Forward multidimensional search with application to information retrieval systems

摘要

A new architecture for information retrieval systems is presented. If it was implemented, this architecture would allow the system to process retrieval statements that are equivalent to fuzzily defined queries. The philosophy on which the centerpiece of this system is based—the document search module—is fully explained in this paper. The emphasis is placed on the quick elimination of irrelevant references. A new technique, that takes into account the user's knowledge to discriminate between documents before they are actually retrieved from the data base, was developed. The search technique uses simple computations to select or eliminate potential candidates for retrieval. This technique does not have, qualitatively, the shortcomings of, not only conventional retrieval techniques, but also retrieval systems that accept relevance feedback from the user, in order to refine the search process. No implementation details have been included in this article and system performance figures are not discussed.