Other Applications

We are considering other possible applications of the mediation paradigm. Assistance could provide relevant information (retrieve database documents, query a web search, etc.) or encouraging communication (ask questions, direct conversation flow, prevent off-topic ramblings, etc.). For example, in an INS (immigration) interview, the system could list regulations when they are relevant to the current topic at hand. Or, consider using such a system in a marriage counseling session where its primary role is to encourage further conversation between partners. This is reminiscent of the ``Eliza'' program without the question-answer prompts. It also does not interrupt the participants when the conversation is progressing nicely.