Faceted Classification Semantic Infrastructure for Information Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current information management systems within organizations are plagued by poorly designed or absent information architecture, leading to isolated and inconsistent information systems, making it difficult to access and manage information effectively, and are often inflexible to technological changes.
Innovation Solution
A semantic infrastructure system that employs faceted classification, using a facet storage module, facet selection and display engine, and integration modules to provide a unified approach for classifying and managing information assets, allowing for intelligent metadata generation and user-friendly information retrieval across various technical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent information management tools are used to satisfy specific IM needs, then specific IM requirements are met, but information systems become isolated and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal information architecture framework that can serve multiple information management needs simultaneously. The faceted classification system provides a common foundation that supports various IM tools and functions while maintaining consistency across the entire system, allowing one system to perform multiple information management roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple independent information management tools into a unified system through a common information architecture. By integrating various IM functions into a single faceted classification framework, the system eliminates isolation between tools while maintaining the ability to address specific IM requirements through different facets and classification schemes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each IM tool uses its own independent database to store data in various formats, then specific data requirements are satisfied, but information becomes difficult to access and manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary information architecture layer that sits between various data storage formats and the user interface. This intermediary framework standardizes data access through a common faceted classification system, allowing data to be stored in various formats while providing uniform access mechanisms that simplify information retrieval and management.
Solution Approach 2:
The information architecture framework serves as a universal interface that can handle multiple data formats and storage mechanisms while providing consistent access methods. This multi-functional approach allows the system to accommodate diverse data requirements while maintaining ease of access through standardized query and retrieval operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If keyword-based description is used for information objects, then simple indexing is achieved, but reliable descriptions cannot be provided due to various meanings in different contexts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the description of information objects into multiple independent facets, each representing a specific aspect or dimension of the object. This segmentation allows for precise, context-specific classification terms to be applied to each facet, eliminating the ambiguity of single keyword descriptions while maintaining systematic organization across all facets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional keyword indexing to multi-dimensional faceted classification. By adding multiple classification dimensions (facets) that can be combined and intersected, the system provides precise, context-aware descriptions while maintaining the simplicity of systematic indexing through structured facet relationships.
4Productivity
If end-users perform specific IM tasks over and above their work related tasks, then information management is achieved, but user frustration and reduced productivity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service information management through automated faceted classification and metadata generation. The system automatically classifies information objects across multiple facets and generates appropriate metadata without requiring user intervention, allowing end-users to focus on their primary work tasks while the system handles information management autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary information classification and organization automatically as information objects are created or imported. By pre-establishing faceted classifications and metadata before users need to access or manage the information, the system eliminates the need for users to perform additional IM tasks, reducing workload while maintaining comprehensive information management capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A semantic infrastructure (SI) system is provided to interface with an information asset management tool, such as a document management system. The SI is a semantic layer that links together structured, unstructured and tacit information. The SI determines a set of valid terms associated with remaining facets based on the term selection for a first facet and in accordance with predefined facet relationships. The present invention links the content of documents to an enterprise view and to a corporate file plan. The SI includes a database storing assets each associated with a plurality of facets. Embodiments of the present invention provide a unified approach, i.e., an approach that can provide file classification, taxonomies, metadata, thesauri and data model functionalities, to better describe and organize information assets using a single database employing a faceted classification system. A stored metadata instance is mapped to an externally supported metadata format.