Patent Publication Number: US-10783187-B2

Title: Streamlining support dialogues via transitive relationships between different dialogues

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention generally relates to streamlining support dialogues and, more particularly, to streamlining support dialogues via transitive relationships between different dialogues. 
     A user may interact with a virtual support agent (e.g., a chat bot, automated support agent, or the like) to obtain information or assistance for a technical issue (e.g., to reset a password, make changes to a service account, etc.). A virtual support agent (referred to as an “agent”) and a user may engage in a dialogue in which the agent asks questions to determine the user&#39;s issues and provide the user with a solution. The user&#39;s intent when providing responses to an agent&#39;s questions can be determined using natural language processing based on a “first phrase” included in the user&#39;s first responses to agent questions, but may change throughout the dialogue. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method includes storing, by a computing device, a plurality of dialogues between user devices and an automated support application hosted by the computing device; determining, by the computing device, transitive relationships between the plurality of dialogues; and updating, by the computing device, a question mapping based on the determining the transitive relationships; and applying, the computing device, the updated question mapping to a subsequent support dialogue. 
     In an aspect of the invention, there is a computer program product for streamlining support dialogues, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to: receive, via an automated support application hosted by the computing device, an initial user input from a user via a user device; provide one or more follow-up questions based on receiving the initial user input and a question mapping; receive one or more follow-up responses to the one or more follow-up questions; store a dialogue, wherein the dialogue includes the initial user input, the one or more follow-up questions, and the one or more follow-up responses; determine a transitive relationship between the stored dialogue and one more previously stored dialogues; update the question mapping based on the determining the transitive relationships; and apply the updated question mapping to a subsequent support dialogue. 
     In an aspect of the invention, a system includes: a CPU, a computer readable memory and a computer readable storage medium associated with a computing device; program instructions to store a plurality of dialogues between user devices and an automated support application hosted by the computing device; program instructions to determine transitive relationships between the plurality of dialogues; and program instructions to merge and abridge text transcripts of a subset of the plurality of dialogues that are transiently related to form an abridged text transcript; and program instructions to apply the abridged text transcript to a subsequent support dialogue. The program instructions are stored on the computer readable storage medium for execution by the CPU via the computer readable memory. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a cloud computing node according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a cloud computing environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  depicts abstraction model layers according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  show an overview of an example implementation in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows an example environment in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of example components of an agent device in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  show an example flowchart for determining transitive relationships between dialogues to streamline future dialogues in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention generally relates to streamlining support dialogues and, more particularly, to streamlining support dialogues via transitive relationships between different dialogues. A virtual support agent (referred to as an “agent”) and a user may engage in a dialogue in which the agent asks questions to determine the user&#39;s support issues with an application, or other computer-related system, and provide the user with a solution. The user&#39;s intent when providing responses to an agent&#39;s questions can be determined using natural language processing based on a “first phrase” included in the user&#39;s first responses to agent questions, but may change throughout the dialogue. Also, the user may not know the specific issue with which he or she needs assistance, and thus may engage in a “back and forth” with the agent to arrive at a solution. Further, the agent may misclassify the dialogue based on an initial classification that is determined from an initial user utterance (e.g., “first phrase”). When an entire dialogue is misclassified, the agent may not provide the needed information to assist the user in resolving an issue, or may end up asking the user a series of extraneous questions that waste the user&#39;s time in seeking resolution to the issue. 
     Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may track transitive relationships between different dialogues between users and agents, and use the transitive relationships to streamline future dialogues between users and agents and better identify the user&#39;s intent based on their responses to agent questions. More specifically, aspects of the present invention may eliminate sections or lines of questions of a dialogue that do not lead to resolving the user&#39;s issue. In embodiments, aspects of the present invention may “match” or compare dialogues that are similar, and may use these comparisons to determine transitive relationships between the dialogues. For example, each agent query and user response may be a “node” in a dialogue graph, and comparison of dialogue graphs and transcripts may be used to identify transitive relationships between the nodes in the dialogue. As such, the shortest “path” from one node (e.g., a first phrase or first response to an agent query) to a final node (e.g., a resolution of an issue) can be determined. In this way, the amount of time spent with an agent and the number of questions presented and answered is minimized. Further, the intent of the user for a new dialogue is more accurately determined based on comparing historical similar dialogues to identify the transitive relationship between a new dialogue and historical dialogues. 
