Natural Language Access to Multiple Databases: A Model and a Prototype.

Author List: Ein-Dor, Phillip; Spiegler, Israel;
Journal of Management Information Systems, 1995, Volume 12, Issue 1, Page 171-197.
A model is proposed that defines "context" for natural language queries in a multiple database environment and a suggested implementation for this model is described. The approach developed in this study relaxes the assumption usually made for natural language query systems that the context, in the form of a specific database, is given. The formal model defines a universe of discourse consisting of multiple contexts, each of which is represented by a database, which consists of a dictionary, a thesaurus, relations, columns, and values. A mechanism for identifying and selecting the appropriate context for a query and its implementation as a prototype are described. The integration of this mechanism into the general model of natural language query processing is indicated and implementational issues are discussed.
Keywords: context;database;dictionary;index;lexical analysis;natural language queries;semantics;synonyms;syntax;thesaurus
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#281 0.414 database language query databases natural data queries relational processing paper using request views access use matching automated semantic based languages
#108 0.187 model research data results study using theoretical influence findings theory support implications test collected tested based empirical empirically context paper
#287 0.139 design systems support development information proposed approach tools using engineering current described developing prototype flexible built architecture environment integrated designing
#125 0.115 framework model used conceptual proposed given particular general concept frameworks literature developed develop providing paper developing guidelines concepts appropriate set
#180 0.098 multiple elements process environments complex integrated interdependencies design different developing integration order approach dialogue framework capabilities settings building focus distinct