Abstract:
A fountain control system capable of synchronizing a water, light, and sound performance. The fountain control system includes a plurality of variable speed pumps which are used to control the flow of water through the discharge conduits and ultimately the height of the stream of water projected by the discharge outlet. The fountain control system is capable of varying the speed of the pumps in accordance with an audio input signal and thereby control the height of the stream of water without the use of valves. The light and sound aspects of the performance are delayed to compensate for mechanical delays in the system to ensure a synchronized performance. The fountain control system has the added ability of providing a unique performance based on different pieces of music without the need of reprogramming.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to decorative water fountains which incorporate the use of such things as lighting and sound features, and in particular relates to systems, methods and apparatuses for infinitely varying the water output of the fountain and the lighting effect in correspondence with audio or other signals in real time. 
     2. Background Art 
     For centuries, fountains have been used to bring life to landscape and architecture. In more recent times, lighting and sound features have been added to enhance the artistic appeal of fountains. Attempts at coordinating the water, light and sound outputs so as to create a cohesive and unified audio/visual effect have either met with failure or have proven to be so labor intensive and costly as to be unfeasible to all but the most pecunious fountain owners. The inventor is unaware of any systematic fountain apparatus which can vary the water and light output of a fountain in a coordinated manner as a function of sound (e.g. music) input signals in real time regardless of the nature, frequency, beat, etc. of the sound input signals. All previous attempts at real time control of water and light output in response to audio signal input have required the creation of software routines customized to the particular piece of music. 
     One attempt at providing a controlled fountain in which the water and light outputs are varied in accordance with musical sounds is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,170 to Dach. Dach includes valves which are positioned downstream from water pumps, which valves are opened and closed to retard or permit water to flow to output jets. Attempting to control valves in this way will inevitably lead to undesired inertia losses and undue overall complexity in such a system, which will make it virtually impossible to obtain a truly synchronized output of water, light and sound. 
     Another attempt at providing a fountain in which water output and light emission is varied in accordance with input signals related to audio sounds is U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,210 to Chen. The Chen system operates in three discrete settings: a built-in procedure setting in which a main circuit provides predetermined signal sets to control the water and light performance sub-systems in a predetermined manner; an external sound input mode in which the main unit receives an analog signal which is analyzed and applied to a corresponding set of statistical music theory rules; and an external specific signal mode about which no detail is given. As in the patent to Dach, independent valves downstream of the water pumps are used to control water flow through the array of jets making up the fountain. Further, the valves which control water flow utilize photo interrupters to control valve position and hence water outlet selection. 
     A still further attempt at providing a fountain having variable operating states is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,387 to Alba. The Alba patent discloses a fountain controlled by a microprocessor, the output of the fountain being variable through the microprocessor in accordance with such parameters as input music signals. However, like the aforementioned references, the water flow is regulated by valves positioned downstream of the flow pumps and, consequently, suffer from the disadvantages already mentioned. In addition, the Alba fountain, although being extremely precise, is extremely complicated in that each water outlet constituting a jet making up the array of possible outlets are individually controlled by a valve residing within and constituting a part of the jet itself. The larger the fountain, the larger the complications incident to varying the pattern(s). In addition, installation of complicated electro-mechanical valves at each jet would essentially prohibit such a fountain from being used as a floating fountain due to size and weight limitations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The shortcomings inherent in the above-described disclosures, and others, are overcome by the instant apparatus, system and method of use wherein input audio signals of any type are fed to a microprocessor which converts the incoming audio signal to real-time control commands for fountain pumps and fountain lighting, and wherein the water output of any given circuit in the fountain is varied by changing the speed of the pump, without depending upon the opening or closing of any valves whatsoever. In this way, much greater versatility is permitted in the design and function of fountain systems of this type. 
     In its simplest form, the system includes a sound receiving or generating apparatus such as a radio or CD-player, the timing and settings of which can be manual or automated, a digital crossover unit to separate the audio signal into high, medium and low frequency band, an AC-DC converter to convert the separated AC audio signals into amplified usable DC computer inputs for processing, and a microprocessor, preferably in the form of a programmable logic controller, to process the incoming signals from the converter and output real time control commands for the fountain pumps and lighting control circuit(s). The system takes into account delays in water output occasioned by inertia, so that the sound, light and water features of the system are accurately coordinated. 
