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).
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING A PASSENGER COMPARTMENT BETWEEN RIDE SYSTEMS USING ROBOTIC TOOL CHANGERS
    Publication number: 20230302373
    Abstract: In some implementations, a controller may cause a robotic arm connector, of the robotic arm, to be connected to a first compartment connector of a passenger compartment of an amusement ride. The controller may cause a second compartment connector, of the passenger compartment, to be disconnected from a first structure connector of a first support structure. The controller may transport the passenger compartment from the first support structure to a second support structure after causing the second compartment connector to be disconnected from the first structure connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael KILBERT
  • Codec rate distortion compensating downsampler
    Patent number: 11765360
    Abstract: A system includes a machine learning (ML) model-based video downsampler configured to receive an input video sequence having a first display resolution, and to map the input video sequence to a lower resolution video sequence having a second display resolution lower than the first display resolution. The system also includes a neural network-based (NN-based) proxy video codec configured to transform the lower resolution video sequence into a decoded proxy bitstream. In addition, the system includes an upsampler configured to produce an output video sequence using the decoded proxy bitstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zurich
    Inventors: Christopher Richard Schroers, Roberto Gerson de Albuquerque Azevedo, Nicholas David Gregory, Yuanyi Xue, Scott Labrozzi, Abdelaziz Djelouah
  • Systems and methods to facilitate interaction by one or more participants with content presented across multiple distinct physical locations
    Patent number: 11756228
    Abstract: This disclosure presents systems and methods to facilitate interaction by one or more participants with content presented across multiple distinct physical locations. A current distinct physical location of a participant may be determined. In response to determining the current distinct physical location in which the participant is located, operation of one or more content devices physically present in the current distinct physical location may be effectuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Elliott Baumbach
  • Transcoder conditioning for segment fluidity
    Patent number: 11757963
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for a system, comprising a plurality of encoders configured to generate a plurality of variant streams, and a cross-variant Instantaneous Decoder Refresh (IDR) identifier configured to inspect the plurality of variant streams, identify IDR frames in each of the plurality of variant streams, determine which IDR frames correspond to cross-variant boundaries, and demarcate the IDR frames corresponding to cross-variant boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Labrozzi, William B. May, Jr.
  • System and method for providing location-based data on a wireless portable device
    Patent number: 11755961
    Abstract: There is provided a wireless portable device for providing location-based data to a user in a defined geographical area including a plurality of points of interest, the wireless portable device comprising a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, and a display. The wireless transmitter can transmit location information to a wireless server over a wireless network. The wireless receiver can receive location-based data relating to a point of interest from the wireless server periodically and automatically, based on the location of the wireless portable device. By optimizing map routes and schedules using the location-based data and user preferences including wish lists, the wireless portable device can provide helpful recommendations via the display, enabling the user to plan an efficient schedule of activities in the defined geographical area optimized by walking distance, queue wait times, booking and arriving at reserved events, and/or by other user preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Purvis, Laura Kampo, Kevin Rice
  • Automated generation of personalized content thumbnails
    Patent number: 11758243
    Abstract: A system includes a computing platform including processing hardware and a memory storing software code, a trained machine learning (ML) model, and a content thumbnail generator. The processing hardware executes the software code to receive interaction data describing interactions by a user with content thumbnails, identify, using the interaction data, an affinity by the user for at least one content thumbnail feature, and determine, using the interaction data, a predetermined business rule, or both, content for promotion to the user. The software code further provides a prediction, using the trained ML model and based on the affinity by the user, of the desirability of each of multiple candidate thumbnails for the content to the user, generates, using the content thumbnail generator and based on the prediction, a thumbnail having features of one or more of the candidate thumbnails, and displays the thumbnail to promote the content to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., LucasFilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC.
