Patents by Inventor Linda K. Cook

Linda K. Cook 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: 7061493
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignees: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Linda K. Cook, Timothy W. Bickmore, Joseph W. Sullivan, Elizabeth Churchill, Scott A. Prevost
  • Patent number: 7006098
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignees: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy W. Bickmore, Joseph W. Sullivan, Elizabeth F. Churchill, Sara A. Bly, Linda K. Cook
  • Patent number: 6657628
    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.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Linda K. Cook
  • Publication number: 20030206170
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Fuji Xerox Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Bickmore, Joseph W. Sullivan, Elizabeth F. Churchill, Sara A. Bly, Linda K. Cook
  • Publication number: 20030193504
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicants: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Linda K. Cook, Timothy W. Bickmore, Joseph W. Sullivan, Elizabeth Churchill, Scott A. Prevost
  • Patent number: 6466213
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy W. Bickmore, Joseph W. Sullivan, Elizabeth F. Churchill, Sara A. Bly, Linda K. Cook
  • Patent number: 6384829
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott A. Prevost, Linda K. Cook, Peter Hodgson
  • Publication number: 20010019330
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: TIMOTHY W. BICKMORE, JOSEPH W. SULLIVAN, ELIZABETH F. CHURCHILL, SARA A. BLY, LINDA K. COOK