(1) (
Natural
Language
Interface) An English language interface for database queries. Using inference engines, combined with database interfaces and other tools, an NLI system lets anyone access database information without the need for traditional query tools such as SQL. For example, the sentence, "Show me the sales of widgets over the last year in the northeast" could translate to the SQL code: SELECT Sales FROM Products WHERE Region = "Northeast" AND SalesDate > "Nov 7 2001." See
natural language query and
inference engine.
(2) (
Natural
Language
Interface) Derived from experiments in artificial intelligence, NLI systems provide alternatives for people with severe disabilities to communicate and manage their surroundings more effectively. Such systems include speech assistive devices, device control and voice recognition systems.