     Aspects of the present invention may also generate and present dialogue maps/graphs for informational purposes and/or metrics tracking. The dialogue maps may also be used to determine transitive relationships between dialogues, and may also be used to analyze the operations and effectiveness of an agent. For example, if a dialogue map includes a relatively large number of questions and reclassifications, a determination can be made that the dialogue was relatively ineffective and convoluted so that adjustments to the agent&#39;s question mappings can be adjusted. In embodiments, the dialogue map may identify agent questions, user responses, and classifications of the user responses (e.g., as determined using natural language classification/processing). In this way, comparison of multiple dialogue maps may be used to identify the “shortest path” between a particular initial user utterance, and a final classification/intent of the user based on the initial utterance. 
     Aspects of the present invention may improve the functioning of computer-based automated support agents by reducing the computing resources used by automated support applications hosted by agent servers. For example, since the number of questions and overall length of dialogues is reduced using the systems and/or methods described herein, the amount of computing resources consumed for resolving support issues is reduced. Further, computing capacity for other applications or to serve additional users is increased since the computing resources used for each support dialogue is reduced. In turn, the speed, performance, and capacity of computing resources are improved. Further, aspects of the present invention may collect hundreds or potentially thousands of dialogues over a period of time to update, streamline, and shorten the length of interactions between a user and an agent device for resolving a support issue. As such, aspects of the present invention cannot be done with pen and paper. Further, aspects of the present invention produce a specific result of reducing the length of a dialogue and improving dialogue accuracy, leading to an improvement in customer satisfaction, and reducing costs for service providers when providing support services to customers. In other words, aspects of the present invention update automated chat algorithms, processes, and question maps with the specific purpose, benefit, and result of reducing the length of a dialogue and improving dialogue accuracy, rather than merely displaying results of analyzed data. 
     The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product at any possible technical detail level of integration. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention. 
     The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire. 
     Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device. 
     Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention. 
     Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions. 
     These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes a detailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented in conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known or later developed. 
     Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing, memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may include at least five characteristics, at least three service models, and at least four deployment models. 
     Characteristics are as follows: 
     On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed automatically without requiring human interaction with the service&#39;s provider. 
     Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network and accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs). 
     Resource pooling: the provider&#39;s computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to demand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumer generally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of the provided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter). 
     Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elastically provisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out and rapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilities available for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any time. 
     Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized service. 
     Service Models are as follows: 
     Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to use the provider&#39;s applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client devices through a thin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail). The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings. 
     Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming languages and tools supported by the provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and possibly application hosting environment configurations. 
     Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls). 
     Deployment Models are as follows: 
     Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an organization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises. 
     Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by several organizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises. 
     Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an organization selling cloud services. 
     Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technology that enables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load-balancing between clouds). 
     A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus on statelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising a network of interconnected nodes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a schematic of an example of a cloud computing node is shown. Cloud computing node  10  is only one example of a suitable cloud computing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the invention described herein. Regardless, cloud computing node  10  is capable of being implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forth hereinabove. 
     In cloud computing node  10  there is a computer system/server  12 , which is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with computer system/server  12  include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like. 
     Computer system/server  12  may be described in the general context of computer system executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer system/server  12  may be practiced in distributed cloud computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer system storage media including memory storage devices. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , computer system/server  12  in cloud computing node  10  is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of computer system/server  12  may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units  16 , a system memory  28 , and a bus  18  that couples various system components including system memory  28  to processor  16 . 
     Bus  18  represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus. 
     Computer system/server  12  typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by computer system/server  12 , and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. 
     System memory  28  can include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM)  30  and/or cache memory  32 . Computer system/server  12  may further include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, storage system  34  can be provided for reading from and writing to a nonremovable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to bus  18  by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, memory  28  may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the invention. 
     Program/utility  40 , having a set (at least one) of program modules  42 , may be stored in memory  28  by way of example, and not limitation, as well as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules  42  generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein. 
