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).
  • System and method for synchronizing on-air commercial programming with interactive applications
    Patent number: 11166064
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for the synchronizing on-air commercial programming with interactive applications, providing interactive content synchronized with on-air television programming. There is provided a system comprising a client device with a display device and an input device and running a synchronization application. The client device receives digital data transmitted from a server, and transmits user feedback information generated from user interactions with the digital data back to the server. The digital data are interactive advertisements, such as online social games, that increase users' awareness of the advertised products or messages. The digital data are delivered to the user's client device in synchronization with the broadcasting of on-air television commercials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Cheng
  • Interactive autonomous robot configured for programmatic interpretation of social cues
    Patent number: 11154991
    Abstract: An interactive autonomous robot is configured for deployment within a social environment. The disclosed robot includes a show subsystem configured to select between different in-character behaviors depending on robot status, thereby allowing the robot to appear in-character despite technical failures. The disclosed robot further includes a safety subsystem configured to intervene with in-character behavior when necessary to enforce safety protocols. The disclosed robot is also configured with a social subsystem that interprets social behaviors of humans and then initiates specific behavior sequences in response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Andrew Mika, Michael Richard Honeck, Michael Fusco
  • Machine learning color science conversion
    Patent number: 11158286
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for converting image frames from one color space to another while predicting artistic choices that a director, colorist, or others would make. In one configuration, a color conversion application receives image frames, an indication of color spaces to convert between, and metadata associated with the image frames and/or regions therein. The conversion application determines a global, base color conversion for the image frames using a predefined color space transformation. Then, the conversion application (optionally) extracts image regions depicting objects of interest in the image frames, after which the color conversion application processes each of the extracted image regions and the remaining image frames (after the extracted regions have been removed) using one or more functions determined using machine learning. The processed extracted regions and remainders of the image frames are then combined by the color conversion application for output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Yazmaliza Yaacob, Nimesh C. Narayan, Kari M. Grubin, Andrew J. Wahlquist
  • Dynamic interactive media for a playset
    Patent number: 11154777
    Abstract: A playset comprises a plurality of hotspots positioned within a plurality of scenes. A switching mechanism is configured to selectively couple to the each of the plurality of hotspots and is communicatively coupled with a controller. The controller is configured to establish communication with a first object using a first hotspot and determine an object type of the first object and a location of the first object within the playset. The location of the first object corresponds to a scene that contains the first hotspot. The controller is further configured to select an interactive media based on the object type and the location of the first object, select a first media file based on the selected interactive media, and instruct the first media file to be output on an output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Yeung, Nathan D. Nocon, Michael P. Goslin, Janice K. Rosenthal, Hunter J. Gibson, Clifford Wong, Elliott H. Baumbach
  • Quality control systems and methods for annotated content
    Patent number: 11157777
    Abstract: According to one implementation, a quality control (QC) system for annotated content includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing an annotation culling software code. The hardware processor executes the annotation culling software code to receive multiple content sets annotated by an automated content classification engine, and obtain evaluations of the annotations applied by the automated content classification engine to the content sets. The hardware processor further executes the annotation culling software code to identify a sample size of the content sets for automated QC analysis of the annotations applied by the automated content classification engine, and cull the annotations applied by the automated content classification engine based on the evaluations when the number of annotated content sets equals the identified sample size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Miquel Angel Farre Guiu, Matthew C. Petrillo, Marc Junyent Martin, Anthony M. Accardo, Avner Swerdlow, Monica Alfaro Vendrell
  • Chain-of-manipulation tracking of audio-video content
    Patent number: 11152034
