Other

The Jim Henson Company

Dreamworks Animation LLC

Michael Anthony Babcock

Glenn Muravsky

Brian Henson

John Criswell

Jeff Forbes

Matthew Christopher Gong

Fredrik Nilsson

Mark L Livingston

A method of creating a computer-generated animation uses a graphical user interface including a two-dimensional array of cells. The array has a plurality of rows associated with computer-generated elements and a plurality of columns associated with frames of the animation. The array includes a first cell associated with a first computer-generated element and a first frame. A first view of the array is displayed in which the first cell has a first width and includes a key frame indicator that indicates that a designated value is associated with the first computer-generated element for the first frame. A second view is displayed in which the first cell has a second width and includes an element value indicator. The second width is greater than the first width, and the element value indicator represents the designated value associated with the first computer-generated element.

Timeline tool for producing computer-generated animations

A method of creating a computer-generated animation uses a graphical user interface including a two-dimensional array of cells. The array has a plurality of rows associated with visual characteristics of a computer-generated character and a plurality of columns associated with frames of the animation. The array includes a first cell associated with a first visual characteristic and a first frame. A first view of the array is displayed in which the first cell has a first width and includes a key frame indicator that indicates that a designated value is associated with the first visual characteristic for the first frame. A second view is displayed in which the first cell has a second width and includes an element value indicator. The second width is greater than the first width, and the element value indicator represents the value associated with the first visual characteristic.

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 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.

System and method of animating a character through a single person performance

A device that straps against the front of one's pelvis and features chest and leg engagements extending from a central main-body to create a personal upper body support system. As wearer bends forward from the waist, the leg engagements leverage oppositely threaded shafts to screw together into an internally threaded main-body either against a powerful spring means used to effect a compressive stop or a spring-back counter force to the wearer's overhanging upper body weight. A knob-ended threaded rod screws through one of the shafts to adjust the point of engagement and/or spring tension. This device creates a prop effect between the wearer's chest and upper legs. The oppositely threaded shafts provide a unique mechanism that divides the transferred load equally to each leg regardless of leg stance, as well as for allowing unrestricted upright walking.

Personal upper body support device for lower back muscles assist

A waterski simulator is provided comprising a platform constructed and arranged to hold one practice skier and to rotate 180.degree. about a first pivot point, a pivoting arm constructed and arranged to rotate about 180.degree. about a second pivot point, the pivoting arm and the platform pivoting towards each other, a handle means connected to and extending from the pivoting arm and a resisting means associated with the pivoting arm providing resistance to the rotation thereof, said resistance being overcomeable by a practicing skier, whereby the practicing skier stands on the platform facing the pivoting arm and holds the handle means thereof, alternatively pivoting the platform and the pivoting arm, thereby simulating the movements associated with waterskiing.

Waterskiing simulator

A safety line anchor device holds a safety line for workmen and is generally intended for use in roof construction. The device is especially useful for use on wood truss roofs of any pitch. The first embodiment of the invention is constructed and arranged for use on one side of a wood truss, 24' centered roof of any pitch. This safety line anchor device comprises a main bar from which fastening straps extend, and at least one anchoring means for holding a safety line. The device is adapted to receive a fastening means, by which it is fixed to a roof. This embodiment can be designed for one or multiple anchor points. A second embodiment of the invention is adapted for use on the peak of a roof and comprises two pivotally joined anchors which straddle the roof peak, each anchor having an anchoring means for holding a safety line attached thereto. A third embodiment is adapted for use on the end peaks of a roof and comprises a pair of supports, each further comprising a central bar from which fastening straps extend, the supports being pivotally joined by a main support to which a safety line anchoring means is attached, from which a safety line may extend down the sides of a house. All embodiments are capable of withstanding a load of at least 5,000 pounds per person. A special hook latch allows only one safety line end to be attached to each anchor point. In addition, a protective shield is used to protect the safety line and the roof from abrasion.

Safety line anchoring device

A thermally insulated cooler for enclosing a beverage keg having a pre-chilled beverage temperature to be maintained. The cooler is of a soft sided composition cylindrical is shape having a permanently closed bottom end and a removable lid zippered at the other end for affording access to the storage compartment. A zippered access opening centrally located in the lid enables a dispensing tap connected to the keg to extend outward thereof without exposing the key to ambient temperatures. A strap extending longitudinally on opposite sides and across the bottom end enables the cooler with keg in place to be conveniently carried by hand.

Portable cooler for beverage kegs

A slalom waterskiing simulator for exercising muscles used in aggressive slalom waterskiing, the apparatus including a pivoting swing arm and associated mechanism for controllably moving and manuevering a practicing skiier between the two extreme positions normally encountered in slalom-type waterskiing.

Growing community of inventors

St. Louis Park, MN, United States of America

Michael Anthony Babcock