Abstract: A method of comparing the semantic similarity of two different text phrases in which the grammatical structure of the two different text phrases is analyzed and a keyword set for each of the different text phrases is derived The semantic similarity of the phrases can be determined in accordance with the grammatical structure of the two different text phrases and the contents of the two keyword sets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of database technology, and to the automatic generation of search queries. The present invention provides a method of generating a database query, the method comprising: receiving a user selection of one of a number of predetermined generic database queries from a user; automatically identifying user specific data from user profile data corresponding to the user by applying the user profile data to a number of predetermined query statements associated with the selected generic query; automatically applying the user specific data to a number of user specific generator query statements in order to generate one or more user specific queries.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system which is able to detect similar web page elements which are described in mark-up language, such that the content of those elements can be captured. Text content may then be sent to a text classifier for further analysis.

Abstract: A method of automatically distributing data messages to members of a user community involves selecting, from a list of distribution rules, a rule which meets certain criteria in terms of message distribution characteristics. The selected rule determines which members of the user community will receive the message and when. For example, in a first round, a first subset of the user community receive the message and each is prompted to provide feedback data in relation to the message, for example to say that the message is offensive, already answered or if there is someone else who can deal with the message. This feedback data is applied to the selected distribution rule to determine to whom the message is sent in the next round. The process continues over a number of rounds until a termination criterion is met.

Abstract: A method, and associated apparatus, that allows online posts to be automatically analyzed and classified such that they can then be appropriately monitored or actioned. The classification method comprises analysis of the contents of the online posts, for example keyword extraction, the affinity of one poster to comment on the posts of a further poster and the relationship between one poster and their posts with other posters and their posts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, and a system, for analysing a textual passage and classifying it against a number of predetermined categories. In the event that the text passage under analysis is not sufficiently similar to any of the predetermined categories then it will be classified as belonging to a further category.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system which is able to detect similar web page elements which are described in mark-up language, such that the content of those elements can be captured. Text content may then be sent to a text classifier for further analysis.

Abstract: A method of comparing the semantic similarity of two different text phrases in which the grammatical structure of the two different text phrases is analysed and a keyword set for each of the different text phrases is derived The semantic similarity of the phrases can be determined in accordance with the grammatical structure of the two different text phrases and the contents of the two keyword sets.

Abstract: A method of automatically analyzing online posts, such that they may then be responded appropriately. The method may comprise: extracting a list of keywords from each of the plurality of posts; generating one or more keyword clusters based on the keywords extracted from each of the plurality of posts and classifying new posts in accordance with the one or more keyword clusters.

Abstract: Each node in a hierarchical network regularly checks to determine whether its network connection is intact. If not, it autonomously communicates with other nodes in the physical neighborhood, using wireless capability also included at each node. It first searches for a wireless path to its immediate neighbors in the hierarchy attempting to reach a working node connected to the same distribution point. The nodes collect, store and exchange connectivity data on neighboring nodes. One member of a group of nodes that have exchanged connectivity information is selected to transmit a connectivity report to network control center. If not itself connected to the hierarchical network, the selected node can use the connection to the closest working node and its broadband connection to the network control center to inform the network operator of the fault and its likely location.

Abstract: A method of and system for searching for data, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a query from a user; ii) analysing the content of the user query received in step i); iii) presenting one or more selection options to the user based on the results of the analysis performed in step ii); iv) receiving the one or more selections from the user; v) augmenting the query in accordance with the selections received in step iv); vi) searching a data index for terms that match with the augmented query; and vii) returning to the user one or more search results which match the terms of the augmented query.

Abstract: A method of analysing automatically analysing online posts, such that they may then be responded appropriately. The method may comprise: extracting a list of keywords from each of the plurality of posts; generating one or more keyword clusters based on the keywords extracted from each of the plurality of posts and classifying new posts in accordance with the one or more keyword clusters.

Abstract: The nodes (200, 201), etc in a hierarchical network are also capable of forming direct wireless connections between each other. Each node checks on a regular basis to determine whether its network connection is intact. If a node (211) discovers that its direct broadband connection (31, 21, 33, 24, 34) to the exchange (2) has failed, it autonomously communicates with other nodes (201, 202, 212, 220) in the physical neighbourhood, using its wireless capability. It first searches for a path through a WIFI connection to its immediate neighbours in the hierarchy to attempt to reach a working node (210, 212) connected to the same Distribution Point (21). (These are not necessarily the nearest neighbours in the wireless network). The nodes collect and store connectivity data on neighbouring nodes, and exchange connectivity data between themselves to identify nodes, and groups of nodes, that are not currently connected to the branched network.

Abstract: A method of automatically distributing data messages to members of a user community involves selecting, from a list of distribution rules, a rule which meets certain criteria in terms of message distribution characteristics. The selected rule determines which members of the user community will receive the message and when. For example, in a first round, a first subset of the user community receive the message and each is prompted to provide feedback data in relation to the message, for example to say that the message is offensive, already answered or if there is someone else who can deal with the message. This feedback data is applied to the selected distribution rule to determine to whom the message is sent in the next round. The process continues over a number of rounds until a termination criterion is met.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of database technology, and to the automatic generation of search queries. The present invention provides a method of generating a database query, the method comprising: receiving a user selection of one of a number of predetermined generic database queries from a user; automatically identifying user specific data from user profile data corresponding to the user by applying the user profile data to a number of predetermined query statements associated with the selected generic query; automatically applying the user specific data to a number of user specific generator query statements in order to generate one or more user specific queries.

Abstract: A work allocation system has a plurality of agents that bid for work in accordance with preferences and behavior of corresponding resources. Each agent represents a group of resources and is arranged to evaluate the likelihood that at least one resource in the group can carry out a work item. The evaluation is dependent on work items previously selected and/or carried out by the resource, so that the agent effectively models the preferences of its workers. The agent can use this preference information to decide a bidding strategy (i.e. to decide which work items it can bid for), and, having successfully bid for a work item, can allocate work based on individual characteristics and observed work preferences. The bidding for work between agents is, for example, conducted in accordance with contract net based negotiation.

Abstract: Customized process plans are generated by weaving customizing process aspects into generic process plans. The aspects as stored contain markers and the system selects a generic process plan and searches it for the marker(s). If the marker is located, content from the relevant aspect is woven into the generic process plan at that point. Customized process plans can be produced for instance for particular customer types or service types and local resource availability can be taken into account.

Abstract: Customised process plans are generated by weaving customising process aspects into generic process plans. The aspects as stored contain markers and the system selects a generic process plan and searches it for the marker(s). If the marker is located, content from the relevant aspect is woven into the generic process plan at that point. Customised process plans can be produced for instance for particular customer types or service types and local resource availability can be taken into account.

Abstract: Controlled access is provided to a shared resource 23 such as an ontology (knowledge database) in order to maintain its quality without restraining the ability of users 21a, 21b, 21c . . . to contribute to that resource. An edit and query function 26 is used to determine the validity and consistency of individual contributions. The results of these checks and the level of contribution made by individual users to the information resource is used to produce a rating for each user of the resource, which is stored (24a, 24b . . . ) for use in prioritise and manage future contributions to the resource 23, provide metadata on the resource and to prioritise access control 28 to the resource. When a new contribution is made by a user a threshold of approval can be set before it is accepted into the main database 23. This threshold is based on the sum of the ratings points of the original contributor and of users that give their assent to the inclusion of that contribution.

Abstract: Controlled access is provided to a shared resource 23 such as an ontology (knowledge database) in order to maintain its quality without restraining the ability of users 21a, 21b, 21c . . . to contribute to that resource.