Universal Destinations & Experiences' latest filed patent looks at improving on-ride cameras and other camera devices around theme parks.
The patent, dubbed "Camera Housing System for Arrangement Behind a Window Wall," describes an amusement park installation with a camera on the side of a window that captures an image of a guest's movement on the other side of the window, while not being affected by other theme park ride effects.
"Video cameras may be incorporated with amusement park attractions to provide enhanced features or experiences, such as interactive features and virtual reality and/or augmented experience. However, other elements or components commonly utilized in amusement parks and their attractions may affect the operation or functionality of cameras and associated systems," said the patent.
Drawings included with the patent show how the encased camera could be placed alongside illuminated ride displays while taking images of a guest on the attraction.
Executives with Universal declined to comment.
The technology is another way Universal is trying to elevate the theme park guest experience. For example, a camera on a ride may be used to capture a rider's photo and add visual effects for future purchase — creating a piece of merchandise the guest may buy to save a memory of their time on the ride.
Meanwhile, here's a look at Universal's other recently filed patent applications:
- Interactive Device of an Attraction System: A wearable head display that also includes an interactive component with a projector to show images, plus a microphone and a display.
- Choreographed Ride Systems and Methods: A free-moving carousel ride system that has more mobility vertically and horizontally — adding a twist to 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 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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