Apple Inc.

Ryan M Orr

Daniel J Mandel

Garett R Nell

Benjamin L Brumbaugh

Kurt W Piersol

Patrick M Lister

Jonathan H Russell

Raumi N Sidki

Andrew J Sinesio

Connor Jennings Barnett

Matthew P Bernardo

Brandon J Newendorp

Jared A Crawford

Michael R Sumner

Garett Richard Nell

Garrett Richard Nell

Benjamin Lloyd Brumbaugh

This relates to systems and processes for using a virtual assistant to arbitrate among and/or control electronic devices. In one example process, a first electronic device samples an audio input using a microphone. The first electronic device broadcasts a first set of one or more values based on the sampled audio input. Furthermore, the first electronic device receives a second set of one or more values, which are based on the audio input, from a second electronic device. Based on the first set of one or more values and the second set of one or more values, the first electronic device determines whether to respond to the audio input or forego responding to the audio input.

Intelligent device arbitration and control

This relates to systems and processes for using a virtual assistant to control electronic devices. In one example process, a user can speak an input in natural language form to a user device to control one or more electronic devices. The user device can transmit the user speech to a server to be converted into a textual representation. The server can identify the one or more electronic devices and appropriate commands to be performed by the one or more electronic devices based on the textual representation. The identified one or more devices and commands to be performed can be transmitted back to the user device, which can forward the commands to the appropriate one or more electronic devices for execution. In response to receiving the commands, the one or more electronic devices can perform the commands and transmit their current states to the user device.

Intelligent assistant for home automation

An exemplary method for identifying media may include receiving user input associated with a request for media, where that user input includes unstructured natural language speech including one or more words; identifying at least one context associated with the user input; causing a search for the media based on the at least one context and the user input; determining, based on the at least one context and the user input, at least one media item that satisfies the request; and in accordance with a determination that the at least one media item satisfies the request, obtaining the at least one media item.

Virtual assistant for media playback

Systems and processes are disclosed for operating a digital assistant in a media environment. In an example process, a primary set of media items can be displayed. An audio input containing a media-related request can be received. A primary user intent corresponding to the media-related request can be determined. In accordance with a determination that the primary user intent comprises a user intent to narrow the primary media search query, a second primary media search query corresponding to the primary user intent can be generated. The second primary media search query can be based on the media-related request and the primary media search query. The second primary media search query can be performed to obtain a second primary set of media items. Display of the primary set of media items can be replaced with display of the second primary set of media items.

Intelligent automated assistant for media search and playback

Systems and processes for operating an intelligent automated assistant to explore media items are provided. In one example process, a speech input representing a request for one or more media items is received from a user. The process determines whether the speech input corresponds to a user intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for media items. In response to determining that the speech input corresponds to a user intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for media items, at least one media item is obtained from a user-specific corpus of media items. The user-specific corpus of media items is generate based on data associated with the user. The at least one media item is provided.

Intelligent automated assistant for media exploration

Systems and processes are disclosed for real-time updating of virtual assistant media knowledge. Virtual assistant knowledge can be updated with timely information associated with playing media (e.g., a sporting event, a television show, or the like). A data feed can be received that includes data relating events to particular times in a media stream. A user request can be received based on speech input, and the user request can be associated with an event in a media stream or show. In response to receiving the request, the media stream can be cued to commence playback at a time in the media stream associated with the event referred to in the request. In another example, a response to the user request can be generated based on the data relating to the events. The response can then be delivered to the user (e.g., spoken aloud, displayed, etc.).

Real-time digital assistant knowledge updates

Growing community of inventors

Cupertino, CA, United States of America

Ryan M Orr