System and method for the illusion of a variable size room
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024546026
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-04-26
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-21
Smart Images
Figure 2025505160000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a system for use in an interactive environment, such as a gaming environment or an amusement park. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an accessible, interactive system that facilitates interactive effects, such as a room shrink effect. Amusement parks typically include a variety of attractions that provide unique experiences for visitors. For example, amusement parks may include a variety of rides and show performances. As technology has continued to develop, such attractions have increased in sophistication and complexity. There has been a similar increase in expectations regarding the entertainment quality of the attractions, necessary for greater immersive effects.
[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various technical aspects that may be related to various aspects of the current technology that are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these discussions are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
[0003] A summary 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 summary of certain embodiments, and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]
[0004] In one embodiment, a system for demonstrating a miniature room illusion is provided in accordance with the present disclosure. The system includes a first group of perforated optical panels defining a first interior space. A first illuminator is configured to illuminate the first group of perforated optical panels from the first interior space. The system also includes a second group of panels defining a second interior space, the first group of perforated optical panels being nested within the second interior space. A second illuminator is configured to illuminate the second group of panels from within the second interior space and is disposed beyond the first interior space. A controller for the system is configured to control the first illuminator and the second illuminator to transition between illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels and illuminating the second group of perforated optical panels such that a visual illusion of transitioning between the first interior space and the second interior space is provided.
[0005] In one embodiment, a method for demonstrating a miniature room illusion is provided according to the present disclosure, the method including using a first light to illuminate a first group of perforated optical panels, the first group of perforated optical panels defining a first interior space, the first light being disposed within the first interior space, the method further including using a second light to illuminate a second group of panels, the second group of panels defining a second interior space, within which the first group of perforated optical panels is nested, the second light being disposed within the second interior space beyond the first interior space, and the method additionally including using a controller to control the first light and the second light to transition between illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels and illuminating the second group of perforated optical panels such that a visual illusion of transitioning between the first interior space and the second interior space is provided.
[0006] In one embodiment, in accordance with the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided in communication with one or more processors. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium includes instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations including using a first illuminator to illuminate a first group of perforated optical panels, the first group of perforated optical panels defining a first interior space, and the first illuminator disposed in the first interior space. The process further includes using a second illuminator to illuminate a second group of panels, the second group of panels defining a second interior space, the first group of perforated optical panels being nested within the second interior space, and the second illuminator disposed in the second interior space beyond the first interior space. Additionally, the process includes using a controller to control the first illuminator and the second illuminator to transition between illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels and illuminating the second group of perforated optical panels to provide a visual illusion of transitioning between the first interior space and the second interior space.
[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a miniature or magnified room system including a group of perforated optical panels, lighting, sensors and controls according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, without showing the ceiling lights or roof portion of the room to facilitate viewing the inside of the system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a miniature or magnified room system as described in FIG. 1 along with ceiling lighting or a roof portion of the room as described, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a nested room of a reduced or expanded room system as described in FIG. 1 illustrating the positioning of the room in relation to a visitor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 includes top and front views of a portion of the group of perforated optical panels of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control device that can be used in the miniature or magnified room system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for implementing a miniature or magnified room system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plot of the timing of a transition including a trigger signal, a light signal, and additional data, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0009] One or more detailed embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, less than all features of an actual implementation are described herein. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation detail decisions are made in order to achieve the developer's particular goals, such as adhering to system-related and business-related constraints that can vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, it should be understood that such a development effort will be complex and time-consuming, but will nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0010] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.
[0011] It is becoming more common for amusement parks to create interactive environments that include sets, special effects, AV features, and other media elements that enhance the visitor's experience. Such interactive environments can provide immersion in the experience that supports the particular story of the environment. Improved shrinking or expanding (size-variable) room illusions are now recognized as desirable to provide further immersion in certain experiences and stories. As disclosed herein, a size-variable room system can include a series of interior spaces with a first interior space nested within a second interior space, a second interior space nested within a third interior space, and so on. Each interior space can be defined by a group of perforated optical panels. The perforated optical panels can be defined as panels (layers, screens, sheets, barriers, walls) with perforations spaced throughout so that depending on the location of the light source, the perforated optical panels can appear to be transparent or solid.
