Microinstruction Framework for BPMN Execution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) systems lack precise semantics for automatic validation, simulation, and execution of business processes, leading to inefficiencies such as code duplication, runtime performance penalties, and increased development time for adding new features.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Microinstructions framework that defines a minimal set of atomic operations, called Microinstructions, which can be combined into compound programs (Microprograms) to execute BPMN tasks, events, or gateways, allowing for the compilation of business processes into executable procedures and facilitating code reuse and maintainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a standalone program is written for each BPMN task, gateway, or event, then the system can execute business processes, but code duplication occurs and development time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution capabilityVSAvoidcode duplication

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal Microinstruction framework where a small set of atomic operations (Microinstructions) can be combined to execute any BPMN task, gateway, or event. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate standalone programs for each BPMN element, reducing code duplication while maintaining execution capability across all business process elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments business process execution into atomic Microinstructions that can be independently defined and combined. By breaking down complex BPMN executions into fundamental operations (such as task execution, gateway evaluation, event handling), the system achieves code reusability and reduces duplication while preserving the ability to execute diverse business process elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If standalone programs are used for each BPMN element, then execution is possible, but runtime performance deteriorates due to dynamic compilation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution capabilityVSAvoidruntime performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary compilation of BPMN processes into Microinstruction sequences at design time rather than dynamically at runtime. By pre-compiling the business process logic into a standardized Microinstruction format, the system eliminates runtime compilation overhead and improves execution speed while maintaining the ability to execute various BPMN elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If traditional BPMN execution systems are used, then business processes can be executed, but adding new features requires significant development time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution capabilityVSAvoidease of adding new features

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The Microinstruction framework provides a universal foundation that can execute any BPMN element through combinations of atomic operations. When new BPMN features or extensions are needed, developers can leverage the existing Microinstruction set rather than writing completely new standalone programs, significantly reducing development time for adding new capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces Microprograms as an intermediary layer between high-level BPMN definitions and low-level execution. This intermediary representation allows new features to be added by defining new Microprograms in terms of existing Microinstructions, providing a systematic approach to feature extension that reduces development effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If BPMN is used for business process modeling, then graphical representation is achieved, but precise semantics for automatic validation and execution are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphical representationVSAvoidsemantic precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces Microprograms and Microinstructions as an intermediary representation between the graphical BPMN model and execution. This intermediate formalism provides precise semantics by defining explicit atomic operations and their combinations, enabling automatic validation and execution while preserving the graphical BPMN modeling capability at the higher level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10037197B2Flexible microinstruction system for constructing microprograms which execute tasks, gateways, and events of BPMN models

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 ORACLE INT CORP

AI summary

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a set of Microinstructions define a set of primitives or instructions to execute a business process modeling language in accordance with the semantics defined by the language. The Microinstructions define atomic operations that can be executed as part of a running process. The Microinstructions can be combined into Microprograms which map to business processes of the business process modeling language, for example BPMN. The Microprograms can be compiled using a suitable compiler into any execution language. The Microinstructions thereby provide flexibility for executing business process modeling languages in any business process execution language.