Patent Publication Number: US-11049510-B1

Title: Method and apparatus for artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer-aided persuasion system (CAPS)

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to a persuasion system and, more particularly, a computer-aided persuasion system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Persuasion as an attempt to change attitudes or behaviors or both, without using coercion or deception. Persuasion has been heavily studied in consumer behavior in designing effective marketing and sales campaigns. With the rapid development of computer technologies, psychological theory of persuasion is adapted into computer technologies. Traditionally, persuasion is classified into three categories, namely, the interpersonal persuasion, the computer-mediated persuasion, and the human-computer persuasion. Interpersonal persuasion occurs when people interact with each other. Interpersonal communication involves verbal and non-verbal forms of behavior, personal feedback, coherence of behavior and an intent to change the attitudes and/or behavior of other(s). The development of computer technology offers other persuasion methods. People may persuade others through e-mails, instant messages, or other computer technologies. This is called computer-mediated persuasion. An example of this would be for someone reading a blog and being persuaded by arguments presented in the blog. With the development of the human-computer interaction technology, persuasion technology is developed. It is defined as the study of how people are persuaded when interacting with computer technology. This is referred to here as human-computer persuasion. To be specific, persuasive technology is defined as a class of technologies that are intentionally designed to change attitudes or behaviors. It also known as “captology”, a term coined by Fogg, a Stanford professor. It focuses on “the design, research and analysis of computing products that are being developed to change people&#39;s attitudes or behaviors”. Persuasive system, on the other hand, is computerized software that is designed to reinforce, change, or shape attitudes or behavior or both without any forces or deception. 
     The main differences among these three types of persuasions are the source or origin of the persuader. In both interpersonal persuasion and computer-mediated persuasion, the persuasion a person who initiates a process intending to persuade another person. Human-computer persuasion is different from these two types of persuasion because it is not always possible to know who the actual persuader is. Computer technologies do not have intentions of their own. However, the people who create, distribute, or adopt the technology have the intention and agenda to affect someone&#39;s attitudes or behavior. In a sense there is always a “human behind” the computer technologies. Recent development of AI-based social robotics that interacts and communicates with humans highly suggests that interaction similar to social communication are possible in human-computer interaction. For example, semi-humanoid robots can assist customers in a bank. Other social robots are proven to be effective in helping children with autism. Interaction between a personalized Web agent or Chatbot and a user can be considered persuasive communication. From pure interpersonal persuasion to computer-mediated persuasion, to human-computer persuasion, the computer intelligence plays more and more important roles. Social robotics is, however, confined by the physical hardware, i.e. the robot. The current technologies lack the interactive integration among the persuader, the target, i.e. persuadee, the object, i.e. the persuasion topic, and the computer system. The lack of interactive integration in the current computer system greatly reduces the effectiveness in the persuasion technology. New AI-based technology needs to be integrated into the persuasion system to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the system. 
     Improvements and enhancement are required to enhance the persuasion computer system. 
     SUMMARY 
     Methods and systems are provided for the AI-based computer-aided persuasion system (CAPS). The AI-based CAPS obtains and monitors inputs from both the target and the agent for an object during a persuasion session. CAPS dynamically generates persuasion references based on analysis of the input. In one embodiment, the CAPS obtains an agent content output and a target content output by analyzing the agent audio stream and the target audio stream with automatic speech recognition (ASR) that is based on a recurrent network (RNN) deep learning model, obtains an agent sentiment classifier for the agent audio stream and a target sentiment classifier for the target audio stream, wherein each sentiment classifier is derived from an emotion classifier resulting from a convolutional neural network (CNN) model analysis of a corresponding audio stream, updates a conversation matrix that contains prior and current audio stream analysis based on prior and current content outputs and sentiment classifiers for the agent and the target, and generates a persuasion reference based on the updated conversation matrix. In another embodiment, the persuasion reference is based on an acceptance likelihood result generated from the conversation matrix using the RNN model. In one embodiment, the persuasion reference includes one or more guidance comprising: reference materials of the first object, guidance materials of the first object, suggestion of voice sentiments change for the agent, and one or more suggested new objects. In another embodiment, the one or more guidance in the persuasion reference is ranked. In one embodiment, more suggested new objects are generated using a CNN with input from subject Big Data that is associated with the first object. In yet another embodiment, the persuasion reference is generated further based on one or more prior persuasion references. In one embodiment, the conversation matrix indicates that a list of guidance on the one or more prior persuasion references is not followed. In another embodiment, the emotion classifier is one selecting from an emotion group comprising angry emotion, excited emotion, frustrated emotion, happy emotion, neutral emotion, sad emotion, and surprised emotion, and the sentiment classifier is one selecting from a sentiment group comprising extremely positive, positive, neutral, negative, extremely negative, and surprised. In yet another embodiment, the CAPS further generates a target profile using CNN with input of target Big Data, wherein the target profile includes one or more objects, and wherein the agent is selected based on the generated profile and one or more selected objects. 
