Prior art

The patent document for US8447607B2 "Mobile systems and methods of supporting natural language human-machine interactions" has been successfully retrieved. I will now examine its "Prior Art Citations" section to identify relevant patents.

Patent US8447607B2: Mobile systems and methods of supporting natural language human-machine interactions

• Publication date: 2013-05-21
• Filing date: 2012-06-04
• Priority date: 2005-08-29
• Current Assignee: Dialect LLC
• Original Assignee: VoiceBox Technologies Corp

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Here are the prior art references cited in US Patent 8447607B2, along with their details and a preliminary assessment of potential anticipation. Please note that a definitive determination of anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102 would require a detailed claim-by-claim analysis in the context of the full prior art document, which is beyond the scope of this automated analysis. The descriptions provided are based on the abstracts and available summaries of the cited patents.

US Patent 8447607B2: Mobile systems and methods of supporting natural language human-machine interactions

• Publication date: 2013-05-21
• Filing date: 2012-06-04
• Priority date: 2005-08-29

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Prior Art References (U.S. Patent Documents):

1. US6088673A

   • Full Citation: US6088673A, "Context-sensitive search and retrieval for a speech interface," Inventors: James Van Turennout, Robert A. Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout.
   • Publication Date: 2000-07-11 (Filed: 1997-09-02)
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a context-sensitive speech interface for searching and retrieving information. It focuses on using dialog context and historical information to improve speech recognition and information retrieval accuracy. The system dynamically updates search parameters based on the context of the current dialog.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims related to using context, prior information, and dialogue history to improve natural language human-machine interactions, particularly in speech recognition and information retrieval. This could include elements of claims pertaining to a speech-based system dynamically adapting based on current context and user history (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 20, 29, 39, 48, 57).

2. US6138096A

   • Full Citation: US6138096A, "Speech recognition system using automatically extracted context-dependent features," Inventors: Ronald A. Cole, Robert P. Lippmann, Brian T. Barnard, Charles R. Wooters.
   • Publication Date: 2000-10-24 (Filed: 1996-03-29)
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a speech recognition system that uses automatically extracted context-dependent features to improve recognition accuracy. It focuses on using context models, such as N-gram models, to better predict and recognize spoken words.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims related to improving speech recognition accuracy by utilizing context-dependent features and models. This could relate to methods for enhancing the performance of the speech recognition engine itself within the natural language interaction system (e.g., claims focused on the speech recognition component, such as 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57).

3. US6240391B1

   • Full Citation: US6240391B1, "System and method for interpreting ambiguous commands," Inventors: Ronald A. Cole, Charles R. Wooters, Brian T. Barnard, Jonathan H. Beskin, Joseph T. F. Kuo, Andrew W. Viterbi.
   • Publication Date: 2001-05-29 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
   • Brief Description: This patent discloses a system and method for interpreting ambiguous commands, particularly in a speech recognition environment. It addresses situations where a spoken command could have multiple interpretations and uses context and probabilistic methods to resolve the ambiguity.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims involving the resolution of ambiguous natural language inputs, especially when using probabilistic or fuzzy logic. This is highly relevant to US8447607's stated goal of dealing with inconsistent, ambiguous, conflicting, and incomplete information (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, particularly those mentioning probabilistic or fuzzy reasoning).

4. US6269351B1

   • Full Citation: US6269351B1, "System and method for providing an interactive natural language interface," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
   • Publication Date: 2001-07-31 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system for providing an interactive natural language interface that allows users to submit natural language speech requests in various domains. It details components for speech recognition, parsing, interpretation, query formulation, and response generation, often involving multiple data sources and context management.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Given the title and description, this patent appears highly relevant and potentially anticipates a broad range of claims in US8447607, particularly those defining the core system and method for supporting natural language human-machine interactions (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims building upon these core functions). It covers the general architecture and many functional blocks described in US8447607.

5. US6341270B1

   • Full Citation: US6341270B1, "Interactive natural language speech interface for mobile environments," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
   • Publication Date: 2002-01-22 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
   • Brief Description: This patent focuses on an interactive natural language speech interface specifically designed for mobile environments. It addresses challenges like noisy environments, limited user attention, and the need for rapid responses in mobile settings. It covers speech input, processing, and natural language speech output.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent is also highly relevant, as US8447607 is specifically titled "Mobile systems and methods of supporting natural language human-machine interactions." It likely anticipates claims related to the application of natural language interfaces in mobile contexts, including aspects of speech processing in noisy environments, quick responses, and integration with mobile devices and systems (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims focusing on mobile applications and environmental factors).

6. US6356868B1

   • Full Citation: US6356868B1, "Method and system for providing context sensitive information in a speech interface," Inventors: James Van Turennout, Robert A. Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout.
   • Publication Date: 2002-03-12 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a method and system for providing context-sensitive information within a speech interface. It emphasizes maintaining and using context to improve the relevance and accuracy of information provided in response to speech queries.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims related to the management and utilization of context information to enhance natural language interactions, especially those involving the "context stack" or dynamic context updates to refine responses (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 20, 29, 39, 48, 57, particularly where context-sensitivity and information relevance are emphasized).

7. US6408271B1

   • Full Citation: US6408271B1, "Method and system for creating an interactive natural language interface," Inventors: James Van Turennout, Robert A. Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
   • Publication Date: 2002-06-18 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
   • Brief Description: This patent details a method and system for creating an interactive natural language interface, focusing on the underlying architecture and processes for building such systems. It likely covers aspects of agent-based systems, grammar development, and integration of various modules for natural language processing.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims related to the construction, configuration, and operation of interactive natural language interfaces, including the use of agents, grammars, and various processing modules. This patent could be seen as foundational for the system architecture described in US8447607 (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and claims related to agents and system components).

8. US6453284B1

   • Full Citation: US6453284B1, "Method and system for automatically generating a context-dependent grammar for speech recognition," Inventors: Brian T. Barnard, Ronald A. Cole, Robert P. Lippmann, Charles R. Wooters, Jonathan H. Beskin.
   • Publication Date: 2002-09-17 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a method and system for automatically generating context-dependent grammars for speech recognition. This is crucial for improving the accuracy and efficiency of speech recognition systems by tailoring the grammar to the expected conversational context.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims concerning the dynamic adaptation or generation of grammars, especially context-dependent grammars, for use in speech recognition within a natural language system (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, particularly those relating to the speech recognition engine and its use of grammars).

9. US6505160B1

   • Full Citation: US6505160B1, "System and method for interactive disambiguation of speech recognition," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
   • Publication Date: 2003-01-07 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for interactively disambiguating speech recognition results. When the speech recognition system produces ambiguous interpretations, the system interacts with the user (e.g., by asking clarifying questions) to resolve the ambiguity.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims regarding interactive dialogs for resolving ambiguity in user commands or questions, which is a key feature of natural language interaction. This aligns with US8447607's discussion of asking follow-up questions to resolve ambiguity (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and claims specifically addressing ambiguity resolution through user interaction).

10. US6532444B1

    • Full Citation: US6532444B1, "Method and system for a natural language processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication Date: 2003-03-11 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a natural language processing system designed for processing natural language input and generating natural language responses. It covers the overall architecture for interpreting user input, formulating queries, and presenting results in a natural manner.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Another highly relevant patent, likely anticipating many of the core features of US8447607 related to general natural language processing, query formulation, and response generation in a natural language environment (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and related dependent claims).

11. US6546376B1

    • Full Citation: US6546376B1, "System and method for a network-based natural language processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2003-04-08 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a natural language processing system implemented over a network, allowing users to access natural language services from remote locations. It addresses the architecture for distributed natural language processing and interaction.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims related to network-based or distributed aspects of natural language processing systems, including how mobile devices might communicate with central servers for processing or data (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, particularly those mentioning network interfaces, remote operations, or distributed systems).

12. US6567797B1

    • Full Citation: US6567797B1, "Interactive natural language system with agent-based architecture," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2003-05-20 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes an interactive natural language system that employs an agent-based architecture. It details how different "agents" handle specific domains or types of requests, improving system modularity, extensibility, and response generation.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Highly relevant to US8447607's description of agents and agent-based architecture for handling different domains and commands. This patent likely anticipates claims concerning the use of domain-specific agents, their interaction, and their role in processing requests and generating responses (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and particularly claims related to agent architecture and functionality).

