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).
  • FLEXIBLE SEAM JOINT FOR USE IN ROBOTIC SKIN
    Publication number: 20130189451
    Abstract: An artificial skin such as an outer covering or skin for an animatronic character. The skin may be formed by a method that includes providing a mold assembly with an exterior mold and a core. In the mold assembly, a cavity is formed between inner surfaces of the exterior mold and exterior surfaces of the core that defines the skin system. The mold assembly includes a seam-forming wall extending between the inner and exterior surfaces. The method includes inserting an elongate, tubular guide through holes in the seam-forming wall and pouring an elastomeric material into the mold to occupy the cavity between the exterior mold and the interior core. The method includes, after the material has hardened, cutting a seam in the skin system by cutting the material along the seam-forming wall. The tubular guide is separated into guide segments and a staggered joint is formed at the cut seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
  • Roller coaster with articulable seat backs
    Patent number: 8490550
    Abstract: A roller coaster with seats articulated between vertical and reclined positions. The roller coaster includes a track with a load/unload portion and a ride portion. The coaster includes a vehicle with a body supported on the track and a passenger seat positioned in the body mounted for articulation between a first position and a second position. The roller coaster includes a seat positioning mechanism coupled to the passenger seat operating while the vehicle is in the load/unload portion to articulate the seat into the first position and operating, prior to the vehicle traveling into the ride portion of the ride path, to articulate the seat into the second position. The passenger seat includes a seat back that is substantially vertical in the first position and is at an obtuse angle in the second position or horizontal position, such that a passenger has an upward point of view during the ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Crawford, Thomas Fitzgerald, Derek Howard, David A. Durham, James H. Shull
  • Digital repeater module and method for relaying digital data
    Patent number: 8488517
    Abstract: There is provided a digital repeater module and method for relaying digital data. The digital repeater module comprises a data reception unit configured to receive digital data from several broadcast devices concurrently, a data transmission unit configured to transmit digital data using a multiple transmission protocols concurrently, and a routing application. The routing application can receive digital data through the data reception unit, identify available data paths for relaying the digital data to desired destinations, and determine transmission metrics for each of the available data paths for relaying the digital data to the desired destinations. The routing application can also select data paths for transmission based on the determined transmission metrics, and transmit the digital data using the selected data paths through the data transmission unit. There is also provided a method for resolving assignment of limited broadcast frequencies using the digital repeater module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Nadler, Peter Doherty, Steve Schwartz
  • Amusement park ride system with crossing paths
    Patent number: 8485104
    Abstract: A ride system with crossing ride paths. A first assembly is provided that includes a first set of vehicles movable along a first ride path, and the first vehicle set is vertically supported above the track at a first height. A second assembly is provided with a second set of vehicles movable along a second ride path that differs from the first ride path and crosses over the first ride path when viewed in plan view. The second vehicle set is vertically supported below the upper vehicle track at a second height, which may be the same as the first height such that passengers perceive a collision risk at path intersections. The upper track is at a higher elevation than the lower track such that track crossovers occur without interference. A synchronization mechanism synchronizes movement of the upper and lower sets of vehicles to avoid collisions at crossover points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, David W. Crawford
  • Drawing figures in computer-based drawing applications
    Patent number: 8487932
    Abstract: Techniques for associating a graphics object with one of a plurality of target regions of a graphical object template are disclosed. The graphics object is associated with one of the target regions based on the distance between the center of mass of the graphics object and the center of mass of the target region and the overlap amount of the graphics object with the target region. A pre-generated graphics object (stamp object) may also be automatically incorporated into one of the target regions based on the alignment of the minimum bounding box of the stamp object and the minimum bounding box of the target region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Ward, Jonathan Ballagh, Tyson Stecklein, Roger B. Milne
  • Method and System for Performing Affinity Transactions
    Publication number: 20130176114
