A SIMPLE SCHEME FOR FORMALIZING DATA RETRIEVAL REQUESTS,
Abstract
The memorandum discusses an experimental scheme for translation of data retrieval requests, expressed in reasonable 'natural' language, into a formalized format. The intent of the translation procedure described is to provide a rudimentary query system that will give the information analyst access to a computer-based data file without recourse to specialized computer jargon or knowledge of details of file organization. This access is provided through a simple translation procedure that immediately feeds its proposed translation back to the analyst for modification or correction before data retrieval begins. Such a 'stripped down' system depends on unsophisticated techniques and makes errors, but those errors are subject to review by the user analyst before retrieval begins. The described procedure uses rules depending upon the position of words in the request and simple semantic information about the class of words to produce a first translation. Several examples of the detailed application of these rules illustrate the operation of the procedure, as well as deficiencies of the present scheme. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0652201
Entities
People
- Fred M. Tonge
Organizations
- RAND Corporation