Patents Assigned to Vocollect, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11915039
    Abstract: A method for identifying a second device by a first device for establishing a communication between the first device and the second device is described here. The method includes receiving, by a processor of a first device, a voice command from a worker in a workplace. In an example, the method comprises pausing, by the processor, a workflow operation executing on the first device. The method further comprises performing, by the processor, a voice recognition to analyze the voice command of the worker. The method includes activating, by the processor, a communication module of the first device based on the voice recognition, to identify a second device in proximity to the first device. The method includes terminating, by the processor, a connection between the first device and the wearable electronic device. Thus, terminating, by the processor, a second connection of the first device with the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: VOCOLLECT, INC.
    Inventors: Gary W. Miller, Graham P. Byrne
  • Patent number: 11875780
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to determining and providing user-specific feedback based on an analysis of audible input sessions performed by a user. In this regard, a set of term recognition structures that each comprise a plurality of term data objects and a respective confidence score for each term data object are generated. For at least one pairing of term data objects of a predefined term glossary, a correlation coefficient value for the respective pairing is determined. In accordance with determining that the correlation coefficient value for the at least one pairing satisfies a predefined threshold a generate a visualization is generated and displayed that includes an indication of the term data objects of the at least one pairing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Vocollect, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Mata
  • Patent number: 11837253
    Abstract: A device, system, and method whereby a speech-driven system can distinguish speech obtained from users of the system from other speech spoken by background persons, as well as from background speech from public address systems. In one aspect, the present system and method prepares, in advance of field-use, a voice-data file which is created in a training environment. The training environment exhibits both desired user speech and unwanted background speech, including unwanted speech from persons other than a user and also speech from a PA system. The speech recognition system is trained or otherwise programmed to identify wanted user speech which may be spoken concurrently with the background sounds. In an embodiment, during the pre-field-use phase the training or programming may be accomplished by having persons who are training listeners audit the pre-recorded sounds to identify the desired user speech. A processor-based learning system is trained to duplicate the assessments made by the human listeners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: VOCOLLECT, INC.
    Inventor: David D. Hardek
  • Patent number: 11817078
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that dynamically adjust operational parameters of a text-to-speech engine in a speech-based system are disclosed. A voice engine or other application of a device provides a mechanism to alter the adjustable operational parameters of the text-to-speech engine. In response to one or more environmental conditions, the adjustable operational parameters of the text-to-speech engine are modified to increase the intelligibility of synthesized speech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: VOCOLLECT, INC.
    Inventors: James Hendrickson, Debra Drylie Stiffey, Duane Littleton, John Pecorari, Arkadiusz Slusarczyk
  • Patent number: 11810545
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that dynamically adjust operational parameters of a text-to-speech engine in a speech-based system are disclosed. A voice engine or other application of a device provides a mechanism to alter the adjustable operational parameters of the text-to-speech engine. In response to one or more environmental conditions, the adjustable operational parameters of the text-to-speech engine are modified to increase the intelligibility of synthesized speech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: VOCOLLECT, INC.
    Inventors: James Hendrickson, Debra Drylie Stiffey, Duane Littleton, John Pecorari, Arkadiusz Slusarczyk
  • Patent number: 11743958
    Abstract: A method for facilitating picking of an incoming call on a device is described here. The method includes transmitting, by a processor of a work device, a workflow execution command to a first device communicatively coupled to the work device. In an example, the method comprises receiving at the work device, a first message indicative of occurrence of an event on a second device communicatively coupled to the work device. The method further comprises sending, by the processor, a first request to the first device to terminate a first connection with the work device. The method includes sending, by the processor, a second request to communicatively couple the first device to the second device. The method includes receiving, by the processor, a second message indicative of completion of the event on the second device. Thus, terminating, by the processor, a second connection of the first device with the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: VOCOLLECT, INC.
    Inventors: Mohit Raj, Nagaraju Rachakonda
  • Patent number: 11645602
    Abstract: Provided is an improved apparatus and method for identifying inefficient workers in a workplace. The apparatus receives voice commands from a worker in the workplace and transforms the voice commands into text commands by converting audio signals associated with the voice commands to one or more points in data that are stored in a database. The apparatus further creates a dialogue-stream including the text commands and a time of receipt of each voice command associated with the respective text command. Further, a workflow record may be created from the dialogue-stream and may be used to generate an efficiency metric for the worker. Both the dialogue-stream and workflow record can be used to monitor the efficiency of the worker and implement effective changes to the workflow process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: VOCOLLECT, INC.
