mcp-patent-diagrams

An MCP (Model Context Protocol) server for generating patent-quality technical diagrams. Supports multiple rendering backends: Mermaid, Graphviz DOT, PlantUML, and pure SVG primitives.

Features

• Multiple Backends: Automatically selects the best diagram backend based on figure description
• Patent-Quality Output: Monochrome, clean lines, consistent fonts, reference numeral support
• Deterministic: No external web services, reproducible outputs
• Graceful Degradation: Returns DSL/spec even when renderers are unavailable
• Works with Claude Code: Designed for AI-assisted patent drafting workflows

Installation

From NPM

npm install -g mcp-patent-diagrams

From Source

git clone <repository-url>
cd mcp-patent-diagrams
npm install
npm run build

Quick Start

Configure with Claude Code

Add to your Claude Code MCP configuration (~/.claude/claude_desktop_config.json or similar):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "patent-diagrams": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["mcp-patent-diagrams"]
    }
  }
}

Or if installed globally:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "patent-diagrams": {
      "command": "mcp-patent-diagrams"
    }
  }
}

Usage

Once configured, Claude Code can generate patent diagrams with commands like:

Generate a block diagram for FIG. 1 showing a neural network accelerator
with input buffer (100), compute array (110), weight memory (120),
and output buffer (130).

Standalone Usage

# Run directly
npx mcp-patent-diagrams

# Or if installed globally
mcp-patent-diagrams

Development

npm run dev       # Start with tsx (hot reload)
npm run build     # Build TypeScript
npm run start     # Run built version
npm run typecheck # Type check without building

Tools

The server exposes four tools:

1. diagram_choose_backend

Analyzes a figure description and recommends the optimal rendering backend.

Input:

• figure_description (required): Natural language description of the diagram
• preferred_backend (optional): Hint for preferred backend
• constraints (optional): Additional constraints

Output:

• Recommended backend with rationale and confidence score

2. diagram_plan_from_description

Generates a complete diagram specification from a natural language description.

Input:

• figure_description (required): Description of the diagram
• reference_numerals (optional): Map of element names to reference numbers
• style (optional): Style overrides

Output:

• Complete DiagramSpec with DSL and render plan

3. diagram_render

Renders a diagram specification to SVG/PNG/PDF.

Input:

• spec (required): DiagramSpec or raw DSL string
• backend (optional): Backend override
• output_formats (optional): Array of formats (svg, png, pdf)
• output_dir (optional): Output directory

Output:

• Paths to generated artifacts

4. diagram_pack_bundle

Packages multiple rendered figures into a structured bundle.

Input:

• figures (required): Array of figure metadata
• cover_sheet (optional): Cover sheet settings
• output_dir (optional): Bundle output directory

Output:

• Bundle directory path with index

Backend Selection Heuristics

| Figure Type | Primary Backend | Fallback | |-------------|----------------|----------| | Cross-section, layer stack | SVG Primitives | PlantUML | | Flowchart, workflow, method | Mermaid | DOT | | Block diagram, architecture | DOT | Mermaid | | Timing diagram | Mermaid sequence | SVG Primitives | | Network schematic | DOT | PlantUML |

Dependencies

Required

• Node.js 18+

Optional (for rendering)

• mmdc (mermaid-cli) for Mermaid diagrams
• dot (Graphviz) for DOT diagrams
• plantuml CLI or JAR for PlantUML diagrams

If a renderer is not installed, the server will:

1. Return the DSL/spec for external rendering
2. Provide clear installation instructions

Patent Drawing Guidelines

• Monochrome: Black lines on white background
• Reference Numerals: Format as "Element Name (100)"
• Consistent Style: Same font and stroke width throughout
• Clear Labels: Legible at standard patent figure sizes
• No Gradients: Solid fills only

Documentation

• MCP Guidance - Detailed usage guide
• Tool Contracts - API specifications
• Example Workflow - Step-by-step examples

License

MIT