Patents by Inventor Lia T. Napolitano

Lia T. Napolitano 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: 20240134506
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for operating a digital assistant in a media environment. In an exemplary embodiment, a user can interact with a digital assistant of a media device while content is displayed by the media device. In one approach, a plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be displayed in response to detecting a user input of a first input type. The plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be contextually-related to the displayed content. In another approach, a user request can be received in response to detecting a user input of a second input type. A task that at least partially satisfies the user request can be performed. The performed task can depend on the nature of the user request and the content being displayed by the media device. In particular, the user request can be satisfied while reducing disruption to user consumption of media content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Lia T. NAPOLITANO, Grace H. HWANG, Henrique D. PENHA, Jeremiah D. SHAW, Jorge S. FINO
  • Publication number: 20240064370
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for controlling television user interactions using a virtual assistant. In an example process, a virtual assistant can interact with a television set-top box to control content shown on a television display. Speech input for the virtual assistant can be received from a device with a microphone. The speech input can comprise a query associated with content shown on the television display. A user intent of the query can be determined based on one or more of the content shown on the television display and a viewing history of media content. A result of the query can be caused to be displayed based on the determined user intent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Marcel VAN OS, Rohit DASARI, Patrick M. LISTER, Lia T. NAPOLITANO, Jonathan H. RUSSELL, Harry J. SADDLER
  • Patent number: 11853536
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for operating a digital assistant in a media environment. In an exemplary embodiment, a user can interact with a digital assistant of a media device while content is displayed by the media device. In one approach, a plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be displayed in response to detecting a user input of a first input type. The plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be contextually-related to the displayed content. In another approach, a user request can be received in response to detecting a user input of a second input type. A task that at least partially satisfies the user request can be performed. The performed task can depend on the nature of the user request and the content being displayed by the media device. In particular, the user request can be satisfied while reducing disruption to user consumption of media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lia T. Napolitano, Grace H. Hwang, Henrique D. Penha, Jeremiah D. Shaw, Jorge S. Fino
  • Patent number: 11838579
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for controlling television user interactions using a virtual assistant. In an example process, a virtual assistant can interact with a television set-top box to control content shown on a television display. Speech input for the virtual assistant can be received from a device with a microphone. The speech input can comprise a query associated with content shown on the television display. A user intent of the query can be determined based on one or more of the content shown on the television display and a viewing history of media content. A result of the query can be caused to be displayed based on the determined user intent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel Van Os, Harry J. Saddler, Lia T. Napolitano, Jonathan H. Russell, Patrick M. Lister, Rohit Dasari
  • Publication number: 20230066552
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for controlling television user interactions using a virtual assistant. In an example process, a virtual assistant can interact with a television set-top box to control content shown on a television display. Speech input for the virtual assistant can be received from a device with a microphone. The speech input can comprise a query associated with content shown on the television display. A user intent of the query can be determined based on one or more of the content shown on the television display and a viewing history of media content. A result of the query can be caused to be displayed based on the determined user intent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Marcel VAN OS, Harry J. SADDLER, Lia T. NAPOLITANO, Jonathan H. RUSSELL, Patrick M. LISTER, Rohit DASARI
  • Patent number: 11587559
    Abstract: Systems and processes for intelligent device identification are provided. In one example process, audio input may be sampled with a microphone at each of two or more of the plurality of electronic devices. A first electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices for determining a task associated with sampled audio input may be identified. The process may determine the task based on the sampled audio input with the first electronic device and identify identifying a second electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices for performing the task. The task be performed with the second electronic device. The second electronic device is not the first electronic device in some examples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon J. Newendorp, Lia T. Napolitano
  • Patent number: 11516537
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for controlling television user interactions using a virtual assistant. In an example process, a virtual assistant can interact with a television set-top box to control content shown on a television display. Speech input for the virtual assistant can be received from a device with a microphone. The speech input can comprise a query associated with content shown on the television display. A user intent of the query can be determined based on one or more of the content shown on the television display and a viewing history of media content. A result of the query can be caused to be displayed based on the determined user intent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel Van Os, Harry J. Saddler, Lia T. Napolitano, Jonathan H. Russell, Patrick M. Lister, Rohit Dasari