    Abstract: There is provided a physical token for use in a defined venue with a server having communication with the physical token. The physical token may comprise an identification data and a transmitter configured to transmit the identification data. The physical token is configured to transmit the identification data to the server to cause the server to initiate a sensory interaction with a user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may comprise a character in the defined venue interacting with the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may also comprise a display screen in the defined venue displaying information to the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may further comprise an audio speaker in the defined venue announcing information to the user possessing the physical token. The physical token may represent an affinity comprising an experience, entitlement, or characteristic of the user possessing the physical token.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc
    Inventor: Disney Enterprises, Inc
  • Method And System For Determining Camera Parameters From A Long Range Gradient Based On Alignment Differences In Non-Point Image Landmarks
    Publication number: 20130176392
    Abstract: A system and method improves a camera calibration. The method includes receiving a camera image, a planar template pattern, a 3D geometry of a surface on which the planar template pattern is embedded, and a set of parameter values. The method includes rendering the planar template pattern into a camera perspective based on the parameter values to generate a warped template image. The method includes generating an error image including at least one non-zero difference between the camera image and the warped template image. The method includes adjusting the parameter values to reduce an error between the camera image and the warped template image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
  • Cloud Based Content Assembly Method and System
    Publication number: 20130179916
    Abstract: There is provided a method for use by a cloud based content assembly system having a memory and a processor for assembling multiple customized linear channel streams from an assembly template. The method comprises selecting, using the processor, the assembly template from the memory, identifying the customized linear channel streams to be produced using the assembly template, and generating a virtualized assembly environment for each of the customized linear channel streams. The method further comprises provisioning each virtualized assembly environment with content assets corresponding respectively to its customized linear channel stream, and assembling the customized linear channel streams using the respective virtualized assembly environments. The cloud based content assembly system is configured to enable substantially concurrent use of shared infrastructure resources by the virtualized assembly environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Vincent Roberts, Daniel Siewers, Michael M. Martin
  • Optimized Stereoscopic Camera for Real-Time Applications
    Publication number: 20130176397
    Abstract: A method is provided for an optimized stereoscopic camera with low processing overhead, especially suitable for real-time applications. By constructing a viewer-centric and scene-centric model, the mapping of scene depth to perceived depth may be defined as an optimization problem, for which a solution is analytically derived based on constraints to stereoscopic camera parameters including interaxial separation and convergence distance. The camera parameters may thus be constrained prior to rendering to maintain a desired perceived depth volume around a stereoscopic display, for example to ensure user comfort or provide artistic effects. To compensate for sudden scene depth changes due to unpredictable camera or object movements, as may occur with real-time applications such as video games, the constraints may also be temporally interpolated to maintain a linearly corrected and approximately constant perceived depth range over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Oskam, Alexander Hornung, Huw Bowles, Kenny Mitchell, Markus Gross
  • Method and system for optimizing download and instantaneous viewing of media files
    Patent number: 8484368
    Abstract: Methods and arrangements for replacing segments or portions of a media file that was received via adaptive streaming or other transfer mechanism, to obtain a media file for local storage and further playback as if it came from a download. This maximizes the experience of both instant viewing and delayed viewing, and additionally provides a capability to extend the viewing experience to in-home streaming and copying to other devices. Accordingly, there is provided herein a capability to take advantage of adaptive streaming to provide a highly reliable mechanism for consumers to view media in real-time transmission, and also to obtain a resultant, locally stored media file of high quality. There is further provided herein a capability to obtain complete copies of media at different quality levels. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention facilitate adaptive streaming and copying within the home environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnaud Robert, Mark Arana, Eddie Drake
  • Round ride with vehicle suspended from support arm
    Patent number: 8480501
    Abstract: A round ride with suspended vehicles from ends of actuated support arms. The ride includes a drive assembly rotating a centrally located hub. The ride also includes a passenger vehicles including at least one input device such as a support arm actuator controller. For each of the passenger vehicles, a vehicle support assembly is provided that supports the passenger vehicle such that the vehicle rotates with the hub. The vehicle support assembly includes a rigid support arm pivotally coupled at a first end to the hub. The support assembly has an actuator that operates in response to signals from the input device to move the support arm through a range of vertical support angles. The support assembly includes a suspension arm connected at a first end for free pivoting about a second or the free end of the support aim and attached at its second end to the passenger vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, David W. Crawford
