Identification and Resolution of Ambiguities using AV Mapping Algorithm for Query Transformation
Ambiguities Resolution for Query Transformation
Keywords:
NLIDB, query transformation, AV mapping algorithm, SQLAbstract
In information technology, one predominant requirement is to design interfaces in more natural way in order to enable users to interact with computers in an easy way. Natural Language Interfaces to Databases (NLIDBs) is one of the mechanisms to achieve this goal. This paper is based on the previous work on NLIDBs for Urdu/English language in which an attribute value (AV) Mapping Algorithm was introduced. This algorithm uses semantic dictionary to efficiently map natural language queries to SQL queries and minimize its transformation time, but suffers from the ambiguity problem occurring in the queries. To overcome this problem, this study focused on the identification and resolution of ambiguous ueries. New enhancement in the AV Mapping algorithm was made to improve the processing and enabling the algorithm to identify and disambiguate many ambiguous cases. All the techniques suggested in the AV Mapping Algorithm are applicable to any other language that has subject-verb-object pattern. That is, the algorithm is based on the identification and treatment of semantic tokens using semantic dictionary. The algorithm is implemented in Visual C#.NET and tested on Student Information System and Employee Information System databases. The accuracy of correct mapping is 85%.
References
Kumar, A. & K.S. Vaisla. Natural language interface to databases: Development techniques. Elixir Computer Science and Engineering 58: 14724-14727 (2013).
Knowles, S. A natural language database interface for SQL-tutor. Honours Project Report, p. 1-35 (1999).
Lopez, V., E. Motta, V. Uren, & M. Sabou. State of the Art on Semantic Question Answering: A Literature Review. Technical Report kmi-07-03. Knowledge Media Institute, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK (2007).
Rao, G., C. Agarwal, S. Chaudhry, N. Kulkarni, & D.S. Patil. Natural language query processing using semantic grammar. International Journal on Computer Science and Engineering 2(2): 219-23 (2010).
Martin, P., D.E. Appelt, B.J. Grosz, & F. Pereira. TEAM: an experimental transportable natural-language interface. In: Proceedings of 1986 ACM Fall Joint Computer Conference, IEEE Computer Society Press, p.260-267 (1986).
Minock, M. STEP: A Natural Language Interface to Database. Available: http://www.cs.umu.se/~mjm/.(Retrieved: February 15, 2016).
Sultan, A.A. Natural Language Interfaces. M.Sc Thesis. Department of Computer Science, University of Peshawar, Pakistan (1993).
Tang, L.R. Using a machine learning approach for building natural language interfaces for databases: application of advanced techniques in inductive logic programming. Journal of Computer Science, Informatics & Electrical Engineering 2(1): 140-60 (2008).
Popescu, A. Maria., O. Etzioni, & H. Kautz. Towards a theory of natural language interfaces to databases. In: Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces. ACM, p. 149-157 (2003).
Owda, M., Z. Bandar, & K. Crockett. Conversation-based natural language interface to relational databases. In: International Conferences on Web Intelligence and Intelligent Agent Technology – Workshops (IEEE/WIC/ACM), IEEE, p. 363-367 (2007).
Axita, S., P. Jyoti, P. Hemal, & P. Namrata. NLKBIDB-Natural language and keyword based interface to database. In: International Conference on Advances in Computing, Communications and Informatics (ICACCI), IEEE, p. 1569-1576 (2013).
Marceleño, J.A.Z., A. Gelbukh, & R.A. Pazos. Customization of natural language interfaces to databases: beyond domain portability. In: Proceedings of Mexican International Conference on Computer Science, IEEE Computer Society, p. 373-378 (2009).
Li, H., & Y. Shi. A WordNet-based natural language interface to relational databases. In: Proceedings of 2nd International Conference on Computer and Automation Engineering (ICCAE), IEEE, Vol. 1, p. 514-518 (2010).
Rajeh, K., & S. Safwan. Toward enhanced natural language processing to databases: building a specific domain ontology derived from database conceptual model. In: 7th International Conference on Informatics and Systems (INFOS), IEEE, p. 1-8 (2010).
Dat, T., D. Tam, & B. Son. Vietnamese natural language interface to database. In: Proceedings IEEE Sixth International Conference on Semantic Computing, IEEE, p. 130-133 (2012).
Pazos R.A., P.J. Rojas, S.R. Santaolaya, F.J. Martinez, & B.J. Gonzalez. Dialogue manager for a NLIDB for solving the semantic ellipses problem in query formulation. In: Proceedings International Conference on Knowledge-Based and Intelligent Information and Engineering Systems, Part II. Springer, Berlin,. p. 203-213 (2010).
Ahmad, R., M.A. Khan, & R. Ali. Efficient transformation of a natural language query to SQL for Urdu. In: Proceedings of the Conference on Language & Technology (CLT09), p. 53-59 (2009).
