Relating properties and functions from patents to TRIZ trends

TRIZ trends describe the evolutionary status of a system by identifying the trend phases, and assist in predicting improvements by identifying evolutionary potential. This process encompasses analyzing and categorizing patents in known trend phases, relying on intrinsic skills of a TRIZ expert, and depicting the results on an evolutionary potential radar plot. To structure this approach, an algorithm is proposed that, through patent analysis and word category identification, extracts information concerning product properties, which relate to trend phases. Allowing controlled and repeatable measurements of trends, this algorithm aims at reliably identifying the evolutionary potential and possible improvements to this product.