  • Two-piece wristband with interchangeable lasso band element for user selectable sizing
    Patent number: 8479426
    Abstract: A wearable band with an adjustable size or length. The band includes a first band element with a raised center or identification member. The band includes a second band element with a body having a loop or lasso at one end defined by an inner surface of a sidewall. The outer sidewall of the raised center member is detachably coupled to the inner surface of the loop-defining sidewall when the center member is received within and captured by the loop such as by a snap detent arrangement. To allow sizing, the second band element includes both an inner band sizing element including the loop-defining sidewall at one of its ends and an outer band sizing element that is detachably coupled to the inner band sizing element. The length of the second band element is defined by the combined length of the inner and outer band sizing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Padgett, Michael G. Jungen, John David Worrall, Maximillian Philip Burton, Carson Lau, Adam D. Leonards
  • System and method for dynamically transmitting network alert system (NAS) information from television network to stations using information embedded in an HDTV signal
    Patent number: 8484674
    Abstract: A system for dynamically transmitting network alert system (NAS) information from a television network to an affiliate station using information embedded in an HDTV signal includes a program data server configured to provide network alert system (NAS) data, a network video programming source configured to provide network video programming, a data inserter configured to insert the NAS data into vertical ancillary (VANC) space of a high definition television (HDTV) signal to develop a combined network video programming and NAS data signal, and a transmission facility configured to transmit the combined network video programming and NAS data signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Strein, Kenneth J. Michel, Steven Machanic
  • ANALYZING AUDIO INPUT FROM PERIPHERAL DEVICES TO DISCERN MUSICAL NOTES
    Publication number: 20130167708
    Abstract: One aspect provides a method, including: receiving an analog note unit at an information handling device; storing note unit information corresponding to the analog note unit in a memory device of the information handling device; identifying the analog note unit input using the note unit information; and providing a result output to a user responsive to identifying the analog note unit. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
  • Real-time story generation
    Patent number: 8473445
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-readable media are disclosed for providing a framework for generating problem situations in a computer game. In one embodiment, the framework includes a data structure representing solution candidates, fact patterns, and a solution designator. The data structure also includes a chain of inference between the solution designator and each candidate. The computer game may generate a problem situation from the data structure and present the problem situation to a user playing the computer game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprise, Inc
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Schrag, Patrick M. Curry, Elliot F. Dunn
  • Method and system for producing a rich multimedia interaction
    Patent number: 8471863
    Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a rich multimedia interaction comprising identifying a theme of the rich multimedia interaction, determining its dynamic display attributes based on the theme, determining a cooperation protocol governing interplay amongst the dynamic display attributes, and designating a background. The method further comprises selecting a display motif of the rich multimedia interaction, and generating the rich multimedia interaction for display, using one or more sub-applications configured to apply the cooperation protocol to the dynamic display attributes to produce enhanced dynamic display attributes and to adapt the enhanced dynamic display attributes to the display motif and integrate the enhanced dynamic display attributes with the background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Rapo, Christopher Thomes, Allan Jones, Steven Parkis, Paul Yanover
  • Medial axis decomposition of 2D objects to synthesize binocular depth
    Patent number: 8471898
    Abstract: A computer-based method for generating a stereoscopic image from a two dimensional (2D) image such as a 2D cell animation. An object is selected in the 2D image, such as an animated character, and is stored in memory as the base image. With an erosion engine, the selected object is eroded to generate a set of eroded versions of the base image corresponding to a number of erosion levels. Each erosion level image may be formed by eroding or removing a set of outer or edge pixels from the image on the prior level. The method continues with calculating a parallax shift value for each of the eroded versions of the base image. An alternate eye image is then generated by compositing the set of eroded versions along with the base image. The eroded versions are horizontally offset from the base image by the level-specific parallax shift values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Neuman
  • System and method for providing concierge services to a mobile device user
    Patent number: 8472924
