Management System

Abstract

To provide an illustration method of a patent strategy chart that can represent an inclusion relation or an association of embodiments with respect to the scope of patent claims.SOLUTION: Embodiments are expressed by a point, an arbitrary figure that can be approximate to a point, or the like, and the scope of the patent claims is expressed by an approximate fan shape. In a case where a patentee of one patent is identical to a practitioner of one embodiment, a center angle of the approximate fan shape representing the scope of the patent claims is disposed to overlap with the point or the like representing the embodiments or to be in a position close thereto. Here, when there are a plurality of approximate fan shapes, the plurality of approximate fan shapes are radially disposed. On the other hand, in a case where the practitioner is a third party, when the embodiments are included in the scope of the patent claims, the point or the like representing the embodiments is disposed to be positioned inside the approximate fan shape representing the scope of the patent claims, and when the embodiments are not included in the scope of the patent claims, the point or the like representing the embodiments is disposed to be positioned outside the approximate fan shape representing the scope of the patent claims. At this time, in a case where there is a small difference, the first display is disposed at a short distance from the second display, and in a case where there is a large difference, the first display is disposed at a long distance from the second display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for visually illustrating the inclusion and / or relevance of the embodiments to the scope of claims, and is directed to visually expressing the relationship between the scope of claims and the embodiments from a bird's-eye view. Ruchi Char To Management system for product-related information and patent-related information used To This is related to. [Background technology]

[0002] For R&D companies and research institutes, grasping the trends of technologies related to their business and competitors is a very important issue when developing technology. As a solution to this, it has been conventional to set certain conditions and search the information stored in patent information databases, analyze the trends of the collected patent information, and quantitatively grasp it. In particular, a wide variety of charts called patent maps have been proposed as a means of grasping the situation by linking various information such as number information, date information such as application date, and applicant / patent holder information with standardized technical information obtained from classification codes related to technical content and keywords in the text.

[0003] Regarding methods for creating patent maps, etc., manuals on basic creation methods (Non-Patent Document 1) have been published, and computer software for creating patent maps is commercially available and already in widespread use. In addition, new inventions of devices and methods have been disclosed and efforts are being made to improve them, such as a data display device that can easily perform analysis by classification symbol (Patent Document 1) and an analysis method that reduces the labor required for creation (Patent Document 2). Furthermore, the term "IP landscape" has become widespread in recent years, and there is a growing trend to actively utilize analysis results that combine patent information such as patent maps with market information and corporate information to plan and formulate management and business strategies such as M&A (Non-Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-090535 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-018529 A [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Introduction to Patent Information Analysis and Patent Map Creation for Realizing the Trinity of Business Strategy (Revised Edition)" by Atsushi Nozaki, published by the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation, November 1, 2016 [Non-Patent Document 2] "Latest Trends in Patent Information: Artificial Intelligence, IP Landscape and the Evolution of Patent Search Databases," Atsushi Nozaki, Japio YEAR BOOK 2018, p60-68, 2018 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the majority of cases, when planning and formulating management and business strategies, maps of application trends and technology trends obtained by extracting and analyzing patent information from a considerable number of patent groups using information processing technology are used. On the other hand, when considering the business feasibility of a new project for a company or other business, it is also essential to investigate the risk that the expected implementation may infringe on the patent rights of a third party and ensure security in terms of patents in order to ensure the stability of the business. When considering such measures, there are often multiple competing products manufactured and sold by third parties and multiple patents held by third parties, which often create a complex situation. Information that can properly grasp such a complex situation and serve as material for business decisions is extremely important.

[0007] However, such a complex situation is usually very complicated and difficult to intuitively grasp in a short time. The relationship between the claims and the embodiments is not clear only from the bibliographic and text information in the patent gazette, the progress information of the patent application, and the text information in the file wrapper document related to the examination. Specific information on the embodiments is essential. Even if the complex situation is revealed by the search, it is difficult to convey it to anyone other than the person in charge of the search, and the conventional patent map is insufficient to express it in a way that allows intuitive understanding in a short time.

[0008] Prior art patent maps are the results of analysis using only information from the patent side, such as bibliographic information and text information from the publication, as sources of information, and are materials primarily intended to grasp general trends and predict trends. In other words, conventional prior art patent maps were not results of analysis using the ability to understand the constituent elements of patent inventions expressed in words and to consider the suitability of embodiments of those elements.

[0009] In order to understand the individual relationships and share a common understanding, it is necessary to consider and consider the constituent elements and embodiments of the patent invention expressed in words one-to-one, and traditionally, the results of this work have been expressed in language. Furthermore, to use it as material for business decisions, it is necessary to consider not only one-to-one relationships but also one-to-many or many-to-many relationships. In addition to the step of expressing one-to-one relationships in language, without a step of expressing multiple relationships in a way that allows them to be understood comprehensively, it is impossible to achieve the result of communicating this to anyone other than the person conducting the search. There was no established method for such a step. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the inventor of the present invention has created an invention having the following features: The present invention is a method for illustrating the relationship between a patent invention and an embodiment while taking into consideration the concept of the embodiment, and its technical concept is fundamentally different from that of conventional patent maps.

[0011] The present invention is [1] a method for illustrating a patent strategy chart, comprising: a) a group display generating step for generating a group display by grouping a first display showing an embodiment and a second display showing the scope of the claims; b) a two-dimensional display generating step for generating a two-dimensional display having an arbitrary index as a coordinate; and c) a group display arranging step for arranging and displaying the group display on the two-dimensional display, reflecting product information related to the embodiment, wherein the first display includes at least one of letters or figures, the second display is approximately fan-shaped, and the patent strategy chart indicates the inclusion relationship and / or relevance of the embodiment to the scope of the claims.