     Other embodiments and advantages are described in the detailed description below. This summary does not purport to define the invention. The invention is defined by the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, where like numerals indicate like components, illustrate embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates exemplary diagrams for different computer persuasion system, including the AI-based computer-aided persuasion system (CAPS) in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates exemplary diagrams of an AI-based computer-aided persuasion system in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates exemplary diagrams for speech sentiment classifier generation based on input audio stream in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates exemplary diagrams for obtaining the sentiment classifier for an audio stream based on the speech emotion classifier of the audio stream using direct mapping in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary system diagram of an AI-based computer-aided persuasion system in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary diagram performing an n-ary matching among at least the agent, the target, the object, and the attempt using the AI-based computer-aided persuasion system in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a machine in the form of a computer system performing the AI-based computer-aided persuasion in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary flow chart for the AI-based computer-aided persuasion system in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates exemplary diagrams for different computer persuasion systems, including the AI-based computer-aided persuasion system (CAPS) in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. In a typical persuasion communication, there are three major components, the persuader, such as an agent  102 , a persuadee, such as a target  103 , and the persuasion subject matter, such as an object  104 . Target  103  refers to an entity or an entity group for whom a persuasion attempt is intended, such as consumers, students, or voters. Agent  102  refers to an entity responsible for designing and constructing a persuasion attempt of an object, such as the company responsible for an advertising campaign, an individual salesperson, or a teacher. Object  104  is the persuasion subject matter such as a product, a service, a vote, a learning concept, or a skill. A persuasion attempt refers to an agent&#39;s strategic behavior in presenting information designed to influence the target&#39;s believes, attitudes, decisions, or actions. An attempt is the persuasion delivery modality. For example, an attempt can be a one-to-one meeting either in person or over the phone or using virtual meetings. Different persuasion models are developed over the years. The interpersonal persuasion  112  uses direct person-to-person communication between agent  102  and target  103 . With the development of technology, computer systems, such as computer system  101 , are developed for persuasion communication. A human-computer persuasion  113  uses direct computer-human communication between target  103  and computer system  101 . The “human behind” computer system  101  creates algorithms and contents to communicate with target  103 . Human-computer persuasion  113  is effective if object  104 , such as product and service selections, are simple. For example, an effective chatbot is used to directly communicate with target  103 . However, there are products, especially services, that are so complex that it takes a lot of time and effort for a consumer to navigate and sort through the information. For such services and products, conversing with a chatbot online is inefficient and likely adds frustrations to target  103 . For example, consider subscribing to a new health plan, buying a new life insurance, deciding on a new financial product, buying a new house, intervening behavior change of a patient, teaching a new subject to a student, and so on. All these situations make a human “intermediary” who is a persuader of a product or service to the consumer necessary. The persuasion then becomes the issue of interpersonal persuasion in the traditional sense. The computer system plays a role in the computer-mediated persuasion  114 , which the agent  102  instructs computer system  101  to communicate with target  103 . Computer-mediated persuasion  114  are used for online stores. Target  103 , such as online shoppers, directly interact with a computer system while agent  102  updates the contents at the backend. Computer-mediated persuasion  114  lacks human interaction. There are recent movements that consumers are longing for offline services that could only be served with another person. Further, the current persuasion computer system lacks the latest technologies, such as the AI-based profile analysis and speech sentiment classification. 