    Abstract: There is provided a method for providing concierge services to a mobile device user. The method comprises receiving a concierge identification code sent from a mobile device; authenticating activation of concierge services for the concierge identification code; assigning the mobile device to the concierge identification code; sending a confirmation message to the mobile device; receiving a concierge command from the mobile device; obtaining concierge command results from a local services network; sending the concierge command results to the mobile device; and terminating activation of concierge services after an activation period corresponding to the concierge identification code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Watson, Armando Santana, Robert Scott Trowbridge, Orrin J. Shively, Robert Swirsky, Jonathan Gilbert, Ben Brown
  • Mechanical linkages for pivotable fluid effects platform
    Patent number: 8464964
    Abstract: A fluid effects apparatus for creating a fluid display. The apparatus includes a base with a center point gimbal. A fluid outlet manifold is provided with an inlet for receiving fluid and a nozzle. The fluid outlet manifold is supported on the center point gimbal to pivot with the gimbal. A drive assembly is provided with first and second drive mechanisms that each drive input arms attached to the fluid outlet manifold at an angular offset. Each of the input arms is configured with three pivot points to translate rotational input from a crank arm of the drive mechanism into linear movement, and each input arm includes a first swing arm pivotally coupled to the crank arm, a second swing arm coupled to an end of the first swing arm, and a collar receiving a portion of the fluid outlet manifold and pivotally supported by the second swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Evelyn S. Wiseman, Theodore R. Carlsson, Jennifer Magill, Michael A. Layman, William T. Slusser, Jason A. Badger, Matthew A. Cotter, Charles P. Davis
  • KINETIC FLAME DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130147391
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventor: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, LLC
  • SELECTION OF ANIMATION DATA FOR A DATA-DRIVEN MODEL
    Publication number: 20130147811
    Abstract: A set of animation data for an element in an animation is statistically sampled to obtain a common context. The common context is a subset of a plurality of frames of the set of animation data. Further, output of a data-driven model for the animation, which utilizes at least a subset of the common context, is compared with output of a computational model for the animation. The computational model has a first set of logic. The data-driven model has a second set of logic that has less logic than the first set of logic. In addition, an error between the computational model and the data-driven model is computed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Gene S. Lee
  • AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE WITH PASSENGER LOADING SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE INSERTION INTO SIMULATORS
    Publication number: 20130145953
    Abstract: A ride system for efficiently utilizing a simulator(s) or immersive environment assembly. The ride system includes a closed-loop track and a plurality of passenger vehicles each configured for traveling along a ride path defined by the closed-loop track. The ride system includes a simulator positioned adjacent to the closed-loop track. The ride system also includes a vehicle transfer mechanism. This mechanism is typically positioned along the track (or to provide part of the track) near the simulator. In operation, the transfer mechanism receives or captures a first one of the vehicles and transfers the first vehicle a distance away from the ride path and into the simulator and its immersive entertainment environment. The transfer mechanism is configured such that a second one of the vehicles trailing the first vehicle travels along the ride path past the simulator while the first vehicle is positioned within the simulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Crawford, Edward A. Nemeth, Brian E. Crosby, Christopher L. Beatty
  • KINETIC FLAME DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130148353
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventor: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, LLC
  • HTML Directed Adaptive Features for Mobile Applications
    Publication number: 20130152070
    Abstract: There is provided a method for HTML directed adaptive features for mobile applications. By presenting user interface portions of the application as HTML documents referenced from a manifest file, the manifest file may be updated from a remote server without directly modifying a native binary of the application. By registering URL handlers for application functions in the native binary of the application, and by modifying a local file manifest stored on a mobile device, the scope of application functionality can be updated by adding, removing, or modifying URLs. The manifest files may further be adapted using specific contexts, such as device hardware, location, user profile data, and other information. Advantageously, application update approval processes through application marketplaces may be bypassed since the native binary is kept intact, allowing for more timely and relevant updates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Bicrumjit Singh Bhullar, Albert Riley Howard, JR., Anthony Young
  • TRANSMIT DIVERSITY FOR PASSIVE BACKSCATTER RFID
    Publication number: 20130147609
