Mirror wedge illusion system and method

Abstract

Two-way mirror 80 for mirror wedge illusion. The two-way mirror includes a layer of reflective material 84, a thin glass layer 82 covering a front surface 90 of the layer of reflective material 84, a dark mask layer 86 covering a back surface 92 of the layer of reflective material 84, and a thick glass support layer 88 bonded to the dark mask layer 86.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 152,173, entitled "Mirror Wedge Illusion System and Method," filed February 22, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] In entertainment attractions, mirrors may be used to provide special effects. For example, in entertainment attractions, mirrors may be used to provide an illusion that leads an observer to believe they are seeing an aspect of a scene that is actually a reflection. Traditional mirror illusions (e.g., those referred to as the floating door illusion) include mirrors that are framed along their edges to keep the mirror from being easily identifiable by guests in the entertainment attraction. In a floating door illusion, for example, a mirror may be positioned to make it appear as if the door is floating (and essentially has no associated exterior walls) to an observer, even though the interior of a room is visible through a door leading into the room. In such an illusion, the frame of the door may serve to conceal the nature of the mirror by hiding its edges, thus maintaining the mirror illusion. However, it is now recognized that using mirrors without framed edges can make the edges of the mirror quite visible, revealing the nature or principle of the illusion to the intended audience. Once the principle of the illusion is readily apparent to the intended audience, the illusion can be considered to have collapsed, and the entertainment value of the collapsed illusion is limited. Accordingly, it is now recognized that improved systems and methods for providing the illusion of a mirror are desirable. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The following summarizes certain embodiments common in scope to the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather to provide merely a brief summary of some disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may include a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, the two-sided mirror includes a layer of reflective material, a thin transparent layer covering a front surface of the reflective material layer, a dark mask layer covering a back surface of the reflective material layer, and a support layer coupled to the dark mask layer.

[0006] In one embodiment, the mirror wedge system includes a first mirror portion defining a first trapezoidal wall of the mirror wedge, a second mirror portion defining a second trapezoidal wall of the mirror wedge, and an apex of the mirror wedge where the first and second mirror portions meet. The first and second mirror portions each include a two-sided mirror including a layer of reflective material, a thin transparent layer covering a front surface of the layer of reflective material, a dark mask layer covering a back surface of the layer of reflective material, and a support layer coupled to the dark mask layer.

[0007] In one embodiment, a mirror wedge illusion system includes a plurality of walls arranged as faces of a portion of an n-sided prism and a mirror wedge. The plurality of walls includes a front surface that cooperates to define a concave surface of the portion of the n-sided prism. The mirror wedge extends from a portion of the front surface into the concave surface and toward an apex edge of the mirror wedge. The mirror wedge includes a first mirror side and a second mirror side that are bonded to each other at the apex edge. The first mirror side and the second mirror side include a reflective material layer, a thin glass layer covering a front surface of the reflective material layer, a dark mask layer covering a back surface of the reflective material layer, and a thick glass support layer bonded to the dark mask layer. The mirror wedge is configured to reflect a portion of the plurality of walls to provide the illusion that the mirror wedge is a portion of the plurality of walls.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a two-sided mirror is provided. The method includes assembling a dark mask layer on a support layer, assembling a layer of reflective material on an opposite side of the dark mask layer from the support layer, and assembling a thin transparent layer on an opposite side of the reflective layer from the dark mask layer. The method can include vacuum sputtering a deposit to apply the thin transparent layer on an opposite side of the reflective layer from the dark mask layer. Additionally, a thin transparent layer, which can include a thin glass layer, can be deposited across an interface between two mirror portions.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a mirror wedge illusion system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the mirror wedge illusion system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic elevational view of the mirror wedge illusion system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic exploded cross-sectional view of a dihedral mirror of the mirror wedge illusion system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a mirror wedge of a mirror wedge illusion system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In order to concisely describe these embodiments, not all features of the implementations may be described herein. It should be understood that in the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's particular objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but are nevertheless a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0012] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. It should also be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also contain the recited features.

[0013] The technology disclosed herein relates to special effects that use mirrors to create optical illusions. The embodiments can be employed to create interesting images, conceal functional aspects of a show, and the like. Specifically, the embodiments relate to a mirror wedge illusion that functionally surpasses traditional mirror effects. Specifically, the embodiments relate to a system and method that provides a mirror wedge illusion via dual-surfaced mirrors. Dual-surfaced mirrors differ from first surface mirrors, which are commonly defined as including a silver layer on a black back mask disposed on a glass substrate, in that they include a thin transparent layer disposed over a reflective layer disposed over a dark mask layer on a support. This thin transparent layer, which can be a few tenths of a micrometer or a few thousandths of an inch thick, protects the reflective layer while also limiting the visibility of the edge or seam where the two mirror surfaces meet. In some embodiments, the benefits of the thin transparent layer can be enhanced by providing the thin transparent layer as a continuous layer over the edge between the two mirror surfaces.

[0014] The mirror wedge in a mirror wedge illusion can be configured to reflect an object such that an observer sees the mirror wedge as the object itself (e.g., a continuation of a wall) and not as a mirror wedge. For example, a mirror wedge illusion can be positioned as part of an entertainment attraction to give the visual impression (e.g., the illusion that a prop is floating in the air). The mirror wedge illusion can also be used to hide objects, such as control lines, inside the mirror wedge and behind a prop, such that guests of the entertainment attraction will see the prop moving independently with no noticeable control lines attached to it.

[0015] Various types of mirrors can be used in the mirror wedge illusion system according to the present embodiment. For example, a standard mirror can be used in the mirror wedge illusion system. The standard mirror can include a thick glass support layer as its top surface. A reflective material layer can cover the back surface of the thick glass support layer, and a dark mask layer can cover the back surface of the reflective material layer. However, the standard mirror may not be suitable for maintaining the mirror wedge illusion under some conditions. For example, the edges of the standard mirror can be exposed and beveled so that the ends of the standard mirror come together to form a wedge, but the depth of the thick glass layer that is the top layer of the standard mirror may still be easily visible to guests of the mirror wedge illusion system, which may destroy the mirror wedge illusion. A front surface mirror can also be used in the mirror wedge illusion system according to the present embodiment. This front surface mirror (also called a first surface mirror) can include a reflective material layer as the top surface, a dark mask layer that covers the back surface of the reflective material layer, and a thick glass support layer that covers the back surface of the dark mask layer. However, in an entertainment attraction environment, a first surface mirror may not be able to stand alone due to the exposed components of the reflective material layer on top of the first surface mirror. Therefore, the disclosed technology includes a two-sided mirror that takes into account the shortcomings of various mirrors and facilitates the operational aspects of the mirror wedge illusion system.

[0016] Specifically, the disclosed technology includes utilizing a two-way mirror to form a mirror wedge of a mirror wedge illusion system. For example, a mirror wedge illusion may include a two-way mirror in a wedge configuration, arranged to reflect a scene (e.g., a wall) so that the two-way mirror appears to a guest of an entertainment attraction as a reflected scene rather than a mirror. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the mirrors of a mirror wedge illusion system may be arranged so that a reflected wall appears to an observer as an extension of an adjacent wall. For example, the reflected wall may appear to form a room or part of a room with the wall itself. Thus, the mirrors of a mirror wedge illusion system may create the illusion of space. A two-way mirror includes a reflective material layer, a thin transparent layer (e.g., a thin glass layer) covering the front surface of the reflective material layer, a dark mask layer covering the back surface of the reflective material layer, and a support layer (e.g., a thick glass support layer) coupled to the dark mask layer. The thin transparent layer is the top layer of the two-way mirror, followed by the reflective material layer, the dark mask layer, and the support layer, respectively. A two-way mirror is different from a standard mirror or a first surface mirror. For example, a difold mirror includes a thin transparent top layer (e.g., thin glass) unlike a first surface mirror, which includes a top layer of reflective material such as silver or aluminum. The thin transparent layer of a difold mirror can provide a long service life with reduced maintenance on the front portion of the difold mirror.