    Inventors: Alexander Niedt, Mara Idai Lucien, Juli Logemann, Miquel Angel Farre Guiu, Monica Alfaro Vendrell, Marc Junyent Martin
  • Dynamic authorization rule stacking and routing across multiple systems
    Patent number: 11757895
    Abstract: A system includes a hardware processor that executes a software code to receive an authorization request on behalf of a user for a stacked resource including resources offered separately by multiple resource providers, determine resource provider computers associated with the stacked resource, and send a look-up request including an electronic identity of the user to those computers, where the electronic identity is used as a look-up key for determining user attribute(s) of the user. The software code further receives the user attribute(s) from the resource provider computers, generates an accumulated access profile of the user based on the user attribute(s), applies the profile to a rules engine to determine a stacked access result, and routes the authorization request and the stacked access result to one of the resource provider computers, where that computer completes an authorization process for access to the stacked resource based on the stacked access result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Pankaj Gambhir, Joseph Inzerillo, Rajendra Dubagunta, Adetayo Adeleye, Mahesh Swaminathan, Fekade Sergew, Kazuhiro Kusunoki, Sean Curtis
  • Method and device for fantasy sports player recommendations
    Patent number: 11745112
    Abstract: A method and device generates a fantasy sports recommendation. The method includes receiving a plurality of ranking values associated with a sport player, each of the ranking values being generated from a respective source. The method includes assigning a weight value to each of the ranking values, the weight value being associated with the respective source. The method includes generating a recommendation value for the sport player as a function of the ranking values and the corresponding weight values. The method includes receiving a selection value for the sport player. The method includes determining a further weight value for each of the sources as a function of the selection value, the recommendation value, and the weight value for the corresponding source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: J. Nathaniel Sloan, David Michael Fishel
  • Systems and methods for determining and distributing fees associated with curated video clips
    Patent number: 11750867
    Abstract: There is provided a system including a memory storing an executable code and a processor executing the executable code to provide access to a plurality of users to curate video clips stored in a content repository, wherein each video clip is associated with one of a plurality of ownership identifications, receive curation inputs from a user of one of a plurality of user devices arranging two or more video clips into a video compilation, wherein a first video clip is associated with the first ownership identification of a first content owner and a second video clip is associated with the second ownership identification of a second content owner, stream the video compilation to one or more of the plurality of user devices, and distribute a first fee to the first content owner and a second fee to the second content owner, in response to streaming the video compilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Skarphedinn Hedinsson
  • Multi-persona social agent
    Patent number: 11748558
    Abstract: A system providing a multi-persona social agent includes a computing platform having a hardware processor, a system memory storing a software code, and multiple neural network (NN) based predictive models accessible by the software code. The hardware processor executes the software code to receive input data corresponding to an interaction with a user, determine a generic expression for use in the interaction, and identify one of the character personas as a persona to be assumed by the multi-persona social agent. The software code also generates, using the generic expression and one of the NN based predictive models corresponding to the persona to be assumed by the multi-persona social agent, a sentiment driven personified response for the interaction with the user based on a vocabulary, phrases, and one or more syntax rules idiosyncratic to the persona to be assumed, and renders the sentiment driven personified response using the multi-persona social agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanchita Tiwari, Xiuyang Yu, Brian Kazmierczak, Dirk Van Dall
  • Techniques for incremental computer-based natural language understanding
    Patent number: 11749265
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques for performing incremental natural language understanding on a natural language understanding (NLU) system. The NLU system acquires a first audio speech segment associated with a user utterance. The NLU system converts the first audio speech segment into a first text segment. The NLU system determines a first intent based on a text string associated with the first text segment, wherein the text string represents a portion of the user utterance. The NLU system generates a first response based on the first intent prior to when the user utterance completes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Erika Varis Doggett, Ashutosh Modi, Nathan Nocon
  • Augmented reality enhanced interactive robotic animation
    Patent number: 11747890
    Abstract: A system includes a computing platform having processing hardware, one or more sensor(s), and a memory storing perception software and animation software, as well as an augmented reality (AR) headset including another processing hardware. The computing platform is configured to obtain an environmental data using the sensor(s), determine the location and orientation of the AR headset using the perception software and the environmental data, identify an action for execution by the computing platform, using the animation software and the location and orientation of the AR headset, and transmit performative data corresponding to the identified action to the AR headset. The AR headset is configured to receive, from the computing platform, the performative data, and to render at least one AR effect corresponding to the identified action using the performative data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremie A. Papon, Michael Anthony Hopkins, Kyle Michael Cesare, Georg Wiedebach
