COMODA: a conversation model for database access

As electronic database technology becomes less expensive, people will want to access information without undergoing special training. These people could use their native language if databases could be accessed through natural language conversations. The approach of the current research is that in order for the computer to be controlled by natural language, the computer does not have to understand it, only respond correctly. The conversation model for database access (COMODA) describes information retrieval as a dialogue. The dialogue is modelled by a series of states, where each state has an utterance that provides some information. The states are linked by transitions that are followed if a parse template matches the input sentence. Provisions are made for backtracking to earlier states, and for changes in topic. A small database of general information about one division of the Federal Government was implemented on an IBM-PC using these principles. When ten untrained people were allowed to converse with this database, 59% of their queries were answered correctly. All but one person said that they would use this type of database if more information was available. It was concluded that it is feasible to create a database of general information which can be accessed with natural language conversations by untrained users.