Spoken-word direction of computer program synthesis

ABSTRACT

Prototype software is being designed to orchestrate speech-directed synthesis of customizable computer programs. The problems encountered are considered from a perspective that assumes the notation, syntax and function structure of APL. Program synthesis is to be completed with spoken-word dialogs between humans and computers. The computer is to assist in constructing programs with minimal or zero need for mechanical contact between mobile users and computer hardware. During synthesis, the system is to respond audibly and, only when necessary, visually. Spoken commands that invoke functions must be easily recognized in a limited vocabulary in a given context for interactively completing specification of each program. Experimentation with prototype system is expected to facilitate the replacement of conventional text-entry programming systems by that a practical one for speech-directed program synthesis and development.

REFERENCES

• 1: Kant, Elaine. Efficiency in Program Synthesis, UMI Research Press, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1981.
• 2: Jullig, Richard and Srinivas, Yellamraju V. Diagrams for Software Synthesis - Proceedings of the 8th Knowledge-Based Software Engineering Conference (Chicago, IL, September 20-23, 1993), IEEE Computer Society Press, 10-19. Kestrel Institute Technical Report KES.U.93.2
• 3: Kant, Elaine. Communication about domain knowledge in program synthesis. AAAI Spring Symposium of Knowledge-Based Human-Computer Communication (Stanford, CA, March 1990) 65-67.
• 4: Matthew Lennig, Putting Speech Recognition to Work in the Telephone Network, Computer, v.23 n.8, p.35-41, August 1990 [doi>10.1109/2.56869]
• 5: Yellamraju V. Srinivas , Richard Jüllig, Specware: Formal Support for Composing Software, Mathematics of Program Construction, p.399-422, July 17-21, 1995

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.2 Automatic Programming
          Subjects: Program synthesis

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.2 Language Classifications

          Nouns: APL

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.1 Applications and Expert Systems
          Subjects: Natural language interfaces

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Languages

Keywords:
chatting in context, computer program synthesis, constructive composition of functional programs, human-computer interface, incremental verbal software specification, spoken computer commands, talking with computers, voice computing, voice-directed programming