Method and system for providing information in response to questions

• US 6,336,029 B1
• Filed: 06/19/2000
• Issued: 01/01/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/02/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hanger Solutions, LLC (IP Investments Group LLC), IP Learn LLC
• Original Assignee: Mindfabric Holdings LLC
• Inventors: Tong, Peter P., Ho, Chi Fai
• Primary Examiner(s): Cheng, Joe H.
• Application Number:
  US09/596,844
• Time in Patent Office: 561 Days
• Field of Search: 434/118, 434/156, 434/169, 434/185, 434/219, 434/307.R, 434/308, 434/322, 434/323, 434/327, 434/350, 434/335, 434/362, 434/365, 704/9, 704/270, 704/102, 704/3, 704/8, 704/260, 704/258, 704/265, 704/266, 701/200, 701/207, 701/209, 705/1, 705/7, 705/10, 705/74, 707/1-4, 707/6, 707/9, 707/100, 707/104.1, 707/219, 707/102, 707/501.1, 707/500, 707/532, 706/927, 340/995, 345/810, 455/3.04, 713/155, 725/1, 725/14, 725/25, 725/35, 725/46, 725/34, 725/116, 725/12.P, 709/219
• US Class Current: 434/362
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/00 Electrically-operated educational appliances working with questions and answers G09B7/00; simulators G09B9/00; advertising or displaying in general G09F
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/00 Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers mechanically operated G09B3/00; computing arrangements G06F
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/04 characterised by modifying the teaching programme in response to a wrong answer, e.g. repeating the question, supplying a further explanation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 706/927 Education or instruction
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99933 Query processing, i.e. searching

Abstract

An apparatus and a system to teach a user a subject based on his questions. The system allows the user to control his learning process, and helps to fill in gaps of misunderstanding in the subject. In one embodiment, the system, including a database, presents study materials on the subject to the user. After working on the presented materials, the user enters his question into the system, which generates an answer to the question, and presents it to him. Then the system compares the question with one or more questions previously entered by the user to determine his understanding level in the subject. Based on the determination, the system may present to the user appropriate study materials. The user typically asks more than one question, and the process of answering his question by the system repeats.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for providing a user with information, said method comprising:

sending informational materials from a server system to a client system via the Internet so as to inform a user of the client system about a subject;

subsequently receiving, at the server system, a request to respond to a natural-language question asked by the user, the natural language question being asked by the user at the client system, and the natural language question being associated with the subject;

determining, at the server system, a response to the natural-language question, said determining operating to at least analyze the natural-language question using at least grammatical and semantic processing; and

sending the response to the natural-language question from the server system to the client system via the Internet;

wherein the subject relates to a product that the user is interested in.

2. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises:

identifying additional informational materials related to the natural-language question; and

sending the additional informational materials from the server system to the client system via the Internet.

3. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 2, wherein said sending of the additional informational materials is performed when requested by the user.

4. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 2, wherein said sending of the additional informational materials is automatically performed substantially simultaneous with said sending of the response.

5. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the grammatical and semantic processing uses at least one grammatical rule and at least one semantic rule.

6. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises:

receiving a referral request from the user requesting that the natural language question be referred to a human representative; and

enabling a human representative to respond to the natural language question.

7. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 6, wherein the natural language question is sent to the human representative without the need for the user to re-enter the question into the client system.

8. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 6, wherein the human representative is specifically for the subject, and a different human representative may be enabled for a different subject.

9. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises:

referring the natural language question to a human representative to respond to the natural language question.

10. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 9, wherein the natural language question is sent to the human representative without the need for the user to re-enter the question into the client system.

11. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 9, wherein the human representative is specifically for the subject, and a different human representative may be enabled for a different subject.

12. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises:

determining whether clarification of the natural language question is desirable; and

prompting the user to clarify the natural language question when clarification of the natural language question is determined to be desirable.

13. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 12, wherein the user is asked one or more questions when prompting the user to clarify.

14. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises:

sending at least two questions to the client system; and

receiving, at the server system, at least an indication of a selection by the user of one of the questions sent by the server system to be responded.

15. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the response is an answer to the natural-language question.

16. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said determining operates to transform at least a portion of the natural-language question into at least one instruction.

17. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 16, wherein the server system has an information database coupled thereto, and wherein the instruction is a query for the database.

18. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said determining is independent of at least one word in the natural-language question, and the response depends on a correct spelling of at least one misspelled word in the natural-language question.

19. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the subject relates to a product the user is interested in obtaining.

20. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the subject relates to a product the user is interested in using.

21. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises having at least a second response available for the user, and allowing the user to select one or more of the responses for the natural-language question.

22. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said determining produces a plurality of responses, and

wherein said sending operates to send the plurality of responses from the server system to the client system.

23. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 22, wherein at least one of the responses is a question.

24. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 22, wherein said method further comprises:

selecting one of the plurality of responses for which a further response is desired.

25. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 24, wherein at least one of the responses is a question.

26. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises considering at least one additional input entered by the user in determining the response.

27. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 26, wherein the additional input is a response to an inquiry from the server system.

28. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 27, wherein the additional input is for clarifying the natural language question.

29. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 26, wherein the additional input is also a question from the user.

30. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the server system keeps track of a unique identifier of the user.

31. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises:

adapting in real-time to respond to questions by considering at least one additional input.

32. A computer-implemented method for providing a user with information, said method comprising:

sending informational materials from a server system to a client system via the Internet so as to inform a user of the client system about a subject;

subsequently receiving, at the server system, a request to respond to a natural-language question asked by the user, the natural language question being asked by the user at the client system, and the natural language question being associated with the subject;

determining, at the server system, a response to the natural-language question, said determining operating to at least analyze the natural-language question using at least grammatical and semantic processing;

sending the response to the natural-language question from the server system to the client system via the Internet;

receiving a referral request from the user requesting that the natural language question be referred to a human representative; and

enabling a human representative to respond to the natural language question,

wherein the subject relates to a product that the user is interested in using.

33. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 32, wherein said method further comprises having at least a second response available for the user, and allowing the user to select one or more of the responses for the natural-language question.

34. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 32, wherein said determining is independent of at least one word in the natural-language question, and the response depends on a correct spelling of at least one misspelled word in the natural-language question.

35. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 32, wherein said determining operates to transform at least a portion of the natural-language question into at least one instruction.

36. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 35, wherein the server system has an information database coupled thereto, and wherein the instruction is a query for the database.

37. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 32, wherein said method further comprises:

sending at least two questions to the client system, and

receiving, at the server system, at least an indication of a selection by the user of one of the questions sent by the server system to be utilized as the natural language question being asked by the user.

38. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 32, wherein said method further comprises considering at least one additional input entered by the user in determining the response.

39. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 38, wherein the additional input is a response to an inquiry from the server system.

40. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 38, wherein the additional input is also a question from the user.

41. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 32, wherein the server system keeps track of a unique identifier of the user.

42. A computer-implemented method for providing a user with information, said method comprising:

sending informational materials from a server system to a client system via the Internet so as to inform a user of the client system about a subject;

subsequently receiving, at the server system, a request to respond to a natural-language question asked by the user, the natural language question being asked by the user at the client system, and the natural language question being associated with the subject;

determining, at the server system, a response to the natural-language question, said determining operating to at least analyze the natural-language question using at least grammatical and semantic processing;

sending the response to the natural-language question from the server system to the client system via the Internet;

identifying additional informational materials related to the natural-language question; and

sending the additional informational materials from the server system to the client system via the Internet,

wherein the subject relates to a product that the user is interested in using.

43. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 42, wherein said sending of the additional informational materials is automatically performed substantially simultaneous with said sending of the response.

44. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 42, wherein said method further comprises considering at least one additional input entered by the user in determining the response.

45. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 44, wherein the additional input is a response to an inquiry from the server system.

46. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 44, wherein the additional input is also a question from the user.

47. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 42, wherein the server system keeps track of a unique identifier of the user.

48. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 42, wherein said method further comprises:

sending at least two questions to the client system, and

receiving, at the server system, at least an indication of a selection by the user of one of the questions sent by the server system to be utilized as the natural language question being asked by the user.

49. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 42, wherein said method further comprises:

receiving a referral request from the user requesting that the natural language question be referred to a human representative; and

enabling a human representative to respond to the natural language question.

50. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 49, wherein the natural language question is sent to the human representative without the need for the user to re-enter the question into the client system.

51. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 49, wherein the human representative is specifically for the subject, and a different human representative may be enabled for a different subject.

52. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 42, wherein said method further comprises:

referring the natural language question to a human representative to respond to the natural language question.

53. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 42, wherein said determining operates to transform at least a portion of the natural-language question into at least one instruction.

54. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 53, wherein the server system has an information database coupled thereto, and wherein the instruction is a query for the database.

55. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 42, wherein said determining is independent of at least one word in the natural-language question, and the response depends on a correct spelling of at least one misspelled word in the natural-language question.

56. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 42, wherein said method further comprises having at least a second response available for the user, and allowing the user to select one or more of the responses for the natural-language question.

