Automated Patent Claim Scope Mapping Through Concept Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack an efficient method for automated and assisted patent-claim mapping and expense planning, which is crucial for managing patent portfolios effectively.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an apparatus and computer-implemented method that automatically extracts claim text from a patent, identifies independent claims, and determines preliminary scope-concept phrases. It allows for user input to classify these concepts, generating a concept map and a computer-readable claim-concept data object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated patent claim mapping is implemented, then productivity and efficiency of patent analysis are improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the patent claim mapping process into distinct functional modules: claim text extraction module, independent claim identification module, scope-concept phrase determination module, concept classification module, and concept map generation module. Each module handles a specific aspect of the analysis process, making the overall complex system manageable and easier to implement while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that automatically extracts claim text from patent documents, identifies independent claims, determines scope-concept phrases, and classifies concepts before generating the final concept map. This intermediary automation layer reduces manual analysis time while the structured approach manages system complexity through clear data flow between processing stages
2Loss of time
If automated extraction and identification of claim text is performed, then loss of time in manual analysis is reduced, but measurement precision of claim scope may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated extraction and identification of claim text, independent claims, and scope-concept phrases before final concept classification. This preliminary processing quickly reduces the volume of text requiring detailed analysis while maintaining precision through subsequent verification steps where the system elicits user input to refine concept classifications
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where users can review and refine the automatically generated concept classifications. The system elicits user input to classify concepts and can adjust its processing based on user feedback, ensuring measurement precision is maintained while still benefiting from automated time-saving processing
3Reliability
If comprehensive concept classification is performed, then quality of patent mapping is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concept classification process is segmented into multiple stages: automatic determination of preliminary scope-concept phrases, user input for concept classification, and generation of the final concept map. This segmentation allows comprehensive quality improvement while managing processing complexity by breaking down the classification task into manageable steps with clear input-output relationships
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and computer implemented method that include obtaining, into a computer, text of a patent, automatically finding and extracting, using the computer, a set of claim text from the patent text, identifying, using the computer, text of independent claims from the set of claim text, displaying in a first row on a computer monitor the text of the independent claims, automatically determining a plurality of preliminary scope-concept phrases from the text of the independent claims, displaying in a second row on the computer monitor the text of the plurality of preliminary scope-concept phrases, eliciting and receiving user input to specify a first one of the plurality of preliminary scope-concepts phrases, and highlighting each occurrence of the specified first one of the plurality of preliminary scope-concept phrases in a plurality of the independent claims displayed in the first row. A scope concept builder tool is also provided.