Patent Publication Number: US-2002010000-A1

Title: Knowledge-based information retrieval system and method for wireless communication device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates generally to radio or wireless communications and, more particularly, relates to a knowledge-based information retrieval system and method thereof.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] The advent of wireless personal communication devices has revolutionized the telecommunications industry. Cellular, PCS and other services provide wireless personal communications to businesses and individuals at home, in the office, on the road, and to any other locations the wireless network reaches. Wireless telephone subscribers no longer have to use pay telephones along the road, or wait until they return home or to the office, to check messages and return important business calls. Instead, wireless subscribers carry out their day to day business from their cars, from the jobsite, while walking along the airport concourse, and just about anywhere their signals are accessible.  
       [0003] Thus, it is no surprise that since the introduction of the cellular telephone service, the number of wireless telephone subscribers has increased steadily. Today, the number of wireless telephone subscribers is staggering and still growing rapidly. In fact, many households have multiple wireless telephones in addition to their conventional landline services.  
       [0004] With a market of this size, there is fierce competition among hardware manufacturers and service providers. In an attempt to lure customers, most providers offer handsets with desirable features or attributes such as small size, light weight, longer battery life, speed dial, and so forth. Many recent additions to the marketplace include multi-functional handsets that even provide pocket-organizer functions integrated into the wireless handset. Most manufacturers, however, are still scrambling to add new features to their communication devices to snare a portion of this booming market.  
       [0005] One feature that promises to take wireless communication devices to the next level in functionality is wireless access to the Internet and other electronic information sources. Many new handsets include Internet browsers and many wireless service providers plan to supply data services. The usefulness of these advancements, however, is limited in several ways. First, there can be too much information available. This has been referred to as “information overload.” Because current programs for accessing this information require manual navigation and control, the large amount of data becomes unwieldy in a wireless device.  
       [0006] To combat this problem, many wireless service providers limit the content to fixed information that is updated periodically. Though this strategy makes the information more manageable, it also severely limits the usefulness and availability of the information. A need exists for a method of accessing large amounts of data from a wireless communication device in a manner that allows users to quickly and efficiently obtain relevant and targeted information.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007] The present invention is directed to a knowledge-based information retrieval system for a wireless communication device.  
       [0008] In one embodiment of the invention, a knowledge-based information retrieval system is provided. The system comprises a wireless communications network and a wireless communications device operating within the network. The wireless device includes a transceiver that sends and receives communications across the network, and a software client agent that receives an information request from a user of the device and retrieves information responsive to the request. A position determination device determines the location of the wireless device and provides the location to the client agent to assist in information retrieval. The wireless device also includes a knowledge database containing data of use to the client agent in information retrieval. A knowledge agency comprising multiple knowledge agents communicates with the client agent over the wireless network and accesses associated information resources to retrieve information that is responsive to the information request.  
       [0009] The present invention also provides a method for knowledge-based information retrieval in a wireless communications system. The method comprises the steps of:  
       [0010] (a) receiving an information request from a user of a wireless communications device;  
       [0011] (b) providing the information request to a software agent associated with the wireless communications device;  
       [0012] (c) providing data of relevance to the information request to the software agent;  
       [0013] (d) with the software agent, communicating the information request via the wireless network to a knowledge agency comprised of specialized knowledge agents;  
       [0014] (e) with the knowledge agency, searching appropriate information resources to retrieve information responsive to the information request;  
       [0015] (f) with the knowledge agency, communicating the retrieved information via the network to the software agent; and  
       [0016] (g) providing the retrieved information to the user of the wireless device.  
       [0017] A method for controlling dialog between a software agent associated with a wireless communications device and a user of the device is also provided. Dialog control is accomplished by  
       [0018] (a) receiving an input from the user;  
       [0019] (b) parsing the input;  
       [0020] (c) retrieving a list of potential replies to the input from stored templates and selecting a reply;  
       [0021] (d) initiating communication between the software agent and an outside knowledge agency to retrieve any information necessary to complete the reply; and  
       [0022] (e) providing the completed reply to the user.  
