Abstract: In an exemplary process for interpreting spoken requests, audio input containing a user utterance is received. In accordance with a determination that a text representation of the user utterance does not exactly match any of a plurality of user-defined invocation phrases, the process determines whether a comparison between the text representation and a user-defined invocation phrase of the plurality of user-defined invocation phrases satisfies one or more rule-based conditions. In accordance with a determination that the comparison between the text representation and the user-defined invocation phrase satisfies the one or more rule-based conditions, the text representation and the user-defined invocation phrase is processed using a machine-learned model to determine a score representing a degree of semantic equivalence between the text representation and the user-defined invocation phrase.

Abstract: In an exemplary process for interpreting spoken requests, audio input containing a user utterance is received. In accordance with a determination that a text representation of the user utterance does not exactly match any of a plurality of user-defined invocation phrases, the process determines whether a comparison between the text representation and a user-defined invocation phrase of the plurality of user-defined invocation phrases satisfies one or more rule-based conditions. In accordance with a determination that the comparison between the text representation and the user-defined invocation phrase satisfies the one or more rule-based conditions, the text representation and the user-defined invocation phrase is processed using a machine-learned model to determine a score representing a degree of semantic equivalence between the text representation and the user-defined invocation phrase.

Abstract: A photoelastic modulator (PEM) has two parts (11, 13) of the same or dissimilar cross sections, joined together to form an abrupt junction (16). A transducer, for which the natural oscillation is at the half acoustic wavelength mode, excites a longitudinal standing wave of high purity in the PEM. A feedback system is used to achieve stable phase synchronisation of multiple PEMs working at the same oscillation frequency, where the outputs of an amplitude and phase sensor for one PEM is used to correct phase variations of other PEMs and to compensate optical retardation errors.

Abstract: A photoelastic modulator, comprising a driving block and a driver transducer for perturbing said block in a predefined direction to establish a standing wave extending longitudinally in said block and hence perpendicularly to said predefined direction. The transducer is affixed to said block at two regions of the transducer mutually displaced in said predefined direction, to minimize the coupling of lateral perturbation perpendicular to the predefined direction. A recess or gap may be provided under the transducer.

Abstract: A photoelastic modulator, comprising a driving block and a driver transducer for perturbing said block in a predefined direction to establish a standing wave extending longitudinally in said block and hence perpendicularly to said predefined direction. The transducer is affixed to said block at two regions of the transducer mutually displaced in said predefined direction, to minimise the coupling of lateral perturbation perpendicular to the predefined direction. A recess or gap may be provided under the transducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a call controlling. In a method for controlling targeting calls, a targeting call is detected, which targeting call is pre-screened according to a set of rules, and whether a caller of said targeting call is not otherwise allowed, an importance of said targeting call is determined, by means of which importance call diverting is decided. The invention relates also to a device, to a calling device, to a system and to a computer program product.