Patents by Inventor Steven H Lewis
Steven H Lewis 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: 8924215Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable media for recognizing speech. The method includes receiving speech from a user, perceiving at least one speech dialect in the received speech, selecting at least one grammar from a plurality of optimized dialect grammars based on at least one score associated with the perceived speech dialect and the perceived at least one speech dialect, and recognizing the received speech with the selected at least one grammar. Selecting at least one grammar can be further based on a user profile. Multiple grammars can be blended. Predefined parameters can include pronunciation differences, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Optimized dialect grammars can be domain specific. The method can further include recognizing initial received speech with a generic grammar until an optimized dialect grammar is selected. Selecting at least one grammar from a plurality of optimized dialect grammars can be based on a certainty threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Gregory Pulz, Harry E. Blanchard, Steven H. Lewis, Lan Zhang
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Publication number: 20140270117Abstract: In a method for use in Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, an IVR is configured such that voice prompts provided to a caller vary systematically and caller hang-up activity is attributed to the particular version of a prompt played to the caller. Voice prompt modifications are chosen based on how long the caller willingly listens to the voice prompt. A relatively short time listening to a prompt before hang-up, indicates dissatisfaction with that prompt. The system compares caller hang-up rates for each of the phrases in a prompt and chooses the optimum solution, which is the variant of the prompt with the longest caller listening time. Optionally, the system compares hang up rates to a threshold and contingent on that comparison chooses an alternative version of the prompt.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Harry E. Blanchard, Steven H. Lewis, Gregory Pulz, Lan Zhang
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Publication number: 20140244256Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for recognizing speech. A method embodiment comprises comparing received speech with a precompiled grammar based on a database and if the received speech matches data in the precompiled grammar then returning a result based on the matched data. If the received speech does not match data in the precompiled grammar, then dynamically compiling a new grammar based only on new data added to the database after the compiling of the precompiled grammar The database may comprise a directory of names.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Harry BLANCHARD, Steven H. Lewis, Sivaprasad Shankarnarayan, Lan Zhang
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Patent number: 8781098Abstract: In a method for use in Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, an IVR is configured such that voice prompts provided to a caller vary systematically and caller hang-up activity is attributed to the particular version of a prompt played to the caller. Voice prompt modifications are chosen based on how long the caller willingly listens to the voice prompt. A relatively short time listening to a prompt before hang-up, indicates dissatisfaction with that prompt. The system compares caller hang-up rates for each of the phrases in a prompt and chooses the optimum solution, which is the variant of the prompt with the longest caller listening time. Optionally, the system compares hang up rates to a threshold and contingent on that comparison chooses an alternative version of the prompt.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Harry E. Blanchard, Steven H. Lewis, Gregory Pulz, Lan Zhang
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Patent number: 8725511Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for recognizing speech. A method embodiment comprises comparing received speech with a precompiled grammar based on a database and if the received speech matches data in the precompiled grammar then returning a result based on the matched data. If the received speech does not match data in the precompiled grammar, then dynamically compiling a new grammar based only on new data added to the database after the compiling of the precompiled grammar. The database may comprise a directory of names.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Harry Blanchard, Steven H. Lewis, Shankarnarayan Sivaprasad, Lan Zhang
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Publication number: 20140114662Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable media for recognizing speech. The method includes receiving speech from a user, perceiving at least one speech dialect in the received speech, selecting at least one grammar from a plurality of optimized dialect grammars based on at least one score associated with the perceived speech dialect and the perceived at least one speech dialect, and recognizing the received speech with the selected at least one grammar. Selecting at least one grammar can be further based on a user profile. Multiple grammars can be blended. Predefined parameters can include pronunciation differences, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Optimized dialect grammars can be domain specific. The method can further include recognizing initial received speech with a generic grammar until an optimized dialect grammar is selected. Selecting at least one grammar from a plurality of optimized dialect grammars can be based on a certainty threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Gregory PULZ, Harry E. BLANCHARD, Steven H. LEWIS, Lan ZHANG
