A translation method from natural language specifications into formal specifications using contextual dependencies

Abstract

A method of translating natural language specifications of communication protocols into algebraic specifications is presented. Such a natural language specification specifies action sequences performed by the protocol machine (program). Usually, a sentence implicitly specifies the state of the protocol machine in which the described actions should be performed. A method of analyzing the implicitly specified states of the protocol machine is proposed, taking the OSI session protocol specification as an example. The method uses the following properties: (a) syntactic properties of a natural language; (b) syntactic properties introduced by the target algebraic specifications, e.g., subtype relations; and (c) properties of a data type, e.g., properties of timer. The results of applying this method to the main part of the OSI session protocol specification is shown.<>