Patents by Inventor Joel Werdell

Joel Werdell 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: 11900300
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques that allow a coach-assist controller to provide coach support to a customer service representative (CSR) during an ongoing consumer-CSR interaction. The coach-assist controller may intercept a consumer-CSR interaction and generate corresponding interaction data. The coach-assist controller may further analyze the interaction data to infer a current state of the consumer-CSR interaction, and in doing so, determine whether to request coach support for the CSR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: James Ellison, Mark Hanson, Joel Werdell
  • Patent number: 11671826
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques that facilitate selectively interacting with a computing resource based on receipt of an incoming voice command. Particularly, a voice control integration system may parse content of an incoming voice command to authenticate an identity of the client, and further determine an intended meaning of the incoming voice command. In doing so, the voice control integration system may interact with a computing resource to perform an action that fulfills a client request. Computing resources may be associated with service providers or client devices of a client. Further, the voice control integration system may authenticate a client identity based on a one or two-factor authentication protocol, of which one may correspond to a biometric analysis of the incoming voice command. Further, a second-factor of the two-factor authentication protocol may be implemented via a voice interaction device, another client device accessible to the client, or a combination of both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: James Ellison, Joel Werdell, Robert Stamm
  • Publication number: 20230011434
    Abstract: A customer who is contacting customer care via a support session regarding a problem is classified into a customer category of multiple customer categories based at least on customer account information of the customer. A customer care topic in a predetermined set of multiple customer care topics that correspond to the problem is then identified via machine learning. A topic script that corresponds to the customer category of the customer for the customer care topic in the predetermined set of customer care topics is further retrieved or generated, in which the topic script includes one or more topic issues related to the customer care topics. The topic script is provided for presentation to a customer service representative (CSR) to prompt the CSR to discuss the one or more topic issues related to the customer care topic with the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Joel Werdell, Mark Hanson, Heather Nolis, Maritza Ramirez, James Ellison
  • Patent number: 11528240
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques that facilitate selectively automating a response to a client request for vendor services based on an intended meaning of the client request, a category of vendor services associated with the client request, and one or more factors such as an urgency index and a health index. The vendor services system may parse audio, text, and image data of a client request to determine an intended meaning. In some examples, the vendor services system may automate a response that resolves the client request, or automate a response that requests additional information from the client device. Alternatively, or additionally, the vendor services system may direct the client request to a vendor representative for further processing. In doing so, the vendor services system may monitor dialogue between the client and vendor representative, and selectively provide the vendor representative with support data that may help resolve the client request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Werdell, James Ellison, Robert Stamm
  • Publication number: 20210409360
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques that facilitate selectively automating a response to a client request for vendor services based on an intended meaning of the client request, a category of vendor services associated with the client request, and one or more factors such as an urgency index and a health index. The vendor services system may parse audio, text, and image data of a client request to determine an intended meaning. In some examples, the vendor services system may automate a response that resolves the client request, or automate a response that requests additional information from the client device. Alternatively, or additionally, the vendor services system may direct the client request to a vendor representative for further processing. In doing so, the vendor services system may monitor dialogue between the client and vendor representative, and selectively provide the vendor representative with support data that may help resolve the client request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Joel Werdell, James Ellison, Robert Stamm
  • Publication number: 20210390491
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques that allow a coach-assist controller to provide coach support to a customer service representative (CSR) during an ongoing consumer-CSR interaction. The coach-assist controller may intercept a consumer-CSR interaction and generate corresponding interaction data. The coach-assist controller may further analyze the interaction data to infer a current state of the consumer-CSR interaction, and in doing so, determine whether to request coach support for the CSR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: James Ellison, Mark Hanson, Joel Werdell
  • Publication number: 20210350384
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for implementing assistance for customer service agents are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes the actions of receiving, by a computing device, customer interaction data that reflects an interaction between a first user and a second user. The actions further include receiving, by the computing device, a customer summary file that reflects characteristics of the first user. The actions further include, based on the customer interaction data and the customer summary file, determining, by the computing device, instructions for the second user to continue interacting with the first user during the interaction between the first user and the second user. The actions further include, based on determining the instructions, providing, for output to the second user, the instructions for the second user to continue interacting with the first user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: James Ellison, Mark Hanson, Joel Werdell, Stephen King, Christopher Mills, Phoebe Parsons, Kasey Snow
