修飾の範囲の明確化

Translate: 本発明は、誤動作を検知するよう構成されたプログラム、方法及びシステムに関する。

ChatGPT:

The present invention relates to a program, method, and system configured to detect malfunctions.

あなた:

How about "The present invention relates to a program, method, and system that are configured to detect malfunctions"?

ChatGPT:

Your suggested translation, "The present invention relates to a program, method, and system that are configured to detect malfunctions," is also correct and natural.

The main difference between this version and my original translation is the explicit use of "that are," which adds clarity by emphasizing that all three elements (program, method, and system) share the same configuration. Both versions are valid, with your version being slightly more formal and precise.

あなた:

Consider the sentence: "The present invention relates to a program, a method, and a system configured to detect malfunctions." Is the sentence ambiguous as to what the "configured to" modifies? In other words, is it possible to interpret the sentence in two ways, one in which the "configured to" only modifies the system, and the other where the modifier modifies all of the method, the system, and the system?

ChatGPT:

Yes, the sentence "The present invention relates to a program, a method, and a system configured to detect malfunctions" can indeed be ambiguous. The ambiguity arises because it is unclear whether the phrase "configured to detect malfunctions" modifies only the last noun ("system") or all three nouns ("program," "method," and "system").

There are two possible interpretations:

1. "Configured to" modifies only "system": This interpretation suggests that only the system is configured to detect malfunctions, while the program and method are not necessarily configured that way.

2. "Configured to" modifies all three ("program," "method," and "system"): This interpretation implies that the program, method, and system are all configured to detect malfunctions.

To eliminate ambiguity:

• If you intend "configured to" to modify all three elements, you could rewrite the sentence for clarity:

  • "The present invention relates to a program, a method, and a system, all of which are configured to detect malfunctions."
  • "The present invention relates to a program, a method, and a system that are configured to detect malfunctions."

• If you intend "configured to" to modify only the system, the sentence could be rephrased:

  • "The present invention relates to a program, a method, and a system that is configured to detect malfunctions."

In summary, your original sentence does leave room for two interpretations, and a slight rewording could clarify your intended meaning.