• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for solving a user's problem.
    公开号:BE1022316B1
    申请号:E2014/0163
    申请日:2014-03-12
    公开日:2016-03-15
    发明作者:Reinout Declerck；François CROP
    申请人:Solvace Nv；Reinout Declerck；Reinout Declerck；François CROP；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    METHOD OF SOLVING PROBLEMS DOMAIN OF THE INVENTION
    The present invention is in the domain of computer-implemented methods for troubleshooting within an organization.
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    Every day millions of people are confronted with problems (or challenges, or issues) in their professional environment, ranging from strategic issues (such as "Should we buy a competitor or grow ourselves through the start-up of an office in Asia "), About operational or technical problems ("Why do we have so many unplanned stops on this production line "), to management problems ("How do I improve the motivation of my team "). Many of these business problems require specific methodology and knowledge to be solved correctly and efficiently. The people involved in a given problem do not always have the required methodology and knowledge at their disposal.
    Problem solving often uses generic or ad hoc methods, in an orderly fashion ("steps"), to find solutions to problems. Problem solving is used, for example, in engineering disciplines when products or processes go wrong, so that corrective measures can be taken to prevent further errors. The 8-Disciplines methodology is a popular example of a problem-solving method. The 8 disciplines are: - DO: Plan - D1: Gather a team - D2: Define and describe the problem - D3: Develop a plan to contain the problem for the time being - D4: Identify, identify and verify the root causes - D5: Choose and verify permanent corrections with regard to. problems / non-compliance - D6: Implement and validate corrective measures - D7: Take preventive measures - D8: Congratulate the team.
    Currently, the options to gather the required methodology and knowledge required for a given problem are rather limited, and they each have their limitations: - Ask colleagues for help. Organizations are constantly changing, and finding someone with the right expertise within an organization can be very difficult. - Searching for information in internal documents, literature, the worldwide web, etc. This can be a time-consuming and especially daunting task: as with all searches, it is impossible to know in advance whether the search will yield interesting information. The information found is often not directly applicable to the given problem. - Attract external experts (Consultants). Organizations cannot rely on an expert for every problem.
    Moreover, new expertise that arises in solving a given problem is often insufficiently received (guaranteed) and spread throughout the entire organization. When a similar problem occurs elsewhere in the organization, it is likely that the people involved will completely redo the problem-solving effort, while they could have learned from the existing experience.
    As a result, people often lose a lot of time (searching for information, reinventing the wheel, etc.) and / or making unthinking decisions (relying on intuition, incorrect reasoning, etc.) that have a negative impact on the financial result of their organization. This is often the case in larger organizations, where the complexity of the organizational structure and processes exacerbates the above findings.
    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a more efficient method of problem solving. It is also an object of the invention to provide a problem solving method that prevents similar problems from returning in the future.
    SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
    The above objects are fully or partially achieved with the present invention and preferred embodiments thereof.
    In a first aspect the invention relates to a method, system or programs for solving business problems, comprising functionality to structure a problem into smaller sub-problems and to follow a logical process to solve a problem, suggesting methodology and knowledge aspects of similar problems, monitoring of critical performance indicators around the volume and efficiency of problem solving within an organization, including the completion of ongoing actions, and the delivery of problems and associated solutions and / or actions to anyone in the organization who may encounter similar problems.
    In a second aspect, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for solving a problem of a user (1) with a computer system, preferably wherein the computer system comprises a client (2) and a server (3), the the method comprises the following steps: a) receiving a project from the user (1), wherein the project is based on a problem that the user (1) is confronted with; b) receiving a context / description of the problem of the user (1); c) splitting the problem into one or more sub-problems and / or receiving a split of the problem into one or more sub-problems of the user (1), one or more nodes being created; d) optionally, designating one or more experts and / or receiving a designation of one or more experts from the user (1), and assigning the one or more experts to the problem or to one or more participants problems and / or receiving an assignment of the one or more experts to the problem or one or more partial problems of the user (1); e) finding causes and / or solutions for the one or more sub-problems, and / or receiving causes and / or solutions for the one or more sub-problems of the indicated experts or of the user (1); f) defining the solutions found for the one or more sub-problems, and / or receiving a definition of the solutions found for the one or more sub-problems from the designated experts or from the user (1); g) optionally, receiving verification of the results of the solutions found for the one or more sub-problems of the designated experts or of the user (1); and h) storing the context / description of step b), the division of step c), the designation of experts from step d), the causes and / or solutions of step e), the defined solutions found from step f) and / or the verification of the results of the results of step g) in a database.
