US 11087750

Following a detailed analysis of U.S. Patent 11,087,750 and a review of relevant legal databases, the following summary provides a concise overview of the patent's key details and claims.

Summary of U.S. Patent 11,087,750

Title: Methods and apparatus for detecting a voice command

Assignee: Cerence Operating Co.

Inventors: William F. Ganong, III, Paul Adrian Van Mulbregt, Vladimir Sejnoha, Glen Edward Wilson

Filing Date: August 16, 2016

Issue Date: August 10, 2021

Abstract:
The patent describes methods and devices for monitoring the acoustic environment of a mobile device to detect voice commands. This includes receiving acoustic input and determining if it contains a voice command without the user needing to provide an explicit trigger. The system is designed to operate even when the mobile device is in a low-power mode, utilizing multiple processing stages and contextual cues to make this determination. The technology also involves using a hierarchical processor approach, with a first, lower-power processor performing initial analysis before engaging a second, more powerful processor if needed, to conserve energy.

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Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

This patent has six independent claims which define the core inventions. They can be understood as follows:

Claim 1: A Method for Voice Command Detection Without a Trigger
This claim outlines a method for a mobile device to listen for and identify a voice command from a user without the user having to first say a specific "wake word" or press a button. Once a command is detected, the device begins to act on it.

Claim 8: A Mobile Device Capable of Trigger-less Voice Command Detection
This claim describes the physical mobile device itself, equipped with at least one input (like a microphone) and a processor. The processor is configured to perform the method described in Claim 1: detecting a voice command without an explicit trigger and then initiating a response.

Claim 15: A Method for Voice Command Detection in Low-Power Mode Using Context
This claim details a method for detecting voice commands while the mobile device is in a power-saving or "sleep" mode. The device listens for acoustic input and uses a multi-step process to analyze it. Crucially, it also uses "contextual cues" (such as the device's location, time of day, or motion) to help decide if the sound is a voice command. At least part of this analysis happens while the device remains in its low-power state.

Claim 22: A Mobile Device with Low-Power, Context-Aware Voice Detection
This claim describes the mobile device designed to carry out the method of Claim 15. It has an input for receiving sound and a processor that can detect voice commands while in a low-power mode by using a multi-stage analysis and incorporating contextual information.

Claim 29: A Method for Efficient Voice Command Detection in Low-Power Mode Using Two Processors
This claim presents a method for a mobile device with two processors to detect voice commands while in a low-power mode. A first, presumably more power-efficient, processor performs an initial analysis of any incoming sound. Only if this initial check suggests a possible voice command does the device engage a second, more powerful processor for further evaluation. A response to the command is initiated if either processor confirms it as a valid command.

Claim 36: A Mobile Device with a Two-Processor System for Efficient Voice Detection
This claim describes the mobile device built to execute the method of Claim 29. The device contains a first processor for initial, low-power analysis of acoustic input and a second processor for more detailed analysis when needed. This hierarchical approach allows the device to listen for commands without significantly draining the battery.

Litigation Context

A search of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) dockets for 2026 did not reveal any cases specifically citing U.S. Patent 11,087,750.

However, it is noteworthy that the assignee, Cerence Operating Co., has been involved in other recent patent litigation. In August 2025, Cerence filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission against Sony Group Corporation and TCL Technology Group Corporation, alleging infringement of its voice technology patents in certain smart televisions. Additionally, in September 2025, Cerence filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Apple Inc., reportedly concerning technologies for voice command monitoring and text input. The specific patents involved in these lawsuits have not been publicly detailed, and there is no information at this time to suggest that U.S. Patent 11,087,750 is among them.