Raytheon BBN Technologies

Asio's query architecture enables users to discover and search information from diverse data resources across the network. By combining the Asio Semantic Query Decomposition (SQD) component with both the Asio Semantic Bridge for Relational Databases and the Asio Semantic Bridge for Web Services, it is possible to provide users with a much more user-oriented and integrated data environment for more timely and informed analyses and decisions.

The capability to mine information in a single, user-oriented vocabulary has powerful implications. Users are no longer required to dig through the intricacies of various data stores using arcane terminology to retrieve information they need. Data relationships and metadata, previously understood by only those intimate with these individual data stores, can now be captured within the system through formal semantics, making them more readily accessible to a wider range of users. This approach provides a tremendous advantage in doing away with the steep learning curves required for users to navigate multiple individual data sources.

Methodology

The Asio Semantic Query Decomposition (SQD) module divides SPARQL queries, posed in this unified vocabulary (called the domain ontology), for distribution to the appropriate, individual data sources. Asio SQD provides open interfaces that utilize SPARQL. Using the original domain query, Asio SQD frames sub-queries, based on the vocabulary (ontology) of each data source. Asio SQD then distributes these optimized sub-queries to the applicable data source and integrates and transforms the results of the individual sub-queries into a single response using the overall domain knowledge structure (ontology). This integrated result is returned to the user without exposing any of the minutiae of the individual data stores.

For more information, please send inquiries to asio@bbn.com.