Water harp with optical sensing of the break of flowing water streams

Number: 12731567
Published: 2026-09-08
Filed: 2023-03-29
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Smoot; Lanny S., Bristow; Robert J., Myers; David James, Powell; Gary A., Sedor; Charles Jacob, Mazzella; Keith Jeffrey, Smith; Steven I.
CPC: G10H3/18; G10H1/32; G10H2220/181; G10H2220/415; G10H2230/125
Verdict: Medium Hardware
First reported: 2026-W37 (2026-09-11)
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

A themed 'water harp' show prop: light beamed through falling water streams plays a musical note when a hand breaks the beam — classic interactive show-tech hardware.

Abstract

A system for simulating operation of a stringed instrument using a combination of water and light steams. The system includes a nozzle configured for outputting a falling laminar water stream. The system includes a light transmitter configured to inject light into a first end of the water stream and a light receiver configured to receive the light injected into the water stream and, in response, generate a signal. The system includes a controller configured for processing the signal and, in response to a lack of the signal, for operating an audio system to play a musical note or audio file. The system may include an optical fiber with a first end proximate to the nozzle oriented to receive the light injected into the water stream at the second end of the water stream, and the light receiver can be a photodetector coupled to the second end of the optical fiber.

Background

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Description (1) The present description relates, in general, to interactive display or play systems that combine interaction with water with audio and visual effects, and, more particularly, to a new system for providing an interactive water harp for use in a wide variety of outdoor (and indoor) settings including amusement and theme parks. 2. Relevant Background (2) In many outdoor spaces and venues, it is desirable to provide water-based entertainment that allows visitors to interact with and play in water in an interactive manner. This allows the visitors to stay cool while having fun and, in some cases, being surprised and excited when they can affect operations of the display device. A water harp is an example of such water-based entertainment system, with a “player” being able to play or interact with the harp by strumming the strings of the harp that are provided as downward falling or flowing streams of water. Unfortunately, to date, there has not been a water harp design that is useful in all settings and that can address all challenges associated with their use in outdoor settings. (3) For example, one design for a water harp utilized a number of streams of falling water, which was provided with laminar flow, and the streams were arranged generally in a plane and to be spaced apart to appear to be like the strings of a large musical harp. People can play the water harp breaking, e.g., with their hands, arms, and so on, one or more of the w

Claims

1. A system for simulating operation of a stringed instrument using water and light, the system comprising: a nozzle configured for outputting a water stream, when supplied by a water source, that falls vertically and is substantially laminar; a light transmitter configured to inject light into a first end of the water stream, wherein the light transmitter is positioned a vertical distance below the nozzle, and wherein the first end of the water stream is a lower end; a light receiver configured to receive, at a second end of the water stream, the light injected into the water stream and, in response, to generate a signal; and a controller configured to: detect the signal, and in response to a lack of the signal, operate an audio system to play a musical note or audio file. || 14. A system for simulating operation of a stringed instrument using water and light, the system comprising: a nozzle configured for outputting a water stream, when supplied by a water source, that falls vertically downward from an upper end to a lower end; a light transmitter configured to inject light into the lower end of the water stream; a light receiver configured to receive, at the upper end of the water stream, the light injected into the water stream and, in response, to generate a signal; and a lens or lens system disposed between the nozzle and the light transmitter, the lens or lens system configured to receive output light from the light transmitter and convert the output light into collimated light that is directed upward toward the lower end of the water stream. || 21. A system for simulating operation of a stringed instrument using water and light, the system comprising: a light transmitter assembly configured to inject collimated light into a lower end of a falling laminar water stream; a light receiver configured to receive the light injected into the water stream at or near an upper end of the water stream and, in response, to generate a signal; a controller configured to process the signal and, in response, selectively operate an audio system to play a musical note or audio file; and a sloped landing pad disposed between the light transmitter and the light receiver, the sloped landing pad being formed of substantially transparent material, wherein the lower end of the water stream contacts the sloped landing pad.