Analyzing and processing a verbal expression containing multiple goals

Abstract

A method for parsing a verbal expression received from a user to determine whether or not the expression contains a multiple-goal command is described. Specifically, known techniques are applied to extract terms from the verbal expression. The extracted terms are assigned to categories. If two or more terms are found in the parsed verbal expression that are in associated categories and that do not overlap one another temporally, then the confidence levels of these terms are compared. If the confidence levels are similar, then the terms may be parallel entries in the verbal expression and may represent multiple goals. If a multiple-goal command is found, then the command is either presented to the user for review and possible editing or is executed. If the parsed multiple-goal command is presented to the user for review, then the presentation can be made via any appropriate interface including voice and text interfaces.