Patent Publication Number: US-2021183389-A1

Title: Asynchronous virtual assistant

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/682,609 filed Nov. 13, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/351,863 filed Nov. 15, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,515,632). The contents of the foregoing is hereby incorporated by reference into this application as if set forth herein in full. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The subject disclosure relates to an Asynchronous Virtual Assistant. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent developments have resulted in new and improved computer programs or agents that simulate intelligent conversations with one or more human users. Such interactive speech services are sometimes referred to as “chatbots” or “chatterbots.” Apple Inc.&#39;s iOS operating system provides a SIRI® personal assistant, as one example of a voice-activated personal agent that can understand human speech and act based on a specified set of actions. SIRI is registered trademark of Apple Inc. Personal agents can be used today for both enterprise and consumer services using either chat or speech. 
     Currently available personal agents are understood to operate in a dialog form, sometimes referred to as a “tic-tac flow” format. Namely, the user says something and the machine responds. The user may follow with another instruction to which the machine similarly responds. Such interactions can be considered synchronous, e.g., in that machine responses immediately follow or are otherwise synchronized to a preceding dialog. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system that supports an asynchronous virtual assistant; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an illustrative embodiment of another system that supports an asynchronous virtual assistant; 
         FIG. 3  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a process used in portions of the system described in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIGS. 4-5  depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems that provide media services that can be accessed or otherwise requested, provisioned and/or controlled by the systems described in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal for interacting with the communication systems that can be accessed or otherwise requested, provisioned and/or controlled by the systems described in  FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device that provides or otherwise supports an asynchronous virtual assistant, such as the systems described in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; and 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments for providing a virtual assistant that responds to user task orders, without necessarily requiring a dialog with the user. The user can provide simple tasks and/or more complicated tasks that include multiple facets or sub-tasks. The virtual assistant responds to the orders by identifying micro-actions and/or macro-actions that when executed, enact or otherwise accomplish a requested task. Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure. 
     One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a process that includes obtaining, by a processing system including a processor, a human interpretable input comprising a primary instruction. A number of secondary instructions are identified based on the primary instruction and initiation of the number of secondary instructions are facilitated. A result is determined based on the number of secondary instructions, wherein a response to the primary instruction is based on the result. 
     One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a system having a processing system including a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations. The operations include obtaining a user input that includes an instruction. A number of instruction components are identified, wherein a response to the instruction is based on execution of the number of instruction components, and execution of the number of instruction components is facilitated. A response is determined based on the execution of the number of instruction components. 
     One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readable storage medium, including executable instructions that, when executed by a processing system including a processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations obtaining an input from equipment of a user comprising a request. A number of activities are identified based on the request, and performance of the number of activities is facilitated. A result is determined based on the performance of the plurality of activities, wherein a response to the request is based on the result. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system  100  that provides an asynchronous virtual assistant. The system  100  includes a data collector  102 , a data analyzer  104 , a policy or rules engine  106 , an application or service controller  108 , and a response engine  112 . The data collector  102  captures input from a user. The input can include one or more of an instruction, an order, e.g., a task order, or a request. It is understood that any such instruction can be directed to a perceived virtual assistant, with an understanding that the virtual assistant will act upon the instruction to undertake one or more activities and/or to produce one or more responses, results or output that preferably fulfill or otherwise satisfy the task order. It is understood that the virtual assistant, as implemented by the example system  100 , undertakes one or more actions, activities or process steps that respond to the input, with a goal of fulfilling the task order to produce a desired result for the user. 
     The user input can take on one or more forms, such as voice or speech, non-verbal sounds, text, click streams, gestures and the like. To that end, the data collector can include one or more of an audio sensor, such as a microphone, an optical sensor, such as a still or video camera, a physical user interface, such as a keyboard, or control panel, and/or a graphical user interface. A microphone sensor includes a transducer that produces an electrical signal in response to detected sounds, such as the speech or vocalizations of the user. In some embodiments, the resulting electrical signal is referred to as an audio signal that can be processed as an analog signal, and/or digitized, e.g., using an analog-to-digital converter and processed as a digital signal. 
     It is understood that in at least some embodiments intelligence can be obtained from the audio signal, e.g., by converting speech-to-text. In such instances, a textual representation of detected audio, e.g., the user&#39;s vocalizations, is provided to the data analyzer  104  for further processing. Alternatively or in addition, intelligence can be obtained from a gesture-based interface, e.g., a camera and/or camera array trained upon the user. For example, the user waves a hand towards the interface, as though waving for a live assistant to come closer. The gesture can be interpreted as an instruction to begin an instructional session. Consider the system  100  responding to the hand gesture, such as a raising or a wave of a hand, with an audible response, “Do you need me?” or “Is there something I can do for you?” Such response can also prepare the system to accept the following voice communications. In this manner, the system  100  can be running in a background sense, without responding to speech until queued by an appropriate gesture. 
     In at least some embodiments, audio input can include non-verbal cues, such as a speaker&#39;s volume, intonation, non-verbal utterances, including hand clap, a tap, whistle and the like. Such cues can be interpreted by the system, e.g., as an indication of a particular function or action, such as directing telephone calls to voice mail, adjusting office lighting, music and the like. 
     It is understood that in at least some embodiments, the data collector  102  can include a recognition feature, such as facial recognition and/or voice recognition. Such recognition features can be used to identify a user as an authorized user, e.g., providing an implicit degree of security to protect against unauthorized access. Alternatively or in addition, such recognition features can be used to distinguish instructions from among a group of different individuals in a presence of the system. Consider an office meeting in which some members may engage in conversation, while an authorized user provides input to the system  100 . The system  100  distinguishes the authorized user from the other meeting members and accepts input from the authorized user while blocking or otherwise ignoring any vocalizations and/or gestures from unauthorized individuals, including the other meeting members. 
     In some embodiments, the data collector  102  accepts textual input from equipment of the authorized user. The equipment can include, without limitation, a keyboard and/or pointing device, e.g., of the user&#39;s desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet device, smart phone, smart television, and the like. The input can be obtained directly from a device, or indirectly from a service. Services can include, without limitation, Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Dual-Tone-Multiple-Frequency (DTMF) input, e.g., from a telephone, email, and the like. The collected data can be obtained from a live user in a presence of the system  100 , or a remote user, e.g., by way of a videoconference, a telephone call, a network connection, and the like. 
