Patents by Inventor James Acquavella

James Acquavella has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11257269
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for intelligently blending inverse kinematic (IK) solutions to more naturally depict joint positioning and/or movement of digital animated characters. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the character animation system can blend two IK solutions for an elbow joint based on a shoulder angle. For example, the character animation system can utilize a blending region to dynamically blend IK solutions as the shoulder angle moves through the blending region, thereby smoothly modifying bend direction and elbow position of the animated character arm. Based on the modified elbow position relative to a wrist position and a shoulder position, the animated character system can simulate more accurate, natural arm movements while reducing time and interactions needed to generate realistic animation sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Adobe Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Saito, James Acquavella, David Werner
  • Publication number: 20210074050
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for intelligently blending inverse kinematic (IK) solutions to more naturally depict joint positioning and/or movement of digital animated characters. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the character animation system can blend two IK solutions for an elbow joint based on a shoulder angle. For example, the character animation system can utilize a blending region to dynamically blend IK solutions as the shoulder angle moves through the blending region, thereby smoothly modifying bend direction and elbow position of the animated character arm. Based on the modified elbow position relative to a wrist position and a shoulder position, the animated character system can simulate more accurate, natural arm movements while reducing time and interactions needed to generate realistic animation sequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Jun Saito, James Acquavella, David Werner
  • Publication number: 20200364919
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for intelligently blending inverse kinematic (IK) solutions to more naturally depict joint positioning and/or movement of digital animated characters. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the character animation system can blend two IK solutions for an elbow joint based on a shoulder angle. For example, the character animation system can utilize a blending region to dynamically blend IK solutions as the shoulder angle moves through the blending region, thereby smoothly modifying bend direction and elbow position of the animated character arm. Based on the modified elbow position relative to a wrist position and a shoulder position, the animated character system can simulate more accurate, natural arm movements while reducing time and interactions needed to generate realistic animation sequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Jun Saito, James Acquavella, David Werner
  • Patent number: 10818065
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for intelligently blending inverse kinematic (IK) solutions to more naturally depict joint positioning and/or movement of digital animated characters. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the character animation system can blend two IK solutions for an elbow joint based on a shoulder angle. For example, the character animation system can utilize a blending region to dynamically blend IK solutions as the shoulder angle moves through the blending region, thereby smoothly modifying bend direction and elbow position of the animated character arm. Based on the modified elbow position relative to a wrist position and a shoulder position, the animated character system can simulate more accurate, natural arm movements while reducing time and interactions needed to generate realistic animation sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: ADOBE INC.
    Inventors: Jun Saito, James Acquavella, David Werner
  • Patent number: 10402481
    Abstract: Systems and methods for switching to different states of electronic content being developed in a content creation application. This involves storing different states of the electronic content using a content-addressable data store, where individual states are represented by identifiers that identify items of respective states stored in the content-addressable data store. Identical items that are included in multiple states are stored once in the content-addressable data store and referenced by common identifiers. Input is received to change the electronic content to a selected state of the different states and the electronic content is displayed in the selected state based on identifiers for the selected state. In this way, undo, redo, and other commands to switch to different states of electronic content being developed are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Adobe Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Simons, James Acquavella, Gregory Scott Evans, Joel Brandt
  • Patent number: 9973744
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment involves receiving a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) track points for a plurality of frames of a video, wherein the 3D track points are extracted from a plurality of two-dimensional source points. The embodiment further involves rendering the 3D track points across a plurality of frames of the video on a two-dimensional (2D) display. Additionally, the embodiment involves coloring each of the 3D track points wherein the color of each 3D track point visually distinguishes the 3D track point from a plurality of surrounding 3D track points, and wherein the color of each 3D track point is consistent across the frames of the video. The embodiment also involves sizing each of the 3D track points based on a distance between a camera that captured the video and a location of the 2D source points referenced by the respective one of the 3D track points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: James Acquavella, David Simons, Daniel M. Wilk
  • Publication number: 20180081865
