System for the facilitation of supporting multiple concurrent languages through the use of semantic knowledge representation

• US 6,219,632 B1
• Filed: 11/20/1997
• Issued: 04/17/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc. (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Schumacher, John F., Weida, Robert Anthony, Humphrey, Richard Bruce, Magome, Tomi, Fohn, Steffen Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Isen, Forester W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Edouard, Patrick N.
• Application Number:
  US08/974,777
• Time in Patent Office: 1,244 Days
• Field of Search: 704/1, 704/2, 704/8, 704/9, 707/101, 707/102, 707/103, 707/530, 707/536
• US Class Current: 704/2
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/35 Discourse or dialogue representation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/55 Rule-based translation

Abstract

A hierarchical knowledge representation is used in order to more efficiently support the translation and management of multiple localities. Utilizing this type of knowledge representation provides several key advantages. The first is a greater ability to differentiate semantically different symbols within the system. The second, is the ability to reutilize the translation of these symbols once translated a single time; and concurrent locale support.

Claims

1. A computer software method utilizing a hierarchical knowledge representation to support the translation and management of software and the data produced from said software, at multiple global locales, comprising the steps of:

translating strings, images and other elements of the software and data produced from said software into object entities with symbols that match a local culture,

differentiating semantically different symbols with the system, and

reusing translated symbols of one concept in connection with translating child concepts of the one symbol,

wherein said symbol is translated once at a single common point in said knowledge representation system.

2. The computer software method of claim 1, including managing information based on semantics, thus allowing information to be modeled utilizing object oriented and semantic knowledge engineering techniques.

3. The computer software method of claim 1 including using a base locale for presentation purposes, when the user does not specify a different locale for presentation purposes.

4. The computer software method of claim 1, including providing for semantic expansion during the translation process.

5. The computer software method of claim 1, utilizing changes in a base locale symbol to trigger notification to translators to make changes for associated ones of said presentation symbols, for locales for which the translators are responsible.

6. A computer software method utilizing a hierarchical knowledge representation to support the translation and management of software and the data produced from said software, at multiple global locales, comprising the steps of:

translating strings, images and other elements of the software and data produced from said software into object entities with symbols that match a local culture,

differentiating semantically different symbols with the system,

reusing translated symbols of one concept in connection with translating child concepts of the one symbol, wherein said symbol is translated once at a single common point in said knowledge representation system; and

employing a pointer to list resource objects that are presented for an object entity, and representing said resource objects as a set of presentation symbols for said object entity.

7. The computer software method of claim 6 including using a base locale for presentation purposes, when the user does not specify a different locale for presentation purposes.

8. The computer software method of claim 7, utilizing changes in a base locale symbol to trigger notification to translators to make changes for associated ones of said presentation symbols, for locales for which the translators are responsible.

9. The computer software method of claim 7 establishing and differentiating between manipulation and the presentation symbols.