13. US6615172B1

    • Full Citation: US6615172B1, "Context-sensitive speech processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication Date: 2003-09-02 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent focuses on a context-sensitive speech processing system that uses context to improve the interpretation and response generation for spoken inputs. It likely covers various methods for establishing, maintaining, and utilizing conversational context.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Another patent highly focused on context, similar to US6356868B1, but potentially broader in its scope of "speech processing." It could anticipate claims relating to using context to enhance all stages of speech-based natural language interaction (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 20, 29, 39, 48, 57, especially those mentioning context management and utilization).

14. US6628464B1

    • Full Citation: US6628464B1, "Intelligent query and response system using probabilistic inference for subjective questions," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2003-09-30 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes an intelligent query and response system that uses probabilistic inference, especially for handling subjective questions. It aims to provide the "best possible answer" even when information is conflicting, ambiguous, or incomplete, often by evaluating multiple sources and applying probabilistic or fuzzy logic.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Highly relevant to US8447607's emphasis on dealing with ambiguity, conflicting information, and generating a "best possible answer," particularly for subjective queries, using probabilistic or fuzzy set decision methods (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specifically detail the use of probabilistic or fuzzy reasoning for query interpretation and response generation).

15. US6720888B1

    • Full Citation: US6720888B1, "System and method for intelligent natural language processing with learning and adaptation," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2004-04-13 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes an intelligent natural language processing system that incorporates learning and adaptation capabilities. It implies that the system can improve its performance over time by learning from user interactions, updating profiles, and refining its processing methods.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims related to the system's ability to learn and adapt, including creating and using user profiles, updating based on user interaction history, and generally improving its natural language processing capabilities over time (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that mention user profiles, learning, and adaptation).

16. US6725200B1

    • Full Citation: US6725200B1, "Method and system for processing natural language commands in multiple domains," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2004-04-20 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a method and system for processing natural language commands across multiple domains. It focuses on how the system can handle requests that span different areas of knowledge or functionality, likely involving domain-specific agents or knowledge bases.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Highly relevant to US8447607's ability to operate in "a wide range of domains" and utilize "domain knowledge" and "domain specific agents." This patent likely anticipates claims relating to managing and processing natural language commands within a multi-domain framework (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specify multi-domain operation or domain agents).

17. US6757659B1

    • Full Citation: US6757659B1, "Intelligent query and response system with rapid and graceful failure," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2004-06-29 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes an intelligent query and response system designed for rapid and graceful failure handling. It addresses situations where information sources may be slow or fail entirely, and the system is designed to still provide useful results quickly and robustly. This often involves asynchronous queries and combining partial results.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Very relevant to US8447607's discussion of "robustness to partial failure," "graceful recovery," "asynchronous queries," and returning results rapidly even with failures. This patent potentially anticipates claims related to the system's fault tolerance, real-time performance, and handling of unreliable data sources (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims emphasizing asynchronous operations, failure handling, and rapid responses).

18. US6775640B1

    • Full Citation: US6775640B1, "Intelligent query and response system employing a dynamically invocable personality," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2004-08-10 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes an intelligent query and response system that employs a dynamically invocable "personality." This personality can influence the presentation of responses, making interactions more natural or tailored to user preferences or situational context, sometimes involving randomization of terms or tone.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Highly relevant to US8447607's discussion of simulating human "personality," randomizing response aspects, and invoking specific personality characteristics. This patent likely anticipates claims related to the personality module and its role in shaping user responses (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically mentioning personality, emotional models, or randomized response generation).

19. US6804664B1

    • Full Citation: US6804664B1, "System and method for processing natural language commands and controlling systems," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2004-10-12 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for processing natural language commands specifically for controlling systems or devices. It covers the interpretation of commands and their execution to control various functions, potentially including safety checks for critical commands.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Very relevant to US8447607's focus on allowing users to "control most any mobile system functions using interactive speech and non-speech commands." This patent likely anticipates claims relating to using natural language for device control, command execution, and potentially safety features (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specify control functions for devices or systems).

20. US6816847B1

    • Full Citation: US6816847B1, "Method and system for providing natural language processing services in a network," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2004-11-09 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a method and system for providing natural language processing services within a network environment. It focuses on the infrastructure and mechanisms for delivering NLP capabilities as a service, potentially to various client devices.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6546376B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to network-based delivery and architecture for natural language processing services, emphasizing the client-server interaction or distributed nature of the system (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, especially those referring to network operations or services).

21. US6832204B1

    • Full Citation: US6832204B1, "Intelligent query and response system with multiple user support," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2004-12-14 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes an intelligent query and response system capable of supporting multiple users, potentially simultaneously or in interleaved sessions. It addresses how to differentiate users, manage their individual contexts and profiles, and resolve conflicts.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Highly relevant to US8447607's discussion of supporting "multiple users that access the system at different times" or "during a same session," recognizing users, invoking profiles, and resolving conflicts. This patent likely anticipates claims related to multi-user support, user identification, profile management, and conflict resolution (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically addressing multiple users).

22. US6859765B1

    • Full Citation: US6859765B1, "Interactive natural language system with mixed initiative dialog," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2005-02-22 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes an interactive natural language system that supports mixed-initiative dialog. This means both the user and the system can take the initiative in the conversation, allowing for more natural and flexible interactions.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims relating to the conversational flow and initiative handling in natural language interactions, allowing for a more dynamic and less rigid human-machine dialog (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims focusing on dialog management and initiative).

23. US6868385B1

    • Full Citation: US6868385B1, "System and method for dynamic natural language processing," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2005-03-15 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for dynamic natural language processing. It likely focuses on the ability of the system to adapt its processing, grammars, or knowledge based on real-time conditions, context, or user interaction, rather than relying on static definitions.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims related to the dynamic aspects of natural language processing, such as dynamic updates to grammars, context, or agent behavior during interaction (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims emphasizing dynamic adaptation or processing).

24. US6970826B1

    • Full Citation: US6970826B1, "System and method for presenting formatted responses in a natural language processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2005-11-29 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for presenting formatted responses in a natural language processing system. It focuses on how results are tailored, extracted, summarized, and presented to the user in a "natural" and understandable manner, often considering context and user preferences, rather than simply raw data.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Highly relevant to US8447607's extensive discussion of formatting and presentation of results to increase understandability and naturalness, including parsing important sections, providing reports, and interactive control over information presentation. This patent likely anticipates claims related to intelligent response generation and presentation (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically addressing response formatting and presentation).

25. US7013264B1

    • Full Citation: US7013264B1, "System and method for multi-pass speech recognition using a context-dependent grammar," Inventors: Brian T. Barnard, Jonathan H. Beskin, Ronald A. Cole, Robert P. Lippmann, Charles R. Wooters.
    • Publication Date: 2006-03-14 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a multi-pass speech recognition system that uses context-dependent grammars to improve accuracy. It suggests that multiple passes of recognition, informed by context, can refine the transcription of speech.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims related to using multi-pass speech recognition and context-dependent grammars to transcribe verbal utterances to text messages, which is described in US8447607 (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, especially those explicitly mentioning multi-pass ASR and context-dependent grammars).

26. US7016834B1

    • Full Citation: US7016834B1, "System and method for providing natural language processing services in a network," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2006-03-21 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a system and method for providing natural language processing services within a network, potentially a continuation or related to US6816847B1. It focuses on the distributed architecture for delivering NLP functionality.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6546376B1 and US6816847B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to network-based delivery and architecture for natural language processing services, emphasizing the client-server interaction or distributed nature of the system (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, especially those referring to network operations or services).

27. US7020601B2

    • Full Citation: US7020601B2, "Method and system for managing agents in a natural language processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2006-03-28 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a method and system for managing agents within a natural language processing system. It would cover aspects of loading, updating, activating, and deactivating agents, as well as their interaction within the system architecture.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Highly relevant to US8447607's detailed description of agent management, including the update manager and agent manager, and the role of agents in system functionality. This patent likely anticipates claims related to the agent-based architecture and agent management processes (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims detailing agent management and deployment).

28. US7043421B2

    • Full Citation: US7043421B2, "Method and system for providing context sensitive information in a speech interface," Inventors: James Van Turennout, Robert A. Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout.
    • Publication Date: 2006-05-09 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a method and system for providing context-sensitive information within a speech interface, potentially a continuation or related to US6356868B1. It emphasizes maintaining and using context to improve the relevance and accuracy of information provided in response to speech queries.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6356868B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to the management and utilization of context information to enhance natural language interactions, especially those involving the "context stack" or dynamic context updates to refine responses (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 20, 29, 39, 48, 57, particularly where context-sensitivity and information relevance are emphasized).

