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).
  • VAPOR GENERATING DEVICE FOR THEMATIC ENVIRONMENTS
    Publication number: 20260335783
    Abstract: A vapor generator for producing effects is disclosed. The vapor generator may include a housing with vapor outlet and a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a fluid external to the housing, and a vibration generator positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the vapor outlet, wherein the vapor generator induces vibration in a fluid received from a fluid received from the fluid inlet and generates a vapor output via the vapor outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2025
    Publication date: October 29, 2026
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Mark Joseph, Jessica Anne Klouda, Jason William Monahan, Miles Maline
  • Systems and methods to define a creative asset for presentation with streaming video content through different versions of a streaming video player application
    Patent number: 12777217
    Abstract: Systems and method to generate creative asset files for rendering creative assets with streaming video content through different versions of a streaming video player application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2025
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2026
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Yasir Hossain, Daniel Bostonweeks, Jens Loeffler, Christopher France, William F. West, Kristoffer Walker, Vanik Gevorgyan, Pratik Prajapati, Michael Luttrell, Timothy Greenfield, Aaron LaBerge
  • Contextual tags for supplemental content insertion
    Patent number: 12777204
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method determines a prediction network that is trained to map a contextual taxonomy to a standard taxonomy. An indication of a break that is going to be experienced during playback of an instance of main content is received. A client device is playing back the instance of main content. The method determines a set of contextual tags based on content associated with the break in the instance of main content. The prediction network maps the set of contextual tags to a set of standard tags from the standard taxonomy. The method determines an instance of supplemental content based on the set of standard tags. The information to insert the instance of supplemental content in the break during a playback of the instance of main content is provided to the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2025
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2026
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., HULU, LLC
    Inventors: Sayan Maity, Timothy Cody, Yan Zhang, Fanding Li, Zhe Wang, Shuyue Li, Darren Jaspan, Kaiser Newaj Asif, Mengzhe Li, David Chia
  • System and method for detecting and preventing anomalous behavior of non-interactive machine to machine database accounts
    Patent number: 12775725
    Abstract: A responding computing device may receive, from a querying computing device, a database query intended for the responding computing device. The querying computing device may generate and submit database queries autonomously as part of scheduled tasks. The responding computing device may determine one or more templates of database queries associated with the querying computing device. The responding computing device may perform a validation of the database query to determine whether the querying computing device is authorized to submit the database query to the responding computing device. The validation may be performed based on the one or more templates of database queries. The responding computing device may selectively enable the database query to be executed on the responding computing device or prevent the database query from being executed on the responding computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Montgomery, Ralph Peterkin, Whitney E. Smith
  • System and method for synchronizing live video with external data sources
    Patent number: 12777211
    Abstract: Methods and systems for synchronizing video with external data sources by a user device where the video is grouped into segment video files having video frames, includes establishing a persistent connection between the user device and a synchronization server, receiving a sync message associated with the beginning of a video segment to be played by the user device, the sync message having an initial recording wall clock time stamp, calculating by the user device a recording wall clock time for each frame in the segment using the initial wall clock time and a frame rate, downloading the video segment file for playing on the user device, receiving by the user device, external data having a wall clock time stamp, and displaying on the user device the external data having the same time stamp as the recording time stamp of the video frame being displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2026
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Hyde, Geoffrey Booth, Sujal Shah, Jonathan Flanders, Ognjen Boras, Aaron LaBerge
  • Automatic detection of alignment between two audio signals
    Patent number: 12772002
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method analyzes a first sample of a first audio signal to determine a first representation in a space. A plurality of second samples for a second audio signal is analyzed to determine a plurality of second representations in the space. The method compares the first representation and the plurality of second representations in the space to select a second representation. An offset is determined between the first sample and a second sample that is associated with the second representation. The offset is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2026
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Eitan Abecassis, David Meyer, Clara Fernandez Labrador, Christopher Richard Schroers, Scott Labrozzi
  • Automated parallelized trajectory analysis
    Patent number: 12766720
    Abstract: A method for determining a trajectory of an object includes: determining, via a processing element, the object of the moving device; generating, via the processing element, a physics model of a moving device including the object; receiving, via the processing element, a motion profile of the moving device; discretizing, via the processing element, the motion profile in time into a plurality of time steps; simulating, via the processing element, a release of the object at each of the plurality of time steps; determining, via the processing element, a trajectory of the object as a result of the release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Ross Jaccoud-Miley, Derek Christopher Haas, Emma Katherine Lee, Sarah Elizabeth Warmouth, Gregory Joseph Nathan, Michael John Anson
