Mirror illusion systems and methods

Abstract

A performance effect system may include a first mirror coupled to a first actuator and mounted to a wall, a second mirror coupled to a second actuator and mounted to the wall proximate to the first mirror, and a sensor configured to monitor a viewing area for viewing the first mirror and the second mirror, the sensor is configured to provide sensor data relating to a customer within the viewing area. The performance effect system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the first actuator, the second actuator, and the sensor. The controller may determine that the customer is in a location within the viewing area based on the sensor data and instruct the first actuator to adjust an orientation or orientation of the first mirror to remove the location from a reflection of the first mirror.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480044549.2 (22) Application Date 2024.06.13 (30) Priority Data 63 / 525271 2023.07.06 US 18 / 440569 2024.02.13 US (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2025.12.30 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / US2024 / 033816 2024.06.13 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2025 / 010133 EN 2025.01.09 (71) Applicant: Universal City Cinemas LLC Address: California, USA (72) Inventors: A.M. Kraussamer, T.F. Garnier, A.C. Jerome, E.R. Box (74) Patent Agency: China Patent Agency (Hong Kong) Limited 72001 Patent Attorneys: Du Juanjuan, Liu Chunyuan (51) Int.Cl. A63J 5 / 00 (2006.01) A63G 31 / 00 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title: Mirror Illusion System and Method (57) Abstract: A performance effects system may include a first mirror coupled to a first actuator and mounted to a wall, a second mirror coupled to a second actuator and mounted to a wall adjacent to the first mirror, and a sensor configured to monitor a viewing area for observing the first and second mirrors, wherein the sensor is configured to provide sensor data relating to a customer within the viewing area. The performance effects system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the first actuator, the second actuator, and the sensor. The controller can determine the customer's location within the viewing area based on sensor data and instruct the first actuator to adjust the orientation or direction of the first mirror to remove that location from the reflection of the first mirror.Claims (3 pages), Description (12 pages), Drawings (4 pages), CN 121443366 A 2026.01.30 CN 1 21 44 33 66 A 1. A performance effects system, comprising: a first mirror coupled to a first actuator and mounted to a wall; a second mirror coupled to a second actuator and mounted to the wall adjacent to the first mirror; a sensor configured to monitor a viewing area from which a customer can observe the first mirror and the second mirror, wherein the sensor is configured to provide sensor data relating to the customer within the viewing area; and a controller communicatively coupled to the first actuator, the second actuator, and the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to: determine, based on the sensor data, the position of the customer within the viewing area; and instruct the first actuator to adjust the orientation or orientation of the first mirror to remove the position from a first reflection of the first mirror. 2. The performance effects system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: instruct the second actuator to adjust the orientation or direction of the second mirror to remove the position from the second reflection of the second mirror. 3. The performance effects system of claim 2, wherein the sensor is configured to monitor customer movement, and the controller is configured to: determine a target angle between the first mirror and the second mirror based on the customer's position; instruct the first actuator to adjust the orientation or direction of the first mirror based on the target angle; and instruct the second actuator to adjust the orientation or direction of the second mirror based on the target angle. 4. The performance effects system of claim 2, wherein the first mirror and the second mirror are rotatably coupled by a hinge, and wherein the first actuator is coupled to the edge of the first mirror opposite to the hinge, and the second actuator is coupled to the edge of the second mirror opposite to the hinge. 5. The performance effects system of claim 4, wherein the first actuator is configured to adjust the orientation or direction of the first mirror in a first direction, and the second actuator is configured to adjust the orientation or direction of the second mirror in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 6. The performance effects system of claim 1, comprising an object coupled to an additional actuator and mounted opposite the first mirror and the second mirror, wherein the controller is configured to: in response to the first actuator adjusting the orientation or direction of the first mirror to remove the position from the first reflection of the first mirror, instruct the additional actuator to adjust the orientation of the object to keep the object within the field of view of the first mirror.7. The performance effects system of claim 1, comprising a display mounted opposite the first mirror and the second mirror, wherein the controller is configured to: in response to the first actuator adjusting the orientation or direction of the first mirror to remove the position from the first reflection of the first mirror, instruct the display to adjust image data to maintain an image on the display within the field of view of the first mirror. 8. The performance effects system of claim 1, comprising a projector configured to project image content onto a projection surface opposite the first mirror and the second mirror, wherein the controller is configured to: generate image data for projection onto an additional wall opposite the wall; update the image data to updated image data in response to determining that the customer is in the position; and instruct the projector to project the updated image data in parallel with instructing the first actuator to adjust the orientation or direction of the first mirror. 9. The performance effects system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to monitor the customer's blinking, and wherein the controller is configured to: instruct the first actuator based on the customer's blinking. 10. The performance effects system of claim 1, further comprising an output device configured to emit a visually distracting object, an audioly distracting object, or both, wherein the controller is configured to: instruct the output device to emit the visually distracting object, the audioly distracting object, or both, before instructing the first actuator to adjust the orientation or orientation of the first mirror to remove the position from the first reflection of the first mirror. 11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to: receive sensor data from a sensor monitoring customer activity; determine, based on the sensor data, the orientation of a customer relative to a performance effects system; and, based on the customer's orientation, instruct at least one actuator of the performance effects system to adjust the orientation or orientation of at least one mirror of the performance effects system to adjust the reflection of the at least one mirror to exclude the customer. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to: instruct a first actuator to adjust the orientation or orientation of a first mirror; and instruct a second actuator to adjust the orientation or orientation of a second mirror.13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to: determine a distance between the customer and the performance effects system; and, based on the distance, determine a target angle between the first mirror and the second mirror. 14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to: instruct an additional actuator of the performance effects system to adjust the orientation or orientation of an object in the performance effects system based on the reflection of the at least one mirror being adjusted to exclude the customer; or instruct a display to move an image based on the reflection of the at least one mirror being adjusted to exclude the customer. 15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to: initiate media interference or detect the customer's blinking before instructing the at least one actuator of the performance effects system to adjust the orientation or orientation of the at least one mirror of the performance effects system to exclude the customer based on the customer's orientation. 16. A scenic spot system for a tourist attraction, the scenic spot system comprising: a first mirror; a second mirror; one or more actuators configured to adjust the positioning and / or orientation of the first mirror, the second mirror, or both; one or more sensors configured to track the orientation of a customer within the scenic spot; and a controller configured to: receive sensor data indicating the orientation of the customer from the one or more sensors; determine a target angle between the first mirror and the second mirror based on the customer's orientation, the target angle being used to exclude the customer's orientation from a first reflection of the first mirror and / or the second mirror; and instruct the one or more actuators to adjust the positioning and / or orientation of the first mirror, the second mirror, or both based on the target angle. 17. The attraction system of claim 16, further comprising an output device configured to emit a visual effect, an audio effect, or both, wherein the controller is configured to: instruct the output device to emit the visual effect, the audio effect, or both before instructing the one or more actuators based on the target angle to adjust the positioning and / or orientation of the first mirror, the second mirror, or both.18. The attraction system of claim 16, wherein the sensor data includes detected blinks of the customer, and wherein the controller is configured to: during the blink of the customer, instruct the one or more actuators to adjust the positioning and / or orientation of the first mirror, the second mirror, or both. 19. The attraction system of claim 16, including shutter glasses worn by the customer and configured to temporarily obstruct the customer's field of vision, wherein the controller is configured to: determine the shutter timing of the shutter glasses; and during a closed period of the shutter glasses, instruct the one or more actuators to adjust the positioning and / or orientation of the first mirror, the second mirror, or both. 20. The attraction system of claim 16, wherein the one or more actuators include a first actuator coupled to the first mirror and a second actuator coupled to the second mirror. Claims 3 / 3 Page 4 CN 121443366 A Mirror Illusion System and Method

