Could a New Patent by Disney that Uses Cameras and AI to Verify Proper Restraint Usage Help Prevent Tragic Accidents Like the One on Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia?

Disney has a new patent application out called “System and Method for Verifying Proper Usage of Passenger Restraints” where it uses a combination of cameras, sensors and machine learning (AI) to verify restraints on rides are being used properly. The cameras can look for several “keypoints” to assure the rider is secured. For example, a sensor can tell you that a seatbelt is buckled, but a camera can confirm it is on top on the rider’s torso and not underneath it. The cameras could also assure a restraint is completely closed and securing the rider so that there is a second check to the position sensors already used on rides. This could be especially important for riders with unique physical characteristics (large riders, small riders, missing limbs, odd body shapes, etc.) where a sensor would register as good, but perhaps a potential safety issue remains.

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Was This Mountain at Tokyo DisneySea Originally Destined for California? How Disney “Blue Sky” Concepts are Never Truly Dead.

Tokyo DisneySea volcano

Disney loves its mountains, see Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and the former Splash Mountain as examples. One of the lesser known “mountains” is the volcano known as Mount Prometheus at Tokyo DisneySea in Japan. For those not familiar, according to the DisneySea website it is, “The only Disney park themed to the myths and legends of the sea. Each of the eight themed ports features attractions, restaurants, shops, and more, inviting guests to a world “Where Adventure and Imagination Set Sail!” This is the 7th most attended theme park in the world and many consider it the best and most beautiful of all the Disney parks. However, did you know many of the concepts of Tokyo DisneySea came from a park called DisneySea California that was cancelled in 1991?

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