  • Publication number: 20210350385
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for implementing assistance for customer service agents are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes the actions of receiving, by a computing device, customer interaction data that reflects an interaction between a first user and a second user. The actions further include receiving, by the computing device, a customer summary file that reflects characteristics of the first user. The actions further include, based on the customer interaction data and the customer summary file, determining, by the computing device, instructions for the second user to continue interacting with the first user during the interaction between the first user and the second user. The actions further include, based on determining the instructions, providing, for output to the second user, the instructions for the second user to continue interacting with the first user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: James Ellison, Mark Hanson, Joel Werdell, Stephen King, Christopher Mills, Phoebe Parsons, Kasey Snow
  • Patent number: 11153236
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques that facilitate selectively automating a response to a client request for vendor services based on an intended meaning of the client request, a category of vendor services associated with the client request, and one or more factors such as an urgency index and a health index. The vendor services system may parse audio, text, and image data of a client request to determine an intended meaning. In some examples, the vendor services system may automate a response that resolves the client request, or automate a response that requests additional information from the client device. Alternatively, or additionally, the vendor services system may direct the client request to a vendor representative for further processing. In doing so, the vendor services system may monitor dialogue between the client and vendor representative, and selectively provide the vendor representative with support data that may help resolve the client request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Werdell, James Ellison, Robert Stamm
  • Publication number: 20200351659
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques that facilitate selectively interacting with a computing resource based on receipt of an incoming voice command. Particularly, a voice control integration system may parse content of an incoming voice command to authenticate an identity of the client, and further determine an intended meaning of the incoming voice command. In doing so, the voice control integration system may interact with a computing resource to perform an action that fulfills a client request. Computing resources may be associated with service providers or client devices of a client. Further, the voice control integration system may authenticate a client identity based on a one or two-factor authentication protocol, of which one may correspond to a biometric analysis of the incoming voice command. Further, a second-factor of the two-factor authentication protocol may be implemented via a voice interaction device, another client device accessible to the client, or a combination of both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: James Ellison, Joel Werdell, Robert Stamm
  • Patent number: 10771969
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques that facilitate selectively interacting with a computing resource based on receipt of an incoming voice command. Particularly, a voice control integration system may parse content of an incoming voice command to authenticate an identity of the client, and further determine an intended meaning of the incoming voice command. In doing so, the voice control integration system may interact with a computing resource to perform an action that fulfills a client request. Computing resources may be associated with service providers or client devices of a client. Further, the voice control integration system may authenticate a client identity based on a one or two-factor authentication protocol, of which one may correspond to a biometric analysis of the incoming voice command. Further, a second-factor of the two-factor authentication protocol may be implemented via a voice interaction device, another client device accessible to the client, or a combination of both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: James Ellison, Joel Werdell, Robert Stamm
  • Patent number: 10715670
    Abstract: Techniques for identifying a likely subject of a user contact with a user support network and routing the user contact to an agent or an application that is determined to have relevant experience with the subject or issue the user is experiencing. To identify a likely subject of the user contact, data is gathered from a user device as well as from secondary user devices located near the user device. Also, data related to network resources the user device is using, history data of a user's previous contacts with the user support network, and account data associated with the user device is also collected. As a result, the user contact is routed to a knowledgeable agent who is likely to resolve the user's issue without further routing or consultation, thus saving network bandwidth, user device resources, agent time, user time, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Yokel, Rudy Bourcelot, James Ellison, Joel Werdell, Robert Stamm
  • Publication number: 20200162614
