Patents by Inventor Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier
Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier 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).
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Patent number: 11938630Abstract: An edible soft robot system may be used to display and/or interact with edible inflatable objects. In an embodiment, the edible inflatable object is configured to receive a fluid in an internal compartment. The edible inflatable object may be reversibly coupled to a container, wherein coupling the edible inflatable object to the container comprises aligning a port of the edible inflatable object to a fluid conduit to fluidically couple the internal compartment to the fluid conduit. A control system of the edible soft robot system is configured to receive instructions to adjust inflation of the internal compartment by activating fluid flow into or out of the internal compartment via the fluid conduit, wherein adjusting inflation of the internal compartment causes the edible inflatable object to actuate on or within the container.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2020Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Kimberly Anne Humphreys, Aaron Chandler Jeromin, Elam Kevin Hertzler, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier
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Publication number: 20240078352Abstract: An amusement park attraction design system may include an object token having a first tracker coupled to a first projection surface, a visualization tool having a second tracker, and an image sensor that generates location data based on the first tracker and the second tracker. The amusement park attraction design system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the image sensor and a projector. The controller may receive the location data from the image sensor to determine the object token and the visualization tool based on the first tracker and the second tracker, respectively. The controller may also receive image content based on an interaction between the object token and the visualization tool and send an indication of the image content to be projected. The projector may receive the indication of the image content and project the image content onto the first projection surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier
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Publication number: 20240036353Abstract: Systems and methods for generating real images via retroreflection are provided. An image source may project light beams, which are received at a beam splitter. The beam splitter, positioned between a retroreflector and a viewing area, may reflect the light beams toward the retroreflector. In turn, the light beams may be reflected back from the retroreflector and toward and through the beam splitter to generate a real image that appears to a viewer to be floating in the viewing area. A controller may control the image source to adjust the real image based on a control parameter detected by at least one sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier
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Patent number: 11878408Abstract: A robotic system includes a multi-sectional show robot. The multi-sectional show robot includes a primary robot with a controller and one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are configured to acquire feedback indicative of an environment surrounding the primary robot. The multi-sectional show robot also includes a secondary robot configured to removably couple to the primary robot to transition the multi-sectional show robot between a disengaged configuration, in which the primary robot is decoupled from the secondary robot, and an engaged configuration, in which the primary robot is coupled to the secondary robot. The controller is configured to operate the primary robot based on the feedback and a first control scheme with the multi-sectional show robot in the disengaged configuration and to operate the primary robot based on a second control scheme with the multi-sectional show robot in the engaged configuration.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2021Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Aaron Chandler Jeromin, Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier, Elam Kevin Hertzler, Matthew Sean Pearse, Samuel James Knox, Lee Marvin Wilson, Kimberly Anne Humphreys, Cody Daniel Nichoson, Trace Andrew Dressen
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Publication number: 20230422366Abstract: A special effects system includes a retroreflective target, an object comprising one or more light sources disposed on an end of the object, where the end of the object is spatially oriented to face the retroreflective target such that light from the one or more light sources is emitted onto the retroreflective target, and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and the one or more light sources, wherein the controller comprises a processor configured to adjust the light from the light source based in part on the on the one or more signals output by the one or more sensors, wherein the signals are indicative of a position of the object, or a condition of the one or more light sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Aaron Chandler Jeromin, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier
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Patent number: 11803067Abstract: Systems and method for generating real images via retroreflection are provided. An image source may project light beams, which are received at a beam splitter. The beam splitter, positioned between a retroreflector and a viewing area, may reflect the light beams toward the retroreflector. In turn, the light beams may be reflected back from the retroreflector and toward and through the beam splitter to generate a real image that appears to a viewer to be floating in the viewing area. A controller may control the image source to adjust the real image based on a control parameter detected by at least one sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2021Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier
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Patent number: 11758626Abstract: A special effects system includes a retroreflective target, an object comprising one or more light sources disposed on an end of the object, where the end of the object is spatially oriented to face the retroreflective target such that light from the one or more light sources is emitted onto the retroreflective target, and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and the one or more light sources, wherein the controller comprises a processor configured to adjust the light from the light source based in part on the on the one or more signals output by the one or more sensors, wherein the signals are indicative of a position of the object, or a condition of the one or more light sources.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Aaron Chandler Jeromin, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier
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Patent number: 11420578Abstract: An attraction system includes a sensor configured to emit an output signal toward a guest area and receive a reflected signal from the guest area and a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor. The control system is configured to receive data from the sensor, in which the data is indicative of a distance of signal travel based on the output signal and the reflected signal. The control system is also configured to compare the distance of signal travel with an unoccupied distance value corresponding to a distance between the sensor and the guest area being unoccupied, and determine whether the guest area is occupied based on comparing a difference between the distance of signal travel and the unoccupied distance value with a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier, Matthew Sean Pearse, Yu-Jen Lin
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Publication number: 20220137428Abstract: Systems and method for generating real images via retroreflection are provided. An image source may project light beams, which are received at a beam splitter. The beam splitter, positioned between a retroreflector and a viewing area, may reflect the light beams toward the retroreflector. In turn, the light beams may be reflected back from the retroreflector and toward and through the beam splitter to generate a real image that appears to a viewer to be floating in the viewing area. A controller may control the image source to adjust the real image based on a control parameter detected by at least one sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2021Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier
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Patent number: 11215915Abstract: A granular material effect system includes a plurality of granular particles disposed in a container, a nozzle configured to activate to direct a fluid into the container, an actuator coupled to a prop and disposed in the container within the plurality of granular particles, and a controller communicatively coupled to the nozzle and the actuator. The controller is configured to instruct the nozzle to activate to direct the fluid into the container and to instruct the actuator to move the prop relative to the container while the nozzle is activated.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier, Matthew Usi, Elam Kevin Hertzler, Simran Veena Batra, Aaron Chandler Jeromin
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Patent number: 11187252Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for actuating a soft robot. An actuation system includes a camshaft, a motor configured to drive the camshaft to rotate around a rotational axis, and an air bladder configured to expel fluid from the air bladder during compression and draw fluid into the air bladder during decompression. The system further includes a cam coupled to the camshaft that is configured to rotate around the rotational axis when the camshaft is driven and compress or decompress the air bladder based on a physical profile of the cam as the cam rotates around the rotational axis. The system also includes a soft robot coupled to the air bladder, wherein the soft robot is actuated to move based on the fluid inserted into the soft robot during compression or the fluid removed from the soft robot during decompression.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLCInventors: Aaron Chandler Jeromin, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier, Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Andrew Jayce Meersand
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Publication number: 20210354304Abstract: A robotic system includes a multi-sectional show robot. The multi-sectional show robot includes a primary robot with a controller and one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are configured to acquire feedback indicative of an environment surrounding the primary robot. The multi-sectional show robot also includes a secondary robot configured to removably couple to the primary robot to transition the multi-sectional show robot between a disengaged configuration, in which the primary robot is decoupled from the secondary robot, and an engaged configuration, in which the primary robot is coupled to the secondary robot. The controller is configured to operate the primary robot based on the feedback and a first control scheme with the multi-sectional show robot in the disengaged configuration and to operate the primary robot based on a second control scheme with the multi-sectional show robot in the engaged configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Aaron Chandler Jeromin, Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier, Elam Kevin Hertzler, Matthew Sean Pearse, Samuel James Knox, Lee Marvin Wilson, Kimberley Anne Humphreys, Cody Daniel Nichoson, Trace Andrew Dressen
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Patent number: 11158220Abstract: An animated window system may include a projection surface configured to display at least one image to a viewer on a viewer side of the projection surface, wherein the projection surface comprises a tinted material. The animated window system may also include a projector spaced apart from the projection surface, wherein the projector is configured to project the at least one image onto a rear side of the projection surface, the rear side opposing the viewer side and a controller comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the controller is configured to provide the at least one image to the projector to be projected onto the projection surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier, Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Matthew Usi, Simran V. Batra, David Majdali
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Publication number: 20210289597Abstract: A special effects system includes a retroreflective target, an object comprising one or more light sources disposed on an end of the object, where the end of the object is spatially oriented to face the retroreflective target such that light from the one or more light sources is emitted onto the retroreflective target, and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and the one or more light sources, wherein the controller comprises a processor configured to adjust the light from the light source based in part on the on the one or more signals output by the one or more sensors, wherein the signals are indicative of a position of the object, or a condition of the one or more light sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2020Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Aaron Chandler Jeromin, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier
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Publication number: 20210268984Abstract: An attraction system includes a sensor configured to emit an output signal toward a guest area and receive a reflected signal from the guest area and a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor. The control system is configured to receive data from the sensor, in which the data is indicative of a distance of signal travel based on the output signal and the reflected signal. The control system is also configured to compare the distance of signal travel with an unoccupied distance value corresponding to a distance between the sensor and the guest area being unoccupied, and determine whether the guest area is occupied based on comparing a difference between the distance of signal travel and the unoccupied distance value with a threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2020Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier, Matthew Sean Pearse, Yu-Jen Lin
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Patent number: 11103797Abstract: A control system includes a ride controller configured to maintain a plurality of rules indicative of permitted states of the free-roaming ride vehicle within a game area and including gameplay rules. The ride controller is configured to receive monitoring data indicative of a current state of a free-roaming ride vehicle, receive a signal indicative of a user request to perform a requested action with the free-roaming ride vehicle, model performance of the requested action from the current state to determine a modeled state of the free-roaming ride vehicle, and determine whether the modeled state complies with the plurality of rules. In response to determining the modeled state does not comply with the plurality of rules, the ride controller is configured to determine a proximate action that complies with the plurality of rules and provide a control signal to instruct the free-roaming ride vehicle to perform the proximate action.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2020Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier, Simran Veena Batra
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Publication number: 20210102560Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for actuating a soft robot. An actuation system includes a camshaft, a motor configured to drive the camshaft to rotate around a rotational axis, and an air bladder configured to expel fluid from the air bladder during compression and draw fluid into the air bladder during decompression. The system further includes a cam coupled to the camshaft that is configured to rotate around the rotational axis when the camshaft is driven and compress or decompress the air bladder based on a physical profile of the cam as the cam rotates around the rotational axis. The system also includes a soft robot coupled to the air bladder, wherein the soft robot is actuated to move based on the fluid inserted into the soft robot during compression or the fluid removed from the soft robot during decompression.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2020Publication date: April 8, 2021Inventors: Aaron Chandler Jeromin, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier, Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Andrew Jayce Meersand
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Publication number: 20210060766Abstract: An edible soft robot system may be used to display and/or interact with edible inflatable objects. In an embodiment, the edible inflatable object is configured to receive a fluid in an internal compartment. The edible inflatable object may be reversibly coupled to a container, wherein coupling the edible inflatable object to the container comprises aligning a port of the edible inflatable object to a fluid conduit to fluidically couple the internal compartment to the fluid conduit. A control system of the edible soft robot system is configured to receive instructions to adjust inflation of the internal compartment by activating fluid flow into or out of the internal compartment via the fluid conduit, wherein adjusting inflation of the internal compartment causes the edible inflatable object to actuate on or within the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Kimberly Anne Humphreys, Aaron Chandler Jeromin, Elam Kevin Hertzler, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier
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Publication number: 20210033957Abstract: A granular material effect system includes a plurality of granular particles disposed in a container, a nozzle configured to activate to direct a fluid into the container, an actuator coupled to a prop and disposed in the container within the plurality of granular particles, and a controller communicatively coupled to the nozzle and the actuator. The controller is configured to instruct the nozzle to activate to direct the fluid into the container and to instruct the actuator to move the prop relative to the container while the nozzle is activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2019Publication date: February 4, 2021Inventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier, Matthew Usi, Elam Kevin Hertzler, Simran Veena Batra, Aaron Chandler Jeromin
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Publication number: 20200289950Abstract: A control system includes a ride controller configured to maintain a plurality of rules indicative of permitted states of the free-roaming ride vehicle within a game area and including gameplay rules. The ride controller is configured to receive monitoring data indicative of a current state of a free-roaming ride vehicle, receive a signal indicative of a user request to perform a requested action with the free-roaming ride vehicle, model performance of the requested action from the current state to determine a modeled state of the free-roaming ride vehicle, and determine whether the modeled state complies with the plurality of rules. In response to determining the modeled state does not comply with the plurality of rules, the ride controller is configured to determine a proximate action that complies with the plurality of rules and provide a control signal to instruct the free-roaming ride vehicle to perform the proximate action.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier, Simran Veena Batra