[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 525271 (titled “MIRROR ILLUSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS”, filed July 6, 2023), which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference for all purposes. Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to the various aspects of the present art, which are described and / or claimed below. It is believed that this discussion will help to provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this context and not as an admission of prior art.

[0003] Special effects can be used throughout amusement parks and other entertainment venues to help immerse customers in the experience of riding in a ride or attraction. Immersive environments may include three-dimensional (3D) props and sets, robotic or mechanical elements, and / or display surfaces that present media. For example, amusement parks may provide performance effects for customers. Performance effects may include visual illusions of customers disappearing, such as reflections of customers disappearing. Performance effects enable amusement parks to provide creative ways to entertain customers, such as presenting illusions in a convincing manner. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An overview of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief overview of these certain embodiments, and these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover a wide variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a performance effects system may include a first mirror coupled to a first actuator and mounted to a wall, a second mirror coupled to a second actuator and mounted adjacent to the first mirror, and a sensor configured to provide sensor data relating to a customer within a viewing area. The performance effects system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the first actuator, the second actuator, and the sensor. The controller may determine whether a customer is within the viewing area based on the sensor data and may instruct the first actuator to adjust the orientation or orientation of the first mirror to alter the reflection of the mirror as viewed by the customer.

[0006] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to: receive sensor data from a sensor monitoring customer activity; determine the orientation of a customer relative to the performance effects system based on the sensor data; and instruct at least one actuator of the performance effects system to adjust the orientation or orientation of at least one mirror of the performance effects system to alter the reflection of the mirror as viewed by the customer, thereby excluding the customer's reflection on the at least one mirror.

[0007] In one embodiment, a tourist attraction system for a tourist attraction may include a first mirror, a second mirror, and one or more actuators configured to adjust the orientation and / or orientation of the first mirror, the second mirror, or both. The tourist attraction system may also include one or more sensors for tracking the orientation of a customer within the system, and a controller capable of performing the following operations: receiving sensor data indicating the customer's orientation from one or more sensors; determining a target angle between the first mirror and the second mirror based on the customer's orientation, the target angle being used to exclude the customer's reflection from reflections in the first mirror and / or the second mirror; and instructing one or more actuators to adjust the positioning and / or orientation of the first mirror, the second mirror, or both based on the target angle.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more readily understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar parts throughout, wherein: FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; FIG2 is a schematic front elevation view of the attraction system of FIG1 including a performance effects system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; FIG3 is a schematic top view of the attraction system of FIG1 including a performance effects system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; FIG4 is a front schematic diagram of the attraction system of FIG1 including a performance effects system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; FIG5 is a schematic front elevation view of the attraction system of FIG1 including a performance effects system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; FIG6 is a schematic side elevation view of the attraction system of FIG1 including a performance effects system according to one aspect of the present disclosure; and FIG7 is a flowchart of an example method or process for operating the attraction system of FIG1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0009] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer’s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work can be complex and time-consuming, but will be nothing more than routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0010] When elements of various embodiments of this disclosure are described, the articles “a” and “described” are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising” and “including” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may exist in addition to the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the presence of additional embodiments that are also incorporated into the described features.

[0011] This disclosure relates to providing performance effects for entertainment purposes. For example, this embodiment can be used to entertain customers in an amusement park. An amusement park may include a wide variety of features such as rides (e.g., roller coasters), theatrical performances, set designs, performers, and / or decorative elements to entertain customers. Performance effects can be used to complement or supplement features, such as to provide customers with a more immersive and / or unique experience. For example, performance effects may be presented alongside real-world objects to provide customers with an interactive experience.

[0012] The attraction system may include a performance effects system configured to present performance effects (such as disappearance illusions) that create an immersive and / or unique experience for customers. To present the performance effects, the performance effects system may include two mirrors parallel to each other on a first wall. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the term "parallel" refers to a general orientation and is not a strict mathematical use of the term. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the mirrors are generally aligned in a substantially parallel orientation (as would be judged by a casual observer). The performance effects system may also include one or more objects on a second wall that may be adjacent to or opposite the first wall. In one embodiment, the first wall may be a portion of a first wall, and the second wall may be a portion of the same curved wall. The field of view reflected by the mirrors may include the second wall and one or more objects. Furthermore, customers can approach the performance effects system and view one or more objects and / or their own reflections in the two mirrors.

[0013] The performance effects system can adjust the configuration of mirrors so that customers can view the reflection of one or more objects in the mirrors but no longer view their own reflections. For example, each of the mirrors may be coupled to one or more actuators that adjust the orientation and / or direction of the mirror. Adjusting the orientation or direction of the mirrors can adjust the field of view reflected by the mirrors. When the reflection excludes the customer, it may appear to the viewer that they have disappeared. Furthermore, the disappearance effect may be presented in conjunction with disturbances such as loud sounds, flashes of light, or other disturbances to cause the customer to briefly stop looking at the mirrors. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure are directed to performance effects systems that provide realistic illusionary effects. In some embodiments, multiple mirrors, a single mirror with flexible connections, or another arrangement of one or more mirrors may be used instead of two mirrors, which allows for orientation or direction adjustment to achieve a desired change in the field of view reflected by one or more mirrors as viewed by the customer. References to the field of view in this disclosure refer to the reflection of the mirrors as perceived by the customer (i.e., the image reflected by the mirrors, such as a view). References to the reflection of the mirrors correspond to the image that is being reflected by the mirrors so that it is visible to the customer from a particular customer position. For example, a customer (at a particular customer location) may perceive a first scene reflected from the mirror (i.e., in the corresponding reflection of the mirror) when the mirror is in a first configuration (e.g., orientation and / or orientation), and a second scene different from the first scene reflected from the mirror when the mirror is in a second configuration different from the first configuration.