[0012] As per the embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical illusion of a size-variable room can be achieved by controlling the light sources to transition between illuminating the different groups of perforated optical panels mentioned above. For example, Figures 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a size-variable room. Figure 1 illustrates an interior portion of a size-variable room, Figure 2 illustrates a size-variable room with a roof, Figure 3 illustrates a size-variable room with a visitor inside, and Figure 4 illustrates a portion of a perforated optical panel with a graphic (e.g., a triangle). In the described embodiment, three interior spaces are enclosed by three groups of panels. The first group of panels defines a first interior space nested within the second interior space. The second group of panels defines a second interior space nested within the third interior space defined by the third group of panels. In the described embodiment, each of the first and second groups of panels can include one or more perforated optical panels, and the third group of panels can include perforated or non-perforated optical panels. Three light sources can be installed in the first, second, and third interior spaces to separately illuminate each of the three groups of panels. The three light sources can be configured to illuminate each group of panels such that only one group of panels is illuminated for a visitor at any one time. When the third group of panels is illuminated, a visitor inside the first interior space can view the illuminated third group of panels through one or more perforated optical panels on each of the first group of panels and the second group of panels. By viewing the illuminated third group of panels, the visitor can perceive a third interior space. When the second group of panels is illuminated, a visitor inside the first interior space can view the illuminated second group of panels through one or more perforated optical panels on the first group of panels and thus perceive a second interior space.When the first group of panels is illuminated, a visitor inside the first interior space can see the illuminated first group of panels and thus perceive the first interior space. The visitor can perceive a changing interior space by looking at different groups of panels. In the described embodiment, the visitor does not need to see through the third group of panels and the third group of panels may not include any perforated optical panels. In other embodiments, more or fewer groups of panels may be used to define more or fewer interior spaces and perforated optical panels may be included in each of them. In some embodiments, the outermost group of panels may not include a perforated optical panel since the visitor does not need to see through the outermost group of panels.
[0013] Such perforated optical panels are often made of vinyl and are placed on the windows of rooms or vehicles to display advertisements to onlookers outside while allowing onlookers inside to see outside. Perforated vinyl (also known as "see-through vinyl" or "one-way vision film") is made with evenly spaced holes spread throughout the film. Types of perforated vinyl are classified by their percentage of printable area compared to the area removed. The smaller the percentage, the greater the visibility through. For example, 65 / 35 means that 65% of the material is printable while 35% has been removed. The two most common types of perforated vinyl are 70 / 30 and 50 / 50. In higher numbers, such as 70 / 30, the perforations are farther apart from each other and the area has a wider coverage, allowing more graphics to be seen. In the 50 / 50 type of perforated vinyl, the printable area is equal to the area removed so that the graphics are indeed seen, but also allows more light to pass through. The type of material selected is determined by need. Storefront windows usually use 30% to 35% perforations to allow for the visibility of the required graphics. Auto window perforations are typically 50% to facilitate visibility through the perforations from within the automobile. The diameter of the perforations (e.g., holes or gaps) plays a role in one-way visibility and image quality. For the purpose of one-way visibility, the diameter of the perforations typically ranges from about 1.4 mm to 2 mm. The geometry of the perforations can be circular or other or more specific geometry (e.g., square, slot, oval) and the arrangement of the perforations can be in a straight line or zigzag. As in this embodiment, the perforated optical panel can include different embodiments of thickness and material.
[0014] In particular, this embodiment is directed to nested rooms formed with perforated optical panels. The lighting of the nested rooms is controlled in a manner that causes an onlooker (e.g., an onlooker located in the innermost room) to perceive that the rooms are changing size based on which rooms are illuminated and based on adjustment of certain physical features between the rooms. For example, a first group of perforated optical panels can be coupled with a roof to define a first room. A first illuminator can be configured to illuminate the first group of perforated optical panels. A second group of perforated optical panels can be coupled with a roof to define a second room, in which the first room is nested within the second room. A second illuminator is configured to illuminate the second group of perforated optical panels (but limits or completely blocks light reaching the visible portion of the first room). The illuminators (e.g., the first illuminator and the second illuminator) can be designed such that, from the perspective of an onlooker (e.g., a guest at an attraction), only or substantially only one group of optical panels is illuminated at any one time.
