Cross-Process Task Correlation for Visual Dependency Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monitoring applications are not suitable for assessing interdependence and interrelation between tasks across different stages of a process, leading to inefficiencies in managing and completing workflows.

Innovation Solution

A workflow management system that correlates tasks across different monitored processes by using correlation parameters to link tasks and generate visual indicators and control instructions based on task dependencies, enabling effective decision-making and automation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If monitoring applications are used to track tasks in different stages, then task status can be reported, but interdependence and interrelation between tasks across different stages cannot be assessed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask interdependence informationVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple monitoring applications into a single unified workflow management system that can assess task interdependence across different stages. The system combines task monitoring, correlation analysis, and visual representation capabilities into one integrated platform, eliminating the need for separate applications while providing comprehensive task relationship assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The workflow management system is designed to perform multiple functions: monitoring individual task status, assessing interdependence between tasks, generating visual representations of task relationships, and providing correlation parameters. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for specialized monitoring applications while providing enhanced analytical capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If tasks are monitored independently in different stages, then individual task status is tracked, but workflow bottlenecks and dependencies remain undetected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask status measurementVSAvoidworkflow correlation information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring task status and automatically updating visual representations when task states change. The system provides feedback about task interdependence and workflow bottlenecks to users, enabling informed decision-making. Correlation parameters are dynamically updated based on task completion status, creating a feedback loop that maintains accurate workflow information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces correlation parameters as intermediaries that link tasks across different stages. These parameters serve as mediators that capture and transmit information about task interdependence relationships, enabling the system to assess correlations between tasks without requiring direct observation of all task interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If visual dashboards are used to display task metrics, then task status is visible, but task relationships and dependencies are not depicted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask status visibilityVSAvoidtask correlation information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new dimension to visual dashboard representation by incorporating graphical elements that depict task relationships and dependencies. Instead of only showing task status in a single dimension, the system uses visual indicators, connectors, and spatial arrangements to represent correlation parameters and task interdependence, providing a multi-dimensional view of workflow information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4617966A1Dependency linked tasks
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP4617966A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4617966A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4617966A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Approaches for correlating tasks across different monitored processes are described. In an example, for a first task and a second task implemented within an organization, a correlation parameter is obtained. The correlation parameter is to link the first task to the second task and is to indicate that initiation of the first task is to be caused upon completion of the second task. Thereafter, a first status information and second status information of the first task and second task, respectively, is determined. The correlation parameter, the first status information and the second status information may be processed to determine a correlated status of the first task with respect to the second task. Based on the correlated status, a visual indicator depicting a logical association of a pendency of the first task with a pendency of the second task, may be generated.