Disney Patents

The Walt Disney Company is an entertainment company focused on media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive games. The company's media holdings include ESPN (partial ownership), the Disney channels, ABC Family and A&E Television Networks (partial ownership). The company also operates Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani, the Disney Cruise Line, and has partial ownership interests in Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney. Tokyo Disneyland is operated by an independent company that licenses Disney intellectual property and pays royalties based on revenues. Disney also produces live-action and animated motion pictures, direct-to-video content, musical recordings and live stage plays, and distributes Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and Touchstone films.

Disney Patents by Type
  • Disney Patents Granted: Disney patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Disney Patent Applications: Disney patent applications that are pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Media content validation using geometrically encoded metadata
    Patent number: 11049285
    Abstract: According to one implementation, a system for validating media content includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a media content validation software code. The hardware processor is configured to execute the media content validation software code to search the media content for a geometrically encoded metadata structure. When the geometrically encoded metadata structure is detected, the hardware processor is further configured to execute the media content validation software code to identify an original three-dimensional (3D) geometry of the detected geometrically encoded metadata structure, to extract metadata from the detected geometrically encoded metadata structure, decode the metadata extracted from the detected geometrically encoded metadata structure based on the identified original 3D geometry, and obtain a validation status of the media content based on the decoded metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Chapman, Todd P. Swanson, Mehul Patel, Joseph Popp, Ty Popko
  • Communication system generating a floating image of a remote venue
    Patent number: 11048099
    Abstract: According to one implementation, a communication system includes a computing platform having one or more hardware processor(s) and a system memory storing a software code, as well as an image capture device, a transceiver, and a display including one or more display screen(s) controlled by the hardware processor(s). The communication system also includes a base including a motor coupled to a rotor for rotating the display. The hardware processor(s) is/are configured to execute the software code to receive audio-visual data including image data corresponding to a remote venue and render the image data on the display screen(s) while spinning the display to generate a floating image of the remote venue. The hardware processor(s) is/are further configured to execute the software code to, concurrently with spinning the display, obtain local image data of a local venue and transmit local audio-visual data including the local image data to the remote venue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Haseltine, Clifford Wong, Nathan Nocon, Michael P. Goslin
  • System to protect critical remotely accessible media devices
    Patent number: 11042401
    Abstract: Techniques for controlling the performance of remote operations on computing devices within a video processing environment are described. One embodiment determines to perform a remote operation on a remote device in a media processing environment and determines a signal chain within the media processing environment that includes the remote device. An operational status of the signal chain is determined, based on a media processing schedule for the signal chain. Upon determining that the operational status indicates that the remote device is available for performance of the remote operation, embodiments initiate the performance of the remote operation on the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Efthimis Stefanidis, Michael J. Strein, Craig L. Beardsley, Vladislav Feldman
  • Masking method for augmented reality effects
    Patent number: 11042747
    Abstract: To provide masks for augmented reality (AR) effects in real-time, the embodiments described herein capture a plurality of images of an environment that includes one or more real-world objects after initiating an AR session with an AR device located in the environment. Upon detecting a trigger to generate an AR effect targeting a first real-world object of the one or more real-world objects, a first virtual representation of the first real-world object is generated, based on the plurality of images of the environment, and a second virtual representation of a second real-world object of the one or more real-world objects is generated based on the plurality of images of the environment, wherein the second real-world object is at least partially occluded by the first real-world object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Goslin, Elliott H. Baumbach
  • Denoising Monte Carlo renderings using progressive neural networks
    Patent number: 11037274
    Abstract: Supervised machine learning using neural networks is applied to denoising images rendered by MC path tracing. Specialization of neural networks may be achieved by using a modular design that allows reusing trained components in different networks and facilitates easy debugging and incremental building of complex structures. Specialization may also be achieved by using progressive neural networks. In some embodiments, training of a neural-network based denoiser may use importance sampling, where more challenging patches or patches including areas of particular interests within a training dataset are selected with higher probabilities than others. In some other embodiments, generative adversarial networks (GANs) may be used for training a machine-learning based denoiser as an alternative to using pre-defined loss functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignees: Pixar, Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thijs Vogels, Fabrice Rousselle, Brian McWilliams, Mark Meyer, Jan Novak
