Interactive fountains

Interactive fountains

Designing audience participation, receiving input and coordinating water and light response

In an interactive fountain, the audience can influence the behavior of the fountain. Pressing a button, touching a surface, being in a certain area, moving a hand, or the cooperation of several people can initiate an effect or a change in the display.

This feature transforms the fountain experience from mere viewing to participation. The audience performs an action, sees the result, and discovers the relationship between their behavior and the fountain's response.

The quality of the interaction does not depend on the number of sensors or the complexity of the software. A clear relationship between action and result, reliable response, accessibility and coordination with equipment capacity are the foundations of a successful experience.

This chapter explains the design framework of such a system. The presented numerical examples and scenarios are educational and should be adapted for each project to the actual equipment and user specifications.

10–1. Definition of interactive fountain and its border with water fountain

In this book, an interactive fountain is a system whose behavior changes based on audience input.

This definition is not the same as "access to water". For example:

• The audience can choose the color and movement of the fountains from the side of a pond and stay dry.

• A dry floor fountain can be designed for water play, but only run a fixed schedule.

• A water playground can also respond to the presence and behavior of users and have both features.

Also, reaction to wind, tank level or pump error is part of operational control. These reactions alone do not mean interaction with the audience.

Two separate issues should be specified in the project documents: How will the user affect the fountain? And is his direct contact with water allowed and foreseen?

10–2. The purpose of the interaction must be clear

Before choosing the equipment, the purpose of participation should be determined.

The goal must fit the environment. On a busy route, a short and understandable interaction can be appropriate; In the space of pause, the possibility of gradual discovery or cooperation of several people is available.

There should also be a decent experience for someone who just wants to watch. The location of the control stations should not block the public view or the passageway.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 1-10: Actual photo of the project where the relationship between the audience's action and the fountain's response is clear; Like touching the activator next to the related effect. Suggested subtitle: "Interaction is readable when the audience recognizes the result of their action." The mere presence of people next to the fountain in the photo does not prove that the project is interactive.

10–3. Methods of receiving input

Audience input can be direct and explicit or contactless.

The choice of technology should be done after defining the experience. To start a short program, a simple activator may provide all the project needs.

In Crystal Fountains products, the EAP pressure plate has been introduced to activate the equipment. Vortex also introduces in its technologies, an actuator with optical feedback and tools to change the direction or direction of water. These examples show the variety of interactions from simple requests to direct control of a feature. Source: EAP Activator ^[53], Source: Vortex Technologies ^[54]

10–4. Designing the relationship between action and response

For each interaction, it is better to specify four steps:

Invitation: How does the audience know they can participate?

Action: What should he do?

Confirmation: How will he know his request has been received?

Result: What change occurs in water or light?

For example, a station can be introduced with a simple "touch" sign. After touching, the light next to it will turn on and then a blue wave will start from the same side.

If the effect is performed at a distance without associated cues, the audience may not be able to attribute it to their own action. Also, if receiving the request has no feedback, the user may press the button several times in a row.

The feedback of receiving the request should be recognizable from the main result. The lighting of the light can mean "the request has been registered"; The beginning of the movement of water is the stage of its implementation.

10–5. Technical architecture of the system

The performance chain can be defined as follows:

Contact input → input validity check → interaction logic → execution permission check → command to equipment → visible response

Each stage has a different task.

A sensor reports an event or value. The interaction logic determines what this input means. Then the system checks that the execution of the request is compatible with the current conditions, equipment limitations and operational status.

In the GSO equipment section, control pumps, steerable nozzles, lighting equipment and control hardware have been introduced. These components can be checked in the command execution section; The ability to receive and process audience input should be specified separately in the design of the interactive system. Source: GSO urban fountain equipment ^[55]

The request of the audience is better turned into an effect or an allowed value. For example, hand movement can change the desired height within a predetermined range; Direct conversion of a raw sensor value into an infinite pump command is not a suitable design for general operation.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 2–10: Conceptual diagram of the interaction chain, showing sensor input, program logic, execution permission, and water and light equipment. Suggested subtitle: "The client's request is matched with the system's permitted conditions before execution." The chart is educational and not a substitute for the control chart.

10–6. Response delay and sense of connection

The time interval between the audience's action and the result affects the understanding of the interaction. This interval can include detection time, input checking, processing, command transmission and physical response of the equipment.

In a hypothetical example:

• Input detection and verification: 40 milliseconds;

• Command processing and transmission: 60 milliseconds;

• water effect reaching the desired state: 400 milliseconds.

Therefore:

Total response time = 40 + 60 + 400 = 500 ms

This number is not a general acceptance criterion. The appropriate time depends on the type of experience and equipment and should be evaluated in the project.

For a smooth motion, the delay may be part of the designed behavior. In an interaction where each touch is supposed to be associated with a specific response, a variable or long delay can obscure the relationship.

In the test, a distinction should be made between "request confirmation time" and "water effect observation time". Also, average is not enough; Some very late responses can also spoil the user experience.

10–7. Manage duplicate requests and multiple users

In the public space, the system usually does not face a single entrance. Several people may apply at the same time or one user may hold the button.

The behavior of these situations must be specified from the beginning:

It should not be assumed that every electrical event is an independent action of the user. Some inputs require jitter removal and stability verification; Its time and method should be adjusted with the desired sensor and experience.

In turn-taking, the request should not be executed so late that the user has left the place and another person is faced with an unexpected answer.

