Semantic Retrieval: A Method for Managing Narrative Information. (Technique and Experimental Evaluation).
Abstract
The development of a method to store and retrieve unstructured narrative data by semantically-sensitive techniques suitable for automation is presented. The technique utilizes semantic surrogates, called 'abstracts' of source data as the basis for indexing. Retrieval incorporates inferential techniques designed to identify data relevant to, but not rigidly specified by, a query. When a search locates a relevant abstract or logical chain of abstracts the corresponding sentences or messages are retrieved. The key to the abstraction scheme is a unique concept of information as a transformational process, wherein the existence of prior states of knowledge concerning 'entities' in the text is exploited. Sentences define transformations of characteristics of these entities. The abstraction process categorizes and indexes the transformations, and subsequent retrieval is based upon these indices, each compacted into only 200 bits of memory. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0755935
Entities
People
- Regina M. Harris