HK40116115A - Size changing room illusion system and method - Google Patents

Description

Variable-size room illusion systems and methods

Background Technology

This disclosure generally relates to a system for use in interactive environments, such as gaming environments or amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of this disclosure relate to an accessible interactive system that facilitates interactive effects, such as room shrinking effects. Amusement parks typically include a variety of attractions that provide unique experiences for customers. For example, an amusement park may include a variety of rides and shows. As technology has continuously improved, such attractions have increased in sophistication and complexity. There is a corresponding increase in expectations regarding the entertainment quality of the attractions and the need for more immersive effects.

This section aims to introduce the reader to various technical aspects that may be associated with the present technology, described and/or claimed below. This discussion is intended to provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this context, and not as an admission of prior art.

Summary of the Invention

The following section outlines certain embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide a brief summary of these embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may include a wide variety of aspects not set forth herein.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a system for performing a shrinking room illusion. The system includes a first group of perforated optical panels defining a first interior space. A first lighting device is configured to illuminate the first group of perforated optical panels from the first interior space. The system also includes a second group of perforated optical panels defining a second interior space, wherein the first group of perforated optical panels is nested within the second interior space. A second lighting device is configured to illuminate the second group of perforated optical panels from within the second interior space and is positioned outside the first interior space. A controller of the system is configured to control the first and second lighting devices to switch between illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels and illuminating the second group of perforated optical panels, thereby providing a visual illusion of a transition between the first and second interior spaces.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for performing a shrinking room illusion. The method includes illuminating a first group of perforated optical panels using a first lighting device, wherein the first group of perforated optical panels defines a first interior space, and wherein the first lighting device is deployed within the first interior space. Furthermore, the method includes illuminating a second group of perforated optical panels using a second lighting device, wherein the second group of perforated optical panels defines a second interior space, wherein the first group of perforated optical panels is nested within the second interior space, and wherein the second lighting device is deployed within the second interior space and outside the first interior space. Additionally, the method includes using a controller to control the first and second lighting devices to switch between illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels and illuminating the second group of perforated optical panels, thereby providing a visual illusion of a transition between the first and second interior spaces.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to 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: illuminating a first perforated optical panel group using a first illumination device, wherein the first perforated optical panel group defines a first internal space, and wherein the first illumination device is located within the first internal space. The operation further includes illuminating a second perforated optical panel group using a second illumination device, wherein the second perforated optical panel group defines a second internal space, wherein the first perforated optical panel group is nested within the second internal space, and wherein the second illumination device is located within the second internal space and outside the first internal space. Additionally, the operation includes using a controller to control the first and second illumination devices to switch between illuminating the first perforated optical panel group and illuminating the second perforated optical panel group, thereby providing a visual illusion of a transition between the first and second internal spaces.

Attached Figure Description

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become more readily understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same characters throughout the drawings denote the same parts, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shrinking or growing room system including a group of perforated optical panels, a lighting device, a sensor, and a controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the top or roof portion is not shown to facilitate observation of the interior of the system.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shrinking or growing room system, such as that illustrated in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the top or roof portion is illustrated.

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a nested room, such as the shrinking or growing room system illustrated in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the orientation of the room relative to the visitor.

Figure 4 includes a plan view and a front view of a portion of the perforated optical panel group of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 is a block diagram of a controller that can be used in the shrinking or growing room system of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for performing a shrinking or growing room illusion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 7 is a plot of the timing of transitions including a trigger signal, a lighting signal, and additional data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Implementation

One or more specific embodiments will be described below. For the purpose of providing a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, which may vary depending on the implementation, such as compliance with system-related constraints and business-related constraints. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, but will be nothing more than routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a” and “the” are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may exist in addition to those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments incorporating the described features.