57. A computer-implemented method for providing a user with information, said method comprising:

sending informational materials from a server system to a client system via the Internet so as to inform a user of the client system about a subject;

subsequently receiving, at the server system, a request to respond to a natural-language question asked by the user, the natural language question being asked by the user at the client system, and the natural language question being associated with the subject;

determining, at the server system, a response to the natural-language question, said determining operating to at least analyze the natural-language question using at least grammatical and semantic processing;

sending the response to the natural-language question from the server system to the client system via the Internet so as to inform the user about the subject;

identifying additional informational materials related to the natural-language question;

sending the additional informational materials from the server system to the client system via the Internet;

receiving a referral request from the user requesting that the natural language question be referred to a human representative; and

enabling a human representative to respond to the natural language question,

wherein the subject relates to a product that the user is interested in obtaining,

wherein said method further comprises having at least a second response available for the user, and allowing the user to select one or more of the responses for the natural-language question,

wherein said determining is independent of at least one word in the natural-language question, and the response depends on a correct spelling of at least one misspelled word in the natural-language question, and

wherein said determining operates to transform at least a portion of the natural-language question into at least one instruction.

58. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 57, wherein the server system has an information database coupled thereto, and wherein the instruction is a query for the database.

59. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 57, wherein said method further comprises:

sending at least two questions to the client system; and

receiving, at the server system, at least an indication of a selection by the user of one of the questions sent by the server system to be utilized as the natural language question being asked by the user.

60. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 57, wherein said method further comprises considering at least one additional input entered by the user in determining the response.

61. A computer-implemented method for providing a user with information, said method comprising:

sending informational materials from a server system to a client system via the Internet so as to inform a user of the client system about a subject;

subsequently receiving, at the server system, a request to respond to a natural-language question asked by the user, the natural language question being asked by the user at the client system, and the natural language question being associated with the subject;

determining, at the server system, a response to the natural-language question, said determining operating to at least analyze the natural-language question using at least grammatical and semantic processing;

sending the response to the natural-language question from the server system to the client system via the Internet so as to inform the user about the subject;

identifying additional informational materials related to the natural-language question;

sending the additional informational materials from the server system to the client system via the Internet;

receiving a referral request from the user requesting that the natural language question be referred to a human representative; and

enabling a human representative to respond to the natural language question,

wherein the subject relates to a product that the user is interested in obtaining,

wherein said determining operates to transform at least a portion of the natural-language question into at least one instruction, and

wherein said method further comprises considering at least one additional input entered by the user in determining the response.

62. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 61, wherein the additional input is a response to an inquiry from the server system.

63. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 61, wherein the additional input is also a question from the user.

64. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 61, wherein the server system keeps track of a unique identifier of the user.

65. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 61, wherein said subsequently receiving of the request pertains to receiving at least an indication of a selection by the user of one question to be utilized as the natural language question from at least two questions presented to the user.

66. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 61, wherein said method further comprises:

sending at least two questions to the client system; and

receiving, at the server system, at least an indication of a selection by the user of one of the questions sent by the server system to be responded.

67. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 61, wherein the server system has an information database coupled thereto, and wherein the instruction is a query for the database.

68. A computer-implemented method for providing a user with information, said method comprising:

sending informational materials from a server system to a client system via the Internet so as to inform a user of the client system about a subject;

subsequently receiving, at the server system, a request to respond to a natural-language question asked by the user, the natural language question being asked by the user at the client system, and the natural language question being associated with the subject;

determining, at the server system, a response to the natural-language question, said determining operating to at least analyze the natural-language question using at least grammatical and semantic processing;

sending the response to the natural-language question from the server system to the client system via the Internet so as to inform the user about the subject;

identifying additional informational materials related to the natural-language question;

sending the additional informational materials from the server system to the client system via the Internet;

receiving a referral request from the user requesting that the natural language question be referred to a human representative; and

enabling a human representative to respond to the natural language question,

wherein the subject relates to a product that the user is interested in obtaining,

wherein said method further comprises having at least a second response available for the user, and allowing the user to select one or more of the responses for the natural-language question,

wherein said determining is independent of at least one word in the natural-language question, and the response depends on a correct spelling of at least one misspelled word in the natural-language question, and

wherein said method furthermore comprises considering at least one additional input entered by the user in determining the response.

69. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 68, wherein the additional input is a response to an inquiry from the server system.

70. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 68, wherein the additional input is also a question from the user.

71. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 68, wherein the server system keeps track of a unique identifier of the user.

72. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 68, wherein the natural language question is sent to the human representative without the need for the user to re-enter the question into the client system.

