Abstract: In a speech recognition session, a method of speech processing utilizing a plurality of grammars can include a series of steps. The method can include spawning a separate thread of execution corresponding to each one of a plurality grammars and allocating a post-processing recognition task to each separate thread of execution. Each post-processing recognition task can produce a possible recognition result using the corresponding grammar. A possible recognition result produced by one of the post-processing recognition tasks can be identified.

Abstract: A method of automatically acquiring and/or updating a customer address within an interactive voice response system including establishing a telephony connection with a customer and identifying a telephone number associated with the customer. A directory assistance data store external to the interactive voice response system can be accessed. A reverse directory search based upon the telephone number can be performed to retrieve an address from the directory assistance data store. The retrieved address can be stored within an interactive voice response system data store.

Abstract: A method for correcting ambiguations in directory assistance systems includes the steps of receiving and processing a directory assistance request from a caller. If the processing results in an ambiguation of at least two names, audio information is provided to the caller. The audio information includes, at least in part, playback of an audio recording of at least one person included in the ambiguation. The audio playback helps the caller resolve the ambiguation. A voice activated directory assistance system having structure for resolving ambiguations is also disclosed.

Abstract: A automated method of transferring calls can include, within an established call with a calling party, receiving from the calling party a request specifying a name. The name can be compared with a listing of names and associated directory numbers to determine if there is a match. A directory number associated with the matched name can be processed according to translation attributes to determine a dialable number. The dialable number can be sent to a telephony switch to transfer the call.

Abstract: A method of automatically acquiring and/or updating a customer address within an interactive voice response system including establishing a telephony connection with a customer and identifying a telephone number associated with the customer. A directory assistance data store external to the interactive voice response system can be accessed. A reverse directory search based upon the telephone number can be performed to retrieve an address from the directory assistance data store. The retrieved address can be stored within an interactive voice response system data store.

Abstract: A directory assistance system in accordance with the inventive arrangements includes a general directory, having a first names list; at least one caller specific directory having a caller specific names list; a caller identification system, the caller identification system identifying a caller, the caller identity being processed to select a caller specific directory from among the at least one caller specific directories; and, a telephone interface for receiving directory queries from the caller. As such, the system can search the caller specific directory responsive to identifying the caller, associating the caller with the caller specific directory, and receiving a directory query. Notably, the directory assistance system can be a voice activated directory assistance system. A method for performing directory assistance is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a speech menu interface in a speech recognition system. The method can include a series of steps which can include identifying one or more menu items from a data structure in memory for presentation using the speech menu interface. The step of retrieving the one or more menu items from the data structure can be included. Also, the step of reading at least one attribute corresponding to the one or more menu items with menu item criteria can be included. Based on the comparing step, the method can include selecting a presentation style for presentation of the one or more menu items using the speech menu interface.

Abstract: A method of disambiguating database search results can include retrieving multiple database entries responsive to a database search. The retrieved database entries can include a plurality of common data fields. The retrieved database entries can be processed according to predetermined speech interface criteria. At least one data field can be selected from the plurality of common data fields for uniquely identifying each retrieved database entry. The data items corresponding to the selected data field for each retrieved database entry can be presented through a speech interface.

Abstract: A automated method of transferring calls can include, within an established call with a calling party, receiving from the calling party a request specifying a name. The name can be compared with a listing of names and associated directory numbers to determine if there is a match. A directory number associated with the matched name can be processed according to translation attributes to determine a dialable number. The dialable number can be sent to a telephony switch to transfer the call.

Abstract: In a speech recognition session, a method of speech processing utilizing a plurality of grammars can include a series of steps. The method can include spawning a separate thread of execution corresponding to each one of a plurality grammars and allocating a post-processing recognition task to each separate thread of execution. Each post-processing recognition task can produce a possible recognition result using the corresponding grammar. A possible recognition result produced by one of the post-processing recognition tasks can be identified.

Abstract: A method for correcting ambiguations in directory assistance systems includes the steps of receiving and processing a directory assistance request from a caller. If the processing results in an ambiguation of at least two names, audio information is provided to the caller. The audio information includes, at least in part, playback of an audio recording of at least one person included in the ambiguation. The audio playback helps the caller resolve the ambiguation. A voice activated directory assistance system having structure for resolving ambiguations is also disclosed.

Abstract: A directory assistance system in accordance with the inventive arrangements includes a general directory, having a first names list; at least one caller specific directory having a caller specific names list; a caller identification system, the caller identification system identifying a caller, the caller identity being processed to select a caller specific directory from among the at least one caller specific directories; and, a telephone interface for receiving directory queries from the caller. As such, the system can search the caller specific directory responsive to identifying the caller, associating the caller with the caller specific directory, and receiving a directory query. Notably, the directory assistance system can be a voice activated directory assistance system. A method for performing directory assistance is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a speech menu interface in a speech recognition system. The method can include a series of steps which can include identifying one or more menu items from a data structure in memory for presentation using the speech menu interface. The step of retrieving the one or more menu items from the data structure can be included. Also, the step of reading at least one attribute corresponding to the one or more menu items with menu item criteria can be included. Based on the comparing step, the method can include selecting a presentation style for presentation of the one or more menu items using the speech menu interface.