Patents by Inventor Robert Russ

Robert Russ 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: 8666711
    Abstract: A radiation analysis system/method that automatically optimizes the efficiency calibration of a counting system based on benchmark data and variable parameters associated with radiation source/sensor/environment (RSSE) combinations is disclosed. The system/method bifurcates RSSE context (SSEC) model parameters into WELL-KNOWN (fixed) parameters (WNP) and NOT-WELL-KNOWN (variable) parameters (NWP). The NWP have associated lower/upper limit values (LULV) and a shape distribution (LUSD) describing NWP characteristics. SSEC models are evaluated using randomized statistical NWP variations or by using smart routines that perform a focused search within the LULV/LUSD to generate model calibration values (MCV) and calibration uncertainty values (UCV) describing the overall SSEC efficiencies. Sensor measurements using the MCV/UCV generate a measurement value and uncertainty estimation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Canberra Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frazier Lester Bronson, Ramkumar Venkataraman, Andrey Leonidovich Bosko, Nabil Menaa, William Robert Russ, Valery Vasilyevich Atrashkevich
  • Patent number: 8531467
    Abstract: Users define object control rigs that can be used to perform specific object manipulation tasks for the user when manipulating objects in a scene. Different rigs can be constructed for the same set of animation objects to perform different tasks. A rig is modeless in that a rig may include an arbitrary user-selected mixture of object control elements that are typically used in different modes and scopes of manipulation. When a user selects a rig, all of the visual representations of the object control elements specified for that rig are enabled to be displayed proximal the object(s) with which the control elements are associated. No additional selection of object parts is necessarily required to determine which control elements are associated with the object(s). The user may manipulate the object(s) using a displayed visual representation of an object control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: Tom Hahn, Robert Russ, Steven Clay Hunter
  • Patent number: 8253745
    Abstract: Systems and methods for custom designing modeless rigs or sets of object control elements that can be used when manipulating one or more objects. Users define object control rigs that can be used to perform specific object manipulation tasks for the user when manipulating objects in a scene. Different rigs can be constructed for the same set of animation objects to perform different tasks. A rig is modeless in that a rig may include an arbitrary user-selected mixture of object control elements that are typically used in different modes of manipulation. When a user selects a rig, all of the visual representations of the object control elements specified for that rig are enabled to be displayed proximal the object(s) with which the control elements are associated. No additional selection of object parts is necessarily required to determine which control elements are associated with the object(s). The user may manipulate the object(s) using a displayed visual representation of an object control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: Tom Hahn, Robert Russ, Steven Clay Hunter
  • Patent number: 8014518
    Abstract: A patch panel apparatus, system, method and computer program product for patch cord path tracing is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: NSGDATACOM, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham King, Simon Tiley, Robert Russ, Lehi Davis
  • Patent number: 7865532
    Abstract: Techniques for customizing draw styles of widgets to better accommodate a user's direct manipulation needs. A user can customize various attributes of a widget and its manipulators to suit the user's needs. The customizations are stored as a style. The stored style can subsequently be applied to the widget to control the appearance and behavior of the widget. Stored styles may be applied to other widgets and can also be shared between users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: Maxwell O. Drukman, Karon A. Weber, Robert Russ, Steven Hunter, Tom Hahn, Christopher Martin King, Katrina Archer
  • Patent number: 7636638
    Abstract: A system for combining the spectral data from multiple ionizing radiation detectors of different types and having different photopeak energy resolutions. First, baseline estimation is performed on each spectral histogram separately, discerning peak regions from underlying continuum using respective peak response functions. All spectra are subsequently rebinned to the same energy calibration and the peak spectra are convolved to produce a single convolution spectrum. All peak counts are redistributed locally according to the convolution spectrum in energy regions proportional to respective local energy resolution. The summation of these redistributed peak spectra can then be analyzed as a single spectrum using a common photopeak response and energy calibration. This process can be embodied in software or firmware. A preferred hybrid system might include a combination of lower resolution, higher efficiency detectors and higher resolution, lower efficiency detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Canberra Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William Robert Russ, Massimo Morichi
  • Publication number: 20090217160
    Abstract: Techniques for customizing draw styles of widgets to better accommodate a user's direct manipulation needs. A user can customize various attributes of a widget and its manipulators to suit the user's needs. The customizations are stored as a style. The stored style can subsequently be applied to the widget to control the appearance and behavior of the widget. Stored styles may be applied to other widgets and can also be shared between users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Pixar
    Inventors: Maxwell O. Drukman, Karon A. Weber, Robert Russ, Steven Hunter, Tom Hahn, Christopher Martin King, Katrina Archer
  • Publication number: 20090134337
    Abstract: A system for combining the spectral data from multiple ionizing radiation detectors of different types and having different photopeak energy resolutions. First, baseline estimation is performed on each spectral histogram separately, discerning peak regions from underlying continuum using respective peak response functions. All spectra are subsequently rebinned to the same energy calibration and the peak spectra are convolved to produce a single convolution spectrum. All peak counts are redistributed locally according to the convolution spectrum in energy regions proportional to respective local energy resolution. The summation of these redistributed peak spectra can then be analyzed as a single spectrum using a common photopeak response and energy calibration. This process can be embodied in software or firmware. A preferred hybrid system might include a combination of lower resolution, higher efficiency detectors and higher resolution, lower efficiency detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: William Robert Russ, Massimo Morichi
  • Patent number: 7516158
    Abstract: Techniques for customizing draw styles of widgets to better accommodate a user's direct manipulation needs. A user can customize various attributes of a widget and its manipulators to suit the user's needs. The customizations are stored as a style. The stored style can subsequently be applied to the widget to control the appearance and behavior of the widget. Stored styles may be applied to other widgets and can also be shared between users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: Maxwell O. Drukman, Karon A. Weber, Robert Russ, Steven Hunter, Tom Hahn, Christopher Martin King, Katrina Archer
  • Patent number: 7486295
    Abstract: A method for an animation environment includes displaying a first geometric object on a display, wherein the first geometric object comprises a plurality of geometric components, wherein the plurality of geometric components are coupled according to a geometric hierarchy, wherein the plurality of geometric components includes a first geometric component and a second geometric component, and wherein the first geometric component and the second geometric component are not adjacent within the geometric hierarchy, receiving a selection signal from a user, selecting the first geometric component in response to the selection signal, receiving a navigation signal from the user, and selecting the second geometric component in response to the navigation signal by traversing an animation hierarchy, wherein the first geometric component and the second geometric component are adjacent within the animation hierarchy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: Robert Russ, Christopher King, Maxwell O. Drukman, Malcolm Blanchard, Marco Da Silva, Tom Hahn, Karon A. Weber
  • Publication number: 20070286411
    Abstract: A patch panel apparatus, system, method and computer program product for patch cord path tracing is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: NSGDATACOM, INC.
