Prior art

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 8015006, I have searched the Google Patents database, which serves as a comprehensive source for patent information, including cited prior art. The legal status of US8015006B2 is listed as "Expired - Lifetime, expires 2025-02-09".

US patent 8015006, titled "Systems and methods for processing natural language speech utterances with context-specific domain agents," describes an integrated environment for processing natural language speech queries and commands. It emphasizes the use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user-specific profile data with domain-specific agents to achieve a natural interaction, including generating natural language speech responses with simulated personality characteristics.

The key independent claims of US8015006 are:

• Claim 1 (System): Focuses on a system with a speech unit, computer device (event manager, speech recognition, parser, agent module with domain agents, network interface, dictionary/phrases, user profile, personality module, update manager, text-to-speech engine) configured to invoke agents based on utterance, context, and user profile, generate queries/commands, execute them, and generate a natural language speech response based on retrieved info/action, personality, and user profile data.
• Claim 13 (Method): Mirrors the system claim, describing the steps of receiving, capturing, parsing, determining context, invoking agents, generating/executing queries/commands, generating responses, and outputting speech.
• Claim 21 (Non-transitory computer readable storage medium): Covers a storage medium with instructions for performing the method of Claim 13.

The following are the patent citations listed as "Prior art citations" for US8015006B2 on Google Patents:

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Identified Prior Art References:

1. U.S. Patent 6,076,063

   • Full Citation: US6076063A - System and method for adaptive language processing with context-specific vocabularies
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published: 2000-06-13; Filed: 1997-04-10
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for adaptive language processing, particularly for speech recognition, which includes context-specific vocabularies. It aims to improve accuracy by dynamically adapting the recognition vocabulary based on the context of the speech. The system uses a language processing engine that can select appropriate vocabularies from a set of available context-specific vocabularies.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6076063A potentially anticipates aspects of Claim 1, 13, and 21 related to the use of "context" in speech recognition and processing. Specifically, the concept of using "context-specific vocabularies" for improved accuracy aligns with US8015006's emphasis on determining "a context of the user utterance" and using "domain specific information" or "dictionary and phrases module" (elements of Claim 1, 13, 21) to enhance processing and recognition. While it doesn't describe the full "domain agent" architecture or "personality module" of US8015006, its core teaching of context-specific adaptation for language processing is relevant.

2. U.S. Patent 6,192,342

   • Full Citation: US6192342B1 - System and method for providing personalized information
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published: 2001-02-20; Filed: 1997-04-10
   • Brief Description: This patent details a system for providing personalized information to a user based on user preferences and interests. It includes a user profile that stores information about the user, which is then used to filter or customize information retrieved from various sources before presenting it to the user. The system aims to deliver more relevant content by understanding individual user needs.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6192342B1 potentially anticipates elements of Claim 1, 13, and 21 concerning the "user profile module configured to store user profile data" and the use of "user profile data" in processing queries and generating responses. The concept of personalizing information based on a user profile directly relates to US8015006's use of user profiles to interpret questions, formulate queries, and present answers in a natural environment. It does not explicitly mention speech recognition or domain agents, but the personalization aspect is a strong overlap.

3. U.S. Patent 6,292,793

   • Full Citation: US6292793B1 - Method and system for speech interaction using contextual dialogue agents
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published: 2001-09-18; Filed: 1999-09-08
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a method and system for speech interaction where contextual dialogue agents are used to manage conversations. The agents maintain context across turns in a dialogue, allowing for more natural and coherent interactions. The system can interpret user utterances by leveraging the current dialogue context, and then generate appropriate responses.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6292793B1 appears to be highly relevant and potentially anticipates significant aspects of Claim 1, 13, and 21. The core idea of "contextual dialogue agents" that interpret speech based on context and generate responses directly aligns with US8015006's "domain agents" and the determination of "context of the user utterance." The management of dialogue context is a fundamental aspect covered by both patents, particularly the invocation of specific agents based on context. This patent could potentially anticipate the combination of speech interaction with context-aware agents.

4. U.S. Patent 6,356,876

   • Full Citation: US6356876B1 - Conversational interface to multiple data sources
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published: 2002-03-12; Filed: 1998-10-22
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a conversational interface that allows users to access and query multiple, disparate data sources using natural language. The system translates natural language requests into queries for the underlying data sources and presents the results in a conversational manner. It aims to provide a unified natural language access point to various information repositories.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6356876B1 potentially anticipates aspects of Claim 1, 13, and 21 related to processing natural language queries to access "one or more local and/or network data sources" and retrieving information. The concept of a "conversational interface" accepting natural language and interacting with "multiple data sources" for information retrieval overlaps with US8015006's functionality of generating and executing queries to various sources. The emphasis on presenting results in a "conversational manner" also touches upon the natural language speech response aspect.

5. U.S. Patent 6,553,346

   • Full Citation: US6553346B1 - System and method for providing an intelligent personal agent with natural language interaction
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published: 2003-04-22; Filed: 1998-05-20
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for an intelligent personal agent that interacts with a user using natural language. The agent can understand natural language input, perform actions based on the input, and respond in natural language. It can access and integrate information from various sources to fulfill user requests, simulating human-like interaction.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6553346B1 appears to be highly relevant and potentially anticipates significant aspects of Claim 1, 13, and 21. The description of an "intelligent personal agent with natural language interaction" that understands input, performs actions, and responds in natural language strongly aligns with the overall scope of US8015006. The agent's ability to access and integrate information from various sources parallels the "domain agents" and their function of generating and executing queries. This patent could potentially anticipate the broad architecture of a natural language intelligent agent.

