Representing Incomplete and Uncertain Information in Graph Data

摘要

A method for representing and querying incomplete and uncertain information in graph data receives a plurality of graphs containing subject nodes, object nodes and predicates extending between subject and object nodes. The subject nodes and predicates can be URIs or blank, and the object nodes can be URIs, literals or blank. Incomplete graph data sets are created by a variable into each blank subject node, each blank predicate and each blank object node, and uncertain graph data sets are created by substituting alternative values for all variables in the incomplete data graph. A query is received from a user and a naïve search of the graph data is performed for certain data. The incomplete and uncertain graphs are then used to determine potential answers and certain potential answers based on user-specified requirements. The certain answers and potential certain answers are returned to the user.