Could More Augmented Reality Experiences Be Coming to the Disney Theme Parks?
Disney may be looking to bring more VR into the parks. According to a recent piece in the OC Register, Disney filed a patent last week (December 28th) at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a Virtual World Simulator that enables users to experience a three dimensional virtual world from different vantage points and get this – without glasses, googles or digital devices!
According to the Register, this patent could take Disney past virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) with a NEW virtual World (VW.)
The key to the patent is that Disney’s new Virtual World Simulator would create virtual 3D imagery with multiple projectors. These would generate a rapid pace of images per second. This new technology would also utilize a new system called Simultaneous Localization and Mapping to track the point of view of the participant as they move through an attraction and alter the images accordingly.
There are so many possibilities how this new Virtual World Simulator could be employed. The system could be placed in real-world venues and feature animated characters, prop, artwork etc.
Spectrum News spoke to Founders Legal patent and technology technical adviser John De Stefano whos said of the patent, “Rather than look through a phone screen or a headset, Disney developed a system almost similar to a movie projector to project on a real surface what humans see on a screen.” He continued, “It’s more real-world experience rather than looking at it through a phone.”
Project mapping isn’t new to Disney. Guests can see examples of this in “Mickey’s Mix Magic” fireworks show as well as the Rise of the Resistance attraction. According to the OC Register, Disney also employees also use AR tech in training cast members to man the Rise of the Resistance attraction at both Disneyland and Hollywood Studios.
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom the company is also testing new a new “Windows on the Wild” AR experience on Kilimanjaro Safaris which combines advanced radar technology with camera monitors hidden in the jungle foliage and aerial drone footage allow visitors to get up clos with the animals.
This is a story that we’ll be following closely and we promise to keep you posted as soon as we know more about how this patent will be used!
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Source: Orange County Register
