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Cartoon Animator 5.3 Update: Powerful Puppet Performances and Live Camera Controls

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Reallusion’s Cartoon Animator makes a significant leap with the 5.3 update, unveiling the Puppet Stage and Live Camera System.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Building on the success of Motion Pilot mouse-led animation, Cartoon Animator advances further with the introduction of Puppet Stage and Live Camera System in the 5.3 update. As the demand for short films, social media, and live streaming grows, Reallusion is addressing the emergent need for rapid animation production. This update delivers a game-changing trigger-based animation system that simplifies traditional keyframing by utilizing existing animation assets, seamlessly integrating facial tracking and voice lip sync. Designed for real-time, studio-grade live shows, all within a unified interface, this intuitive system sets a new standard in livestream animation.

PUPPET STAGE – LIVE STREAM REDEFINED

Puppet Stage combines trigger animations, voice lip-sync, and facial motion capture in one unified system. With Motion Pilot and Camera Switcher integration, artists can harness a full production process geared toward fast 2D production and responsive live streaming featuring original artwork and media.

The latest update introduces an array of powerful features designed to elevate animation and live streaming experiences:

Trigger Panel: Users can now fully customize a hotkey-triggered deck to control animation files, facial performances, FFD, VFX, props, and backgrounds, delivering seamless and responsive animation control.Facial Mocap Integration: Effortlessly mix facial motion capture from a PC camera or iPhone to create dynamic facial expressions that blend naturally with other animation elements.Voice Lip Sync: Enhance character performances with automatic lip-syncing to voice input, adding emotional depth while seamlessly integrating with expression triggers.Head-driven Body Movements: Guide character eye movements with a simple mouse drag and automatically trigger natural body actions using motion-tracked head rotations.Motion Pilot: Control character walks or runs with cursor movements, offering options to adjust movement range, tempo, amplitude, and direction for fluid motion.Camera Switcher: Take control like a director with hotkey camera switching or automatic target tracking to keep fast-paced action in view.Livestream Focused: Optimized for live streaming, the dedicated window mode for OBS and Twitch integrates with hotkey mapping for Stream Deck, Loupedeck, and other trigger devices.Portable Data: Enjoy the flexibility to export and import trigger settings and asset files between computers, ensuring smooth transitions across different setups.

>> Explore full features from the product website

ENGAGING REALTIME CAMERAWORK

The Camera Control Panel is where visuals and storytelling are interwoven through a range of cinematographic tools. Directors can save their favorite shots, perform live previews, and set up camera cuts and triggers for Puppet Stage, achieving lifelike results that rival professional techniques.

The latest release introduces advanced camera control features designed to give creators more precision and flexibility in their animations and live streams:

Custom Camera List: Store camera angles, lens settings, and tracking targets within the camera control panel. Capture thumbnail images and assign hotkeys for quick retrieval of specific camera setups.Live Preview: Seamlessly toggle between camera cuts during playback to direct the narrative in real-time, ensuring creative control as scenes unfold.Switch Keys: Easily store and recall camera cuts using a streamlined hotkey setup. Once applied, these camera keys are organized within the Camera Switch Track for full keyframe adjustments in the timeline editor.Camera Tracking & Toggle: Select a target for camera tracking to keep the focus on the action, with the ability to switch between tracking and roaming shots at any time. Fine-tune rough takes by adjusting camera keyframes in the timeline editor.Mimicking Real Camerawork: Emulate real-world camera movements—track fast-paced sequences, zoom in on close-up dialogue, or use dolly zooms for dramatic effects. All camera actions can be created and managed effortlessly through the Camera Control Panel.

>> Explore full features from the product website

Camera cuts can be easily stored and recalled from a hotkey setup. Once applied, the camera keys are organized within the Camera Switch Track. Camera cuts can be easily stored and recalled from a hotkey setup. Once applied, the camera keys are organized within the Camera Switch Track.

PUPPET STAGE CONTENT PACKS

To showcase the full potential of live puppet controls, two invaluable expansion packs have been created to help users quickly experience the power of Puppet Stage. These packs allow you to reuse pre-designed characters, animation trigger settings, and easily swap in your own characters, props, and animation assets, making it effortless to create your own dynamic live show.

CARTOON PUPPET

This universal virtual host template features 3 sets of distinctive animation performances for live show or interactive presentation. Choose from the Chill, Sweet, or Dramatic animation genre to fit your character styles. Additional amoeba animation templates can turn simple images or vector graphics into engaging actors.

>> Explore more virtual host performance templates

ANIME PUPPET

This illustrious Anime pack showcases the dynamic details and versatility of CTA anime characters. A must-have for fans of manga and anime culture, Anime Puppet allows you to instantly bring characters to life in a live show or dive into advanced techniques like smooth expressions and hand-keyed sprite sequences. Plus, you will uncover design secrets with the bonus 360-degree robo-pet “Digi Paws” included in the pack.

