Custom AI Assistant

Transform your website with intelligent conversation capabilities using the AI assistant chat widget from Lincoln Cannon LLC. Our solution provides seamless integration, professional appearance, and enterprise-grade reliability.

Overview
Getting Started
Integration Guide
Configuration Options
Advanced Features
API Reference
Implementation Examples
Support & Troubleshooting

Overview

The AI assistant chat widget from Lincoln Cannon LLC enables your website visitors to engage with your custom AI assistant through an intuitive, professional interface. Our solution is designed for organizations that need:

Philosophical & Religious Guidance: Provide intelligent responses to questions about philosophy, theology, and spiritual matters
Health Science Education: Offer evidence-based information about health, wellness, and scientific research
Personal Emulation: Create AI assistants that embody specific personalities, knowledge, or expertise
Academic Support: Assist with research, analysis, and educational content in specialized fields

We also support traditional business applications including customer support, lead qualification, content guidance, and 24/7 availability for organizations with more general needs.

Key Benefits

Feature	Business Value
One-Line Integration	Minimal development effort, rapid deployment
Origin-Based Routing	Automatic assistant selection based on your domain
Conversation Memory	Maintains context across multiple interactions
Page Context Awareness	Provides relevant responses based on current page content
Professional Design	Matches your brand with customizable styling
Analytics Integration	Track engagement and measure ROI
Mobile Responsive	Works seamlessly across all devices
Streaming Responses	Real-time message streaming for better user experience
Fullscreen Mode	Expand chat to full screen for better readability
About Panel	Display custom information about your assistant

Getting Started

Prerequisites

Before integrating the chat widget, ensure you have:

Active Lincoln Cannon LLC AI Assistant Service: Your custom assistant must be configured and deployed
Domain Registration: Your website domain must be registered with our system
API Access: Valid API credentials for your assistant

Important: Contact Lincoln Cannon LLC to set up your custom AI assistant service before proceeding with integration.

Quick Integration

Add this single line to your website’s HTML:

<script src="https://cloud.lincolncannon.co/lib/assistant.min.js"></script>

The widget will automatically:

Detect your website’s domain
Route to your specific AI assistant
Display with default styling
Begin accepting user interactions

Integration Guide

Step 1: Basic Setup

Include the chat widget script in your website’s HTML, preferably before the closing </body> tag:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Your Website</title>
</head>
<body>
    <!-- Your website content -->
    
    <!-- AI Assistant Chat Widget -->
    <script src="https://cloud.lincolncannon.co/lib/assistant.min.js"></script>
</body>
</html>

Step 2: Customize Configuration

Configure your assistant’s appearance and behavior by setting the ChatWidgetConfig object before including the script:

<script>
window.ChatWidgetConfig = {
    title: 'Customer Support',
    context: 'Hello! I\'m here to help with your questions about our products and services.',
    primaryColor: '#28a745',
    primaryHoverColor: '#218838'
};
</script>
<script src="https://cloud.lincolncannon.co/lib/assistant.min.js"></script>

Step 3: Test Your Integration

Deploy your changes to your website
Visit your website and look for the chat widget in the bottom-right corner
Click the widget to open a conversation
Test with sample questions to verify your assistant responds correctly

Configuration Options

Basic Configuration

Property	Type	Default	Description
`title`	string	‘Assistant’	Display name for your assistant
`context`	string	‘Hello! How can I help?’	Initial greeting message for new conversations
`retext`	string	‘Hello again! How can I help?’	Greeting message for returning conversations
`primaryColor`	string	‘#007bff’	Primary brand color (hex code)
`primaryHoverColor`	string	‘#0056b3’	Hover state color (hex code)
`description`	string	null	Custom description shown in the about panel

Advanced Configuration

Property	Type	Default	Description
`userIcon`	string	‘fas fa-user’	Font Awesome icon for user messages
`assistantIcon`	string	‘fas fa-robot’	Font Awesome icon for assistant messages
`includePageContext`	boolean	true	Include current page content in conversations
`useStreaming`	boolean	true	Enable real-time streaming responses

Example Configuration

window.ChatWidgetConfig = {
    // Basic settings
    title: 'Product Support',
    context: 'Welcome to our product support! I can help you with installation, troubleshooting, and feature questions.',
    retext: 'Welcome back! How can I assist you today?',
    primaryColor: '#e74c3c',
    primaryHoverColor: '#c0392b',
    description: 'Our AI assistant is trained on our product documentation and can help with common questions and troubleshooting.',
    
    // Advanced settings
    userIcon: 'fas fa-user-circle',
    assistantIcon: 'fas fa-headset',
    includePageContext: true,
    useStreaming: true
};

Advanced Features

Programmatic Control

Control the chat widget programmatically using the ChatWidgetAPI:

