The invention is directed to special effect device that is used to produce a simulated flame that has the shape and, if desired, the color characteristics of an actual flame. The device is particularly adapted to applications in which individuals may be in close proximity to the device. In this regard, the device produces little noise that would indicate to such an individual that the simulated being produced by the device is not a real flame. In one embodiment, the device includes a sintered nozzle that receives a stream of steam and outputs a steam cloud, a steam accelerator for applying a linear stream of air to steam cloud output by the sintered nozzle, and a lighting system to project desired colors onto the linear steam cloud.

A special effects system to provide the effect or illusion of a surface of a set (such as a ceiling, sidewall, floor, or the like) being penetrated and cut by a physical prop (e.g., a tool or weapon). In some preferred embodiments, the physical prop takes on the appearance of a glowing or hot elongated rod similar to the blade of an energy sword or light saber as found in entertainment media. The system is configured to provide the illusion, in these cases, that a circular groove or slot is being formed as the hot blade burns through the material of the surface of the set/scene. Additional effects add to the believability of this illusion including the up and down sawing movement of the physical prob through the slot, appearance of smoke with shadows near the cutting regions, and bright sparkling lighting at leading edge of slot.

A special effects communication system may include a camera system at a first location that generates a first dataset based on one or more images or impressions of a first user at the first location. The special effects communication system may also include a control system communicatively coupled to the camera system and a special effects system. The control system may receive a second dataset corresponding to a second user present at a second location or to one or more users at one or more locations while the first user is present at the first location. The control system may also provide one or more control signals to cause the special effects system at the first location to generate special effects to present a visual and/or auditory likeness of the second user using special effects material and/or mediums.

An entertainment complex and format in which a movie is augmented with pyrotechnics to add to the special effects action on the screen, with the pyrotechnics serving as actual plot points of the movie: e.g. a massive explosion engulfs the screen, at the exact same moment a concussion mortar and liquid/dry fuel mortar and a debris/dust mortar, illuminated by flood lights, may blend seamlessly. Extending the onscreen action off screen, with on screen explosions augmented with genuine explosions and concussive forces safely experienced by the audience. Film makers may make two versions of a film: one with explosions, cannon fire and so on centered and no pyrotechnical enhancement, the other version with explosions and shots found on the edge of the screen. A script which uses second-to-second timing (down to one millisecond) to control and synchronize the real world pyrotechnical action to the onscreen special effects action.

A cold spark waterfall machine, which comprises an accelerating unit, a heating unit, a power unit, and a storage unit. The storage unit stores a cold fireworks raw material for discharging. The power unit is connected to the storage unit wherein the storage unit is connected with the heating unit, and the power unit transmits the cold fireworks raw material in the storage unit to the heating unit. The heating unit activates the cold fireworks raw material and sends the cold fireworks raw material to the acceleration unit. The acceleration unit causes the activated material to accelerate in a downward eruption, thus forming a waterfall of low temperature sparks.

A special effects communication system may include a camera system at a first location that generates a first dataset based on one or more images or impressions of a first user at the first location. The special effects communication system may also include a control system communicatively coupled to the camera system and a special effects system. The control system may receive a second dataset corresponding to a second user present at a second location or to one or more users at one or more locations while the first user is present at the first location. The control system may also provide one or more control signals to cause the special effects system at the first location to generate special effects to present a visual and/or auditory likeness of the second user using special effects material and/or mediums.

The present invention provides a special effects device for simulating sparks generated by combustion, electricity, or other means. The device may include light-emitting devices mechanically connected to extendable structures that are spatially dispersed by an actuator during the operation of the special effects device. The special effects device may be coordinated with a device for simulating combustion to give the impression of sparks generated by a combustion source.

The invention proposes an apparatus for generating three-dimensional visual effects, characterised in that it comprises, in combination: a controlled smoke generator (10) comprising a synthetic smoke source and a means for directionally propelling the smoke produced by the generator in order to form a plume of smoke extending in a certain direction, and a controlled light generator (20), suitable for generating one or more light beams in the plume of smoke and in the direction in which it extends, the light beam or beams being essentially contained in said plume of smoke. Application in particular to the production of lightsaber visual effects, and more generally to varied three-dimensional light effects.

An aerial show system that includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), show systems onboard the UAVs, non-UAV or ground show systems, and a global ground control system. The control system is configured to actively track a UAV's operations during a show performance and to react to make the UAV truly a part of the larger show performance. The system achieves dynamic show participation of the UAV with the distributed show systems, which may include other UAVs and non-UAV show systems on the ground but launch or provide effects in the airspace through which the UAV flies. For example, the control system may track a UAV with a show effect element to determine whether the UAV properly hits its cue or mark with respect to position and orientation in the show space and with respect to timing and, in response to location tracking, trigger show effects early, late, or on time.

The present invention provides a special effects device for simulating sparks generated by combustion, electricity, or other means. The device may include light-emitting devices mechanically connected to extendable structures that are spatially dispersed by an actuator during the operation of the special effects device. The special effects device may be coordinated with a device for simulating combustion to give the impression of sparks generated by a combustion source.