Patents by Inventor Christian D. Hoffman

Christian D. Hoffman 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: 7876326
    Abstract: A system and method enables animators to efficiently pose character models' feet. An initial foot model position is received. The initial foot model position specifies a foot model contact point. One or more foot roll parameters are specified that change the relative angle between at least a portion of the foot model and an initial orientation of an alignment plane. Foot roll parameters specify the rotation of the foot model around foot model contact points. Foot roll parameters can include heel roll, ball roll, and toe roll, which specify the rotation of the foot model around contact points on the heel, ball, and toe, respectively, of a foot model. To maintain the position of the foot model contact point, the foot model position is adjusted based on the foot roll parameter. The repositioned foot model is realigned with alignment plane, which restores contact at the foot model contact point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: Robert H. Russ, Christian D. Hoffman, David Harless Mullins, II, Steven Clay Hunter
  • Publication number: 20100085364
    Abstract: A system and method enables animators to efficiently pose character models' feet. An initial foot model position is received. The initial foot model position specifies a foot model contact point. One or more foot roll parameters are specified that change the relative angle between at least a portion of the foot model and an initial orientation of an alignment plane. Foot roll parameters specify the rotation of the foot model around foot model contact points. Foot roll parameters can include heel roll, ball roll, and toe roll, which specify the rotation of the foot model around contact points on the heel, ball, and toe, respectively, of a foot model. To maintain the position of the foot model contact point, the foot model position is adjusted based on the foot roll parameter. The repositioned foot model is realigned with alignment plane, which restores contact at the foot model contact point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: PIXAR
    Inventors: Robert H. Russ, Christian D. Hoffman, David Harless Mullins, II, Steven Clay Hunter
  • Patent number: 7545378
    Abstract: A system and method enables animators to pose character models' feet. An initial foot model position is received. The initial foot model position specifies a foot model contact point. One or more foot roll parameters are specified that change the relative angle between at least a portion of the foot model and an initial orientation of an alignment plane. Foot roll parameters specify the rotation of the foot model around foot model contact points. Foot roll parameters can include heel roll, ball roll, and toe roll, which specify the rotation of the foot model around contact points on the heel, ball, and toe, respectively, of a foot model. To maintain the position of the foot model contact point, the foot model position is adjusted based on the foot roll parameter. The repositioned foot model is realigned with alignment plane, which restores contact at the foot model contact point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: Robert H Russ, Christian D Hoffman, David H Mullins, Steven Clay Hunter
  • Patent number: 7221380
    Abstract: A graphical user interface for a computer system includes a display portion configured to display a representation of a first three-dimensional object, wherein the first three-dimensional object has an associated first volume, and a control icon associated with the first three-dimensional object, wherein the control icon is configured to allow a user to specify a bend amount to the first three-dimensional object in a first dimension, wherein the display portion is also configured to display a representation of a bent first three-dimensional object, wherein the bent first three-dimensional object comprises the first three-dimensional object that is bent lengthwise in response to the bend amount, and that may have an adjusted thickness in response to the bend amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: Steven Clay Hunter, David H. Mullins, II, Robert H. Russ, William A. Wise, William F. Sheffler, Christian D. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7221379
    Abstract: A graphical user interface for a computer system includes a display portion configured to display a representation of a first three-dimensional object and a second three-dimensional object, wherein the first three-dimensional object has an associated first volume, and wherein the second three-dimensional object has an associated second volume, and a control icon associated with the first three-dimensional object, wherein a user can specify a modification to the first three-dimensional object in a first dimension via the control icon, wherein the display portion is also configured to display a representation of a modified first three-dimensional object, wherein the modified first three-dimensional object comprises the first three-dimensional object that is modified in the first dimension in response to the modification and that is modified in a second dimension in response to the modification and to a volume preservation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: David H. Mullins, Steven Clay Hunter, Robert H. Russ, William A. Wise, William F. Sheffler, Christian D. Hoffman