    Inventors: Graham King, Simon Tiley, Robert Russ, Lehi Davis
  • Patent number: 7057618
    Abstract: A computer program product for a computer system includes code that directs a processor to display a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object on a display, wherein the two-dimensional representation comprises a plurality of two-dimensional regions, wherein the three-dimensional object is associated with a plurality of components in a component hierarchy, and wherein each two-dimensional region is associated with at least one component from the plurality of components, code that directs the processor to receive a selection of a two-dimensional region from the user on the display, code that directs the processor to determine a component from the plurality of components associated with the two-dimensional region, code that directs the processor to receive a value for an animation variable associated with the component, and code that directs the processor to set the animation variable associated with the component to the value, wherein the codes reside on a tangible media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: Robert Russ, Karon A. Weber, Maxwell O. Drukman, Tom Hahn, Marco da Silva, Christopher King
  • Publication number: 20050253846
    Abstract: A computer program product for a computer system includes code that directs a processor to display a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object on a display, wherein the two-dimensional representation comprises a plurality of two-dimensional regions, wherein the three-dimensional object is associated with a plurality of components in a component hierarchy, and wherein each two-dimensional region is associated with at least one component from the plurality of components, code that directs the processor to receive a selection of a two-dimensional region from the user on the display, code that directs the processor to determine a component from the plurality of components associated with the two-dimensional region, code that directs the processor to receive a value for an animation variable associated with the component, and code that directs the processor to set the animation variable associated with the component to the value, wherein the codes reside on a tangible media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Applicant: Pixar
    Inventors: Robert Russ, Karon Weber, Maxwell Drukman, Tom Hahn, Marco da Silva, Christopher King
  • Publication number: 20050253845
    Abstract: A method for an animation environment includes displaying a first geometric object on a display, wherein the first geometric object comprises a plurality of geometric components, wherein the plurality of geometric components are coupled according to a geometric hierarchy, wherein the plurality of geometric components includes a first geometric component and a second geometric component, and wherein the first geometric component and the second geometric component are not adjacent within the geometric hierarchy, receiving a selection signal from a user, selecting the first geometric component in response to the selection signal, receiving a navigation signal from the user, and selecting the second geometric component in response to the navigation signal by traversing an animation hierarchy, wherein the first geometric component and the second geometric component are adjacent within the animation hierarchy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Applicant: Pixar
    Inventors: Robert Russ, Christopher King, Maxwell Drukman, Malcolm Blanchard, Marco da Silva, Tom Hahn, Karon Weber
  • Publication number: 20050253852
    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 16, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Applicant: Pixar
    Inventors: Robert Russ, Christian Hoffman, David Mullins, Steven Hunter
  • Publication number: 20050234884
    Abstract: Techniques for customizing draw styles of widgets to better accommodate a user's direct manipulation needs. A user can customize various attributes of a widget and its manipulators to suit the user's needs. The customizations are stored as a style. The stored style can subsequently be applied to the widget to control the appearance and behavior of the widget. Stored styles may be applied to other widgets and can also be shared between users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Applicant: Pixar
    Inventors: Maxwell Drukman, Karon Weber, Robert Russ, Steven Hunter, Tom Hahn, Christopher King, Katrina Archer
  • Publication number: 20050030310
    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: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Applicant: Pixar
    Inventors: Steven Hunter, David Mullins, Robert Russ, William Wise, William Sheffler, Christian Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20050007370
    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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Applicant: Pixar
    Inventors: Steven Hunter, David Mullins, Robert Russ, William Wise, William Sheffler, Christian Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5003262
    Abstract: An eddy current sensor having a coil set with a reference coil and a measng coil, and a sine generator whose output signal is applied to the reference coil and the measuring coil. The output signals of these coils are subtracted from one another by a first subtracter, whose ouput signal is applied to a first modulator and to a second demodulator through a 90 degree phase shifter. The output signal of the sine generator is provided to the first and second demodulators as an additional signal via a phase shifter having an adjustable phase angle. A phase angle is selected such that the interference signals have a specified direction in the formed signal plane. The output signal from the first demodulator is applied through an amplifier having an adjustable amplifying factor (a) to an input of a second subtracter. Similarly, the output signal of the second demodulator is provided through an amplifier having an adjustable amplifying factor (b) to the second subtracter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V .
    Inventors: Harald Egner, Robert Russ, Paul Anthonio