Universal Destinations & Experiences has filed a patent to improve theme park ride loading experiences and to prevent the loss of guests' keys, phones, coins and other belongings while boarding rides.
The patent, dubbed "Gap Blocking Systems and Method for Amusement Park Attractions," shows a gap blocking system separating loading platforms that can help with common problems guests may experience when boarding rides.
The patent describes how some amusement park attractions use passenger loading systems on conveyor belt-like systems that sometimes form a gap between the solid platform guests are on before boarding a ride and the belt system that takes the ride vehicles into the attraction.
The blocking system could use panels that cover those gaps to help prevent guests from losing their belongings if they drop them.
Representatives with Universal could not be reached for comment.
There are no specifics on how or where this technology may be used at Universal's theme parks, but it likely could be part of future rides or renovations to existing ones to try to improve operations.
Meanwhile, here's a look at Universal's other recently filed patent applications:
- 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.
- 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 21 million-plus annual 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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