Patents by Inventor Ethan R. Bradford

Ethan R. Bradford 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: 10176803
    Abstract: Technology for improving the predictive accuracy of input word recognition on a device by dynamically updating the lexicon of recognized words based on the word choices made by similar users. The technology collects users' vocabulary choices (e.g., words that each user uses, or adds to or removes from a word recognition dictionary), associates users who make similar choices, aggregates related vocabulary choices, filters the words, and sends words identified as likely choices for that user to the user's device. Clusters may include, for example, users in a particular location (e.g., sets of people who use words such as “Puyallup,” “Gloucester,” or “Waiheke”), users with a particular professional or hobby vocabulary, or application-specific vocabulary (e.g., word choices in map searches or email messages).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan R. Bradford, Simon Corston, David J. Kay, Donni McCray, Keith Trnka
  • Publication number: 20170365253
    Abstract: Technology for improving the predictive accuracy of input word recognition on a device by dynamically updating the lexicon of recognized words based on the word choices made by similar users. The technology collects users' vocabulary choices (e.g., words that each user uses, or adds to or removes from a word recognition dictionary), associates users who make similar choices, aggregates related vocabulary choices, filters the words, and sends words identified as likely choices for that user to the user's device. Clusters may include, for example, users in a particular location (e.g., sets of people who use words such as “Puyallup,” “Gloucester,” or “Waiheke”), users with a particular professional or hobby vocabulary, or application-specific vocabulary (e.g., word choices in map searches or email messages).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Ethan R. Bradford, Simon Corston, David J. Kay, Donni McCray, Keith Trnka
  • Patent number: 9760560
    Abstract: The disclosed system provides an efficient method of using a later word or words entered after a previous word along with one or more language models that show which words are likely to occur together to identify a better disambiguated choice for the previous word. To identify the better disambiguated choice for the previous word, the system can evaluate the conditional probability for the later word of various candidate previous words, and select the candidate previous word that has the highest conditional probability. If the conditional probability of the selected candidate previous word exceeds that of the previous word that was entered by at least a factor, then the system can include the selected candidate previous word in a selection list for user selection. The disclosed system also provides an efficient method for using one or more language models and a later word to correct errors in segmenting the word.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Simon Corston, Ethan R. Bradford, Donni McCray, Erland Unruh, Claes-Fredrik Mannby, David J. Kay, Keith Trnka
  • Patent number: 9672818
    Abstract: Technology for improving the predictive accuracy of input word recognition on a device by dynamically updating the lexicon of recognized words based on the word choices made by similar users. The technology collects users' vocabulary choices (e.g., words that each user uses, or adds to or removes from a word recognition dictionary), associates users who make similar choices, aggregates related vocabulary choices, filters the words, and sends words identified as likely choices for that user to the user's device. Clusters may include, for example, users in a particular location (e.g., sets of people who use words such as “Puyallup,” “Gloucester,” or “Waiheke”), users with a particular professional or hobby vocabulary, or application-specific vocabulary (e.g., word choices in map searches or email messages).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ethan R. Bradford, Simon Corston, David J. Kay, Donni McCray, Keith Trnka
  • Patent number: 9626355
    Abstract: An operating sequence for a handheld computing device manages the device to automatically detect cues describing the device's environmental and user actions performed with the device, learn which cues and cue combinations are relevant to predict user actions, and then in response to occurrence of the relevant cues, predictively implementing the appropriate user action or configuring the device in anticipation of user action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ethan R. Bradford, David J. Kay, Michael Longe, Pim Van Meurs, Gaurav Tandon
  • Publication number: 20160275070
    Abstract: The disclosed system provides an efficient method of using a later word or words entered after a previous word along with one or more language models that show which words are likely to occur together to identify a better disambiguated choice for the previous word. To identify the better disambiguated choice for the previous word, the system can evaluate the conditional probability for the later word of various candidate previous words, and select the candidate previous word that has the highest conditional probability. If the conditional probability of the selected candidate previous word exceeds that of the previous word that was entered by at least a factor, then the system can include the selected candidate previous word in a selection list for user selection. The disclosed system also provides an efficient method for using one or more language models and a later word to correct errors in segmenting the word.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Simon Corston, Ethan R. Bradford, Donni McCray, Erland Unruh, Claes-Fredrik Mannby, David J. Kay, Keith Trnka
  • Publication number: 20150309984