[0012] In this case, the method may further include a surrounding situation display step [2]d) of displaying a third display representing the surrounding situation relating to the embodiment on the two-dimensional planar display.

[0013] Next, the present invention is an electronic system for supporting the illustration of a patent strategy chart [3], comprising: a) a group display generating means for generating a group display by grouping a first display showing an embodiment and a second display showing the scope of the claims; b) a two-dimensional display generating means for generating a two-dimensional display with an arbitrary index as a coordinate; and c) a group display arrangement means for arranging and displaying the group display on the two-dimensional display, reflecting product information related to the embodiment, wherein the first display includes at least one of letters or figures, the second display is approximately fan-shaped, and the patent strategy chart is an electronic system that indicates the inclusion relationship and / or relevance of the embodiment to the scope of the claims.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a patent strategy chart that shows the inclusion and / or relevance of an embodiment to a claim, comprising: [4] a first display showing the embodiment; a second display showing the claim; and a two-dimensional plane having an arbitrary indicator as a coordinate, the first display including at least one of a character or a graphic; and the second display being an approximate fan-shaped. The present invention also relates to a patent strategy chart that shows the inclusion and / or relevance of an embodiment to a claim, comprising: [5] a first display showing the embodiment; a second display showing the claim; and a two-dimensional plane having an arbitrary indicator as a coordinate, the first display including at least one of a character or a graphic; and [5] a method for generating a patent strategy chart that shows the inclusion and / or relevance of an embodiment to a claim, the method comprising: a) a group display generating step for generating a group display that groups the first display and the second display; b) a two-dimensional plane display generating step for generating the two-dimensional plane; and c) a group display arranging step for arranging and displaying the group display on the two-dimensional plane while reflecting product information related to the embodiment, the first display including at least one of a character or a graphic; and the second display being an approximate fan-shaped. The patent strategy chart shows the inclusion and / or relevance of an embodiment to a claim.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention is [6] a management system for product-related information of multiple implementers and patent-related information of multiple patent holders and patent applicants, comprising a patent strategy chart displayed by electronic means having a first display showing an embodiment, a second display showing the scope of the claims, and a two-dimensional plane with arbitrary indicators as coordinates, wherein the first display is linked to product-related information stored in another application, the product-related information including one or more pieces of information selected from the group consisting of manufacturer, raw materials, ingredient composition and structure, and the second display is linked to patent-related information stored in another application, the product-related information including application information, progress information, registration information or publication information, and further comprising a database for processing the product-related information and the patent-related information, wherein the first display includes at least one of letters or figures, and the second display is approximately fan-shaped.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention is a computer program for creating an animated image of a patent strategy chart showing the inclusion relationship and / or relevance of embodiments to the scope of claims [7], wherein the patent strategy chart has a first display showing the embodiments, a second display showing the scope of claims, and a two-dimensional plane with arbitrary indicators as coordinates, wherein the first display includes at least one of letters or figures, and the second display is approximately fan-shaped, and the computer program is characterized in that it continuously displays, as an animated image, changes in position, size and direction of the first display and the second display on the two-dimensional plane for multiple patent strategy charts created multiple times over time for a specified technical field.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention relates to [8] a component of a patent strategy chart based on a collage or paper-cutting technique, characterized in that a boat-shaped first member and one or more fan-shaped second members are joined in such a manner that the boat-shaped first member is in contact with the central angle of the fan-shaped second member and the fan-shaped arc of the fan-shaped second member is not in contact with the boat-shaped first member. Effect of the Invention

