The translation of data structure representations of simple queuing problems into GPSS programs and English text.

Abstract

One of the goals of computer technology is to have the ability to communicate with the computer in a natural language such as English. A research effort underway at the Naval Postgraduate School involves the design and implementation of a computer system for translating natural language descriptions of simulation problems into executable computer programs. In this system, English text is translated into an internal data structure which is then translated into a computer program for performing the simulation. This thesis reports on an effort made to aid the user of this system by (1) extending the capabilities of an existing procedure for translating the internal data structure into a GPSS simulation program, and (2) developing a procedure for translating the data structure into English text so the user could see that his input text had been correctly interpreted. The basic operation of the system is described and examples are given to illustrate the system's capabilities.