Folder Workflow Status Display for On-Demand Progress Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems struggle to efficiently display and manage the status of workflows associated with folders, making it difficult for users to grasp the progress and status of multiple workflows linked to a particular folder.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that allows users to select a folder, triggering the display of a status dialog showing the associated workflow's status, including the progress of electronic data through the workflow, enabling easy visualization and management of workflow statuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple workflows are associated with a folder, then the system can manage multiple workflows through a single folder interface, but it becomes difficult for users to grasp the status of each workflow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow association capabilityVSAvoidworkflow status visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments workflow status information by creating individual status indicators for each workflow associated with a folder. When a user selects a folder, the system displays a dialog showing the status of each workflow separately, allowing users to grasp the progress of each workflow independently while managing multiple workflows through a single folder interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If workflow status information is always displayed, then users can easily monitor workflow progress, but the interface becomes cluttered and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow status visibilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic interface where workflow status information is displayed on-demand rather than continuously. The status dialog appears only when a user selects a folder, and the display adapts based on the number of workflows associated with the selected folder. This dynamic approach maintains information visibility while keeping the interface clean and efficient during normal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If detailed workflow status is displayed for all folders, then users have complete information, but the display becomes overwhelming and hard to navigate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow status completenessVSAvoidinterface usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing detailed workflow status information only in the context of the selected folder, rather than displaying all workflow information globally. The status dialog is localized to the currently selected folder's workflows, allowing users to access complete information about specific workflows without being overwhelmed by information from all folders simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12511012B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: cause a display to display a folder associated with a workflow; and cause the display to display a status of the workflow in response to selection of the folder by a user.