Integrated Workflow Visualization and Editing via Declarative Markup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing workflow creation and editing processes lack integration between graphic diagramming tools and declarative authoring tools, leading to a disconnect between visualization and parameterization, making it difficult for process designers to translate visual workflow designs into functional workflows without extensive coding expertise.
Innovation Solution
The integration of workflow visualization and editing through a visual graphic diagramming tool and a web application platform tool using declarative markup language, allowing for the creation of a single file that bundles visualization data and parameters for seamless manipulation and parameterization in both tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a visual graphic diagramming tool is used to create workflow diagrams, then visualization capability is improved, but the ability to implement functional workflows deteriorates due to lack of parameterization features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visual graphic diagramming tool and the declarative authoring tool into a single integrated workflow editor. The workflow diagram visualizes the process flow while the same diagram allows parameterization through property panels and context menus. This merging eliminates the need to switch between separate tools and ensures that visual design and functional implementation are consistently maintained together.
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow diagram serves multiple functions simultaneously: it visualizes the process flow, defines the workflow logic, stores parameters, and enables both visual editing and code generation. The same graphical elements (shapes, connectors, stages) are used for both visualization and functional specification, making the tool universal for both design and implementation tasks.
2Ease of manufacture
If a declarative authoring tool is used to implement workflows, then parameterization capability is improved, but visualization capability deteriorates due to code-based editing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visual editing interface with the parameterization interface. When users work with workflow diagram elements, they can access property panels and context menus that provide declarative parameter editing directly within the visual canvas. This integration ensures that parameterization and visualization occur in the same workspace, eliminating the need to switch to separate code editing tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that translates between visual diagram elements and declarative parameters. The workflow editor acts as a mediator that captures user interactions with visual elements and automatically generates or updates the corresponding declarative workflow definition, maintaining consistency between visualization and parameterization without requiring users to manually write code.
3Adaptability or versatility
If workflow diagrams are created in separate tools and then imported/exported between them, then tool specialization is improved, but workflow consistency and reliability deteriorate due to manual translation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the previously separate visual diagramming tool and declarative authoring tool into a single unified workflow editor. This eliminates the import/export process between separate tools and prevents the loss or corruption of workflow information during translation. The unified tool maintains a single source of truth for both visual and declarative representations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms that validate workflow diagrams as they are being created. The system provides immediate validation of diagram elements, parameter settings, and workflow logic, preventing errors before they propagate. This feedback loop ensures consistency and reliability by catching issues during creation rather than during later import/export processes.
4Ease of operation
If process designers use familiar diagramming tools without integrated parameterization, then ease of use is improved, but the ability to create executable workflows deteriorates due to lack of direct implementation features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ease-of-use visual diagramming with executable workflow creation in a single tool. Users can drag and drop shapes to create diagrams while simultaneously configuring parameters through integrated property panels. This merging eliminates the need to learn separate tools or perform manual translation, maintaining ease of use while enabling direct workflow creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the workflow diagram itself to serve multiple purposes. The visual elements automatically generate the workflow definition, and the parameter settings are directly captured from the diagram properties. The system performs self-service by automatically translating the visual design into executable workflow code without requiring manual intervention or switching between tools.
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated workflow visualization and editing is provided using a visual graphic diagramming tool and a web application platform tool to create a workflow. A visual representation of a workflow is created using the visual graphic diagramming tool. A declarative markup language file representing the workflow is provided to a web application platform tool for further modification of the workflow. The workflow is opened in the web application platform tool and desired parameters in the workflow are set. Visualization data from the graphic diagramming tool and the set parameters are bundled in a single declarative markup language file formatted for reading by both the visual graphic diagramming tool and the web application platform tool to allow manipulations and parameterization of the workflow in both the visual graphic diagramming tool and the web application platform tool.