A KNOWLEDGE‐BASED SYSTEM FOR THE SUBMARINE COMBAT CONTROL ENVIRONMENT
EDWARD A. DEGREGORIO · Naval Engineers Journal · 1980
ABSTRACT This paper describes a computer‐aided training/consulting (CAT/C) concept to enhance the man‐machine interface inherent in an operational combat control environment by providing computerized, “knowledge‐based” information to the “man‐in‐the‐loop.” Specifically, the paper will discuss the design of a real‐time, constrained natural language question‐answering system which attempts to provide an explicit response to an input query concerning combat control related functions/concepts/symbols by interrogating a large data base. The approach will be to discuss the design concepts for a CAT/C constrained natural language, question‐answering system by functionally analyzing the hierarchical structure of an advanced Combat Control System (CCS), to identify and define the functional requirements and goals of a prototype CAT/C system. Subsequently, a conceptual framework will be developed within which the CAT/C system functional architecture is modelled. This functional architecture will evolve by modelling the functions to be performed and the logical interrelationships. CAT/C system design can range from implementing the functional architecture in terms of very trivial schemes (some examples are provided) to very sophisticated techniques. However, the overall structure of the conceptual framework defined herein is transparent to the degree of design sophistication. This paper addresses the design considerations that support the CAT/C concept in advancing the operator performance in the submarine combat control environment.