[0017] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mirror wedge illusion system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mirror wedge illusion system 10 can be part of an amusement attraction at an amusement park. The mirror wedge illusion system 10 includes a plurality of walls 12, a mirror wedge 14, and a prop 16 (e.g., an anime figure) located near an apex edge 18 of the mirror wedge 14. The mirror wedge 14 is configured to reflect at least a portion of the plurality of walls 12 to provide a mirror wedge illusion. The mirror wedge illusion can include a reflected image of the mirror wedge 14 appearing to be aligned with and located along the plurality of walls 12 such that the mirror wedge 14 is not detectable by a guest (e.g., an observer) of the mirror wedge illusion system 10.

[0018] Aspects of the mirror wedge illusion system 10 are described further below. The operation of this mirror illusion is aided by geometric relationships. Thus, for ease of explanation, reference is made to various axes and geometric relationships between features of the wedge illusion system 10. However, such references should be construed as not necessarily requiring precise mathematical relationships. For example, a reference to one structure being parallel to another structure should be construed contextually (e.g., generally parallel) and not as a precise mathematical relationship.

[0019] The mirror wedge illusion can operate based on the optical and geometric properties of n-gons (e.g., multi-sided regular closed polygons) and / or n-gonal prisms. Other embodiments may employ curved surfaces. However, an example with an n-gon prism is shown for ease of explanation. The basic premise of the mirror wedge illusion is to angle the sides of the n-gon reflected by the mirror wedge to align with the wall behind the mirror wedge. For example, a mirror wedge with intersecting walls at 30° will have a reflected wall that corresponds to the actual wall reflected in the mirror at -30°. Thus, the reflected wall shown by the mirror wedge appears to be located along the actual wall in continuity with the reflected wall. Visual consistency can be enhanced by utilizing a consistent pattern on the wall.

[0020] With this in mind, the multiple walls 12 are arranged as a portion of an n-sided prism (e.g., a 14-sided prism, a 16-sided prism). The multiple walls 12 include front surfaces 20 (e.g., walls) that define a concave surface 22 of a portion of the n-sided prism. The front surfaces 20 can each be aligned as a side or face of the n-sided prism. Each front surface 20 of the multiple walls 12 is angled relative to an adjacent front surface. By angling the front surfaces 20 of the multiple walls 12, the mirror wedge illusion can be maintained for multiple guest viewing angles.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the mirror wedge 14 extends from one or more front surfaces 24 of the plurality of walls 12 into the concave surface 22. For the plurality of walls 12 (specifically, the front surface(s) 24 adjacent the mirror wedge), a corresponding width exists along an axis generally parallel to axis 27 shown in FIG. 1. The mirror wedge 14 extends across this width in a direction away from the front surface(s) 24. The mirror wedge 14 includes a first mirror portion 26 (e.g., first mirror side) and a second mirror portion 30 (e.g., second mirror side) that extend into the concave surface 22 away from the front surface(s) 24. As illustrated, the first mirror portion 26 defines a first trapezoidal wall of the mirror wedge 14 and extends into the concave surface 22 from a first edge 28 of the mirror wedge 14 adjacent the front surface(s) 24. Also as shown, second mirror portion 30 defines a second trapezoidal wall of mirror wedge 14 and extends from a second edge 32 of mirror wedge 14 adjacent front surface(s) 24 into concave surface 22. First mirror portion 26 and second mirror portion 30 extend toward the center of the n-sided prism and meet at apex edge 18 that extends generally parallel to axis 31 as shown. As a result of this arrangement of first mirror portion 26 and second mirror portion 30, mirror wedge 14 generally extends into concave surface 22 along an axis that is parallel to axis 41 as shown.