Creating interactive environments in amusement parks has become more common, encompassing scenery, special effects, audiovisual features, and other media elements that enhance the visitor experience. Such interactive environments can provide immersion within experiences that support a specific narrative of the environment. It is now recognized that improved shrinking or growing (size-changing) room illusions can be expected to provide further immersion in certain experiences and narratives. According to this disclosure, a variable-size room system may include a series of interior spaces having a first interior space nested within a second interior space, a second interior space nested within a third interior space, and so on. Each of the interior spaces may be defined by a group of perforated optical panels. The perforated optical panels may be defined as panels (e.g., layers, screens, sheets, barriers, walls) with perforations deployed through and spaced apart, such that, depending on the location of a light source, the perforated optical panels can appear transparent or solid.

According to this embodiment, the visual illusion of a variable-size room can be achieved by controlling light sources to shift between illuminating different groups of perforated optical panels referenced above. For example, Figures 1-4 illustrate certain embodiments of a variable-size room. Figure 1 illustrates an interior portion of a variable-size room, Figure 2 illustrates a variable-size room with a roof, Figure 3 illustrates a variable-size room with visitors inside, and Figure 4 illustrates a portion with perforated optical panels in a graphic (e.g., triangular) shape. In the illustrated embodiments, three interior spaces are surrounded by three groups of panels. A first group of panels defines a first interior space, which is nested within a second interior space. A second group of panels defines a second interior space, which is nested within a third interior space defined by a third group of panels. In the illustrated embodiments, the first and second group of panels may each include one or more perforated optical panels, and the third group of panels may include perforated or unperforated optical panels. Three light sources may be installed in the first, second, and third interior spaces, respectively, to illuminate each of the three group of panels. The three light sources may be configured to illuminate the respective group of panels such that only one group of panels is illuminated relative to the visitor at a time. When the third panel group is illuminated, visitors inside the first interior space can see the illuminated third panel group through one or more perforated optical panels corresponding to the first and second panel groups. By seeing the illuminated third panel group, visitors can perceive the third interior space. When the second panel group is illuminated, visitors inside the first interior space can see the illuminated second panel group through one or more perforated optical panels on the first panel group, and thus perceive the second interior space. When the first panel group is illuminated, visitors inside the first interior space can see the illuminated first panel group, and thus perceive the first interior space. By seeing different panel groups, visitors can perceive a change in interior space. In the illustrated embodiment, visitors may not need to see through the third panel group, and the third panel group may not include any perforated optical panels. In other embodiments, more or fewer panel groups 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 panel group may not include perforated optical panels because visitors may not need to see through the outermost panel group.

Such perforated optical panels are typically made of vinyl and are used in windows of rooms or vehicles to display advertisements to outside observers while allowing those inside to see them. Perforated vinyl (also known as "see-through vinyl" or "one-way vision film") is made with evenly spaced perforations throughout the film. Types of perforated vinyl are classified by the ratio of the printable area to the removed area. The smaller the ratio, the greater the visibility of the perforation. For example, 65/35 means that 65% of the material is printable, while 35% is removed. Two of the most common types of perforated vinyl are 70/30 and 50/50. In higher numbers, such as 70/30, the perforations are further separated from each other, so the area has more coverage and more of the graphic can be seen. In the case of 50/50 type perforated vinyl, the printable area is equal to the removed area, so the actual graphic can be seen, but it also allows more light to pass through. The type of material chosen is determined by the requirements. Shop windows typically use 30% to 35% perforation to allow for desired graphic visibility. Automatic windows typically have 50% perforation to facilitate visibility from inside a vehicle. The diameter of the perforation (e.g., holes or openings) plays a role in unidirectional visibility and image quality. For unidirectional vision purposes, the perforation diameter typically varies from approximately 1.4 mm to 2 mm. The shape of the perforations can be circular or other shapes or more specific shapes (e.g., square, slotted, elliptical), and the arrangement of the perforations can be straight or staggered. According to this embodiment, the perforated optical panel can include embodiments with different thicknesses and materials.

