2. Field of the Invention The invention provides a novel system and method for facilitating conception by one or more persons of one or more potentially patentable inventions in a targeted area, such as a specific technology field or market space. The invention also relates to a novel interview process for eliciting disclosure and/or conception of inventive information from an individual or group, enhancing an invention through structured interview techniques, and documenting the output of the invention interview in order to accurately and comprehensively define the potential intellectual property space occupied by the invention covers, and to facilitate the creation of an invention disclosure document, provisional patent application, or utility patent application.

3. Background of the Invention Art relating to the background of the invention is discussed in the ensuing subsections.

3.1 Invention as a Creative Process The degree of inventiveness displayed by humans is one of the primary characteristics distinguishing humans from other animals. The earliest human archeological sites are characterized by the presence of tools invented by humans. The advent of recorded history is the direct result of human invention, and that history is largely a history of human invention, as seen in the advance of science and technology and corresponding changes in human social, organizational and political structures. Today, the inventive process is the source of an unprecedented pace of technological development, which characterizes the ever-changing modern world.

Given the historical and cultural importance of invention, many researchers have investigated the mental processes associated with inventing. For example, Colangelo et al. investigated mechanical inventiveness (i. e., the conception and development of new devices which require use of mechanical principles) to identify psychological characteristics shared by successful inventors (Ciba Identified. Symp. 1993,178: 160-70). Other researchers have focused on the creative aspects of groups. Still others have investigated the effects of social or organizational structures on inventiveness. Lamoreaux et al., for example, investigated the effects of economic changes on the rate of invention and concluded that high rates of inventive activity encourage the evolution of a market for technology, which in turn encourages greater specialization and inventive productivity at invention as individuals find it increasingly feasible to sell and license their discoveries (P Natl Acad Sci U. S. A. 1996; 93 (23): 12686-92).

3.2 Invention as Legal Property Most countries of the world have established legal schemes to govern the patenting of inventions.

Patent laws are typically administered by a centralized patent office, and only licensed patent attorneys and/or agents are legally permitted to represent others before such office.

In the United States, the patent system is based on Article I of the U. S. Constitution and consists of an enormous body of statutory law, case law, regulations and procedures, and is administered by the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Although individual inventors may represent themselves before the USPTO, only registered patent attorneys and patent agents may represent others. Patent attorneys and agents must qualify for registration by passing a federally administered exam. The exam requires prospective patent attorneys and agents to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of patent law and procedure. However, while patent attorneys and agents are experts in patent law, they typically have no formal training in the art of inventing or in techniques for working with inventors or others to facilitate invention.

3.3 Software for Use in Preparing Patent Applications Software tools are available for assisting attorneys and inventors to prepare patent applications.

For example, the PatentProTM software system is stated to"walk the user through the patent application process with ease and at a fraction of the cost of hiring a patent attorney."See www. 4patpro. com/press041300. htm. The software is asserted to produce a properly formatted patent application suitable for submision to the PTO. However, there is no presently available software system with the capability of facilitating the conception of inventions.

3.4 Methods for Developing Inventions Inventions are commonly perceived to be the result of highly creative cognitive processes achievable by only a few unusually talented individuals. Furthermore, it is commonly believed that only those with extensive training in certain highly technical fields have the necessary background for inventing. At an organizational level, these misconceptions can result in inefficient use of intellectual resources.

Numerous methods are known for enhancing or stimulating creativity. Examples include brainstorming, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving method (TRIZ), and creative problem solving. Of these methods, only TRIZ specifically relates to facilitating invention of potentially patentable ideas. Developed in Russia, TRIZ (the acronym is based on the Cyrillic spelling)

focuses on the methodological resolution of contradictions through the application of innovative solutions.

None of the presently used methods for facilitating creativity even attempts to employ a predefined set of rules to facilitate conception by one or more persons of one or more completely new inventions within targeted technology fields or market spaces.

There is a need in the art for a method of facilitating invention, which permits an organization to fully benefit from the inventive capacity of its personnel resources, including its employees, outside contractors, and others associated with the organization. The method should result in the generation of multiple inventions and should facilitate the conception of inventions in targeted areas, such as targeted market areas or targeted technology areas. Moreover, the method should facilitate assessment of the inventions by the organization in a manner which helps to ensure (1) that the organization's financial resources are wisely invested in the most promising of the inventions thus conceived; and (2) that cost-effective business decisions can be made regarding which inventions should be selected for the costly investment required for patent prosecution.

4. Summary of the Invention 4.1 Method of Facilitating Conception of Inventive Concepts The invention provides a method of facilitating conception of inventive concepts by an inventor, preferably including the following steps: (1) interviewing an inventor to identify or otherwise characterize a basic invention; (2) facilitating conception of inventive elements using creative stimulus comprising how-type questions relating to the functioning of the invention identified in the first step; and (3) repeating the second and third steps.

Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following. The basic invention is preferably identified and/or characterized by accomplishing any one or more of the following: (1) facilitating drawing of a diagram of the basic invention ; (2) facilitating definition of one or more elements of the basic invention; and (3) facilitating definitions of problem (s) solved and/or problems to be solved by the basic invention.

Concepts are preferably communicated to the inventors, including the following: an invention as a function of the problem to be solved by the basic invention, the element (s) that comprise the basic invention, and how the elements are connected or interrelated; a ladder of abstraction; prior

art, novelty, nonobviousness, inventive step, and bar dates ;'inventorship ; enablement; and written description.

The invention also relates to a process for growing an invention, which may include the following steps: (1) identifying the basic invention; (2) selecting a questioning theme; (3) identifying an aspect of the basic invention by one or more inventors that falls within the questioning theme; (4) identifying enhancements to the basic invention by the one or more inventors, wherein the enhancements relate to the aspect of the invention; (5) repeating the third and fourth steps one or more times for alternate aspects of the basic invention within a questioning theme ; and (6) repeating the second through fifth steps one or more times for alternate questioning themes. The alternate questioning themes may be selected from one or more of the following: disadvantages of the basic invention; advantages of the basic invention; operability issue (s); other ways to solve a same problem; licensing strategies; and identification of competitors and/or competitive products.

Prior to the"growing"phase of the process of the invention, any one or more of the following concepts may suitably be communicated to the inventors: an invention as a function of a problem to be solved by the basic invention, element (s) that comprise the basic invention, and how the element (s) are connected or interrelated ; a ladder of abstraction; prior art, novelty, nonobviousness, inventive step, and bar dates; inventorship; and enablement and written description.

The output of any of the above steps and/or administrative information may be documented and/or recorded.

In a second aspect, the invention features a method for facilitating conception of inventive concepts by an inventor and may include one or more of the following steps: (1) communicating to the inventors concepts selected from the following group : an invention as a function of a problem to be solved by the basic invention, element (s) that comprise the basic invention, and how the element (s) are connected or interrelated ; a ladder of abstraction; prior art, novelty, nonobviousness, inventive step, and bar dates; inventorship; and enablement and written description; (2) defining details of the basic invention including one or more of the following: interviewing an inventor to identify or otherwise characterize a basic invention; facilitating conception of inventive elements using creative stimuli comprising how-type questions relating to the functioning of the invention identified in the first step; and repeating the first and second steps; (3) growing the basic invention by one or more of the following steps: identifying the

basic invention; selecting a questioning theme; identifying an aspect of the basic invention that falls within the questioning theme; identifying enhancements to the basic invention by the inventor (s), wherein the enhancements relate to the aspect of the invention; repeating the third and fourth steps one or more times for alternate aspects of the basic invention; and repeating the second through fifth steps one or more times for alternate questioning themes; (4) documenting and/or recording the output of any of the above above; and (5) documenting and/or recording the administrative information.

The alternate questioning themes may include one or more themes from the following group: disadvantages of the basic invention; advantages of the basic invention; operability issues; other ways to solve a same problem; licensing strategies; and identification of competitors and/or competitive products.

4.2 Method of Facilitating Conception Inventions in Target Market and/or Technology Areas The invention relates to a method of facilitating the conception of one or more inventions in target market and/or technology areas by a group of one or more participants. First, the method may include communicating guidelines for creative thinking to the participants, wherein the guidelines for creative thinking may include creativity tools. Second, the method may include facilitating any one or more of the following steps: conceiving of and establishing a mess statement; conceiving of facts, data, and/or attributes relevant to the mess statement; conceiving problem statements related to the mess statement, wherein the problem statements may be identified using creativity tools and/or creative stimuli comprising one or more of the facts, data, and/or relevant attributes as creative stimuli; conceiving elements of solutions to the problem statements, wherein the elements may be conceived using creative stimuli such as the problem statements and one or more of the facts, data, and attributes as creative stimuli; and conceiving inventions using one or more creative stimuli which may include stimuli selected from one or more creativity tools using one or more of the problem statements and one or more elements.

Finally, the method may include expanding one or more of the inventions.

The method may further include a set of one or more steps accomplished by the participant (s), e. g. conceiving and establishing a mess statement; conceiving facts, data, and/or relevant attributes relevant to the mess statement; conceiving problem statements related to the mess statement, wherein the problem statements may be identified using creative stimuli comprising one or more of the facts, data, and/or relevant attributes as creative stimuli; conceiving elements

of solutions to the problem statements, wherein the elements may be conceived using creative stimuli such as the problem statements and one or more of the facts, data, and attributes as creative stimuli; conceiving inventions using one or more creative stimuli, which may include stimuli selected from one or more creativity tools using one or more of the problem statements and one or more elements; and expanding one or more of the inventions.

The steps involved in the method of facilitating the conception of one or more inventions in a target market and/or technology areas by a group of one or more participants may be accomplished by the participants and facilitated by the facilitator. The facilitator may also acts as a participant.

The inventions may be assessed based on pre-determined criteria to identify a list of most valuable inventions. The information about the inventions, which may include a ranking of the invention according to one or more business or technical criteria, may be communicated to a decision-making group.

Prior to communicating guidelines for creative thinking, the facilitator communicates basic concepts of patentability to the first group of participants. The basic concepts of patentability may include one or more of the following: novelty; utility; nonobviousness; inventive step; ladder abstraction; bar dates; publication as a means of obtaining freedom of action and as a low cost way to protect basic inventions by patenting the basic inventions and publishing the incremental improvements around the basic inventions; inventorship; invention type, e. g., where the invention type is selected from a group consisting of an apparatus, a method, an article of manufacture, a composition of matter, a functional invention and a business process invention; viewing an invention from multiple perspectives; the concept of relating an invention to the interests of an end user or a supplier; the concept of classifying an invention as breakthrough (pioneering), distinctive and incremental; licensing value, e. g., perceived monetary value of the invention; enablement; prior art and the significance that prior art has on the patentability of the inventions; and disposing of inventions, e. g., patenting the invention, publishing the invention with known inventors, publishing the invention anonymously, and maintaining the invention as trade secret.

In general, the invention provides a method of facilitating the conception of one or more inventions in target market and/or technology areas by a group of one or more participants, led by a facilitator, and may include the following steps: communicating basic concepts of patentability

to the group of participants; training the group of participants on creativity and associative thinking methods; defining the target market and/or technology areas in which inventions are desired; and communicating guidelines for creative thinking to the participants.

