Composite Task Management for Batch Operation Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computerized task management systems treat each task as an independent entity, lacking functionality to perform operations on multiple tasks simultaneously, requiring users to select and act on each task individually, which is inefficient for managing grouped tasks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows users to create composite or virtual tasks, associating multiple individual tasks with them, enabling operations performed on the virtual task to be automatically executed on all associated individual tasks, through a graphical user interface and processing module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tasks are treated as independent entities with individual operations, then each task can be managed precisely and reliably, but the time and operations required to manage multiple tasks increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual tasks into a composite task group, allowing a single operation on the composite task to automatically execute on all associated individual tasks. This combining approach maintains reliable task management through the monitoring module that tracks operations on composite tasks and applies them to constituent individual tasks, while dramatically reducing the time required to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite task structure provides multi-functionality by serving both as a high-level management container and as a trigger for coordinated operations on individual tasks. The system universally applies operations performed on composite tasks to all associated individual tasks, enabling efficient batch processing while maintaining individual task integrity through the monitoring and automatic execution mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If users must select and act on each task individually, then precise control over each task is maintained, but the complexity and number of operations required increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple individual tasks into a single composite task interface, the system greatly simplifies user operations. Users can perform actions on entire task groups through a single selection and operation, reducing the complexity of interacting with multiple tasks while the underlying system maintains the necessary complexity to manage individual task associations and operation distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite task acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple individual tasks. Instead of users directly managing each individual task, they interact with the composite task which mediates by monitoring operations and automatically distributing them to associated individual tasks, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining precise control.
3Productivity
If operations are performed on individual tasks separately, then each operation can be precisely controlled, but productivity and efficiency decrease due to repeated manual actions
Solution Approach 1:
The composite task merges multiple individual tasks into a single operable unit, enabling users to perform operations once on the composite task rather than repeatedly on each individual task. This merging dramatically improves productivity and efficiency by eliminating redundant manual actions, while the system automatically ensures each individual task receives the appropriate operation through the monitoring and execution mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system to manage tasks are described. The method may comprise providing a graphical user interface to a user, receiving user input via the graphical user interface to identify a composite task and at least two individual tasks, and associating the at least two individual tasks with the composite or virtual task. An operation performed on the composite task may be automatically performed on the individual tasks.