Dialogical Information Search System Using Library and Wikipedia Ontologies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital reference services lack an interview function, making them ineffective for indefinite search objects or facts, and are limited by the availability of human librarians, which restricts their ability to provide comprehensive and efficient information searches, especially for users outside traditional library hours or in remote areas.

Innovation Solution

A system that combines library ontology with folksonomic ontology, utilizing a comprehensive browsing tool like the Reference Navigator, which searches both ontologies to create a pathfinder for information searches, allowing users to explore concepts deeply and efficiently, leveraging the strengths of both systems to provide accurate and accessible information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional library reference services are provided, then comprehensive information search capability is maintained, but accessibility is limited to library hours and physical location

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsearch efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical presence of librarians at the reference desk with an automated computer-based information search system. The system uses search engines, databases, and automated retrieval mechanisms to provide reference services without requiring physical human interaction, thereby maintaining comprehensive search capability while improving accessibility to any location and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to independently conduct information searches through automated interfaces without requiring librarian intervention. Users can input queries, receive search results, and access resources through self-service mechanisms, transforming the reference service from a human-mediated to an autonomous system that operates continuously without library hour constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If human librarians provide reference services, then quality of information search is maintained, but service availability is restricted by human resource limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice availabilityVSAvoiduser interaction quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes human librarians with automated information retrieval systems that continuously operate without fatigue or scheduling constraints. The system uses computer algorithms, search engines, and database queries to provide consistent, reliable service availability 24/7, eliminating the human resource limitations that constrain traditional reference services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If synchronous chat services are provided, then real-time interaction is achieved, but running cost increases due to stationed staff requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidoperating cost

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides rapid information retrieval through automated search mechanisms that respond instantly to user queries without requiring stationed staff members. The automated search engines and databases return results immediately upon query submission, achieving real-time response speed while eliminating the operational costs associated with maintaining stationed personnel for synchronous chat services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If asynchronous email services are provided, then accessibility from anywhere is achieved, but interview function is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidinterview capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional reference service system that can operate in multiple modes: asynchronous query submission, automated information retrieval, and simulated interview interactions. The system adapts to different user needs by providing both accessible anywhere functionality and interactive interview capabilities through automated dialogue mechanisms, combining the benefits of both asynchronous accessibility and synchronous interaction quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8762404B2Information search system, method, and program, and information search service providing method

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 THE UNIV OF TOKYO

AI summary

A dialogical information search system is realized by comprehensively utilizing different kinds of ontologies: a library classification system and a Wikipedia category.A new information search infrastructure is thus realized by comprehensively utilizing the different ontologies of library classification system and Wikipedia category. By virtue of this, a new information search paradigm can be promoted to the world: an in-depth search is realized by utilizing a library with the Web as a clue. This, as a result, contributes to improving literacy of the whole society, and conduces to rediscovering the significance of existence of libraries and further to realizing electronic libraries.