  • Performance-based evolution of content annotation taxonomies
    Patent number: 11741129
    Abstract: According to one implementation, a system includes a computing platform having processing hardware, a system memory storing a software code; and a machine learning model based classifier. The processing hardware is configured to execute the software code to receive tagging quality assurance (QA) data including multiple terms applied as tags and corrections to those tags, to identify, using the tagging QA data, a first problematic term, and to classify, using the machine learning model based classifier, the first problematic term as one of confusing or flawed. The processing hardware is further configured to execute the software code to obtain, when the first problematic term is classified as confusing, a comparative sample for clarifying use of the first problematic term, and to obtain, when the first problematic term is classified as flawed, modification data for editing a predetermined annotation taxonomy including the first problematic term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Miquel Angel Farre Guiu, Monica Alfaro Vendrell, Marcel Porta Valles, Pablo Pernias, Marc Junyet Martin, Melina Ovanessian, Anthony M. Accardo, Mara Idai Lucien
  • Real time kinematic analyses of body motion
    Patent number: 11741756
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for generating statistics associated with a performance of a participant in an event, wherein pose data associated with the participant, performing in the event, are processed in real time. Pose data associated with the participant may comprise positional data of a skeletal representation of the participant. Actions performed by the participant may be determined based on a comparison of segments of the participant's pose data to motion patterns associated with actions of interests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin John Prince, Carlos Augusto Dietrich, Dirk Van Dall
  • Techniques for analyzing network vulnerabilities
    Patent number: 11736507
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure sets forth a technique for analyzing network vulnerabilities. The technique includes determining an address for each target device included in a plurality of target devices; for each target device, assigning a port scanning task to an associated port scanning service, the port scanning task being associated with the target device via the address of the target device; for each port scanning task, receiving a port scanning result from the port scanning service assigned to the port scanning task, the port scanning result including a list of open ports for the target device associated with the port scanning task; for each open port included in each port scanning result, assigning a vulnerability scanning task to an associated vulnerability service; receiving a vulnerability scanning result for each vulnerability scanning task; and generating a report based on the port scanning results or the vulnerability scanning results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Bashar H. M. Ewaida, Brent Chandler Butler, Arleena Faith, Joseph Tadashi Ryan
  • Fully traceable and intermediately deterministic rule configuration and assessment framework
    Patent number: 11734155
    Abstract: A method includes assessing an input in a buffer against a rule in a first node of a rule tree to determine that an action should be performed and updating the buffer with results of performing the action. The method also includes inserting an indication of the input, the rule, and the results of performing the action into a tracker log and passing the updated buffer to a second node in the rule tree in response to determining that the first node points to the second node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Huang, Kazuhiro Kusunoki, Pankaj Gambhir
  • Domain security assurance automation
    Patent number: 11736510
    Abstract: A domain security assurance system includes a computing platform having processing hardware and a memory storing software code. The processing hardware is configured to execute the software code to obtain domain inventory data identifying multiple domains, to predict, using the domain inventory data, which of the domains are owned by the same entity to identify commonly owned domains, and to determine, using the domain inventory data and the commonly owned domains, which of the commonly owned domains are controlled by the same administrator to identify one or more group(s) of commonly administered domains. When executed, the software code also removes, using the domain inventory data, duplicate domains included in the group(s) to identify non-duplicate domains, evaluates a susceptibility of each of the non-duplicate domains to a cyber-attack to identify one or more target domain(s) vulnerable to the cyber-attack, and identifies the target domain(s) for a security assessment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen Tung Chen, Preetjot Singh, Christine Tang
  • Variable resolution recognition
    Patent number: 11734941
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for dynamically adjusting an amount of retrieved recognition data based on the needs of a show, experience, or other event where participants are recognized. The retrieved recognition data may be deleted once it is no longer needed for the event. Recognition data retrieval is limited to just what is needed for the particular task, minimizing the uniqueness of any retrieved recognition data to respect participant privacy while providing an enhanced participant experience through recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Fidaleo
  • Techniques for analyzing a network and increasing network availability
    Patent number: 11736363
