Patents by Inventor Frances James

Frances James 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: 8788271
    Abstract: One or more voice-enabled user interfaces include a user interface, and a voice extension module associated with the user interface. The voice extension module is configured to voice-enable the user interface and includes a speech recognition engine, a preprocessor, and an input handler. The preprocessor registers with the speech recognition engine one or more voice commands for signaling for execution of one or more semantic operations that may be performed using a first user interface. The input handler receives a first voice command and communicates with the preprocessor to execute a semantic operation that is indicated by the first voice command. The first voice command is one of the voice commands registered with the speech recognition engine by the preprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: SAP Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frances James, Rama Gurram
  • Patent number: 7673347
    Abstract: Techniques are described for protecting information in a convenient and useful way. A user transmits information from a mobile device to an ambient display, so that other users may receive the information from the ambient display. A display controller detects a presence of a potentially unauthorized user relative to the ambient display, and modifies the outputting of the information at the ambient display so as to hide portions of the information that should not be seen by the potentially unauthorized user. The information, including the hidden portion, is nonetheless output, using one of a plurality of output channels of one or more secondary devices, either to the user and/or the other users. In this way, authorized users may continue to receive the information, and, moreover, may input an indication as to whether an extent of the hidden portion is sufficient to provide adequate security with regard to the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventor: Frances James
  • Patent number: 7672851
    Abstract: Enhanced application of spoken input, in which a single, natural language voice command is accessed. Using a repository that associates multiple operations with natural language voice commands, multiple selected operations that correspond to the received single, natural language voice command are determined and applied to a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Rama Gurram, Frances James
  • Patent number: 7409344
    Abstract: A voice-enabled user interface includes a first user interface. A voice extension module is associated with the first user interface and is configured to voice-enable the first user interface. The voice extension module includes a speech recognition engine, an XML configuration repository, a preprocessor, and an input handler. The XML configuration repository includes one or more XML files specifying one or more voice commands for signaling for execution of one or more semantic operations that may be performed using the first user interface. The preprocessor is configured to register with the speech recognition engine the one or more voice commands. The input handler is configured to receive a first voice command and to communicate with the preprocessor to execute a semantic operation from the one or more semantic operations that may be performed using the first user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: SAP Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rama Gurram, Frances James
  • Publication number: 20080162138
    Abstract: Enhanced application of spoken input, in which a single, natural language voice command is accessed. Using a repository that associates multiple operations with natural language voice commands, multiple selected operations that correspond to the received single, natural language voice command are determined and applied to a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Rama Gurram, Frances James
  • Patent number: 7389236
    Abstract: Techniques for using open interaction elements (OIEs) in voice-enabled systems are described. OIEs include multi-select and dictation fields of a user interface, into which a user may enter multiple selections or free-form information. To allow the user to exit from such OIEs, that is, to change from a data entry mode to a navigation mode, multiple exit strategies may be simultaneously enabled for use by the user. For example, an explicit exit command may be available to the user, in addition to an implicit exit command or time-out exit strategy. In this way, users may individually select a preferred or practical way of exiting an OIE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: SAP Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Frances James
  • Patent number: 7340395
    Abstract: A system having multiple speech recognition engines, each operable to recognize spoken data, is described. A speech recognition engine manager detects the speech recognition engines, and selects at least one for recognizing spoken input from a user, via a user interface. In this way, a speech recognition engine that is particularly suited to a current environment may be selected. For example, a speech recognition engine that is particularly suited for, or preferred by, the user may be selected, or a speech recognition engine that is particularly suited for a particular type of interface, interface element, or application, may be selected. Multiple ones of the speech recognition engines may be selected and simultaneously maintained in an active state, by maintaining a session associated with each of the engines. Accordingly, users' experience with voice applications may be enhanced, and, in particular, users with physical disabilities may more easily interact with software applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: SAP Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rama Gurram, Frances James
  • Publication number: 20070067852
