Finite State Grammar Generation from Sample Phrases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Developers face challenges in generating comprehensive finite state grammars for speech recognition systems, as existing methods require complex mathematical expressions that are beyond their skill level, making it difficult to map all possible spoken options to a return value effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows developers to input sample phrases, generating a mathematical expression for a finite state grammar using a tree-data structure, providing immediate feedback and enabling modification to ensure comprehensiveness, with the ability to display and adjust the grammar to include or exclude phrases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If developers use complex mathematical expressions to generate finite state grammars, then the grammar comprehensiveness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrammar comprehensivenessVSAvoiddeveloper skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automated grammar generation system that acts as an intermediary between developers and complex mathematical expressions. The system automatically generates finite state grammars from sample phrases using algorithms, eliminating the need for developers to directly manipulate complex mathematical notation while maintaining grammar comprehensiveness through systematic processing of input samples.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically generating comprehensive finite state grammars from user-provided sample phrases without requiring developers to possess expertise in complex mathematical expressions. The automated algorithms perform the complex generation tasks independently, allowing developers to focus on providing input samples and interpreting results rather than mastering the underlying mathematical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If developers manually create comprehensive finite state grammars, then the coverage of spoken options is improved, but the time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespoken option coverageVSAvoidgrammar creation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically generating comprehensive finite state grammars from sample phrases before actual speech recognition deployment. The automated generation process pre-computes all possible spoken option variations and structures, eliminating the need for manual iteration and revision during implementation, thus significantly reducing overall development time while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by transforming a small set of sample phrases into a comprehensive finite state grammar that covers numerous spoken option variations. The automated algorithms systematically explore and generate all valid phrase combinations by manipulating grammatical parameters and structures, achieving comprehensive spoken option coverage much faster than manual creation while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the finite state grammar includes all possible spoken options, then the speech recognition accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeech recognition accuracyVSAvoidgrammar structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by breaking down the finite state grammar into modular components derived from sample phrases. The system segments the grammar into reusable patterns and structures that can be systematically combined to cover all spoken options. This modular approach maintains comprehensive coverage for accurate speech recognition while organizing complexity into manageable, structured units that are easier to process and maintain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8396712B2Method and system to generate finite state grammars using sample phrases
Publication Date: 2013.03.12 TELEVOX INC
  • US8396712B2 patent drawing
  • US8396712B2 patent drawing
  • US8396712B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for generating a finite state grammar is provided. The method comprises receiving user input of at least two sample phrases; analyzing the sample phrases to determine common words that occur in each of the sample phrases and optional words that occur in only some of the sample phrases; creating a mathematical expression representing the sample phrases, the expression including each word found in the sample phrases and an indication of whether a word is a common word or an optional word; displaying the mathematical expression to a user; allowing the user to alter the mathematical expression; generating a finite state grammar corresponding to the altered mathematical expression; and displaying the finite state grammar to the user.