AU2006201926A1 - A system and method for translating a multi-lingual dialogue - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION NAME OF APPLICANT(S):: Nikolaos Rigas ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000 INVENTION TITLE: A system and method for translating a multi-lingual dialogue The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5102 P:\WPDOCS\LMWnk\Patmt.%\Dmflini\RlU~iggs Copeve sppficnaimdm.-09/3/06 -1- A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSLATING A MULTI-LINGUAL

DIALOGUE

Technical Field The present invention relates to a system and method for translating dialogue between two parties speaking and/or writing in different languages.

Background of the Invention The ability to communicate in different languages is useful in many situations be it in a business, social or even a political context.

It is not uncommon in today's businesses environment for organisations to conduct their commercial dealings globally. Consequently, when an important deal is being negotiated between organisations in different countries and a language barrier exists, there is a real need for a translator to translate any communications that transpire. Typically, a human translator will be employed to provide this function.

However, in certain circumstances, the use of human translators is not always practical, particularly where an urgent discussion is scheduled and a human translator is unavailable. Moreover, the cost of hiring a human translator can result in additional costs being borne by the business.

Furthermore, during the course of a meeting, both text and oral information is often exchanged between the participating parties. It can be tedious for a human P:\WPDCS\LhWoMk\Polrn,\Dmfling\RigaiRiga Cmplcle applicatim&.do3-OS/O106 -2translator to be able to simultaneously translate complex communications composed in both text and oral format in an accurate and timely fashion.

When travelling abroad, it is a common practice for many tourists to carry along and consult a phrase book containing useful phrases spoken by the local population. However, there are limitations in the use of such phrasebooks. For instance, it is not easy for some tourist to correctly pronounce a particular word or phrase and if the wrong intonation is used, then this may only serve to confuse the local. Moreover, even if the tourist is able to correctly pronounce a particular word or phrase, the tourist may not be able to comprehend a response received from the local when spoken in the native language. Thus, phrasebooks and the like are limited in their application to solving the problem at hand. Moreover, if the tourist finds himself in a medical emergency and is unable to communicate in the local language, then the proper medical attention that is required may not be forthcoming.

Summary of the Invention The present invention seeks to alleviate at least one of the problems discussed above.

The present invention involves several different broad forms. Embodiments of the invention may include one or any combination of the different broad forms herein described.

In a first broad form, the present invention provides a method for use in translating a multi-lingual dialogue, wherein the dialogue includes a first message composed in a first language, and a second message composed in a second language, said method being operable using a portable computer system, wherein the method steps include: P:\WPDOCS LWn'RWr\Pnlenl\Dhfling\Rig\Ril Copk, .ppicoi.dnc.O8/05i6 -3receiving the first message and the second message; (ii) translating the first message into the second language so as to generate a first translated message, and, translating the second message into the first language so as to generate a second translated message; (iii) outputting the first translated message and the second translated message.

In a second broad form, the present invention provides a method for use in translating a multi-lingual dialogue, wherein the dialogue includes a first message composed in a first language, and a second message composed in a second language, said method being operable using a portable computer system, wherein the method steps include: receiving a first message; (ii) translating the first message into the second language so as to generate a first translated message; (iii) outputting the first translated message; (iv) receiving the second message; translating the second message into the first language so as to generate a second translated message; (vi) outputting the second translated message.

In certain embodiments, the present invention may include at least one of the following: P:kWPDOCS\LWnI)W.P\P.nl.\D\D.li i\kRig., Rig C-pit c -ppitici.do-0IO6 -4a programmable PDA; or a programmable mobile phone; or a programmable lap-top computer.

Typically, the first message originates from a first party, and, the second message originates from a second party.

Typically the first translated message is communicated to the second party, and the second translated message is communicated to the first party.

The first and second messages may include a text-based information, oral information, or a combination thereof. The format of the first and second translated messages may also be provided as either text-based, oral-based, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the present invention includes the step of preselecting the format(s) in which the first and second messages are to be received, and, the format(s) in which the first and second translated messages are to be output.

Preferably, the step of receiving the first and second messages may include the step of the first and second parties entering the first and second messages into an input device. Preferably the input device may include a user-friendly interface which is suitably adapted for each of the first and second messages to be entered.

Preferably, the steps of translating the received first and/or second messages, and/or, communicating the first and second translated messages may be performed in real-time.

P: WPDOCSIWIn)WmkPalmar\mtaninmling \Ri a- Complle applicatim0.doc/0506 Typically, the first and second messages may be received substantially concurrently by the input device. Also typically, the first and second translated messages may be output substantially concurrently. Advantageously, this may allow for the translation of a multi-lingual dialogue in full-duplex as well as halfduplex mode.

Preferably, the present invention also includes the step of selectively storing received first and second messages in a memory device. More preferably, this step takes place before the received first and second messages are translated.

Preferably, the present invention may also include the step of pre-selecting a translation mode from a plurality of possible translation modes in which a particular multi-lingual dialogue is to be translated. Each of the plurality of possible translation modes may be suitable for translating a particular type of multi-lingual dialogue composed in a unique combination of first and second languages. For instance, different translation modes may be suitable for translating the following types of dialogues involving: a first message composed composed in Chinese; or a first message composed composed in Russian; or a first message composed composed in Japanese.

in English, and, a second message in English, and, a second message in Spanish, and, a second message Preferably, selecting at the selection of a particular translation mode may also include least one of the following parameters: P:\WPDOCSL\Wmk\Patml.%\Dmning\Rigas\Ri Compe applicatim.dO.0810/5/6 -6in the case of an oral-based translated message, amongst other things, the volume and frequency of the first and second translated messages when being output; in the case of a text-based translated message, amongst other things, the font size, colour, and/or rate of display of the text when being output; whether a first and/or second message is to be translated in a textto-text, text-to-oral, oral-to-oral, oral-to-text manner; the identity and/or location of a particular output device via which the first and/or second translated message is to be outputted. For instance, in situations where a common portable computer system is used to translate a multi-lingual dialogue, it may be envisaged that a common output device disposed on the computer system may be used to output both first and second translated message.

In situations where for instance a first and a second computer system are remotely interconnected, a first translated message generated on the first system may need to be transmitted to the output device to be output and vice versa.

Typically the pre-selection of the translation mode may be effected by a user operating a selection device, such as a physical switch or a menu disposed on an interactive GUI interface.

In certain embodiments, the present invention may include the steps of: processing a sample of a multi-lingual dialogue; P: WPDOCS LW'RWmk\PaimisV)mfling Rips\Rigns Cmplclc opplicalimAm-09/05/06 -7- (ii) determining a likely identity of a first and/or second language in which the sample dialogue is composed by applying a language correlation criteria; and (iii) automatically translating the dialogue by reference to the determined likely identity of the first and/or second language.

Alternatively, the present invention may include the steps of: using a GPS tracking system to detect the location of a user; determining at least one language and/or dialect which may be likely to be spoken in the location detected by the GPS system; automatically adapting the present invention to translate dialogue by reference to the determined language and/or dialect.

Advantageously, the ability of the present invention to automatically identify the languages in which a multi-lingual dialogue is composed, may be useful in ethnically diverse regions of the world where it is not immediately evident as to the type of language being spoken.

Preferably the step of receiving the first and second messages includes receiving the first and second messages via an input device. Typically the input device may include at least one of: a keypad; a scanner; a microphone.

P: WPDOCS LW'RWmkkPRtm[%Dmfling Rign,\Riga,, Cmplete applicalimAm-09/090h -8- Preferably, the step of communicating the first and second translated messages includes communicating the first and second translated messages via an output device. Typically, the output device may include at least one of the following: an audio speaker; a display device.

Preferably, the present invention may also include the step of providing the first and/or second party with incidental information. Typically, the incidental information may include a suggested course of action or response for the first and/or second party to adopt in particular situation. The incidental information may be communicated to the first and/or second party when a pre-defined trigger word, or phrase is detected in a received first and/or second message, or combination of such messages.

