TRIZ - Copying

The lens of Copying instructs users to use simple,Applications of this lens are abundant in our digital
inexpensive copies of their product or service. Thisworld. For example, consider video conferencing,
lens is usually applied in one of three ways:document scanning and faxing, e-learning programs,
1. Instead of an unavailable, expensive, or fragile object,and eBooks. Video conferencing allows participants to
use simpler and inexpensive copies.a. i.e. Listen to aninteract in a meeting without having to physically be in
audio tape instead of attending a seminarthe same location.
2. Replace an object or process with optical copiesa.Similarly, document scanning or faxing allows for a
i.e. Measure an object by measuring the photographcheap copy of a document to be quickly and easily
3. If visible optical copies are already used, move tosent to multiple destinations around the world. Rather
infrared or ultraviolet copies.a. i.e. Make images inthan sending the original via the Post Office, a user can
infrared to detect heat sources, such as diseases insimply scan in the document and instantly send the
crops, or intruders in a security system.paperwork wherever it needs to go.
Copying can solve many problems in a business. TheE-learning programs, or distance learning, allow
copy can be a replication of a part, product, service, orstudents to complete technical programs, trade school,
even an experience.or college courses from the comfort of their own
Learning to Fly and Firehome. Students can get a degree without ever having
Perhaps the most obvious example is a flight simulator.to step foot in a physical classroom. The virtual course
Rather than paying for the rental or purchase of anis a "copy" of the real thing.
airplane, a would-be pilot can start learning to fly via aAn eBook is essentially identical to a printed book,
flight simulation. A significant portion of a pilot'sexcept that manuscript is published digitally. eBooks are
instrument flight training can be done on a simulator.much cheaper to produce and make it possible for
The pilot does not have to actually be in the plane toanyone to become a published author. YouTube
begin learning the basics of how to fly.operates on a similar principle. Rather than making
The military uses virtual reality in Basic Training tophysical copies of a recording such as a DVD or VHS,
prepare soldiers for combat. Soldiers are desensitizedthe creator can post their masterpiece online for the
to killing enemies through the use of video games andwhole world to see - without ever spending a penny.
virtual reality technology. Obviously the Army can't useHow can you Copy your product, service, or system
real people to prepare their soldiers to kill, so they useto cut costs or make your product more accessible to
the next best thing - a copy.consumers in distant locations?