Programmable method for digital animation apparatus for assembling animation data

• US 3,898,438 A
• Filed: 09/28/1972
• Issued: 08/05/1975
• Est. Priority Date: 09/28/1972
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert A. Nater, William H. Roberts
• Original Assignee: Robert A. Nater, William H. Roberts
• Inventors: Nater, Robert A., Roberts, William H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Morrison, Malcolm A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dildine, Jr., R. Stephen
• Application Number:
  US05/293,018
• Time in Patent Office: 1,041 Days
• Field of Search: 35/1,28,49,53 40/106.3,106.32 444/1 235/151
• US Class Current: 700/264
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 13/00 Animation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 700/90 Special robot structural element

Abstract

A method programmable on a general purpose digital computer for use in a system for controlling animation devices, such as animated human or cartoon figures. In the system for generating the signals for use in controlling such devices, an input console is used to input digital and analog positioning information for the controlled animation devices. A programmed general purpose digital computer accepts the entered data, formats it properly, adds identifying information and retrievably stores the data. Units of stored data are associated with timing signals which are used to determine the sequence in which the units are later retrieved and used to control one or more animated figures and related functions. By the method of this invention, units of animation data may be moved so as to be stored in association with different timing signals. In this way, animation data may be exactly synchronized with audio tracks and other show or presentation events. Further, by the method of this invention, segments of previously stored data for control of animated figures may be assembled into a complete show or presentation to control different animated figures.

Claims

1. In a system for the acquisition of data for the sequential control of an animated presentation, a plurality of variably positionable devices, each connected to be proportionally positioned according to supplied units of transmitted data, said devices connected to control said animated presentation, manually positionable means for setting in accordance with the position of a selected one of said devices, means for generating electrical signals in accordance with said setting, means for generating timing signals incrementing at a predetermined rate, means for storing said electrical signals in association with said timing signals, means for shifting said electrical signals in said storing means for storage in association with different ones of said timing signals, means for retrieving said electrical signals from said storing means and transmitting said signals to said selected one of said devices.