A newly filed Universal Destinations and Experiences patent is tackling how to enhance show effects for audiences on attractions and more.
The "Body Language Detection and Microphone Control" technology describes using a camera, microphone, controller and other means to detect a specific user from a crowd if they utter a command while in an attraction.
"The show attraction may call for (or otherwise instigate) certain body language that indicates the primary human speaker called upon to utter a command. For example, the show attraction may instruct or otherwise call upon a guest to wave her hand or nod her head, which can be detected via the body language detection algorithm executed by the controller based on the data indicative of the image or video feed," the patent application states. "Additionally or alternatively, the show attraction may instruct or otherwise call upon a guest to wave a wand or other prop, where the waving motion can be detected via the body language detection algorithm executed by the controller based on the data indicative of the image or video feed to identify the primary human speaker from the group of humans."
There's no indication on if/how the technology may be used in theme parks, but finding a way to streamline audience interactions appears to be part of the reasoning behind the technology.
Entertainment venues that enable interactions between guests can run into issues with ambient noise interfering with the experience, Universal's patent notes. "For example, the show attraction may be attended by a group of guests where a subset of the group, such as a single guest, is tasked with uttering the command captured by the microphone and executed by the show attraction. Because of ambient noise generated by the other guests and/or other sources, it can be difficult to isolate the command from the ambient noise."
Drawings included with the patent show a movable microphone system that can detect a user among a crowd in a room and how that system changes positioning to better interact with the user.
Representatives with Universal could not be reached for comment.
While the intended use is unknown, Universal is busy constructing new attractions that may one day utilize this technology and others filed by the theme park.
Universal is in the midst of building the Epic Universe theme park on hundreds of acres near International Drive. That $1 billion development will consist of the theme park, hotels, retail and other amenities.
Alongside a confirmed Super Nintendo World — a land themed after the popular video games — other rumored intellectual properties at the future Epic Universe theme park include areas themed after the film How to Train Your Dragon, another based on Universal's classic monsters and a third Harry Potter-themed land.
Recent patents include:
- Aerial imaging Using Retroreflection: A technology that can generate real images via "retroreflection" as an alternative way to create 3D imagery on theme park rides.
- Universal theme park tech aims to create realistic electricity special effects: A show effect that uses a plasma tube that generate electric arcs and a light strip to create realistic electricity special effects.
- 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.
Comcast-owned (Nasdaq: CMCSA) Universal Orlando Resort is one of Central Florida's top attractions, per Orlando Business Journal research. It 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 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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