Over the past few years, we’ve seen lots of patent applications filed for technology that could make the theme park experience different in both big and small ways. From a patent that could change snacks to interactive headgear, there are all kinds of unique things in the works! And now we’ve found another invention that could change a small but critical part of your theme park experience.

Imagine you’re 5 years old again and walking through a theme park. You make your way up to a big roller coaster. What’s the first thing they’ve got to do before you get to enter the line? Check that you meet the height requirement!

We’re all fairly used to the “standard” way in which this is done — where a kiddo walks up next to some kind of measurement to see if they meet the required height. But measuring whether you’re able to go on a ride might be VERY different in the future!

In October of 2022, we spotted a patent filed by Universal City Studios LLC (associated with Universal Studios in general) entitled “Guest Measurement Systems and Methods.” The application claimed priority to a provisional application made under the same name that was filed back in 2021.

So just could the technology patented do? Well, let’s break it down.

BACKGROUND

According to the application, theme parks have become increasingly popular and one reason for that could be the “more sophisticated and creative” rides that are now available. But some rides, especially roller coasters, may come with a height restriction to ensure guest safety.

And up until now guests generally see whether they can ride by comparing their height to a physical line somewhere. But this technology would change that!

WHAT IT DOES

With this new invention, there would actually be a guest measurement system that would include sensors that are set up to generate some signals that are “indicative of guest characteristics.” The system has a controller that then receives the sensor signals, and the controller would also have a processor that could detect one or more limbs of a guest based on the sensor signals (at least in part).

The processor can then identify subregions for one or more limbs and estimate the dimensions for the subregions for the limbs to generate a guest height calculation!

The patent explains that the system could measure whether a guest is within a specific measurement area by receiving sensor signals that indicate the guest’s distance from a specific height marker. Once the system determines that they’re within the specific area, the guest height measurement can be initiated.

WHAT MAKES THIS UNIQUE

What’s really interesting is that the system could allow guests to be measured while they’re in a variety of positions including standing, seated, slouched, or leaning over. They could even be in a wheelchair or stroller and still be captured by the sensors.

The patent claims that it could also reduce user error or any kind of confusion that might otherwise be associated with eligibility requirements.

The patent notes that there could be sensors placed within a guest measurement area. Those could include depth sensors, color sensors, an infrared camera, and more. The sensors could be in the walls, or they note that an employee might be able to use a hand-held device (like a mobile device, tablet, or even a WAND!!!) that contains a sensor.

The system lets guests move “naturally in or within the area” and still be analyzed by the sensors. They note that if a sensor were to just look at the distance from the ground it might make errors, like thinking the child in the photo below is tall enough to ride the ride even though it’s their balloon that has set off the height marker.

The patent claims that their patented measurement system would be able to correctly see that the girl with the balloon is NOT tall enough, while also noticing that the guest behind her (who is slouching over) IS tall enough.

That’s because this patented system works off of sensors that identify anatomical features to generate a height calculation.

They note that the system would be able to estimate something like a total leg height by looking at leg subregions. The system could then use the leg height plus torso height and head dimensions to determine the guest’s overall height.

Then it goes on to explain all kinds of stuff that could be used as part of this system including (1) a measurement of a guest’s wing span to make sure the height has been calculated correctly, (2) all kinds of mathematical equations that can help estimate heights of certain subregions, and (3) the use of “skeletal tracking” to predict or observe the position of certain anatomical joints to help estimate height.

They note that the tech could also identify individuals with a limb difference (like an amputation). They go on to explain that the system could even select a ride seat for the guest based on the height calculations.

Overall, the patent seems to be focused on safety and making the process of determining an individual’s height more high-tech and potentially more accurate and easier for the guest.