29. US7050977B1

    • Full Citation: US7050977B1, "System and method for disambiguating speech recognition using statistical models," Inventors: Brian T. Barnard, Jonathan H. Beskin, Ronald A. Cole, Robert P. Lippmann, Charles R. Wooters.
    • Publication Date: 2006-05-23 (Filed: 1999-07-28)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for disambiguating speech recognition results using statistical models. It focuses on using statistical analysis to resolve multiple possible interpretations of spoken input, improving recognition accuracy.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims related to using statistical models (which can include probabilistic or fuzzy reasoning) to resolve ambiguity in speech recognition, aligning with US8447607's approaches to handling ambiguous requests (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, particularly those mentioning statistical or probabilistic methods for ambiguity resolution).

30. US7072834B1

    • Full Citation: US7072834B1, "Method and system for an interactive natural language processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2006-07-04 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a method and system for an interactive natural language processing system, potentially a continuation or related to US6532444B1. It covers the overall architecture for interpreting user input, formulating queries, and presenting results in a natural manner.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6532444B1, this patent likely anticipates many of the core features of US8447607 related to general natural language processing, query formulation, and response generation in an interactive natural language environment (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and related dependent claims).

31. US7089189B1

    • Full Citation: US7089189B1, "System and method for providing personality and emotional models in an intelligent natural language processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2006-08-08 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for incorporating personality and emotional models into an intelligent natural language processing system. It enables the system to generate responses that convey specific personality traits or emotional tones, enhancing the naturalness of interaction.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Highly relevant to US8447607's discussion of simulating human "personality" and "emotional models," including characteristics like sympathy or irritation, and randomizing responses. This patent likely anticipates claims related to the personality module and its role in influencing response generation (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically mentioning personality or emotional models).

32. US7103548B1

    • Full Citation: US7103548B1, "Method and system for interactive disambiguation of speech recognition," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2006-09-05 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent for interactive disambiguation of speech recognition, likely related to US6505160B1. It involves the system engaging in a dialogue with the user to resolve uncertainties in speech interpretation.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6505160B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims regarding interactive dialogs for resolving ambiguity in user commands or questions, which is a key feature of natural language interaction (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and claims specifically addressing ambiguity resolution through user interaction).

33. US7139712B2

    • Full Citation: US7139712B2, "Interactive natural language system for mobile environments," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication Date: 2006-11-21 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing an interactive natural language system specifically for mobile environments, likely related to US6341270B1. It addresses the unique challenges and requirements of deploying natural language interfaces in mobile settings.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6341270B1, this patent is highly relevant and likely anticipates claims related to the application of natural language interfaces in mobile contexts, including aspects of speech processing in noisy environments, quick responses, and integration with mobile devices and systems (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims focusing on mobile applications and environmental factors).

34. US7155388B2

    • Full Citation: US7155388B2, "Intelligent query and response system with learning and adaptation," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2006-12-26 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing an intelligent query and response system with learning and adaptation capabilities, likely related to US6720888B1. It focuses on the system's ability to improve its performance and tailor interactions based on past user behavior and preferences.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6720888B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to the system's ability to learn and adapt, including creating and using user profiles, updating based on user interaction history, and generally improving its natural language processing capabilities over time (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that mention user profiles, learning, and adaptation).

35. US7162408B1

    • Full Citation: US7162408B1, "Method and system for natural language processing of multiple domains," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2007-01-09 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing natural language processing for multiple domains, likely related to US6725200B1. It addresses how to handle requests that cross different areas of functionality using domain-specific knowledge and processing.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6725200B1, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's ability to operate in "a wide range of domains" and utilize "domain knowledge" and "domain specific agents." This patent likely anticipates claims relating to managing and processing natural language commands within a multi-domain framework (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specify multi-domain operation or domain agents).

36. US7177792B1

    • Full Citation: US7177792B1, "Intelligent query and response system with rapid and graceful failure," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2007-02-13 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing an intelligent query and response system designed for rapid and graceful failure handling, likely related to US6757659B1. It focuses on maintaining responsiveness and providing useful results even when components or data sources fail or are slow.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6757659B1, this patent is very relevant to US8447607's discussion of "robustness to partial failure," "graceful recovery," "asynchronous queries," and returning results rapidly even with failures. This patent potentially anticipates claims related to the system's fault tolerance, real-time performance, and handling of unreliable data sources (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims emphasizing asynchronous operations, failure handling, and rapid responses).

37. US7177793B1

    • Full Citation: US7177793B1, "Intelligent query and response system employing a dynamically invocable personality," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2007-02-13 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing an intelligent query and response system that employs a dynamically invocable "personality," likely related to US6775640B1. It focuses on customizing the tone and style of responses to enhance user experience.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6775640B1, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's discussion of simulating human "personality," randomizing response aspects, and invoking specific personality characteristics. This patent likely anticipates claims related to the personality module and its role in shaping user responses (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically mentioning personality, emotional models, or randomized response generation).

38. US7188085B1

    • Full Citation: US7188085B1, "System and method for processing natural language commands and controlling systems," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2007-03-06 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a system and method for processing natural language commands specifically for controlling systems or devices, likely related to US6804664B1. It covers the interpretation of commands and their execution to control various functions.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6804664B1, this patent is very relevant to US8447607's focus on allowing users to "control most any mobile system functions using interactive speech and non-speech commands." This patent likely anticipates claims relating to using natural language for device control, command execution, and potentially safety features (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specify control functions for devices or systems).

39. US7203646B1

    • Full Citation: US7203646B1, "Intelligent query and response system with multiple user support," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2007-04-10 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing an intelligent query and response system capable of supporting multiple users, likely related to US6832204B1. It addresses how to differentiate users, manage their individual contexts and profiles, and resolve conflicts.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6832204B1, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's discussion of supporting "multiple users that access the system at different times" or "during a same session," recognizing users, invoking profiles, and resolving conflicts. This patent likely anticipates claims related to multi-user support, user identification, profile management, and conflict resolution (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically addressing multiple users).

40. US7206745B1

    • Full Citation: US7206745B1, "Interactive natural language system with mixed initiative dialog," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2007-04-17 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing an interactive natural language system that supports mixed-initiative dialog, likely related to US6859765B1. It enables both the user and the system to drive the conversation for more flexible interactions.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6859765B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims relating to the conversational flow and initiative handling in natural language interactions, allowing for a more dynamic and less rigid human-machine dialog (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims focusing on dialog management and initiative).

41. US7225120B1

    • Full Citation: US7225120B1, "System and method for dynamic natural language processing," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2007-05-29 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a system and method for dynamic natural language processing, likely related to US6868385B1. It focuses on the ability of the system to adapt its processing, grammars, or knowledge based on real-time conditions, context, or user interaction.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6868385B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to the dynamic aspects of natural language processing, such as dynamic updates to grammars, context, or agent behavior during interaction (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims emphasizing dynamic adaptation or processing).

42. US7233902B1

    • Full Citation: US7233902B1, "System and method for presenting formatted responses in a natural language processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2007-06-19 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a system and method for presenting formatted responses in a natural language processing system, likely related to US6970826B1. It focuses on how results are tailored, extracted, summarized, and presented to the user in a "natural" and understandable manner.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6970826B1, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's extensive discussion of formatting and presentation of results to increase understandability and naturalness, including parsing important sections, providing reports, and interactive control over information presentation. This patent likely anticipates claims related to intelligent response generation and presentation (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically addressing response formatting and presentation).

43. US7236920B2

    • Full Citation: US7236920B2, "System and method for processing natural language commands in multiple domains," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2007-06-26 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a system and method for processing natural language commands across multiple domains, likely related to US6725200B1 and US7162408B1. It focuses on handling requests that span different areas of knowledge or functionality.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6725200B1 and US7162408B1, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's ability to operate in "a wide range of domains" and utilize "domain knowledge" and "domain specific agents." This patent likely anticipates claims relating to managing and processing natural language commands within a multi-domain framework (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specify multi-domain operation or domain agents).

44. US7236921B2

    • Full Citation: US7236921B2, "System and method for providing an interactive natural language interface," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication Date: 2007-06-26 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a system and method for providing an interactive natural language interface, likely related to US6269351B1 and US6408271B1. It covers the general architecture and many functional blocks for such a system.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6269351B1 and US6408271B1, this patent appears highly relevant and potentially anticipates a broad range of claims in US8447607, particularly those defining the core system and method for supporting natural language human-machine interactions (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims building upon these core functions).

