Dynamic Attribute Value Timing in Linked Application Workflows

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems lack the ability to set attribute values dynamically during the execution of workflows, as some attributes' values cannot be set before the start of an operation, limiting the flexibility and adaptability of application linking processes.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and medium that allow setting the timing of attribute value input for specific attributes, enabling variable attribute values based on process progress, by separating attributes into automatic-input and in-process-input categories and allowing user configuration through a graphical interface for linking applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If attribute values are set before the start of operation, then the program can be launched to define information for linking business-operation programs, but attributes whose values cannot be set at the start cannot be properly configured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of attribute value settingVSAvoidcomplexity of attribute configuration system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines the input timing of attribute values based on process progress. Attributes are categorized into those that can be set before operation start and those that must be set during execution. The system automatically selects the appropriate input timing for each attribute, enabling flexible configuration without requiring manual specification of timing for each attribute.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary classification of attributes into two categories: those suitable for pre-operation setting and those requiring in-process setting. This preliminary action enables the system to prepare the configuration structure in advance while reserving the capability to input certain attribute values during execution, thus resolving the contradiction between advance preparation and runtime flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the system requires all attribute values to be set before operation start, then the configuration process is simplified, but the system cannot handle attributes whose values become available during process execution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attribute configurationVSAvoidcapability to handle dynamic attribute values
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic attribute value input by automatically determining the optimal input timing for each attribute based on its characteristics and the process progress. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation through automation while enabling the system to handle both pre-set and runtime attribute values, thus resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments attributes into two distinct groups: those that can be configured before operation start and those that must be configured during execution. This segmentation allows the system to apply different configuration strategies to different attribute types, maintaining ease of operation for static attributes while enabling dynamic handling of runtime attributes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system allows flexible timing for attribute value input, then attributes variable in accordance with process progress can be properly configured, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of attribute value input timingVSAvoidcomplexity of workflow management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic timing determination that automatically selects the appropriate input moment for each attribute based on process progress and attribute characteristics. This dynamic approach provides the necessary flexibility for runtime attribute configuration while minimizing system complexity through automated decision-making, eliminating the need for complex manual timing management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining the optimal input timing for each attribute without requiring manual specification. This self-service mechanism provides flexible timing adaptation while keeping the system relatively simple, as the system autonomously manages the complexity of timing decisions rather than requiring external configuration for each attribute's timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If the system mandates attribute values to be set at fixed timing, then the workflow execution is streamlined, but attributes that require in-process configuration cannot be handled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow execution efficiencyVSAvoidcapability to configure attributes during operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic timing selection that automatically adjusts the attribute value input timing based on process progress and attribute requirements. This dynamic mechanism maintains workflow execution efficiency by automating the timing decision process while enabling the system to handle both pre-operation and in-process attribute configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between streamlined execution and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary classification of attributes to identify which ones require in-process configuration versus pre-operation configuration. This preliminary action enables the system to prepare the workflow structure in advance while reserving specific timing slots for attributes that must be configured during execution, thus maintaining workflow efficiency while enabling adaptive configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11487511B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2022.11.01 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US11487511B2 patent drawing
  • US11487511B2 patent drawing
  • US11487511B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to accept a setting for a timing of an input of an attribute value of a specific attribute when creating a program that runs by linking a first application of a link source and a second application of a link target. The specific attribute is one of attributes handled by the first application or the second application, and the attribute value of the specific attribute is variable in accordance with progress of a process performed by the program.