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language. For the natural language explanations, the
users can choose out of the three types according to
their understanding about diseases. When the system
displays a network of complex relationships such as
causal chains, the user can use the conceptual map
generation tool developed in our laboratory. It can
generate conceptual maps based on any viewpoint
and help users understand the knowledge extracted
from ontologies (Kozaki, K. 2008).
We performed an informal evaluation of the
implemented system in a workshop and received
favorable comments from medical experts. They
especially liked the dynamic is-a hierarchy
reorganization, which is the first solution to the
multi-perspective issues of medical knowledge in
the world. We also conducted a feasibility study of
the fundamental technologies for building
application systems using medical ontologies and
found that the technologies are independent of the
size of the ontology and are a common foundation
for the development of various systems.
4 CONCLUSIONS
After the conceptual framework of human anatomy
and disease were validated, we developed data input
software and templates to scale up the content of the
ontology. Our next tasks are to check data
consistency, provide feedback regarding the checked
data to the experts who input the data, and improve
and adjust the ontology. Some problems still need to
be resolved. We need to deepen investigation of
fundamental technology regarding each of the three
main parts (navigation method, content processing,
and media selection). Also, we should identify
functional enhancements of this fundamental
technology based on users’ needs and implement an
enhanced version. For the navigation method, the
added functionality of presenting ancillary
information of linked desired content pages would
help users decide whether to obtain information they
want, and this function might respond effectively to
user needs. So we have to consider additional
functions for better navigation based on users’ needs.
Also, the search system needs improvement of
information retrieval. Determining what kind of
searches are required in medicine, providing search
functions suitable to medicine, and functional
extension. Especially, in medicine, it is important
not only to search for diseases based on simple
symptoms, but also to find all diseases that may
cause the patient’s symptoms. In media selection, it
is necessary that the optimal media be chosen
according to timing and case. This selection method
is also a subject of ease of using.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This research was supported by the Ministry of
Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan, as Development
business and research of “Medical-knowledge-based
database for medical informatics system.”
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