ABSTRACT
This thesis “Short Messaging System(SMS) Based Information Search and Retrieval System” describes a technology facility that will enable local information to be collected and put in a repository system (Database) such that a mobile user using the facility will be able to search for such information from any location where Global System for Mobile Communications(GSM) services are available. The work concentrates on developing the server-side program that will run as the search program to reply every text message sent to it and to provide the most accurate results through a database query and sending a response as a replied text message. A structural relational database that serves as the back end data storage was uniquely designed as well as an algorithm that works as the search program for retrieving information from the database. Hypertext Pre- Processor (PHP) was used as the Server Side Scripting language because of its ability to work as a plug-in application to most Web-Servers like Internet Information Services (IIS) and Apache, with MYSQL as the database engine. Finally, the developed web- server application program with a database engine has been hosted locally on a desktop server. A test of the package was done using a simulated text message system through a Graphical User Interface (GUI) web browser that was created purposely to send a message and receive a reply from the web-server application program. The research results when successfully implemented on the GSM network services will no doubt enable information dissemination and will also increase revenue and patronage for the GSM service providers. In conclusion, the work done in this research can be said to be relevant to the Global System for mobile communication industry.
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the use of electronic devices such as computers, telephone devices, network devices, telecommunication infrastructures, software and people to collect data, process and disseminate information to various destinations in a presentable format that can be meaningful to a recipient. The term that is widely attributed to ICT is basically the Internet which is made possible by the interconnection of host computers called Servers and other node computers called Clients across the globe by use of Network Infrastructural Devices. Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) is another form of ICT which makes it possible for information to be transmitted via host service provider’s servers to a mobile recipient via a handheld device called mobile phone or handsets by means of voice data or text data transmission.
ICT involves so-many phenomenon in-order to enable information dissemination and utilization by various people across the globe. It is not uncommon to say that ICT makes it possible for any type of information to be obtained at the click of a button (computer based information), or with a voice call (phone based information) or texting and such information can be obtained or retrieved almost immediately. The Internet and the GSM are two
synonymous technologies that have made information to be retrieved by an individual at possibly any time of the day and from any location with inter-connection.
The desire to use ICT to gather information from different sources has been on the increase due to the fact that various people need different information on the Internet or through other ICT devices. Different people have different meaning to what they refer to as the right information or the right source of such information. The fact that there are so many sources of information to access using ICT means that managing this large resource of information base is a problem in itself. This has brought about the need for a special tool or software called search engine to enable people search for information easily and also to retrieve information as well.
1.1.1 Search Engines
A search engine is software developed primarily to query for results from an existing list of dataset available to it using a
predefined criteria. A web search engine is a search engine
designed to search for information on the World Wide Web. Information may consist of web pages, images and other types of files. Some search engines also mine data available in news, books, databases, or open directories. Unlike web directories, which are maintained by human editors, search engines operate algorithmically or are a mixture of algorithmic and human input. Most information are stored across the globe in various
computers called servers and accessed by other computers or devices called clients. Getting to know where information is stored among the millions of host servers across the globe is the work of a search engine.
Over the years several researches have taken place in order to meet with the demand for more information on the Internet, more search engines or search technology have evolved to meet with different needs and specification of users [1].
Furthermore, there are several search engines across the globe, majority which are general purpose search engines such as Google (world’s biggest search engine); Yahoo search (Powered by Yahoo Cooperation); MSN search (now Live search, powered by Microsoft); Baidu(largest Chinese search engine, powered by infortex)and Guruji(Indian search engine)etc. Some search engines are for special purposes only, such as Google local (For search within the US and Canada), Fast and transfer (for tourist guides in the US) [1].
1.2 Statement of the Problem
It is not surprising that the introduction of the mobile phone devices has added yet another desire to search for information while on the move and without access to computers (Mobile search). It is not uncommon especially in Nigeria to see people using their mobile phones to call or text another user of mobile phone to request for some basic information or the other when the person seems reliable. Most of the information obtained by
calling or texting an individual is only successful if such a person also has this information in his knowledge domain. This, no doubt, means that a central repository of basic information available in public domain needs to be gathered and queried when the need arises. Most GSM phones have the SMS feature for sending and receiving text messages; that is why another platform for searching information using mobile phones has to be made available especially within the Nigerian GSM landscape.SMS charges are also relatively cheaper than other GSM services such as normal call rates, data transfer service charges for most smart phones, mobile internet access, data access, etc. Thus, exploring the use of SMS to search is a better platform than its other emerging technologies.
1.3 Aims and Objectives
The main objectives of this thesis is to develop and simulate an SMS Gateway system consisting of a data-warehouse for storing localized information with references to physical addresses, description of activities, contact phone numbers, websites and other related local information.
It is also aimed at developing an optimal search and retrieval algorithm for filtering text message input, retrieving a particular data token from a data-ware house, constraining it into a text message for effective information dissemination.
1.4 Significance of the Research
The importance of developing an SMS Gateway system for localized information search is due to the fact that there is already demand for local information within the greater populace. But the following are highlighted areas of significance:
Search using mobile devices will enable users to receive information they want such as the names and address of nearby restaurants, churches, mosques, school, etc, within their locality and other information like contact phone numbers, description of goods and services at any time and place within the Nigerian GSM coverage area etc.
People on the move (travelers, waiters, visitors) or people without access to computers or internet can use the SMS Gateway search platform to get relevant localized information by texting (SMSing) for the information using mobile phones without access to the computer.
Small and Medium Enterprises organization will get a lot of patronage from people who will soon discover their business services and location through the local search for information using their mobile phones or internet access.
Wireless network service providers would also have added revenues as searchers pay for minutes of services or for text messaging. This will no doubt be a strategy to get customers to use their mobile services for more than just phone calls.
Mobile search could yield revenue for the search vendors, who could either license their technology to other companies or provide the services directly to customers. They could also sell advertisements that run with SMS query results.
1.5 Scope of the Study
This research work covers the use of GSM mobile phones to search and retrieve information with SMS facility. The research is restricted to the development of the server side program that can serve as the SMS Gateway and the PHP sever side program that drives the database to retrieve information. Technical details of how the GSM provider infrastructure can transmit the SMS message to the user or any method of GSM transmission is not included.
1.6 Justification for the Study
There is no doubt that such a facility like the Short Messaging search and retrieval for mobile users is necessary for the GSM industry. Implementation of this will require massive data- collection initially, but subsequently when most people are aware about its usage, then certainly it will be a justifiable facility to use. The relative cost of text message to phone calls and effort of looking for information at random is also a factor which may make this implementation very convenient for a lot of people. Another justification is the fact that it will benefit millions of mobile phone users that cannot afford smart
phones configured with browsing interfaces but works with cheaper plain text interface and dot-matrix screens usually called low-end mobile devices.
1.7 Thesis Outline
In Chapter Two, a review of related literature on the search engine technology as well as the use of text messaging system is discussed. Related journals and articles on SMS applications in Health, Education and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) was stated.
In Chapter Three, the program design and implementation were shown. The database structure and the algorithm design is illustrated. A real life photograph was shown to illustrate how a data source can be used to retrieve information stored on bill boards, complimentary cards, etc.
In Chapter Four, the simulation and results of the implementation of the created database and search program using PHP and MYSQL were presented. Some test results were shown through the use of simulated web pages and captured screens created specially to send and receive text message to and from the search system created.
Chapter Five summarizes the work done with the appropriate recommendations for future research.
This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research
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