[0015] The position and dimensions of the graphics on the two groups of perforated optical panels can be designed to account for the effect of shrinking or expanding the room. That is, the positions of the graphics on the two groups of perforated optical panels are configured to be aligned with respect to the field of view of a visitor inside a first room (e.g., the innermost room), and the dimensions of the graphics on the first group of perforated optical panels (e.g., the panels of the innermost room) are smaller than the dimensions of the corresponding graphics on the second group of perforated optical panels (the panels on the room in which the first room is nested), etc., in the same proportions but depending on the number of nested rooms. Thus, shifting the illumination from illuminating the second group of perforated optical panels to illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels can bring the illusion of the graphics on the second group of perforated optical panels closer to the spectator and reduced in size due to the see-through effect of the perforated optical panels. This can give the impression that the room has shrunk with respect to the graphics and positioning to the spectator. Additionally, the graphics on each corresponding panel of the nested rooms can be shifted in size such that the graphics on the innermost room are smaller than the corresponding graphics on the outermost room. This can give the impression to the viewer that the graphics have shrunk in relation to the corresponding panel when the lighting is shifted from illuminating the outer panel to illuminating the inner panel. Similarly, the viewer can perceive that the graphics have expanded in relation to the corresponding panel when the lighting is shifted from illuminating the inner panel to illuminating the outer panel. The adjusted graphic size and room size can be coordinated to allow the viewer to perceive that one room has changed in size and that the graphics on the walls of the room have changed in size as well, as the lighting draws the viewer's attention to the particular room of the nested rooms. It should also be noted that the viewer can perceive that within the same room, the viewer has expanded and contracted.In other words, the person perceives that he or she has grown or shrunk, so that the spectator can perceive that the size of the room has changed relative to the person.
[0016] As an example of how this embodiment can have an impact, consider a scenario in which a visitor walks into or rides (e.g., in a ride vehicle) a size-variable room system. One or more sensors (e.g., motion sensors, position sensors, weight sensors, light sensors, sound sensors) can be allocated at one or more locations to detect the presence of a visitor within an approximate or predetermined distance from the size-variable room. A controller can receive a trigger signal from the one or more sensors. After determining that a visitor has come or entered the size-variable room, the controller can set (e.g., reset) the lighting of the perforated optical panels to a particular setup, which can depend on whether a shrink or enlarge effect is required. For example, the controller can operate a second light to illuminate a second group of perforated optical panels and deactivate a first light positioned to illuminate a first group of optical panels in the second group (e.g., nested within the second group and closer to the viewer than the second group). After a predetermined period of time, the controller can transition to illuminating the first group rather than the second group of perforated optical panels. The controller can receive additional data to initialize the transition between illuminating the second group of perforated optical panels and the first group of perforated optical panels. For example, the controller can receive data (e.g., sound data, lighting data, or a combination of sound and lighting data) and can initialize the transition between illuminating the second group of perforated optical panels and the first group of perforated optical panels based on such data that enhances the minification or magnification effect. To create a disorienting state, during the transition between illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels and illuminating the second group of perforated optical panels, the controller can control the lighting (e.g., the first lighting and / or the second lighting) to dab light (e.g., create a strobe effect). This disorienting state can help hide the principle of the illusion from the viewer.The spectator can thus only notice that a change has occurred and that what was previously seen as a room of a certain size has transitioned to a smaller or larger room. The controller can accumulate additional data in the storage device. The controller can combine the additional data in a predefined combination. Thus, the size-variable room can be operated to enhance the visitor's experience and support a particular story of the environment. Different types of transitions can be provided based on the spectator's previous actions. For example, if the spectator selects a particular option as part of the ride or the ride vehicle travels along a particular path, the room can be operated to provide a contraction illusion instead of a contraction illusion.
[0017] In one embodiment, one or more additional effects can be used to create additional sensory effects (e.g., temperature, vibration, smell) along with the illusion of a transition in the size of the room. The controller can operate additional devices or sensors and / or receive additional signals (e.g., by communicating over a network) to function with the transition between illuminating the second group of perforated optical panels and the first group of perforated optical panels to enhance the visitor's experience and support a particular story of the environment. For example, the miniature room can be part of a story or scene and can be controlled to operate in a predetermined pattern with other attractions in the amusement park.