// Open the chat widget
ChatWidgetAPI.open();

// Close the chat widget
ChatWidgetAPI.close();

// Send a message programmatically
ChatWidgetAPI.sendMessage('I need help with my order');

// Update configuration dynamically
ChatWidgetAPI.updateConfig({
    title: 'New Assistant Name',
    primaryColor: '#9b59b6'
});

// Enable/disable streaming
ChatWidgetAPI.enableStreaming();
ChatWidgetAPI.disableStreaming();

// Check streaming status
if (ChatWidgetAPI.isStreamingEnabled()) {
    console.log('Streaming is enabled');
}

// Reset conversation thread
ChatWidgetAPI.resetThread();

// Fullscreen controls
ChatWidgetAPI.enterFullscreen();
ChatWidgetAPI.exitFullscreen();
ChatWidgetAPI.toggleFullscreen();
if (ChatWidgetAPI.isFullscreen()) {
    console.log('Widget is in fullscreen mode');
}

Event Callbacks

Monitor user interactions and integrate with your analytics:

window.ChatWidgetConfig = {
    // Called when user sends a message
    onMessageSent: function(message) {
        console.log('User sent:', message);
        // Send to Google Analytics
        if (typeof gtag !== 'undefined') {
            gtag('event', 'chat_message_sent', {
                'event_category': 'engagement',
                'event_label': message.substring(0, 100)
            });
        }
    },
    
    // Called when assistant responds
    onMessageReceived: function(message, data) {
        console.log('Assistant replied:', message);
        // Track conversation metrics
        if (typeof analytics !== 'undefined') {
            analytics.track('Chat Response Received', {
                messageLength: message.length,
                threadId: data.result
            });
        }
    },
    
    // Called when errors occur
    onError: function(error) {
        console.error('Chat error:', error);
        // Send to error tracking service
        if (typeof Sentry !== 'undefined') {
            Sentry.captureException(error);
        }
    }
};

Trigger Chat from Custom Elements

Create custom buttons or links to trigger the chat widget:

<!-- Help button in navigation -->
<button onclick="ChatWidgetAPI.open()" class="help-button">
    <i class="fas fa-question-circle"></i> Need Help?
</button>

<!-- Pre-filled message button -->
<button onclick="ChatWidgetAPI.sendMessage('I have a question about pricing')">
    Ask About Pricing
</button>

<!-- Product-specific help -->
<button onclick="ChatWidgetAPI.sendMessage('I need help with Product X installation')">
    Product X Support
</button>

The chat widget includes several built-in features:

Info Panel: Click the info icon (ℹ️) to view custom description and attribution
Fullscreen Mode: Click the expand icon (⤢) to view the chat in fullscreen
Close Button: Click the X to close the chat window
Auto-email Detection: Email addresses in assistant responses are automatically converted to clickable mailto links

API Reference

ChatWidgetAPI Methods

Method	Parameters	Description
`open()`	None	Opens the chat widget
`close()`	None	Closes the chat widget
`sendMessage(message)`	`message` (string)	Sends a message and opens the widget
`updateConfig(config)`	`config` (object)	Updates widget configuration
`enableStreaming()`	None	Enables real-time streaming responses
`disableStreaming()`	None	Disables streaming, uses polling instead
`isStreamingEnabled()`	None	Returns boolean indicating streaming status
`resetThread()`	None	Clears conversation thread and starts fresh
`toggleFullscreen()`	None	Toggles fullscreen mode
`enterFullscreen()`	None	Enters fullscreen mode
`exitFullscreen()`	None	Exits fullscreen mode
`isFullscreen()`	None	Returns boolean indicating fullscreen status

Configuration Properties

Property	Type	Required	Description
`title`	string	No	Widget title and button text
`context`	string	No	Initial assistant context for new conversations
`retext`	string	No	Assistant context for returning conversations
`primaryColor`	string	No	Primary color (hex)
`primaryHoverColor`	string	No	Hover color (hex)
`description`	string	No	Custom description for the about panel
`userIcon`	string	No	Font Awesome user icon
`assistantIcon`	string	No	Font Awesome assistant icon
`includePageContext`	boolean	No	Include page content in context
`useStreaming`	boolean	No	Enable streaming responses
`onMessageSent`	function	No	Message sent callback
`onMessageReceived`	function	No	Message received callback
`onError`	function	No	Error callback

API Endpoints

The widget automatically selects the appropriate API endpoint based on your domain:

Production: https://api.lincolncannon.co/assistant/chat (polling) / https://stream.lincolncannon.co/assistant/chat (streaming)
Development: https://api-dev.lincolncannon.co/assistant/chat (polling) / https://stream-dev.lincolncannon.co/assistant/chat (streaming)

