Linda M Cook

US Patent:

6384829, May 7, 2002

Filed:

Nov 24, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/447932

Inventors:

Scott A. Prevost - San Francisco CA
Linda K. Cook - Sacramento CA
Peter Hodgson - San Francisco CA

Assignee:

Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. - Tokyo

International Classification:

G06T 1500

US Classification:

345473, 345474

Abstract:

An architecture including a speech manager that identifies input, input content, and location of the input (speech, for example), a action scheduler, a dialog manager, and an animation system provides reduced message traffic and streamlined processing for support of animated characters (conversational characters, for example). Speech recognition is provided along with location information to the action scheduler for determination of appropriate expressions for interactive behavior (looking, turn taking, etc. ), and speech (or input) content is provided to a dialog manager to determine a substantive response (including speech or other content related responses) and any facial expressions or gestures related to content, but not containing content, are identified, and placed in a communication to the animation system.

US Patent:

6466213, Oct 15, 2002

Filed:

Feb 13, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/023567

Inventors:

Timothy W. Bickmore - Sacramento CA
Joseph W. Sullivan - Palo Alto CA
Elizabeth F. Churchill - Mountain View CA
Sara A. Bly - Hillsboro OR
Linda K. Cook - Sacramento CA

Assignee:

Xerox Corporation - Stamford CT

International Classification:

G06F 1500

US Classification:

345473

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for facilitating communication about a document between two users creates autonomous, animated computer characters, or avatars, which are then attached to the document under discussion. The avatar is created by one user, who need not be the author of the document, and is attached to the document to represent a point of view. The avatar represents the physical likeness of its creator. The avatar is animated, using an avatar scripting language, to perform specified behaviors including pointing, walking and changing facial expressions. The avatar includes audio files that are synchronized with movement of the avatars mouth to provide an audio message.

US Patent:

6657628, Dec 2, 2003

Filed:

Nov 24, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/447931

Inventors:

Linda K. Cook - Sacramento CA

Assignee:

Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. - Tokyo

International Classification:

G06T 1500

US Classification:

345473, 345474

Abstract:

Non Verbal Behaviors (NVBs) are parameterized and selected for using in enhancing communicative abilities of an animated character. A parameter selection device selects the NVBs from a database of NVBs based on selection criteria consistent with a response or action generated by an animated character program. The selected NVBs are modulated based on an emphasis to be placed on the communication, and other factors, such as a personality of the animated character. The modulated NVBs are placed in a data stream of NVBs and other actions and communications, including, for example, language, that is provided to an animation system for display. The processes of the present invention allow for NVBs to be utilized to more effectively engage users of the animated character. The processes of the present invention may be applied in any animated character system including products by Microsoft (Office Assistant, Agent, etc. ).

US Patent:

7006098, Feb 28, 2006

Filed:

Sep 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/242361

Inventors:

Timothy W. Bickmore - Sacramento CA, US
Joseph W. Sullivan - Palo Alto CA, US
Elizabeth F. Churchill - Mountain View CA, US
Sara A. Bly - Hillsboro OR, US
Linda K. Cook - Sacramento CA, US

Assignee:

Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. - Tokyo
Xerox Corporation - Stamford CT

International Classification:

G06T 15/00

US Classification:

345474, 345743, 345475, 704235, 704260

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for facilitating communication about a document between two users creates autonomous, animated computer characters, or avatars, which are then attached to the document under discussion. The avatar is created by one user, who need not be the author of the document, and is attached to the document to represent a point of view. The avatar represents the physical likeness of its creator. The avatar is animated, using an avatar scripting language, to perform specified behaviors including pointing, walking and changing facial expressions. The avatar includes audio files that are synchronized with movement of the avatar's mouth to provide an audio message.

US Patent:

7061493, Jun 13, 2006

Filed:

Apr 7, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/287521

Inventors:

Linda K. Cook - Sacramento CA, US
Timothy W. Bickmore - Somerville MA, US
Joseph W. Sullivan - San Francisco CA, US
Elizabeth Churchill - San Francisco CA, US
Scott A. Prevost - San Francisco CA, US

Assignee:

Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. - Tokyo
Xerox Corporation - Stamford CT

International Classification:

G06T 17/00

US Classification:

345473, 345474

Abstract:

Personality traits displayed on a workbench are grouped into a character profile that is utilized in determining the personality and/or specific actions of a synthetic character. The personality traits are selectable by an operator from graduated dials. The personality traits may also be displayed in the form of selectable attributes or trait indicative behaviors that, when selected, are mapped into predetermined amounts of each trait in the character profile. The character profile is utilized to compute activation levels for primary behaviors, which are selected to influence or direct behavior of the synthetic character. Secondary behaviors are also selected, but discarded if conflicting with the selected primary behaviors. When behaviors are selected, the corresponding behaviors are translated into classes of ‘personality effectors’ that modulate the synthetic character's behavioral expression to reflect the desired set of traits.

US Patent:

20030193504, Oct 16, 2003

Filed:

Apr 14, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/412828

Inventors:

Linda Cook - Sacramento CA, US
Timothy Bickmore - Somerville MA, US
Joseph Sullivan - San Francisco CA, US
Elizabeth Churchill - San Francisco CA, US
Scott Prevost - San Francisco CA, US

International Classification:

G06T015/70

US Classification:

345/473000

Abstract:

Personality traits displayed on a workbench are grouped into a character profile that is utilized in determining the personality and/or specific actions of a synthetic character. The personality traits are selectable by an operator from graduated dials. The personality traits may also be displayed in the form of selectable attributes or trait indicative behaviors that, when selected, are mapped into predetermined amounts of each trait in the character profile. The character profile is utilized to compute activation levels for primary behaviors, which are selected to influence or direct behavior of the synthetic character. Secondary behaviors are also selected, but discarded if conflicting with the selected primary behaviors. When behaviors are selected, the corresponding behaviors are translated into classes of ‘personality effectors’ that modulate the synthetic character's behavioral expression to reflect the desired set of traits.