UNDERWATER DISPLAY STRUCTURE

The so-called LED displays, light-emitting diode displays, composed of a plurality of interconnected panels of light emitting diodes, LED, suitable to compose panels for reproducing images and sequences of images on large areas have been also devised for underwater use, in particular for application on the bottom and/or on the walls of swimming pools and the like.

Such an underwater application of the LED displays may provide, with a suitable processor and suitable input and output interfaces, in addition to photographic and film reproductions, also the actuation of a plurality of interactive systems, for example Web applications, mobile devices applications and relative combinations; interpolation with sensors, such as cameras, motion detection sensors, and relative combinations, to detect the movement of a body immersed in the swimming pool, interacting with the visualization parameters in response to the interaction of the user, including game activities; or to detect the absence of movement of a body immersed in the swimming pool interacting with the alarm parameters; or to detect the movement of a body immersed in the swimming pool interacting with the visualization parameters for underwater training purposes, sports training and coaching.

The effective use of these functions and services is impaired in the prior art by the problems encountered with the installation, waterproofing, replacement and maintenance of the panels that compose the array incorporating the display on the bottom and/or on the walls of the swimming pool.

Every LED panel must be provided at the rear part with electronic boards and connection wirings to the network and/or the like, everything being suitably waterproofing or waterproofed, and likewise the luminescent front of the panel must be waterproof and moreover the entire system must be walkable when the water is drained from the swimming pool. Such a total waterproofing of electronic elements and electrical connections is an extremely complicated and delicate operation, such that, in real terms, the underwater LED displays for swimming pools are frequently impaired by damage of the relative components, for which maintenance and repair operations are difficult to perform in a short time and without draining the water, such a solution requiring to interrupt the use of the swimming pool for an unacceptable period of time, especially in case of a seasonal use of the outdoor swimming pools that, in view of the short period of use, impose an intensive use in order to amortize the costs and make earnings for the owners or managers in order to attract customers also for other services and attractions.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide an innovative, functional structure of LED panels suitable for aggregating underwater LED displays, which is conceived in such a way as to be absolutely waterproof, together with relative accessories.

Another purpose of the present invention is to achieve the aforementioned purpose with a LED panel structure that can be strictly joined to the adjacent ones, without interrupting the visual continuity, to guarantee safe walking-over when the swimming pool is empty.

Another purpose of the present invention is to achieve the aforementioned purpose with a structure of LED panels that can be removed with relative accessories, undergo maintenance and repair operations and, if necessary, be replaced rapidly without having to drain the swimming pool.

An additional purpose of the present invention is to achieve the aforementioned purposes with a panel structure suitable for also aggregating image reproduction displays used with other technologies, and suitable to be implemented with additional electronic technologies in order to enrich, enhance, optimize, improve, increment and develop the use, functionality and spectacular performance of the attraction.

A further purpose of the present invention is to achieve the aforementioned purposes with a LED panel structure and relative accessories that is simple and effective, safe and relative inexpensive in view of the results. These and other purposes are achieved with the underwater display structure of the present invention, comprising a system of multimedia and multifunctional underwater modules (4) aggregating LED displays (5) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs) (5) by means of a waterproof array of single displays (5) twinned at the rear part to a respective plurality of modular box-shaped elements (7) provided with means for mutual removable interconnection (20, 21 ), and housing electronic components serving the array of single displays (5) and wiring segments (1 1 , 12) with length at least equivalent to the distance between the relative array of singles displays (5) and the water level, incorporating sound distribution means (9, 13, 14, 15, 16), and/or laser beam generation means and/or electronic contact sensors and/or proximity sensors and/or motion detection sensors.

Additional characteristics and advantages of the underwater display structure according to the present invention will appear manifest from the detailed description below of a preferred, yet non-exclusive embodiment, which is represented for merely illustrative, not limiting purpose in the eight attached drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of swimming pool bottom covered with a first embodiment of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention;

Figures 2 and 3 are a diagrammatic perspective view respectively from the front and from the rear of a first embodiment of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view respectively from the rear of a first embodiment of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention;

Figures 5 and 6 are two diagrammatic perspective views respectively from the front of a first embodiment of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention;

Figures 7 and 8 are respectively a diagrammatic view from the front and a perspective view from the rear of the interconnection of a second embodiment of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention, omitting the components that are not relative to the specific detail illustrated by the figures;