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a prediction subsystem automatically predicts a level of network availability of a device network. The prediction subsystem computes a set of predicted attribute values for a set of devices attributes associated with the device network based on a trained recurrent neural network (RNN) and set(s) of past attribute values for the set of device attributes. The prediction subsystem then performs classification operation(s) based on the set of predicted attribute values and one or more machine-learned classification criteria. The result of the classification operation(s) is a network availability data point that predicts a level of network availability of the device network. Preemptive action(s) are subsequently performed on the device network based on the network availability data point. By performing the preemptive action(s), the amount of time during which network availability is below a given level can be substantially reduced compared to prior art, reactive approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Quachtran, Ian Conrad McLein, Daniel Ryan Hare, Nina Zalah Sanchez, Sona Kokonyan
  • GENERATING A FACIAL-HAIR-FREE MESH OF A SUBJECT
    Publication number: 20230260186
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods and systems for generating three-dimensional (3D) models and facial hair models representative of subjects (e.g., actors or actresses) using facial scanning technology. Methods accord to embodiments may be useful for performing facial capture on subjects with dense facial hair. Initial subject facial data, including facial frames and facial performance frames (e.g., images of the subject collected from a capture system) can be used to accurately predict the structure of the subject’s face underneath their facial hair to produce a reference 3D facial shape of the subject. Likewise, image processing techniques can be used to identify facial hairs and generate a reference facial hair model. The reference 3D facial shape and reference facial hair mode can subsequently be used to generate performance 3D facial shapes and a performance facial hair model corresponding to a performance by the subject (e.g., reciting dialog).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Sebastian Winberg, Prashanth Chandran, Paulo Fabiano Urnau Gotardo, Gaspard Zoss, Derek Edward Bradley
  • Robust distribution of IP timing signals
    Patent number: 11728917
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques to selectively distribute Precision Time Protocol (PTP) data in a network. The network can include multiple different network devices (e.g., switches) connected to form a network architecture (e.g., a spine/leaf architecture). Rather than distributing the PTP data (e.g., PTP timestamps) through all the network devices in order to synchronize local clocks to a global, master clock, the embodiments herein describe an out-of-band distribution network which selectively distributes the PTP data to select network devices in the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig L. Beardsley, Jerome G. Liscano, Michael J. Strein, Carl A. Brown, Nishith Shah, Benjamin H. Kepler
  • Automated social agent interaction quality monitoring and improvement
    Patent number: 11727916
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and improving social agent interaction quality includes a computing platform having processing hardware and a system memory storing a software code. The processing hardware is configured to execute the software code to receive, from a social agent, interaction data describing an interaction of the social agent with a user, and to perform an assessment of the interaction, using the interaction data, as one of successful or including a flaw. When the assessment indicates that the interaction includes the flaw, the processing hardware is further configured to execute the software code to identify an interaction strategy for correcting the flaw, and to deliver, to the social agent, one or both of the assessment and the interaction strategy to correct the flaw in the interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Kennedy, Raymond J. Scanlon, Komath Naveen Kumar, Douglas A. Fidaleo
  • Frame-accurate video seeking via web browsers
    Patent number: 11722542
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein provide techniques for frame-accurate navigation of a media file. A multi-pass encoding application executing on a media content server encodes a set of file-based images associated with a media file using a first set of encoding parameters to generate a first encoded media file. The multi-pass encoding application encodes the first encoded media file using a second set of encoding parameters to generate a second encoded media file. The first encoded media file and second encoded media file are stored on the media content server and/or or other media content servers. Content delivery applications executing on these media content servers receive a request associated with the media file from a web browsing application, determine a type of the web browsing application, and transmit either the first encoded media file or the second encoded media file based on the type of web browsing application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Smith, Scott A. Erickson, Giovanni Colombo
  • Virtual reality experience scriptwriting
    Patent number: 11721081
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a workflow framework that scriptwriters can utilize when developing (live-action/animation/cinematic) virtual reality (VR) experiences or content. A script can be parsed to identify one or more elements in a script, and a VR representation of the one or more elements can be automatically generated. A user may develop or edit the script which can be presented in a visual and temporal manner along with the VR representation. The user may edit the VR representation, and the visual and temporal presentation of the script can be commensurately represented. The script may be analyzed for consistency and/or cohesiveness in the context of the VR representation or experience. A preview of the VR experience or content can be generated from the script and/or the VR representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Sasha Anna Schriber, Isa Simo, Merada Richter, Mubbasir Kapadia, Markus Gross