    Abstract: A device for use in a system for tracking a chain-of-manipulation (CoM) of audio-video (AV) content includes a hardware processor, and a system memory storing a CoM tagging software code and an AV processing application. The hardware processor executes the CoM tagging software code to detect manipulation of the AV content by the AV processing application that modifies at least one of video or audio of the AV content, and to generate, when the manipulation is detected, one or more CoM tag(s) including a device identification tag identifying the device used for modifying the AV content. The hardware processor also executes the CoM tagging software code to insert the CoM tag(s) in each modified segment of the AV content modified by the AV processing application, the inserted CoM tag(s) being human and machine imperceptible when the AV content is played back by a playback device on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Arana, Edward C. Drake, Anthony M. Accardo
  • Depth codec for real-time, high-quality light field reconstruction
    Patent number: 11153550
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are disclosed that enable the compression of depth data and real-time reconstruction of high-quality light fields. In one aspect, spatial compression and decompression of depth images is divided into the following stages: generating a quadtree data structure for each depth image captured by a light field probe and difference mask associated with the depth image, with each node of the quadtree approximating a corresponding portion of the depth image data using an approximating function; generating, from the quadtree for each depth image, a runtime packed form that is more lightweight and has a desired maximum error; and assembling multiple such runtime packed forms into per-probe stream(s); and decoding at runtime the assembled per-probe stream(s). Further, a block compression format is disclosed for approximating depth data by augmenting the block compression format 3DC+(BC4) with a line and two pairs of endpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Mitchell, Charalampos Koniaris, Malgorzata E. Kosek, David A. Sinclair
  • Systems and methods for presenting an interactive narrative
    Patent number: 11151186
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for presenting an interactive narrative. An apparatus includes a user interface. The apparatus also includes one or more processors operatively coupled to the user interface and a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to present a first piece of content corresponding to a given narrative via the user interface. The given narrative includes one or more characteristics. The one or more processors are caused to receive user input via the user interface. The one or more processors are caused to classify the user input into one of a plurality of response models. The one or more processors are caused to dynamically respond to the user input by presenting a second piece of content. The second piece of content is based on a selected response model corresponding to the user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Erika Doggett, Alethia Shih
  • Techniques for removing and synthesizing secondary dynamics in facial performance capture
    Patent number: 11151767
    Abstract: A removal model is trained to predict secondary dynamics associated with an individual enacting a performance. For a given sequence of frames that includes an individual enacting a performance and secondary dynamics, a retargeting application identifies a set of rigid points that correspond to skeletal regions of the individual and a set of non-rigid points that correspond to non-skeletal region of the individual. For each frame in the sequence of frames, the application applies the removal model that takes as inputs a velocity history of a non-rigid point and a velocity history of the rigid points in a temporal window around the frame, and outputs a delta vector for the non-rigid point indicating a displacement for reducing secondary dynamics in the frame. In addition, a trained synthesis model can be applied to determine a delta vector for every non-rigid point indicating displacements for adding new secondary dynamics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaspard Zoss, Eftychios Sifakis, Dominik Thabo Beeler, Derek Edward Bradley
  • Frame-accurate video seeking via web browsers
    Patent number: 11146608
    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: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Smith, Scott Erickson, Giovanni Colombo
  • Methods for creating and distributing art-directable continuous dynamic range video
    Patent number: 11140440
    Abstract: Novel systems and methods are described for creating, compressing, and distributing video or image content graded for a plurality of displays with different dynamic ranges. In implementations, the created content is “continuous dynamic range” (CDR) content—a novel representation of pixel-luminance as a function of display dynamic range. The creation of the CDR content includes grading a source content for a minimum dynamic range and a maximum dynamic range, and defining a luminance of each pixel of an image or video frame of the source content as a continuous function between the minimum and the maximum dynamic ranges. In additional implementations, a novel graphical user interface for creating and editing the CDR content is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Aljoscha Smolic, Alexandre Chapiro, Simone Croci, Tunc Ozan Aydin, Nikolce Stefanoski, Markus Gross
  • Interactive device with multiple antennas
    Patent number: 11133876
    Abstract: A method and related system and apparatus are described, in which the method comprises detecting a predefined event using an omnidirectional antenna of a first interactive device, and responsive to detecting the predefined event, enabling a directional antenna of the first interactive device. The method further comprises transmitting a first signal using the directional antenna, and responsive to receiving the first signal at a second interactive device, performing an audiovisual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan D. Nocon
  • Simulation experience with physical objects
    Patent number: 11132067
