Patents by Inventor Carol A. Erbes

Carol A. Erbes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5832432
    Abstract: A method of updating or expanding an audio classified ad database with text ads obtained from the databases of print media organizations such as newspapers is disclosed. Ads from a print media ad database are downloaded to a host processor that identifies relevant ads, such as those dealing with autos, and converts the abbreviated text of the print ad to an expanded version of the ad. The words and phrases of the expanded version are parsed and stored in appropriate fields of a relational database. A sequenced play list of audio file numbers corresponding to the words and phrases contained in a database record is created along with "glue" words and phrases that are added to produce a more natural sounding audio. The sequenced list is stored in an audio ad database and is retrieved and assembled to play the audio version of the ad in response to a command from a remote user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignees: US West, Inc., MediaOne Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry F. Trader, Matthew J. Bixler, Michael J. Bishara, Eliot M. Case, Carol A. Erbes, Barbara J. Warden