Patents by Inventor David Michael Churchill

David Michael Churchill 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: 11907414
    Abstract: An animation system includes an animated figure, multiple sensors, and an animation controller that includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The instructions cause the animation controller to receive guest detection data from the multiple sensors, receive shiny object detection data from the multiple sensors, determine an animation sequence of the animated figure based on the guest detection data and shiny object detection data, and transmit a control signal indicative of the animation sequence to cause the animated figure to execute the animation sequence. The guest detection data is indicative of a presence of a guest near the animated figure. The animation sequence is responsive to a shiny object detected on or near the guest based on the guest detection data and the shiny object detection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Churchill, Clarisse Vamos, Jeffrey A. Bardt
  • Publication number: 20220292754
    Abstract: An animation system includes an animated figure, multiple sensors, and an animation controller that includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The instructions cause the animation controller to receive guest detection data from the multiple sensors, receive shiny object detection data from the multiple sensors, determine an animation sequence of the animated figure based on the guest detection data and shiny object detection data, and transmit a control signal indicative of the animation sequence to cause the animated figure to execute the animation sequence. The guest detection data is indicative of a presence of a guest near the animated figure. The animation sequence is responsive to a shiny object detected on or near the guest based on the guest detection data and the shiny object detection data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: David Michael Churchill, Clarisse Vamos, Jeffrey A. Bardt
  • Patent number: 11354842
    Abstract: An animation system includes an animated figure, multiple sensors, and an animation controller that includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The instructions cause the animation controller to receive guest detection data from the multiple sensors, receive shiny object detection data from the multiple sensors, determine an animation sequence of the animated figure based on the guest detection data and shiny object detection data, and transmit a control signal indicative of the animation sequence to cause the animated figure to execute the animation sequence. The guest detection data is indicative of a presence of a guest near the animated figure. The animation sequence is responsive to a shiny object detected on or near the guest based on the guest detection data and the shiny object detection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Churchill, Clarisse Vamos, Jeffrey A. Bardt
  • Publication number: 20200258281
    Abstract: An animation system includes an animated figure, multiple sensors, and an animation controller that includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The instructions cause the animation controller to receive guest detection data from the multiple sensors, receive shiny object detection data from the multiple sensors, determine an animation sequence of the animated figure based on the guest detection data and shiny object detection data, and transmit a control signal indicative of the animation sequence to cause the animated figure to execute the animation sequence. The guest detection data is indicative of a presence of a guest near the animated figure. The animation sequence is responsive to a shiny object detected on or near the guest based on the guest detection data and the shiny object detection data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: David Michael Churchill, Clarisse Vamos, Jeffrey A. Bardt
  • Publication number: 20200193669
    Abstract: An animation system includes an animated figure, multiple sensors, and an animation controller that includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The instructions cause the animation controller to receive guest detection data from the multiple sensors, receive shiny object detection data from the multiple sensors, determine an animation sequence of the animated figure based on the guest detection data and shiny object detection data, and transmit a control signal indicative of the animation sequence to cause the animated figure to execute the animation sequence. The guest detection data is indicative of a presence of a guest near the animated figure. The animation sequence is responsive to a shiny object detected on or near the guest based on the guest detection data and the shiny object detection data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: David Michael Churchill, Clarisse Vamos, Jeffrey A. Bardt
  • Patent number: 10679397
    Abstract: An animation system includes an animated figure, multiple sensors, and an animation controller that includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The instructions cause the animation controller to receive guest detection data from the multiple sensors, receive shiny object detection data from the multiple sensors, determine an animation sequence of the animated figure based on the guest detection data and shiny object detection data, and transmit a control signal indicative of the animation sequence to cause the animated figure to execute the animation sequence. The guest detection data is indicative of a presence of a guest near the animated figure. The animation sequence is responsive to a shiny object detected on or near the guest based on the guest detection data and the shiny object detection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Churchill, Clarisse Vamos, Jeffrey A. Bardt
  • Publication number: 20200078816
    Abstract: A fountain system is provided. The fountain system includes a fountain nozzle that includes a body configured to telescope during extension and retraction and a nozzle outlet coupled an end of the body. The fountain system also includes an extension system configured to actuate the extension and retraction of the body. The fountain system also includes an actuation system configured to activate discharge of a liquid, such as water, from the nozzle outlet. The extension system and the actuation system are discrete systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventor: David Michael Churchill