  • Automated system for design and fabrication of artificial rockwork structures
    Patent number: 11030356
    Abstract: A system for automating design of a support frame for artificial rockwork structures. The system includes a processor and memory storing a three dimensional (3D) mesh for an exterior surface of a rockwork structure. The system includes an offset module that is code/instructions or software executed by the processor to process the 3D mesh and generate an offset mesh defining a 3D topology of the exterior surface at an offset distance from the 3D mesh. The system also includes a chip-defining module including software executed by the processor to divide the offset mesh into a plurality of subsections. The system further includes a rebar line-defining module with software executed by the processor to generate an assembly of rebar pieces for each of the subsections that defines for each of the rebar pieces a length, a location within the subsection, and a set of spaced apart bends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Steven Marshall, Daniel Robert Richardson, Katrina Anne Wilder, Douglas Charles Scharfenberg, Shawn Michael Holmes, Hepzibah Chandranand, Mike S. Welch, Michael Tschanz
  • Secondary robot commands in robot swarms
    Patent number: 11032166
    Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture that handle secondary robot commands in robot swarms may operate by receiving, at a receiving device in a swarm of devices, a packet included in a signal broadcast within an environment from a transmitting device in the swarm of devices; parsing the packet for a command associated with a primary effect and a secondary effect; in response to determining that the receiving device is paired with the transmitting device, implementing, by the receiving device, the primary effect; and in response to determining that the receiving device is not paired with the transmitting device, implementing, by the receiving device, the secondary effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Nocon, Michael P. Goslin, Janice K. Rosenthal, Corey D. Drake
  • System to manage security scanning in media environments
    Patent number: 11030323
    Abstract: Techniques for selectively initiating security scanning operations on remote devices are described. Embodiments determine to perform a security scanning operation on a remote device in a media processing environment. A signal chain within the media processing environment that includes the remote device is determined. Embodiments determine an operational status of the signal chain, based on a media processing schedule for the signal chain. Upon determining that the operational status indicates that the remote device is available for performance of the security scanning operation, performance of the security scanning operation on the remote device is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Strein, Craig L. Beardsley, Efthimis Stefanidis, Vladislav Feldman
  • Computer-assisted design and fabrication of kinetic wire mechanisms
    Patent number: 11029664
    Abstract: Methods and corresponding systems that are useful in design and fabrication of kinetic wire mechanisms or characters. The method includes a computational technique for the design of kinetic wire mechanisms tailored for fabrication on consumer-grade hardware such as a desktop CNC bending device. The method takes as input a skeletal animation of the mechanism to be fabricated and estimates, from the skeletal animation, a cable-driven and compliant wire structure, which matches user-selected keyframes. To enable localized deformations, the technique involves shaping the mechanism's body (i.e., the wire) into functional spring-like entities at a set of locations along the length of the mechanism's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Moritz Bächer, Stelian Coros, Lars Espen Knoop, Hongyi Xu
  • High speed projection onto dynamic moving objects
    Patent number: 11022814
    Abstract: A system for projecting content, such as images, onto a moving object. The system includes a tracking module, a prediction module, a projection generation module, and a projector. In one example, the tracking module and the prediction module provide commentary data to the projection generation module, which uses the data to select or render content for projection on the object at a select location. The complementary data includes tracked position information and predicted position information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Joseph, Dumene Comploi, Jessica A. Klouda, Thomas F. LaDuke, Edgar F. Mahnke, IV, Mark A. Reichow, Thomas T. Tait
  • Augmenting a physical object with virtual components
    Patent number: 11024098
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for immersive and simultaneous animation in a mixed reality environment. Techniques disclosed represent a physical object, present at a scene, in a 3D space of a virtual environment associated with the scene. A virtual element is posed relative to the representation of the physical object in the virtual environment. The virtual element is displayed to users from a perspective of each user in the virtual environment. Responsive to an interaction of one user with the virtual element, an edit command is generated and the pose of the virtual element is adjusted in the virtual environment according to the edit command. The display of the virtual element to the users is then updated according to the adjusted pose. When simultaneous and conflicting edit commands are generated by collaborating users, policies to reconcile the conflicting edit commands are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey D. Drake, Kenneth J. Mitchell, Rachel E. Rodgers, Joseph G. Hager, IV, Kyna P. McIntosh, Ye Pan
  • INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEM DATA TAP AND MODEL FOR MANAGING INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20210157302
