PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8311838-B2
Application Number: US-68677410-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Devices and methods for identifying a prompt corresponding to a voice input in a sequence of prompts

Abstract:
This is directed to processing voice inputs received by an electronic device while prompts are provided. In particular, this is directed to providing a sequence of prompts to a user (e.g., voice over prompts) while monitoring for a voice input. When the voice input is received, a characteristic time stamp can be identified for the voice input, and can be compared to periods or windows associated with each of the provided prompts. The electronic device can then determine that the prompt corresponding to a window that includes the characteristic time stamp was the prompt to which the user wished to apply the voice input. The device can process the voice input to extract a user instruction, and apply the instruction to the identified prompt (e.g., and perform an operation associated with the prompt).

Claims:
1. A method for processing a voice input provided in response to a prompt, comprising:
 at an electronic device with at least one processor and memory:
 automatically providing a sequence of prompts, wherein each prompt is associated with a respective time period of a plurality of time periods; 
 receiving a voice input while a prompt of the sequence of prompts is being provided; 
 identifying a characteristic time associated with the received voice input; 
 identifying a time period of the plurality of time periods that includes the characteristic time; and 
 applying the received voice input to a respective prompt of the sequence of prompts associated with the identified time period. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 defining, for each prompt, an initial time stamp and a final time stamp, wherein the period between the initial time stamp and the final time stamp constitutes the time period associated with the prompt. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the initial time stamp is different from the time stamp corresponding to starting to provide the prompt; and 
 the final time stamp is different from the time stamp corresponding to stopping to provide the prompt. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the final time stamp is after the time stamp corresponding to stopping to provide the prompt. 
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 defining at least one of a final time stamp and an initial time stamp such that time periods associated with sequentially provided prompts overlap. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining the relative importance of each prompt; and 
 varying the length of the time period of each prompt based on the determined relative importance of the prompt. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein varying further comprises:
 varying the amount by which the final time stamp exceeds the time stamp corresponding to stopping to provide the prompt. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 ordering the prompts such that a less important prompt is between more important prompts to prevent the time periods associated with the more important prompts from overlapping. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein identifying a characteristic time further comprises:
 identifying a characteristic time stamp during which the voice input is received. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 defining, for each prompt, an initial time stamp and a final time stamp, wherein the period between the initial time stamp and the final time stamp constitutes the time period associated with the prompt; and 
 identifying the combination of initial time stamp and final time stamp for which the characteristic time stamp is larger than the initial time stamp but smaller than the final time stamp. 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 automatically providing a sequence of prompts further comprises automatically providing a sequence of voice output prompts, wherein each prompt is associated with a distinct electronic device operation. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 receiving the voice input while the respective prompt is being provided includes receiving the voice input while a visual prompt is being displayed, an audio prompt is being output, or a haptic prompt is being provided. 
 
     
     
       13. An electronic device for processing voice inputs, comprising:
 an output interface for outputting a plurality of audio prompts, wherein the audio prompts are provided in succession; 
 an input interface for receiving a voice input; and 
 a processing module operative to:
 determine that at least two audio prompts were output while the voice input was received; 
 define a characteristic time stamp for the voice input; 
 compare the characteristic time stamp with input windows associated with each of the at least two audio prompts, wherein each input window defines a duration during which received inputs correspond to the audio prompt of the input window; and 
 associate the received voice input with the audio prompt of the input window that includes the characteristic time stamp. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the processing module is further operative to:
 determine that the characteristic time stamp is included in the input windows of the at least two audio prompts; 
 define an additional characteristic time stamp for the voice input; and 
 determine which of the input windows includes both the characteristic time stamp and the additional characteristic time stamp. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the processing module is further operative to:
 extract an instruction from the voice input; and 
 apply the extracted instruction to the audio prompt of the input window that includes the characteristic time stamp. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the processing module is further operative to:
 identify an operation associated with the, audio prompt of the input window that includes the characteristic time stamp; 
 determine the manner in which to perform the operation based on the received instruction; and 
 perform the operation in the determined manner. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the processing module is further operative to:
 determine at least one variable characterizing the operation from the instruction; and 
 perform the operation using the at least one variable from the instruction. 
 
     
     
       18. A method for defining input windows to associate with provided prompts, comprising:
 at an electronic device with at least one processor and memory:
 identifying a plurality of prompts to provide in sequence, wherein each prompt is associated with a distinct electronic device operation; 
 defining an offset relative to at least one of a start time and an end time for providing each of the plurality of prompts; and 
 determining, for each of the plurality of prompts, an input window defined by an initial time and a final time for determining which provided prompt of the plurality of prompts to associate with a received voice input, wherein at least one of the initial time and the final time are offset from the start time and end time by the defined offset. 
 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 determining the importance of each prompt; and 
 varying the defined offset for each prompt based on the importance of the prompt. 