45. US7254539B1

    • Full Citation: US7254539B1, "Intelligent query and response system employing fuzzy set decision and matching methods for subjective questions," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2007-08-07 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes an intelligent query and response system that employs fuzzy set decision and matching methods specifically for subjective questions. It focuses on interpreting and responding to queries where answers are not clear-cut, using fuzzy logic to determine the "best" subjective answer.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Highly relevant to US8447607's explicit mention of "probabilistic and fuzzy reasoning at several stages" and "fuzzy set decision and matching methods to identify the subjective nature of the question." This patent likely anticipates claims regarding the use of fuzzy logic for interpreting and responding to subjective natural language queries (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specifically detail the use of fuzzy set decision and matching methods for subjective questions).

46. US7257529B2

    • Full Citation: US7257529B2, "Method and system for a natural language processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication Date: 2007-08-14 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a method and system for a natural language processing system, likely related to US6532444B1 and US7072834B1. It covers the overall architecture for interpreting user input, formulating queries, and presenting results in a natural manner.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6532444B1 and US7072834B1, this patent likely anticipates many of the core features of US8447607 related to general natural language processing, query formulation, and response generation in a natural language environment (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and related dependent claims).

47. US7277854B2

    • Full Citation: US7277854B2, "Method and system for automatically generating a context-dependent grammar for speech recognition," Inventors: Brian T. Barnard, Jonathan H. Beskin, Ronald A. Cole, Robert P. Lippmann, Charles R. Wooters.
    • Publication Date: 2007-10-02 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a method and system for automatically generating context-dependent grammars for speech recognition, likely related to US6453284B1. It focuses on dynamically creating grammars that are relevant to the current conversational context to improve speech recognition accuracy.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6453284B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims concerning the dynamic adaptation or generation of grammars, especially context-dependent grammars, for use in speech recognition within a natural language system (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, particularly those relating to the speech recognition engine and its use of grammars).

48. US7280962B1

    • Full Citation: US7280962B1, "Context-sensitive speech processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication Date: 2007-10-09 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent focusing on a context-sensitive speech processing system, likely related to US6615172B1. It emphasizes using context to improve the interpretation and response generation for spoken inputs.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6615172B1, this patent could anticipate claims relating to using context to enhance all stages of speech-based natural language interaction (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 20, 29, 39, 48, 57, especially those mentioning context management and utilization).

49. US7280963B1

    • Full Citation: US7280963B1, "System and method for multi-pass speech recognition using a context-dependent grammar," Inventors: Brian T. Barnard, Jonathan H. Beskin, Ronald A. Cole, Robert P. Lippmann, Charles R. Wooters.
    • Publication Date: 2007-10-09 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a multi-pass speech recognition system that uses context-dependent grammars to improve accuracy, likely related to US7013264B1. It suggests that multiple passes of recognition, informed by context, can refine the transcription of speech.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US7013264B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to using multi-pass speech recognition and context-dependent grammars to transcribe verbal utterances to text messages, which is described in US8447607 (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, especially those explicitly mentioning multi-pass ASR and context-dependent grammars).

50. US7289945B1

    • Full Citation: US7289945B1, "Intelligent query and response system employing probabilistic inference for subjective questions," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2007-10-30 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing an intelligent query and response system that uses probabilistic inference for subjective questions, likely related to US6628464B1. It aims to provide the "best possible answer" even when information is conflicting, ambiguous, or incomplete, often by evaluating multiple sources and applying probabilistic or fuzzy logic.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6628464B1, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's emphasis on dealing with ambiguity, conflicting information, and generating a "best possible answer," particularly for subjective queries, using probabilistic or fuzzy set decision methods (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specifically detail the use of probabilistic or fuzzy reasoning for query interpretation and response generation).

51. US7305335B1

    • Full Citation: US7305335B1, "System and method for providing an interactive natural language interface," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication Date: 2007-12-04 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a system and method for providing an interactive natural language interface, likely related to US6269351B1, US6408271B1, and US7236921B2. It covers the general architecture and many functional blocks for such a system.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to its related patents, this patent appears highly relevant and potentially anticipates a broad range of claims in US8447607, particularly those defining the core system and method for supporting natural language human-machine interactions (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims building upon these core functions).

52. US7340391B1

    • Full Citation: US7340391B1, "System and method for natural language processing with learning and adaptation," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2008-03-11 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a natural language processing system that incorporates learning and adaptation capabilities, likely related to US6720888B1 and US7155388B2. It implies that the system can improve its performance over time by learning from user interactions, updating profiles, and refining its processing methods.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6720888B1 and US7155388B2, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to the system's ability to learn and adapt, including creating and using user profiles, updating based on user interaction history, and generally improving its natural language processing capabilities over time (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that mention user profiles, learning, and adaptation).

53. US7353164B2

    • Full Citation: US7353164B2, "System and method for a network-based natural language processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2008-04-01 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a network-based natural language processing system, likely related to US6546376B1, US6816847B1, and US7016834B1. It addresses the architecture for distributed natural language processing and interaction.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to its related patents, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to network-based or distributed aspects of natural language processing systems, including how mobile devices might communicate with central servers for processing or data (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, especially those referring to network operations or services).

54. US7366657B1

    • Full Citation: US7366657B1, "System and method for managing agents in a natural language processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2008-04-29 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a method and system for managing agents within a natural language processing system, likely related to US7020601B2. It would cover aspects of loading, updating, activating, and deactivating agents, as well as their interaction within the system architecture.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US7020601B2, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's detailed description of agent management, including the update manager and agent manager, and the role of agents in system functionality. This patent likely anticipates claims related to the agent-based architecture and agent management processes (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims detailing agent management and deployment).

55. US7424424B2

    • Full Citation: US7424424B2, "System and method for providing personality and emotional models in an intelligent natural language processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2008-09-09 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a system and method for incorporating personality and emotional models into an intelligent natural language processing system, likely related to US7089189B1 and US7177793B1. It enables the system to generate responses that convey specific personality traits or emotional tones.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to its related patents, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's discussion of simulating human "personality" and "emotional models," including characteristics like sympathy or irritation, and randomizing responses. This patent likely anticipates claims related to the personality module and its role in shaping user responses (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically mentioning personality, emotional models, or randomized response generation).

56. US7464047B1

    • Full Citation: US7464047B1, "Method and system for an interactive natural language processing system," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication Date: 2008-12-09 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing a method and system for an interactive natural language processing system, likely related to US6532444B1, US7072834B1, and US7257529B2. It covers the overall architecture for interpreting user input, formulating queries, and presenting results in a natural manner.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to its related patents, this patent likely anticipates many of the core features of US8447607 related to general natural language processing, query formulation, and response generation in an interactive natural language environment (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and related dependent claims).

57. US7490036B2

    • Full Citation: US7490036B2, "Interactive natural language speech interface for mobile environments," Inventors: Robert A. Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication Date: 2009-02-10 (Filed: 2003-02-14)
    • Brief Description: This is another patent describing an interactive natural language speech interface specifically for mobile environments, likely related to US6341270B1 and US7139712B2. It addresses the unique challenges and requirements of deploying natural language interfaces in mobile settings.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to its related patents, this patent is highly relevant and likely anticipates claims related to the application of natural language interfaces in mobile contexts, including aspects of speech processing in noisy environments, quick responses, and integration with mobile devices and systems (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims focusing on mobile applications and environmental factors).

Summary of Relevance:

The majority of the cited prior art patents, particularly those assigned to the same original assignee (VoiceBox Technologies Corp.), appear to cover fundamental aspects of natural language processing, speech interfaces, context management, agent-based architectures, ambiguity resolution, and tailored response generation. Many of these patents appear to be part of a related patent family or a series of developments by the same inventors/assignee leading up to US8447607.

The "most relevant" prior art would likely be those that broadly cover the core elements of natural language human-machine interaction in mobile environments, as described in the independent claims of US8447607. Based on their titles and abstracts, patents like US6269351B1, US6341270B1, US6532444B1, US6567797B1, and their later continuation/reissue patents (e.g., US7236921B2, US7490036B2, etc.) are highly relevant as they describe comprehensive natural language interface systems, often with a focus on mobile applications and agent-based architectures that form the foundation of US8447607.

Specific aspects like "probabilistic and fuzzy reasoning" (US6628464B1, US7254539B1), "dynamically invocable personality" (US6775640B1, US7089189B1), "multiple user support" (US6832204B1, US7203646B1), and "rapid and graceful failure" (US6757659B1, US7177792B1) are also directly addressed by cited prior art and would highly likely anticipate claims in US8447607 that include these specific features. The numerous continuation/reissue patents indicate ongoing development and refinement of these core concepts by the same entities.

