Workflow Transfer Control With Valid Step Restriction

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital workflow tools require programming knowledge to implement transfer control steps, limiting their usability for non-programmers and complicating the creation of workflows that need to handle complex business processes.

Innovation Solution

A low-code or codeless workflow tool allows users with little to no programming experience to insert transfer control steps, such as 'Go back to' steps, using drag-and-drop interactions, with the system identifying valid target nodes and restricting invalid ones through a graphical user interface (GUI) based on predefined rules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If programming knowledge is required to implement transfer control steps, then workflow functionality and control precision are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow control precisionVSAvoidease of workflow creation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (the workflow tool's automated system) that mediates between the user's simple drag-and-drop actions and the complex transfer control logic. The system automatically identifies valid target nodes, validates transfer control steps, and enforces workflow rules without requiring the user to understand programming concepts. This intermediary layer shields users from complexity while maintaining precise control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The workflow tool performs self-service by automatically analyzing the workflow structure, identifying valid target nodes for transfer control steps, and enforcing validation rules. The system independently determines which nodes can be valid targets based on workflow semantics, eliminating the need for users to manually program validation logic or understand complex control flow constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If programming knowledge is required to implement transfer control steps, then workflow functionality is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow functionalityVSAvoidworkflow creation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (the workflow tool's automated system) that mediates between the user's simple drag-and-drop actions and the complex transfer control logic. The system automatically identifies valid target nodes, validates transfer control steps, and enforces workflow rules without requiring the user to understand programming concepts. This intermediary layer shields users from complexity while maintaining precise control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the complex programming and validation logic from the user's task and places it within the workflow tool itself. The system independently handles node identification, transfer control validation, and rule enforcement, separating these complex functions from the user's simple workflow design activities. This extraction reduces the apparent complexity users must manage while preserving full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If automated identification of valid target nodes is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of transfer control step creationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The workflow tool performs self-service by automatically analyzing the workflow structure, identifying valid target nodes for transfer control steps, and enforcing validation rules. The system independently determines which nodes can be valid targets based on workflow semantics, eliminating the need for users to manually program validation logic or understand complex control flow constraints. This self-service capability simplifies user interaction while encapsulating system complexity within the tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (the workflow tool's automated system) that mediates between the user's simple drag-and-drop actions and the complex transfer control logic. The system automatically identifies valid target nodes, validates transfer control steps, and enforces workflow rules without requiring the user to understand programming concepts. This intermediary layer shields users from complexity while maintaining precise control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260010849A1Transfer Control Step for Digital Workflows

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 SERVICENOW INC

AI summary

A specification of one or more steps of a digital workflow specified using a graphical user interface is received. An indication of a program transfer control step in the digital workflow to return to a previously specified step in the digital workflow is received. The already specified specification of the one or more steps of the digital workflow is analyzed to determine one or more constraints of the program transfer control step. Based on the determined one or more constraints of the program transfer control step, a configuration of the program transfer control step in the digital workflow is restricted in the graphical user interface.