System and method of executing and controlling workflow processes
First Claim
1. A method of building, executing and controlling a workflow process without using a compiled workflow engine to execute and control the workflow process comprising steps of:
- providing a control logic for the workflow process;
providing a process model for the workflow process;
creating a message that requests execution of an activity, the message including activity-specific data and activity status data; and
processing the message according to the process model and control logic for the workflow process.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of executing and controlling a workflow process includes a request-response control process for coordinating activities between a plurality of entities, whereby an entity creates and sends a message requesting execution of an activity and another entity receives, parses and responds to the request. The message includes activity-specific data and activity status data. The activity status data signifies, for example, whether a corresponding activity has been successfully performed (i.e., completed) or failed. Process information, including control logic for the workflow process, is specified in an at least one uncompiled document, which may include an extensible stylesheet and an extensible markup language document. A document type definition defines the structure of the document. The control logic may include serial, AND-parallel, OR-parallel, XOR-parallel, CON-parallel and iterative instructions and a definition of successful completion and/or failure for an activity according to the control logic. The control logic also specifies a forward transition for a completed activity and a backward transition for a failed activity. A parser processes the message according to the control logic for the workflow process and the document type definition. A compiled workflow engine and database are not required.
127 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A method of building, executing and controlling a workflow process without using a compiled workflow engine to execute and control the workflow process comprising steps of:
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providing a control logic for the workflow process;
providing a process model for the workflow process;
creating a message that requests execution of an activity, the message including activity-specific data and activity status data; and
processing the message according to the process model and control logic for the workflow process. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for executing and controlling a workflow process without a compiled workflow engine to execute and control the workflow process, comprising:
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means for providing a control logic for the workflow process;
means for providing a process model for the workflow process;
means for creating a message that requests execution of an activity, the message including activity-specific data and activity status data; and
means for processing the message according to the process model and control logic for the workflow process. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of building, executing and controlling a workflow process without using a compiled workflow engine to execute and control the workflow process, comprising steps of:
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analyzing the workflow process into a unit;
arranging the unit under a set of rules;
associating the unit with a workflow control logic;
creating a process model;
requesting an activity;
processing the activity based on the process model and the workflow control logic; and
sending a response when the activity is complete, wherein the process model is specified in a document type definition language, wherein the activity is specified in a extensible mark up language, and wherein the workflow control logic is specified in an extensible style sheet language. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A system for executing and controlling a workflow process without a compiled workflow engine to execute and control the workflow process, comprising:
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a message processor;
a process unit that defines a process model;
a control unit that provides a workflow control logic; and
a message unit that sends and receives a message between activities. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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28. A method for defining a process control logic and a process model for a workflow, the method comprising steps of
creating a block model representing a workflow process, and transforming the block model into one or more uncompiled computer processable documents that do not require a compiled workflow engine for processing, with the one or more uncompiled computer processable documents defining a process control logic and a process model.
Specification