       [0023] Objects and advantages of the present invention include any of the foregoing, taken alone or in combination. Further objects and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, or will be set forth in the following disclosure. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0024] The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements, and  
     [0025]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication device that may be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0026]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system that may be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0027]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the interaction between a software agent and a knowledge database in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0028]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the interaction between a knowledge agency and information resources in accordance with an embodiment of the subject invention.  
     [0029]FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of a wireless communication device that may be used in accordance with an embodiment of the subject invention.  
     [0030]FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for knowledge-based information retrieval according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0031]FIG. 7 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for communication between a conversational agent and a user according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0032]FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram illustrating a short-term memory configuration used for control of agent-user dialog in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
     [0033]FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram illustrating an activation network used for control of agent-user dialog in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
     [0034]FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating a sub-template network used for control of agent-user dialog in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
     [0035]FIG. 11 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for controlling the mood of an agent-user dialog in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0036] 1. Introduction and Overview  
     [0037] The present invention provides a knowledge-based information retrieval system and method for a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device incorporates a knowledge database of user preferences and other useful data, a position determination device, and a software agent. The device user interface permits a user to make a request for information, such as driving directions, restaurant locations, flight information, current news, and the like. Using the user request and information gleaned from the knowledge database and position determination device, the software agent consults with a knowledge agency comprised of specialized agents and retrieves a relevant and targeted response to the user&#39;s request. The agent may be configured as a conversational agent in order to carry on a friendly conversation with the user complete with natural language and mood control.  
     [0038] 2. Example Environment  
     [0039] Before describing the invention in detail, it is useful to describe an example environment in which the invention can be implemented. One example environment is a handset or communication device operating within a wireless communication network such as, for example, a cellular, GSM, PCS or radio communication network. Wireless communication devices embodying the present invention can be implemented in various configurations and architectures. Typically, a wireless communication device will include a keypad for control of the device and data entry, and a display for displaying relevant information.  
     [0040] An example wireless communication device  100  is illustrated in FIG. 1. Device  100  is presented for illustrative purposes only; implementation of the invention is not dependent on any particular device architecture or communication network. Device  100 , which is typically a mobile device such as a handheld handset or an integrated vehicle phone, includes a processor  104 , a speaker  106 , a display  108 , a keypad  110 , a transceiver  112 , a memory  114 , a microphone  116 , a power source  118  and an antenna  120 . It is configured to communicate with other communications devices such as base station  122 . Base station  122  is typically within a geographic area known as a “cell” and handles communications for all wireless devices within the cell.  
     [0041] Processor  104  directs the overall operation of device  100 . A computer program or set of instructions is typically coded or otherwise implemented on the processor to enable the processor to carry out the device operation. Memory  114  interfaces with processor  104  and may store program code and provide storage space for data useful in executing the program code and carrying out the device functions. Memory  114  may be implemented as ROM, RAM or any other convenient memory format.  
     [0042] Transceiver  112  includes a transmitter that transmits voice and data information via antenna  120  to a recipient communication device such as, for example, base station  122 . Transceiver  112  also includes a receiver that receives voice and data information from another communication device (e.g., base station  122 ). The received voice and data information is provided to the user or used to facilitate device operation.  
     [0043] User interface features include speaker  106 , display  108 , keypad  110 , and microphone  116 . Microphone  116  accepts voice or other audio information from the user and converts this information into electrical signals that can be transmitted by transceiver  112 . Likewise, speaker  106  converts electrical signals received by transceiver  112  into audio information that can be heard by a user of device  100 . Voice recognition and speech synthesis capability can be included to provide an enhanced user interface allowing acceptance of a user&#39;s vocal commands and provides audible vocal responses. The enhanced interface may complement a conventional display and keypad interface.  
     [0044] Display  108  displays information such as call information, keypad entry information, signal presence and strength information, battery life information, or any other information useful to the user. Display  108  preferably takes the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD), which has low power consumption characteristics, but could also be implemented as a light emitting diode (LED) display or any other appropriate visual indicator.  
     [0045] Keypad  110  typically includes an alphanumeric keypad and may also include special function keys. In one embodiment, keypad  110  is backlit to permit viewing of the keys in low light or dark conditions. Device  100  may also include a flip panel (not shown) that can be closed to conceal some or all of the keypad.  
     [0046] Power source  118  provides power to device  100 . It can be implemented with rechargeable batteries, such as NiCad or NiMH rechargeable batteries, or with any other suitable power source.  
     [0047] 3. A Knowledge-Based Information Retrieval System  
     [0048]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a wireless communication system  200  according to the present invention. System  200  comprises a wireless communications device  100  that may be configured as described above with reference to FIG. 1. Using software client agent  214 , device  100  communicates over wireless network  204  with Internet  205  and at least one knowledge agency  206  to retrieve information that is relevant to a user&#39;s needs, location, destination and/or preferences. Knowledge agency  206  will typically reside on a server that is connected to Internet  205 .  
     [0049] A software agent is a computer software program or package that autonomously carries out tasks delegated to it by others, such as human users or other computer programs or applications. It has exclusive control over its own actions without direction or control by an external entity. Moreover, an agent can react to changes in its environment and can communicate with other entities, such as other computer systems or other software agents. The design and operation of software agents is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.  
     [0050] Client agent  214  can be thought of as a user interface that does more than respond to user manipulation. Agent  214  is an intelligent agent that is capable of perceiving its environment (i.e. wireless handset  100  and, more broadly, communications system  200 ) and responding in a timely fashion to perceived changes. Client agent  214  does not, however, simply react to the environment. It is also able to act in an opportunistic, goal-oriented manner and to take the initiative in seeking out relevant information when appropriate. Further, client agent  214  is able to interact with other agents or the user in order to complete its objective. Using information gathered from knowledge database  216 , position determination device  218  and knowledge agency  206 , agent  214  selectively searches and filters large amounts of data to provide only the data most relevant to a user at a particular time and location.  
     [0051] In one implementation, agent  214  is a software program that resides in memory  114  and is accessed by processor  104 . Alternatively, agent  214  resides and is run directly from processor  104 . In a still further alternative implementation, rather than residing in wireless device  100 , agent  214  resides on Internet  205  or on a server connected to Internet  205 . In any event, regardless of where agent  214  resides, it will communicate with both device  100  and knowledge agency  206  (which will typically reside on a server connected to Internet  205 ) via Internet  205  and wireless network  204 .  
     [0052] An important distinction between agent software programs and typical software programs is that agent software programs autonomously determine whether and how they will carry out requests. The ability to learn is an important aspect of agent  214 . It learns about the user by continually modeling facts about the user such as patterns of inquiry, favorite types of food, favorite types of movies and the like. Additionally, agent  214  learns about the environment in which it operates, in this case wireless communication system  200 . This learned information, combined with direct user input and preferences, allows agent  214  to develop a “personality” in its interaction and task performance.  
     [0053] The primary resource that guides agent  214  is, of course, the specific information that is needed by the wireless handset user. Handset  100  is configured to accept user&#39;s requests for information and, if desired, to provide automated alerts about particular subjects or events. Though agent  214  may seek out virtually any type of information that may be needed by a wireless user, a few examples are listed below. Agent  214  may seek out entertainment information needed by the user such as nearby restaurants (prioritized by cuisine type, price, quality or other factors), times and reviews of movies being screened at nearby theaters, event and ticket information, listings of TV or radio programs and channels, golf tee times and so on. Agent  214  may also seek out useful travel information, such as airline flight status and reservations, hotel and car rental reservations, driving directions and traffic information. Financial information that may be desired by a user and obtainable by agent  214  includes information such as current stock quotes and trading information, or perhaps the location of the nearest ATM machine. Other useful information that may be sought by agent  214  includes yellow/white page listings, weather forecasts and news/sports stories.  
     [0054] In addition to the actual user request, another resource used by agent  214  is knowledge database  216 . In one implementation, knowledge database  216  is stored in memory  114  (FIG. 1) of communication device  100  and comprises three sub-databases  302 ,  304  and  306  (FIG. 3). Private database  302  stores information about a user such as the user&#39;s name, social security number, contacts, schedule, passwords, account information, private preferences and passwords. Private database  302  is a secure database and agent  214  does not share this information with other entities that it communicates with. Information such as preferences and passwords may be entered by the user directly into handset  100  or, alternatively, entered at a website or database in communication with handset  100 . Public database  304  stores non-private information such as user taste preferences, item ratings, current interests and needs, and location information provided by position location device  218 . Agent knowledge and personality database  306 , as described above, comprises information gathered and learned by agent  214  as well as any information regarding the user&#39;s personality.  