[0014] In view of the above, FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park attraction system 50 according to the present disclosure.As an example, customer area 52 may include paths (e.g., walkways, queues, lines) through which customers 54 can navigate. As another example, customer area 52 may include spaces (e.g., seating areas) where customers 54 can position themselves to watch a performance. As yet another example, customer area 52 may include rides that can move and transport customers 54 through attraction system 50.

[0015] Furthermore, attraction system 50 may include attraction sections 56 that can provide entertainment to customers 54. Attraction section 56 may include rides (e.g., dark rides), haunted houses, escape rooms, theaters, mazes, and the like. Attraction section 56 may include performance effects system 58 that provides performance effects for customers 54. For example, attraction section 56 may be a haunted house attraction that includes passageways for customers 54 to pass through attraction section 56. Furthermore, attraction section 56 may include passageways that guide customers 54 to performance effects system 58. In some instances, the attraction section 56 may include markers or indicators for positioning one or more customers 54 relative to the performance effects system 58 to provide a visually realistic illusion to one or more customers 54. For example, in a first configuration, one or more customers 54 may be positioned to view reflections from the performance effects system 58, including reflections of one or more customers 54 and the surrounding walls of the attraction section 56. Then, in a second configuration, one or more customers 54 may no longer view their reflections in the performance effects system 58, but may continue to view reflections of the surrounding walls. In this way, the performance effects system 58 may provide one or more customers 54 with a realistic illusion of disappearance.

[0016] In another example, the attraction section 56 may be a theater, and one or more customers 54 may participate in a close-up performance with one or more actors. For example, one or more customers 54 may perceive that one or more actors are performing the role of fictional characters (e.g., magicians, vampires, ghosts) based on the behavior of one or more actors and / or the interaction between one or more actors and the performance effects system 58. In other words, one or more customers 54 may not perceive the reflections of one or more actors in the performance effects system 58, which could indicate the vampire. In some instances, one or more actors may interact with one or more customers 54, and subsequently, one or more customers 54 may not view their reflections in the performance effects system 58, which could indicate that one or more customers 54 have transformed into a fictional character. Thus, the performance effects system 58 can provide an interactive experience for one or more customers 54.Although the performance effects system 58 shown is located within the attraction section 56, in one embodiment, the performance effects system 58 may be located within the customer area 52.

[0017] Returning to the performance effects system 58, the performance effects system 58 may provide performance effects, such as disappearance illusions, to one or more customers 54. For this purpose, the performance effects system 58 may include one or more mirrors 60, one or more objects 62, one or more actuators 64, one or more sensors 66, and / or output devices 67. The one or more mirrors 60 may be mounted to a first wall of the attraction section 56 and may reflect light within the attraction section 56. For example, each of the one or more mirrors 60 may reflect light in a specific direction. What the mirrors reflect and what the one or more customers 54 see may be based on the orientation and / or orientation of the one or more mirrors 60 within the attraction section 56. For this purpose, the one or more mirrors 60 may be made of glass, plastic, polymer materials, semi-reflective materials, reflective materials, and the like. For example, one or more customers 54 may be positioned in front of one or more mirrors 60, such that one or more customers 54 can view their reflections as well as reflections of one or more walls adjacent to and / or opposite the first wall. Additionally, one or more customers 54 can view the reflections of one or more other customers 54 positioned in front of one or more mirrors 60.

[0018] The performance effects system 58 may also include one or more objects 62 positioned on a second wall of the attraction section 56. The second wall may be adjacent to the first wall and within the field of view of one or more mirrors 60. Thus, one or more objects 62 mounted on the second wall may be reflected by one or more mirrors 60 and are visible to one or more customers 54. In another example, the second wall may be directly opposite the first wall, such that one or more customers 54 can view the reflection of one or more objects 62 via one or more mirrors 60. One or more objects 62 may include displays (e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diode (LED) displays, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, micro-LEDs, projectors), projectors, screens, light sources, paintings, decorations, performance props, animated characters, and the like. For example, one or more objects 62 may be a digital display that receives image data and displays images. In another example, one or more objects 62 may include performance props such as paintings, clocks, small sculptures, books, and the like. In some instances, one or more objects 62 may be coupled to actuators that adjust the orientation and / or orientation of one or more objects 62 to provide a realistic performance effect to one or more customers 54. This can be done to compensate for the effect caused by adjusting one or more mirrors 60. Similar adjustments can be made to the image on an electronic display.For example, altering the field of view reflected by one or more mirrors 60 can make reflected features (e.g., one or more objects 62 or displayed images) appear to be moving away from the center of the reflected scene. To counteract this and enhance the immersive nature of the performance, the features can be moved together or toward the center of the reflected scene to counteract the perceived movement caused by the change in the field of view.

[0019] Furthermore, one or more mirrors 60 may be coupled to one or more actuators 64, respectively. One or more actuators 64 may adjust the orientation and / or orientation of one or more mirrors 60, respectively. One or more actuators 64 may adjust the orientation and / or orientation of a respective mirror 60 by rotating, orienting, and / or linearly translating each of the one or more mirrors 60 between a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, one or more mirrors 60 may be aligned against a first wall. In the second orientation, one or more mirrors 60 may be angled relative to the first wall such that an angle is formed between two or more mirrors 60, and / or such that the orientation and / or orientation of one or more mirrors 60 are adjusted. For this purpose, one or more actuators 64 may include linear actuators, cam mechanisms, pneumatic actuators, rotary mechanisms, and the like. In one example, one or more actuators 64 may be used with linear motion to adjust the orientation and / or orientation of one or more mirrors 60.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, one or more actuators 64 may be coupled to one or more objects 62 respectively. For example, in the first orientation described on page 4 / 12 of the specification 8 CN 121443366 A, one or more objects 62 may be positioned on a first portion of a second wall. To provide a realistic performance effect, the orientation and / or orientation of one or more objects 62 may be adjusted based on the adjusted orientation and / or orientation of one or more mirrors 60. For example, one or more objects 62 may be moved in the horizontal direction to compensate for the adjusted orientation and / or orientation of one or more mirrors 60. In another example, one or more objects 62 may be rotated. Thus, during the performance effect, one or more objects 62 may appear not to be moving to one or more customers 54.

[0021] The performance effects system 58 may also include one or more sensors 66 to determine customer attributes, such as the movement of (one or more) customers 54, the facial features of (one or more) customers 54, the location and / or orientation of (one or more) customers relative to the performance effects system 58, and the like. For example, one or more sensors 66 may be positioned to monitor customer activities associated with (one or more) customers 54, such as movement of body parts (e.g., head, arms, legs), and / or the distance between (one or more) customers 54 and one or more mirrors 60.One or more sensors 66 may also determine the eye movements, gaze, and viewing angle of customer(s)(s), and so on of customer(s). For this purpose, the one or more sensors 66 may include cameras (e.g., optical cameras, 3D cameras, infrared (IR) cameras, depth-based cameras), orientation sensors (e.g., sonar sensors, radar sensors, laser imaging, detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors), time-of-flight sensors, and so on. For example, one or more sensors 66 may generate video data of customer(s)(s), which may be not visible to customer(s)(s)(s) in the IR spectrum. In another example, one or more sensors 66 may track one or more attributes of customer(s)(s)(s)(s), such as facial features, height, and eye height). Furthermore, one or more sensors 66 may determine the visual cone of customer(s)(s)(s) when viewing the performance effects system 58. In another example, one or more sensors 66 may include proximity sensors to determine the orientation of customer(s)(s)(s)(s) relative to the performance effects system 58. In another example, one or more sensors 66 may include a computer vision system that tracks the longitudinal and lateral orientation of one or more customers 54 relative to the performance effects system 58.

[0022] The performance effects system 58 may also include an output device 67. The output device 67 may provide visual and / or audio effects. For this purpose, the output device 67 may include a strobe light, LED, OLED, flashlight, speaker, smoke system, and the like. For example, the output device 67 may be a strobe light that provides a sudden flash of light to interrupt the line of sight of one or more customers 54 to one or more mirrors 60. Additionally or alternatively, the flash may temporarily prevent one or more customers 54 from looking at one or more mirrors 60, thereby interrupting the line of sight. In another example, the output device 67 may provide a loud sound to distract one or more customers 54 from looking at one or more mirrors 60. Additionally or alternatively, one or more actors may create distractions to divert the attention of one or more customers 54 from looking at one or more mirrors 60. For example, one or more actors may approach one or more customers 54, interact with one or more customers 54, and the like.

[0023] The attraction system 50 may include a controller 68 (e.g., a control system, an automatic controller, a programmable controller, an electronic controller, a control circuit module, a cloud computing system) or coordinate with the controller 68, which is configured to operate the performance effects system 58 to provide an interactive experience to one or more customers 54.For example, controller 68 may be communicatively coupled (e.g., via one or more lines, via wireless communication (e.g., via a transmitter, receiver, transceiver)) to one or more objects 62, one or more actuators 64, one or more sensors 66, and / or output devices 67. Controller 68 may include memory 70 (representing one or more memories) and processing circuitry modules or processor 72 (representing one or more processors). Memory 70 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical drives, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions for operating performance effects system 58. Processor 72 may be configured to execute such instructions. For example, processor 72 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof. In some instances, controller 68 may include one or more controllers communicatively coupled and capable of performing the actions described herein, individually or collectively. Additionally or alternatively, controller 68 may include one or more processors 72 and / or one or more memories 70 that can individually or collectively perform the actions described herein.

[0024] In one embodiment, controller 68 may receive sensor data from one or more sensors 66 and operate to determine the visual cone of (one or more) customers 54 and / or the orientation of (one or more) customers 54 relative to one or more mirrors 60, and transmit control signals to one or more actuators 64 to instruct the generation of performance effects. For example, controller 68 may receive sensor data from proximity sensors and determine the orientation and / or orientation of (one or more) customers 54 relative to one or more mirrors 60. Based on the orientation and / or orientation of (one or more) customers 54, together with data established on human visual capabilities, controller 68 may determine the visual cone of (one or more) customers 54. In another example, controller 68 may determine the number of (one or more) customers 54 interacting with (e.g., watching) one or more mirrors 60. Furthermore, the controller 68 may utilize image analysis techniques to determine customer attributes, such as the facial features of one or more customers 54 and / or the eye movements (e.g., blinking) of one or more customers 54, and instruct the generation of performance effects during the blinking of one or more customers 54.

[0025] In order to generate realistic performance effects for one or more customers 54, the controller 68 may instruct one or more actuators 64 to adjust the orientation and / or orientation of one or more objects 62.When one or more mirrors 60 are in a first orientation and a second orientation, one or more customers 54 can view the reflection of one or more objects 62. For example, the orientation and / or orientation of one or more objects 62 can be adjusted from the first orientation to the second orientation such that the reflection of one or more objects 62 within one or more mirrors 60 appears to one or more customers 54 as if it has not moved. In some instances, one or more objects 62 can be a display (e.g., an electronic display system), and the controller 68 can generate image data and transmit the image data to the display to update the displayed image content. For example, the updated image content can be similar image content that is offset or rotated in one direction to make it appear as if the orientation and / or orientation of one or more objects 62 has been changed.

[0026] Although this embodiment can operate without manufactured interference, in some embodiments, the controller 68 may instruct the output device 67 to provide interference to one or more customers 54 and to interfere with the customer's view of one or more mirrors 60. To this end, the controller 68 may instruct the output device 67 to generate visual and / or audio output to divert the customer's attention from one or more mirrors 60. When a customer's attention can be diverted from one or more mirrors 60, the controller 68 may transmit instructions to one or more actuators 64 to instruct adjustments to the orientation and / or orientation of the one or more mirrors 60. For example, the one or more actuators 64 may shift the one or more mirrors 60 from a first orientation to a second orientation, thereby adjusting the reflections from the one or more mirrors 60 as viewed by the customer(s) 54. In this way, the controller 68 may instruct the generation of performance effects to create an immersive environment for the customer(s) 54.

[0027] The controller 68 may then instruct the one or more actuators 64 to shift the one or more mirrors 60 from the second orientation back to the first orientation to reset the performance effects system 58. For example, the one or more actuators 64 may adjust the orientation and / or orientation of the one or more mirrors 60 to be oriented parallel to each other. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 68 may instruct the one or more actuators 64 to shift one or more objects 62 from the second orientation to the first orientation. In this way, the controller 68 may reset the performance effects system 58 to prepare for subsequent customer interaction.

