Universal Studios, like many other theme parks, is always looking for new ways to improve its parks.

There’s so much to do and eat in Harry Potter World already, but it seems Universal may be wanting to expand the park’s capabilities. Let’s take a look at the two new patents they just filed!
According to the Orlando Business Journal, Universal has filed two new patents for improving the “realism and interactivity with themed characters.”

Specifically, the two new patents are:
- System and Method for Tracking a Passive Wand and Actuating an Effect Based on a Detected Wand Path: “The technology allows for a user with a handheld object such as a wand to use specific gestures to activate certain effects in their environment.”
- Interactive Animated Character Head Systems and Methods: “Identifies a system where an animated head on a character can respond to pre-determined signals from an interaction between the character head and the guest.”

The first patent seems similar to what the wands currently do but just works on enhancing their capabilities. This information is great to know because it shows us what aspects of guest experience the park wants to continue to focus on.

In other Universal news, new dairy-free butterbeer is coming to the parks and we’ve got a complete guide to all of the Universal Harry Potter restaurants for your next trip. As always, stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Universal news!
Check out how the AllEars team hit all 8 Orlando Universal and Disney theme parks in one day!
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What do you think of these new patents? Is there anything else you’d like Universal to focus on instead? Tell us in the comments!

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