     [0055] Position determination device  218 , which determines the location of handset  100 , is another resource utilized by agent  214 . Position determination device  218  determines location in terms of parameters such as latitude, longitude, height, speed of travel, and any other useful location or position parameters. As noted above, this information may be stored in knowledge database  216  for access by agent  214 . In one embodiment, position determination device  218  is implemented using a GPS (global positioning system) or differential GPS. The design and configuration of GPS is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Alternative position determination systems, such as a triangulation system, could also be utilized. The location information provided by position determination device  218  is used to form a dynamic reference point (DRP) that is stored in database  216  for consideration by agent  214  when carrying out its tasks. The user&#39;s route and destination may also be considered by agent  214  to increase the relevance of the information retrieved and provided to the user.  
     [0056] The user information request, in combination with information from database  216  and position determination device  218 , permits agent  214  to quickly and efficiently obtain relevant and specifically targeted information. If the user wants to find a restaurant, for example, the agent may use this request in combination with the user&#39;s current location (provided by position determination device  218 ) and food preferences (provided by database  216 ) to quickly and efficiently find a nearby restaurant matching the user&#39;s tastes. If the user wants driving directions to a particular location, agent  214  may use this request in combination with the user&#39;s current location and user preferences (i.e. quickest route vs. most scenic route) in obtaining the driving directions.  
     [0057] With the user request, the user&#39;s location and pertinent information from database  216 , agent  214  communicates via wireless network  204  with Internet  205  and at least one knowledge agency  206 . As shown in FIG. 4, knowledge agency  206  comprises a collection of individual knowledge agents  402  each possessing its own specialized knowledge and data. Once a request and other information is received from agent  214 , knowledge agent(s)  402  having expertise related to the request are assigned to gather information responsive to the request. Agents  402  may access a number of resources in order to gather the necessary information. These include, but are not limited to, electronic databases  210  and directories  212  that agency  206  has access to. As shown in FIG. 4, agency  206  may include separate agencies  206   a ,  206   b , and  206   c  each having a benchmark of expertise such as locality, subject matter or other criterion.  
     [0058] Agents  402  may use filtering methods such as information and collaborative filters to filter and identify the information that is of most use and relevance to the user. An information filter filters available information based on the user request and user information and preferences provided by client agent  214 . One particular knowledge agent may search for and gather information on restaurants subject to the user preferences, for example, while a second knowledge agent searches for and gathers information on movie theaters. A collaborative filter gathers past ratings and experiences regarding a particular item, place or event from the various knowledge agents and uses this base of past experience to narrow the information to the best available choices. Agency-wide filters may also be used to further narrow the information provided by agents  402  and, in some implementations, agency  206  may apply an even higher level filter to narrow the information provided by a group of agencies  206   a ,  206   b  and  206   c.    
     [0059] The responsive information gathered by agency  206  is transmitted over Internet  205  and communication network  204  to client agent  214 . By distributing functionality in this fashion, the system is able to function beyond the capabilities of any one agent. System  200  can quickly and efficiently search for and provide the most relevant information. Further, client agent  214  can use data from agent knowledge database  306  to present the information in a manner personalized to the user. Thus, the user has access to large amount of information and obtains personalized relevant information, without manually controlling the searching operation.  
     [0060] The interface between the information sources  210 , 212  and knowledge agency  206  uses a suitable transport protocol for transmission of information requests and results. In one implementation, the TCP/IP protocol is used. TCP/IP and other suitable protocols are well known to those skilled in the art. For agent-to-agent and inter-agency communications, including communications between client agent  214  and knowledge agency  206 , an inter-agent communication language is used. The agent communication language establishes common understandings for instructions, assertions, requests and the like, and also establishes a syntax for effective communication. Several such languages have been developed. While the invention is not dependent on any specific agent communication language, two notable examples are Knowledge Query and Manipulation Language (KQML) and Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents—Agent Communication Language (FIPA-ACL).  