     The programmable logic controller can also be programmed to control start-up or discontinuance of the system, musical selections, and the times at which they are to be played. 
     In another embodiment, the invention may also use an anonometer which causes the output signal to the fountain pumps to be decreased so as to lower the fountain height, or shut the system down entirely, if wind conditions warrant. 
     Although there are no limits to the configurations into which an illuminated fountain can be constructed, it is to be appreciated that the instant invention is believed to be best suited to the type in which a plurality of independent water flow circuits are used, each of which terminates in a discharge nozzle array or pattern, the arrays from the various circuits being operated relative to each other in such a way that the desired aesthetic effect is produced. In addition, illumination patterns are incorporated into the fountain so as to dramatically enhance the visual effect produced. Each circuit is supplied with liquid by its own independent pump, the output of which is infinitely variable in dependence upon the control signal received from the microprocessor. The actual control features such as power and switching can vary according to the needs of the application as determined by the designer. 
     Typically, a control room or “pit” is provided adjacent to the fountain to which a water supply is fed, control components housed, and such things as filtration equipment and sumping apparatus are placed. The water level within the fountain can be regulated by a water level control system, and the illumination control system is preferably positioned there for ease of accessibility when maintenance is required. 
     The pit should be adequately ventilated, and a forced ventilation system having a minimum of 25 cubic feet of air per minute per horsepower of the system pump is preferred. It is also acceptable, however, to use a natural convection cooling and ventilation system as well known in the art. 
     The external water supply should coordinate with the water level control system to manually or automatically regulate the water level in the fountain. 
     A controller is employed to tie together the operation of all systems which make up the fountain. The microprocessor and other control elements of the system may be part of the controller or may be independently housed. 
     It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a decorative water fountain in which illumination and water output levels are varied in real time in accordance with any conceivable input parameters. 
     It is also an object of this invention to provide an electro-mechanical control system for a fountain display which comprises a plurality of spray systems and light source systems for illuminating the sprays in patterns of color wherein an audio control signal is separated into a plurality of frequency bands, and the output of pumps associated with the spray system(s) is varied on an infinitesimal basis in accordance with a given relationship between the audio signal frequency and pump response(s). 
     In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective, partial cutaway schematic representation of a typical large pool fountain arrangement known in the prior art. 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevational schematic representation of a fountain in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a system according to the present invention shown in plan. 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the water pumping system portion of the fountain system shown in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the lighting system portion of the fountain system shown in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic representation of control apparatus which may be used to operate fountains in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the control and fountain apparatus in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a fountain control procedure suitable for use with the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates generally a typical prior art fountain wherein a pool  12  is connected to a control room or pit  15  via appropriate electrical and hydraulic apparatus. A fountain jet  23  situated in pool  12  is used to expel a flow of water or other liquid pumped by pump  25  through conduit  26 . A drain  18  in the floor  13  of pool  12  allows the water or other liquid expelled through jet  23  to return via return conduit  27  to pump  25  for re-circulation through jet  23 . A main drain  19  is used as an intake for filtration system  17 . Liquid entering drain  19  flows through conduit  30  into filtration system  17  and is pumped by pump  31  through filter  32  and thereafter conduit  34  through liquid return fitting  36  into pool  12 . Ideally, the fitting should be so located as to create a natural circulation of liquid back to filtration skimmer  35  and drains  18  and  19 . A vacuum fitting  24  may be employed to connect to a manual cleaning of the pool floor. Vacuum fitting  24  and filtration skimmer  35  are connected filtration system  17  via return conduits  24 ′ and  35 ′, respectively. An overflow drain  40 , which has an aperture situated at the desired liquid level within pool  12 , is used and drains excess water in pool  12  through drain pipe  41 . A plurality of submersible lights  50  for night illumination of fountain features may be employed and are controlled through wiring  51  via controller  58 . Controller  58  also is used to regulate other functions of the fountain such as timer clocks for control of the main pump  25 , lights and filtration system  17 . The controller can also regulate the water level control system, lighting contact doors, sequence timer and any other related controls suited to a particular installation. A light  68  may be used to illuminate pit  15  through electrical box  66 . Power outlets may also be employed in electrical box  66  to provide electrical power to equipment, such as power tools and auxiliary lighting, used by those working in the control room. A sump pump  70  may be employed below or at the floor level of pit  15  to drain any undesired water which finds its way into pit  15 . A ventilation system may be employed to allow an air flow through the interior of pit  15 , particularly when cover  76  is in the closed position over pit  15 . To this end, a blower  80  is used to draw outside air through inlet conduit  82  and expel air within pit  15  through outlet conduit  84 . 
     Liquid to replenish the liquid level in pool  12  may be supplied by a municipal water supply system  60  through conduit  62  as needed. A liquid level sensor  46  may be used to measure the liquid level in pool  12  as it drops below a predetermined height. When this occurs, an interconnection between sensor  46  and controller  58  will cause a supply of liquid to be provided to pool  12  via conduit  62 . Any suitable control apparatus for maintaining the liquid level in pool  12  is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. 
     Pump  25  may be energized by a starter  58 , which may be provided with fusible disconnect with overload relays to match the characteristics of pump  25 . 
     FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional elevational schematic representation of a fountain in accordance with the present invention. The control room  15  is typically located adjacent to the pool  12 . Because access to the control room is not regularly needed, and the addition of a building to house the control room may detract from the aesthetics of the fountain, the control room is typically below ground. A plurality of fountain jets combine to form an artistic collection of water parabolas extending above the pool  12 . 
     FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a fountain control system designed in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a simplified schematic view of only the pumping elements, while FIG. 5 shows a simplified schematic view of the lighting elements. The fountain control system  100  includes a fountain controller  102  which interfaces to an audio system (not shown), a plurality of motor drives  104   a ,  104   b ,  104   c , and a light relay panel  106 . Fountain controllers are known to the art and utilize a variety of methods to process audio input signals to produce fountain control signals. Modern methods, as used here, utilize a programmable logic controller to process the audio signals to produce a complex visual display of light and water. The complexity of the resulting display can be changed by modifying the program used by the programmable logic controller. 
     The fountain controller  102  directly controls a plurality of motor drives  104   a - 104   c . Typically, this direct control is accomplished using electrical connections, but other means, such as radio frequency transmitters and receivers, could also be used. The motor drives  104   a - 104   c  receive control signals from the fountain controller  102  and vary the speed of a water pump  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c  accordingly. The motor drives  104   a - 104   c  have a variable frequency response which produces various output levels based on the input control level. The motor drives  104   a - 104   c  are each electrically connected to a water pump  108   a - 108   c . The water pump  108   a - 108   c  is connected to a water intake conduit  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c  and also to a discharge conduit  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c . Water pumps of various designs are know to the art and generally transfer water from the water intake conduit to the discharge conduit. In the preferred embodiment, the water pumps  108   a - 108   c  have an infinitely variable pumping speed, which is controlled by the motor drives  104   a - 104   c . The variable speed allows the flow through the discharge conduits  112   a - 112   c  to be controlled without the use of valves. 
     As can be appreciated, each discharge conduit  112   a - 112   c  is attached to at least one discharge outlet  114 . The discharge outlets may have various sizes and configurations. For example, the discharge outlets may take the form of a single large discharge nozzle  114 , medium sized discharge nozzles used in pairs  116   a ,  116   b ,  116   c ,  116   d , or a ring with a plurality of small discharge nozzles  118 . These are offered as examples of typical configurations known to the to art and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or of the claims herein. Each discharge outlet preferably has a substantially vertical orientation. Typically, the water pumps  108   a - 108   c  draw water through the intake conduits  110   a - 110   c  and force it through the discharge conduits  112   a - 112   c . The pumped water is then forced though at least one discharge outlet  114 ,  116   a - 116   d ,  118  which causes a stream of water to be projected through the air. This flow of water is indicated in by the flow lines in FIG.  4 . The stream of water follows a parabolic path, which can varied by changing the angle of the discharge nozzle. Preferably, the water lands within a reservoir  119  where it can be once again drawn in through the intake conduits  110   a - 110   c . The type and angle of the discharge outlets is chosen to achieve a desired artistic effect. 
