a. Automatic: scan drawing, rotate to normal orientation
pattern recognition of typical shapes: inputs, outputs; functions, blocks;
or: in/out, processing, decision in flow chart
pattern recognition of text in blocks

b. Manual: manual finish, ensure correct shapes, text, direction of flow, in or out...

c. extract distinguishing features, gist of it
Rendering/Defining the above understanding of the invention in a standard,
mathematic form - the Invention formula(TM), which can be easily used by other
such Experts, and is also computer readable, to allow automatic processing of
inventions. Such a formula may include for example a Connectivity list.
Store the results.

d. In one embodiment, the description is allowed to be ambiguous, it is not a
complete and precise representation, but it gives the gist of the functional
drawings so as to facilitate efficient comparison of drawings.
It recognizes the fact that absolute precision is irrelevant, since the
human rendering of inventions into drawings is also not precise.
In another embodiment, predefined rules are used to achieve as complete and
precise representation as possible.

e. compare with text of the disclosure. Preferably, convert text to a standard
vocabulary where necessary. Alternately, a local common vocabulary may be used,
prepared to analyze just this patent/application or a group of similar patents.
The vocabulary is used to translate relevant words and/or expressions in all
cited references to the terms used in the examined patent or application.
A common basis for text comparisons is required to perform meaningful
comparisons.

f. display common areas, points of difference.

g. Allow for a human final decision - manual, an operator/ expert in patent law.

Thus, methods/flow charts can be compared efficiently. Applications:
* Patent searches of methods, software, systems using block diagrams,
distributed computer systems (software and hardware)
* Analyzing a complex patent or application, to improve it for example,
or during examination at a Patent Office.