 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 defining a first offset to apply to the initial time relative to the start time; and 
 defining a second offset to apply to the final time relative to the end time, wherein the first and second offsets are different 
 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the offset is defined as at least one of:
 a duration; 
 a percentage of the duration the prompt is provided; and 
 a percentage of the duration of another prompt provided in the sequence of plurality of prompts. 
 
     
     
       22. A non-transitory computer readable medium for processing a voice input provided in response to a prompt, the computer readable medium storing instructions for:
 automatically providing a sequence of prompts, wherein each prompt is associated with a respective time period of a plurality of time periods; 
 receiving a voice input while a prompt of the sequence of prompts is being provided; 
 identifying a characteristic time associated with the received voice input; 
 identifying a time period of the plurality of time periods that includes the characteristic time; and 
 applying the received voice input to a respective prompt of the sequence of prompts associated with the identified time period. 
 
     
     
       23. The computer readable medium  claim 22 , further storing instructions for:
 defining, for each prompt, an initial time stamp and a final time stamp, wherein the period between the initial time stamp and the final time stamp constitutes the time period associated with the prompt. 
 
     
     
       24. The computer readable medium  claim 23 , wherein:
 the initial time stamp is different from the time stamp corresponding to starting to provide the prompt; and 
 the final time stamp is different from the time stamp corresponding to stopping to provide the prompt. 
 
     
     
       25. The computer readable medium of  claim 22 , wherein:
 the instructions for receiving the voice input while the respective prompt is being provided include instructions for receiving the voice input while a visual prompt is being displayed, an audio prompt is being output, or a haptic prompt is being provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This is directed to processing voice inputs received by an electronic device in response to consecutively provided prompts. In particular, this is directed to identifying the prompt with which a particular received voice input is associated. 
     Many electronic devices provide a significant number of features or operations accessible to a user. The number of available features or operations may often exceed the number of inputs available using an input interface of the electronic device. To allow users to access electronic device operations that are not specifically tied to particular inputs (e.g., inputs not associated with a key sequence or button press, such as a MENU button on an iPod, available from Apple Inc.), the electronic device may provide menus with selectable options, where the options are associated with electronic device operations. For example, an electronic device may display a menu with selectable options on a display, for example in response to receiving an input associated with the menu from an input interface (e.g., a MENU button). 
     Because the menu is typically displayed on an electronic device display, a user may be required to look at the display to select a particular option. This may sometimes not be desirable. For example, if a user desires to conserve power (e.g., in a portable electronic device), requiring the electronic device to display a menu and move a highlight region navigated by the user to provide a selection may require power that could be saved by not driving the display. As another example, if a user is in a dark environment and the display does not include back lighting, the user may not be able to distinguish displayed options of the menu. As still another example, if a user is blind or visually impaired, the user may not be able to view a displayed menu. 
     To overcome this issue, some systems may allow users to provide instructions by voice. In particular, the electronic device can include audio input circuitry for detecting words spoken by a user. Processing circuitry of the device can then process the words to identify a corresponding instruction to the electronic device, and execute the corresponding instruction. To process received voice inputs, the electronic device can determine the content of a voice input and an instruction corresponding to the content. 
     In some cases, however, a voice input can be received in response to a prompt provided by the device. For example, the voice input can be provided while the electronic device provides a voice prompt or voice over describing a particular selectable option. As another example, the voice input can be provided while the electronic device displays a series of selectable options in sequence. Because of the time required to receive an entire voice input, process the voice input, and determine the content of the voice input, a particular voice input that a user provided in response to a first prompt can be processed and understood after the first prompt has ended and while a second prompt is provided. The device can then have difficulty determining which prompt to associate with the received voice input. 
     SUMMARY 
     This is directed to systems and methods for processing voice inputs received while a sequence of prompts corresponding to selectable options are provided. In particular, this is directed to identifying a particular prompt to associate with a received voice input. 
     An electronic device can provide a sequence of prompts to a user, where each prompt is associated with an electronic device operation that the user can select. The prompts can be provided using any suitable approach, including for example as displayed prompts, audio prompts, or haptic prompts. When a prompt of interest to the user is provided, the user can provide an input to the device to direct the device to perform the operation associated with the prompt. 
     The user can provide an input to the device using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the user can provide a voice input. Because the voice input can require a particular duration to be received in its entirety and then processed to determine its contents, several prompts can be provided in the time it takes a voice input to be received and processed. The electronic device can then be required to determine which of the provided prompts to relate to the voice input. In some embodiments, the electronic device can define an input window or duration associated with each of the prompts, such that the input window or duration can specify a particular time frame during which received voice inputs relate to the corresponding prompt. The input window or duration can have any suitable length (e.g., the amount of time the prompt is provided), and can be offset from the time at which the prompt is provided (e.g., the input window follows the prompt offset by 2 seconds). In some cases, different prompts can have variable input window sizes or lengths, for example based on the relative importance or likelihood of selection of each prompt, or on the length of a particular prompt (e.g., the duration a prompt is provided by the device). 