    Abstract: Systems and methods for switching to different states of electronic content being developed in a content creation application. This involves storing different states of the electronic content using a content-addressable data store, where individual states are represented by identifiers that identify items of respective states stored in the content-addressable data store. Identical items that are included in multiple states are stored once in the content-addressable data store and referenced by common identifiers. Input is received to change the electronic content to a selected state of the different states and the electronic content is displayed in the selected state based on identifiers for the selected state. In this way, undo, redo, and other commands to switch to different states of electronic content being developed are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: David Simons, James Acquavella, Gregory Scott Evans, Joel Brandt
  • Patent number: 9877010
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment involves identifying a plane defined by a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) track points rendered on a two-dimensional (2D) display, wherein the 3D track points are rendered at a plurality of corresponding locations of a video frame. The embodiment also involves displaying a target marker at the plane defined by the 3D track points to allow for visualization of the plane, wherein the target marker is displayed at an angle that corresponds with an angle of the plane. Additionally, the embodiment involves inserting a 3D object at a location in the plane defined by the 3D track points to be embedded into the video frame. The location of the 3D object is based at least in part on the target marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: James Acquavella, David Simons, Daniel M. Wilk
  • Patent number: 9842094
    Abstract: Systems and methods for switching to different states of electronic content being developed in a content creation application. This involves storing different states of the electronic content using a content-addressable data store, where individual states are represented by identifiers that identify items of respective states stored in the content-addressable data store. Identical items that are included in multiple states are stored once in the content-addressable data store and referenced by common identifiers. Input is received to change the electronic content to a selected state of the different states and the electronic content is displayed in the selected state based on identifiers for the selected state. In this way, undo, redo, and other commands to switch to different states of electronic content being developed are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: David P. Simons, James Acquavella, Gregory Scott Evans, Joel Brandt
  • Publication number: 20170235710
    Abstract: Systems and methods for switching to different states of electronic content being developed in a content creation application. This involves storing different states of the electronic content using a content-addressable data store, where individual states are represented by identifiers that identify items of respective states stored in the content-addressable data store. Identical items that are included in multiple states are stored once in the content-addressable data store and referenced by common identifiers. Input is received to change the electronic content to a selected state of the different states and the electronic content is displayed in the selected state based on identifiers for the selected state. In this way, undo, redo, and other commands to switch to different states of electronic content being developed are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: David P. Simons, James Acquavella, Gregory Scott Evans, Joel Brandt
  • Publication number: 20160191902
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment involves identifying a plane defined by a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) track points rendered on a two-dimensional (2D) display, wherein the 3D track points are rendered at a plurality of corresponding locations of a video frame. The embodiment also involves displaying a target marker at the plane defined by the 3D track points to allow for visualization of the plane, wherein the target marker is displayed at an angle that corresponds with an angle of the plane. Additionally, the embodiment involves inserting a 3D object at a location in the plane defined by the 3D track points to be embedded into the video frame. The location of the 3D object is based at least in part on the target marker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: James Acquavella, David Simons, Daniel M. Wilk
  • Patent number: 9299160
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment involves identifying a plane defined by a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) track points rendered on a two-dimensional (2D) display, wherein the 3D track points are rendered at a plurality of corresponding locations of a video frame. The embodiment also involves displaying a target marker at the plane defined by the 3D track points to allow for visualization of the plane, wherein the target marker is displayed at an angle that corresponds with an angle of the plane. Additionally, the embodiment involves inserting a 3D object at a location in the plane defined by the 3D track points to be embedded into the video frame. The location of the 3D object is based at least in part on the target marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: James Acquavella, David Simons, Daniel M. Wilk
  • Publication number: 20160044299
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment involves receiving a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) track points for a plurality of frames of a video, wherein the 3D track points are extracted from a plurality of two-dimensional source points. The embodiment further involves rendering the 3D track points across a plurality of frames of the video on a two-dimensional (2D) display. Additionally, the embodiment involves coloring each of the 3D track points wherein the color of each 3D track point visually distinguishes the 3D track point from a plurality of surrounding 3D track points, and wherein the color of each 3D track point is consistent across the frames of the video. The embodiment also involves sizing each of the 3D track points based on a distance between a camera that captured the video and a location of the 2D source points referenced by the respective one of the 3D track points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: James Acquavella, David Simons, Daniel M. Wilk