     In one novel aspect, the computer system  101  is the AI-based computer-aided persuasion system. Computer-aided persuasion  111  has a direct communication path between agent  102  and target  103  with the integrated services provided by computer system  101 , which is the computer-aided persuasion system (CAPS). CAPS  101  provides a persuasion reference to agent  102  based on the analysis of the n-ary relationship among the target, the agent, the object, and the one or more attempts. AI technology, such as data mining/deep learning, is implemented for CAPS  101 . Target is the focus for the entire process. A domain specific deep learning model is developed based on the target profile, objects they have acquired or bought in, and the profile of the agents in the attempts of the specific domain. For instance, consider a typical life insurance sales process. The targets are consumers of life insurance products. The objects are the different types of life insurance products. The agents are the life insurance sales agents. The attempts are the 1-to-1 sales meeting between the targets and agents. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates exemplary diagrams of an AI-based computer-aided persuasion system in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. In one novel aspect, a deep learning model of a specific domain is used in the CAPS. A deep learning module  201  identifies a set of objects for the targets, a set of agents who can best serve a group of targets for the identified objects, and the best attempts/delivery modalities, in which the agents can maximize the success. Domain-specific deep learning module  201  generates a set of domain-specific databases, including a Know Your Object (KOY)  211 , a Know Your Attempt (KOM)  212 , a Know Your Target (KOT)  213 , and a Know Your Agent (KOA)  214 . Big Data for each specific domain is obtained to develop and train deep learning model  201  on target, object, agent, and attempt. In one embodiment, at step  221 , given a potential target, deep learning module  201  identifies a reference attempt modality, one or more objects, and one or more matching agents to maximize the success of the persuasion. Other types of queries are supported by deep learning module  201 . In another embodiment, given one or more objects, deep learning module  201  identifies a group of potential targets, a reference attempt modality, and one or more matching agents to maximize the success of the persuasion. In one embodiment, the identified objects, targets and/or agents are ranked. 
     The AI-based computer-aided system includes a dynamic persuasion guidance subsystem  230 . Dynamic persuasion guidance subsystem  230  includes a persuasion guidance generator  231 , a dynamic content generator  235 , a speech analysis module  236 , and a persuasion attempt module  237 . The CAPS generates persuasion contents and guidance and delivers to the agent. In one embodiment, the persuasion contents and guidance are delivered to the agent through content streaming. In another embodiment, the content streaming is delivered to a mobile device of the agent. In another embodiment, the audio content streaming is delivered to a headset of the agent, similar to audio augmented reality (AAR). In one embodiment, persuasion attempt module  237  obtains audio streams of the agent and the target for the persuasion conversation. In other embodiment, a record of one or more persuasion attempts is obtained by persuasion attempt module  237 , such as a video stream or other means of persuasion exchanges. The speech analysis module  236  analyzes the audio stream or other forms of exchanges between the target and the agent from persuasion attempt module  237 . The result of the analysis from analysis module  236  is sent to persuasion generator  231 . Persuasion generator  237  dynamically updates the persuasion reference and/or persuasion guidance based on the input of the analysis. 
     In one embodiment, the persuasion exchanges are audio streams. The audio streams from the target and the agent are analyzed for content exchange and accompanying sentiment classifiers. Each audio stream is analyzed for content as well as for concurrent emotion aid/or sentiment. The enhanced speech analysis enables the CAPS to better simulates a human interaction scenario to improve the accuracy of the contents of the conversation. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates exemplary diagrams for speech sentiment classifier generation based on input audio stream in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. In one novel aspect, in addition to contents assessment to an audio stream or an audio clip, which is a part of the audio stream, the concurrent sentiment classifier is generated based on emotion classifier of the audio stream/audio clip. In general, a sentiment classifier generation  300  includes the audio capturing system  301 , speech emotion classifier processing  311 , resulting emotion classifier  312 , and the resulting sentiment classifier  350 . 
