Showing papers on "Chatbot published in 2011"

OntBot: Ontology based chatbot

Abstract: A new ontology based approach is proposed to model and operate chatbots (OntBot). OntBot uses appropriate mapping technique to transform ontologies and knowledge into relational database and then use that knowledge to drive its chats. The proposed approach overcomes a number of traditional chatbots drawbacks including: the need to learn and use chatbot specific language such as AIML, high botmaster interference, and the use of non-matured technology. OntBot has the additional power of easy users interactions using their natural language, and the seamless support of different application domains. This gives the proposed approach a number of unique scalability and interoperability properties that are going to be evaluated in future phases of this research project.

Method, system and program for data delivering using chatbot

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system and program for interactive data delivering are described. A method for the interactive data delivering provides an effective way for retrieving, analyzing, processing and presenting business analytics data to a user in a natural, conversational way. The method may comprise receiving a request from the user to provide the analytics data in the natural language format, converting the command in the natural language format into one or more Application Programming Interface (API) calls, retrieving generic data associated with the request of the user based on the API calls, generating a semantic model associated with the generic data and the user request, processing the retrieved generic data to generate analytics data, with the processing being based on the semantic model, communicating the analytics data to a chatbot, and converting, under control of the chatbot, the analytics data into a natural language format for delivering to the user.

Automatic message selection with a chatbot

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel system and process to use information gathered by a chatbot system including explanations why a potential customer is discontinuing a transaction. The transaction in one example is a sales transaction. This information is associated with the potential customer. Using this information, the present invention enhances the message targeting by advertisers and remarketing system for the identified potential customer. The advertisers and remarketing systems use the information from the chatbot system to automatically select messaging and advertisements.

A Chatbot as a Natural Web Interface to Arabic Web QA

Abstract: In this paper, we describe a way to access Arabic Web Question Answering (QA) corpus using a chatbot, without the need for sophisticated natural language processing or logical inference Any Natural Language (NL) interface to Question Answer (QA) system is constrained to reply with the given answers, so there is no need for NL generation to recreate well-formed answers, or for deep analysis or logical inference to map user input questions onto this logical ontology; simple (but large) set of pattern-template matching rules will suffice In previous research, this approach works properly with English and other European languages In this paper, we try to see how the same chatbot will react in terms of Arabic Web QA corpus Initial results shows that 93% of answers were correct, but because of a lot of characteristics related to Arabic language, changing Arabic questions into other forms may lead to no answers

A Modular Architecture for Adaptive ChatBots

Abstract: We illustrate an architecture for a conversational agent based on a modular knowledge representation. This solution provides intelligent conversational agents with a dynamic and flexible behavior. The modularity of the architecture allows a concurrent and synergic use of different techniques, making it possible to use the most adequate methodology for the management of a specific characteristic of the domain, of the dialogue, or of the user behavior. We show the implementation of a proof-of-concept prototype: a set of modules exploiting different knowledge representation techniques and capable to differently manage conversation features has been developed. Each module is automatically triggered through a component, named corpus callosum, whose task is to choose, time by time, the most adequate chatbot knowledge section to activate.

A Modular Framework for Versatile Conversational Agent Building

Abstract: This paper illustrates a web-based infrastructure of an architecture for conversational agents equipped with a modular knowledge base. This solution has the advantage to allow the building of specific modules that deal with particular features of a conversation (ranging from its topic to the manner of reasoning of the chatbot). This enhances the agent interaction capabilities. The approach simplifies the chatbot knowledge base design process: extending, generalizing or even restricting the chatbot knowledge base in order to suit it to manage specific dialoguing tasks as much as possible.

An Emotional Talking Head for a Humoristic Chatbot

Abstract: The interest about enhancing the interface usability of applications and entertainment platforms has increased in last years. The research in human-computer interaction on conversational agents, named also chatbots, and natural language dialogue systems equipped with audio-video interfaces has grown as well. One of the most pursued goals is to enhance the realness of interaction of such systems. For this reason they are provided with catchy interfaces using humanlike avatars capable to adapt their behavior according to the conversation content. This kind of agents can vocally interact with users by using Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Text To Speech (TTS) systems; besides they can change their “emotions” according to the sentences entered by the user. In this framework, the visual aspect of interaction plays also a key role in human-computer interaction, leading to systems capable to perform speech synchronization with an animated face model. These kind of systems are called Talking Heads. Several implementations of talking heads are reported in literature. Facial movements are simulated by rational free form deformation in the 3D talking head developed in Kalra et al. (2006). A Cyberware scanner is used to acquire surface of a human face in Lee et al. (1995). Next the surface is converted to a triangle mesh thanks to image analysis techniques oriented to find reflectance local minima and maxima. In Waters et al. (1994) the DECface system is presented. In this work, the animation of a wireframe face model is synchronized with an audio stream provided by a TTS system. An input ASCII text is converted into a phonetic transcription and a speech synthesizer generates an audio stream. The audio server receives a query to determine the phoneme currently running and the shape of the mouth is computed by the trajectory of the main vertexes. In this way, the audio samples are synchronized with the graphics. A nonlinear function controls the translation of the polygonal vertices in such a way to simulate the mouth movements. Synchronization is achieved by calculating the deformation length of the mouth, based on the duration of an audio samples group. BEAT (Behavior Expression Animation Toolkit) an intelligent agent with human characteristics controlled by an input text is presented in Cassell et al. (2001). A talking head for the Web with a client-server architecture is described in Ostermann et al. (2000). The client application comprises the browser, the TTS engine, and the animation renderer. A 15

