Abstract: An identification code is assigned to a user by making a selection from a closed set of possible tokens. The selection is determined algorithmically by user identity data. The format of the identification code may comprise a sequence of natural language words chosen from closed sets and a separator character having a fixed value or a small range of possible values. The closed sets may be programmed in the recognition grammar of a speech interface to secure services such as banking.

Abstract: An interactive dialogue apparatus generates prompts and receives responses which it processes and stores response data. Progress of the dialogue is controlled using a state model which is parsed, comparing transition conditions with the stored response data, stopping at a state for which no edge condition is satisfied. Each time a fresh response is received, the model is reparsed from the start. Prompts are generated by reference to a state history, being selected by finding the longest match between the history and state sequences associated with stored prompts. Prompts are compared so that the dialogue may be terminated in the event of repetition.

Abstract: In this invention dialogue states for a dialogue model are created using a training corpus of example human—human dialogues. Dialogue states are modelled at the turn level rather than at the move level, and the dialogue states are derived from the training corpus. The range of operator dialogue utterances is actually quite small in many services and therefore may be categorized into a set of predetermined meanings. This is an important assumption which is not true of general conversation, but is often true of conversations between telephone operators and people. Phrases are specified which have specific substitution and deletion penalties, for example the two phrases “I would like to” and “can I” may be specified as a possible substitution with low or zero penalty. Thus allows common equivalent phrases are given low substitution penalties. Insignificant phrases such as ‘erm’ are given low or zero deletion penalties.

Abstract: An interactive dialogue apparatus generates prompts and receives responses which it processes and stores response data. Progress of the dialogue is controlled using a state model which is parsed, comparing transition conditions with the stored response data, stopping at a state for which no edge condition is satisfied. Each time a fresh response is received, the model is reparsed from the start. Prompts are generated by reference to a state history, being selected by finding the longest match between the history and state sequences associated with stored prompts. Prompts are compared so that the dialogue may be terminated in the event of repetition.

Abstract: In this invention dialogue states for a dialogue model are created using a training corpus of example human-human dialogues. Dialogue states are modelled at the turn level rather than at the move level, and the dialogue states are derived from the training corpus.

Abstract: A security code, for use as a PIN (personal identification number) in gaining access to a secure service, such as a banking application, is assigned by selecting natural language words from different sets of words of different parts of speech. For example one set may comprise adjectives, another participles, another nouns. The selected words are concatenated in a predetermined sequence, e.g. adjective-participle-noun, to provide a memorable phrase conforming to the grammer of the natural language. The code may be used via a speech recognition interface and via other channels.

Abstract: An identification code is assigned to a user by making a selection from a closed set of possible tokens. The selection is determined algorithmically by user identity data. The format of the identification code may comprise a sequence of natural language words chosen from closed sets and a separator character having a fixed value or a small range of possible values. The closed sets may be programmed in the recognition grammar of a speech interface to secure services such as banking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus accesses a database where entries are linked to at least two sets of patterns. One or more patterns of a first set of patterns are recognized within a received signal. The recognized patterns are used to identify entries and compile a list of patterns in a second set of patterns to which those entries are also linked. The list is then used to recognize a second received signal. The received signals may, for example, be voice signals or signals indicating the origin or destination of the received signals.

Abstract: A database with entries having possibly indistinguishable tuples of fields in one or more related vocabulary is accessed using vocabulary translations of fields to identify unique tuples thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus accesses a database where entries are linked to at least two sets of patterns. One or more patterns of a first set of patterns are recognized within a received signal. The recognized patterns are used to identify entries and compile a list of patterns in a second set of patterns to which those entries are also linked. The list is then used to recognize a second received signal. The received signals may, for example, be voice signals or signals indicating the origin or destination of the received signals.