     Audio capturing system  301  receives an input audio stream, such as a target audio stream or an agent audio stream corresponding to a part of the persuasion conversation. The audio capturing system  301  sends the identified audio stream to speech emotion classifier processing  311 . Speech emotion classifier processing  311  uses a speech emotion recognition procedure to identify an emotion classifier for the audio stream/clip. The speech emotion recognition is based on a machine learning model that takes two steps. The first step is feature extraction. The second step is model building. Feature extraction has different approaches. One approach is to detect significant features directly from raw sound samples. The other approach uses only one specific feature of a sound file as input to the learning model. The latter approach is essentially a supervised machine learning model that uses a handcrafted feature sound file. The supervised learning model yields better accuracy. However, it is more expensive, and it requires expert or professional knowledge. Once features are extracted, a classifier model can be developed, trained, assessed, and fine-tuned. Many data mining models have been proposed, including the Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regressions, Hidden Markovian Model, and Neural Networks, such as a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a deep neural network (DNN). There are different emotion classifiers based on different models used. Once emotion classifier  312  is generated for the corresponding audio stream/clip, the sentiment classifier  350  is generated. In one embodiment, a direct mapping is used to map each to a set of predefined sentiment classifiers based on predefined rules. 
     In one embodiment, a 1-dimensional (1D) CNN LSTM  320  is used to generate the speech emotion classifier. Audio clip file  302  is captured for the corresponding dialog. 1D CNN LSTM  321  processes the audio clip. 1D CNN LSTM recognizes speech emotion from raw data of audio clips. The processed data is sent to classifier  322  to generate emotion classifier result processor  323 . Result processing  323  generates predefined emotion classifier for the audio stream/clip. The generated speech emotion classifier  351  is mapped to sentiment classifier  352 . 
     In another embodiment, a 2-dimensional (2D) CNN LSTM  330  is used to generate the emotion classifier. Audio stream/clip  303  is produced for the corresponding identified part of the persuasion conversation. 2D CNN LSTM  331  processes the audio stream. 2D CNN LSTM works on learning global contextual information from the handcrafted features. The processed data is sent to classifier  332  to generate emotion classifier result processor  333 . Result processing  333  generates a predefined emotion classifier for the audio clip. The generated emotion classifier  351  is mapped to sentiment classifier  352 . 
     Different speech emotion recognition methods may be used to obtain the speech emotion classifier from the audio stream. In one embodiment, the speech emotion classifiers are used to generate the sentiment classifier, which correlates with the content output of the audio stream. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates exemplary diagrams for obtaining the sentiment classifier for an audio stream based on the emotion classifier of the audio stream using direct mapping in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. A sentiment classifier generator  400  includes a mapping rule  403 , an emotion classifier  401 , and a sentiment classifier  402 . Emotion classifier  401  is obtained for an audio clip using a speech emotion recognition method, such as the 1D CNN LSTM and the 2D CNN LSTM. In one embodiment, seven different emotion classifiers are defined to identify the emotion result of the audio clip. Column-1 of table  410  shows an example of seven emotion classifiers, including excited, happy, neutral, sad, frustrated, angry, and surprised. In one embodiment, a mapping of each emotion classifier to a sentiment classifier is used. The mapping rule  403  is used for the mapping procedure. Table  410  illustrates an exemplary mapping of the seven emotion classifiers to corresponding sentiment classifiers. The sentiment classifier is used together with its corresponding assessment result of the same audio clip. Mapping rule  403  is predefined or preconfigured. Mapping rule  403  can be dynamically changed as well. An example of the mapping is shown in Table  410 . For instance, emotion classifier “excited” is mapped to sentiment classifier “extremely positive.” Similarly, “happy” is mapped to “positive,” “neutral” is mapped to “neutral,” “sad” is mapped to “negative,” “frustrated” is mapped to “negative,” “angry” is mapped to “extremely negative,” and “surprised” is mapped to “surprised.” 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary system diagram of an AI-based computer-aided persuasion system in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. An AI-based CAPS  500  includes an audio input module  510  that obtains a target audio stream from a target and an agent audio stream from an agent when the agent is engaging in a conversation with the target, wherein the conversation is a persuasion attempt for a first object, a content output module  520  that obtains an agent content output and a target content output by analyzing the agent audio stream and the target audio stream using a recurrent network (RNN) model, a speech classifier module  530  that obtains an agent sentiment classifier for the agent audio stream and a target sentiment classifier for the target audio stream, wherein each sentiment classifier is derived from an emotion classifier resulting from a convolutional neural network (CNN) model analysis of a corresponding audio stream, a conversation handling module  550  that updates a conversation matrix that contains prior and current audio stream analysis based on prior and current content outputs and sentiment classifiers for the agent and the target, and a persuasion reference module  560  that generates a persuasion reference based on the updated conversation matrix. In one embodiment, AI-based CAPS  500  further includes a profile module  580  that generates a target profile using CNN with the input of Big Data on target, wherein the target profile includes one or more objects, and wherein the agent is selected based on the generated profile and one or more selected objects. 
