Modulating the behavior of an animated character to reflect beliefs inferred about a user's desire for automated services

摘要

Modulating the behavior of an agent for directing automated services such as for messaging and scheduling is disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method inputs an action probability. The action probability has a location within a region corresponding to an option that in one embodiment can be one of: (1) inaction, (2) automatic action, and (3) engaging the user in a dialog about the user's desire for automated action, followed by action pending receipt of user approval. The method then modulates the behavior of the agent depending on the location of the action probability within the region. In one embodiment, the region in which the action probability is located is divided into two or more sub-regions, such that the behavior of the agent is modulated based on which sub-region in which it lies. In another embodiment, a continuous function is imposed onto the region in which the probability is located, where the function yields a confidence level based on the location of the action probability within the region, such that the behavior of the agent is modulated based on this confidence level.