[0018] The present invention relates to a technique for illustrating the inclusion and / or relevance of embodiments to claims by using figures, etc., a method for visually expressing the relationship between claims and embodiments from a bird's-eye view, a system for supporting said method, a chart created by said method, a method for generating said chart, a management system for product-related information and patent-related information using said chart, a computer program for continuously displaying multiple charts as animated images, and components of a patent strategy chart. This allows a company or other entity to intuitively grasp the overall picture of a complex situation in which there are multiple specific competing products and multiple specific patents of third parties when planning and formulating a business strategy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a basic diagram of a two-dimensional graphic (symbol) representing a single claim and its related embodiments of patent rights owned by the same person. [Diagram 2] This is a basic diagram of a two-dimensional graphic (symbol) representing a single claim and its related embodiments of patent rights owned by the same person. [Diagram 3] This is a basic diagram of a two-dimensional graphic (symbol) representing a single claim and its related embodiments of patent rights owned by the same person. [Figure 4] This is a basic diagram of a two-dimensional figure (based on a ship motif) representing a single claim and related embodiments of a patent owned by the same person. [Diagram 5] This is a basic diagram of a two-dimensional figure (with a ship motif) representing multiple overlapping patent claims and related embodiments of patent rights owned by the same person. [Figure 6] This is an example of a two-dimensional figure (a ship motif) representing the claims and related embodiments of multiple patent rights owned by the same person. [Figure 7] This is an example of overlapping claims of multiple patent rights owned by the same person, and a two-dimensional figure (a figure with a ship motif) representing related embodiments. [Figure 8] This is an example of a plane on which two-dimensional figures representing the claims and embodiments are arranged, with coordinates formed by two coordinate axes. [Figure 9] This is an example of a plane on which two-dimensional figures representing the claims and embodiments are arranged, with coordinates formed by two coordinate axes. [Figure 10] This is an example of a plane on which two-dimensional figures representing the claims and embodiments are arranged, with coordinates formed by two coordinate axes. [Figure 11] This is an example of a plane on which two-dimensional figures representing the claims and embodiments are arranged, with coordinates formed by two coordinate axes. [Figure 12]This is an example of a plane on which two-dimensional figures representing the claims and embodiments are arranged, with coordinates formed by two coordinate axes. [Figure 13] This is an example of a plane for placing two-dimensional figures representing the claims and embodiments, with coordinates formed by the overlapping of multiple similar rectangles. [Figure 14] 1 is an example of a plane for placing two-dimensional figures representing claims and embodiments, with coordinates formed by concentric semicircles. [Figure 15] 1 is an example of a plane for placing two-dimensional figures representing claims and embodiments, with coordinates formed by concentric semicircles. [Figure 16] 1 is an example of a plane for placing two-dimensional figures representing the claims and embodiments, with coordinates formed by concentric circles. [Figure 17] 1 is an example of a plane for placing two-dimensional figures representing the claims and embodiments, with coordinates formed by concentric circles. [Figure 18] This is a chart in which two-dimensional figures (a ship-shaped figure) representing multiple claims and embodiments are arranged on a plane with a coordinate system defined by two coordinate axes. [Figure 19] This is a chart in which two-dimensional figures (a ship-shaped figure) representing multiple claims and embodiments are arranged on a plane with a coordinate system defined by two coordinate axes. [Figure 20] This is a chart in which two-dimensional figures (a ship motif) representing multiple claims and embodiments are arranged on a plane with coordinates made up of concentric semicircles. [Figure 21] This is product related information for OTC pharmaceutical allergy eye drops. [Figure 22] 1 is an example of an analysis of a target patent. [Figure 23] This is an example of an illustration combining an approximate sector shape representing the scope of the claim with points or letters or figures that can approximate points that represent the embodiment. [Figure 24]This is a patent strategy chart (an example of a shogi board-style coordinate system) created through analysis and drawing work. [Diagram 25] This is a patent strategy chart created through analysis and drawing work (an example of setting coordinates for a four-division matrix positioning chart). [Figure 26] This is a conceptual diagram of a database that can be operated in conjunction with a patent strategy chart. [Figure 27] This is an image of a patent strategy chart around 2000 in the field of PET bottled green tea beverages. [Figure 28] This is an image of a patent strategy chart around 2005 in the field of PET bottled green tea beverages. [Figure 29] This is an image of a patent strategy chart around 2010 in the field of PET bottled green tea beverages. [Diagram 30] This is an image of a patent strategy chart around 2016 in the field of PET bottled green tea beverages. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a method for illustrating a patent strategy chart, an electronic system for supporting the illustrating of a patent strategy chart, a patent strategy chart, a method for generating a patent strategy chart, a management system, a computer program, and parts of a patent strategy chart according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, the present embodiment) will be described. The embodiment described below is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the matters described below may be changed or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes its equivalents.

[0021] <Definition> The meaning of the terms described in the claims of this application will be explained below. The first display "a point or a character or figure that can approximate a point" may be a character or figure or a combination thereof that is small enough to be moved and rearranged arbitrarily on a two-dimensional plane or on the entire chart set by two-dimensional coordinates, and the shape is not particularly limited. The first display may be, for example, a point as seen with the naked eye, or a figure such as a circle, triangle, square, or diamond, a sign, a symbol, an illustration with a motif of an object such as a ship, or a mark or logo of a company, etc.

[0022] The second representation, "an approximate sector representing the scope of the claims," ​​refers to a figure used to represent the scope of the claims in two dimensions, and includes figures such as a sector, a figure obtained by removing the smaller sector from the larger sector of two sectors that share a central angle and have different areas (annular sector), a trapezoid that approximates such a figure, or a trapezoid that approximates a shape formed by assembling multiple such figures.

[0023] "Grouping" refers to arranging a first indication (a point representing an embodiment or characters or figures that can approximate a point) and a second indication (an approximate sector representing the scope of the claims) in close proximity to each other and fixing their relative positions. A group of a first indication (a point representing an embodiment or characters or figures that can approximate a point) and a second indication (an approximate sector representing the scope of the claims) is defined as a "group indication." A group of multiple figures (group indication) can be treated as a single figure, and can be moved, rotated, or inverted on a two-dimensional plane or in two-dimensional coordinates.

[0024] In grouping, information representing the components of the product is extracted from the product information, and then information on the components of the patent claims is extracted. If a match or inclusion relationship is found between these two groups, the "points or characters or figures that can approximate points that represent the embodiment" (first display) is associated with the "schematic sector that represents the claims" (second display). Here, if the technical field, problem, solution, or effect of the invention in the patent is not related to the product, the first and second displays are not combined (not grouped). Note that if there is no patent right related to a certain embodiment (implemented product, etc.), it is assumed that the second display is not associated with the first display, but this case is also included in grouping in the broad sense.

[0025] The "arbitrary index" is not particularly limited as long as it can be an index represented by the coordinate axis when setting the coordinate. It may be a quantitative index represented by numbers such as time, quantity, or ratio, or a qualitative index represented from the perspective of technical features, legal field, or a perspective used in a framework such as business or marketing. Qualitative indexes represented from the perspective used in a framework such as business or marketing include, but are not limited to, approximate highs and lows of indices such as importance, urgency, interest, superiority, profitability, future potential, rarity, difficulty of imitation, feasibility, effectiveness, necessity, topicality, economic value, and market share.

[0026] Alternatively, the coordinates may be divided into regions according to attributes that can be used for positioning maps or product portfolio management (e.g., stars, cash cows, troublemakers and losers, as well as breadwinners, golden eggs, value items and clearance items), and new indicators may be devised accordingly to correspond to these regions.