     [0061] In one implementation, client agent  214  is a conversational agent with the ability to converse with, respond to and entertain the user. FIG. 5 illustrates a wireless communication system  500  including handset  100 , communications network  518  and a remote computer or server  520 . Handset  100  comprises conversational agent  514 , a hands-free unit  502  and a voice recognition device  510 . Hands-free unit  502  is used in conjunction with handset  100  to permit a user to provide voice requests and to receive voice responses. Hands-free unit  502  is especially useful when the user is in a car, as the user can interact with handset  100  and retrieve needed information using verbal commands and responses while keeping their hands and eyes free for attending to driving. Alternatively, the functionality provided by hands-free unit  502  may be incorporated directly into handset  100 . Network  518  may comprise a wireless network with connectivity to the Internet.  
     [0062] Hands-free unit  502  includes a speaker  504 , microphone  506  and audio processor  508 . User speech commands are received by microphone  506 , digitized by audio processor  508  and processed by voice recognition device  510 . The design and configuration of audio processors and voice recognition devices are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Processed speech commands are provided by voice recognition device  510  to conversational agent  514 , which then proceeds via antenna  522  over communication network  518  to a knowledge agency, such as knowledge agency  206  of FIG. 2. Knowledge agency  206  formulates a response to the user request and provides it to agent  514  via communications network  518 . In one implementation, the response formulated by agency  206  is first provided to a speech synthesis service or device embodied in a computer or server  520 . The speech synthesis service converts the response to digital voice data and transmits the data back to communication device  100 , where it is processed by audio processor  508  and announced to the user via speaker  504 .  
     [0063] Conversational agent  514  maintains a conversation with a user, provides information to the user and entertains the user by correlating the user&#39;s spoken language, personality and requests into appropriate answers and communicating with the user through natural language capabilities, dialog control and moods. As discussed in the previous implementations, the user personality is something the agent “learns” so that the agent can supply relevant, personalized information in response to user requests. Learned information regarding user personality is stored in agent knowledge database  306 .  
     [0064]FIG. 7 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for communication between a conversational agent  514  and a user. This communication method will typically be carried out by software residing in handset  100 . In step  702 , a user supplies a voice or text input request to handset  100  or, alternatively, to an appropriate device in communication with handset  100  (such as a website, for example). Agent  514  parses the user input (step  704 ) by analyzing the input syntax (i.e. breaking a sentence into its components) and using a lexicon hierarchy (block  710 ) of potential word meanings. For example, if the user says “find me a %restaurant,” the lexicon associated with the %restaurant might comprise Chinese, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. The lexicon may be in hierarchical form, that is, the words most frequently used by the user would be at the top of potential meanings.  
     [0065] In step  706 , agent  514  attempts to associate stored answer templates (block  708 ) with the parsed user input in order to develop a set or list  712  of possible answers. In the example above, the set of possible answers may comprise the following responses: (a) “What type of restaurant would you prefer”; (b) “Would you like me to find a Mexican restaurant (or Chinese, or Japanese)?” or (c) “Are you sure you are hungry?” 
     [0066] Agent  514  selects an answer from the list  9  (step  714 ) and responds to the user (step  716 ). If agent  514  knows (from the information stored in knowledge database  216 ) that Mexican food is the user&#39;s favorite, for example, agent  514  may select the answer “Would you like me to find a Mexican restaurant?” If a conversational agent is being used, the selected answer may first be transmitted to speech synthesizer service  520 , where it is synthesized into speech. The synthesized speech is transmitted back to handset  100 , where it is announced to the user. Alternatively, the selected answer could be displayed textually to the user, or a speech synthesis element could be incorporated directly into handset  100 .  
     [0067] If in the above example, the user responds affirmatively, agent  514  requests the appropriate information from knowledge agency  206 . When agency  206  receives the request, an individual knowledge agent  402  with expertise in restaurants will search for information on Mexican restaurants. Filters associated with knowledge agent  402  generate the best and nearest restaurants to the user and transmit the information to agent  514 . Agent  514  may then respond in an open-ended fashion such as “Would you like me to give you directions to the nearest Mexican restaurant?” By using open-ended communication, agent  514  communicates in a natural way that is both useful and entertaining.  
