Abstract: A method for data access includes defining an ontology (26) pertaining to a given sphere of knowledge. A computer (22) receives a search query generated using the ontology and provides to a user of the computer at least one document in response to the query. The computer receives tags that the user has associated with data elements in the at least one document and automatically updates the ontology responsively to the tags.

Abstract: Methods for creating deep web mining plans from dynamic content filters are described. Dynamic content filters allow for the creation of deep web mining plans that are able to be used even when the structure of documents including web pages and PDF files changes or to apply the same filters to different variants of the pages generated in deep web mining. By basing the dynamic filters on ontological and semantic information many common changes in web page structure, terminology and format can be made without preventing the extraction of data from these pages in deep web mining. Dynamic content filters may be created by persons without expertise in the creation of deep web mining data extraction plans.

Abstract: A method for data access includes defining an ontology (26) pertaining to a given sphere of knowledge. A computer (22) receives a search query generated using the ontology and provides to a user of the computer at least one document in response to the query. The computer receives tags that the user has associated with data elements in the at least one document and automatically updates the ontology responsively to the tags.

Abstract: A method for data access includes defining an ontology for application to a set of diverse data sources (58) comprising data having predefined semantics, and associating with the ontology one or more logical rules applicable to the semantics of the data in the data sources. Upon receiving a query from a user regarding the data, a query plan is determined for responding to the query by selecting one or more of the data sources responsively to the ontology and by identifying an operation to be applied to the data responsively to the applicable logical rules. A response to the query is then generated in accordance with the query plan.

Abstract: A method for data access includes defining an ontology for application to a set of diverse data sources (58) comprising data having predefined semantics, and associating with the ontology one or more logical rules applicable to the semantics of the data in the data sources. Upon receiving a query from a user regarding the data, a query plan is determined for responding to the query by selecting one or more of the data sources responsively to the ontology and by identifying an operation to be applied to the data responsively to the applicable logical rules. A response to the query is then generated in accordance with the query plan.

Abstract: A method for data access includes defining an ontology for application to a set of diverse data sources (58) comprising data having predefined semantics, and associating with the ontology one or more logical rules applicable to the semantics of the data in the data sources. Upon receiving a query from a user regarding the data, a query plan is determined for responding to the query by selecting one or more of the data sources responsively to the ontology and by identifying an operation to be applied to the data responsively to the applicable logical rules. A response to the query is then generated in accordance with the query plan.