Patents by Inventor Kenneth W.D. Smith

Kenneth W.D. Smith 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).

  • Publication number: 20210303273
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for enabling the development of a conversational application within a first environment; and enabling the deployment of the conversational application within a second environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: David Ardman, Andrew Matkin, Nirvana Tikku, Matthias Haack, Christopher A. Starbird, John B. Fisler, Bartosz Adamczyk, Kenneth W. D. Smith, Simon Falardeau, Imad Obeid
  • Patent number: 11024298
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing speech recognition using a garbage model. The method comprises receiving audio comprising speech and processing at least some of the speech using a garbage model to produce a garbage speech recognition result. The garbage model includes a plurality of sub-words, each of which corresponds to a possible combination of phonemes in a particular language.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Cosmin Popovici, Kenneth W. D. Smith, Petrus C. Cools
  • Patent number: 10789426
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to natural language processing. An input interface of a computing device receives input (e.g., speech input) and generates a digital signal corresponding to that input. Text corresponding to the digital signal is obtained, and the text is processed using each of a context-free and a context-specific linguistic model to generate linguistic processing results for that text. The text and linguistic processing results may be processed using a NLU model to generate an NLU recognition result corresponding to the input received at the input interface. The text and the linguistic processing results may also be annotated and used to train a NLU model. The linguistic processing results may relate to, e.g., the tokenization of portions of the text, the normalization of portions of the text, sequences of normalizations for portions of the text, and rankings and prioritization of the linguistic processing results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Lavallee, Kenneth W. D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20200143799
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing speech recognition using a garbage model. The method comprises receiving audio comprising speech and processing at least some of the speech using a garbage model to produce a garbage speech recognition result. The garbage model includes a plurality of sub-words, each of which corresponds to a possible combination of phonemes in a particular language.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Cosmin Popovici, Kenneth W.D. Smith, Petrus C. Cools
  • Publication number: 20190228065
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to natural language processing. An input interface of a computing device receives input (e.g., speech input) and generates a digital signal corresponding to that input. Text corresponding to the digital signal is obtained, and the text is processed using each of a context-free and a context-specific linguistic model to generate linguistic processing results for that text. The text and linguistic processing results may be processed using a NLU model to generate an NLU recognition result corresponding to the input received at the input interface. The text and the linguistic processing results may also be annotated and used to train a NLU model. The linguistic processing results may relate to, e.g., the tokenization of portions of the text, the normalization of portions of the text, sequences of normalizations for portions of the text, and rankings and prioritization of the linguistic processing results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Lavallee, Kenneth W. D. Smith
  • Patent number: 10360904
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing speech recognition using a garbage model. The method comprises receiving audio comprising speech and processing at least some of the speech using a garbage model to produce a garbage speech recognition result. The garbage model includes a plurality of sub-words, each of which corresponds to a possible combination of phonemes in a particular language.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Cosmin Popovici, Kenneth W. D. Smith, Petrus C. Cools
  • Patent number: 10108603
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to natural language processing. An input interface of a computing device receives input (e.g., speech input) and generates a digital signal corresponding to that input. Text corresponding to the digital signal is obtained, and the text is processed using each of a context-free and a context-specific linguistic model to generate linguistic processing results for that text. The text and linguistic processing results may be processed using a NLU model to generate an NLU recognition result corresponding to the input received at the input interface. The text and the linguistic processing results may also be annotated and used to train a NLU model. The linguistic processing results may relate to, e.g., the tokenization of portions of the text, the normalization of portions of the text, sequences of normalizations for portions of the text, and rankings and prioritization of the linguistic processing results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Lavallee, Kenneth W. D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20170076718
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing speech recognition using a garbage model. The method comprises receiving audio comprising speech and processing at least some of the speech using a garbage model to produce a garbage speech recognition result. The garbage model includes a plurality of sub-words, each of which corresponds to a possible combination of phonemes in a particular language.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicant: Nuance Communication, Inc
    Inventors: Cosmin Popovici, Kenneth W.D. Smith, Petrus C. Cools
  • Patent number: 9571645
    Abstract: A method for conducting a call between a caller and an interactive voice response (IVR) system, the caller using a device to conduct the call, the device configured to execute a virtual assistant, the method comprising using the virtual assistant to conduct the call at least in part by influencing the style of information provided to the caller during the call and/or the content of information passed between the device and the IVR system during the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Holger Quast, Kenneth W. D. Smith, Jean-Guy E. Dahan, Andrew D. Mauro
  • Publication number: 20160350280
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to natural language processing. An input interface of a computing device receives input (e.g., speech input) and generates a digital signal corresponding to that input. Text corresponding to the digital signal is obtained, and the text is processed using each of a context-free and a context-specific linguistic model to generate linguistic processing results for that text. The text and linguistic processing results may be processed using a NLU model to generate an NLU recognition result corresponding to the input received at the input interface. The text and the linguistic processing results may also be annotated and used to train a NLU model. The linguistic processing results may relate to, e.g., the tokenization of portions of the text, the normalization of portions of the text, sequences of normalizations for portions of the text, and rankings and prioritization of the linguistic processing results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Lavallee, Kenneth W.D. Smith
  • Patent number: 9288156