[0018] 1 and 2 are perspective views of a system 10 including a nesting room 20 that adjusts to facilitate the effect of a variable size room using a group of perforated optical panels 30, lights 40, sensors 50, and controllers 60, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, the roof of the variable size room is not shown to facilitate viewing of the interior portion 12 of the system 10. The interior portion 12 can be defined by and / or include the exterior of the system 10, such as the perforated optical panels 30, lights 40, sensors 50, controllers 60, etc. Additionally, the system 10 can include network features that facilitate data communication with external devices within the system 10. For example, the sensors 50 can collect sensor data 80 (e.g., image data, video data, sound data, position data, weight data) that can be transmitted to the controller 60 through the network 82. Additionally, external data (e.g., data about a particular user) can be collected from a remote system and transmitted to the controller 60 via the network 82. However, in some embodiments, data can be transmitted directly from the sensors 50 to the controller 60. Indeed, the controller 60 may communicate with sensors or other devices directly and / or through the network 82, as in this embodiment.
[0019] The sensors 50 may also include motion sensors, position sensors, weight sensors, sound sensors, light sensors, image sensors, or any combination thereof, to detect the presence of a ride vehicle or guest entering or located within a predetermined distance of the Nesting Room 20. The controller 60 may receive a trigger signal from the sensors 50 or some other device, either directly or via the network 82. After it is determined that a ride vehicle or guest has come or entered the Nesting Room 20, the controller 60 may configure the lighting 40 for a special setup to initialize a room shrinking or expanding effect.
[0020] 2 and 3 include perspectives that provide additional visual context for system 10. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of system 10, illustrating a ceiling or roof portion of nested room 20. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of nested rooms 20 with first room 22, second room 24, and third room 26, where a visitor 28 is seen inside first room 22 defined by a first group of perforated optical panels 32 including perforated optical panels defining roof portion 22r and floor portion 22f. Second room 24 is defined by a second group of perforated optical panels 34 with roof portion 24r and floor portion 24f, and third room 26 is defined by a third group of perforated optical panels 36 with roof portion 26r and floor portion 26f (details of the groups of perforated optical panels are illustrated in FIG. 4). It should be understood that the embodiment in FIG. 3 illustrates floor portions 22f, 24f, and 26f of nested rooms 20 in a common plane, and that the floors could also be adjusted in position so that illumination of certain areas provides the illusion of floating. Furthermore, the group of perforated optical panels 30 could be positioned or define any one or more walls, floors, or roofs of the nested rooms 20, while opacity or other materials could define others. In fact, the effect of expanding or contracting a room can be created by various combinations of the group of perforated optical panels 30 and / or opaque materials in the walls, floors, or roofs. In some embodiments, the illusion of asymmetric expansion or contraction can be provided by making certain barriers (e.g., walls, floors, ceilings, roofs) opaque or by simply adjusting the lighting for a particular side.
[0021] 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the controller 60 can configure the lighting 40 to initialize or start with a room shrinking or expanding effect for a visitor inside the room. Three groups of perforated optical panels 30 can be seen in FIG. 4. The graphics 38 on the three groups of perforated optical panels 30 can be positioned to be aligned with respect to the field of view of a visitor inside the first room defined by the first group of perforated optical panels 32. The dimensions of the graphics on the first group of perforated optical panels 32 are of the same proportion but smaller than the dimensions of the corresponding graphics on the second group of perforated optical panels 34. The dimensions of the graphics on the second group of perforated optical panels 34 are of the same proportion but smaller than the dimensions of the corresponding graphics on the third group of perforated optical panels 36. As the illumination transitions from operating the third lights 46 to illuminate the third group of perforated optical panels 36 to operating the second lights 44 to illuminate the second group of perforated optical panels 34, and then from operating the second lights 44 to illuminate the second group of perforated optical panels 34 to operating the first lights 42 to illuminate the first group of perforated optical panels 32, a visitor 28 inside the first room 22 defined by the first group of perforated optical panels 32 (nested inside the third room 26 defined by the third group of perforated optical panels 36) that is nested inside the second room 24 defined by the second group of perforated optical panels 34, may perceive the graphic to shrink. In this way, the adjusted size of the graphic and the size of the room work together to give the visitor the perception that the graphic is closer and that one room has shrunk. Similarly, as the lighting transitions from illuminating the inner panels to illuminating the outer panels, the viewer can perceive that the graphics expand further away and become larger, and that one room has expanded to the visitor 28 inside the first room 22.The size of the adjusted graphic and the size of the room are coupled together to allow the spectator to perceive that the size of the single room has changed and that the graphics on the walls of the room have changed in size relative to the spectator as well, as the lighting draws the spectator's attention to the particular room of the nested rooms. It should also be mentioned that the spectator perceives that the spectator has expanded or contracted within the same room. In some embodiments, the size of the graphic can be designed in a way that the size of the adjusted graphic and the size of the room are coupled together to allow the spectator to perceive that the single room has collapsed (e.g., the size of the graphic does not change with the size of the room). In these embodiments, the spectator cannot perceive that the spectator has expanded or contracted within the same room, as the space inside the room can be perceived to have expanded or contracted, and the perceived graphics on the walls remain substantially unchanged in size.
[0022] 5 is a block diagram of a controller 60, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The controller 60 may include various types of components that can assist the controller 60 in performing various types of computational tasks and operations. For example, the controller 60 may include a communication unit 62, a processor 64, a memory 66, a storage device 68, an input / output (I / O) port 70, a display 72, etc.
[0023] The communication unit 62 can be a wireless or wired communication unit that can facilitate communication between the controller 60 and various other controllers and devices over a network, the Internet, or the like. For example, the communication unit 62 can allow the controller 60 to obtain data from various data sources, such as various sensor data 80, a network 82, a database 74, and the like. The communication unit 62 can use various communication protocols, such as Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), TCP / IP protocol, Distributed Relational Database Architecture (DRDA) protocol, Database Change Protocol (DCP), HTTP protocol, other similar current or future protocols, or combinations thereof.
[0024] The processor 64 can process instructions for execution within the controller 60. The processor 64 can include a single-threaded processor, a multi-threaded processor, or both. The processor 64 can process instructions stored in the memory 66. The processor 64 can also include hardware-based processors each including one or more cores. The processor 64 can include a general purpose processor (GPP), a special purpose processor (SPP), or both. The processor 64 can be communicatively coupled to other internal components, such as a communication unit 62, a storage device 68, an I / O port 70, and a display 72.
[0025] The memory 66 and storage 68 can be any suitable article of manufacture that can act as a medium for storing processor executable code, data, etc. These articles of manufacture can represent computer readable media (e.g., any suitable type of memory or storage) that can store processor executable code used by the processor 64 to perform the presently disclosed techniques. As used herein, an application can include any suitable computer software or program that can be installed on the controller 60 and executed by the processor 64. The memory 66 and storage 68 can represent non-transitory computer readable media (e.g., any suitable type of memory or storage) that can store processor executable code used by the processor 64 to perform the various techniques described herein. It should be noted that non-transitory simply indicates that the media is tangible and not a signal.
[0026] The I / O port 70 can be an interface that can couple with other peripheral components, such as input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse), sensors, input / output (I / O) modules, etc. The display 72 can operate as a human machine interface (HMI) for rendering visualizations associated with software or executable code being processed by the processor 64. In one embodiment, the display 72 can be a touch display that can receive input from an operator of the controller 60. The display 72 can be any suitable type of display, such as, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. Additionally, in one embodiment, the display 72 can be provided in conjunction with a touch-sensitive mechanism (e.g., a touch screen) that can function as part of a control interface for the controller 60.
