A new patent application from Universal Destinations & Experiences appears to be a technology aimed at improving stunt safety in the theme parks.
The patent, "Systems for Reducing High Fall Stunt Injuries When Using an Airbag," describes a system that can determine the weight of a performer before they fall from the elevated platform toward an airbag, measure the distance between the elevated platform and the airbag, and set the air pressure of the airbag based on the weight and the distance prior to the performer falling toward the airbag.
The patent describes a platform — that also may act as a scale — to determine the performer's weight and elevation and then help adjust the airbag below to the proper pressure to adjust for the velocity and impact of the performer landing on the pad.
Theme parks take safety seriously as they sell thrills and excitements through rides and shows. The safety of guests and workers is critical to the operations of a theme park.
Executives with Universal Orlando could not be reached for comment.
Patents can offer insights into what theme park designers and creators see as possible improvements that can have positive results on the overall guest experience.
Here's a look at Universal's other recently filed patent applications:
- Choreographed Ride Systems and Methods: A free-moving carousel ride system that has more mobility vertically and horizontally — adding a twist to the traditional carousel-style attractions.
- Dark Ride Tower Systems Having Stationary and Adaptable Rooms: A tower-like ride system with two levels. The first level is a stationary room and the second can change in configurations.
- System and Method for Tracking a Passive Wand and Actuating an Effect Based on a Detected Wand Path: This allows for a user with a handheld object such as a wand to use specific gestures to activate certain effects in their environment.
- Interactive Animated Character Head Systems and Methods: A system that allows an animated head on a character to respond to pre-determined signals from an interaction between the character head and the guest.
Universal Orlando Resort — owned and operated by Philadelphia-based Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA) — is among Central Florida's top attractions, per Orlando Business Journal research. Universal Orlando typically draws a combined 20 million-plus annual Orlando visitors to its Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida theme parks, as well as its Volcano Bay water park.
Universal also owns the CityWalk dining/shopping/entertainment complex, several area hotels and more than 700 acres for development off of Universal Boulevard, where it is building its Epic Universe theme park. That new $1 billion park is expected to create up to 14,000 new theme-park jobs along with thousands of local construction and vendor opportunities.
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