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein enable scaling up and making advanced natural language (NLU) applications more robust. According to one embodiment, state(s) associated with a dialog session may be recorded to a non-transitory medium. The dialog session may be suspended after a given period of inactivity and later automatically awakened based on unique client, session, or device identifier, or any combination thereof. Memory and resources associated with the suspended session may be reclaimed, the memory and resources being otherwise held by the session during the period of inactivity, enabling higher density (e.g., a larger number of sessions supported). Embodiments disclosed herein obviate a need for sticky dialog sessions, enabling higher density, and may further failover protection and fault tolerance for the dialog sessions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. D. Smith, Solomon Z. Lerner, Caroline Drouin, Shimol Shah
  • Publication number: 20150244642
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein enable scaling up and making advanced natural language (NLU) applications more robust. According to one embodiment, state(s) associated with a dialog session may be recorded to a non-transitory medium. The dialog session may be suspended after a given period of inactivity and later automatically awakened based on unique client, session, or device identifier, or any combination thereof. Memory and resources associated with the suspended session may be reclaimed, the memory and resources being otherwise held by the session during the period of inactivity, enabling higher density (e.g., a larger number of sessions supported). Embodiments disclosed herein obviate a need for sticky dialog sessions, enabling higher density, and may further failover protection and fault tolerance for the dialog sessions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth W.D. Smith, Solomon Z. Lerner, Caroline Drouin, Shimol Shah
  • Patent number: 9075619
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a method for creating a dialog system that provides a framework for creating a multi-modal dialog application and includes a runtime application package (RAP) enabling runtime media grammars, prompts, classifiers, and so forth, to be separate from a multi-modal dialog application that utilizes the RAP. Embodiments disclosed herein enable newly trained runtime media supporting the multi-modal dialog application to be deployed with ease, and to do so while a dialog service is in operation. Embodiments disclosed herein enable the multi-modal dialog application to be created, deployed, and maintained in an easy and flexible manner, saving an end-user that may be providing the multi-modal dialog application to customers both time and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Nuance Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. D. Smith, Solomon Z. Lerner, Gerard Nantel, Caroline Drouin
  • Publication number: 20150172463
    Abstract: A method for conducting a call between a caller and an interactive voice response (IVR) system, the caller using a device to conduct the call, the device configured to execute a virtual assistant, the method comprising using the virtual assistant to conduct the call at least in part by influencing the style of information provided to the caller during the call and/or the content of information passed between the device and the IVR system during the call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Holger Quast, Kenneth W.D. Smith, Jean-Guy E. Dahan, Andrew D. Mauro
  • Patent number: 9047856
    Abstract: A speech server and methods provide audio stream analysis for tone detection in addition to speech recognition to implement an accurate and efficient answering machine detection strategy. By performing both tone detection and speech recognition in a single component, such as the speech server, the number of components for digital signal processing may be reduced. The speech server communicates tone events detected at the telephony level and enables voice applications to detect tone events consistently and provide consistent support and accuracy of both inbound and outbound voice applications independent of the hardware or geographical location of the telephony network. In addition, an improved opportunity for signaling of an appropriate moment for an application to leave a message is provided, thereby supporting automation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. D. Smith, Jaques de Broin
  • Patent number: 9026659
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein enable scaling up and making advanced natural language (NLU) applications more robust. According to one embodiment, state(s) associated with a dialog session may be recorded to a fixed medium. The dialog session may be suspended after a given period of inactivity and later automatically awakened based on unique client, session, or device identifier, or any combination thereof. Memory and resources associated with the suspended session may be reclaimed, the memory and resources being otherwise held by the session during the period of inactivity, enabling higher density (e.g., a larger number of sessions supported). Embodiments disclosed herein obviate a need for sticky dialog sessions, enabling higher density, and may further failover protection and fault tolerance for the dialog sessions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. D. Smith, Solomon Z. Lerner, Caroline Drouin, Shimol Shah
  • Publication number: 20140223011
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein enable scaling up and making advanced natural language (NLU) applications more robust. According to one embodiment, state(s) associated with a dialog session may be recorded to a fixed medium. The dialog session may be suspended after a given period of inactivity and later automatically awakened based on unique client, session, or device identifier, or any combination thereof. Memory and resources associated with the suspended session may be reclaimed, the memory and resources being otherwise held by the session during the period of inactivity, enabling higher density (e.g., a larger number of sessions supported). Embodiments disclosed herein obviate a need for sticky dialog sessions, enabling higher density, and may further failover protection and fault tolerance for the dialog sessions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth W.D. Smith, Solomon Z. Lerner, Caroline Drouin, Shimol Shah
  • Publication number: 20140201729
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a method for creating a dialog system that provides a framework for creating a multi-modal dialog application and includes a runtime application package (RAP) enabling runtime media grammars, prompts, classifiers, and so forth, to be separate from a multi-modal dialog application that utilizes the RAP. Embodiments disclosed herein enable newly trained runtime media supporting the multi-modal dialog application to be deployed with ease, and to do so while a dialog service is in operation. Embodiments disclosed herein enable the multi-modal dialog application to be created, deployed, and maintained in an easy and flexible manner, saving an end-user that may be providing the multi-modal dialog application to customers both time and cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. D. Smith, Solomon Z. Lerner, Gerard Nantel, Caroline Drouin
  • Publication number: 20140029733
    Abstract: A speech server and methods provide audio stream analysis for tone detection in addition to speech recognition to implement an accurate and efficient answering machine detection strategy. By performing both tone detection and speech recognition in a single component, such as the speech server, the number of components for digital signal processing may be reduced. The speech server communicates tone events detected at the telephony level and enables voice applications to detect tone events consistently and provide consistent support and accuracy of both inbound and outbound voice applications independent of the hardware or geographical location of the telephony network. In addition, an improved opportunity for signaling of an appropriate moment for an application to leave a message is provided, thereby supporting automation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W.D. Smith, Jaques de Broin