Patent Analysis: Wouldn’t it be great if …

“The fact that man knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to other creatures; but the fact that he can do wrong proves his moral inferiority to any creature that cannot.”  Mark Twain (American Humorist, Writer and Lecturer. 1835-1910)

Patent analysis is extremely labor intensive.  Wouldn't it be great if you could automate the process?

Scientists pursuing AI-Artificial Intelligence are advancing toward that goal.  However, we are a long way from achieving it.  Read the following article, available for free full text download at http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/16389, to see how close, and how far, we are from automatic patent analysis.

TIP: For aspiring patent searchers, the article offers an excellent overview of the process.

///////
Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, Vol. 18, March 2013, pp 158-167
The Patent-Classification Technology/Function Matrix-A Systematic Method for Design Around
Tien-Yuan Cheng, Legal/IP Department Electronics Inc., Taiwan
Ming-Tzong Wanhg, Institute of Industrial Engineering, National Taiwan University
Abstract
The technology/function matrix is a type of patent map. A technology/function matrix can reveal through the implemented functions whether a particular technology faces a high level or low level of risk and the extent of patenting in different technologies.  By analyzing the technology/function matrix, one can identify substitute technologies to implement the main function in avoiding patent infringement.  However, a technology/function matrix is very difficult to create, because the patents need to be read, analyzed and structured into the elements of technology/function numbering over hundreds or thousands.  In this research, the authors propose a method to create a technology/function matrix needed to execute a patent search without reading or analyzing patents.  Through the proposed method anyone can creat a technology/function matrix in a short time without the help of an expert irrespective of the number of patents involved.  The technology/function matrix can then be used to design around a particular technology easily, quickly, and effectively.
Excerpt from the Introduction
TRIZ is a systematic innovation and problem solving method, which is based on analysis of millions of patents. TRIZ uses several powerful tools such as contradiction matrix, function analysis, and trimming to solve creative problems. The basic TRIZ problem solving process consists of four steps. First, the problem is identified; second, the specific problem is converted to a generic problem; third, a TRIZ tool like the contradiction matrix is used to find the generic solution; and finally, the generic solution converted to a specific solution for the specific problem.
The contradiction matrix is a two dimension matrix built by putting 39 technical parameters in its columns and rows. Every matrix element is an engineering problem occurring due to the contradiction between one technical parameter in a column and another paramter in a row.  Most of these matrix elements have at least one standard solution of 40 inventive principles.  Using the inventive principles one can solve any engineering problem.
Function analysis is through analyzing all components and the interactions  of a systtem to know the negative, ineffective and excessive interactions, in turn expresses as subject-action object. Through function analysis the problem of a product or system can be identified and solved.
Trimming is a method which cuts down the components of a system or product but provides functions not less or more than before. In this method prior to trimming, all components of a product system and their interactions are drafted like in the case of function analysis. Then the harmful components including those that provide no useful information are cut off. The remaining components are used to provide the functions which were provided by the components that were cut down.
source: http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/16389
///////

BONUS TIP: Jean is a member of LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/jeansteinhardtresearch/en ).  Ask him to join your LinkedIn network.