Abstract: A computer implemented method of determining a fact matching a user requirement. The method involves providing an ontology and a semantic database, controlling a computer processor to perform the steps of accepting a query defining a template for a statement regarding a fact, identifying matching patterns in the semantic database, and outputting either a matching statement or information supporting the user to locate corresponding information. A formula is provided that defines a maximum semantic distance that a class or instance may be broadened to. In identifying the patterns, for each instance/class having a non-zero divergence value, one or more broader classes is accordingly treated as a match.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of determining a fact matching a user requirement, comprising the steps of providing an ontology and a semantic database, and controlling a computer processor to perform the steps of accepting a query defining a template for a statement regarding a fact, identifying matching patterns in the semantic database, and outputting either a matching statement or information supporting the user to locate corresponding information, characterised in that a formula is provided defining a maximum semantic distance that a class or instance may be broadened to, and in identifying patterns, for each instance/class having a non-zero divergence value, one or more broader classes is accordingly treated as a match. This enables the user to identify facts that would otherwise be difficult to identify, and enables the user to identify relevant facts of a type or category which the user might not have thought to look specifically for.