    Abstract: A method for generating a simulation with a simulation device is disclosed. The method includes receiving from a simulation adapter, a characteristics profile associated with a physical object connected to the simulation adapter; generating a simulation experience based on the characteristics profile of the physical object; receiving movement data from the simulation adapter corresponding to movement of the physical object; modifying a physical object representation in the simulation experience based on the movement data; and generating a simulation event including the modified physical object representation in the simulation experience based on the movement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Arana, Benjamin F. Havey, Edward Drake, Alexander C. Chen
  • Systems and methods to provide an interactive environment in response to touch-based inputs
    Patent number: 11132051
    Abstract: This disclosure presents systems and methods to provide an interactive environment in response to touch-based inputs. A first body channel communication device coupled to a user may transmit and/or receive signals configured to be propagated along skin of the user such that the skin of the user comprises a signal transmission path. A second body channel communication device coupled to an interaction entity may be configured to transmit and/or receive signals configured to be propagated along the skin of the user along the signal transmission path. A presentation device may present images of virtual content to the user. Information may be communicated between the first body channel communication device, the second body channel communication device, and the presentation device so that virtual content specific to the interaction entity may be presented to augment an appearance of the interaction entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Robert Sumner, Benjamin Buergisser, Fabio Zünd, Gergely Vakulya, Virag Varga, Thomas Gross, Alanson Sample
  • System for generating cues in an augmented reality environment
    Patent number: 11132052
    Abstract: A system has an augmented reality device accessory that interacts with a virtual element in an augmented reality experience. Further, the system has an augmented reality device that that renders a virtual element that overlays a real-world element in the augmented reality experience. The augmented reality device also determines that the augmented reality device accessory meets one or more mobility criteria with respect to the virtual element. Further, the augmented reality device adjusts the rendering of the virtual element to increase visibility of the real-world element based on the one or more mobility criteria being met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Elliott Baumbach, Timothy Panec, Nathan Nocon
  • Systems, methods, and storage media configured to integrate artificial intelligence chatbots into a communication between real-world users
    Patent number: 11134034
    Abstract: The systems and methods presented herein describe integrating artificial intelligence chatbots into a communication between real-world users. A context of a shared communication session between the real-world users may be determined. In response to a user selection, a contextually relevant communication may be presented in communication session. The contextually relevant communication may be responsive to the context of the communication session and/or may convey a persona of an entity, such as a movie character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Goslin, Eric C. Haseltine, Timothy M. Panec, Jason Yeung, Hunter Gibson
  • Telescoping arrangement with illuminable rings
    Patent number: 11129465
    Abstract: An arm wearable apparatus includes a telescoping arrangement having a plurality of sections, a user interface system that removably attaches the telescoping arrangement with an arm of a wearer, and a plurality of illuminable rings. Each ring of the plurality of illuminable rings is attached with a respective section of the plurality of sections and has an inner diameter such that the plurality of illuminable rings form an opening to receive the arm when the telescoping arrangement is in a retracted configuration. At least some of the plurality of illuminable rings are arranged beyond an extent of the arm when the telescoping arrangement is in an extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Goslin, Clifford Wong
  • Entertainment system including performative figurines
    Patent number: 11123647
    Abstract: An entertainment system includes multiple figurines configured for wireless communication, and a control device having a hardware processor, a system memory storing a control application, and a transceiver. The hardware processor executes the control application to detect each of the figurines via the transceiver and to identify a predetermined entertainment for performance by two or more of the figurines. The hardware processor further executes the control application to transmit control signals to the two or more figurines via the transceiver, wherein a first control signal instructs a first of the two or more figurines to perform a first portion of the predetermined entertainment, and a second control signal instructs a second of the two or more figurines to perform a second portion of the predetermined entertainment. The two or more of the figurines are configured to perform the predetermined entertainment according to the control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Janice Rosenthal, Nathan Nocon, Stephen A. Thornton, Michael P. Goslin, Timothy Panec
  • Transcoder conditioning for segment fluidity
    Patent number: 11128688
    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: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Labrozzi, William B. May, Jr.
