Editor | On 18, Feb 2001

Invention Technologies Team
Mitsubishi Research Institute
Yoshihisa Konishi, konishi@mri.co.jp

This is a brief report on the Japan Invention Machine User Group Conference, which was held for the first time in fall 2000. About 80 people, including staff from MRI and resellers in Japan attended, representing 45 companies and 3 universities. The meeting was held Sept. 12-14, near Kyoto.

Program:

– Wednesday, 13 Sep, 2000 –

9:30-9:45 Greetings

Yukio Miwa, Director, Mitsubishi Research Institute

9:45-11:15 – Keynote Presentation

“Current Status and Problems in Developing Knowledge Creation Supporting Tools”

Prof. Susumu Kunifuji, Head of Center for Knowledge Science,

Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Hokuriku

Abstract: Man, organization, process, technology and knowledge are essential for knowledge creation. Preparation of process, technology and knowledge is essential as the infrastructure for constructing a knowledge creation environment. There are three kinds of knowledge creation supporting tools, namely divergent thinking supporting tools, convergent thinking supporting tools and integrated thinking supporting tools. Awareness and tangibility are now in spotlight because they support not only non-tacit but also tacit knowledge.

11:30-12:15 – User Presentation

“IM Approach to Nano-technology and Oversea Technology Policy Trend”

Hidenori Yasuda, Safety Science and Policy Department, Mitsubishi Research Institute

Abstract: Since Clinton’s speech on 21 January 2000, Nano-technology holds the spotlight also in Japan. But, even in the United States, leaders in nano-technology are using this term with different meanings. The national strategy in nano-technology, which the United States government will conduct, is overviewed, and a trial IM approach to nano-technology, which is a paradigm shift of all the technologies, is discussed.

13:15-14:00 – User Presentation

“Introducing and Developing TRIZ Activities at Sumitomo Heavy Industries”

Toru Hirata, Technology Development Center, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Abstract: Sumitomo Heavy Industries began introducing TRIZ in the beginning of 1999, and the laboratory has been at the center in accumulating actual results and in trying to expand its use to other departments. Currently, a working group in the laboratory is at the center in trying to apply TRIZ to specific assignments, and through this activity, results begin to come out. The course of TRIZ introduction and propagation at Sumitomo Heavy Industries, activities and some specific case studies are presented.

14:00-14:45 – User Presentation

“TRIZ from the Viewpoint of Patent Acquisition”

Toshimitsu Kataoka, Information Patent Department, Technology Division, Anritsu Corporation

Abstract: Examination of whether TRIZ is useful for patent acquisition, referring to Japanese Patent Office auditing criteria, precedents and claim case studies covered by the presenter in the past.

15:00-15:45 – User Presentation

“TRIZ Introduction Verification with TRIZ Software Tool and Case Studies”

Kazuhiko Hattori, Technical Information Center, Basic Research Laboratory, INAX Corporation

Abstract: INAX began introducing TRIZ(TechOptimizer 3.0J) in September, 1999. The laboratory has mainly been conducting in-house education and enlightenment. It also has been trying to make TRIZ popular by generating ideas for solving problems and building a simple TRIZ software tool that could be used over the intranet. These TRIZ case studies at INAX and the opinion of the promoter are introduced.

15:45-16:30 – User Presentation

“The Application of TRIZ to Developments of Mechanical Products”

Prof. Haruhiko Iizuka, The College of Engineering, Kanto Gakuin University

Abstract: Case studies on “PET(polyethylene terephthalate) Bottle Collector” and “Bump Managing Wheelchair” applying various TRIZ tools are introduced from product development case studies of graduation researches at the university. Through these case studies, it is attempted to compare and investigate the design solution acquiring processes of TechOptimizer, TOSC and ARIZ.