  • Patent number: 9208577
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment involves receiving a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) track points for a plurality of frames of a video, wherein the 3D track points are extracted from a plurality of two-dimensional source points. The embodiment further involves rendering the 3D track points across a plurality of frames of the video on a two-dimensional (2D) display. Additionally, the embodiment involves coloring each of the 3D track points wherein the color of each 3D track point visually distinguishes the 3D track point from a plurality of surrounding 3D track points, and wherein the color of each 3D track point is consistent across the frames of the video. The embodiment also involves sizing each of the 3D track points based on a distance between a camera that captured the video and a location of the 2D source points referenced by the respective one of the 3D track points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: James Acquavella, David Simons, Daniel M. Wilk
  • Publication number: 20140285624
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment involves receiving a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) track points for a plurality of frames of a video, wherein the 3D track points are extracted from a plurality of two-dimensional source points. The embodiment further involves rendering the 3D track points across a plurality of frames of the video on a two-dimensional (2D) display. Additionally, the embodiment involves coloring each of the 3D track points wherein the color of each 3D track point visually distinguishes the 3D track point from a plurality of surrounding 3D track points, and wherein the color of each 3D track point is consistent across the frames of the video. The embodiment also involves sizing each of the 3D track points based on a distance between a camera that captured the video and a location of the 2D source points referenced by the respective one of the 3D track points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: James Acquavella, David Simons, Daniel M. Wilk
  • Publication number: 20140285619
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment involves identifying a plane defined by a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) track points rendered on a two-dimensional (2D) display, wherein the 3D track points are rendered at a plurality of corresponding locations of a video frame. The embodiment also involves displaying a target marker at the plane defined by the 3D track points to allow for visualization of the plane, wherein the target marker is displayed at an angle that corresponds with an angle of the plane. Additionally, the embodiment involves inserting a 3D object at a location in the plane defined by the 3D track points to be embedded into the video frame. The location of the 3D object is based at least in part on the target marker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: James Acquavella, David Simons, Daniel M. Wilk
  • Patent number: 7864179
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus disclosed herein receive a non-integer star points input parameter value, create a star shape with a number of star points equal to an integer portion of the star points input parameter plus one, and store or render the star shape to an output device. A fractional star point is differentiated from integer star points by a differential radial length between the two. Some embodiments also receive a non-integer polygon sides input parameter value and render a modified polygon shape with a total number of sides equal to an integer portion of the polygon sides input parameter plus one. A number of sides equal to the integer portion of the polygon sides parameter minus one are rendered as regular polygon sides. Two sides are rendered as adjacent symmetrical bezier curves, and the modified polygon shape is stored or rendered to an output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: James Acquavella
  • Patent number: 7656406
    Abstract: Techniques for representing a stroke in an image, the stroke being defined by a path extending across one or more positions in the image and one or more stroke parameters, each stroke parameter representing an appearance attribute of the stroke. The techniques include associating values for the one or more stroke parameters with time values in a time dimension of the stroke, the parameter values being associated with the time values independent of position along the stroke path; and representing the stroke according to the parameter values and their associated time values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Jason Bartell, Daniel M. Wilk, James Acquavella
  • Patent number: 7453464
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for modifying the appearance of a text object. A modification hierarchy includes a plurality of modifiers, selection functions, and/or property operations. Each modifier includes one or more selection functions and one or more property operations. Each selection function defines a selection of at least a portion of one or more text units in a text object. Each property operation specifies an operation to be performed to modify one or more properties for text units in the selection. The modification hierarchy is defined by logical relationships between the modifiers, the selection functions and the property operations. The modification hierarchy is applied to the text object to modify the specified properties for the text units in the selection according to the selection functions and the property operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: James Acquavella
  • Patent number: 7446781
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for generating a composite image from both two-dimensional (2D) image layers and three-dimensional (3D) image layers. In one embodiment, the image layers are arranged in a sequence. The image layers are rendered according to the sequence to generate a composite image, the last image layer of the sequence to be rendered being a 2D image layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel O'Donnell, James Acquavella, David P. Simons