  • Systems and methods for tracking objects in a field of view
    Patent number: 11128783
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking objects in a field of view are disclosed. In one embodiment a method may include obtaining, from the non-transient electronic storage, object data. The object data may include a position of one or more objects as a function of time in a field of view. The method may include generating, with the one or more physical computer processors and the one or more AR components, a first virtual object to depict at least one or more of the object data of a first object at a first time. The method may include displaying, via the display, the first virtual object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    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
  • Method for dampening projector vibration
    Patent number: 11119331
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward stabilizing an image projected by a projector in an environment including vibrations or other movements that displace the projected image. In one set of implementations, an image projected by a projector may be stabilized by using an image stabilization system that detects a displacement of the projector from an equilibrium position and controls an optical element of the projector to offset the displacement. In an additional set of implementations, an image projected by the projector may be stabilized by using an image stabilization system that measures a rate of displacement from equilibrium of an image projected by the projector to predict a displacement of the projector and counteract the predicted displacement. In another set of implementations, an image projected by a projector may be stabilized by precalculating a plurality of lookup tables that correct for displacements of the projected image during operation of the projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven M. Chapman, Joseph Popp, Joseph Hager, Mehul Patel
  • System and method for dynamically valuating players during a fantasy draft
    Patent number: 11117058
    Abstract: A system and method for dynamically valuating players during a fantasy draft are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises storing, in an electronic device, a list of players, each player associated with a base value, receiving one or more player sections, and determining one or more adjusted values for a respective one or more particular players based at least in part on the base values of the particular players and the player selections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Nathaniel Sloan
  • Model and detachable controller for augmented reality / virtual reality experience
    Patent number: 11112886
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method and associated system for providing an augmented reality experience. The method comprises receiving identification information from circuitry of a model removably attached to a controller device. A power source of the controller device provides power to the circuitry. The method further comprises receiving orientation information from one or more sensors of the controller device, and identifying, using a visual sensor, one or more external visual indicators of the model. The method further comprises maintaining a virtual model representing a model type indicated by the identification information. An orientation of the virtual model is based on the orientation information and referenced to the one or more external visual indicators, The method further comprises, responsive to receiving an input, displaying one or more visual effects referenced to the virtual model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig J. Schmidt, Kyle W. Barrett
  • Method and system for projector calibration
    Patent number: 11115633
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for calibrating a projector. The method includes projecting a test pattern onto a scene or an object within the scene and capturing the test pattern using a camera. Once the test pattern image has been captured by the camera, the method further includes estimating by a processing element a perspective projection matrix, warping the estimated projection matrix based on a non-linear distortion function, and modifying the projector to project light based on the distortion function. The present disclosure also relates to a presentation or projection system including two types of projectors for projecting an output presentation having a second image overlaid on a first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Anselm Grundhöfer
  • Techniques for immersive virtual reality experiences
    Patent number: 11113884
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein provide techniques for generating a three-dimensional virtual environment. A 3D object/effects generator executing on a client device receives a media content item. The 3D object/effects generator receives content metadata associated with the media content item. The 3D object/effects generator generates at least a portion of a 3D virtual environment based on the content metadata. The 3D object/effects generator displays the media content item and the at least a portion of the 3D virtual environment on a display associated with a virtual reality device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Hambartsoum Demirchian, Madhura Pitale, Isaaca Seychelle Graetz Hoglen
  • Method for motion-synchronized AR or VR entertainment experience
    Patent number: 11112266
    Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing movement, such as the movement of a vehicle with an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) story-telling or narrative experience is provided. For example, the AR or VR experience can be adapted to justify the movement of the vehicle based on trip criterion, such as a navigational path upon which the vehicle has embarked. Alternatively, trip criterion, such as the navigational path upon which the vehicle will embark, can be adapted to comport with one or more events of the AR or VR experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Josiah Eatedali, James P. Madden, Mark Arana
