Toward a better understanding of idea processors

Abstract Idea processors, as a kind of software widely used in the business world, have not received much attention from academia. In this paper we provide an overview of the current status of idea processors. We start from the foundations of idea processors, pointing out their roots in brainstorming techniques. By examining several experimental systems and commercial products, we further discuss how idea processors work, their nature, and their typical architecture. We also summarize some research work related to idea processors, as well as relationships between idea processors and studies of computational creativity in artificial intelligence. Other related issues, such as group decision support systems and evaluation methods, are also briefly examined.

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