Behavior Tree Workflow Generation With Decorator Node Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current workflow generation methods in automation systems and artificial intelligence rely on text descriptions, leading to increased costs, reduced efficiency, and limited flexibility due to the need for various unrelated engineering tools, resulting in long development cycles and complex user operation behaviors.
Innovation Solution
A workflow generation method and system that utilizes a graphical user interface to construct behavior trees with decorator nodes, enabling enriched control logic and flexible workflow control through the use of decorator expressions, function block nodes, compositor nodes, and iterator nodes, which are then deployed onto a runtime environment for execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If text descriptions are used for workflow definition, then workflows can be documented, but user operation complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses behavior tree nodes as visual copies of workflow concepts, allowing users to construct workflows through graphical interface operations rather than text descriptions. Each node represents a specific workflow element that can be visually configured and connected, eliminating the need for complex text-based engineering tools while preserving complete workflow control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The behavior tree serves as an intermediary layer between high-level workflow concepts and low-level execution details. By introducing decorator nodes that wrap and modify worklink behavior, the system provides a visual mediation mechanism that simplifies user interaction while maintaining comprehensive control over workflow execution.
2Productivity
If multiple unrelated engineering tools are used for workflow execution, then specific tasks can be performed, but development cycle lengthens and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The behavior tree framework provides a universal platform that can handle diverse workflow tasks through a single unified interface. Different worklink types (function blocks, compositors, iterators) and their decorator nodes enable the same graphical system to perform data collection, annotation, model training, and deployment tasks that previously required multiple specialized tools, thereby shortening development cycles while maintaining productivity.
3Productivity
If traditional workflow tools are used, then workflows can be executed, but control logic is limited and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The decorator node mechanism implements a nested structure where decorators wrap and modify worklink behavior. This nesting allows multiple layers of control logic to be applied to the same worklink, enabling complex control patterns (conditionals, loops, error handling) to be built by composing simpler decorator functions, thereby greatly enhancing workflow flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The behavior tree system provides dynamic workflow control through decorator nodes that can modify worklink execution behavior based on runtime conditions. Decorators can dynamically change execution flow, add conditional logic, implement retry mechanisms, and adapt workflow behavior without requiring structural changes to the underlying worklinks, enabling flexible adaptation to different execution scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a workflow generation method. For example, a method may include: receiving a behavior tree construction operation performed by a user on a graphical user interface (GUI), the construction operation comprising an addition operation for a behavior tree node, the behavior tree node comprising a first decorator node, and the first decorator node comprising a first worklink and a first decorative layer adapted to decorating the first worklink; generating a behavior tree comprising the first decorator node in response to the behavior tree construction operation; and parsing the behavior tree to generate a workflow, wherein the workflow instructs the first worklink to work under the decoration of the first decorative layer.