US Patent 11782963 Semantic database query method

A computer implemented method of determining a fact matching a user requirement. The method involves providing an ontology and a semantic database, controlling a computer processor to perform the steps of accepting a query defining a template for a statement regarding a fact, identifying matching patterns in the semantic database, and outputting either a matching statement or information supporting the user to locate corresponding information. A formula is provided that defines a maximum semantic distance that a class or instance may be broadened to. In identifying the patterns, for each instance/class having a non-zero divergence value, one or more broader classes is accordingly treated as a match.