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US5685000A
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Method for providing a linguistically competent dialogue with a computerized service representative
Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc
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Filing: 1995-01-04
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Granted: 1997-11-04
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Expires: 2015-01-04
Abstract
Abstract Desired tasks are modeled as a plurality of database slots. Each of the slots is opportunistically fillable by a predetermined set of values in accordance with a predetermined set of user utterance recognition rules. The user utterance recognition rules include a first layer which recognizes questions and commands based upon co-occurrences of key words in a sentence, removes corresponding database slot values and generates a supplemental utterance. A second layer recognizes database word values irrespective of sentence context and fills the slot appropriately. Responsive utterances are generated in accordance with a predetermined set of condition-action rules. The condition-action rules are based on logical combinations of filled slot values and, in operation, provide a user with the desired perception of a linguistically competent dialog while at the same time eliciting further information to complete a desired task.
Inventors
- 👤 Louis Anthony Cox, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 07:37
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10L; G10L15/00; G10L15/22; G10L2015/221; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/99941; Y10S707/99943
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
For use in cooperation with a computer database, a method for providing a user with a perception of a linguistically competent dialogue with a computerized service representative so as to perform a desired task, the method comprising: modeling the desired task as a plurality of database slots, each one of the plurality of database slots fillable by one of a predetermined set of database word values recognized in utterances of the user in accordance with a predetermined set of user utterance recognition rules; following each user utterance, opportunistically filling in the database slots with recognized database word values; and following each user utterance, generating a responsive utterance in accordance with a predetermined set of condition-action rules based on logical combinations of filled database slots thereby providing to the user said perception of a linguistically competent dialogue while eliciting further information from the user to complete the desired task.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
For use in cooperation with a computer database, a method for providing a user with a perception of a linguistically competent dialogue with a computerized service representative so as to perform a desired task, the method comprising: modeling the desired task as a plurality of database slots, each one of the plurality of database slots fillable by one of a predetermined set of database word values recognized in utterances of the user in accordance with a predetermined set of user utterance recognition rules; following each user utterance, opportunistically filling in the database slots with recognized database word values; and following each user utterance, generating a responsive utterance in accordance with a predetermined set of condition-action rules based on logical combinations of filled database slots thereby providing to the user said perception of a linguistically competent dialogue while eliciting further information from the user to complete the desired task.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
82 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined set of user utterance recognition rules comprises: a first layer operative to recognize questions and commands of the user based upon co-occurrences of key database word values in sentences in the utterances of the user, remove database word values from corresponding database slots, and generate a supplemental utterance to elicit further information from the user; and a second layer operative to recognize database word values in utterances of the user irrespective of sentence context.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
158 words
For use in cooperation with a computer database, a method for providing a telephone customer with a perception of a linguistically competent dialogue with a computerized service representative so as to effect a telephone service request, the method comprising: modeling available telephone service requests as a plurality of database slots, each one of the plurality of database slots fillable by one of a predetermined set of database word values recognized in utterances of the telephone customer in accordance with a predetermined set of telephone customer utterance recognition rules; following each telephone customer utterance, opportunistically filling in the database slots with recognized database word values; and following each telephone customer utterance, generating a responsive utterance in accordance with a predetermined set of condition-action rules based on logical combinations of filled database slots thereby providing to the telephone customer said perception of a linguistically competent dialogue while eliciting further information from the telephone customer to complete the telephone service request.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
158 words
For use in cooperation with a computer database, a method for providing a telephone customer with a perception of a linguistically competent dialogue with a computerized service representative so as to effect a telephone service request, the method comprising: modeling available telephone service requests as a plurality of database slots, each one of the plurality of database slots fillable by one of a predetermined set of database word values recognized in utterances of the telephone customer in accordance with a predetermined set of telephone customer utterance recognition rules; following each telephone customer utterance, opportunistically filling in the database slots with recognized database word values; and following each telephone customer utterance, generating a responsive utterance in accordance with a predetermined set of condition-action rules based on logical combinations of filled database slots thereby providing to the telephone customer said perception of a linguistically competent dialogue while eliciting further information from the telephone customer to complete the telephone service request.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 3, wherein the plurality of database slots comprise customer, tasks, date, start time, and service.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
87 words
The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined set of telephone customer utterance recognition rules comprises: a first layer operative to recognize questions and commands of the telephone customer based upon co-occurrences of key database word values in sentences in the utterances of the telephone customer, remove database word values from corresponding database slots, and generate a supplemental utterance to elicit further information from the telephone customer; and a second layer operative to recognize database word values in utterances of the telephone customer irrespective of sentence context.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-11-03 | 2001-05-05 | 2001-11-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-11-03 | 2005-05-05 | 2005-11-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-11-03 | 2009-05-05 | 2009-11-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |