Multi-Device Workflow Generation for Legacy Measuring Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack the ability to automatically generate optimized workflows for tasks involving multiple devices, especially measuring devices, including legacy systems and untrained users.
Innovation Solution
A workflow generation system comprising a first device with computing, memory, and communication units, and software agents that can reconfigure existing devices to perform specific tasks by generating and deploying task-specific workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workflows are manually configured for each device, then device compatibility and task execution are ensured, but system complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic workflow generation where the workflow generation system autonomously creates optimized workflows without manual intervention. The system self-configures by automatically identifying suitable devices, generating appropriate workflows, and deploying them to execute tasks, thereby eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating workflows and configuration data before task execution. The workflow generation system creates ready-to-use workflows that can be immediately deployed to devices, eliminating the need for on-site manual configuration and reducing both system complexity and time consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing legacy devices are used, then hardware investment is preserved, but automation capability and software compatibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow generation system serves as a universal platform that can generate workflows compatible with multiple device types including legacy devices. By using standardized workflow data formats and configuration schemas, the system enables automated task execution across diverse devices without requiring device-specific automation software, thus preserving hardware investment while enabling automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces workflow data and configuration data as intermediary elements between the automation system and legacy devices. These intermediaries translate high-level task requirements into device-specific instructions, enabling automated workflows on legacy devices that natively support only basic operations, thereby bridging the gap between modern automation needs and older hardware
3Productivity
If device parameters are optimized for specific tasks, then task execution efficiency improves, but device reconfiguration time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary optimization by generating task-specific configuration data before workflow execution. The workflow generation system analyzes task requirements and pre-configures device parameters to optimal settings, so that when the workflow is deployed, devices are already optimized for the specific task, eliminating reconfiguration time during actual execution
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes device parameters based on task requirements by generating appropriate configuration data. The workflow generation system modifies device settings such as measurement parameters, data collection rates, and operational modes to optimize performance for specific tasks, achieving high execution efficiency without manual reconfiguration overhead
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices with incompatible software standards are integrated, then system versatility improves, but integration complexity and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow generation system acts as a universal coordinator that can manage multiple devices with different software standards. By using a standardized workflow data format and configuration schema, the system enables diverse devices to collaborate on common tasks without requiring complex pairwise integrations, thus improving versatility while managing integration complexity through standardization
Data Source
AI summary
A workflow generation system comprising a first device with a computing unit, a memory unit and a first communication unit, and a plurality of software agents used with a plurality of electronic apparatuses comprising at least one measuring device, wherein each software agent is installable on an electronic apparatus of the plurality of electronic apparatuses and exchanges data with the electronic apparatus, wherein the first device receives a measuring task and performs a workflow generation process to generate a workflow for performing the task involving one or more of the apparatuses, to generate workflow data allowing a respective apparatus to perform a part of the task, and to provide the workflow data to the software agents of the involved apparatuses, and provide configuration data to the software agents to reconfigure the respective apparatus for providing functions for performing the part of the task by the respective apparatus.