     Audio input module  510  obtains two audio streams, one from an agent  501  and one from a target  502 . An agent audio stream input  511  captures the audio stream from agent  501  and passes it to a speech analyzer  540 . A target the audio stream input  521  captures audio stream from target  502  and passes to speech analyzer  540 . Speech analyzer  540  includes content output module  520  and speech classifier module  530 . 
     In one novel aspect, CAPS  500  analyzes both the target audio stream and the agent audio stream. Content output module  520  performs an RNN-based automatic speech recognition (ASR) at step  521 . An RNN (NLP/NLU) model  522  analyzes and classifies the text. At step  523 , content output module  520  performs assessment based on the corresponding audio stream, such as the target audio stream and the agent audio stream. Content output module  520  generates an agent content output  551  and a target content output  552 . Speech emotion classifier  530  also analyzes both the target audio stream and the target audio stream. Speech classifier  530  generates an agent sentiment classifier  553  and a target sentiment classifier  554  for corresponding audio streams. Speech analyzer  540  identifies several major discoveries in the attempt, namely, (1) new objects that the target is interested in, (2) target&#39;s emotion in general and specific to certain objects, and (3) emotion of the agent. Speech emotion analysis on target indicates the level of interest. New object content may be added on-the-fly based on the interest level of the target. The speech emotion analysis on target also offers guidance to help the agent in engaging the target. If the level of interest is low, the agent may drop the topic and move to another one. If the level of interest is neutral, the agent may try different strategies either to push it more aggressively or to push it gently, depending on the target&#39;s profile. This strategic guidance is also created dynamically and is accessible to the agent. 
     In one embodiment, the output of speech analyzer  540  is used to update the conversation matrix. The conversation matrix maintains the outputs of the history of the analyze results of the persuasion conversation. Conversation matrix  550  is used by the CAPS  500  to generate the persuasion reference  560 . Persuasion reference  560  is updated dynamically based on the input and the analysis of the input from the target and the agent. In one embodiment, dynamic object content and guidance are streamed to the agent&#39;s device during the attempt. Guidance can be implemented in several manners. For example, scripts can be displayed on the UI of the agent&#39;s application, UI on the device can be color-coded, or emojis can be added to the UI. Furthermore, if physically possible, voice guidance through the agent&#39;s earpieces can synchronize the dynamic object content in real time, similar to the audio augmented reality (AAR) technology. In another embodiment, persuasion reference  560  is generated further based on the one or more prior persuasion references  561 . In one embodiment, CAPS  500  determines based on the audio stream input, the prior persuasion reference and/or persuasion guidance was not followed by the agent. CAPS  500  generates an updated persuasion reference for the agent based on the analysis of the prior persuasion reference and the input from the agent and/or the target. In another embodiment, the prior persuasion reference  561  is maintained as part of conversation matrix  560 . In one embodiment, conversation matrix  560  includes timestamps for corresponding entries. 