16:30-17:30 – IMC Presentation

“Introduction to Semantic Processing Technology”

Dr. Mikhail Verbitsky, Application Engineering Division, Invention Machine Corporation

Abstract: Nowadays, due to progress in utilizing information, corporate data is increasing at an amazing speed, doubling its volume every 6 months. Also, 5 million pages of information are added to the Internet every day. Because of such information overload, it is getting very difficult to find relevant (wanted) knowledge, thus leading to inefficiency of information utilization. To cope with problems like this, Invention Machine Corporation has developed an amazing semantic processing technology. Using this technology, the structure of sentences can be analyzed and knowledge can be extracted in a “problem and solution” format. Specifically, you can create vertical knowledge bases (limiting to technologies in a certain domain) and horizontal knowledge bases (focusing on functions across various domains), conduct competitive analyses, novelty tests, intellectual capital management (patent management) and searches for a new market (new usage for existing technologies).

– Thursday, 14 Sep, 2000 –

9:15-9:30 Greetings

Ikuo Yamada, Managing Director, Mitsubishi Research Institute

9:30-11:00 – Keynote Presentation

“TRIZ Philosophy and Practice: In Order to Surely Introduce It to the Enterprise”

Prof. Toru Nakagawa, Faculty of Informatics, Osaka Gakuin University

Abstract:

TRIZ/USIT Case Study: Staircases Design of High Buildings Prepared against Fire

TRIZ philosophy (essence of Salamatov’s textbook)

Summary of problem solving methods in TRIZ

Problem solving methods in simplified TRIZ (USIT)

Introduction of TRIZ into enterprises

11:15-11:45 – IMC Presentation

“Introduction of KnowledgistTM 2.0 and IMC products’ roadmap”

Dr. Mikhail Verbitsky, Application Engineering Division, Invention Machine Corporation

Abstract: Various new features have been added in KnowledgistTM2.0. You can process files on local disks, patents through the Internet (accessing to patent data bases of international patent offices), various documents stored on special web sites (organization’s technology report web sites, society journal web sites, etc.) of the Internet, various documents structured under a single web site (e.g. all the documents from ), etc.

11:45-12:30 – User Presentation

“Light Degradation Determination of Navigation Lights”

Setsuo Arita, Power & Industrial Systems R&D Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd

Abstract: Multiple concepts for determining light degradation of navigation lights under aviation runways and guiding ways were generated using TRIZ, and patents were applied for. A halogen lamp is used as the light source of the navigation light. When the tungsten of the filament evaporates, it adheres to and blackens the inner side of the bulb of the light source. Consequently, the light degrades to make it difficult for the airplane pilots to see it, thus the bulb has to be replaced. The light degradation should be determined about once per day.

13:30-14:15 – User Presentation

“Patent Map Generation with Knowledgist”

Dr. Fumio Suzuki, President, ABEL Systems

Abstract:

Step 1 (Primary Search): In order to generate a strategic patent net of a device, relevant patent net is searched for the main function of the device and expected technologies realizing such function. Then, Knowledgist is used to generate a general patent map broadly searching the acquired patents.

Step 2 (Secondary Search): Specific claim items thought of as one’s ideas are checked concretely whether they interfere other patents using the patent net referred to in Primary Search.

Step 3 (Result Reflection): Claim items are drawn up (using HyperTech’s patent specification drawing assisting software tool “Patent Creator”).

14:15-16:00 – Panel Discussion

“Introducing and propagating TRIZ”

Chairman:

Prof. Toru Nakagawa, Faculty of Informatics, Osaka Gakuin University

Panelists:

Toshihiro Hayashi, Development & Design Technology Intensification Ctr., Hitachi, Ltd.

Yoshihito Sakai, Technology Planning Department, Hitachi Zosen Corporation

Yuji Mihara, Ashigara Research Laboratories, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.

Tougo Teramoto, Technical Center, Minolta Co., Ltd.

Takashi Iwade, Development Division,Toray Engineering Co., Ltd.

Abstract: Through discussing introduction frameworks and propagation methods for TRIZ/TOPE, it is tried to get rid of daily questions and troubles, and to find the ideal final way of introducing them.

The second meeting is being planned for summer or fall of 2001.