Disney is continuing with its pursuit of patents for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for nighttime spectaculars.
A new patent application published last week details how Disney may use drones to carry projection screens.
The patent was originally filed back in July 2014, which shows just how long Disney has been working on the use of drones for entertainment purposes. Whereas previous patents had focused on the use of multiple drones to produce light shows, this latest patent focusses on the use of projectors.
The patent describes:
"A projection assembly for use with a UAV such as quadrotors. The projection assembly includes a projection screen with a rear surface and a front surface, and the projection screen has a level of opacity and/or other physical qualities that enables it to function as a rear-projection surface. The projection assembly includes a vehicle attachment member adapted for coupling with a frame of the UAV, and the projection screen is supported at a first end by the vehicle attachment member. The apparatus includes a projector projecting light and the projected light is directed onto the rear surface of the projection surface to generate a displayed image visible on the front surface. The projection screen can be formed from a mesh sheet with a porosity allowing air to flow through the projections screen."
Along with various drone patents, Disney has also been pursuing an exemption to rules that would allow Disney to operate drones over both Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort. A positive ruling would seem to clear the way for Disney to unleash its drone technology for the park's vast array of nighttime shows.
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