Patents by Inventor David G. Yackley

David G. Yackley has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7162314
    Abstract: A script file includes a text section that has a text label to designate a point during execution of the script sequence when an audio rendition of a video event is to be initiated. The script file also includes a container that maintains audio content within the script file. The audio content is identified in the container with a content label that corresponds to a text label in the text section. The audio content is initiated to be generated as the audio rendition at the designated point during execution of the script sequence when the script file is executed and when a script processor determines that the content label corresponds to the text label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Todor J. Fay, Brian L. Schmidt, Forrest P. Trepte, David G. Yackley
  • Publication number: 20020161462
    Abstract: A script file includes a text section that has a text label to designate a point during execution of the script sequence when an audio rendition of a video event is to be initiated. The script file also includes a container that maintains audio content within the script file. The audio content is identified in the container with a content label that corresponds to a text label in the text section. The audio content is initiated to be generated as the audio rendition at the designated point during execution of the script sequence when the script file is executed and when a script processor determines that the content label corresponds to the text label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Todor J. Fay, Brian L. Schmidt, Forrest P. Trepte, David G. Yackley
  • Patent number: 6153821
    Abstract: A performance engine selects note patterns from a pattern style containing a plurality of note patterns. The note patterns are categorized by embellishment type and by ranges of playback levels. In addition, a beat pattern is specified for each note pattern, indicating the chord rhythm with which the style can be used. The beat pattern is a bit array, with bits corresponding to every beat of one or more contiguous measures. In response to selection of a particular embellishment type and playback level, the performance engine selects a note pattern that meets the following qualifications: (a) it is of the selected embellishment type; (b) its designated range of playback levels includes the selected playback level; and (c) its beat pattern indicates that it can accommodate chord changes at the beats at which such changes occur in the currently selected chord progression. If there are no qualifying note patterns, these conditions are gradually relaxed until at least one of the note patterns qualifies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Todor C. Fay, Robert S. Williams, David G. Yackley
  • Patent number: 5900567
    Abstract: A system and a method for the notes of one track to move in a harmonically separate manner from the notes of another track when the notes of each track are played against a chord progression. Each track is associated with a chord function. The notes of the tracks are then played against a progression of polychords, where each polychord consists of one or more chords. In addition, each chord of a polychord is associated with one or more chord functions. During operation, each note of a track is mapped against a chord of the currently playing polychord. The chord for each track is selected by identifying the chord of the polychord that is associated with the same chord function as the track. Furthermore, individual tracks, groups of notes, or single notes can be assigned to one of several playback modes. Each note includes a field that identifies a playback mode. In addition, each track is associated with a playback mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Todor C. Fay, David G. Yackley
  • Patent number: 5777254
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for intelligently controlling note inversions during a computer based musical performance. During a musical performance, notes of a track are transposed against a chord. In some instances, the resulting pitch of the transposed note may fall outside of an upper-pitch boundary or a lower-pitch boundary defined for the track. Two additional control mechanisms are examined to determine if the note should be inverted. One mechanism includes a chord inversion mask used for managing the inversion of notes within the context of the chord. Another mechanism includes a track inversion mask defining one or more series of ranges where inversions are allowed. If the pitch of a transposed note exceeds the upper-pitch boundary or the lower-pitch boundary, the chord inversion mask and the track inversion mask are scanned to determine if the note can be inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Todor C. Fay, David G. Yackley