Automated Path Optimization for Branched Process Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer-implemented processes face challenges in efficiently determining the least-resource intensive path among multiple paths to achieve a process outcome, especially when paths differ in resource usage and complexity, and when input conditions influence available steps and resource availability.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves calculating path durations and scores based on node and edge occurrence frequencies, and resource requirements to identify the most efficient paths to a target outcome, using a data structure that represents process steps and resources as nodes and edges, allowing for the display of node information and scores to guide path selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual path analysis is used to determine the least-resource intensive path, then human judgment can be applied, but the accuracy and efficiency of path determination deteriorates due to complexity and multiple variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual human analysis with an automated computer-implemented system that uses algorithms to calculate path durations and determine optimal paths. The system automatically processes process definitions, calculates durations for multiple paths, and identifies the least-resource intensive path without human intervention, thereby improving accuracy while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the computer-implemented process to automatically determine optimal paths using its own computational capabilities. The system retrieves process definitions, calculates path durations, and determines optimal paths autonomously, eliminating the need for external manual analysis and improving both accuracy and efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the process includes multiple paths with different resource requirements, then flexibility in achieving outcomes is improved, but the difficulty of determining the optimal path worsens due to the number of variables and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback mechanisms by calculating and comparing path durations across multiple paths, then using this information to identify the optimal path. The system continuously evaluates path characteristics and uses this feedback to determine which path is least-resource intensive, enabling it to handle multiple paths and conditions effectively while identifying the optimal route.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages multiple paths by changing and comparing key parameters such as path duration, resource requirements, and completion conditions. By systematically evaluating these parameters across different paths, the system can handle the flexibility of multiple routes while efficiently identifying the optimal path based on calculated metrics.
3Productivity
If automated path calculation is implemented, then path determination efficiency is improved, but the computational resources required worsens due to calculating multiple paths and occurrence frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing path durations and occurrence frequencies during the path analysis process. By computing these values in advance and storing them for future reference, the system reduces the computational burden during actual path determination, improving efficiency while managing resource consumption through proactive calculation and caching.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies and solutions are provided for improving process efficiency/identifying efficient paths of process steps. A target outcome can be identified, which can be a particular status, such as a stage (or status/step) in a process, or a target outcome can be an identification of particular process statuses that can be reached, such as given a particular set of constraints. Proceeding between process steps involves the use of resources, where a process step can be reached, or having an increased chance of being reached, when the resources have been obtained. Various paths can exist for obtaining a resource, where some paths can be more efficient than others. Based on resource paths and paths between steps of a process, one or more paths can be suggested for reaching the target outcome, including providing information about the process step paths or the resources paths for reaching the target outcome.