Analysis of developing a specific technological field using the theme code of Japanese patent information

Abstract

The paper was to establish an easy and effective method to investigate and develop a specific technological field from Japanese patent information. The walking technique of the biped humanoid robot was used as an example to study the relative research capabilities and patent citation conditions for patent owners and patent map by the searching method of the theme code for FI (File Index) and F-term classification system of the Japanese Patent Office (JPO). A formulated technical matrix of patent map was established to indicate that the ZMP (Zero Moment Point) control means was the main technology to achieve stabilized walking control of the humanoid biped robot. This method can aid to establish a specific technological matrix from the specific selected term codes (single viewpoint or multiple viewpoints) of the F-term list in the theme code of the JPO system through Boolean logical operations. The resulting particular technical fields were developed to improve the technological capability or seek the merging technology opportunities.

Forecasting the development of the biped robot walking technique in Japan through S-curve model analysis

“…The research data collected by this study for the walking technique of the humanoid biped robot in Japan are the cumulative amounts of patents granted by the Japan Patent Office for the technique, from the year 1987 up to the year 2006 (Liu and Luo 2008). After careful data sorting and sieving, the study retrieved 293 pertinent cases as shown by Fig.…”

“…The research data collected by this study for the walking technique of the humanoid biped robot (Liu and Luo 2008) are the laid-open publications released by IPDL (Industrial Property Digital Library) of Japan Patent Office, which cover the historical period up to December 31, 2006. After careful data sorting and sieving, this study found that the top 10 companies or organizations owning the walking technique patents in Japan are Honda, Sony, Toyota, JST, AIST, Seiko-Epson, Fujitsu, Sharp, and Waseda University.…”