Roland De Guio

A framework for OTSM TRIZ-based computer support to be used in complex problem management

After a short presentation of ARIZ and mainstream TRIZ software, complementary paradigms for inventive problem solving developed through OTSM are presented. Description of the framework for OTSM computer support is given. A very first prototype of software and an example of its application are also briefly described.

Application of S-shaped curves

Abstract This paper deals with the application of S-shaped curves in the contexts of inventive problem solving, innovation and technology forecasts. After explaining the origin of the logistic S-curve its application, as seen in publications from different domains, is reviewed. Despite much criticism and the failure to apply the logistic function for long-term forecasting, it continues to be a popular model for describing the evolution of systems (technological, economical, social and others) over time. This paper can help researchers and practitioners to understand the scope of application of S-shaped patterns, their limitations, and peculiarities.

Comparison of non solvable problem solving principles issued from CSP and TRIZ

Inventive problems from many domains are usually problems we are not able to solve. This problem insolvability is often due to the incomplete or un- matched representation model of the problem that does not correspond to the given problem. In this paper, we introduce two problem solving theories for the solu- tionless problems: Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP) and dialectical based methods and models (TRIZ). It is an exploratory analysis of both theories in order to compare grounding approach and tools of both theories. Their potential com- plementarities will be defined in further objective to improve problem solving strategy for the inventive problems by matching the CSP and TRIZ solving princi- ples. We consider that it will contribute to better understanding of non-solvable problems, i.e. to improve representation models of the problems and to make the problem solving more accurately.

A dialectical based model coherent with inventive and optimization problems

In an array of problem solving methods, one can traditionally distinguish two kinds of problems: one is a problem that has solutions in a search space and the other is a problem that does not have solutions in a given space. The later problem so called solutionless problem or inventive problem requires an inventive approach to reformulate the problem and dialectical thinking brings benefits in the process. The framework used to formulate problems in a dialectical approach is contradiction. Identification of contradictions plays an important role in distinguishing solutionless problems: a contradiction exists when no solution can be found, and a solution exists when no contradiction can be found. In this article, the inadequacy of existing frameworks in satisfying this requirement is demonstrated and a framework that fits this requirement is proposed.

OTSM Network of Problems for representing and analysing problem situations with computer support

This paper presents a method for increasing the level of formalization of the description of a problem situation and obtaining a “big picture” of the problem situation in order to be solved by TRIZ and OTSM instruments. The main output of the method is a list of problems to be turned into contradictions. Elements concerning computer support for this approach are discussed.

Enhancing ECN's abilities to address inventive strategies using OTSM-TRIZ

This paper analyses and discusses from various points of views to what extent Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) and its generalisation (OTSM) could contribute to the Engineering as Collaborative Negotiation (ECN) process instrumentation and evolution. First, decision-making and optimisation approach are compared with OTSM-TRIZ problem stating approach and overall strategies to perform steps of the ECN process are deduced. Then, it is briefly shown how OTSM-TRIZ deals with exploration and construction concepts that should both take place in ECN process. Finally, a general description of the Problem Flow Networks (PFN) approach based on OTSM-TRIZ technologies is given to show how it could be used within ECN process.

Algorithm for identifying generalized technical contradictions in experiments

This paper proposes an algorithm for identifying and extracting generalised technical contradictions from experiments, Contradictions are used as the starting point for certain approaches to inventive problem solving. These methods are based on dialectical contradictions, which are used for understanding and representing inventive problems. The resolution of such problems is actually the resolution of the identified contradictions, which cannot be solved by optimisation methods and must be solved using inventive principles. The proposed algorithm uses the output data from design of experiments based on statistical theory as input data. The objective of this algorithm is to identify the complete set of generalised technical contradictions. RESUME. Ce papier propose un algorithme d’identification et d’extraction des contradictions techniques généralisées utilisées comme point de départ de certaines démarches de résolution de problème d’invention. Ces approches basées sur la dialectique identifient les contradictions afin de mieux comprendre et représenter les problèmes d’invention. La résolution du problème passe ensuite par la résolution de la contradiction qui empêche a priori de résoudre le problème par le biais des méthodes d’optimisation et nécessite l’utilisation des principes de résolution inventives. L’algorithme proposé utilise comme entrée les données issues d’une méthode statistique connue dans le domaine technique comme le plan d’expérience. L’objectif de l’algorithme est d’identifier l’ensemble complet des contradictions techniques généralisées. Dans le papier nous présentons le problème combinatoire, sa complexité et évaluons ses limites sur des exemples.

Building Innovation Pipelines through Computer-Aided Innovation

This volume constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 4th IFIP WG 5.4. Working Conference on Computer- Aided Innovation, CAI 2011, held in Strasbourg, France, in June/July 2011. The 14 revised papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from numerous submissions. They cover a broad range of topics from basic research to industrial applications of computer-aided innovation systems.

Towards an Automatic Extraction of Generalized System of Contradictions Out of Solutionless Design of Experiments

There exist two kinds of problem resolution in the design of technical systems: the optimization resolution tools are appropriate for routine design whereas inventive resolution tools are appropriate for innovative and creative design. In general, the problems are tackled first by an optimization approach and, if no solution is found, inventive approaches are used to solve the problem. Previously, the Generalized System of Contradictions was defined to fit both kinds of problem resolution and to shift from optimization representation models to inventive ones. In this paper the transition is based on the identification of Generalized System of Contradictions out of Design of Experiments. The set of equations to resolve to automatically extract different kinds of contradictions out of a DoE’s model is proposed.

Automatic Extraction and Ranking of Systems of Contradictions Out of a Design of Experiments

This paper shows to what extent data used in design optimization process and TRIZ based models of contradictions can benefit from each other. New design often starts by optimizing existing systems by experimental and numerical means. This approach requires building a model linking on the one hand, a set of Action Parameters; and on the other hand, Evaluation Parameters measuring the quality of a solution. When none of the solutions satisfy the objectives, a redesign of the system is required. Our hypothesis in this paper is that the analysis of experimental or simulation data, can be used as input to automatically extract systems of contradictions, and moreover that it can help to make a ranking of these systems of contradictions.