     A user input in the form of an instruction, an order, e.g., a task order, or a request can include a simple instruction, e.g., including a single order or task. For example, the task order might be to “Clear my calendar for this afternoon” or “Order a car service to take me to the airport in 30 minutes.” Alternatively, the task order can include a complex or compound order, e.g., including a list of instructions or subtasks. For example, a complex task order might be to “Clear my calendar for this afternoon and order a car service to take me to the airport in 30 minutes. 
     It is understood that in at least some embodiments, the data collector  102  can include a prompt and/or feedback mechanism by which the system  100  can communicate back to the user. Without limitation, such prompts and/or feedback might include a limited number of textual and/or vocalized phrases, such as “Did you need my assistance?” or “Will that be all Ms. Johnson?”. Such simple feedback items can be helpful to discern when the user is providing input to be processed by the system, and when the user has concluded providing such input. 
     To the extent error checking is applied by one or more modules of the system  100 , additional prompts can be provided by the system  100  to the user to identify and/or resolve such errors. At least some errors can be associated with the input, e.g., if a word or phrase was inaudible, or if an interpreted word or phrase seems out of place, the user can be prompted immediately for confirmation and/or correction. Alternatively or in addition, at least some errors can be associated with the underlying instructions. For example, if the user requests that a project status meeting scheduled on the 14 th  of the month be moved out one week, when in fact the meeting is scheduled on the 15 th . The system can request clarification, e.g., “Did you mean to reschedule the project meeting on the 15 th ?”. 
     Likewise, feedback can be provided for conflict resolution and/or clarification. Consider a user instructing and/or requesting that a financial slide from a quarterly report be included in a project summary presentation being prepared for an upcoming status meeting. To the extent there is ambiguity as to which financial slide, which quarterly report, or even which project, the system can request clarification, during the data collection phase or sometime thereafter. 
     In another example, the user provides a primary instruction by telling the virtual assistant to coordinate a dinner date with a client at a local restaurant, for next Tuesday at 7 pm. In this instance, the request will require multiple steps, secondary instructions or instruction components. The virtual assistant parses the primary instruction and determines that several secondary instructions will be necessary. For example, the instructions can include entering the appointment in the user&#39;s calendar, coordinating a reservation at the restaurant and inviting the client. 
     Continuing with the illustrative example, the assistant accesses the user&#39;s calendar to provide a calendar entry for the dinner. At this point, the virtual assistant can perform a conflict check to ensure that the user does not have a conflicting engagement. It is understood that the system  100  can include one or more conflict management modules  116 , e.g., in communication with one or more of the data collector  102 , the data analyzer  104 , the policy or rules engine  106 , the application or service controller  108 , the response engine  112  and/or an AI engine  114 . 
     To the extent that a conflicting engagement is identified, the virtual assistant can implement a conflict resolution. Conflict resolution can include one or more of notifying the user of the conflict and requesting clarification, notifying the user and proposing a suggested conflict resolution, or implementing a conflict resolution logic. Conflict resolution logic can include pre-programmed responses, e.g., identifying an order of precedence for calendar activities that allows some activities to be cancelled or moved based on other, more important activities. Alternatively or in addition, conflict resolution can include artificial intelligence and/or machine learning, e.g., resolving conflicts and/or proposing conflict resolution based on how similar conflicts have been resolved in the past. 
     Presuming that there are no conflicts, or that any conflicts have been resolved, the virtual assistant contacts the restaurant to make a reservation for next Tuesday at 7 pm for a party of two. Once again, conflict checking can be applied, e.g., if a reservation is not available for the requested time. Resolutions can include checking for other times according to the user&#39;s calendar, and/or other restaurants. Proposal of alternative restaurants can be based on a user response, e.g., upon notification by the virtual assistant that the venue is not available, and/or based on user preferences, e.g., according to a user profile and/or past reservations, and/or based on a machine logic and/or artificial intelligence that selects and alterative venue based on one or more characteristics, such as type of food, style of venue, location, and the like. 
     Having determined that the user is available and that a restaurant has been identified, the assistant can send an invitation to the client. In at least some embodiments, the assistant can confirm that the client has accepted and provide a response to the user to let her know that the dinner plans are all set. The response can include a voice response, e.g., Ms. Jones, your dinner with the client is all set for next Tuesday at 7 pm. Alternatively or in addition, the response can include a text message, and/or an email and the like. 
     Feedback can be provided in the same mode in which it was administered. Namely, speech output of feedback can be provided when the user is using a speech-to-text input mode. Likewise, textual output can be provided when using a textual interface, e.g., computer, mobile phone, SMS, email and the like. 
     The data analyzer  104  accepts collected user input from the data collector  102 . It is understood that the data collector can include at least some pre-processing to the user input, e.g., converting speech to text. The data analyzer or data analytic module  104  applies a set of processing functions to further process the collected user input. In some embodiments, the data analyzer applies an input normalization function. Such input normalizations can include correcting spelling errors, replacing one or more words with accepted replacements, e.g., according to a preferred vocabulary and/or dictionary. Thus, words or phrases of the collected input can be corrected, interpreted and/or replaced with one or more suitable words or phrases. The data analyzer  104  can include and/or access one or more dictionaries and/or thesauruses. In some embodiments, the data analyzer  104  can apply stemming and/or word parsing to reduce words to their stems, prefixes and/or suffixes. Such stemming can facilitate and/or simplify interpretations, e.g., using finite dictionaries, by focusing on one or more portions of a word. 
     It is understood that in at least some embodiments, the system can be configured in a domain specific mode. Such configurations can include a general business domain, e.g., to assume a role of a virtual office or executive assistant or secretary. Alternatively or in addition, other domain-specific configurations can include a legal office domain, a medical office domain, surgical unit domain, and the like. Such domains can generally be configured with dictionaries, vocabularies, rules and the like, that are anticipated or otherwise associated with their respective domains. Thus, a legal office domain can be tailored to interact with certain court filing systems, legal file systems, internal groups, such as legal docketing, and the like. Such a legal office domain would not be expected to respond to surgical instructions, interact with operating room systems, hospital systems, and the like. 
     In at least some embodiments, the data analyzer  104  includes one or more of a syntactic processor or a semantic parsing processor. Such syntactic and/or semantic parsing processors can be used to identify distinct or otherwise separable portions of the collected user input. For example, the data analyzer  104  can parse or otherwise distinguish multiple subtask orders of a compound task order. For example, such parsing can be accomplished by periods and/or pauses encountered in the collected user input. Further examples of output segments, subtasks or chunks can include: “I would like to obtain slide one,” “Go and combine it,” etc. 
     Alternatively or in addition, the data analyzer  104  can parse or otherwise distinguish input segments or “chunks” based on a perceived grammar Namely, the data analyzer  104  can identify, distinguish or otherwise discern subject, verb and/or object of a sentence chunk. Such interpretations can be made according to generally known techniques, e.g., based on vocabulary, word placement, and the like. 
     By way of example, in preparing for a meeting, the collected user input includes the following subtasks or sentence chunks identified in Table 1. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Example Parsed User Input. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Ref. 
                 Subtask 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 “Get me the slides from John Smith&#39;s meeting on 
               
               
                   
                 our 1 st  quarterly town hall.” 
               