  • EVENT DETECTION BASED ON ANALYSIS OF VIDEO DATA
    Publication number: 20260321061
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable media are described for providing assistance based on video analysis. One or more processors are configured to receive and analyze video data using a machine learning model to detect an individual in a first portion of the video data and detect an event involving the individual in a subsequent portion, determine a measure of confidence indicative of a likelihood of accurately detecting the event, determine one or more confidence factors based on detecting a change, difference, or audio data, increase the measure of confidence using the confidence factors to determine a modified measure of confidence, which is compared to a confidence threshold, and generate a notification to cause assistance to be provided to the individual when the modified measure of confidence satisfies the confidence threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2026
    Publication date: October 15, 2026
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Brooks HALE, Gary D. MARKOWITZ, Clifford Aron WILKINSON, Ching-Chien CHEN
  • Real-time animation motion capture
    Patent number: 12762775
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for improved capture and modification of sensor data. A first performance in a physical environment is recorded, and a first data object is generated, comprising at least a first motion capture element from the first performance, where the first motion capture element includes at least one of (i) body data or (ii) facial data. A request to modify the first data object based on a second data object including motion capture data from a second performance is received, and the first data object is modified by adding, to the first data object, a second motion capture element from the second data object. The modified first data object including the first motion capture element and the second motion capture element is outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew E. Wood, Katharine S. Navarre, Evan A. Binder, Drew E. Perlman
  • Secure digital registration of contracts governing media content use
    Patent number: 12762268
    Abstract: A system includes a memory storing software code, and a hardware processor executing the software code to receive media content including a media content ID, identify, using the media content ID, one or more rule(s) governing use of the media content, the rule(s) including at least one of: (a) one or more first rules restricting use of the media content, or (b) one or more second rules permitting use of the media content, and generate, based on the rule(s), a digital contract specifying at least one of: (i) one or more constraints on use of the media content, or (ii) one or more enablements on use of the media content. The software code also registers the digital contract with the media content ID in a secure database, generates, using data identifying the secure database, a first watermark, and embeds the first watermark identifying the secure database into the media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2025
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Whitehead, Mark Arana
  • Modular omnidirectional actuated floors providing a reconfigurable video production environment
    Patent number: 12761723
    Abstract: A video production system may include a video production environment and a modular floor including a plurality of tiles configured to move independently to induce or respond to a motion for a user or users in contact with the modular floor. The video production environment may include a camera, a stage, and a screen. The screen may provide a digital background. The system may include a processor configured to modify a configuration of the video production environment (e.g., the digital environment or the physical environment) based on a detected characteristic of the user(s) on the modular floor (e.g., an orientation, position, or movement of the user(s)). The system may include a sensor configured to detect the characteristic of the user(s) on the modular floor. Additional systems and associated methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Lanny S. Smoot, Frank D. Mezzatesta, III, Jack Wetherell, Robert J. Bristow
  • NEURAL VIEW-DEPENDENT PRINCIPLED BRDF ADAPTER
    Publication number: 20260311423
    Abstract: A neural network-based method and system are disclosed for adapting parameters of a source bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) to a target BRDF, enabling efficient and expressive material rendering. Some aspects include generating or receiving BRDF data for a plurality of source materials as a function of incoming and outgoing light directions, aggregating the data into a representation suitable for machine learning, and training a neural network to map source BRDF parameters and viewing direction to target BRDF parameters. The trained network is used to predict target BRDF parameters, which are supplied to a rendering engine for visualization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2026
    Publication date: October 8, 2026
    Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Rajesh SHARMA, Sebastian Klaus WEISS, Tiziano Andrea PORTENIER, Marios PAPAS
  • Crowd removal and automatic focus for images
    Patent number: 12755391
    Abstract: A computer implemented method includes receiving, by a processor, an image including one or more subjects and one more obstructions. The method further includes partitioning, by the processor, the image into a plurality of image segments, where the one or more subjects and one or more obstructions are represented as separate image segments of the plurality of image segments. The method further includes obtaining, by the processor, depth information for the plurality of image segments. The method further includes identifying one or more focal image segments of the plurality of image segments based on the depth information of the plurality of image segments and modifying the image based on the one or more focal image segments to generate a modified image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Santiago Iglesias Navarro, Pablo Pernias Pascual de Pobil, Robert B. Moore, David N. Juboor