[0027] <Patent Strategy Chart> A "patent strategy chart" (also simply called a "chart") is a diagram that graphically illustrates the inclusion and / or similarity of embodiments to the scope of patent claims. The word originates from the word "chart," which means a diagram in a broad sense, but "chart" also means a nautical or aerial chart. It represents a different concept from a map, which means a map, or a landscape, which means scenery, landscape, or topography, in that it contains detailed information of variable elements created for the purpose of navigation in sea or air. In this specification, too, it refers to a new diagram that is distinct from existing patent maps (patent maps) and IP landscapes in the patent industry.

[0028] In other words, the patent strategy chart showing the inclusion relationship and / or relevance of embodiments to the claims in this embodiment is a patent strategy chart comprising a first display showing the embodiments, a second display showing the claims, and a two-dimensional plane with arbitrary indicators as coordinates, wherein the first display includes at least one of letters or figures, and the second display is approximately fan-shaped.

[0029] An embodiment (for example, an embodied product) is expressed as "a point or a character or figure that can approximate a point" (first display). A figure that can approximate a point is a figure that can be recognized as a single figure with a connected perimeter, regardless of the details of the shape, and can be a point seen with the naked eye, such as a circle, triangle, square, diamond, etc., a sign, symbol, an illustration with a motif of an object such as a ship, or a mark or logo of a company, etc.

[0030] The "schematic sector representing the claims" (second display) may be drawn only with an outline, may be a filled shape without an outline, or may be drawn with an outline and filled in combination. Here, the outline is not limited to a solid line, and may be of various line types such as dotted lines, dashed lines, one-dot chain lines, two-dot chain lines, and multiple lines, and may be of any color, width, and transparency. A gradation may be added with any color, width, and transparency. Moreover, the fill may be solid, or may have any pattern or design, and may be of any color and transparency.

[0031] The size of the "approximate sector representing the scope of the claims" (second display) can be displayed with any area by changing the radius and the central angle. The radius can be set arbitrarily on the chart. The central angle can also be meaningful as a means of expressing the number and diversity of some components, and can be from 1° to 360°. For example, when there is a component that can include various embodiments using superordinate wording, the central angle of the approximate sector representing the scope of the claims may be 180° to 270°. On the other hand, when all components are expressed using subordinate wording and are limited to specific embodiments described in the examples, the central angle of the two-dimensional figure such as a sector representing the scope of the claims can be 30° to 90°, and can be shown to be distinguished from the case where superordinate wording is used.

[0032] To avoid clutter and improve visibility, for example, the radius length of the second display can be divided into three levels, "long," "medium," and "short," and the central angle size can be divided into two levels, "wide angle" and "narrow angle," resulting in six levels. Here, it is important that the differences in levels are easy to distinguish. The specific length and angle size are determined arbitrarily each time a chart is created, taking into account the balance of the overall chart.

[0033] The "points or characters or figures that can approximate points representing the embodiment" (first display) and the "approximate sector representing the scope of the claims" (second display) are arranged on a two-dimensional plane.

[0034] When the patentee or applicant of a patent is the same as the implementer of a certain embodiment, the second indication (approximate sector representing the scope of the patent claim) shall be arranged so that the central angle of the arc of the second indication (a point representing the embodiment or a character or figure that can approximate a point) overlaps or is located in the vicinity of the first indication (a point representing the embodiment or a character or figure that can approximate a point). Here, when there are multiple second indications (approximate sectors representing the scope of the patent claim), they shall be arranged radially, avoiding overlap as much as possible.

[0035] On the other hand, if the implementer is a third party, when the embodiment is included in the scope of the claim, the first indication (a dot or a character or figure that can approximate a dot, etc., representing the embodiment) is arranged so as to be located inside the second indication (an approximate sector representing the scope of the claim), and when the embodiment is not included, the dot, etc. (first indication) representing the embodiment is arranged so as to be located outside the approximate sector (second indication) representing the scope of the claim. In this case, if the embodiment does not have one component, they are arranged close to each other, and as the number of components that are not included increases to two or three, they are arranged farther apart.

[0036] In order to make it easier to distinguish the distance between figures, a circular auxiliary line with its center on the "point representing an embodiment or characters or figures that can approximate a point" (first display) may be provided. Also, in order to conceptually indicate the range in which a product located at the center of the circle is recognized as a competitor from the viewpoint of the manufacturer of the product located at the center of the circle, a circular auxiliary line with its center on the "point representing an embodiment or characters or figures that can approximate a point" (first display) may be provided. The auxiliary line may be of various types, such as a solid line, dotted line, dashed line, one-dot chain line, two-dot chain line, or multiple line, and may be of any color, width, or transparency. A gradation may be added with any color, width, or transparency.

[0037] When multiple "simplified sectors representing the scope of claims" (second display) overlap or are close to each other, it indicates that the constituent elements of those patent inventions are highly similar. For example, this could be inventions in different categories within the same patent, or divisional applications derived from the same patent application. Conversely, when multiple "simplified sectors representing the scope of claims" (second display) are far apart, it indicates that the constituent elements of the patent inventions are less similar.

[0038] Coordinates consisting of one or more coordinate axes, two or more concentric circles, or two or more concentric polygons may be provided on the plane on which the two-dimensional figure is placed. Lines, arrows, symbols, etc. representing contour lines, contour lines, coastlines, ocean currents, tides, and sea routes, etc., which are generally used on topographical maps and nautical charts, may also be drawn. Furthermore, the position and size of the two-dimensional figure including a point may be represented by coordinate values.

[0039] <Patent Strategy Chart Components> When illustrating a patent strategy chart, when placing the first and second displays on a two-dimensional plane, it is possible to consider the placement using parts of the patent strategy chart such as sticky notes, models or pieces, as well as templates. In other words, the patent strategy chart component of this embodiment is a patent strategy chart component based on a collage or paper-cutting technique, characterized in that a boat-shaped first member and one or more fan-shaped second members are joined in such a manner that the boat-shaped first member touches the central angle of the fan-shaped second member and the fan-shaped arc of the fan-shaped second member does not touch the boat-shaped first member.