               
                 2 
                 “Find the one on the project Alpha priorities for 
               
               
                   
                 2016.” 
               
               
                 3 
                 “Add that slide at the beginning of my town hall 
               
               
                   
                 presentation for tomorrow.” 
               
               
                 4 
                 “Email the slides to Jonathan Smith who will be 
               
               
                   
                 managing that meeting.” 
               
               
                 5 
                 “Let Jonathan know to reach out to me if he has 
               
               
                   
                 any questions.” 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     By way of example, a parsed subtask ref.  1 , includes: (i) a verb “get”; (ii) a subject “me”; (iii) an object “slides”; and an object modifier (iv) “from John Smith&#39;s meeting on our 1 st  quarterly town hall. 
     In at least some embodiments, the data analyzer  104  provides an output that includes distinguishable subtask orders of a compound task order. Alternatively or in addition, the data analyzer  104  provides an output that identifies or otherwise parses out actions to be performed and/or objects to be used in the performance of the actions. 
     The policy or rules engine  106  receives parsed input from the data analyzer  104 . Among various activities of policy/rules engine  106 , the parsed user input segments or chunks are translated into actions and/or micro-actions. Micro-actions can include elementary actions that address, respond to or otherwise implement a task order and/or a subtask order, and/or a piece or portion of a task order and/or subtask order. 
     In at least some embodiments, the policy/rules engine  106  organizes the actions and/or micro-actions. Such organization can be obtained according to a logical application of the actions, micro-actions. Consider subtask ref.  2 , which orders to “Find the one on project Alpha priorities for 2016.” In this instance, interpretation of “the one” can be obtained from a contextual interpretation of the user input that is preceded by subtask ref.  1 , in which the user requests the “slides.” 
     The policy/rules engine  106  then concatenates the micro-actions into distinct macro-actions, such as “get the slide,” “combine the slide,” “email the slide,” etc. The policy/rules engine  106  can performs conflict resolution and requests clarification from the user if two or more macro-actions in a sequence do not align. For example, meet with John Smith, then add the slide. 
     The policy/rules engine  106 , upon encountering a word or phrase to be interpreted into a corresponding micro-action can apply an interpretation process or routine. In some embodiments, the term is explicit and definite, such as the object of the ref. 1 subtask. Namely, “the slides from John Smith&#39;s meeting . . . ” In this instance, a translation results in a micro-action to open or otherwise access a computer file that contains the slides from John Smith&#39;s meeting. If the location of the computer file is unknown, the translation may include another preceding micro-action that conducts a search, e.g., of a hard drive, a file system, and/or a database to locate the requested file. The resulting location can be used in the micro-action to access or otherwise open the appropriate computer file. 
     In reference to ref. 2 subtask, however, there is some degree of uncertainty or ambiguity in the phrase “the one.” In this instance, the policy/rules engine  106  can apply a logical routine to identify a meaning of “the one.” For example, the logical routine can consider other subtasks and/or micro-actions to identify objects being accessed or otherwise manipulated. For instances in which multiple objects are referred to, a further logic can be applied to identify which object is most likely being referred to. In the illustrative example, a preceding subtask refers to an object, “the slides from John Smith&#39;s meeting.” It is likely that “the one” refers to a preceding object, such as the Smith slides. 
     The logic of the policy/rules engine  106  can make an educated guess, then follow up with a validation. In the illustrative example, the user requests “the one on the project Alpha priorities for 2016.” An ancillary micro-action can be included in the translation to check whether the suspected “one” is the Smith slides, by searching an opened file of the slides to identify one “on the project Alpha priorities for 2016.” To the extent a corresponding slide is identified within the Smith slides, a conclusion can be reached based on the ancillary action that the interpretation of “the one” referred to the Smith slides. 
     To the extent that there may be other possible interpretations of “the one,” other ancillary micro-actions can be implemented, e.g., to look for the one “on the project Alpha priorities for 2016” in any or all of the other candidates. The ancillary micro-actions may not directly lead to enacting a requested task, but can be helpful in a supporting role, e.g., for reduction in ambiguity, validation, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, an ordering is determined of the task orders, subtask orders, and/or the micro-actions. The ordering can be implied, e.g., according to a sequence in which the original task order was received during data collection. According to the illustrative example, an ordering of the subtasks identified in Table 1 can be inferred from their ordering in the instruction, e.g., according to their ref. numbers. 
     Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the task orders, subtask orders and/or micro-actions can be arranged, considered and/or otherwise processed according to an explicit order. It is conceivable that in at least some instances, the task orders, subtask orders and/or micro-actions will include indicia of their order. For example, the user might provide an input along the lines of “First, do A” “Then, do B.” In this instance, the ordinal phrases provide an explicit indication of their intended order. Alternatively or in addition, ordering can be determined according to the orders, subtask orders and/or micro-actions. Namely, processing logic may dictate that certain tasks be completed before other tasks. Consider that a computer file including the Smith slides must be accessed before it can be opened, then opened before the requested slide can be identified, and the requested slide identified before it can be copied into the user&#39;s presentation. 
     In some embodiments, the policy/rules engine  106  analyzes and/or otherwise interprets the parsed user input to detect a presence or absence of interdependencies between subtasks. To the extent a subtask does not depend on another subtask, any particular ordering, at least at a subtask level, may be irrelevant. Such a lack of interdependencies provides an opportunity for efficiency. Namely, one or more subtasks can be implemented in parallel to expedite a total response time. Alternatively or in addition, such non-interdependent tasks can be implemented at an opportune time, e.g., based on one or more of processing capacity, memory usage, communication bandwidth, and the like. 
     The policy/rules engine  106  finally recommend a set of macro-actions for the next module to perform. It is understood that in at least some embodiments, a sequencing of the macro-actions can depend on one or more of the foregoing. Namely, the policy/rules engine  106  can determine an ordering based on necessity, e.g., dependencies, or convenience, e.g., efficiencies. The ordering can be stored, at least temporarily, in an internal data structure that can be used to orchestrate the micro-actions, subtasks and the like. 
     The application and/or service controller  108  receives input from the policy/rules engine  106  that identifies micro-actions. The application/service controller  108  responds to the input by facilitating and/or otherwise performing each macro-action. Continuing with the illustrative example, the macro-actions can include (i) “get the slide,” (ii) “combine the slide,” (iii) “email the slide.” 
     In response to the first macro-action, the application and/or service controller  108  can access an application, such as PowerPoint® slide show presentation program. PowerPoint is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation. The application can be controlled or otherwise instructed by the application and/or service controller  108  to open the Smith slides, to locate the desired slide, and to copy the slide. Likewise, in response to the second macro-action, the application and/or service controller  108  can once again use the PowerPoint® slide show presentation to open the user&#39;s presentation and to paste or otherwise combine the selected slide from the Smith presentation, and to save the updated presentation. Finally, the application and/or service controller  108  can access an email application, such as Outlook® email application to email the slide to an intended recipient. The application and/or service controller  108  can interact with one or more of applications and/or services by way of respective application program interfaces (APIs). 
     In at least some embodiments, the application and/or service controller  108  includes error handling. For example, if any of the foregoing example macro-action fail, the application/service controller  108  can attempt to facilitate or otherwise perform a recovery. For example, the application and/or service controller  108  returns back to the policy/rules engine  106  to request a recommendation as the task has failed. The application/service controller  108  module can be configured to collect which actions have been executed correctly, and to determine when an application has been completed successfully. Alternatively or in addition, the application/service controller  108  can be configured to collect which actions have not been executed correctly, and to determine when an application cannot be completed successfully 
