Automated problem formulator and solver
First Claim
1. A computer-based method to determine and identify problems that exist in a real-world system, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving as input a description of the real-world system in natural language according to a predetermined syntax;
determining if the description complies with the predetermined syntax;
producing a graph representing the description;
determining if the graph complies with a set of predetermined structural rules; and
parsing the graph to produce an ordered list of problem statements, each problem statement in the ordered list of problem statements identifying a problem that exists in the real-world system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computer implemented apparatus to identify problems that exist in a real-world system and to assist in finding a solution to such problems. The apparatus has an input device for receiving a description of the real-world system as input. A memory device stores a graph being a representation of the description of the real-world system. A processor produces the graph representing the description of the real-world system. The processor also determines if the graph complies with a set of structural rules and parses the graph to produce an ordered list of problem statements, each problem statement in the ordered list of problem statements identifying a problem that exists in the real-world system. The memory also stores a network of operators, each operator linked to at least one other operator in the network of operators. Each operator includes a recommendation for solving a problem, and can also include an example of the application of the recommendation. The links between the operators represent historical routes to solutions to problems. The processor enables a user to traverse the network of operators to locate at least one operator relevant to the problem to be solved.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A computer-based method to determine and identify problems that exist in a real-world system, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving as input a description of the real-world system in natural language according to a predetermined syntax; determining if the description complies with the predetermined syntax; producing a graph representing the description; determining if the graph complies with a set of predetermined structural rules; and parsing the graph to produce an ordered list of problem statements, each problem statement in the ordered list of problem statements identifying a problem that exists in the real-world system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A computer-based method for identifying problems that exist in a real-world system, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving as input a description of the real-world system; producing a graph representing the description of the real-world system; determining if the graph complies with a set of predetermined structural rules; and parsing the graph to produce an ordered list of problem statements, each problem statement in the ordered list of problem statements identifying a problem that exists in the real-world system. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A computer-based method for identifying a problem that exists in a real-world system and providing a recommendation for a solution to the problem, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving as input a description of the real-world system; producing a graph representing the description of the real-world system; determining if the graph complies with a set of predetermined structural rules; parsing the graph to produce an ordered list of problem statements, each problem statement in the ordered list of problem statements identifying a problem that exists in the real-world system; enabling a user to select a problem statement from the ordered list of problem statements; and providing a network of operators, each operator linked to at least one other operator in the network of operators, each operator including a problem solving recommendation, wherein the links between the operators represent historical routes to solutions of problems; traversing the network of operators to locate an operator relevant to the selected problem; and outputing the problem solving recommendation for solving the selected problem as represented by the operator relevant to the selected problem.
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29. A computer implemented apparatus for identifying problems that exist in a real-world system, the apparatus comprising:
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an input device for receiving as input a description of the real-world system; a memory for storing a graph being a representation of the description of the real-world system; and a processor coupled to both the input device and the memory, the processor including; means for producing the graph representing the description of the real-world system, means for determining if the graph complies with a set of predetermined structural rules, and means for parsing the graph to produce an ordered list of problem statements, each problem statement in the ordered list of problem statements identifying a problem that exists in the real-world system. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31)
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Specification