Tandy W Trower, Ii

Title: Tandy W Trower, II: Innovator in Animation Technology

Introduction

Tandy W Trower, II is a notable inventor based in Woodinville, WA (US), recognized for his contributions to animation technology. With a total of six patents to his name, Trower has made significant advancements in synchronizing animated characters with speech and actions.

Latest Patents

Trower's latest patents include a method and system for synchronizing scripted animations. This innovative animation system provides synchronization services that allow multiple interactive user interface characters to be displayed simultaneously. The system enables applications to make animation requests to control character actions, including playing animation sequences and generating speech output with lip-synched mouth movements. The synchronization services can be accessed via script commands or an Application Programming Interface, allowing for straightforward commands such as Wait, Interrupt, or Stop.

Another significant patent involves synchronizing the moveable mouths of animated characters with recorded speech. This process utilizes a linguistically enhanced sound file created by a speech recognition engine, which provides timing information related to word breaks and phonemes. This timing information is crucial for controlling the animated character's mouth movement and pacing in the character's word balloon. The sound editing tool also offers editing functions for manipulating timing information, allowing for seamless integration of recorded speech at a later stage.

Career Highlights

Tandy W Trower, II is currently employed at Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC, where he continues to innovate in the field of animation technology. His work has significantly impacted how animated characters interact with users, enhancing the overall experience in various applications.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Trower has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Mark Jeffrey Weinberg and John W Merrill. These collaborations have contributed to the development of advanced animation technologies and have fostered a creative environment for innovation.

Conclusion

Tandy W Trower, II is a pioneering inventor whose work in animation technology has transformed the way characters interact in digital environments. His patents reflect a deep understanding of synchronization and user experience, making him a valuable asset in the tech industry.