Disney has been granted a patent for a real-time projection mapping system that could put images on changing surfaces including fireworks residue and smoke.
Projection Mapping Patent
The patent (US-20260246909-A1) was filed on February 20, 2025 and granted on August 20, 2026. Here’s the abstract:
A system may include a camera configured to capture an image of a light reflective material in an area, and a controller configured to detect, based on the captured image, a dynamic characteristic of the light reflective material, and determine, based on the detected dynamic characteristic, content to be projected onto the light reflective material. The system may include a light source configured to emit nonvisible light in the area and a projector configured to project content onto a dynamic light reflective material in the area. The system may include a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the light reflective material based on a reflection of the nonvisible light off the dynamic light reflective material. The controller may be configured to modify the content based on a change to the detected characteristic of the light reflective material.
The full description goes on to describe possible dynamic light reflective materials, including smoke, fog, mist, low-lying clouds, and firework residue.
The system controller would be configured to detect the moving characteristics of the material and determine how best to project imagery and adjust the content.
Figures in the patent show an example of Chernabog being projected on smoke, demonstrating how the image might appear as the surface changes.
Another figure shows Madame Leota’s face, suggesting she could be projected directly onto smoke as well.
Although the patent has been filed and approved, we may not see the technology for a while.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post Disney Patent Published for Real-Time Projection-Style Mapping on Changing Surfaces Like Fireworks Smoke appeared first on WDW News Today.
