Patents by Inventor Tom Freeman
Tom Freeman 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: 8140327Abstract: The systems and methods described herein may filter and eliminate noise from natural language utterances to improve accuracy associated with speech recognition and parsing capabilities. In particular, the systems and methods described herein may use a microphone array to provide directional signal capture, noise elimination, and cross-talk reduction associated with an input speech signal. Furthermore, a filter arranged between the microphone array and a speech coder may use band shaping, notch filtering, and adaptive echo cancellation to optimize a signal-to-noise ratio associated with the speech signal. The speech signal may then be sent to the speech coder, which may use adaptive lossy audio compression to optimize bandwidth requirements associated with transmitting the speech signal to a main unit that provides the speech recognition, parsing, and other natural language processing capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, Sr., Michael R. Kennewick, Jr., Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman
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Patent number: 8112275Abstract: The systems and methods described herein may recognize natural language utterances that include queries and/or commands and execute the queries and/or commands based on user-specific profiles. The systems and methods described herein may include a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and command environment that makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and the user-specific profiles to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created and tailored to specific users. For example, the systems and methods described herein may create, store, and use extensive personal profile information for different users, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the results that the specific users may expect for a particular question or command.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, Sr., Michael R. Kennewick, Jr., Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman
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Publication number: 20120022857Abstract: A cooperative conversational voice user interface is provided. The cooperative conversational voice user interface may build upon short-term and long-term shared knowledge to generate one or more explicit and/or implicit hypotheses about an intent of a user utterance. The hypotheses may be ranked based on varying degrees of certainty, and an adaptive response may be generated for the user. Responses may be worded based on the degrees of certainty and to frame an appropriate domain for a subsequent utterance. In one implementation, misrecognitions may be tolerated, and conversational course may be corrected based on subsequent utterances and/or responses.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Larry BALDWIN, Tom Freeman, Michael Tjalve, Blane Ebersold, Chris Weider
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Patent number: 8073681Abstract: A cooperative conversational voice user interface is provided. The cooperative conversational voice user interface may build upon short-term and long-term shared knowledge to generate one or more explicit and/or implicit hypotheses about an intent of a user utterance. The hypotheses may be ranked based on varying degrees of certainty, and an adaptive response may be generated for the user. Responses may be worded based on the degrees of certainty and to frame an appropriate domain for a subsequent utterance. In one implementation, misrecognitions may be tolerated, and conversational course may be corrected based on subsequent utterances and/or responses.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Larry Baldwin, Tom Freeman, Michael Tjalve, Blane Ebersold, Chris Weider
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Patent number: 8015006Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving natural language queries and/or commands and execute the queries and/or commands. The systems and methods overcomes the deficiencies of prior art speech query and response systems through the application of a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and command environment. This environment makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created. The systems and methods creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, Sr., Michael R. Kennewick, Jr., Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman
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Publication number: 20100299142Abstract: A system and method for selecting and presenting advertisements based on natural language processing of voice-based inputs is provided. A user utterance may be received at an input device, and a conversational, natural language processor may identify a request from the utterance. At least one advertisement may be selected and presented to the user based on the identified request. The advertisement may be presented as a natural language response, thereby creating a conversational feel to the presentation of advertisements. The request and the user's subsequent interaction with the advertisement may be tracked to build user statistical profiles, thus enhancing subsequent selection and presentation of advertisements.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Tom Freeman, Mike Kennewick
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Publication number: 20100286985Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving natural language queries and/or commands and execute the queries and/or commands. The systems and methods overcome the deficiencies of prior art speech query and response systems through the application of a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and command environment. This environment makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created. The systems and methods creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, SR., Michael R. Kennewick, JR., Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman
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Patent number: 7818176Abstract: A system and method for selecting and presenting advertisements based on natural language processing of voice-based inputs is provided. A user utterance may be received at an input device, and a conversational, natural language processor may identify a request from the utterance. At least one advertisement may be selected and presented to the user based on the identified request. The advertisement may be presented as a natural language response, thereby creating a conversational feel to the presentation of advertisements. The request and the user's subsequent interaction with the advertisement may be tracked to build user statistical profiles, thus enhancing subsequent selection and presentation of advertisements.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Tom Freeman, Mike Kennewick
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Patent number: 7809570Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving natural language queries and/or commands and execute the queries and/or commands. The systems and methods overcomes the deficiencies of prior art speech query and response systems through the application of a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and command environment. This environment makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created. The systems and methods creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, Sr., Michael R. Kennewick, Jr., Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman
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Publication number: 20100204986Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving natural language queries and/or commands and execute the queries and/or commands. The systems and methods overcome the deficiencies of prior art speech query and response systems through the application of a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and command environment. This environment makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created. The systems and methods creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, SR., Michael R. Kennewick, JR., Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman
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Publication number: 20100204994Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving natural language queries and/or commands and execute the queries and/or commands. The systems and methods overcome the deficiencies of prior art speech query and response systems through the application of a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and command environment. This environment makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created. The systems and methods creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, SR., Michael R. Kennewick, JR., Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman
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Publication number: 20100145700Abstract: Mobile systems and methods that overcomes the deficiencies of prior art speech-based interfaces for telematics applications through the use of a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and local or remote command environment. This environment makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created. The invention creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command. The invention may organize domain specific behavior and information into agents, that are distributable or updateable over a wide area network.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2010Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, SR., Michael R. Kennewick, JR., Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman, Stephen F. Elston
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Patent number: 7693720Abstract: Mobile systems and methods that overcomes the deficiencies of prior art speech-based interfaces for telematics applications through the use of a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and local or remote command environment. This environment makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created. The invention creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command. The invention may organize domain specific behavior and information into agents, that are distributable or updateable over a wide area network.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, Sr., Michael R. Kennewick, Jr., Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman, Stephen F. Elston
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Publication number: 20090171664Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving natural language queries and/or commands and execute the queries and/or commands. The systems and methods overcomes the deficiencies of prior art speech query and response systems through the application of a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and command environment. This environment makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created. The systems and methods creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2009Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, SR., Michael R. Kennewick, JR., Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman
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Patent number: 7502738Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving natural language queries and/or commands and execute the queries and/or commands. The systems and methods overcomes the deficiencies of prior art speech query and response systems through the application of a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and command environment. This environment makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created. The systems and methods creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2007Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, Sr., Michael R. Kennewick, Jr., Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman
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Publication number: 20080319751Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving natural language queries and/or commands and execute the queries and/or commands. The systems and methods overcomes the deficiencies of prior art speech query and response systems through the application of a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and command environment. This environment makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created. The systems and methods creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, SR., Michael R. Kennewick, JR., Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman
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Publication number: 20080235023Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving natural language queries and/or commands and execute the queries and/or commands. The systems and methods overcomes the deficiencies of prior art speech query and response systems through the application of a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and command environment. This environment makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created. The systems and methods creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, Michael R. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman
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Publication number: 20080189110Abstract: A system and method for selecting and presenting advertisements based on natural language processing of voice-based inputs is provided. A user utterance may be received at an input device, and a conversational, natural language processor may identify a request from the utterance. At least one advertisement may be selected and presented to the user based on the identified request. The advertisement may be presented as a natural language response, thereby creating a conversational feel to the presentation of advertisements. The request and the user's subsequent interaction with the advertisement may be tracked to build user statistical profiles, thus enhancing subsequent selection and presentation of advertisements.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: Tom Freeman, Mike Kennewick
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Patent number: 7398209Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving natural language queries and/or commands and execute the queries and/or commands. The systems and methods overcomes the deficiencies of prior art speech query and response systems through the application of a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and command environment. This environment makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created. The systems and methods creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, David Locke, Michael R. Kennewick, Sr., Michael R. Kennewick, Jr., Richard Kennewick, Tom Freeman
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Publication number: 20080091406Abstract: A cooperative conversational voice user interface is provided. The cooperative conversational voice user interface may build upon short-term and long-term shared knowledge to generate one or more explicit and/or implicit hypotheses about an intent of a user utterance. The hypotheses may be ranked based on varying degrees of certainty, and an adaptive response may be generated for the user. Responses may be worded based on the degrees of certainty and to frame an appropriate domain for a subsequent utterance. In one implementation, misrecognitions may be tolerated, and conversational course may be corrected based on subsequent utterances and/or responses.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2006Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: VoiceBox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Larry Baldwin, Tom Freeman, Michael Tjalve, Blane Ebersold, Chris Weider