Workflow Linkage Across On-Premises and Cloud Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current information processing systems lack a mechanism to link workflows executed in different networks, such as on-premises and cloud environments, preventing seamless cooperation and efficient data transfer between workflows in disparate networks.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that connects on-premises and cloud environments through a network, allowing workflows to be linked by using a cloud workflow server apparatus to execute cloud workflows and integrate results into on-premises workflows, enabling direct communication and data exchange between the two environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If workflows are registered in separate information processing systems for on-premises and cloud environments, then each system can execute its own workflows independently, but there is no mechanism to link workflows between the two different networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow linkage capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a workflow management server as an intermediary component that receives workflow registration requests from both on-premises and cloud information processing systems. This mediator enables workflow linkage across different networks by centralizing workflow management, allowing workflows from either system to be executed in sequence without direct integration between the original systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If direct integration between on-premises and cloud workflows is implemented, then seamless cooperation is achieved, but system complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow execution smoothnessVSAvoidintegration mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The workflow management server acts as a mediator that simplifies the integration process. Instead of implementing complex direct integration between on-premises and cloud systems, the mediator receives workflow definitions, manages workflow registration, and coordinates execution across networks, thereby maintaining operational smoothness while controlling system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The workflow management server provides universal functionality by handling workflow registration, management, and execution for both on-premises and cloud environments through a single system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate integration mechanisms for different system pairs, reducing overall integration complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3537698B1Information processing system, system, and method of processing workflow
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3537698B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3537698B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3537698B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A first information processing system (12) resides on a first network (18) and communicably connected with a second information processing system (22) that resides on a second network (24), the second network (24) being different from the first network (18). The first information processing system (12) includes: a plurality of processing means (64) for executing a first workflow including a plurality of processes to be executed in series; link processing means (62, 112) for requesting the second information processing system (22) to execute a second workflow including another plurality of processes to be executed in series and receiving an execution result of the second workflow from the second information processing system (22), the another plurality of processes included in the second workflow being different from the plurality of processes included in the first workflow; and control means (54) for controlling execution of the plurality of processes included in the first workflow executed by the plurality of processing means (64) and the link processing means (62, 112) to cause at least one of the plurality of processing means (64) to perform at least one of the plurality of processes based on the execution result received by the link processing means (62, 112).