    Inventors: Duff H. Gold, John Pecorari, Christopher L. Lofty
  • Patent number: 11604675
    Abstract: A method for identifying a second device by a first device for establishing a communication between the first device and the second device is described here. The method includes receiving, by a processor of a first device, a voice command from a worker in a workplace. In an example, the method comprises pausing, by the processor, a workflow operation executing on the first device. The method further comprises performing, by the processor, a voice recognition to analyze the voice command of the worker. The method includes activating, by the processor, a communication module of the first device based on the voice recognition, to identify a second device in proximity to the first device. The method includes terminating, by the processor, a connection between the first device and the wearable electronic device. Thus, terminating, by the processor, a second connection of the first device with the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: VOCOLLECT, INC.
    Inventors: Gary W. Miller, Graham P. Byrne
  • Patent number: 11158336
    Abstract: A device, system, and method whereby a speech-driven system can distinguish speech obtained from users of the system from other speech spoken by background persons, as well as from background speech from public address systems. In one aspect, the present system and method prepares, in advance of field-use, a voice-data file which is created in a training environment. The training environment exhibits both desired user speech and unwanted background speech, including unwanted speech from persons other than a user and also speech from a PA system. The speech recognition system is trained or otherwise programmed to identify wanted user speech which may be spoken concurrently with the background sounds. In an embodiment, during the pre-field-use phase the training or programming may be accomplished by having persons who are training listeners audit the pre-recorded sounds to identify the desired user speech. A processor-based learning system is trained to duplicate the assessments made by the human listeners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: VOCOLLECT, INC.
    Inventor: David D. Hardek
  • Patent number: 11157869
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring worker movement within a warehouse setting are provided. According to one implementation, a wearable apparatus comprises an audio unit configured to receive audio input signals from a user and convey audio output signals to the user. Also, the wearable apparatus includes a step count unit configured to detect walking movements of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Vocollect, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Wissinger, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Ryan Zoschg, Leslie McKay
  • Patent number: 11042834
    Abstract: A method to provide an order for a user to select goods includes automatically prompting a user via a voice command to collect an item from an order placed by a customer, and in response to receiving the input from an electronic device indicating that the item is unavailable, automatically prompting the user via a voice command to collect a substitute item designated, receiving an input indicating that the substitute item has been collected, followed by electronically notifying the customer that the substitute item has been collected instead of the original item. In another aspect, a voice-enabled click and collect system includes a remote server in communication with a mobile device, configured to prompt a user to collect an item, communicate the item unavailability to the remote server, receive instructions from the remote server, prompt the user to collect the substitute item, and notify the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Vocollect, Inc.
    Inventors: Lori Pike, James Hendrickson, Vanessa Cassandra Sanchez, Timothy Reed, Justin Volz, Brian Quinn, Stefan Wert, Joshua Zito, Allan Strane, Heather Potts
  • Patent number: 10984374
    Abstract: A method of characterizing inventory items to a planogram includes receiving images of view of a scene with inventory items and corresponding indicia using an imaging device; receiving utterances (such as spoken description of inventory items) from a user using a voice recognition system; identifying inventory items in the scene and a corresponding identification code based at least in part on the images and at least in part on the utterances; identifying a plurality of attributes corresponding to the inventory items; and characterizing the inventory items to a planogram based on the respective identification code and plurality of attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Vocollect, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Pike, Lori Pike, Mark Mellott, Vanessa Cassandra Sanchez, George Joshue Karabin, Brian Bender, Justin Volz
  • Patent number: 10909490
    Abstract: A worker resource management system may include a voice-directed mobile terminal that enables a dialog between a user and the voice-directed mobile terminal. At least one computer may be in communication with the mobile terminal. The computer can include a worker resource management module that receives and records user activity from the voice-directed mobile terminal. The worker resource management module can identify user productivity patterns and provide work assessment predictions based at least in part upon the user activity that is received and recorded. Management can make worker resource decisions in response to the user productivity patterns identified or the work assessment predictions provided by the worker resource management module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: VOCOLLECT, INC.
