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 herein by reference in its entirety 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 information 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] Mirrors are sometimes used in entertainment attractions to provide special effects. For example, an attraction may use a mirror to create an optical illusion that tricks an observer into thinking they are seeing an aspect of a scene that is actually a reflection. Traditional mirror illusions (e.g., the floating door illusion) involve a mirror that is framed along its edges to prevent guests in the attraction from easily identifying the mirror. In a floating door illusion, for example, a mirror can 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 the room is visible through the door leading to it. In such an illusion, the door frame can serve to conceal the nature of the mirror by hiding its edges, thus maintaining the mirror illusion. However, it is now recognized that using a mirror without a framed edge can make the mirror's edges significantly more visible, revealing the nature or principle of the illusion to the intended audience. If the principle of the illusion becomes readily apparent to the intended audience, the illusion can be considered broken, and the entertainment value of a broken 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]

[0013] The following summarizes certain embodiments commensurate with the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather merely to provide 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-way mirror includes a layer of reflective material, a thin transparent 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 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-way mirror, the two-way 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-gonal prism and a mirror wedge. The plurality of walls include a front surface that cooperates to define a concave surface of the portion of the n-gonal 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 the front surface of the reflective material layer, a dark mask layer covering the 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 create the optical illusion that the mirror wedge is part of the plurality of walls.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method for fabricating 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 also include vacuum sputtering a deposition to apply the thin transparent layer on the opposite side of the reflective layer from the dark mask layer. Additionally, the thin transparent layer, which can include a thin glass layer, can be deposited across the interface between the 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 by like numerals throughout. [Brief explanation 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. [Figure 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. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic elevation 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. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 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 INVENTION

[0011] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In the interest of brevity in describing these embodiments, not all features of an implementation may be described herein. It will be understood that in developing any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's particular objectives, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, it will be understood that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be 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 present 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. Furthermore, 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 contain the recited features.

[0013] The technology disclosed herein relates to special effects that use mirrors to create optical illusions. This embodiment can be employed to create interesting images and conceal functional aspects of shows. Specifically, this embodiment relates to a mirror wedge illusion, which functionally surpasses traditional mirror effects. Specifically, this embodiment provides a system and method for providing a mirror wedge illusion via dual-surfaced mirrors. Unlike first-surface mirrors, which are typically defined as including a silver layer on a black back mask disposed on a glass substrate, dual-surfaced mirrors 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 mirrored surfaces meet. In some embodiments, the benefits of the thin transparent layer can be enhanced by providing a continuous thin transparent layer over the edge between the two mirrored surfaces.

[0014] The mirror wedge in a mirror wedge illusion can be configured to reflect an object so 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 placed as part of an entertainment attraction to give the visual impression (e.g., the illusion that a prop is floating in the air). A mirror wedge illusion can also be used to hide objects, such as control lines, within the mirror wedge and behind a prop, so that guests of the entertainment attraction will see the prop as moving independently without any 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, standard mirrors 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. However, 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, potentially disrupting the mirror wedge illusion. Also, a front surface mirror can 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 its top surface, a dark mask layer covering the back surface of the reflective material layer, and a thick glass support layer covering 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-way 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 involves using a two-way mirror to form a mirror wedge in a mirror wedge illusion system. For example, a mirror wedge illusion can include a two-way mirror in a wedge configuration, positioned to reflect a scene (e.g., a wall) so that guests of an entertainment attraction see the scene reflected rather than as a mirror. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the mirrors in a mirror wedge illusion system can be positioned so that a reflected wall appears to an observer as an extension of an adjacent wall. For example, the reflected wall can appear to form a room or part of a room together with the wall itself. Thus, the mirrors in a mirror wedge illusion system can create the illusion of space. The two-way mirror includes a layer of reflective material, 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) bonded 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 differs from a standard mirror or a first-surface mirror. For example, a dip-mirror includes a thin transparent top layer (e.g., thin glass) as opposed to a first-surface mirror, which includes a top layer of reflective material such as silver or aluminum. The thin transparent layer of a dip-mirror can reduce maintenance on the front surface of the dip-mirror over its lifespan.

[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) positioned 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 the mirror wedge illusion. The mirror wedge illusion can include a reflected image of the mirror wedge 14 appearing to be aligned with and positioned along the plurality of walls 12 such that the mirror wedge 14 is not detectable by guests (e.g., observers) 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. Accordingly, 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 strict 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 complete mathematical relationship.