     Computer system/server  12  may also communicate with one or more external devices  14  such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display  24 , etc.; one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computer system/server  12 ; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enable computer system/server  12  to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output (I/O) interfaces  22 . Still yet, computer system/server  12  can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter  20 . As depicted, network adapter  20  communicates with the other components of computer system/server  12  via bus  18 . It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and/or software components could be used in conjunction with computer system/server  12 . Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , illustrative cloud computing environment  50  is depicted. As shown, cloud computing environment  50  comprises one or more cloud computing nodes  10  with which local computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone  54 A, desktop computer  54 B, laptop computer  54 C, and/or automobile computer system  54 N may communicate. Nodes  10  may communicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computing environment  50  to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computing device. It is understood that the types of computing devices  54 A-N shown in  FIG. 2  are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes  10  and cloud computing environment  50  can communicate with any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a set of functional abstraction layers provided by cloud computing environment  50  ( FIG. 2 ) is shown. It should be understood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shown in  FIG. 3  are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers and corresponding functions are provided: 
     Hardware and software layer  60  includes hardware and software components. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes  61 ; RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers  62 ; servers  63 ; blade servers  64 ; storage devices  65 ; and networks and networking components  66 . In some embodiments, software components include network application server software  67  and database software  68 . 
     Virtualization layer  70  provides an abstraction layer from which the following examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers  71 ; virtual storage  72 ; virtual networks  73 , including virtual private networks; virtual applications and operating systems  74 ; and virtual clients  75 . 
     In one example, management layer  80  may provide the functions described below. Resource provisioning  81  provides dynamic procurement of computing resources and other resources that are utilized to perform tasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and Pricing  82  provide cost tracking as resources are utilized within the cloud computing environment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of these resources. In one example, these resources may comprise application software licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloud consumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources. User portal  83  provides access to the cloud computing environment for consumers and system administrators. Service level management  84  provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such that required service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planning and fulfillment  85  provide pre-arrangement for, and procurement of, cloud computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipated in accordance with an SLA. 
     Workloads layer  90  provides examples of functionality for which the cloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads and functions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping and navigation  91 ; software development and lifecycle management  92 ; virtual classroom education delivery  93 ; data analytics processing  94 ; transaction processing  95 ; and dialogue intent determination and streamlining  96 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the program/utility  40  may include one or more program modules  42  that generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein (e.g., such as the functionality provided by dialogue intent determination and streamlining  96 ). Specifically, the program modules  42  may receive a user query as part of a dialogue with an agent, determine a classification for the query, provide follow-up questions to confirm the classification, score responses to the follow-up questions, compare the dialogue with other dialogues to determine transitive relationships, and refine/update question mappings based on the transitive relationships to streamline future dialogues between users and the agent. Other functionalities of the program modules  42  are described further herein such that the program modules  42  are not limited to the functions described above. Moreover, it is noted that some of the modules  42  can be implemented within the infrastructure shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . For example, the modules  42  may be representative of an agent device as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  shows an overview of an example implementation in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In  FIG. 4A , an agent device  220  may include one or more computing devices (e.g., servers) that provide automated support assistance to users through user devices  210 . For example, a user may use a user device  210  to access an automated support application or service hosted by the agent device  220 . The user device  210  and the agent device  220  may conduct a “dialogue” in which the user device  210  provides user inputs relating to obtaining support for a technical issue (e.g., to reset a password, obtain technical information for a product or application, troubleshoot a product or application, etc.). The agent device  220  may use natural language processing to recognize user inputs made by the user and received from user device  210 , ask a series of follow-up questions to better classify and/or determine the intent of the user&#39;s inputs, and provide the user with a resolution to their support issue based on determining the intent of the user&#39;s inputs. 
     While certain support issues may seem relatively simple (e.g., a password reset request), in practice, the support issue may be more complex, leading to the need for a relatively long dialogue between the user device  210  and the agent device  220  to arrive at solution to a user&#39;s support issue. For example, a password reset issue could relate to a multitude of possible support issues, such as trouble authenticating past a hard-drive encryption log-in screen for a computer, authenticating past a log-in screen for an operating system, authenticating to access a secure network drive or database, authenticating to access an application, etc. Thus, if a user provides user input to the agent device  220  indicating that the user is having password issues, the specific issue may not be known based on the user&#39;s initial query, “first phrase” or “utterance.” Accordingly, the agent device  220  may ask a series of follow-up questions to properly classify the dialogue and provide resolution. 
