A SIMPLE SCHEME FOR FORMALIZING DATA RETRIEVAL REQUESTS

This 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 procedure, as well as deficiencies of the present scheme, are provided.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Prepared for United States Air Force Project Rand.
• Corporate Authors:

  RAND Corporation

  1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138
  Santa Monica, CA  United States  90407-2138
• Authors:
  • Tonge, F M
• Publication Date: 1967-5

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 31 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Information processing; Information storage and retrieval systems; Information systems
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00149530
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: RAND Corporation
• Report/Paper Numbers: RM-5150-PR Memorandum
• Contract Numbers: F44620-67-C-0045
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 13 1977 12:00AM