Mobile Device Retrieval and Navigation

• US 20070156747A1
• Filed: 12/12/2006
• Published: 07/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/12/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cerence Inc., Cerence Operating Company (Cerence Inc.), Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Tegic Communications, Inc. (Microsoft Corporation)
• Inventors: Samuelson, Mark, Longe, Michael, Van Meurs, Pim
• Granted Patent: US 7,840,579 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/954 Navigation, e.g. using categorised browsing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9577 Optimising the visualization of content, e.g. distillation of HTML documents
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0237 using prediction or retrieval techniques
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99935 Query augmenting and refining, e.g. inexact access

Abstract

In one general aspect, information is presented to a user by receiving a first input from a user and structuring the first input as a first stem. A separator is received designating subsequently-received input as a second input. The second input is received and the second input is structured as a second stem. The first stem and the second stem are related to a library of candidates. One or more results are rendered in response to relating the first stem and the second stem to the library of candidates and the user is enabled to select from among the one or more results.

Claims

1. A method of presenting information to a user, the method comprising:

receiving a first input from a user;

structuring the first input as a first stem;

receiving a separator designating subsequently-received input as a second input;

receiving the second input;

structuring the second input as a second stem;

relating the first stem and the second stem to a library of candidates;

rendering one or more results in response to relating the first stem and the second stem to the library of candidates; and

enabling the user to select from among the one or more results.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein each of receiving the first input, the separator, and the second input includes receiving key inputs on a reduced-entry keypad.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein receiving the first and second inputs includes receiving one or more key inputs on a reduced entry keypad where one or more of the key inputs represents a plurality of possible characters.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving the separator includes receiving the separator as a single key input on a reduced-entry keypad.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving the first input or the second input includes receiving speech inputted by a user.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein relating the first stem and the second stem to the library of candidates includes searching a database of objects, where each object is associated with one or more strings, by identifying matches between the first stem and a first string and the second stem and a second string.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein identifying matches between the first stem and the first string and the second stem and the second string includes identifying matches between the first stem and the first string that appear as the first portion of a phrase of more than word and between the second stem and the second string that appear in a second portion of the phrase.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein identifying matches between the first stem and the first string and the second stem and the second string includes identifying matches between the first stem and the first string that appear in a first attribute and between the second stem and the second string that appear in a second attribute that is different than the first attribute.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein rendering the one or more results in response to relating the first stem and the second stem to the list of candidates includes rendering the results ordered by the likelihood each object in the results represents the actual object desired by the user.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein rendering the one or more results in response to relating the first stem and the second stem to the library of candidates includes rendering an entry responsive to the first and second stems and an action associated with the entry object.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving the separator includes receiving the separator in response to determining that the user has selected a different entry mode.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein determining that the user has selected the different entry mode includes determining that the user has switched from using voice input system to entering to using a keypad for input.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving the first input includes receiving a sequence of characters that represents a word that has been completely entered.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving the first input includes receiving a sequence of characters that represents a word that has been partially entered.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein relating the first stem and the second stem to the library of candidates includes:

associating a string with an object that includes a synonym for a string already associated with an object; and

identifying the object as one of the results based on determining that the first stem or second stem matches the string including the synonym.

16. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

sorting the results into two or more predetermined types of data or applications;

rendering the results in a tabbed user interface including multiple tabs that each correspond to the two or more predetermined types of data or applications;

enabling the user to select one of the multiple tabs; and

enabling the user to perceive which of the results are selectively rendered responsive to the selected tab on the tabbed user interface.

17. The method of claim 1 further comprising rendering an action as an object in the results related to a command accessible through a menu system.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising transferring the user into the menu system so that the action may be commenced in response to receiving a confirmation instruction from the user.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising automatically commencing the action related to the command accessible through the menu system in response to receiving a selection from the user.

20. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

designating an active stem presently being entered that may be updated through receipt of additional input; and

identifying the active stem within an object as the results as the results are rendered.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising distinguishing the active stem from a passive stem using a special graphical designator.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein distinguishing the active stem from the passive stem includes underlining the active stem in the object using a first color and underlining the passive stem in the object using a second color.

23. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

determining that the first stem or the second stem is found within a particular attribute for an object in the library of candidates;

using a display metric for the object that is based on determining whether the first stem or the second stem is found within the particular attribute for the object;

using the display metric to determine an order in which the results are rendered; and

rendering the results based on the order.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising adjusting the display metric to reflect that an object has been selected by the user.

25. The method of claim 23 further comprising adjusting a display metric for other objects associated with the particular attribute based on a determination that the user is prefers to input data related to the particular attribute.

26. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

determining a character likelihood metric for each of one or more characters appearing within the first stem;

determining an object likelihood metric for different objects related to the stem using the character likelihood metric;

using the object likelihood metric to determine an order in which results are rendered; and

rendering the results based on the order.

27. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving additional input;

structuring the additional input as one or more additional stems;

relating the first stem, the second stem, and the additional stems to the library of candidates; and

updating the rendered results in response to receiving the additional input.

28. A method of presenting information to a user, the method comprising:

receiving one or more ambiguous inputs that may be resolved to one of at least two disambiguated characters;

analyzing the ambiguous inputs;

generating results that reflect disambiguated terms related to the ambiguous inputs;

sorting the results into two or more predetermined types of data or applications;

rendering a tabbed user interface including multiple tabs that each correspond to the two or more predetermined types of data or applications;

rendering the results using the tabbed user interface in a manner enabling the user to perceive which of the results are rendered responsive to a selection of a selected tab on the tabbed user interface; and

enabling the user to select an aspect of the results to invoke an operation.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein rendering the tabbed user interface includes rendering a default icon that a user may select a default mode for input.

30. The method of claim 28 wherein rendering the tabbed user interface includes rendering a disambiguation icon that the user may select to use a disambiguation mode for input.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein rendering the disambiguation icon includes launching a code segment that uses predictive software to enable identification of a letter with a single key tap when selected.

32. The method of claim 28 further comprising:

accessing an audio dictionary of terms related to the results;

receiving one or more audio inputs;

analyzing the audio inputs using the audio dictionary; and

revising the results in response to analyzing the audio inputs.

33. The method of claim 28 wherein rendering the results using the tabbed user interface includes generating a tab for one of the predetermined types of data or applications that is included in the results.

34. A method of presenting information to a user, the method comprising:

receiving input from a user;

structuring the input as one or more stems;

relating the stems to a library of candidates;

determining that the stems are found within a particular attribute for an object in the library of candidates;

using a display metric for the object that is based on determining whether the stems are found within the particular attribute for the object;

using the display metric to determine an order in which the results are rendered; and

rendering the results based on the order.

35. A method of presenting information to a user, the method comprising:

receiving a input from a user;

structuring the input as one or more stems;

relating the stems to a library of candidates;

determining a character likelihood metric for each of one or more characters appearing within the stems;

determining an object likelihood metric for different objects related to the stems using the character likelihood metric;

using the object likelihood metric to determine an order in which results are rendered; and

rendering the results based on the order.

36. A system that presents information to a user, the system including instructions that, when excuted by a processor, cause the processor to:

receive a first input from a user;

structure the first input as a first stem;

receive a separator designating subsequently-received input as a second input;

receive the second input;

structure the second input as a second stem;

relate the first stem and the second stem to a library of candidates;

render one or more results in response to relating the first stem and the second stem to the library of candidates; and

enable the user to select from among the one or more results.

37. The system of claim 36 wherein each of receiving the first input, the separator, and the second input includes receiving key inputs on a wireless phone.

38. The system of claim 36 wherein receiving the first and second inputs includes receiving one or more key inputs on a reduced entry keypad where one or more of the key inputs represents a plurality of possible characters.

39. The system of claim 36 wherein receiving the separator includes receiving the separator as a single key input on a reduced-entry keypad.

40. The system of claim 36 wherein receiving the first input or the second input includes receiving speech inputted by a user.

