| Number |
Name |
Considered solutions |
Description |
Examples |
| LEVEL 5 |
Discovery |
more than 100000 solutions considered |
Pioneering invention of an essentially new system |
laser, radio |
| LEVEL 4 |
Invention outside paradigm |
cca 1000 -100000 solutions considered |
A new concept for performing the primary function of an existing system |
jet aircraft, integrated circuit |
| LEVEL 3 |
Invention within paradigm |
cca 100-1000 solutions considered |
Established solutions; well known and readily accessible |
automatic transmission |
| LEVEL 2 |
Improvement |
cca 10-100 solutions considered |
Existing system improved, usually with some compromise |
bifocals |
| LEVEL 1 |
Apparent (no invention) |
cca 1-10 solutions considered |
Established solutions; well known and readily accessible |
no examples |