    Abstract: Techniques are described for protecting information in a convenient and useful way. A user transmits information from a mobile device to an ambient display, so that other users may receive the information from the ambient display. A display controller detects a presence of a potentially unauthorized user relative to the ambient display, and modifies the outputting of the information at the ambient display so as to hide portions of the information that should not be seen by the potentially unauthorized user. The information, including the hidden portion, is nonetheless output, using one of a plurality of output channels of one or more secondary devices, either to the user and/or the other users. In this way, authorized users may continue to receive the information, and, moreover, may input an indication as to whether an extent of the hidden portion is sufficient to provide adequate security with regard to the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventor: Frances James
  • Publication number: 20060206336
    Abstract: A voice-enabled user interface includes a first user interface. A voice extension module is associated with the first user interface and is configured to voice-enable the first user interface. The voice extension module includes a speech recognition engine, an XML configuration repository, a preprocessor, and an input handler. The XML configuration repository includes one or more XML files specifying one or more voice commands for signaling for execution of one or more semantic operations that may be performed using the first user interface. The preprocessor is configured to register with the speech recognition engine the one or more voice commands. The input handler is configured to receive a first voice command and to communicate with the preprocessor to execute a semantic operation from the one or more semantic operations that may be performed using the first user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Rama Gurram, Frances James
  • Publication number: 20060136221
    Abstract: One or more voice-enabled user interfaces include a user interface, and a voice extension module associated with the user interface. The voice extension module is configured to voice-enable the user interface and includes a speech recognition engine, a preprocessor, and an input handler. The preprocessor registers with the speech recognition engine one or more voice commands for signaling for execution of one or more semantic operations that may be performed using a first user interface. The input handler receives a first voice command and communicates with the preprocessor to execute a semantic operation that is indicated by the first voice command. The first voice command is one of the voice commands registered with the speech recognition engine by the preprocessor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Frances James, Rama Gurram
  • Publication number: 20060136220
    Abstract: One or more internationalized voice user interfaces include a user interface and a voice extension module associated with the user interface. The voice extension module is configured to voice-enable the user interface and includes a speech recognition engine, a preprocessor, and an input handler. The preprocessor is configured to register with the speech recognition engine one or more voice commands for controlling the user interface. The one or more voice commands are representative of multiple languages. The input handler receives an initial voice command that is representative of one of the multiple languages and communicates with the preprocessor to control the user interface as indicated by the initial voice command. The initial voice command is one of the one or more voice commands registered with the speech recognition engine by the preprocessor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Rama Gurram, Frances James
  • Publication number: 20050240404
    Abstract: A system having multiple speech recognition engines, each operable to recognize spoken data, is described. A speech recognition engine manager detects the speech recognition engines, and selects at least one for recognizing spoken input from a user, via a user interface. In this way, a speech recognition engine that is particularly suited to a current environment may be selected. For example, a speech recognition engine that is particularly suited for, or preferred by, the user may be selected, or a speech recognition engine that is particularly suited for a particular type of interface, interface element, or application, may be selected. Multiple ones of the speech recognition engines may be selected and simultaneously maintained in an active state, by maintaining a session associated with each of the engines. Accordingly, users' experience with voice applications may be enhanced, and, in particular, users with physical disabilities may more easily interact with software applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Rama Gurram, Frances James
  • Publication number: 20050071172
    Abstract: Techniques for using open interaction elements (OIEs) in voice-enabled systems are described. OIEs include multi-select and dictation fields of a user interface, into which a user may enter multiple selections or free-form information. To allow the user to exit from such OIEs, that is, to change from a data entry mode to a navigation mode, multiple exit strategies may be simultaneously enabled for use by the user. For example, an explicit exit command may be available to the user, in addition to an implicit exit command or time-out exit strategy. In this way, users may individually select a preferred or practical way of exiting an OIE.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventor: Frances James
  • Patent number: 6001383
    Abstract: A fumigant, comprising cyanogen (C.sub.2 N.sub.2) provides a viable alternative to conventional fumigants such as methyl bromide, phosphine and carbonyl sulphide. Cyanogen (C.sub.2 N.sub.2) can be used as such a fumigant in the control of a range of biota, including insects, mites, nematodes, fungi and their spores, viruses, spiders, bacteria, molds and rodents. It is also suitable for use on a variety of commodities, including grain, seeds, meats, fruit, vegetables, timber, plants, cut flowers and soil. It is shown that an efficacious concentration of cyanogen (C.sub.2 N.sub.2) as a fumigant leaves a very low residue and can be readily flushed from commodities. In particular, it has been observed that a mixture of (C.sub.2 N.sub.2) and carbon dioxide have a synergistic effect when applied to various biota. The term "cyanogen" is defined as the gas (as STP) cyanogen, (C.sub.2 N.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignees: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, University of Canberra
    Inventors: Ian G. O'Brien, deceased, Frances James Michael Desmarchelier, Ren Yonglin