Method for integrating computing processes with an interface controlled by voice actuated grammars

• US 6,606,599 B2
• Filed: 03/12/2001
• Issued: 08/12/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc. (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Interactive Speech Technologies, LLC
• Inventors: Grant, Richard, McGregor, Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): CHAWAN, VIJAY B
• Application Number:
  US09/804,164
• Publication Number:
  US 20020065654A1
• Time in Patent Office: 883 Days
• Field of Search: 704/270-277, 704/231, 704/251, 704/201, 704/200, 704/253, 704/260
• US Class Current: 704/275
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 15/193 Formal grammars, e.g. finite state automata, context free grammars or word networks
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 2015/228 of application context

Abstract

According to the present invention, a method for integrating processes with a multi-faceted human centered interface is provided. The interface is facilitated to implement a hands free, voice driven environment to control processes and applications. A natural language model is used to parse voice initiated commands and data, and to route those voice initiated inputs to the required applications or processes. The use of an intelligent context based parser allows the system to intelligently determine what processes are required to complete a task which is initiated using natural language. A single window environment provides an interface which is comfortable to the user by preventing the occurrence of distracting windows from appearing. The single window has a plurality of facets which allow distinct viewing areas. Each facet has an independent process routing its outputs thereto. As other processes are activated, each facet can reshape itself to bring a new process into one of the viewing areas. All activated processes are executed simultaneously to provide true multitasking.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a multi-faceted graphical user interface display area for a plurality of voice-actuated processes, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving an initial grammar associated with a process in response to a user initiating an utterance;

(b) determining if said initial grammar is associated with a process that has been previously activated;

(c) if said process has been previously activated,

displaying information associated with said previously activated process on one facet of said display area;

(d) if said process has not been activated,

activating said process;

prompting the user to select one of said facets on said display area;

loading said activated process into memory, said activated process associated with said selected facet;

(e) upon receiving a subsequent grammar associated with said process stored in said memory,

displaying information associated with said process stored in memory on said selected facet; and

(f) if said selected facet contains information associated with a previously activated process,

replacing said information associated with said previously activated process with information associated with said process stored in memory.