4.3 System for Facilitating Conception of Inventions in a Directed Manner The invention also relates to a system for facilitating conception of inventions in a directed manner preferably including a computer processor programmed to execute one or more of the following ; requesting and accepting data input; aggregating and storing the input data; and providing output displaying the aggregated input data. The input data may include the following: mess statements; data statements relating to the mess statements; problem statements relating to the data statements; elements relating to the problem statements, mess statements and/or data statements; solutions to the problem statements; limitations of problem-element-solution combinations; and solutions to the limitations.

This aspect of the invention may feature one or more of the following: The input data may include one or more mess statements. The input data may include one or more data statements relating to the mess statements. The input data may include one or more problem statements relating to the data statements, elements and/or mess statements. The input data may include one or more elements relating to the problem statements, mess statements and/or data statements, or the elements may be randomly generated or conceived by the users as the result of a stimulus.

The elements may be conceived using a visual, tactile or olfactory stimulus. The input data may include one or more solutions to the problem statements. The solutions may be conceived using one element and a problem statement as creative stimulus, and the solution may be stored in a manner which indicates its relationship to a problem and an element. The input data may include one or more limitations of problem-element-solution combinations. The input data may include one or more solutions to the limitations. The system may instruct the user that a complete invention includes the following: a seed of an invention; all limitations of the seed of an invention; and all solutions to the limitations.

The computer processor may be a component of a server. The system may further include one or more participant computers operably linked to the server. The participant computer (s) may be linked via a network system, e. g., selected from the following: local area networks, virtual private networks, an near private networks, the Internet, and an intranet. The participant

computers may be remotely located relative to the server; and/or one or more of the participant computers may be remotely located relative to one or more other participant computers.

The invention also features a method for facilitating conception of inventions in a directed manner preferably including the following: (1) providing a computer processor programmed to accept input and provide output: (2) inputting data selected from the following group: mess statements; data statements relating to the mess statements; problem statements relating to the data statements; elements relating to the problem statements, mess statements and/or data statements; solutions to the problem statements; limitations of problem-element-solution combinations; and solutions to the limitations; (4) aggregating and storing the data inputted; and (4) providing output displaying the aggregated inputted data.

The invention may further include facilitating the conception by one or more participants of any one or more types of information from the following group: mess statements; data statements relating to the mess statements; problem statements relating to the data statements; elements relating to the problem statements, mess statements and/or data statements; solutions to the problem statements; limitations of problem-element-solution combinations; and solutions to the limitations. The invention may further include using a problem statement and an element as creative stimuli to facilitate conception of a solution to the problem statement. The invention may further include identifying on or more limitations of a problem-element-solution combination and solutions to the limitation. The problem-element combinations may be used as creative stimuli to facilitate inventive conception. The invention may further include communicating via a telephone system, the telephone system having conference calling capabilities.

The computer processor may be a component of a server. Participant computers may be operably linked to the server. The participant computer (s) may be linked via a network system, e. g., selected from the following group: local area networks, virtual private networks, near private networks, the Internet, and an intranet. The participant computers may be remotely located relative to the server; and/or the participant computers may be remotely located relative to one or more other participant computers.

5. Brief Description of the Drawings 5.1 Method of Facilitating Conception of Inventive Concepts Figure 1 illustrates the overall process of the invention for taking raw ideas and generating a written invention disclosure or patent application.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a marker invention, illustrating the process of the invention.

Figure 3 is an illustration of the use of the"Ladder of Abstraction", using the marker invention of Figure 2 to illustrate the method of the invention using variously defined points that demonstrate the"level"of an invention.

5.2 Method of Facilitating Conception Inventions in Target Market and/or Technology Areas Figure 4 shows an example result of using the V3R/Forced Fit creativity tool.

Figure 5 shows an example result of using the creativity tool ION Figure 6 shows an example of selecting a problem and an element for IOD Figure 7 shows an example using a problem and an element to generate a seed of an idea using IOD"M.

Figure 8 shows an example using a problem and an element to generate a seed of an idea using IODTM.

Figure 9 shows an example using generating a subordinate problem during an application of IOD".

Figure 10 shows an example using adding an additional element to address the subordinate problem during an application of IOD Figure 11 shows an example using adding supplementary descriptive material to an additional element to address the subordinate problem during an application of IOD Figure 12 shows an example using generating a second subordinate problem during an application of IOD.

Figure 13 shows an example using adding a second supplementary descriptive material to a second additional element to address the second subordinate problem during an application of IODTM.

Figure 14 shows an example using adding a third supplementary descriptive material to a third additional element to address the third subordinate problem during an application of IOD 5.3 System for Facilitating Conception of Inventions in a Directed Manner Figure 15 schematically illustrates one aspect of the practice of the network-based IODTM system of the invention.

Figure 16 is a flow chart diagram showing the steps involved in practicing one embodiment of the network-based IODTM of the invention.

Figure 17 shows an illustrative login user interface screen for use in a network-based IODTM session.

Figure 18 shows an illustrative user interface screen for entering a user name in a network-based IODTM session.

Figure 19 shows an illustrative user interface screen used for inputting a WIBNI statement for use in a network-based IODTM session.

Figure 20 shows an illustrative user interface screen used for voting on a preferred WIBNI statement for use in a network-based IODTM session.

Figure 21 shows an illustrative user interface screen for use in entering data statements in a network-based IODTM session.

Figure 22 shows an illustrative user interface screen for use in entering problem statements in a network-based IODTM session.

Figure 23 shows an illustrative user interface screen for use in entering elements in a network- based IODTM session.

Figure 24 shows an illustrative user interface screen for use in facilitating conception of seed inventions in a network-based IODTM session.

Figure 25 shows an illustrative user interface screen for use in facilitating conception of enabling concepts in a network-based IODEZ session.

Figure 26 shows an illustrative invention tree generated by one embodiment for use in a network- based IODTM session.

6. Definitions As used herein, the term"invention"means conceptual subject matter pertaining to (1) a useful product or process not previously known to the person (s) conceiving of the invention; or (2) a new use for an existing product or process, which use was not previously known to the person (s) conceiving of the invention. The term"invention"includes both patentable and non-patentable subject matter. It is noted that patentability is based on legal standards which vary with changes in law. Furthermore, patentability is premised on a legal analysis of the precise words of a patent claim and not on the degree of novelty of an inventive concept in general. The term"inventor"is used herein to refer to one who has solely or jointly conceived of an invention.

Unless specifically indicated, legal terms of art used herein (e. g., product, process, novel, non- obvious, utility, enable and the like) should be understood in their broadest sense, as encompassing not only strict legal definitions, but also encompassing ordinary meaning that would be attributed to the term by one with no specialized knowledge of patent law.

7. Detailed Description of the Invention The Invention on DemandCk (IOD) method of the invention relates to a method for facilitating conception of inventions. The IODTM method is particularly useful for facilitating conception of inventions in predetermined target technology fields and/or market spaces.

In a related aspect, the IODTM method includes steps for sorting and prioritizing inventions thus conceived and assisting an organization in making rational business decisions relative to the inventions conceived according to the general IODTM method. This aspect of the invention is useful, for example, in facilitating decisions related to the allocation of resources among multiple inventions, such as decisions relating investment of time, money and other resources in further research or in the preparation, filing and prosecution of patent applications.

7.1 Method of Facilitating Conception of Inventive Concepts The invention generally relates to a method for interviewing one or more inventors to identify information relating to an invention, enhancing the invention through a structured interview, and documenting the output of the invention interview in a systematic way to accurately and comprehensively define the potential intellectual property space that the invention covers. The method of the invention also facilitates the creation of an invention disclosure document, provisional patent application, or utility patent application.

Figure 1 illustrates the overall process of the invention. An idea 101 is presented to and/or conceived by an inventor 102. A facilitator 103 conducts a session according to the novel interview process 104 of the invention to elicit further ideas relating to the invention. This session results in the generation and collection of information, which is documented in an invention interview form 105 or other document.

In the method of the invention, the initial inventive idea 101 does not need to be enabled (i. e., it is not necessary for one of skill in the art to be able to make and use the invention); however, the method of the invention is useful, even where the invention is fully enabled and/or actually reduced to practice. For example, the method of the invention is particularly useful where the idea an enabled invention has not been recorded in a descriptive document suitable to facilitate a patentability by a patent agent and/or patent attorney. Moreover, the method of the invention is also useful in circumstances in which an enabled invention has never been examined for possible improvements or alternative uses.

The facilitator 103 is one who is trained to execute the invention interview process of the invention. The facilitator 103 guides the inventor (s) 102 through the invention interview process.

It is not necessary for the facilitator 103 to be knowledgeable in the technology field of the invention. Where an inventor is trained in the method of the invention, he or she can serve as both the facilitator and the inventor. In other words, such an individual can use the method document and expand the scope of his or her own invention, and no"interview"is necessary.

Thus, for example, written materials or a computer program, which trains an inventor in the method of the invention is within the scope of the invention.

The invention interview form 105 or document is preferably completed by the facilitator 103 during the invention interview process. However, the form or document may be completed by one other than in facilitator 103, either during or after the interview process. The interview is

preferably recorded (e. g., sound and/or audio recording) to facilitate completion of the form 105 or document after the interview process.

The completed form or disclosure document will generally include a textual description of the invention and may also contain drawings, schematics, flowcharts, photographs, software source code, and/or other information. The form or disclosure document may be completed manually, or with the use of a computer. Where a computer is used, input may be by any of a variety of available input means, such as keyboard, mouse, digital pen, sound recording, and the like.

Voice-to-text and handwriting-converting software may be useful in the process of inputting such information.

The interview process of the invention generally comprises any one or more of the following steps: 1. training inventors on the inventive process and on legal, business, and/or scientific concepts regarding the definition of an invention; 2. systematic questioning of the inventor (s) to understand and enhance the invention; 3."growing"the invention; 4. documenting the output of steps 1-3 in a standardized invention interview form (optionally including visually or audially recording the execution of steps 1-3); and 5. capturing administrative information.

Preferably steps 1-4 are used, more preferably stepsl-5 are used. The steps may be performed in any logical order. Each step is discussed in the ensuing subsections 6.1-6.5.

7.1.1 Training of Inventors Step 1 involves communicating information to the inventors relating to the inventive process and legal, business, and ! or scientific concepts regarding the definition of an invention. The inventors are preferably trained to recognize one or more basic legal concepts relating to patentability.

Examples of concepts in which the inventors are trained include: utility, enablement, written description, novelty, nonobviousness, inventive step, etc. It will be understood that where legal concepts are involved, the subject matter of the training will vary to conform with changes in the law, and will vary from country-to-country, to account for differences in legal systems governing patenting of inventions.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inventor (s) are trained in one or more of the following concepts: invention as a function of the problem to be solved, the elements that comprise the invention, and how the elements are connected or related 'the ladder of abstraction creativity tool 'novelty, nonobviousness, inventive step, prior art and the like, and the relationship of these concepts to bar dates 'legal and/or business concepts relating to inventorship legal andlor business concepts relating to enablement The training of inventors is preferably accomplished directly by a facilitator. The facilitator may be present with the inventor (s) or physically and/or geographically separated from the inventor (s).

Various means of communication may be used, such as visual, audio, and/or textual telecommunications, internet communications, etc. Moreover, the training may be accomplished without need for the facilitator, e. g., by video or audio presentation, use of a website, use of a computer program, use of textual materials, and the like.

7.1.2 Systematic Questioning of Inventor (s) The interview process generally involves a facilitator (a trained individual who understands the interview process) and an inventor. The interviewing session involves systematically questioning the inventor to elicit information from the inventor. Information elicited preferably includes information relating to problems solved by the invention; solutions to such problems; enabling concepts relating to the components, design, steps, principles of operation and the like; and information relating to alternative embodiments.

7.1.2.1 Understanding the Problem Solved by the Invention In general, the interview method of the invention comprises a step in which the facilitator elicits information from the inventor relating to the basic problem solved by the invention, the elements of the invention and the operational relationship between the elements. In a preferred embodiment, this information is elicited using the following substeps: drawing a picture of the invention; defining the elements of the picture; and defining the problem (s) solved or to be solved.

The method of the invention also preferably includes a step in which the facilitator facilitates conception by the inventor of additional details or alternative embodiments of the invention. This step is suitably accomplished using the following substeps: using the ladder of abstraction method to define a problem to be solved; understand the elenaents and how of the ladder of abstraction; and iterating the first two substeps to understand the invention between the business level and the science level.

By way of example, Figure 2 represents a drawing of a fictional dry erase marker invention. The inventor of the dry erase marker has created the drawing in Figure 2 during the invention interview session in response to a question by the facilitator, such as"Can you draw me a picture of your invention and label each of the elements ?" Figure 2 shows the marker 201 with the marker body 202, ink level 203, clear plastic window 204, felt marker tip 205, and marker cap 206. In response to the facilitator's question"What problem are you trying to solve ?" the inventor indicates that the problem solved by the invention can be stated as"How to see the level of ink in the marker."Hence, the reason for the basic invention, which is the addition of the clear plastic window 204 to the dry erase marker body 202, is now understood.

7.1.2.2 Facilitating Additional Conception: Up the Ladder of Abstraction Next, the facilitator facilitates further conception by the inventor, preferably by employing a creativity tool, such as the"ladder of abstraction"tool. In this aspect of the invention, the inventor asks a series of questions, preferably in the form of"why"questions, such as"Why is the window important ?" Figure 3 illustrates use of the"ladder of abstraction"tool.

Points 1,2,3,4 and 5 are encircled in Figure 3. Point 1 represents the starting point in this aspect of the invention. Point 1 shows a brief description of marker 201, representing the concept of the invention as it has been established upon completion of the method described in Section 6.2.1.

The ink level in the dry erase marker can be viewed through a clear plastic window 307 along the side of the marker body 301.

The question"Why is point 1 important ?" elicits an answer, point 2, which is an additional or alternative concept as compared to the concept identified at point 1. The inventor explains that a user has no way of knowing when the ink in the marker is depleted until the marker is being used in a presentation. This statement of the reason for the invention leads to the discovery of a new problem to be solved: how to measure the amount of ink in the marker. The identification of this problem leads to a further improvement to the basic invention. The clear plastic window 307

along the side of the dry erase marker body 305 may have a scale 312 that indicates the amount of ink remaining in the marker 302.

Similarly, the question"Why is point 2 important ?" results in the observation by the inventor that the user needs to avoid running out of fluid during a presentation. This observation points to a problem: how to prevent ink from running out. The identification of the problem leads to a solution: a secondary ink fluid reserve tank that allows a fixed short amount of writing time and shown as point 3 uses a penetrable ink bladder 313 activated by pressing a button 314 on the dry erase marker body.

An inventor discussing his or her invention usually describes the invention in terms of the technical problem solved by the invention. Asking a series of"why"questions elicits production and conception of higher levels of integration. New problems to be solved are identified, and solutions to the problems are elicited in the form of enhancements to the original invention or the discovery of other applications for the invention.

Movement up the ladder of abstraction provides a broader set of reasons for the invention, and thereby elicits conception of broader and/or alternative inventions or aspects of the original invention.

In the method of the invention the starting point is preferably a technical reason for an invention, and the series invention-broadening or"why"questions will ultimately lead to a business reason for the invention, which is really a broader interpretation of the original technical reason. For example, the ultimate reasons for inventing a better marker may be to sell more markers, to increase share price, etc.

7.1.2.3 Enabling the Invention: Down the Ladder of Abstraction Once the problem solved by the invention has been elucidated, and alternative and/or additional aspects have been produced and or conceived, the facilitator switches gears and facilitates the production and conception of enabling details of the invention. This stage of the method of the invention is characterized by invention-narrowing questions, typically in the form of"how" questions.

Referring again to Figure 3, asking the question"How is point 1 achieved ?" elicits point 4, which is a more detailed explanation of the original invention 301. Point 4 solves a new problem of how to create a window in a plastic cylinder. Point 4 provides a potentially patentable plastic

mold 304A/304B and/or molding process comprising an inner solid cylinder 310 and an outer hinged cylinder 311 with a metal insert 313 arranged such that when plastic flows into the space between the inner and outer cylinders, an open region is formed into which a clear plastic window is inserted.

The question"How is point 4 achieved,"yields another problem to be solved, namely"What type of plastic would be best suited to create a clear plastic window ?" This may be solved by known plastics molding technologies or may result in further novel developments, such as novel uses of particular plastics or even conception of novel plastics.

If the starting point is a technical reason, then a series of"how"questions ultimately leads to scientific reasons. Thus, using the ladder of abstraction, any starting point can be taken and different"levels of invention"defined.

As noted above, an inventor discussing his or her invention usually describes the invention in terms of the technical problem solved by the invention. Asking a series of"how"questions, facilitates conception of a more detailed description of the critical elements of the invention, especially those relating to the primary embodiment or best mode. These details contribute to enabling the invention. Additional,"how"questions ultimately lead to scientific reasons or principles. Pure scientific principles are not patentable; however, asking"how"questions until pure scientific principles are reached provides an indication that the invention is at a high degree of conceptual development, and that it is therefore potentially patentable, even without actual reduction to practice. An inability to reach established scientific principles can indicate that further research is needed before the invention will be patentable.

7.1.3 Growing the Invention The interview method of the invention preferably includes a"growing the invention"step. This step is useful to elicit enhancements to the basic invention through a structured set of questioning themes. Examples of suitable questioning themes include: disadvantages of the invention, advantages of the invention, operability issues, other ways to solve the same problem, licensing strategy, and identification of competitors.

The"growing the invention"component of the interview method generally includes one or more of the following steps: 1. identification and/or characterization of a basic invention;

2. selection of a questioning theme by the facilitator; 3. identification by the inventor of an aspect of the basic invention that falls within the questioning theme chosen; 4. conception, preferably by the inventor, of enhancements to the basic invention relating to the aspect identified in step 3; 5. iteration of steps 3 and 4 for different aspects within the same questioning theme until aspects are exhausted; and 6. iteration of steps 2-5 until questioning themes are exhausted.

As an example, consider the hypothetical marker invention described above and illustrated in Figure 2. A facilitator executing the"growing the invention"component of the interview method would choose a questioning theme. If, for example, the theme"disadvantages of the basic invention,"is chosen, then the inventor may be asked to identify aspects of the basic invention of Figure 2 that may be thought of as disadvantages. In this example, the inventor may identify "difficulty in seeing the ink through the small clear plastic window"as being a potential disadvantage. Then based on the identified disadvantage, the inventor can be asked to propose an enhancement to the basic invention addressing the disadvantage. An example of an enhancement to the basic invention addressing this disadvantage would be to shape the clear plastic window so that it functions as a lens, thereby magnifying the view of the ink. This process can be continued, identifying additional disadvantages, until the inventor can conceive of no more aspects within this questioning theme.

Another questioning theme can then be selected, such as"advantages of the basic invention."The inventor can be asked to identify aspects of the basic invention that may be thought of as advantages. In this example the inventor may identify"advanced notice of ink shortage"as being an advantage of the basic invention. Based on this advantage, the inventor can be asked to propose an enhancement or alternative to the basic invention relating to this advantage. An example of such an enhancement might be to add a miniature radio transmitter to the marker that alerts an inventory monitoring system when the ink in the marker is running low, so that new markers can be ordered.

Another questioning theme can then be selected, such as"operability issues."The inventor can be asked to identify aspects of the basic invention that may be thought of as operability issues,

e. g., an aspect of the invention that might prevent the invention from working. In this example, the inventor may identify"occlusion of the clear plastic window by ink"as an operability issue of the basic invention. The inventor can be asked to propose an enhancement to the basic invention to address the operability issue. Continuing with the marker example, a solution might be to ensure that the clear plastic window is made from a plastic that is resistant to ink or to utilize a lipophilic material for the clear window and a hydrophilic ink.

This process may therefore be continued using multiple questioning themes. The result is a number of potentially patentable enhancements to the basic invention. The questioning theme "other ways to solve the same problem"might result in the inventor revisiting ways that he or she had thought of to solve the problem in the past and yet discarded at the time for erroneous reasons. The last two examples of questioning themes, licensing and con2petitors, may result in the inventor re-evaluating how the invention fits into the competitive and/or patent landscape.

7.1.4 Documenting the Invention Interview The facilitator, using any recording means (e. g., paper and pencil, computer word processing, tape recorder, video recorder) must minimally capture the description of the basic invention and the enhancements and/or alternatives to that basic invention identified during the invention interview process. Additionally, the facilitator may record other information including, but not limited to, known prior art, licensing opportunities, competitors, other ways to solve the same problem, etc.

7.1.5 Capturing Administrative Information The facilitator, using any recording means (e. g., paper and pencil, computer word processing, tape recorder, video recorder) preferably captures the administrative information related to the basic invention and all of the enhancements to that basic invention discovered during the invention interview process. Minimally, the facilitator must capture the inventor name (s) and the date of interview. Additionally, the facilitator may record other information, such as, invention title, inventor contact information (e. g. mailing address, phone number, email address), assignee name, etc.

7.2 System for Facilitating Conception of Inventions in a Directed Manner The IODEZ method employs creativity tools to stimulate inventive processes that are native to each participant in the IODTM session. Participants in an IODTM session can be any combination of individuals with sufficient technical, business or consumer knowledge, or other kinds of

knowledge, sufficient to permit the individuals to contribute to the inventive process. Preferably, the participants include individuals with sufficient technical knowledge to contribute to solving a technical problem in a specific technical area. The knowledge level of participants will vary depending on the nature of the technical area, ranging from ordinary consumers for invention of simple consumer products of minimal complexity to highly trained specialists for technical invention in fields such as electrical engineering, chemistry or biotechnology. Moreover, a single IODEZ session may involve participants with a variety of technical and/or non-technical skill sets.

For example, a session may involve a combination of chemical, biological, electrical and other experts where the IODEZ session is targeting inventions in which such technical areas converge (e. g., DNA chip technology, high throughput drug screening technology, nanotechnology, etc.).