     To relate voice inputs to prompts, the electronic device can associate a characteristic time with a received voice input. The characteristic time can then be compared to the input windows of the prompts to determine which input window includes the characteristic time. The electronic device can then determine or deduce that the prompt corresponding to the input window that includes the characteristic time was the one of interest to the user. The characteristic time can include any suitable time or range of times during which the voice input was received. For example, the characteristic time can include the initial time at which the voice input was received, a time offset from the initial time, or any other suitable time. 
     In some embodiments, input windows or durations from consecutively provided prompts can overlap (e.g., if one of the prompts is more important and has an expanded input window). If a characteristic time associated with a voice input is included in overlapping input windows or durations, the electronic device can identify one or more additional characteristic times to associate with the voice input. The electronic device can then select the particular input window and corresponding prompt that include both the original characteristic time as well as the one or more additional characteristic times. 
     The electronic device can process a received voice input to extract an instruction associated with the voice input. The electronic device can then apply the extracted instruction to the one or more device operations associated with the prompt corresponding to the received voice input. In some embodiments, the device operation can be characterized or modified by a variable or value determined from the extracted instruction (e.g., a media item to serve as a seed to define a new media playlist). In some embodiments, the processed voice input can instead or in addition be used to identify the particular prompt with which the voice input is associated (e.g., a voice input directing the device to perform a specific operation associated with a provided prompt). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of an illustrative system for processing voice inputs received as prompts are sequentially provided in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of an illustrative timeline for providing prompts and receiving voice inputs in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a prompt with an associated period in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of an illustrative sequence of prompts to provide in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an illustrative sequence of prompts and a voice input to process in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for processing a voice input corresponding to a prompt in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for processing a voice input corresponding to a prompt in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for defining an input window for a prompt in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An electronic device can be operative to receive voice inputs provided by a user to control electronic device operations. In some cases, the voice input provided can correspond to a prompt from the electronic device, including for example one of a series of prompts provided in sequence. 
     An electronic device can prompt a user to interact with the device using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, an electronic device can provide one or more prompts, each associated with a device operation or instruction, that the user can select to direct the device to perform an operation. For example, the electronic device can provide voice over prompts for controlling media playback. As another example, the electronic device can provide displayed prompts listing applications that the electronic device can launch. Each prompt can be provided for a particular duration, and subsequently replaced by the next prompt in a queue. 
     In response to detecting a prompt for an operation desired by the user, the user can provide a voice input directing the device to perform the operation or instruction associated with the current prompt. Due to the length of the voice input and the time required to process the voice input, the electronic device may finish processing an input while a subsequent prompt in the sequence is being provided. To prevent the device from incorrectly determining that the prompt provided at the time the voice input processing ends is associated with the voice input, the electronic device can define one or more time stamps or time ranges associated with each prompt. When a voice input is initially provided or is completed by a particular time stamp, or within a particular time range (e.g., as set by a characteristic time of the voice input), the electronic device can associate the voice input with a corresponding prompt. In particular, the time stamps or time ranges can be defined such that a voice input processed after a prompt ends can still be associated with a prior prompt. 
     Each prompt can be associated with any suitable combination of time stamps or time ranges. For example, a prompt can be associated with a time range that extends beyond the time during which the prompt is provided. In some cases, the time stamps and time ranges associated with particular prompts can change dynamically based on the user&#39;s history of selecting prompts, the types of prompts, or any other characteristics of the user&#39;s voice inputs or of the prompts. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Electronic device  100  may include processor  102 , storage  104 , memory  106 , input interface  108 , and output interface  110 . In some embodiments, one or more of electronic device components  100  may be combined or omitted (e.g., combine storage  104  and memory  106 ). In some embodiments, electronic device  100  may include other components not combined or included in those shown in  FIG. 1  (e.g., communications circuitry, location circuitry, sensing circuitry detecting the device environment, a power supply, or a bus), or several instances of the components shown in  FIG. 1 . For the sake of simplicity, only one of each of the components is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Processor  102  may include any processing circuitry or control circuitry operative to control the operations and performance of electronic device  100 . For example, processor  102  may be used to run operating system applications, firmware applications, media playback applications, media editing applications, or any other application. In some embodiments, a processor may drive a display and process inputs received from a user interface. 
     Storage  104  may include, for example, one or more storage mediums including a hard-drive, solid state drive, flash memory, permanent memory such as ROM, any other suitable type of storage component, or any combination thereof. Storage  104  may store, for example, media data (e.g., music and video files), application data (e.g., for implementing functions on device  100 ), firmware, user preference information (e.g., media playback preferences), authentication information (e.g. libraries of data associated with authorized users), lifestyle information (e.g., food preferences), exercise information (e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment), transaction information (e.g., information such as credit card information), wireless connection information (e.g., information that may enable electronic device  100  to establish a wireless connection), subscription information (e.g., information that keeps track of podcasts or television shows or other media a user subscribes to), contact information (e.g., telephone numbers and email addresses), calendar information, and any other suitable data or any combination thereof. 
