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US6173250B1
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Apparatus and method for speech-text-transmit communication over data networks
Assignee: Nuance Communications Inc
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Filing: 1998-06-03
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Granted: 2001-01-09
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Expires: 2018-06-03
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for speech-text-transmit communication over data networks includes speech recognition devices and text to speech conversion devices that translate speech signals input to the terminal into text and text data received from a data network into speech output signals. The speech input signals are translated into text based on phonemes obtained from a spectral analysis of the speech input signals. The text data is transmitted to a receiving party over the data network as a plurality of text data packets such that a continuous stream of text data is obtained. The receiving party's terminal receives the text data and may immediately display the text data and/or translate it into speech output signals using the text to speech conversion device. The text to speech conversion device uses speech pattern data stored in a speech pattern database for synthesizing a human voice for playing of the speech output signals using a speech output device.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth Jong
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 04:26
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F40/00; G06F40/40; G06F40/58; H; H04; H04M; H04M7/00; H04M7/0024; H04M7/0042; H04M7/0045; H04M7/12; G10; G10L; G10L13/00; G10L15/00; G10L15/26; H04M2201/00; H04M2201/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of providing communication between a first party using a first communication device and a second party using a second communication device over a network, comprising: generating a first textual representation by the first party using the first communication device; sending the first textual representation over the network to the second communication device; selecting a first speech pattern by the second party for converting the first textual representation into first speech output signals; and converting the first textual representation into first speech output signals using the first selected speech pattern.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of providing communication between a first party using a first communication device and a second party using a second communication device over a network, comprising: generating a first textual representation by the first party using the first communication device; sending the first textual representation over the network to the second communication device; selecting a first speech pattern by the second party for converting the first textual representation into first speech output signals; and converting the first textual representation into first speech output signals using the first selected speech pattern.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the first selected speech pattern is selected from a plurality of speech patterns of different types of speakers stored in the second communication device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein generating the first textual representation includes: receiving, in the first communication device, first speech input from the first party; and converting the first speech input into the first textual representation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 3 , further comprising: receiving, by the first party, a second textual representation sent from the second party over the network; and converting the second textual representation into second speech output signals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 4 , wherein communication between the first party and the second party is substantially continuous realtime communication.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 4 , further comprising storing at least one of the first textual representation and the second textual representation in a storage device for subsequent retrieval.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 4 , wherein the step of converting the second textual representation includes determining a second speech pattern to use for outputting the second speech output signals.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 3 , wherein the step of converting the first speech input signals includes determining phonemes included in the first speech input signals and converting the phonemes into at least one of textual words and textual codes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 3 , wherein the step of converting the first speech input signals includes determining textual words included in the first speech input signals and arranging the textual words into textual sentences using grammar and semantic information for a first language.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein the step of converting the first speech input signals further includes translating the textual words of the first language into textual words of a second language.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein communication between the first party and the second part is substantially continuous realtime communication.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein selecting a speech pattern further comprises, prior to the first speech pattern being selected by the second party, determining if another speech pattern has been designated by the first party, and if the first party has not designated another speech pattern, then selecting the first speech pattern selected by the second party.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
91 words
A communication apparatus that provides communication between a first party and a second party over a network, comprising: an incoming text buffer that receives a first textual representation from the first party over the network; a text-to-speech conversion device that converts the first textual representation into first speech output signals, wherein the text-to-speech conversion device uses a first speech pattern for outputting the first speech output signals, and wherein the first speech pattern is selected by the second party; and a speech output device that outputs the first speech output signals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
91 words
A communication apparatus that provides communication between a first party and a second party over a network, comprising: an incoming text buffer that receives a first textual representation from the first party over the network; a text-to-speech conversion device that converts the first textual representation into first speech output signals, wherein the text-to-speech conversion device uses a first speech pattern for outputting the first speech output signals, and wherein the first speech pattern is selected by the second party; and a speech output device that outputs the first speech output signals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The communication apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the first speech pattern is selected from a plurality of speech patterns stored in the communication apparatus.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
66 words
The communication apparatus of claim 13 , further comprising: a speech input device that receives speech input from the second party and converts the speech input into speech input signals; a speech-to-text device that converts the speech input signals into a second textual representation of the speech input signals; and a communications interface that sends the second textual representation over the network to the first party.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
The communication apparatus of claim 15 , further comprising a storage device for storing at least one of the first textual representation and the second textual representation for subsequent retrieval.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The communication apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the communication apparatus provides substantially continuous realtime communication between the first party and the second party.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
33 words
The communication apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the speech-to-text device determines phonemes included in the speech input signals and converts the phonemes into at least one of textual words and textual codes.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
38 words
The communication apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the speech-to-text device determines the textual words included in the speech input signals and arranges the textual words into textual sentences using grammar and semantic information for a first language.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The communication apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the speech-to-text device translates the textual words of the first language into textual words of a second language.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-01-09 | 2004-07-10 | 2005-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-01-09 | 2008-07-10 | 2009-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-01-09 | 2012-07-10 | 2013-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |