Abstract: A system and method of the present invention for determining and maintaining dialog focus in a conversational speech system includes presenting a command associated with an application to a dialog manager. The application associated with the command is unknown to the dialog manager at the time it is made. The dialog manager determines a current context of the command by reviewing a multi-modal history of events. At least one method is determined responsive to the command based on the current context. The at least one method is executed responsive to the command associated with the application.

Abstract: A system and method for providing conversational computing via a protocol for automatic dialog management and arbitration between a plurality of conversational applications, and a framework for supporting such protocol, in a multi-modal and/or multi-channel environment. A DMAF (dialog manager and arbitrator facade) interfaces with one or more applications, and a hierarchical DMA architecture enables arbitration across the applications and within the same application between various sub-dialogs.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method and system for accessing a dialog system employing a plurality of different clients, includes providing a first client device for accessing a conversational system and presenting a command to the conversational system by converting the command to a form understandable to the conversational system. The command is interpreted by employing a mediator, a dialog manager and a multi-modal history to determine the intent of the command based on a context of the command. A second client device is determined based on a predetermined device preference stored in the conversational system. An application is abstracted to perform the command, and the results of the performance of the command are set to the second client device.