    Abstract: Some implementations of the disclosure are directed to tapping input/output (I/O) data from an industrial control system (ICS) or applying the tapped I/O data to a learned model to perform predictive or prescriptive maintenance. In one implementation, a method comprises: tapping I/O data from a controller of an ICS while the controller executes first control code to control one or more devices of the ICS; transmitting the tapped I/O data over a network to a second system; and executing, via the second system, second control code comprising an original or modified version of all or a subset of the first control code of the ICS, wherein the second control code executes in response to receiving the tapped I/O data. The output of executing the second control code may be provided to a model to predict a future event involving the ICS or to prescribe maintenance of the ICS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Brock, Brian Walters, Nicholas Stantzos, Christopher Hofer, Mario Scarabino, Michael Tschanz
  • Systems and methods for game profile development based on virtual and/or real activities
    Patent number: 11014008
    Abstract: Systems and methods to facilitate game profile development based on virtual and real activities of users are described herein. A user may perform virtual and/or real activities in order to develop a game profile so that the user can play one or more games where the game profile may be implemented. Users may be motivated to perform the virtual and/or real activities to develop the game profiles and show off and/or test their developed game profiles. The one or more games where the game profile may be implemented may be specific to one or more geo-graphic locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Goslin, Jonathan R. Hsu, Corey D. Drake, Tritia Medrano
  • Systems and methods to provide narrative experiences for users of a virtual space
    Patent number: 11017599
    Abstract: The systems and methods presented herein are related to providing narrative experiences for users of a virtual space. A machine learning based technique may be implemented for generating paths through the virtual space that present the narrative experiences. A path may be based on tagged points of interest, as illustrated in stored narrative information associated with the virtual space. A machine-learning training loop may be applied wherein the system may be trained to recognize and/or understand what sorts of virtual content within the virtual space may be considered to be of narrative interest to audience members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm E. Murdock, Mohammad Poswal, Taylor Hellam, Dario Di Zanni
  • Systems and methods for maintaining a conversation
    Patent number: 11018997
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an interactive communications system capable of generating a response to conversational input are provided. The interactive communications system analyzes the conversational input to determine relevant topics of discussion. The interactive communications system further determines which of the relevant topics of discussion can potentially lead to an unwanted end to a conversation. The interactive communications system redirects the conversation by providing responses to the conversational input that are intended simply to avoid the unwanted end to the conversation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Scanlon, Douglas Fidaleo
  • Multi-protocol message distribution system
    Patent number: 11019404
    Abstract: According to one implementation, a multi-protocol message distribution system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a multi-protocol messaging software code. The hardware processor is configured to execute the multi-protocol messaging software code to receive a first video stream including programming content and at least one command message for distribution to multiple destination devices. The first video stream further includes multiple command message protocols for enabling execution of the command message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladislav Feldman, Michael J. Strein, Efthimis Stefanidis, Dan Fogel
  • Metadata extraction and management
    Patent number: 11010398
    Abstract: There is provided a system including a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory, and a metadata extraction and management unit stored in the memory. The hardware processor is configured to execute the metadata extraction and management unit to extract a plurality of metadata types from a media asset sequentially and in accordance with a prioritized order of extraction based on metadata type, aggregate the plurality of metadata types to produce an aggregated metadata describing the media asset, use the aggregated metadata to include at least one database entry in a graphical database, wherein the at least one database entry describes the media asset, display a user interface for a user to view tags of metadata associated with the media asset, and correcting presence of one of the tags of metadata associated with the media asset, in response to an input from the user via the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Miquel Angel Farre Guiu, Marc Junyent Martin, Jordi Pont-Tuset, Pablo Beltran, Nimesh Narayan, Leonid Sigal, Aljoscha Smolic, Anthony M. Accardo
  • Soft-real-time hub providing data transport for processor-in-the-loop (PIL) simulations
    Patent number: 11010510
    Abstract: A software-based (“soft”) real-time hub designed and implemented for use in simulation (or control testing) systems such as to provide a modular soft-real-time PIL. A simulation system of the present description typically may include one or more of the following useful subsystems or components: (a) a soft-real-time hub; (b) simulation interfaces; and (c) hardware emulation subsystems/devices. The soft-real-time hub is typically a combination of hardware and software adapted to provide deterministic data transport between simulations and input/output (I/O) emulation. By creating a common point, the hub enables simulation modules to be swapped out as the simulation system progresses without the operator having to worry about interface timing, forcing, or data visualization. A desirable aspect of the simulation system is it allows for testing certain conditions by forcing I/O and then seeing how the controller or system under testing responds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Carl Hofer, Robert Joseph Marra, III, Andrew Jesse Milluzzi, Jose Lugos Corpuz
