Method of automatic pattern based editing of business models

#IBM® is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y., U.S.A. Other names used herein may be registered trademarks, trademarks or product names of International Business Machines Corporation or other companies.

#1. Technical Field

#This invention generally relates to editing of business models. More particularly, this invention relates to automatic pattern based editing of business models.

#The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 illustrates a graphical layout of elements of an exemplary business model, according to an exemplary embodiment;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a set of elements for an exemplary business model, according to an exemplary embodiment;

#The detailed description explains an exemplary embodiment, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

#According to an exemplary embodiment, a method is provided which significantly reduces the time required to create graphical representations of business models. This decrease in the time-consuming nature of business model creation therefore increases productivity and allows users to focus on functional elements of business model creation.

#According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of automatic pattern based editing of business models automatically connects entire groups of elements (e.g., tasks, decisions blocks, etc.) through consideration of their respective locations (i.e., coordinates) on a canvas or business model editing user interface. For example, the method may consider relative proximity, position, vertical alignment, horizontal alignment, and/or other such location specific attributes and compare said attributes against predefined or desired patterns. The comparison against predefined or desired patterns may increase the desired output of the automatic algorithm, thereby achieving a relatively productive result. It is noted that as used herein, the terms tasks and activities may be used interchangeably. Furthermore, these terms are not limited to only tasks and activities, but should encompass any element that may be placed on a canvas as a portion of a business model. A precise definition of particular operations of atomic operands of business models and/or exhaustive description of every iteration of possible elements is not the purpose of this disclosure.