Initializing a conversation with an automated agent via selectable graphical element

Abstract

Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for using selectable elements to invoke an automated assistant at a computing device. While operating the computing device, a usermay not be aware that the automated assistant can be invoked according to certain invocation phrases. In order to inform the user of the functionality of the automated assistant, the user can be presented with selectable elements that can initialize the automated assistant when selected. Furthermore, a selectable element can provide an invocation phrase in textual form so that the user is aware of their ability to invoke the automated assistant by speaking the invocation phrase. The selectable element can be presented at different devices associated with the user, and the automated assistantcan be initialized at a device that is separate from the device where the selectable element is presented.

Description

Background technique [0001] People can use what are called "automatic assistants" in this article (also known as "digital agents", "chatbots", "interactive personal assistants", "smart personal assistants", "conversational agents", etc.) Interactive software application for man-machine dialogue. For example, people (when they interact with an automated assistant, they can be referred to as "users") can use spoken natural language input (i.e., speech) to provide commands and / or requests, which can be converted in some cases Into text and then processed. In this way, the user has the ability to invoke the functions of the computing device without requiring the user to physically manipulate peripheral devices such as a keyboard or mouse. Such an automated assistant may respond to spoken phrases pre-loaded on the computing device and spoken by the user. However, users often may not know the various spoken phrases available for invoking the auto assistant, or may not be able to pr...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, users often may not be aware of the various spoken phrases that can be used to invoke an auto attendant, or may not be able to pronounce such spoken phrases

Furthermore, due to the expanded range of functionality available to many computing devices, most users may not have any convenient resources to learn the full range of functionality available

As a result, the user may miss many of the features available for the auto attendant, which means that computer resources available for these features may not be efficiently utilized

Also, some environments may be too noisy to speak the query comfortably, and users may choose not to speak the query at certain times to protect their privacy, such as at work or in a coffee shop

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