  • Method and system for encoding and transmitting high definition 3-D multimedia content
    Patent number: 11115679
    Abstract: One particular implementation may take the form of a method and system for decoding 3-D multimedia content. In one example, the present invention may take the form of a method of decoding 3-D multimedia content encoded with at least content frames and null frames. The method may operate to receive the 3-D multimedia content, extract at least one content frame, at least one null frame, and display information. The method may further operate to reconstruct the content and null frames in a display-sequential manner using the display information to indicate the display order of the at least one content frame. In some examples, the method and system for encoding and decoding multimedia content may encode the multimedia content such that the at least one null frame may not be displayed by a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Scott F. Watson
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAINTAINING A CONVERSATION
    Publication number: 20210273893
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an interactive communications system capable of generating a response to conversational input are provided. The interactive communications system analyzes the conversational input to determine relevant topics of discussion. The interactive communications system further determines which of the relevant topics of discussion can potentially lead to an unwanted end to a conversation. The interactive communications system redirects the conversation by providing responses to the conversational input that are intended simply to avoid the unwanted end to the conversation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Scanlon, Douglas Fidaleo
  • Image generation using a spinning display and blur screen
    Patent number: 11106053
    Abstract: According to one implementation, an image generation system includes a rotor, a base including a motor for spinning the rotor about an axis of rotation, a display secured to the rotor, the display including a display surface, and a blur screen secured to the display. The blur screen has a vertical edge substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and includes a first light emission barrier, a second light emission barrier, and a horizontal gap having a width substantially perpendicular to the vertical edge separating the first light emission barrier from the second light emission barrier. The first light emission barrier and the second light emission barrier are configured to substantially prevent rotational blur of an image displayed by the display surface while the display and the blur screen are spun by the motor and the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Wong, Nathan D. Nocon, Quinn Smithwick
  • Techniques for analyzing and verifying time in machine-based networks
    Patent number: 11108539
    Abstract: A technique for synchronizing time in a machine-based system. The technique includes receiving time reference information for a first operational element included in the system; analyzing the time reference information against a known correct timing state for the first operational element; determining that the first operational element is not properly synchronized based on the time reference information and the known correct timing state; and in response to determining that the first operational element is not properly synchronized, causing a fault indicator associated with the first operational element to be displayed on a machine that monitors a plurality of operational elements included in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ketan N. Kurani, Rab Mukraj, Michael J. Strein
  • Real-time processing of spatiotemporal data
    Patent number: 11109188
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and processing spatiotemporal data are disclosed. Signals are received from user devices, where each of the signals includes an identifier of a respective user device that transmitted the signal. A first subset of the signals is determined, where each signal in the first subset was received from a first user device. A first signal in the first subset is identified to classify as a begin signal based on a configuration associated with a first physical area, and a second signal in the first subset is identified to classify as an end signal based on the configuration associated with the first physical area. An amount of time that elapsed between receiving the begin signal and receiving the end signal is determined, and an estimated spatiotemporal measure is generated based at least in part on the determined first amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: John Robert Rankin, V, Marcus W. Ledet, Jonathan Gregory Reuel, Samir M. Ketema, Steven C. Eaton
  • Dynamic media content for in-store screen experiences
    Patent number: 11107129
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for performing an operation comprising detecting a first mobile device within a predefined proximity of a display device, receiving profile data from the first mobile device, identifying at least one rule for selecting media content based on the profile data, selecting, based on the at least one rule applied to the profile data, a first item of media content of a plurality of items of media content, and outputting the first item of media content for display on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Frazier Watson, Nitzan Katz, Lanny S. Smoot
  • Ballistic robot system with spin and other controlled motion of robot during flight
    Patent number: 11104004