     During a dialogue, the agent device  220  may use a question map to better identify the user&#39;s specific support issue and provide proper resolution. For example, the agent device  220  may ask a series of follow-up questions based on user inputs, in which the follow-up questions are based on a question map. The agent device  220  may classify the dialogue such that information for resolving the user&#39;s issue can be provided to the user device  210  based on the classification. If a dialogue is not initially classified correctly (e.g., based on user input indicating that information provided to the user does not resolve the user&#39;s issue), additional follow-up questions may be asked by the agent device  220  so that the dialogue may be reclassified. In certain situations, a dialogue may be reclassified multiple times in the event that the agent device  220  is unable to initially classify a dialogue correctly, and the dialogue may be reclassified until the correct classification is confirmed by the user. 
     Accordingly, and as shown in  FIG. 4A , aspects of the present invention may track dialogues with multiple different users and user devices  210  over a period of time. More specifically, the agent device  220  may track user inputs/queries, agent responses to those queries, classifications made throughout the dialogues, user responses to queries made by the agent device  220 , etc., to determine transitive relationships between the dialogues. Further, the agent device  220  may update question mappings to streamline future dialogues based on the transitive relationships. For example, the agent device  220  may determine intent behind certain user inputs, questions, and responses by determining transitive relationships between different dialogues. The transitive relationships may then be used to update question mappings and determine the relevant steps and questions asked by the agent device  220  to arrive at a resolution to the user&#39;s support issue, while eliminating the non-relevant questions that do not lead to a resolution. In this way, future dialogues may be streamlined and shortened by leveraging the determined transitive relationships, and the accuracy of dialogue classification may be improved. As further shown in  FIG. 4A , the agent device  220  may optionally output dialogue graphs and reports  310  that visually display a dialogue in a linear graph format. 
     In embodiments, the agent device  220  may generate linear dialogue graphs of each dialogue in order to determine the transitive relationships. With reference to  FIG. 4B , each dialogue graph may identify “nodes” in which each node is a communication from the agent device  220  (denoted by “A”) and from the user (denoted by “U”). The dialogue graph may show the path of the dialogue from start to finish, as well as classifications made at various nodes throughout the dialogue (denoted by “C 1 ” C 3 ”, and “C 4 ”). For example, as described above, the dialogue may be reclassified multiple times until a correct classification is confirmed by the user. In the example shown in  FIG. 4B , the dialogue may be classified as “C 1 ”, reclassified to “C 3 ”, and reclassified again to “C 4 ” (e.g., when the user indicates that the support issue is not related to “C 1 ” or “C 3 ”, but confirms that the support issue is related to “C 4 ”). 
     The path may include a series of tangential questions that are asked by the agent device  220  and responded to by the user via the user device  210 . The series of questions asked by the agent device  220  may be based on a question map that maps questions to user responses as determined by natural language processing. While not shown in  FIG. 4B , the dialogue graphs may be associated with transcripts of the dialogue (e.g., user conversation inputs, agent responses, etc.). As described herein, the dialogue graph and transcripts may be compared and matched with other similar dialogues (e.g. dialogues in which a same classification was present at some point during the dialogue). By matching the dialogues, transitive relationships between the dialogues (and more specifically, between different nodes, questions, and responses within the dialogue) can be determined. As further shown in  FIG. 4B , an updated dialogue graph may be generated in which the series of questions have been reduced to more quickly arrive at a correct classification, and hence, a resolution, based on determining the transitive relationships from matching the dialogues. Further, the accuracy of dialogue classification may be improved. 
     As an illustrative, non-limiting example, a user may use a user device  210  to access a support application or service hosted by the agent device  220 , and provide an initial phrase or utterance of: “I am locked out and need password assistance.” The agent device  220  may apply natural language processing and initially classify the user input as a password issue. The agent device  220  may access a question map that identifies follow-up questions to ask based on the processed user input and/or classification. As an example, the agent device  220  may ask follow-up questions that identify more specifically which system in which the user is locked out. For example, the agent device  220  may ask a series of follow-up questions to determine whether the user is locked out of an e-mail system, share drive system, virtual private network (VPN) system, hard drive encryption screen, etc. The agent device  220  may score the user&#39;s responses to determine which follow-up questions are considered relevant (e.g., lead to a resolution of the user&#39;s issue). The dialogue may be graphed in the manner discussed above, and saved for future comparisons with other dialogues. 
