He's Teaching Computers To Understand English

 

"The computers companies are using today are still obtuse and obstinate," says Earl Sacredoti. "It's the old 'I am not programmed to do that.' Actually computers are very adaptable."

Sacerdoti, director of research and development at Machine Intelligence Corp. in Palo Alto, Calif., was involved in the development of a microcomputer that can understand questions typed in English, and answer them the same way, in seconds.

While this cencept is already used in large-scale computers, Sacerdoti claims his would be the first microcomputer with the potential to understand what are termed "natural language" commands.

Sacerdoti believes the system will have immeasurable potential for small to medium-sized businesses, although he declines to estimate the cost of such a computer or a possible marketing date.

Ultimately, the company hopes to develop a microcomputer that will respond to spoken commands.