[0027] It should be noted that the components described above with respect to controller 60 are illustrative, and that controller 60 may include additional or fewer components than the described embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method 100 for performing a shrink or expand room illusion in one embodiment. In block 102, the controller 60 can detect a trigger signal (e.g., from the sensor 50 or other device). In block 104, after determining that a trigger event has occurred based on the trigger signal (e.g., a ride vehicle or a visitor entering or being placed within a predetermined distance of the size-variable room), the controller 60 can configure the lights 40 for a particular setup (block 106), which can depend on whether a shrink or expand effect is desired. In block 108, the controller 60 can receive additional data (e.g., sound data, lighting data, vibration data, temperature data, or other data, or any combination) to determine a timing of a transition for the lights (block 110). In block 112, the controller 60 can operate the lights based on the timing of the transition.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a plot 114 of transition timing including trigger signal, lighting signal, and additional data for an embodiment. In the plot, t1, t2, and t3 are example times corresponding to the transition timing. In block 110, the transition timing can be determined by the controller 60 based on a specific initialization setup, trigger signal, and additional data. For example, t1 can be determined by the controller 60 based on a trigger signal, a specific initialization setup to account for the room expansion / contraction effect, and additional data (e.g., sound data, lighting data, vibration data, temperature data, or other data, or any combination) to enhance the expansion / contraction effect. For example, the controller 60 can operate the third lighting 46 to illuminate the third group of perforated optical panels 36 at time t1 while leaving the first lighting 42 and the second lighting 44 deactivated (i.e., off) as they are, while additional sound data (or lighting data, vibration data, temperature data, or other data, or any combination) can create a special effect at time t1 to enhance the transition effect. For example, the first light 42 and the third light 46 may remain deactivated (i.e., off) while the additional sound data (or lighting data, vibration data, temperature data, or other data, or any combination) may create a special effect at time t2 to enhance the effect of the transition, while at time t3 the controller 60 may operate the first light 42 to illuminate the first group of perforated optical panels 32, while at time t3 the controller 60 may operate the first light 42 to illuminate the first group of perforated optical panels 32, while at time t3 the additional sound data (or lighting data, vibration data, temperature data, or other data, or any combination) may create a special effect at time t3 to enhance the effect of the transition.
[0030] It should be understood that the discussion herein of a first and second group of optical panels in a first and second nested room is not limiting. The group of perforated optical panels (or rooms) can be more than one. Indeed, multiple nested rooms (groups of optical panels) are contemplated, and the transitions (e.g., illumination transitions) mentioned between the first and second rooms or optical panels should be contemplated to broadly include transitions between any of a variety of multiple rooms. Such transitions can be performed in either direction (e.g., externally or internally). For example, the control of the transition between illuminating the second group of perforated optical panels to achieve a miniaturized room effect and illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels nested within the second group can be reversed to achieve an expanded room effect. The group of perforated optical panels can be arranged on the walls of a room, but can also be considered to broadly include the roof or floor of a room. Furthermore, the room outline defined by the group of perforated optical panels can be of different three-dimensional shapes (eg, an elliptical space that may not have clearly defined walls, floors, or roofs).
[0031] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.
[0032] The technology described and claimed herein clearly advances the state of the art, and thus reference is made to and applies tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that are not abstract, vague, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements specified as a "method of [performing] [function]" or a "step for [performing] [function]," it is intended that such elements be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, with respect to any claim containing an element specified in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).
Claims
1. a first group of apertured optical panels defining a first interior volume; a first illuminator configured to illuminate the first group of apertured optical panels from the first interior space; the first group of apertured optical panels being nested within a second interior space; and a second group of panels defining the second interior space; a second light disposed beyond the first interior space and configured to illuminate the second group of panels from within the second interior space; a controller configured to control the first illumination and the second illumination to transition between illuminating the first group of apertured optical panels and illuminating the second group of panels to provide a visual illusion of transitioning between the first interior space and the second interior space; A system for size-variable room illusion including:
2. the first illumination includes a first plurality of light emitting diodes, and the second illumination includes a second plurality of light emitting diodes; 2. A system for variable size room illusion as claimed in claim 1.
3. one or more sensors configured to generate a trigger signal to actuate the controller to initiate a transition between illuminating the first group of apertured optical panels and the second group of panels.
2. A system for variable size room illusion as claimed in claim 1.
4. the one or more sensors include a motion sensor, a position sensor, a weight sensor, a sound sensor, a light sensor, an image sensor, or any combination thereof configured to detect the presence of a ride vehicle or a visitor entering or positioned within the first interior space; 4. A system for variable size room illusion as claimed in claim 3.
