AI user chatbot

Question

Hello, 
 
 I have built a chatbot in appian. I have two objects in my interface. First is a text box, which takes user question. And, the second is a button user clicks to send question to AI bot and get response. 
 Currently, when text box loses focus, a local variable called isProcessing is turned to true(So the user can be shown that processing is occurring). And, when the button-press returns with AI response, the isProcessing is turned to false, and the AI response is shown to user. 
 I want to have it so that when the text box loses focus, the local variable isProcessing is turned to true, as well as data being sent to AI bot. And, then when AI bot returns, the isProcessing is turned to false, and result shown. 
 Is this possible? 
 Thanks for your time.

Stefan Helzle · Answer

I think this should work using a!asyncVariable. This way, you can declare a local variable and make it evaluation react on entering text, or pushing the button. 
 Give it a try. It might need a bit of tinkering, but should work.

Shubham Aware · Answer

Yes possible. Use the text field's saveInto to set isProcessing = true and kick off the AI via a process model with a!startProcess. Note: a saveInto allows only one smart service, so use a process model if you need multiple backend steps.

rohity0003 · Answer

Here is the best solution I've come up with so far: 
 In User Input text box's saveInto Block: 1. update isProcessing 2. call processModel to call AI Skill (isSynchronous=false) 2a. In 'onSuccess' block, read processId into a local variable. 
 A separate sub-interface loads ( when isProcessing = true ). This has a local variable processingDone that checks every 30 seconds (refreshVariable) to see if the process is done ( using a process report). When processingDone = true, a link appears to 'Show Results'. - When clicked, this reads in the data that was calculated by the (AI Skill) process.

Sam Wahbeh · Answer

Hi rohity0003 when building a custom chat in Appian we recommend using a!chatField in combination with a!callLanguageModel Here is the documentation for a!chatField - https://docs.appian.com/suite/help/26.5/Chat_Component.html Here is the documentation for a!callLanguageModel - https://docs.appian.com/suite/help/26.5/fnc_system_call_language_model.html These two functions will provide you the flexibility you need to build out custom chat interactions. In 26.6 Appian will be releasing a!agentChatField + Chat Agents that can leverage existing design objects as tools to service your users. 
 If you have any questions please feel free to reach out 
 -Sam