Hierarchical Dependence Graphs for Dynamic Workflow Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current workflow modeling technologies rely heavily on manual effort and intuition, making them cumbersome and ineffective in generating optimal workflows, especially in dynamic environments like JDF-based printing systems, where the sequence of process nodes and resource dependencies are not explicitly defined, limiting flexibility and automation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of Hierarchical Dependence Graphs (HDG) and Connectivity Matrices allows for explicit representation of dependencies between JDF workflow components, enabling dynamic workflow generation and analysis, decoupling workflow specifications from implementation, and providing a formal basis for validating and managing workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual workflow modeling is used with current technologies, then workflow models can be created with some analysis capability, but the process becomes highly manual and cumbersome, relying heavily on the intuition and skill of the modeler
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic workflow generation where the workflow modeler automatically creates workflow models based on service descriptions from multiple vendors, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The automatic workflow modeler analyzes service descriptions, identifies connectivity patterns, and generates valid workflow models autonomously, making the system self-sufficient in the workflow modeling task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of workflow modeling with an automated computational system. The automatic workflow modeler uses algorithmic processing to analyze service descriptions and generate workflow models, substituting human intuition and skill with systematic automated analysis that consistently produces valid workflows without manual effort.
2Reliability
If JDF workflows are hard-coded or use static implementations, then workflow execution can be controlled, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot support fully dynamic workflows
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic workflow generation where workflow models are not fixed but are automatically generated and can be regenerated based on current service descriptions and connectivity requirements. The automatic workflow modeler enables workflows to adapt dynamically to changing service availability and connectivity patterns, allowing the system to support fully dynamic JDF workflows while maintaining execution control through systematic model generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of workflow definition from static hard-coded sequences to dynamically generated models based on service descriptions. By using service descriptions as the input basis and automatically generating workflow models that reflect current system state, the system enables workflows to adapt to parameter changes in service availability, connectivity, and vendor offerings without requiring hard-coded modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vendor service descriptions are integrated manually, then workflow connectivity can be established, but the integration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic workflow modeler performs self-service integration by automatically analyzing service descriptions from multiple vendors, identifying connectivity patterns, and generating valid workflow models without manual intervention. The system autonomously handles the complex task of integrating heterogeneous service descriptions, making the integration process self-sufficient and eliminating manual effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal integration approach where the automatic workflow modeler can process service descriptions from any number of vendors with different formats and characteristics. The system uses a unified methodology to analyze diverse service descriptions, identify connectivity patterns across different vendor services, and generate workflows that integrate multiple vendors seamlessly, making the integration capability universal and vendor-agnostic.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of modeling and evaluating workflows that provides workflow auto generation and Hierarchical Dependence Graphs for workflows. Modeling and evaluation of workflows is accomplished by accessing a knowledge database containing service descriptions, generating valid workflows models, simulating workflow and obtaining customer requirements through a Graphical User Interface. This system and method generate and display workflows that satisfy a users requirements. In addition, Hierarchical Dependence Graphs provide abstract views that provide additional analysis and control of workflow.