Patents by Inventor Robert Helms

Robert Helms 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: 10134167
    Abstract: Using curves to emulate soft body deformation in a computer-generated character is disclosed. A method can include accessing a reference model mapped to one or more deformation curves for the character. The reference model can include a mesh of vertices representing a soft body layer of the character. The deformation curve can include multiple sample points selected for mapping. Each mesh vertex on the model can be mapped to each sample point on the curve to establish a relationship between them for deformation. The method can also include receiving a movement of one or more sample points on the curve to a desired deformation position. The method can further include calculating primary and secondary movements of the mesh vertices on the model based on the movements of sample points. The method can move the mesh vertices as calculated to a desired deformation position and output the reference model with the moved vertices for rendering to emulate the soft body deformation of the character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: DREAMWORKS ANIMATION LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hutchinson, Guido Zimmerman, Robert Helms
  • Publication number: 20140267252
    Abstract: Using curves to emulate soft body deformation in a computer-generated character is disclosed. A method can include accessing a reference model mapped to one or more deformation curves for the character. The reference model can include a mesh of vertices representing a soft body layer of the character. The deformation curve can include multiple sample points selected for mapping. Each mesh vertex on the model can be mapped to each sample point on the curve to establish a relationship between them for deformation. The method can also include receiving a movement of one or more sample points on the curve to a desired deformation position. The method can further include calculating primary and secondary movements of the mesh vertices on the model based on the movements of sample points. The method can move the mesh vertices as calculated to a desired deformation position and output the reference model with the moved vertices for rendering to emulate the soft body deformation of the character.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DREAMWORKS ANIMATION LLC
    Inventors: Michael HUTCHINSON, Guido ZIMMERMANN, Robert HELMS
  • Publication number: 20070239346
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for aggregating data from multiple client terminals that are located on a vehicle, processing the data and communicating the processed data to multiple agencies. The client terminal devices are coupled to vehicle engine data bus to provide performance data and location data for trucks that travel in commerce. The data may be provided in real-time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Pegasus TransTech Corporation
    Inventors: Russell Hawkins, Robert Helms
  • Publication number: 20070150337
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are related to a point of sale system located at a truck stop that integrates an image processing device, such as a scanner. The system can transmit transportation documents to at least one remote recipient. Such a system can streamline the billing process in the trucking industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: Pegasus TransTech Corporation
    Inventors: Russell Hawkins, Robert Helms