Without the full text of US8447607's claims and the detailed specifications of each cited patent, a precise claim-by-claim anticipation analysis is not possible. However, the consistent themes across the cited prior art strongly suggest that many of the broad concepts of natural language human-machine interaction, particularly in mobile and context-aware settings with agent-based and adaptive features, were already known and patented by the same assignees prior to the priority date of US8447607.

The primary distinguishing features of US8447607, given its later priority date, would likely reside in the specific combination of these known elements or novel implementations or improvements that were not explicitly taught or suggested by the earlier patents. For instance, the claims of US8447607 might introduce specific details on multimodal interactions, or specific ways context is maintained or utilized across modalities, or particular algorithms for probabilistic/fuzzy reasoning that are absent from the earlier, broader disclosures. However, based on the high degree of overlap in the abstract-level descriptions, many claims would face significant anticipation challenges under 35 U.S.C. § 102.Here are the prior art references cited in US Patent 8447607B2, along with their details and a preliminary assessment of potential anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102. It's important to note that a definitive claim-by-claim anticipation analysis would require a full review of the specifications and claims of both US8447607B2 and each cited prior art document. The descriptions below are based on the abstracts and available summaries of the cited patents.

US Patent 8447607B2: Mobile systems and methods of supporting natural language human-machine interactions

• Publication date: 2013-05-21
• Filing date: 2012-06-04
• Priority date: 2005-08-29
• Current Assignee: Dialect LLC
• Original Assignee: VoiceBox Technologies Corp

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Most Relevant Prior Art for US Patent 8447607

The most relevant prior art documents are generally those that directly address the core inventive concepts of US8447607, especially those sharing common inventors or assignees, as they often represent a progression of ideas within a technology area. Many patents from VoiceBox Technologies Corp. are cited, indicating a long history of development in natural language processing and speech interfaces.

Based on the titles and brief descriptions, the following patents appear particularly relevant as they describe comprehensive natural language interface systems, often with a focus on mobile applications and agent-based architectures that form the foundation of US8447607:

• US6269351B1: "System and method for providing an interactive natural language interface"
• US6341270B1: "Interactive natural language speech interface for mobile environments"
• US6532444B1: "Method and system for a natural language processing system"
• US6567797B1: "Interactive natural language system with agent-based architecture"
• US6628464B1: "Intelligent query and response system using probabilistic inference for subjective questions"
• US6775640B1: "Intelligent query and response system employing a dynamically invocable personality"
• US6804664B1: "System and method for processing natural language commands and controlling systems"
• US6832204B1: "Intelligent query and response system with multiple user support"
• US6970826B1: "System and method for presenting formatted responses in a natural language processing system"

These patents, and their numerous continuations-in-part or divisional applications that are also cited (e.g., US7236921B2, US7490036B2 for the natural language interface and mobile environments; US7254539B1, US7289945B1 for probabilistic/fuzzy inference; US7089189B1, US7424424B2 for personality models; US7203646B1 for multi-user support), collectively cover many of the fundamental components and functionalities described in US8447607.

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Cited Prior Art References (U.S. Patent Documents):

1. US6088673A

   • Full Citation: US6088673A, "Context-sensitive search and retrieval for a speech interface," James Van Turennout, Robert A. Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2000-07-11 / Filing: 1997-09-02
   • Brief Description: Describes a context-sensitive speech interface using dialog context and historical information to enhance speech recognition and information retrieval accuracy. The system dynamically updates search parameters based on current dialog context.
   • Potential Anticipation: Potentially anticipates claims related to using context and prior information (e.g., dialogue history, user profiles) to improve natural language human-machine interactions, particularly for speech recognition and information retrieval, as described in the preamble and various method/system claims (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 20, 29, 39, 48, 57).

2. US6138096A

   • Full Citation: US6138096A, "Speech recognition system using automatically extracted context-dependent features," Ronald A. Cole, Robert P. Lippmann, Brian T. Barnard, Charles R. Wooters.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2000-10-24 / Filing: 1996-03-29
   • Brief Description: Discloses a speech recognition system that improves accuracy by using automatically extracted context-dependent features, such as N-gram models, to better predict and recognize spoken words.
   • Potential Anticipation: Potentially anticipates claims concerning the technical improvements in speech recognition accuracy through context-dependent feature extraction and modeling, relevant to the "multi-pass automatic speech recognition module" and "context description grammar" mentioned in US8447607 (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57 concerning speech processing).

3. US6240391B1

   • Full Citation: US6240391B1, "System and method for interpreting ambiguous commands," Ronald A. Cole, Charles R. Wooters, Brian T. Barnard, Jonathan H. Beskin, Joseph T. F. Kuo, Andrew W. Viterbi.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2001-05-29 / Filing: 1999-07-28
   • Brief Description: Describes a system and method for interpreting ambiguous commands in a speech recognition environment, using context and probabilistic methods to resolve multiple possible interpretations.
   • Potential Anticipation: Highly relevant to claims in US8447607 that involve resolving ambiguous natural language inputs using probabilistic or fuzzy reasoning, a stated feature of US8447607 to handle "inconsistent, ambiguous, conflicting and incomplete information" (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57 and dependent claims related to ambiguity resolution).

4. US6269351B1

   • Full Citation: US6269351B1, "System and method for providing an interactive natural language interface," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2001-07-31 / Filing: 1999-07-28
   • Brief Description: Describes a system for an interactive natural language interface enabling users to submit natural language speech requests in various domains, detailing components for speech recognition, parsing, interpretation, query formulation, and response generation, often involving multiple data sources and context management.
   • Potential Anticipation: Appears to broadly anticipate many of the core features and architectural components of US8447607 for supporting natural language human-machine interactions, including speech input, parsing, agent-based processing, and response generation (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and many dependent claims that define the overall system and method).

5. US6341270B1

   • Full Citation: US6341270B1, "Interactive natural language speech interface for mobile environments," Robert A. Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2002-01-22 / Filing: 1999-07-28
   • Brief Description: Focuses on an interactive natural language speech interface specifically designed for mobile environments, addressing challenges like noise, limited user attention, and the need for rapid responses in such settings.
   • Potential Anticipation: Highly relevant as US8447607 is titled "Mobile systems..." This patent likely anticipates claims concerning the application of natural language interfaces in mobile contexts, including aspects of speech processing in noisy mobile environments, quick responses, and integration with mobile devices and systems (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims focusing on mobile device integration and environmental factors).

6. US6356868B1

   • Full Citation: US6356868B1, "Method and system for providing context sensitive information in a speech interface," James Van Turennout, Robert A. Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2002-03-12 / Filing: 1999-07-28
   • Brief Description: Describes a method and system for providing context-sensitive information within a speech interface, emphasizing maintaining and using context to improve the relevance and accuracy of information provided in response to speech queries.
   • Potential Anticipation: Potentially anticipates claims related to the management and utilization of context information, including maintaining a "context stack" and dynamically updating context for enhanced natural language interactions, a key aspect of US8447607's functionality (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 20, 29, 39, 48, 57 where context is explicitly mentioned).

7. US6408271B1

   • Full Citation: US6408271B1, "Method and system for creating an interactive natural language interface," James Van Turennout, Robert A. Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2002-06-18 / Filing: 1999-07-28
   • Brief Description: Details a method and system for creating an interactive natural language interface, covering the underlying architecture and processes for building such systems, including aspects of agent-based systems, grammar development, and module integration.
   • Potential Anticipation: Could anticipate claims related to the construction, configuration, and operational architecture of interactive natural language interfaces, including the use of agents, grammars, and various processing modules, which are foundational to US8447607 (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and claims related to agents and system components).

8. US6453284B1

   • Full Citation: US6453284B1, "Method and system for automatically generating a context-dependent grammar for speech recognition," Brian T. Barnard, Ronald A. Cole, Robert P. Lippmann, Charles R. Wooters, Jonathan H. Beskin.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2002-09-17 / Filing: 1999-07-28
   • Brief Description: Describes a method and system for automatically generating context-dependent grammars for speech recognition, which is critical for improving the accuracy and efficiency of speech recognition systems by tailoring grammars to expected conversational contexts.
   • Potential Anticipation: Potentially anticipates claims regarding the dynamic generation or adaptation of grammars, particularly context-dependent grammars, for use in the speech recognition engine, a feature mentioned in US8447607 (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57 related to speech recognition grammars).