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Patent number: 8689308Abstract: In one aspect, a disclosed portable authentication device (PAD) includes a processor, storage media, an interface for enabling communication with an external information handling system (IHS), e.g., a computer or a telephony device, and executable instructions embedded in the storage media, for automated authentication. The embedded instructions include instructions for enabling a user to store authentication information, e.g., use ID and password information, corresponding to an IHS destination, e.g., a telephone number of an interactive voice response system or an IP address of a web server. If the PAD recognizes the current destination, the PAD may respond to an assertion of a keypad control element by making authorization information corresponding to the current destination available to the user or providing the authorization information directly to the current destination. The PAD may include one or more telephony interface(s), e.g., RJ-11 jack(s) and one or more computer interfaces, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L. P.Inventors: Lan Zhang, Harry E. Blanchard, Steven H. Lewis, Gregory Pulz
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Patent number: 8635068Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable media for recognizing speech. The method includes receiving speech from a user, perceiving at least one speech dialect in the received speech, selecting at least one grammar from a plurality of optimized dialect grammars based on at least one score associated with the perceived speech dialect and the perceived at least one speech dialect, and recognizing the received speech with the selected at least one grammar. Selecting at least one grammar can be further based on a user profile. Multiple grammars can be blended. Predefined parameters can include pronunciation differences, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Optimized dialect grammars can be domain specific. The method can further include recognizing initial received speech with a generic grammar until an optimized dialect grammar is selected. Selecting at least one grammar from a plurality of optimized dialect grammars can be based on a certainty threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Gregory Pulz, Harry E. Blanchard, Steven H. Lewis, Lan Zhang
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Patent number: 8594301Abstract: A method and apparatus for reassignment of classifier probabilities based on dynamic events is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for dynamically detecting change in the rate and type of calls, reassigning the natural language classifier probabilities based on the dynamics of the change and routing calls according to the detected changes. The method enables the user to route calls efficiently and be more responsive to customers.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Steven H. Lewis, Kenneth H. Rosen
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Publication number: 20130297315Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for recognizing speech. A method embodiment comprises comparing received speech with a precompiled grammar based on a database and if the received speech matches data in the precompiled grammar then returning a result based on the matched data. If the received speech does not match data in the precompiled grammar, then dynamically compiling a new grammar based only on new data added to the database after the compiling of the precompiled grammar The database may comprise a directory of names.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Harry Blanchard, Steven H. Lewis, Shankarnarayan Sivaprasad, Lan Zhang
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Publication number: 20130266128Abstract: In a method for use in Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, an IVR is configured such that voice prompts provided to a caller vary systematically and caller hang-up activity is attributed to the particular version of a prompt played to the caller. Voice prompt modifications are chosen based on how long the caller willingly listens to the voice prompt. A relatively short time listening to a prompt before hang-up, indicates dissatisfaction with that prompt. The system compares caller hang-up rates for each of the phrases in a prompt and chooses the optimum solution, which is the variant of the prompt with the longest caller listening time. Optionally, the system compares hang up rates to a threshold and contingent on that comparison chooses an alternative version of the prompt.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Harry E. Blanchard, Steven H. Lewis, Gregory Pulz, Lan Zhang
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Patent number: 8488771Abstract: In a method for use in Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, an IVR is configured such that voice prompts provided to a caller vary systematically and caller hang-up activity is attributed to the particular version of a prompt played to the caller. Voice prompt modifications are chosen based on how long the caller willingly listens to the voice prompt. A relatively short time listening to a prompt before hang-up, indicates dissatisfaction with that prompt. The system compares caller hang-up rates for each of the phrases in a prompt and chooses the optimum solution, which is the variant of the prompt with the longest caller listening time. Optionally, the system compares hang up rates to a threshold and contingent on that comparison chooses an alternative version of the prompt.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Harry E. Blanchard, Steven H. Lewis, Gregory Pulz, Lan Zhang
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Publication number: 20120148032Abstract: In a method for use in Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, an IVR is configured such that voice prompts provided to a caller vary systematically and caller hang-up activity is attributed to the particular version of a prompt played to the caller. Voice prompt modifications are chosen based on how long the caller willingly listens to the voice prompt. A relatively short time listening to a prompt before hang-up, indicates dissatisfaction with that prompt. The system compares caller hang-up rates for each of the phrases in a prompt and chooses the optimum solution, which is the variant of the prompt with the longest caller listening time. Optionally, the system compares hang up rates to a threshold and contingent on that comparison chooses an alternative version of the prompt.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Harry E. Blanchard, Steven H. Lewis, Gregory Pulz, Lan Zhang
