Workflow Image Operator Allocation Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

In workflow systems, it is not visually clear which operator is allocated to perform processes when there are multiple candidates, leading to ambiguity and confusion.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that displays a workflow image indicating the allocation state of operators by changing the display manner of the workflow image for target processes with multiple candidates, highlighting the allocated operator and indicating the need for user action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If operator allocation information is displayed in a workflow image, then visibility of allocation state is improved, but display complexity increases when there are multiple candidates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator allocation state visibilityVSAvoidworkflow image display complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes to indicate operator allocation states in workflow images. Different colors are used to represent different allocation states (e.g., unallocated, allocated to specific operator), making the information visually distinguishable without adding complex structural elements to the workflow image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing detailed allocation information only for specific processes where operator allocation is relevant, rather than uniformly across all workflow elements. This allows the workflow image to remain simple for processes without allocation concerns while providing detailed information where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of information

If multiple operator candidates are shown for each process, then completeness of information is improved, but clarity of allocation state deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator candidate information completenessVSAvoidallocation state clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color changes to differentiate between operator candidates and the selected operator. The selected operator is highlighted with a distinct color or visual indicator, while other candidates are shown in a different color, making it easy to distinguish the allocation state even when multiple candidates are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies asymmetry by visually distinguishing the selected operator from other candidates through unequal visual treatment. The selected operator receives special visual emphasis (such as bold formatting, different color, or position highlighting), creating an asymmetric display that immediately draws attention to the allocated operator while still showing other candidates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11429330B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2022.08.30 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US11429330B2 patent drawing
  • US11429330B2 patent drawing
  • US11429330B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to perform control in such a way as to display a workflow image indicating a series of processes included in a workflow and change a manner in which the workflow image is displayed such that an allocation state of an operator for, among the series of processes, a target process for which there are candidates for the operator.