Advantageously, the provision of the incidental information to a user may be useful and instructive in handling culturally-sensitive situations where a certain action or behaviour may be expected. For instance the incidental information may prompt the user to say "thank you" or "bow" at an appropriate time during a dialogue, where the absence of such an action may otherwise be considered to be rude.

In a third broad form, the present invention provides a portable computer system adapted for use in translating a multi-lingual dialogue, wherein the dialogue includes a first message composed in a first language, and a second message composed in a second language, the computer system including: a processor communicatively connected via a bus to: an input device; an output device; a power supply; P:\WPDOCS LVMW k\P.I.I.,\D.Di g\Rig C-plele ppfiwi.A-09/05ft -9a memory device which is adapted to store a computer program wherein the processor is operative with the computer program to: receive the first and second message via the input device; and (ii) translate the first message into the second language so as to generate a first translated message, and, translate the second message into the first language; and (iii) communicate the first and second translated messages via the output device.

Preferably, the input device may include at least one of a keypad, a mouse, or a touch-sensitive display.

In certain embodiments, where first and second messages may be entered as text, the present invention may include a first and second keypad wherein, the first keypad may include a plurality of keys, each of which contain unique indicia representative of a letter, word, number or phrase associated with the first language. Similarly, the second keypad may include a plurality of keys each of which contain unique indicia representative of a letter, word, number or phrase associated with the second language. The first message may be entered into the computer system by selectively activating a sequence of keys disposed on the first keypad. Similarly, the second message may be entered into the computer system by selectively activating a sequence of keys disposed on the second keypad.

Thus for instance, the first keypad may include standard alphanumeric characters which are adapted for use by a Western user. The second keypad may include a series of characters written in Kanji script which may be suitable for use by a Japanese user. It is envisaged that where a pair of keypads are used, it may be necessary to include the step of providing different combinations of languagespecific keypad combinations in different geographic regions. For instance, in P:\WPDOCSkLWT)WmL\.Pamls\])mfling\Rip.%\ 5 Cmplce applicaimm.d -0-8IO/IO6 Japan, the present invention may typically always include at least one Japanesefriendly-keypad amongst the pair of keypads disposed upon the device.

Alternatively, the input device may include a first and a second virtual keypads implemented electronically, for instance, on a common touch-sensitive display. In this way, the first and second party may take turns in entering a first and second message respectively via the touch-sensitive display. A selection device may be used to allow display of the first keypad electronically when the first party is entering the first message, and, the second keypad electronically when the second party is entering the second message into the computer system.

The input device may also include a microphone which may be adapted to receive the first and/or second messages in oral format. Typically the received message are converted to digital data by an ADC circuit and then buffered in the memory device prior to translation.

Preferably, the output display may include at least one of: a speaker adapted for outputting oral-based translated first and/or second messages; or a display monitor adapted for outputting text-based translated first and/or second communications.

Alternatively, the present invention may include a means of operatively attaching at least one, and preferably, a plurality of headsets. Preferably, the at least one headset may include a microphone and an earpiece which may serve as the input means and the output means respectively. Advantageously, the ability to use headsets may be particularly convenient in noisy environments where it is P:\PDOS\L'n~k\Pimt\Dmlin\Ri,.iRip -Cmprw applicali-,d-0S!OS/06 -llimpractical for multiple parties to talk openly into an open microphone, or, to listen to an open speaker. It may be envisaged that the use of headsets may be useful in an environment such as the United Nations where multiple parties speaking in different languages are often engaged in open discussion. In this situation, it may be envisaged that each participating party may be issued with a headset which is operatively attached to the present invention in order to facilitate translation of the multi-lingual dialogue.

Also preferably, the present invention may be communicatively connected with at least one other computer system provided in accordance with the third broad form, via a communication link, so as to establish a network of interconnected systems.

The communication link may include a wireless link using for instance, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth protocols. Alternatively, the communication link may include the Internet, an Intranet, a LAN, a WAN or any other suitable networking system.

Advantageously, in this way, a multilingual dialogue may be conducted and translated in real-time, in a situation where the participating parties to the dialogue are located remotely from one another.

It would be understood by a person skilled in the art that the present invention may not be limited to the translations of dialogues involving only two languages but may be modified to allow for translation of multi-dialogues involving more than two languages and/or multiple parties.

In embodiments where the present invention may included a mobile phone, a first mobile phone may be used to establish a connection with a corresponding second mobile phone in another country using conventional cellular telephone network.

Typically, a first translated message generated by the first mobile phone may be transmitted to, and outputted by, the second mobile phone, and vice versa.

P:%WPDOCS\LWTNWk\F\t 1,Ulmflirgntin.,\Ri- Cmple, spplii.AOR.OOS5/6 12- Preferably, the present invention includes a means of selectively deactivating the translation function. For instance, if the present invention were integrated into a mobile phone, the translation function may be conveniently switched off to permit a mono-lingual dialogue to take place between two parties.

In certain embodiments, where the present invention may include a mobile phone, a means may be included of automatically activating the translating function upon detection of a call from a particular party. For instance, if the other party was known to be a Japanese client conversant primarily in Japanese, then the phone may be programmed to switch to a pre-defined translation mode which is suitable for translating Japanese messages into English, as well as, translating English responses back to the Japanese party in Japanese.

In a fourth broad form, the present invention provides a computer-readable medium having disposed thereon a set of computer-executable instructions for performing a method for use in translating a multi-lingual dialogue, wherein the dialogue includes a first message composed in a first language, and a second message composed in a second language, said method being operable using a portable computer system, wherein the method steps include: receiving the first and second messages; (ii) translating the first message into the second language so as to generate a first translated message, and, translating the second message into the first language so as to generate a second translated message; (iii) outputting the first translated message and the second translated message.

P:kWPDOCSL\W~k Pnl~tM.Aiag Rig Co-plac applicaii.doc.-I0/106 13 In a fifth broad form, the present invention provides a computer-readable medium having disposed thereon a set of computer-executable instructions for performing a method for use in translating a multi-lingual dialogue, wherein the dialogue includes a first message composed in a first language, and a second message composed in a second language, said method being operable using a portable computer system, wherein the method steps include: receiving the first message; (ii) translating the first message into the second language so as to generate a first translated message; (iii) outputting the first translated message; (iv) receiving the second message; translating the second message into the first language so as to generate a second translated message; (vi) outputting the second translated message.

In a sixth broad form, the present invention provides a computer-readable medium having stored thereon, a data structure produced in accordance with the first and/or second broad forms of the present invention.

In a seventh broad form, the present invention provides a user-interface including a display and a selection device, a method of providing and selecting from a menu on the display, the method including the steps of the first and/or second broad form of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will become more fully understood from the following P:\WPDOCSL\VnWok\PPt~t. U).Ai.&kgig. \Rig. Co-pkw .pplicnic.dA-08/05I/06 -14detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a computer system used in performing the method steps of the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a flowchart of the steps performed according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment The following description describes a first embodiment of the present invention which includes a computer system and a method of operating the computer system to effect translation of a multi-lingual dialogue in a variety of situations.

The multi-lingual dialogue which is to be processed by the first embodiment includes a series of first messages originating from a first party which are composed in a first language, as well as a plurality of second messages originating from a second party which are composed in a second language. The first and second messages may be received in either oral-format, text-format, or a combination thereof. The multi-lingual dialogue is conducted with each party, in turn, contributing a message to the dialogue. It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, that in other embodiments, multi-lingual dialogues involve more than two parties, and, more than two languages can be accommodated.

Figure 1 shows an illustration of the computer system used in the first embodiment, including a processor that is communicatively connected via a P:\WPDOCS LWTWk\Patml~ nfning \Rigyai Complctc npplicfim.d-0/oS/o6 bus to an input device, an output device, a power supply and a memory device The input device includes a portion of a touch-sensitive display (3a) suitable for receiving text-based messages, as well as a microphone (3b) suitable for receiving voice-based input messages. The output device includes a second portion of the touch-sensitive display (4a) where translated text is to be output.

