Abstract: Voice user interfaces can be tested using test scripts generated by traversing a graph using a recursive search technique, such as recursive depth first search. Test data to accompany the test scripts can be generated by treating conditions in states of the interface as business rules, and fully exercising each state during traversal of the graph. Actual testing can be performed in a faster than real time manner by providing simulated input from test scripts, as opposed to requiring actual input from human testers. The interfaces can also be tested using a gatekeeper intermediary which provides for easy transitions between testing and deployment.

Abstract: Voice user interfaces can be tested using test scripts generated by traversing a graph using a recursive search technique, such as recursive depth first search. Test data to accompany the test scripts can be generated by treating conditions in states of the interface as business rules, and fully exercising each state during traversal of the graph. Actual testing can be performed in a faster than real time manner by providing simulated input from test scripts, as opposed to requiring actual input from human testers. The interfaces can also be tested using a gatekeeper intermediary which provides for easy transitions between testing and deployment.

Abstract: An applications server is operable to provide a plurality of user driven services by running an application program. The application program is arranged to provide the services in response to user commands for selecting service options. The applications server comprises in accordance with the application program a state machine able to determine a current state of the application program from one of a pre-determined set of states defining a logical procedure through the user selected service options. The states of the state machine includes for each of the modular services, one or more states associated with one or more forms within the service. Each form defines a state of a user interface for providing the services to the user, and each state includes one or more sub-states called situations, defining the commands to be recognised and the predicates to be satisfied to select that state depending upon the estimated user commands and the session state of the user session.

Abstract: An electronic personal assistant that modifies a personality it projects through voice prompts and interaction with a subscriber based on subscriber behavior and communication. The personality is defined in terms of personality parameters. The values of the personality parameters are modified to enhance the relationship between the subscriber and the electronic personal assistant over time.

Abstract: A virtual intercom method implemented by a computer-based electronic assistant and including the steps of receiving a voice command from a first party, wherein the voice command identifies a user selectable one of a plurality of subscriber parties; responding to the voice command by generating a greeting to the first party, wherein the greeting is an audio recording in the voice of the identified subscriber; receiving a message generated by the first party for the identified subscriber; and storing the received message for later playback to the identified subscriber.