Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus and information processing method to implement a more natural and flexible behavior plan of an autonomous mobile object, the information processing apparatus including a behavior planner configured to plan a behavior of an autonomous mobile object based on estimation of circumstances, wherein the behavior planner is configured to, based on the circumstances that are estimated and multiple sets of needs that are opposed to each other, determine the behavior to be executed by the autonomous mobile object. The information processing method includes, by a processor, planning a behavior of an autonomous mobile object based on estimation of circumstances, wherein the planning includes, based on the circumstances that are estimated and multiple sets of needs that are opposed to each other, determining the behavior to be executed by the autonomous mobile object.

Abstract: A light system having a hollow housing; a light source provided in the housing; means for mounting the housing to a pool wall or floor; and a lens provided at an open end of the housing, having at least a portion configured to modify at least a portion of the light to match, blend in with, or at least compliment the pool wall or floor; and a flange surrounding the periphery of the lens.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a housing, a rotational member configured to rotate relative to the housing about an axis, and a clutch pack coupled between the housing and the rotational member. The clutch pack is configured to regulate movement of the rotational member relative to the housing. The clutch pack includes a speed sensor ring coupled to the rotational member such that the speed sensor ring is configured to rotate with the rotational member about the axis. The clutch assembly includes a sensor in communication with the speed sensor ring. The sensor is configured to measure an angular velocity of the rotational member relative to the housing.

Abstract: An LED light projector comprising a housing, a motor seated in the housing, and a projection carousel mounted distally on the motor and configured to rotate therewith in the housing. The projection carousel comprises a disk with a plurality of windows each having a plano-convex lens mounted therein. In addition, an LED circuit board is mounted on the motor, the LED circuit board including a number of LEDs for emitting a plurality of light beams. A focal assembly is mounted on the motor overtop the LED circuit board and it too includes windows each having a plano-concave lens for collimating the light beams. A partition is mounted in the housing adjacent (outside) the focal assembly and projection carousel, and it includes windows each having a removable image slide for passing the light beams and projecting an image thereon. The projected images result in a unique kaleidoscopic pattern.

Abstract: This document relates to systems and method for latent fingerprint detection using specular reflection (glare). An exemplary system may include a light source alignment portion configured to align a light source at an illumination angle relative to a sample surface such that the light source illuminates a sample surface so that the surface produces specular reflection. The system may also include a specular reflection discriminator that directs the produced specular reflection to an optical detector aligned relative to said sample surface at an alignment angle that is substantially equal to an angle of reflection of the produced specular reflection. Preferably, the directed specular reflection does not saturate the optical detector; and the optical detector captures the specular reflection from the sample surface and generates image data using essentially only the specular reflection.

Abstract: An image animation system having a plurality of individual image projectors focused onto a single focal area on a projection surface or medium. Angled optics, or a prism, may be used to direct the projections onto the single focal area. Individual still images are projected in a sequence to created a projected motion animation.

Abstract: A model is associated with a deep pose. When the model is changed from an attractor pose to a current pose, the current pose and the attractor pose are compared with the deep pose. If any portion of the current pose is more similar to the deep pose than the attractor pose, then the attractor pose is updated. A portion of the attractor pose may be set to the corresponding portion of the current pose. The attractor pose may be modified by a function. Pose attributes of each pose degrees of freedom for the attractor pose, the current pose, and the deep pose may be evaluated to potentially modify all or a portion of the attractor pose. The attractor pose and pose constraints are used to determine a pose of the model, for example by an optimization process based on the attractor pose while satisfying pose constraints.

Abstract: A low cost, light projection and sensing system that projects an image onto a display surface using an array of light emitters. The system or device has an integral sensing capability of the display surface using light sensors. Both the emitters and sensors are coupled to a control unit. The device modifies the light-projected image and sensor view region with its control unit. The device projects an animated overlaid image or large tiled image of photographic resolution. In at least one embodiment, a projection device may create smooth animation of its projected image by varying the brightness of one or more illuminated images within its generated video frames. Computer implemented methods are utilized for light emitter activation and brightness control.

Abstract: An image animation system having a plurality of individual image projectors focused onto a single focal area on a projection surface or medium. Angled optics, or a prism, may be used to direct the projections onto the single focal area. Individual still images are projected in a sequence to create a projected motion animation.

