Relevence algorithm

[mikmoth]

Hail to all! I could sure use some help.
 
I am trying to write my own chatbot with Visual Basic for my own personal fun and I've just been trying to figure this whole thing out.

I've already been able to have her answer comments based on keywords and I'm pretty satisfied at the result. ie:

User: I like cats.
Kari: Cats can purr.  

So now I want to implement a question&answer function. That seems pretty easy but my question is this: How do I program a relevence algorithm?

It should choose an answer based on the highest relevence, bypassing the keyword function (if necessary) and choosing an answer to the question. ie:

User: Why do you like cats?
Kari: They are nice to pet.
 
NOT

User: Why do you like cats?
Kari: Cats can purr.
 
Does this make sense? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Art]

mikmoth,

vonsmith had a discussion regarding this in the thread below:

http://www.zabaware.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1455

Also, click on members then click vonsmith's name then view archived posts from him. I recall one thread where he discussed the possibilty of assigning weights to various responses in order of priority or revelence.

Hope this is a nudge in the right direction for you.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[Art]

Sergio,

I don't exactly know just how...but I know THAT'S going to either cause trouble or get you in trouble!!

Ever hear the wife coming down the hallway so you quickly minimize HAL (or whatever her name is) thinking you've outsmarted your wife only to have HAL's AUTO-IDLE chat suddenly announce, "Hey...What do I have to do to get your attention, STRIP?" ?

Then the wife gets this strange look on her face as she asks, "Who were you talking to?"

Now THAT's FUNNY!! NOT!!!!