Method and apparatus for database induction for creating frame based knowledge tree
View Patent ↗An automated process (and system) for facilitating the creation of a frame based knowledge tree for use with a configuration system is provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a database induction module interacts with a user interface and a vendor provided database containing product information in the form of database files. The user sets induction preferences via a graphical user interface, and the induction module accesses product information from the client database files and automatically generates a frame based product knowledge tree in light of the user's preferences, where the frame based product knowledge tree is intended for use with a configuration system for configuring certain desired products, services, or other assemblages.
1. A data processing method for use in a data processing system including an user interface, the method comprising: accessing data from a database; receiving input through said user interface from a user regarding said data;
automatically constructing a frame based knowledge tree from said data in response to said act of receiving; and
determining an absence of user-specified attributes; querying said data for all remaining attributes yet to be inducted into said knowledge tree; determining whether the quantity of said remaining attributes exceeds a predetermined number; and inducing said remaining attributes based on whether said quantity exceeds said predetermined number;
wherein said act of constructing comprises: identifying at least one product attribute in said data; identifying at least one unique attribute value associated with said at least one product attributes; and creating a new node of said knowledge tree for each unique attribute value identified.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: determining said quantity of remaining attributes does not exceed said predetermined number; and adding a new compound slot to said frame based knowledge tree including at least two of said remaining attributes.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: determining said quantity of remaining attributes does exceed said predetermined number; and processing said remaining attributes using at least one of domain knowledge and distinct attribute values count.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said act of accessing comprises: accessing a vendor database table containing product data for a product.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said act of accessing comprises: accessing a plurality of tables following a relational schema.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said act of receiving comprises: receiving user preferences regarding construction of said frame based knowledge tree via a user interface.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
identifying at least one user-specified attribute to be inducted into said knowledge tree; and querying said data for at least one unique attribute value associated with said user-specified attribute.