The Walt Disney Co.'s latest patent application aims to improve the visibility for costume character performers in theme parks.
A patent, dubbed "Optical Viewfinder for Costume Heads," uses a lens-based system that can reflect the eye line of a large character head down to the eye line of the actual performer wearing the costume which is typically closer to the character's mouth.
The purpose of the patent is to enhance the performer's view and combat the challenge of when low visibility impairs the character's ability to interact with guests.
In addition, this appears to replace other methods. including character heads that are equipped with video cameras and displays to help the performers see the guests and surrounding area. The patent described those methods has having their own set of hurdles.
"The camera often will need repair including battery replacement, and the camera model often will be depreciated with replacement models becoming less capable and more expensive in some applications. Even with two displays the viewed images are monoscopic, and, while walking or during head movements, camera latency causes conflicts between the viewed scene and the proprioception/vestibular systems, which often leads to dizziness of the performer and reduced agility," said the patent.
Meanwhile, Disney's patent appears to use a traditional series of lenses — in some cases mirrors – to reflect an image.
"With regard to achieving an enlarged [field of view], the optical viewfinder of the costume head can include a special eyepiece. For example, a fisheye lens may be used to deliver the image to the performer's eye, and, in some cases, a second fisheye lens may be provided as the incoming or near-aperture lens to enhance [field of view]. The fisheye lens or lenses may be 1-to-1 lenses or configured to provide magnification to enlarge the image provided to the person wearing the costume head," added the patent.
No exact details on how or where the technology may be used within Disney parks was mentioned, but character interactions are very much a part of the everyday Disney experience. Those interactions — often called "meet-n-greets" — provide special experiences for tourists to meet fictional animated characters from films, TV and other media.
Executives with Disney were not available for comment.
However, theme park patents provide a peek into how attractions are being improved through technology and other means.
Here's an example of some other recent theme park-related patents from Disney theme park competitor Universal Destination & Experiences:
- Interactive Device of an Attraction System: A wearable head display that 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 level can change configurations.
Walt Disney World alone is the top generator of visitors to Orlando, with more than 50 million people going through its turnstiles in previous years — many of those repeat visitors.
Disney also owns two area water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, as well as several themed hotels, golf courses, a camping resort, timeshare properties, a residential community called Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort, ESPN Wide World of Sports and Disney Springs.
Sign up here for our free morning and afternoon daily newsletters. And be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
