Abstract: An automated agent system and method includes an action classifier which scores a representation of a portion of a user inquiry based on a knowledge bank. A comparing device compares a running score of the representation to a threshold to determine if enough information has been collected to respond early to the inquiry. An action mechanism provides an early response to the user prior to the user completing the inquiry if the threshold has been exceeded.

Abstract: A testing arrangement provided for speech recognition systems in vehicles. Preferably included are a “mobile client” secured in the vehicle and driven around at a desired speed, an audio system and speaker which plays back a set of prerecorded utterances stored digitally in a computer arrangement such that the speech of a human being is simulated, transmission of the speech signal to a server, followed by speech recognition and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) computation. Here, the acceptability of the vehicular speech recognition system is preferably determined via comparison with pre-specified standards of recognition accuracy and SNR values.

Abstract: An automated agent system and method includes an action classifier which scores a representation of a portion of a user inquiry based on a knowledge bank. A comparing device compares a running score of the representation to a threshold to determine if enough information has been collected to respond early to the inquiry. An action mechanism provides an early response to the user prior to the user completing the inquiry if the threshold has been exceeded.

Abstract: A testing arrangement provided for speech recognition systems in vehicles. Preferably included are a “mobile client” secured in the vehicle and driven around at a desired speed, an audio system and speaker which plays back a set of prerecorded utterances stored digitally in a computer arrangement such that the speech of a human being is simulated, transmission of the speech signal to a server, followed by speech recognition and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) computation. Here, the acceptability of the vehicular speech recognition system is preferably determined via comparison with pre-specified standards of recognition accuracy and SNR values.

Abstract: Adaptive training of a system for discrete utterance recognition during continuous speech permits single prototype utterances to be adapted to the needs of the talker, during operation, without tedious multiple recitation for training of prototypes. Initial training of the recognition system is by a single utterance (or simulation) of a prototype vocabulary. Operation proceeds, so long as utterances are recognized, until an unrecognized utterance is detected. The system then prompts a choice of prototype vocabulary keyword candidates, which the talker may then choose and utter. The system calculates three recognition distance values as follows:D1--unrecognized utterance vs. prototype vocabulary keyboard candidateD2--prototype vs. prototype vocabulary keyword candidateD3--prototype vs. unrecognized utterance.

Abstract: An effective wind/breath screen for a microphone is described. The wind/breath screen includes a rigid perforated structure for enclosing the microphone. The microphone being physically isolated from the rigid perforated structure by a surrounding pad of air therebetween. A porous layer is utilized to enclose the rigid perforated structure thereby creating a pad of dead air between the microphone and the porous layer, whereby the speech signal reaches the microphone without substantial attenuation, and the wind/breath noise is suppressed. The present wind screen for a microphone is optimized for, and is particularly effective for voice data entry applications.