Implementation Examples

Religious Organization Website

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Your Religious Organization</title>
</head>
<body>
    <header>
        <nav>
            <a href="/">Home</a>
            <a href="/teachings">Teachings</a>
            <a href="/community">Community</a>
            <button onclick="ChatWidgetAPI.open()">Ask Questions</button>
        </nav>
    </header>
    
    <main>
        <h1>Welcome to Our Community</h1>
        <p>Explore our teachings and find answers to your spiritual questions.</p>
        
        <!-- Teaching sections -->
        <div class="teaching">
            <h3>Scripture Study</h3>
            <button onclick="ChatWidgetAPI.sendMessage('Can you help me understand this scripture passage?')">
                Ask About Scripture
            </button>
        </div>
    </main>
    
    <!-- AI Assistant Configuration -->
    <script>
        window.ChatWidgetConfig = {
            title: 'Spiritual Guide',
            context: 'Hello! I\'m here to help you explore our teachings and answer questions about our faith tradition. I can assist with scripture study, theological questions, and spiritual guidance.',
            retext: 'Welcome back! I\'m here to continue our spiritual journey together.',
            primaryColor: '#8e44ad',
            primaryHoverColor: '#7d3c98',
            assistantIcon: 'fas fa-pray',
            description: 'Our spiritual guide is trained on our sacred texts and can help you explore our faith tradition through thoughtful conversation.',
            useStreaming: true,
            onMessageSent: function(message) {
                // Track spiritual guidance interactions
                gtag('event', 'spiritual_guidance_requested', {
                    'event_category': 'engagement',
                    'event_label': message.substring(0, 50)
                });
            }
        };
    </script>
    
    <!-- AI Assistant Widget -->
    <script src="https://cloud.lincolncannon.co/lib/assistant.min.js"></script>
</body>
</html>

Health Science Research Platform

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Health Science Research</title>
</head>
<body>
    <header>
        <h1>Health Science Research Platform</h1>
        <nav>
            <a href="/research">Research</a>
            <a href="/publications">Publications</a>
            <a href="/about">About</a>
        </nav>
    </header>
    
    <main>
        <section class="hero">
            <h2>Evidence-Based Health Information</h2>
            <p>Access the latest research and scientific insights.</p>
            <button onclick="ChatWidgetAPI.sendMessage('What are the latest findings on longevity research?')">
                Ask About Research
            </button>
        </section>
    </main>
    
    <!-- AI Assistant Configuration -->
    <script>
        window.ChatWidgetConfig = {
            title: 'Research Assistant',
            context: 'Hello! I\'m your health science research assistant. I can help you understand scientific studies, explain research methodologies, and provide evidence-based information about health and wellness topics.',
            retext: 'Welcome back! I\'m ready to help you with more research questions.',
            primaryColor: '#27ae60',
            primaryHoverColor: '#229954',
            assistantIcon: 'fas fa-microscope',
            description: 'Our research assistant is trained on peer-reviewed scientific literature and can help you understand complex health topics.',
            useStreaming: true,
            onMessageReceived: function(message, data) {
                // Track research inquiries
                if (message.toLowerCase().includes('research') || 
                    message.toLowerCase().includes('study')) {
                    gtag('event', 'research_inquiry', {
                        'event_category': 'academic'
                    });
                }
            }
        };
    </script>
    
    <!-- AI Assistant Widget -->
    <script src="https://cloud.lincolncannon.co/lib/assistant.min.js"></script>
</body>
</html>

Philosophy Education Platform

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Philosophy Education</title>
</head>
<body>
    <header>
        <h1>Philosophy Learning Platform</h1>
        <nav>
            <a href="/courses">Courses</a>
            <a href="/thinkers">Philosophers</a>
            <a href="/discussions">Discussions</a>
        </nav>
    </header>
    
    <main>
        <section class="courses">
            <h2>Philosophical Traditions</h2>
            <div class="course">
                <h3>Ancient Philosophy</h3>
                <button onclick="ChatWidgetAPI.sendMessage('Can you explain Plato\'s theory of forms?')">
                    Ask About Plato
                </button>
            </div>
            <div class="course">
                <h3>Modern Philosophy</h3>
                <button onclick="ChatWidgetAPI.sendMessage('What is Kant\'s categorical imperative?')">
                    Ask About Kant
                </button>
            </div>
        </section>
    </main>
    
    <!-- AI Assistant Configuration -->
    <script>
        window.ChatWidgetConfig = {
            title: 'Philosophy Tutor',
            context: 'Hello! I\'m your philosophy tutor. I can help you understand philosophical concepts, explore different traditions, and engage in thoughtful discussions about ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and more.',
            retext: 'Welcome back! I\'m here to continue our philosophical exploration.',
            primaryColor: '#2c3e50',
            primaryHoverColor: '#1a252f',
            assistantIcon: 'fas fa-brain',
            description: 'Our philosophy tutor is trained on classical and contemporary philosophical texts and can guide you through complex philosophical concepts.',
            useStreaming: true,
            onMessageSent: function(message) {
                // Track philosophical learning interactions
                gtag('event', 'philosophy_inquiry', {
                    'event_category': 'education',
                    'event_label': message.substring(0, 50)
                });
            }
        };
    </script>
    