Specifically, this embodiment relates to nested rooms formed with perforated optical panels. The lighting of the nested rooms is controlled in a manner that allows an observer (e.g., an observer in the innermost room) to perceive a change in room size based on which room is illuminated and on the alignment of certain physical features between the rooms. For example, a first group of perforated optical panels may be coupled to a roof to define a first room. A first lighting device may be configured to illuminate the first group of perforated optical panels. A second group of perforated optical panels may be coupled to a roof to define a second room, wherein the first room is nested within the second room. A second lighting device may be configured to illuminate the second group of perforated optical panels (but limit or completely block light from reaching the visible portion of the first room). The lighting devices (e.g., the first and second lighting devices) may be designed such that, from the perspective of an observer (e.g., a customer at a scenic spot), only one group of optical panels is illuminated at a time, or substantially only one group of optical panels.

The position and size of the graphics on the two groups of perforated optical panels can be designed to illustrate a shrinking or expanding effect of the rooms. That is, depending on the number of nested rooms, the graphics on the two groups of perforated optical panels are positioned relative to the viewer's field of vision inside the first room (e.g., the innermost room), and the size of the graphics on the first group of perforated optical panels (the panels in the innermost room) is proportionally smaller than the corresponding graphics on the second group of perforated optical panels (the panels in the rooms nested within the first room), and so on. Thus, switching the illumination from illuminating the second group of perforated optical panels to illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels can create the illusion that the graphics on the second group of perforated optical panels are closer to the observer and smaller in size due to the perspective effect of the perforated optical panels. This can give the impression that the room has shrunk relative to the graphics and is positioned relative to the observer. Furthermore, the graphics on each panel in the corresponding panels of the nested rooms can be sized differently, such that the graphics on the innermost room are smaller than the corresponding graphics on the outermost room. This can give the impression that the graphics have shrunk relative to the observer along with the corresponding panels when the illumination switches from illuminating the outer panels to illuminating the inner panels. Similarly, as the lighting shifts from illuminating the inner panels to illuminating the outer panels, the observer can perceive that the graphic has grown along with the corresponding panel. When the lighting focuses the observer on a specific room within a nested room, the combined, adjusted graphic size and room size allow the observer to perceive that the individual room has changed size and that the graphic on the room's walls has similarly changed size. It should also be noted that the observer can perceive that they have grown or shrunk within the same room. In other words, the observer can perceive that the room has changed size relative to a person because the person perceives themselves as having grown or shrunk.

As an example of how this embodiment can operate, we will discuss a scenario where a visitor (e.g., while traveling in a vehicle) walks or rides into the variable-size room system. One or more sensors (e.g., motion sensors, position sensors, weight sensors, light sensors, sound sensors) may be distributed in one or more locations to detect the visitor's presence in the variable-size room, their approach to the variable-size room, or a predetermined distance from the variable-size room. The controller may receive trigger signals from one or more sensors. After determining that a visitor is entering or has entered the variable-size room, the controller may set (e.g., reset) the lighting equipment of the perforated optical panels to a specific setting, which may depend on whether a shrinking or growing effect is desired. For example, the controller may operate a second lighting device to illuminate a second group of perforated optical panels and deactivate a first lighting device positioned to illuminate a first group of optical panels within the second group (e.g., nested within the second group and closer to the observer than the second group). After a predetermined period of time, the controller may switch the lighting equipment to illuminate the first group of perforated optical panels and de-illuminate the second group of perforated optical panels. The controller may receive additional data to initiate 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, based on such data, initiate a transition between illuminating a second group of perforated optical panels and a first group of perforated optical panels to enhance a shrinking or growing effect. The controller can control lighting devices (e.g., a first and/or a second lighting device) to flash (e.g., produce a strobe effect) while transitioning between illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels and the second group of perforated optical panels to produce disorientation. This disorientation can be useful in concealing illusions from the observer. The observer can thus only notice that a change has occurred and a room previously perceived as a certain size has transformed into a smaller or larger room. The controller can store additional data in a storage device. The controller can combine additional data in predetermined combinations. Thus, variable-size rooms can be operated to improve the visitor experience and support a specific narrative of the environment. Different types of transitions can be provided based on the observer's prior activities. For example, if the observer has selected a specific option as part of a ride or the vehicle has traveled along a specific path, the room can be operated to provide a shrinking illusion rather than a growing illusion.

