Single-Module ASR Denormalization with Contextual Rule Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems require multiple modules to handle different denormalization tasks, leading to increased cost and latency, and lack customization for individual user preferences and contexts.

Innovation Solution

A single ASR module dynamically applies a contextualized list of denormalizers based on context metadata, such as user preferences and application type, to personalize speech recognition results without needing multiple modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ASR modules are used to handle different denormalization tasks, then the system can provide specialized processing for different applications, but the cost and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecialized processing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single ASR module that performs multiple denormalization tasks by dynamically selecting and applying different denormalizer rules based on context metadata. This universal module can handle various application-specific requirements (voice search, dictation, captions, etc.) without requiring separate specialized modules, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the denormalization process by selecting different denormalizer rules based on real-time context metadata (application type, user preferences, speech characteristics). This dynamic adaptation allows a single module to provide specialized processing capabilities for different applications without requiring multiple static modules, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ASR modules are maintained for different applications, then application-specific optimization is achieved, but latency increases due to module switching and access overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication-specific optimizationVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the denormalization process into independent, modular denormalizer rules that can be selectively applied within a single ASR module. Each denormalizer handles specific tasks (capitalization, punctuation, number formatting) and can be independently selected based on context, eliminating the need to switch between complete ASR modules and reducing latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-loads multiple denormalizer rules into memory within the single ASR module, allowing rapid selection and application based on context metadata without requiring module instantiation or loading. This preliminary preparation eliminates switching overhead and reduces latency while maintaining application-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single ASR module is used for all applications, then cost and latency are reduced, but customization for individual user preferences and contexts is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of modulesVSAvoidcustomization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different denormalizer rules to be selectively applied to different portions of the speech recognition output based on context metadata. Each rule can be independently enabled or disabled for specific applications or user preferences, providing customization without requiring multiple complete modules. This maintains a single module structure while achieving tailored output for different users and contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters (denormalizer selection, rule priorities, processing depth) based on context metadata such as application type, user preferences, and speech characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows a single ASR module to adapt its behavior to different scenarios, providing customization capability without increasing module complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If denormalization rules are applied in a fixed sequence, then the processing pipeline is simple, but the output cannot be optimized for specific user states and preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing pipeline simplicityVSAvoiduser-specific optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic sequencing of denormalizer rules based on context metadata. The system determines the optimal execution order and selection of denormalizers according to the specific application, user preferences, and speech characteristics, replacing fixed sequencing with adaptive sequencing. This maintains relative simplicity while achieving user-specific optimization through dynamic rule selection and ordering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4375871B1Contextual denormalization for automatic speech recognition
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP4375871B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4375871B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4375871B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A method (600) includes receiving a speech input (104) from a user and obtaining context metadata (110) associated with the speech input. The method also includes generating a raw speech recognition result (312) corresponding to the speech input and selecting a list of one or more denormalizers (352) to apply to the generated raw speech recognition result based on the context metadata associated with the speech input. The generated raw speech recognition result includes normalized text. The method also includes denormalizing the generated raw speech recognition result into denormalized text (322) by applying the list of the one or more denormalizers in sequence to the generated raw speech recognition result.