41. The system of claim 36 wherein relating the first stem and the second stem to the library of candidates includes searching a database of objects, where each object is associated with one or more strings, by identifying matches between the first stem and a first string and the second stem and a second string.

42. The system of claim 41 wherein identifying matches between the first stem and the first string and the second stem and the second string includes identifying matches between the first stem and the first string that appear as the first portion of a phrase of more than word and between the second stem and the second string that appear in a second portion of the phrase.

43. The system of claim 41 wherein identifying matches between the first stem and the first string and the second stem and the second string includes identifying matches between the first stem and the first string that appear in a first attribute and between the second stem and the second string that appear in a second attribute that is different than the first attribute.

44. The system of claim 36 wherein rendering the one or more results in response to relating the first stem and the second stem to the list of candidates includes rendering the results ordered by the likelihood each object in the results represents the actual object desired by the user.

45. The system of claim 36 wherein rendering the one or more results in response to relating the first stem and the second stem to the library of candidates includes rendering an entry responsive to the first and second stems and an action associated with the entry object.

46. The system of claim 36 wherein receiving the separator includes receiving the separator in response to determining that the user has selected a different entry mode.

47. The system of claim 46 wherein determining that the user has selected the different entry mode includes determining that the user has switched from using voice input system to entering to using a keypad for input.

48. The system of claim 36 wherein receiving the first input includes receiving a sequence of characters that represents a word that has been completely entered.

49. The system of claim 36 wherein receiving the first input includes receiving a sequence of characters that represents a word that has been partially entered.

50. The system of claim 36 wherein relating the first stem and the second stem to the library of candidates includes:

associating a string with an object that includes a synonym for a string already associated with an object; and

identifying the object as one of the results based on determining that the first stem or second stem matches the string including the synonym.

51. The system of claim 36 wherein the system is structured and arranged to:

sort the results into two or more predetermined types of data or applications;

render the results in a tabbed user interface including multiple tabs that each correspond to the two or more predetermined types of data or applications;

enable the user to select one of the multiple tabs; and

enable the user to perceive which of the results are selectively rendered responsive to the selected tab on the tabbed user interface.

52. The system of claim 36 wherein the system is structured and arranged to render an action as an object in the results related to a command accessible through a menu system.

53. The system of claim 52 wherein the system is structured and arranged to transfer the user into the menu system so that the action may be commenced in response to receiving a confirmation instruction from the user.

54. The system of claim 52 wherein the system is structured and arranged to automatically commence the action related to the command accessible through the menu system in response to receiving a selection from the user.

55. The system of claim 36 wherein the system is structured and arranged to:

designate an active stem presently being entered that may be updated through receipt of additional input; and

identify the active stem within an object as the results as the results are rendered.

56. The system of claim 55 wherein the system is structured and arranged to distinguish the active stem from a passive stem using a special graphical designator.

57. The system of claim 56 wherein distinguishing the active stem from the passive stem includes underlining the active stem in the object using a first color and underlining the passive stem in the object using a second color.

58. The system of claim 36 wherein the system is structured and arranged to:

determine that the first stem or the second stem is found within a particular attribute for an object in the library of candidates;

use a display metric for the object that is based on determining whether the first stem or the second stem is found within the particular attribute for the object;

use the display metric to determine an order in which the results are rendered; and

render the results based on the order.

59. The system of claim 58 wherein the system is structured and arranged to adjust the display metric to reflect that an object has been selected by the user.

60. The system of claim 58 wherein the system is structured and arranged to adjust the display metric for other objects associated with the particular attribute based on a determination that the user is prefers to input data related to the particular attribute.

61. The system of claim 36 wherein the system is structured and arranged to:

determine a character likelihood metric for each of one or more characters appearing within the first stem;

determine an object likelihood metric for different objects related to the stem using the character likelihood metric;

use the object likelihood metric to determine an order in which results are rendered; and

render the results based on the order.

62. The system of claim 36 the system is structured and arranged to:

receive additional input;

structure the additional input as one or more additional stems;

relate the first stem, the second stem, and the additional stems to the library of candidates; and

update the rendered results in response to receiving the additional input.

