Disney patents drone shows that adapt their script in real time
Disney has filed a patent for a drone entertainment system where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) carry lights and other effects to create themed shows. Instead of following a single fixed path, the drones use sensors to track their exact position and timing, allowing a controller to switch between different show scripts on the fly. This ensures the visual effects align perfectly with the drones' movements, even if they drift slightly from the planned route.
In the filing’s own words
A themed aerial vehicle entertainment system or platform useful for generating crowd-pleasing shows or displays through the use of dynamically-coordinated show systems. Instead of use of a fixed flight plan, the new entertainment platform is configured to include one or more UAVs that is enclosed within or supports thematic cladding such as the outer shell of a spacecraft or flying character, and the show is dynamically coordinated to present a cohesive performance. Onboard show effects provided by onboard or UAV supported show system components such as high brightness lights are dynamically adjusted in the new system/platform to ensure the best show appearance to the audience while providing safer operations. The dynamic adjustments may involve selecting or generating a second script or “B show” in a contingent manner based on the current location or timing of movement of the UAV along a flight plan.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising: one or more show effect devices; a memory storing a show plan comprising a plurality of alternative scripts; a show controller configured to generate show control signals configured to control operations of the one or more show effect devices based on the show plan and based on timing signals and location signals provided to the show controller; and wherein the show controller is configured to select a script of the plurality of alternative scripts to generate the show control signals based on a comparison of the timing signals and location signals with a flight plan, show effect timing defined in the show plan, and show effect locations defined in the show plan, whereby the show controller provides real-time show contingencies based on real-time performance and positioning of the UAV in a space.
Facts
- Company
- Disney (DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.)
- Official title
- THEMED AERIAL VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT PLATFORM FOR PROVIDING DYNAMICALLY-COORDINATED SHOW
- Publication number
- US20260268782A1
- Application number
- 19018726
- Filed
- Jan 13, 2025
- Published
- Sep 10, 2026
- Inventors
- 5
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G08G 5/55 Physics & computingB64D 47/02 Operations & transportG05D 1/692 Physics & computingG05D 1/695 Physics & computingG08G 5/56 Physics & computingG08G 5/57 Physics & computingSummaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.