Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a method for interfacing a voice command to control a consumer media data storage and playback device, and is described in conjunction with one or more specific embodiments. The present invention accepts voice commands either over a microphone that is built in to the device, connected to it by a cable, or built into a wireless remote control, or over a phone line connected to the device. These voice commands can take the form of a complex natural language sentence, a single word, or a short phrase. The device parses all complex natural language sentences before executing them. If the device feels that it needs more information to comply with the voice command, it requests additional information by way of sound effects, computer generated speech, or displaying a graphical menu on a screen, if one is available. Alternately, if the device cannot recognize a voice command, it gives the user a list of appropriate commands. This list is once again given in the form of sound effects, computer generated speech, or displayed as a graphical menu on a screen, if one is available. The user can ask the device for help on a particular command, and the device complies with the request by giving a list of command options. This list is once again given in one of the 3 forms, viz.: sound effects, computer generated speech, or graphical display on a screen, if one is available.

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First Claim