Figures 9 and 10 are a diagrammatic side view of two interconnection arrangements of a third embodiment of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention, omitting the components that are not relative to the specific detail illustrated by the figures;

Figures 1 1 and 12 are a diagrammatic side view of two interconnection arrangements of a fourth embodiment of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention, omitting the components that are not relative to the specific detail illustrated by the figures;

Figures 13 to 17 are a diagrammatic side view of corresponding embodiments of support elements of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention;

Figure 18 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an additional embodiment of support elements of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention;

Figures 19 to 21 are a diagrammatic perspective view of corresponding embodiments of support bases of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention;

Figures 22 and 23 are a diagrammatic perspective view of two interconnection arrangements of support elements and support bases of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention;

Figures 24 and 25 are a diagrammatic side view of two corresponding ways to lay down on the bottom of a swimming pool of two embodiments of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention ;

Figures 26 is a diagrammatic rear view of a mesh of support bases on the bottom of the swimming pool of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention, omitting the components that are not relative to the specific detail illustrated by the figures;

Figure 27 is a diagrammatic rear view of a mesh of support bases on the wall of the swimming pool of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention, omitting the components that are not relative to the specific detail illustrated by the figures;

Figures 28 is a diagrammatic side view of a mesh of support bases on the wall of the swimming pool of the modules of the underwater display structure according to the present invention, omitting the components that are not relative to the specific detail illustrated by the figures.

With reference to the aforesaid figures, numeral 1 is used to indicate the bottom of an off-ground or in-ground swimming pool and numeral 2 is used to indicate the lateral walls designed to be submersed.

Both the bottom 1 and the walls 2 are covered by a waterproof coating made of a sheet of plastic material 3, the so-called liner, which is predominantly used in off-ground or in-ground swimming pools, being preferred to traditional tiles, which are less and less used because of lack of stability being subject to the micro-movements of the pool that cause detachments or cracks on the tile junctions.

Both the bottom 1 and the walls 2 are covered by an array of panels or panel modules for video reproduction, which are indicated with numeral 4, with square shape in the illustrated embodiment, composed on the front by LED displays 5, in such a way that the entire bottom 1 and the walls 2 of the swimming pool are formed, that is to say lined, with LED displays, with junctions 6 that are in interruptedly joined.

Every display 5, or display unit 5, is waterproofed and associated at the rear part with a coperimetral box-shaped element 7, suitably provided with an interface surface or defined by the perimeter, forming each panel or panel module 4, preferably made of a plastic material of suitable type and with suitable thickness, defined at the rear part by a septum 8 structured in such a way as to occlude the box-shaped element 7 in a waterproof fashion.

The box-shaped element 7 can be made of every and each waterproof material, which is suitable for the purpose, matt, translucent or transparent, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Perspex®, Plexiglass®, or other plastic materials, metallic materials, preferably stainless steel, or also assemblies of plastic and metallic materials appropriately combined.

Alternatively, the modules 4 can be sealed inside a resin mold with special characteristics, guaranteeing a long reliability and total waterproofing; moreover, such a treatment can give an anti-slip property to the surface of the display 5 without interfering with the image.

Internally to the box-shaped element 7, near the septum 8, there can be provided an acoustic membrane 9 (with special reference to figure 6).

In the embodiments shown in figures 1 to 6 and 9 to 12 the panel 4 stands on angular feet 10A.

Externally to the occlusion septum 8 there is fixed a reel 1 1 for electrical power supply cable 12 with length at least equal to the distance between the panel 4 and the water level in the swimming pool.

Inside the box-shaped element 7 there are associated acoustic transducers 13 for low medium tones, and acoustic transducers 14 for high medium tones, as well as ultrasonic transducers 15 connected to sound power digital boards 16 and to the input of the power supply signal 17.

Numeral 18 indicates an optional inflatable air chamber and numeral 19 indicates the air feeding pipe.

The panels 4 or underwater modules 4 can be also provided, inside the box-shaped element 7 and/or on the relative perimeter, with laser beam generators and/or contact sensors and/or proximity sensors and/or with motion detection sensors completely integrated in the panel module 4.