[0040] <How to illustrate a patent strategy chart> The patent strategy chart can be illustrated based on the method for illustrating a patent strategy chart according to this embodiment. The method for illustrating a patent strategy chart in this embodiment includes: a) a group display generation step of generating a group display by grouping a first display showing an embodiment and a second display showing the scope of the claims; b) a two-dimensional display generation step of generating a two-dimensional display with an arbitrary index as a coordinate; and c) a group display arrangement step of arranging and displaying the group display on the two-dimensional display while reflecting product information related to the embodiment, wherein the first display includes at least one of letters or figures, the second display is approximately fan-shaped, and the patent strategy chart is characterized in that it shows the inclusion relationship and / or relevance of the embodiment to the scope of the claims.

[0041] In this case, it is preferable to include a surrounding situation display step d) of displaying a third display showing the surrounding situation related to the embodiment on the two-dimensional planar display.

[0042] <Electronic Systems> The patent strategy chart is preferably illustrated using the electronic system according to the present embodiment. The electronic system for supporting the illustration of a patent strategy chart in this embodiment includes: a) a group display generation means for generating a group display by grouping a first display showing an embodiment and a second display showing the scope of the claims; b) a two-dimensional display generation means for generating a two-dimensional display with an arbitrary index as a coordinate; and c) a group display arrangement means for arranging and displaying the group display on the two-dimensional display while reflecting product information related to the embodiment, wherein the first display includes at least one of letters or figures, the second display is approximately fan-shaped, and the patent strategy chart is an electronic system that indicates the inclusion relationship and / or relevance of the embodiment to the scope of the claims.

[0043] <How to generate a patent strategy chart> The patent strategy chart can be generated based on the method for generating a patent strategy chart according to this embodiment. The method for generating a patent strategy chart in this embodiment is a method for generating a patent strategy chart having a first display indicating an embodiment, a second display indicating the scope of a claim, and a two-dimensional plane with an arbitrary index as a coordinate, and includes: a) a group display generation step for generating a group display by grouping the first display and the second display; b) a two-dimensional plane display generation step for generating the two-dimensional plane; and c) a group display arrangement step for arranging and displaying the group display on the two-dimensional plane while reflecting product information related to the embodiment, wherein the first display includes at least one of letters or figures, the second display is approximately fan-shaped, and the patent strategy chart indicates the inclusion relationship and / or relevance of the embodiment to the scope of the claim.

[0044] In addition, by displaying two-dimensional charts created based on information from different periods in chronological order or by displaying them continuously in an animation-like manner, it becomes easier to intuitively grasp changes in the patent status, embodiments, etc. in a short time. Animation images that continuously display multiple charts of the present invention are also defined as being included in the charts of the present invention.

[0045] A computer program using existing information processing technology can be used to create and display animation images, and the present invention encompasses such computer programs. For example, it may be a program that uses functions such as image switching, animation, or slideshows that are included in Microsoft (registered trademark) Office software, or it may be a program that uses existing or future software that is highly specialized for the purpose of video production.

[0046] <Computer Program> In other words, the computer program of this embodiment is a computer program for creating an animated image of a patent strategy chart showing the inclusion relationship and / or relevance of embodiments to the claims, wherein the patent strategy chart has a first display showing the embodiments, a second display showing the claims, and a two-dimensional plane with arbitrary indicators as coordinates, wherein the first display includes at least one of letters or figures, and the second display is approximately fan-shaped, and the computer program continuously displays, as an animated image, changes in the position, size and direction of the first display and the second display on the two-dimensional plane for multiple patent strategy charts created multiple times over time for a specified technical field.

[0047] <Management system> Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26 described later, the management system of this embodiment is a management system for product-related information of multiple implementers and patent-related information of multiple patent holders and patent applicants, and is characterized in that in a patent strategy chart displayed by electronic means having a first display showing an embodiment, a second display showing the scope of the claims, and a two-dimensional plane with an arbitrary indicator as a coordinate, the first display is linked to product-related information stored in another application, including information on one or more selected from the group consisting of manufacturer, raw materials, ingredient composition and structure, and the second display is linked to patent-related information stored in another application, including application information, progress information, registration information or publication information, and further comprising a database for processing the product-related information and the patent-related information, wherein the first display includes at least one of letters or figures, and the second display is approximately fan-shaped.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments 1 to 5 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 30 as modes for carrying out the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. EXAMPLES

[0049] <Example 1: An example in which two-dimensional figures representing multiple claims and embodiments are arranged on a plane with coordinates formed by two coordinate axes> A chart (patent strategy chart) illustrating the inclusion and / or relevance of embodiments to multiple claims is shown in FIG. 18. The inclusion and / or relevance of embodiments to multiple claims can be expressed by combining the basic two-dimensional figures showing a single claim and its related embodiments shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5. One approximate sector (second display) showing the claims is drawn corresponding to one invention. One invention means a group consisting of one independent claim in the claims and one or more dependent claims depending thereon. Since inventions in different categories in the same patent, inventions in divisional applications derived from the same patent application, and inventions in a utilization relationship may overlap, the approximate sector (second display) showing the claims is drawn overlappingly in such a case. Depending on how the coordinates are set, high and low positions are conceived, so the approximate sector (second display) showing the claims and points showing the related embodiments or letters or figures that can approximate points (first display) are placed in consideration of reflecting the high and low positions.

[0050] <Example 2: An example in which two-dimensional figures representing multiple claims and embodiments are arranged on a plane with coordinates formed by two coordinate axes> FIG. 19 shows a chart (patent strategy chart) illustrating the inclusion and / or relevance of embodiments for a plurality of claims. Basically, an approximate sector (second display) representing the claims and points or characters or figures (first display) that can approximate the points representing the embodiments related thereto are arranged based on the same rules as those for creating the chart shown in FIG. 18. Examples of how to set the coordinates are shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 17, but various modes are possible without being limited to these. The indicators are not limited to quantitative indicators expressed by numbers such as time, quantity, or ratio, but may be qualitative indicators expressed from the perspective of technical features, legal field, or a perspective used in a framework such as business or marketing. Depending on the purpose of the chart, if the analysis does not consider positions, an area without coordinates may be provided in whole or in part, and an approximate sector (second display) representing the claims and points or characters or figures (first display) that can approximate the points representing the embodiments related thereto may be arranged.

[0051] <Example 3: An example in which two-dimensional figures representing multiple claims and embodiments are arranged on a plane with coordinates formed by concentric semicircles> A chart (patent strategy chart) illustrating the inclusion and / or relevance of embodiments for multiple claims is shown in Figure 20. Coordinates formed by concentric semicircles or concentric circles are preferably used when the center is in a high position and the periphery is in a low position, or vice versa, like contour lines on a topographical map.

[0052] <Example 4: A case where a patent strategy chart was created for the present invention in the field of allergy eye drops, which are OTC drugs (so-called general medicines)> The patent strategy chart of the present invention was created by the procedure consisting of the steps shown below.

[0053] Step 1) Determine the product field to be analyzed and the technical field related to that product. The product field to be analyzed was defined as allergy eye drops, which are OTC drugs (so-called over-the-counter drugs).

[0054] Step 2) Collect information on implementations that belong to that product category. Information on the manufacturers and ingredients of allergy eye drops, which are sold as OTC drugs (so-called general medicines), was collected from the "2018-19 OTC Drug Dictionary, 16th Edition," edited by the Japan OTC Drug Information Research Association, with editorial assistance from the Japan OTC Drug Association, published by Jiho Co., Ltd., and published on April 15, 2018. Figure 21 shows this information.

[0055] Step 3) Extract patents and patent applications that belong to that technical field. Using a patent database, a search was conducted using the conditions "FI=A61K9 / 08" and "Patent holder=manufacturer extracted from the above product-related information" and "claims contain allergy or pollen as keywords", and 11 patents with active patent rights were extracted.

[0056] Step 4) The claims of each extracted patent or patent application are grouped into inventions consisting of independent claims and their dependent claims. For each patent, the claims were grouped into inventions consisting of independent claims and their dependent claims.

[0057] Step 5) Segment the wording of each claim into its constituent elements. In each claim, the wording was segmented into components. An example of the process up to step 9 for the patent of Company B shown in Figure 21 is shown in Figure 22.

[0058] Step 6) Each component is classified into three levels according to the degree of abstraction of the description: a superordinate concept, a subordinate concept listed in the specification, or a specific description in the examples. Each component is classified into three levels according to the degree of abstraction of the description: a superordinate concept, a subordinate concept listed in the specification, or a specific description in the examples.

[0059] Step 7) For each of the grouped inventions, extract information on which of the above levels the least abstract component of the broadest claim belongs to, and the number of components at the same level. Among the elements of claim 1, which has the broadest scope among the grouped inventions, the least abstract level was the level of specific description in the examples. Specifically, there were two elements that fell under the specific description in the examples: "pranoprofen or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof" in Component A and "cromolyn and its salts" in Component B.

[0060] Step 8) When expressing the scope of the claims in an approximate sector (second representation), the length of the radius of the approximate sector is determined as either “long,” “medium,” or “short” in accordance with the three levels of the superordinate concept, subordinate concept, and specific description in the examples. As described above, the lowest level of abstraction was the level of specific description in the examples, and correspondingly, the length of the radius of the approximate sector (second representation) was determined to be "short."

[0061] Step 9) Furthermore, when the number of components with the lowest degree of abstraction is 1, the central angle of the approximate sector is determined to be "wide," and when the number of components with the same degree of abstraction is 2 or more, the central angle of the approximate sector (second representation) is determined to be "narrow." As mentioned above, for Patent B1, the lowest level of abstraction was the specific description level in the examples, and the number of examples was 2, so the central angle of the approximate sector (second display) was determined to be "narrow" accordingly. For Patent B2, the lowest level of abstraction was the specific description level in the examples, and the number of examples was 1, so the central angle of the approximate sector (second display) was determined to be "wide" accordingly.

[0062] Step 10) When the patentee or applicant of a patent is the same as the implementer of a certain embodiment, the approximate sector (second display) representing the scope of the patent claim is arranged so that its central angle overlaps with or is located near a point or a character or figure that can approximate a point (first display) representing the embodiment. Here, when there are multiple approximate sectors (second displays), they are arranged radially. Figure 23 shows graphical representations of Company B's products b1, b2, b3 and b4, as well as patents B1 and B2.

[0063] Step 11) On the other hand, if the implementer is a third party, when the embodiment is included in the scope of the claims, the points etc. (first indication) representing the embodiment are arranged so as to be located inside the approximate sector (second indication) representing the scope of the claims, and when the embodiment is not included, the points etc. (first indication) representing the embodiment are arranged so as to be located outside the approximate sector (second indication) representing the scope of the claims. In this case, if there is only one component that is not included, the points etc. are arranged at a closer distance, and as the number of components that are not included increases to two or three, the points etc. are arranged at a farther distance. Also, assuming that the components of the invention are expanded by making them a higher-level concept, when the embodiment falls within that range, the points etc. representing the embodiment are arranged on a straight line extending from the apex of the central angle of the approximate sector (second indication) corresponding to the invention as the starting point, through a point on the arc.

