Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for searching information using a reformulated query expression. The method includes entering a query in a form of a natural language expression. The query comprises a plurality of terms. The method also includes reformulating the query by eliminating one or more non-interesting terms using semantic and syntactic information for one or more of the terms; and querying a database of information based upon the reformulated query.

Abstract: A method (and system) for converting a keyword based search engine coupled to a information source into a natural language enhanced search engine. The method includes determining expression based syntax of the keyword based search engine. The method then couples a natural language based search engine to the keyword based search engine based upon the expression based syntax by linking the natural language based search engine to the keyword based search engine.

Abstract: A method for querying information based upon a publication on a portable electronic display. The display has a microprocessing device coupled to memory. The display also has a region for outputting a portion or portions of the publication. The method includes displaying an electronic page from a plurality of pages on the display. The electronic page is a complete or portion of one of the plurality of pages. The method also includes selecting a term on the electronic page for which a query is to be performed; and querying the plurality of pages to uncover additional information about the term; and displaying a portion of or all of the additional information about the term.

Abstract: A technique for accessing electronic mail (e-mail) messages includes populating a database with the e-mail and segments of text comprising the e-mail. The segments of text are associated with lexical types, thereby producing plural lexical elements. Access is based on a search of the lexical types. The query upon which the access is based is segmented into lexical elements and the database is accessed based on the lexical elements derived from the query.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a technique including a method for acquiring natural language information is provided. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method and system for generating and maintaining a combination of syntactic and semantic information objects. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method and system for generating and maintaining semantic lexical items stored in a computer system. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method and system for generating and maintaining types stored in a computer system.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a technique including a method and system for managing information is provided. In an exemplary embodiment a method and a system is provided for answering voice questions using a remote mobile device, e.g., cell phone, by a natural language system.

Abstract: A query is received via a computer user interface. The query is processed to identify the semantic content contained in the query. An information store is accessed to obtain related categories of information based on the semantic content of the query. The information is presented over the computer user interface, thereby providing the user with context relevant information. The invention increases navigability of a large information store by eliminating the indiscriminate display of all information relating to the keywords identified in the query.