Abstract: A stroboscopic animation system with a handheld stroboscopic light with a light source that emits stroboscopic flashes, a manually rotatable top, and images to be animated retained on the upper surface of the top, such as on an animation disk. The frequency of the stroboscopic flashes can be varied, such as by a rotatable dial, with the “on” portions remaining constant and the “off” portions being adjusted. The flashes can have a lower limit of 10 to 20 flashes per second and an upper limit of 100 to 110 flashes per second, the “on” portions of the flashing sequence can be between one-900th and one-1100th of a second, and the luminous intensity of the light source can be between 65 and 130 foot candles. An orientation switch can automatically induce an “off” condition when the light is disposed outside a predetermined angular range of orientation.

Abstract: A zoetrope configured for user interaction. The zoetrope includes an object support that pivotally supports a holographic disc or other projection element containing a plurality of images. A positioning mechanism rotates the holographic disc at a predetermined speed or positions the projection element in numerous positions. The disc or projection element is illuminated by an illumination source in such a manner as to selectively make the images contained therein be projected in a sequence that provides a projected object that may be animated in an interactive manner based on user input such as voice input. The zoetrope may read out holographic images in response to a user's voice input to project a 3D object that appears to be speaking the words or song input by the user such as by illuminating the disc once per revolution in a particular angular orientation associated with a desired one of the holographic images.

Abstract: A projection assembly and projection method for accurately reproducing animated and live characters, objects, and effects. The projection assembly uses a high precision robotic mirror system to achieve very high levels of image resolution, brightness, and contrast. The assembly includes a projector receiving an input image stream, and a mirror assembly is positioned proximate to the projector outlet. The mirror assembly uses positionable mirrors to reflect the projected images onto a display surface at positions that define an animation pattern on the display surface for the projected image or character. The assembly includes a motor controller assembly positioning the mirrors based on position data defining the animation pattern. The projected images may be provided in a projection area that is a fraction of the size of the display surface, such that the resolution and output light of the projector are concentrated on the display surface within this projection area.

Abstract: A low cost, light projection and sensing system that projects an image onto a display surface using an array of light emitters. Further, the device has an integral sensing capability of the display surface using light sensors. Both the emitters and sensors are coupled to a control unit. Whereby, the device can modify the light-projected image and sensor view region with its control unit. The device can also project an animated overlaid image or large tiled image of photographic resolution. In operation, the device can determine the position and range of a remote object, along with illuminating its touch sensitive housing with a projected image.

Abstract: Capturing motion using motion capture cameras comprises: coupling a plurality of markers to an actor; allowing a material to be positioned between the actor and the motion capture cameras, wherein the material is selected to allow the motion capture cameras to capture motion of the plurality of markers while the actor interacts with the material; and capturing the motion of the markers.

Abstract: An image animation system having a plurality of individual image projectors focused onto a single focal area on a projection surface or medium. Angled optics, or a prism, may be used to direct the projections onto the single focal area. Individual still images are projected in a sequence to create a projected motion animation.

Abstract: A 3D zoetrope that allows for storytelling and user interaction. The zoetrope includes an object support such as a disk that supports a plurality of objects. In one embodiment, the object support mechanism rotates the plurality of objects at a predetermined speed. The objects are illuminated and obscured by an illumination source in such manner as to make the objects appear to be animated in an interactive manner based on user input such as voice input. For example, the zoetrope may include an input interface for receiving external signals that may affect the operation of the animation sequence. The external signals may include audio, video, digital, or analog signals.

Abstract: A zoetrope configured for user interaction. The zoetrope includes an object support that pivotally supports a holographic disc or other projection element containing a plurality of images. A positioning mechanism rotates the holographic disc at a predetermined speed or positions the projection element in numerous positions. The disc or projection element is illuminated by an illumination source in such a manner as to selectively make the images contained therein be projected in a sequence that provides a projected object that may be animated in an interactive manner based on user input such as voice input. The zoetrope may read out holographic images in response to a user's voice input to project a 3D object that appears to be speaking the words or song input by the user such as by illuminating the disc once per revolution in a particular angular orientation associated with a desired one of the holographic images.

