Disney has been issued a new patent for a “themed aerial vehicle entertainment platform.” It will allow themed drones to change their performance in real time so the show stays synchronized.

Disney Files Patent for Themed Aerial Vehicle Entertainment Platform

The in-depth description directly from the new patent reads as follows:

A themed aerial vehicle entertainment system or platform useful for generating crowd-pleasing shows or displays through the use of dynamically-coordinated show systems. Instead of use of a fixed flight plan, the new entertainment platform is configured to include one or more UAVs that is enclosed within or supports thematic cladding such as the outer shell of a spacecraft or flying character, and the show is dynamically coordinated to present a cohesive performance. Onboard show effects provided by onboard or UAV supported show system components such as high brightness lights are dynamically adjusted in the new system/platform to ensure the best show appearance to the audience while providing safer operations. The dynamic adjustments may involve selecting or generating a second script or “B show” in a contingent manner based on the current location or timing of movement of the UAV along a flight plan.

The present description relates, in general, to aerial shows or displays, and, more particularly, the description relates to a new system or platform (and related operational method) adapted for providing a dynamically-coordinated show (e.g., coordinated between airborne and ground devices) to entertain guests of a facility such as a theme park, an outdoor sporting stadium, a cruise ship, and so on. The system/platform often will build upon use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones.

In brief, a themed aerial vehicle entertainment system or platform (and corresponding methods of use) is provided to generate crowd-pleasing shows or displays through the use of dynamically-coordinated show systems. The inventors recognized that prior shows that made use of UAVs or drones were often lacking in quality or time synchronization because the UAVs or drones were typically controlled using a pre-programmed set of motions or cues (e.g., a fixed flight plan), which resulted in loss of synchronization with show systems and/or other UAVs/drones due to wind and other external factors.

The inventors recognized that instead of use of a fixed flight plan the new aerial vehicle entertainment system or platform should be configured to include one or more UAVs but that the show should be dynamically coordinated to present a cohesive performance.

In essence, the patent addresses a limitation of traditional drone shows, which typically rely on pre-programmed commands and timing.

Wind and other weather conditions can cause drones to fall slightly out of sync, potentially creating a disjointed effect as they attempt to catch up. Disney’s system would instead allow the drones to continuously monitor their positions relative to one another and adjust the performance in real time. If necessary, they could even switch to an alternate “B show” sequence.

The patent also describes disguising the drones with themed shells so they resemble spacecraft, ships, flying characters, or other objects rather than conventional drones. The technology could therefore enable more immersive aerial performances at Disney Parks or, as the patent specifically notes, aboard Disney cruise ships.

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The post Disney Receives Patent for Themed Drones That Can Change Their Performance in Real Time appeared first on WDW News Today.