    In a third aspect, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for solving a problem of a user (1) with a computer system, preferably wherein the computer system comprises a client (2) and a server (3), the the method comprises the following steps: a ') delivering a project, the project being based on a problem that the user (1) is confronted with; b ') providing a context / description of the user's problem (1); c ') splitting the problem into one or more sub-problems and / or receiving a split of the problem into one or more sub-problems of the computer system, one or more nodes being created; d ') optionally, designating one or more experts and / or receiving an appointment of one or more experts from the computer system, and assigning the one or more experts to the problem or to one or more sub-problems and / or receiving an assignment of one or more experts to the problem or one or more sub-problems of the computer system; e ') finding causes and / or solutions for the one or more partial problems, and / or receiving causes and / or solutions for the one or more partial problems of the computer system or the designated experts; f ') defining the solutions found for the one or more sub-problems, and / or receiving a definition of the solutions found for the one or more sub-problems of the computer system or of the indicated experts; g ') optional, the verification of the results of the solutions found for the one or more sub-problems; and h ') storing the context / description of step b), the division of step c), the designation of experts from step d), the causes and / or solutions of step e), the defined solutions found from step f) ), and / or the verification of the results of the results of step g), in a database on the computer system.
    Although often presented as a sequence above, the user (1) or an expert can reorder the steps, or return to a particular step.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein step c) or c ') comprises the division of the problem and optionally from one or more sub-problems to sub-problems using a hierarchical tree-like structure comprising one or more nodes.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein step c) or c ') is performed either manually by the user (1), either automatically by the computer system, or manually by one or more experts, for example at the request of the user (1).
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein step d) or d ') comprises the addition of one or comprises several individual experts and / or the addition of one or more groups comprising one or more individual experts.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein the one or more individual experts and / or the one or more groups are selected on the basis of their expertise with regard to the sub-problems to which they are assigned.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein step e) or e ') comprises performing an investigative action and providing evidence as a result of the investigative action.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein step e) or e ') comprises the generation of automatic suggestions selected based on solutions stored in the database.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein the automatic suggestions are selected from information previously stored in the database in step h) or h ') performed for a previous problem.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, comprising the following steps: i) selecting one or more nodes ; ii) testing one or more nodes in one or more previously solved problems or sub-problems in the database for similarities with the selected one or more nodes; iii) assigning a match score based on the amount and type of corresponding features in step ii); iv) selecting the one or more nodes in one or more previously solved problems or partial problems with the highest match scores; and v) presenting the one or more underlying nodes that may or may not have been grouped, the one or more assigned experts, and / or the associated information sources, for example documents, videos, images, of the one or more nodes in one or more previously solved problems or sub-problems selected in iv) as suggestions, for example in the form of a list.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, comprising the following steps: v ') receiving a proposal from the one or more underlying nodes that may or may not have been grouped, the one or more assigned experts, and / or the connected sources of information, for example documents, videos, images, of one or more nodes in one or more previously solved problems or sub-problems of the computer system; and vi ') selecting one or more proposals received in step v); and vii ') adding the selected one or more proposals as a cause or solution to one or more sub-problems.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein step f) or f) comprises preparing a series of corrective and / or preventive measures to solve the problem and / or to prevent recurrence.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein step h) or h ') comprises indicating a stored solution as the standard for handling similar problems.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein the database in step h) or h ') in real time being updated.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, further comprising the step of calculating performance indicators based on the database in step h) or h ').
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein the problem relates to a strategic problem or a management problem.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein the problem relates to an operational or technical problem.
    In some preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a method according to the first aspect of the invention, or to a computer-implemented method according to the second or third aspect of the invention, wherein the problem relates to an engineering problem.
    In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a computer program, or a computer program product directly loadable in the internal memory of a computer, or a computer program product stored on a medium readable by a computer, or a combination of such computer programs or computer program products configured for execution of the method according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention.
    In a fifth aspect the invention relates to a computer system, preferably a server, comprising the database generated in step h) or h ') by the method of the second or third aspect of the invention.
    The methods according to the invention have the advantage that a problem is structured by breaking it down into smaller components, which are individually easier to investigate. The methods according to the invention furthermore promote cooperation at the most important moments, that is to say when a problem has to be tackled, and identify the people who are ideally suited to tackle the problem. By repeatedly applying the methods according to the invention, the database becomes larger and the methods become more efficient. The more problems an organization is confronted with, the better the organization becomes in solving new problems.
    LEGEND OF FIGURES FIG. 1: Figure 1 shows a typical arrangement, comprising a Server (3) and one or more Client (2) computers. FIG. 2: Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of View I: the User (1) starts a new business problem ("How to turnaround my business "), Provides a context / description of the problem, and adds other Users involved are at or interested in the problem and its solutions and / or actions (right side). FIG. 3: Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of View I: the User (1) splits the overall problem into smaller sub-problems using a tree-like structure, and adds an information source (in this case a document) to a node, ie an element of the tree structure. FIG. 4: Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of View I: the Server (3) suggests a collection of critical variables (right-hand side) that have an influence on the sharing problem that the User (1) currently has selected ("Expand business scope") ). The User (1) can choose to include this suggestion in the current problem. FIG. 5: Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of View I: the Server (3) suggests two Experts (right-hand side) who have expertise on the sharing problem that the User (1) currently has selected ("Expand business scope"). The User (1) can contact the Experts to help him with the current problem. FIG. 6: Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of View I: the Server (3) suggests a document (right side) that is relevant to the sharing problem that the
    User (1) currently selected ("Expand business scope"). The User (1) can choose to include this suggestion in the current problem. FIG. 7: Figure 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of View I: the User (1) formulates a conclusion about each node in the tree structure. Some nodes have a concrete possibility for improvement, others do not ("No improvement potential"). FIG. 8: Figure 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of View I: the User (1) defines a series of actions (right side) to realize the claims. FIG. 9: Figure 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of View II. FIG. 10: Figure 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of View lil. FIG. 11: Figure 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of the database layout of the Server (3). FIG. 12: Figure 12 shows the different possible attributes of a node in a tree-like structure. FIG. 13: Figure 13 shows a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 14: Figure 14 shows a step-by-step procedure that illustrates how suggestions can be automatically generated from a database while solving a new problem.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    Before describing the present methods of the invention, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular methods or combinations described, since such methods and combinations may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.
    As used herein, the singular forms "a," "the," and "it" refer to both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
    The terms "comprising", "include" and "includes" as used herein are synonyms for "containing", "contain" and "contain", and are inclusive and non-limiting and do not include additional, unnamed members, elements or steps out of the process. It will be understood that the terms "comprising", "include" and "includes" as used herein include the terms "consisting of", "consists of" and "consists of".
    The listed numerical ranges include all numbers and fractions within the limits of the respective ranges, as well as the specified end points.
    The terms "one or more" or "at least one", as in one or more or at least one member (s) of a group of members, are self-evident. For further clarification, these terms include, inter alia, a reference to one of these members, or any two or more of these members, such as any £ 3, £ 4, £ 5, £ 6 or £ 7, etc. of these members, and up to and including all members mentioned.
    All references cited in the present description are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In particular, the explanation of all references specifically mentioned herein is incorporated by reference.
    Unless defined otherwise, all terms used in the disclosure of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning commonly understood by one skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. For further guidance, definitions of terms are included to better appreciate the explanation of the present invention.
    Various aspects of the invention are further defined in the following passages. Each aspect so defined can be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless the contrary is clearly indicated. In particular, any aspect indicated by preference or advantageously can be combined with any other aspect or aspects indicated by preference or advantageously.
    Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or feature described in connection with the embodiment is contained in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The occurrence of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" at different places in this specification therefore do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but may possibly do so. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art to which this invention belongs, in one or more embodiments. Moreover, while some embodiments described herein contain some, but not other, features contained in other embodiments, the combinations of features of different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention, and constitute different embodiments, as is apparent. would be for experts in the field. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
    In the present description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration only of specific embodiments in which the invention can be applied. It is clear that other embodiments can be used and structural or logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is therefore not understood in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.
    The present invention relates to a method, system and programs for solving problems encountered in a business or industrial environment, comprising one or more of the following functionalities: Functionality for structuring a problem from top to bottom, that is to say start with the larger whole, and then iteratively split it into smaller segments (sub-problems). - Functionality to follow a logical process to solve a problem: Problem definition: “What is the most important question What are the most important variables that affect my problem "
    Analysis: "What influence does each variable have on the entire problem "
    Conclusions / Actions: "Given the influence of each variable, what are the possible solutions "; "What actions must be taken to make this possible " - Functionality that provides suggestions (key variables of a problem, experts, documents, etc.) in all steps of the problem-solving process. These suggestions are contextual, meaning that they take into account the context of the problem, not just the context of the entire problem, but also the context of the specific sub-problem that a person is trying to solve. - Functionality that monitors critical performance indicators around the volume and efficiency of problem solving within the organization, including the completion of ongoing actions. - Functionality to send problems and associated solutions and / or actions to anyone in the organization who may encounter similar problems. FIG. 13 shows a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
    The computer system typically uses a client-server model, this is an application structure that splits tasks or workloads between the providers of a resource or service, called Servers, and requesters of the service, called Clients, as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the computer system comprises at least one Client (2) and a Server (3). The Client (2) can be connected to the Server (3) by any means, but is preferably connected to the Server (3) via the global web protocol. Computers used for the computer system can be (but not exclusively) desktop computers, laptops, tabiets and smartphones. In a preferred embodiment, the Server (3) and Client (2) communicate with each other via a network. The Client (2) is managed by a User (1). The main role of the Server is to process, store and retrieve data entered by Users (1), while the main role of the Client is to process and display information. The Client (2) can be a user interface that is delivered via a web browser. The Server (3) preferably comprises a database. As shown in FIG. 1, the Server (3) may comprise an information processing unit (31), and one or more databases (32,33), such as a Users' database (32) and / or problems and a suggestions database (33).
    In some embodiments, the Client (2) has three main views: a view to edit a problem (View I), a view to navigate through (groups of) problems (View II), and a view to monitor indicators around problem solving and to follow up actions (View III). These views can be accessed from a user's home page (1).
    View I (FIGs. 2-8) comprises a space in which the User (1) can define a problem. For example, a new project can be created by means of a button on the user's start page (1). One or more forms can be provided to enter one or more keywords related to the problem, to describe the context of the problem, to describe the history of the problem, or to describe some criteria under which the problem is solved as considered. The key words can be used to search for related problems or partial problems from previous projects.
    With the help of an ordered structure, such as a tree (tree-like structure) comprising one or more nodes, the User (1) can first divide a problem into smaller sub-problems, each of which is easier to handle individually. The User (1) can then add information specific to that sharing problem for each sharing problem.
    There can be different types of nodes: - Variable
    These are structural elements that have an influence on the most important question that is answered. "Increasing sales", for example, is a variable of the "How to increase profitability " In some embodiments, the variables are indexed by the suggestion system. Another example of variables are the possible causes of a problem. For example, "Snow on the road" is a possible variable (cause) for the "Why did I arrive late for work " - Category.
    Category nodes are distributors that are preferably not indexed by a suggestion system. For example, "Business unit A" and "Business unit B" are categories because they do not provide deeper insights and simply serve to organize the structure of the analysis. - Recommendation.
    Recommendations answer the question "What should I do " And are preferably indexed in a database. "Quitting smoking" and "Walking" are recommendation nodes for a "Healthy Living" node. - Special case: "Main cause" marking.
    Marking as the root cause is not necessarily a kind of node, it is simply a designation that applies to variable nodes, which designate the node as a likely root cause of the problem.
    When all nodes of the structure of a problem have been analyzed and scored, the User (1) has created a heat map for the problem, allowing him to identify the main causes with a striking color.
    In some embodiments, the Client (2) displays suggested information elements used in similar problems for each sub-problem, and suggests suggested individuals who have worked on similar problems (Experts). These suggestions can be generated by the Server (3). The User (1) can insert the proposed information elements into the current problem, and / or communicate with the Experts. The User (1) can add Experts or entire groups of Experts to the problem, for example by means of a form. The Experts can work on a problem or part problem at the same time. In some embodiments, all Experts have full read and write access. In some embodiments, some of the Experts are Followers, and only have read access. In some embodiments, some Followers have read and limited write access, for example in a feedback panel.