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Patent number: 8170880Abstract: Systems and methods herein use an annotation guide to label utterances and speech data with a call type. A system practicing the method embodiment monitors labelers of speech data by presenting via a processor a test utterance to a labeler, receiving input from the labeler that selects a particular call type from a list of call types and determining via the processor if the labeler labeled the test utterance correctly. Based on the determining step, the system revises the annotation guide, retrains the labeler, and/or alters the test utterance.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Lee Begeja, Richard Vandervoort Cox, Harris Drucker, David Crawford Gibbon, Allen Louis Gorin, Patrick Guy Haffner, Steven H. Lewis, Zhu Liu, Mazin G. Rahim, Bernard S. Renger, Behzad Shahraray
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Publication number: 20120089683Abstract: An apparatus provides automated assistance to an agent. The apparatus includes a receiver that receives a client communication from a client terminal via a network. A processor processes the client communication and determines a plurality of agent statements based on the client communication. The plurality of agent statements is displayed on a display. An input receives an agent communication from the agent. The agent communication is selected from a custom statement input by the agent and one of the plurality of agent statements selected by the agent. A transmitter transmits the agent communication to the client terminal via the network.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.Inventors: Stephen J. GRIESMER, James Gordon BEATTIE, JR., Charles Richard COOKE, Monowar HOSSAIN, Steven H. LEWIS, Benjamin RUDMAN
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Patent number: 8150020Abstract: In a method for use in Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, an IVR is configured such that voice prompts provided to a caller vary systematically and caller hang-up activity is attributed to the particular version of a prompt played to the caller. Voice prompt modifications are chosen based on how long the caller willingly listens to the voice prompt. A relatively short time listening to a prompt before hang-up, indicates dissatisfaction with that prompt. The system compares caller hang-up rates for each of the phrases in a prompt and chooses the optimum solution, which is the variant of the prompt with the longest caller listening time. Optionally, the system compares hang up rates to a threshold and contingent on that comparison chooses an alternative version of the prompt.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Harry E. Blanchard, Steven H. Lewis, Gregory Pulz, Lan Zhang
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Patent number: 8023627Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving information from household appliances are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request from a user of an appliance. The method then receives stored information from the appliance as one or more Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Harry Blanchard, Steven H. Lewis, Gregory Pulz, Lan Zhang
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Patent number: 8024179Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for dynamically interacting with a user through a spoken dialogue system. A method includes the steps of (1) receiving a user utterance, (2) analyzing the user utterance for a threshold determination of dialect, (3) generating a response that reflects an incremental implementation of the dialect, (4) further varying the perceived implementation of the dialect in subsequent responses by a process of: (a) receiving a subsequent user utterance, (b) determining a modified level of confidence in the dialect based at least in part from the subsequent utterance, (c) generating a subsequent response that implements an incremental variation according to the modified level of confidence.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Gregory Pulz, Harry E. Blanchard, Steven H. Lewis, Lan Zhang
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Publication number: 20100316197Abstract: A method and apparatus for reassignment of classifier probabilities based on dynamic events is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for dynamically detecting change in the rate and type of calls, reassigning the natural language classifier probabilities based on the dynamics of the change and routing calls according to the detected changes. The method enables the user to route calls efficiently and be more responsive to customers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: STEVEN H. LEWIS, Kenneth H. Rosen
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Publication number: 20100217597Abstract: Systems and methods for using an annotation guide to label utterances and speech data with a call type are disclosed. A method embodiment monitors labelers of speech data by presenting via a processor a test utterance to a labeler, receiving input from the labeler that selects a particular call type from a list of call types and determining via the processor if the labeler labeled the test utterance correctly. Based on the determining step, the method performs at least one of the following: revising the annotation guide, retraining the labeler or altering the test utterance.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property II, LP via a transfer from AT&T Corp.Inventors: Lee Begeja, Richard Vandervoort Cox, Harris Drucker, David Crawford Gibbon, Allen Louis Gorin, Patrick Guy Haffner, Steven H. Lewis, Zhu Liu, Mazin G. Rahim, Bernard S. Renger, Behzad Shahraray