Designing service-oriented chatbot systems using a construction grammar-driven natural language generation system

Abstract: Service oriented chatbot systems are used to inform users in a conversational manner about a particular service or product on a website. Our research shows that current systems are time consuming to build and not very accurate or satisfying to users. We find that natural language understanding and natural language generation methods are central to creating an e�fficient and useful system. In this thesis we investigate current and past methods in this research area and place particular emphasis on Construction Grammar and its computational implementation. Our research shows that users have strong emotive reactions to how these systems behave, so we also investigate the human computer interaction component. We present three systems (KIA, John and KIA2), and carry out extensive user tests on all of them, as well as comparative tests. KIA is built using existing methods, John is built with the user in mind and KIA2 is built using the construction grammar method. We found that the construction grammar approach performs well in service oriented chatbots systems, and that users preferred it over other systems.

From Chatbot to Vocabulary Assessment and Course Management

Abstract: Intelligent tutoring system for English instruction plays an important role in current English teaching and learning because of its instant and flexible feedback,lifelike language practice scenarios and motivational learner incentives.Based on the literature review of intelligent tutoring systems for English instruction and the demand analysis for English instruction in China,and under the guideline of learning theories,such as behaviorism,constructivism and situated learning theory,we have been kept on designing and developing CSIEC intelligent English tutoring system to facilitate the teaching and learning of English in China.Besides the original chatbot function for dialogue simulation,we have developed intelligent vocabulary assessment function and course management function.

Enhancement Algorithms for SQL-Based Chatbot

Abstract: Artificial intelligence chatbot is a technology that makes interaction between men and machines using natural language possible. From literature of chatbot’s keywords/pattern matching techniques, some potential issues for enhancement had been discovered. The discovered issues are in the context of relation between previous and next responses/outputs and also keywords arrangement for matching precedence together with keywords variety for matching flexibility. To encounter these issues, two respective algorithms had been proposed. Those algorithms are Extension and Prerequisite and OMAMC (One-match and All-match Categories). Implemented in SQL-Based chatbot, both algorithms are shown to be enhancing the capability of chatbot’s keywords/pattern matching process by providing an augment ways in storing the data and performing the process. This paper will present the significance of results from implementing both proposed algorithms into SQL-Based chatbot that will result on some enhancements in certain area of chatbot’s processes.

Chatbot development in data representation for diabetes education

Abstract: This thesis deals with an investigation towards developing an application package named E-CARE to function as Computer Aided Education (CAE) in the domain of Diabetes. E-CARE contains two respective applications, 1) E-CARE multimedia content, and 2) SQL-based chatbot named ViDi (acronyms for Virtual Diabetes physician). Alongside the development of ViDi chatbot, several new approaches (algorithms and techniques) had been proposed. Those are 1) Vpath, 2) Sequence Words Deleted (SWD), 3) Extension and Prerequisite, 4) One-Match and All-Match Categories (OMAMC), 5) Synonyms and Root-words and lastly 6) General Words Percentage (GWP). Vpath and Extension and Prerequisite are techniques that enable relations between responses (previous and next responses). SWD and OMAMC are proposed to enhance the process of keywords/pattern matching for chatbot. Synonyms and Root-words are proposed as an additional component for chatbot that deals with Malay Language (Bahasa Malaysia), and GWP is proposed to become a supplementary component for the process of selecting final response in case where matching process is producing multiple responses. Measurement has being done by comparing the results/outcomes of proposed approaches towards previously developed chatbots (focus on A.L.I.C.E.’ as mostly referred chatbot and VPbot as SQL-based chatbot in medical domain). Significance of results is represent by several comparison tables on issues related to each proposed approaches’ purpose. As for overall research investigation, results for each area in which E-CARE has contributed seems adequate. Multimedia content component help in the development of precise CAE in regard to specific requirements gathered from previous prerequisite study, while ViDi component contributed to several areas within the processes architecture surrounding chatbot technology.