[0064] Step 12) Two-dimensional coordinates are set according to arbitrary indicators in the product field and technical field, and points or the like representing embodiments (first display) and approximate sector shapes representing patents and / or patent applications (second display) are arranged based on the information on embodiments belonging to the product field and the information on patents and / or patent applications related to the technical field. Here, in steps 11 and 12, it is possible to study the placement using sticky notes, models, pieces, and templates.

[0065] Specifically, the components of the patent strategy chart may be created by a collage or paper cutting technique using sticky notes, models, or pieces, as well as stencils. More specifically, a figure (first representation) representing an embodiment is formed as the first member of a boat shape, and an approximate sector (second representation) representing the scope of the claims is formed as the second member. The first member of the boat shape is then in contact with the central angle of the sector of the second member, and the second member is arranged and joined so that the (inner) arc of the sector of the second member does not come in contact with the first member of the boat shape.

[0066] However, it is more desirable to utilize the operability of computer software such as Microsoft (registered trademark) Office PowerPoint in steps 11 and 12. Operations such as fine-tuning the length, angle, and position by inputting numerical values, grouping multiple shapes to copy or move them, undoing an operation to compare before and after, and saving intermediate states or results are all operations that can only be performed with computer software. These operability greatly affect the final product that reflects careful consideration.

[0067] Step 13) Furthermore, auxiliary lines, symbols and figures (third display) showing the surrounding conditions are arbitrarily arranged. Product-related information and patent-related information other than that of Company B were also analyzed, and the entire chart was created by adding steps 11, 12, and 13, as shown in Figures 24 and 25.

[0068] In the chart created by the above procedure, which is electronically displayed to illustrate the inclusion and / or relevance of the embodiments to the claims, including points or any characters and / or figures that can approximate a point (first display), the claims as an approximate sector (second display) and coordinates consisting of arbitrary coordinate axes, and auxiliary lines, symbols, and figures (third display) that represent the surrounding circumstances, if the points or any characters and / or figures that can approximate a point (first display) are linked to product-related information (manufacturer, raw materials, ingredients, composition, etc.) stored in other applications, and the approximate sector (second display) is linked to patent-related information (application information, progress information, registration information, publication information, etc.) stored in other applications, and the product-related information and patent-related information are further organized as a database, it is useful as a management system for managing product and patent information. The conceptual diagram is shown in Figure 26.

[0069] <Example 5: In the field of PET bottled green tea beverages, a patent strategy chart of the present invention was created multiple times in chronological order and animated.> When patent strategy charts are created multiple times over time using the same procedure as in Example 4, a set of charts with changes such as those shown in Figures 27, 28, 29, and 30 is expected. Figures 27 to 30 are conceptual diagrams that are not based on the analysis of specific individual patents. Changes in each element in the chart (i.e., the presence or absence, position, size, direction, etc. of points or any characters and / or figures that can approximate points (first display), approximate sectors (second display), auxiliary lines, symbols, and figures (third display)) can be displayed as continuous animation images using a computer program.

[0070] The four patent strategy charts (conceptual diagrams) above were edited into four slides using Microsoft Office PowerPoint and displayed continuously at one-second intervals using the slideshow function. A single animated video was created using effects to assist the continuous switching of images, including fades for screen switching and a time axis display to show the chronological order. This made it possible to quickly recognize the history of changes in the status of products and related patents in the field from a bird's-eye view over time.

[0071] The Japan Patent Office releases standard patent information data once a week, and commercial databases in Japan update data at a similar frequency. Based on these information sources, it is possible to create and accumulate patent strategy charts that reflect changes on a weekly basis. By continuing to update the charts, workers can monitor changes in the situation and share information with related parties. [Industrial Applicability]

[0072] According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly grasp the overall picture of the complex situation that exists when there are multiple competing products manufactured and sold by third parties and multiple patents held by third parties, and this can be used in the process of planning and formulating management and business strategies in research and development companies, research institutes, etc. In addition, by linking the chart obtained as the deliverable with a database that processes the product-related information and patent-related information, it can also be used as a management system for product management information and patent-related information.

