A natural language interface to relational data bases for waste management

INTELLECT(TM) for Rdb/VMS is a natural language system for data base access which runs under the VAX/VMS operating system. It allows English language query, report formatting, and data updates to Rdb/VMS relational databases. INTELLECT translates English requests into database commands, and allows non-technical users to perform a variety of retrieval and processing tasks for decision support or data maintenance using conversational English. The heart of an INTELLECT application is the lexicon, a dictionary of common English words. Initially, the INTELLECT lexicon has about 400 basic words. Customization of this lexicon, including definition of new vocabulary, the basic step in the development of an INTELLECT application. An application of INTELLECT for an Rdb/VMS waste management database was developed. The database, which consists of waste stream characterization and waste management practice information for solid low-level radioactive wastes generated at the three Department of Energy plants in Oak Ridge, is used in disposal resource development and alternatives evaluation. An account of our experience using INTELLECT with the low-level waste management database is given, including the process of lexicon building. The usefulness of the natural language interface in this context is discussed. 13 refs.