Abstract: Answering System enables a user to input a query and responds with answers. Server stores an indexed database of a plurality of S-A-O's (subject-action-object). User generates the query that includes query elements (A-O), (S-A), or (S-X-O), or element (S). The server identifies the database element S, O, or A, or elements (A-O) associated with a respective knowledge base S-A-O that includes the query element(s) in response to the server receiving the query and generates a natural language answer S-A-O that includes the identified and the query elements(s) and transmits the answer to the user apparatus that provides an audio or visual response. The server can conduct WWW searches for documents with S-A-O elements that match query element(s) and adds them to the database, thus treating the WWW as an available knowledge base.

Abstract: A system and method for summarizing the contents of a natural language document provided in electronic or digital form includes preformatting the document, performing linguistic analysis, weighting each sentence in the document as a function of quantitative importance, and generating one or more document summaries, from a plurality of selectable document summary types, as a function of the sentence weights.

Abstract: A system and method for summarizing the contents of a natural language document provided in electronic or digital form includes preformatting the document, performing linguistic analysis, weighting each sentence in the document as a function of quantitative importance, and generating one or more document summaries, from a plurality of selectable document summary types, as a function of the sentence weights.

Abstract: Answering System enables a user to input a query and responds with answers. Server stores an indexed database of a plurality of S-A-O's (subject-action-object). User generates the query that includes query elements (A-O), (S-A), or (S-X-O), or element (S). The server identifies the database element S, O, or A, or elements (A-O) associated with a respective knowledge base S-A-O that includes the query element(s) in response to the server receiving the query and generates a natural language answer S-A-O that includes the identified and the query elements(s) and transmits the answer to the user apparatus that provides an audio or visual response. The server can conduct WWW searches for documents with S-A-O elements that match query element(s) and adds them to the database, thus treating the WWW as an available knowledge base.

Abstract: In a computer system, automatically displaying a graphic representation of natural language text.

Abstract: In a digital computer, the method of processing a natural language expression entered or downloaded to the computer that includes (1) identifying in the expression expanded subject, action, object components that includes at least four components, subject, action, object (SAO) components and at least one additional component from the class of preposition, indirect object, adjective, and adverbial eSAO components (2) extracting each of the at least four components for designation into a respective subject, action, object field and at least a preposition field, indirect object field, adjective field, and adverbial field, and (3) using the components in at least certain ones of said fields for at least one of (i) displaying components to the user, (ii) forming a search pattern of a user request for information search of local or on-line databases, and (iii) forming an eSAO knowledge base. A constraint field can also be provided to accept non-classified components.

Abstract: In a digital computing system, the method of and apparatus for storing data representing a natural language sentence segment that includes at least one action (A) and one object (O) of the action, extracting the AO to form an AO extraction, processing the AO extraction pursuant to paraphrasing rules to form a plurality of para-AOs, and using the plurality of para-AOs during subsequent processing steps to be implemented in the digital computing system. One embodiment includes processing a natural language user request processing the AO extraction pursuant to positive and negative paraphrasing rules to form a plurality of para-AOs, and using the plurality of para-AOs as an expanded user request to search for information. An optional feature includes combining the S with each para-AO to form a plurality of para-SAOs as an expanded user request to search for information.

Abstract: A computer based system and method for acquiring sets of documents related to respective entities, processing the text of each document into subject, action, object (SAO) format, and displaying one or more S or AO folders in rank order in association with the respective entity to identify the activities, estimate each entity activity level with respect to specific Ss or AOs. In one example, technology activity and technical problem solving can be discerned and compared between entities.

Abstract: A computer system for analyzing and automatically modifying existing process system models that includes (i) an Initial Data stage that prompts the user to enter qualitative and quantitative objectives in designing or re-designing a Process System, (ii) a Component Model stage that displays an image of the sequence of components produced or added during the process and that allows the user to edit or complete the Component Model display that includes components, which are produced during the process, operations that produce them, and functions, each consisting of an element or tool that causes an action and an element or tool that receives the action, (iii) a Process (Functional) Analysis stage that includes functional and interaction relationships of the functions and operations designating each function as harmful or useful, and ranking each useful function according to the value of its contribution to the respective operation, and performing a value link analysis of each function including the level of the

Abstract: A software system includes an engineering analysis system (EAS) for analyzing an engineering object system and for recommending elimination of object system components. The EAS includes a functional model unit responsive to user entry for generating images of a functional model of the object system including its components, elements and products and representations of the interactions between the generated components, elements, and products. The functional model can be represented as a number of component/element boxes and harmful and useful interaction lines therebetween, or the functional model components, elements and products can be represented in matrix form with interactions identified in the intersections of the matrix. The EAS includes an advanced link analysis unit for prompting user entry, storing and displaying of (i) a parameter of at least one of said interactions, (ii) the actual and desired quantitative or qualitative values of said parameter, (iii) a time and space dependency of the parameter.