Peter John Durston

Title: Innovations by Peter John Durston in Interactive Dialogue Systems

Introduction

Peter John Durston, an inventive mind based in Suffolk, GB, has made significant contributions to the field of interactive dialogue systems. With a total of three patents to his name, Durston's work showcases his commitment to enhancing communication technologies, particularly in dialogue management systems.

Latest Patents

Among his most notable inventions is an interactive dialogue apparatus that generates prompts and processes responses to improve user interactions. This apparatus utilizes a state model to manage the dialogue's progress by comparing transition conditions with stored response data. The system refreshes itself by reparsing the model every time a new response is received. Additionally, prompts are generated through state history, aimed at delivering a seamless dialogue experience while ensuring repetition is minimized.

Another key patent involves the learning of dialogue states and the language model of spoken information systems. This innovation focuses on creating dialogue states from a training corpus of human conversations, emphasizing a turn-level approach rather than move-level. By categorizing dialogue utterances into predetermined meanings, Durston's work enables more efficient communication during interactions between telephone operators and users. Specific phrases are designated with substitution and deletion penalties, allowing for streamlined dialogue while maintaining natural user interactions.

Career Highlights

Peter John Durston is currently associated with British Telecommunications Public Limited Company, where he continues to apply his innovative thinking to improve communication technologies. His expertise in interactive dialogue systems is highly valued, as it aligns with the company's objective of enhancing customer experience through better technology.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Durston has collaborated with notable peers, including David J. Attwater and Michael D. Edgington. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of dialogue management technologies, showcasing the power of teamwork in fostering innovation.

Conclusion

Peter John Durston stands out as a prominent inventor in the domain of interactive dialogue systems. His patents reflect a deep understanding of communication technologies and a dedication to improving user experiences. As he continues his work at British Telecommunications, his contributions will undoubtedly influence the future of dialogue systems and interactive technology.