[0028] FIG2 is a schematic front perspective view of a sightseeing system 50 including a performance effects system 58 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the performance effects system 58 can be switched from a first configuration 90A to a second configuration 90B (as indicated by arrow 92). By way of example, in the first configuration 90A, customers can approach the performance effects system 58 and view their reflections (e.g., the first reflective element 94), while in the second configuration 90B, customers may not be able to view their reflections.As shown, the performance effects system 58 includes a mirror 60 that transitions between a first configuration 90A and a second configuration 90B, and a sensor 66 positioned to monitor customer attributes. From the customer's perspective, the mirror 60 appears as if it has not yet changed from the first configuration 90A to the second configuration 90B. As further described herein, the orientation and / or orientation of the mirror 90 can be adjusted to provide a performance effect. For this purpose, the mirror 60 may include hinges providing rotation of a first portion and a second portion of the mirror 60, and the mirror 60 may be coupled to one or more actuators that can adjust the orientation and / or orientation of the first portion, the second portion, or both. The sensor 66 can monitor the customer's orientation and / or orientation relative to the performance effects system 58, the customer's facial features, the customer's eye movements, and the like. For example, the sensor 66 can determine whether the customer is likely in a designated area adjacent to the performance effects system 58. If the customer is not in the designated area, the performance effects system 58 may not provide performance effects for the customer and remains in the first configuration 90A. If the customer is in the designated area, the performance effects system 58 may indicate the generation of performance effects for the customer by switching from the first configuration 90A to the second configuration 90B. Such a switch may be activated by the performance effects system 58 when a customer's eye blinks or based on other triggers (e.g., visual or audio distractions).

[0029] In the first configuration 90A, the customer may be positioned in front of the mirror 60 and view a reflection, which may be a first reflective element 94 (e.g., their own reflection) and a second reflective element 96 (e.g., a reflection of one or more objects in the background area). As shown, the first reflective element 94 may include a reflection of the customer, and the second reflective element 96 may include a reflection of one or more objects mounted on a second wall of the scenic area. The reflection may also include portions of the second wall, one or more additional customers within the scenic area, one or more actors within the scenic area, and the like.

[0030] In some embodiments, the performance effects system 58 may provide distractions that may temporarily interrupt the line of sight between the customer and the mirror 60. For example, the controller may instruct the output device to generate visual and / or audio distractions. A visual distraction could be a sudden flash of light reflected from mirror 60 to interrupt the customer's line of sight to mirror 60. In one example, an audio distraction could be an explosion or loud noise that diverts the customer's attention from the performance effects system 58. In yet another example, the distraction could include both visual and audio distractions.Distractions may include both flashing lights and loud noises, which can interrupt the customer's contact with the performance effects system 58.

[0031] In some instances, the performance effects system 58 may determine the customer's blinking pattern and transition from a first configuration 90A to a second configuration 90B during blinking. The transition based on detected blinks may be made with or without distractions. In one embodiment, the customer may wear shutter glasses 98 that periodically obstructs the customer's view. For example, the shutter glasses may include one or more shutters (e.g., blinds) that open and close to provide an interactive experience for the customer. The shutter glasses 98 may be communicatively coupled to a controller 68 such that the timing of the operation of the shutter glasses 98 may be synchronized with the timing of the operation of the actuator 64. For example, when the shutter glasses 98 are closed, the controller 68 may instruct one or more actuators to adjust the orientation and / or orientation of a first portion and a second portion of the mirror 60. In this way, the customer may view a performance effect or a realistic disappearance illusion effect. In some instances, multiple customers may interact with the performance effects system 58 simultaneously. Each customer may wear a pair of shutter glasses to view the performance effects. For example, the shutter glasses 98 may be synchronized such that the shutter glasses close together and one or more actuators adjust the orientation and / or orientation of the mirror 60 respectively. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the mirror 60 is a single flexible mirror or an assembly of hinged mirrors, and the actuator may be a single actuator that bends the flexible mirror or causes bending or rotation about the hinges between the mirror assemblies, in other embodiments, the mirror 60 may include multiple mirrors, as described with respect to Figures 4 and 5.

[0032] In the second configuration 90B, one or more customers may remain in front of the mirror 60 but may not be able to view the first reflective element 94 (e.g., the customer's reflection). The orientation and / or orientation of the mirror 60 may be adjusted, which may adjust the reflection from the mirror 60 as viewed by the customer. For example, the first reflective element 94 may disappear with respect to the customer's viewing angle. Furthermore, as described on page 7 / 12 of the specification (CN 121443366 A), the second reflective element 96 is repositioned based on changes in the orientation and / or orientation of the mirror 60, so that the second reflective element 96 may appear to remain in the same orientation from the customer's perspective. To this end, one or more actuators may adjust the orientation and / or orientation of one or more objects so that the second reflective element 96 is perceived by the customer as not having moved. In other embodiments, one or more objects may be displays, and updated image data may be used to create a similar effect. In this way, between the first configuration 90A and the second configuration 90B, one or more customers may perceive that their reflection has disappeared but the reflection of the scenic area remains unchanged. Thus, the performance effects system 58 can provide customers with an interactive and / or immersive experience.

[0033] FIG3 is a top view schematic diagram of a scenic spot system 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the performance effects system 58 can be switched from a first configuration 90A to a second configuration 90B (as indicated by arrow 92). As shown, the performance effects system 58 includes two mirrors 60 (referred to as first mirror 60, 60A and second mirror 60, 60B, respectively). In the first configuration 90A, the mirrors 60 may be parallel, and the customer 54 can view their reflections as well as the reflections of one or more objects. In the second configuration 90B, the orientation and / or orientation of the two mirrors 60 may be adjusted so that the customer 54 may not be able to view their reflections and may continue to view the reflections of one or more objects. In other embodiments, the two mirrors 60 may be adjusted so that the customer 54 can view their reflections but may not be able to view the reflections of one or more objects. In practice, the reflections from the mirrors 60 viewed by the customer 54 can be adjusted as desired based on the orientation and / or orientation of each mirror in the mirrors 60.

[0034] Returning to the first configuration 90A, the first mirrors 60, 60A and the second mirror 60B may be mounted parallel to each other on the first wall of the attraction section. For example, the edge 122 of the first mirrors 60, 60A may be adjacent to the edge 124 of the second mirrors 60, 60B. Even if not shown, the seam between the first mirrors 60, 60A and the second mirrors 60, 60B may be concealed by a flexible and / or reflective material that visually resembles mirror 60. In other embodiments, the seam may be concealed by performance props such as spider webs, fake blood, glitter, cards, and the like. In this way, the customer 54 can view the two mirrors as a continuous mirror. The first mirrors 60, 60A and the second mirrors 60, 60B may reflect light within the attraction section 56 to create a reflection viewed by the customer 54. For example, the first mirrors 60, 60A and the second mirrors 60, 60B may each include a reflection 120 viewed by the customer 54, which may be based on the orientation and / or orientation of the respective mirror 60. Reflection 120 may be an area of ​​the scenic spot visible from the viewpoint of customer 54 when reflected from the two mirrors 60. As shown, reflection 120 may extend from the second edges 122, 122B of the first mirrors 60, 60A and the second edges 124, 124B of the second mirrors 60, 60B. That is, reflection 120 may include customer 54.