5. the first group of apertured optical panels includes four walls and a roof connected together to define a room; 2. A system for variable size room illusion as claimed in claim 1.
6. a third panel group defining a third interior space, the second panel group including a perforated optical panel, the third panel group being disposed within the third interior space; a third light disposed beyond the first and second interior spaces and configured to illuminate the third panel group from within the third interior space; 2. The system for variable-size room illusion of claim 1, comprising:
7. the third panel group includes a third group of perforated optical panels; 7. A system for variable size room illusion as claimed in claim 6.
8. the second group of panels includes a second graphic aligned therewith and larger than the first graphic on the first group of perforated optical panels; 2. A system for variable size room illusion as claimed in claim 1.
9. the controller is configured to activate the first illuminators, then deactivate the first illuminators, and then activate the second illuminators to transition from illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels to illuminating the second group of panels so that a visual illusion of a transition from the first interior space to the second interior space is provided.
2. A system for variable size room illusion as claimed in claim 1.
10. the controller is configured to activate the second illuminators so that a visual illusion of a transition from the second interior space to the first interior space is provided, then deactivate the second illuminators, and then activate the first illuminators to transition from illuminating the second group of panels to illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels.
2. A system for variable size room illusion as claimed in claim 1.
11. the first group of perforated optical panels includes a layer of vinyl with perforations in one direction; 2. A system for variable size room illusion as claimed in claim 1.
12. the control device is configured to control the first illuminator and the second illuminator to flash during a transition between illuminating the first group of apertured optical panels and illuminating the second group of panels to create a disorienting condition.
2. A system for variable size room illusion as claimed in claim 1.
13. the controller is configured to receive additional data, the controller controlling a transition between illuminating the first group of apertured optical panels and the second group of panels based on the additional data.
2. A system for variable size room illusion as claimed in claim 1.
14. The additional data includes an audio signal, an optical signal, a vibration signal, a temperature signal, or a combination thereof.
14. A system for variable size room illusion as claimed in claim 13.
15. a first group of perforated optical panels defining a first interior space, a first illuminator disposed within the first interior space, using the first illuminator to illuminate the first group of perforated optical panels; the first group of apertured optical panels being nested within a second interior space, and a second illuminator being disposed beyond the first interior space and within the second interior space, using the second illuminator to illuminate a second group of panels; using a control device to control the first illumination and the second illumination to transition between illuminating the first group of apertured optical panels and the second group of panels to provide a visual illusion of transitioning between the first interior space and the second interior space; A method for demonstrating a shrinking room illusion including:
16. receiving a trigger signal from one or more sensors, the trigger signal being used to trigger the controller to initiate a transition between illuminating the first group of apertured optical panels and the second group of panels; 16. A method for implementing the illusion of a miniature room according to claim 15, comprising:
17. the one or more sensors include a motion sensor, a position sensor, a weight sensor, a sound sensor, a light sensor, or any combination thereof configured to detect the presence of a ride vehicle or a guest entering or positioned within the first interior space; 17. A method for implementing the illusion of a miniature room according to claim 16.
18. receiving additional data, the controller controlling a transition between illuminating the first group of apertured optical panels and the second group of panels based on the additional data.
16. A method for implementing the illusion of a miniature room according to claim 15.
19. using a third illuminator to illuminate a third group of panels, the third group of panels defining a third interior space, the second group of panels being nested within the third interior space, and the third illuminator being disposed within the third interior space beyond the second interior space.
16. A method for implementing the illusion of a miniature room according to claim 15.
20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to one or more processors and having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations, comprising: a first group of perforated optical panels defining a first interior space, and a first illuminator using the first illuminator to illuminate the first group of perforated optical panels disposed in the first interior space; a second group of panels defining a second interior space, the first group of perforated optical panels being nested within the second interior space, and a second illuminator being disposed beyond the first interior space and using the second illuminator to illuminate the second group of panels; using a controller to control the first illumination and the second illumination to transition between illuminating the first group of apertured optical panels and illuminating the second group of panels to provide a visual illusion of transitioning between the first interior space and the second interior space; A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising: