Improved Free-Form Database Query Language for Mobile Phones

This paper explains that it is possible to develop a database query formulation system for mobile phones which accepts unplanned queries, by allowing imprecise inputs. Since cell phones are poor in terms of resources as compared to other devices, the success of implementing such a method on them would mean it is applicable to the other devices. Imprecise query method in the form of free-form language can provide a much simpler interface for users to formulate queries. The method can also help in reducing the number of query inputs, especially in cases where joins of relations are needed. Since the majority of queries which might be issued are of this type, providing such a method would benefit users of resource-poor devices. The language which is used as the query formulation method in a database query system prototype for WAP- enabled mobile phones has been found to be effective based on results from usability tests.