Radar Mapping

<p>A “Radar Map” or “Radar Chart” is a Patent Map based on a radar-like graph that is used to

analyze differences in intellectual property strategy between individual companies, changes in

subjects of technological development over time and international differences in patents held.</p>

<p>

This Map reveals changes in technological development relating to key fields of biometrics

technology including “fingerprint verification technology,” “iris verification technology,” “face

verification technology,” “voiceprint verification technology” and “signature verification technology”

for the period from 1994 to 1999.</p>

<p>

Example of Use

Although Figure 3-16 compares the timing of filing a patent application for various biometrical

technologies, a Radar Map is most commonly used to analyze research and development strategies

and patent strategies pursued by companies. Building a Radar Map on an applicant basis reveals in

what technical field individual companies or research institutions have concentrated funding and

labor on a particular technology.

A Radar Map is also useful for comparing the international competitiveness of companies on the

basis patent information.</p>