Disney patents AI method to make virtual characters move more naturally
Disney has patented a technique that uses a neural network to calculate how a virtual character's joints should move. The system takes a starting pose and specific movement rules, then uses the AI to figure out the exact position and angle of every joint to create a smooth, realistic final pose.
In the filing’s own words
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for generating a pose for a virtual character. The technique includes determining a set of joint representations corresponding to a set of joints in the virtual character based on (i) a base pose for the virtual character and (ii) a set of constraints associated with one or more joints included in the set of joints. The technique also includes generating, via execution of a first neural network, a set of updated joint states for the set of joints based on the set of joint representations. The technique further includes generating, based on the set of updated joint states, an output pose that includes (i) a first set of joint positions for the set of joints and (ii) a first set of joint orientations for the set of joints.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A computer-implemented method for generating a pose for a virtual character, comprising: determining a set of joint representations corresponding to a set of joints in the virtual character based on (i) a base pose associated with the set of joints, (ii) a set of constraints that include changes to the base pose for one or more joints included in the set of joints, and (iii) a set of control parameters; generating, via execution of a first neural network, a set of updated joint states for the set of joints based on the set of joint representations; and generating, based on the set of updated joint states, an output pose that includes (i) a first set of joint positions for the set of joints and (ii) a first set of joint orientations for the set of joints, wherein an influence of the base pose and an additional influence of the set of constraints on the first set of joint positions and the first set of joint orientations is determined based on the set of control parameters.
Facts
- Company
- Disney (DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.)
- Official title
- Pose-aware neural inverse kinematics
- Patent number
- US12749250B2
- Application number
- 18769012
- Filed
- Jul 10, 2024
- Granted
- Sep 29, 2026
- Inventors
- 5
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G06T 13/40 Physics & computingG06F 17/16 Physics & computingG06N 3/0455 Physics & computingG06N 3/0475 Physics & computingG06N 3/09 Physics & computingMore from Disney in AI & software
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.