[0022] The longitudinal length (extending from the front surface(s) 24 into the concave surface 22) of the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 may be approximately equal to the outer radius of the virtual n-sided prism. It is noted that although the n-sided prism is a closed shape, only a portion of the n-sided prism (e.g., a portion of a face) may be physically present and utilized as part of the mirror wedge illusion system 10. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the multiple walls 12 form a portion of the n-sided prism. Various props (e.g., pictures, patterns, objects, lights) may be coupled to or provided on the multiple walls 12. In the illustrated embodiment, props 23 represent the various props according to this embodiment. In the perspective view shown in FIG. 1, the reflection angles of the reflective portions of the n-sided prism on the mirror wedge 14 are all aligned with the expected angles of the opposing portions of the n-sided prism. Thus, the alignment of the reflected image with the opposing physical structure on the mirror wedge 14 may prevent the mirror wedge 14 from being detected by the guest. In reality, as shown, reflection 19 on mirror wedge 14 aligns with the expected floor angle behind mirror wedge 14, reflection 21 aligns with prop 23 behind mirror wedge 14, and reflection 25 aligns with the wall angle of one of the walls 12 behind mirror wedge 14.

[0023] As described above, the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 are joined (e.g., joined) at the apex edge 22 of the mirror wedge 14. The apex edge 22 is at the central axis of the n-sided prism and may be aligned generally parallel to the axis 31. The mirror wedge 14 is configured to reflect at least a portion of the multiple walls 12, thereby aligning the reflected portion with an interior angle of the n-sided prism, thus providing the guest with the illusion that the reflected portion is located along the multiple walls 12 and that the mirror wedge 14 is not present. In this manner, the mirror wedge 14 can provide the illusion that the mirror wedge 14 is not present and does not occupy space. As an example, a wall pattern of the multiple walls 12 that is present within the reflective zone of the mirror wedge 14 may be incident on the mirror wedge 14 and reflected from the mirror wedge 14 into the line of sight of the guest. Thus, the mirror wedge 14 and the multiple walls 12 are positioned such that the reflected wall presented by the mirror wedge 14 appears to be located along the multiple walls 12, rather than within the concave surface 22 formed by the multiple walls 12. In fact, to a guest viewing the mirror wedge illusion system, it appears as if the mirror wedge 14 is not present - that is, the mirror wedge 14 is configured such that, for a plurality of guest viewing angles, the reflection formed by the mirror wedge 14 appears to be located along the front surface 20 of the plurality of walls 12. In this manner, the observer may view a continuous pattern on the plurality of walls 12, a pattern that is in fact uninterrupted by the presence of the mirror wedge 14 located within the guest's line of sight.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the length 34 of the rear of the mirror wedge 14 (across the base of the triangle formed by the mirror wedge 14) extends generally parallel to the axis 31 along the height of the front surface 24 of the walls 12. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the length 34 of the rear of the mirror wedge 14 is shorter than the wall height of the walls 12. The walls 12 can support the mirror wedge 14 via structural support features (e.g., screws, nuts). Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the width 36 of the rear of the mirror wedge 14 (the base of the triangle formed by the mirror wedge 14) is approximately equal to the width of the front surface 24 of a particular segment of the walls 12. Also, the width (the dimension extending from the walls 12 into the concave surface 22) of each of the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 of the mirror wedge 14 can be less than or approximately equal to the radius (e.g., outer radius) of the virtual n-sided prism.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the walls of the plurality of walls 12 are angled to compensate for the angle 37 of the mirror wedge 14. However, some embodiments may employ different angles (e.g., square rooms or smoothly curved walls). Nevertheless, the mirror wedge illusion can be maintained and designed for a plurality of guest viewing angles 38 corresponding to the location of the guest 40 around the mirror wedge illusion system 10 throughout the viewing period. For example, in an amusement ride including the mirror wedge illusion system 10, the ride vehicle of the amusement ride may be configured to move the guest 40. As the guest moves, it may be desirable to maintain the mirror wedge illusion for each location the guest occupies. The mirror wedge illusion may also be maintained for a plurality of guest heights. In practice, different guests 40 (e.g., adults, children) may view the mirror wedge illusion system 10 from different heights parallel to the axis 31. To maintain the mirror wedge illusion for a plurality of guest heights, the length of the apex edge 18 may be designed to accommodate various viewing angles along an axis parallel to the axis 31. Thus, an attraction engineer can configure the shape of the mirror wedge illusion system 10 based on the entertainment attraction's allowable guest viewing angle 38 to maintain the mirror wedge illusion.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 are two-way mirrors. Thus, the top surface of the two-way mirror is a thin transparent layer. The thin transparent layers of the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 may be joined at the apex edge 18. In some embodiments, the two-way mirror is fabricated by vacuum sputtering a thin glass layer onto the top surface of a first surface mirror (e.g., a silver first surface mirror). In these cases, the thin glass layer helps to reduce maintenance and life of the two-way mirror without being easily noticeable to an observer of the mirror wedge illusion system 10.