  • Transferring ownership of physical objects and digital counterparts using a distributed ledger and digital tokens on physical objects
    Patent number: 11715092
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for managing ownership of physical objects and digital counterparts using a distributed ledger and tokens stored on the physical objects. An example method generally includes reading, via a wireless data connection between a physical object and a mobile device, a token stored on the physical object. The token may include at least a unique identifier of the physical object. A request to transfer ownership of the physical object to an owner of the mobile device is generated, and the request may include at least the unique identifier of the physical object. The generated request is transmitted to a distributed ledger system, and a response is received from the distributed ledger system indicating whether the transfer was successful. The indication of whether the transfer was successful is displayed on the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Yeung, Clifford Wong, Elliott H. Baumbach, Michael P. Goslin, Tritia V. Medrano, Nathan D. Nocon, Stephen A. Thornton
  • Architecture for managing transmedia content data
    Patent number: 11716376
    Abstract: A system for managing non-linear transmedia content data is provided. Memory stores a plurality of transmedia content data items and associated linking data which define time-ordered content links between the plurality of transmedia content data items. The plurality of transmedia content data items are arranged into linked transmedia content subsets comprising different groups of the transmedia content data items and different content links therebetween. A control engine receives one or more instructions to create a new time-ordered content link between at least two of the plurality of transmedia content data items. The control engine modifies the linking data stored in the memory to include the new time-ordered content link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignees: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC., ETH ZÜRICH (EIDGENÖSSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZÜRICH)
    Inventors: Max Grosse, Barbara Solenthaler, Peter Kaufmann, Markus Gross, Sasha Schriber
  • Techniques for personalizing graphical user interfaces based on user interactions
    Patent number: 11714612
    Abstract: A graphical user interface (“GUI”) personalization application automatically generates a GUI for a software application. In operation, the GUI personalization application tracks interactions between a user and a first GUI that is associated with the software application and a GUI framework. The GUI personalization application then computes a behavioral simplification for the first GUI based on the interactions and the GUI framework. Subsequently, the GUI personalization application modifies the first GUI based on the behavioral simplification to generate a second GUI for the user that is associated with the software application and the GUI framework. Advantageously, the GUI personalization application can more efficiently and reliably improve the quality of the overall user experience when interacting with the software application across a wider range of users relative to prior art approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Accardo, Erika Varis Doggett
  • FACIAL ANIMATION RETARGETING USING A PATCH BLEND-SHAPE SOLVER
    Publication number: 20230237739
    Abstract: Methods and systems for performing facial retargeting using a patch-based technique are disclosed. One or more three-dimensional (3D) representations of a source character's (e.g., a human actor's) face can be transferred onto one or more corresponding representations of a target character's (e.g., a cartoon character's) face, enabling filmmakers to transfer a performance by a source character to a target character. The source character's 3D facial shape can separated into patches. For each patch, a patch combination (representing that patch as a combination of source reference patches) can be determined. The patch combinations and target reference patches can then be used to create target patches corresponding to the target character. The target patches can be combined using an anatomical local model solver to produce a 3D facial shape corresponding to the target character, effectively transferring a facial performance by the source character to the target character.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Prashanth Chandran, Loïc Florian Ciccone, Derek Edward Bradley
  • DYNAMIC FACIAL HAIR CAPTURE OF A SUBJECT
    Publication number: 20230237753
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods and systems for generating three-dimensional (3D) models and facial hair models representative of subjects (e.g., actors or actresses) using facial scanning technology. Methods accord to embodiments may be useful for performing facial capture on subjects with dense facial hair. Initial subject facial data, including facial frames and facial performance frames (e.g., images of the subject collected from a capture system) can be used to accurately predict the structure of the subject's face underneath their facial hair to produce a reference 3D facial shape of the subject. Likewise, image processing techniques can be used to identify facial hairs and generate a reference facial hair model. The reference 3D facial shape and reference facial hair mode can subsequently be used to generate performance 3D facial shapes and a performance facial hair model corresponding to a performance by the subject (e.g., reciting dialog).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Derek Edward Bradley, Paulo Fabiano Urnau Gotardo, Gaspard Zoss, Prashanth Chandran, Sebastian Winberg
  • Method and system for providing a compact graphical user interface for flexible filtering of data
    Patent number: 11709884
