Declarative State Machine for IoT Workflow Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT applications are complex and require substantial programming expertise, making them inaccessible to non-technical users who need to harness and analyze big data for real-time insights, thus limiting their ability to independently combine and utilize big data computing and analytics.
Innovation Solution
A declarative framework that implements a state machine for multi-step interaction with entities, providing a simple rule-based authoring tool for specifying state definitions, transition triggers, and actions, which can be automatically generated and implemented by non-technical users, enabling a straightforward workflow for IoT applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current IoT applications use complex programming models, then functionality and processing capability are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because substantial programming expertise is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based platform as an intermediary between non-technical users and complex IoT processing systems. This platform provides visual, drag-and-drop workflow construction tools that automatically generate the necessary programming code, eliminating the need for users to directly interact with complex programming models while still achieving sophisticated data processing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual programming and configuration tasks with automated code generation. The visual workflow builder substitutes for traditional mechanical programming processes, automatically translating user-defined workflows into executable code that interacts with IoT devices and cloud services
2Ease of operation
If non-technical users are enabled to create workflows, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for automated state machine generation
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based platform serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of automated state machine generation and code translation. Users interact only with the simplified visual workflow builder, while the platform's underlying systems manage the complex transformations required to generate executable code from high-level workflow definitions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated code generation and state machine compilation. The platform automatically translates user workflow definitions into executable code without requiring manual intervention, handling the complexity transformation internally while presenting simplicity to the user
3Productivity
If automated state machine generation is implemented, then productivity is improved by reducing manual coding time, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to potential inaccuracies in automated code generation
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow users to review, test, and validate the generated code before deployment. The visual workflow builder provides real-time preview and validation capabilities, enabling users to correct any inaccuracies in automatically generated code while maintaining the productivity benefits of automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation and testing of generated code during the workflow creation process. Before code is finalized and deployed, the platform conducts preliminary checks to ensure accuracy and correctness, preventing erroneous code from reaching production environments
Data Source
AI summary
The technology disclosed offers a declarative framework that implements a machine for multi-step progression of interaction with an entity. The declarative framework is usable over and over for a broad range of applications because it provides a simple rule-based authoring tool that can be used for specifying different elements and components of a complex state machine, including state definitions, state transition triggers, state transition conditions and state transition actions. Once defined, the state machine is automatically generated and implemented based on the declarative input provided by a non-technical user.