Categorized Workflow Icons for Reliable Workflow Creation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workflow creation systems face a high probability of creating unprocessable workflows due to the arrangement of icons without proper categorization and grouping, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that displays workflows with icons arranged into groups of individual categories, allowing for collective editing, alert displays for prohibited placements, and replication of groups, enhancing the workflow creation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If icons are arranged without proper categorization and grouping, then workflow creation is simpler and faster, but the probability of creating unprocessable workflows increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow creation speedVSAvoidworkflow processability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The workflow icons are segmented into distinct groups based on their functional categories (e.g., input, processing, output). Each group is visually separated and organized, allowing users to quickly identify and select appropriate icons while ensuring proper workflow structure. This segmentation maintains creation speed by providing clear organizational cues without requiring detailed manual categorization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Icons are pre-organized into categorized groups before the user begins workflow creation. The system prepares the icon palette with properly grouped categories in advance, so users can directly select from organized options rather than manually categorizing icons during workflow assembly. This preliminary organization ensures reliability while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If icons are divided into groups of individual categories, then workflow reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow processabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The icon interface is segmented into categorical groups that are visually distinct but logically organized. This segmentation reduces perceived complexity by providing clear visual boundaries and organizational structure, making the interface more manageable while ensuring reliable workflow creation through proper categorization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the icon palette provide different levels of detail and organization. Each categorical group has its own visual characteristics and organization style optimized for its specific function. This local quality approach manages complexity by allowing each section to be optimized independently while contributing to overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If icons are arranged without grouping, then interface simplicity is maintained, but error reduction capability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface simplicityVSAvoidworkflow errors
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different categorical groups of icons are distinguished through color coding or visual styling variations. This visual differentiation maintains interface simplicity by providing intuitive, at-a-glance categorization without requiring complex organizational structures. Users can quickly identify appropriate icons for their workflow needs, reducing errors while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The icon interface is segmented into categorical groups that provide visual organization without complicating the user experience. Each segment represents a functional category that guides users in selecting appropriate icons, thereby reducing workflow errors while maintaining interface simplicity through clear visual boundaries and consistent organization patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250298490A1Information processing system, non-transitory computer readable medium storing program, and information processing method
Publication Date: 2025.09.25 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US20250298490A1 patent drawing
  • US20250298490A1 patent drawing
  • US20250298490A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing system includes one or more processors configured to: display a workflow in which icons indicating processes are arranged; and display plural icons continuously arranged in the workflow by dividing the icons into groups of individual categories of the processes.