    Abstract: Technology is described for developing a language model for a language recognition system from scratch based on aggregating and analyzing text input from multiple users of the language. The technology allows a user to select a language, and if no existing language model is available for the selected language, provides a new language model for the selected language, monitors and collects information about the use of words in the selected language, combines information collected from multiple users of the selected language, and updates the user's language model based on the combined information from multiple users of the selected language.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ethan R. Bradford, Simon Corston, Donni McCray, Ryan N. Cross
  • Publication number: 20150169537
    Abstract: The present technology describes context based text input, which uses linguistic models based on conditional probabilities to provide meaningful word completion and modification suggestions, such as auto-capitalization, based on previously entered words. The technology may use previously entered left context words to modify a list of candidate words matching a current user input. The left context may include one or more previously input words followed by a space, hyphen, or another word. The technology may then modify the list of candidate words based on one or more conditional probabilities, where the conditional probabilities show a probability of a candidate list modification given a particular left context. The modifying may comprise reordering the list or modifying properties of words on the list such as capitalization. The technology may then display the modified list of candidate words to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Corston, Keith Trnka, Ethan R. Bradford, David J. Kay, Donni McCray, Gaurav Tandon, Erland Unruh, Wendy Bannister
  • Patent number: 8938688
    Abstract: An operating sequence for a handheld computing device manages the device to automatically detect cues describing the device's environmental and user actions performed with the device, learn which cues and cue combinations are relevant to predict user actions, and then in response to occurrence of the relevant cues, predictively implementing the appropriate user action or configuring the device in anticipation of user action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan R. Bradford, David J. Kay, Michael Longe, Pim Van Meurs, Gaurav Tandon
  • Publication number: 20140372345
    Abstract: An operating sequence for a handheld computing device manages the device to automatically detect cues describing the device's environmental and user actions performed with the device, learn which cues and cue combinations are relevant to predict user actions, and then in response to occurrence of the relevant cues, predictively implementing the appropriate user action or configuring the device in anticipation of user action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ethan R. BRADFORD, David J. Kay, Michael Longe, Pim Van Meurs, Gaurav Tandon
  • Publication number: 20140316784
    Abstract: Technology for improving the predictive accuracy of input word recognition on a device by dynamically updating the lexicon of recognized words based on the word choices made by similar users. The technology collects users' vocabulary choices (e.g., words that each user uses, or adds to or removes from a word recognition dictionary), associates users who make similar choices, aggregates related vocabulary choices, filters the words, and sends words identified as likely choices for that user to the user's device. Clusters may include, for example, users in a particular location (e.g., sets of people who use words such as “Puyallup,” “Gloucester,” or “Waiheke”), users with a particular professional or hobby vocabulary, or application-specific vocabulary (e.g., word choices in map searches or email messages).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Ethan R. Bradford, Simon Corston, David J. Kay, Donni McCray, Keith Trnka
  • Patent number: 8782568
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for explicit filtering in ambiguous text entry. The invention provides embodiments including various explicit text entry methodologies, such as 2-key and long pressing. The invention also provides means for matching words in a database using build around methodology, stem locking methodology, word completion methodology, and n-gram searches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan R. Bradford, Keith C. Hullfish, David J. Kay, Pim van Meurs, Michael R. Longé
  • Patent number: 8583087
    Abstract: In one general sense, information may be presented to a user by receiving one or more ambiguous characters that may be resolved to one of at least two disambiguated characters, exchanging at least one of the ambiguous characters with a host, receiving, from the host, results that reflect disambiguated terms related to the ambiguous characters exchanged with the host, rendering the results in a manner enabling the user to perceive which of the disambiguated terms will be used upon user selection of an aspect of the results, and enabling the user to select an aspect of the results to effect use of a corresponding one of the disambiguated terms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Longe, Ethan R. Bradford, David J. Kay, Pim van Meurs
  • Patent number: 8583440
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing visual indication of character ambiguity and ensuing reduction of such ambiguity during text entry are described. An application text entry field is presented in a display screen, into which the user enters text by means of a reduced keyboard and a disambiguating system. The default or most likely word construct for the current key sequence may be presented at the insertion point of the text entry field. An indication of ambiguity is presented in the display screen to communicate to the user the possible ambiguous characters associated with each key. A word choice list field may also be present to display at least one word construct matching the current key sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tegic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: James Stephanick, Ethan R. Bradford, Pim Van Meurs, Richard Eyraud, Michael R. Longé
