The Walt Disney Company
Aerial show system with dynamic participation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with distributed show systems

Abstract:

An aerial show system that includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), show systems onboard the UAVs, non-UAV or "ground" show systems, and a global ground control system. The control system is configured to actively track a UAV's operations during a show performance and to react to make the UAV truly a part of the larger show performance. The system achieves dynamic show participation of the UAV with the distributed show systems, which may include other UAVs and non-UAV show systems on the ground but launch or provide effects in the airspace through which the UAV flies. For example, the control system may track a UAV with a show effect element to determine whether the UAV properly hits its cue or mark with respect to position and orientation in the show space and with respect to timing and, in response to location tracking, trigger show effects early, late, or on time.