[0027] The mirror wedge illusion system 10 also includes a prop 16 (e.g., an animated figure) disposed proximate the apex edge 18 of the mirror wedge 14. The prop 16 includes and / or is coupled to control lines for actuating the prop 16. The control lines are hidden by the mirror wedge 14 proximate a location along the apex edge 18. The control lines can emerge through an opening along the apex edge 18 behind the prop 16. The mirror wedge illusion system 10 is configured to hide the control lines behind the prop 16 such that an observer can actuate the prop 16 without detecting the actuation equipment. The mirror wedge illusion system 10 is able to hide the control lines of the prop 16 because the mirror wedge 14 reflects the front surface 20 such that an observer does not detect the mirror wedge 14 as an object in the concave surface 22, but instead observes a reflected wall on the mirror wedge 14 that appears to be located along the multiple walls 12. In reality, the mirror wedge is camouflaged to be part of a number of walls 12 (eg, part of a side of an n-sided prism).

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the prop does not hide the entire length of the apex edge 18. Instead, the prop 16 hides a portion of the apex edge 18 from the guest's view. It should be noted that additional props could be used to hide other portions of the apex edge 18. In fact, the mirror wedge illusion system 10 could include additional props or designs configured (e.g., fixed or actuable) to camouflage a portion of the apex edge 18 such that the apex edge 18 appears to be a prop itself (e.g., a stream of water flowing over the apex edge).

[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the mirror wedge illusion system 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows a number of walls 12 arranged as part of an n-gon. As shown, the first mirror portion 26 (e.g., first surface) and the second mirror portion 30 (e.g., second surface) do not terminate in a frame such as a mirror frame. Instead, the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 meet at a point 60 that represents the vertex edge 18 as viewed from above and is located proximate to the center or radius of the n-gon to provide a desired viewing angle. The first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 may meet at the vertex edge 18 at an oblique angle or cut of the dihedral mirror of the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30. However, the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 may also share all or a portion of a layer of the respective dihedral mirror. For example, at least the outer visible layers (e.g., a thin transparent layer and a reflective layer) of the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 can be formed together to provide a seamless join of the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion at the apex edge 18.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic elevational view of the mirror wedge illusion system 10 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, which represents a view from a particular viewpoint, the mirror wedge 14 is shown to be identical to the walls 12. Furthermore, the mirror wedge 14 is configured to be identical to the walls 12 from various positions or viewpoints. For example, the mirror wedge 14 can be positioned relative to other sides of the mirror wedge illusion system 10 such that guests can see and experience the optical illusion provided by the mirror wedge illusion system 10 at every viewpoint or angle that the guests pass through in the ride vehicle of the entertainment attraction. In fact, viewers cannot easily detect the mirror wedge 14 at a designated viewing position due to the optical illusion. This makes it easier for the desired effect to be implemented with rides that can include many viewing positions. Furthermore, the apex edge 18 facilitates the provision of an optical illusion that allows a prop 16 that is small compared to the mirror wedge 14 to appear to be floating or standing unsupported within the mirror wedge illusion system 10.

