Patent ID: 7415100
Filing Date: 2008-08-19
Classification: G06F,G10L,H04M

Abstract:
1. A computer-based virtual assistant comprising: a virtual assistant application running on a computer capable of receiving human voice communications from a remote user interface and transmitting a vocalization to the remote user interface, the virtual assistant application having a variable assertiveness level; the virtual assistant application selecting a responsive action to a verbal query or instruction received from the remote user interface; the virtual assistant application judging a setting of its variable assertiveness level; if the assertiveness level is set at a first level, the virtual assistant application transmitting a first vocalization to the remote user interface asking for permission to perform the selected responsive action; and if the assertiveness level is set at a different, second level, the virtual assistant application transmitting a second vocalization characterizing that the selected responsive action will be taken, the virtual assistant application waiting a predetermined period of time, and if no canceling indication is received from the remote user interface, proceeding to perform the selected responsive action; and if a canceling indication is received from the remote user interface halting the selected responsive action and transmitting a new vocalization to the remote user interface.