  • Machine learning model based condition and property detection
    Patent number: 12755839
    Abstract: A system for performing machine language (ML) model based condition and property detection includes a computing platform having processing hardware and a system memory storing a software code that includes a trained ML model. The processing hardware is configured to execute the software code to receive a dataset, and perform an analysis of the dataset, using a first stage of the trained ML model, to detect a presence of a predetermined data attribute. The processing hardware is further configured to execute the software code to predict, using a second stage of the trained ML model when the analysis of the dataset detects the presence of the predetermined data attribute, a probability that the predetermined data attribute is indicative of a condition or a property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Comito, Gregory Brooks Hale, Komath Naveen Kumar
  • System and method for monitoring procedure compliance
    Patent number: 12755575
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a user performing a handwashing procedure, including: recognizing a user based upon biometric information obtained at a handwashing station, a user; detecting use of a component of the handwashing station; capturing image data of the user at the handwashing station; capturing data describing components and consumables used at the handwashing station; analyzing, using a processor, the image data; determining compliance with a handwashing procedure based at least in part on the analysis of the image data and the use of the component; and communicating compliance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Worrall, Shawn Allen Boling, Ronald J. Dearing, Gregory Brooks Hale, Scott William Rench
  • Resilient content distribution network
    Patent number: 12754684
    Abstract: In one implementation, a content distribution network includes a first plurality of communication paths for Internet Protocol (IP) signals, a router providing a second plurality of communication paths for non-IP signals, and a plurality of signal sources and a plurality of signal destinations. Each signal source is linked to a respective one signal destination by a respective first communication path of the first plurality of communication paths. Each of one or more of the signal sources designated as a protected source is further linked to the respective one signal destination by a second communication path of the second plurality of communication paths. The content distribution network distributes content in one of a first mode in which the first communication path and the second communication path carry the same content contemporaneously, or a second mode in which only the second communication path carries that content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2025
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Strein, David E. Potter, Patrick Daly, Ryan N. McCormick
  • Selective visualization of an image using second pass-through of polarized light
    Patent number: 12754439
    Abstract: A system may include a first polarizer to create polarized light having a polarization, a substrate that maintains the polarization and allows a first pass-through of the polarized light, and a graphic layer that maintains the polarization and allows a second pass-through of the polarized light, the graphic layer including a first image. The system may include a second polarizer separate from the substrate and the graphic layer and configured to enable a visualization of a second image different than the first image. The graphic layer may include perforations to allow the second pass-through of the polarized light. The first polarizer and substrate may be embodied in a display. The graphic layer may be placed on the display, such as on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Mark Joseph, Jessica Anne Klouda
  • SYSTEM FOR GENERATING COLLIMATED NON-COHERENT BRIGHT LIGHT USING A PLURALITY OF OPTICAL ELEMENTS
    Publication number: 20260298443
    Abstract: A system includes a first array of lasers, a first linear polarizer, a second array of lasers, and a phosphor assembly. The first array of lasers is configured to emit a first light. The first linear polarizer is configured to receive the first light. The second array of lasers is configured to emit a second light. The phosphor assembly is positioned to receive the first light from the first array of lasers and the second light from the second array of lasers, and to generate a non-coherent light based on a combination of the first light and the second light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2026
    Publication date: October 1, 2026
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel M. JOSEPH, Veronica CHEN, Jessica KLOUDA
  • Machine learning model-based image noise synthesis
    Patent number: 12749165
    Abstract: A system includes a hardware processor, a system memory storing a software code, and a machine learning (ML) model trained using style loss to predict image noise. The hardware processor is configured to execute the software code to receive a clean image and at least one noise setting of a camera used to capture a version of the clean image that includes noise, and provide the clean image and the at least one noise setting as a noise generation input to the ML model. The hardware processor is further configured to execute the software code to generate, using the ML model and based on the noise generation input, a synthesized noise map for renoising the clean image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2026
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zurich (Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich)
    Inventors: Yang Zhang, Mingyang Song, Tunc Ozan Aydin, Elham Amin Mansour, Christopher Richard Schroers, Abdelaziz Djelouah, Roberto Gerson de Albuquerque Azevedo
  • Pose-aware neural inverse kinematics
    Patent number: 12749250
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for generating a pose for a virtual character. The technique includes determining a set of joint representations corresponding to a set of joints in the virtual character based on (i) a base pose for the virtual character and (ii) a set of constraints associated with one or more joints included in the set of joints. The technique also includes generating, via execution of a first neural network, a set of updated joint states for the set of joints based on the set of joint representations. The technique further includes generating, based on the set of updated joint states, an output pose that includes (i) a first set of joint positions for the set of joints and (ii) a first set of joint orientations for the set of joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2026
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, INC., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Martin Guay, Dhruv Agrawal, Dominik Tobias Borer, Jakob Joachim Buhmann, Robert Walker Sumner
  • DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING WIDE-ANGLE, RETROREFLECTIVE REAL IMAGES
    Publication number: 20260287803
    Abstract: A wide-angle, retroreflective real image display system that produces real images that can be viewed and interacted with by a group of people who can move about a space to view the real image. In one embodiment, the display system includes a plurality of display stations, each including a light source, beamsplitter, and retroreflector. The display stations are rotated relative to adjacent display stations so that light reflected off the retroreflectors at least partially overlaps in a viewing space to form the real image. In other embodiments, the display system includes a retroreflector, beamsplitter, light source, and a first and second reflector. At least a portion of the light from the light source is reflected by the first reflector and transmitted through the beamsplitter, retroreflected off the retroreflector and reflected off the beamsplitter to the second reflector and directed to the viewing space to form the real image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2026
    Publication date: September 24, 2026
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Quinn Y. Smithwick, Lanny S. Smoot, Michael Ilardi
  • OFFLINE REINFORCEMENT LEARNING FOR VIDEO ENCODER RATE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20260292200
    Abstract: A system and method for video encoder rate control that leverages offline-trained sequence modeling neural networks to dynamically select quantization parameters for video encoding, ensuring adherence to target bitrate constraints while optimizing video quality. Training data comprising sequences of encoder states, quantization parameter decisions, and bitrate usage is augmented using sparse Gaussian Processes and Fourier transform-based techniques to create diverse encoding trajectories. The neural network, preferably a transformer-based architecture, is trained to predict optimal quantization parameter sequences, incorporating a trajectory stitching mechanism for enhanced policy generalization. During deployment, the trained model adaptively predicts quantization parameters for each frame or coding unit, enabling efficient video compression and streaming across diverse content types and network conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2026
    Publication date: September 24, 2026
    Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Lucas-Claudiu Cosier, Agon Serifi, Roberto Gerson De Albuquerque Azevedo, Christopher Richard Schroers
  • Temporally stable occlusion free caption rendering position in Z-plane for stereoscopic video
    Patent number: 12744873
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method determines a disparity value from a plurality of disparity values in a current frame of a stereoscopic video. The disparity value is based on a difference of a value for a pixel between a first video and a second video of the stereoscopic video. A location is determined in a current frame that include the disparity value. The method analyzes first frames prior to the current frame to adjust disparity values in the first frames to generate one or more adjusted first disparity values. Also, the method analyzes second frames after the current frame to adjust disparity values in the second frames to generate one or more adjusted second disparity values. The one or more adjusted first disparity values and the one or more adjusted second disparity values are output for use in displaying captions in the first video or the second video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuanyi Xue, Scott Labrozzi, Eitan M. Abecassis, Chetan Mathur, Michael J. Bracco
  • Machine learning model-based acoustic signal-to-text translation
    Patent number: 12742704
    Abstract: A system includes a processor and a memory storing software code and a machine learning (ML) model. The processor executes the software code to receive data including a sequence of acoustic signals or a corresponding spectrogram and an identifier of a source of the acoustic signals, translate, using the ML model, the acoustic signals or the spectrogram to one or more words each describing a respective acoustic signal pattern included in the sequence of acoustic signals or represented in the spectrogram, and obtain, using the identifier of the source, a predetermined word-based description of an acoustic signature of the source. The software code is further executed to determine, using the translated one or more words and the word-based description, whether an anomaly of the source is indicated, and output, when an anomaly is indicated, an alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David MacLean, Erika Varis Doggett
  • ASSET STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL USING WORD PERMUTATIONS
    Publication number: 20260278002
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives a request for a first asset. The request includes a word permutation. The method determines whether the first asset can be retrieved from a database using the word permutation. Responsive to determining the first asset cannot be retrieved, the method determines a second asset representation for a second asset that is within a threshold to a first asset representation in a space. The asset representations are encoded into the space based on contents of respective assets. Also, the method returns the second asset for the request. Responsive to determining the first asset cannot be retrieved: the method retrieves the first asset from the database and returns the first asset for the request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2025
    Publication date: September 17, 2026
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Robert Walters, Matthew Steele Lathrop, Kelsey McCullough, Stephanie Perea
  • Deployable canopy system
    Patent number: 12735913
    Abstract: A canopy system includes a canopy, cables respectively connected to the canopy, and a plurality of columns spaced from one another. The columns include a canopy column and at least two cable columns. Each column has a drive assembly arranged to wind-in, wind-out, or hold in place respective ones of the cables. The drive assemblies are controllable in a coordinated manner to wind-in, wind-out, or hold in place their respective ones of the cables to deploy or retract the canopy to one of a plurality of positions, including a deployed position in which the canopy provides covered protection and a retracted position in which the canopy is, at least in part, retracted within an inner chamber defined by the canopy column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Peavy, Dexter Dickinson, Robert J. Bristow, Maeis Heshmati, Bryan S. Tye, Colleen Bristow, Mar C. Ricketts, Trevor S. Blackann
  • Dynamic selection of candidate bitrates for video encoding
    Patent number: 12739453
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method generates a first representation of a first relationship between bitrate and quality based on first features of a first portion of a video. The first representation is analyzed to determine a first list of potential bitrates for the first portion of video. The method analyzes potential bitrates and quality associated with the respective potential bitrates to refine the first list of potential bitrates to a second list of bitrates. The second list of bitrates includes a different list of bitrates than the first list of potential bitrates. The method outputs the second list of bitrates for encoding the first portion of video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2026
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., Beijing YoJaJa Software Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen Liu, Wenhao Zhang, Scott Labrozzi, Yuanyi Xue, Xuchang Huangfu, Xiaobo Liu
  • INTELLIGENT CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORK (CDN) ENTITY ROUTING
    Publication number: 20260267708
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system receives usage data for content delivered by multiple content delivery network (CDN) entities during a last time interval. This usage data is based on delivering the content from servicing first requests. The system calculates ideal distribution weights from this usage data to allocate second requests to the CDN entities in a next time interval. It also calculates effective distribution weights from the usage data to allocate the second requests, where these effective weights are further based on a current network condition. A selection parameter is then generated based on correcting the effective distribution weights to be closer to the ideal distribution weights for the next time interval. The system outputs this selection parameter and uses it to select a particular CDN entity for a second request. This selection is performed according to a distribution for the next time interval that is closer to the ideal distribution than it is to the effective distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2026
    Publication date: September 10, 2026
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Howe, Mark Kegel, Edward Russell, Joseph Higgins, Daniel Spiewak, Matthias Sainz
  • ARTIFACT PROCESSING IN VIDEO USING TEXTURE INFORMATION
    Publication number: 20260268656
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives an image to analyze for artifacts. Texture information that characterizes texture in the image is determined. The method merges the texture information with the image. The texture information is used to focus an analysis of artifacts more in a first region of the image and focus less in a second region of the image. The method outputs a score based on the processing of the image that assesses the artifacts in the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2026
    Publication date: September 10, 2026
    Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., Beijing YoJaJa Software Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xuchang Huangfu, Yuanyi Xue, Wenhao Zhang, Yang Zhang, Chen Liu, Xuewei Meng
  • Systems and methods for customizing channel programming
    Patent number: 12732654
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for customizing channel programming. The disclosed methods and systems utilize various data inputs, including affirmative user inputs, non-affirmative user characteristics, environmental data and/or temporal data to customize channel programming for a particular user or group of users. In a further aspect, the disclosed methods and systems provide for various social sharing of viewing experiences and channels by coordinating, broadcasting and/or sharing channels or viewing schedules with other users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Josiah Eatedali, Mark Arana
  • AI generated creative content based on shared memories
    Patent number: 12731056
    Abstract: A system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory storing software code, a memory data structure storing memory features for an artificial intelligence interactive character (AIIC), and a trained machine learning (ML) model. The software code is executed to elicit, using the AIIC, a reminiscence from a user, predict, using the trained ML model and the reminiscence, one or more user memory feature(s) of the reminiscence, identify, using the memory data structure, one or more of the memory features for the AIIC as corresponding to the user memory feature(s), and determine, using the user memory feature(s), a mood modifier for a creative composition. The software code is further executed to produce, based on the mood modifier and the corresponding one or more of the plurality of memory features for the AIIC, the creative composition, and provide the creative composition to the AIIC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Kennedy, Douglas A. Fidaleo, Anthony P. Dohi, Komath Naveen Kumar, Prutsdom Jiarathanakul, Benjamin Hwang, Michael Barron
  • Emotionally responsive artificial intelligence interactive character