As another example, it may be useful to combine business experts and/or consumers (who can provide problems or desires) with technical experts (who can provide technical solutions addressing the problems or desires).

While this ensuing discussion refers to the typical situation in which the IODTM method is used with a group of participants, it will be appreciated that the method can be used with just one participant as well.

The IODEZ method involves any one or more, preferably all, of the following steps: 1. conveying information to participants regarding the concept of"invention" ; 2. training participants in creativity and associative thinking methods; 3. identifying and/or defining the business or technical area (s) in which inventions are desired; 4. practicing creative/inventive problem solving techniques to facilitate conception by the participant (s) of one or more inventions; 5. assessing the inventions to identify the most valuable inventions; and 6. submitting descriptions of the invention (s) and the assessment of the value of the invention (s) to an individual or group (e. g., a manager, a management team, an invention review committee, a scientific advisory board, a board of directors, etc.) for further assessment.

7.2.1 Conveying Information to Participants Regarding the Concepts of Relating to "Invention" In the IODTM method, the participants are preferably trained to understand concepts relating to invention, general, business and/or legal concepts relating to inventiveness, creativity, creativity tools, novelty, nonobviousness, enablement, utility, written description, enablement, reproducibility, types or classes of invention, etc. In the preferred embodiment, participants are provided with basic information regarding one or more, preferably all, of the following concepts: 1. legal and/or general concepts relating to the definition of an invention, e. g., patentability (novelty, non-obviousness or inventive step and utility) and bar dates; 2. concepts relating to creativity tools, such as the ladder of abstraction concept; 3. legal and/or general business concepts relating to publication of inventions, such as publication to obtain freedom of action or patenting a basic invention and publishing incremental improvements to the basic invention; 4. legal and/or general concepts relating to inventorship; 5. legal and/or general business concepts relating to invention types, for example, categories of inventions as defined by law (e. g., apparatus, method, article of manufacture, composition of matter, and business process invention) or categories of inventions defined by business or market concepts; 6. the concept of viewing invention of one invention type from the perspective of another invention type (e. g., viewing an apparatus from a method perspective, or a method from an article of manufacture perspective, etc.); 7. the concept of viewing an invention from the perspectives of various entities involved in the manufacture, sale and/or use of the invention (referred to herein as"invention views"), e. g., how the invention relates to technical capabilities or business objectives of an entity with a proprietary interest in the invention, how the invention relates to the end-user or the supplier of needed components of the invention, etc.; 8. the relationship of intellectual property strategy to invention, e. g., information regarding business and/or legal advantages and disadvantages of (a) patenting, (b) publishing with known inventors or affiliations, (c) publishing anonymously, (d) maintaining an invention as trade secret, and (e) requiring further development, and the like;

9. concepts relating to the class of invention, i. e., whether the invention is breakthrough (pioneering), distinctive or incremental; 10. licensing value, i. e., economic notions relating to the value of the invention, such as notions relating to the perceived dollar value of the invention; 11. area of invention, i. e., whether the invention is a technology, a basic technology or core competency that is used to create a variety of products, or is used as a basis for research and development, a product or a business matter; 12. functional dependence of invention on problems, elements, and"how"the invention works; 13. legal and/or business concepts relating to enablement of an invention; and 14. legal and/or business concepts relating to prior art, e. g., the significance that prior art has on the patentability and/or marketability of an invention.

7.2.2 Training Participants in Creativity and Associative Thinking Methods Invention can be thought of as a function of (a) one or more problems, (b) one or more elements, and (c) one or more"hows."The term"hows"is used herein to refer to precise way (s) in which elements of an invention are interrelated and operate.

Creativity can be viewed as an exercise in associative thinking. Associative thinking, when used as a deliberate creativity tool, involves the consideration of the attributes of two (and sometimes more) items, and either systematically or randomly linking the items. For example, consider a subject presented with a violin and brick. The subject might identify the violin attributes of strings, frame, sound, resonance, and tuning, and might identify the brick with attributes of rough surface, heavy, ceramic, and porous. If resonance and ceramic are combined, the subject might conceive of a house or other structure containing integral resonant cavities tuned to emit melodious sound. Other combinations of violin and brick attributes would lead to other and perhaps more interesting ideas.

When applied to the invention process, the"items"are problems, elements, and hows. The hows are derived by expressing one or more problems in a positive interrogatory format (often denoted by"H2,"shorthand for"how to"). For example, consideration of the problem that a company's product breaks too often, might result in any of the following positive interrogatory statements: "H2 keep the product from breaking?"

"H2 increase the mean time between failures?" "H2 make it stronger?" A specific problem can result in many conceivable H2 statements, each of which can be used with an element to create an invention. Furthermore, the nuance of the phrasing of the H2 statements can be used to steer the inventive process.

Random linkages create undirected inventions. By selecting a linkage with specific intent, the association becomes directed. When applied to the inventive process, directed association results in invention in specific technical or market areas. In the IODEZ method, a participant can use the associative thinking methodology to systematically generate hundreds of problems and hundreds of elements. From these hundreds of problems and elements the IODTM method employs directed creativity to generate inventions in specific areas. In other words, the IODTM method results in invention at will.

7.2.3 Identifying and/or Defining the Business or Technical Area (s) in Which Inventions are Desired A successful IODTM session results in inventions that meet pre-defined criteria. The criteria are usually expressed using a positive, idealistic stem in the form of a mess statement. One such stem is"Wouldn't it be nice if...."The criteria may be determined by discussion between a session facilitator and one or more participants or someone with a proprietary interest in the results of the IODEZ session.

As an example, consider a hypothetical situation in which the Pick Up & Move Wheelbarrow Company has decided to enter a new market. Market research has revealed that an impending construction boom will lead to the construction of many skyscrapers. Presently available technology requires construction workers to carry the large bolts employed in high-rise construction in buckets by hand. Existing wheelbarrows are unsuitable because they cannot be manipulated conveniently on the steel girders of a skyscraper. Moreover, they are prone to tipping over, making them a severe safety hazard. Given this scenario, a mess statement that might be generated is:"Wouldn't it be nice if we had a wheelbarrow that was suitable for application in high-rise construction?"

7.2.4 Practicing Creative/Inventive Problem Solving Techniques to Facilitate Conception by the Participant (s) of One or More Inventions Many known creativity/problem solving tools can be used to stimulate inventive thought. It is therefore important, when conducting an IODTM session, to select a tool that will lead to a successful IODEZ session. Expression of creativity varies among individuals. According to Kirton's theory, this variation can be viewed as a continuum ranging from the highly adaptive to the highly innovative, with most people possessing a mixture of adaptive and innovative creativity styles. The response of any given individual to a given creativity tool depends in part on the type of stimulation provided by the tool. Consequently, when working with more than one or two people in an IODTM session, it is important to use several creativity tools and to use diverse creativity tool styles to elicit creative thought from every participant. In a typical IODEZ session, the first tools used should target individuals with a mixture of adaptive and innovative creativity styles (i. e., those individuals in the middle of the continuum). Subsequently, tools are selected that target the more adaptive or more innovative individuals.

In selecting creativity tools according to the IODTM method, it is also important to consider the type of invention desired. Incremental inventions are adaptive by nature so adaptive-style tools are preferred. Similarly, innovative inventions are innovative by nature so innovative style tools are preferred.

Creativity tools can be further categorized as being of a diverging nature or of a converging nature. Diverging tools stimulate the conception of multiple new possibilities. Converging tools encourage participants to focus on final solutions.

Examples of diverging creativity tools useful in the IODEZ method of the invention are as follows, listed from adaptive to innovative: 1. Interactive brainstorming with sticky notes; 2. Silent brainstorming with sticky notes; 3. Visually Identifying Relationships (VIR); and 4. Forced fit (uses objects as a stimulus).

In a session involving interactive brainstorming with sticky notes, participants write ideas on a sticky piece of paper, such as a Pose-It (3M). In a typical session, the participant verbally

expresses the idea immediately before, immediately after or as he or she writes the idea on the sticky note. The sticky note is then posted on a surface, such as a flip-chart or white board, preferably by a facilitator. In this interactive approach, each participant has the opportunity to benefit from the creative stimulus of ideas generated by other participants.

In the silent brainstorming with sticky notes approach, participants are provided multiple sticky pieces of paper, such as a Post-It (3M) (generically referred to herein as"sticky notes"), and a writing utensil, preferably a broad-tipped, colored marker. Participants individually generate ideas for a predetermined period of time (typically 5-30 minutes) and write one idea per sticky note. Each sticky note is then placed (e. g., by a facilitator) on a surface (e. g., a flip chart or white board) viewable by the participants. In this silent approach, participants benefit from the silence, which permits each participant to concentrate on conception of new ideas without distraction from other participants. This method is particularly effective with introverted participants.

Visually Identifying Relationships (VIR)/Forced Fit is a creativity tool in which participants are handed an object. The object can be of practically anything, and can range from a picture to a collection of objects, e. g. children's toys. Participants are then asked to identify attributes of the object and then use the attributes as stimuli to generate problem statements in the form of"how to ?" type questions. In a preferred embodiment, each participant can identify associations between the problem statements and the attributes identified by the participant and/or other participant (s). This exercise can lead to very innovative inventions.

Figure 4 demonstrates the results of using the VIR/Forced Fit creativity tool in this example, examination of a toy bug 135 has led to a list of toy bug 135 attributes 140a-140h which are used to generate problem statements 310a-310g. Thus, toy bug 135 attribute"exoskeleton"140a has been used as stimuli to generate problem statement 310a"how to keep fluids warm longer ?" The tactile, visual and olfactory sensations associated with the object stimulate different thought patterns that lead to the generation of problem statements. It will be appreciated that sound can also be used in this manner.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing creativity tools represent a sampling of the known diverging creativity tools. Other diverging creativity tools may also be used within the scope of the invention.

The diverging tools are used to generate a multiplicity of ideas. When sufficient ideas have been generated, the IODEZ method switches to the use of converging tools. The determination that sufficient ideas have been generated can be made in a variety if ways. For example, the determination may be made by the facilitator, by one with a proprietary interest in the results of the IODEZ session, and/or by one or more of the participants. Alternatively, the diverging portion of the session may end when a predetermined number of ideas have been generated or after a fixed period of time has elapsed.

Examples of converging tools useful in the IODEZ method of the invention include: hits and highlighting ; multi-voting; categorizing/use multi-voting; IODTM ; and adding more enablement.

One way to identify valuable solutions to a problem is to use a multi-vote system. All of the available options can be pooled, and participants may select specific items. The selection process may be governed by specific rules, e. g.,"Select the option which provides the best solution to the mess statement."Alternatively, selection may also be accomplished without such rules, allowing participants to choose on any basis selected by the participant, such as gut feeling, reasoned professional opinion, or simple consumer likes and dislikes. The preferred selection indicator is a sticky colored dot (which can be in any shape) that is readily visible to all of the participants.

Voting can be accomplished according to any of the many known systems for voting. For example, a participant can be given a limited number of dots and permitted to select a solution with each dot. In other systems, participants may provide additional weight to their vote by using more than one dot on a single solution. Moreover, multicolored dots can be used to permit participants to vote on more than one attribute of the solutions, e. g., simplicity, potential consumer acceptance, cost of research and development, cost of manufacture, alignment with business plan, etc.

In the preferred embodiment, multi-vote convergence is accomplished as follows: 1. Determining selection criteria in a discussion including the facilitator, the assignee's representative, and the participants; 2. Distributing selection indicators to the participants; and 3. Participants selecting preferred solutions and identifying their selections by placing a sticky dot on the sticky note.

It is common for participants to generate a tremendous number of options. If the number is particularly large (e. g., 50 or more), it can be difficult to apply multi-voting alone without overlooking potentially significant options. Moreover, in some circumstances, the nature of the mess statement may be sufficiently general that possible acceptable solutions may fall into several categories. For both of these circumstances, the method of defining categories and using multi-voting can be very effective. This method generally includes: identifying suitable categories; collecting the sticky notes into groups corresponding to the categories; using multi- vote convergence to identify the preferred group.

The result of multi-voting or defining categories using multi-voting can result in some very good ideas. However, as inventions, they are not always fully enabled. In such circumstances, IODTM can be used to effectively elicit further enabling information from the participants.

In the preferred embodiment, the IODTM further includes the following steps: 1. Placing the sticky notes representing the collection of"best"options on a support, such as a flip- chart; 2. Identifying a seed of an idea; 3. Identifying a subordinate problem or limitation of the current state of development of the invention; 4. Improving the invention by solving the subordinate problem; 5. Repeating steps 2-3 until a satisfactory basic concept has been identified.

IODTM leads to new inventions, and they can be as adaptive or as innovative as the situation demands. However, sufficient information may not yet be present to permit manufacture or operation of the invention in the absence of additional conceptual input. For example, referring to the wheelbarrow example discussed in the preceding section, as the invention stands (in the form of improved seed 176d of an idea), it is still not a manufacturable product, so additional creativity must be applied.

In some circumstances, it may be useful to undergo a diverging creativity process once more before converging on specific solutions. To do this, any of the diverging tools may be used.

Upon completion of the diverging step, the converging tools are used to focus on a particular

solution. In some cases specific creativity tools are not necessary; existing experience is enough to indicate what appropriate enabling steps are needed.

In this aspect of the invention, the IODTM method includes one or more of the following steps: 1. Reviewing guidelines for creative thinking; 2. Reviewing the mess statement; 3. Listing data relevant to the mess statement (Data finding) ; 4. Listing problems relevant to the data (Problem finding) ; 5. Listing elements relevant to the data (Element finding); 6. Applying one or more creativity tools to generate inventions; 7. Sharing the inventions with the other members of the IODEZ session; and 8. Expanding each invention to broaden it and determine a path to full enablement.

Each of the foregoing steps is discussed in the ensuing subsections.

7.2.4.1 Communicating Guidelines for Creative Thinking The guidelines for creative thinking are selected to foster creativity and inventiveness. In the preferred embodiment, there are two sets of guidelines, one for generating options and a second set for focusing options.

Examples of option-generating guidelines include: deferring judgment; striving for quantity; freewheeling; and seeking combinations (i. e., building on others'ideas).

Deferring judgment directs the participants to eliminate premature judgment of ideas. Remarks such as"that'll never work"or sarcasm suppress the spontaneity of the creative process. Even positive comments should be avoided, since they can bias the participants in a particular direction especially if made by a manager or technical leader present. Also, ideas that are not praised directly as being positive are implicitly negative.

Striving for quantity directs the participants to seek many ideas rather than just the handful that might work. It is far better to have hundreds of ideas from which to choose rather than being limited to just one or two.

Freewheeling directs the participants to be open-minded, even to the point of suggesting apparently outlandish ideas. Though the outlandish idea may eventually be discarded, it may serve to stimulate someone to come up with one or more other ideas that are not considered ridiculous.

Seeking combinations encourages participants to be inspired by combinations of ideas, and to use ideas being suggested by others in the group as a source of inspiration to come up with yet other ideas.

Examples of option-focusing guidelines include: using affirmative judgment; being deliberate; and staying on course.

Participants are directed to use affirmative judgment, especially by directing participants to encourage each other and to look for solutions to problems rather than looking for problems.

Remarks such as"that'll never work,"or sarcasm suppress the spontaneity of the creative process. Even when being critical, it is important to do so in a positive way. For example, rather than say,"That won't work !" one can suggest,"Interesting idea. It is provoking a lot of thoughts in me. A question that comes to mind is how would you deal with (fill in the problem)?" Participants are preferably instructed to be deliberate in their use of the structure of the IODS tools and the creative problem solving process to reach solutions.

Participants are preferably directed to stay on course by acknowledging the need to reach solutions and to avoid wandering off on a creative"wild goose chase." These guidelines are preferably reviewed immediately prior to exercising the creative/inventive problem solving tools, and later on during the session as needed.

7.2.4.2 Reviewing the Mess Statement The mess statement is preferably reviewed to ensure that all of the participants understand the objective of the IODEZ session. This review process also ensures that the facilitator and the assignee are in agreement as to the subject matter of the session.

7.2.4.3 Listing Data Relevant to the Mess Statement (Data Finding) In this phase of the IODTM session, miscellaneous facts, data and relevant attributes pertaining to the mess statement are summarized. Methods of listing the data include the use of the moderator

writing the data on flip charts, interactive brainstorming with sticky notes and silent brainstorming with sticky notes.

7.2.4.4 Listing Problems Relevant to the Data (Problem Finding) In this phase of the IODTM session, participants use the miscellaneous facts, data and relevant attributes pertaining to the mess statement as stimuli to identify problem statements. Methods for producing the problem statements include the use of diverging tools such as interactive brainstorming with sticky notes and silent brainstorming with sticky notes. An alternate way to practice the diverging tools method is for the moderator to omit the sticky notes and simply write the data on the flip charts directly.

7.2.4.5 Listing Elements Relevant to the Data (Element Finding) In this phase of the IODTM session, participants use the problem statements as well as the miscellaneous facts, data and relevant attributes pertaining to the mess statement as stimuli to identify elements. Methods for producing the problem statements include the use of diverging tools such as interactive brainstorming with sticky notes and silent brainstorming with sticky notes, VIR and Forced Fit.

Figure 5 shows an example of the outcome of a Problem Finding session and an Element Finding session displayed on flip-chart 330. The objective of the session is to invent a new cup on the premise that the IOD session is being conducted for a company in the cup business, and that competitors in the existing cup market are aggressively penetrating the market so the company needs to develop a new market. On the left side of flip-chart 330 is Problem Statements 310, and on the right side of the figure are Element Statements 320, where the Element Statements 320 have been chosen to be consumer technology functions.

7.2.4.6 Applying One or More Creativity Tools to Generate Inventions When asked to invent, IODTM participants are given a flip-chart sized piece of paper that has been folded in half, and a broad-tipped, colored marker, such as a Sharpie, where each color is specific to each participant. The use of different colored pens serves to identify inventorship.

The participants are asked to use the top half to develop their invention and given 10 to 15 minutes to do so. Each participant uses a combination of a problem and an element as a seed to stimulate an invention. In the allotted time, each participant expresses his solution to the problem using the chosen element in terms of sketches, drawings, figures and text.

In this phase, the IODEZ method involves selecting preferably two, but occasionally three or more, items from the list of problems and elements to use as a seed for generating an invention.

The preferred method involves the selection of one problem statement and one element. This process is done three or more times, depending on the time available. During the first period of invention, the participants are asked to pick their own problem and element. The novelty of invention during this period is generally low. During the second period of invention, the participants are asked to pick a problem and element pair for someone else. The novelty of invention during this period is generally moderate to high. During the third period of invention, the participants are asked to pick a problem and element pair at random. The novelty of invention during this period is generally high.

Figure 6 illustrates the results of the first step of this process displayed on flip-chart 330. This figure includes the problem statements 310 and the elements 320, and shows the selection of a particular problem statement (problem statement 311) and a particular element (element 321).

Problem statement 311 and element 321 are posted on a page of flip-chart 330, as depicted in Figure 7, preferably so that the problem statement 311 is in the upper left hand corner 331 of flip- chart 330 and the element 321 is in the upper right hand corner 332 of flip-chart 330. The participant uses problem statement 311 and element 321 to develop a seed idea 333.

Figure 8 shows, an example of this process displayed on flip-chart 330. Problem statement 311 consists of"H2 keep fluids warm longer ?" and element 321 consists of"Tuning."The participant puts the problem of keeping fluids warm using tuning to come up with a seed idea 334"Heat cup using RF energy (tuning)." 7.2.4.7 Sharing the Inventions with Other Members of the IODTM Session At the conclusion of each invention period, each participant in turn hangs his flip-chart sized piece of paper with his invention for the other participants to view, and he explains his invention.

Typically, the inventions are not thoroughly developed, and sometimes only part of the solution is present.

7.2.4.8 Expanding Each Invention to Broaden it and Determine a Path to Full Enablement At this point the facilitator leads the other participants to identify ways to improve the invention using positive questions. For example, instead of stating that a given invention will never work, the facilitator teaches the participants to ask instead, how would you deal with (whatever the

problem is). These problems are called subordinate H2 (how to) problems. If a second participant has a response for the concern expressed by a first participant, the second participant's colored pen is used to capture the response.

As an example of this part of the process, a participant raises the question, how would you heat the cup using RF energy? This question becomes subordinate problem statement 335 in Figure 9.

Figure 9 shows how subordinate problem statement 335 would be written on a sticky note and stuck on the flip-chart 330 below problem statement 311. By sticking subordinate problem statement 335 below problem statement 311, room is left for one of the participants to present a solution to subordinate problem statement 335.

One of the participants then thinks of a solution to subordinate problem statement 335 and describes it using pictures, diagrams, flow charts and phrases, all supplemented with a verbal description of his solution. Figure 10 shows a portion of the result of finding the solution to subordinate problem statement 335. In this case, the solution to subordinate problem statement 335 involves the additional element of a coil 340, which is noted in Figure 10. Other pictures, diagrams and flow charts can be used to illustrate the relationship of the solution to subordinate problem statement 335. Figure 11 shows improved seed 350 to solve problem statement 335 using element 340.

Referring to Figure 12, one of the participants identifies another problem, how to use the coil 360.

He presents his problem as subordinate problem 360, which is stuck on the flip-chart 330 below subordinate problem 335.

The posing of subordinate problem 360 prompts one of the participants to think of a solution and he presents his solution as the addition of a new element, a base 370 in which to put the coil 340.

By applying energy to the coil 340, the base 370 will heat up, and the cup can be placed on the base to keep the fluid warm longer which is seed 380 as shown in Figure 13.

Yet another participant points out by asking, problem statement 390"how do you couple energy to the cup ?" This subordinate problem 390 is stuck on flip-chart 330 beneath subordinate problem 360, as shown in Figure 13. One of the participants proposes adding yet another element, iron particles 394. Participants'description of how to use iron particles 394 is put on flip-chart 330 as description 392 as shown in Figure 14.

