System and method for question answering by reformulating word problems

摘要

A computer-implemented method of answering questions. A word problem is received into a user interface of a question-answering (QA) system operating on a computerized device having a processor. The word problem comprises a question and contextual phrases providing context for the question. The question is parsed from the word problem, using a parsing function of the processor. The contextual phrases are parsed from the word problem, using the parsing function of the processor. A type is identified for the question, using a typing function of the processor. A phrase is identified in the question having the same type as the question. A reformulated question is produced by replacing the phrase in the question having the same type as the question with a contextual phrase. The reformulated question is input to the QA system. Answers to the reformulated question are received from the QA system.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving a word problem comprising a question and contextual phrases providing context for said question; identifying said question and said contextual phrases in said word problem using a parsing function; identifying first types for each phrase of said contextual phrases; identifying a referring phrase in said question; identifying a second type for said referring phrase; determining if any of said first types matches said second type; creating a replacement phrase if any of said first types matches said second type, said replacement phrase comprising each phrase of said contextual phrases having a type matching said second type; producing a reformulated question by replacing said referring phrase in said question with said replacement phrase; inputting said reformulated question to a question-answering (QA) system; and receiving answers to said reformulated question from said QA system.