     As other similar dialogues are saved with other users, the agent device  220  may compare these dialogues and determine transitive relationships between the dialogues to shorten or streamline the line of questions needed to arrive at the solution to the user&#39;s issue. In the above example, the agent device  220  may determine, over a period of time from saving and tracking multiple different dialogues, that when a user initially asks for password assistance, the user is likely asking for password assistance relating to accessing a company e-mail account. Accordingly, the agent device  220  may update the question map so that fewer follow-up questions are needed to arrive at a solution for the user. It is emphasized that the above is merely an example implementation, and aspects of the present invention may be applied to any number of situations or support issues in which transitive relationships between dialogues can be determined to streamline future dialogues and improve classification accuracy. 
       FIG. 5  shows an example environment in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , environment  500  may include user devices  210 , an agent device  220 , external data servers  230 , and a network  240 . In embodiments, one or more components in environment  500  may correspond to one or more components in the cloud computing environment of  FIG. 2 . In embodiments, one or more components in environment  500  may include the components of computer system/server  12  of  FIG. 1 . 
     A user device  210  may include a device capable of communicating via a network, such as the network  240 . For example, the user device  210  may correspond to a mobile communication device (e.g., a smart phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA)), a portable computer device (e.g., a laptop or a tablet computer), a desktop computer, or another type of device. In some embodiments, the user device  210  may be used to access an automated support application or service hosted by the agent device  220 . The user device  210  may include a user interface to receive user inputs to the agent device  220  and receive responses from the agent device  220  as part of a support dialogue. 
     The agent device  220  may include one or more computing or server devices (e.g., such as computer system/server  12  of  FIG. 1 ) that host an automated support application or service accessible by the user device  210 . The agent device  220  may receive user inputs from the user device  210  that identify the user and relate to a support issue with which the user is seeking assistance. The agent device  220  may host a dialogue with the user via the user device  210 , apply natural language processing to determine the intent of the dialogue, ask follow-up questions based on a question map, classify the dialogue, generate a dialogue graph, store the dialogue, compare the dialogue with other dialogues to determine transitive relationships, and streamline or update the question map to shorten or streamline future dialogues and improve the accuracy of dialogue classification. In embodiments, the agent device  220  may communicate with one or more external data servers  230  to obtain user information and/or other information (e.g., from web sources using searching techniques) that may be used to assist the user resolving a support issue. 
     The external data servers  230  may include one or more computing or server devices (e.g., such as computer system/server  12  of  FIG. 1 ) that store information that may be used to assist the user resolving a support issue. For example, the external data servers  230  may include user or employee information databases that identify user accounts, services, applications, domains, etc. that a user may have permission to access. As an illustrative example, the agent device  220  may query the external data server  230  to determine domains or directories that the user has permission to access, as this this information may be pertinent when resolving a user support issue. Additionally, or alternatively, the external data servers  230  may include web servers that host any variety of webpages, applications, social media platforms, or the like, which may be accessed to provide the user with any variety of information to resolve the user&#39;s support issue. 
     The network  240  may include network nodes, such as network nodes  10  of  FIG. 2 . Additionally, or alternatively, the network  240  may include one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, the network  240  may include a cellular network (e.g., a second generation (2G) network, a third generation (3G) network, a fourth generation (4G) network, a fifth generation (5G) network, a long-term evolution (LTE) network, a global system for mobile (GSM) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, an evolution-data optimized (EVDO) network, or the like), a public land mobile network (PLMN), and/or another network. Additionally, or alternatively, the network  240  may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan network (MAN), the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), an ad hoc network, a managed Internet Protocol (IP) network, a virtual private network (VPN), an intranet, the Internet, a fiber optic-based network, and/or a combination of these or other types of networks. 
     The quantity of devices and/or networks in the environment  500  is not limited to what is shown in  FIG. 5 . In practice, the environment  500  may include additional devices and/or networks; fewer devices and/or networks; different devices and/or networks; or differently arranged devices and/or networks than illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Also, in some implementations, one or more of the devices of the environment  500  may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the devices of the environment  500 . Devices of the environment  500  may interconnect via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. 
       FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of example components of an agent device  220  in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the agent device  220  may include a user input receiving module  610 , a natural language processing module  620 , a classification module  630 , a question mapping repository  640 , a dialogue repository  650 , a response scoring module  660 , a dialogue graphing module  670 , a transitive relationship determination module  680 , and a question mapping updating module  690 . In embodiments, the agent device  220  may include additional or fewer components than those shown in  FIG. 6 . In embodiments, separate components may be integrated into a single computing component or module. Additionally, or alternatively, a single component may be implemented as multiple computing components or modules. 
     The user input receiving module  610  may include a program module (e.g., program module  42  of  FIG. 1 ) that receives user input from the user device  210 . More specifically, the user input receiving module  610  may receive user input via an automated support application hosted by the agent device  220 . The user input may include an initial request for support assistance, and responses to follow-up questions presented by the agent device  220 . 
     The natural language processing module  620  may include a program module (e.g., program module  42  of  FIG. 1 ) that applies natural language processing techniques to user input received via the user input receiving module  610 . In embodiments, the natural language processing module  620  may apply any suitable computer-based natural language processing technique which may be used to automatically classify and/or determine intent of the user input (e.g., as described below with respect to the classification module  630 ). 
     The classification module  630  may include a program module (e.g., program module  42  of  FIG. 1 ) that classifies user inputs. In embodiments, the classification module  630  may determine an initial classification based on the user&#39;s first phrase or utterance. The classification module  630  may reclassify a dialogue throughout the duration of the dialogue. The classification module  630  may classify or reclassify user inputs based on natural language processing performed by the natural language processing module  620 . In embodiments, the classification module  630  may apply sub-classifications to the user inputs to better identify the user&#39;s intent. If a dialogue cannot be classified, the classification module  630  may provide an indication that the user input cannot be classified such that follow-up questions can be asked in order to classify the dialogue. In embodiments, the classification module  630  may confirm that a classification is correct based on user responses indicating that the classification is correct. For example, the classification module  630  may output information indicating the classification or intent behind the dialogue, and the user may provide user input to confirm that the classification is correct. 
     The question mapping repository  640  may include a data storage device (e.g., storage system  34  of  FIG. 1 ) that stores a data structure that maps follow-up questions to ask a user based on the user&#39;s inputs and classification of those inputs (e.g., the classifications as determined by the classification module  630 ). For example, the follow-up questions may include questions that may confirm the classification, and/or questions that ask more specific questions to better classify or sub-classify the dialogue. As described herein, the question maps stored by the question mapping repository  640  may be updated to remove non-relevant question paths. 
     The dialogue repository  650  may include a data storage device (e.g., storage system  34  of  FIG. 1 ) that stores dialogues between users and the agent device  220  through the automated support application. In embodiments, the dialogue repository  650  may store chat or text transcripts and/or dialogue graphs for each dialogue, which may be used to match dialogues to determine transitive relationships, as described herein. 
     The response scoring module  660  may include a program module (e.g., program module  42  of  FIG. 1 ) that scores user responses and inputs to questions presented by the agent device  220 . In embodiments, the response scoring module  660  may score user responses (e.g., received by the user input receiving module  610 ) based on level of relevance to which the responses lead to a resolution to a user support issue. For example, if a user response to a question leads to a correct classification or sub-classification of the dialogue, that user response may be scored relatively highly, whereas if a user response to a question does not lead to a correct classification or sub-classification of the dialogue, at user response may be scored relatively low. As described herein, the scores may be used to prune question mappings and/or question lists and reduce the number of questions and interactions needed to arrive at a correct classification and solution to a user&#39;s issue. 
     The dialogue graphing module  670  may include a program module (e.g., program module  42  of  FIG. 1 ) that graphs a dialogue. An example of a dialogue graph is shown in  FIG. 4B . As described herein, the dialogue repository  650  may store dialogue graphs, and the dialogue graphs may be used to determine transitive relationships between dialogues (e.g., by the transitive relationship determination module  680  as described herein). 