At this point the facilitator interrupts, pointing out that the invention has been reasonably well described. Further details will be necessary, but the basis for the invention is well laid out.

During this phase of the development of inventions, the inventions are developed to include broad solutions. The idea is to capture the basic idea of the inventions, along with sufficient information about what is needed to fully enable it. The invention can be more fully developed later on, but at this point it is not known which inventions will be the most valuable, and the objective is only to come up with as many inventions as possible.

One way to expand the inventions is to use a Round-Robin Invention Expansion method. In this method, all of the inventions are posted around the room where the IODTM session is being held, and all of the participants peruse the new inventions. With each invention, participants write (using their distinctive color) a subordinate H2 problem statement on the original participant's flip-chart description of an invention. He may also add a solution to the subordinate H2 problem.

He may further add alternative embodiments of an invention.

7.2.5 Assessing the Inventions to Identify the Most valuable Inventions At the end of the IODTM session, the participants are asked to assess the inventions. In an 8-hour period with 6 to 8 participants, 20 to 40 inventions can be created. The participants generally have enough experience to provide some guidance as to which inventions have the greatest value.

There are several ways to assess the inventions. One of the simplest ways involves the use of voting. The facilitator asks the participants to write down on a piece of paper their top choices.

The facilitator has considerable latitude in selecting how many inventions the participants may select as a top choice. If it is apparent that there are many inventions and that many of them are good, then the facilitator will ask the participants to pick their top 5 or so inventions. If there are fewer inventions, the facilitator will ask the participants to identify fewer inventions, e. g. their top three.

For cases in which the success criteria include more than one measure, the facilitator provides the participants with several groups of colored dots. Each dot is assigned a success criterion, and the participants are asked to vote as before, this time with each of the different colors.

7.2.6 Submitting Descriptions of the Invention (s) and the Assessment of the Value of the Invention (s) to Management Review The IODTM method also includes submitting inventions for management review. The inventions are preferably submitted after they are ranked by the participants who participated in some or all of the IODEZ session in which the inventions were invented. Preferably, the inventions are tallied, and results are delivered to the assignee representative for further assessment by another individual or group (e. g., management) for decisions regarding the disposition of the inventions.

7.3 System for Facilitating Conception of Inventions in a Directed Manner The invention also provides a system and method for facilitating conception of inventions. The method is referred to herein as an Invention on Demand (IODTM) system. The system is preferably a network-based system. The use of a network-based system facilitates network- mediated interaction by participants. The use of a network-based system also improves the ease of aggregating and documenting conceptual and other information generated by the IOD process, whether the participants are located in the same room or at distant locations around the world.

The process requires at least one participant. In a simple system, the invention involves a single participant using a computer programmed to execute the IOD method of the invention.

However, in the preferred embodiment, the method involves multiple participants, interacting via a network. Additionally, the process preferably involves at least one facilitator, who is trained in the IOD'"method of the invention and in the use of the IOD system of the invention. However, it will be appreciated that the computer can play the role of facilitator, and consequently, that the involvement of a human facilitator is not strictly necessary. Moreover, it should also be noted that one or more persons can play both the role of participant and the role of facilitator. The participant (s) and facilitator (s) may be located in a common location, such as a conference room, or in separate locations, such as different rooms, buildings, or geographical regions.

The IODTM method employs creativity tools to stimulate inventive processes that are native to each participant in the IOD session. Participants in an IOD session can be any combination of individuals with sufficient technical, business, or consumer knowledge, or other kinds knowledge, sufficient to permit the individuals to contribute to the inventive process. Preferably, the participants include individuals with technical knowledge to contribute to solving a technical problem in a specific technical area. The knowledge level of participants will vary depending on the nature of the technical area, ranging from ordinary consumers for invention of simple

consumer products of minimal complexity to highly trained specialists, for technical invention in fields such as electrical engineering, chemistry or biotechnology. Moreover, a single IOD session may involve participants with a variety of technical and/or non-technical skill sets. For example, a session may involve a combination of chemical, biological, electrical, and other experts where the 106"m session is targeting inventions in which susch technical areas converge (e. g., DNA chip technology, high throughput drug screening technology, nanotechnology, etc.).

As another example, it may be useful to combine business experts and/or consumers (who can provide problems or desires) with technical experts (who can provide technical solutions addressing the problems or desires).

Figure 15 exemplifies one embodiment of a network-based IOD system of the invention. One or more users 101 at site 102 using computers 103-107 electronically interact with remote user 108 at site 109 using computer 110 and remote user 111 at site 112 using computer 113.

Computers 103-107,110 and 113 are preferably linked via a network to server 114. One or more of the users at sites 102,109 and 112 may play the role of facilitator or facilitator/participant.

The remaining users play the role of participants. Alternatively, there may be no human facilitator, in which case the system is programmed to facilitate the IOD session.

Communication through the computer network may involve textual communication, verbal communication and/or visual communication. The system may operate over a variety of known network types such as LAN (Local Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network), an NPN (Near Private Network), the Internet, an intranet, or other network.

The basic computer network may be supplemented by a separate telecommunications network, e. g., to enable telephonic or other kinds of verbal and/or visual communication among the participant (s) and facilitator (s). In Figure 15, this concept is illustrated by telephones 115,116 and 117 electronically linked by a telecommunications network. In a preferred aspect, verbal communication is accomplished via the internet.

The computers 103-107,110 and 113 are equipped with an interface. Where the system is internet-based or intranet-based, the interface may be a simple web browser (e. g., Netscape, Explorer, etc.), and the system may be programmed to operate in a website-type format.

Alternatively, the computers 103-107,110 and 113 may be equipped with a specialized interface designed to permit input and/or provide output, as discussed more fully below.

The server (s) 114 of the invention are preferably programmed to facilitate input of data from remote users, to aggregate and store the data, and to provide output to the users, either on their individual computers, or at a central location. For example, in one aspect of the invention, where all users are in a single location, computers 103-107,110 and 113 permit input, and the input from the users is aggregated and displayed on a central display (not shown) viewable to the users as output. This arrangement facilitates group participation, especially in a single room.

It will be appreciated that various programming languages are known in the art and may be employed in the practice of the invention. Examples include VBSCRIPT, JAVASCRIPT, and SEQUEL.

The user interface computers 103-107,110 and 113 are preferably equipped with standard input devices, such as a keyboard and a screen-pointing device such as a mouse. Other input devices may also be used, such as pen-based input devices, touch screens, etc. For access to the Internet, the user interface computers 103-107,110 and 113 may have a modem, DSL connection or other means for accessing the Internet. A computer with 32 MB of RAM, and a central processor with a clock speed of 133 MHz or greater is preferred. The Internet connection preferably has a speed of at least 58. 8 bits per second data rate.

In addition to facilitator (s) and participant (s), described above, another user of the system can be one or more persons, or representatives of an entity, with a proprietary interest in inventions generated by the IOD method, e. g., the assignee or licensee, or a representative of the assignee or licensee, of such inventions. Such person (s) can be designated the"owner (s)" of the session.

The role of the owner (s) is to ensure that the nature of the inventions being created is consistent with the intellectual property strategy of the owner (s) or the entity or entities represented by the owner (s).

7.3.1 The IOD System and Method Referring now to the flowchart shown in Figure 16, the IODTM method of the invention can be summarized in the following steps: 1. Logging in 201 ; 2. Starting the process 202; 3. Generating a mess statement 203;

4. Generating data statements 204 relating to the mess statement, and optionally using the data statements refine the mess statement; 5. Generating problem statements 205 relating to the elements (step 6), data statements or mess statements; 6. Generating elements 206 relating to the problems, data statements or mess statements; 7. Conceiving one or more solutions 207 to the problems (the solutions are referred to below as a seeds of an invention); 8. Providing further enablement for the invention (s) 208; and 9. Ending the process 209.

Each of the foregoing steps is described in further detail in the ensuing sections.

7.3.1.1 Logging In Like all computer processes, the method of the invention generally comprises a logging-in step.

This step can be accomplished by any of the users (participant (s), facilitator (s) or owner (s)) or by support personnel. As an example, where the system of the invention is web-based, the logging- in step will generally include the following sub-steps: 10. On a computer with internet access, using a web-browser or specialized interface to connect to the internet; 11. Accessing the network site of the IODTM session, e. g., by accessing a website; 12. Entering a password or providing another form of identification; and 13. Entering the site.

An example of a suitable user interface screen 300 for logging into the IOD system is shown in Figure 16. Title 301 identifies the network site. Instruction 302 directs the user to enter a password 303 into password field 304. Once the password 303 is entered, activating the"enter" button 305 will transmit the password to the server for validation.

The password validation process can suitably proceed as follows: the system accepts the password 303 as input and parses it to determine whether it is a valid password of a user and whether the user is a facilitator, participant or owner. Based on this determination, the system

may display an output tailored to the role of the specific user. It will be appreciated that this function may also be accomplished using a userid, or any other means for identifying the identity and/or role of the user.

7.3.1.2 Initiating the IOD"'Process A user interface screen 400 suitable for use in initiating the IOD Process is shown in Figure 18.

Screen 400 includes a page title 401 and input fields for entry of information relating to the users.

Instruction 402. requests the user to enter his or her name in name field 403. The screen may also include other fields, such as a"role"field (for identification of participant (s), facilitator (s), owner (s) and users playing multiple roles). In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the interface screen has an instruction 404 directing the user to activate the"owner"button 405 to indicate that the user is an owner. Other such fields or buttons can be used to indicate whether the user is a participant and or owner, or a combination of participant, facilitator and/or owner.

When a participant enters his or her name in name field 403 and activates"enter"button 406, the participant's name is transmitted to the server and stored in an electronic format, such as a database file or spreadsheet file. When an owner enters his or her name in name field 403, activates"owner"button 405, and activates"enter"button 406, the owner's name is transmitted to the server and stored in an electronic format, such as a database file or spreadsheet file.

Likewise, the system may be programmed to permit a facilitator to enter his or her name in a manner analogous to the entry of a participant's name or an owner's name. It will be appreciated that information other than name may be entered in like manner. All such information from the users is preferably aggregated and stored in an electronic format, such as a database file or spreadsheet file. Moreover, all data entered by each user is preferably stored in a manner, which associates the data with such user.

The system is programmed to access the information stored in the foregoing steps and display output indicative of the information on the display units of the user interface computers and/or on a centralized display unit, preferably so that multiple or all users can view the aggregated information in a central location. In Figure 18, the aggregated information is displayed in table form 407 on the user interface screen 400, with a user column 408, an owner column 409 and a facilitator column 410. Column 409 indicates that user 1 is a facilitator and user 2 is an owner. It will be appreciated that information can be displayed on the user interface screens of the invention in any of a wide variety of textual and graphical formats, such as flow charts, ven

diagrams, and other formats. Moreover, color, special icons or other textual or graphical effects may be used to identify users, so that everything entered by the user is displayed in the identifying color or with an identifying icon or other textual or graphical identifier. Alternatively, some or all information may be displayed in a manner, which maintains the anonymity of the user.

The system is preferably programmed to permit a user to navigate between user interface screens.

