US5999910A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Processing a workflow item
Assignee: FMR LLC
•
Filing: 1997-10-06
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Granted: 1999-12-07
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Expires: 2017-10-06
Abstract
Abstract A computer-based method is provided for use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system. Suspension information relating to a previous suspension of the work item is stored. Based on the suspension information or the indication of the current time, it is determined whether processing of the work item is permitted to be suspended. A recommended resume time is determined that constitutes a time that is permitted to be selected for when processing of the work item is to resume, and the recommended resume time is displayed to an operator before the operator causes processing of the work item to be suspended. After processing of the work item has been suspended, it is determined that processing of the work item is to be resumed, and the work item is caused to be one of a predetermined number of next work items presented to an operator after the determination is made.
Inventors
- 👤 Kurt A. Rosenfeld
- 👤 Kenneth U. Gibson
- 👤 Robert C. Bisantz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 00:28
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/10; G06Q10/06; G06Q10/063; G06Q10/0633; G06Q40/00; G06Q40/03; G06Q10/109; G06Q10/1091
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 61
Claim 1
Independent Claim
54 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the method comprising: storing suspension information relating to a previous suspension of the work item after the previous suspension has ended; and based on the suspension information, determining whether processing of the work item is permitted to be suspended.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
54 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the method comprising: storing suspension information relating to a previous suspension of the work item after the previous suspension has ended; and based on the suspension information, determining whether processing of the work item is permitted to be suspended.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the determination is based on a limit specified by a rule.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising: based on the suspension information, determining a total number of times processing of the work item has been suspended.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising: based on the suspension information, determining a total amount of time processing of the work item has been suspended.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 4, wherein the determination of the total amount of time is also based on a business hours schedule.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising: based on the suspension information, determining a number of times processing of the work item has been suspended as a result of an operator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising: based on the suspension information, determining an amount of time processing of the work item has been suspended as a result of an operator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the determination of the amount of time is also based on a business hours schedule.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
46 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the method comprising: providing an indication of the current time; and based on the indication of the current time, determining whether processing of the work item is permitted to be suspended.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the method comprising: providing an indication of the current time; and based on the indication of the current time, determining whether processing of the work item is permitted to be suspended.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises storing a time schedule; and the determination is based on the time schedule.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
80 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the method comprising: after processing of the work item has been suspended, determining that processing of the work item is to be resumed; and altering an order in which the suspended work item would otherwise be presented to an operator by causing the work item to be one of a predetermined number of work items presented next to an operator after the determination is made.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
80 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the method comprising: after processing of the work item has been suspended, determining that processing of the work item is to be resumed; and altering an order in which the suspended work item would otherwise be presented to an operator by causing the work item to be one of a predetermined number of work items presented next to an operator after the determination is made.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 11, wherein the predetermined number is one.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
44 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the method comprising: determining a recommended resume time; and displaying the recommended resume time to an operator before the operator causes processing of the work item to be suspended.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
44 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the method comprising: determining a recommended resume time; and displaying the recommended resume time to an operator before the operator causes processing of the work item to be suspended.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises determining a maximum suspension time value representing a maximum length of time for which processing of the work item is permitted to be suspended; and the determination of the recommended resume time is based on the maximum suspension time value.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises storing a business hours schedule for processing of the work item; and the determination of the recommended resume time is based on the business hours schedule for processing of the work item.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
63 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the method comprising: after processing of the work item has been suspended, determining whether an operator is authorized to cause processing of the work item to resume; and depending on the outcome of the determination, allowing the operator to cause processing of the work item to be resumed.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
63 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the method comprising: after processing of the work item has been suspended, determining whether an operator is authorized to cause processing of the work item to resume; and depending on the outcome of the determination, allowing the operator to cause processing of the work item to be resumed.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 16, further comprising: storing a suspended work items list comprising a suspended work item entry for each work item for which processing has been suspended; and displaying to the operator a display list of suspended work items, the display list including a selectable display entry for only each work item for which the operator is authorized to cause processing to resume.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
