AI Workflow Canvas With Mediated Data Access and Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing complex workflows in project management software is challenging due to high complexity, integration with multiple systems, ensuring seamless data flow, and maintaining compatibility and interoperability, which can be technically complex and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A digital system and method for managing workflows that includes a processor configured to receive a selection of predefined workflows, authenticate external resources, construct workflows using preconstructed blocks with dynamic subfields, and utilize AI blocks for data access, enabling seamless integration and construction of nested workflows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If workflows integrate multiple external systems and resources, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow functionalityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system that mediates between internal workflow systems and external resources. The authentication flow and token management system act as a buffer layer, handling complex integration details while presenting a simplified interface to workflow creators. This resolves the contradiction by enabling versatile external integrations without proportionally increasing user-facing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication and credential verification before workflows are configured. By pre-establishing authentication flows and obtaining tokens in advance, the system prepares integration pathways beforehand, reducing the complexity burden during actual workflow creation and execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If workflows are highly customizable with multiple configuration options, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow customizationVSAvoidworkflow configuration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments workflow configuration into distinct, manageable components: template selection, resource selection, authentication configuration, and token management. This segmentation allows users to tackle customization in discrete steps rather than overwhelming monolithic configuration, maintaining ease of operation while enabling high adaptability through cumulative customization options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service authentication flows where the system automatically manages credential verification and token acquisition without requiring manual intervention for each external resource connection. This automated self-service capability enables extensive customization while preserving operational simplicity for end users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If authentication and credential management are implemented for external resources, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidauthentication time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs authentication and token acquisition as preliminary actions during the workflow setup phase. By completing credential verification and obtaining access tokens before workflow execution, the system ensures reliable authentication while confining time consumption to the initial configuration rather than during repeated workflow operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Once authentication tokens are obtained, the system maintains continuous valid authentication states for subsequent workflow executions. This continuity eliminates the need for repeated authentication cycles, preserving reliability while minimizing time loss across multiple workflow runs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12572867B2Digital processing systems and methods for managing workflows
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 MONDAY COM LTD
  • US12572867B2 patent drawing
  • US12572867B2 patent drawing
  • US12572867B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for providing a canvas for constructing a workflow having at least one block with Artificial Intelligence (AI) functionality. Operations include displaying a canvas for containing and interconnecting workflow blocks, and enabling placement of workflow blocks on the canvas. The workflow blocks include trigger blocks and action blocks. At least one of the at least one trigger block or the at least one action block is configurable to gain permissions to access a source of dynamic data, enabling placement of an AI block at a downstream location from the plurality of workflow blocks on the canvas. The AI block is enabled to access the source of dynamic data by virtue of the downstream location, and providing an output from the AI block. A prompt of the AI block includes data from the source of dynamic data.