11Y4

IŠRADINGUMO LYGIAI

In the 1960s and 1970s, Altshuller categorized the solutions into five levels.
• Level one. Routine design problems solved by methods well known within the specialty. No invention needed. About 32% of the solutions fell into this level.
• Level two. Minor improvements to an existing system, by methods known within the industry. Usually with some compromise. About 45% of the solutions fell into this level.
• Level three. Fundamental improvement to an existing system, by methods known outside the industry. Contradictions resolved. About 18% of the solutions fell into this category.
• Level four. A new generation that uses a new principle to perform the primary functions of the system. Solution found more in science than in technology. About 4% of the solutions fell into this category.
• Level five. A rare scientific discovery or pioneering invention of essentially a new system. About 1% of the solutions fell into this category.

Table 1. Levels of Inventiveness.
Level Degree of inventiveness % of solutions Source of knowledge Approximate # of solutions to consider
1 Apparent solution 32% Personal knowledge 10
2 Minor improvement 45% Knowledge within company 100
3 Major improvement 18% Knowledge within the industry 1000
4 New concept 4% Knowledge outside the industry 100,000
5 Discovery 1% All that is knowable 1,000,000