Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer-to-computer data routing – Least weight routing
Reexamination Certificate
1996-12-23
2001-10-30
Vu, Viet D. (Department: 2154)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer-to-computer data routing
Least weight routing
C709S241000, C709S241000, C707S793000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311225
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for transferring data, status information and programming information between individual process modules which comprise an overall process. It also relates to methods and apparatus for controlling a process using the above methods for transferring data, and for displaying data associated with the process and with individual process steps.
Software applications are designed to achieve specific goals. To achieve these goals a process must often be followed. That is, certain tasks must be done in a specific order. Processes can be lengthy and complex. They often spawn other processes, such that several sub-processes are run simultaneously. Managing the information needed and manipulated by these processes can be difficult. Process owners have very limited powers when it comes to managing processes, because they do not have access to sufficient information to understand process status, and hence cannot act effectively.
Many process-oriented applications allow the user to design and start a process, but offer no tracking mechanism to monitor progress with respect to the information and the user perspective. Specifically, these applications provide no mechanism in the software for reporting completion of the entire process, or of a process sequence. Some applications provide basic tracking by indicating which steps have been completed and which are in progress. However, while a process step is executing, there is no indication of how far it has progressed, what portion of its logic has been completed, or the reason it may be delayed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of transferring data between process modules of an overall process. The method includes the steps of:
a) defining in memory a form having:
i) a data definition portion defining input and output variables associated with the process;
ii) a data map portion defining message contents;
iii) a step definition portion for associating the message contents with respective process modules; and
b) providing to each of the process modules a respective input message having contents specified by the data map portion.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of implementing a process having at least one process step. The method includes the steps of:
a) defining, with a first set of processor-readable instructions, at least one process module operable to implement at least one of the process steps, the at least one process module having at least one functional option and being operable to receive an input message including at least one input variable to be acted upon by the at least one process module, and an identification of which of the at least one functional options is to be rendered active during execution of the at least one process module, the at least one process module being operable to provide an output message including at least one output variable produced by the at least one process module and at least one status variable for providing a status indicator produced by the process module;
b) defining in memory, with a second set of processor-readable instructions, a form structure having:
i) a data definition portion defining input and output variables associated with the process;
ii) a data map portion defining message contents for use in the input message;
iii) a step definition portion for associating the message contents with at least one process step; and
c) providing input messages to the at least one process module.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for implementing a process having at least one process step. The apparatus includes a processor and a processor-readable memory for storing first and second sets of instructions. The first set of processor-readable instructions is operable to provide at least one process module operable to implement at least one process step. The process module has at least one functional option and is operable to receive an input message including at least one input variable to be acted upon by the process module, and an identification of which of the functional options is to be rendered active during execution of the process module. The process module is further operable to provide an output message including at least one output variable produced by the process module and at least one status variable for providing a status indicator produced by the process module. The second set of processor-readable instructions is operable to cause the processor to define in the memory a form structure having a data definition portion defining input and output variables associated with the process, a data map portion defining message contents for use in the input message, and a step definition portion for associating the message contents with at least one process step. The second set of instructions is also operable to direct the processor to provide the input message to the process module.
Preferably, the second set of instructions includes instructions for directing a processor to produce a process sequence definition defining an order of execution of the process steps.
Preferably, the second set of instructions includes instructions for directing the processor to assign the at least one process module to at least one of the process steps.
Preferably, the second set of instructions includes instructions for directing the processor to assign functional options within each process module to respective process steps and store a functional option assignment in the step definition portion of the form.
Preferably, the second set of instructions includes instructions for directing the processor to determine from the process sequence definition a current process step to be executed as part of the process.
Preferably, the second set of instructions includes instructions for directing the processor to determine from the process module assignment a current process module assigned to the current process step.
Preferably, the second set of instructions includes instructions for directing the processor to determine from the functional option assignment a current functional option for invocation within the current process module.
Preferably, the second set of instructions includes instructions for directing the processor to include within the message an indication of the current functional option to be used within the current process module.
Preferably, the second set of instructions includes instructions for directing the processor to include within the message variables selected from the data definition portion.
Preferably, the first set of instructions includes instructions for directing the processor to execute the at least one functional option in response to the input message.
Preferably, the second set of instructions includes instructions for directing the processor to receive from the at least one process module, the output message and storing the output data variable in the data definition portion of the form.
Preferably, the second set of instructions includes instructions for directing the processor to display at least one of the input and output variables from the data definition portion.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer readable memory medium on which is stored a set of processor-readable instructions for defining a form structure in a computer memory, the form structure having a data definition portion defining input and output variables associated with a process, a data map portion defining message contents for use in an input message operable to be provided to a process module implementing at least one step in the process, a step definition portion for associating the message contents with at least one process step in the process. The set of instructions is also operable to direct a processor to provide the input message to the process module implementing said step in said process.
Preferably, the set of processor-readable
Bachynski Caroline Dawn
Brule John Philip
Cuervo-Carrillo Jorge Fernando
Harris Stephen James
Janoowalla Hassan Mohamed
Nortel Networks Limited
Vu Viet D.
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for transferring data between process... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for transferring data between process..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for transferring data between process... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2557460