Disney wants to use drones to beam down images during its light shows

Disney light shows are spectacular.

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But the theme park thinks it can make the shows even more enticing with drones, which is where Disney's newest patent comes in.

Disney filed a patent for a projection system that can be used with drones. Essentially, the system would project a still image or video onto a reflector positioned between the projector and the drone. That reflector would ensure that the drone does not get in the way of the projection.

U.S. Patent and Trademark OfficeThe projection system could be used in a variety of ways. Disney notes that for many years there has been an interest in finding "new ways to project light and imagery and to otherwise provide aerial displays." That means the projection system could be used to further enhance light shows.

Geek Wire reports that Disney has been interested in using drones to create large characters during night-time entertainment displays for some time, and that this system serves as a breakthrough to that idea.

But the system also "opens new frontiers for aerial advertising capabilities and for other applications such as rapid dissemination of emergency information," the patent adds.

Disney filed a request to the Federal Aviation Administration to enable drones to fly over Walt Disney World, which is currently prohibited, Geekwire also reported. 

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