Computer-based representations and reasoning methods for engaging users in goal-oriented conversations
US6421655B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06N5/04
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The use of a goal-understanding abstraction hierarchy in conjunction with Bayesian inference, decision-theoretic analyses of conversational and observational actions is disclosed to provide machinery for incremental refinement of an understanding about a user's goals through conversation with users. A computer-implemented method receives multiple classes of information regarding a user goal including visual and linguistic clues at a specific level of the abstraction hierarchy, to assess the goal. The method then determines a with a value-of-information analysis the utility of acquiring additional information via making additional observations or by explicitly querying the user versus making a decision to change the level of precision of the analysis of a user's goals. Throughout the analysis, a probability distribution is inferred about the goals of a user. This probability distribution is used in conjunction with a representation of utility of different outcomes to identify informational and navigational actions with the greatest expected utility. In one embodiment, the probability of the leading goal is inferred and used to drive decision making, for example, in assuming the rele…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.