David Stanley Immel

Title: David Stanley Immel: Innovator in 3D Animation Technology

Introduction

David Stanley Immel is a notable inventor based in Santa Barbara, California. He has made significant contributions to the field of 3D animation technology, holding 2 patents that showcase his innovative approach to cloth simulation and interactive scene creation.

Latest Patents

One of Immel's latest patents is a "System for in-scene cloth modification." This system allows users to make modifications to cloth during the animation of objects associated with the cloth. The new geometry is updated in the in-scene cloth without requiring the animation to restart. The modified panels of the cloth are mapped into the counterpart panels of the simulated cloth by morphing the modified panels from a cloth definition into the space of the old panels in the scene. A relaxation of the cloth enables the new panel to take its natural shape during the animation. The mapping process also includes finding each new panel vertex a location in the original or old panel when cloth is added.

Another significant patent is for "Interactive authoring of 3D scenes and movies." This invention allows users to generate three-dimensional scenes or movies by interactively selecting a stage from several available 3D stages. Each stage has predetermined features such as a pedestal, lighting characteristics, or a camera path. Users can import predefined 3D objects into the selected stage and manipulate them to compose a scene. Once the scene is composed, it can be rendered to generate an image or a series of scenes for an animated movie.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, David Immel has worked with prominent companies such as Platinum Technology Inc. and Silicon Graphics, Incorporated. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in 3D technology and animation.

Collaborations

Immel has collaborated with notable individuals in the industry, including Richard J. Carey and Paul S. Strauss. These collaborations have likely enriched his work and contributed to the development of his innovative patents.

Conclusion

David Stanley Immel is a distinguished inventor whose work in 3D animation technology has led to significant advancements in the field. His patents reflect a deep understanding of cloth simulation and interactive scene creation, making him a valuable contributor to the industry.