52 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the method comprising: storing information about a suspension of processing of the work item; and based on the information about the suspension, deriving a statistic about suspension of processing of work items in the automated workflow system.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
52 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the method comprising: storing information about a suspension of processing of the work item; and based on the information about the suspension, deriving a statistic about suspension of processing of work items in the automated workflow system.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises processing the work item in accordance with a predetermined sequence of phases; and the statistic represents a frequency with which suspension of processing of work items occurs in connection with one of the phases in the sequence.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the statistic represents a frequency with which suspension of processing occurs for work items of a particular type.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the statistic represents a frequency with which suspension of processing of work items occurs in connection with a particular operator.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
181 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a preselected work item in an automated workflow system to allow an operator at a computer station to delay execution of the preselected work item, the method comprising: receiving from the operator at the computer station a suspend directive requesting suspension of processing of the preselected work item; refusing to suspend processing of the preselected work item if suspension is not allowed at the current time, a total suspension count has reached a maximum permissible number of suspensions, or a total suspension time value has reached a maximum aggregate suspension time value; in the database of work items, adding a suspension mark to prevent processing of the preselected work item; adding to a table of suspension entries a new suspension entry corresponding to the preselected work item, the new suspension entry specifying a resume time for when the preselected work item is to become available for processing again; and if a resume directive has been received or the current time is later than the resume time, removing the suspension entry and the suspension mark.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
181 words
A computer-based method for use in processing a preselected work item in an automated workflow system to allow an operator at a computer station to delay execution of the preselected work item, the method comprising: receiving from the operator at the computer station a suspend directive requesting suspension of processing of the preselected work item; refusing to suspend processing of the preselected work item if suspension is not allowed at the current time, a total suspension count has reached a maximum permissible number of suspensions, or a total suspension time value has reached a maximum aggregate suspension time value; in the database of work items, adding a suspension mark to prevent processing of the preselected work item; adding to a table of suspension entries a new suspension entry corresponding to the preselected work item, the new suspension entry specifying a resume time for when the preselected work item is to become available for processing again; and if a resume directive has been received or the current time is later than the resume time, removing the suspension entry and the suspension mark.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
70 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the instructions causing the system to: store suspension information relating to a previous suspension of the work item after the Previous suspension has ended; and based on the suspension information, determine whether processing of the work item is permitted to be suspended.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
70 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the instructions causing the system to: store suspension information relating to a previous suspension of the work item after the Previous suspension has ended; and based on the suspension information, determine whether processing of the work item is permitted to be suspended.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The computer software of claim 23, wherein the determination is based on a limit specified by a rule.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer software of claim 23, wherein the computer software further comprises instructions for causing the system to: based on the suspension information, determine a total number of times processing of the work item has been suspended.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer software of claim 23, wherein the computer software further comprises instructions for causing the system to: based on the suspension information, determine a total amount of time processing of the work item has been suspended.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer software of claim 26, wherein the determination of the total amount of time is also based on a business hours schedule.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
42 words
The computer software of claim 23, wherein the computer software further comprises instructions for causing the system to: based on the suspension information, determine a number of times processing of the work item has been suspended as a result of an operator.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
42 words
The computer software of claim 23, wherein the computer software further comprises instructions for causing the system to: based on the suspension information, determine an amount of time processing of the work item has been suspended as a result of an operator.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The computer software of claim 29, wherein the determination of the amount of time is also based on a business hours schedule.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
62 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the instructions causing the system to: provide an indication of the current time; and based on the indication of the current time, determine whether processing of the work item is permitted to be suspended.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
62 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the instructions causing the system to: provide an indication of the current time; and based on the indication of the current time, determine whether processing of the work item is permitted to be suspended.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer software of claim 31, wherein the computer software further comprises instructions for causing the system to store a time schedule; and the determination is based on the time schedule.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
96 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the instructions causing the system to: after processing of the work item has been suspended, determine that processing of the work item is to be resumed; and alter an order in which the suspended work item would otherwise be presented to an operator by causing the work item to be one of a predetermined number of next work items presented to an operator after the determination is made.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
96 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the instructions causing the system to: after processing of the work item has been suspended, determine that processing of the work item is to be resumed; and alter an order in which the suspended work item would otherwise be presented to an operator by causing the work item to be one of a predetermined number of next work items presented to an operator after the determination is made.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
