Workflow Merging via Real-Time Screen Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack an efficient way to capture and document business workflow processes, especially when changes occur, leading to incomplete or inaccurate knowledge of business processes, which can impact productivity and compliance.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for recording series of screen captures in real-time to generate workflow data files, including noise reduction, data enrichment, and superimposing workflows to provide a holistic view of the business process, using a processor to create graphical representations compatible with workflow applications, and encrypting data for security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple separate workflow recordings are captured and stored individually, then each workflow can be documented in detail, but the overall business process knowledge remains fragmented and incomplete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebusiness process knowledge completenessVSAvoidworkflow documentation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate workflow recordings into a single unified workflow data file by superimposing individual workflow graphs. This combining approach consolidates fragmented process knowledge into a holistic view, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified workflow data file serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores individual workflow recordings, integrates them into a comprehensive process model, and provides a single source of truth for business process knowledge. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate management of multiple workflow documents.

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

2Reliability

If detailed step-by-step recordings are captured for every workflow variation, then complete process documentation is achieved, but the documentation becomes difficult to manage and understand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess documentation accuracyVSAvoidworkflow documentation usability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple detailed workflow recordings are merged into a unified representation that maintains accuracy through superimposition while improving usability by presenting a consolidated view. The system preserves detailed step-by-step information internally while providing a simplified external interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The workflow documentation is segmented into individual workflow graphs that are captured separately but then integrated into a unified structure. This segmentation allows detailed documentation of each workflow variation while the unified presentation maintains ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If linear workflow representations are used, then the workflow process can be documented sequentially, but a holistic view of the entire business process is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholistic process viewVSAvoidworkflow representation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear workflow representations to a multi-dimensional unified workflow graph that superimposes multiple linear workflows. This dimensional change enables a holistic process view while managing complexity through structured integration of individual workflow paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11537497B2Systems and methods for merging and aggregation of workflow processes
Publication Date: 2022.12.27 ATOS FRANCE
  • US11537497B2 patent drawing
  • US11537497B2 patent drawing
  • US11537497B2 patent drawing

AI summary

System and method for merging and aggregation of workflow processes by recording a series of screen captures in real-time that can assist in capturing the steps for completing the business workflow process across one or more business applications in a workflow data file. The workflow data file includes a graphical representation of the steps in a sequential order for performing the business workflow process. The workflow data file is compatible with a workflow application.