A facility (508) for guiding users through a series of steps (506) or tasks, often associated with a process %02),is described. The facility (508) assigns tasks or steps to users (510) having roles identified with the task or step (512). The role associated with the task or step (512) may change depending on the state of the task or step (514). When the role associated with a task or step (514) changes, the facility (508) may assign the task or step to another user (510). The facility guides a user through a task or step by providing instructions and other information, such as data tables and user input fields (510), that may be used to complete the task or step. The facility provides for the definition of processes by allowing users to specify tasks (504), steps (506) and instructions relating to processes (502).

Task based user interface

An approach is described for developing software that executes rules, such as business rules. A group of rule templates defines a rule structure for rules that may be executed by a rules engine. Separate ruleflow templates define tasks that entail the execution of rules. Each of the ruleflow templates associates a task with the group of rule templates. Because the ruleflow templates define the association between the tasks and the group of rule templates, during execution of the tasks a rules engine executes rules defined by the group of templates. User interfaces are automatically generated based on the group of rule templates. A user may interact with the user interfaces to edit the rules defined by the group of templates. After editing the rules, executing the tasks associated with the group of templates will cause execution of the modified rules.

Approach for re-using business rules

A method for training a system to specifically react on a specific input. The method can include defining a set of binary data structures, each representing a real-world component, item, or virtual object; storing each data structure as a binary pattern; creating uniquely identifiable copies of the data structures to represent individual instances of the components, items, or virtual objects; creating a virtual state space of the components, items, or virtual objects by grouping them as relevant for a specific situation; receiving an input to change a status or an attribute value of at least one of the components, items, or virtual objects; storing the received changes in a new version of the applicable data structure instance; analyzing similarities of the stored binary patterns related to a particular action performed; and if a matched binary pattern is identified, proposing at least one possible action related to the matched binary pattern.

Method for training a system to specifically react on a specific input

A system for automated lifecycle management of a computer implemented service, according to requirements, having a service model ( 30 ) representing the service at a given development state in the lifecycle, and a transition model ( 70 ) representing allowed operations to change the service model to a different one of the development states of the service, according to the requirements, and the transition model having a transparent structure suitable for automated inspection of the allowed operations, and suitable for automated adaptation of the allowed operations. The service model can be developed to another of its states of development according to the transition model. This can help facilitate more automation of the service development than for example code in a closed and fixed form such as for example a compiled program for altering the service model. This in turn can enable more complex services to be developed, or reduce development costs.

Automated Lifecycle Management of a Computer Implemented Service

A system and method for ordering products, such as lens products from lens vendors, includes an intuitive interface. One or more displayable lists of options are provided to an operator, whereby selecting one item from the list decreases subsequent choices from other lists to only valid or available choices. Application tools interface with the system to permit data from external equipment to be input and associated with an order.

Electronic ordering system, such as for use by eye care professionals

Aspects of the invention provide for creating, operating and updating product configurators. A configuration creation embodiment includes receiving data corresponding to product or service options, identifying a solution space corresponding to the data, setting rules for evaluating constraint relationships of the data and for navigating the solution space, and generating cross-domain logical response engines corresponding to a navigation of the solution space.

Configuration system and methods

A method and apparatus that define in a graphical way how to generate an application or template or custom solution based on a user defined Business Process Model, without programming. The computerized system uses prefabricated software components. These components are described in the Solution Library. The Solution Library includes a list of exclusive and completely exhaustive components (Business Patterns, data mapping models, state models). These components build up generic solutions for all business applications across the industry. The prefabricated software components include order elements, resource elements and process elements, with a state table attached. They are composed into Business Patterns. The present invention provides an analysis of an optimal business process. Once the optimal business process is defined, a methodic mapping of preexisting computer software systems/third party software systems to the business process can demonstrate functionality gaps. A gap exists if preexisting computer software system/third party system is unable to meet with the functional requirements dictated out of the business process. These gaps will be filled with components out of the Solution Library by: extending the Solution Library components to fulfil the specific industry and customer needs, through configuration, without programming, and by integration of existing solutions. Once the gaps are filled, the computer software system is operational and spans the user's entire business process.

Method and apparatus for business modeling

Aspects of the invention provide rapid development of static and/or dynamically modifiable intra and inter-entity business supply-chain and other systems. In one embodiment, a framework comprises core business-system implementation components (507) ('core components') including resource (504), process (505) and order (503) elements that are intrinsically independent of behaviors and links to other core components. The framework also includes behavior components for associating (506b) one or more behaviors with the core components (509), and linking components (901) for providing associative operational coupling of the business components and behavioral components.

Duncan Mcgillivray

Papers

Configuration system and methods

Method and apparatus for business modeling

Business modeling framework system and methods