6. U.S. Patent 6,560,590

   • Full Citation: US6560590B1 - Method and system for speech interaction and control of devices
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published: 2003-05-06; Filed: 1998-08-25
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a method and system that enables a user to interact with and control devices using speech. It covers receiving speech commands, interpreting them, and then translating these into device-specific control signals. The system allows for hands-free operation and control of various electronic devices.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6560590B1 potentially anticipates aspects of Claim 1, 13, and 21 related to processing "commands" to "perform an action" and "sending appropriate commands to local or remote devices or the system itself." Specifically, the functionality for "control of devices" using "speech interaction" directly addresses the command-processing capabilities of US8015006, where the system executes commands for local or remote devices.

7. U.S. Patent 6,584,439

   • Full Citation: US6584439B1 - Natural language query system
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published: 2003-06-24; Filed: 1999-03-24
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a natural language query system that allows users to ask questions in plain English, which are then translated into formal database queries. The system includes a parser and an interpreter to understand the user's intent and formulate the appropriate queries to retrieve information from a database.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6584439B1 potentially anticipates elements of Claim 1, 13, and 21 concerning "parsing the user utterance to determine a query" and "generating one or more queries." The core functionality of translating natural language into machine-processable queries for information retrieval is a direct overlap.

8. U.S. Patent 6,615,172

   • Full Citation: US6615172B1 - Conversational natural language interface with customizable output
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published: 2003-09-02; Filed: 1999-09-27
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a conversational natural language interface that provides customizable output. The system processes natural language input and generates responses that can be tailored to user preferences or contextual factors. This customization can include formatting and presentation of information.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6615172B1 potentially anticipates elements of Claim 1, 13, and 21 related to "generating a natural language speech response" and the implicit "formatting" and "presentation preferences" (from user profile) that influence the response. The "customizable output" aligns with US8015006's emphasis on formatting results to enhance user understanding and using user preferences for presentation.

9. U.S. Patent 6,691,090

   • Full Citation: US6691090B1 - User adaptable distributed speech recognition
   • Publication/Filing Date: Published: 2004-02-10; Filed: 2000-09-18
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a user-adaptable distributed speech recognition system. It focuses on improving speech recognition accuracy by adapting to individual users' speech patterns and preferences, potentially distributed across different processing units. This adaptation can involve modifying acoustic models or language models based on user data.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6691090B1 potentially anticipates aspects of Claim 1, 13, and 21 related to the "speech recognition module configured to capture the user utterance" and the use of "user profile data" to enhance its operation (e.g., "special word spelling" in user profile influencing recognition). While US8015006 focuses on a broader system, the adaptability of speech recognition based on user data is a shared concept.

10. U.S. Patent 6,701,296

    • Full Citation: US6701296B1 - System and method for using context to resolve ambiguity in conversational user interfaces
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published: 2004-03-02; Filed: 2000-09-20
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method that utilizes context to resolve ambiguity in conversational user interfaces. It focuses on understanding ambiguous user input by leveraging the ongoing dialogue context, domain knowledge, and user preferences to determine the most probable meaning and generate an appropriate response.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6701296B1 appears to be highly relevant and potentially anticipates significant aspects of Claim 1, 13, and 21. The central theme of using "context to resolve ambiguity" in "conversational user interfaces" directly aligns with US8015006's reliance on "context of the user utterance," "domain knowledge," and "user profile data" to accurately interpret and respond to ambiguous natural language. This patent particularly strengthens the argument for anticipation of the context-driven interpretation and ambiguity resolution features.

11. U.S. Patent 6,718,310

    • Full Citation: US6718310B1 - System and method for providing personalized information in a distributed environment
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published: 2004-04-06; Filed: 1999-09-08
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for providing personalized information in a distributed computing environment. It leverages user profiles and distributed resources to deliver customized content and services to users, adapting to their specific needs and preferences across various networked devices or platforms.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6718310B1 potentially anticipates elements of Claim 1, 13, and 21 related to the use of "user profile data" and the system operating within "one or more networks" or "local and/or network data sources." The core concept of "personalized information in a distributed environment" overlaps with US8015006's use of user profiles and the ability to interact with network data sources and potentially synchronize user data across multiple devices.

12. U.S. Patent 6,801,604

    • Full Citation: US6801604B1 - System and method for an interactive conversational interface
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published: 2004-10-05; Filed: 1999-09-08
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for an interactive conversational interface that facilitates natural language dialogue with a user. The system can understand and respond to natural language input, maintaining the flow of conversation and adapting to user needs. It focuses on creating a seamless and intuitive conversational experience.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6801604B1 potentially anticipates aspects of Claim 1, 13, and 21 related to the overall "processing natural language speech utterance" and generating a "natural language speech response." The focus on an "interactive conversational interface" and maintaining dialogue flow is a broad overlap, especially concerning the natural language input and output components of US8015006.

13. U.S. Patent 6,839,679

    • Full Citation: US6839679B1 - Natural language processing system with fuzzy reasoning
    • Publication/Filing Date: Published: 2005-01-04; Filed: 2000-03-31
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a natural language processing system that incorporates fuzzy reasoning. The system uses fuzzy logic to handle the inherent ambiguity and imprecision often found in natural language, improving its ability to understand and respond to user input more effectively. It helps in dealing with subjective or incomplete information.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6839679B1 is highly relevant and potentially anticipates aspects of Claim 1, 13, and 21 related to the "probabilistic or fuzzy set decision and matching methods" and "probabilistic and fuzzy reasoning" used throughout US8015006. The explicit use of "fuzzy reasoning" in a "natural language processing system" to handle ambiguity directly anticipates a key technical solution described in US8015006, particularly for interpreting utterances and evaluating results (e.g., in Claim 1, "determining a context" and "generating a natural language speech response" which might involve fuzzy reasoning).

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