Knowledge-Based Query Formulation for Integrated Information Systems

he U.S. Army, like many large organizations, relies upon heterogeneous and distributed information systems for managing massive quantities of data. Formulating queries within these systems has been difficult because of the underlying structural complexity of the associated databases. Formulating queries across these systems has been impossible because of the additional lack of integration and interoperability. Building on work done by the Milton S. Eisenhower Research and Technology Development Center in artificial intelligence and database systems, the Applied Physics Laboratory is collaborating with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory to develop advanced capabilities to support automated query formulation, conceptual modeling, and systems integration. In addition, a framework based on intelligent agents and distributed objects has been developed that will facilitate the fusing of new and legacy systems, interoperability, and the creation of intelligent interfaces.