Abstract: A file system for a stage lighting system that maintains the different files associated with the stage lighting system. Each of the files that can represent an effect are maintained within the system within a configuration file. The configuration file can be updated on each start of the system so that the system can maintain information indicative of current configuration files. A test mode can also be entered in which a pre-formed show can be tested against the current state of the configuration files.

Abstract: A method of varying the relationship between a scalar input parameter and a scalar output parameter, by: displaying a relationship between an input parameter and an output parameter as a curve on a computer screen; selecting at least one control point on the curve; and moving at least one handle associated to the at least one control point to vary the shape of the curve as the curve passes through the at least one control point, thereby varying the relationship between the input parameter and the output parameter.

Abstract: A system and/or a method facilitates creating an image-based video by automatically applying a motion to an image. A motion component can receive the image and generate a corresponding motion, which can mitigate complications involved with authoring the image-based video. The motion component can apply the motion to the image based at least upon a comparison between an aspect ratio of the image and a resulting video aspect ratio. The comparison can be a numeric difference, wherein the difference can be associated with a category, wherein the category provides the motion to be applied.

Abstract: In producing an animation by making a combination of basic motions of a moving body, an animation production apparatus acquires a type of each of the basic motions constituting a predetermined motion, acquires spatial data on an object, including the moving body, in a virtual space for each of the basic motions, produces key frames corresponding to each of the basic motions, acquires motion time information for each of the basic motions, produces an animation on the basis of the key frames and the motion time information, stores animation information including the spatial data and the motion time information in a state associated with each of the basic motions, extracts reusable information from the animation information for each of the basic motions at an alteration of an animation, and stores a previously produced motion procedure as a work model. This enables efficient and easy alteration of a produced animation.

Abstract: A device for holding a print with a multi-image and for holding viewing material. An alignment mechanism engages the viewing material for translational and rotational movement relative to the print to achieve correct alignment for a three dimensional effect. The alignment mechanism is held in place so that the viewing material may be lifted from the print and replaced thereon without disturbing correct alignment to facilitate bonding the viewing material to the print.

Abstract: In producing an animation by making a combination of basic motions of a moving body, an animation production apparatus acquires a type of each of the basic motions constituting a predetermined motion, acquires spatial data on an object, including the moving body, in a virtual space for each of the basic motions, produces key frames corresponding to each of the basic motions, acquires motion time information for each of the basic motions, produces an animation on the basis of the key frames and the motion time information, stores animation information including the spatial data and the motion time information in a state associated with each of the basic motions, extracts reusable information from the animation information for each of the basic motions at an alteration of an animation, and stores a previously produced motion procedure as a work model. This enables efficient and easy alteration of a produced animation.

Abstract: An audio-visual work and method of its creation which work has writings placed on the pictures of the work so that as each word or other utterance is heard a writing to be associated with the hearing is coordinated with seeing by emphasis or otherwise of the writing such that the future presentation of either the utterance or the writing shall evoke the other in the mind of the original viewer-listener. Each word will when appropriate appear in a legible perspective adjacent to the mouth of the utterer. The work can be displayed linearly or under computer control of the viewer-listener along with additional educational materials. Selected use of groups of words highlighted or not may be used.

Abstract: A process for displaying an animated likeness of the face of a character, includes the steps of (a) providing a face screen having a three-dimensional representation of the face of the character; (b) making a projectable image of the face of the character with an image recorder while projecting the image on the face screen with a projector; (c) obtaining a presentation registration of the image and the face screen through a process selected from the group consisting of (i) altering the projectable image, (ii) adjusting at least one component of face screen position, image recording means position, projector position, focal length and lighting while making the projectable image, and (iii) combinations thereof; and (d) subsequently projecting the image on the face screen at the presentation registration whereby an animated likeness of the face of the individual is presented. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: A technique for producing an animated film whose cartoon characters and their movements are impersonated by living actors. The scenes of the film are shot by a blue-screen matte cinemaphotography system adapted to exclude blue surfaces from the camera filming the cartoon character. The cartoon character seen by this camera is created by a living actor enveloped head-to-toe in a blue-dyed body suit that renders the actor invisible to the camera. Painted on the front and rear surfaces of the body suit in colors other than blue is a drawing of the cartoon character, animation being imparted thereto in real time by the actor's movements.

