Abstract: Techniques for identifying users that issue audio commands based on signatures associated with the commands and additional characteristics associated with the commands. For instance, a device that includes a microphone may capture audio uttered by a user. The device, or another device, may then compare a signature associated with a generated audio signal to audio signatures associated with known users. For instance, the device may have access to multiple audio signatures, each of which is unique to a respective user that has previously interacted with the device or with another device. The device may then use this comparison to help identify the user that uttered the audio. In addition, however, the device may utilize a characteristic other than the audio signature. Using both the comparison of the audio signature to the previously received signatures along with the additional characteristic(s), the device may make a presumed identification of the user.

Abstract: Techniques for transitioning an electronic device between device states. In one example, a voice-controlled device is configured to transition from a sleep state to an awake state in response to identifying a user speaking a predefined utterance. The techniques may determine whether the user has spoken the predefined utterance with reference to traditional speech-recognition techniques, as well as with reference to changes in the volume of a user's voice.

Abstract: An automated intelligent component (the Personal Virtual Assistant or PVA) is located between a caller and a callee. A caller calls the PVA and directs the PVA to make one or more calls to one or more call recipients. Based on the information obtained from a voice or text dialog with the caller and a combination of other available informational sources, the disposition of an outgoing call is determined and acted upon by PVA. During the call the PVA remains available to take further actions at the request of the call participants.

Abstract: Communications between users of different modalities are enabled by a single integrated platform that allows both the input of voice (from a telephone, for example) to be realized as text (such as an interactive text message) and allows the input of text (from the interactive text messaging application, for example) to be realized as voice (on the telephone). Real-time communication may be enabled between any permutation of any number of text devices (desktop, PDA, mobile telephone) and voice devices (mobile telephone, regular telephone, etc.). A call to a text device user may be initiated by a voice device user or vice versa.

Abstract: Communications between users of different modalities are enabled by a single integrated platform that allows both the input of voice (from a telephone, for example) to be realized as text (such as an interactive text message) and allows the input of text (from the interactive text messaging application, for example) to be realized as voice (on the telephone). Real-time communication may be enabled between any permutation of any number of text devices (desktop, PDA, mobile telephone) and voice devices (mobile telephone, regular telephone, etc.). A call to a text device user may be initiated by a voice device user or vice versa.

Abstract: A voice user interface authoring tool is configured to use categorized example caller responses, from which callflow paths, automatic speech recognition, and natural language processing control files can be generated automatically within a single, integrated authoring user interface. A voice user interface (VUI) design component allows an author to create an application incorporating various types of action nodes, including Prompt/Response Processing (PRP) nodes. At runtime, the system uses the information from each PRP node to prompt a user to say something, and to process the user's response in order to extract its meaning. An Automatic Speech Recognition/Natural Language Processing (ASR/NLP) Control Design component allows the author to associate sample inputs with each possible meaning, and automatically generates the necessary ASR and NLP runtime control files.

Abstract: Communications between users of different modalities are enabled by a single integrated platform that allows both the input of voice (from a telephone, for example) to be realized as text (such as an interactive text message) and allows the input of text (from the interactive text messaging application, for example) to be realized as voice (on the telephone). Real-time communication may be enabled between any permutation of any number of text devices (desktop, PDA, mobile telephone) and voice devices (mobile telephone, regular telephone, etc.). A call to a text device user may be initiated by a voice device user or vice versa.

Abstract: Communications between users of different modalities are enabled by a single integrated platform that allows both the input of voice (from a telephone, for example) to be realized as text (such as an interactive text message) and allows the input of text (from the interactive text messaging application, for example) to be realized as voice (on the telephone). Real-time communication may be enabled between any permutation of any number of text devices (desktop, PDA, mobile telephone) and voice devices (mobile telephone, regular telephone, etc.). A call to a text device user may be initiated by a voice device user or vice versa.

Abstract: An automated intelligent component (the Personal Virtual Assistant or PVA) is located between a caller and a callee. A caller calls the PVA and directs the PVA to make one or more calls to one or more call recipients. Based on the information obtained from a voice or text dialog with the caller and a combination of other available informational sources, the disposition of an outgoing call is determined and acted upon by PVA. During the call the PVA remains available to take further actions at the request of the call participants.

Abstract: Communications between users of different modalities are enabled by a single integrated platform that allows both the input of voice (from a telephone, for example) to be realized as text (such as an interactive text message) and allows the input of text (from the interactive text messaging application, for example) to be realized as voice (on the telephone). Real-time communication may be enabled between any permutation of any number of text devices (desktop, PDA, mobile telephone) and voice devices (mobile telephone, regular telephone, etc.). A call to a text device user may be initiated by a voice device user or vice versa.

Abstract: Incoming calls or other messages are automatically categorized and handled based on information gleaned from one or more of the following sources: user location (available contact modes, available contact devices), user-specified preferences, a dialog with the caller, and direct interaction with the callee over a non-telephonic channel. Based on speech recognition of dialog information with the caller and one or more of presence or location information, static rules and direct callee interaction, the disposition of an incoming call is determined by an automated Personal Virtual Assistant.

Abstract: A voice user interface authoring tool is configured to use categorized example caller responses, from which callflow paths, automatic speech recognition, and natural language processing control files can be generated automatically within a single, integrated authoring user interface. A voice user interface (VUI) design component allows an author to create an application incorporating various types of action nodes, including Prompt/Response Processing (PRP) nodes. At runtime, the system uses the information from each PRP node to prompt a user to say something, and to process the user's response in order to extract its meaning. An Automatic Speech Recognition/Natural Language Processing (ASR/NLP) Control Design component allows the author to associate sample inputs with each possible meaning, and automatically generates the necessary ASR and NLP runtime control files.

Abstract: A microphone system for use in an environment where an acoustic source emits energy from diverse and varying locations within the environment. The microphone system has at least two directional microphones, mixing circuitry, and control circuitry. The microphones are held each directed out from a center point. The mixing circuitry combines the electrical signals from the microphones in varying proportions to form a composite signal, the composite signal including contributions from at least two of the microphones. The control circuitry analyzes the electrical signals to determine an angular orientation of the acoustic signal relative to the central point, and substantially continuously adjusts the proportions in response to the determined orientation and provides the adjusted proportions to the mixing circuitry.

Abstract: A microphone system for use in an environment where an acoustic source emits energy from diverse and varying locations within the environment. The microphone system has at least two directional microphones, mixing circuitry, and control circuitry. The microphones are held each directed out from a center point. The mixing circuitry combines the electrical signals from the microphones in varying proportions to form a composite signal, the composite signal including contributions from at least two of the microphones. The control circuitry analyzes the electrical signals to determine an angular orientation of the acoustic signal relative to the central point, and substantially continuously adjusts the proportions in response to the determined orientation and provides the adjusted proportions to the mixing circuitry.