Abstract: A technique for solving an inverse-kinematic problem by interpolating solutions from examples. Example poses or motions of an object are collected and annotated. The annotations are essentially parameters for a function—i.e., the function X(p) generates degree-of-freedom values of an object that is posed in a manner that satisfies parameters p. The analytic function X is interpolated from these examples and improved automatically based on kinematic measurements. Preferably, the interpolation is created by taking a weighted sum of cardinal basis functions having linear and radial parts, Preferably, the interpolation is a weighted sum of cardinal basis functions having linear and radial portions.

Abstract: A technique for solving an inverse-kinematic problem by interpolating solutions from examples. Example poses or motions of an object are collected and annotated. The annotations are essentially parameters for a function—i.e., the function X(p) generates degree-of-freedom values of an object that is posed in a manner that satisfies parameters p. The analytic function X is interpolated from these examples and improved automatically based on kinematic measurements. Preferably, the interpolation is created by taking a weighted sum of cardinal basis functions having linear and radial parts. Preferably, the interpolation is a weighted sum of cardinal basis functions having linear and radial portions.

Abstract: A technique for solving an inverse-kinematic problem by interpolating solutions from examples. Example poses or motions of an object are collected and annotated. The annotations are essentially parameters for a function—i.e., the function X(p) generates degree-of-freedom values of an object that is posed in a manner that satisfies parameters p. The analytic function X is interpolated from these examples and improved automatically based on kinematic measurements. Preferably, the interpolation is created by taking a weighted sum of cardinal basis functions having linear and radial parts, Preferably, the interpolation is a weighted sum of cardinal basis functions having linear and radial portions.

Abstract: A digital certificate identifies an entity as having authority over the certificate to revoke same as delegated by the issuer. The certificate also has at least one revocation condition relating to possible revocation of the certificate. To authenticate the certificate, the identification of the delegated revocation authority, a location from which a revocation list is to be obtained, and any freshness requirement to be applied to the revocation list are determined from the certificate. It is then ensured that the revocation list from the location is present and that the present revocation list satisfies the freshness requirement, that the revocation list is promulgated by the delegated revocation authority identified in the certificate, and that the certificate is not identified in the revocation list as being revoked.

Abstract: A publishing user publishes digital content and issues to itself a corresponding digital publisher license to allow itself to render the published digital content. The publishing user is supplied with a publishing certificate from a digital rights management (DRM) server, where the publishing certificate allows the publishing user to so publish the digital content and to so issue the publisher license.

Abstract: A technique for solving an inverse-kinematic problem by interpolating solutions from examples. Example poses or motions of an object are collected and annotated. The annotations are essentially parameters for a function—i.e., the function x(p) generates degree-of-freedom values of an object that is posed in a manner that satisfies parameters p. The analytic function X is interpolated from these examples and improved automatically based on kinematic measurements. Preferably, the interpolation is created by taking a weighted sum of cardinal basis functions having linear and radial parts, Preferably, the interpolation is a weighted sum of cardinal basis functions having linear and radial portions.

Abstract: A handgrip drying device comprises a bag-like, tubular body containing a moisture absorbing material and sealed with hook-and-loop fasteners. A moist or wet equipment handgrip is dried by placing it in the bag-like, tubular body, which then is shaken to bring all portions of the equipment handgrip that are contained in the bag-like tubular body into contact with the moisture absorbing material.

Abstract: A system for providing improved computer animation can be used in interactive applications such as 3D video games and virtual environments. Tie system comprises an offline authoring system with tools for constructing controllable “verbs” from sets of motion example segments, and for constructing transitions between different verbs; and a runtime system for controlling the invocation of the verbs as parameterized by user defined “adverbs”. The system involves interpolating predefined animation segments created by an animator or through motion capture video. The animation segments are made up of data representing selected points on the animated creature (e.g., the joints and extremities) and values, as a function of time, for each degree of freedom of those points. In addition, a “verb graph” is constructed to act as the glue to assemble verbs and their adverbs into a runtime data structure. The verb graph defines the allowable transitions from one verb to another verb.

Abstract: A method and system which simplifies the process of constructing new basis motions and transitions between them for animation of articulated figures with many degrees of freedom using existing basis motion data. The system uses an interpreter of a motion expression language called motion algebra to allow a user to manipulate basis motion data, break it into components, and reassemble it into new, more complex motions. The system provides two methods for generating motion: motion transition generation and cyclification. Motion transition generation uses a combination of space/time constraints and inverse kinematic constraints to generate transitions between basis motions. These transitions minimize the torque required while maintaining kinematic constraints. A fast dynamics formulation makes it possible to use spacetime constraints on systems with many degrees of freedom. Cyclification helps to eliminate discontinuities in cyclic motions and distributes the discontinuity error over an entire time interval.

Abstract: A golf club handle drying device comprising a tubular piece that is closed at a first end and open at a second end, a cap, a desiccant, and means for removing desiccant from the golf club handle. A wet golf handle is dried by placing it in the tubular piece in contact with the desiccant.

Abstract: A flat, plate-like member of resilient synthetic plastic has one end pivotally connected to a stud affixed to the inner end wall surface of one luggage shell. One of a pair of elongated, parallel curved slots formed in the plate is received onto a second stud affixed to the other luggage parts such that when the two luggage parts are opened or closed on each other, the stud will slide along and be guided by the slot. The second stud has cross-sectional dimensions larger than the slot width which distends the plastic material between the two slots producing a resilient clamping action on the stud.

Abstract: A first version includes a flat, plate-like member of resilient synthetic plastic having one end pivotally connected to a stud affixed to the inner end wall surface of one luggage shell. One of a pair of elongated, parallel curved slots formed in the plate is received onto a second stud affixed to the other luggage parts such that when the two luggage parts are opened or closed on each other, the stud will slide along and be guided by the slot. The second stud has cross-sectional dimensions larger than the slot width which distends the plastic material between the two slots producing a resilient clamping action on the stud.A second version includes a metal plate with an end pivotally connected to a stud on the inner surface of one shell. A slot in the plate is received onto a stud on the other luggage shell such that the stud will slide along and be guided by the slot. A thickened ear is located immediately adjacent the slot as a stop.

Abstract: A novelty chair simulating a conventional water closet having a cushioned seat and backrest. Support arms may be provided and the chair may be mounted on a base for better stability. The chair may also be rotatably mounted on the base.