    <!-- AI Assistant Widget -->
    <script src="https://cloud.lincolncannon.co/lib/assistant.min.js"></script>
</body>
</html>

Personal Emulation Platform

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Personal Emulation</title>
</head>
<body>
    <header>
        <h1>AI Personality Platform</h1>
        <nav>
            <a href="/personalities">Personalities</a>
            <a href="/create">Create Your Own</a>
            <a href="/about">About</a>
        </nav>
    </header>
    
    <main>
        <section class="personalities">
            <h2>Available AI Personalities</h2>
            <div class="personality">
                <h3>Historical Figure</h3>
                <p>Chat with an AI trained on the writings and personality of a historical figure.</p>
                <button onclick="ChatWidgetAPI.sendMessage('Tell me about your perspective on leadership')">
                    Start Conversation
                </button>
            </div>
            <div class="personality">
                <h3>Expert Consultant</h3>
                <p>Engage with an AI that embodies specific expertise or knowledge domain.</p>
                <button onclick="ChatWidgetAPI.sendMessage('What advice would you give about this topic?')">
                    Get Expert Advice
                </button>
            </div>
        </section>
    </main>
    
    <!-- AI Assistant Configuration -->
    <script>
        window.ChatWidgetConfig = {
            title: 'AI Personality',
            context: 'Hello! I\'m an AI personality designed to emulate specific characteristics, knowledge, or perspectives. I can engage in conversations that reflect the personality and expertise I\'ve been trained to embody.',
            retext: 'Welcome back! I\'m ready to continue our conversation.',
            primaryColor: '#e74c3c',
            primaryHoverColor: '#c0392b',
            assistantIcon: 'fas fa-user-tie',
            description: 'This AI personality is trained to emulate specific characteristics and knowledge. Click the info button to learn more about this personality.',
            useStreaming: true,
            onMessageReceived: function(message, data) {
                // Track personality interaction metrics
                analytics.track('Personality Interaction', {
                    messageLength: message.length,
                    threadId: data.result
                });
            }
        };
    </script>
    
    <!-- AI Assistant Widget -->
    <script src="https://cloud.lincolncannon.co/lib/assistant.min.js"></script>
</body>
</html>

Common Business Applications

For organizations with more general needs, our widget also supports traditional business applications:

E-commerce: Product recommendations, order support, and customer service
Service Businesses: Consultation scheduling, service information, and lead qualification
Healthcare: Appointment booking, general health information, and provider assistance
Professional Services: Client support, service explanations, and consultation requests

These applications use the same integration approach with configuration tailored to your specific business needs.

Support & Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Issue	Solution
Widget not appearing	Verify the script URL is correct and accessible
Assistant not responding	Check that your domain is registered with Lincoln Cannon LLC
Styling conflicts	The widget uses isolated styling but may require small changes to your CSS
Icons not displaying	Check that Font Awesome is not blocked by content security policy
Streaming not working	Ensure `useStreaming` is set to `true` and check network connectivity
Fullscreen not working	Verify the widget is properly loaded and try refreshing the page

Testing Your Integration

Browser Console: Open developer tools and check for JavaScript errors
Network Tab: Verify API requests are being made to the correct endpoint
Cross-Browser Testing: Test on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge
Mobile Testing: Verify responsive behavior on mobile devices
Fullscreen Testing: Test fullscreen functionality on different screen sizes

Debug Mode

Enable detailed logging for troubleshooting:

window.ChatWidgetConfig = {
    onError: function(error) {
        console.error('AI Assistant Error:', error);
        // Send to your error tracking service
        if (typeof Sentry !== 'undefined') {
            Sentry.captureException(error);
        }
    }
};

Getting Help

If you encounter issues with your AI assistant integration:

Check Documentation: Review this guide for configuration details
Test Basic Setup: Ensure the widget loads with minimal configuration
Contact Support: Reach out to Lincoln Cannon LLC for technical assistance
Review Logs: Check your website’s error logs for additional information

Performance Optimization

Load Time: The widget loads asynchronously and won’t block your page
Caching: The script is served from a CDN for optimal performance
Mobile Optimization: Responsive design ensures smooth operation on all devices
Streaming: Real-time responses provide better user experience
Font Loading: Font Awesome is loaded only once per page, even with multiple widgets

Need Professional Assistance?

Lincoln Cannon LLC provides custom AI assistant development and integration services. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements and get expert guidance for your implementation.