In embodiments, one or more additional effects may be employed to create additional sensory effects (e.g., temperature, vibration, smell) along with the illusion of a change in room size. The controller may operate additional devices or sensors and/or (e.g., via network communication) receive additional signals to work in conjunction with the transition between the second group of perforated optical panels and the first group of perforated optical panels, in order to enhance the visitor experience and support a specific narrative of the environment. For example, the shrinking room may be part of a story or scene, and the shrinking room may be controlled to operate in a predetermined pattern along with other attractions in the amusement park.

Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of a system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 10 includes nested rooms 20 coordinated to facilitate a variable-size room effect using a group of perforated optical panels 30, lighting devices 40, sensors 50, and controllers 60. In Figure 1, a roof for the variable-size room is not shown to facilitate observation of the internal portion 12 of the system 10. The internal portion 12 may be defined and/or include aspects of the system 10, such as the perforated optical panels 30, lighting devices 40, sensors 50, controllers 60, etc. Furthermore, the system 10 may include network features that facilitate data communication within the system 10 and data communication with external devices. For example, sensors 50 may collect sensor data 80 (e.g., image data, video data, sound data, location data, and weight data), which may be transmitted to controllers 60 via network 82. Additionally, external data (e.g., data about a specific user) may be acquired from a remote system and transmitted to controllers 60 via network 82. However, in some embodiments, data may be transmitted directly from sensors 50 to controllers 60. In fact, according to this embodiment, the controller 60 can communicate directly and/or via network 82 with sensors or other devices.

Sensor 50 may include motion sensors, position sensors, weight sensors, sound sensors, light sensors, image sensors, or any combination thereof to detect the presence of a vehicle or customer entering or positioned within a predetermined distance of the nested room 20. Controller 60 may receive trigger signals directly from sensor 50 or from some other device, either directly or via network 82. After determining that a vehicle or customer is entering or has entered the nested room 20, controller 60 may set the lighting equipment 40 to a specific setting to initiate a room shrinking or expanding effect.

Figures 2 and 3 include views that provide additional visual context for system 10. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of system 10, illustrating the ceiling or roof portion of nested room 20. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of nested room 20 having a first room 22, a second room 24, and a third room 26, with a visitor 28 shown inside the first room 22, which is defined by a first group of perforated optical panels 32 (including perforated optical panels defining a roof portion 22r and a floor portion 22f). The second room 24 is defined by a second group of perforated optical panels 34 having a roof portion 24r and a floor portion 24f, and the third room 26 is defined by a third group of perforated optical panels 36 having a roof portion 26r and a floor portion 26f (details of the perforated optical panel groups are illustrated in Figure 4). Although the embodiment in Figure 3 illustrates the floor portions 22f, 24f, and 26f of nested room 20 in a common plane, it should be understood that the floor can also be adjusted in position so that the illumination of certain areas provides a floating illusion. Furthermore, the perforated optical panel group 30 may be located on or define any of one or more walls, floors, or roofs of the nested room 20, while opaque or other materials may define other walls, floors, or roofs. In fact, the room growth or shrinkage effect can be produced by various combinations of the perforated optical panel group 30 and/or opaque materials on the walls, floors, or roofs. In some embodiments, the illusion of asymmetrical growth or shrinkage can be provided by making certain barriers (e.g., walls, floors, ceilings, roofs) opaque or by adjusting the lighting only for a particular side.

Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment where the controller 60 can set the lighting device 40 to activate or maintain a room contraction or expansion effect relative to an observer inside the room. Three perforated optical panel groups 30 are shown in Figure 4. The graphics 38 on the three perforated optical panel groups 30 can be arranged to be aligned with the field of vision of a visitor inside a first room defined by the first perforated optical panel group 32. The size of the graphics on the first perforated optical panel group 32 can be at the same ratio as, but smaller than, the corresponding graphics on the second perforated optical panel group 34. The size of the graphics on the second perforated optical panel group 34 can be at the same ratio as, but smaller than, the corresponding graphics on the third perforated optical panel group 36. When the lighting changes from operating the third lighting device 46 to illuminate the third perforated optical panel group 36, to operating the second lighting device 44 to illuminate the second perforated optical panel group 34, and then from operating the second lighting device 44 to illuminate the second perforated optical panel group 34 to operating the first lighting device 42 to illuminate the first perforated optical panel group 32, the visitor 28, nested within the first room 22 defined by the first perforated optical panel group 32 within the second room 24 defined by the second perforated optical panel group 34 (which is nested within the third room 26 defined by the third perforated optical panel group 36), can perceive that the graphic has shrunk. Thus, the combined adjusted graphic size and room size allow the visitor to perceive that the graphic is getting closer and the individual room has shrunk. Similarly, when the lighting changes from illuminating the inner panels to illuminating the outer panels, the observer can perceive that the graphic is getting further away and growing larger, and the individual room has grown relative to the visitor 28 within the first room 22. When lighting focuses an observer on a specific room within a nested room, the combined adjusted graphic size and room size can make the observer perceive that a single room has changed size and that the graphics on the room's walls have similarly changed size relative to the observer. It should also be noted that the observer can perceive that they have grown or shrunk within the same room. In some embodiments, the graphic size can be designed such that the combined adjusted graphic size and room size can make the observer perceive that a single room has collapsed (e.g., the graphic size does not change with the room size). In these embodiments, the observer can perceive that the space within the room has grown or shrunk, and the observer may not perceive that they have grown or shrunk within the same room because the perceived graphics on the walls maintain a substantially constant size.

Figure 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 computer tasks and operations. For example, the controller 60 may include a communication component 62, a processor 64, a memory 66, a storage device 68, an input/output (I/O) port 70, a display 72, etc.

Communication component 62 can be a wireless or wired communication component that facilitates communication between controller 60 and various other controllers and devices via networks, the Internet, etc. For example, communication component 62 can allow controller 60 to obtain data from a variety of data sources (such as sensor data 80, network 82, database 74, etc.). Communication component 62 can use a variety of communication protocols, such as Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), TCP/IP, Distributed Relational Database Architecture (DRDA), Database Change Protocol (DCP), HTTP, other suitable current or future protocols, or combinations thereof.

Processor 64 can process instructions for execution within controller 60. Processor 64 may include one or more single-threaded processors, one or more multi-threaded processors, or both. Processor 64 can process instructions stored in memory 66. Processor 64 may also include one or more hardware-based processors, each including one or more cores. Processor 64 may include one or more general-purpose processors, one or more special-purpose processors, or both. Processor 64 may be communicatively coupled to other internal components, such as communication component 62, storage device 68, I/O port 70, and display 72.

Memory 66 and storage device 68 can be any suitable article of art capable of serving as a medium for storing processor-executable code, data, etc. These articles of art can refer to a computer-readable medium (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage device) capable of storing processor-executable code used by processor 64 to execute the techniques disclosed herein. As used herein, applications can include any suitable computer software or program that can be mounted on controller 60 and executed by processor 64. Memory 66 and storage device 68 can refer to a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage device) capable of storing processor-executable code used by processor 64 to execute the various techniques described herein. It should be noted that non-transitory merely indicates that the medium is tangible and not tactile.

I/O port 70 may be an interface that can be coupled to other peripheral components, such as input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse), sensors, input/output (I/O) modules, etc. Display 72 may operate as a human-machine interface (HMI) to depict visualizations associated with software or executable code processed by processor 64. In one embodiment, display 72 may be a touch display capable of receiving input from an operator of controller 60. Display 72 may be any suitable type of display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma display, or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. Additionally, in one embodiment, display 72 may be provided in conjunction with a touch-sensitive mechanism (e.g., a touchscreen) that can be used as part of the control interface for controller 60.