    Abstract: Techniques are presented for adaptively increasing power delivered to an RF tag. In one embodiment, a tag reader uses multiple transmit antennas to increase the power delivered to an RF tag without increasing the transmission power. The tag reader may perform transmit diversity (or a related antenna diversity schema) to ensure that transmitted signals from the multiple transmit antennas constructively interfere at the location of the RF tag. The tag reader may transmit a pilot signal and measure a phase associated with a received signal from the RF tag. The tag reader may then use the phase to determine a phase shift for each of the plurality of antennas. The phase shift may then be applied to any subsequent signals transmitted by the antennas to ensure that the signals interfere at the RF tag's location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Griffin, Azhar Hasan, Chenming Zhou
  • Method and system for facilitating delivery of content
    Patent number: 8464155
    Abstract: There is provided a method for use by a server for facilitating delivery of content to a number of display devices. Each of the display devices can include, for example, an output display and a personal computer. In one embodiment, content is received from a computer coupled to the server. The content can be, for example, an image, video, or audio data. The content is stored in a source storage file, which is associated with a number of display devices coupled to the server. A group synchronization command is then received from the computer. Thereafter, the content is provided to a group of synchronization files associated with the source storage file. The content is then transmitted from the group of synchronization storage files to the number of display devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester A. Militante, Giang Nguyen, James Crosby, Neal Lassila, Rob Lawrence, Joksan Alcala, Kenneth W. Shue, Joseph M. Solimando
  • Computing the irradiance from a disk light source at a receiver point
    Patent number: 8462157
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to determine the irradiance from a disk light source with much higher accuracy than may be obtained using the common approximation often used currently. By pre-computing, SH coefficients using a specific coordinate frame, only six SH coefficients need to be stored in a first and second texture, one used to determine irradiance of a point within the radius of a disk light source and another for more distant points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter-Pike Sloan
  • Selectable and twisting nozzle for fluid effects platform
    Patent number: 8459573
    Abstract: A fluid effects apparatus for producing a water display or show. The apparatus includes a base with a center point gimbal mechanism and a fluid outlet manifold with an inlet for receiving fluid. The fluid outlet manifold is pivotally supported upon the center point gimbal mechanism and includes a nozzle manifold with a pivotally mounted nozzle for dispersing the received fluid and a nozzle drive assembly coupled to the nozzle that selectively rotates the nozzle about its rotation axis. The drive assembly includes a motor mounted to pivot with the fluid outlet manifold upon the center point gimbal. The drive assembly includes an output drive element of the motor that is coupled to the nozzle to selectively rotate the nozzle. The nozzle manifold includes a second nozzle and switching means for selectively directing the received fluid to one of the two nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Evelyn S. Wiseman, Theodore R. Carlsson, Jennifer Magill, Michael A. Layman, William T. Slusser, Jason A. Badger, Matthew A. Cotter, Charles P. Davis
  • System and method of filtering search results
    Patent number: 8458157
    Abstract: A system and method of filtering search results is provided. Certain embodiments provide an improved user experience in filtering large sets of data in a computer system through the use of multidimensional associative arrays which allow results to be filtered within a web interface without needing additional calls to web server or online database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Walker Alexander, Katherine Mirescu
  • Water ride with improved boat capture mechanism
    Patent number: 8453579
    Abstract: A boat capture assembly that enhances control over boats moved by a track assembly through a body of water. The capture assembly includes a mounting plate attached to a positionable portion of the track assembly (such as to a bogie). The capture assembly includes a rigid extension arm with a first end attached to the mounting plate and a pivot structure, defining a pivot surface, rigidly attached to a second end of the rigid extension arm. The capture assembly includes a receiver cavity provided in a bottom surface of a hull of a boat. The receiver cavity includes a sidewall or body with an opening receiving the pivot structure, with the sidewall defining a well or recessed surface with a cross sectional shape and size to receive and allow vertical movement of the pivot structure but to restrain fore and aft movement of the hull relative to the pivot structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Nemeth
  • Relative pose estimation of non-overlapping cameras using the motion of subjects in the camera fields of view
    Patent number: 8457357
    Abstract: A relative pose between two cameras is determined by using input data obtained from the motion of subjects, such as pedestrians, between the fields of view of two cameras, determining trajectory information for the subjects, and computing homographies relating lines obtained from trajectories in the first image data to lines obtained from the trajectories in the second image data. The two fields of view need not overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Foote, G. Peter K. Carr, Yaser Sheikh, Iain Matthews
  • Regionalizing print media management system and method
    Patent number: 8458158