     The application/service controller  108  provides an output to the response engine  112 . The response engine module  112  can be configured to synthesize a response to the user. In some embodiments, the synthesized response summarizes all of the actions taken. For example, the synthesized response can indicate that: “Your new slides have been created and set to Jonathan.” Likewise, a synthesized response can include any portions of the request that could not be accomplished for any reason. 
     To the extent that reasons are known, the response engine  112  can provide reasons with response. Alternatively or in addition, the response engine  112  can simply identify any issues and query the user as to whether further detail should be provided. To the extent the user requires further detail, the response engine  112  can provide the details. 
     The response engine  112  can provide output in one or more different formats. For example, the response engine  112  can include a text-to-speech synthesizer to provide speech at an output channel. Alternatively or in addition, the response engine  112  can provide an output according to any generally accepted means of communication. This can include text, e.g., SMS, messages, email messages, voice mail messages and the like. In some embodiments, a particular form of output can be based on a format of the input. Thus, speech in can beget speech out. Text in begets text out and the like. 
     Alternatively or in addition, the output format is identified in the instruction. For example, a user may provide a task order using voice commands, but request that any updates or results be provided by one or more other modes, such as text message, email, and the like. In at least some embodiments, a preferred and/or default mode of providing a response can be provide in a user profile, e.g., a user configuration file. 
     It should be understood that an individual user may adopt more than one persona in relation to interactions with the system. For example, an executive can assume the role of executive for some activities, family member for other activities, board member for other activities and so on. It is conceivable that the system can deduce which persona might apply based on a context of the order, including content of the task order and/or where, when and how the order was received. Alternatively or in addition, the user can select or otherwise indicate which persona should apply in association with a particular task order or command. To the extent that user profiles are available, it is further understood that such profiles can include variants according to different persona of the same individual. Thus, a default or preferred communication mode to be applied by the response engine  112  can be determined according to the persona and/or a user profile. 
     In some embodiments, the system includes an Artificial Intelligence (AI) module  114  (shown in phantom) that can be in communication with one or more elements or modules of the system. The example AI module  114  is in communication with the Data analyzer  104 , the policy engine  106  and the application controller  108 . The AI module  114  can be applied to one or more of the core functions of the corresponding modules  104 ,  106 ,  108 , and/or serve as a separate function. 
     For example, it is envisioned that the system can apply a learning function to improve performance over time. In this capacity, the AI engine  114  can monitor or otherwise track performance of the system  100 , e.g., determining when task orders were performed successfully, and when some sort of complication was encountered. To the extent any complications are encountered, the AI engine  114  can include functionality to identify a source of the complication and whether the complication was ultimately resolved by the system with or without user and or operator intervention. 
     For instances in which a complication was resolved, including instances in which operator intervention was necessary, the AI engine  114  can alter and/or suggest alterations to functionality of the one or more modules  104 ,  106 ,  108 . In this sense, when similar circumstances that led to a complication are encountered later, the altered functionality can be applied in an attempt to avoid a similar complication. In at least some embodiments, the AI engine  114  can monitor or otherwise track such altered functionalities to determine whether the altered functionality properly addresses the earlier complication. To the extent that the altered functionality does not sufficiently address the situation, the process can be repeated using variants of the altered functionality until a suitable version is obtained. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an illustrative embodiment of another system  200  that supports an asynchronous virtual assistant. The system  200  includes an input processor  202 , a data analyzer  204 , a policy/rules engine  216 , an application controller  218 , a response orchestrator  222  and an output processor  224 . In at least some embodiments, one or more of the input processor  202 , the data analyzer  204 , the policy/rules engine  216 , the application controller  218 , and the output processor  224  can operate in a similar manner to one or more of the data collector  102 , the data analyzer  104 , the policy/rules engine  106 , the application/service controller  108  and the response engine  112  of the preceding system  100  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     In more detail, the system  200  includes one or more of a vocabulary repository  206 , a language pattern recognizer  208  and/or a language interpreter  210 . The vocabulary repository  206  can include a dictionary or similar list of accepted vocabulary and/or alternates or variants. The vocabulary repository  206  can be stored locally on a device, such as a device implementing one or more functions of the system  200 . Alternatively or in addition, the vocabulary repository  206  can be accessible by way of a network. Such online vocabulary repositories can include repositories accessible by subscription, e.g., by way of a third party, and/or vocabulary repositories provided by a supplier and/or service provider of the system  200 . It is understood that more than one vocabulary repositories can be provided according to levels of subscription, application domains, custom tailored to an individual user and/or enterprise and the like. 
     Likewise, one or more of the language pattern recognizer  208  and/or the language interpreter  210  can be stored locally on the device and/or accessible by way of a network. Once again, such online language pattern recognizers and/or the language interpreters can include repositories accessible by subscription, e.g., by way of a third party, and/or provided by a supplier and/or service provider of the system  200 . It is understood that more than one of either of the language pattern recognizer and/or the language interpreter can be provided according to levels of subscription, application domains, custom tailored to an individual user and/or enterprise and the like. 
     To the extent that AI is applied to the system  200 , it is understood that AI can be applied to one or more of the vocabulary repository  206 , the language pattern recognizer  208  and/or the language interpreter  210 . The AI can operate to apply a machine learning, e.g., based on current and/or past performance to tailor or otherwise modify operation of one or more of the modules  206 ,  208 ,  210  to improve performance for current and/or future applications. For example, language pattern recognizer  208  can adapt to a particular style of speaking and/or writing of a particular user. Since it is understood that the system  200  can be used by more than one individual, it is further understood that any such modifications based on AI can be distinguished into at least two categories: ones that apply to every user and others that apply to a particular user. In this regard, it is understood that AI modifications adopted by one or more of the modules  206 ,  208 ,  210  can be apportioned to particular users. 
     Consider that the system  200  can adopt a profile based on the current user. The adopted profile can be saved separately in a profile repository. When loaded, the profiles can adapt functionality of one or more modules of the system  200  based on one or more of user preferences, AI improvements to functionality and the like. It is understood that in at least some embodiments, a system administrator can create, modify, and/or delete one or more user profiles, as needed. 
     In still more detail, the system  200  includes one or more of a domain model repository  212  and/or a task flow model repository  214 . The domain model repository  212  can include one or more features that when applied to the system  200 , improve or otherwise facilitate application of system functionality to a particular domain. Domains can include, without limitation, business disciplines, e.g., an enterprise versus a small business, technical disciplines, e.g., biotechnology versus software, and professional disciplines, e.g., medicine versus legal services. 
     It is understood that in at least some instances one or more of the domain models  212  and/or task flow models  214  can include functionality developed for a specific application and/or user. For example, a large corporate enterprise with multiple varied divisions might include one or more of a common domain model directed to the enterprise and/or one or more additional domain models directed to particular divisions. 
