Workflow Document Input Guidance via Final Process Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

In workflow systems, users who separately input items in a document often struggle to determine when information is required, leading to confusion and inefficiencies, as existing systems lack clear indication of necessary input processes.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that acquires a document, determines the processing route, identifies the final process for each item where information can be input, and displays the item accordingly, allowing users to grasp the necessary input processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If warnings are given to users who submit documents with blank items, then users can be notified of missing information, but users cannot grasp the process context and when information is actually required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation about when input is requiredVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to users by displaying the final process where information input is permitted, enabling users to understand the process context and timing for information entry without complex warning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary that translates workflow route information into user-friendly process displays, showing users the final process for information input without requiring complex system changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed persons in charge are assigned for each item input, then responsibility is clear, but flexible response is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in person assignmentVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines the final process for information input based on the actual workflow route, allowing flexible assignment of input responsibilities while maintaining clear guidance for users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If delay is permitted for inputting information until necessary, then throughput of the entire business increases, but users cannot grasp until which process information is required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidinformation about input timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system preliminarily determines and displays the final process for information input before the user reaches that process, enabling users to prepare information in advance while maintaining workflow flexibility and throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11574260B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: acquire a document; determine a route on which the document is to be processed in a workflow; determine a first process that is a final process for processing the document on the route among processes in which information is allowed to be input for a first item included in the document; and display the first item in a manner in accordance with the first process.