  • System for determining precise location of a sought device by solving the last mile problem
    Patent number: 11012967
    Abstract: A system for use in locating a sought device such as a smartphone or smart communication device. The system includes a sought device communicatively linked to a communications network. The sought device uses locating technologies to determine an approximate location of the sought device and operates to trigger a locating session and to transmit a message over the communications network including the approximate location. The system includes a seeker device communicatively linked to the communications network operable to receive a message over the communications network including the approximate location of the sought device. The sought device scans for broadcasts from the seeker device, and the seeker device broadcasts a wireless message. The sought device receives the wireless message, determines a signal strength, and transmits the signal strength to the seeker device. The seeker device processes the signal strength to generate an indicator of a location of the sought device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave MacLean, John R. Parron, James Lee Egger, Mangesh Patil, Megha Vyas
  • Systems and methods for generating a latent space residual
    Patent number: 11012718
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a latent space residual. A computer-implemented method may use a computer system that includes non-transient electronic storage, a graphical user interface, and one or more physical computer processors. The computer-implemented method may include: obtaining a target frame, obtaining a reconstructed frame, encoding the target frame into a latent space to generate a latent space target frame, encoding the reconstructed frame into the latent space to generate a latent space reconstructed frame, and generating a latent space residual based on the latent space target frame and the latent space reconstructed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Schroers, Joaquim Campos, Abdelaziz Djelouah, Yuanyi Xue, Erika Varis Doggett, Jared McPhillen, Scott Labrozzi
  • Display assembly with anti-reflective film applied to video monitor with vacuum suction
    Patent number: 11004645
    Abstract: A display system achieving a screen finish using vacuum suction. The system includes an optical element with an exterior surface, and an optical film is positioned over the exterior surface. The optical film is formed of a flexible optical material such as an anti-reflective material. The display system includes a retention frame supporting the optical element and retaining outer edges of the optical film against the exterior surface. The display system includes a vacuum unit in fluidic communication with a gap between the inner side of the optical film and the exterior surface of the optical element. The vacuum unit operates to pump gas out of the gap to draw a vacuum on the gap and may be operated on an ongoing basis to retain this vacuum. The optical element may be a video monitor, with the exterior surface being the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, inc.
    Inventor: Barton Robert Brody
  • Spinning amusement park ride with onboard power generation
    Patent number: 11005339
    Abstract: A spinning ride system adapted to convert kinetic energy to electrical energy onboard each of its vehicles. The system includes a passenger vehicle with a chassis for receiving a passenger. The system includes a ride structure including a support arm supporting the passenger vehicle, and the ride structure moves the support arm along a ride path. The system includes a mounting sleeve statically attached to the chassis and pivotally coupled to the support arm. A user input mechanism is attached to the mounting sleeve adapted to receive user input forces to cause the chassis to have movements relative to the support arm. The system includes an electrical component provided on or in the chassis and includes a kinetic energy conversion assembly with an electrical generator converting kinetic energy of the chassis during the movements (e.g., spinning) to electrical energy used to power the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Guillermo L. Herrejon, Robert A. Sebesta
  • Special effects system providing a ceiling saber cut
    Patent number: 11000776
    Abstract: A special effects system to provide the effect or illusion of a surface of a set (such as a ceiling, sidewall, floor, or the like) being penetrated and cut by a physical prop (e.g., a tool or weapon). In some preferred embodiments, the physical prop takes on the appearance of a glowing or hot elongated rod similar to the blade of an energy sword or light saber as found in entertainment media. The system is configured to provide the illusion, in these cases, that a circular groove or slot is being formed as the hot blade burns through the material of the surface of the set/scene. Additional effects add to the believability of this illusion including the up and down sawing movement of the physical prob through the slot, appearance of smoke with shadows near the cutting regions, and bright sparkling lighting at leading edge of slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose A. Gutierrez, Daniel M. Joseph, Sean Paul Torres
  • Systems and methods of real-time ambient light simulation based on generated imagery
    Patent number: 10997781