In the example shown in Figure 18, this function is accomplished using a"next"button 411, a "back"button 412, and"forward"button 413. In the preferred embodiment, these buttons are present or active only for the facilitator, and are available on each of the screens except for the login screen 100. In this embodiment, when the facilitator activates one of the buttons, the screens of all participants change as directed. This arrangement permits the facilitator to navigate the participants through the steps IOD session, e. g., as shown in Figure 16. For example, when the facilitator is satisfied that all users have entered their names the facilitator can click the next button to advance the IOD session to the mess statement-generating stage.

7.3.1.3 Generating a Mess Statement A successful IODTM session results in inventions that meet pre-defined criteria. The criteria are usually expressed using a positive, idealistic stem in the form of a mess statement. One such stem is"Wouldn't it be nice if...." (WIBNI). The criteria for the generation of the mess statement may be set by agreement between a session facilitator and one or more participants or one with a proprietary interest in the results of the IOD session. As discussed in section 7.3.1.4 below, the mess statement-generating phase can interact with the data statement-generating phase, and either may precede the other in the IOD session.

As an example, consider a hypothetical situation in which the Pick Up & Move Wheelbarrow Company has decided to enter a new market. Market research has revealed that an impending construction boom will lead to the construction of many skyscrapers. Presently available technology requires construction workers to carry the large bolts employed in high-rise construction in buckets by hand. Existing wheelbarrows are unsuitable because they cannot be manipulated conveniently on the steel girders of a skyscraper. Moreover, they are prone to tipping over, making them a severe safety hazard. Given this scenario, a mess statement that might be generated is:"Wouldn't it be nice if we had a wheelbarrow that was suitable for application in high-rise construction?"

Figure 19 shows a suitable user interface screen 500 for use in the mess statement generation step. Instruction or label 501 directs the user to type a WIBNI statement 502 into field 503. A scroll bar 504 or similar component may be used to facilitate viewing of longer WIBNI statements than can fit in the available space. A button or other component may be present to permit the user to transmit the WIBINI statement to the server for storage once it has been entered in the field. In the embodiment shown in Figure 19, this function is accomplished using an enter button 505. However, in this and other user interface screens, any means known in the art for such function may be used, e. g., pressing a key on a keyboard, such as the"enter"key.

At the server, the WIBNI is aggregated with other WIBNIs and stored in a manner that permits the data to be accessed and displayed on the user interface computers or on a centrally viewable display unit. Preferably most or all proposed WIBNI statements are displayed in a manner which makes them viewable by all participants, so that the participants can benefit from fellow- participants'WIBNIs. In the embodiment shown in Figure 19, the WIBNI statements are displayed in table 506 with a user column 507 and a WIBNI column 508. As noted above, in this and other user interface screens, entries by each participant can be identified by color, icons, or other graphical identifiers.

The determination that sufficient WIBNIs have been generated can be made in a variety if ways.

For example, the determination may be made by the facilitator; by one with a proprietary interest in the results of the IOD session ; and/or by one or more of the participants. Alternatively, the WIBNI-generating step may end when a predetermined number of ideas is reached; the system may be programmed to automatically proceed to the next phase when a triggering event is satisfied.

Notably, the method of the invention facilitates the use of a long-term IOD process in which the session can continue for days, months, or even years. Users can log onto the system at various steps of the process when they are prepared to contribute a WIBNI or other input. Moreover, the system can be programmed to generate emails or other notifications to users notifying them of the input of a new WIBNI or other information about the IOD process, such as when a stage in the process is complete. The WIBNI-generating stage of a long-term IOD process may be complete when a predetermined number of WIBNI statements are entered or when a facilitator or owner, who is monitoring the session (e. g., via emails or accessing the site) determines that a sufficient number of WIBNI statements have been generated.

Following the WIBNI-generating stage, the users, especially the participants, will preferably have an opportunity to vote on the WIBINI statements. Figure 20 shows simple user interface 600 for permitting users to vote on WIBNI statements. The purpose of the interface is to permit voting on processes to permit selection of a specific mess statement to use for the IODEZ process. In this embodiment, a table 601 is displayed on the user interface screen 600. However, it will be appreciated that, in this and other user interface screens, the table may be displayed only on a centrally viewable display unit, or on both the user interface screen and a centrally viewable display unit. Moreover the table may be replaced with or supplemented by other textual and/or graphical display types, which convey the same or similar information. In the embodiment illustrated by screen 600, the table includes a user column 602, a WIBNI statement column 603 and a vote column 604. In some circumstances, it may be useful to omit the user column 602 to make the WIBNI statements anonymous. When the screen first appears, the tally of votes for each WIBNI statement in the vote column 604 is set to zero. Label 605 indicates that the user is to enter a preferred WIBNI statement 608 in field 609. Entry of a preferred WIBNI statement transmits vote data to the server. The vote data is aggregated, stored and calculated to provide an output. The output may simply be the leading WIBNI statement, or the output may be a list of WIBNI statements as shown in table 601, with the total number of votes for each WIBNI statement being displayed in column 604. Again, the output may be displayed on a central screen, the user interface computers or both. In a long-term IOD process, the results of the vote may be emailed to the users, preferably with a message indicating that the next stage in the IOD session has begun, and may also include an embedded form for submission of notes by the user.

Voting can be accomplished according to any of the many known systems for voting. For example, a participant can be given a limited number of votes and permitted to select one WIBNI statement with each vote. In other systems, participants may provide additional weight to their vote by using more than one vote on a single WIBNI statement. As another alternative, participants may be asked to rank each WIBNI statement, and the system can be configured to rank all WIBNI statements based on the individual rankings. The system may be programmed to permit the facilitator or owner to override the results of the votes or to give extra weight to the votes of one or more users. Additionally, users may be asked to vote or rank more than one attribute of the WIBNI statement.

Results of voting can be displayed in any of a number of graphical or textual formats. For example, each WIBNI statement may be represented as a bar on a bar graph, with the height of

the bar representing the number of votes or the ranking of the statement. The bars may grow in real time as the users enter their votes. Other types of graphs or charts may be used to display the output of the vote. Three-dimensional graphs may be used for votes involving multiple attributes.

As another example, WIBNI statements may be placed in order from the statement receiving the highest vote to the statement receiving the lowest vote. Printed output may be created for future reference.

Following the voting, the facilitator may provide input to the system, instructing the system to proceed to the next phase of the IO D method, in which a mess statement selected by the voting process or by the owner or facilitator will be used in the data finding phase.

7.3.1.4 Data Generating In the data-generating stage, the user (s) generate data statements relating to the mess statement and/or statements relating to a target market, target technology area and the like. Note that, as shown in Figure 16, the mess statement-generating and data-generating phases of the invention can interrelate. Either can come first in the overall process, and either can be used as creative stimulus to generate the other. For example, the user (s) can generate a mess statement, followed by data statements relating to the mess statement.

The data generating activity may serve as creative stimulus leading the user (s) to conceive of modifications to the mess statement. Alternatively, the process may begin with data finding. For example, if the goal of the IOD session is to invent in a particular market space or technology area, the user (s) may begin by listing information about the market space. Data accumulated during a data generating phase is technical or business information relating to the mess statement or to a specific technology or market area. The goal of the data is to catalogue business and/or technology aspects of the technology and/or market, e. g., to paint a picture of the state of the art.

As described below, the data statements will be used as stimulus to facilitate conception by the users of elements and problem statements.

A user interface screen 700 suitable for use in the data finding stage of the IOD process is shown in Figure 21. The screen 700 displays the preferred mess statement selected by the voting process or by the owner or facilitator, e. g., in a display box 701. Instruction or label 702 directs the user to enter a data statement 703 into data statement field 704. The data statement is a textual description of data pertaining to the preferred mess statement 702. The system is programmed to permit the user to transmit such data statements to the server, where data

statements from all users are aggregated and stored, e. g., in a data file, such as a database of a spreadsheet file.

The system is preferably configured to provide output displaying the data statements in a format viewable by the users, either on the user interface computers or on a central display unit or both.

In a long-term IOD application, each data statement may be emailed to the users after it is input.

The email may contain the new data statement alone or in combination with all previously entered data statements. The email may contain an embedded link, which permits the user to access the website to enter further data statements, which may be conceived as a result of reading the email with the new data statement. Alternatively, or conditionally, the email may contain an embedded form to permit the user to submit additional data statements. In the output embodiment shown in Figure 21, a table 705 contains an index column 706, a user name column 709, a data statement column 708.

When sufficient data statements have been generated, the facilitator advances the IOD process to the problem-generating stage.

A determination that sufficient data statements have been generated can be made in a variety if ways. For example, the determination may be made by the facilitator; by one with a proprietary interest in the results of the IOD session ; and/or by one or more of the participants.

Alternatively, the data statement-generating step may end when a predetermined number of ideas have been entered. Here, as in other stages of the IODTM process, the system may be programmed to automatically advance to the next phase when such a predetermined threshold is reached.

7.3.1.5 Generating a Problem Statements In this phase of the IOD session, user (s) use the miscellaneous facts, data, and relevant attributes pertaining to the mess statement (i. e., the data statements) and the mess statement as stimuli to identify problem statements. In other words, the user (s) now have a goal (as represented by the mess statement), and a picture of the state of the art (as represented by the data statements); the participants can now generate problem statements by indicating problems in the state of the art which appear participant (s) to prevent or hinder the attainment of the goal.

Problem statements are suitably phrased in the form of"How to..." (H2) statements.

As an example, in an IOD session in which the goal is to develop a new cup, a list of problem statements might be generated as follows: H2 keep fluids warm longer? H2 insure cups do not tip? H2 not loose cups? H2 not overfill cups? H2 have cup easily washable? Figure 22 shows an exemplary embodiment of a user interface screen 800 for the problem statement generating aspect of the invention. The data statements 801 appear in display box 802, preferably without indication of authorship. As in other user interface screens, a component, such as scroll bar 803 may be present to permit the user to view all contents of a display box or other field. Alternatively or additionally, use of arrow keys, a mouse or other known means for scrolling may be used to perform this function in the user interface screens.

Instruction or label 804 indicates that problem statements 805 are to be entered in field 806, preferably in the form of"how to" (H2) statements. The system is programmed to permit the user to transmit the H2 statements to the server where they are stored and aggregated in a data file, such as a database file or a spreadsheet file. In one embodiment of the invention each problem statement is associated with a specific data statement or element.

The system is also programmed to display the aggregated problem statements on the display units of the user interface computers, on a centralized display unit, or both. In a long-term IOD application, each problem statement may be emailed to the users after it is entered. The email may contain the new problem statement alone or in combination with all previously entered problem statements and/or other information pertaining to the status of the IOD process. The email may contain an embedded link, which permits the user to access the website to enter further data statements, which may be conceived as a result of reading the email with the new data statement. Alternatively, or additionally, an embedded form may be used for this purpose. In the embodiment exemplified in Figure 22, the problem statements are displayed in list 807.