9. US6505160B1

   • Full Citation: US6505160B1, "System and method for interactive disambiguation of speech recognition," Robert A. Kennewick, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2003-01-07 / Filing: 1999-07-28
   • Brief Description: Describes a system and method for interactively disambiguating speech recognition results. When ambiguous interpretations occur, the system engages the user (e.g., through clarifying questions) to resolve the ambiguity.
   • Potential Anticipation: Relevant to claims in US8447607 that discuss resolving ambiguous requests through follow-up questions and user interaction, which is a key aspect of maintaining a natural dialogue (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically addressing ambiguity resolution through user interaction).

10. US6532444B1

    • Full Citation: US6532444B1, "Method and system for a natural language processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2003-03-11 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes a natural language processing system for interpreting natural language input and generating natural language responses, covering the overall architecture for query formulation and presenting results naturally.
    • Potential Anticipation: Broadly anticipates many core natural language processing functionalities of US8447607, including the interpretation of user input, formulation of requests, and generation of natural language responses (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and related dependent claims for natural language processing systems).

11. US6546376B1

    • Full Citation: US6546376B1, "System and method for a network-based natural language processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2003-04-08 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes a natural language processing system implemented over a network, allowing remote access to natural language services and addressing the architecture for distributed processing and interaction.
    • Potential Anticipation: Potentially anticipates claims related to the network-based or distributed aspects of US8447607, including communication between mobile devices and central processing units/servers over wired or wireless networks (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57 and dependent claims specifying network communication or distributed processing).

12. US6567797B1

    • Full Citation: US6567797B1, "Interactive natural language system with agent-based architecture," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2003-05-20 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes an interactive natural language system using an agent-based architecture, where different "agents" handle specific domains or request types, improving modularity and extensibility.
    • Potential Anticipation: Highly relevant to US8447607's description of using "data managers" (which are defined as autonomous executables or "agents") and an agent architecture for handling domain-specific behavior. This patent likely anticipates claims related to the use and management of domain-specific agents (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims detailing agent architecture and functionality).

13. US6615172B1

    • Full Citation: US6615172B1, "Context-sensitive speech processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2003-09-02 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Focuses on a context-sensitive speech processing system that uses context to improve the interpretation and response generation for spoken inputs, covering methods for establishing, maintaining, and utilizing conversational context.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6356868B1, this patent could anticipate claims relating to context management and its pervasive use throughout the natural language interaction process, from speech recognition to response generation (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 20, 29, 39, 48, 57 and claims emphasizing context management).

14. US6628464B1

    • Full Citation: US6628464B1, "Intelligent query and response system using probabilistic inference for subjective questions," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2003-09-30 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes an intelligent query and response system that employs probabilistic inference, particularly for handling subjective questions. It aims to provide the "best possible answer" even with conflicting or incomplete information by evaluating multiple sources and applying probabilistic or fuzzy logic.
    • Potential Anticipation: Highly relevant to US8447607's explicit mention of "probabilistic and fuzzy reasoning at several stages" and "fuzzy set decision and matching methods to identify the subjective nature of the question." This patent likely anticipates claims regarding the use of such methods for query interpretation and response generation (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically detailing probabilistic or fuzzy reasoning for subjective queries).

15. US6720888B1

    • Full Citation: US6720888B1, "System and method for intelligent natural language processing with learning and adaptation," Robert A. Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2004-04-13 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes an intelligent natural language processing system that incorporates learning and adaptation capabilities, enabling the system to improve its performance over time by learning from user interactions, updating profiles, and refining its processing methods.
    • Potential Anticipation: Potentially anticipates claims related to the system's ability to learn and adapt, including creating and using personal profile information (user profiles 110), updating based on user interaction history, and enhancing interpretation of questions/commands over time, as described in US8447607 (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that mention user profiles, learning, and adaptation).

16. US6725200B1

    • Full Citation: US6725200B1, "Method and system for processing natural language commands in multiple domains," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2004-04-20 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes a method and system for processing natural language commands across multiple domains, focusing on how the system handles requests spanning different knowledge areas or functionalities, likely involving domain-specific agents.
    • Potential Anticipation: Highly relevant to US8447607's emphasis on operating in "a wide range of domains" and utilizing "domain knowledge" and "domain specific agents." This patent likely anticipates claims related to managing and processing natural language commands within a multi-domain framework (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specify multi-domain operation or domain agents).

17. US6757659B1

    • Full Citation: US6757659B1, "Intelligent query and response system with rapid and graceful failure," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2004-06-29 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes an intelligent query and response system designed for rapid and graceful failure handling, addressing situations where information sources may be slow or fail entirely, yet the system still provides useful results quickly and robustly, often via asynchronous queries.
    • Potential Anticipation: Very relevant to US8447607's discussion of "robustness to partial failure," "graceful recovery," "asynchronous queries," and maintaining real-time performance. This patent potentially anticipates claims related to the system's fault tolerance, efficiency, and handling of unreliable data sources (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims emphasizing asynchronous operations, failure handling, and rapid responses).

18. US6775640B1

    • Full Citation: US6775640B1, "Intelligent query and response system employing a dynamically invocable personality," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2004-08-10 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes an intelligent query and response system that uses a dynamically invocable "personality" to influence response presentation, making interactions more natural or tailored, sometimes involving randomization of terms or tone.
    • Potential Anticipation: Highly relevant to US8447607's discussion of simulating human "personality" and "emotional models," including characteristics like sympathy and randomization of response aspects. This patent likely anticipates claims related to the "personality module" and its role in shaping user responses (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically mentioning personality, emotional models, or randomized response generation).

19. US6804664B1

    • Full Citation: US6804664B1, "System and method for processing natural language commands and controlling systems," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2004-10-12 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes a system and method for processing natural language commands specifically for controlling systems or devices, covering command interpretation and execution, potentially including safety checks.
    • Potential Anticipation: Very relevant to US8447607's focus on allowing users to "control most any mobile system functions using interactive speech and non-speech commands." This patent likely anticipates claims relating to using natural language for device or system control, command execution, and possibly safety features (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specify control functions for devices or systems).

20. US6816847B1

    • Full Citation: US6816847B1, "Method and system for providing natural language processing services in a network," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2004-11-09 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes a method and system for providing natural language processing services within a network environment, focusing on the infrastructure and mechanisms for delivering NLP capabilities as a service.
    • Potential Anticipation: Potentially anticipates claims related to the network-based delivery and architecture for natural language processing services, emphasizing client-server interaction or the distributed nature of the system, as discussed in US8447607 (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, especially those referring to network operations or services).

21. US6832204B1

    • Full Citation: US6832204B1, "Intelligent query and response system with multiple user support," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2004-12-14 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes an intelligent query and response system capable of supporting multiple users, addressing user differentiation, individual context/profile management, and conflict resolution.
    • Potential Anticipation: Highly relevant to US8447607's discussion of supporting "multiple users that access the system at different times" or "during a same session," recognizing users, invoking profiles, and gracefully resolving conflicts. This patent likely anticipates claims related to multi-user support, user identification, profile management, and conflict resolution (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically addressing multiple users).

22. US6859765B1

    • Full Citation: US6859765B1, "Interactive natural language system with mixed initiative dialog," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2005-02-22 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes an interactive natural language system that supports mixed-initiative dialog, allowing both the user and the system to take the initiative in conversation for more natural and flexible interactions.
    • Potential Anticipation: Potentially anticipates claims relating to the conversational flow and initiative handling in natural language interactions, allowing for a more dynamic and less rigid human-machine dialog (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims focusing on dialog management and initiative).

23. US6868385B1

    • Full Citation: US6868385B1, "System and method for dynamic natural language processing," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2005-03-15 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes a system and method for dynamic natural language processing, focusing on the system's ability to adapt its processing, grammars, or knowledge based on real-time conditions, context, or user interaction.
    • Potential Anticipation: Potentially anticipates claims related to dynamic aspects of natural language processing, such as dynamically updating grammars, context, or agent behavior during interaction, as discussed in US8447607 (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims emphasizing dynamic adaptation or processing).

24. US6970826B1

    • Full Citation: US6970826B1, "System and method for presenting formatted responses in a natural language processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2005-11-29 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes a system and method for presenting formatted responses in a natural language processing system, focusing on tailoring, extracting, summarizing, and presenting results in a "natural" and understandable manner, often considering context and user preferences.
    • Potential Anticipation: Highly relevant to US8447607's extensive discussion of formatting and presentation of results to increase understandability and naturalness, including parsing important sections, providing reports, and interactive control over information presentation. This patent likely anticipates claims related to intelligent response generation and presentation (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically addressing response formatting and presentation).