[0019] The mirror wedge illusion can operate based on the optical and geometric properties of an n-gon (e.g., a multi-sided regular closed polygon) and / or an n-gon prism. Other embodiments may employ curved surfaces. However, for ease of explanation, an example involving an n-gon prism is provided. 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 continuous with the reflected wall and aligned with the actual wall. Visual consistency can be enhanced by using a consistent pattern on the wall.

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

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, a mirror wedge 14 extends into the concave surface 22 from one or more front surfaces 24 of the plurality of walls 12. A corresponding width exists for the plurality of walls 12 (specifically, the front surface(s) 24 adjacent the mirror wedge) 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., a first mirror side) and a second mirror portion 30 (e.g., a second mirror side) that extend into the concave surface 22 away from the front surface(s) 24. As shown, 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 as a whole extends within concave surface 22 generally along an axis that is parallel to axis 41 as shown.

[0022] The longitudinal length of the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 (extending from the front surface(s) 24 into the concave surface 22) can be approximately equal to the outer radius of the virtual n-gon prism. Note that while the n-gon prism is a closed shape, only a portion of the n-gon prism (e.g., a portion of a face) can be physically present and utilized as part of the mirror wedge illusion system 10. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, multiple walls 12 form portions of the n-gon prism. Various props (e.g., pictures, patterns, objects, lights) can 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-gon prism on the mirror wedge 14 are all aligned with the expected angles of the opposing portions of the n-gon prism. Therefore, the alignment of the reflected image with the opposing physical structure on the mirror wedge 14 can prevent the mirror wedge 14 from being detected by guests. 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 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 lies on the central axis of the n-sided prism and can 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 and 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 it is not present and does not occupy space. As an example, a wall pattern present within the reflective zone of the mirror wedge 14 among the multiple walls 12 can be incident on the mirror wedge 14 and reflected from the mirror wedge 14 into the guest's line of sight. Thus, the mirror wedge 14 and the multiple walls 12 are positioned such that the reflected wall indicated 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 observing the mirror wedge illusion system, the mirror wedge 14 appears not to be present. That is, the mirror wedge 14 is configured so that, for multiple guest viewing angles, the reflection formed by the mirror wedge 14 appears to be located along the front surfaces 20 of the multiple walls 12. In this manner, the observer can observe a continuous pattern on the multiple walls 12, a pattern that is not interrupted by the presence of the mirror wedge 14, which is actually located within the guest's line of sight.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the rear length 34 of the mirror wedge 14 (transverse to 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 plurality of walls 12. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear length 34 of the mirror wedge 14 is shorter than the wall height of the plurality of walls 12. The plurality of walls 12 can support the mirror wedge 14 via structural support features (e.g., screws, nuts). Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the width 36 of the rear (base of the triangle formed by the mirror wedge 14) of the mirror wedge 14 is approximately equal to the width of the front surface 24 of a particular segment of the plurality of walls 12. Also, the widths of each of the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 of the mirror wedge 14 (the dimensions extending from the plurality of walls 12 into the concave surface 22) 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., a square room or smoothly curved walls). Nevertheless, the mirror wedge illusion can be maintained and designed for multiple guest viewing angles 38 corresponding to the position 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 position occupied by the guest. The mirror wedge illusion can also be maintained for multiple 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 multiple guest heights, the length of the apex edge 18 can be designed to accommodate various viewing angles along an axis parallel to the axis 31. Thus, attraction engineers 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. Accordingly, 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 is not readily noticeable to an observer of the mirror wedge illusion system 10 and helps to reduce the maintenance and lifespan of the two-way mirror.

[0027] The mirror wedge illusion system 10 also includes a prop 16 (e.g., an anime figure) positioned 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 concealed 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 so that an observer can actuate the prop 16 without detecting the actuation mechanism. The mirror wedge illusion system 10 is able to hide the control lines of the prop 16 because the mirror wedge 14 reflects a front surface 20, causing an observer to observe a reflected wall on the mirror wedge 14 that appears to be located along the multiple walls 12, rather than detecting the mirror wedge 14 as an object within the concave surface 22. In reality, the mirror wedge is camouflaged to appear as part of a plurality of walls 12 (for example, part of a side of an n-sided prism).

