Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for the development and implementation of virtual robot's (bot's) directed natural language interaction with computer users. Bots employing the present invention base natural language interaction on a predefined universe of discourse that is decomposed hierarchically into domains. A data structure provides a storage area for each domain. The data structure may reflect the hierarchical decomposition. Domain topics containing program code directing the bot's interaction are placed in domain storage areas. Pattern lists associate words expected to be “heard” by the bot with particular domain topics. Domain topics are provided, as appropriate, to direct a user's attention toward the instant domain's parent, siblings, or children, with lower topics in the hierarchy getting higher preference. Domain censoring and domain tiebreakers improve usability.

Abstract: Community members possess information relating to the community, and share that information with other community members to further the goals of the whole community. Some communities—such as geographic positioning system users, music lovers and mail-order businesses—indirectly hire a professional staff to gather information by purchasing professionally assembled directories. However, professionally assembled directories introduce costs for aggregating what community members may already know, and the professional staff's information may not be as accurate as information held by the members. However, simply assembling data from community members may introduce problems of data quality—some community members may be careful, some may be sloppy and some may be malicious.

Abstract: The performance and condition of a tool, workpiece or machine tool is sensed during machining operations by securing a single or plural strain gages to the tool holder. To increase the sensitivity of the strain gages on stationary tool holders, the tool holders are contoured to provide locations of higher strain in which the strain gages are attached. A single or plural strain gages are positioned to sense the combined effect of different strains such as axial thrust and torque and are electrically connected to provide a single Wheatstone bridge output "signature" which may be monitored to detect a defective operation. In rotating tools, the single "signature" output greatly reduces the coupling equipment such as rotary transformers and also reduces the monitoring equipment. A unique arrangement of a single strain gage or alternatively a plurality of gages enables monitoring of both torque and thrust simultaneously.