Mirror-Projection Show Set Illusions for Perceived Depth Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement park attractions lack immersive visual effects that convincingly extend props and structures beyond their physical boundaries, failing to create a realistic and fantastical atmosphere for guests.
Innovation Solution
A visual effects system utilizing a mirror structure with a mirrored and non-mirrored surface, combined with props and a projector, creates an illusion of infinite extension by reflecting props onto a non-mirrored surface while projecting imagery to enhance the perceived depth and realism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional visual effects methods are used in amusement park attractions, then the implementation is simple and cost-effective, but the immersion and realism of the experience are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A mirror structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the props and the guest area. The mirror reflects images of props positioned in a restricted area, creating the illusion that props extend into the guest area. This intermediary device enables immersive visual effects without requiring complex projection systems or physical extension of props into the guest space.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror structure creates optical copies (reflections) of props positioned in the restricted area. These reflected images are displayed on a display surface visible from the guest area, producing realistic visual effects that appear to extend props beyond their physical boundaries. This copying mechanism achieves high immersion quality while keeping the actual prop placement simple and contained.
2Shape
If props are physically extended beyond their boundaries to create depth illusion, then the realism is improved, but the space requirements and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror structure utilizes the optical dimension to create the illusion of extended prop depth. By positioning props in a restricted area and using mirror reflections, the system creates perceived three-dimensional extension without physically occupying additional space in the guest area. This dimensional approach to visual illusion resolves the contradiction between perceived depth and actual space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror structure serves as an intermediary that translates the physical position of props in a restricted area into perceived positions that extend into the guest area. This optical mediation creates the appearance of extended prop depth while maintaining compact physical space requirements, as the actual props remain confined to the restricted area.
3Area of stationary object
If mirror structures are used to create extension illusions, then the space efficiency is improved, but the alignment precision between props and reflections must be extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical alignment requirements with optical projection and mirror positioning. Rather than requiring precise mechanical alignment of physical props, the solution uses a projector to display images on a display surface that aligns with mirror reflections. This substitution of mechanical precision with optical presentation reduces the stringency of alignment requirements while maintaining space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of prop placement by positioning props in a restricted area behind the mirror structure, where space is less constrained. The mirror then optically transforms this compact arrangement into a perceived extended configuration. This parameter change in prop positioning enables space-efficient design while the optical system handles the alignment precision requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a convincing illusion of props extending into projected imagery, enhancing guest immersion and creating a more believable and unique experience by seamlessly integrating reflections and projections.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection of the one or more props provided by the mirrored surface is viewable from the guest area
Implementation Method 2
a projector oriented to project one or more images onto the non-mirrored surface
Data Source
AI summary
A visual effects system includes a mirror structure including a mirrored surface and a non-mirrored surface. The mirrored surface extends about the non-mirrored surface and the mirrored surface and the non-mirrored surface face a guest area. The visual effects system also includes one or more props positioned proximate to the mirrored surface and extending between the mirror structure and the guest area, wherein the one or more props are oriented such that the one or more props is viewable from the guest area and a reflection of the one or more props provided by the mirrored surface is viewable from the guest area, and a projector oriented to project one or more images onto the non-mirrored surface.