US5559927A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer system producing emotionally-expressive speech messages
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1994-04-13
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Granted: 1996-09-24
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Expires: 2014-04-13
Abstract
Abstract A computer system in which the sounds of different speech messages are stored or synthesized, the system being adapted to reproduce a selected speech message and to impart emotional expressivity thereto whose character depends on the user's choice. To this end, stored in the system is a set of sentograms whose respective wave forms reflect different emotions, the selected speech message being reproduced, being modulated as a function of the wave form of the sentogram in the set selected by the user whereby the reproduced speech message is emotionally colored and therefore has a human quality.
Inventors
- 👤 Manfred Clynes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:57
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10L; G10L13/00; G10L13/02; G10L13/033; G10L21/00; G10L21/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A computer system adapted to produce emotionally-expressive speech messages, the system comprising: A. a computer having stored or synthesized therein the sounds of different speech messages, and including means to select for reproduction one of these messages and to reproduce the selected message so that it can be heard by a user of the system; B. a set of sentograms stored in the computer having respective wave forms reflecting different emotions; and C. means to select one or more sentograms from the set and to modulate the message being reproduced as a function of the selected sentogram to impart emotional expressivity thereto.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
A computer system adapted to produce emotionally-expressive speech messages, the system comprising: A. a computer having stored or synthesized therein the sounds of different speech messages, and including means to select for reproduction one of these messages and to reproduce the selected message so that it can be heard by a user of the system; B. a set of sentograms stored in the computer having respective wave forms reflecting different emotions; and C. means to select one or more sentograms from the set and to modulate the message being reproduced as a function of the selected sentogram to impart emotional expressivity thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, in which the speech message being reproduced is modulated as a function of the amplitude contour of the wave form of the selected sentogram.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, in which the content of the message being reproduced is modulated as a function of the frequency contour of the wave form of the selected sentogram.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 in which the speech message being reproduced is modulated as a dynamic function of the amplitude contour of the wave form of the selected sentogram to impart vibrato to the speech message.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, in which the harmonic content of speech message being reproduced is modulated as a dynamic function of the amplitude contour of the wave form of the selected sentogram to change the timbre of the speech.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, in which the tempo of the speech message being reproduced is modulated as a dynamic function of the amplitude contour of the selected sentogram.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-09-24 | 2000-03-25 | 2000-09-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-09-24 | 2004-03-25 | 2004-09-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-09-24 | 2008-03-25 | 2008-09-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |