchronization with each other. The height H of the water jets 8 can also be adjusted individually, i.e. for each nozzle, by the control unit operating the high-pressure pump system 6.

[0029] 5 and 6, another preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention is shown, in which the structure 1 is placed on top of a number of substantially vertical columns 3, which are preferably placed in a pool 2 filled with water. The columns may be of any number and shape that provides secure support for the structure 1.

[0030] In this exemplary embodiment, the structure 1 is provided with a movable outer shroud part 4 formed by several shroud parts 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. The shroud part can be moved piece by piece or as a whole, preferably in the up and down direction perpendicular to the water surface of the pool 2, although solutions can also be envisaged in which the shroud parts can be moved with multiple degrees of freedom, i.e. in all spatial directions.

[0031] The drive mechanism 5 is arranged in the structural part 1 between the structural part 1 and the shroud members 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d of the shroud part 4 according to the degree of freedom of movement, allowing the shroud members 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to move.

[0032] The drive mechanism 5 is essentially a mechanical solution known per se, consisting of several components, for example an assembly of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, or a solution with a rack and pinion or winch and wire arrangement driven by an (electric) motor, although other technical solutions providing the required functions may also be applied.

[0033] The shroud members 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d of the movable shroud part 4 of the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 are configured such that, during the course of movement, the structural part 1 is hidden from outside observers at any position of movement. Preferably, this can be achieved by ensuring that the shroud parts 4 overhang both the top and bottom of the building part at their upper and lower edges 42, 41 and fit tightly or overlap each other in the lateral direction.

[0034] Other suitable configurations are possible in which the shroud portion 4 comprises multiple separate shroud members 4a, 4b... 4n made up of overlapping elements of different sizes or identical elements surrounding the structure 1, depending on the geometry of the structure 1. An example of such a configuration is shown in Figure 7.

[0035] The system also, in the case of the embodiment according to Figures 5 to 7, comprises a high-pressure pump system 6 adapted to supply water jets 8, the nozzles 7 of which are arranged in a row within the pool 2 in such a way that the water jets 8 form a substantially continuous water wall 9 arranged to hide the support 3 from an outside observer.

[0036] To operate the components, the system further comprises a control unit adapted to control in real time the position of the shroud part 4 provided by the drive mechanism 5 and the height H of the water jets supplied by the high-pressure pump system 6 in synchronization with each other. The height H of the water jets 8 can also be adjusted individually, i.e. for each nozzle, by the control unit actuating the high-pressure pump system 6.

[0037] In all exemplary embodiments (FIGS. 1-7), the structure 1 comprises a usable interior space 11 which may be, for example, a visitor space, a resident space or other functional room, or the structure 1 may itself be implemented as a booth, kiosk or other building unit.

[0038] Various different openings 12, such as ventilation openings, window or door openings, may be formed in the structural part 1 and the shroud part 4 so that the interior space 11 is available according to the intended purpose (Fig. 7).

[0039] In another possible exemplary embodiment, a portion of the support 3 located within the pool 2 or the entire underwater surface of the pool is provided with a specular or reflective surface, preferably a mirror, to provide an enhanced visual effect.

[0040] The objects of the present invention are substantially realized by a method performed by applying any one of the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings. The method comprises supplying a water jet 8 by a high-pressure pump system 6 while moving a shroud portion 4 by a drive mechanism 5. The height H of the water jet 8 is adjusted so that a lower edge 41 of the shroud portion 4 and the height H of the water jet 8 move in unison with each other. The lower edge 41 and the height H of the water jet 8 are preferably positioned relative to each other to give an external observer the visual impression that the shroud portion 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 having the upper edge of the shroud portion 4 coincide with the upper edge of the water jet 8 or by having them at a distance negligible to the naked eye. The simplest way to implement the exemplary method is by using an integrated control unit.

[0041] Thus, the technical solution according to the present invention has a wider range of applications than prior art solutions, for example in buildings and kiosks, and can also visually mimic the movement of a building without moving the interior space and its occupants, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the visual effect without subjecting the users of the interior space to an unpleasant "wobble". [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1 Structure 2. Pool 3 pillars 4 Shroud section 4a, 4b...4n Shroud members 5 Drive mechanism 6. High-pressure pump system 7 nozzles 8. Water Jet 9. Water Wall 11 Interior Space 12 Opening 41 Lower edge 42 Upper edge

Claims

1. 1. A system for producing visual effects, comprising: A structural part (1), at least one water-filled pool (2) located below said structure (1); At least one support (3) extending from said at least one pool (2); Equipped with The structure (1) is arranged at the end of the at least one support (3) protruding from the pool (2), a movable outer shroud portion (4) surrounding the structural portion (1) at least laterally; 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), the high-pressure pump system (6) comprising nozzles (7) 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) hiding the at least one strut (3). The system further comprising:

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

3. 3. The system according to claims 1 and 2, further comprising a control unit adapted for controlling in real time the position of the shroud portion (4) provided by the drive mechanism (5) and the height (H) of the water jet supplied by the high-pressure pump system (6) in synchronization with each other.

4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the structure comprises a freely accessible internal space (11).

5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the movable shroud portion (4) is formed from a plurality of individual shroud members (4a, 4b, . . . 4n).

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the movable shroud part (4) is movable in the up and down direction relative to the structural part (1).

7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the movable shroud part (4) is movable in all spatial directions relative to the structural part (1).

8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a part of said at least one support (3) located in said pool (2) filled with water is provided with a reflective surface.

9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the entire surface of the water-filled pool (2) is provided with a reflective surface.

10. A building equipped with a system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. 1. A method for producing a visual effect, comprising: providing a structure (1) disposed on at least one support (3) extending from at least one pool (2) and provided with a shroud (4) disposed on a drive mechanism (5); providing a high-pressure pump system (6) with nozzles (7) arranged side by side within said at least one water-filled pool (2) such that water jets (8) form at least one continuous water wall (9) that conceals said at least one support column (3); moving the movable shroud portion (4) by the drive mechanism (5) and simultaneously adjusting the height (H) of the water jet (8) supplied by the high-pressure pump system (6) so that the lower edge (41) of the shroud portion (4) and the height (H) of the water jet move synchronously with each other; A method comprising:

12. 10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the movable shroud part (4) is moved up and down relative to the structural part (1).

13. 10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the movable shroud part (4) is moved in all three spatial directions.

Images