[0035] The performance effects system 58 may include markers 126 for positioning customer(s) ...For example, a customer 54 may have a visual cone 128 of understanding or estimation when viewing the first mirrors 60, 60A and the second mirrors 60, 60B. The visual cone 128 may be a portion of the mirror 60, where the customer 54 may have an unobstructed field of vision. As shown, the customer 54 may have a visual cone 128 extending from the second edges 122, 122B of the first mirrors 60, 60A to the second edges 124, 124B of the second mirrors 60, 60B. That is, the visual cone 128 may cover reflections from the first mirrors 60, 60A and the second mirrors 60, 60B. In the first configuration 90A, the customer 54 may view their reflections in the mirrors 60.

[0036] In the second configuration 90B, the orientation and / or direction of the first mirrors 60, 60A and / or the second mirrors 60, 60B may be adjusted, thereby altering the reflection 120 of the mirrors 60 as viewed by the customer to provide performance effects, such as vanishing illusion effects. For example, the first mirrors 60, 60A and the second mirrors 60, 60B can be oriented at an angle 130 relative to each other and relative to the first wall. As shown, the second edges 122, 122B of the first mirrors 60, 60A are positioned at an angle adjacent to the first wall, and the second edges 124, 124B of the second mirrors 60, 60B are positioned at an angle adjacent to the first wall. Thus, an angle 130 is formed between the first mirrors 60, 60A and the second mirrors 60, 60B. The size of the angle 130 used to achieve the illusion in the second configuration 90B (page 8 / 12, CN 121443366 A) can depend on the orientation and / or orientation of the customer 54 relative to the mirrors 60. The angle 130 between the two mirrors 60 can decrease as the distance between the customer(s) 54 and the mirrors 60 increases. For example, the customer 54 can be located 10 to 15 feet away from the mirrors 60, and the angle 130 can be reduced by 10 degrees (e.g., from 180 degrees or parallel orientation). In another example, customer 54 may be located 1 to 5 feet away from mirror 60, and angle 130 may be reduced by 25 degrees.

[0037] The adjustment may cause the reflection 120 of the first mirror 60, 60A and / or the second mirror 60, 60B to be offset in a direction opposite to the orientation of customer 54. As shown, the reflection 120 of the first mirror 60, 60A may be offset to the left with respect to the customer's viewpoint, and the reflection 120 of the second mirror 60, 60B may be offset to the right with respect to the customer's viewpoint. Thus, the reflection 120 of the first mirror 60, 60A and the second mirror 60, 60B may not include customer 54.

[0038] Although the example shown involves adjusting the orientation and / or direction of both the first mirror 60, 60A and the second mirror 60, 60B, the performance effects system 58 may also adjust the orientation and / or direction of the first mirror 60, 60A or the second mirror 60, 60B.For example, a customer 54 may stand at the edge of the first mirrors 60, 60A. Based on the orientation and / or orientation of the customer 54, the performance effects system 58 may adjust the orientation and / or orientation of the first mirrors 60, 60A so that the field of view 120 may not include the customer 54. In addition, the performance effects system 58 may include more than two mirrors 60. For example, the performance effects system 58 may include three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more mirrors, etc., to provide performance effects.

[0039] FIG4 is a front schematic diagram of a scenic spot system 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the performance effects system 58 includes mirrors 60 (referred to as first mirrors 60, 60A and second mirrors 60, 60B, respectively) coupled to actuators 64 (referred to as first actuators 64, 64A and second actuators 64, 64B). The mirrors 60 may appear to the customer as a continuous mirror, but the mirrors 60 may be formed by first mirrors 60, 60A and second mirrors 60, 60B coupled by hinges 160. Hinge 160 provides an axis of rotation for pivoting one or more mirrors 60 about it. As shown, hinge 160 is coupled along first edges 122, 122A of the first mirrors 60, 60A and first edges 124, 124A of the second mirrors 60, 60B. Thus, the first mirrors 60, 60A can pivot about hinge 160 in a first direction, and the second mirrors 60, 60B can pivot about hinge 160 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In this way, the angle between the first mirrors 60, 60A and the second mirrors 60, 60B (e.g., angle 130 as described in FIG. 3) can be reduced, and the field of view 120 of each mirror 60 can be adjusted to provide a performance effect. In some instances, the second edges 122, 122B of the first mirrors 60, 60A and / or the second edges 124, 124B of the second mirrors 60, 60B can be rotatably coupled to the first wall of the scenic section 56.

[0040] In some instances, hinge 160 may be concealed and / or hidden from the customer's viewpoint by polymer films, lighting effects, and decorations such as fake spider webs, blood-like patterns, string lights, yarns, fabrics, etc. For example, a polymer film having visual properties similar to mirror 60 may conceal the hinge 160 between the first mirrors 60, 60A and the second mirrors 60, 60B from the customer's viewpoint. In another example, foliage may be used to conceal hinge 160. Furthermore, the lighting within the viewpoint section 56 may be dimmed to conceal hinge 160. Thus, the customer may view the first mirrors 60, 60A and the second mirrors 60, 60B as a continuous mirror. In some embodiments, performance effects system 58 may include multiple mirrors to provide performance effects. Thus, polymer films, decorations, lighting effects, and the like may be used to conceal the hinge between each mirror in the mirrors from the customer's viewpoint.

[0041] To adjust the orientation and / or orientation of the first mirrors 60, 60A and / or the second mirrors 60, 60B, each mirror in the mirrors 60 may be coupled to a corresponding actuator 64. As an example, the first actuators 64, 64A may be coupled to an edge of the first mirrors 60, 60A that may be adjacent to the hinge 160, and the second actuators 64, 64B may be coupled to an edge of the second mirrors 60, 60B that may be adjacent to the hinge 160. The first actuators 64, 64A and / or the second actuators 64, 64B may use linear motion to move the hinge 160 toward (one or more) customers 54. For example, the controller 68 may instruct the first actuators 64, 64A to adjust the orientation and / or orientation of the first mirrors 60, 60A by pushing the first edges 122, 122A toward (one or more) customers 54 and / or away from the first wall. The controller 68 can determine a target angle between the first mirrors 60, 60A and the second mirrors 60, 60B, and, based on the target angle (page 9 / 12, CN 121443366 A), instruct the first actuators 64, 64A to adjust the orientation and / or orientation of the first edges 122, 122A. Furthermore, the controller 68 can instruct the second actuators 64, 64B to adjust the orientation and / or orientation of the second mirrors 60, 60B by pushing or pulling the first edges 124, 124A. The controller 68 can simultaneously instruct the first actuators 64, 64A and the second actuators 64, 64B to adjust the orientation and / or orientation of the first mirrors 60, 60A and the second mirrors 60, 60B, respectively. Further, the actuator 64 can be a single actuator that operates the hinge 160 to switch between angles of opposing hinge coupling portions.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a schematic front elevation view of a sightseeing system 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sightseeing system 50 is substantially similar to the schematic diagram of the sightseeing system 50 in FIG. 4, except that actuators 64 (referred to as first actuators 64, 64A and second actuators 64, 64B, respectively) are coupled to the edges of first mirrors 60, 60A and / or second mirrors 60, 60B opposite to hinge 160. As shown, first actuators 64, 64A may be coupled to second edges 122, 122B of first mirrors 60, 60A, and second actuators 64, 64B may be coupled to second edges 124, 124B of second mirrors 60, 60B. Actuators 64 may be rotating devices that adjust the orientation and / or orientation of the second edges 122, 122B of first mirrors 60, 60A and / or the second edges 124, 124B of second mirrors 60, 60B, respectively.

