Natural Language Interface Control System

Abstract

A search is performed in a network for an attention word based on a first context including a first set of models, grammars, and lexica. Upon finding the attention word, a switch is performed to a second context to search for an open-ended user request. The second context includes a second set of models, grammars, and lexicons and the open-ended user request does not follow a predetermined format.

1 . A method of speech recognition in a network comprising: 
 receiving a communication in a network, the communication including an attention word;    searching for an attention word based on a first context including a first set of models, grammars, and lexica; and    switching, upon finding the attention word, to a second context to search for an open-ended user request, wherein the second context includes a second set of models, grammars, and lexicons and wherein the open-ended user request does not follow a predetermined format.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein searching for an attention word comprises applying speech recognition to the open-ended user request.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein applying the speech recognition comprises applying hidden Markov models to the open-ended user request.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the attention word is received via a microphone array.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising subsequently searching for a device identifier subsequent to the attention word.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the network is selected from a group consisting of a home network, an office network, and a personal network.  
   
   
       7 . A speech recognition device used in a network comprising: 
 an interface for receiving received speech including an attention word; and    a controller coupled to the interface, the controller being configured and arranged to search for the attention word based on a first context including a first set of models, grammars, and lexica, the controller being further configured and arranged to switch, upon finding the attention word, to a second context to search for an open-ended user request, wherein the second context includes a second set of models, grammars, and lexicons and wherein the open-ended user request does not follow a predetermined format.    
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the controller is configured and arranged to search for an attention word by applying speech recognition to the open-ended user request.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the speech recognition includes the application of hidden Markov models to the open-ended user request.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the speech recognition includes application of N gram grammars to the open-ended request.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 7  wherein interface comprises a three-dimensional microphone array.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the three-dimensional microphone array comprises a linear microphone array.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the three-dimensional microphone array comprises a planar microphone array.  
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the controller is further configured and arranged to subsequently search for a device identifier subsequent to receiving the attention word.  
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the interface is configured and arranged to receive wireless commands.