A computer implemented apparatus to identify problems that exist in a real-world system and to assist in finding a solution to such problems. The apparatus has an input device for receiving a description of the real-world system as input. A memory device stores a graph being a representation of the description of the real-world system. A processor produces the graph representing the description of the real-world system. The processor also determines if the graph complies with a set of structural rules and parses the graph to produce an ordered list of problem statements, each problem statement in the ordered list of problem statements identifying a problem that exists in the real-world system. The memory also stores a network of operators, each operator linked to at least one other operator in the network of operators. Each operator includes a recommendation for solving a problem, and can also include an example of the application of the recommendation. The links between the operators represent historical routes to solutions to problems. The processor enables a user to traverse the network of operators to locate at least one operator relevant to the problem to be solved.

An analogical reasoning device comprises a knowledge base to store a group of knowledge data described in non-logic symbols and divided into more than one domains according to a certain division standard, an analogy detector to compare the knowledge data in one domain with the those in other domains stored in the knowledge base and determine similar domains containing the knowledge data which can be made identical by replacing a part of the non-logic symbols and an analogical reasoning unit to make analogy for a new knowledge data for the domains determined similar by the analogy detector.

A guided outlining system to assist the user in developing strategy-specific outlines for business communications. The user is prompted to enter the target audience, purpose and specific content entries for the business communication. One strategy choice from a predefined list of strategy options is also selected by the user. Strategy guidelines are displayed for the user to assist in the organization of the content entries based on the selected strategy. The user is then prompted to assign type attributes and ordering criteria to each content entry. The content entries are then sorted and displayed to the user.

A computerized idea generator and problem solver that can receive English language sentences describing a problem to be solved and generate solutions by analogy. The computer uses words in the problem description sentences to obtain information from a database that relates to the type of problem to be solved, for example, animal, plant or human. The computer then uses this information to access analogous information from a second database. The information used can include (1) where a noun in the problem description is categorized in a hierarchy of information within the database, and (2) what purpose or what function is provided by that noun. This information is used to obtain a noun from a second database and a description of how to solve an analogous problem with respect to that noun. The original noun is substituted in the sentence for the second noun to arrive at a solution.

A method and apparatus for identifying, predicting and reporting relationships. The present invention uses a quad structure to describe relationships between dramatic units. Story elements, characters and appreciations are mapped onto the quad structure to reveal and constrain relationships. A storyform whose structure is described by the quad structure configuration and choices is identified and provided to a user.