Some Comments On EQS, A Near Term Natural Language Data Base Query System

ABSTRACT

Problems and possibilities for near term natural language query systems are discussed, with emphasis on the author's own system, EQS. First, the general objectives for near term systems in the areas of syntax, world knowledge, discourse, and problem solving are considered. Next, a comparison is made between the ATN parsing strategies in LADDER, ROBOT, PLANES, and EQS. Evidence for the importance of giving answers to queries not directly available in the data base is given together with some speculation on how the knowledge necessary for this might be acquired. After some general discussion of semantic data models, the semantic data model used in EQS is described, and the method used for building a semantic data model of an existing CODASYL data base is sketched. Lastly, the use of Multiple levels of representation as a way to control complexity of such query systems is discussed.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.7 Natural Language Processing

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.4 Systems
          Subjects: Query processing

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.4 Knowledge Representation Formalisms and Methods
          Subjects: Semantic networks

General Terms:
Languages, Management

Keywords:
Data base query, Natural language, Semantic data models, Semantic networks