GoTo Routing in Process Flow Autolayout

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Solution Overview

Problem

In software as a service (SaaS) platforms, users face difficulties in creating and understanding complex process flows due to the lack of structured mechanisms for implementing GoTo routing in autolayout environments, which can lead to confusion and the generation of unusable process flows.

Innovation Solution

A system is provided with a GoTo selector element that allows users to create direct graphical connections between elements in a process flow within an autolayout environment, adhering to predetermined rules for element selection and routing, ensuring simplicity and usability by applying connection rules for GoTo routes and collapsing or expanding connectors as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users are allowed to create process flows with GoTo routing in an autolayout environment, then the functionality and versatility of process flow generation is improved, but the complexity of the system increases and may lead to confusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess flow generation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the process flow creation into distinct phases: initial element placement following autolayout rules, then optional GoTo routing addition. This segmentation allows users to start with simple structured flows and progressively add complexity only when needed, rather than being overwhelmed by all possibilities at once.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by first establishing the autolayout structure and connection rules before allowing GoTo routing. This preliminary structuring creates a foundation that guides subsequent routing decisions, preventing chaos while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If predetermined connection rules are applied to GoTo routes, then the ease of operation and usability are improved, but the flexibility in creating custom routing paths is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveusabilityVSAvoidrouting path flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by implementing connection rules that cover the most common and useful routing scenarios, rather than attempting to regulate every possible path. This provides sufficient guidance for typical cases while leaving room for custom solutions when exceptional needs arise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The predetermined connection rules act as an intermediary layer between the user's intent and the actual routing implementation. This intermediary provides structured guidance while still allowing the underlying system to handle complex custom routing when the rules don't fully apply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the system prevents creation of unusable process flows through rules, then the reliability of generated flows is improved, but the ease of manufacture and quick prototyping is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess flow validityVSAvoidflow creation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by having the predetermined connection rules automatically validate and guide flow creation in real-time. Rather than requiring manual validation steps or complex review processes, the rules themselves prevent invalid configurations from being created, maintaining both speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual validation and error-checking mechanisms with automated connection rules that inherently prevent invalid flows. This substitution eliminates the need for separate verification steps, maintaining rapid prototyping capability while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12182108B2Automatic GoTo routing in process flow generation
Publication Date: 2024.12.31 SALESFORCE INC
  • US12182108B2 patent drawing
  • US12182108B2 patent drawing
  • US12182108B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed relating to creating routing connections between graphical elements in a process flow. A computer system may provide process flow information that is executable by a client system to display a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with a process diagram flow. The client system may be able to output, via the GUI, a graphical representation of the process flow. The graphical representation may include graphical elements indicative of process steps and graphical connections between the graphical elements. Via the GUI on the client system, a user may request a graphical connection going from a first graphical element to a second graphical element. The computer system may update the process diagram with the graphical connection where the graphical connection is routed based on a predetermined set of connection rules for the process diagram.