Relational logic management system
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method to reconcile rule sets in a workflow model of a business process, the method comprising:
- tracing paths forward through a workflow model of a business process from a first rule set to a second rule set by creating flow graphs for said first and second rule sets in a user interface and propagating relations between nodes in the flow graphs, wherein the first and second rule sets are invoked by the workflow model;
automatically enumerating relations that extend forward from the first rule set to the second rule set; and
using multi-valued logic, computing the effects on the relations of control flow through the workflow model from the first rule set to the second rule set according to criteria that define potential functional interactions between the rule sets; and
reconciling conflicts, redundancies, or overlaps between said rule sets.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In one aspect, the invention relates to a method to propagate relations between a first rule set and a second rule set wherein the first and second rule sets are invoked by a common workflow model. The method includes tracing paths forward through the workflow model from the first rule set to the second rule set. Enumerating relations that extend forward from the first rule set to the second rule set is another step in the method. Additionally, using multi-valued logic, calculating the effects on the relations of control flow through the workflow model from the first rule set to the second rule set, tracing paths backward through the workflow model from the second rule set to the first rule set, enumerating relations that extend backward from the second rule set to the first rule set, and using multi-valued logic, calculating the effects on the relations of control flow backwards through the workflow model from the second rule set to the first rule set are also steps in the method.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method to reconcile rule sets in a workflow model of a business process, the method comprising:
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tracing paths forward through a workflow model of a business process from a first rule set to a second rule set by creating flow graphs for said first and second rule sets in a user interface and propagating relations between nodes in the flow graphs, wherein the first and second rule sets are invoked by the workflow model; automatically enumerating relations that extend forward from the first rule set to the second rule set; and using multi-valued logic, computing the effects on the relations of control flow through the workflow model from the first rule set to the second rule set according to criteria that define potential functional interactions between the rule sets; and reconciling conflicts, redundancies, or overlaps between said rule sets. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A computer-implemented method of creating reusable modules of business logic, the method comprising:
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(a) capturing at least one sequence of steps and rule sets from a workflow model of a business process by means of a user interface to a business logic modeler; (b) storing the sequence of workflow steps and rule sets as a single business logic module, and (c) storing relational information computed for each variable used in the sequence within the single business logic module, wherein the relational information remains accessible to an operator to facilitate sequence reuse; and (d) reusing said modules of business logic in new contexts. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A computer-implemented method for inserting a sequence of workflow steps into a business process model, the method comprising:
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(a) comparing the relational information stored for each variable in the sequence to the relational information computed for the business process model; (b) creating computer initialization instructions to initialize each variable in the sequence; and (c) inserting the computer initialization instructions into the business process model such that the computer initialization instructions will be executed before the sequence of workflow steps;
such that the computer initialization instructions will be executed before the sequence of workflow steps; and(d) implementing new business logic. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A computer readable storage medium encoded with instructions, which when loaded into a digital computational device establishes a relational logic management system comprising:
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a modeler adapted for generating business logic, the modeler comprising at least one logical component; at least one repository for storing business logic generated by the modeler; and at least two rule sets, wherein relationships between rule set elements are determinable using a bi-directional comparative process; and enabling an operator to model and generate business logic. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A computer readable storage medium encoded with instructions, which when loaded into a digital computational device establishes a system for analyzing a business process, the system comprising:
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a first rule set comprising at least one rule; a second rule set comprising at least one rule, wherein said at least one rule from said first rule set and said at least one rule from said second rule set are linked by at least a portion of said business process; a workflow model of at least a portion of the business process; a means for identifying rule parameters and characterizing interaction between said first rule set and said second rule set according to criteria that define potential functional interactions between the rule sets; an interface means for modifying the workflow; and means for enabling a user to analyze and understand an overall workflow and its components. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification