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).
  • 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
  • Selective reduction of pixel intensity to enhance energy efficiency during display of an image
    Patent number: 10964290
    Abstract: According to one implementation, a system for enhancing energy efficiency during display of an image through selective reduction of pixel intensity 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 a first image including multiple pixels and having a first display power consumption when displayed on a display, and to change the intensity of each of a predetermined subset of the pixels of the first image into a predetermined intensity to generate a second image. The second image has a second display power consumption when displayed on the display, the predetermined intensity being such that the second display power consumption is lower than the first display power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Mendes de Souza
  • Systems and methods for tracking a physical object using a passive object having a reflective surface
    Patent number: 10960297
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for tracking physical objects using a passive reflective object. A computer-implemented method includes obtaining a location profile derived from content capturing a passive object having a reflective surface reflecting one or more real-world objects. The passive object is attached to a physical object. The method further includes transmitting the location profile to a simulation device. The method further includes generating a virtual representation of the physical object based on the location profile of the passive object. The method further includes presenting the virtual representation in a simulation experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Steven M. Chapman
  • TRACKING SYSTEM FOR VISUAL EFFECT TRIGGERING USING INDUCED MAGNETIC FIELD AND PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS
    Publication number: 20210088688
    Abstract: A system comprises active magnetic emitters positioned within an area, passive magnetic emitters configured to be moved within the area, a magnetic field detector configured to measure a strength and direction of a magnetic field within the area, and a processor in communication with the magnetic field detector. The passive magnetic emitters are configured to be integrated in, coupled to, or secured to at least one tracked object or tracked subject within the area. The processor is configured to evaluate at least one change in the measured strength and direction of the magnetic field end send a signal to a visual effect actuator or visual effects display to initiate a visual effect based on the at least one change. A method and computer program product relating to the system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: STEVEN M. CHAPMAN, JOSEPH HAGER
  • Adjusting the output of headphones based on external inputs
    Patent number: 10959022
    Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for controlling an audio output for a headphone system. In one embodiment, a headphone system comprising a speaker, a communication interface configured to receive a first audio signal from a first audio source hosted on a first computing device and a master audio signal from a master audio source hosted on a second computing device separate from the first computing device, wherein the first audio source and master audio source are separate from the headphone system, and an audio control module, is configured to output the first audio signal on the speaker using a first volume level, receive the master audio signal, and in response, decrease a volume of the first audio signal relative to the first volume level, output the master audio signal on the speaker at a second volume level greater than the decreased volume of the first audio signal, and after determining the master audio signal is finished, increase the volume of the first audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Elliott H. Baumbach
  • Alignment of video and textual sequences for metadata analysis
    Patent number: 10956685
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products related to aligning heterogeneous sequential data are disclosed. Video data in a media presentation and textual data corresponding to content of the media presentation are received. An action related to aligning the video data and the textual data is determined using an alignment neural network, such that the video data and the textual data are at least partially aligned following the action. The alignment neural network includes a first fully connected layer that receives as input the video data, the textual data, and data relating to a previously determined action by the alignment neural network related to aligning the video data and the textual data. The determined action related to aligning the video data and the textual data is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Boyang Li, Leonid Sigal, Pelin Dogan
  • Energy harvesting from a mobile device
    Patent number: 10958085
    Abstract: According to one implementation, a system for harvesting energy from a mobile device includes a housing having a receptacle for receiving the mobile device, a battery situated within the housing, an energy collection interface including at least one transducer coupled to the battery by a power bus, and one or more auxiliary electronic components coupled to the battery by the power bus. The system is configured to receive, via the receptacle, the mobile device, and to receive, via the energy collection interface, an energy emitted by the mobile device. The system is also configured to generate, by the one or more transducers, a current, using the energy received from the mobile device, and to feed, via the power bus, the current to at least one of the battery and the at least one auxiliary electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric C. Haseltine
  • Authenticity assessment of modified content
    Patent number: 10951958
    Abstract: A system for assessing authenticity of modified content includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory storing a software code including a neural network trained to assess the authenticity of modified content generated based on baseline digital content and including one or more modifications to the baseline digital content. The hardware processor executes the software code to use the neural network to receive the modified content and to assess the authenticity of each of the one or more modifications to the baseline digital content to produce one or more authenticity assessments corresponding respectively to the one or more modifications to the baseline digital content. The hardware processor is also configured to execute the software code to generate an authenticity evaluation of the modified content based on the one or more authenticity assessments, and to output the authenticity evaluation for rendering on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Arana, Edward C. Drake, Miquel Angel Farre Guiu, Anthony M. Accardo
  • Augmented reality (AR)-capable headset and visually detected controller devices
    Patent number: 10951736
    Abstract: Aspects described herein include a system and associated AR-capable headset and method. The system includes one or more controller devices and an augmented reality (AR)-capable headset. The AR-capable headset includes one or more visual sensors and one or more computer processors that, while the headset is in an unworn state: receive input from the one or more controller devices, output visual content to an external display, and visually detect the one or more controller devices using the one or more visual sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Nocon, Jason A. Yeung
  • Free-viewpoint collimated display systems for collimated effects
    Patent number: 10942360
    Abstract: Display systems for achieving collimated projection effects. For example, in a theatrical or concert installation, display systems can be used to project images of scenery that appear to be vast and at a great distant behind the viewing window. The system may include a flat panel display, a corrective mirror, and a concave mirror positioned for viewing by an observer. The corrective mirror pre-warps an image generated by the flat panel display and reflects the undistorted image onto the concave mirror such that the observer perceives the image generated by the flat panel display as being at a large distance. The corrective mirror does not distort with changes in viewpoint. In another implementation, the system may include a short throw projector generating an image, a free-form projection screen, and a concave mirror positioned for viewing by many observers through a viewing window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Thomas F. Laduke, Quinn Y. Smithwick
  • Synchronized augmented reality gameplay across multiple gaming environments
    Patent number: 10940387
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein provide techniques for implementing augmented reality (AR) gameplay across multiple AR gaming environments. A synchronized AR gaming application executing on an AR gaming console detects that a first gaming console that is executing an AR gaming application has exited a first AR gaming environment and entered a second AR gaming environment. The synchronized AR gaming application connects to a communications network associated with the second AR gaming environment. The synchronized AR gaming application detects, via the communications network, a sensor associated with the second AR gaming environment. The synchronized AR gaming application alters execution of the AR gaming application based at least in part on sensor data received via the sensor to enable the AR gaming application to continue executing as the first gaming console exits the first AR gaming environment and enters the second AR gaming environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Goslin, Nathan Nocon
  • Method and device for fantasy sports auction recommendations
    Patent number: 10940395
    Abstract: A device and method groups sport players into tiers for a fantasy sports auction and generates bid recommendations. The method includes receiving at least one parameter value for each of a plurality of sport players. The method includes determining a score value for each of the sport players as a function of the at least one parameter value. The method includes determining a corresponding tier value of a plurality of tier values for each of the sport players, each of the tier values being indicative of a respective range of score values. The method includes providing first player data for one of the plurality of sport players including at least identity data and the corresponding tier value. The method includes accepting the nomination of a second player, and generating recommended bid data using the at least one parameter value, and optionally modifying the recommendation thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Nathaniel Sloan, David Michael Fishel
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING A LATENT SPACE RESIDUAL
    Publication number: 20210067808
    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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Schroers, Joaquim Campos, Abdelaziz Djelouah, Yuanyi Xue, Erika Varis Doggett, Jared McPhillen, Scott Labrozzi
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECONSTRUCTING FRAMES
    Publication number: 20210067801
    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: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Schroers, Joaquim Campos, Abdelaziz Djelouah, Yuanyi Xue, Erika Varis Doggett, Jared McPhillen, Scott Labrozzi
  • Image compensation using image enhancement effects
    Patent number: 10937242
    Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for performing image compensation using image enhancement effects. In one implementation, such a system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory storing an image compensation software code. The hardware processor is configured to execute the image compensation software code to receive image data corresponding to an event being viewed by a viewer in a venue, the image data obtained by a wearable augmented reality (AR) device worn by the viewer, and to detect a deficiency in an image included in the image data. The hardware processor is further configured to execute the image compensation software code to generate one or more image enhancement effect(s) for compensating for the deficiency in the image and to output the image enhancement effect(s) for rendering on a display of the wearable AR device while the viewer is viewing the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Chapman, Todd P. Swanson, Joseph Popp, Samy Segura, Mehul Patel
  • Optimizing 3D printed large-scale structures under worst-case loads
    Patent number: 10933623
    Abstract: A 3D printer system with a structural optimization tool to generate 3D models optimized for build materials such as those used in binder jetting technology-based printers. The structural optimization tool uses a computational approach to optimize mechanical and mass properties of large-scale structures (i.e., objects to be 3D printed), and the computational approach is tailored for fabrication on binder jetting technologies. To spend a material budget for printing an object wisely, the inventors in designing the computational approach turned the Bresler-Pister failure criterion into an objective measuring the potential of failure of an object or structure. This involved modeling the difference in tensile and compressive strength of the build material. To optimize structures under worst-case loads, the computational approach unifies an optimization to identify worst-case loads with an optimization to minimize the resulting failure potential, nesting them with first-order optimality constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Moritz Niklaus Bächer, Christian Gabriel Schumacher, Jonas Alois Zehnder
  • Animation streaming for media interaction
    Patent number: 10937220
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for animation streaming for media interaction by receiving, at a generator, inputs from a target device presenting of a virtual environment; updating, based on the user inputs, a model of the virtual environment; determining network conditions between the generator and target device; generating a packet that includes a forecasted animation set for a virtual object in the updated model that comprises rig updates for the virtual object for at least two different states, and a number of states included in the packet is based on the network conditions; and streaming the packet to the target device, where the target device: receives a second input to interact with the virtual environment that changes the virtual environment to a given state; selects and applies a rig update associated with the given state a local model of the virtual object; and outputs the updated local model on the target device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Mitchell
  • 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