    Abstract: There is presented a method and system for providing a compact graphical user interface for flexible filtering of data. The method comprises showing a search interface on a display device for filtering a content set by a plurality of domains, including a first domain, displaying, within the search interface, a first graphical representation of a parameter set of the first domain in response to a selecting of the first domain, receiving a first parameter subset from the first graphical representation, filtering a content set using the first parameter subset to obtain a search result, and displaying the search result on a display device. The search interface includes a temporally visible menu for selecting parameter sets of the domains and a compact single line query box to display graphical representations of parameter sets or to provide a conventional text entry box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Krispin J. Leydon, Douglas E. Lesan, Matthew F. Schnittker, Dale Roger Beck
  • Expedited user authentication
    Patent number: 11711358
    Abstract: A system for granting access to an account at an access device includes a computer server having a hardware processor and a memory storing a software code. The hardware processor executes the software code to receive a login request from the access device through a first communications socket, open a second communications socket between the access device and the computer server, transmit a verification request message including a required call-to-action to a verification device through a third communications socket, and receive a verification response message verifying that the required call-to-action has been completed at the verification device. Upon receiving the verification response message, the software code sends an access token for accessing the account to the access device through the second communications socket, receives the access token from the access device, and grants the access device access to the account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Ungos Soriano, Thomas Michael LeBeau
  • Systems for authenticating digital contents
    Patent number: 11711363
    Abstract: A system for authenticating digital contents includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory storing a software code. According to one implementation, the hardware processor executes the software code to receive digital content, identify an image of a person depicted in the digital content, determine an ear shape parameter of the person depicted in the image, determine another biometric parameter of the person depicted in the image, and calculate a ratio of the ear shape parameter of the person depicted in the image to the biometric parameter of the person depicted in the image. The hardware processor is also configured to execute the software code to perform a comparison of the calculated ratio with a predetermined value, and determine whether the person depicted in the image is an authentic depiction of the person based on the comparison of the calculated ratio with the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Miquel Angel Farre Guiu, Edward C. Drake, Anthony M. Accardo, Mark Arana
  • Volumetric representation of digital objects from depth renderings
    Patent number: 11710272
    Abstract: An image processing system includes a computing platform having processing hardware, a display, and a system memory storing a software code. The processing hardware executes the software code to receive a digital object, surround the digital object with virtual cameras oriented toward the digital object, render, using each one of the virtual cameras, a depth map identifying a distance of that one of the virtual cameras from the digital object, and generate, using the depth map, a volumetric perspective of the digital object from a perspective of that one of the virtual cameras, resulting in multiple volumetric perspectives of the digital object. The processing hardware further executes the software code to merge the multiple volumetric perspectives of the digital object to form a volumetric representation of the digital object, and to convert the volumetric representation of the digital object to a renderable form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Dane M. Coffey, Siroberto Scerbo, Daniel L. Baker, Mark R. Mine, Evan M. Goldberg
  • User preferences based synthesis of group recommendations
    Patent number: 11706474
    Abstract: A system includes a computing platform having processing hardware and a memory storing an asset library and software code including a recommendation engine. The processing hardware executes the software code to receive, from a user, group generation data and a preferences profile of the user, the group generation data identifying a group including the user and another user, and to send, to the other user, an invitation to join the group. The processing hardware also executes the software code to receive, from the other user, one of an acceptance or a refusal of the invitation, obtain, in response to receiving the acceptance, a preferences profile of the other user, generate, using the preferences profiles of the user and the other user, a group preferences profile for the group, and identify, using the recommendation engine and the group preferences profile, one or more assets in the asset library for the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah Depew, Claudia Cervon
  • Techniques for feature-based neural rendering
    Patent number: 11704853
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for learning a machine learning model that maps control data, such as renderings of skeletons, and associated three-dimensional (3D) information to two-dimensional (2D) renderings of a character. The machine learning model may be an adaptation of the U-Net architecture that accounts for 3D information and is trained using a perceptual loss between images generated by the machine learning model and ground truth images. Once trained, the machine learning model may be used to animate a character, such as in the context of previsualization or a video game, based on control of associated control points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignees: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC., ETH ZÜRICH (EIDGENÖSSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZÜRICH)
    Inventors: Dominik Tobias Borer, Martin Guay, Jakob Joachim Buhmann, Robert Walker Sumner
