Workflow Ontology Runtime Task Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Workflow management systems face challenges in adapting to changing real-world processes due to their static nature, requiring extensive expertise and redesign when minor modifications occur, such as changing user input methods in financial institutions.
Innovation Solution
A method for runtime execution of tasks defined in a workflow process language using a process ontology with hierarchical taxonomies, allowing for dynamic selection and execution of specific task versions based on parameter values, enabling flexible and adaptive process definition without pre-defining all alternatives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If workflow processes are defined using simple languages with standard constructors in a statically defined flat environment, then the workflow management system is easy to implement and operate, but it cannot adapt to changing real-world processes without extensive redesign and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static workflow definition into a dynamic structure by introducing a hierarchical taxonomy where generic tasks can be specialized at runtime. The workflow process language now supports dynamic task selection based on parameter values, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements without complete redesign. This resolves the contradiction by making the workflow definition flexible and adaptable while maintaining a manageable structure through hierarchical organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the workflow definition into hierarchical levels: generic task templates at the top level and specific task implementations at lower levels. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a small set of reusable generic task definitions while supporting multiple specific variations through parameter specialization. The hierarchical structure reduces overall complexity by avoiding the need to define every possible workflow variation explicitly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all possible alternatives and variations of the workflow are pre-defined using sub-tasks and interface definitions, then the workflow can handle various scenarios, but any change in the underlying process requires redefinition by a developer with great expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal generic task templates that can serve multiple specific purposes through parameter specialization. Instead of defining separate sub-tasks for each variation, a single generic task definition can handle multiple scenarios by accepting different parameter values. This universality allows non-expert administrators to adapt workflows to new requirements by simply changing parameters rather than rewriting task definitions, greatly improving ease of modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables workflow adaptation through parameter changes rather than structural modifications. The hierarchical task taxonomy allows specific task versions to be selected by changing parameter values at runtime based on the current process context. This approach allows administrators to handle process variations by configuring parameters rather than requiring developer intervention to modify the workflow structure, making the system much easier to maintain and adapt.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hierarchical taxonomy of executable tasks with frame descriptions is used, then the system can dynamically select and execute specific task versions at runtime, but the initial system design and ontology creation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the hierarchical task taxonomy and frame descriptions during system design, but keeping the actual task selection decisions for runtime execution. The generic task templates and their associated frames are prepared in advance, but the specific task version that gets executed is determined dynamically based on parameter values. This approach manages ontology complexity by separating the static hierarchical structure from the dynamic selection logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frame descriptions as an intermediary layer between the hierarchical task taxonomy and the actual task execution. Frames serve as mediators that store and manage task parameters, allowing the system to resolve which specific task version to execute based on parameter values without directly complexifying the task hierarchy itself. This intermediary structure simplifies the ontology by providing a clear separation between task definitions and their parameter configurations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the workflow is determined at runtime by a process ontology rather than being static and pre-determined, then the system becomes flexible and adaptive to changes, but the initial setup and ontology maintenance require more expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the workflow system to automatically determine and select the appropriate task versions at runtime based on parameter values and the process ontology. Non-expert administrators can adapt workflows to new requirements by simply updating parameter values or adding new task versions to the hierarchy without needing to understand the complex selection logic. The system serves itself by automatically resolving task selection based on the configured parameters, reducing the expertise needed for ongoing management.
Data Source
AI summary
Runtime execution of one or more tasks defined in a workflow process language. The method may include obtaining a description of the task from a process ontology (PO). The PO may define a hierarchical taxonomy of executable tasks, where each task refers to at least one frame of a hierarchical frame taxonomy of the PO. The method may further include identifying at least one parameter as described in the frame description to which the task refers, resolving the value of the at least one parameter, and executing the most specific applicable version of the task contained in the task taxonomy of the process ontology.