| 摘要 |
A system is described that allows a user to query a database of TV and/or radio program listings using natural language, spoken commands. The system guides the user and responds with spoken, natural language prompts and responses. Types of queries can include, but are not limited to: a program name, broadcast time, broadcast date, program description (i.e., theme, e.g., drama, comedy, horror, suspense, etc.), channel number(s), channel name(s) and/or any other searchable program listing parameter. Responses to user queries by the system will include information related to the query, utilizing text-to-speech technology, and/or recorded prompts. The user of the system can communicate with the system via a telephone or a telephone-like device, such as an integrated remote-control and wireless telephone device, wireless telephone devices, personal assistant, IP telephone, personal computer or any other device having access to communications networks and having phonelike input/output capabilities. The system receives the voice information by any suitable communications means, such as a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), the Internet (via any suitable Internet voice communications mechanisms), LAN, WAN, cable, or any other suitable wired or wireless communications network. Additionally, the system can combine conventional remote control functions with the function of a wireless telephone device to establish voice communication with a remote automated voice recognition and response system. The user interacts with the voice recognition and response system in natural language to access programming information, pay-per-view services, to purchase merchandise, to schedule a program selection, etc.
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