Methods for spontaneously generating behavior in two and three-dimensional images and mechanical robots, and of linking this behavior to that of human users

• US 20150279077A1
• Filed: 01/22/2015
• Published: 10/01/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Christopher Deane Shaw
• Original Assignee: Christopher Deane Shaw
• Inventors: Shaw, Christopher Deane
• Granted Patent: US 10,207,405 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/56 Computing the motion of game characters with respect to other game characters, game objects or elements of the game scene, e.g. for simulating the behaviour of a group of virtual soldiers or for path finding
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/60 Generating or modifying game content before or while executing the game program, e.g. authoring tools specially adapted for game development or game-integrated level editor
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/1633 compliant, force, torque control, e.g. combined with position control
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/1679 characterised by the tasks executed

Abstract

The spontaneous animation methods disclosed herein generate apparent emotions and apparent willful actions in artificial characters using mathematical formulae. Because these animations are spontaneously calculated, they are precisely tailored to interactive input. This is in contrast to current methods for creating interactive characters, in which the computer selects among predetermined animation sequences to approximate an appropriate reaction.

In addition to spontaneously generating emotional states and actions, this method is further capable of spontaneously evolving a progression of emotive states and actions, thereby simulating an evolving emotional relationship and/or creating extended interactive sequences with a plot-like structure.

Because spontaneous animation replaces stored behaviors with realtime calculations, it can require thousands of times less data than animation methods currently used in animation and gaming.

Claims

1. A method of controlling an artificial character, including computer-generated images of a character and physical robots, comprising:

a) creating modifications of said artificial character to portray character attributes, including emotions and body movements.

b) controlling one or more of said modifications of said artificial character with mathematical formulae, including those used to model the behavior of springs, such that said modifications of said artificial character can be interactively displaced from a target position, and will respond in accordance with said mathematical formulae.

c) adjusting parameters of said mathematical formulae, including spring constant and damping, such that the resultant rates of movements of said displaced regions convey various moods, attitudes, or emotional states of said artificial character.

2. A method of controlling an artificial character, including computer-generated images of a character and physical robots, comprising:

a) creating modifications of said artificial character to portray character emotions.

b) using dynamic equations to control said modifications of said artificial character, such that said modifications of said character to portray emotions can respond as if forces were applied to them.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

c) linking said dynamic equations to user behaviors, enabling the emergence of interactive influence in the manner of coupled oscillators.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

(c) adjusting parameters of said dynamic equations, enabling the creation of apparent emotional states in said artificial character.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

(d) linking said dynamical equations to user behaviors, enabling the emergence of complex interactive patterns in the manner of coupled oscillators.