     Likewise, task flow models  214  can be tailored and/or otherwise directed to one or more of the enterprise and/or its varied divisions. It is further understood that task flow models  214  can be customized according to business rules and/or policies. Such customized task flows can correspond to a particular domain model, and/or a particular user. Alternatively or in addition, such customize task flows can be based on other factors, such as subject matter of the task orders, content of the micro/macro-actions and the like. 
     The response orchestrator  222  can be in communication with one or more of the application controller  218 , the applications/services  220 , the output processor  224  and/or the task flow model repository  214 . In some embodiments, the response orchestrator  222  obtains a task flow model from the task flow model repository  214 . The task flow model provides guidance as to orchestration of a response to the user input. Particular task flow models can correspond to task orders, sub-task orders, macro-actions and even micro-actions. 
     In some instances, AI can be applied to the response orchestrator  222 , e.g., measure and/or otherwise determining an effectiveness of any applied orchestrations. To the extent improvements are determined, e.g., by way of machine learning principles, the improvements may suggest improvements to a corresponding applied task flow model  214 . In this instance, the AI can work in tandem with one or more modules of the system, such as the response orchestrator  222  and the task flow repository to modify a task flow, as required and to store the modified task flow for future application according to the techniques disclosed herein. 
     It is envisioned that the techniques disclosed herein will transform the way in which users interact with machines, e.g., computers, machines according to the Internet of Things (IoT) and the like, creating opportunities to drive cost saving and new monetization opportunities. Supervisors can instruct a computer to perform a serious of instructions. By way of non-limiting example, the instructions may relate to developing a presentation, handling a customer care transaction, a sales transaction, a technical repair issue, etc. Managers can instruct a computer to find better rates and packages for a particular customer. Service providers, such as network and/or computing resource, i.e., “cloud” services providers, can provide such capabilities to their consumers and enterprise customers, and/or sell similar solutions as stand-alone products in the market. 
       FIG. 3  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a process  300  used in portions of the system described in  FIGS. 1-2 . A user input is obtained at  302 . The user input can be obtained according to any suitable manner or mode, include the examples included herein. Namely, the user input can be obtained at  302  by way of a speech-to-text processor. The user can address the virtual assistant as one would address a personal assistant. For example, the assistant can be addressed by a name, e.g., “Wanda” that can be pre-assigned and/or assigned by the user. 
     The virtual assistant accepts verbal input from the user. The interaction between the user and the virtual assistant can be asynchronous. For example, the user may provide one instruction that is enacted upon by the virtual assistant without the virtual assistant providing an acknowledgment. The virtual assistant can determine a beginning and an end of a user input session. In some embodiments, the beginning and end can be identified by keywords and/or phrases issued by the users. For example, the user may indicate a beginning of a user input session by saying, “Wanda, please take care of . . . ” or some similar phrase. Similarly, the user may indicate a conclusion of a user input session by saying “Thank you, Wanda. That will be all for now,” or some similar phrase. In some embodiments, a prolonged silence, nonverbal utterance and/or gesture can be used alone or in combination with a word or phrase to identify beginning and/or end of a user input session. 
     The user can provide multiple commands or instructions to the virtual assistant in succession, without expecting or receiving any corresponding feedback from the virtual assistant. Namely, the virtual assistant can patiently accept a series of instructions before acknowledging and/or providing any sort of reply. It is understood that in at least some embodiments, the virtual assistant can begin processing a partial input, e.g., according to the following steps, while still engaging in an active user input session. 
     The user input is parsed into segments or “chunks” at  304 . For example, text resulting from the speech-to-text processing can be parsed into segments or chunks. To the extent that the input includes a task order that includes multiple sub-tasks, the parsing can include parsing the individual sub-tasks. It is understood that further parsing can be applied to identify content of each sub-task for further processing, e.g., subjects, verbs, objects, modifiers, etc. In at least some embodiments the parsing can be accomplished with the assistance of one or more of a vocabulary repository  206 , a language pattern recognizer  208  and/or a language interpreter  210  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     A particular segment or chunk is identified at  306 . In some embodiments, the segments or chunks are temporarily stored in one or more buffers. In some embodiments, a buffer can be associated with those segments or chunks that are implemented according to a particular order. Multiple buffers can be applied to tasks that can be completed in parallel. 
     A determination is made at  308  as to whether the identified segment requires micro-actions. To the extent micro-actions are applicable, they are determined at  310 , and the micro-action is enacted at  312 . To the extent that micro-actions are not applicable the particular segment action is enacted at  312 . 
     In at least some embodiments, error checking and/or conflict management is applied. For example, in the illustrative embodiment, a determination is made at  313  whether there are any errors and/or conflicts based on the input and/or the micro-actions. To the extent that any errors and/or conflicts are identified, they can be resolved, e.g., at  315 . Having been resolved, the process can continue, e.g., by enacting the segment action/micro-action at  312 . 
     The actions and/or micro-actions are orchestrated at  314 . In at least some embodiments, orchestration can include application of a task flow model  214  ( FIG. 2 ). Orchestration can control which applications and/or services  220  are accessed in which order. Alternatively or in addition, orchestration can facilitate obtaining interim results in an efficient order to execute processing of the task and/or sub-task. 
     A determination is made at  316  as to whether more segments are available for processing. To the extent that there are more segments, processing continues by identifying another segment or chunk at  306 . The process continues from this point according to the preceding description until a determination is made at  316  that no further segments are available for processing. 
     An output is optionally provide at  318  (shown in phantom). In some instances, the output indicates that the requested task order has been completed. Alternatively or in addition, the output can provide incremental status updates, e.g., subtask  1  completed, subtasks  2  and  3  remaining. To the extent that a subtask cannot be completed and/or that some difficulty was encountered, an output can be provided indicating such status. 
     Alternatively or in addition, an output can be provided that request supplemental input from the user. To the extent further input is obtained, a task order being processed can be revised or otherwise modified to proceed according to the supplemental input. For example, if a user orders the system  200  to schedule travel including airlines, ground transportation and hotel according to preferred flights, carriers and/or hotels, but one or more of the preferred entities are not available, the user can be prompted for alternates. Namely, the system  200  by way of the output  318  can ask the user whether a flight time can be adjusted to accommodate booking on a preferred air carrier, or whether alternative flights on another carrier should be pursued to maintain a preferred schedule. 
     While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in  FIG. 3 , it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein. 
       FIG. 4  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communication system  400  for delivering media content. The communication system  400  can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media system. Communication system  400  can be overlaid or operably coupled with systems supporting virtual asynchronous assistants  100 ,  200   FIGS. 1 and/or 2  as another representative embodiment of communication system  400 . For instance, one or more devices illustrated in the communication system  400  of  FIG. 4  can support one or more functions of a virtual asynchronous assistant that obtains an input comprising an order, identifies a number of activities based on the order, facilitates initiation of the activities, and determines a result based on the activities, wherein the result is responsive to the order. 
     The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO)  410  with at least one super headend office server (SHS)  411  which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In the present context, media content can represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as 2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still image content, and combinations thereof. The SHS server  411  can forward packets associated with the media content to one or more video head-end servers (VHS)  414  via a network of video head-end offices (VHO)  412  according to a multicast communication protocol. 