[0031] The first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 are two-way mirrors. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the layers of the two-way mirror 80 of the mirror wedge illusion system 10 of FIG. 1. The two-way mirror 80 includes a thin glass layer 82, a reflective material layer 84 (e.g., silver), a dark mask layer 86, and a thick glass support layer 88. The thin glass layer 82 and the thick glass support layer 88 can be replaced with other materials having desired properties (e.g., the thin glass layer 82 can be replaced with a thin clear plastic layer and the thick glass support layer 88 can be replaced with a plastic panel). The thin glass layer 82 covers a front surface 90 of the reflective material layer 84. The dark mask layer 86 covers a back surface 92 of the reflective material layer 84. The thick glass support layer 88 is bonded to a back surface 94 of the dark mask layer 86. The thick glass support layer 88 can be thicker than the thin glass layer 82. The thin glass layer 82 can include a vacuum sputtered layer (e.g., vacuum sputter deposited). That is, the thin glass layer 82 can be a thin layer of vacuum sputtered glass. The thin glass layer 82 can aid in low maintenance and longevity of the two-way mirror 80. In some embodiments, the thin glass layer 82 has a thickness of 0.06 mm to 0.09 mm. The thickness of the thin glass layer 82 can be similar to the thickness of a human hair. In this manner, the thin glass layer 82 can be substantially invisible to an observer of the mirror wedge illusion system 10. In some embodiments, the thin glass layer 82 is deposited simultaneously or in successive process steps on the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 to form a seamless texture of the apex edge 18.

[0032] In some embodiments, during manufacturing of the di-fold mirror 80, the thick glass support layer 88 can be beveled or cut at a specific angle before other layers (e.g., substrate) on the thick glass support layer 88 are applied to ensure that the more delicate visible layers on the thick glass support layer 88 are not damaged or destroyed by tools. This beveling or cutting can also facilitate joining two mirrors, such as the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30, to form the mirror wedge 14. Although at least some of the layers of the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 can be formed separately, using the same material for each layer can provide consistency and maintenance benefits. For example, the material forming the layers can behave consistently to avoid damage due to environmental changes. Also, the sandwich-like structure of the di-fold mirror 80, including the thin glass layer 82 on the top surface of the di-fold mirror 80 and the thick glass support layer 88 on the back surface of the di-fold mirror 80, can encourage the di-fold mirror 80 to expand and contract at the same rate. This can help prevent the di-fold mirror 80 from cracking with temperature fluctuations. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the mirror wedge 14 may be formed as a unitary structure, including providing a shared layer for the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 .

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mirror wedge 14 showing various features of the mirror wedge 14. As shown, there is an opening 100 near or through the apex edge 18 of the mirror wedge 14. In some embodiments, the mirror wedge 14 can include multiple openings. The multiple openings can accommodate control lines 102 for controlling one or more additional props or other features. The prop 16 is coupled through the opening 100 to the control lines 102 configured to cause the prop 16 to perform various special effects, such as movement of the prop 16 (e.g., an animated character) in one or more directions based on instructions from an automation controller 104 (e.g., a programmable logic controller, a local controller, or a programmed computer). Using such an arrangement, the control lines 102 are hidden from view of the audience when the mirror wedge illusion system 10 is used in an entertainment show. For example, the control lines 102 can be hidden from view by the presence of the prop 16 in front of the opening 100 and the mirror wedge 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the vertex edge 18 is greater than the height of the animated figure. In some embodiments, the length of the vertex edge 18 may be approximately equal to or less than the height of the prop 16. In these embodiments, the amount of the vertex edge 18 visible to the viewer may be reduced.

[0034] While the embodiments described in this disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. The disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following appended claims.

[0035] The technology shown and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that positively improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Moreover, if any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). On the other hand, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 10 Mirror Wedge Illusion System 12 Multiple Walls 14 Mirror Wedge 16 Props 18 vertex edges 19 reflection 20 Multiple Wall Fronts 21 reflection 22 Concave surface of a prism 23 Props 24 Multiple Wall Fronts 25 reflection 26 First mirror part 27 Axis 28 First edge of mirror wedge 30 Second mirror section 31 Axis 32 Second edge of mirror wedge 34 Mirror wedge rear length 36 Mirror wedge rear width 37 Mirror wedge angle 38 Guest viewing angle 40 Guests 41 Axis

Claims

1. 1. A two-sided mirror system for a mirror wedge illusion, comprising: a first surface of a first mirror portion and a second surface of a second mirror portion joined at a vertex edge of the dihedral mirror; The two-sided mirror is A layer of reflective material; a thin transparent layer covering the front surface of the reflective material layer; a dark mask layer covering a back surface of the reflective material layer; a support layer coupled to the dark mask layer; 1. A dihedral mirror system comprising:

2. the thin transparent layer comprises a vacuum sputtered glass layer; The dihedral mirror system of claim 1 .