    Patent number: 12731044
    Abstract: A system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory storing software code, a memory data structure storing memory features for an artificial intelligence interactive character (AIIC), and a trained machine learning (ML) model. The hardware processor executes the software code to receive interaction data describing a communication by a user with the AIIC, predict, using the trained ML model and the interaction data, at least one user memory feature(s) of the communication, and identify, using the memory data structure, one or more of the memory features for the AIIC as corresponding to the user memory feature(s). The software code also determines, using the user memory feature(s) and the corresponding one or more of the memory features for the AIIC, an interactive communication for execution by the AIIC in response to the communication by the user; and outputs the interactive communication to the AIIC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Fidaleo, James R. Kennedy, Michael Barron
  • Water harp with optical sensing of the break of flowing water streams
    Patent number: 12731567
    Abstract: A system for simulating operation of a stringed instrument using a combination of water and light steams. The system includes a nozzle configured for outputting a falling laminar water stream. The system includes a light transmitter configured to inject light into a first end of the water stream and a light receiver configured to receive the light injected into the water stream and, in response, generate a signal. The system includes a controller configured for processing the signal and, in response to a lack of the signal, for operating an audio system to play a musical note or audio file. The system may include an optical fiber with a first end proximate to the nozzle oriented to receive the light injected into the water stream at the second end of the water stream, and the light receiver can be a photodetector coupled to the second end of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Lanny S. Smoot, Robert J. Bristow, David James Myers, Gary A. Powell, Charles Jacob Sedor, Keith Jeffrey Mazzella, Steven I. Smith
  • UNIFIED VIDEO QUALITY SCORE ASSESSMENT USING FUZZY LOGIC
    Publication number: 20260261722
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives a plurality of metric values for quality of service based on delivering content in a content delivery system. Respective metric values into a fuzzy value in a plurality of possible fuzzy values where a plurality of fuzzy values is determined. The method determines a plurality of fuzzy rules where a fuzzy rule is associated with a fuzzy value. Respective conditions for fuzzy rules are applied to the plurality of fuzzy values to determine fuzzy rules that have conditions met. A fuzzy rule applies when respective conditions for the fuzzy rule are met by one or more fuzzy values in the plurality of fuzzy values. A fuzzy output is determined from fuzzy values that are associated with the fuzzy rules that have conditions met. A unified quality score is calculated from the fuzzy output. The method outputs the unified quality score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2025
    Publication date: September 3, 2026
    Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., HULU, LLC, Beijing YoJaJa Software Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Si Chen, Wenhao Zhang, Tongyu Dai, Thomas Howe, Nicholas Brookins
  • Stable pose estimation with analysis by synthesis
    Patent number: 12725289
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for generating a pose estimation model. The technique includes generating one or more trained components included in the pose estimation model based on a first set of training images and a first set of labeled poses associated with the first set of training images, wherein each labeled pose includes a first set of positions on a left side of an object and a second set of positions on a right side of the object. The technique also includes training the pose estimation model based on a set of reconstructions of a second set of training images, wherein the set of reconstructions is generated by the pose estimation model from a set of predicted poses outputted by the one or more trained components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2026
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Martin Guay, Dominik Tobias Borer, Jakob Joachim Buhmann
  • Image style transfer
    Patent number: 12725320
    Abstract: Techniques for generating modified images using content information and style information are disclosed. First image data comprising image content information is received, and a content encoder generates a first embedding by extracting the image content information from the first image data. A second embedding generated by a style encoder is received, the second embedding comprising style information of second image data. The style information comprises color information and texture information. A decoder generates a modified image using the first embedding and the second embedding, the modified image comprising the image content information of the first image data and the style information of the second image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2026
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Pablo Pernias Pascual de Pobil, Santiago Iglesias Navarro, Robert B. Moore, David N. Juboor
  • User responsive augmented reality enhancement of moving images
    Patent number: 12725319
    Abstract: A system includes an augmented reality (AR) device having a first display, processing hardware, and a memory storing software code. The processing hardware is configured to execute the software code to monitor media content including a sequence of moving images displayed on a second display separate from the AR device and controlled by a media player device, detect, based on monitoring the media content, an image in the sequence of moving images for enhancement by one or more AR effects. The processing hardware further executes the software code to render the one or more AR effects on the first display, and transmit, contemporaneously with rendering the one or more AR effects on the first display, a signal configured to pause or loop the playing of the media content on the second display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan M. Goldberg, Alexandra Christiansen, Jackson Aaron Rogow, James Voris, Alice Jane Taylor
