Method and Architecture for Goal Oriented Applications, Configurations and Workflow Solutions on-the-Fly

{
  "publication_number": "US2007244904A1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "A1",
  "title": "Method and Architecture for Goal Oriented Applications, Configurations and Workflow Solutions on-the-Fly",
  "abstract": "An architecture to deliver web applications to users that is comprised of links to virtual applications that are composed of physical applications (e.g., a software component with special rules). The web applications can be created, combined into larger applications and installed without the typical effort of writing and debugging software code. Building blocks are derived from a standard interface and rules including that none of the components call methods from any other component. The interfaces pass knowledge, and an agent basket holds properties of a job. Data needed to carry out tasks is found from resources other than the interface (e.g., database). Agencies actively monitor job postings (bulletin board posts) and call agents having a highest score for performing the job. Only active agents and components are maintained in computer memory and are killed when finished, minimizing system footprint and reducing hardware costs.",
  "claims": [
    "1. An architecture for applications, comprising: a set of building blocks wherein each building block comprises a component with a single standardized interface; a set of agents that operate independently of each other agent, wherein the building block components and agents are not arranged in either client-server or master-slave relationships, but instead are at a peer level to each other.",
    "2. The architecture according to claim 1, wherein the single standardized interface comprises a property basket containing only properties.",
    "3. The architecture according to claim 1, wherein each component interface is configured to transfer knowledge, and each component is configured to retrieve data as needed to implement functionality of the component.",
    "4. The architecture according to claim 3, wherein the retrieved data comprises all of the data needed to implement the functionality of the component.",
    "5. The architecture according to claim 3, wherein the data needed to implement the functionality of the component is retrieved independently of the interface.",
    "6. The architecture according to claim 3, wherein the knowledge transferred via the interface comprises non-data elements.",
    "7. The architecture according to claim 3, wherein the knowledge transferred via the interface comprises a workbasket comprising properties of a job.",
    "8. The architecture according to claim 3, wherein the knowledge transferred via the interface comprises a workbasket comprising proprietary formatted properties of a form.",
    "9. The architecture according to claim 1, further comprising a workflow engine configured to track events such as changes in data values, arrival of new data or actions, and responding to those events by calling a handler or posting a job request.",
    "10. The architecture according to claim 9, wherein the handler comprises an agent configured to post jobs or perform requested operations directly.",
    "11. The architecture according to claim 9, wherein the workflow engine comprises an event tracker configured to watch data by issuing periodical queries to data repositories and workflow manager configured to respond to actions by analyzing workflow conditions and start a workflow or change of a work step status.",
    "12. The architecture according to claim 11, wherein the workflow manager makes sure only one response to actions is performed.",
    "13. The architecture according to claim 11, wherein the workflow manager utilizes a series of single input, single output agents to respond to actions, and the single input and single output of the agents is a property basket passed from agent to agent.",
    "14. The architecture according to claim 13, wherein the architecture is self-organizing.",
    "15. The architecture according to claim 14 wherein the self-organization alters work flow in progress.",
    "16. The architecture according to claim 15 wherein the self organization is based on one of a rule based, fuzzy expert system.",
    "17. The architecture according to claim 10, wherein actions to be responded to include web requests.",
    "18. A method for job completion, comprising: posting a job request on a bulletin board; posting job skills on the bulletin board; and matching each job request with one of a component and/or agent having posted skills best matched to the job request.",
    "19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the posted job request originates from at least one of a form, an agent, and a component.",
    "20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of actively monitoring the bulletin board for job postings and calling agents best matched to the job request.",
    "21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the best matched agent has the highest score for performing the job.",
    "22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the highest score is determined by at least one of accuracy, speed, footprint size, and cost of performing the job by a qualified agent.",
    "23. The method according to claim 18, wherein each job request contains “Job Description” which comprises each of required skills (Service Type) and job properties (Service Parameters and Service Data or Content).",
    "24. The method according to claim 18, wherein: said method is embodied in a set of computer instructions stored on a computer readable media; said computer instructions, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of said method.",
    "25. The method according to claim 18, wherein said computer instruction are compiled computer instructions stored as an executable program on said computer readable media.",
    "26. The method according to claim 18, wherein said method is embodied in a set of computer readable instructions stored in an electronic signal.",
    "27. A goal oriented architecture that provides workflow configurations and workflow solutions on-the-fly, comprising: a set of peer level processes, including, agents for coordinating tasks, components for executing specific functions, and forms for displaying and linking data related to a specific task, wherein each peer level process is a compete application having a single standardized interface; a data repository configured to maintain all data utilized in the forms, tasks, or required for processing component functionalities; and a bulletin board configured to be the sole link between the agents, components, and forms; wherein the single standardized interface is configured to transfer knowledge, and each peer-level process is configured to retrieve data as needed to implement functionality of the process from the data repository.",
    "28. The architecture according to claim 27, wherein at least one agent includes multiple registrations as a service provider with different skills or different presets appropriate for different services, wherein each skill is scored separately as the service is rendered and evaluated.",
    "29. The architecture according to claim 27, wherein the forms comprises at least one of logging forms utilized as entry points to virtual applications, menu forms that are registered entries to physical applications, Listings forms configured to be used by menu forms to list items prior to entering a specific physical application, general forms configured for administration, research forms configured for one of data collection, data mining, and data management.",
    "30. The architecture according to claim 27, wherein the peer level processes, data repository, and bulletin board interact to implement a process to, collect data form a user submitted form, store the collected data in the data repository, post a job request on the bulletin board, match an agency comprising one of a broker and workflow manager with the posted job request; wherein the agency invoices an appropriate agent or other agencies for performing tasks associated with the user submitted form.",
    "31. The architecture according to claim 30, wherein the appropriate agent or other agencies for performing tasks associated with the user submitted form include an agent configured to utilize the job request and an associated job description basket to retrieve data from the data repository, process the retrieved data, and store the processes data back into the data repository.",
    "32. The architecture according to claim 31, wherein the tasks associated with the user submitted form composes a report to be printed.",
    "33. The architecture according to claim 31, wherein said other agencies comprise agencies specialized in import/export and printing."
  ],
  "cpc": [
    "G06F 9/5055",
    "G06F 8/30",
    "H04L 67/02"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "DURSKI KRISTOPHER"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2006-05-19",
  "publication_date": "2007-10-18",
  "priority_date": "2006-04-18",
  "application_number": "US-41947406-A",
  "family_id": "38606064",
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}