Microsoft Patents "Fonts With Feelings" 150
theodp writes "Seems like those old IBM flaming logo commercials (video) should count as prior art, but the USPTO granted Microsoft a patent Tuesday for inventing Fonts With Feelings. Giving font characters sound, motion, and altered appearance, Microsoft asserts, gives a user 'the impression the fonts have personalities,' thereby enhancing the user's understanding and/or fluency of words. From the patent: 'As a few non-limiting examples, the word 'giant' can get very large; the word 'lion' can morph into a line drawing of a lion; the word 'toss' can morph into a hand that animates a ball toss; the word 'bees' could show bees flying around with or without a 'buzz' sound effect'. If you're curious, Microsoft Research offers some explanations and examples of 'fontlings' in action — don't miss 'f' kicks 'a'!"
Just like WordWorld and a million others (Score:4, Informative)
Prior art exists (Score:3, Informative)
There are kids shows already doing this "Word world" among them. Gratz to MS for patenting something that is probably 10 years old and in common usage.
Prior fuzzy art! (Score:3, Informative)
40 years of Prior Art (Score:4, Informative)
Apparently no one at Microsoft watches Sesame Street.
Re:This is Ballmer's Baby (Score:2, Informative)
"Toxic Pit Stains"
So THAT'S what a TPS report is!