Rule-Based Natural Language Processing for Intent Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Natural language processing systems, particularly those with intelligent automated assistants, require extensive training and are computationally demanding, making them inefficient and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a rule-based natural language processing system that recognizes and evaluates user utterances without the need for complex model training, allowing for lightweight computational processing and efficient intent recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If machine learning models are used for natural language processing, then intent recognition accuracy is improved, but computational resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintent recognition accuracyVSAvoidcomputational resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the natural language processing task into distinct components: pattern matching layer and intent classification layer. The pattern matching layer uses rule-based expression patterns to filter and preprocess inputs, while the intent classification layer handles the actual intent recognition. This segmentation allows the system to achieve accurate intent recognition without requiring computationally intensive machine learning models for the entire processing pipeline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates simplified copies of natural language expressions in the form of predefined expression patterns. Instead of using complex machine learning models to understand and interpret natural language, the system uses templated pattern copies that represent common expression structures. These pattern copies enable efficient matching and classification while maintaining accuracy for recognized patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If extensive training is performed for natural language processing, then processing accuracy is improved, but training time and computational demand increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining expression patterns and rules during system development rather than during runtime operation. The expression patterns, which capture common natural language structures, are established in advance and stored for efficient matching. This eliminates the need for time-consuming training processes while maintaining high processing accuracy for recognized patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simple, lightweight rule-based patterns instead of complex, resource-intensive machine learning models. These pattern rules are computationally inexpensive to store and execute, enabling accurate processing without the computational burden of trained models. The system trades off handling only recognized patterns against avoiding extensive training requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If rule-based processing is used instead of machine learning, then computational efficiency is improved, but adaptability to new expressions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to new expressions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics into the rule-based system by making the expression pattern set modifiable and extensible. While individual pattern matching operations remain computationally efficient, the system allows for adding new expression patterns and updating existing ones to adapt to new expressions. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain computational efficiency while gradually improving adaptability through controlled pattern updates rather than complete model retraining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10755051B2Rule-based natural language processing
Publication Date: 2020.08.25 APPLE INC
  • US10755051B2 patent drawing
  • US10755051B2 patent drawing
  • US10755051B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and processes for rule-based natural language processing are provided. In accordance with one example, a method includes, at an electronic device with one or more processors, receiving a natural-language input; determining, based on the natural-language input, an input expression pattern; determining whether the input expression pattern matches a respective expression pattern of each of a plurality of intent definitions; and in accordance with a determination that the input expression pattern matches an expression pattern of an intent definition of the plurality of intent definitions: selecting an intent definition of the plurality of intent definitions having an expression pattern matching the input expression pattern; performing a task associated with the selected intent definition; and outputting an output indicating whether the task was performed.