Neural Network Conversational Interface for Workflow Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conversational workflows managed by state-machine engines based on a limited set of user intentions are rigid and become unmanageable due to growing complexity, making it difficult to handle variations and large numbers of variables, especially in scenarios requiring sequences of user actions.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using a neural network with a convolutional layer and LSTM layers to process natural language inputs, generating output vectors that represent actions to be performed by a backend system, allowing for flexible management of conversational workflows without hard-coding, and enabling the prediction of next actions based on user intentions and conversation history.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If state-machine engines are used to manage conversational workflows based on a limited set of user intentions, then the system can provide structured and controllable conversation processes, but the workflow complexity grows exponentially and becomes unmanageable over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructured conversation controlVSAvoidworkflow complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical state-machine engine system with a deep learning neural network system. Instead of using rigid state transitions and hard-coded workflows, the invention uses neural networks with convolutional layers and LSTM layers to process user inputs and generate responses, thereby eliminating the exponential complexity growth associated with state-machine approaches while maintaining reliable conversation control through learned patterns.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the conversation management system from discrete state transitions to continuous neural network activations. By using neural network weights and activation functions instead of fixed state machines, the system can handle complex conversational scenarios without exponential complexity growth, as the neural network processes inputs through weighted transformations rather than branching state transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If hard-coding is used to implement conversational workflows, then the system can provide precise control over conversation processes, but the system becomes rigid and difficult to adapt to variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversation process controlVSAvoidworkflow variation handling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hard-coded control mechanisms with a neural network-based system. Instead of using if-then rules and hard-coded workflow logic, the invention uses neural networks that learn conversation patterns from data, providing both precise control through learned representations and adaptability through the ability to generalize to new scenarios without reprogramming.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamics into the conversation management system by using neural networks that can adapt their behavior based on input patterns. The neural network weights and activations dynamically adjust to handle different conversation scenarios, allowing the system to maintain precise control while being flexible and adaptable to variations, unlike static hard-coded systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of variables are introduced to handle complex user interactions, then the system can provide more comprehensive service coverage, but the exponential branches of the workflow tree make the system unmanageable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverageVSAvoidworkflow tree complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical workflow tree structure with a neural network architecture. Instead of managing exponential branches through hierarchical workflows, the invention uses neural networks that process multiple variables simultaneously through parallel computations in the convolutional and LSTM layers, providing comprehensive service coverage without exponential complexity growth.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The neural network system serves multiple functions simultaneously - it processes user inputs, manages conversation state, generates responses, and adapts to new scenarios all within a single unified architecture. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate workflow branches for different scenarios, providing comprehensive coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through the neural network's ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11151322B2Computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for providing an application interface
Publication Date: 2021.10.19 SAP SE
  • US11151322B2 patent drawing
  • US11151322B2 patent drawing
  • US11151322B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method is provided for providing an interface between a frontend application configured to receive one or more user inputs in a natural language and a backend system configured to provide a service to a user. The method may comprise: receiving a text input in the natural language via the frontend application; performing computation using the received text input and a neural network, the neural network comprising: a convolutional layer configured to generate feature values by applying one or more filters to an input matrix obtained from the received text input, each of the one or more filters having a window size corresponding to one or more words contained in the text input; one or more long short-term memory, LSTM, layers configured to generate output values by processing at least a part of the feature values generated by the convolutional layer; and an output layer configured to generate an output vector based on the output values generated by the one or more LSTM layers, the output vector representing an action to be performed by the backend system in response to the received text input; identifying the action represented by the output vector generated as a result of the computation; communicating the identified action to the backend system for the backend system to perform the identified action; and providing the frontend application with a text output in the natural language based on the identified action.