A Corpus Based Approach to Generalising a Chatbot System: Applying Simple Natural Language Processing Techniques to Build Knowledge Base of ALICE Chatbot System

Abstract: Chatbot tools are computer programs which interact with users using natural languages. This thesis shows that chatbot technology could be used in many different ways in addition to being a tool for having fun. A chatbot could be used as a tool to learn or to study a new language; a tool to access an information system, a tool to visualise the contents of a corpus; and a tool to give answers to questions in a specific domain. Instead of being restricted to a specific domain or written language, a chatbot could be trained with any text in any language. Some of the differences between real human conversations and human-chatbot dialogues are presented. A Java program has been developed to read a text from a machine readable text (corpus) and convert it to ALICE chatbot format language (AIML). The program was built to be general, the generality in this respect implies, no restrictions on specific language, domain, or structure. Different languages were tested: English, Arabic, Afrikaans, French, and Spanish. At the same time different corpora structure were used: dialogue, monologue, and structured text.

A Cognitive Dialogue Manager for Education Purposes

Abstract: A conversational agent is a software system that is able to interact with users in a natural way, and often uses natural language capabilities. In this chapter, an evolution of a conversational agent is presented according to the definition of dialogue management techniques for the conversational agents. The presented conversational agent is intended to act as a part of an educational system. The chapter outlines the state-of-the-art systems and techniques for dialogue management in cognitive educational systems, and the underlying psychological and social aspects. We present our framework for a dialogue manager aimed to reduce the uncertainty in users’ sentences during the assessment of his/her requests. The domain is the development of a new generation of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) enabled with meta-cognitive abilities to make the learning process more effective. The architecture of the developed systems is explained in detail, along with some experimental results, and a possible vision for the future of these systems is presented.

Modular knowledge representation in advisor agents for situation awareness

Abstract: A modular knowledge representation framework for conversational agents is presented. The approach has been realized to suit the situation awareness paradigm. The modularity of the framework makes possible the composition of specific modules that deal with particular features, simplifying both the chatbot design process and its smartness. As a proof of concepts we have developed a modular, situation awareness oriented, KB for a conversational agent, which plays the role of an advisor aimed at helping a user to be in charge of a virtual town, inspired to the SimCity series game. The agent makes an extensive use of semantic computing techniques and is able to perceive, comprehend and project consequences of actions in order to handle strategic decision under uncertainty conditions.

Virtual Conversation: Automated Free Speech Dialogue with a Computer Character

Abstract: Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is already used for treatment of phobias like fear of flying, heights and small places. It is shown to be effective in these areas prompting research into new phobia treatment possibilities. Current papers concerned with social phobia and the use of VRET do not seem to focus on person to person interaction. One of the problems that might have caused this is the difficulty of automating the interaction between a human and a computer character. In this thesis the focus lies on evaluating a possible technique for automating the interaction between a human and a computer for use in a therapeutic setting. The chosen method used avatars which behaviour was simulated using various artificial intelligence techniques. Some of the techniques used in this thesis were borrowed from research related to chatbots and embodied conversational agents. Because these type of conversational agents are not used in a therapeutic setting, the techniques had to be altered to fit this extra requirement. This produced a semi-scripted dialogue structure that would be executed. The user was asked a question and in return the computer would respond on the given answer. A speech recognizer was used, to figure out what the user had said in his free speech response, to choose a predefined response for the computer to utter. These predefined sentences encapsulated human intelligence in response to the computer to improve the realism of the conversation. The dialogues were developed in an iterative process where the dialogues were used in a chatbot like interaction with a test group. The semi-scripted dialogue was tested with four conditions; (1) using only a speech detector, (2) using a speech recognizer to detect a limited set of words, (3) some keywords added to this list and (4) using a human as the controller. The human controller was used as a benchmark point for the automatic techniques to strive for. The experiment put 24 participants in a situation where they had to give a presentation in front of four avatars after which they asked questions about a specific topic. This was repeated four times with four different dialogues resulting in a within-subject comparison of the four possible conditions. The experiment showed that the realism of the dialogue was influenced by two important factors: (1) the speed of the avatar responses and (2) the correctness of these responses. The automated techniques could not yet compete with the human control but were sufficient enough to make them hard to distinguish from the human control condition. To verify the potential usefulness of the program in a therapeutic setting a case study was conducted with one therapist and two clients. The human control condition has a higher workload than the automated conditions. The therapist therefore preferred the automatic conditions because she could actually spend time observing the clients and work on the therapy. The therapist remarked that the dialogues should be focused more on therapy purposes than correctness of the responses.