     [0068] For such open-ended communication, some measure of dialog control is necessary. Dialog control is implemented using a combination of short-term memory, activation networks, sub-templates and use of personal pronouns. FIG. 8 illustrates one implementation of a short-term memory process  800 . Conversational agent  514  begins at a state n (block  802 ), which represents a particular topic. Agent  514  then has the choice of starting the next dialog with one related topic, state n+1 (block  804 ), or another related topic, state n+3 (block  806 ). Many other choices will be present, but only two are illustrated for sake of brevity. Regardless of which choice is selected, agent  514  will retain in its short-term memory the topic of state n in case a return to that topic is necessary. From state n+1, for example, agent  514  may move onto state n+2 (block  808 ), and still retain in memory the original state n. There is, of course, a limit on the number of previous topics stored. Two are illustrated, but any appropriate number may be stored.  
     [0069]FIG. 9 illustrates one implementation of an activation network  900  for dialog control. When user input is received, activation network  900  increases the priority of relevant templates and decreases the priority of non-relevant templates that may be required for the next response. In effect, network  900  attempts to anticipate to the extent possible the user&#39;s reply, thereby facilitating a smooth and responsive conversation between the user and agent.  
     [0070] Once user input is received, activation network  900  selects a parent template  902  that includes a list of possible answers  904 ,  906 , and  908  (see also FIG. 7 and related discussion). Each of these possible answers, in turn, has associated templates for a potential next reply to the user. Templates A and B (blocks  910  and  912 ), for example, are associated with answer  1  (block  904 ). Consider the scenario where the user input has led to the following answer  1 : “So you are a member of our frequent flyer club?” Activation network  900  anticipates the user&#39;s next input and activates and prioritizes related templates. Template A is a reply related to frequent flyer benefits. Since the user has already indicated that he is a member of the frequent flyer club, this template will be activated and assigned a high priority (priority  8 ). Template B is a reply related to benefits in general. This template is also activated, but is assigned a lower priority (priority  4 ).  
     [0071] In a similar fashion, sub-templates within the activated templates may themselves be activated to anticipate user response (FIG. 10). In this case, once a parent template  1002  is selected with possible answers  1004 ,  1006 , and  1008 , sub-templates  1010  and  1012  in the scope of the parent template will be activated and prioritized. Insertion of personal pronouns (“you”, “I”, “he” and “she”), combined with the above techniques improves conversation further. In formulating a reply to the user input “Last night I went to the movie with Jack and Jill”, for example, “Jack” may be replaced with “he”, “Jill” may be replaced with “she”, “Jack and Jill” may be replaced with “they”, and “the movie” may be replaced for “it”. Hence, the agent&#39;s reply may be “Did they like it?” 
     [0072] The agent may also assess the mood of the user input and select its reply accordingly. This is illustrated in FIG. 11. A user input  1102  is received and compared to a lexicon  1104  to determine whether any of the words in the user input are associated with particular moods. The mood of the current input (block  1106 ) is assessed relative to the mood of the previous input (block  1108 ) to arrive at a current mood (block  1110 ). This mood then effects what answers are selected and, therefore, what responses are provided to the user resulting in an overall mood of the conversation. By combining mood with dialog control and use of natural language, conversational agent  514  is able to converse with and entertain the user, as well as to retrieve targeted and relevant information.  
     [0073] A method  600  for knowledge-based information retrieval is illustrated in FIG. 6. In step  602 , a user of a wireless communication device inputs an information request. As described above, this request may be textual or voice and may directly into a handset  100  or into an associated communication device. In step  604 , the user input is parsed and based on the parsed results, a list of possible answers is generated. If an appropriate answer cannot be determined, a default answer designed to elicit further information to resolve the request may be used.  
     [0074] In step  606 , a request for information relevant to the selected answer is transmitted via a wireless communications network. In step  608 , the request is serviced by a group of software programs designed to search electronic information databases for information related to specific topics or areas. The information retrieved is filtered for relevance to the specific user and transmitted back to the wireless communication device (step  610 ). In step  612 , once the answer is completely formulated, the system responds to the user. The response may be a text response displayed on the wireless communication device, or it may be an audible response delivered via the communication device&#39;s audio interface.  
     [0075] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. The breadth and scope of the present invention is not limited to any of the described embodiments, but rather, is defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.