Patents by Inventor Steven G. Woodward
Steven G. Woodward 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).
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Patent number: 9196252Abstract: A method for processing speech audio in a network connected client device can include selecting a speech grammar for use in a speech recognition system in the network connected client device; characterizing the selected speech grammar; and, based on the characterization, determining whether to process the speech grammar locally in the network connected client device, or remotely in a speech server in the network. In one aspect of the invention, the selecting step can include establishing a communications session with a speech server; and, querying the speech server for a speech grammar over the established communications session. Additionally, the selecting step can further include registering the speech grammar in the speech recognition system.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.Inventors: Harvey M. Ruback, Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 8359203Abstract: A method for speech enabling an application can include the step of specifying a speech input within a speech-enabled markup. The speech-enabled markup can also specify an application operation that is to be executed responsive to the detection of the speech input. After the speech input has been defined within the speech-enabled markup, the application can be instantiated. The specified speech input can then be detected and the application operation can be responsively executed in accordance with the specified speech-enabled markup.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.Inventors: Charles W. Cross, Jr., Leslie R. Wilson, Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 8121585Abstract: The present invention discloses a technique for a user to control a manner in which a data store of a mobile device synchronizes with a remotely located data store. More specifically, synchronization actions can be automatically executed by comparing combinations of user modifiable device settings against device-specific conditions. Device conditions can include device resources, timing parameters, and user-defined criteria, such as data priority, device location, and application-specific conditions. In one embodiment, the invention provides a means to override an application's existing synchronization rules. This permits synchronization for a device that includes multiple applications to be centrally and consistently handled, even when the applications normally lack synchronization control capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Patrick Commarford, David Lee Griffin, Chris J. Martinez, Steven G. Woodward
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Publication number: 20120011443Abstract: A method for speech enabling an application can include the step of specifying a speech input within a speech-enabled markup. The speech-enabled markup can also specify an application operation that is to be executed responsive to the detection of the speech input. After the speech input has been defined within the speech-enabled markup, the application can be instantiated. The specified speech input can then he detected and the application operation can be responsively executed in accordance with the specified speech-enabled markup.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: Nuance Communications, Inc.Inventors: Charles W. Cross, Leslie R. Wilson, Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 8027840Abstract: A method for speech enabling an application can include the step of specifying a speech input within a speech-enabled markup. The speech-enabled markup can also specify an application operation that is to be executed responsive to the detection of the speech input. After the speech input has been defined within the speech-enabled markup, the application can be instantiated. The specified speech input can then be detected and the application operation can be responsively executed in accordance with the specified speech-enabled markup.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.Inventors: Charles W. Cross, Jr., Leslie R. Wilson, Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 7904300Abstract: An in-vehicle system that shares speech processing resources among multiple applications located within a vehicle. The system can include one or more software applications, each associated with different functionally independent in-vehicle consoles. Each application can have a console specific user interface. The system can also include a single in-vehicle speech processing system implemented separately from the in-vehicle consoles. The speech processing system can execute speech processing tasks responsive to requests received from the applications. That is, the in-vehicle speech processing system can provide speech processing capabilities for the applications. The provided speech processing capabilities can include text-to-speech capabilities and speech recognition capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2005Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.Inventors: Lisa Abbott, Daniel E. Badt, Werayuth T. Charoenruengkit, John W. Eckhart, Michael Florio, Gary R. Hanson, Harvey M. Ruback, William Russell Whitehead, Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 7848928Abstract: A method for implementing speech focus in a speech processing system can include the step of establishing a default focus receiver as a first entity to request speech focus of a speech processing system having multiple applications that share speech resources based upon speech focus. An event occurrence can be detected. An event handler of the default speech receiver can previously define behavior for the event occurrence and where default system behavior can be implemented within the speech processing system for the event occurrence. The default system behavior can be utilized when speech focus is not assigned during the event occurrence. Responsive to the event occurrence, at least one programmatic action can be performed in accordance with machine readable instructions of the event handler. The default system behavior is not implemented responsive to the event occurrence.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2005Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.Inventors: Lisa Abbott, Daniel E. Badt, John W. Eckhart, Harvey M. Ruback, Steven G. Woodward
