Method and apparatus for creating personal autonomous avatars
US6466213B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T13/40
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.