The Jim Henson Company

Glenn Muravsky

Michael Anthony Babcock

Jeff Forbes

Brian Henson

John Criswell

A real-time method for producing an animated performance is disclosed. The real-time method involves receiving animation data, the animation data used to animate a computer generated character. The animation data may comprise motion capture data, or puppetry data, or a combination thereof. A computer generated animated character is rendered in real-time with receiving the animation data. A body movement of the computer generated character may be based on the motion capture data, and a head and a facial movement are based on the puppetry data. A first view of the computer generated animated character is created from a first reference point. A second view of the computer generated animated character is created from a second reference point that is distinct from the first reference point. One or more of the first and second views of the computer generated animated character are displayed in real-time with receiving the animation data.

System and method of producing an animated performance utilizing multiple cameras

A motion sensor having a coiled member, light emitter, and light detector. The coiled member is bendable in response to lateral forces applied thereto. The coiled member defines an internal open ended channel having a first end opposite a second end. The emitter is adjacent the first end and emits light into the channel. At least a portion of that light travels through the channel toward the second portion. An amount of light reaching the detector is determined at least in part by how much the coiled member is bent. The detector is adjacent the second end and receives light from the channel. The detector is configured to transmit a signal indicating an amount of light received. The signal may be used by a motion capture system to animate a computer generated animation. Multiple motion sensors may be incorporated into a glove and positioned to detect bending of finger joints.

Motion sensor for detecting bending or pivoting

A method of animating a computer generated character in real-time through a single person performance is disclosed. The method provides a mobile input device configured to receive a hand puppetry movement as an input from a performer. Further, the method provides a motion capture device that includes a plurality of markers. The motion capture device is configured to be worn on the body of the performer. Motion capture data is received at a computer. The motion capture data is representative of the positions of the plurality of markers. In addition, input device data is received from the mobile input device at the computer. A computer generated animated character is then generated, the body movements of the character being based on the motion capture data, and head and facial movements being based on the input device data received from the mobile input device.

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Studio City, CA, United States of America

Glenn Muravsky