    Abstract: Techniques for identifying a likely subject of a user contact with a user support network and routing the user contact to an agent or an application that is determined to have relevant experience with the subject or issue the user is experiencing. To identify a likely subject of the user contact, data is gathered from a user device as well as from secondary user devices located near the user device. Also, data related to network resources the user device is using, history data of a user's previous contacts with the user support network, and account data associated with the user device is also collected. As a result, the user contact is routed to a knowledgeable agent who is likely to resolve the user's issue without further routing or consultation, thus saving network bandwidth, user device resources, agent time, user time, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Ryan Yokel, Rudy Bourcelot, James Ellison, Joel Werdell, Robert Stamm
  • Publication number: 20200074476
    Abstract: A customer care system that uses machine learning to surface relevant information for resolving customer issues regarding cellular network service is provided. The system receives a set of incoming data that includes current information of a cellular network. The system applies the set of incoming data as input to a machine learning model to produce a set of predicted conclusions. The machine learning model is trained by using one or more sets of orthogonal datasets that includes historical information of the cellular network. The system maps the set of predicted conclusions to a remedial action and performs the remedial action to effectuate a change in the cellular network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: James Ellison, Joel Werdell, Robert Stamm, Phi Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10555172
    Abstract: Cellular networks regularly operate with trusted devices, which typically are trusted because of the integration of a SIM card therewith. Untrusted devices typically do not interface with a SIM card, and rely on user input through traditional user interfaces for authentication. Recently, the use of hands-free, always-on digital assistant devices have become more common. Such devices typically have only a voice user interface that may be used by a number of people in close proximity to the device. Particular problems arise in such a scenario when a user wants to access a secure service that requires user authentication. Such problems are addressed with multiple techniques described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Werdell, James D. Ellison, Phi Nguyen, Robert Stamm
  • Patent number: 10511969
    Abstract: Cellular networks regularly operate with trusted devices, which typically are trusted because of the integration of a SIM card therewith. Untrusted devices typically do not interface with a SIM card, and rely on user input through traditional user interfaces for authentication. Recently, the use of hands-free, always-on digital assistant devices have become more common. Such devices typically have only a voice user interface that may be used by a number of people in close proximity to the device. Particular problems arise in such a scenario when a user wants to access a secure service that requires user authentication. Such problems are addressed with multiple techniques described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Werdell, James D. Ellison, Phi Nguyen, Robert Stamm
  • Publication number: 20180183740
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques that facilitate selectively automating a response to a client request for vendor services based on an intended meaning of the client request, a category of vendor services associated with the client request, and one or more factors such as an urgency index and a health index. The vendor services system may parse audio, text, and image data of a client request to determine an intended meaning. In some examples, the vendor services system may automate a response that resolves the client request, or automate a response that requests additional information from the client device. Alternatively, or additionally, the vendor services system may direct the client request to a vendor representative for further processing. In doing so, the vendor services system may monitor dialogue between the client and vendor representative, and selectively provide the vendor representative with support data that may help resolve the client request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Joel Werdell, James Ellison, Robert Stamm
  • Publication number: 20180077573
    Abstract: Cellular networks regularly operate with trusted devices, which typically are trusted because of the integration of a SIM card therewith. Untrusted devices typically do not interface with a SIM card, and rely on user input through traditional user interfaces for authentication. Recently, the use of hands-free, always-on digital assistant devices have become more common. Such devices typically have only a voice user interface that may be used by a number of people in close proximity to the device. Particular problems arise in such a scenario when a user wants to access a secure service that requires user authentication. Such problems are addressed with multiple techniques described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Joel Werdell, James D. Ellison, Phi Nguyen, Robert Stamm
  • Publication number: 20180014189
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques that facilitate selectively interacting with a computing resource based on receipt of an incoming voice command. Particularly, a voice control integration system may parse content of an incoming voice command to authenticate an identity of the client, and further determine an intended meaning of the incoming voice command. In doing so, the voice control integration system may interact with a computing resource to perform an action that fulfills a client request. Computing resources may be associated with service providers or client devices of a client. Further, the voice control integration system may authenticate a client identity based on a one or two-factor authentication protocol, of which one may correspond to a biometric analysis of the incoming voice command. Further, a second-factor of the two-factor authentication protocol may be implemented via a voice interaction device, another client device accessible to the client, or a combination of both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: James Ellison, Joel Werdell, Robert Stamm