Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2007-2011
Title: Innovations by Christian D Hoffman
Introduction
Christian D Hoffman is a notable inventor based in Oakland, CA, who has made significant contributions to the field of animation technology. With a total of four patents to his name, Hoffman's work primarily focuses on enhancing the efficiency of character modeling in animation.
Latest Patents
Hoffman's latest patents include innovative systems and methods for posing articulated models in contact with a surface. One of his patents describes a process that enables animators to efficiently pose character models' feet by receiving an initial foot model position that specifies a foot model contact point. The invention allows for the specification of foot roll parameters, which change the relative angle between the foot model and an alignment plane. These parameters include heel roll, ball roll, and toe roll, which dictate the rotation of the foot model around contact points on the heel, ball, and toe, respectively. The system ensures that the foot model maintains its contact point while adjusting its position based on the specified foot roll parameters.
Career Highlights
Christian D Hoffman is currently employed at Pixar, a leading animation studio known for its groundbreaking work in computer-generated imagery. His role at Pixar allows him to apply his innovative ideas and contribute to the development of advanced animation techniques.
Collaborations
Hoffman has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Steven Clay Hunter and Robert H Russ, further enhancing the creative environment at Pixar.
Conclusion
Christian D Hoffman is a prominent figure in the animation industry, whose patents and innovations have significantly improved the way animators pose character models. His contributions continue to shape the future of animation technology.