(19)
(11) EP 1 573 438 A2

(12)

(43) Date of publication:
14.09.2005 Bulletin 2005/37

(21) Application number: 02807916.8

(22) Date of filing: 01.10.2002
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7G06F 1/00
(86) International application number:
PCT/US2002/031204
(87) International publication number:
WO 2004/031884 (15.04.2004 Gazette 2004/16)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SK TR
Designated Extension States:
AL LT LV MK RO SI

(71) Applicant: Ims Health Incorporated
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • MACCARTHY, John, D.
    Bourne End,Bucks SL5 5RR (GB)
  • FOURNIER, Christopher, D.
    Toronto, Ontario M8Z 1E3 (CA)
  • CULLEY, Amanda
    Northview, Eastcote,Middx HA5 1PG (GB)
  • TWINBERROW, David, Kenneth
    Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire (GB)

(74) Representative: Lawrence, John et al
Barker Brettell, 138 Hagley Road, Edgbaston
Birmingham B16 9PW
Birmingham B16 9PW (GB)

   


(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERPRETING SALES DATA THROUGH THE USE OF NATURAL LANGUAGE QUESTIONS