cfry@watdcsu.UUCP (01/12/87)
Constraints on Text Generation
by
Kathleen McKeown
from
Department of Computer Science
Columbia University
New York, N.Y.
Abstract
In order for a system to generate text, it must be able to deter-
mine what information to communicate, when to say what, and which
words and syntactic constructions best express its intent. In
this talk, I will show how information about the current user of
the system, discourse strategies, and focus of attention can be
used as constraints on these decisions. This work will be dis-
cussed within the context of two different applications: 1) the
generation of explanations as part of an expert system that ad-
vises students on course selection and 2) the generation of spa-
tial descriptions as part of a question-answering system contain-
ing information about physical objects.
DATE: Wednesday, January 21, 1987
TIME: 3:30 p.m.
PLACE: MC 5158
Everyone is welcome. Refreshments served.