Natural Language to Function Block Workflow Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current workflows in automation systems and artificial intelligence lack integration and flexibility due to the use of unrelated engineering tools, leading to increased costs and reduced efficiency in executing text-based workflows.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for converting natural language sentences into function blocks, enabling seamless mapping and conversion between natural language sentences and function block diagrams, allowing for efficient workflow execution and enrichment of workflow description capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple unrelated engineering tools are used to execute text-based workflows, then workflow execution capability is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow execution operationVSAvoidengineering tools integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple unrelated engineering tools into a unified function block platform. Different tools (data collection, annotation, training, deployment) are combined into standardized function blocks that can be executed through a single interface, eliminating the need for users to switch between multiple complex tools while maintaining all necessary workflow execution capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces function blocks as an intermediary layer between natural language workflow descriptions and underlying engineering tools. This intermediary translates high-level workflow intentions into executable function block calls, which then invoke the appropriate underlying tools, thereby simplifying the user interface while preserving access to complex functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If text descriptions are used for workflows, then workflow description capability is achieved, but adaptability and flexibility are reduced due to lack of visual representation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow description capabilityVSAvoidworkflow execution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a visual dimension to workflow representation by converting text descriptions into function block diagrams. This dimensional transformation allows users to view workflows as graphical compositions of function blocks with clear input-output connections, making the workflow structure more intuitive and easier to understand while maintaining the original text-based flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If multiple unrelated engineering tools are used, then specific functionality is achieved, but productivity decreases due to long development cycle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow development efficiencyVSAvoiddevelopment cycle

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining and pre-configuring function blocks with their inputs, outputs, and execution logic before users need them. Users can directly call these pre-prepared function blocks in their workflows without needing to spend time configuring or programming them, significantly reducing development time while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal function block platform that can execute multiple types of operations (data collection, annotation, training, deployment) through a single standardized interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for users to learn and switch between multiple specialized tools, thereby accelerating workflow development and improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250292034A1Conversion Method and Apparatus for Natural Language Sentence

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a conversion method for a natural language sentence. An example includes: determining a first mapping relationship between a subject in a natural language sentence and a function block header of a function block, wherein the subject corresponds to a resource in a work cell; determining a second mapping relationship between a predicate in the natural language sentence and a function block name of the function block, wherein the predicate corresponds to a service operation of the resource; and based on the first mapping relationship and the second mapping relationship, converting the natural language sentence into the function block, or converting the function block into the natural language sentence, wherein the function block is presented in the form as a function block type diagram, the function block is adapted to describe a workflow, and the workflow represents the resource executing the service operation.