  • Robotic systems using learning to provide real-time vibration-suppressing control
    Patent number: 11701774
    Abstract: A robot control method, and associated robot controllers and robots operating with such methods and controllers, providing real-time vibration suppression. The control method involves learning to support real-time, vibration-suppressing control. The method uses state-of-the-art machine learning techniques in conjunction with a differentiable dynamics simulator to yield fast and accurate vibration suppression. Vibration suppression using offline simulation approaches that can be computationally expensive may be used to create training data for the controller, which may be provide by a variety of neural network configurations. In other cases, sensory feedback from sensors onboard the robot being controlled can be used to provide training data to account for wear of the robot's components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Tanner Rinke, Venkata Krishna Tamminana, Alfredo Medina Ayala, Sungjoon Choi, Moritz Niklaus Bacher, Lars Espen Knoop, Christian Gabriel Schumacher
  • Local preference in anycast CDN routing
    Patent number: 11706292
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a CDN where anycast routing is used to identify a load balancer for selecting a cache in the CDN to use to deliver a requested object to a user. In one embodiment, the user performs a DNS lookup to identify an anycast IP address for a plurality of load balancers in the CDN. The user can then initiate anycast routing using the anycast IP address to automatically identify the closest load balancer. Once the identified balancer selects the cache, the load balancer can close the anycast connection with the user device and use an HTTP redirect to provide the user device with a unicast path to the selected cache. The user device can then establish a unicast connection with the cache to retrieve (e.g., stream) the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Friedrich, Robert G. Colantuoni
  • Systems and methods for tracking objects in a field of view
    Patent number: 11700348
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking objects in a field of view are disclosed. In one embodiment a method may include capturing, via a camera, a real-world object in the field of view; generating a first object data associating the real-world object with a first position of the real-world object in a real-world environment at a first time; generating a virtual object representative of the real-world object depicting the real-world object in the first position at the first time; generating a second object data associating the real-world object with a second position of the real-world object in the real-world environment at a second time, determining a displacement value of the real-world object between the first position and the second position, modifying the virtual object to include an indication that the real-world object has been displaced when the displacement value is greater than a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Mine, Steven M. Chapman, Alexa L. Hale, Joseph M. Popp, Dawn J. Binder, Calis O. Agyemang, Alice Taylor
  • System and method for creating a temporal-based dynamic watermark
    Patent number: 11700342
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically and automatically generating digital watermarks are provided. Watermark payloads utilized in generating the digital watermarks are altered based upon changing conditions, such as environmental characteristics associated with playback or distribution of media content. Changing conditions may also encompass a change in the distribution/presentation chain of devices associated with the playback or distribution of the media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Arana, Leon Silverman
  • Methods and systems for personalized gamification of media content
    Patent number: 11699173
    Abstract: Techniques for personalized gamification of media content. An engagement level of a consumer is identified based on prior gamification data. A difficulty level is identified using machine learning based on the engagement level. A content element personalized for the consumer is generated based on biographical information or viewing habits. A prompt requesting the consumer to find and access multimedia content scenes depicting the content element is generated. A multimedia content scene found by the consumer is analyzed to determine whether the multimedia content scene has an association with the content element and whether the consumer has accessed the multimedia content element scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Mehul Patel
  • Architecture features for a media-centric firewall
    Patent number: 11695732
    Abstract: The embodiments herein describe a firewall for a media production system to provide flexible security between an on-premises production environment and remote media production applications and devices (e.g., cloud-based virtual production environments). As new media devices and applications (referred to generally as media nodes) are added at remote locations, the firewall is updated to permit the media nodes to communicate with the on-premises production environment. The embodiments herein described an automatic (e.g., software driven) process where a network orchestrator can detect a change in the media nodes and update the rule set in the firewall accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Strein, Benjamin H. Kepler
  • Content stream having encoded metadata for video enhancement
    Patent number: 11695988
    Abstract: A system for providing default content enhanced with supplemental content includes processing hardware and a memory storing a software code. The processing hardware executes the software code to receive a content stream including multiple video frames, a first video frame of the multiple video frames including first default content, first supplemental content, and first encoded metadata, and to decode the first encoded metadata of the first video frame to produce first decoded metadata. The processing hardware further executes the software code to select, using the first decoded metadata, at least a first portion of the first supplemental content for use in enhancing the first default content, transfer, using the first decoded metadata, the selected first portion of the first supplemental content to one or more predetermined locations in the first default content to produce an enhanced first video content, and output the enhanced first video content to a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Alice Jane Taylor, Alexandra Christiansen, Steven M. Chapman, Jackson Rogow, Joseph Popp
