Workflow Interruption via Interruptibility Scalars

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In workflow routing, existing systems lack efficient methods to dynamically determine when and how to interrupt a resource currently working on a lower priority task to allocate higher priority work, often requiring manual intervention and inefficiently maintaining resources for potential high-priority tasks.

Innovation Solution

A method that calculates interruptibility scalars for both non-in-progress and in-progress work items and resource units, comparing these to determine if a non-in-progress work item can interrupt an in-progress one, using software to automate the decision-making process and optimize resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual intervention is used to determine when to interrupt resources, then flexibility and control are maintained, but productivity and responsiveness decrease due to inefficiency and delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow efficiencyVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically calculates interruptibility scalars and makes interruption decisions without human intervention. The workflow management system serves itself by autonomously determining when and which resources to interrupt based on calculated scalars, eliminating the need for manual control while maintaining optimal workflow efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual decision-making processes with an automated computational system. Instead of humans manually evaluating whether to interrupt resources, the system uses software to calculate interruptibility scalars and automatically make allocation decisions, substituting mechanical human operations with automated computational mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If resources are maintained for potential high-priority tasks, then responsiveness to high-priority work is improved, but productivity decreases due to idle resource time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponsiveness to high-priority workVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on real-time conditions. Resources are not statically reserved for potential high-priority tasks but are actively utilized with dynamic interruptibility assessments. The interruptibility scalar calculation continuously evaluates whether interruption is appropriate based on current workflow state, ensuring resources remain productive while maintaining responsiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of resource allocation from static reservation to dynamic assignment based on calculated interruptibility scalars. By modifying how resources are allocated - using scalar values that reflect current workflow conditions - the system achieves both high responsiveness to priority work and continuous resource utilization, eliminating the trade-off between reliability and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated interruptibility scalar calculation is implemented, then productivity and responsiveness improve, but device complexity increases due to additional computational requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow automation efficiencyVSAvoidsoftware computational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses software copies and algorithms to perform interruptibility calculations rather than requiring complex hardware modifications. The computational logic is implemented as software that can be deployed and executed on existing workflow management systems, reducing the need for complex device changes while achieving automated productivity improvements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The interruptibility scalar calculation system is designed as a universal software component that can be integrated into existing workflow management platforms. By creating a multi-functional solution that works across different systems and scenarios, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity benefits through automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10037511B2Dynamically altering selection of already-utilized resources

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 KYNDRYL INC

AI summary

An approach to control workflow so that a relatively high priority work item can sometimes be automatically controlled by software to interrupt work being performed, by one or more resource unit(s), on a relatively lower priority work item. The analysis for deciding whether or not an interruption occurs depends upon interruptibility scalars (that is, interruptibility quotients and/or factors) and interruptibility threshold(s).