Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1991-1997
Title: Innovations of Thomas M Levergood
Introduction
Thomas M Levergood is an accomplished inventor based in Bellingham, MA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of audio-visual technology, holding a total of 2 patents. His work focuses on enhancing the interaction between synthetic speech and visual representations.
Latest Patents
One of Levergood's latest patents is titled "Method and apparatus for producing audio-visual synthetic speech." This invention provides a method for synchronizing a video image of facial features with synthetic speech. The process involves transforming text input into a string of phonemes and timing data, which are then transmitted to an image generation unit. Simultaneously, synthetic speech samples are sent to an audio server, which produces audible signals. The image generation unit calculates the corresponding facial configuration based on the phoneme being audibilized and displays it on a video device.
Another notable patent is "Name pronunciation by synthesizer." This apparatus and method enable accurate pronunciation of proper names from text using a computer. It includes a dictionary for initial name searches and a filter to identify or eliminate language groups. If the language group cannot be determined, a grapheme analyzer and trigram analyzer work together to ascertain the most probable language group. The resulting phonemics, including stress information, are sent to a voice realization unit for audio output.
Career Highlights
Levergood is currently employed at Digital Equipment Corporation, where he continues to innovate in the field of technology. His work has had a lasting impact on how synthetic speech is integrated with visual elements, enhancing user experience in various applications.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Levergood has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Anthony J Vitale and David Gerard Conroy. These partnerships have contributed to the development of his innovative technologies.
Conclusion
Thomas M Levergood's contributions to audio-visual synthetic speech technology demonstrate his commitment to innovation. His patents reflect a deep understanding of the intersection between language and technology, paving the way for future advancements in this field.