     The VHS  414  can distribute multimedia broadcast content via an access network  418  to commercial and/or residential buildings  402  housing a gateway  404  (such as a residential or commercial gateway). The access network  418  can represent a group of digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service area interface that provide broadband services over fiber optical links or copper twisted pairs  419  to buildings  402 . The gateway  404  can use communication technology to distribute broadcast signals to media processors  406  such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices  408  such as computers or television sets managed in some instances by a media controller  407  (such as an infrared or RF remote controller). 
     The gateway  404 , the media processors  406 , and media devices  408  can utilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerline or phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or other present or next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies. By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invoked between the media processors  406  and subsystems of the IPTV media system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronic programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services. 
     A satellite broadcast television system  429  can be used in the media system of  FIG. 4 . The satellite broadcast television system can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system  400 . In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite  415  that include media content can be received by a satellite dish receiver  431  coupled to the building  402 . Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver  431  can be transferred to the media processors  406  for demodulating, decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the media devices  408 . The media processors  406  can be equipped with a broadband port to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network  432  to enable interactive services such as VoD and EPG as described above. 
     In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system  433  can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satellite TV system as another representative embodiment of communication system  400 . In this embodiment, the cable TV system  433  can also provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media services. System  400  enables various types of interactive television and/or services including IPTV, cable and/or satellite. 
     The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generation over-the-air and/or landline media content services system. 
     Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled to one or more computing devices  430 , a portion of which can operate as a web server for providing web portal services over the ISP network  432  to wireline media devices  408  or wireless communication devices  416 . 
     Communication system  400  can also provide for all or a portion of the computing devices  430  to function as a virtual asynchronous assistant system (herein referred to as a virtual assistant processor  430 ). The virtual assistant processor  430  can use computing and communication technology to perform function  462 , which can include among other things, the virtual asynchronous assistant processing techniques described by the process  300  of  FIG. 3 . For instance, function  462  of server  430  can be similar to the functions described one or more of the modules  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  112 ,  114  of  FIG. 1 , and/or one or more of the modules  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 ,  224  of  FIG. 2  in accordance with process  300  of  FIG. 3 . The media processors  406  and wireless communication devices  416  can be provisioned with software functions  464  and  466 , respectively, to utilize the services of virtual assistant processor  430 . For instance, functions  464  and  466  of media processors  406  and wireless communication devices  416  can be similar to the functions described for the systems  100 ,  200  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in accordance with the process  300  of  FIG. 3 . 
     Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media devices over landline technologies such as those described above. Additionally, media services can be offered to media devices by way of a wireless access base station  417  operating according to common wireless access protocols such as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal Mobile Telecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave or WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and so on. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access network technologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. 
       FIG. 5  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system  500  employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture to facilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switched systems. Communication system  500  can be overlaid or operably coupled with the system  100 ,  200  of  FIGS. 1 and/or 2  and communication system  400  as another representative embodiment of communication system  400 . One or more devices illustrated in the communication system  500  of  FIG. 5  can support one or more functions of a virtual asynchronous assistant that obtains an input comprising an order, identifies a number of activities based on the order, facilitates initiation of the activities, and determines a result based on the activities, wherein the result is responsive to the order. 
     Communication system  500  can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)  540 , a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server  530 , and other network elements of an IMS network  550 . The IMS network  550  can establish communications between IMS-compliant communication devices (CDs)  501 ,  502 , Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) CDs  503 ,  505 , and combinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)  520  coupled to a PSTN network  560 . The MGCF  520  need not be used when a communication session involves IMS CD to IMS CD communications. A communication session involving at least one PSTN CD may utilize the MGCF  520 . 
     IMS CDs  501 ,  502  can register with the IMS network  550  by contacting a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn, communicates with a Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with the HSS  540 . To initiate a communication session between CDs, an originating IMS CD  501  can submit a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP INVITE) message to an originating P-CSCF  504  which communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF  506 . The originating S-CSCF  506  can submit the SIP INVITE message to one or more application servers (ASs)  517  that can provide a variety of services to IMS subscribers. 
     For example, the application servers  517  can be used to perform originating call feature treatment functions on the calling party number received by the originating S-CSCF  506  in the SIP INVITE message. Originating treatment functions can include determining whether the calling party number has international calling services, call ID blocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit dialing, and/or is requesting special telephony features (e.g., *72 forward calls, *73 cancel call forwarding, *67 for caller ID blocking, and so on). Based on initial filter criteria (iFCs) in a subscriber profile associated with a CD, one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various call originating feature services. 
     Additionally, the originating S-CSCF  506  can submit queries to the ENUM system  530  to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIP INVITE message to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminating communication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP URI can be used by an Interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF)  507  to submit a query to the HSS  540  to identify a terminating S-CSCF  514  associated with a terminating IMS CD such as reference  502 . Once identified, the I-CSCF  507  can submit the SIP INVITE message to the terminating S-CSCF  514 . The terminating S-CSCF  514  can then identify a terminating P-CSCF  516  associated with the terminating CD  502 . The P-CSCF  516  may then signal the CD  502  to establish Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services, thereby enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile, one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various call terminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not disturb, music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, etc. 
     In some instances the aforementioned communication process is symmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” in  FIG. 5  may be interchangeable. It is further noted that communication system  500  can be adapted to support video conferencing. In addition, communication system  500  can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs  501 ,  502  with the multimedia and Internet services of communication system  400  of  FIG. 4 . 
     If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such as CD  503  or CD  505  (in instances where the cellular phone only supports circuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM system  530  can respond with an unsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originating S-CSCF  506  to forward the call to the MGCF  520  via a Breakout Gateway Control Function (BGCF)  519 . The MGCF  520  can then initiate the call to the terminating PSTN CD over the PSTN network  560  to enable the calling and called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications. 