The output device also includes an audio speaker A third portion of the touch-sensitive display Is allocated for the display of control icons (5a, 5b, which are available for activation during the course of a translation. The memory device includes a RAM module and a means of accommodating additional memory modules such as Flash Memory cards and the like. The first embodiment also includes the use of a computer program which is stored in the RAM and operable with the processor to perform, amongst other things, the following functions: receiving first and/or second messages data via the input device; translating received first and/or second messages data; outputting translated messages via the output device; automatically determining a translation mode in which to translate the multi-lingual dialogue.

Any number of commercially available compute software packages which are adapted to translate languages are able to be used in the first embodiment.

The computer system also includes an in-built GPS unit which is adapted for communication with a GPS network to obtain a set of locating coordinates.

Whilst any number of suitable portable computer systems could be utilised, a dual PDA and mobile phone device is used in the first embodiment. More specifically, the "02 xda" model integrated PDA and mobile phone which would be a suitable example for use in the first embodiment.

P: WPDOCS LW'RW.LT\tmts\Dmfling RigosRgg- Co-pplci, plk imkdo-091051/06 -16- Figure 2 is a flow-chart illustrating the steps involved in using the computer system of Fig 1. to translate a multi-lingual dialogue in a particular scenario. By way of example, the scenario involves a situation where an English-speaking tourist is required to communicate with a Chinese-speaker somewhere in China, where both parties can only speak, read and write in different languages.

At 100, a translation mode must first pre-selected from a menu of available translation modes displayed on the touch-sensitive screen of the PDA. Selection of a particular translation mode include selection of at least one of the following parameters: whether each party will communicate in oral-based or text-based messages, or a combination thereof; the format in which the computer system will output a translation of input first and second messages ie. text-to-text translation, text-to-oral translation, oralto-oral translation, oral-to-text translation or a combination of these; If oral-based messages are to be output from the computer system, the volume and pitch of a output oral statement; If text-based messages are to be output from the computer system, then the font size, font style and speed of display of text on an output display; which party is to commence the dialogue and hence enter the first statement for translation.

In the present example, the parties decide to communicate in text-formatted messages which are entered into the computer system in alternating fashion. for translation. The translation of each message is also output as text on the touchsensitive display.

P:kWPDOCSLW\Wo,\P.a1-1,Di\Rig.,\Rig, Copev -17- In certain circumstances, it may not be immediately evident to the tourist as to the specific language or dialect of the Chinese speaking party. This may be particularly problematic in areas where there may be a number of languages spoken in the particular region. The first embodiment is adapted to automatically predict the language spoken by the Chinese party by obtaining a set of GPS coordinates as to the location of the tourist in China, and identifying the most likely language that is spoken in an area corresponding to the GPS coordinates by reference to a look-up table. Upon identifying the most likely language that is spoken in that particular region, the first embodiment automatically selects a suitable translation mode for use in translating the dialogue. This step is shown at 200.

At 300, the first embodiment understands from the previously entered translation parameters that the English tourist is to enter the first message in English. An English-friendly virtual keypad is therefore initially displayed on the touch-sensitive screen. The English tourist enters his/her first message into the keypad, and, when the text message is complete, activates a "submit" button (5a) which is disposed on the display GUI icon. The "submit' button indicates to the computer system that the message has ended and should now be translated.

At 400, the first message is processed by the translation program and then output at 500 via the touch-sensitive display in Chinese characters for the Chinese person to read.

At 600, after reading the translated text message, it is the Chinese person's turn to enter a response. To do this, the Chinese speaker activates another icon disposed on the display which says a "Next Message" (5b) in Chinese characters.

