Scenario-based information retrieval in a medical digital library

Current large-scale information sources are designed to support general queries and lack the ability to support scenario specific information navigation, gathering and presentation. As a result, users are often unable to obtain desired specific information within a well-defined subject area. Today's information systems do not provide efficient content navigation, incremental appropriate matching, or content correlation. We are developing the following innovative technologies to remedy these problems: (1) scenario-based proxies, enabling the gathering and filtering of information customized for users within a pre-defined domain; (2) context-sensitive navigation and matching, providing approximate matching and similarity links when an exact match to a user's request is unavailable; (3) content correlation of documents, creating semantic links between documents and information sources; (4) user models for customization of retrieved information and result presentation; and (5) phrase indexing for document retrieval and summarization. A digital medical library is being constructed using these technologies to provide customized information for the user. The technologies are general in nature and can provide custom and scenario-specific information in many other domains, such as crisis management.