    Abstract: Systems and methods for simulation of ambient light based on generated imagery are disclosed herein. Such a system can include a simulation sled, a simulation display that can display generated imagery viewable from the simulation sled, an ambient light simulator that can selectively illuminate portions of the simulation sled, and a processor. The simulation sled can include a plurality of user controls. The processor can: control the simulation display to generate imagery; identify an effect of the generated imagery on the simulation sled; and control the ambient light simulator to selectively illuminate at least portions of the simulation sled according to the identified effect of the simulated light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Asa K. Kalama, Jose Gutierrez, Paul Bailey, Karl Nettmann, William Hastings
  • Systems and methods for using a product history to create a linguistic corpus for a product
    Patent number: 10997610
    Abstract: There is provided a system having a memory for storing a software application, where the software application includes a product database. The product database includes a product history for a plurality of products. A processor is configured to execute the software application. The software application receives product requirements for a new product, determines at least one related product from the plurality of products based on the product requirements for the new product, evaluates the product history of the at least one related product to determine a linguistic corpus for the new product, and creates the linguistic corpus for the new product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadashi Sakashita
  • Interactive retail venue
    Patent number: 10997649
    Abstract: According to one implementation, an interactive retail venue includes a computing platform interactively linked to a display screen, a lighting system, an audio system, a dynamic product display unit, and multiple product sensors. The computing platform includes a hardware processor and a memory storing a venue orchestration software code. The hardware processor executes the venue orchestration software code to receive sensor data from the product sensors, determine respective locations of retail products within the interactive retail venue based on the sensor data, and present a multi-media entertainment featuring the retail products using the display screen, the lighting system, and the audio system. The hardware processor further executes the venue orchestration software code to concurrently activate the dynamic product display unit if at least one of the retail products is situated within a predetermined distance of the dynamic product display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Lanny S. Smoot, Scott F. Watson, Nitzan Katz
  • Location-based restriction of content transmission
    Patent number: 10999292
    Abstract: The present application discloses computing platforms and methods for performing location-based restriction of content transmission. In one implementation, such a computing platform includes a hardware processor and a memory storing a content protection software code. The hardware processor is configured to execute the content protection software code to obtain a media content including a cue for restricting broadcast of the media content, and to detect the cue in the media content. The hardware processor is further configured to execute the content protection software code to interpret the cue to identify a usage rule constraining the broadcast of the media content, and to restrict the broadcast of the media content based on the usage rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Arana, Steven M. Chapman
  • Automated content evaluation using a predictive model
    Patent number: 10997476
    Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for performing automated content evaluation. In one implementation, the system includes a hardware processor and a system memory storing a software code including a predictive model trained based on an audience response to training content. The hardware processor executes the software code to receive images, each image including facial landmarks of an audience member viewing the content during its duration, and for each image, transforms the facial landmarks to a lower dimensional facial representation, resulting in multiple lower dimensional facial representations of each audience member. For each of a subset of the lower dimensional facial representations of each audience member, the software code utilizes the predictive model to predict one or more responses to the content, resulting in multiple predictions for each audience member, and classifies one or more time segment(s) in the duration of the content based on an aggregate of the predictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvator D. Lombardo, Cristina Segalin, Lei Chen, Rajitha D. Navarathna, Stephan Marcel Mandt
  • Systems and methods to elicit physical activity in users acting as caretakers of physical objects
    Patent number: 10987594
    Abstract: Systems and methods to elicit physical activity in users acting as caretakers of physical objects. Caretaking information for a physical object may define a set of caretaking criteria of a physical object. Individual caretaking criteria may comprise one or more caretaking requirements of the physical object to be satisfied based on physical activity of a user. The caretaking requirements of the physical object may “trick” the user into performing fitness/wellness behavior. In caring for the physical object, the user may actually be caring for themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Goslin
  • Aspect ratio conversion with machine learning
    Patent number: 10992902
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for converting image frames, such as the image frames of a motion picture, from one aspect ratio to another while predicting the pan and scan framing decisions that a human operator would make. In one configuration, one or more functions for predicting pan and scan framing decisions are determined, at least in part, via machine learning using training data that includes historical pan and scan conversions. The training data may be prepared by extracting features indicating visual and/or audio elements associated with particular shots, among other things. Function(s) may be determined, using machine learning, that take such extracted features as input and output predicted pan and scan framing decisions. Thereafter, the image frames of a received video may be converted between aspect ratios on a shot-by-shot basis, by extracting the same features and using the function(s) to make pan and scan framing predictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Nimesh C. Narayan, Yazmaliza Yaacob, Kari M. Grubin, Andrew J. Wahlquist
