Workflow systems and methods
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A workflow system for controlling access to a document stepping through a sequence of computers in a computer network, wherein a move history table records the sequence of computers accessing the document, comprising:
- a computer network;
a workflow manager, connected to the computer network, comprising;
a first sequencer adapted to;
determine the step in the sequence of computers,determine the next computer in the sequence of computers,pass access to the document to the next computer in the sequence of computers,record the access in a move history table, andproduce a new sequence of computers from the move history table.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to message-based workflow systems and methods for computer networks. In one embodiment, the present invention provides three elements: (1) an e-mail system; (2) PC'"'"'s, terminals, or workstations connected by the e-mail system; and (3) a form route manager connected by the e-mail system.
237 Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A workflow system for controlling access to a document stepping through a sequence of computers in a computer network, wherein a move history table records the sequence of computers accessing the document, comprising:
-
a computer network; a workflow manager, connected to the computer network, comprising; a first sequencer adapted to; determine the step in the sequence of computers, determine the next computer in the sequence of computers, pass access to the document to the next computer in the sequence of computers, record the access in a move history table, and produce a new sequence of computers from the move history table.
-
-
2. An e-mail-based workflow system for processing a document, wherein the workflow system is connected to a computer network and a system for sending an e-mail, wherein the e-mail includes a step field and the document, comprising:
-
a first form route manager, with an e-mail address, connected to the computer network, capable of accessing a route, a sequence of e-mail addresses in the computer network, comprising; an in-box adapted to receive the e-mail; a first sequencer adapted to as follows; compare the step field with the route, define the next e-mail address based on the compare, update the e-mail address to the next e-mail address, and update the step field to the next step; and an out-box adapted to send the e-mail to the next e-mail address, wherein the next e-mail address includes; an in-box adapted to receive the e-mail from the first form route manager, and an out-box adapted to send the e-mail to the first form route manager. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. A form route manager for receiving and sending an e-mail, along a sequence of computers, in a computer network, comprising:
-
a programmable computer adapted to; compare a step field of the e-mail with the the sequence of computers, identify the next step in the sequence of computers, and update the step field of the e-mail to the next step; and an e-mail program, coupled to the programmable computer, including an e-mail in-box and an e-mail out-box, wherein the e-mail out-box is adapted to send the e-mail to the next computer in the sequence.
-
Specification