>> Explore more virtual host performance templates

LIVESTREAM POWER BUNDLE

The virtual host bundle kit in both Japanese anime and American cartoon styles, featuring trigger performances for live shows or interactive presentations.

>> Explore more virtual host performance templates

For more details about the release, please see the full press announcement.

Media Contact

Atilas Wang, Reallusion Inc., +886289121028, atilaswang@reallusion.com, https://www.reallusion.com/

John Martin II, Reallusion Inc., +16156738814, john@reallusion.com, https://www.reallusion.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/cartoon-animator-5-3-update-powerful-puppet-performances-and-live-camera-controls-302234819.html

SOURCE Reallusion Inc.

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As 2025 IRS Mileage Rate Hits 70 Cents, Expert Warns: Ditch Risky Apps for Secure Paper Tracking

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Gig economy expert Ed Ryder warns against the risks of mileage tracking apps, and advocates using paper-based tracking methods instead. He introduces The Big Mileage Form, a secure alternative developed over two years to meet the specific needs of food delivery gig workers. Ryder highlights recent tech failures, like the July 2024 global IT outage, to underscore the vulnerabilities of digital solutions. The press release also mentions Ryder’s significant mileage deduction using his form and directs readers to GigCoach.net for additional resources, including a consumer tutorial to drive better food delivery outcomes and a gig coach training program.

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — As the IRS announces a standard mileage rate of 70 cents per mile for 2025, gig economy expert Ed Ryder, who has completed over 10,000 deliveries with his own car using major food delivery platforms, urges fellow gig workers to reconsider their mileage tracking methods. While acknowledging the convenience of digital solutions, Ryder advocates for a return to secure, paper-based tracking to protect valuable mileage deductions.

With the mileage rate at 70 cents, accurate tracking is crucial for gig workers and small business owners. Mileage apps seem convenient, but they risk data loss from outages, glitches, and cyber attacks. Many overlook these significant dangers.

“With the mileage rate increasing to 70 cents, accurate tracking is more crucial than ever for gig workers and small business owners,” says Ryder, creator of The Big Mileage Form. “While mileage tracking apps seem convenient, they come with significant risks that many overlook. Network outages, app glitches, and cyber attacks can jeopardize months of data.”

Ryder points to the July 2024 global IT outage as a prime example of technology’s vulnerabilities. “A faulty software update caused mass airline disruptions and impacted other industries, catching major corporations off guard. This incident highlights that even in our digital age, software isn’t infallible. For me, I simply won’t trust mileage tracking apps with my most important tax deduction.”

To address these concerns, Ryder developed a comprehensive, paper-based solution. “I spent two years perfecting The Big Mileage Form, tailoring it to the specific needs of food delivery gig workers,” he explains. “At 11×17 inches, it provides ample space for detailed record-keeping and, crucially, it’s immune to software glitches, data breaches, and ransomware attacks.”

Ryder’s meticulous paper-based record-keeping resulted in a mileage deduction exceeding $19,000 on his 2023 federal taxes. “All my business-related miles are thoroughly documented on paper. I’m fully prepared to defend this deduction in case of an audit. This level of confidence is what I aim to provide other gig workers.”

“In today’s digital age, sometimes the most secure solution is the simplest one,” Ryder concludes. “My form not only ensures data security but also prepares users for potential IRS audits. It’s time to reconsider the old-fashioned, but reliable pen-and-paper method.”

For those interested in learning more about effective mileage tracking and other aspects of gig work, Ryder offers valuable resources on GigCoach.net. These include a tutorial for consumers titled ‘Fair Deal Delivery,’ which provides insights on how to improve food delivery outcomes. Additionally, experienced food delivery couriers can explore Ryder’s gig coach training program. Visit GigCoach.net to access these resources and learn more about The Big Mileage Form.

Media Contact

Ed Ryder, Match Experiment LLC, 1 484-493-8740, hello@ideamaned.com, gigcoach.net

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/as-2025-irs-mileage-rate-hits-70-cents-expert-warns-ditch-risky-apps-for-secure-paper-tracking-302337779.html

SOURCE Gig economy expert Ed Ryder

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DATA BREACH ALERT: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Is Investigating Claims On Behalf Of Ascension Health Customers Whose Data May Have Been Compromised

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NEWTOWN, Pa., Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The law firm of Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating claims regarding data privacy violations by Ascension Health (“Ascension”). Ascension learned of suspicious activity on or about May 8, 2024. To join this case, go HERE.

About Ascension Health

Ascension is a prominent non-profit health system in the nation and operates under Catholic principles.

What happened?

