Sun, Dec 11, 2016
Would Deliver Special Effects For Shows, Rides, Potentially Guests
Another theme park company has filed a U.S. Patent for the use of drone technology at its parks.
Universal City Studios, a sister division of Universal Parks & Resorts, had a patent published late last month called "Special Effects Techniques" that would explore the use of drones to enhance the experience at the parks' shows, rides, and possibly individual guests, according to a report from the Orlando Business Journal.
The patent document states that an "unmanned aerial vehicle, e.g., multicopter, is outfitted to provide a special effect or special effects, becoming an untethered special effects platform. The specials effects delivered by such a platform could include water effects, scent cannons, compressed air blasts, steam blasts, theatrical smoke or fog, snow, bubbles, confetti, flame effects, or directional speakers and other audio effects. In one embodiment, the untethered special effect vehicle may be used in conjunction with a live show. The placement or path of the special effect may be pre-choreographed or provided in real-time to correspond to the show."
The aircraft could be made to look like characters or objects that could interact with cast members during shows, according to the patent. They could also communicate with wearable technology used by guests to provide special effects such as a cooling mist spray or bubble effect. The guest would control the effects using a device worn by the guest.
There was no timeline given for when the technology might be deployed at Universal theme parks. They have also not received permission to use the aircraft from the FAA.
(Images from Universal patent)
More News
Chaff Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar energy. These reflectors, when dropped from aircraft and allowed to drift d>[...]
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding>[...]
“Teaming up with the EAA and Berlin Express for this event in Cincinnati will give warbird fans a unique opportunity to see the aircraft that helped defend freedom and gave t>[...]
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission was created by the 1935 Legislature to oversee the development of aviation in the state. The Comm>[...]