  • Systems and methods for a procedural system for emergent narrative construction
    Patent number: 10990753
    Abstract: A user interface may be presented to a creator to facilitate the creation of narrative content. The user interface may be part of a system configured to generate recommendations pertaining to narrative content. The narrative content is meant to be experienced by users, e.g., in a virtual space. Feedback and/or other responses from the creator may be used to train and/or modify the generation of new recommendations. Feedback and/or other responses from the users may be used to train and/or modify the generation of new recommendations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm E. Murdock, Mohammad Poswal, Taylor Hellam, Dario Di Zanni
  • Blockchain configuration for secure content delivery
    Patent number: 10992454
    Abstract: A process receives, from a registration server associated with a content playback environment, a playback system identifier and a public key. The playback system identifier and the public key correspond to a playback system. Further, the process generates a blockchain corresponding to a content identifier such that a block is established to correspond to the playback system identifier. In addition, the process encrypts, with the processor according to a content encryption key, content associated with the content identifier. The process also encrypts, with the public key, the content encryption key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Artin Nazarian, Mark Arana, Derek L. Prestegard
  • Systems and methods to control sounds produced by a remote controlled vehicle during operation of the remote controlled vehicle
    Patent number: 10988254
    Abstract: Systems and methods control sounds produced by a remote-controlled vehicle during operation of the remote-controlled vehicle are described herein. One or more components of the remote-controlled vehicle may be controlled and/or manipulated so that the remote-controlled vehicle produces sounds during operation that match a predetermined set of sounds. The control and/or manipulation of the one or more components of the remote-controlled vehicle may be effectuated without alternating a path of the remote-controlled vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Nocon, Clifford Wong
  • Adjusting media availability via a content consumption activity dashboard
    Patent number: 10986396
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for enabling a user to bias the type of media content made available to a user account through a localized content dashboard. In one implementation, a method for adjusting media content availability associated with a user account configured to receive media content from a server system over a network, includes displaying on a content playback system a localized content dashboard, including: a summary of attributes of media content accessed by the user account, where the summary of the attributes is based on metadata associated with the accessed media content; and controls for biasing the attributes of media content delivered to the user account. The content playback system receives data corresponding to user input actuating one of the controls; and in response to receiving the data, transmits over the network to the server system data associated with the media content attribute biased by the user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Drake, Andrew J. Wright, Bruce Bleasdale
  • Localized and standalone semi-randomized character conversations
    Patent number: 10981073
    Abstract: Techniques for randomized device interaction are provided. A first communication pattern is selected, with at least a degree of randomness, from a plurality of communication patterns, where each of the plurality of communication patterns specifies one or more audio profiles. A first audio profile specified in the first communication pattern is identified. A first portion of audio is extracted from a first audio file with at least a degree of randomness, and the first portion of audio is modified based on the first audio profile. Finally, the first modified portion of audio is outputted by a first device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Nocon, Stephen A. Thornton, Timothy M. Panec
  • Learning-based sampling for image matting
    Patent number: 10984558
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for image matting. In particular, embodiments decompose the matting problem of estimating foreground opacity into the targeted subproblems of estimating a background using a first trained neural network, estimating a foreground using a second neural network and the estimated background as one of the inputs into the second neural network, and estimating an alpha matte using a third neural network and the estimated background and foreground as two of the inputs into the third neural network. Such a decomposition is in contrast to traditional sampling-based matting approaches that estimated foreground and background color pairs together directly for each pixel. By decomposing the matting problem into subproblems that are easier for a neural network to learn compared to traditional data-driven techniques for image matting, embodiments disclosed herein can produce better opacity estimates than such data-driven techniques as well as sampling-based and affinity-based matting approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zurich (Eidgenoessische Technische Hochschule Zurich)
    Inventors: Tunc Ozan Aydin, Ahmet Cengiz Öztireli, Jingwei Tang, Yagiz Aksoy
  • Persistent progress over a connected device network and interactive and continuous storytelling via data input from connected devices
    Patent number: 10974139
    Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for affect a virtual world based n available electronic devices. A control node identifies electronic devices present within a physical environment. Embodiments detect a device type of a first electronic device and determine an API implemented by the first electronic device, based on the detected device type of the first electronic device. Electronic messages are transmitted to the first electronic device, via the one or more data communications networks. The electronic messages are formatted according to the determined API. One or more actions are determined for a first user for a first computer game, based on data received from the first electronic device via the one or more data communications networks, and a game state for the first computer game is updated, based on performance of the one or more actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Feder, Thomas M. Dekeyser, Nina W. Chai, Alif Khalfan
  • Systems and methods to provide a shared interactive experience across multiple presentation devices based on detection of one or more extraterrestrial bodies
    Patent number: 10974132
    Abstract: This disclosure presents systems and methods to provide a shared augmented reality experience across multiple presentation devices based on detection of one or more extraterrestrial bodies. A presentation device may be configured to detect presence of an extraterrestrial body. The presentation device may obtain resource information corresponding to the extraterrestrial body. The resource information may specify information specific to the extraterrestrial body including a location of the extraterrestrial body. The presentation device may generate an image of a virtual object. The image may be presented so that the virtual object may be perceived as being present at the location of the extraterrestrial body. The virtual object may augment the appearance of the extraterrestrial body. Gameplay may be carried out utilizing the virtual object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey Drake, Jonathan R. Hsu, Clifford Wong, Christopher Hunt
  • Streamable compressed geometry for live broadcast
    Patent number: 10974153
    Abstract: A system and method for high-quality, three-dimensional live streaming of graphical content. Graphical geometry data generated through execution of multimedia software, e.g. a video game, is converted into a geometry streaming format that is independent of the operating system of the host system running the software. The converted data is broadcast over a network to one or more spectator systems, which are configured to execute the converted data to render locally the three-dimensional content. A spectator is therefore enabled to change a viewing angle within the three-dimensional content regardless of the viewing angle associated with the host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Andi Smithers
  • Automated storyboarding based on natural language processing and 2D/3D pre-visualization
    Patent number: 10977287
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a workflow framework that scriptwriters can utilize when developing scripts. A script can be parsed to identify one or more elements in a script, and various visual representations of the one or more elements and/or a scene characterized in the script can be automatically generated. A user may develop or edit the script which can be presented in a visual and temporal manner. Information parsed from the script can be stored in basic information elements, and used to create a knowledge bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Sasha Anna Schriber, Isabel Simo, Justine Fung, Daniel Inversini, Carolina Ferrari, Max Grosse, Markus Gross
  • Enabling undo on scrubber/seekbar UI widgets
    Patent number: 10976913
    Abstract: Implementations of the disclosure describe systems and methods for a user that interacts with an interface for playback/consumption of media content (e.g. video, audio, e-book text, etc.) to be accurately guided back to one or more positions on a scrubber. Current scrubber positions (e.g., timecodes) may be dynamically saved each time that a user interacts with the scrubber. Thereafter, the saved position may be used to help guide the user back to their previous position along the scrubber. In some implementations, a scrubber may snap back to a saved position if it is within a predetermined threshold distance of the saved position. In some implementations, sensory cues such as haptic, visual, and/or auditory feedback may be provided when the scrubber snaps back to a saved position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohamad H. Monibi
  • Pose estimation and body tracking using an artificial neural network
    Patent number: 10970849
    Abstract: According to one implementation, a pose estimation and body tracking system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a software code including a tracking module trained to track motions. The software code receives a series of images of motion by a subject, and for each image, uses the tracking module to determine locations corresponding respectively to two-dimensional (2D) skeletal landmarks of the subject based on constraints imposed by features of a hierarchical skeleton model intersecting at each 2D skeletal landmark. The software code further uses the tracking module to infer joint angles of the subject based on the locations and determine a three-dimensional (3D) pose of the subject based on the locations and the joint angles, resulting in a series of 3D poses. The software code outputs a tracking image corresponding to the motion by the subject based on the series of 3D poses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zürich (EIDGENÖSSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZÜRICH)
    Inventors: Ahmet Cengiz Öztireli, Prashanth Chandran, Markus Gross
  • Systems and methods for using a vehicle as a motion base for a simulated experience
    Patent number: 10969748
