Could 3D Projections Be Coming to Disney’s Parades?
Over the past couple of years, project mapping technology jhas become a more prominent fixture at Walt Disney World. From the Happily Ever After fireworks at Magic Kingdom to Sunset Seasons Greetings at Hollywood Studios, we’ve seen advancements enhance the magic of many of Disney’s nighttime shows!
According to a recent patent filed by Disney, it would appear that Disney Imagineers are also looking for a way to expand projections to 3D models used in parades and other entertainment offerings!
The patent in question is called “Ordered Mapping on a Three-Dimensional Projection Surface,” and appears to focus on ways to display media on 3-D models.
Here’s a bit from the patent indicating the new technology that Disney is working on :
A computer-implemented method comprises generating a computer model of a display surface, where the display surface comprises an unordered array of light sources. The computer-implemented method further comprises generating visual media to be presented on the display surface using the computer model of the display surface, and generating a map of light emission locations on the display surface. Moreover, the computer-implemented method comprises generating correspondence information between the computer model of the display surface and the map of light emission locations on the display surface, and transmitting signals representative of the visual media to one or more light sources of the unordered array of light sources based on the correspondence information.
[An example includes] a parade float, comprising one or more elements and having one or more display surfaces on which visual media may be displayed. For example, element may be a mushroom-shaped structure comprising a cap and stem. A plurality of light sources, e.g., fiber optic light sources, may emit light through one end of a fiber optic line or cable carrying light transmissions. Each end of a fiber optic line or cable can be used to emit light representative of a pixel corresponding to the visual media embodied as a UV texture map, e.g., UV texture map, examples of which are fiber optic light sources.
Based on images included with the patent, it appears Disney is strategizing ways to make 3-D models like parade floats come to life with projected animation. Check out the image below included in the patent:
Though Disney doesn’t highlight a specific project that the patented technology would be used for, it’s hard not to wonder whether this technology will be used on a new parade coming to the theme parks or to give existing entertainment options an upgrade!
This is definitely a story we’ll be following closely! Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for the latest Disney news and updates!
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Source: Orlando Business Journal