Focus in graphical user interfaces

Focus in natural language processing is used to keep track of the attentional space of the participants in the dialogue. Graphical interfaces have still to benefit from the use of this level of communication. We discuss a graphical interface counter part called a focus space. Focus spaces can be used to combine multiple interaction styles (e.g. natural language with graphical pointing). We describe how a specific theory of discourse structure and focus space can be applied to graphical interfaces. The attentional space is maintained automatically by the system, and can be used by the software under program control. An example is provided showing how the attentional space can be used.