Blockchain Workflow Management via State Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex workflows are difficult to improve due to their complexity, and determining the current state of such workflows is challenging, especially in processes like assembling an airplane, where numerous steps and pieces are involved, limiting the ability to enhance or verify the workflow effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a blockchain system to manage workflows by generating a blockchain for the workflow specification, where each state transition is recorded with a new data block, allowing for verification of state transitions and detection of modifications, and enabling nested blockchains for improved performance and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional workflow management techniques are used for complex workflows, then the workflow can be executed, but it becomes difficult to improve the workflow and difficult to determine the current state due to the large number of steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex workflow into discrete, trackable units by representing each workflow state as a separate data block in a blockchain structure. Each data block contains specific state information and references to previous blocks, breaking down the overwhelming complexity into manageable, verifiable segments that can be individually monitored and improved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the workflow state through blockchain data blocks that mirror the actual workflow progression. Each data block serves as an immutable record copying the essential state information, allowing for verification and analysis without interfering with the actual workflow execution, thus simplifying state determination.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of workflow steps is increased to handle complex processes, then the workflow can accommodate more details, but the ability to improve and verify the workflow is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each workflow state transition generates a data block that is cryptographically linked to previous blocks. This creates an immutable audit trail that provides continuous feedback on workflow progression, enabling precise verification of each step while maintaining the ability to quickly identify and correct issues, thus improving both verification precision and improvement speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining the blockchain structure and data block formats before workflow execution. This preliminary setup establishes the verification framework in advance, allowing for rapid state determination and workflow improvement during execution without the overhead of creating verification structures during the process.
3Reliability
If traditional data structures are used to track workflow states, then the system is simpler, but security and detection of modifications are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cryptographic techniques and data structures into a composite blockchain structure. Each data block integrates hashing algorithms, reference links to previous blocks, and state information, creating a composite structure that provides both high reliability through cryptographic binding and manageable complexity through modular design. This composite approach ensures data integrity while maintaining system tractability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for managing workflows using block chains. An entire workflow may be stored as a finite state machine on a block chain. Each data block of the block chain may correspond to a state and related operation of a workflow. Each data block of the block chain may be used as an input to a subsequent state of the workflow. Thus, any input may be used to compute the workflow even if the input is not designed to be used by a workflow. Nested block chains, each corresponding to a different workflow or different part of a workflow may be used to increase performance of computing the workflows.