63. A system that presents information to a user, the system including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

receive one or more ambiguous inputs that may be resolved to one of at least two disambiguated characters;

analyze the ambiguous inputs;

generate results that reflect disambiguated terms related to the ambiguous inputs;

sort the results into two or more predetermined types of data or applications;

render a tabbed user interface including multiple tabs that each correspond to the two or more predetermined types of data or applications;

render the results using the tabbed user interface in a manner enabling the user to perceive which of the results are rendered responsive to a selection of a selected tab on the tabbed user interface; and

enable the user to select an aspect of the results to invoke an operation.

64. The system of claim 63 wherein rendering the tabbed user interface includes rendering a default icon that enables a user to select a default mode for input.

65. The system of claim 63 wherein rendering the tabbed user interface includes rendering a disambiguation icon that enables a user to select a disambiguation mode for input.

66. The system of claim 65 wherein rendering the tabbed user interface includes launching a code segment that uses predictive software to enable identification of a letter with a single key tap when selected.

67. The system of claim 63 wherein the system is structured and arranged to:

access an audio dictionary of terms related to the results;

receive one or more audio inputs;

analyze the audio inputs using the audio dictionary; and

revise the results in response to analyzing the audio inputs.

68. The system of claim 63 wherein rendering the results using the tabbed user interface includes generating a tab for one of the predetermined types of data or applications that is included in the results.

69. A system that presents information to a user, the system including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

receive input from a user;

structure the input as one or more stems;

relate the stems to a library of candidates;

determine that the stems are found within a particular attribute for an object in the library of candidates;

use a display metric for the object that is based on determining whether the stems are found within the particular attribute for the object;

use the display metric to determine an order in which the results are rendered; and

render the results based on the order.

70. A system that presents information to a user, the system including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

receive a first input from a user;

structure the first input as one or more stems;

relate the stems to a library of candidates;

determine a character likelihood metric for each of one or more characters appearing within the stems;

determine an object likelihood metric for different objects related to the stems using the character likelihood metric;

use the object likelihood metric to determine an order in which results are rendered; and

render the results based on the order.

71. A system that presents information to a user, the system comprising:

means for receiving a first input from a user;

means for structuring the first input as a first stem;

means for receiving a separator designating subsequently-received input as a second input;

means for receiving the second input;

means for structuring the second input as a second stem;

means for relating the first stem and the second stem to a library of candidates;

means for rendering one or more results in response to relating the first stem and the second stem to the library of candidates; and

means for enabling the user to select from among the one or more results.

72. A system that presents information to a user, the system comprising:

means for receiving one or more ambiguous inputs that may be resolved to one of at least two disambiguated characters;

means for analyzing the ambiguous inputs;

means for generating results that reflect disambiguated terms related to the ambiguous inputs;

means for sorting the results into two or more predetermined types of data or applications;

means for rendering a tabbed user interface including multiple tabs that each correspond to the two or more predetermined types of data or applications;

means for rendering the results using the tabbed user interface in a manner enabling the user to perceive which of the results are rendered responsive to a selection of a selected tab on the tabbed user interface; and

means for enabling the user to select an aspect of the results to invoke an operation.

73. A system that presents information to a user, the system comprising:

means for receiving a first input from a user;

means for structuring the first input as one or more stems;

means for relating the stems to a library of candidates;

means for determining that the stems are found within a particular attribute for an object in the library of candidates;

means for using a display metric for the object that is based on determining whether the stems are found within the particular attribute for the object;

means for using the display metric to determine an order in which the results are rendered; and

means for rendering the results based on the order.

74. A system that presents information to a user, the system comprising:

means for receiving a first input from a user;

means for structuring the first input as one or more stems;

means for relating the stems to a library of candidates;

means for determining a character likelihood metric for each of one or more characters appearing within the stems;

means for determining an object likelihood metric for different objects related to the stems using the character likelihood metric;

means for using the object likelihood metric to determine an order in which results are rendered; and

means for rendering the results based on the order.