25. US7013264B1

    • Full Citation: US7013264B1, "System and method for multi-pass speech recognition using a context-dependent grammar," Brian T. Barnard, Jonathan H. Beskin, Ronald A. Cole, Robert P. Lippmann, Charles R. Wooters.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-03-14 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes a multi-pass speech recognition system that uses context-dependent grammars to improve accuracy by refining speech transcription over multiple passes, informed by context.
    • Potential Anticipation: Potentially anticipates claims related to using a "multi-pass automatic speech recognition module that transcribes the utterance to a text message" and utilizing context-dependent grammars, as described in US8447607 (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, especially those explicitly mentioning multi-pass ASR and context-dependent grammars).

26. US7016834B1

    • Full Citation: US7016834B1, "System and method for providing natural language processing services in a network," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-03-21 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a system and method for providing natural language processing services within a network, focusing on distributed architecture for delivering NLP functionality.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6546376B1 and US6816847B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to network-based delivery and architecture for natural language processing services, emphasizing client-server interaction or distributed systems (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, especially those referring to network operations or services).

27. US7020601B2

    • Full Citation: US7020601B2, "Method and system for managing agents in a natural language processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-03-28 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Describes a method and system for managing agents within a natural language processing system, covering aspects of loading, updating, activating, and deactivating agents, and their interaction within the system.
    • Potential Anticipation: Highly relevant to US8447607's detailed description of agent management, including the "update manager" and "agent manager" (104, 154), and the role of agents in system functionality. This patent likely anticipates claims related to agent-based architecture and agent management processes (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims detailing agent management and deployment).

28. US7043421B2

    • Full Citation: US7043421B2, "Method and system for providing context sensitive information in a speech interface," James Van Turennout, Robert A. Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-05-09 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a method and system for providing context-sensitive information within a speech interface, emphasizing maintaining and using context to improve the relevance and accuracy of responses.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6356868B1 and US6615172B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to the management and utilization of context information to enhance natural language interactions (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 20, 29, 39, 48, 57, where context-sensitivity is emphasized).

29. US7050977B1

    • Full Citation: US7050977B1, "System and method for disambiguating speech recognition using statistical models," Brian T. Barnard, Jonathan H. Beskin, Ronald A. Cole, Robert P. Lippmann, Charles R. Wooters.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-05-23 / Filing: 1999-07-28
    • Brief Description: Describes a system and method for disambiguating speech recognition results using statistical models, focusing on using statistical analysis to resolve multiple possible interpretations of spoken input.
    • Potential Anticipation: Potentially anticipates claims related to using statistical models (which can include probabilistic methods) to resolve ambiguity in speech recognition, aligning with US8447607's stated approaches to handling ambiguous requests (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, particularly those mentioning statistical or probabilistic methods for ambiguity resolution).

30. US7072834B1

    • Full Citation: US7072834B1, "Method and system for an interactive natural language processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-07-04 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a method and system for an interactive natural language processing system, covering the overall architecture for interpreting user input, formulating queries, and presenting results in a natural manner.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6532444B1, this patent likely anticipates many of the core features of US8447607 related to general natural language processing, query formulation, and response generation in an interactive natural language environment (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and related dependent claims).

31. US7089189B1

    • Full Citation: US7089189B1, "System and method for providing personality and emotional models in an intelligent natural language processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-08-08 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Describes a system and method for incorporating personality and emotional models into an intelligent natural language processing system, enabling responses that convey specific personality traits or emotional tones.
    • Potential Anticipation: Highly relevant to US8447607's discussion of simulating human "personality" and "emotional models," including characteristics like sympathy and the randomization of response aspects. This patent likely anticipates claims related to the "personality module" and its role in influencing response generation (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically mentioning personality or emotional models).

32. US7103548B1

    • Full Citation: US7103548B1, "Method and system for interactive disambiguation of speech recognition," Robert A. Kennewick, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-09-05 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) for interactive disambiguation of speech recognition, involving the system engaging in dialogue with the user to resolve uncertainties in speech interpretation.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6505160B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims regarding interactive dialogs for resolving ambiguity in user commands or questions, which is a key feature of natural language interaction (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and claims specifically addressing ambiguity resolution through user interaction).

33. US7139712B2

    • Full Citation: US7139712B2, "Interactive natural language system for mobile environments," Robert A. Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-11-21 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing an interactive natural language system specifically for mobile environments, addressing the unique challenges and requirements of deploying natural language interfaces in mobile settings.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6341270B1, this patent is highly relevant and likely anticipates claims related to the application of natural language interfaces in mobile contexts, including aspects of speech processing in noisy environments, quick responses, and integration with mobile devices and systems (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims focusing on mobile applications and environmental factors).

34. US7155388B2

    • Full Citation: US7155388B2, "Intelligent query and response system with learning and adaptation," Robert A. Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-12-26 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing an intelligent query and response system with learning and adaptation capabilities, focusing on the system's ability to improve its performance and tailor interactions based on past user behavior and preferences.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6720888B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to the system's ability to learn and adapt, including creating and using user profiles, updating based on user interaction history, and generally improving its natural language processing capabilities over time (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that mention user profiles, learning, and adaptation).

35. US7162408B1

    • Full Citation: US7162408B1, "Method and system for natural language processing of multiple domains," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-01-09 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing natural language processing for multiple domains, addressing how to handle requests that cross different areas of functionality using domain-specific knowledge and processing.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6725200B1, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's ability to operate in "a wide range of domains" and utilize "domain knowledge" and "domain specific agents." This patent likely anticipates claims relating to managing and processing natural language commands within a multi-domain framework (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specify multi-domain operation or domain agents).

36. US7177792B1

    • Full Citation: US7177792B1, "Intelligent query and response system with rapid and graceful failure," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-02-13 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing an intelligent query and response system designed for rapid and graceful failure handling, focusing on maintaining responsiveness and providing useful results even when components or data sources fail or are slow.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6757659B1, this patent is very relevant to US8447607's discussion of "robustness to partial failure," "graceful recovery," "asynchronous queries," and returning results rapidly even with failures. This patent potentially anticipates claims related to the system's fault tolerance, real-time performance, and handling of unreliable data sources (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims emphasizing asynchronous operations, failure handling, and rapid responses).

37. US7177793B1

    • Full Citation: US7177793B1, "Intelligent query and response system employing a dynamically invocable personality," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-02-13 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing an intelligent query and response system that employs a dynamically invocable "personality," focusing on customizing the tone and style of responses to enhance user experience.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6775640B1 and US7089189B1, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's discussion of simulating human "personality" and "emotional models." This patent likely anticipates claims related to the "personality module" and its role in shaping user responses (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically mentioning personality, emotional models, or randomized response generation).

38. US7188085B1

    • Full Citation: US7188085B1, "System and method for processing natural language commands and controlling systems," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-03-06 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a system and method for processing natural language commands specifically for controlling systems or devices, covering command interpretation and execution.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6804664B1, this patent is very relevant to US8447607's focus on allowing users to "control most any mobile system functions using interactive speech and non-speech commands." This patent likely anticipates claims relating to using natural language for device control, command execution, and potentially safety features (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specify control functions for devices or systems).

39. US7203646B1

    • Full Citation: US7203646B1, "Intelligent query and response system with multiple user support," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-04-10 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing an intelligent query and response system capable of supporting multiple users, addressing user differentiation, individual context/profile management, and conflict resolution.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6832204B1, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's discussion of supporting "multiple users that access the system at different times" or "during a same session," recognizing users, invoking profiles, and gracefully resolving conflicts. This patent likely anticipates claims related to multi-user support, user identification, profile management, and conflict resolution (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically addressing multiple users).

40. US7206745B1

    • Full Citation: US7206745B1, "Interactive natural language system with mixed initiative dialog," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-04-17 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing an interactive natural language system that supports mixed-initiative dialog, enabling both the user and the system to drive the conversation for more flexible interactions.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6859765B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims relating to the conversational flow and initiative handling in natural language interactions, allowing for a more dynamic and less rigid human-machine dialog (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims focusing on dialog management and initiative).

41. US7225120B1

    • Full Citation: US7225120B1, "System and method for dynamic natural language processing," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-05-29 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a system and method for dynamic natural language processing, focusing on the system's ability to adapt its processing, grammars, or knowledge based on real-time conditions, context, or user interaction.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6868385B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to dynamic aspects of natural language processing, such as dynamically updating grammars, context, or agent behavior during interaction (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims emphasizing dynamic adaptation or processing).