Abstract: The synchronization of an existing video to a new soundtrack is carried out through the phonetic analysis of the original soundtrack and the new soundtrack. Individual speech sounds, such as phones, are identified in the soundtrack for the original video recording, and the images corresponding thereto are stored. The new soundtrack is similarly analyzed to identify individual speech sounds, which are used to select the stored images and create a new video sequence. The sequence of images are then smoothly fitted to one another, to provide a video stream that is synchronized to the new soundtrack. This approach permits a given video sequence to be synchronized to any arbitrary utterance. Furthermore, the matching of the video images to the new speech sounds can be carried out in a highly automated manner, thereby reducing required manual effort.

Abstract: A method of combining a series of inanimate three dimensional objects(2), a rotational surface (4), and a strobe light(8) in order to achieve the illusion of animation. In the present invention a plurality of objects(2) are demountably fixed, in cyclical order, to a rotational surface(4), each within its own staging area(6). Each successive object(2) is subtly different in shape, size, color or pose to that of the prior object(2) in the sequence. A strobe light(8) is disposed facing the objects(2) as they revolve on the rotational surface(4). The strobe light(8) pulses with consistent periodicity so as to act like a visual shutter. This causes a pulsing illumination of the objects(2) as they cycle on the rotational surface(4). To achieve the optimum effect of animation, the rate of pulse should be one flash of light per object(2) as it traverses through each stationary staging area(6). Due to the persistence of vision, the illusory appearance of sustained movement is achieved.

Abstract: An audio-visual work and method of its creation which work has writings placed on the pictures of the work so that as each word or other utterance is heard a writing to be associated with the hearing is coordinated with seeing of the writing such that the future presentation of either the utterance or the writing shall evoke the other in the mind of the original viewer-listener. Each word will when appropriate appear in a legible perspective adjacent to the mouth of the utterer. The work can be displayed linearly or under computer control of the viewer/listener along with additional educational materials.

Abstract: A device for facilitating comprehension by a hearing impaired person of a telephone conversation includes a cord coupling to a telephone line a circuit which can convert the received audio speech signal into a series of phonemes. The circuit also includes an arrangement which correlates the series of phonemes to respective human lip shapes and displays on a display device a succession of images of the respective lip shapes. This permits the hearing impaired person to carry out lip reading of the displayed lip shapes while listening to the telephone conversation, which improves the person's level of comprehension of the conversation.

Abstract: An improved video system that enables a player to interact with mid-air stereo perception images of foreshortened perspective animation and return the animation back to the playing field on the projection screen or monitor, or to effect other interactive dramatics with the animation. The improvements include placing an ultrasonic transducer on the player's body for allowing the player's position to be calculated and providing the player with a pair of glasses that improve 3-D viewing of the animation. The animation reacts according to the movement of an instrument such as a baseball bat, a tennis racket or a rifle controlled by the player, as well as to the speed and direction of the player's body movement. The relative positions of the player's body, the instrument and the animation are tracked with an array of point microphones that receive signals from the ultrasonic transducers.

Abstract: An apparatus including a support bar linearly aligned with a platform mounted at a forward distal end of the support bar, with the support bar including a forward support plate arranged parallel to and spaced from a rear support plate extending downwardly relative to a rear distal end of the platform, with the support bar and platform including a bottom surface canted downwardly. The platform is arranged to mount a camcorder thereon for alignment with a photograph mounted to a mounting plate that is orthogonally mounted to a top wall of a slide bar slidably oriented relative to the support bar. The mounting plate is laterally offset relative to the slide bar to align the mounting plate relative to an optical lens of an associated camcorder mounted to the platform.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a die for a picture carrier intended for creating the impression of a movement when the picture is projected or illuminated on at least certain parts of the picture or projection, by making use of a polarizer and/or an analyzer and a picture carrier treated accordingly, whereby use is made of a laser for locally working the die.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing a video signal derived by single frame animation for subsequent merging with live action material, comprises a motion vector estimator (11) for deriving motion vectors in dependence on motion in the picture sequence represented by the video signal, and an interpolator (12) and associated circuits (14 to 16) for blurring the images represented by the video signal of objects in the picture sequence so determined as being in motion in dependence on the motion vectors.