  • Generation of cohort-agnostic features for models
    Patent number: 12724942
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives a first value for a feature. The first value is associated with an entity. A cohort is determined for the entity where a cohort is associated with a dimension, and the entity is associated with a dimension value for the dimension. The method determines a normalization value for the cohort based on the dimension value for the entity. The normalization value is generated based on second values at the dimension value for the feature, and the second values are associated with entities in the cohort. A cohort-agnostic feature value is generated based on the first value and the normalization value. The cohort-agnostic feature value is input into a model to generate a prediction for the entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Fabian Gallusser
  • Generation of weights for causal inferences
    Patent number: 12725039
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives input data to calculate an effect of a variable on a group for a plurality of methods. Methods in the plurality of methods calculate the effect of the variable for the input data using different logic. A plurality of sub-weights for methods in the plurality of methods are generated. The sub-weights are generated based on a balance metric, a dissimilarity metric, and a reliability metric. The method combines the plurality of sub-weights for methods in the plurality of methods to generate a final weight for the methods. The respective final weight is applied to an intermediate result from a respective method in the plurality of methods to generate a weighted intermediate result for the method. The method combines weighted intermediate results for the plurality of methods to generate a final result for the effect of the variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabian Gallusser, Corey Katz, Huancen Liu
  • MEASUREMENT OF PROSODY SIMILARITY USING A PROSODY ENCODER
    Publication number: 20260253579
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method inputs a first speech sample into a prosody encoder, wherein the prosody encoder is trained as part of a text-to-speech model. A second speech sample is input into the prosody encoder. The prosody encoder generates a first representation of the first speech sample and a second representation of the second speech sample. The method compares the first representation and the second representation to determine a metric value and determines an action to perform based on the metric value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2025
    Publication date: August 27, 2026
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Komath Naveen Kumar, Erika Doggett, SeYun UM
  • Versatile motion priors for artist-directable physical characters
    Patent number: 12715114
    Abstract: An encoder is trained to generate latent representations of kinematic motion from motion data and a control policy is trained to generate dynamics informed output for a robotic system based on the latent representations of kinematic motion. The encoder and the control policy are deployed in the robotic system to generate the dynamics informed output based on the motion data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Moritz Niklaus Bächer, Agon Serifi, Ruben Jelle Grandia, Lars Espen Knoop
  • Reducing domain shift in neural motion controllers
    Patent number: 12718450
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for training a neural motion controller. The technique includes determining a first set of features associated with a first control signal for a virtual character. The technique also includes matching the first set of features to a first sequence of motions included in a plurality of sequences of motions. The technique further includes training the neural motion controller based on one or more motions included in the first sequence of motions and the first control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2026
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, INC., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Martin Guay, Dhruv Agrawal, Dominik Tobias Borer, Jakob Joachim Buhmann, Mattia Gustavo Bruno Paolo Ryffel, Robert Walker Sumner
  • Memories for virtual characters
    Patent number: 12718481
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for synthesizing an interaction with a virtual character. The technique includes matching a first message from a user to a first set of memories associated with the virtual character and determining at least a portion of the first set of memories based on a plurality of factors associated with the first set of memories. The technique also includes inputting a first prompt that includes (i) one or more instructions associated with the virtual character, (ii) the at least a portion of the first set of memories, and (iii) the first message into a machine learning model. The technique further includes generating, via execution of the machine learning model based on the first prompt, a first response by the virtual character to the first message, and causing the first response to be outputted to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2026
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, INC., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Erika Varis Doggett, Fabian Jonas Landwehr, Romann Matthew Weber
  • Environmental factor-based surface maintenance system
    Patent number: 12715138
    Abstract: A system for performing surface maintenance based on one or more detected environmental factors for a surface monitored for maintenance. The system includes a surface monitoring assembly that monitors a surface for one or more environmental factors, such as a traffic pattern in a cleaning application, and the assembly may utilize one or more video cameras focused on a monitored surface along with video analytics software to process captured video to identify an environmental factor, such as heavy traffic, a spill, or the like. When an environmental factor is detected, the assembly passes this data to a maintenance control routine that processes the data to determine whether to vary the operations of an automated robot maintenance system provided in the system. The data can be used to define or modify a location, a time, and/or a parameter of a maintenance task or function (e.g., vacuuming versus wet mopping).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Moy