    Inventors: Mohit Raj, Saurabh Mittal, Kaushik Hazra, Krishna Udupi, Neeraj Singh, Amal Vaish, Amit Kumar
  • Patent number: 10896403
    Abstract: A mobile device can receive information from a computer; at least partially in response to the receiving of the information from the computer, the mobile device can communicate with a worker regarding a product type; the mobile device can receive information from the worker via voice, wherein the information received from the worker can identify a date or other product information associated with a product of the product type; and the mobile device can provide the product information to the computer. The mobile device can provide a second voice prompt to the worker, wherein the second voice prompt can request a quantity of products of the product type that are marked with the product information; then the mobile device can receive a quantity from the worker via voice; and the mobile device can report to the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Vocollect, Inc.
    Inventors: Vanessa Cassandra Sanchez, John Pecorari, George Joshue Karabin, Justin Volz, Brian Bender, Mark Mellott
  • Patent number: 10714121
    Abstract: A device, system, and method whereby a speech-driven system can distinguish speech obtained from users of the system from other speech spoken by background persons, as well as from background speech from public address systems. In one aspect, the present system and method prepares, in advance of field-use, a voice-data file which is created in a training environment. The training environment exhibits both desired user speech and unwanted background speech, including unwanted speech from persons other than a user and also speech from a PA system. The speech recognition system is trained or otherwise programmed to identify wanted user speech which may be spoken concurrently with the background sounds. In an embodiment, during the pre-field-use phase the training or programming may be accomplished by having persons who are training listeners audit the pre-recorded sounds to identify the desired user speech. A processor-based learning system is trained to duplicate the assessments made by the human listeners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: VOCOLLECT, INC.
    Inventor: David D. Hardek
  • Patent number: 10694277
    Abstract: Headset assemblies and systems for mobile application control and power savings are provided. Headset assembly includes headband with proximity sensor activation element and receiver assembly configured to be rotated with respect to the headband between a first position and a second position. Receiver assembly has memory, proximity sensor, processor communicatively coupled to memory and proximity sensor, microphone boom having first and second ends, and microphone located adjacent first end and speaker located adjacent second end. Processor comprises PIO port. Proximity sensor activation element is positioned to trigger proximity sensor to activate PIO port when receiver assembly is rotated to the second position and to deactivate PIO port when receiver assembly is rotated to first position. Proximity sensor is configured to transmit at least one signal representing receiver assembly position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Vocollect, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale McGary, Richard Sharbaugh, Matthew Nichols, Sean Nickel, Bryan Michael DiPiazza
  • Patent number: 10685665
    Abstract: A method improves speech recognition using a device located in proximity to a machine emitting high levels of audio noise. The microphone of the device receives the audio noise emitted by the machine and the speech emitted by a user and generates a composite signal. The device also receives a wireless communication signal from the machine comprising information on an audio noise profile and the proximity of the machine relative to the device. The audio noise profile is a representation of the audio noise emitted by the machine. Based on this information, the device determines a filter for filtering the composite signal to mitigate the audio noise before initiating the speech recognition process. The method improves speech recognition in a high audio noise environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Vocollect, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Chrisman
  • Patent number: 10685643
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that dynamically adjust operational parameters of a text-to-speech engine in a speech-based system are disclosed. A voice engine or other application of a device provides a mechanism to alter the adjustable operational parameters of the text-to-speech engine. In response to one or more environmental conditions, the adjustable operational parameters of the text-to-speech engine are modified to increase the intelligibility of synthesized speech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Vocollect, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hendrickson, Debra Drylie Stiffey, Duane Littleton, John Pecorari, Arkadiusz Slusarczyk
  • Patent number: 10468015
    Abstract: A method for text-to-speech (TTS) pronunciation correction includes initiating a correction of a pronunciation error produced by a TTS system; receiving an input from a user for the correction of the pronunciation error; and updating the pronunciation based on the input provided by the user. The user input can include providing one or more voice recording entries, a manual entry from a keyboard, and/or choosing an entry from a predetermined list of phonetic strings. The method can also include pronouncing the corrected pronunciation entry back to the user. The user input can be further used for correction of similar syllables, words, and/or phrases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Vocollect, Inc.
    Inventors: Lori Pike, James Hendrickson, Justin Volz
  • Patent number: D912618
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: VOCOLLECT, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan DiPiazza, Mark Lee Oberpriller, Richard Sharbaugh, Andrew Walston, Robert Malinoski