It should be noted that the components described above with respect to controller 60 are examples, and controller 60 may include additional or fewer components relative to the illustrated embodiment.

Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method 100 for performing a shrinking or growing room illusion according to an embodiment. At block 102, controller 60 may detect a trigger signal (e.g., from sensor 50 or other devices). After determining, based on the trigger signal, that a triggering event has occurred (e.g., a vehicle entering or positioning itself within a predetermined distance of the variable-size room), at block 104, controller 60 may set lighting equipment 40 to a specific setting (block 106), which may depend on whether a shrinking or growing effect is desired. At block 108, controller 60 may receive additional data (e.g., sound data, lighting data, vibration data, temperature data, or other data or any combination thereof) to determine the transition timing for the lighting (block 110). At block 112, controller 60 may operate the lighting equipment based on the transition timing.

Figure 7 is a plot 114 of the transition timing, including a trigger signal, an illumination signal, and additional data, for an embodiment. In the plot, t1, t2, and t3 are time instances corresponding to the transition timing. The transition timing can be determined by the controller 60 based on specific initial settings at block 110, the trigger signal, and the additional data. For example, t1 can be determined by the controller 60 based on the trigger signal, specific initial settings used to illustrate the room growth/contraction effect, and additional data (e.g., sound data, illumination data, vibration data, temperature data, or other data or any combination thereof) used to enhance the growth/contraction effect. For example, at t1, the controller 60 can operate the third illumination device 46 to illuminate the third perforated optical panel group 36 while keeping the first illumination device 42 and the second illumination device 44 deactivated (i.e., switched off), and simultaneously, the additional sound data (or illumination data, vibration data, temperature data, or other data or any combination thereof) can take on a special effect at t1 to enhance the transition effect. At t2, the controller 60 can operate the second lighting device 44 to illuminate the second perforated optical panel group 34, while keeping the first lighting device 42 and the third lighting device 46 deactivated (i.e., switched off). Simultaneously, additional sound data (or lighting data, vibration data, temperature data, or other data, or any combination thereof) can be applied at t2 to take on special effects to enhance the transition effect. At t3, the controller 60 can operate the first lighting device 42 to illuminate the first perforated optical panel group 32, while keeping the second lighting device 44 and the third lighting device 46 deactivated (i.e., switched off). Simultaneously, additional sound data (or lighting data, vibration data, temperature data, or other data, or any combination thereof) can be applied at t3 to take on special effects to enhance the transition effect.

It should be understood that the discussion of the first and second groups of optical panels in the first and second nested rooms herein is non-limiting. There can be more than two groups of perforated optical panels (or rooms). In fact, multiple nested rooms (groups of optical panels) are conceived, and the transitions (e.g., lighting transitions) involved between the first room or optical panel and the second room or optical panel should be considered broadly to include transitions between various rooms and any rooms among multiple rooms. Such transitions can be performed in either direction (e.g., outward or inward). For example, controlling the transition from illuminating the second group of perforated optical panels to illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels nested within the second group to achieve a shrinking room effect can be reversed to achieve an expanding room effect. Perforated optical panel groups can be located not only on the walls of a room but should also be considered broadly to include the roof or floor of the room. Furthermore, the shape of the room defined by the perforated optical panel group can have different three-dimensional shapes (e.g., an elliptical space where the walls, floor, or roof may not be clearly separated).

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of the invention.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to substantial objects and specific examples that can arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and are therefore not abstract, abstract, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “component for [performing]...[function]” or “step for [performing]...[function]”, such elements are intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other way, such elements are not intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims (20)