Abstract: In a moving picture managing device, representative pictures are selected beforehand from the individual cuts or scenes of a moving picture in which a scene and cuts are arranged in a tree structure, and then are stored in a magnetic disk as decoded high-speed displaying pictures. Upon request of high-speed display, those representative pictures are browsed sequentially and displayed.

Abstract: A dimensional transformation apparatus and related method for creating visual effects for use in live and prerecorded entertainment. The system engages an elastic projection screen with a three-dimensional object that corresponds to visual effects to be projected. By application of vacuum between the screen and the object, the screen is conformed in skintight relation to the features of the three dimensional object. An actuator, which includes a pneumatic piston, motivates the three-dimensional object to selectively engage and disengage the projection screen, and may be sequenced with projected animation corresponding to the three-dimensional object so as to create multi-dimensional special effects. A control mechanism, including a computer and timing system, digitally controls and sequences projection, dimensional transformation of the screen and background lighting and sound effects.

Abstract: A method of creating motion picture film reduces strobing effect and increases resolution and density. Images are recorded on a first frame of the film from two frames viewed by the camera. These will be superimposed at equal exposure rates. Each frame of the processed film will have double exposures. The procedure may to be performed with photographic film and also with video tape.

Abstract: There is provided a method for detecting change points between cuts from motion picture images including a plurality of consecutive images. First of all, in this method, motion picture images which are the subject of detection of change point between cuts are inputted in a time series by taking a frame as the unit, and a predetermined feature quantity including a color histogram possessed by image data of said motion picture images is produced while taking a frame as the unit. A correlation coefficient with respect to feature quantity between the above described feature quantity and a feature quantity produced in an immediately preceding frame is then produced. Further, a change rate between the correlation coefficient of the current frame and a correlation coefficient produced for a frame preceding the current frame is produced. A time point whereat the change rate exceeds a predetermined allowable value is detected as a change point between cuts of the motion picture images.

Abstract: A process of producing animated films which permits greater rapidity in the filming, while at the same time reducing the cost. The process comprises the steps of: a) photographing a single time by a camera a black and white drawing of each of the components of each plane, without background; b) coloring the photographed images by an electronic brush and storing them on a hard disk; c) recovering the different drawings from the hard disk, mixing the different planes of the foreground, creating a movement of animation; d) transferring the resultant images to a videotape; e) directly recording the backgrounds or ambience which are stored on a separate videotape; and f) mixing the images of the two videotapes.

Abstract: An stop motion animation sequence of a tangible object is made by the steps of making a series of drawings representing three-dimensional object to be animated in various sequential positions; sequentially embodying the drawings on a projection medium such as motion picture film or video; displaying the projection medium at real time to see if the motion depicted by the drawings is the desired motion; and repeating the foregoing steps until the desired motion is realized. Once the drawings depicting the desired motion are completed, transferring each drawing onto a transparent material such as celluloid (commonly used in animated cartoons) so that an identical series of drawings representing the object in the various sequential positions thereby exists on the transparencies.

Abstract: A method and system which enables an animator to make drawings and in-between drawings. Preceding and following tweens 74 and 75 are shown to the animator in such a way that they are distinguishable from each other and from the in-between drawing 73 on which the animator is working. Advantage is made of electronic graphics and display technology to assist the animator with drawing, editing, and coloring. The drawings are kept in an ordered list in which they can be arbitrarily inserted or deleted, drawn, and edited. The drawings can be viewed in animation immediately upon demand, yielding an instant pencil test for the animator. The drawings can also be output to a recording device according to the list.

Abstract: The disclosed invention takes advantage of the fact that the speech information and processing needed for successful animation lip-synching is actually much less than the information and processing which is needed for identifying individual words, as in the traditional speech recognition task, The disclosed embodiment utilizes linear prediction to obtain speech parameters which can be used to identify phonemes from a limited set corresponding to visually distinctive mouth positions. In the disclosed embodiment there is set forth an apparatus for producing lip-synching for a spoken sound track. Means are provided for storing, for each of a number of mouth positions, an unvoiced phonetic information representation associated with a mouth position. Means, responsive to samples of sound from the sound track, are provided for generating unvoiced phonetic information signals for the samples.

Abstract: An animation recording process is particularly adapted to videotape recorders of the type having a control panel display, multifunction soft keys, and are microprocessor controlled. Rapid recording of large pluralities of still images is effected using the animation "cel" recording concept wherein a selected cel is recorded as a selectable repetition of a single still image is recorded without interruption between frames or fields of the cel, i.e., without recueing the transport. Using the cel concept further allows the determination of not only the subsequent cel edit entry point, but also of the subsequent cel edit exit point, whereby pre-programming the points allows automating the recording of an animated program with a minimum of operator attention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cinematic work and includes substituting for an original sound track of a motion picture a new sound track in a different language while at the same time correcting the lip movements of actors in the film to correspond to the new language. The method makes use of selected equipment, such as a digital video image processor, a video display, a programmed digital computer, and selected data on a frame-by-frame basis as to mouth location, mouth shape, mouth movements, etc. of the actor on the film and the frame-by-frame photographed mouth area of the new actor supplying the new language sound. The computer cooperates with the image processor to effect the alteration in the lip shapes by varying the intensities of the video pixels in the facial area on the film in accordance with the data and the program in the computer, whereby the new sound track with correct lip movements may be substituted for the original sound track.

Abstract: An animated audio doll whose mouth can be driven by replaceable tape cartridges is provided. The doll has a head member with simulated eyes and mouth that can open and close. Uni-directional direct current motors are provided in the body of the doll and are connected to the respective eyes and mouth through flexible driven links that protect the motor if either the eyes or the mouth are held stationary. The tape cartridge can be encoded with audio signals, a base frequency and a pair of coordinated frequency timing signals. The tape player can convert the frequency timing signals into digital signal levels while a binary switch member can determine when the mouth is in a closed position. A level detector circuit can determine whether the first or second timing signals are present and a logic circuit can, in combination with the timing signals and the output from the binary switch, drive the DC motor connected to the mouth in coordination with the audio sounds.

Abstract: An anagraphic stand comprises a base frame, a camera support structure and a mobile stage. The stage is driven relative to the camera by octhogonally-mounted linear drive means attached to the base and by a gear-reduced rotary drive means. All of the drive means are electronically converted microstepping devices and the drive structure is specially adapted to provide smooth, vibration-free motion.

Abstract: An animation method supersedes the motion picture branching method by, first, enabling rapid and repeated switching of multiple tracks of different camera-originated animation of the same character during continuous action in a scene, and second, by enabling branching at the termination of an action to multiple actions or scenes.This method is the basis of a double-circuit video system that enables a player to repeatedly touch or hit an animated character during a continuous action as displayed on a projection screen or television monitor and thus change the action repeatedly. Another system embodiment enables the player to swing a racket before the screen or television monitor, hit the mid-air projected image of a perspective ball animated action, return the ball back to the animated character opponent, and play a simulated game during which the player exercises the same skills used to play the game simulated.

Abstract: The motion picture branching method is superseded by an animation method which enables rapid and repeated switching of multiple tracks of different camera-originated animation of the same character during continuous action in a scene, and enables branching at the termination of an action to multiple actions or scenes. This method is the basis of a double-circuit video system that enables a player to repeatedly touch or hit an animated character during a continuous action as displayed on a projection screen or television monitor and thus change the action repeatedly. Another system embodiment enables the player to swing a racket before the screen or television monitor, hit the mid-air projected image of a perspective ball animated action, return the ball back to the animated character opponent, and play a simulated game during the the player exercises the same skills used to play the game simulated.

Abstract: The method comprises the production of a live-action film of subjects acting against a white background, making black-and-white subjects enlargements with grey gradation of useful film frames, drawing separate contour images from these enlargements, painting transparent cells from the contour images, and using each subject enlargement in superposition with the corresponding painted cells for exposure with a background image, in an animation camera.

Abstract: The motion picture branching method is superseded by an animation method which enables rapid and repeated switching of multiple tracks of different camera-originated animation of the same character during continuous action in a scene, and enables branching at the termination of an action to multiple actions or scenes. This method is the basis of a double-circuit video system that enables a player to repeatedly touch or hit an animated character during a continuous action as displayed on a projection screen or television monitor and thus change the action repeatedly. Another system embodiment enables the player to swing a racket before the screen or television monitor, hit the mid-air projected image of a perspective ball animated action, return the ball back to the animated character opponent, and play a simulated game during the the player exercises the same skills used to play the game simulated.