    To identify the cause (s) of a problem, the User (1) or Expert can analyze each node of the structure of a problem. An analysis typically includes one or more research actions that assess the influence of the node on the overall problem. The result of an investigative action is, for example, evidence (a document, a video, a note, etc.) summarizing the findings of the analysis and allowing the User (1) to give an influence score for the node.
    The result of each part problem in the tree-like structure can be a conclusion, that is, an explanation based on the information elements provided of what the part problem means for the general problem. From the conclusions for a group of partial problems, a conclusion can be drawn about a higher (partial) problem, and so on. By climbing higher in the tree-like structure, the User (1) can generate a series of conclusions that make it possible to formulate a general conclusion. Finally, the User (1) can define one or more actions that must be performed to solve the problem. These actions can be plotted in time and assigned to an action manager, this can be the User (1) himself or other Users or groups of Users. When the problem is resolved, a notification can be sent to anyone in the organization who is interested in this problem and the solutions and / or actions.
    For example, to generate the suggestions in View I, the Server (3) can (among other things) analyze the collective set of information from previous business problems, as follows: - Each problem is defined by a tree-like structure, in which each element ( Node) represents a partial problem of the general problem. Information elements (documents, conversations between users, etc.) are often related to one or more Nodes. - From the perspective of an individual Node, each Node can have an origin (parent problems), brothers and sisters (share problems of the same mother problem), children (share problems), and / or related information elements ( see FIG. 12). - The Server (3) tests all Nodes within all previous problems for corresponding characteristics with the selected Node of the current problem: similar name, ancestors, siblings, children, information elements, etc. The agreement is tested by, for example, semantic similarity techniques or machine learning. Candidate nodes get a higher match score if they show more similar characteristics. - The Server (3) sends characteristics of the highest scoring candidate nodes as suggestions to the Client (2): the most important variables of a (sub) problem, experts, documents, etc.
    The suggestions are preferably provided in real time, and are preferably very specific to what the User (1) is currently doing (for example, by detecting selected text). The suggestions can be generated by various techniques from machine learning, such as, but not limited to, collaborative filtering, filtering based on content similarity, pattern recognition, information clustering and social verification. .
    View II (FIG. 9) shows a list of problems, for example business problems, that are (inter alia) sorted based on the role of the User (1) in the organization and the indicated interests of the User (1). Each problem is represented by a description of the problem and the solution if available. For each problem, the User can request (1) to view View I. The User (1) can search for specific problems, for example by entering searches or by narrowing down the list of problems around certain themes, groups, etc. A User (1) can indicate his interest in certain topics, groups, etc. communities, etc., which updates the indicated interests of the User (1).
    View III (FIG. 10) shows the current and completed actions of the User (1), as well as the critical performance indicators around the volume and efficiency of problem solving within the organization and certain subdivisions of the organization. The
    User (1) can indicate that specific actions have been completed, and can indicate whether the actions had the desired result.
    In some embodiments, the Server (3) stores all, or part of, information from the User (1) in a database. An exemplary embodiment of such a database is described by an entity relationship diagram in FIG. 11.
    In some preferred embodiments, any problem or partial problem, previously solved by the method of the invention, is stored in the database. This database, which can contain a growing number of solved problems, can be used to automatically derive suggestions in real time when a new problem is solved. These suggestions allow efficient reuse of knowledge and expertise. Suggestions can be the following: - Structure elements: important variables of a problem. For example, Revenues and Costs are the most important variables of Profit; Fixed costs and Variable costs are the main variables of Costs - Experts: Other users with expertise on the new problem, because of their contributions to similar problems in the past - Documents: Useful documents that were used in similar problems. FIG. 14 shows a step-by-step procedure how suggestions can be automatically generated from a database while a new problem is being solved. The method can include the following steps:. 1) regularly updating the suggestion databases based on the most recent database of solved problems and other sources; 2) sending the context and the current position in the problem structure of a new problem; 3) generating a list of suggestions and displaying them to the User (1); and 4) importing the suggestion by the User (1), and adding it to the new problem.