     The transitive relationship determination module  680  may include a program module (e.g., program module  42  of  FIG. 1 ) that may compare stored dialogues with each other (e.g., dialogues stored by the dialogue repository  650 ) to determine transitive relationships between the dialogues, and more specifically, determine transitive relationships between specific nodes within the dialogue graphs (e.g., as generated by the dialogue graphing module  670 ). Further, the transitive relationship determination module  680  may determine transitive relationships based on commonalities between text transcripts of different dialogues. In embodiments, the transitive relationship determination module  680  may determine that one node in a dialogue graph (e.g., a first phrase, or one of the first phrases in a dialogue) is transitively related to a particular solution (e.g., a later node in the dialogue graph). In embodiments, comparison of the dialogue graph may prevent situations in which similar dialogues are incorrectly matched such that only dialogues that are similar to a particular degree are matched for determining transitive relationships. For example, dialogue graphs that have similar ending classifications and outcomes may be matched, and those dialogue graphs may be compared to identify correct and accurate transitive relationships. In turn, the “shortest path” between nodes (e.g., the shortest dialogue to reach a resolution) can be determined. 
     The question mapping updating module  690  may include a program module (e.g., program module  42  of  FIG. 1 ) that updates question mappings stored by the question mapping repository  640 . In embodiments, the question mapping updating module  690  may update the question mappings based on the transitive relationships determined by the transitive relationship determination module  680 . In embodiments, the question mapping updating module  690  may eliminate nodes (e.g., questions) in a dialogue graph such that the path between an initial utterance and a final resolution is shortened. In other words, the question mapping updating module  690  may eliminate non-relevant lines of questions that do not lead to a solution to the user&#39;s support issue. Further, the question mapping updating module  690  may eliminate non-relevant lines of questions based on the scores to user responses as determined by the response scoring module  660 . Additionally, or alternatively, the question mapping updating module  690  may abridge merged text transcripts of transitively related dialogues to include only the relevant portions of text that lead to a solution to the user&#39;s support issue. For example, the question mapping updating module  690  may generate an abridged text transcript that includes the text from the transitively related dialogues but with the non-relevant portions from each transitively related dialogue excised or removed. In embodiments, the abridged text transcript may be used as a “road map” or guide for future dialogues such that future dialogues only include relevant questions that lead to a solution to a user&#39;s support issue. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  show an example flowchart of a process for determining transitive relationships between dialogues to streamline future dialogues. The steps of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  may be implemented in the environment of  FIG. 5 , for example, and are described using reference numbers of elements depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . As noted above, the flowchart illustrates the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7A , process  700  may include receiving user input via an automated support application and begin generating a dialogue graph through the dialogue (step  705 ). For example, as described above with respect to the user input receiving module  610 , the agent device  220  may user input from the user device  210 . More specifically, the agent device  220  may receive user input via an automated support application hosted by the agent device  220 . The user input may include a request for support to resolve a support issue. Throughout process  700 , the agent device  220  may generate and update a dialogue graph (e.g., using the dialogue graphing module  670 ) as the dialogue between the user via the user device  210  and the agent device  220  progresses with questions, answers, and classification determinations as described herein. 
     Process  700  may also include determining whether the user input can be classified (step  710 ). For example, as described above with respect to the natural language processing module  620  and the classification module  630 , the agent device  220  may apply natural language processing to the user input to classify the user input. 
     If, for example, the user input cannot be classified (step  710 —NO), process  700  may further include determining and providing follow-up questions (step  715 ). For example, as described above with respect to the question mapping repository  640 , the agent device  220  may determine follow-up questions based on a question map stored by the question mapping repository  640 . The follow-up question may be based on natural language processing and a “best guess” of a classification or intent of the user&#39;s input, as well as the words included in the user input. The follow-up question may be provided in order to determine the classification for the dialogue. 
     Process  700  may also include receiving follow-up responses (step  720 ). For example, as described above with respect to the user input receiving module  610 , the agent device  220  may receive responses from the user device  210  to the follow-up questions. Process  700  may return to step  710  where the agent device  220  attempts to classify the dialogue based on the response to the follow up questions. 
     If, at step  710 , a classification is determined (step  710 —YES), process  700  may further include providing follow-up questions to confirm the classification (step  725 ). For example, as described above with respect to the question mapping repository  640 , the agent device  220  may determine follow-up questions based on determining the classification. The follow-up questions may ask the user to confirm the classification, or may include a resolution to the user&#39;s support issue with a request to conform that the resolution has resolved the user&#39;s support issue. 
     Process  700  may also include receive a follow-up response (step  730 ). For example, as described above with respect to the user input receiving module  610 , the agent device  220  may receive a response from the user device  210  to the follow-up question. 
     Process  700  may further include determining whether the classification has been confirmed, (step  735 ). For example, as described above with respect to the classification module  630 , the agent device  220  may confirm whether the classification is correct based on the user response to the follow-up question. 
     If, for example, the classification is not confirmed (step  735 —NO), process  700  may return to step  715  where follow-up questions are determined to re-classify the dialogue. As described herein, agent device  220  may store the classification at a corresponding node in the dialogue graph as the dialogue is classified and reclassified. 
     If, on the other hand, the classification is confirmed (step  735 —YES), and as shown in  FIG. 7B , process  700  may include storing the dialogue with the dialogue graph and transcript (step  740 ). For example, as described above with respect to the dialogue repository  650 , the agent device  220  may store the dialogue transcript and graph in the dialogue repository  650 . 
     Process  700  may further include scoring the user responses within the dialogue (step  745 ). For example, as described above with respect to the response scoring module  660 , the agent device  220  may score the user responses based on level of relevance to which the responses lead to a resolution to a user support issue. In embodiments, the agent device  220  may score the user responses by analyzing the dialogue graph and the paths within the dialogue graph to determine which user responses lead to a correct classification of the dialogue. 
     Process  700  may further include comparing the dialogue with other stored dialogues to determine transitive relationships (step  750 ). For example, as described above with respect to the transitive relationship determination module  680 , the agent device  220  may compare stored dialogues with each other to determine transitive relationships between the dialogues, and more specifically, determines transitive relationships between specific nodes within the dialogues. Further, the agent device  220  may determine transitive relationships based on abridging text transcripts of different dialogues. In embodiments, the transitive relationship determination module  680  may determine that one node in a dialogue graph (e.g., a first phrase, or one of the first phrases in a dialogue) is transitively related to a particular solution (e.g., a later node in the dialogue graph). 
     Process  700  may also include updating question mappings and/or abridge text transcripts based on the transitive relationships and/or scores (step  755 ). For example, as described above with respect to the question mapping updating module  690 , the agent device  220  may update question mappings stored by the question mapping repository  640 . In embodiments, the agent device  220  may update the question mappings based on the transitive relationships determined by the transitive relationship determination module  680 . In embodiments, the agent device  220  may eliminate nodes (e.g., questions) in a dialogue graph such that the path between an initial utterance and a final resolution is shortened. In other words, the agent device  220  may eliminate non-relevant lines of questions that do not lead to a solution to the user&#39;s support issue. Further, the agent device  220  may eliminate non-relevant lines of questions based on the scores to user responses as determined by the response scoring module  660 . Additionally, or alternatively, the agent device  220  may abridge text transcripts of transitively related dialogues to include only the relevant portions of text that lead to a solution to the user&#39;s support issue. In embodiments, the abridged text transcripts may be used as a “road map” or guide for future dialogues such that future dialogues only include relevant questions that lead to a solution to a user&#39;s support issue. 
     Process  700  may further include applying the updated question mapping and/or abridged text transcript to subsequent dialogues (step  760 ). For example, the updated question mappings and/or the abridged text transcript may be applied to future or subsequent support dialogues such that the future or subsequent support dialogues having similar user responses are shortened and streamlined to arrive at a solution to a user&#39;s support issue more quickly, and to more accurately classify the dialogue. 
     In embodiments, a service provider could offer to perform the processes described herein. In this case, the service provider can create, maintain, deploy, support, etc., the computer infrastructure that performs the process steps of the invention for one or more customers. These customers may be, for example, any business that uses technology. In return, the service provider can receive payment from the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service provider can receive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or more third parties. 
     In still additional embodiments, the invention provides a computer-implemented method, via a network. In this case, a computer infrastructure, such as computer system/server  12  ( FIG. 1 ), can be provided and one or more systems for performing the processes of the invention can be obtained (e.g., created, purchased, used, modified, etc.) and deployed to the computer infrastructure. To this extent, the deployment of a system can comprise one or more of: (1) installing program code on a computing device, such as computer system/server  12  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), from a computer-readable medium; (2) adding one or more computing devices to the computer infrastructure; and (3) incorporating and/or modifying one or more existing systems of the computer infrastructure to enable the computer infrastructure to perform the processes of the invention. 
     The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.