73. A computer-implemented method for providing a user with information, said method comprising:

sending informational materials from a server system to a client system via the Internet so as to inform a user of the client system about a subject;

subsequently receiving, at the server system, a request to respond to a natural-Language question asked by the user, the natural language question being asked by the user at the client system, and the natural language question being associated with the subject;

determining, at the server system, a response to the natural-language question, said determining operating to at least analyze the natural-language question using at least grammatical and semantic processing;

sending the response to the natural-language question from the server system to the client system via the Internet so as to inform the user about the subject;

identifying additional informational materials related to the natural-language question;

sending the additional informational materials from the server system to the client system via the Internet;

receiving a referral request from the user requesting that the natural language question be referred to a human representative; and

enabling a human representative to respond to the natural language question,

wherein the subject relates to a product that the user is interested in obtaining,

wherein said determining is independent of at least one word in the natural-language question, and the response depends on a correct spelling of at least one misspelled word in the natural-language question, and

wherein said method further comprises considering at least one additional input entered by the user in determining the response.

74. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 73, wherein the additional input is a response to an inquiry from the server system.

75. A computer-implemented method for providing a user with information, said method comprising:

sending informational materials from a server system to a client system via the Internet so as to inform a user of the client system about a subject;

subsequently receiving, at the server system, a request to respond to a natural-language question asked by the user, the natural language question being asked by the user at the client system, and the natural language question being associated with the subject;

determining, at the server system, a response to the natural-language question, said determining operating to at least analyze the natural-language question using at least grammatical and semantic processing;

sending the response to the natural-language question from the server system to the client system via the Internet so as to inform the user about the subject;

identifying additional informational materials related to the natural-language question;

sending the additional informational materials from the server system to the client system via the Internet; and

referring the natural language question to a human representative to respond to the natural language question,

wherein the subject relates to a product that the user is interested in obtaining,

wherein said method further comprises having at least a second response available for the user, and allowing the user to select one or more of the responses for the natural-language question,

wherein said determining is independent of at least one word in the natural-language question, and the response depends on a correct spelling of at least one misspelled word in the natural-language question, and

wherein said determining operates to transform at least a portion of the natural-language question into at least one instruction.

76. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 75, wherein the natural language question is sent to the human representative without the need for the user to re-enter the question into the client system.

77. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 75, wherein said method further comprises:

adapting in real-time to respond to questions by considering at least one additional input.

78. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 75, wherein the server system has an information database coupled thereto, and wherein the instruction is a query for the database.

79. A computer-implemented method for providing a user with information, said method comprising:

sending informational materials from a server system to a client system via the Internet so as to inform a user of the client system about a subject;

subsequently receiving, at the server system, a request to respond to a natural-language question asked by the user, the natural language question being asked by the user at the client system, and the natural language question being associated with the subject;

determining, at the server system, a response to the natural-language question, said determining operating to at least analyze the natural-language question using at least grammatical and semantic processing;

sending the response to the natural-language question from the server system to the client system via the Internet so as to inform the user about the subject;

identifying additional informational materials related to the natural-language question;

sending the additional informational materials from the server system to the client system via the Internet; and

referring the natural language question to a human representative to respond to the natural language question,

wherein the subject relates to a product that the user is interested in obtaining,

wherein said method further comprises having at least a second response available for the user, and allowing the user to select one or more of the responses for the natural-language question,

wherein said determining is independent of at least one word in the natural-language question, and the response depends on a correct spelling of at least one misspelled word in the natural-language question, and

wherein said method furthermore comprises considering at least one additional input entered by the user in determining the response.

80. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 79, wherein the natural language question is sent to the human representative without the need for the user to re-enter the question into the client system.

81. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 79, wherein the response is at least two questions related to the natural language question.

82. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 79, wherein said receiving of the request pertains to receiving at least an indication of a selection by the user of one question to be utilized as the natural language question from at least two questions presented to the user.

83. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 79, wherein said method further comprises:

sending at least two questions to the client system; and

receiving, at the server system, at least an indication of a selection by the user of one of the questions sent by the server system to be responded.

84. A computer-implemented method for providing a user with information, said method comprising:

sending informational materials from a server system to a client system via the Internet so as to inform a user of the client system about a subject;

subsequently receiving, at the server system, a request to respond to a natural-language question asked by the user, the natural language question being asked by the user at the client system, and the natural language question being associated with the subject;

determining, at the server system, a response to the natural-language question, said determining operating to at least analyze the natural-language question using at least grammatical and semantic processing;

sending the response to the natural-language question from the server system to the client system via the Internet so as to inform the user about the subject;

identifying additional informational materials related to the natural-language question;

sending the additional informational materials from the server system to the client system via the Internet; and

referring the natural language question to a human representative to respond to the natural language question,

wherein the subject relates to a product that the user is interested in obtaining,

wherein said method further comprises considering at least one additional input entered by the user in determining the response, and

wherein said determining operates to transform at least a portion of the natural-language question into at least one instruction.

85. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 84, wherein the natural language question is sent to the human representative without the need for the user to re-enter the question into the client system.

86. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 84, wherein the additional input is also a question from the user.