3. the reflective material layer comprises silver and the dark mask layer comprises a black mask layer; The dihedral mirror system of claim 1 .

4. The thin transparent layer is between 0.06 mm and 0.09 mm thick. The dihedral mirror system of claim 1 .

5. the reflective material layer, the thin transparent layer and the dark mask layer each continue over the bevel or cut of the support layer; The dihedral mirror system of claim 1 .

6. an actuatable prop disposed at the apex edge of the dihedral mirror and coupled to a control line passing through the dihedral mirror; The dihedral mirror system of claim 1 .

7. the actuatable prop includes an animated figure, and the control lines are configured to provide signals for actuation of the animated figure from an automation controller; 7. The dihedral mirror system of claim 6.

8. the first surface and the second surface join to define a portion of an acute angle prism. The dihedral mirror system of claim 1 .

9. 1. A mirror wedge system comprising: a first mirror portion defining a first trapezoidal wall of a mirror wedge; a second mirror portion defining a second trapezoidal wall of the mirror wedge; an apex of the mirror wedge where the first mirror portion and the second mirror portion join; the first mirror portion and the second mirror portion each include a two-sided mirror, the two-sided mirror comprising: A layer of reflective material; a thin transparent layer covering the front surface of the reflective material layer; a dark mask layer covering a back surface of the reflective material layer; a support layer coupled to the dark mask layer; Including, 1. A mirror wedge system comprising:

10. a plurality of walls arranged as a surface of a portion of an n-sided prism, a rear portion of the mirror wedge being coupled to at least one of the plurality of walls, the mirror wedge being configured to reflect at least a portion of the plurality of walls; 10. The mirror wedge system of claim 9.

11. a width of the rear portion of the mirror wedge is approximately equal to a width of at least one of the walls; 11. The mirror wedge system of claim 10.

12. the mirror wedge further includes an opening along the apex, the opening configured to receive a structure configured to support an animated prop; 11. The mirror wedge system of claim 10.

13. The thin transparent layer comprises a vacuum sputtered glass layer.

10. The mirror wedge system of claim 9.

14. the thin transparent layer is continuous across the apex; 10. The mirror wedge system of claim 9.

15. 1. A mirror wedge illusion system, comprising: A plurality of walls arranged as partial surfaces of an n-sided prism; Mirror wedge and the plurality of walls include a front surface that cooperates to define a concave surface of the portion of the n-sided prism, the mirror wedge extending from a portion of the front surface into the concave surface and toward an apex edge of the mirror wedge, the mirror wedge comprising: a first mirror side and a second mirror side coupled to each other at the vertex edge, each of the first mirror side and the second mirror side comprising: A layer of reflective material; a thin glass layer covering the front surface of the reflective material layer; a dark mask layer covering a back surface of the reflective material layer; a support layer coupled to the dark mask layer; the mirror wedge is configured to reflect a portion of the plurality of walls to provide the illusion that the mirror wedge is a portion of the plurality of walls. A mirror wedge illusion system comprising:

16. The n-sided prism is at least a decagonal prism.

16. The mirror wedge illusion system of claim 15.

17. the thin glass layer and the reflective material layer are continuous across the vertex edge; 16. The mirror wedge illusion system of claim 15.

18. an animated prop coupled to a support that passes through an opening proximate the vertex edge; 16. The mirror wedge illusion system of claim 15.

19. the height of the apex edge of the mirror wedge is greater than the height of the anime figure; 20. The mirror wedge illusion system of claim 18.

20. 1. A two-sided mirror system for a mirror wedge illusion, comprising: The two-sided mirror system comprises: A layer of reflective material; a thin transparent layer covering a front surface of the reflective material layer, the thin transparent layer comprising a vacuum sputtered glass layer; a dark mask layer covering a back surface of the reflective material layer; a support layer coupled to the dark mask layer; 1. A dihedral mirror system comprising:

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