US 7669081

US Patent 7669081 Summary:

• Title: Systems and methods for scheduling, processing, and monitoring tasks
• Current Assignee: OL Security LLC
• Inventors: Richard Lett, Gregory Renno, Thomas Terwiel
• Filing Date: 2006-09-27
• Issue Date: 2010-02-23
• Abstract: A computer-implemented method for performing a process is provided. The method comprises: (a) receiving a request to perform a process, the process comprising a plurality of tasks and at least a scheduler rule; (b) receiving a plurality of checkpoints associated with the process, each checkpoint comprising checkpoint state data and at least a respective checkpoint rule governing execution of the process; (c) determining a first task of the plurality of tasks to be scheduled into a priority queue, in accordance with the scheduler rule; (d) determining the first checkpoint of the plurality of checkpoints that is to be the first checkpoint used in processing the first task, in accordance with the scheduler rule; (e) creating the checkpoint state data for the first checkpoint; (f) saving the checkpoint state data for the first checkpoint; (g) processing the first task in accordance with the checkpoint rule associated with the first checkpoint; (h) determining the next task in the plurality of tasks to perform, based on the checkpoint rule associated with the first checkpoint; (i) updating the saved checkpoint data for the first checkpoint with the data and state associated with the first task; and (j) repeating steps (c) through (i) for each subsequent task and checkpoint, in accordance with the respective scheduler and checkpoint rules, until a predetermined condition has been reached.

Plain-language Overview of Independent Claims:

The patent contains three independent claims: Claim 1, Claim 19, and Claim 29.

• Independent Claim 1 (Method for performing a process): This claim describes a computer-implemented method for executing a process composed of multiple tasks and checkpoints. It involves:

  • Receiving a request for a process with tasks and a main scheduler rule.
  • Receiving several checkpoints, each with its own state data and a rule for how the process should run at that checkpoint.
  • Using the main scheduler rule to decide which task to put into a priority queue first.
  • Using the scheduler rule to decide which checkpoint should process the first task.
  • Creating and saving initial data for that first checkpoint.
  • Processing the first task according to the first checkpoint's rule.
  • Based on the first checkpoint's rule, figuring out which task to do next.
  • Updating the saved data for the first checkpoint with the current task's information.
  • Repeating these steps for subsequent tasks and checkpoints, guided by their respective rules, until a predefined stopping point is reached.

• Independent Claim 19 (Method for processing a logical thread): This claim outlines a method for breaking down and managing a logical sequence of operations (a "logical thread"). It involves:

  • Dividing the logical thread into several smaller "processor functions."
  • Representing the state of this logical thread as a "task" that moves between these processor functions, carrying its data and current state.
  • Adding this task to a queue.
  • Saving the task's state at a first "checkpoint."
  • Choosing the first processor function to handle the task based on a specific rule.
  • The first processor function receiving the task, using its data to perform an operation, and storing the results back in the task.
  • Saving the task's state again at a second checkpoint.
  • Choosing a second processor function based on another rule.
  • The second processor function receiving the task and using the output from the first process as its input, if necessary.

• Independent Claim 29 (Computerized system for executing a process): This claim describes a system that uses a computer to run a process. The system includes:

  • Tools (means) for receiving requests to run a business process and sending back responses.
  • Tools for processing these incoming requests based on a set priority.
  • Tools for saving data about the progress of the request at different "checkpoints."
  • Tools for retrieving data from a checkpoint to restart or restore the business process.

USPTO and CAFC 2026 Dockets Search:

The legal status of US7669081 is "Active", and it is set to expire on 2028-01-27.

Regarding litigation, the Google Patents information for US7669081 indicates that the "Family has litigation" and shows several US cases filed in Delaware District Court in 2026. These include cases 1:26-cv-00466, 1:26-cv-00417, 1:26-cv-00397, and 1:26-cv-00392. These cases are sourced from the District Court via Unified Patents Litigation Data.

I could not find specific dockets for US7669081 at the CAFC for 2026 within the provided search results. While the Federal Circuit (CAFC) handles patent appeals, the specific litigation mentioned for US7669081 is at the District Court level in Delaware. Information from Darts-ip and Unified Patents indicates they track patent litigation globally, including CAFC cases, but no direct CAFC dockets for US7669081 in 2026 were explicitly found in the snippets.

Therefore, while litigation is ongoing for this patent in district court in 2026, specific dockets for the CAFC in 2026 related to US7669081 are not explicitly identified in the provided information.