As in other phases of the IODTM session, a determination that sufficient problem statements have been generated can be made in a variety if ways. For example, the determination may be made by the facilitator; by one with a proprietary interest in the results of the IOD session; and/or by one or more of the participants. Alternatively, the data statement-generating step may end when a predetermined number of ideas have been entered. When the determination that sufficient problem statements have been generated is made, the facilitator advances the IOD session to the element-generating phase. Alternatively, the system may be programmed to automatically advance the session when a predetermined number of statements are entered.

7.3.1.6 Generating Elements In this phase the user (s) generate a list of elements relating to a solution to the mess statement.

These elements are similar to the data generated in the data-generating phase; however, the information generated in the data-generating phase relates to the state of the technology and/or business area that form the setting for the mess statement, while the information generated in the element-generating phase can include facts, data, etc., which relate to a potential answer to the mess statement. Moreover, the elements serve an important creativity-stimulating role, and as such they may be items not related to the invention at all. For example, the elements may be attributes of a picture or object given to the participants by the facilitator, they may be randomly generated and/or they may be supplied by the facilitator. For example, given a fern as an object to stimulate the conception of elements, the users may generate the following elements: green, self-generating, uniform components, energy-efficient, flexible, seasonal, etc. The element and problem may occur simultaneously or in any order relative to the other, and either may use the other as a creativity stimulus, i. e., to facilitates conception of the other generating phases.

Figure 23 shows an exemplary embodiment of a user interface screen 900 for use in the element- generating phase of the IOD process. The data statements 901 appear in display box 902, preferably without indication of authorship. Instruction or label 904 indicates that elements 905 are to be entered into data field 906. The user selects a specific data statement 901 and enters a corresponding element relating to the data statement. The user then transmits the element to the server, which aggregates and stores in a data file (e. g., a database file or spreadsheet file) the elements and the relationship of each element to a data statement.

The system is also programmed to display the aggregated elements on the display units of the user interface computers, on a centralized display unit, or both. In a long-term IOD application, each element may be emailed to the users after it is entered. The email may contain the new element alone or in combination with all previously entered problem elements and/or other information pertaining to the status of the IODTM process. The email may contain an embedded link or form, which permits the user to submit further elements, which may be conceived by a user as a result of reading the email with the new element. In the embodiment exemplified in Figure 23, the elements are displayed in list 907. Users can use a scroll bar 903 to view all of the entered problem statements; however, it will be appreciated that the elements may be displayed in any variety of ways.

A determination that sufficient elements have been generated can be made in a variety if ways.

For example, the determination may be made by the facilitator; by one with a proprietary interest in the results of the IOD session; and/or by one or more of the participants. Alternatively, the element-generating step may end when a predetermined number of elements have been entered.

As in other phases of the IODTM process, when sufficient problem statements have been generated, the facilitator or the system, e. g., advances the IOD session to the solution-generating phase.

7.3.1.7 Conceiving of Solutions or Seeds of Invention (SOI) In this phase of the IODEZ process, elements are associated with problem statements, and the association is used as a creative stimulus to facilitate conception of solutions or seeds of invention. The association of elements to problem statements may be random, or may be selected by the facilitator, or may be selected by individual users.

The selection of problem statement and element is preferably done at least three times. During the first period of invention, the participants are asked to pick their own problem and element.

The novelty of invention during this period is generally low. During the second period of invention, the participants are asked to pick a problem and element pair for someone else. The novelty of invention during this period is generally moderate to high. During the third period of invention, the participants are asked to pick a problem and element pair at random. The novelty of invention during this period is generally high.

As an example, association of"H2 keep fluids warm longer ?" and element"tuning"might generate an SOI"Heat cup using RF energy (tuning)." Figure 24 shows an exemplary user interface display 1000 for use in one embodiment of the solution-finding stage of an IODTM session. Labels or instructions 1001 and 1002 direct the user to select a specific problem statement 1003 and a specific element 504. The user scrolls through problem display box 1005 and element display box 1006 to visually identify and select the problem statement 1003 and element 1004. It will be appreciated that the selection of a problem statement and element can be accomplished by any number of techniques known in the art for selecting from a variety of options displayed on a computer screen, e. g., point-and-click methods, check box methods, drop and drag methods, drop-down menus, etc. The user then uses the problem and element selected as creative stimuli to facilitate conception of an SOI. The SOI is then recorded in the system. For example, in Figure 24, label or instruction 1007 instructs the

user to enter the SOI 1008 in text field 1009. The SOI is then transmitted to the server, with an indicator of its relationship to the selected problem statement 1003 and the selected element 1004.

The system may alternatively or additionally, randomly match H2 statements and elements for use by the user as creative stimulus in developing a seed of an idea. Moreover, the system may email H2/element combinations, e. g., randomly select or selected by a facilitator, to users for use in facilitating conception of SOIs.

The system is also programmed to display the aggregated SOI statements, especially with an indicator of their relationship to a SOI, on the display units of the user interface computers, on a centralized display unit, or both. In a long-term IOD application, each SOI may be emailed to the users after it is entered. The email may contain the new SOI alone or in combination with all previously entered SOIs, other information pertaining relationship of the SOI to problem statements and elements, and/or information relating generally to the status of the IOD process.

The email may contain an embedded link, which permits the user to access the website to enter further SOI statements, which may be conceived by a user as a result of reading the email with the new SOI statement. In the embodiment exemplified in Figure 24, the SOI statements are displayed in a table 1010, which displays a user column 1011, a problem column 1012, an element column 1013 and a SOI column 1014.

A determination that sufficient SOI statements have been generated can be made in a variety if ways. For example, the determination may be made by the facilitator; by one with a proprietary interest in the results of the IOD session ; and/or by one or more of the participants.

Alternatively, the SOI-generating step may end when a predetermined number of SOI statements have been entered. When sufficient SOI statements have been generated, IOD session is advanced (e. g., by a facilitator or automatically) to the solution-generating phase.

7.3.1.8 Enabling the Invention (s) In the enabling phase of the IODEZ process, users identify technical problems which prevent or hinder the accomplishment of the SOI and conceive of solutions to the technical problems.

For example, with reference to the cup-heating example above, a participant might raise the question,"How would you heat the cup using RF energy ?" This question becomes a problem statement. The user who posed the problem or another user might conceive of a solution to the problem statement, involving the additional element of a coil. Another participant might then identify another problem:"How exactly should the coil be used."The posing of this subordinate

problem might prompt another participant to think of a solution; the addition of a base in which to put the coil.

Figure 25 shows an example of an enablement screen 1100 suitable for use in the enabling phase of an IOD session. A specific problem statement 1101, element 1102 and SOI 1103 are displayed; each is displayed in a field 1104,1105 and 1106, respectively, with an associated label, 1107,1108 and 1109, respectively. The displayed problem statement 1101, element 1102 and SOI 1103 are used as creative stimuli to facilitate conception of inventive subject matter.

Label or instruction 1110 directs the user to identify a limitation of the invention, i. e., a reason why the invention might not work or a partial or complete constraint on its operation. The limitation 1111 is then entered in field 1112. Label 1113 directs the user to enter a proposed solution 1114 to the limitation in field 1115. The user then transmits the entered data, e. g., by pressing the select button 1123, to the server for storage in a data file, such as a database file or a spreadsheet file. The data is preferably stored with an indicator that the problem statement, element, limitation and solution are related.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 25, this data is then displayed in table 1116, with a user column, 1117, a SOI column, 1118, a limitation column, 1119 and a solution column 1120.

An IODTM invention is defined as the SOI 1103 plus all limitations to the SOI 1103 plus all solutions to the limitations. In the embodiment shown in Figure 25, the IOD invention is displayed next to label 1121, in field 1122. An IODTM inventive concept is the seed of an idea plus some or all of the limitations that would render the invention inoperable, without a complete set of solutions to the limitations. While an inventive concept is not a potentially patentable idea, it is nevertheless a valuable asset, since problems not identified or overcome during the IOD session may be overcome at a later date, e. g., in a subsequent IODTM session or in an extended IODTM session.

The users preferably work in parallel on each seed of an idea, identifying limitations and solutions to limitations, in a collective enablement effort. Moreover, each user preferably has an opportunity to identify solutions to limitations conceived by other users. As the IOD inventions for each SOI are exhausted, the facilitator advances to the next SOI until all SOIs are exhausted.

A determination that sufficient IOD inventions have been generated for each SOI can be made in a number of ways. For example, the determination may be made by the facilitator; by one with

a proprietary interest in the results of the 106"'session ; and/or by one or more of the participants.

Alternatively, the facilitator may advance to the next SOI when a predetermined number of IOD inventions have been entered for the current SOI, or when a predetermined period of time elapses without the identification of a new problem or a new solution for the current SOI. When the determination is made that sufficient IOD inventions and/or IODEZ inventive concepts have been generated for each seed of an idea, the facilitator ends the IOD session.

The result of the IOD invention-generating process is a map of each IOD invention, showing all limitations and solutions. As noted above, an IOD invention is complete when there is at least one solution to each problem. Figure 26 shows an example of how an IODTM invention might be mapped as a flow chart 1200. Problem i and element j lead to seed of an invention 1. In this example, two limitations are identified, limitation 1 and limitation 2. Solutions 1,1 and 1,2 address limitation 1. Solution 2,1 is addresses limitation 2. No further limitations are found with solution 1, 1; however, a limitation 716 is conceived to solution 1,2. In this example, solution 3,1 and solution 3,2 address limitation 3. Solution 3,1 has no further limitations, but solution'3, 2 has yet another limitation 4. Solution 4,1 is conceived to address limitation 4. Since no unsolved limitations are identified, the flow chart represents a complete IODTM invention.

An invention that has been mapped in this manner is presumed to be potentially enabled according to legal requirements of patent law, since all problems conceived by a group of users skilled in the technology of the invention have been addressed. However, it is noted that a legal determination of enablement involves an application of legal concepts to claim language, and since the mapped IOD invention does not constitute a claim, this legal determination cannot be made at this point in the IOD process. Nevertheless, the mapped IOD invention provides a concise description of the IOD invention, which can serve as the basis for the preparation of an invention disclosure document, a provisional patent application, a utility patent application, or the like. Moreover, the mapped IOD invention provides a concise document for use in subsequent interviews of the inventors or other technical or business experts to assist in the completion of a detailed description of the invention and/or to facilitate further evaluation of the business and technical prospects for the invention.

7.3.1.9 Ending the Process When all of the inventions have been mapped to enablement, or when a determination is made that that the session is complete, the facilitator ends the session, e. g., by pressing an"end session"

button or by other means for exiting a program. The system preferably also includes a means for saving and exiting the system while the IOD session is in progress, so that completion of the session can be postponed.

7.3.2 Data Input and Output The user interface display screens shown in Figures 17-25 are exemplary of a simple embodiment of the invention. It will be appreciated that the functions of these screens may be replicated using a wide variety of alternative embodiments. For example, alternative embodiments may utilize various data entry fields, scroll bars, menu bars, pull-down menus, action buttons, etc.

Calculation and execution commands are performed in any of a variety of code types, e. g.

VBSCRIPT or JAVASCRIPT. The database manipulations can be accomplished using a language, such as SEQUEL.

8. Conclusion The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification.

Thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the described methods that follow in the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described.

Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents should be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.