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use in managing the regionalization of print media. In one system, a master data file having a plurality of different print features may be examined to identify at least one of the print features as a candidate print feature for possible modification in at least one region. For each candidate print feature, the system may receive user input to selectively establish a secondary data file for a print media campaign targeting at least the region in which the print candidate feature may be modified based, at least in part, on an existing regionalized print feature or on a requested regionalized print feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Barrie Alan Godwin, Paul A. Marz, Gregory S. Head
  • System and method for interactive environments presented by video playback devices
    Patent number: 8457387
    Abstract: There is provided a video playback device for providing an interactive environment on a display in response to a user input. The video playback device comprises (1) a memory to store a plurality of images forming a plurality of viewpoints of the interactive environment; a plurality of transition sequences, wherein each of the plurality of transition sequences provides a video transition from one image to another image; and a linking structure linking the plurality of images with the plurality of transition sequences; (2) a processor to determine a direction of movement based on the user input; select a next one of the plurality of transition sequences and a next one of the plurality of images based on the direction of movement and the linking structure; and display the next one of the plurality of transition sequences and the next one of the plurality of images on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Presetenback, James J. Madden, IV, Aaron Daly, John Bernstein, David Jessen
  • System for the delivery and dynamic presentation of large media assets over bandwidth constrained networks
    Patent number: 8458755
    Abstract: Media content, based on a predetermined set of constraints, from a content provider is delivered to a local cache of a user device before viewing the media. A client asset manager process resides in the user device, an asset list at the content provider site, and the media assets are located at a remote site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott F. Watson, Eric C. Haseltine, Eric Freeman, Elisabeth M. Freeman, Aaron P. LaBerge, Adam T. Fritz
  • Interoperable keychest for use by service providers
    Patent number: 8452016
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for distributors to use an interoperable key chest. There is provided a method for use by a distributor to obtain content access authorizations from a key chest or central key repository (CKR), the method comprising receiving a user request from a user device for access to an encrypted content identified by a content identification, transmitting a key request to the CKR including the content identification, receiving an encrypted first key from the CKR, decrypting the encrypted first key using a second key to retrieve the first key, and providing a DRM license for the encrypted content to the user device using the first key for use by the user device to decrypt the encrypted content using the first key. By generating such DRM licenses, distributors can unlock protected content even sourced from distributors using different DRM schemas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnaud Robert, Scott F. Watson
  • Tight inbetweening
    Patent number: 8451277
    Abstract: A tool for inbetweening is provided, wherein inbetween frames are at least partly computer generated by analyzing elements of key frames to identify strokes, determining corresponding stroke pairs, computing a continuous stroke motion for each stroke pair, defined by a carrier defined by endpoints of the two strokes and, for mutual endpoints, adjusting the continuous stroke motion of the meeting strokes such that the adjustment results in the continuous stroke motion coinciding at the mutual endpoint such that the mutual endpoint would follow the same path and deforming the stroke as it is moved by the stroke motion, wherein the deformation is a weighted combination of deformations, each reconstructed using shape descriptors that are interpolated from the shape descriptors of the corresponding samples on the key frames, wherein the shape descriptors are computed from neighboring sample points in the cyclic order of samples along the stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Whited, Jarek Rossignac, Maryann Simmons
  • System and Method for Integrated Hardware Platform for Flash Applications with Distributed Objects
    Publication number: 20130132979
    Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for providing an integrated hardware platform to allow hardware control via an Application Program Interface (API) used by a Flash application executing in a Flash runtime environment on a host system. There is a provided a computer platform comprising a processor, a peripheral hardware, a connector device, and a memory. The memory contains an API implementation for remote methods provided by the API for the Flash application, a proxy server for enabling communications between the Flash application and the platform processor, and a security service for providing a security policy to grant network connection permissions for communications with the platform processor. API remote method invocations allow the Flash application to control the peripheral hardware, and a networked server may manage remote invocations to control platform hardware of multiple networked clients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
  • Kinematic and Dynamic Calibration Methods for Legged Robots with Force-Controlled Joints
    Publication number: 20130131865
