Abstract: A speech dialogue system capable of realizing natural and smooth dialogue between the system and a human user, and easy maneuverability of the system. In the system, a semantic content of input speech from a user is understood and a semantic content determination of a response output is made according to the understood semantic content of the input speech. Then, a speech response and a visual response according to the determined response output are generated and outputted to the user. The dialogue between the system and the user is managed by controlling transitions between user states during which the input speech is to be entered and system states during which the system response is to be outputted. The understanding of a semantic content of input speech from a user is made by detecting keywords in the input speech, with the keywords to be detected in the input speech limited in advance, according to a state of a dialogue between the user and the system.

Abstract: A presentation support environment system. Logical natures and constraints of arrangements, structures, or the like of elements (components and backgrounds) constituting a presentation reference, semantic natures and constraints obtained by causing men to sense these elements, and quantitative natures and constraints of the elements are prepared as knowledge in a system in advance. A drafter (presenter) of the presentation reference designates content items and attributes of the presentation reference. These points are emphasized in the content, a degree of emphasis (priority), by designating the items and attributes. Parameters for specifying various components and backgrounds constituting the presentation reference are determined such that various constraints of the system are satisfied. A practical presentation reference is generated in accordance with the parameters. The natures and constraints of the elements constituting the presentation reference are expressed to have a plurality of solutions.

Abstract: On the basis of, e.g., input items, attribute values, and titles, their categories are analyzed by using a proper noun dictionary, a concept dictionary, and a numeric attribute name dictionary. On the basis of the analyzed categories, changes in attribute values are analyzed in accordance with inference rules, and a keyword for describing a background state of presentation is extracted. A background material suitable for presentation is selected from background materials such as images and sounds in accordance with the extracted keyword. The selected background material is displayed in combination with a graph which is formed in accordance with content data about an object to be presented.

Abstract: A speech dialogue system capable of realizing natural and smooth dialogue between the system and a human user, and easy maneuverability of the system. In the system, a semantic content of input speech from a user is understood and a semantic content determination of a response output is made according to the understood semantic content of the input speech. Then, a speech response and a visual response according to the determined response output are generated and outputted to the user. The dialogue between the system and the user is managed by controlling transitions between user states during which the input speech is to be entered and system states during which the system response is to be outputted. The understanding of a semantic content of input speech from a user is made by detecting keywords in the input speech, with the keywords to be detected in the input speech limited in advance, according to a state of a dialogue between the user and the system.