A computer program called “Hunter” accepts, as input, a colloquial-English description of a set of policy-based-management rules, and parses that description into a form useable by policy-based enterprise management (PBEM) software.
PBEM is a rules-based approach suitable for automating some management tasks. PBEM simplifies the management of a given enterprise through establishment of policies addressing situations that are likely to occur. PBEM provides a way of managing configurations of network elements, applications, and processes via a set of high-level rules or business policies rather than managing individual elements. Thus, PBEM enables abstraction of the capabilities of the individual elements and switching of control to higher levels.
Development of a system that understands colloquial English is an extremely difficult problem. Because most people do not write perfect English, such a system must be very robust in order to understand what has been written. Hunter is such a system. Recognizing that all possible dialects and variants thereof cannot be anticipated in advance, Hunter was developed to have a unique capability to extract the intended meaning instead of focusing on parsing the exact ways in which individual words are used.
This program was written by Mark James of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com /tsp under the Software category.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:
Innovative Technology Assets Management JPL Mail Stop 202-233 4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109-8099 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Refer to NPO-45791, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Natural-Language Parser for PBEM
(reference NPO-45791) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) detailing the Natural-Language Parser for PBEM (Policy Base Management). It outlines a rules-based approach to enterprise management designed to automate and simplify management tasks by establishing policies that address likely situations. PBEM focuses on managing configurations of network elements, applications, and processes through high-level rules or business policies, rather than managing each element individually. This abstraction allows for the application of unique management rules across various components of the Global Information Grid (GIG).
A significant challenge in developing such a system is creating a parser that can understand both syntactically and semantically correct English, particularly conversational English, which is often imperfect. The document emphasizes the need for a robust system capable of recognizing and interpreting the intent behind conversational language, rather than relying solely on precise wording. This capability is crucial, as it allows the parser to handle a wide range of dialects and variations in language use.
The document also serves as a part of NASA's Commercial Technology Program, aimed at disseminating aerospace-related developments with potential technological, scientific, or commercial applications. It provides contact information for further inquiries, including an email address for the Innovative Technology Assets Management team at JPL.
Overall, the Technical Support Package highlights the innovative work being done at NASA to enhance enterprise management through advanced natural language processing techniques, showcasing the potential for broader applications in various fields. The document underscores the importance of developing systems that can effectively interpret human language, which remains a significant area of research and development.
For additional information, readers are encouraged to reach out to the provided contacts, as the document also includes a disclaimer regarding the use of the information contained within, clarifying that the U.S. Government does not assume liability for its application.