    Abstract: Systems and corresponding control methods providing a ballistic robot that flies on a trajectory after being released (e.g., in non-powered flight as a ballistic body) from a launch mechanism. The ballistic robot is adapted to control its position and/or inflight movements by processing data from onboard and offboard sensors and by issuing well-timed control signals to one or more onboard actuators to achieve an inflight controlled motion. The actuators may move an appendage such as an arm or leg of the robot or may alter the configuration of one or more body links (e.g., to change from an untucked configuration to a tucked configuration), while other embodiments may trigger a drive mechanism of an inertia moving assembly to change/move the moment of inertia of the flying body. In-flight controlled movements are performed to achieve a desired or target pose and orientation of the robot during flight and upon landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Paul Dohi, Steven Niels Christensen, Mark Sox Setrakian, David Loyal Christensen, Grant Masaru Imahara, Morgan T. Pope, Scott Frazier Watson, Günter D. Niemeyer
  • Synchronized effects for multi-user mixed reality experiences
    Patent number: 11107286
    Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for synchronizing effects for multi-user mixed reality experiences. In one implementation, such a system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a software code. The hardware processor executes the software code to receive sensor data from multiple sensors within a venue, identify an activity in the venue based on the sensor data, and track a respective perspective and a respective location within the venue of each of multiple observers of the activity. The hardware processor also executes the software code to identify a first effect triggered by an action of one of the observers, conform the first effect to the respective perspective and the respective location of each of the observers to produce multiple second effects corresponding to the first effect, and output the second effects for operating multiple actuating devices within the venue during the activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie Evans, Nicholas Newberg, Alexis P. Wieland, Clare M. Carroll, Joseph G. Hager, IV, Siroberto Scerbo, Jonathan Becker
  • Techniques for streaming a media title based on user interactions with an internet of things device
    Patent number: 11109099
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an interactive streaming application plays back a media title via a client device. In operation, the interactive streaming application causes the client device to playback a first chunk of the media title. While the client device plays back the first chunk, the interactive streaming application determines a movement of an internet of things (“IoT”) device that is controlled by the user. The interactive streaming application performs reinforcement-learning operation(s) based on the first chunk and the movement to determine a second chunk of the media title to playback. The interactive streaming application then causes the client device to playback the second chunk of the media title. Advantageously, the interactive streaming application can automatically personalize the playback of the media title for the user based, at least in part, on movements of the IoT device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Erika Varis Doggett, Michael Goslin, Douglas A. Fidaleo
  • System and method for aligning virtual objects on peripheral devices in low-cost augmented reality/virtual reality slip-in systems
    Patent number: 11100713
    Abstract: Techniques for aligning a virtual object with a physical object in an Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) application are described. An electronic peripheral includes a first inertial measurement unit (“IMU”). A head mounted display includes a second IMU. An estimated attitude for the electronic peripheral is generated using data from the first IMU. An estimated attitude for the head mounted display is generated using data from the second IMU. An orientation of a virtual object is determined based on the estimated first and second attitudes, such that the virtual object is aligned with an object in a user's physical environment when the virtual object is displayed to the user. The virtual object is displayed on the head mounted display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Nocon, Amy E. Nelson, Michael P. Goslin, Seth A. Davis, Randall S. Davis
  • Mirror display without viewer reflection
    Patent number: 11099403
    Abstract: A compact mirror-based three-dimensional (3D) display system with a polarizer between the viewer in a viewing space and a beam splitter. The beam splitter may be a half-silvered mirror, and the polarizer may be a circular polarizer that acts to cancel the undesired reflections including that of a viewer. A half prop often will be positioned between the beam splitter and the polarizer. The mirror-based 3D display system may also utilize additional components for creating effects that move in depth and that are in 3D. This may include rotation of the display (or its monitor or display screen) from parallel to an offset angle to allow displayed images to move toward and away from the mirror and not be locked into a plane parallel to and often abutting the mirror. The display system may further include configurations that provide a backdrop image behind the displayed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Quinn Y. Smithwick, Daniel M. Joseph
  • Acoustical seal system for doors
    Patent number: 11098523
    Abstract: An acoustical seal system that utilizes a sound absorbing material-based sound seal for the gap or flanking path between a closed door and the nearby surfaces (e.g., the door jam or frame and the floor). When the door is in a closed position, the acoustical seal system may leave a small gap around the door so that the door does not have to make contact with the surrounding structural components. The small gap is an air passage between the two adjacent rooms. The acoustical seal system includes a housing with one or more cavities. The housing is mounted on the sides of the door core or body or on the surrounding components such that the cavities face the small air gap when the door is in the closed position. The cavities are filled with sound-absorbing material, such as an acoustical foam, that is exposed to the air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John Andrew Malluck
  • Electronic program guide provisioning in real-time
    Patent number: 11102522
    Abstract: According to one implementation, an electronic program guide (EPG) provisioning system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a software code. The hardware processor executes the software code to receive traffic data for programming content included in a programming content stream, extract programming content metadata describing the programming content from the traffic data, and obtain supplemental metadata further describing the programming content. In addition, the hardware processor executes the software code to enrich the programming content metadata using the supplemental metadata to produce an enhanced programming content metadata, conform the enhanced programming content metadata to each of multiple formats corresponding respectively to EPG providers for the programming content stream, and distribute the enhanced programming content metadata to the EPG providers in real-time with respect to receiving the traffic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon M. Edwards, Shant H. Mardigian, Han Kim
  • Calibration, customization, and improved user experience for bionic lenses
    Patent number: 11099641
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to calibration, customization, and improved user experiences for smart or bionic lenses that are worn by a user. The calibration techniques include detecting and correcting distortion of a display of the bionic lenses, as well as distortion due to characteristics of the lens or eyes of the user. The customization techniques include utilizing the bionic lenses to detect eye characteristics that can be used to improve insertion of the bionic lenses, track health over time, and provide user alerts. The user experiences include interactive environments and animation techniques that are improved via the bionic lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Quinn Y. J. Smithwick, Jon H. Snoddy, Douglas A. Fidaleo
  • Focal length compensated augmented reality
    Patent number: 11094095
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to presenting a more realistic augmented reality view on a video see-through display of a device by configuring the device such that the displayed image of the real world substantially matches what would be perceived by the user if the display were not present. This may be implemented by determining one or more of: a distance from the user's eyes to the display of the device, and an angular offset between the optical axis of a rear camera of the device and the user's visual field, and using the determined distance and/or angular offset to adjust the image that is displayed to the user. The image that is displayed to the user may be adjusted by optically or digitally zooming the rear camera of the device. It may also be adjusted by tilting the rear camera or by digitally translating the displayed video feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven M. Chapman, Joseph Popp, Mehul Patel, Calis Agyemang
  • Techniques for automatically interpreting metric values to evaluate the health of a computer-based service
    Patent number: 11095728
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a health evaluation application automatically monitors and evaluates the health of one or more computer-based services. The health evaluation application computes deviation values based on one or more machine-learned expected variations associated with multiple metrics. The metrics are associated with the computer-based service(s). The health evaluation application then performs classification operation(s) based on the deviation values and machine-learned classification criteria to compute anomaly indicators associated with a first service included in the one or more computer-based services. Subsequently, the health evaluation application computes a score that indicates the overall health of the first service based on the anomaly indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Morrison
  • Synchronized robot orientation
    Patent number: 11090806
    Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for synchronized robot orientation are described herein. A magnetometer, gyroscope, and accelerometer in a remotely controlled device are used to determine a current orientation of that device, and a command with a specified orientation or location are set to several such devices. The remotely controlled devices self-align based on the specified orientation/location, and when in position, receive swarm commands to perform actions as a group of devices in coordination with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Nocon, Michael P. Goslin, Clifford Wong, Jonathan RD Hsu, Timothy M. Panec
  • Programmatic generation of media content digests
    Patent number: 11089345
    Abstract: According to one implementation, a system for programmatic generation of media content digests includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a media content digest software code. The hardware processor executes the media content digest software code to identify a media content for use in generating a content digest, the media content including a timecode of the media content, to access a metadata describing the media content and indexed to the timecode, and to identify one or more constraints for the content digest. In addition, the hardware processor executes the media content digest software code to programmatically extract content segments from the media content using the metadata indexed to the timecode and based on the one or more constraints, and to generate the content digest based on the media content from the content segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Solaro, Alexis J. Lindquist, Anthony M. Accardo, Avner Swerdlow, Miquel Angel Farre Guiu, Katharine S. Ettinger
  • Systems and methods to facilitate interaction by one or more participants with content presented across multiple distinct physical locations
    Patent number: 11087489
    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: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Elliott Baumbach
  • Introducing real-time lighting effects to illuminate real-world physical objects in see-through augmented reality displays
    Patent number: 11087529
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for the rendering of illumination effects on real-world objects in augmented reality systems. An example method generally includes overlaying a shader on the augmented reality display. The shader generally corresponds to a three-dimensional geometry of an environment in which the augmented reality display is operating, and the shader generally comprises a plurality of vertices forming a plurality of polygons. A computer-generated lighting source is introduced into the augmented reality display. One or more polygons of the shader are illuminated based on the computer-generated lighting source, thereby illuminating one or more real-world objects in the environment with direct lighting from the computer-generated lighting source and reflected and refracted lighting from surfaces in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Yeung, Kenneth J. Mitchell, Timothy M. Panec, Elliott H. Baumbach, Corey D. Drake
  • Method and apparatus for portably binding license rights to content stored on optical media
    Patent number: 11086971
    Abstract: There is provided a method to playback content in a ROM having a ROM ID. The method includes copying the content from the ROM to a RAM having a RAM ID, copying the ROM ID to a memory accessible to a RAM controller, transmitting a license request from the RAM controller to a license server, the license request comprising a RAM controller ID, the ROM ID and a request for a content license to play back the content from the RAM; receiving the content license including a right for the playback of the content from the RAM, and a content key, decrypting the content license by the RAM controller, according to the RAM controller secret associated with the RAM controller ID, to recover and provide the content key to a playback module, decrypting the content using the content key to generate a decrypted content, and playing back the decrypted content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Hanno Basse, Ian E. Harvey
  • Sketch-based abstraction for character posing and synthesis
    Patent number: 11087517
    Abstract: In particular embodiments, a 2D representation of an object may be provided. A first method may comprise: receiving sketch input identifying a target position for a specified portion of the object; computing a deformation for the object within the context of a character rig specification for the object; and displaying an updated version of the object. A second method may comprise detecting sketch input; classifying the sketch input, based on the 2D representation, as an instantiation of the object; instantiating the object using a 3D model of the object; and displaying a 3D visual representation of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Robert Walker Sumner, Maurizio Nitti, Stelian Coros, Bernhard Thomaszewski, Fabian Andreas Hahn, Markus Gross, Frederik Rudolf Mutzel
  • Pixel error detection system
    Patent number: 11080835
    Abstract: A process receives, with a processor, video content. Further, the process splices, with the processor, the video content into a plurality of video frames. In addition, the process splices, with the processor, at least one of the plurality of video frames into a plurality of image patches. Moreover, the process performs, with a neural network, an image reconstruction of at least one of the plurality of image patches to generate a reconstructed image patch. The process also compares, with the processor, the reconstructed image patch with the at least one of the plurality of image patches. Finally, the process determines, with the processor, a pixel error within the at least one of the plurality of image patches based on a discrepancy between the reconstructed image patch and the at least one of the plurality of image patches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Erika Doggett, Anna Wolak, Penelope Daphne Tsatsoulis, Nicholas McCarthy, Stephan Mandt
  • Systems and methods of presenting a multi-media entertainment in a venue
    Patent number: 11080779
    Abstract: According to one implementation, an interactive retail venue includes a computing platform interactively linked to a display screen, a lighting system, an audio system, a dynamic product display unit, and multiple product sensors. The computing platform includes a hardware processor and a memory storing a venue orchestration software code. The hardware processor executes the venue orchestration software code to receive sensor data from the product sensors, determine respective locations of retail products within the interactive retail venue based on the sensor data, and present a multi-media entertainment featuring the retail products using the display screen, the lighting system, and the audio system. The hardware processor further executes the venue orchestration software code to concurrently activate the dynamic product display unit if at least one of the retail products is situated within a predetermined distance of the dynamic product display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Lanny S. Smoot, Scott F. Watson, Nitzan Katz