Universal Files New Interactive Wand Patents for Character Interaction

Universal Parks & Resorts has filed two more patents to potentially expand the interactive wand experience at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

UOR WWoHP Interactive Wands 1

Orlando Business Journal shared the details of the two patents:

  • System and Method for Tracking a Passive Wand and Actuating an Effect Based on a Detected Wand Path: The technology allows for a user with a handheld object such as a wand to use specific gestures to activate certain effects in their environment.
  • Interactive Animated Character Head Systems and Methods: Identifies a system where an animated head on a character can respond to pre-determined signals from an interaction between the character head and the guest.

The goal of the first patent seems to be to improve on the pre-existing system in place for interactive wands at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The second patent is particularly exciting because it suggests guests could someday interact with a costumed character using a wand.

Interactive wands are available at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Guests with an interactive wand can go to designated spots throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, mostly window displays, and perform a certain spell that will trigger an effect. This includes making a fountain spray water or an item float.

This patent uses wands as the example, but could also be used for other technology. We may see this adapted for use at Epic Universe.

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