rdg@allegra.UUCP (Ron Gordon) (08/16/85)
Two software systems will be demonstrated at IJCAI by members of AT&T-BL, Department 11385, the Interactive Systems Research Department. On Monday, August 19th at 2pm, a system for parallel execution using activation networks will be demonstrated. This graphic simulator uses grammar-like production rules to specify the structure of the network. The computational model is being applied to the task of broad natural language understanding. The APN framework readily supports a layered approach to agreement, semantic constraints, and movement. Particularly noteworthy is the potential of achieving real-time performance when implemented on a machine that provides many parallel computational nodes. This research system was designed and implemented by Mark Jones and Alan Driscoll. On Tuesday, August 20th at 5pm, the Transportable Natural Language System will be shown. This research prototype permits end-users to extend a natural language interface by "teaching" the system new words that are particular to the user's application or database. Knowledge acquisition is accomplished by presenting the user with a sequence of simple menus and examples. Both syntax and semantics can be acquired for new vocabulary items. The system was designed and implemented by Bruce Ballard and Doug Stumberger. Both demonstrations will take place at the Symbolics booth (Exhibit Hall, Collins Court) at the times indicated above. Please drop by and meet the individuals who will be demonstrating their systems. Afterwards, there will be time for individual discussions and more detailed demonstrations at the Symbolics' hospitality suite. -ron gordon