    In some preferred embodiments, the database further serves as a source of information for generating performance indicators around the volume and efficiency of problem solving in the organization. Performance indicators can be user indicators (for example, "Who contributed the most "), Project indicators (for example, "What are the issues currently being worked on in the organization "), And action indicators (for example, " What is the percentage of actions that are completed on time ").
    In some embodiments, the User (1) defines a set of corrective and preventative measures to correct the problem and prevent recurrence. Actions can be assigned to one or more action managers, and placed in time with start dates and deadlines. Those responsible for action can be reminded of the coming deadlines via e-mail. In some embodiments, problem managers may be designated (e.g., the User (1)) and may receive regular reports on the progress of the actions within their problem. The actions can include the following information: name, description, managers, start date, deadline, impact (helps to prioritize actions), feasibility (helps to prioritize actions), priority (identifying priority actions to be implemented first) . Each person responsible for action can report on their progress (for example via a slide switch from 0 to 100%), and can provide a result and comment.
    In some embodiments, the database stored on the Server (3) can be examined to study similar problems and their solutions.
    权利要求:
    Claims (23)
    [1]
    CONCLUSIONS
    A computer-implemented method for solving a problem of a user (1) with a computer system, preferably wherein the computer system comprises a client (2) and a server (3), the method comprising the following steps: a) receiving a project from the user (1), the project being based on a problem facing the user (1); b) receiving a context / description of the problem of the user (1); c) splitting the problem into one or more sub-problems and / or receiving a split of the problem into one or more sub-problems of the user (1), one or more nodes being created; d) optionally, designating one or more experts and / or receiving a designation of one or more experts from the user (1), and assigning the one or more experts to the problem or to one or more participants problems and / or receiving an assignment of the one or more experts to the problem or one or more partial problems of the user (1); e) finding causes and / or solutions for the one or more sub-problems, and / or receiving causes and / or solutions for the one or more sub-problems of the indicated experts or of the user (1); f) defining the solutions found for the one or more sub-problems, and / or receiving a definition of the solutions found for the one or more sub-problems from the designated experts or from the user (1); g) optionally, receiving verification of the results of the solutions found for the one or more sub-problems of the designated experts or of the user (1); and h) storing the context / description of step b), the division of step c), the designation of experts from step d), the causes and / or solutions of step e), the defined solutions found from step f) and / or the verification of the results of the results of step g) in a database.
    [2]
    A computer-implemented method for solving a problem of a user (1) with a computer system, preferably wherein the computer system comprises a client (2) and a server (3), the method comprising the following steps: a ') delivering a project, where the project is based on a problem that the user (1) is confronted with; b) providing a context / description of the user's problem (1); c ') splitting the problem into one or more sub-problems and / or receiving a split of the problem into one or more sub-problems of the computer system, one or more nodes being created; d ') optionally, designating one or more experts and / or receiving a designation of one or more experts from the computer system, and assigning one or more experts to the problem or to one or more sub-problems and / or receiving an assignment of one or more experts to the problem or one or more sub-problems of the computer system; e ') finding causes and / or solutions for the one or more partial problems, and / or receiving causes and / or solutions for the one or more partial problems of the computer system or the designated experts; f ') defining the solutions found for the one or more sub-problems, and / or receiving a definition of the solutions found for the one or more sub-problems of the computer system or of the indicated experts; g ') optional, the verification of the results of the solutions found for the one or more sub-problems; and h ') storing the context / description of step b), the division of step c), the designation of experts from step d), the causes and / or solutions of step e), the defined solutions found from step f) ), and / or the verification of the results of the results of step g), in a database on the computer system.
    [3]
    Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein step c) or c ') comprises the division of the problem and optionally of one or more sub-problems into sub-problems using a hierarchical tree-like structure that has one or more nodes includes.
    [4]
    A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein step c) or c ') is performed either manually by the user (1), or automatically by the computer system, or manually by one or more experts, for example at the request of the user (1).
    [5]
    A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein step d) or d ') comprises the addition of one or more individual experts and / or the addition of one or more groups comprising one or more individual experts.
    [6]
    Method according to claim 5, wherein the one or more individual experts and / or the one or more groups are selected on the basis of their expertise with regard to the sub-problems to which they are assigned.
    [7]
    The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein step e) or e ") comprises performing an investigative action and providing evidence as a result of the investigative action.
    [8]
    A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein step e) or e ") comprises the generation of automatic suggestions selected on the basis of solutions stored in the database.
    [9]
    The method of claim 8, wherein the automatic suggestions are selected from information previously stored in the database in step h) or h ") performed for a previous problem.
    [10]
    The method of claim 1 in combination with claim 8 or 9, comprising the steps of: i) selecting one or more nodes; ii) testing one or more nodes in one or more previously solved problems or sub-problems in the database for similarities with the selected one or more nodes; iii) assigning a match score based on the amount and type of corresponding features in step ii); iv) selecting the one or more nodes in one or more previously solved problems or partial problems with the highest match scores; and v) presenting the one or more underlying nodes that may or may not have been grouped, the one or more assigned experts, and / or the associated information sources, for example documents, videos, images, of the one or more nodes in one or more previously solved problems or sub-problems selected in iv) as suggestions, for example in the form of a list.
    [11]
    Method according to claim 2 in combination with claim 8 or 9, comprising the following steps: v ') receiving a proposal from the one or more underlying nodes that may or may not have been grouped, the one or more assigned experts, and / or the connected information sources, for example documents, videos, images, of one or more nodes in one or more previously solved problems or sharing problems as suggestions; and vi ') selecting one or more proposals received in step v ’) by the user (1); and vü ') adding the selected one or more proposals as a cause or solution to one or more sub-problems.
    [12]
    The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein step f) or f) comprises drafting a set of corrective and / or preventive measures to solve the problem and / or to prevent recurrence.
    [13]
    The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein step h) or h ") comprises designating a stored solution as the standard for handling similar problems.
    [14]
    A method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the database in step h) or h ") is updated in real time.
    [15]
    The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising the step of calculating performance indicators based on the database in step h) or h ').
    [16]
    The method of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the problem is a strategic problem or a management problem.
    [17]
    The method of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the problem is an operational or technical problem.
    [18]
    The method of claim 17, wherein the problem is an engineering problem.
    [19]
    A computer program, or a computer program product directly loadable in the internal memory of a computer, or a computer program product stored on a medium readable by a computer, or a combination of such computer programs or computer program products, configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.
    [20]
    A computer system, preferably comprising a server (3), comprising the database generated in step h) or h ') by the method of any one of claims 1 to 19.
    [21]
    21. A method of solving business problems, including functionality to structure a problem into smaller sub-problems and follow a logical process to solve a problem, suggesting methodology and knowledge aspects of similar problems, following up critical performance indicators around the volume and efficiency of problem solving within an organization, including the completion of ongoing actions, and the dispatch of problems and related solutions and / or actions to anyone in the organization who may encounter similar problems.
    [22]
    22. A system for solving business problems, including functionality to structure a problem into smaller sub-problems and to follow a logical process to solve a problem, suggesting methodology and knowledge aspects of similar problems, following up critical performance indicators around the volume and efficiency of problem solving within an organization, including the completion of ongoing actions, and the dispatch of problems and related solutions and / or actions to anyone in the organization who may encounter similar problems.
    [23]
    23. Programs to solve business problems, including functionality to structure a problem into smaller sub-problems and to follow a logical process to solve a problem, suggesting methodology and knowledge aspects of similar problems, following up critical ones performance indicators around the volume and efficiency of problem solving within an organization, including the completion of ongoing actions, and the delivery of problems and related solutions and / or actions to anyone in the organization who may encounter similar problems.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    US20140310035A1|2014-10-16|
    BE1022316B9|2017-12-19|
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    法律状态:
    2018-02-15| FG| Patent granted|Effective date: 20160315 |
    2018-02-15| PD| Change of ownership|Owner name: SOLVACE NV; BE Free format text: DETAILS ASSIGNMENT: CHANGE OF OWNER(S), AFFECTATION / CESSION; FORMER OWNER NAME: CROP, FRANCOIS Effective date: 20160718 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201361803475P| true| 2013-03-20|2013-03-20|
    US61/803475|2013-03-20|
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