12 words
The computer software of claim 33, wherein the predetermined number is one.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
60 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the instructions causing the system to: determine a recommended resume time; and display the recommended resume time to an operator before the operator causes processing of the work item to be suspended.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
60 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the instructions causing the system to: determine a recommended resume time; and display the recommended resume time to an operator before the operator causes processing of the work item to be suspended.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
58 words
The computer software of claim 35, wherein the computer software further comprises instructions for causing the system to determine a maximum suspension time value representing a maximum length of time for which processing of the work item is permitted to be suspended; and the determination of the recommended resume time is based on the maximum suspension time value.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
50 words
The computer software of claim 35, wherein the computer software further comprises instructions for causing the system to store a business hours schedule for processing of the work item; and the determination of the recommended resume time is based on the business hours schedule for processing of the work item.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
79 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the instructions causing the system to: after processing of the work item has been suspended, determine whether an operator is authorized to cause processing of the work item to resume; and depending on the outcome of the determination, allow the operator to cause processing of the work item to be resumed.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
79 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the instructions causing the system to: after processing of the work item has been suspended, determine whether an operator is authorized to cause processing of the work item to resume; and depending on the outcome of the determination, allow the operator to cause processing of the work item to be resumed.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
76 words
The computer software of claim 38, wherein the computer software further comprises instructions for causing the system to: store a suspended work items list comprising a suspended work item entry for each work item for which processing has been suspended; and display to the operator a display list of suspended work items, the display list including a selectable display entry for only each work item for which the operator is authorized to cause processing to resume.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
68 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the instructions causing the system to: store information about a suspension of processing of the work item; and based on the information about the suspension, derive a statistic about suspension of processing of work items in the automated workflow system.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
68 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a work item in an automated workflow system, the instructions causing the system to: store information about a suspension of processing of the work item; and based on the information about the suspension, derive a statistic about suspension of processing of work items in the automated workflow system.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
55 words
The computer software of claim 40, wherein the computer software further comprises instructions for causing the system to process the work item in accordance with a predetermined sequence of phases; and the statistic represents a frequency with which suspension of processing of work items occurs in connection with one of the phases in the sequence.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer software of claim 40, wherein the statistic represents a frequency with which suspension of processing occurs for work items of a particular type.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer software of claim 40, wherein the statistic represents a frequency with which suspension of processing of work items occurs in connection with a particular operator.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
197 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a preselected work item in an automated workflow system to allow an operator at a computer station to delay execution of the preselected work item, the instructions causing the system to: receive from the operator at the computer station a suspend directive requesting suspension of processing of the preselected work item; refuse to suspend processing of the preselected work item if suspension is not allowed at the current time, a total suspension count has reached a maximum permissible number of suspensions, or a total suspension time value has reached a maximum aggregate suspension time value; in the database of work items, add a suspension mark to prevent processing of the preselected work item; add to a table of suspension entries a new suspension entry corresponding to the preselected work item, the new suspension entry specifying a resume time for when the preselected work item is to become available for processing again; and if a resume directive has been received or the current time is later than the resume time, remove the suspension entry and the suspension mark.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
197 words
Computer software, residing on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions for use in a computer system to use in processing a preselected work item in an automated workflow system to allow an operator at a computer station to delay execution of the preselected work item, the instructions causing the system to: receive from the operator at the computer station a suspend directive requesting suspension of processing of the preselected work item; refuse to suspend processing of the preselected work item if suspension is not allowed at the current time, a total suspension count has reached a maximum permissible number of suspensions, or a total suspension time value has reached a maximum aggregate suspension time value; in the database of work items, add a suspension mark to prevent processing of the preselected work item; add to a table of suspension entries a new suspension entry corresponding to the preselected work item, the new suspension entry specifying a resume time for when the preselected work item is to become available for processing again; and if a resume directive has been received or the current time is later than the resume time, remove the suspension entry and the suspension mark.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a request for suspension of the work item from an operator assigned to process the work item.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 13, wherein the recommended resume time comprises a time that is permitted to be selected for when processing of the work item is to resume.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
30 words
The computer software of claim 35, wherein the recommended resume time comprises a time that is permitted to be selected for when processing of the work item is to resume.
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