42. US7233902B1

    • Full Citation: US7233902B1, "System and method for presenting formatted responses in a natural language processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-06-19 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a system and method for presenting formatted responses in a natural language processing system, focusing on tailoring, extracting, summarizing, and presenting results in a "natural" and understandable manner.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6970826B1, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's extensive discussion of formatting and presentation of results to increase understandability and naturalness, including parsing important sections, providing reports, and interactive control over information presentation. This patent likely anticipates claims related to intelligent response generation and presentation (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically addressing response formatting and presentation).

43. US7236920B2

    • Full Citation: US7236920B2, "System and method for processing natural language commands in multiple domains," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-06-26 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a system and method for processing natural language commands across multiple domains, focusing on handling requests that span different areas of knowledge or functionality.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6725200B1 and US7162408B1, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's ability to operate in "a wide range of domains" and utilize "domain knowledge" and "domain specific agents." This patent likely anticipates claims relating to managing and processing natural language commands within a multi-domain framework (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specify multi-domain operation or domain agents).

44. US7236921B2

    • Full Citation: US7236921B2, "System and method for providing an interactive natural language interface," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-06-26 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a system and method for providing an interactive natural language interface, covering the general architecture and many functional blocks for such a system.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6269351B1 and US6408271B1, this patent appears highly relevant and potentially anticipates a broad range of claims in US8447607, particularly those defining the core system and method for supporting natural language human-machine interactions (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims building upon these core functions).

45. US7254539B1

    • Full Citation: US7254539B1, "Intelligent query and response system employing fuzzy set decision and matching methods for subjective questions," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-08-07 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Describes an intelligent query and response system that uses fuzzy set decision and matching methods specifically for subjective questions, focusing on interpreting and responding to queries where answers are not clear-cut.
    • Potential Anticipation: Highly relevant to US8447607's explicit mention of "probabilistic and fuzzy reasoning at several stages" and "fuzzy set decision and matching methods to identify the subjective nature of the question." This patent likely anticipates claims regarding the use of fuzzy logic for interpreting and responding to subjective natural language queries (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specifically detail the use of fuzzy set decision and matching methods for subjective questions).

46. US7257529B2

    • Full Citation: US7257529B2, "Method and system for a natural language processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-08-14 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a method and system for a natural language processing system, covering the overall architecture for interpreting user input, formulating queries, and presenting results in a natural manner.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6532444B1 and US7072834B1, this patent likely anticipates many of the core features of US8447607 related to general natural language processing, query formulation, and response generation in a natural language environment (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and related dependent claims).

47. US7277854B2

    • Full Citation: US7277854B2, "Method and system for automatically generating a context-dependent grammar for speech recognition," Brian T. Barnard, Jonathan H. Beskin, Ronald A. Cole, Robert P. Lippmann, Charles R. Wooters.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-10-02 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a method and system for automatically generating context-dependent grammars for speech recognition, focusing on dynamically creating grammars relevant to the current conversational context.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6453284B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims concerning the dynamic adaptation or generation of grammars, especially context-dependent grammars, for use in speech recognition within a natural language system (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, particularly those relating to the speech recognition engine and its use of grammars).

48. US7280962B1

    • Full Citation: US7280962B1, "Context-sensitive speech processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-10-09 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) focusing on a context-sensitive speech processing system, emphasizing using context to improve the interpretation and response generation for spoken inputs.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6356868B1 and US6615172B1, this patent could anticipate claims relating to using context to enhance all stages of speech-based natural language interaction (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 20, 29, 39, 48, 57 and claims emphasizing context management).

49. US7280963B1

    • Full Citation: US7280963B1, "System and method for multi-pass speech recognition using a context-dependent grammar," Brian T. Barnard, Jonathan H. Beskin, Ronald A. Cole, Robert P. Lippmann, Charles R. Wooters.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-10-09 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a multi-pass speech recognition system that uses context-dependent grammars to improve accuracy, refining transcription over multiple passes.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US7013264B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to using multi-pass speech recognition and context-dependent grammars to transcribe verbal utterances to text messages, as described in US8447607 (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, especially those explicitly mentioning multi-pass ASR and context-dependent grammars).

50. US7289945B1

    • Full Citation: US7289945B1, "Intelligent query and response system employing probabilistic inference for subjective questions," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-10-30 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing an intelligent query and response system that uses probabilistic inference for subjective questions, aiming to provide the "best possible answer" with conflicting or incomplete information.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6628464B1, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's emphasis on dealing with ambiguity, conflicting information, and generating a "best possible answer" using probabilistic or fuzzy set decision methods (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that specifically detail the use of probabilistic or fuzzy reasoning for query interpretation and response generation).

51. US7305335B1

    • Full Citation: US7305335B1, "System and method for providing an interactive natural language interface," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-12-04 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a system and method for providing an interactive natural language interface, covering the general architecture and many functional blocks for such a system.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6269351B1, US6408271B1, and US7236921B2, this patent appears highly relevant and potentially anticipates a broad range of claims in US8447607, particularly those defining the core system and method for supporting natural language human-machine interactions (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims building upon these core functions).

52. US7340391B1

    • Full Citation: US7340391B1, "System and method for natural language processing with learning and adaptation," Robert A. Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2008-03-11 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a natural language processing system that incorporates learning and adaptation capabilities, enabling the system to improve its performance over time based on user interactions and profiles.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6720888B1 and US7155388B2, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to the system's ability to learn and adapt, including creating and using user profiles, updating based on user interaction history, and generally improving its natural language processing capabilities over time (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims that mention user profiles, learning, and adaptation).

53. US7353164B2

    • Full Citation: US7353164B2, "System and method for a network-based natural language processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2008-04-01 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a network-based natural language processing system, addressing the architecture for distributed natural language processing and interaction.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6546376B1, US6816847B1, and US7016834B1, this patent potentially anticipates claims related to network-based or distributed aspects of US8447607, including communication between mobile devices and central processing units/servers over wired or wireless networks (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, especially those referring to network operations or services).

54. US7366657B1

    • Full Citation: US7366657B1, "System and method for managing agents in a natural language processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2008-04-29 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a method and system for managing agents within a natural language processing system, covering aspects of loading, updating, activating, and deactivating agents, and their interaction within the system.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US7020601B2, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's detailed description of agent management, including the "update manager" and "agent manager" (104, 154), and the role of agents in system functionality. This patent likely anticipates claims related to agent-based architecture and agent management processes (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims detailing agent management and deployment).

55. US7424424B2

    • Full Citation: US7424424B2, "System and method for providing personality and emotional models in an intelligent natural language processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2008-09-09 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a system and method for incorporating personality and emotional models into an intelligent natural language processing system, enabling responses that convey specific personality traits or emotional tones.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6775640B1, US7089189B1, and US7177793B1, this patent is highly relevant to US8447607's discussion of simulating human "personality" and "emotional models." This patent likely anticipates claims related to the "personality module" and its role in shaping user responses (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims specifically mentioning personality, emotional models, or randomized response generation).

56. US7464047B1

    • Full Citation: US7464047B1, "Method and system for an interactive natural language processing system," Robert A. Kennewick, Richard Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider, Samuel Menaker.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2008-12-09 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing a method and system for an interactive natural language processing system, covering the overall architecture for interpreting user input, formulating queries, and presenting results in a natural manner.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6532444B1, US7072834B1, and US7257529B2, this patent likely anticipates many of the core features of US8447607 related to general natural language processing, query formulation, and response generation in an interactive natural language environment (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and related dependent claims).

57. US7490036B2

    • Full Citation: US7490036B2, "Interactive natural language speech interface for mobile environments," Robert A. Kennewick, James D. R. Van Turennout, Daniel J. W. Van Turennout, Christopher Weider.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2009-02-10 / Filing: 2003-02-14
    • Brief Description: Another patent (likely a continuation) describing an interactive natural language speech interface specifically for mobile environments, addressing the unique challenges and requirements of deploying natural language interfaces in mobile settings.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US6341270B1 and US7139712B2, this patent is highly relevant and likely anticipates claims related to the application of natural language interfaces in mobile contexts, including aspects of speech processing in noisy environments, quick responses, and integration with mobile devices and systems (e.g., claims 1, 10, 19, 29, 39, 48, 57, and dependent claims focusing on mobile applications and environmental factors).