Externally to the swimming pool there are provided suitable power supplies, as well as the control system of the assembly, which may comprise a computerized server provided with a programmable processor, which is composed of one or more control computer and relative combinations.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 6, the perimeter of the box- shaped elements 7 is shaped on each side with receptacles 20A, configured as semi-cylinder in central position to the respective side, in the embodiment shown, suitable to interact with cylindrical setting notches 21 A, in the embodiment shown, which - by half of the portion thereof - are lodged in a complementary analogous receptacle 20A of a respective adjacent box-shaped element 7.

In the embodiment shown in figures 9 and 10 the perimeter of the box- shaped elements 7 is shaped on each side with receptacles 20B, configured as negative tooth, suitable to interact with complementary positive tooth setting notches 21 B with elastic relief.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1 1 and 12 the perimeter of the box- shaped elements 7 is shaped on each side with semi-spherical receptacles 20C, suitable to interact with complementary setting beads 21 C with elastic relief.

Figures 13 to 18 show corresponding alternative solutions for supporting the box-shaped elements 7 on the surfaces of the bottom 1 and of the walls 2 of the swimming pool; with grouped feet 10B, with peripheral feet 10C, with support base 10D, with trapezoidal feet 10E, suction cup feet 10F, toothed- body feet 10G.

The panels or panel modules 4 can be advantageously conceived with concave shape at the rear part, for the functions that are illustrated in detail below.

In a complementary fashion, figures 19 to 23 show alternative support plates 22 provided for the insertion of the feet 9 with rectangular holes 23A, circular off-centred holes 23B, circular centered holes 23C, circular off- centered with traps 23D.

Figures 24 and 25 illustrate two types of gaskets of the box-shaped elements 7 on the wall, respectively waterproof 24A and permeable 24B.

Figure 26 shows a mesh of support plates 22 for box-shaped elements

5 on the bottom 1 of the swimming pool.

Figure 27 shows a mesh of support plates 22 for box-shaped elements 7 to the walls 2 of the swimming pool, comprising a framework.

Figure 28 shows box-shaped elements 7 associated by means of support plates 21 a framework 24 to the wall 2 of a swimming pool by means of suction cups 26, for the functions that will be illustrated below. Having completed the static description of a preferred embodiment of the underwater display structure according to the present invention, this description continuous with a dynamic description of the invention and its operation:

the displays 5 are arranged in such a way as to cover the bottom 1 and/or the walls 2 of the swimming pool, by installed the panels 4 or underwater modules 4 together with respective box-shaped elements 7.

The interconnection between the box-shaped elements 7, that is to say between the modules or panels 4, by means of mutual interconnection means 20 and 21 , if necessary, in combination with the system of feet 10 and complementary plates 22, provides a very accurate joining between the panels 4, that is to say the displays 5, with extremely reduced junctions, thus improving the image reproduction quality of the total display that covers the bottom 1 and/or the walls 2, composed of the synergic visual aggregation of all displays 5.

In the meantime, the interconnection between panels 4 or underwater modules 4 forms a robust mesh that can be walked over without any special caution measures in lack of water, without damaging the liner 3 both during installation and use.

When a display 5 or in any case a component of any kind contained in the box-shaped element 7 of the panel or module 4 is damaged, the module 4 can be removed from any relative position and brought to the surface because of the wiring 12 contained in the reel 1 1 and the necessary repair and/or replacement operations can be performed, in a dry place without having to drain the water or reduce the water level in the swimming pool; this not only permits a single operator to replace the modules 4 without having to drain the water from the swimming pool, but it also permits to install the entire system in a swimming pool in operation rapidly without draining the swimming pool.

In order to reduce the number of cables, the power supplies are preferably disposed externally to the swimming pool and each module 4 is structure to power and send the command signals to the adjacent module, in such a way, only one cable can be taken in the swimming pool to power all devices of all modules 4 in a sequence:

the same cable can bring the power supply for all modules 4 and relative devices, which can operate with a single cable, thus significantly simplifying the underwater connection system, with advantages both in terms of reliability and maintenance; in such a case, each module 4 re-sends the signals and the power supply also to the adjacent module 4, in such a way that one single input cable in the swimming pool can power an array of displays 5 also with large dimensions.

