Dynamic query interpretation in relational databases

Abstract

A new dynamic approach to the problem of determining the correct interpretation of a logically independent query to a relational database is formally described. A simple kind of conjunctive query is taken into account and the proposed disambiguating process is based on a simple user-system dialogue that consists of a sequence of decisions about the relevance (or not) of an attribute with respect to the user interpretation. A characterization of unambiguous and disambiguable databases is given and properties of such databases are studied. Approximate answers and weaker concepts of unambiguity and disambiguability are also studied. Finally, criteria to select good disambiguation strategies according to the logical independence degree and the naturalness are discussed. © 1989.