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the prop does not obscure the entire length of the vertex edge 18. Instead, the prop 16 obscures a portion of the vertex edge 18 from the view of the guests. Note that additional props may be used to obscure other portions of the vertex edge 18. In fact, the mirror wedge illusion system 10 may include additional props or designs (e.g., fixed or actuable) configured to camouflage a portion of the vertex edge 18 so that the vertex edge 18 appears to be the prop itself (e.g., a stream of water flowing over the vertex edge).

[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the mirror wedge illusion system 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows multiple 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, representing the vertex edge 18 as viewed from above, located near 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 their respective dihedral mirrors. For example, at least the outer visible layers (e.g., thin transparent and reflective layers) of the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion 30 can be formed together to provide a seamless join between the first mirror portion 26 and the second mirror portion at the apex edge 18.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic elevation view of the mirror wedge illusion system 10 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, which represents a view from a particular vantage point, the mirror wedge 14 appears identical to multiple walls 12. Furthermore, the mirror wedge 14 is configured to appear identical to multiple walls 12 from various positions or vantage points. For example, the mirror wedge 14 can be positioned relative to other aspects of the mirror wedge illusion system 10 so that guests within the entertainment attraction's ride vehicle can see and experience the optical illusion provided by the mirror wedge illusion system 10 at all vantage points or angles traversed by the guests. In fact, viewers cannot easily detect the mirror wedge 14 at a designated viewing position due to the optical illusion. This facilitates the implementation of the desired effect with rides that can include many viewing positions. Furthermore, the vertex edge 18 facilitates providing an optical illusion that allows props 16, which are small compared to the mirror wedge 14, to appear to float or stand 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 help reduce maintenance and extend the life 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 on the apex edge 18.

[0032] In some embodiments, during the manufacture of the double-sided mirror 80, the thick glass support layer 88 can be beveled or cut at a specific angle before other layers (e.g., a substrate) 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. While 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 materials forming the layers can behave consistently to avoid damage due to environmental changes. Additionally, the sandwich-like structure of the double-sided mirror 80, including the thin glass layer 82 on the top surface of the double-sided mirror 80 and the thick glass support layer 88 on the back surface of the double-sided mirror 80, can encourage the double-sided mirror 80 to expand and contract at the same rate. This can help prevent the double-sided 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, illustrating various features of the mirror wedge 14. As shown, an opening 100 is present 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 moving the prop 16 (e.g., an animated character) in one or more directions based on commands from an automated controller 104 (e.g., a programmable logic controller, a local controller, or a programmed computer). Using this arrangement, the control lines 102 are hidden from view by 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 and the mirror wedge 14 in front of the opening 100. 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 that is 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 should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. The present 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 will materially improve the art, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, where 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). Conversely, 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 Front of multiple walls 21 reflection 22 Concave surface of a prism 23 Props 24 Front of multiple walls 25 reflection 26 First mirror part 27 axes 28 First edge of mirror wedge 30 Second mirror part 31 axes 32 Second edge of mirror wedge 34 Rear length of mirror wedge 36 Rear width of mirror wedge 37 Mirror wedge angle 38 Guest viewing angle 40 guests 41 axes

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 reflective material layer; a thin transparent layer covering the front surface of the reflective material layer; a dark mask layer covering the 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 0.06 mm to 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 are each continuous over the bevel or cut portion of the support layer; The dihedral mirror system of claim 1 .

6. an actuatable prop disposed on 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 line is configured to provide a signal 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 the 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-way mirror, the two-way mirror comprising: a reflective material layer; a thin transparent layer covering the front surface of the reflective material layer; a dark mask layer covering the back surface of the reflective material layer; a support layer coupled to the dark mask layer; Including, A mirror wedge system comprising:

10. a plurality of walls arranged as partial surfaces of an n-sided polygonal prism, a rear portion of the mirror wedge coupled to at least one of the plurality of walls, and the mirror wedge 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 some surfaces of an n-sided polygonal 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-gonal 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 joined to each other at the vertex edge, each of the first mirror side and the second mirror side comprising: a reflective material layer; 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; a support layer coupled to the dark mask layer; the mirror wedge is configured to reflect a portion of the walls to create the illusion that the mirror wedge is part of the walls. A mirror wedge illusion system.

16. The n-gonal 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 adjacent 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 animation prop; 20. The mirror wedge illusion system of claim 18.

20. 1. A two-sided mirror system for a mirror wedge illusion, comprising: the two-way mirror system includes a first mirror portion and a second mirror portion; The first mirror portion and the second mirror portion each include: a reflective material layer; 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 the 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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