The latest in augmented reality technology involves the entertainment heavyweight’s desire to completely immerse its patrons in a “virtual world simulator.”
Disney Patents Augmented Reality With No Peripherals Required
The patent itself was filed on December 28, 2021, and you can view it on the United States Patent website. It describes this “virtual world simulator” as a combination of a hardware processor, a “tracking system,” and a communicative “projection device” that interacts with the user as they make their way through the venue, whatever that may entail in context.
Essentially, the set-up configures itself to the specifications of the projection space. It uses this information to simulate a real vantage point and other virtual effects in support of the experience.
From this, we could assume that Disney is building an AR-enhanced theme park attraction where guests will be able to experience an entire 3D virtual world, no peripheral equipment required.
Imagine the fun: park visitors will be enraptured by 3D virtual displays without the need for a virtual reality headset!
How Could Disney’s AR Patent Impact the Theme Park Experience?
So far, details are scant.
All that we really know is that the patent has been filed; whether Disney theme parks will expand to make room for this new feature or if existing attractions will simply be modified to include it remains unclear.
Speculation is rife—some want to see Disney theme park characters walking around next to them. Others hope that this new storytelling tool will be used to recreate some of our favorite moments in Disney history.
Honestly, it looks like a lot of fun, even from the little that we’ve seen so far. We truly are living in the metaverse, and we’re glad that there’s a lot to look forward to from a company as large and creative as Disney.
Augmented Reality: Disney Welcomes the Future With Open Arms
A couple of different possibilities are laid out in the official paperwork. There are so many directions that the brand may choose to take this idea.
Stage performances, interactive displays throughout the theme park, and special effects during Disney parades and other events may all be on the table.
For now, we’ll be waiting with bated breath. A virtual Disney experience in real-time is definitely something that we would pay to see.