  • Surface covering for use as artificial moss, grass, roots, hair, and the like
    Patent number: 11686042
    Abstract: A surface covering for use as a moss covering or patch of grass via application to a surface or substrate. The surface covering provides a decorative and durable and easily maintained surface covering. The covering is fabricated using groups of fibers, such as metallic, plastic, or other material fibers, e.g., stainless steel fibers or strands available commercially as steel wool or the like. The fibers or strands provide a core of a body of each blade or piece of the surface covering, which is useful to replicate a blade of grass or moss or to mimic a strand of hair. Each body of the strands further includes an outer layer or coating, which can be formed by painting, e.g., with an epoxy or other useful material that may be colored, the mesh of metal fibers to provide a durable body with a desired look and feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Porter
  • Techniques for personalizing the playback of a media title based on user interactions with an internet of things device
    Patent number: 11689766
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an interactive streaming application plays back a media title via a client device. In operation, while a client device plays back a first chunk of the media title, the interactive streaming application determines a first movement of an internet of things (“IoT”) device. The interactive streaming application then determines, from multiple target states, a target state that is associated with the first movement. Based on the target state, the interactive streaming application determines that a second chunk of the media title should be a next chunk of the media title that is streamed to the client device for playback. The interactive streaming application then causes the second chunk of the media title to be streamed to the client device. Advantageously, the interactive streaming application can automatically personalize the playback of the media title for a user based, at least in part, on movements of the IoT device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Erika Varis Doggett, Michael P. Goslin, Douglas A. Fidaleo
  • Systems and methods for detecting light signatures and performing actions in response thereto
    Patent number: 11683551
    Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for performing actions based on light signatures. An exemplary system includes a light source, a light detector, a non-transitory memory storing a plurality of light signatures and a hardware processor. The hardware processor executes an executable code to illuminate, using the light source, a target object with a first light, collect, using the light detector, a second light being a reflection of the first light by the target object, match the second light with one of the plurality of light signatures, and perform an action in response to matching the second light with the one of the plurality of light signatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Lanny S. Smoot, Michael Holton
  • Location-based interactive storytelling
    Patent number: 11683662
    Abstract: A storytelling system includes location-based content (LBC) servers and LBC effects databases for use in a real-world story venue, and a computing platform communicatively coupled to those LBC servers and databases. A processor of the computing platform executes software code to receive story selection data from a user device, obtain a story template including story arcs each associated with one or more LBC effect(s) that corresponds to the story selection data, and determine, using a location of the user device, one of the story arcs as an active story arc. The software code also identifies an LBC interaction zone for the LBC effect(s), designates one LBC server and one LBC effects database for supporting the active story arc, and distributes one or more of the LBC effect(s) to the designated database. The designated server enables instantiation of the one or more of the LBC effect(s) at the LBC interaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Manuel Braunschweiler, Steven Poulakos, Mattia Ryffel, Robert W. Sumner
  • Blockchain configuration for secure content delivery
    Patent number: 11683153
    Abstract: There is provided a method including receiving a playback system identifier corresponding to a playback system, generating a blockchain corresponding to a content identifier identifying a content, wherein the blockchain is uniquely associated with the content identifier, establishing, in the blockchain, a block corresponding to the playback system identifier, sending an encrypted version of the content to the playback system, and in response to one or more updates to the blockchain by the playback system, providing a content encryption key to the playback system for decrypting the encrypted version of the content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Artin Nazarian, Mark Arana, Derek Prestegard
  • Display screen or portion thereof with graphical user interface
    Patent number: D995550
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Pepijn Ulje, Tibor Koek, Niels Berk, Nick Rutte, Amanda Russo, Susana Soares, Ole Lutjens
  • Display screen or portion thereof with animated graphical user interface
    Patent number: D995551
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Pepijn Ulje, Tibor Koek, Niels Berk, Nick Rutte, Amanda Russo, Susana Soares, Ole Lutjens
  • Base and marker for a motion capture constellation target
    Patent number: D997233
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Derry, Gary P. Martinez, Glenn D. Derry, John Root, Alejandro Arango