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a force-controlled, biped humanoid robot. The method includes selecting a kinematic constraint for the humanoid robot such as maintain the two feet in flat contact with the floor. The method includes moving the humanoid robot into a plurality of poses while enforcing the kinematic constraint. The method includes, during the moving or posing step, collecting angle measurements for a set of joints of the humanoid robot and then, with a processor, running a kinematic calibration module to determine angular offsets for the robot joints to allow determination of joint torques by a robot controller with truer angular orientations. The method includes, during the moving step, collecting relative orientation data from an inertial movement unit (IMU) mounted on the pelvis link, and the angular offsets are determined using relative orientation data. All data is collected from devices on the robot, and no external data collection is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Katsu Yamane
  • AWARDING ACHIEVEMENTS
    Publication number: 20130132202
    Abstract: Techniques are described for awarding achievements unlocked by a user across one or more computer games. Embodiments receive achievement information for a user. The achievement information specifies a first amount of achievement points earned by the user by unlocking achievements across one or more computer games. One or more external offers available for the user based on the received achievement information are then determined. Here, the one or more external offers are separate from the one or more computer games in which the achievements were unlocked. Embodiments then present the determined one or more external offers to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: William A. Gordon, Paul A. Weaver
  • System and Method for Providing an Augmented Reality Experience
    Publication number: 20130130813
    Abstract: There is provided a system comprising a venue including a mapped physical space; a venue management system configured to control real events occurring within the venue; a transporter designed to transport at least one occupant through the mapped physical space along a known path, the transporter configured to move through the mapped physical space under the control of the venue management system; an augmented reality experience server including a virtual venue generator in communication with the venue management system, the virtual venue generator for producing a virtual venue having a virtual representation of the mapped physical space including virtual events and real events occurring within the venue; the augmented reality experience server configured to provide the at least one occupant of the transporter with an augmented sensory perspective including a selective combination of the real events occurring in the venue and the virtual events produced by the virtual venue generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Michael Ackley, Christopher J. Purvis, Lanny Starkes Smoot
  • APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING OIL LAMP LIGHTING EFFECTS
    Publication number: 20130126633
    Abstract: An oil lamp-type apparatus or a Kukui pot candle device for achieving the illumination and the appearance of an ignited oil lamp. This is achieved by illuminating water flowing upward (e.g., substantially vertically to provide a flame-shaped element or small fountain of water above the pool surface) using a light source directing its light output upward through the water. The flame-shaped element has kinetic and dynamic movement similar to a flame on an oil lamp or candle wick due to the combination of the water flowing upward and the water falling nearly straight down back into a pool about the water outlet. Further, the effect is achieve by only illuminating the liquid in the flame-shaped element with the vertically upward-direct light stream and not by shining light from the side, from above, or even from an adjacent location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: GARY POWELL, Joe M. Rohde
  • System and Method for Managing Digital Media Content
    Publication number: 20130132516
    Abstract: There is presented a system for managing digital media content, the system comprising a media server accessible over a communications network, the media server including a server processor. The server processor is configured to identify a first container data structure, the first container data structure including the digital media content encoded in a first encoding format. The server processor is also configured to use a digital media profile, and to extract a media file including the digital media content encoded in the first encoding format, from the first container data structure, according to the digital media profile. The server processor is further configured to assemble the media file in a second container data structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATED CHARACTER HEAD ACTUATION AND CONTROL
    Publication number: 20130130585
    Abstract: A method for operating a driven output device provided in an articulated head, mobile prop, or other object worn by a performer. The method includes providing a wearable control system, the control system including a driver for the output device, a control module, a wireless receiver, and memory. The method includes storing a set of show control commands for the output device in the memory, and receiving a show control signal with the wireless receiver from a wayside controller. The method includes operating the control module to process the show control signal, to retrieve the show control commands, and to signal the driver to drive the output device based on the commands. The commands are selected based on a character identifier stored in memory associated with the output device such as in a character head junction box, and this memory stores tuning or configuration data for the output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
  • System and Method for Providing Media Content
    Publication number: 20130129325
    Abstract: There is presented a system for providing a content stored on a medium, the system comprising a media presentation module including a processor. The processor is configured to retrieve a content payload including a digital content from a data structure residing on the medium, and to retrieve a content-describing metadata stored separately from the digital content, from the data structure. The content-describing metadata provide content information including media encoding information for the digital content and a media profile information for the digital content. The content-describing metadata are configured to provide the content information to the media presentation module prior to rendering the digital content. In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to configure the media presentation module based on the media encoding information and the media profile information, and to present the content on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-MEDIA EXPERIENCE CAPTURE AND DATA TRANSFER
    Publication number: 20130127589
    Abstract: A system and method for multi-media experience capture and data transfer includes a system for transferring data including a first wireless communication system located on a moveable amusement attraction, a second wireless communication system located on the moveable amusement attraction, and logic to operate the first wireless communication system and the second wireless communication system based on a changeable parameter of the moveable amusement attraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC. A DELAWARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Canora, Shannon Richard Monroe, Peter Stepniewicz
  • AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE SYSTEM WITH CROSSING PATHS
    Publication number: 20130118370
    Abstract: A ride system with crossing ride paths. A first assembly is provided that includes a first set of vehicles movable along a first ride path, and the first vehicle set is vertically supported above the track at a first height. A second assembly is provided with a second set of vehicles movable along a second ride path that differs from the first ride path and crosses over the first ride path when viewed in plan view. The second vehicle set is vertically supported below the upper vehicle track at a second height, which may be the same as the first height such that passengers perceive a collision risk at path intersections. The upper track is at a higher elevation than the lower track such that track crossovers occur without interference. A synchronization mechanism synchronizes movement of the upper and lower sets of vehicles to avoid collisions at crossover points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, David W. Crawford
  • Infrared imaging projection
    Patent number: 8439503
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein involves systems, methods, apparatuses or devices related to infrared imaging or infrared imaging projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Christopher R. Runco, Tom E. Brentnall, Thomas F. LaDuke
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SENSING HUMAN ACTIVITY BY MONITORING IMPEDANCE
    Publication number: 20130113506
    Abstract: A system for sensing human activity by monitoring impedance includes a signal generator for generating an alternating current (AC) signal, the AC signal applied to an object, a reactance altering element coupled to the AC signal, an envelope generator for converting a returned AC signal to a time-varying direct current (DC) signal, and an analog-to-digital converter for determining a defined impedance parameter of the time-varying DC signal, where the defined impedance parameter defines an electromagnetic resonant attribute of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
  • DISTRIBUTED INCENTIVE DISTRIBUTION AND REDEMPTION
    Publication number: 20130117085
    Abstract: A community of members with a set of global goals and a set of individual member goals is established. The community of members provides a set of services. Further, an analysis is performed on one or more attributes of a first plurality of customers. In addition, a set of incentives is provided to at least one a second plurality of customers to interact with at least a subset of the community of members based upon the analysis to maximize the set of global goals and the set of individual member goals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Roberto Aiello, Amber Brown, Joseph Marks
  • System and Method for Providing a Personalized Media Consumption Experience
    Publication number: 20130116053
    Abstract: There are presented systems and methods for enabling an association of media information relating to a playback of a media content file with a medium containing the media content file. In one embodiment, such a method for use by a playback device comprises obtaining a unique identifier present on the medium, transmitting the unique identifier, obtaining the media information relating to a usage of the media content file, and transmitting the media information. In another embodiment, such a method for use by a server comprises receiving a unique identifier present on the medium, storing the unique identifier in a memory, receiving the media information of the media content file according to the playing of the media content file, storing the media information in the memory, and associating the media information with the unique identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Disney Enterprises, Inc.