Software Process Evaluation Device Backing-Away Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing development methods, such as Agile and Iteration development, face challenges in determining the cause of delays in software development processes, as they do not effectively differentiate between internal and external factors contributing to delays.
Innovation Solution
A process evaluation device and method that calculates a 'backing-away distance' by comparing the sequence number of a development process to an evaluation cardinal point, allowing for the identification of delays caused by internal or external factors through the analysis of transition information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Agile development and Iteration development methods are used to allow partial completion confirmation, then user feedback can be obtained early, but it becomes difficult to determine whether development delays are caused by external factors (customer requirement changes) or internal factors (shortage of developers, skills, or facilities)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism that automatically tracks process transitions and generates evaluation results. The system monitors whether processes move forward or backward relative to the evaluation cardinal point, providing continuous feedback on development progress and delay characteristics. This feedback enables differentiation between external and internal delay causes without requiring manual analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation system that acts as a mediator between the development process and the management decision-making process. This intermediary component collects transition information, calculates backing-away distances, and generates evaluation results that explain delay causes, thereby bridging the information gap between development activities and management understanding.
2Productivity
If development processes are repeatedly performed from start to end, then functions can be partially completed and confirmed, but the complexity of tracking and analyzing delay causes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the development process into distinct processes with assigned sequence numbers, and identifies a specific evaluation cardinal point (process with maximum sequence number). By dividing the process flow into segments and focusing evaluation at a specific cardinal point, the system simplifies delay analysis while maintaining the ability to track repeated development cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of process transition direction by introducing the concept of backing-away distance. Instead of simply tracking whether processes are completed, the system measures the distance between the evaluation cardinal point and the actual process state, transforming complex transition tracking into a simple numerical parameter that indicates delay characteristics.
3Productivity
If no process evaluation system is implemented, then development can proceed without interruption, but real causes of development delay cannot be apprehended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining the evaluation cardinal point (the process with the maximum sequence number) and establishing the backing-away distance calculation method before development delays occur. This preliminary setup enables continuous development without interruption while ensuring that when delays happen, the measurement precision to identify their causes is already in place.
Data Source
AI summary
A process evaluation device, comprising: a development process definition storage unit which stores definition information on a plurality of processes for developing software and sequence numbers thereof; a transition information acquiring unit which acquires identification information or a sequence number of a new process after a backward transition occurs, wherein a process transition from a certain process referred hereafter as an evaluation origin to said new process is said backward transition when a sequence number of said new process is smaller than a sequence number of said evaluation and a transition information analysis unit which calculates and thereby outputs a backing-away distance which is a difference between a sequence number of said evaluation origin and a sequence number of said new process, is provided, in order to apprehend what are real causes of the development delay.