The base configuration of the array of panels or underwater display modules 4, suitable to cover the bottom 1 and/or the walls of the swimming pool, for the general consistent reproduction of images and films, can be implemented:

with sound reproduction system, associating acoustic transducers 13 inside the box-shaped element 7 for low medium tones and an acoustic transducer 14 for high medium tones, connected to sound power supply digital boards 16, with acoustic membrane 9 for low medium tones; the acoustic membrane functions for high medium tones are advantageously performed directly by the video reproduction displays 5, in such a case provided for direct occlusion of the box-shaped element 7.

with ultrasonic transducers 15, for cleaning the swimming pool or the space where the system is installed by means of the ultrasonic cavitation principle.

with laser beam generators, for underwater spectacular scenes in synergy with the underwater video and sound reproductions.

with contact sensors, proximity sensors, motion detection sensors, for maximum multimedia and multifunctional interactions with the user and for the identification of the position and movement of the user, also for safety purposes.

with floating means or insufflating devices, for raising the array of modules 4 from the bottom 1 for special effects, in addition to the technical advantage arising from such a movement. Whatever the implementation level of the system is, there is provided at least one server control processor that sends the contents to the panels 4 or underwater display modules 4 of the system, either in synchronized fashion, or selectively or individually.

The visualization signals can comprise information relative to multimedia digital contents, such as: texts, films, photos, images, charts and models, which are displayed by the displays 5 consistently with reference to the array of displays 5 that covers the bottom 1 and/or the walls 2 of the swimming pool either partially or completely.

The system may comprise a user interface connected to the control unit in order to change the visualization parameters of one or more displays 5 in response to the user requirements. The user interface may use a web application, a mobile application, or a combination of the same, a remote server or a set of audio-video files.

Therefore, the system may comprise a user interface integrated in the control unit, which can in turn comprise a computerized server provided with programmable processor which is in turn composed of one or more control computer and combinations of the same.

The displays 5 may be provided with control automated control equipment to manage and synchronize the signals and the visualization parameters of all displays 5 and of all the single components capable of emitting light, of which the system can be composed, in such a way to form a real display with large dimensions whereon any type of contents, including high-definition videos, can be consistently displayed.

With the implementation of the sensors, the interactivity can be enhanced by the touch-screen surface of the display 5, in such a way as to detect the touch of feet, hands or other parts of the body of the immersed user.

In addition to the fixed displays 5, multicolor laser systems with mobile head can be installed in the modules 4 to generate colored laser beams (images or light effects) that can be directed in any direction. Such movements can be synchronized with music and images from the display. The contents can be also sent in wireless mode, in form of radio waves without cables; the system can also be connected to a portable device, such as mobile telephones and/or tablets, with which the single user can directly interact. These devices, in waterproof version, can be also worn by the immersed user for additional interaction with the system and for a precise detection of the movement of the user with special reference to swimming movements.

In the alternative audio embodiment, the module 4 incorporates an underwater speaker system capable of transmitting the sound underwater, creating a peculiar, impressive immersion effect of images and sounds; the sound of the high medium tones is transmitted by means of the acoustic transducers 14 immediately through the display 5 that also has the function of acoustic membrane.

In the alternative audio embodiment, another type of use of the system is possible, in fact the audio transducers can be also used to clean the swimming pool and in any case the space where the system is immersed; because of the ultrasonic cavitation phenomenon, special sound frequencies are able to clean the immersed objects; the system, when not used for underwater music distribution, can be used to clean the container wherein it is immersed; such a cleaning operation can be performed by introducing appropriate frequency sequences in the amplification system that are suitably generated by an accessory device especially designed for the system, and connected to the amplification device; through the audio amplifiers already incorporated in the system and by suitably integrating the electronic control components, it is simply necessary to select the cleaning option and the system will perform the action, for example during the night.

In the alternative embodiment with sensors, the module 4 incorporates sensors such as cameras, motion detection sensors, and combinations of the same, to detect the movement of a body immersed in the swimming pool, interacting with the visualization parameters in response to the interaction of the user, including playing activities; or to detect the absence of movement of a body immersed in the swimming pool interacting with alarm parameters; or to detect the movement of a body immersed in the swimming pool interacting with the visualization parameters for underwear teaching, sports training and coaching.

In the alternative embodiment with floating means, the module 4 incorporates an air chamber 18 and pipes 19 for feeding/outflowing connected to compressor means, the system in such an alternative embodiment can float to the surface or in any case raise to half of the water level.

The system can be raised at variable heights in such a way to obtain a swimming pool with variable depth, in order to be used by children or disabled users; such a raising movement can be used, for example, also to perform a special kind of maintenance or replacement of parts of the system; the bottom with variable depth can be used to generally increase the efficacy of the cleaning system on the bottom and on the walls.

