Techniques that support real-time searches [see 4.4.1 Enable real time searching]
and qualifier resolution [see 4.2.2 Extend search by post-coordinated searching] may
also be extended to enable background encoding of complete sentences as they are entered.
This method can be applied to text entered by typing or by voice recognition.
As text is entered, the search mechanism attempts to narrow the selection. If there
are multiple possible matches, then these are presented to the user for selection.
If there is a single match, the encoding is accepted by default; otherwise the user
can override the match by selecting an alternative Concept or Description. A single
good match is found at the end of the process, thereby encoding the text in the sentence.
There are many possible variants on this technique. For example, as the possible matches
are narrowed down, the system could offer an auto-completion option similar to that
used in web browsers and word-processors.
CAUTION:
Anyone implementing this approach should take care to undertake appropriate quality
assurance of the results. Mention of this approach to data entry does not imply that
it is considered safe for a given use-case. Formal professional assessment of the
risks and benefits of any type of automated encoding is essential.
Feedback