  • Ride system featuring a free-range vehicle platform
    Patent number: 12717355
    Abstract: A ride system may include a track including uneven terrain, a plurality of ride vehicles positioned on the track, and a fleet controller (e.g., a wayside controller). The ride vehicles may be adapted to traverse the uneven terrain, such as along a respective chosen path of multiple paths based on respective user control. The user control may be configured to select the chosen path and adjust a speed and a direction of the ride vehicle along the chosen path. The fleet controller may provide an override control of the ride vehicles along the track based on the chosen path, the speed, and the direction of the ride vehicles. The fleet controller may define a default position and pacing for the ride vehicles. The user control may be configured to adjust the position and pacing of an associated ride vehicle from the default position and pacing, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Lee Howard, Edward Allen Nemeth
  • Techniques for resampling images
    Patent number: 12711575
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for resampling images. In some embodiments, a resampling model includes (1) one or more feature extraction layers that extract features from an input image and a degradation map; (2) one or more resampling layers that generate warped features from the extracted features and a warp grid; and (3) one or more prediction layers that generate, from the warped features, an output image or resampling kernels that can be applied to the input image to generate an output image. In some embodiments, the resampling model can be trained by applying degradation maps to output images in a training data set to generate corresponding input images, and training the resampling model using the input images and the corresponding output images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2026
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, INC., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Abdelaziz Djelouah, Michael Yves Bernasconi, Farnood Salehi, Christopher Richard Schroers
  • Dynamic mechanism for migrating traffic spikes in a streaming media network
    Patent number: 12711439
    Abstract: A system includes a computing platform having processing hardware and a memory storing software code. The processing hardware executes the software code to receive content data identifying new content and a future release date for the new content, provide a prediction identifying a subset of the users likely to request the new content upon its release, and prioritize, based on the prediction, a schedule for pre-provisioning authentication data for accessing the new content to the subset of users. The processing hardware further executes the software code to pre-provision, using the prioritized schedule, the authentication data to the subset of users prior to the release of the new content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Li, Chen Hu Wu
  • Tagging performance evaluation and improvement
    Patent number: 12711449
    Abstract: According to one implementation, a tagging performance evaluation system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory storing a software code. The hardware processor is configured to execute the software code to receive annotation data identifying content, annotation tags applied to the content, and one or more correction(s) to the annotation tags, to perform, using the annotation data, at least one of an evaluation of a tagging process resulting in application of the annotation tags to the content or an assessment of a correction process resulting in the correction(s), and to identify, based on the at least one of the evaluation or the assessment, one or more parameters for improving at least one of the tagging process or the correction process. At least one of the evaluation or the assessment is performed using a machine learning model of the tagging performance evaluation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2026
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Miquel Angel Farre Guiu, Marcel Porta Valles, Marc Junyent Martin, Jordi Badia Pujol, Melina Ovanessian
  • PROFILE FILTERING BASED ON QUALITY OF SERVICE TARGET IN CONTENT DELIVERY
    Publication number: 20260222638
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method determines an instance of content to be delivered to a client device. The instance of content includes a plurality of segments that is associated with a plurality of profiles. A target metric and a bandwidth distribution are determined. The method determines a performance of the target metric based on the bandwidth distribution and a model for selecting a top profile for the plurality of segments. The model includes a set of conditions. The method solves the model based on the performance of the target metric where solving the model provides a solution that meets the set of conditions and outputs the top profile for each segment. The top profile for each segment for delivery to the client device. The top profile for each segment is used to remove profiles when requesting segments in the plurality of segments during playback of the instance of content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2025
    Publication date: July 30, 2026
    Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., Beijing YoJaJa Software Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lemei Huang, Tongyu Dai, Wenhao Zhang, Si Chen, Thomas Howe
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING AN IMAGE USING A NATURAL PROJECTION MEDIUM
    Publication number: 20260219564
    Abstract: A system includes a light source configured to emit light; a lens assembly including an optical component and at least one lens; a fiber optic cable configured to transmit the light emitted from the light source to the lens assembly; an image forming layer; and a projection medium. The projection medium includes ulexite, selenite, or a combination thereof. The image forming layer is provided between the lens assembly and the projection medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2025
    Publication date: July 30, 2026
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason William MONAHAN, Daniel Mark JOSEPH, Jessica Anne KLOUDA, Charles Jacob SEDOR