     In one embodiment, CAPS  500  further includes a profile module  580  that generates and matches an agent profile  581  and a target profile  582 . Profile module  580  uses Big Data match persuader, the agent, with persuadee, the target, and persuasion topics, the object. The trinity match is further illustrated in the following paragraph. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary diagram performing an n-ary matching among at least the agent, the target, the object, and the attempt using the AI-based computer-aided persuasion system in accordance with embodiment of the current invention. The traditional persuasion system does not provide an effective way to have a n-ary matching for a persuasion process. The CAPS performs an n-ary matching by training and obtaining profiles of at least the target, the object, the agent, and the attempt. A domain-specific deep learning module  601  generates a target profile  621  based on a target Big Data  611 . In one embodiment, based on object Big Data  612 , domain-specific deep learning module  601  generates an associated potential object  622 . One or more agents are selected from agent pool  631 . Each selected agent has an agent profile that matches the target profile  621  and potential object  622 . Since the target Big Data  611  and the object Big Data  612  are dynamically updated as more and more data becomes available, the n-ary matching among at least the target, the object, and the agent are more up-to-date and accurate. The persuasion process is more effective. In another embodiment, an attempt Big Data is used to generate a delivery modality/attempt reference (not shown). The delivery modality reference is used to select the agent more accurately. For example, based on the agent profile, the agent who is more proficient in one type of modality that is on the reference list associated with the target and/or the object is selected from a candidate agent pool. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a machine in the form of a computer system performing the AI-based computer-aided persuasion in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. In one embodiment, apparatus/device  700  has a set of instructions causing the device to perform any one or more methods for speech emotion recognition used for interview questions. In another embodiment, the device operates as a standalone device or may be connected through a network to other devices. Apparatus  700  in the form of computer system includes one or more processors  701 , a main memory  702 , a static memory unit  703 , which communicates with other components through a bus  711 . Network interface  712  connects apparatus  700  to network  720 . Apparatus  700  further includes user interfaces and I/O component  713 , controller  731 , driver unit  732 , and signal and/or sensor unit  733 . Diver unit  732  includes a machine-readable medium on which stored one or more sets of instructions and data structures, such as software embodying or utilize by one or more methods for the speech emotion recognition function. The software may also reside entirely or partially within the main memory  702 , the one or more processor  701  during execution. In one embodiment, the one or more processor  701  is configured to obtain a target audio stream from a target and an agent audio stream from an agent when the agent is engaging in a conversation with the target, wherein the conversation is a persuasion attempt for a first object; obtain an agent content output and a target content output by analyzing the agent audio stream and the target audio stream using a recurrent network (RNN) model; obtain an agent sentiment classifier for the agent audio stream and a target sentiment classifier for the target audio stream, wherein each sentiment classifier is derived from an emotion classifier resulting from a convolutional neural network (CNN) model analysis of a corresponding audio stream, update a conversation matrix that contains prior and current audio stream analysis based on prior and current content outputs and sentiment classifiers for the agent and the target; and generate a persuasion reference based on the updated conversation matrix. In one embodiment, software components running the one or more processors  701  run on different network-connected devices and communicate with each other via predefined network messages. In another embodiment, the functions can be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or any combinations. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary flow chart for the AI-based computer-aided persuasion system in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. At step  801 , the CAPS obtains a target audio stream from a target and an agent audio stream from an agent when the agent is engaging in a conversation with the target, wherein the conversation is a persuasion attempt for a first object. At step  802 , the CAPS obtains an agent content output and a target content output by analyzing the agent audio stream and the target audio stream using a recurrent network (RNN) model. At step  803 , the CAPS obtains an agent sentiment classifier for the agent audio stream and a target sentiment classifier for the target audio stream, wherein each sentiment classifier is derived from an emotion classifier resulting from a convolutional neural network (CNN) model analysis of a corresponding audio stream. At step  804 , the CAPS updates a conversation matrix that contains prior and current audio stream analysis based on prior and current content outputs and sentiment classifiers for the agent and the target. At step  805 , the CAPS generates a persuasion reference based on the updated conversation matrix. 
     Although the present invention has been described in connection with certain specific embodiments for instructional purposes, the present invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and combinations of various features of the described embodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.