On or about May 8, 2024, Ascension detected unauthorized activity in its computer systems. Ascension initiated an investigation, which included retaining consulting cybersecurity experts and notifying the FBI. The investigation determined that between May 7 and 8, 2024, a cybercriminal accessed files containing personal information about Ascension’s patients and employees. This information included names, medical records, payment details, insurance information, government identification numbers, and other personal data such as dates of birth and addresses. Approximately 6 million individuals have been affected by this data breach.

How can I protect my personal data?

If you receive a data breach notification, you must guard against possible misuse of your personal information, including identity theft and fraud, by regularly reviewing your account statements and monitoring your credit reports for suspicious or unauthorized activity. Additionally, you should consider legal options for mitigating such risks.

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a class action lawsuit to seek legal remedies for customers whose sensitive personal and patient data may have been compromised by the Ascension data breach.

For more information, please contact:

Marc H. Edelson, Esq.
EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP
411 S. State Street, Suite N-300
Newtown, PA 18940
Phone: 844-696-7492
Email: medelson@edelson-law.com
Web:  www.edelson-law.com 

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP
Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving data breaches, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation in cases alleging securities and investment fraud, violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft and unpaid overtime, consumer fraud, and catastrophic injuries.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. No class has been certified in this case, so counsel does not represent you unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing now. Your ability to share in any potential future recovery does not depend on serving as lead plaintiff.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/data-breach-alert-edelson-lechtzin-llp-is-investigating-claims-on-behalf-of-ascension-health-customers-whose-data-may-have-been-compromised-302337976.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Earth’s pulse monitored: a review highlights remote sensing time series progress

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As urbanization accelerates and environmental dynamics shift, the need for accurate and timely terrestrial monitoring has never been more urgent. A review has introduced a novel approach to remote sensing time series analysis, integrating multi-source data to enable near real-time monitoring. This innovative methodology promises to transform environmental conservation and urban planning by providing unprecedented insights into terrestrial changes and offering a more precise understanding of environmental dynamics.

GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — An international team of researchers from South China Normal University, the University of Connecticut, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has made a significant breakthrough in remote sensing. Their review, published (DOI: 10.34133/remotesensing.0285) in the Journal of Remote Sensing on December 11, 2024, addresses key challenges in remote sensing, such as incomplete data and noise interference. The team’s new time series analysis technique leverages advanced data reconstruction and fusion methods, significantly enhancing the precision and efficiency of remote sensing for monitoring environmental changes.

The research team has developed an advanced time series analysis technique that combines deep learning algorithms with traditional remote sensing methods to integrate data from various remote sensing sources. This innovative approach allows for the extraction of subtle patterns from large, complex datasets, which is crucial for monitoring critical environmental parameters such as land use and vegetation health. Unlike conventional techniques that struggle with incomplete or noisy data, this new methodology offers enhanced accuracy and more reliable insights into terrestrial dynamics, paving the way for more effective environmental monitoring.

Central to the study’s success is the integration of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to address the challenges posed by missing or noisy data. The LSTM networks capture temporal trends over time, while the GANs generate synthetic data that mimics real-world observations to fill gaps and correct for atmospheric distortions. This dual approach has resulted in a cleaner, more accurate time series dataset, which was validated against independent ground truth measurements. The researchers demonstrated significant improvements in key vegetation indices, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), setting a new benchmark in the field of remote sensing.

Experts in the field have lauded the study’s potential to revolutionize remote sensing applications. They see the method as a transformative tool for enhancing high-resolution monitoring and extending its coverage, particularly in agricultural surveillance, urban planning, and environmental management. “This method represents a crucial advancement in our ability to monitor environmental changes,” says Professor Fu. “As it evolves, it could play a key role in addressing climate change and other global challenges.”

The methodology’s future applications are vast, especially in global environmental monitoring and supporting sustainable development goals. By integrating multi-temporal data from Landsat and Sentinel-2 satellites, the team has created a framework for accurate and continuous terrestrial analysis. As computational power advances and algorithms improve, this technology is expected to become a vital tool for natural resource management, disaster response, and climate change mitigation. In the years to come, it could provide critical data to help policymakers address pressing environmental issues on a global scale.

References

DOI

10.34133/remotesensing.0285

Oiginal Source URL

https://doi.org/10.34133/remotesensing.0285

Funding information

This work was supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China (grant numbers 42425001 and 42071399).

About Journal of Remote Sensing

The Journal of Remote Sensing, an online-only Open Access journal published in association with AIR-CAS, promotes the theory, science, and technology of remote sensing, as well as interdisciplinary research within earth and information science.

Media Contact

George Hua, Chuanlink Innovations, 1 8656606278, TranSpread1@gmail.com, http://chuanlink-innovations.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/earths-pulse-monitored-a-review-highlights-remote-sensing-time-series-progress-302337250.html

SOURCE Journal of Remote Sensing

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