  • Patent number: 8466896
    Abstract: A selective input system and method are provided which track the motion of a pointing device over a region or area. The pointing device can be a touchpad, a mouse, a pen, or any device capable of providing two or three-dimensional location. The region or area is preferably augmented with a printed or actual keyboard/pad. Alternatively, a representation of the location of the pointing device over a virtual keyboard/pad can be dynamically shown on an associated display. The system identifies selections of items or characters by detecting parameters of motion of the pointing device, such as length of motion, a change in direction, a change in velocity, and or a lack of motion at locations that correspond to features on the keyboard/pad. The input system is preferably coupled to a text disambiguation system such as a T9® or Sloppytype™ system, to improve the accuracy and usability of the input system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Tegic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: James Stephanick, Christina James, Ethan R. Bradford, Michael R. Longé
  • Patent number: 8456441
    Abstract: A selective input system and associated method is provided which tracks the motion of a pointing device over a region or area. The pointing device can be a touchpad, a mouse, a pen, or any device capable of providing two or three-dimensional location. The region or area is preferably augmented with a printed or actual keyboard/pad. Alternatively, a representation of the location of the pointing device over a virtual keyboard/pad can be dynamically shown on an associated display. The system identifies selections of items or characters by detecting parameters of motion of the pointing device, such as length of motion, a change in direction, a change in velocity, and or a lack of motion at locations that correspond to features on the keyboard/pad. The input system is preferably coupled to a text disambiguation system such as a T9® or Sloppytype™ system, to improve the accuracy and usability of the input system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Tegic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: James Stephanick, Christina James, Ethan R. Bradford, Michael R. Longe
  • Publication number: 20130012174
    Abstract: In one general sense, information may be presented to a user by receiving one or more ambiguous characters that may be resolved to one of at least two disambiguated characters, exchanging at least one of the ambiguous characters with a host, receiving, from the host, results that reflect disambiguated terms related to the ambiguous characters exchanged with the host, rendering the results in a manner enabling the user to perceive which of the disambiguated terms will be used upon user selection of an aspect of the results, and enabling the user to select an aspect of the results to effect use of a corresponding one of the disambiguated terms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Tegic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Longe, Ethan R. Bradford, David J. Kay, Pim Van Meurs
  • Publication number: 20120280950
    Abstract: A selective input system and associated method is provided which tracks the motion of a pointing device over a region or area. The pointing device can be a touchpad, a mouse, a pen, or any device capable of providing two or three-dimensional location. The region or area is preferably augmented with a printed or actual keyboard/pad. Alternatively, a representation of the location of the pointing device over a virtual keyboard/pad can be dynamically shown on an associated display. The system identifies selections of items or characters by detecting parameters of motion of the pointing device, such as length of motion, a change in direction, a change in velocity, and or a lack of motion at locations that correspond to features on the keyboard/pad. The input system is preferably coupled to a text disambiguation system such as a T9® or Sloppytype™ system, to improve the accuracy and usability of the input system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: James STEPHANICK, Christina James, Ethan R. Bradford, Michael R. Longe
  • Publication number: 20120280931
    Abstract: A selective input system and method are provided which track the motion of a pointing device over a region or area. The pointing device can be a touchpad, a mouse, a pen, or any device capable of providing two or three-dimensional location. The region or area is preferably augmented with a printed or actual keyboard/pad. Alternatively, a representation of the location of the pointing device over a virtual keyboard/pad can be dynamically shown on an associated display. The system identifies selections of items or characters by detecting parameters of motion of the pointing device, such as length of motion, a change in direction, a change in velocity, and or a lack of motion at locations that correspond to features on the keyboard/pad. The input system is preferably coupled to a text disambiguation system such as a T9® or Sloppytype™ system, to improve the accuracy and usability of the input system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: James Stephanick, Christina James, Ethan R. Bradford, Michael R. Longé
  • Patent number: 8275362
    Abstract: In one general sense, information may be presented to a user by receiving one or more ambiguous characters that may be resolved to one of at least two disambiguated characters, exchanging at least one of the ambiguous characters with a host, receiving, from the host, results that reflect disambiguated terms related to the ambiguous characters exchanged with the host, rendering the results in a manner enabling the user to perceive which of the disambiguated terms will be used upon user selection of an aspect of the results, and enabling the user to select an aspect of the results to effect use of a corresponding one of the disambiguated terms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Tegic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Longe, Ethan R. Bradford, David J. Kay, Pim van Meurs