Question answering with a conceptual framework for knowledge-based system development “Node of Knowledge”

• Conceptual framework for knowledge-based system development named “Node of Knowledge” is presented.
• Question answering with new formalization method for the text expressed knowledge is presented.
• Basic question answering process and algorithms are described.

The paper describes the development of a system for receiving questions from users and providing answers, which is a part of a larger knowledge-based (KB) system based on Node of Knowledge (NOK) conceptual framework for KB system development. A part of NOK conceptual framework is described, as well as a new method of text-expressed knowledge representation – formalized NOK (FNOK). Furthermore, the structure of system for user interaction and NOK based KB system named Question Answering NOK (QANOK) is presented. The paper answers the question whether it is possible to create a part of QANOK over FNOK formalized knowledge which would accept user questions using natural language and provide answers in natural language. Three algorithms were developed – an algorithm which translates text-expressed knowledge in natural language into FMTEK (Formalized Method for Text Expressed Knowledge) formalized notation, an algorithm which translates a question in natural language into qFMTEK (question FMTEK) formalized knowledge notation, and an algorithm which uses qFMTEK formalized question to find an answer within FMTEK formalized knowledge. Algorithms were tested against a predefined set of sentences and questions in English language. Limitations of developed algorithms are also presented, as well as further development of QANOK system.