1. A system for performing the illusion of a variable-sized room, the system comprising: A first perforated optical panel group, which defines a first internal space; A first lighting device configured to illuminate the first perforated optical panel group from the first interior space; A second panel group defining a second internal space, wherein the first perforated optical panel group is nested within the second internal space; A second lighting device, configured to illuminate the second panel group from within the second interior space and positioned outside the first interior space; and A controller configured to control the first and second lighting devices to switch between illuminating the first perforated optical panel group and illuminating the second panel group, thereby providing a visual illusion of a transition between the first and second interior spaces. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first lighting device includes a first plurality of light-emitting diodes, and the second lighting device includes a second plurality of light-emitting diodes. 3. The system of claim 1, comprising one or more sensors configured to generate a trigger signal to trigger the controller to initiate the transition between illuminating the first perforated optical panel group and the second perforated optical panel group. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more sensors include motion sensors, position sensors, weight sensors, sound sensors, light sensors, image sensors, or any combination thereof configured to detect the presence of a vehicle or customer entering or positioned within the first interior space. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first perforated optical panel group comprises four side walls and a roof coupled together to define a room. 6. The system according to claim 1, comprising: A third panel group defining a third interior space, wherein the second panel group includes a perforated optical panel and is disposed within the third interior space; and A third lighting device is configured to illuminate the third panel group from within the third interior space and is positioned outside the first and second interior spaces. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the third panel group comprises a third perforated optical panel group. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the second panel group includes a second pattern thereon, the second pattern being aligned with and larger than the first pattern on the first perforated optical panel group. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to activate the first lighting device, then deactivate the first lighting device, and then activate the second lighting device to switch from illuminating the first perforated optical panel group to illuminating the second perforated optical panel group, thereby providing a visual illusion of transition from the first interior space to the second interior space. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to activate the second lighting device, then deactivate the second lighting device, and then activate the first lighting device to switch from illuminating the second perforated optical panel group to illuminating the first perforated optical panel group, thereby providing a visual illusion of transition from the second interior space to the first interior space. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first perforated optical panel group comprises a unidirectional perforated vinyl layer. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the first lighting device and the second lighting device to flash, while switching between illuminating the first perforated optical panel group and illuminating the second panel group to produce random orientation. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive additional data, wherein the controller controls the transition between illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels and the second group of perforated optical panels based on the additional data. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the additional data includes sound signals, light signals, vibration signals, temperature signals, or any combination thereof. 15. A method for performing a shrinking room illusion, the method comprising: A first lighting device is used to illuminate a first perforated optical panel group, wherein the first perforated optical panel group defines a first interior space, and wherein the first lighting device is deployed within the first interior space; A second lighting device is used to illuminate a second panel group, wherein the second panel group defines a second interior space, wherein the first perforated optical panel group is nested within the second interior space, and wherein the second lighting device is deployed within the second interior space and outside the first interior space; and A controller is used to control the first and second lighting devices to switch between illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels and illuminating the second group of panels, thereby providing a visual illusion of switching between the first and second interior spaces. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving a trigger signal from one or more sensors, wherein the trigger signal is used to trigger the controller to initiate the transition between illuminating the first perforated optical panel group and the second perforated optical panel group. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more sensors comprise motion sensors, position sensors, weight sensors, sound sensors, light sensors, or any combination thereof configured to detect the presence of a vehicle or customer entering or positioned within the first interior space. 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving additional data, wherein the controller controls the transition between illuminating the first perforated optical panel group and the second panel group based on the additional data. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising using a third lighting device to illuminate a third panel group, wherein the third panel group defines a third interior space, wherein the second panel group is nested within the third interior space, and wherein the third lighting device is deployed within the third interior space and outside the second interior space. 20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to one or more processors and having instructions stored thereon, said instructions, when executed by said one or more processors, causing said one or more processors to perform operations including: A first lighting device is used to illuminate a first perforated optical panel group, wherein the first perforated optical panel group defines a first interior space, and wherein the first lighting device is located in the first interior space; A second lighting device is used to illuminate a second panel group, wherein the second panel group defines a second interior space, wherein the first perforated optical panel group is nested within the second interior space, and wherein the second lighting device is located within the second interior space and outside the first interior space; and A controller is used to control the first and second lighting devices to switch between illuminating the first group of perforated optical panels and illuminating the second group of panels, thereby providing a visual illusion of switching between the first and second interior spaces.