     As can be appreciated, the open nature of the reservoir  119  can result in dirt and other debris being introduced into fountain system. Such foreign matter can block the water conduits and otherwise cause the fountain system to malfunction. To prevent foreign matter from entering the system, an intake screen  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c  is connected to each suction line. The intake screen, which is known to the art, has numerous small apertures which allow water to flow though the screen but prevent objects which are larger than the aperture from flowing through. The intake screen may also employ other filtering materials, such as charcoal, which are known to the art. 
     A light relay panel  106  is also directly controlled by the fountain controller  102 . Typically, this direct control is accomplished using electrical connections, but other means, such as radio frequency transmitters and receivers, could also be used. The relay panel  106  is, in turn, connected to a plurality of substantially vertically oriented light fixtures  122 . These connections may be either direct or through a junction box  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c  for common control of multiple light fixtures. The relay panel  106  varies the intensity of each light fixture  122   a - 122   kk  in accordance with the control signals from the fountain controller. The light and water combine to form a complex, and hopefully artistically pleasing, display. 
     FIG. 6 shows perspective schematic representation of control apparatus which may be used to operate fountains in accordance with the invention. The motor controls  104   a - 104   c  and water pumps  108   a - 108   c  are preferably mounted to the wall of the control room, as are the fountain controller  102  and light relay panel  106 . As can be appreciated, additional motor controllers  104   d ,  104   e ,  104   f , and water pumps  108   d ,  108   e ,  108   f , can be added to the fountain system. These additional motor controllers and water pumps can be used to supply additional discharge nozzles or work in tandem with other motor controllers and water pumps to provide a more dramatic effect. One such effect would be to change the number of discharge nozzles activated in relation to the amplitude of the audio input. The power distribution panel  126  provides the electrical interface to the electrical utility company. Wiring conduits  128 ,  129  are used to carry the electrical supply and control signal wiring. As can be appreciated, centrally locating the electrical components provides ease of maintenance for the end user. It also allows for the lighter elements, namely the light fixtures and discharge nozzles, to be located at a remote location, such as upon a float on a body of water. Variations in the equipment needed and the placement of the equipment depends upon the complexity of the desired fountain system and the physical facilities available. 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the control and fountain apparatus in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a fountain control procedure suitable for use with the invention. The source of audio signals, preferably an audio CD-player, is electrically connected to a digital crossover unit. The crossover unit, which is commercially available and known to the art, separates the audio signals from the CD-player into component frequency ranges for further processing. The crossover unit is also programmed to delay some of the component frequency range outputs to account for mechanical delays elsewhere in the system. In addition, the control signals to the light relay panel and the audio signal to the speakers is also delayed to allow the desired changes in the water flow to take effect. 
     The output signals from the crossover unit are fed into a bank of A/D converters. The A/D converters convert the analog audio signals into digital signals which are then amplified before being processed by the programmable logic controller to produce the control signals for the motor drives and light relay panel. 
     A significant advantage to this system over the prior art is the musically-independent nature of the program. The program is customized in relation to the physical characteristics of the fountain system, such as the location and number of light fixtures and discharge nozzles. Once this is accomplished, any musical piece can serve as the stimulus for the fountain control program. In many of the prior art systems, the fountain control program would need to be customized for each musical piece. Obviously, this results in limiting the flexibility of the system in relation to the money available for customized programming. 
     As can be appreciated, the programmable logic controller can be use to control other aspects of the presentation. For example, the audio program can be selected and controlled using the programmable logic controller. A wind speed indicator could also be connected to the programmable logic controller, which would allow the height of the water stream to be lowered or stopped in adverse weather conditions. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to a single preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many other variations, modifications, and applications will be apparent to one skilled in the art and are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.