[0073] Furthermore, by using a computer program to display the changes in each element of a multiple patent strategy chart (i.e., points or any letters and / or figures that can approximate points, approximate sector shapes, auxiliary lines, the presence or absence, position, size and direction of symbols and figures, etc.) created over time as a continuous animation, it becomes possible to quickly grasp the progress of changes in the status of products and related patents in the field over time from a bird's-eye view. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1. A sector (second display) representing the scope of a patent claim with a "long" radius and a "wide" central angle 2a A sector (second display) representing the scope of a patent claim with a "medium" radius and a "wide" central angle 2b A sector (second display) showing the scope of a patent claim with a "medium" radius and a "narrow" central angle 3a A sector (second display) showing the scope of a patent claim with a short radius and a wide central angle 3b A sector (second display) showing the scope of a claim with a short radius and a narrow central angle 4 Circle representing embodiment (first display) 5 Symbols representing embodiments (first display) 6 An approximate sector shape (second display) that represents the scope of a patent claim with a "long" radius and a "wide" central angle 7a An approximate sector shape (second display) showing the scope of a patent claim with a "medium" radius and a "wide" central angle 7b An approximate sector shape (second display) showing the scope of a patent claim with a "medium" radius and a "narrow" central angle 8a An approximate sector shape (second display) showing the scope of a patent claim with a short radius and a wide central angle 8b An approximate sector shape (second display) showing the scope of a patent claim with a "short" radius and a "narrow" central angle 9 Boat-shaped diagram showing the embodiment (first representation) 10. An approximate sector shape (second display) that represents the scope of a patent claim with a long radius and a narrow central angle 11. Boat-shaped diagram family showing four embodiments (first representation) 12. A simplified sector (second display) showing the scope of a claim of one patent relating to four embodiments 13 A simplified sector shape (second display) showing the scope of a claim of another patent related to four embodiments 14 Shogi-board style coordinates (two-dimensional plane) 15 Symbol representing the highest position in the shogi board coordinate system 16 Boat-shaped figure representing company A's product a1 (first representation) 17 A simplified sector (second display) showing the scope of claims of patent A1 related to product a1 of company A 18 Boat-shaped figures representing Company A's products a2, a3, a4 and a5 (first representation) 19 A simplified sector (second display) showing the claims of patent A2 related to products a2, a3, a4, and a5 of company A 20 A simplified sector (second display) showing the claims of patent A3 related to products a2, a3, a4, and a5 of company A 21 A simplified sector shape (second display) showing the claims of patent A4 relating to products a2, a3, a4, and a5 of company A 22 A simplified sector showing the claims of patent A5 related to products a2, a3, a4 and a5 of company A (second display) 23 Boat-shaped figure representing company A's product a6 (first representation) 24 A simplified sector showing the claims of patent A6 related to product A6 of company A (second display) 25 Boat-shaped figure representing company A's product a7 (first display) 26 A simplified sector showing the claims of patent A7 related to product A7 of company A (second display) 27 Boat-shaped figures representing Company B's products b1, b2, b3 and b4 (first representation) 28 A simplified sector (second display) showing the claims of patent B1 relating to products b1, b2, b3 and b4 of company B 29 A simplified sector (second display) showing the claims of patent B2 relating to products b1, b2, b3 and b4 of company B 30 Boat-shaped figure representing company C's product c1 (first representation) 31 A simplified sector (second display) showing the scope of claims of patent C1 related to product c1 of company C 32 Boat-shaped figure representing D's product d1 (first representation) 33 A simplified sector (second display) showing the scope of claims of patent D1 related to product d1 of Company D 34 Boat-shaped diagram (first representation) representing E's products e1, e2 and e3 35 Boat-shaped diagram representing F's product f1 (first display) 36 Boat-shaped diagram representing G's product g1 (first representation) 37 Boat-shaped figure (first representation) representing H's product h1 38 Boat-shaped figure representing company I's product i1 (first display) 39 Boat-shaped diagram representing J's product j1 (first representation) 40 A boat-shaped diagram representing K's product k1 (first representation) 41 Coordinates in 4-division matrix format (2D plane) 42 Symbol representing the highest position in the coordinates for a 4-division matrix positioning chart 43 Database 44 Product information data that can be accessed by clicking on a boat-shaped figure representing Company B's product b3 on a computer screen. 45 This invention analysis information data can be accessed by clicking on a computer screen on the approximate sector shape representing the claims of patent B2 related to the product group consisting of B's ​​products b1, b2, b3, and b4. 46 Historical data on patent B2 that can be accessed by clicking on a computer screen on the outline sector representing the claims of patent B2 related to the product group consisting of B's ​​products b1, b2, b3 and b4. 47 Patent publication data for patent B2 that can be accessed by clicking on a computer screen on the approximate sector representing the claims of patent B2 related to the product group consisting of B's ​​products b1, b2, b3 and b4. 48 Shogi-board style coordinates (two-dimensional plane) 49 The symbol representing the highest position in the shogi board coordinate system 50 A boat-shaped diagram representing L's product l1 (first display) 51 A roughly sector-shaped group showing the scope of claims of a patent group related to L's product l1 (second display) 52 A circular auxiliary line (third display) conceptually showing the range of competitors that L regards as its competitors. 53 A boat-shaped figure (first representation) representing M's product m1 54 A simplified sector-shaped group showing the scope of claims of a patent group related to M's product m1 (second display) 55 A boat-shaped figure representing N company's product n1 (first display) 56 A roughly sector-shaped group showing the scope of claims of a patent group related to N's product n1 (second display) 57 A boat-shaped figure (first representation) representing O's product o1 58 A simplified sector-shaped group showing the scope of claims of a patent group related to O's product o1 (second display) 59 A boat-shaped diagram representing P's product p1 (first representation) 60 A simplified sector-shaped group showing the scope of claims of a patent group related to P's product p1 (second display) 61 A figure with a foggy motif (third display) expressing the uncertain situation caused by unstable factors such as the debate over the patent system. 62 A wave-shaped figure (third display) expresses the difficult situation caused by changes in the legal system related to products, not limited to the patent system. 63 A boat-shaped diagram representing company Q's product q1 64 A simplified sector-shaped group showing the scope of claims of a patent group related to Q's product q1 (second display) 65. Symbols showing that a right has been legally exercised or that a right is currently in dispute (third symbol)

Claims

[Claim 1] A management system for product-related information of multiple implementers and patent-related information of multiple patent owners and patent applicants, A database for processing product-related information including information on one or more selected from the group consisting of manufacturers, raw materials, component configurations, and structures, and patent-related information including application information, progress information, registration information, or publication information; and an electronic means for displaying on a computer screen a patent strategy chart comprising a first display showing an embodiment, a second display showing the scope of claims, and a two-dimensional plane with an arbitrary index as a coordinate; the first indication includes at least one of a character and a graphic, and the second indication is substantially fan-shaped; said first representation can be clicked on said computer screen to access said product related information stored in said database; The management system is characterized in that the patent-related information stored in the database can be accessed by clicking on the second display on the computer screen.

Images