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for using a vehicle as a motion base for a simulated experience. To use a vehicle as a motion base for a simulation experience, simulation information for the simulation experience may be obtained. Simulation information may include simulation stimuli that correspond to simulation events. Ride information may be obtained to identify occurrences of simulation events. Simulation stimuli corresponding to the identified simulation events occurrences may be generated. Simulation experience may be provided by operating one or more of a light source inside the vehicle, a speaker, a display, an air conditioner, a heater, a temperature controller of the vehicle, and/or other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Goslin
  • Systems and methods for differential media distribution
    Patent number: 10972769
    Abstract: Systems for electronic media distribution includes a differential versioning server configured to receive a first media file including a first set of data with a first set of attributes and a second media file including a second set of data with a second set of attributes, generate a first differential data file as a function of differences between the first media file and the second media file, and generate a first differential metadata file including an encoding data set configured to enable a media decoder to regenerate the second media file by applying the first differential data file to the first media file. Systems for electronic media distribution may also include a receiver communicatively coupled to a differential versioning decoder configured to receive the first media file and the first differential data file and generate the second media file by applying the first differential data file to the first media file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon Silverman, Anne Chang, Kari Grubin, Jeffrey Miller, Christopher Witham
  • Systems and methods configured to provide gaze-based audio in interactive experiences
    Patent number: 10970031
    Abstract: A system configured to provide gaze-based audio presentation for interactive experiences. The interactive experiences may take place in an interactive space. An interactive space may include one or both of augmented reality (AR) environment, a virtual reality (VR) environment, and/or other interactive spaces. The interactive space may include audio content and/or virtual content. A user's gaze may be tracked. Based on the user's gaze indicating they are looking at a given virtual object, the audio content may be modified. The modification may include one or more of increasing audio content specifically associated with given virtual object, decreasing a volume of other audio content, and/or other modifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Maxwell McCoy, Elliott Baumbach, Timothy M. Panec
  • Methods and systems of displaying an image free of motion-blur using spinning projectors
    Patent number: 10969666
    Abstract: According to one implementation, an image display system includes a motor configured to spin a rotor, first and second projectors, a projection screen having a first projection surface on a first side and a second projection surface on a second side opposite the first side, and a controller. The controller causes the motor to spin the rotor that spins the projection screen, the first projector, and the second projector about an axis, displays a first perspective of an image on the first projection surface using the first projector, and concurrently with displaying the first perspective of the image on the first projection surface, displays a second perspective of the image on the second projection surface using the second projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric C. Haseltine
  • Systems and methods to trigger presentation of in-vehicle content
    Patent number: 10970560
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system to trigger presentation of in-vehicle content based on detected physical objects. The system may be coupled to a vehicle. The system may include one or more physical processors. The processor(s) may be configured to obtain output signals conveying detection information that facilitates detection and identification of physical objects near and/or within an interior of the vehicle. The processor(s) may be configured to identify the physical objects near or within the interior of the vehicle. The processor(s) may be configured to obtain usage information conveying recent and/or anticipated use of the physical objects. The processor(s) may be configured to control one or more vehicle components to provide content that is specific to the identity of the physical object and/or specific to the usage information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Alif Khalfan, Patricia Chao, Thomas M. DeKeyser, David Feder, Nina W. Chai, David Castor
  • Systems and methods for reconstructing frames
    Patent number: 10972749
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for reconstructing a frame. A computer-implemented method may use a computer system that includes non-transient electronic storage, a graphical user interface, and one or more physical computer processors. The computer-implemented method may include: obtaining one or more reference frames from non-transient electronic storage, generating one or more displacement maps based on the one or more reference frames and a target frame with the physical computer processor, generating one or more warped frames based on the one or more reference frames and the one or more displacement maps with the physical computer processor, obtaining a conditioned reconstruction model from the non-transient electronic storage, and generating one or more blending coefficients and one or more reconstructed displacement maps by applying the one or more displacement maps, the one or more warped frames, and a target frame to the conditioned reconstruction model with the physical computer processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Schroers, Joaquim Campos, Abdelaziz Djelouah, Yuanyi Xue, Erika Varis Doggett, Jared McPhillen, Scott Labrozzi
  • Display device
    Patent number: D916084
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Nocon, John Peter Fiscella, Paulo Kang
  • Display device
    Patent number: D920331
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Nocon, John Peter Fiscella, Paulo Kang