Microsoft Patents "Cartoon Face Generation"

theodp writes "The latest round of patents granted by the USPTO included one for Cartoon Face Generation, an invention which Microsoft explains 'generates an attractive cartoon face or graphic of a user's facial image'. Microsoft adds, 'The style of cartoon face achieved resembles the likeness of the user more than cartoons generated by conventional vector-based cartooning techniques. The cartoon faces thus achieved provide an attractive facial appearance and thus have wide applicability in art, gaming, and messaging applications in which a pleasing degree of realism is desirable without exaggerated comedy or caricature.' A Microsoft Research Face SDK Beta is available. Hey, too bad Microsoft didn't have this technology when they generated Bob from Ralphie!"

Comments

Re:Cartoon Face Generation

[Anonymous Coward]

This actually seems like a worthwhile invention.

Sadly, like most recent Microsoft "innovations", it's a copy of other people's work being patented in an effort to block competition (likely including the original developers) and/or extort money from people with a real product.

http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/11-sites-to-create-cartoon-characters-of-yourself/

Re:Microsoft Research

[havana9]

Microsoft Song Smith is useful to obtain amusing Youtube videos. See for yourself: http://it.bing.com/videos/search?q=songsmith+vs&qs=n&form=QBVR&pq=songsmith+vs&sc=0-15&sp=-1&sk=

I think the link says it all...

[tlambert]

'generates an attractive cartoon face OR graphic of a user's facial image'

So it can either be attractive OR look like you.