SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING USER ASSISTANCE IN RETRIEVING DATA FROM A RELATIONAL DATABASE

A voice activated system for retrieving information from relation files in a database incorporating a "help" mechanism that leads the user to relevant information. The apparatus and method provides the user with a message that the spoken queries are understood or not. If understood the system outputs the desired information. If not understood the system asks for key words from the user. The system will respond with phrases using such key words that were built into the system vocabulary. The user may input the phrases into the recognition part of the apparatus or may voice new queries based on the phrase/sentences. The system responds with the desired information.