Web-based speech recognition with scripting and semantic objects

A speech application computer system comprising:

• A. a first computer hosting a speech recognition (SR) system and configured to receive an audio input from an input device and to generate a context-independent semantic tree for one or more semantic objects representing a plurality of valid interpretations of said audio input;
• B. a Web page loaded on said first computer, from a second computer, said Web page including an application script comprising a set of speech application functionality and configured to interact with said input device via said SR system, wherein said speech application is configured to conduct speech application sessions without accessing said second computer;
• C. a set of reusable object oriented interfaces local to the first computer, said interfaces including:
• (1) one or more interface objects configured to facilitate access by said application script to standard services of said first computer;
• and
• (2) an interface configured to facilitate access to and control of said SR system by said application script;
• and
• D. a semantic tree evaluator program, configured to generate from said semantic objects, as a function of said context, a single interpretation of said audio input and to return said single interpretation to said application script.

A method of performing a speech application session, wherein a SR system is hosted on a first computer and includes a means to receive an audio input, said method comprising:

• A. receiving said audio input by said SR system;
• B. loading a Web page including an application script on said first computer, said application script including a set of functionality configured to manage a speech application session and control said SR system, without accessing functionality from a second computer;
• C. establishing a set of standard interfaces between said SR system and said application script, including establishing a semantic evaluator;
• D. in response to tasking by said application script, generating by said SR system a context-independent semantic tree for one or more semantic objects representing all possible interpretations of said audio input;
• E. in response to receiving a context defined by said application script, determining by said semantic evaluator a single semantic interpretation from said one or more semantic objects;
• and
• F. determining a next action by said application script as a function of said single semantic interpretation.