Activation of this icon brings up a virtual Chinese-friendly keypad which the Chinese person then uses to compose a text message, upon completion of the P:NWPDOCS\L'n~mk\PatmisrjDring Rig~s Rign Cmplmc applimlim.dw--0V115/06 -18message, the Chinese person activates the "Submit' (5a) icon (which is shown in Chinese characters this time). At 700, the computer program again translates the received text and outputs the translated message via the display for the English tourist to read. These steps are repeated throughout the course of the dialogue.

At 800, the first embodiment provides a further icon which when activated by either party, indicates the dialogue is completed and no further translation Is required this is referred to as the "Finish" icon When the "Finish" icon (5c) is actually activated, the computer system is re-initialised that is, the pre-selected translation mode and other parameters are re-initialised and the pre-selection. If the icon is not activated after a pre-defined time of 10 seconds, then the embodiment automatically re-starts from 300 and awaits entry of the next English text message from the English tourist.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the invention. All such variations and modification which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features, referred or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims (38)

1. A method for use in translating a multi-lingual dialogue, wherein the dialogue includes a first message composed in a first language, and a second message composed in a second language, said method being operable using a portable computer system, wherein the method steps include: receiving the first message and the second message; (ii) translating the first message into the second language so as to generate a first translated message, and, translating the second message into the first language so as to generate a second translated message; (iii) outputting the first translated message and the second translated message.

2. A method for use in translating a multi-lingual dialogue, wherein the dialogue includes a first message composed in a first language, and a second message composed in a second language, said method being operable using a portable computer system, wherein the method steps include: receiving a first message; (ii) translating the first message into the second language so as to generate a first translated message; (iii) outputting the first translated message; (iv) receiving the second message; translating the second message into the first language so as to generate a second translated message; (vi) outputting the second translated message. P:NWPDOCSWnW kk.%1.15\DDfiig Ria,\Rig C-plme

3. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the portable computer system includes at least one of: a programmable PDA; or a programmable mobile phone; or a programmable lap-top computer.

4. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first message originates from a first party, and, the second message originates from a second party. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first translated message is communicated to the second party, and the second translated message is communicated to the first party.

6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second messages may include at least one of: text-based information; oral information

7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the format of the first and second translated messages is provided in at least one of: a text-based message; an oral-based message;

8. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including the step of pre-selecting the format(s) in which the first and second messages are to be P:WPOS\WIW k\ 11'J.A.\Rg.\ig,- C-o -ppiat-kI8/0/0 -21 received, and/or, the format(s) in which the first and second translated messages are to be output.

9. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein, the step of receiving the first and second messages includes the step of the first and second parties entering the first and second messages into an input device. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the input device includes a user interface which is suitably adapted for each of the first and second messages to be entered.

11. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including the steps of translating the received first and/or second messages, and/or, communicating the first and second translated messages is performed in real-time.

12. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein, the first and second messages are received substantially concurrently by the input device.

13. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein, the first and second translated messages are output substantially concurrently.

14. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including the step of selectively storing received first and second messages in a memory device.

15. A method as claimed in claims 14 wherein the step of selectively storing received first and second messages in the memory device takes place before the received first and second messages are translated. P:WPDOCS\LWI\WaLPni,\Dfing\Rig.\Ri Co-ptlm 22

16. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including the step of pre-selecting a translation mode from a plurality of possible translation modes in which a particular multi-lingual dialogue is to be translated.

17. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including the steps of: processing a sample of a multi-lingual dialogue; (ii) determining a likely identity of a first and/or second language in which the sample dialogue is composed by applying a language correlation criteria; and (iii) automatically translating the dialogue by reference to the determined likely identity of the first and/or second language.

18. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including the steps of: using a GPS tracking system to detect the location of a user; (ii) determining at least one language and/or dialect which may be likely to be spoken in the location detected by the GPS system; (iii) automatically adapting the present invention to translate dialogue by reference to the determined language and/or dialect.

19. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the step of receiving the first and second messages includes receiving the first and second messages via an input device including at least one of: a keypad; a scanner; or a microphone. P:\WPDOCS LWI\)WorkWTeI.fl,\Dnin\Rig C-,plo-t .pplicti-,dn-08I/S/O16 -23- A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the step of communicating the first and second translated messages includes communicating the first and second translated messages via an output device.

21. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the output device includes at least one of the following: an audio speaker; a display device.

22. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including the step of providing the first and/or second party with incidental information.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein the incidental information includes an action plan to implement in response to a particular situation.

24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 22 or 23 wherein the incidental information is communicated to the first and/or second party when a pre-defined trigger word, or phrase is detected in a received first and/or second message. A portable computer system adapted for use in translating a multi-lingual dialogue, wherein the dialogue includes a first message composed in a first language, and a second message composed in a second language, the computer system including: a processor communicatively connected via a bus to: an input device; an output device; P:\WPDOCS\LWTWWrL\Pallr\Dmfting\Rigngs Compleio npplicoaii.dc.0//6 24 a power supply; a memory device which is adapted to store a computer program wherein the processor is operative with the computer program to: receive the first and second message via the input device; and (ii) translate the first message into the second language so as to generate a first translated message, and, translate the second message into the first language; and (iii) communicate the first and second translated messages via the output device.

26. A portable computer system as claimed in claim 25 wherein the input device includes at least one of: a keypad; or a mouse; or a touch-sensitive display; or a microphone.

27. A portable computer system as claimed in any one of claims 25 or 26 wherein the first and second messages are entered as text.

28. A portable computer system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27 including a first and a second keypad.

29. A portable computer system as claimed in claim 28 wherein, the first keypad includes a plurality of keys each of which contain unique indicia representative of at least one of: P: WPDOCS\LW'nW~\k\Pmrihaning g\Rig ip CnmpkIe .ppimiA.docOHIOSIO6 a letter; a word; or a phrase; associated with the first language. A portable computer system as claimed in any one of claims 28 or 29 wherein, the second keypad includes a plurality of keys each of which contain unique indicia representative of at least one of: a letter; a word; or a phrase; associated with the second language.

31. A portable computer system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to wherein the first and second keypads include virtual keypads implemented on a touch-screen display.

32. A portable computer system as claimed in claim 31 wherein the first and second virtual keypads are implemented on the same touch-screen display.

33. A portable computer system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 32 wherein the output display includes at least one of: a speaker adapted for outputting oral-based translated first and/or second messages; or P:kWPDOCSLkRRW.Lmi\haninDmRii.&\Rig Co,,RpIte C-ippfia.do-08/03106 -26- a display monitor adapted for outputting text-based translated first and/or second communications.

34. A including A including system. portable computer system as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 33 a communication jack for at least one headset. portable computer system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 34 a signalling link for communicatively connecting to a second computer

36. A portable computer system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to wherein the signalling link includes a wireless signalling link.

37. A portable computer system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 36 wherein the wireless signalling link includes at least one of: a Bluetooth® signalling link; (ii) a Wi-Fi signalling link; (iii) an infra-red signalling link.

38. A portable computer system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 37 including a first mobile phone.

39. A portable computer as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 38 wherein the second computer system includes a second mobile phone. P:\WPDOCS\LW'RWork\Pat=IANmfningUgm\RigR Compcte appliation.dc9/05M -27- A portable computer system as claimed in claim 38 or 39 wherein the first and second mobile phones includes a means of deactivating the language translation function.

41. A portable computer system as claimed in 38 or 39 wherein the first and/or second mobile phones include a means of automatically activating the translating function upon detecting a call or a message from a specific party.

42. A computer-readable medium having disposed thereon a set of computer- executable instructions for performing the method steps in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 24.

43. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon, a data structure produced in accordance with the methods steps of any one of claims 1 to 24.

44. A user-interface including a display and a selection device, a method of providing and selecting from a menu on the display, the method including the steps of any one of claims 1 to 24.

45. A method for use in translating a multi-lingual dialogue as substantially hereinbefore described. DATED this 9 t h day of May, 2006 NIKOLAOS RIGAS By his patent attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE