A patent is a type of long-term literature containing the most complete design information in most fields. Thus, it can provide designers with valuable guides for solving various design problems in different fields. Establishing the mapping relationship between the design problem and patent knowledge in different fields is the key to creating an incentive channel for the transfer and combination of multidisciplinary patent knowledge. According to the situation mapping between the design problem and patent knowledge, a method for patent-knowledge representation and automatic patent classification is proposed in this paper. The problem situation is described using four dimensions, namely, function, performance, relationship, and emotion, according to the design-problem types. Multigranular situation attributes are extracted from different design problems. A structured attribute database is established. The mapping relationship between the problem situation and patent knowledge is developed. To realize the effective utilization of the patent knowledge, this study investigates an automatic patent-classification method using the situation attributes as classification categories. An application system of patent knowledge is developed by this method. The system can support the search for patent knowledge related to the design problem and effectively assist designers in achieving an innovative design process.
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