Automated web task procedures based on an analysis of actions in web browsing history logs

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to generating automated web task procedures from an analysis of web history logs. One aspect of the invention concerns a method that comprises identifying sequences of related web actions from a web log, grouping each set of similar web actions into an action class, and mapping the sequences of related web actions into sequences of action classes. The method further clusters each group of similar sequences of action classes into a cluster, wherein relationships among the action classes in the cluster are represented by a state machine, and generates automated web task procedures from the state machine.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]Embodiments of the invention relate generally web applications, and more particularly, to generating automated web task procedures.[0002]People often perform repeated web browsing tasks in websites, e.g., paying bills, booking flight tickets, or purchasing items from online vendors. Sometimes these tasks have many steps which are difficult to remember, specially if they are repeated infrequently. Web automation systems, such as the system described in the paper entitled “CoScripter: Automating and Sharing How-To Knowledge in the Enterprise,” Proceedings of CHI 2008, ACM, New York, 2008, enable users to record and playback automated scripts, i.e., web procedures, for doing repeated tasks.[0003]Such web automation systems may not be widely used because they require manual efforts to create and maintain automated scripts. In addition, a web script may not work after a period of time if the website that script tries to access has changed after the creation of the script....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method and system for automatically analyzing web logs to create tasks to be performed on the web. The system identifies patterns of related web actions from a web log and groups them into different categories. Each category is represented by a state machine that describes the relationships between the different actions. The system can also cluster these actions into groups to make the task easier. The technical effect of this invention is to automate the creation of web tasks, making it faster and easier for users to perform complex tasks without needing constant supervision.

Problems solved by technology

Sometimes these tasks have many steps which are difficult to remember, specially if they are repeated infrequently.

Such web automation systems may not be widely used because they require manual efforts to create and maintain automated scripts.

In addition, a web script may not work after a period of time if the website that script tries to access has changed after the creation of the script.

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