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Publication number: 20100031151Abstract: A method for speech enabling an application can include the step of specifying a speech input within a speech-enabled markup. The speech-enabled markup can also specify an application operation that is to be executed responsive to the detection of the speech input. After the speech input has been defined within the speech-enabled markup, the application can be instantiated. The specified speech input can then be detected and the application operation can be responsively executed in accordance with the specified speech-enabled markup.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: Nuance Communications, Inc.Inventors: Charles W. Cross, Leslie R. Wilson, Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 7493210Abstract: A method for navigating in a vehicle includes the steps of identifying navigation information for at least one destination. The navigation information is stored in at least a first memory remote from the vehicle. The navigation information is transferred from the first memory to a navigation device in the vehicle. The vehicle can then be navigated to the destination using the navigation device and the navigation information.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Amado Nassiff, Huifang Wang, Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 7366673Abstract: A method for processing speech audio in a network connected client device can include selecting a speech grammar for use in a speech recognition system in the network connected client device; characterizing the selected speech grammar; and, based on the characterization, determining whether to process the speech grammar locally in the network connected client device, or remotely in a speech server in the network. Selecting can include establishing a communications session with a speech server; and, querying the speech server for a speech grammar over the established communications session. Selecting can further include registering the speech grammar in the recognition system.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Harvey M. Ruback, Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 7356472Abstract: A method for speech enabling an application can include the step of specifying a speech input within a speech-enabled markup. The speech-enabled markup can also specify an application operation that is to be executed responsive to the detection of the speech input. After the speech input has been defined within the speech-enabled markup, the application can be instantiated. The specified speech input can then be detected and the application operation can be responsively executed in accordance with the specified speech-enabled markup.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Charles W. Cross, Leslie R. Wilson, Steven G. Woodward
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Publication number: 20080049714Abstract: The present invention discloses a technique for a user to control a manner in which a data store of a mobile device synchronizes with a remotely located data store. More specifically, synchronization actions can be automatically executed by comparing combinations of user modifiable device settings against device-specific conditions. Device conditions can include device resources, timing parameters, and user-defined criteria, such as data priority, device location, and application-specific conditions. In one embodiment, the invention provides a means to override an application's existing synchronization rules. This permits synchronization for a device that includes multiple applications to be centrally and consistently handled, even when the applications normally lack synchronization control capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: PATRICK COMMARFORD, DAVID LEE GRIFFIN, CHRIS J. MARTINEZ, STEVEN G. WOODWARD
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Patent number: 7010490Abstract: A method and system for completing user input in a speech recognition system. The method can include a series of steps which can include receiving a user input. The user input can specify an attribute of a selection. The method can include comparing the user input with a set of selections in the speech recognition system. Also, the method can include limiting the set of selections to an available set of selections which can correspond to the received user input. The step of matching a received user spoken utterance with the selection in the available set of selections also can be included.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Larry A. Brocious, Jonathan L. Gabel, David C. Loose, Ronald E. VanBuskirk, Huifang Wang, Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 6999591Abstract: An automatic gain control method in accordance with the inventive arrangements can include the following steps. Initially, an audio signal can be provided to an audio device which has a range of permissible signal level settings and a signal level controller for establishing a particular signal level setting. In addition, an actual signal level can be measured for the audio signal at an established signal level setting. The measured actual signal level further can be stored in a volume map along with the corresponding established signal level setting. Following the storage of the measured actual signal level in the volume map, a different signal level setting can be established using the signal level controller. Subsequently, the actual signal level can be re-measured and the re-measured actual signal level and corresponding established different signal level setting can be stored in the volume map.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Francis Fado, Peter J. Guasti, Gary R. Hanson, Keith P. Loring, Harvey M. Ruback, Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 6934682Abstract: A method and system for processing speech misrecognitions. The system can include an embedded speech recognition system having at least one acoustic model and at least one active grammar, wherein the embedded speech recognition system is configured to convert speech audio to text using the at least one acoustic model and the at least one active grammar; a remote training system for modifying the at least one acoustic model based on corrections to speech misrecognitions detected in the embedded speech recognition system; and, a communications link for communicatively linking the embedded speech recognition system to the remote training system. The embedded speech recognition system can further include a user interface for presenting a dialog for correcting the speech misrecognitions detected in the embedded speech recognition system. Notably, the user interface can be a visual display. Alternatively, the user interface can be an audio user interface.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 6754627Abstract: A method for processing a misrecognition error in an embedded speech recognition system during a speech recognition session can include the step of speech-to-text converting audio input in the embedded speech recognition system based on an active language model. The speech-to-text conversion can produce speech recognized text that can be presented through a user interface. A user-initiated misrecognition error notification can be detected. The audio input and a reference to the active language model can be provided to a speech recognition system training process associated with the embedded speech recognition system.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 6741963Abstract: A method and a system for improving recall of speech data in a computer speech system can include a plurality of speech cache management steps including providing a speech cache, receiving a speech system input and identifying a speech event in the received speech system input, the speech event comprising speech data. Subsequently, the speech data can be compared to pre-determined speech cache entry criteria; and, if the speech data meets one of the pre-determined entry criteria, at least one entry can be added to the speech cache, the at least one entry corresponding to the speech data. Additionally, the speech data can be compared to pre-determined speech cache exit criteria; and, if the speech data meets one of the pre-determined exit criteria, at least one entry can be purged from the speech cache, the at least one entry corresponding to the speech data. The entry criteria can include frequently used speech data, recently used speech data, and important speech data.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Daniel E. Badt, Peter J. Guasti, Gary R. Hanson, Amado Nassiff, Edwin A. Rodriguez, Harvey M. Ruback, Carl A. Smith, Ronald E. VanBuskirk, Huifang Wang, Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 6738742Abstract: A computer system has a notification manager for playing a message to a user by selecting one of a plurality of audio notifications. The method includes the step of setting a priority level for each notification arriving into a queue. The notification is inserted into a position in the queue based upon the priority level of the notification, such that the audio notifications at the queue top have a generally higher priority than audio notifications at the queue bottom. The notification at the top of the queue can be selected if the priority level of the notification is greater than a predetermined gate level. Once a notification is selected, a message corresponding to the selected notification is played to the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Daniel E. Badt, Peter J. Guasti, Gary R. Hanson, Amado Nassiff, Edwin A. Rodriguez, Harvey Ruback, Carl A. Smith, Ronald E. Vanbuskirk, Huifang Wang, Steven G. Woodward
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Publication number: 20030130850Abstract: A computer system has a notification manager for playing a message to a user by selecting one of a plurality of audio notifications. The method includes the step of setting a priority level for each notification arriving into a queue. The notification is inserted into a position in the queue based upon the priority level of the notification, such that the audio notifications at the queue top have a generally higher priority than audio notifications at the queue bottom. The notification at the top of the queue can be selected if the priority level of the notification is greater than a predetermined gate level. Once a notification is selected, a message corresponding to the selected notification is played to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2003Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Daniel E. Badt, Peter J. Guasti, Gary R. Hanson, Amado Nassiff, Edwin A. Rodriguez, Harvey Ruback, Carl A. Smith, Ronald E. Vanbuskirk, Huifang Wang, Steven G. Woodward
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Patent number: 6542868Abstract: A computer system has a notification manager for playing a message to a user by selecting one of a plurality of audio notifications. The method includes the step of setting a priority level for each notification arriving into a queue. The notification is inserted into a position in the queue based upon the priority level of the notification, such that the audio notifications at the queue top have a generally higher priority than audio notifications at the queue bottom. The notification at the top of the queue can be selected if the priority level of the notification is greater than a predetermined gate level. Once a notification is selected, a message corresponding to the selected notification is played to the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1999Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Daniel E. Badt, Peter J. Guasti, Gary R. Hanson, Amado Nassiff, Edwin A. Rodriguez, Harvey Ruback, Carl A. Smith, Ronald E. Vanbuskirk, Huifang Wang, Steven G. Woodward