  • Publication number: 20220157310
    Abstract: Systems and processes for intelligent device identification are provided. In one example process, audio input may be sampled with a microphone at each of two or more of the plurality of electronic devices. A first electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices for determining a task associated with sampled audio input may be identified. The process may determine the task based on the sampled audio input with the first electronic device and identify identifying a second electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices for performing the task. The task be performed with the second electronic device. The second electronic device is not the first electronic device in some examples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Brandon J. NEWENDORP, Lia T. NAPOLITANO
  • Publication number: 20210191603
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for operating a digital assistant in a media environment. In an exemplary embodiment, a user can interact with a digital assistant of a media device while content is displayed by the media device. In one approach, a plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be displayed in response to detecting a user input of a first input type. The plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be contextually-related to the displayed content. In another approach, a user request can be received in response to detecting a user input of a second input type. A task that at least partially satisfies the user request can be performed. The performed task can depend on the nature of the user request and the content being displayed by the media device. In particular, the user request can be satisfied while reducing disruption to user consumption of media content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Lia T. NAPOLITANO, Grace H. HWANG, Henrique D. PENHA, Jeremiah D. SHAW, Jorge S. FINO
  • Publication number: 20210105528
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for controlling television user interactions using a virtual assistant. In an example process, a virtual assistant can interact with a television set-top box to control content shown on a television display. Speech input for the virtual assistant can be received from a device with a microphone. The speech input can comprise a query associated with content shown on the television display. A user intent of the query can be determined based on one or more of the content shown on the television display and a viewing history of media content. A result of the query can be caused to be displayed based on the determined user intent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Marcel VAN OS, Harry J. SADDLER, Lia T. NAPOLITANO, Jonathan H. RUSSELL, Patrick M. LISTER, Rohit DASARI
  • Patent number: 10956006
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for operating a digital assistant in a media environment. In an exemplary embodiment, a user can interact with a digital assistant of a media device while content is displayed by the media device. In one approach, a plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be displayed in response to detecting a user input of a first input type. The plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be contextually-related to the displayed content. In another approach, a user request can be received in response to detecting a user input of a second input type. A task that at least partially satisfies the user request can be performed. The performed task can depend on the nature of the user request and the content being displayed by the media device. In particular, the user request can be satisfied while reducing disruption to user consumption of media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lia T. Napolitano, Grace H. Hwang, Henrique D. Penha, Jeremiah D. Shaw, Jorge S. Fino
  • Patent number: 10904611
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for controlling television user interactions using a virtual assistant. In an example process, a virtual assistant can interact with a television set-top box to control content shown on a television display. Speech input for the virtual assistant can be received from a device with a microphone. The speech input can comprise a query associated with content shown on the television display. A user intent of the query can be determined based on one or more of the content shown on the television display and a viewing history of media content. A result of the query can be caused to be displayed based on the determined user intent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel Van Os, Harry J. Saddler, Lia T. Napolitano, Jonathan H. Russell, Patrick M. Lister, Rohit Dasari
  • Patent number: 10705794
    Abstract: The method includes automatically, without user input and without regard to whether a digital assistant application has been separately invoked by a user, determining that the electronic device is in a vehicle. In some implementations, determining that the electronic device is in a vehicle comprises detecting that the electronic device is in communication with the vehicle (e.g., via a wired or wireless communication techniques and/or protocols). The method also includes, responsive to the determining, invoking a listening mode of a virtual assistant implemented by the electronic device. In some implementations, the method also includes limiting the ability of a user to view visual output presented by the electronic device, provide typed input to the electronic device, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Gruber, Harry J. Saddler, Lia T. Napolitano, Emily Clark Schubert, Brian Conrad Sumner
  • Patent number: 10679605
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing hands-free reading of content comprising: identifying a plurality of data items for presentation to a user, the plurality of data items associated with a domain-specific item type and sorted according to a particular order; based on the domain-specific item type, generating a speech-based overview of the plurality of data items; for each of the plurality of data items, generating a respective speech-based, item-specific paraphrase for the data item based on respective content of the data item; and providing, to a user through the speech-enabled dialogue interface, the speech-based overview, followed by the respective speech-based, item-specific paraphrases for at least a subset of the plurality of data items in the particular order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Gruber, Harry J. Saddler, Lia T. Napolitano, Emily Clark Schubert, Brian Conrad Sumner
  • Publication number: 20190310765
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for operating a digital assistant in a media environment. In an exemplary embodiment, a user can interact with a digital assistant of a media device while content is displayed by the media device. In one approach, a plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be displayed in response to detecting a user input of a first input type. The plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be contextually-related to the displayed content. In another approach, a user request can be received in response to detecting a user input of a second input type. A task that at least partially satisfies the user request can be performed. The performed task can depend on the nature of the user request and the content being displayed by the media device. In particular, the user request can be satisfied while reducing disruption to user consumption of media content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Lia T. NAPOLITANO, Grace H. HWANG, Henrique D. PENHA, Jeremiah D. SHAW, Jorge S. FINO
  • Patent number: 10379715
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for operating a digital assistant in a media environment. In an exemplary embodiment, a user can interact with a digital assistant of a media device while content is displayed by the media device. In one approach, a plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be displayed in response to detecting a user input of a first input type. The plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be contextually-related to the displayed content. In another approach, a user request can be received in response to detecting a user input of a second input type. A task that at least partially satisfies the user request can be performed. The performed task can depend on the nature of the user request and the content being displayed by the media device. In particular, the user request can be satisfied while reducing disruption to user consumption of media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lia T. Napolitano, Grace H. Hwang, Henrique D. Penha, Jeremiah D. Shaw, Jorge S. Fino
  • Patent number: 10331312
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for operating a digital assistant in a media environment. In an exemplary embodiment, a user can interact with a digital assistant of a media device while content is displayed by the media device. In one approach, a plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be displayed in response to detecting a user input of a first input type. The plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be contextually-related to the displayed content. In another approach, a user request can be received in response to detecting a user input of a second input type. A task that at least partially satisfies the user request can be performed. The performed task can depend on the nature of the user request and the content being displayed by the media device. In particular, the user request can be satisfied while reducing disruption to user consumption of media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lia T. Napolitano, Grace H. Hwang, Henrique D. Penha, Jeremiah D. Shaw, Jorge S. Fino
  • Patent number: 9966060
    Abstract: The method is performed at an electronic device with one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. A first speech input including at least one word is received. A first phonetic representation of the at least one word is determined, the first phonetic representation comprising a first set of phonemes selected from a speech recognition phonetic alphabet. The first set of phonemes is mapped to a second set of phonemes to generate a second phonetic representation, where the second set of phonemes is selected from a speech synthesis phonetic alphabet. The second phonetic representation is stored in association with a text string corresponding to the at least one word.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Devang K. Naik, Thomas R. Gruber, Liam Weiner, Justin G. Binder, Charles Srisuwananukorn, Gunnar Evermann, Shaun Eric Williams, Hong Chen, Lia T. Napolitano
  • Publication number: 20170285915
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for operating a digital assistant in a media environment. In an exemplary embodiment, a user can interact with a digital assistant of a media device while content is displayed by the media device. In one approach, a plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be displayed in response to detecting a user input of a first input type. The plurality of exemplary natural language requests can be contextually-related to the displayed content. In another approach, a user request can be received in response to detecting a user input of a second input type. A task that at least partially satisfies the user request can be performed. The performed task can depend on the nature of the user request and the content being displayed by the media device. In particular, the user request can be satisfied while reducing disruption to user consumption of media content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Lia T. NAPOLITANO, Grace H. HWANG, Henrique D. PENHA, Jeremiah D. SHAW, Jorge S. FINO
  • Publication number: 20170230709
    Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for controlling television user interactions using a virtual assistant. In an example process, a virtual assistant can interact with a television set-top box to control content shown on a television display. Speech input for the virtual assistant can be received from a device with a microphone. The speech input can comprise a query associated with content shown on the television display. A user intent of the query can be determined based on one or more of the content shown on the television display and a viewing history of media content. A result of the query can be caused to be displayed based on the determined user intent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Marcel VAN OS, Harry J. SADDLER, Lia T. NAPOLITANO, Jonathan H. RUSSELL, Patrick M. LISTER, Rohit DASARI