[0043] FIG6 is a side view of a scenic spot system 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.For example, the performance effects system 58 may include a mirror 60 (which may be the first mirror 60, 60A and / or the second mirror 60, 60B described with respect to Figures 2 through 6) coupled to an actuator 64 (which may be a first actuator 64, 64A and / or a second actuator 64, 64B). As discussed herein, the actuator 64 may be coupled to an edge of the mirror 60. In some instances, the actuator 64 may be coupled to a surface of the mirror 60, such as a surface oriented toward a first wall of the scene portion 56.

[0044] As shown, the actuator 64 may use linear motion to adjust the orientation and / or orientation of the mirror 60, such as adjusting from a first orientation associated with a first configuration to a second orientation associated with a second configuration, or vice versa. For example, the actuator 64 may push the edge of the mirror 60 away from the first wall (e.g., the first orientation) and / or pull the edge of the mirror 60 toward the first wall (e.g., the second orientation). In other instances, actuator 64 may use rotational movement to adjust the orientation and / or orientation of mirror 60, such as adjusting between a first orientation and a second orientation. That is, actuator 64 may be coupled to the surface of mirror 60 and rotate mirror 60 to a target angle and / or target orientation. Thus, performance effects system 58 can provide performance effects for customers.

[0045] FIG7 is a flowchart of an example method 180 for operating a attraction system to generate performance effects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any suitable device (e.g., processor 72 of controller 68 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 in coordination with other system components) may perform the respective method. In one embodiment, each method may be implemented by executing instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 70 of controller 68 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6). For example, each method may be performed at least in part by one or more software components, one or more software applications, and the like. Although each method is described using operations in a specific sequence, additional operations may be performed, the described operations may be performed in a different sequence than the one shown, and / or some described operations may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0046] At block 182, the controller may receive sensor data indicating one or more characteristics of a customer. For example, a customer may approach a performance effects system and view reflections, which may include a first reflective element and a second reflective element. The first reflective element may be a reflection of the customer, and the second reflective element may be a reflection of a scenic element (such as a second wall, one or more objects, performance props, one or more actors, and the like). For example, the controller may receive sensor data and determine customer attributes. Customer attributes may include the customer's orientation and / or orientation, the customer's height, the customer's eye level, the customer's facial features, and the like.Based on sensor data, the controller can determine the location and / or orientation of a customer relative to one or more mirrors. In one example, the controller can determine the customer's location based on one or more markers on the ground at the attraction. For example, image data from a camera can be used to confirm that the customer is on or near one or more markers. In other examples, the controller can determine whether the customer is likely within a designated area of ​​the performance effects system. Still in another example, the controller can determine the customer's visual cone (e.g., line of sight) to determine the location and / or orientation of one or more mirrors in the performance effects system. In one embodiment, the controller can determine the customer's blinking pattern to determine the timing for providing the performance effects.

[0047] At block 184, the controller can transmit a first control signal to the performance effects system to generate performance effects. This can be done after the customer's correct location is confirmed (e.g., the customer's location on a marker is detected). The controller can instruct actuators to adjust the location and / or orientation of one or more mirrors, thereby adjusting the reflection of one or more mirrors. Thus, the customer may not be able to see a first reflecting element and will only see a second reflecting element. The performance effect can be provided during the period when the customer's eye contact with the performance effect system is interrupted. In other words, the performance effect can be provided when the line of sight between the customer and one or more mirrors is interrupted. In one embodiment, such interruption of eye contact can be detected by monitoring the customer's blinking. That is, the performance effect can be provided during blinking when the customer closes their eyes. In other embodiments, the controller can instruct the output device to provide an attention-distracting object to interrupt the customer's eye contact with one or more mirrors. The output device can provide a visual attention-distracting object, an audio attention-distracting object, or both. In this way, the customer can temporarily interrupt eye contact with one or more mirrors. When the customer looks back at one or more mirrors, the customer may not see their reflection, but the customer can see the spot section, one or more objects, one or more actors, and such reflections.

[0048] At block 186, the controller can transmit a second control signal to adjust the orientation and / or orientation of one or more objects. For example, the controller can instruct an additional actuator to adjust the orientation and / or orientation of one or more objects. For example, the additional actuator can move one or more objects toward the center of the spot section to compensate for the adjusted field of view of one or more mirrors. Because reflective features in the background can actually change orientation to adapt to changes in the field of vision, they can appear to remain in place, and the actual features will be presented and visible even if the customer turns around. For this purpose, additional actuators may include mechanical sliding devices that move one or more objects from a first position to a second position within the attraction area. In one embodiment, the second wall of the attraction area may be a display screen.Thus, the controller can generate image data based on the adjusted field of view of one or more mirrors and instruct the display to show updated image content. In another embodiment, the second wall can be a screen, and the controller can transmit updated image data to a projector to compensate for the adjusted reflections of the mirrors as viewed by the customer. Still in another embodiment, the controller can transmit a signal to an output device to adjust the lighting of the second wall. Thus, the reflections of one or more objects as viewed by the customer and / or the second wall may not appear to be altered. In some embodiments, method 100 may skip box 186 and proceed directly to box 188. For example, in cases where the performance effects system does not include additional actuators, one or more objects, etc.

[0049] At box 188, the controller can transmit a third control signal to reset the performance effects system. For example, the performance effects system continuously receives customer traffic. After the customers leave the performance effects system, the controller can instruct the actuators and / or additional actuators to adjust the orientation and / or orientation of one or more mirrors and / or one or more objects. An actuator can adjust the orientation of one or more mirrors from a second orientation (e.g., angular orientation) to a first orientation (e.g., parallel orientation). Additionally or alternatively, an additional actuator can adjust the orientation of one or more objects from a second orientation to a first orientation. Thus, the performance effects system is ready to provide performance effects to subsequent customers, thereby creating an interactive and immersive experience.