     Memory  106  can include cache memory, semi-permanent memory such as RAM, and/or one or more different types of memory used for temporarily storing data. In some embodiments, memory  106  can also be used for storing data used to operate electronic device applications, or any other type of data that may be stored in storage  104 . In some embodiments, memory  106  and storage  104  may be combined as a single storage medium. 
     Input interface  108  may provide inputs to input/output circuitry of the electronic device. Input interface  108  may include any suitable input interface, such as for example, a button, keypad, dial, a click wheel, or a touch screen. In some embodiments, electronic device  100  may include a capacitive sensing mechanism, or a multi-touch capacitive sensing mechanism. In some embodiments, input interface can include a microphone or other audio input interface for receiving a user&#39;s voice inputs. The input interface can include an analog to digital converter for converting received analog signals corresponding to a voice input to a digital signal that can be processed and analyzed to identify specific words or instructions. 
     Output interface  110  may include one or more interfaces for providing an audio output, visual output, or other type of output (e.g., odor, taste or haptic output). For example, output interface  110  can include one or more speakers (e.g., mono or stereo speakers) built into electronic device  100 , or an audio connector (e.g., an audio jack or an appropriate Bluetooth connection) operative to be coupled to an audio output mechanism. Output interface  110  may be operative to provide audio data using a wired or wireless connection to a headset, headphones or earbuds. As another example, output interface  110  can include display circuitry (e.g., a screen or projection system) for providing a display visible to the user. The display can include a screen (e.g., an LCD screen) that is incorporated in electronic device  100 , a movable display or a projecting system for providing a display of content on a surface remote from electronic device  100  (e.g., a video projector), or any other suitable display. Output interface  110  can interface with the input/output circuitry (not shown) to provide outputs to a user of the device. 
     In some embodiments, electronic device  100  may include a bus operative to provide a data transfer path for transferring data to, from, or between control processor  102 , storage  104 , memory  106 , input interface  108 , output interface  110 , and any other component included in the electronic device. 
     A user can interact with the electronic device using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the user can provide inputs using one or more fingers touching an input interface, such as a keyboard, button, mouse, or touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, a user can instead or in addition provide an input by shaking or moving the electronic device in a particular manner (e.g., such that a motion sensing component of the input interface detects the user movement). In some embodiments, a user can instead or in addition provide a voice input to the electronic device. For example, the user can speak into a microphone embedded in or connected to the electronic device. 
     The user can provide voice inputs to the electronic device at any suitable time. In some embodiments, the electronic device can continuously monitor for voice inputs (e.g., when the device is not in sleep mode, or at all times). In some embodiments, the electronic device can monitor for voice inputs in response to a user input or instruction to enter a voice input. For example, a user can select a button or option, or place the electronic device in such a manner that a sensor detects that the user wishes to provided a voice input (e.g., a proximity sensor detects that the user has brought the device up to the user&#39;s mouth). In some embodiments, the electronic device can monitor for user inputs when one or more particular applications or processes are running on the device. For example, the electronic device can monitor for voice inputs in a media playback application, a voice control application, a searching application, or any other suitable application. 
     In one implementation, the electronic device can provide selectable prompts to the user, and can monitor for voice inputs or other types of inputs responsive to the prompts. The electronic device can provide any suitable type of prompts, including for example one or more of visual prompts (e.g., provided on a display), audio prompts (e.g., output by an audio output interface), haptic prompts (e.g., using a vibrating mechanism within the device), or any other suitable type of prompt. For example, an electronic device that does not include a visual or display output interface (e.g., an iPod Shuffle, available from Apple Inc.) can provide an audio menu that includes a succession of prompts each associated with a device operation. In one implementation, the audio menu can include audio prompts for creating a new playlist, selecting an existing playlist, selecting media items by artist, album or title, or any other instruction or operation related to controlling media playback on a device having no display. The prompts provided by the user can automatically cycle at a particular rate, such that each prompt is provided for a particular duration (e.g., the duration required for a voice output corresponding to the content of a prompt). 
     The user can provide an input selecting one of the prompts using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the user can provide an input using an input interface of the device, such as a button or touch sensitive surface. The user can provide the input by interacting with the input interface (e.g., performing a gesture or pressing a button). When the input is short, such that the electronic device can receive and process an input within the duration of the prompt, a user can more easily select a prompt and receive feedback indicating that the proper prompt was selected. 
     Some inputs provided by a user may require a longer amount of time to be received and processed. For example, the duration required for receiving and processing a voice input can be longer than the duration required for receiving and processing a button press or accelerometer output. In particular, the duration can be so long that the electronic device can provide a first prompt when the voice input is initially received, and a second prompt when the voice input is finally processed. The electronic device may then need to determine which of the first and second prompts to associate with the received voice input. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic view of an illustrative system for processing voice inputs received as prompts are sequentially provided in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. System  200  can include processing module  202  connected to prompt  210  and voice input  220  via paths  230  and  232 . Processing module  210  can be included in an electronic device (e.g., electronic device  100 ,  FIG. 1 ) as any suitable combination of hardware, firmware and software. For example, processing module  210  can be provided as code directing operations of control circuitry or of a processor. Processing module  210  can provide a series of prompts  210  in sequence to a user of a device (e.g., using an output interface). For example, in response to a user request to enter a menu, processing module  202  can identify a set of prompts related to or corresponding with instructions or operations that relate to the menu, and can direct an output interface to provide the prompts. The prompts can be provided in any suitable form, including for example as visual prompts (e.g., displayed selectable options), audio prompts (e.g., voice over options), haptic prompts (e.g., vibrations corresponding to messages), or any other form. 
     Processing module  202  can identify any suitable number of prompts to provide, including for example a number determined from content available to the electronic device. For example, processing module  202  can provide prompts for each playlist stored on the device, or for each artist of media items stored on the device. The prompts can be provided using any suitable approach. For example, individual prompts can be provided sequence, such that only a single prompt is provided at a particular time. Alternatively, processing module  202  can simultaneously provide several prompts. In some embodiments, processing module  202  can provide prompts  210  such that one or more different prompts are provided at different moments of time. In particular, processing module  202  can cycle through different sets of prompts  210  (e.g., cycle through individually provided prompts, or cycle through sets of prompts that are provided) such that the user can select a different prompt at different times. 
     When a user detects that a prompt of interest is provided, the user can provide voice input  220  to processing module  202 . Voice input  220  can have any suitable content, including for example content indicating a selection of the prompt of interest. Processing module  202  can receive voice input  220 , and process the voice input to identify the particular words or phrases of the input. Processing module  202  can process the voice input using any suitable approach, including for example by comparing received voice input  220  to a library of known words and determining the meaning of the combination of identified library words or phrases. By processing voice input  220 , processing module  202  can identify the corresponding prompt  210  of interest to the user and perform an operation or provide an instruction corresponding to the prompt. 
     As discussed above, because a voice input may take time to be detected, received (e.g., recorded for processing) and processed, the processing module may finish processing a voice input after the prompt that is of interest to the user has been replaced with another prompt.  FIG. 3  is a schematic view of an illustrative timeline for providing prompts and receiving voice inputs in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Timeline  300  can include time axis  302  depicting the passage of time. At an appropriate time, the electronic device (e.g., a processing module) can provide prompts  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  in sequence. Prompts  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  can include any suitable type of prompt, including for example individual audio prompts, collections of displayed prompts, or any other prompt. The length of each of the boxes depicting prompts  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  can provide an indication of the duration during which the prompt is provided (e.g., the time for playing back an audio clip corresponding to an audio prompt). When a user hears a prompt of interest, the user can provide voice input  320  to the device. The box representing voice input  320  can indicate the duration for detecting and receiving the voice input (e.g., portion  322 ) as well as the duration for processing the voice input and determining the content of the input (e.g., portion  324 ). As can be seen from the example of timeline  300 , voice input  320  can overlap with prompts  312 ,  314  and  316 . Furthermore, portion  322  of voice input  320  overlaps only with prompts  312  and  314 , and portion  324  of voice input  320  overlaps only with prompts  314  and  316 . In addition, voice input  322  begins shortly after prompt  310  ends. Accordingly, voice input  320  could reasonably apply to any one of prompts  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316 . The processing module can therefore require a system or procedure for ensuring that voice inputs are properly associated with corresponding prompts. 
     To ensure that a voice input is associated with an appropriate provided prompt, each prompt can be associated with timing information defining a period or input window. If a voice input is received during the period, the voice input will correspond to the prompt. A period can be associated with each prompt using any suitable approach.  FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a prompt with an associated period in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Prompt  400  can be have any suitable duration, including for example a duration defined by time stamps  412  and  414  on timeline  410 . The duration can be selected based on the type of prompt, or based on the information provided by the prompt. For example, the duration between time stamps  412  and  414  can be at least long enough for a user to read and understand a written or graphical prompt. As another example, the duration between time stamps  412  and  414  can be selected such that it is at least long enough for a voice output for a particular instruction to be heard in full (e.g., at least long enough to play back an entire audio clip corresponding to a voice output prompt). In some embodiments, the duration between time stamps  412  and  414  can be selected to be longer than the minimum required for the user to understand the prompt to provide the user with a longer input window or period for providing a selection input (e.g., a selection voice input). 
     Prompt  400  can be associated with input window or period  420  during which detected voice inputs will be assumed to relate to prompt  400 . Period  420  can overlap with some or all of the duration between time stamps  412  and  414 . For example, period  420  can match the duration of prompt  400 . In some embodiments, period  420  can extend beyond one or both of the beginning and end of prompt  400 . Because several prompts may be provided in succession, period  420  can be defined such that it does not overlap, or overlaps minimally with a period associated with another prompt. In the example of prompt  400 , period  420  can be defined by time stamp  422 , which is between time stamps  412  and  414  (e.g., during the period when prompt  400  is provided) and by time stamp  424 , which is after time stamp  414  (e.g., when prompt  400  is no longer provided). The duration between time stamps  412  and  422  can be substantially the same as the duration between time stamps  414  and  424 , such that when prompt  400  is followed by a subsequent prompt, the period or input window associated with the subsequent prompt will only start at time stamp  424 , and not at time stamp  414  (e.g., limiting the overlap between the input windows associated with prompt  400  and the following prompt). 
     The length and position of the input window or period  420  for each prompt  400  can be defined using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the duration can be defined based on the beginning and end of a prompt. For example, each period can begin at a particular duration from the beginning of the prompt (e.g., 5 seconds after the beginning, or after 2% of the prompt has been provided), and end at a particular duration from end of the prompt (e.g., at the end of the prompt, after 2% of the duration of the current or next prompt, or after 5 seconds). The period can be defined for the processing module using an initial time stamp and a final time stamp, both of which can be associated with the prompt. 
     In some embodiments, the length and position of the input window or period  420  can vary based on the particular prompt with which it is associated. In particular, some prompts can be determined to be more important or more likely to be selected by the user. The periods associated with those prompts can then be longer than periods associated with less important prompts or prompts less likely to be selected. For example, the periods associated with prompts more likely to be selected can begin at or closer to the beginning of the prompt, can extend further beyond the end of the prompt, or both. 
     The electronic device can determine the importance or likelihood of selection of prompts using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the electronic device can prompt the user to provide an indication of the types of operations that are of most interest, or the particular prompts that the user is likely to select. Alternatively or in addition, the electronic device can determine, from past user interactions with the device, the particular prompts that the user usually selects, or the types of prompts or instructions that the user provides to the device (e.g., create a historical profile of prompts selected by the user in different situations). In some embodiments, the electronic device can identify each of several users using the device, and determine the prompts of interest to each of the several users. 
     In some embodiments, the order of the prompts can be determined based on the relative importance of the prompts, or on the lengths of the periods associated with each prompt. Because when a prompt period extends passed the end of the prompt, it inherently limits the start point and therefore the duration of the period associated with a subsequent prompt. It may therefore be desirable to place less important prompts between more important prompts provided by the device.  FIG. 5  is a schematic view of an illustrative sequence of prompts to provide in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Sequence  500  can include prompts  502 ,  504 ,  506  and  508  provided consecutively along timeline  501 . In sequence  500 , prompts  504  and  508  can be more important than prompts  502  and  506 . Each of the prompts can be associated with a corresponding period  512 ,  514 ,  516  and  518 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 5 , periods  514  and  518 , which correspond to more important or relevant prompts  514  and  518 , can be substantially longer than periods  512  and  516 , which correspond to less important or relevant prompts  502  and  506 . In particular, period  512  can end at substantially the end of prompt  502 , while period  514  can end after the end of prompt  504  and a significant portion into prompt  506 . Period  516  can end shortly after prompt  506  (e.g., extending a short amount into the time during which prompt  508  is provided), while period  518  can extend beyond the end of prompt  508 . In the example of sequence  500 , periods  516  and  518  can overlap in part. By placing less important prompt  506  between prompts  504  and  508 , both periods  514  and  518  can extend beyond the durations of prompts  504  and  508 , respectively, and reduce the duration of period  516 . Had prompt  506  not been available between prompts  504  and  508 , one or both of periods  514  and  518  could have been required to be smaller to accommodate each other, or could have overlapped significantly. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device can instead or in addition indirectly control the duration of the period associated with a prompt by adjusting how long the prompt is provided. For example, the electronic device can define each period to substantially match or correspond to the duration of a prompt (e.g., the period matches the prompt start and end times, or is slightly offset from the start and ends times), and vary the duration of each prompt to increase or decrease the period during which received inputs will correspond to the provided prompt. This approach, however, may provide a user experience in which some prompts may be rushed or accelerated while other prompts are drawn out. 
     Once the periods or input windows associated with each prompt have been determined, the electronic device (e.g., the processing module) can determine which part or parts of a voice input to use as a time stamp for identifying the corresponding prompt to which the voice input corresponds.  FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an illustrative sequence of prompts and a voice input to process in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Sequence  600  can include prompts  610 ,  612 ,  614  and  616  provided in sequence along timeline  602 . Each prompt can be associated with a corresponding period or input window  620 ,  622 ,  624  and  626 , respectively, during which detected voice inputs are associated with the corresponding prompt. Voice input  630  can be provided while sequence  600  is provided, and can include detected portion  632 , corresponding to the detection and recording of a voice input by the electronic device, and processing portion  634 , corresponding to the processing of the detected voice input to determine the content of the user&#39;s input. 
     In some cases, voice input  630  can occur as several distinct prompts are provided. In the particular example of  FIG. 6 , voice input  630  begins at time stamp  640 , during which prompt  612  is provided, and ends at time stamp  646 , during which prompt  616  is provided. Voice input  630  therefore lasted during the entire period during which prompt  614  was provided. Furthermore, because period  620  corresponding to prompt  610  extends into the time during which prompt  612  is provided, voice input  630  was provided during periods  620 ,  622 ,  624  and  626 . The electronic device can determine with which of the periods to associate voice input  630  using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the electronic device can initially determine whether a voice input overlaps with several periods. If the input overlaps with several periods, the electronic device can review the content of the voice input, and attempt to determine the particular prompt with which to associate the voice input based on the voice input content. For example, the electronic device can determine whether the voice input content calls out an instruction or operation of one of the prompts (e.g., “play playlist 3,” when the term “playlist 3” is included in one of the prompts or in metadata associated with one of the prompts). As another example, the electronic device can process the voice input to determine whether the instruction relates to any prompt (e.g., the instruction instead is an arbitrary command that does not relate to the prompts, such as “shut down”). 
     In some cases, the electronic device can instead or in addition select a particular characteristic time stamp from voice input  630  to associate with the entire voice input. In some cases, the electronic device can instead or in addition define a time range or duration to characterize the time at which voice input  630  was received. For example, the electronic device can select time stamp  640  or time stamp  646  (e.g., the beginning or end of the voice input). Alternatively, the electronic device can select time stamp  644 , which indicates the end of the user provided voice input (e.g., the end of detected portion  632 ). As still another example, the electronic device can select time stamp  642  from within the period when the device detects the user provided input. Time stamp  642  can correspond to any suitable time during the user provided input, including for example the middle of the input (e.g., half-way between time stamps  640  and  644 , or halfway between time stamps  640  and  646 ), a predetermined time from the beginning or end of the voice input (e.g., 2 seconds after the user begins to speak, or 10% into the received voice input), when a keyword or phrase is received (e.g., when an instruction keyword was received, such as “play,” “pause,” or “skip), or at any other suitable time within voice input  630 . 
     Once the electronic device has selected a particular time stamp to associate with the voice input, the electronic device can determine the prompt period or input window that includes the time stamp, and then the prompt corresponding to the period or input window. If several overlapping periods or input windows include the time stamp, the electronic device can select a second or alternative time stamp to apply to the voice input. The electronic device can then select the prompt corresponding to the period in which the second time stamp is contained. In some cases, the electronic device can instead or in addition compare the amount of voice input  630  (or of portions  632  and  634 ) overlapping with each of the several periods or input windows, or with the corresponding prompts (e.g., the amount of voice input  630  overlapping with periods  620  and  622  of prompts  610  and  612 , respectively). 
     Once a particular prompt has been identified, an instruction can be extracted from the content of the processed voice input, and the instruction can be applied to the particular prompt. For example, if the instruction includes a “select” instruction, the operation or process associated with the particular prompt can be performed. As another example, if the instruction includes a “select next” or “go back to last” instruction, the electronic device can perform an operation or process related to providing the prompts (e.g., and provide the last prompt) or to implementing an operation or process associated with a prompt other than the identified particular prompt (e.g., perform the operation from the next prompt instead). As still another example, the instruction can provide one or more variables or values for performing a specific operation associated with the prompt (e.g., providing a media item to serve as a seed for generating a new playlist). Once the instruction has been received and the corresponding operation performed, the electronic device can exit a mode in which prompts are provided (e.g., provided that the instruction does not relate to providing the sequence of prompts). In some embodiments, however, the electronic device can instead or in addition process the voice input to identify the instruction before determining whether the voice input corresponds to a provided prompt. In particular, the electronic device can initially determine whether the voice input instruction relates to one of the prompts (e.g., the voice input is “select this”), and only determine which prompt to associate with the input if the voice input corresponds to a prompt. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for processing a voice input corresponding to a prompt in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Process  700  can begin at step  702 . At step  704 , the electronic device can determine whether prompts were provided. For example, the electronic device can determine whether a mode for providing prompts has been enabled (e.g., whether the user has accessed a voice over menu mode). If the electronic device determines that no prompts have been provided, process  700  can move to step  706  and end. 
     If, at step  704 , the electronic device instead determines that prompts are provided, process  700  can move to step  708 . At step  708 , the electronic device can provide prompts to the user in sequence. For example, the electronic device can cycle through a set of prompts, where not all prompts are provided at the same time. In particular, the electronic device can provide a series of voice over prompts in sequence. At step  710 , the electronic device can determine whether a voice input was received or is being received. For example, the electronic device can determine whether an input interface (e.g., a microphone) has detected a signal corresponding to a voice input. If the electronic device determines that no voice input has been received or is being received, process  700  can return to step  708  and continue to provide prompts in sequence. If, at step  710 , the electronic device instead determines that a voice input was or is being received, process  700  can move to step  712 . 
     At step  712 , the electronic device can identify a characteristic time stamp associated with the received voice input. For example, the electronic device can identify a start time at which the voice input was received, an end time at which the voice input ended, a time at which the voice input was processed, or any other suitable time during which the voice input was provided or processed. The time stamp can include any suitable a measure of time, including for example device time, time relative to one or more prompts, or any other time that can relate back to the received prompts. At step  714 , the electronic device can identify a time period corresponding to one of the provided prompts that includes the characteristic time stamp. For example, the electronic device can identify time periods or input windows associated with each of the provided prompts, and compare the range of the time periods and input windows with the characteristic time stamp. At step  716 , the electronic device can determine whether several time periods were identified. For example, the electronic device can determine whether the characteristic time stamp falls within several of the time periods or input windows associated with the received prompts (e.g., if time periods or input windows overlap). If the electronic device determines that the characteristic time stamp falls within only one time period, process  700  can move to step  718 . At step  718 , the electronic device can process the voice input to extract an instruction. For example, the electronic device can identify the particular words or phrases of the voice input (e.g., by comparing to a dictionary) and identify an instruction associated with the identified words or phrases. Process  700  can then move to step  724 . 
     If, at step  716 , the electronic device instead determines that the characteristic time stamp falls within several time periods, process  700  can move to step  720 . At step  720 , the electronic device can identify an additional characteristic time stamp associated with the received voice input. For example, the electronic device can select another time stamp within the range of times during which the voice input was provided. In some cases, the electronic device can instead or in addition identify a characteristic time range to associate with the voice input. At step  722 , the electronic device can identify the time period of the provided prompts that includes original characteristic time stamp and the additional time stamp. For example, the electronic device can identify time periods or input windows associated with each of the provided prompts, and compare the range of the time periods and input windows with the characteristic time stamp and the additional time stamp. Process  700  can then move to step  718 , described above. In some embodiments, however, process  700  can return to step  716  to determine whether several time periods are still associated with the original and additional characteristic time stamps. If several time periods are identified, process  700  can return to step  720  at which the electronic device can identify still another additional characteristic time stamp. 
     At step  724 , the electronic device can apply the extracted instruction to the prompt corresponding to the identified time period. For example, the electronic device can execute an instruction selecting a particular prompt, or providing one or more variables needed to perform an operation associated with a particular prompt (e.g., provide a media item to serve as a seed for generating a new playlist). Process  700  can then end at step  706 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for processing a voice input corresponding to a prompt in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Process  800  can begin at step  802 . At step  804 , the electronic device can provide a sequence of prompts, each associated with a time period. For example, the electronic device can display or provide an audio output for several device options in sequence. At step  806 , the electronic device can receive a voice input. For example, an input interface of the device can receive a voice input. At step  808 , the electronic device can identify a characteristic time associated with the voice input. For example, the electronic device can identify a particular time during which the voice input was being received or processed. At step  810 , the electronic device can identify a time period that includes the characteristic time. For example, the electronic device can identify a particular period or window of time during which the characteristic time falls. At step  812 , the electronic device can apply the voice input to the prompt associated with the identified time. For example, the electronic device can extract an instruction from the voice input, and apply the instruction to the prompt. Process  800  can then end at step  814 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for defining an input window for a prompt in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Process  900  can begin at step  902 . At step  904 , the electronic device can identify a plurality of prompts to provide in sequence to a user. The prompts can be provided using any suitable approach, including for example using visual, audio or haptic prompts. At step  806 , the electronic device can define an offset relative to at least one of a start and end time for providing a prompt. For example, the electronic device can define a duration or percentage of the time allocated for providing a prompt as an offset. At step  908 , the electronic device can determine an initial time and a final time defining the boundaries of an input window for the prompt, where at least one of the initial and final times are offset from the start and end times by the defined offset. For example, an input window for determine which voice inputs to associate with a provided prompt can be defined by initial and final time stamps that are offset from the start and end times during which the prompt was provided (e.g., the input window is five seconds later than the time at which the prompt was provided). Process  900  can then end at step  912 . 
     Although many of the embodiments of the present invention are described herein with respect to personal computing devices, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to personal computing applications, but is generally applicable to other applications. 
     Embodiments of the invention are preferably implemented by software, but can also be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Embodiments of the invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. 
     The above described embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100113
Publication Date: 20121113
Grant Date: 20121113
Priority Date: 20100113
Inventors: LINDAHL ARAM
WOOD POLICARPO
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/167", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10L15/22", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10L2015/228", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10L15/26", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10L15/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10L15/22", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/167", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 43640481