XLSI : a graphical user interface for a conceptual retrieval system

In this thesis, XLSI, a Motif-based user interface, for utilizing Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) retrieval techniques is presented. XLSI is a third generation Windows- based user interface that allows access to many kinds of textual material, for users of different levels of experience. The original LSI user interface, InfoSearch, provided the incorporation of conceptual or fuzzy-based retrieval methodologies. The second generation user interface, XTDRS, provided basic windowing capabilities, utilized retrieval techniques based on LSI and was designed as an interface for novice X- windows users. As with its predecessors, XLSI utilizes the underlying LSI retrieval technologies and displays basic information required for query matching. However, as XTDRS and InfoSearch were designed for novice Windows users, XLSI was designed to facilitate advanced user interaction and advanced informational display. XLSI extends the original information displayed by providing the user with the ability to retrieve previously-performed searches. This advanced information and any other information displayed by XLSI can be electronically exchanged with other users. XLSI can be compiled and executed on any workstation that supports the X-Window System Release 5 (X11R5) and the Open Software Foundation's (OSF) Motif 1.2.