[0050] Although only certain features of this disclosure have been shown and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of this disclosure, as described on pages 11 / 12 of the specification, CN 121443366 A.

[0051] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to specific examples and substantial objects that can arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “component for (performing)...(function)” or “step for (performing)...(function)”, such elements are intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are intended not to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f).Instruction manual, page 12 / 12, 16 CN 121443366 A, Figure 1, Figure 2; Instruction manual, Figure 1 / 4, page 17 CN 121443366 A, Figure 3, Figure 4; Instruction manual, Figure 2 / 4, page 18 CN 121443366 A, Figure 5, Figure 6; Instruction manual, Figure 3 / 4, page 19 CN 121443366 A, Figure 7; Instruction manual, Figure 4 / 4, page 20 CN 121443366 A.

Claims

1. A show effect system comprising: a first mirror coupled to a first actuator and mounted to a wall; a second mirror coupled to a second actuator and mounted to the wall proximate to the first mirror; a sensor configured to monitor a viewing area from which a customer can view the first mirror and the second mirror, wherein the sensor is configured to provide sensor data related to the customer within the viewing area; and a controller communicatively coupled to the first actuator, the second actuator, and the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to: determine, based on the sensor data, a position of the customer within the viewing area; and instruct the first actuator to adjust an orientation or an orientation of the first mirror to remove the position from a first reflection by the first mirror.

2. The show effect system according to claim 1, wherein, the controller is configured to: instruct the second actuator to adjust an orientation or an orientation of the second mirror to remove the position from a second reflection by the second mirror.

3. The show effect system according to claim 2, wherein, the sensor is configured to monitor customer movement, and the controller is configured to: determine, based on the position at which the customer is located, a target angle between the first mirror and the second mirror; instruct the first actuator to adjust the orientation or the orientation of the first mirror based on the target angle; and instruct the second actuator to adjust the orientation or the orientation of the second mirror based on the target angle. the first mirror and the second mirror are rotatably coupled by a hinge, and wherein the first actuator is coupled to an edge of the first mirror opposite the hinge and the second actuator is coupled to an edge of the second mirror opposite the hinge.

4. The show effect system according to claim 2, wherein, the first actuator is configured to adjust the orientation or the orientation of the first mirror in a first direction, and the second actuator is configured to adjust the orientation or the orientation of the second mirror in a second direction opposite the first direction.

5. The show effect system according to claim 4, wherein, the controller is configured to:

6. The effect system of claim 1, comprising an object coupled to an additional actuator and mounted opposite the first mirror and the second mirror, wherein, in response to the first actuator adjusting the orientation or the orientation of the first mirror to remove the position from the first reflection by the first mirror, instruct an additional actuator to adjust an orientation of an object to keep the object in a field of view of the first mirror. the controller is configured to:

7. The effect system of claim 1, comprising a display mounted opposite the first mirror and the second mirror, wherein, in response to the first actuator adjusting the orientation or the orientation of the first mirror to remove the position from the first reflection by the first mirror, instruct a display to adjust image data to keep an image on the display in a field of view of the first mirror. the controller is configured to:

8. The show effect system according to claim 1, comprising a projector configured to project image content onto a projection surface opposite the first mirror and the second mirror, wherein, generate image data for projection on an additional wall opposite the wall; in response to determining that the customer is in the position, update the image data to updated image data; and in parallel with instructing the first actuator to adjust the orientation or the orientation of the first mirror, instruct a projector to project the updated image data. the sensor is configured to monitor a blink of the customer, wherein the controller is configured to: ​ 9. The show effect system according to claim 1, wherein, ​ based on a blink of the guest, instruct the first actuator.

10. The show effect system according to claim 1, comprising output means configured to emit a visual distractor, an audio distractor, or both, wherein, The controller is configured to, prior to instructing the first actuator to adjust the orientation or the orientation of the first mirror to remove the position from the first reflection of the first mirror, instruct the output device to emit the visually distracting thing, the aurally distracting thing, or both.

11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to: receive sensor data from a sensor that monitors guest activity; based on the sensor data, determine a position of a guest relative to a show effect system; and based on the position of the guest, instruct at least one actuator of the show effect system to adjust a position or an orientation of at least one mirror of the show effect system to adjust a reflection of the at least one mirror to exclude the guest.

12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein, The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to: instruct a first actuator to adjust a position or an orientation of a first mirror; and instruct a second actuator to adjust a position or an orientation of a second mirror.

13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein, The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to: determine a distance between the guest and the show effect system; and based on the distance, determine a target angle between the first mirror and the second mirror.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein, The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to: based on the reflection of the at least one mirror being adjusted to exclude the guest, instruct an additional actuator of the show effect system to adjust a position or an orientation of an object of the show effect system; or based on the reflection of the at least one mirror being adjusted to exclude the guest, instruct a display to move an image.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein, The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to, prior to instructing the at least one actuator of the show effect system to adjust the position or the orientation of the at least one mirror of the show effect system based on the position of the guest to adjust the reflection of the at least one mirror to exclude the guest, initiate a media distraction or detect a blink of the guest.

16. An attraction system for an attraction, the attraction system comprising: a first mirror; a second mirror; one or more actuators configured to adjust a positioning and / or an orientation of the first mirror, the second mirror, or both; one or more sensors configured to track a position of a guest within the attraction; and a controller configured to: receive, from the one or more sensors, sensor data indicative of the position of the guest; based on the position of the guest, determine a target angle between the first mirror and the second mirror for excluding the position of the guest from a first reflection of the first mirror and / or the second mirror; and based on the target angle, instruct the one or more actuators to adjust the positioning and / or the orientation of the first mirror, the second mirror, or both.

17. The attraction system of claim 16, comprising an output device configured to emit a visual effect, an audio effect, or both, wherein, The controller is configured to: instruct the output device to emit the visual effect, the audio effect, or both, prior to instructing the one or more actuators to adjust the positioning and / or the orientation of the first mirror, the second mirror, or both based on the target angle.

18. The attraction system of claim 16, wherein, The sensor data includes a detected blink of the customer, and wherein the controller is configured to: instruct the one or more actuators to adjust the positioning and / or the orientation of the first mirror, the second mirror, or both during a blink of the customer.

19. The attraction system of claim 16, comprising shutter glasses worn by the guest and configured to temporarily block the guest's view, wherein, The controller is configured to: determine a shutter timing of the shutter glasses; and instruct the one or more actuators to adjust the positioning and / or the orientation of the first mirror, the second mirror, or both during a closed period of the shutter glasses.

20. The attraction system of claim 16, wherein, The one or more actuators include a first actuator coupled to the first mirror and a second actuator coupled to the second mirror.

Images