Natural Language Macro Replacement for Imprecise Query Syntax
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Solution Overview
Problem
Natural language query answering systems face challenges in processing imprecise syntax inputs, where users may input queries in human-readable form without exact syntax requirements, leading to difficulties in interpreting and generating accurate responses.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of natural language macros, which allow users to define and store terms or phrases in imprecise syntax, enabling the system to replace them with corresponding values, and provide macro management functions for deletion, modification, and searching, thereby enhancing query processing and output generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If natural language query answering systems process imprecise syntax inputs directly, then user interaction flexibility is improved, but interpretation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces natural language macros as an intermediary layer between imprecise user input and the query answering system. Users define macros with flexible natural language terms that map to precise underlying values or queries. This mediator resolves the contradiction by allowing flexible user interaction through natural language while maintaining interpretation accuracy through pre-defined macro mappings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining macro associations between natural language terms and their corresponding precise values or queries. This advance preparation allows the system to handle imprecise syntax flexibly during user interaction while ensuring accurate interpretation through the pre-established macro relationships.
2Productivity
If natural language macros are implemented for query processing, then query processing efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating macro representations that replicate the meaning of complex queries or values in simplified natural language forms. Instead of processing the full complexity of imprecise natural language inputs directly, the system copies the essential meaning into predefined macro structures, improving processing efficiency while managing complexity through standardized macro templates.
3Ease of operation
If macros persist across user sessions, then user convenience is improved, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing macro persistence mechanisms that serve multiple functions: they provide user convenience through session continuity, enable data management through standardized storage formats, and support both temporary and permanent macro types. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by handling different persistence requirements through a unified macro management framework.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of creating a natural language (NL) macro, a first term/phrase and a second term/phrase in an imprecise syntax are obtained, and an association between the first and the second terms/phrases is created. The association is stored as an NL macro. In a method of using an NL macro in an NL query, it is determined that an original NL query includes an NL macro, and the NL macro is replaced with its corresponding NL value to form a revised NL query. The revised NL query is processed to generate one or more answers.