10–8. Simultaneous capacity and equipment limitations

Multiplayer interaction must be compatible with the actual capacity of the circuit.

Suppose we have three effect groups and the design flow rate of each group is 2 liters per second in a certain state. If the certified capacity of the circuit for the desired combination is 4 liters per second:

The maximum number of groups at the same time in terms of this flow limit = 4 ÷ 2 = 2 groups

In this example, the interaction logic must handle the request of the third group.

This calculation shows only one limitation. Actual pump performance in different combinations, required pressure, electrical load, flow transients and spray range should also be checked. The equality of the total discharge with the declared capacity does not alone confirm the correct operation of the circuit.

In commercial products, the number of activator inputs and valve outputs are independent characteristics of the controller. For example, in introducing SmartFlow Logics, Vortex describes these capabilities and their application to single-pass water systems. Source: SmartFlow Logics controller ^[56]

10–9. Design of system modes

Defining multiple power-on modes makes programming and troubleshooting easier.

For each state change, the reason and return condition must be clear. A failure of a participating sensor may make only one station unavailable; But effective disruption of water quality or protection can stop the use of a wider area.

Power or communication returns should also not execute old requests without specific logic. The restart condition must be defined and tested in control documents.

10–10. Accessibility and shared experience

Interaction should be usable by a diverse range of users.

The height and location of the activator, the approach space, the possibility of using the sitting position, and the amount of force required should be suitable for the project audience. The Access Board guide emphasizes convenient access to controls and the ability to operate with one hand, without the need to grip or twist the wrist. Performance limits should be adapted to the applicable project criteria. Source: Access Board Functional Parts Guide ^[57]

It is also better to:

• The instruction to use should be short and accompanied by an understandable sign;

• Status recognition does not depend only on the color difference;

• It is possible to participate without running or moving fast;

• Provide a dry and accessible viewing path;

• The ambient noise does not prevent the reception of only the guidance signal.

In group interaction, different but equivalent roles can be designed so that participation does not depend on the same speed or physical strength.

10–11. Environmental conditions, sensor failure and privacy

The sensor must be tested in the real environment. Water splash, rain, direct light, wet surface reflection, pollution, covering the sensor and dense presence of people can affect some technologies.

Test scenarios should also include "no contact", "continuous login", "disconnected" and "invalid report". The system must be able to separate these situations from a normal request and manage according to the approved logic.

A sensor selected for entertainment or presence detection should not assume the role of safety protection without proper evaluation and verification.

If motion detection is done with a camera, the information requirement should be limited and clear. For many interactions, presence or location detection is sufficient and there is no need to identify the person. The design suggestion is local processing and avoiding image storage if there is no functional need; Any type of data recording must be coordinated with the site's privacy requirements.

10–12. Contact with water and consumption of resources

Interactivity does not determine the health status of water. If the audience enters the splash zone or has direct contact with the water, the requirements of the same user must be considered in the design and operation.

CDC guidelines for water sports emphasize water quality control, treatment and disinfection performance, inspection, and recording of results. Using an activator instead of a permanent run does not remove these responsibilities. Source: CDC Operating Manual ^[58]

The effect of on-demand activation on water consumption also depends on the type of circuit:

In the one-pass system, reducing the time of water outflow can directly reduce the volume of water consumed at the outlet.

In the circulation system, most of the water is collected and reused. Therefore, the flow of nozzles multiplied by time is not equivalent to fresh water consumption. Compensating water is dependent on evaporation, extraneous splash, discharge, washout and other losses.

For evaluation, consumption of fresh water and electricity should be measured. The purification circuit should also have a schedule that is suitable for the water quality needs and not just subject to the users' requests.

10–13. Suggested scenario: three stations next to a show fountain

Suppose there are three stations for audience participation next to an inaccessible fountain. Each station requires a specific water and light pattern.

Suggested process:

1. The audience approaches the station from the dry road. 2. By touching the screen, the sign of receiving the request will light up. 3. The system checks the utilization status and free capacity. 4. The relevant effect is implemented within the approved time frame. 5. At the end, the station is ready again.

If two people participate at the same time, a pre-tested combination will be executed. In case of lack of capacity, the third station shows the status of short waiting or temporary non-acceptance.

In this design, the audience affects the show, but does not enter the water area. This example shows that an interactive experience can also be formed next to a pond or a dramatic fountain.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 3-10: Schematic plan of the three participating stations, dry access route, viewing area and corresponding water and light groups. Suggested caption: "Interaction can be done from outside the splash range." This project is an educational example and cannot be attributed to the implemented project of GSO.

10–14. Testing, delivery and operational evaluation

The delivery of an interactive water feature should consider the user experience in addition to the functionality of the equipment.

Acceptance limits should be determined before implementation. Prototyping a station before all units are built can reveal interface, response time, and installation ambiguities.

After the opening, indicators such as the number of valid requests, complete implementation of programs, out-of-service time and unwanted activation can be recorded. The number of requests should not be reported as a single person count; A person may contribute multiple times.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 4-10: A test snapshot of a station with target users and the launch team, focusing on understanding the command and seeing the response. Suggested caption: "Interaction testing examines both equipment behavior and audience experience." Publish the image of people with proper permission.

The interactive fountain allows people to participate in the formation of an urban experience. The result will be stable and attractive when the audience's action has a clear meaning, the response is understandable and the system remains reliable under real conditions of use.

In Chapter 11, floating fountains are examined; From choosing the effect and placement in the water area to buoyancy, bracing, power supply and access for maintenance.