Terry Lynn Gilliam

US Patent:

58782141, Mar 2, 1999

Filed:

Jul 10, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/891171

Inventors:

Terry K. Gilliam - Southlake TX
Richard A. Harriman - Cambridge MA

Assignee:

Synectics Corporation - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G06F 1500

US Classification:

39520034

Abstract:

A computer-based method of innovatively solving one or more problems using a group assembled at a computerized meeting. One participant of the group is the client who is the owner of or is responsible for the problem or opportunity to be resolved. Each participant is provided with a computer which is networked with all other computers. A group list is created of all the participants of the group, and one participant is designated the facilitator who controls the problem solving process of the meeting. The remaining participants are designated as resources. An agenda is created consisting of placeholders and activities. The resources enter creative springboards into their computers based on the problem to be solved, and these springboards are distributed to all participants. Builds and elaborations are generated by the resources based on the springboards and distributed to all participants. Participants are polled about their opinions about the springboards, and one or more beginning ideas are selected based on high newness and intrigue.