     It is further appreciated that the CDs of  FIG. 5  can operate as wireline or wireless devices. For example, the CDs of  FIG. 5  can be communicatively coupled to a cellular base station  521 , a femtocell, a WiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) base unit, or another suitable wireless access unit to establish communications with the IMS network  550  of  FIG. 5 . The cellular access base station  521  can operate according to common wireless access protocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on. Other present and next generation wireless network technologies can be used by one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly, multiple wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used by the CDs of  FIG. 5 . 
     Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched voice and packet-switched data communications and thus may operate as IMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular base station  521  may communicate directly with the IMS network  550  as shown by the arrow connecting the cellular base station  521  and the P-CSCF  516 . 
     Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and/or software. Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a respective CSCF system having one or more computers or servers, either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may be configured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionality described herein in accordance with a respective CSCF. Likewise, other functions, servers and computers described herein, including but not limited to, the HSS, the ENUM server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can be embodied in a respective system having one or more computers or servers, either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may be configured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionality described herein in accordance with a respective function, server, or computer. 
     The virtual assistant processor  430  of  FIG. 4  can be operably coupled to communication system  500  for purposes similar to those described above. The virtual assistant processor  430  can perform function  462  and thereby provide virtual asynchronous assistant services to the CDs  501 ,  502 ,  503  and  505  of  FIG. 5 , similar to the functions described for the systems  100 ,  200  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and the virtual assistant processor  430  of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with the process  300  of  FIG. 3 . CDs  501 ,  502 ,  503  and  505 , which can be adapted with software to perform function  572  to utilize the services of the virtual assistant processor  430 , similar to the functions described for the systems  100 ,  200  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in accordance with the process  300  of  FIG. 3 . The virtual assistant processor  430  can be an integral part of the application server(s)  517  performing function  574 , which can be substantially similar to function  462  and adapted to the operations of the IMS network  550 . 
     For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF, I-CSCF, and so on, can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subject disclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood that any form of a CSCF server can operate in a device, system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It is further noted that these terms and other terms such as DIAMETER commands are terms can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that may be described in whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3 rd  Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some or all embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part modify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standards published and promulgated by 3GPP. 
       FIG. 6  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal  602  of a communication system  600 . Communication system  600  can be overlaid or operably coupled with the systems  100 ,  200  of  FIGS. 1 and/or 2 , communication system  400 , and/or communication system  500  as another representative embodiment of systems  100 ,  200  of  FIGS. 1 and/or 2 , communication system  400 , and/or communication system  500 . The web portal  602  can be used for managing services of systems  100 ,  200  of  FIGS. 1 and/or 2 , and communication systems  400 - 500 . A web page of the web portal  602  can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with an Internet browser using an Internet-capable communication device such as those described in  FIGS. 1 and/or 2  and  FIGS. 4-5 . The web portal  602  can be configured, for example, to access a media processor  406  and services managed thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a Video on Demand (VoD) catalog, an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), or a personal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored at the media processor  406 . The web portal  602  can also be used for provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioning Internet services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on. 
     The web portal  602  can further be utilized to manage and provision software applications  462 - 466 , and  572 - 572  to adapt these applications as may be desired by subscribers and/or service providers of systems  100 ,  200  of  FIGS. 1 and/or 2 , and communication systems  400 - 500 . For instance, users and/or operators, e.g., support operators or service provider operations, of the services provided by virtual assistant server  430  can log into their on-line accounts and provision the servers  110  or virtual assistant server  430  with domain selections, data collection and/or output/status reporting preferences, and so on. Service providers can log onto an administrator account to provision, monitor and/or maintain the systems  100 ,  200  of  FIGS. 1 and/or 2  or the virtual assistant server  430 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device  700 . Communication device  700  can serve in whole or in part as an illustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in  FIGS. 1 and/or 2 , and  FIGS. 4-5  and can be configured to perform portions of the process  300  of  FIG. 3 . 
     Communication device  700  can comprise a wireline and/or wireless transceiver  702  (herein transceiver  702 ), a user interface (UI)  704 , a power supply  714 , a location receiver  716 , a motion sensor  718 , an orientation sensor  720 , and a controller  706  for managing operations thereof. The transceiver  702  can support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth® and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special Interest Group and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA- 1 X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver  702  can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof. 
     The UI  704  can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad  708  with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device  700 . The keypad  708  can be an integral part of a housing assembly of the communication device  700  or an independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad  708  can represent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI  704  can further include a display  710  such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology for conveying images to an end user of the communication device  700 . In an embodiment where the display  710  is touch-sensitive, a portion or all of the keypad  708  can be presented by way of the display  710  with navigation features. 
     The display  710  can use touch screen technology to also serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, the communication device  700  can be adapted to present a user interface with graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger. The touch screen display  710  can be equipped with capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect how much surface area of a user&#39;s finger has been placed on a portion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can be used to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the user interface. The display  710  can be an integral part of the housing assembly of the communication device  700  or an independent device communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a cable) or a wireless interface. 
     The UI  704  can also include an audio system  712  that utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system  712  can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audio system  712  can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI  704  can further include an image sensor  713  such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images. 
     The power supply  714  can utilize common power management technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energy to the components of the communication device  700  to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering technologies. 
     The location receiver  716  can utilize location technology such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device  700  based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor  718  can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the communication device  700  in three-dimensional space. The orientation sensor  720  can utilize orientation sensing technology such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device  700  (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics). 
     The communication device  700  can use the transceiver  702  to also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wireless access points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The controller  706  can utilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executing computer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by the aforementioned components of the communication device  700 . 
     Other components not shown in  FIG. 7  can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communication device  700  can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button can be used to reset the controller  706  of the communication device  700 . In yet another embodiment, the communication device  700  can also include a factory default setting button positioned, for example, below a small hole in a housing assembly of the communication device  700  to force the communication device  700  to re-establish factory settings. In this embodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paper clip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button. The communication device  700  can also include a slot for adding or removing an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth. 
     The communication device  700  as described herein can operate with more or less of the circuit components shown in  FIG. 7 . These variant embodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. 
     The communication device  700  can be adapted to perform the functions of the systems  100 ,  200  of  FIGS. 1 and/or 2 , the media processor  406 , the media devices  408 , or the portable communication devices  416  of  FIG. 4 , as well as the IMS CDs  501 - 502  and PSTN CDs  503 - 505  of  FIG. 5 . It will be appreciated that the communication device  700  can also represent other devices that can operate in systems  100 ,  200  of  FIGS. 1 and/or 2 , communication systems  400 - 500  of  FIGS. 4-5  such as a gaming console and a media player. In addition, the controller  706  can be adapted in various embodiments to perform the functions  462 - 466  and  572 - 574 , respectively. 
     Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of the claims described below. For example, the virtual assistant processor can include a learning phase in which a user is prompted to respond to one or more questions, selections and/or practice tasks. Other embodiments can be used in the subject disclosure. 
     It should be understood that devices described in the exemplary embodiments can be in communication with each other via various wireless and/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that are described as coupled, connected and so forth, which can include unidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless paths and/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols or methodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g., no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediary processing device such as a router). 
       FIG. 8  depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system  800  within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described above. One or more instances of the machine can operate, for example, as the virtual assistant processor  430 , the media processor  406  the data collector, the data analyzer  104 ,  204 , the policy/rules engine  106 ,  216 , the application controller  108 ,  218 , the response engine  112 , and/or the AI engine  114 , the input processor  202 , the response orchestrator  222 , the output processor  224 , the domain model repository  212 , the task flow model repository  214 , the vocabulary repository  206 , the language pattern recognizer  208 , the language interpreter  210 , and other devices of  FIGS. 1-2 . In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network  826 ) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. 
     The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a communication device of the subject disclosure includes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein. 
     The computer system  800  may include a processor (or controller)  802  (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory  804  and a static memory  806 , which communicate with each other via a bus  808 . The computer system  800  may further include a display unit  810  (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system  800  may include an input device  812  (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device  814  (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit  816 , a signal generation device  818  (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device  820 . In distributed environments, the embodiments described in the subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units  810  controlled by two or more computer systems  800 . In this configuration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may in part be shown in a first of the display units  810 , while the remaining portion is presented in a second of the display units  810 . 
     The disk drive unit  816  may include a tangible computer-readable storage medium  822  on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software  824 ) embodying any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions  824  may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory  804 , the static memory  806 , and/or within the processor  802  during execution thereof by the computer system  800 . The main memory  804  and the processor  802  also may constitute tangible computer-readable storage media. 
     Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits and programmable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executing state machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments of the subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations. 
     In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, the operations or methods described herein are intended for operation as software programs or instructions running on or executed by a computer processor or other computing device, and which may include other forms of instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logic components in an application specific integrated circuit or field programmable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g., software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Distributed processing environments can include multiple processors in a single machine, single processors in multiple machines, and/or multiple processors in multiple machines. It is further noted that a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a state machine or other suitable device for executing instructions to perform operations or methods may perform such operations directly or indirectly by way of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computing device. 
     While the tangible computer-readable storage medium  822  is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitory computer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives, devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se. 
     The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein are stored. 
     Although the present specification describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-time superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g., RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), and long-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used by computer system  800 . In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can be generated including services being accessed, media consumption history, user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained by various methods including user input, detecting types of communications (e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring of this information can be responsive to an authorization provided by the user. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject to authorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in, an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selective authorization based on types of data, and so forth. 
     The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The exemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or steps from multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments described or shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can be combined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. In one or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or without replacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure can be performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions of the subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from other steps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further, more than or less than all of the features described with respect to an embodiment can also be utilized. 
     Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more of the exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms to describe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second, third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or function unless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, third and so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components, steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, one or more devices or components described with respect to the exemplary embodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating (e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection) can include less than every step needed to perform the function or can include all of the steps needed to perform the function. 
     In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controller or circuit) has been described that performs various functions. It should be understood that the processor can be multiple processors, which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in a single machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used in supporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processing environment may support one or more virtual machines representing computers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtual machines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may be virtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a state machine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmable gate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when a processor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this can include the processor performing the operations directly and/or facilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or component to perform the operations. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.