Evidently, according to additional embodiments, which are still falling in the concept of innovation of the aforementioned illustrative embodiment, as claimed below, the underwater display structure of the present invention can be implemented with technical and mechanical equivalent characteristics, that is to say provided with additional integrative devices, suitably varying the embodiments for the purpose;

in particular;

an alternative embodiment with higher reliability in terms of waterproofing provides for making the modules in a mold with cast or injected resin, possibly transparent; with such an embodiment, all the electronic devices, the sensors, and all operating components, are assembled inside a mold, which is completely filled with resin, by means of casting, or injection or any other plasticization system. In such a way, all components are completely immersed and integrated in the resin, being not only protected against water and humidity, but also against the condensation that can be especially dangerous for electronic circuits and sensors. The latter, in fact, is one of the most severe problems in terms of the reliability of the devices that need to operate immersed in water, also considering the possible temperature changes, the presence of salt, chlorine or other corrosive substances. Another alternative embodiment relates to the power supply; in order not to use cables with large diameter a special power supply can be used: instead of 5 continuous volts, 28-30 volts are introduced in the modules (without any danger for the swimming pool users); a special voltage reducer/rectifier can be used to power the single modules with 5 continuous volts and with the other voltages.

In case of a newly built swimming pool, the system can be also recessed under the bottom or in the walls, in such a way that the sensors and all the operating components of the system are integrated in the swimming pool.

The system can be advantageously installed also in natural stretches of water, such as the sea or a lake, evidently in portions with regular bottom or without differences in depth, for events or summer season.

As it appears evident from the aforementioned description above of a preferred embodiment, the underwater display structure according to the present invention offers the advantages that correspond to the achievement of the purposes to be achieved, and many other purposes:

the invention provides a functional, modular, multifunctional and inexpensive solution suitable to achieve the effective use of underwater displays in swimming pools and the like, suitable to be maintained or repaired when the structures are not used and in any case rapidly also in the periods of maximum use of the services, without changing the water level in the swimming pool.

In the meantime the implementations of the solution permit to advantageously obtain also the actuation of a plurality of interactive systems, audio applications, web application, mobile devices applications, and combinations of the same; interpolations with sensors, such as cameras, motion detection sensors and combinations of the same, to detect the movement of a body immersed in the swimming pool interacting with the visualization parameters in response to the interaction of the user including playing activities; or to detect the absence of movement of a body immersed in the swimming pool interacting with the alarm parameters; or to detect the movement of a body immersed in the swimming pool interacting with the visualization parameters for underwater teaching, sports training and coaching.

Having described the underwater display structure of the present invention with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will obviously intended to protect all possible embodiments with variants that are normally actuated by the experts of the field, which do not modify the invention and which fall within the purpose of the invention; both in the preceding description and in the following claims, it is therefore intended to protect all forms of embodiments and variants that fall within the scope of the solution, in the spirit and in the purposes of the invention.

KEY TO NUMBERS

1 ) Bottom of the swimming pool in general

) Walls of the swimming pool in general

) Waterproof liner

) Panels or modules in general

5) LED displays

6) Junctions between LED displays

7) Box-shaped elements

8) Occlusion septum of box-shaped elements

9) Acoustic membrane

10A) Angular feet

10B) Grouped feet

10C) Peripheral feet

10D) Support base

10E) Trapezoidal feet

10F) Suction cup feet

10G) Toothed-body feet

1 1 ) Reel

12) Electrical power supply cable

13) Acoustic transducers for low medium tones

4) Acoustic transducers for high medium tones

15) Ultrasonic transducers

16) Sound power digital boards

17) Power signal input

18) Air chamber

19) Air feeding pipe

20A) Semi-cylindrical receptacles on the sides of box-shaped element 20B) Negative tooth receptacles on the sides of box-shaped element 20C) Semispherical receptacles on the sides of box-shaped element 21 A) Cylindrical setting notches

21 B) Positive tooth setting notches with elastic relief C) Setting beads with elastic relief

) Support bases

A) Rectangular holes

B) Off-centered circular holes

C) Centered circular holes

D) Off-centered circular holes with traps

A) Waterproof gasket of wall-mounted box-shaped elementsB) Permeable gasket of wall-mounted box-shaped elements) Framework of wall-mounted support plates

) Suction cups of framework of wall-mounted support plates