German scientists: programmable ... without programming languages

Computers "talk" in their own language. And they can be programmed to only those who know the language code. Experts in the field of computer systems from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is currently working on software that can directly translate natural language (as a means of human communication) in a machine-readable source code.

If researchers are able to solve all the problems facing them, users can create their own computer applications, use a set of phrases. The main problem, which has to cope with - people do not always describe the processes in a strictly chronological order. New analytical tool developed by researchers from the KIT, used for automatic sequencing of commands, after which they can be performed computer.

"We want to get away from the complex rules for users - what, in fact, is a programming language - to intelligent systems that are in dialogue with us," - says Mathias Landhoyser (Mathias Landhäußer), specialist of the Institute for Program Structures and Data Organization entering the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Today, the program can only be controlled natural language, if it was provided by the developer. Example - sending short messages from your smartphone.

Experts from KIT currently working on software that will perform the role of language interface for any type of programs. Users can not only start applications, but also control them with voice commands. Researchers have managed to successfully implement this interface in an application that manages the system of heating, lighting and windows in smart homes.

"It will take time for the computer to not only monitor, but also can be programmed through the natural human language," - says Landhoyser. But the main problem is the communication between man and machine - a problem of chronological order - has already received a decision. As a basis for the research use of the English language. "Let's look at the phrase« Before the car starts, the garage door opens »(eng." Before the machine begins to move, open the garage door ") - offers Landhoyser. - In our everyday communication is pretty standard description. If we are talking about the virtual world of computers, there is a problem: the computer executes instructions sequentially, upon receipt of commands. In the example, the computer receives the information first «the car starts» (car starts moving). Then - «the garage door opens» (garage door open). As a result, the car crashed into the gate ... If such a sequence can not accommodate the program, at best, nothing happens. At worst - the computer freezes ».

Software developed in KIT, analyzes time-related signal words that indicate that the spoken text describes the process of non-linear way. These signal words clarify what needs to happen "before" or "after", "first" or "last", regardless of the location information in the uttered sentence. Specialists attached to these words logic algorithms in order to create the correct chronological order of actions. If we apply this approach to the example described above, the algorithm for signal word «before» (to) automatically moves to the beginning of the main clause. Result - «The garage door opens before the car starts» (garage door open before the car starts to move).

According to the researchers, specially designed for the requirements of voice communication with the computer is not a credible alternative. Already the first tests showed that subjects as having programming skills and do not own them, failed to comply with a strict chronology, even if they are specifically instructed. Instead, they unconsciously continued use signal words. "Our goal is to adapt to the language of the computer user. And in no other way "- says Landhoyser.

In addition to the chronological problem, researchers have identified a number of other obstacles to programming through natural language. Subjects exchanged some words synonyms or pronouns. The computer can automatically know that the word «car» (vehicle) is the same as the «vehicle» (vehicle) or «it» (it) in the following sentences. "People understand these relationships, because they see the situation as a movie that turns their head. We are working to give the computer the same understanding, "- explains Landhoyser.

PS In preparing the article used the following materials: Article 1 , статья 2

PPS Do not forget the future - in our hands !

Source: geektimes.ru/company/gttf/blog/240512/