Data interaction method based on browser plug-in

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of automatic data processing of computer software, in particular to a data interaction method based on a browser plug-in, which comprises the following steps: acquiring a starting instruction of a user, and starting the plug-in according to the starting instruction; the plug-in obtains an element of a target page selected by a user, and captures a unique identifier of the element; and the plug-in executes automatic data interaction based on the element according to a condition configured by a user. According to the technical scheme provided by the invention, complicated IT support and hardware configuration are not needed, and the unique identifier of the target page element is captured, so that the accuracy and consistency of subsequent element-based operation execution are ensured; the local encrypted and stored operation record ensures the security of the sensitive data, prevents data leakage, is also convenient for an administrator to examine and trace the operation history, and is beneficial to application in an efficient management environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of computer software automated data processing, and in particular to a data interaction method based on a browser plug-in. Background Art

[0002] As digital transformation deepens in various industries, enterprises' demand for process automation is increasing rapidly. In particular, repetitive operations and data processing tasks frequently occur in daily work, which puts higher demands on efficiency improvement and labor cost optimization. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) came into being. Its main function is to simulate user operations through automation technology to handle repetitive tasks, reduce manual intervention and improve work efficiency.

[0003] However, although traditional RPA technology has been widely used in process automation, its limitations are gradually becoming apparent. Traditional RPA systems usually require complex installation and configuration processes, rely on external servers and cloud support, and require high programming and logical thinking skills from users due to their highly flexible operations. Therefore, enterprises often face high costs, training resource consumption, and data security challenges when deploying and managing RPA. These limitations are particularly evident in corporate intranets and environments with high data privacy protection requirements, resulting in limited application of RPA in specific scenarios. In addition, RPA tools usually monopolize system resources during task execution, and users cannot perform other operations while executing tasks, affecting multi-tasking efficiency. Moreover, the cost of configuring RPA systems for multiple employees is high, especially in batch configuration scenarios, which increases the resource burden. The high learning threshold and excessive system resource consumption further limit the widespread application of traditional RPA.

[0004] Tools that run in browsers in the form of plug-ins have gradually appeared on the market. These tools use recording operations as their core function. Through simple installation and configuration, users do not need complex IT support and hardware configuration. However, the recording operation mode is overly dependent on the user's operation path and click location, which is easily affected by dynamic changes in the page or layout adjustments, resulting in inaccurate data recording. At the same time, the recording mode also brings privacy risks. It automatically records all user operations and easily captures private data. For this reason, the existing lightweight recording mode plug-in solution has certain limitations in flexibility, task management, data security, and multi-tasking, and it is difficult to fully adapt to complex business scenarios and application requirements with high security requirements.

[0005] Therefore, it has become an urgent task to have a data interaction solution based on browser plug-ins to improve the flexibility and data security of the plug-in solution. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a data interaction method based on a browser plug-in to solve the shortcomings of the plug-in solution in the prior art, such as low security and accuracy.

[0007] A data interaction method based on a browser plug-in, comprising: Obtaining a user's startup instruction, and the plug-in is started according to the startup instruction; The plug-in obtains the element of the target page selected by the user and captures the unique identifier of the element; The plug-in performs automated data interaction based on the element according to conditions configured by the user.

[0008] Preferably, the plug-in obtains the element of the target page selected by the user and captures the unique identifier of the element, including: The plug-in reads the DOM structure of the target page; The plug-in locates the element on the target page using the DOM structure and captures the unique identifier of the element.

[0009] Preferably, the plug-in locates the element on the target page using the DOM structure and captures the unique identifier of the element, including: The plug-in locates the element on the target page using the DOM structure; The plug-in determines the XPath path of the element and uses it as the unique identifier of the element.

[0010] Preferably, the plug-in obtains the element of the target page selected by the user and captures the unique identifier of the element, and further includes: The plug-in obtains the XPath path input by the user; The plug-in determines the corresponding element according to the XPath path input by the user, and uses the XPath path as the unique identifier of the element.

[0011] Preferably, after the plug-in is started according to the start instruction, it further includes: The plug-in obtains the configuration instructions operated by the user in the graphical interface; The plug-in completes the configuration of the condition according to the configuration instruction.

[0012] Preferably, the configuration instruction includes a specific operation and an execution frequency, a trigger condition and an execution interval of the specific operation.

[0013] Preferably, the method further comprises: the plug-in storing the configuration instructions as a template.

[0014] Preferably, it includes: the plug-in displays the result of executing the automated data interaction to the user.

[0015] Preferably, the plug-in records all operations locally and stores them in encrypted form.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present application are: the technical solution provided by the present application does not require complex IT support and hardware configuration, and by capturing the unique identifier of the target page element, it ensures the accuracy and consistency of subsequent element-based operations; the locally encrypted operation records ensure the security of sensitive data, prevent data leakage, and facilitate the administrator's review and tracing of operation history, which is conducive to application in an efficient management environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a data interaction method based on a browser plug-in provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a data interaction method based on a browser plug-in provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0020] This application provides a lightweight automation tool based on browser plug-ins, which is particularly suitable for repetitive operations and data processing tasks. Through simplified installation and code-free operation, enhanced intranet adaptability and data security, optimized resource usage, and flexible repetitive task management, it overcomes the limitations of traditional RPA and existing lightweight tools based on recording operations, and provides an automation tool that better meets the needs of multi-scenario applications. The following is a detailed description of the solution of this application.

[0021] See also Figure 1 to Figure 2 , Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a data interaction method based on a browser plug-in provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 1 is a structural diagram of a data interaction method based on a browser plug-in provided in an embodiment of the present application. The data interaction method based on a browser plug-in includes the following steps: S101: Obtain a startup instruction from a user, and the plug-in is started according to the startup instruction.

[0022] The user first installs the plug-in in the browser, then opens the web page that requires automated data interaction, and clicks the plug-in icon in the browser toolbar so that the system generates a startup instruction, and the plug-in is started according to the startup instruction. The above-mentioned browsers include but are not limited to browsers that support plug-in extensions such as Chrome and Edge. There is no need for complex installation processes and multi-layer architecture. All operations are completed locally in the browser. Users only need to install the plug-in to use it, and no external authorization service is required. This greatly simplifies the installation and configuration process and is suitable for rapid promotion and multi-environment applications.

[0023] Furthermore, after the plug-in is started according to the startup instruction, the user can configure the plug-in function in the relevant graphical interface, and the plug-in completes the configuration of the corresponding functions and conditions according to the configuration instructions operated by the user in the graphical interface. The user can complete the configuration of the plug-in by clicking and dragging in the graphical interface, and it is displayed through the graphical interface, which reduces the learning difficulty. The various functions of the plug-in adopt a modular design, and the user can complete the automation process setting by clicking and dragging without programming knowledge.

[0024] The user's specific operations and configuration instructions include specific operations, execution frequency of specific operations, trigger conditions, and execution intervals. Users can set conditional judgments and loop operations according to business needs to achieve more complex automation processes. For example, users can set conditional judgments: "If the current page displays 'Login successful', then execute the next step", or set loop operations: "Repeat 5 times". After the above steps, users can combine multiple steps into a complete automation process by clicking and dragging.

[0025] Furthermore, the plug-in stores the configuration instructions as a template. The plug-in can automatically store the template, or the user can manually save and adjust it as needed. For example, the user can modify the text input value previously set, or remove a step from the process.

[0026] S102: The plug-in obtains an element of a target page selected by a user, and captures a unique identifier of the element.

[0027] By capturing the unique identifier of the target page element, the accuracy and consistency of subsequent operations are ensured. The user can select one or more elements.

[0028] Further, the plug-in obtains the element of the target page selected by the user and captures the unique identifier of the element, including: the plug-in reads the DOM structure of the target page; the plug-in locates the element on the target page using the DOM structure and captures the unique identifier of the element. Further, the plug-in determines the XPath path of the element and uses it as the unique identifier of the element.

[0029] By parsing the DOM structure, the plug-in can accurately find the HTML elements specified by the user, such as input boxes, buttons, links, etc. This allows the automated operation to be accurate to specific page elements, avoiding the problem of inaccurate operations caused by changes in page layout in traditional recording methods.

[0030] For example, if a user needs to automatically fill out a form, the plug-in can find the various fields in the form by reading the DOM structure and perform the corresponding data input operations.

[0031] Unlike traditional recording-based methods, by directly reading the DOM structure and using unique identification paths such as XPath, the plug-in can operate and configure without relying on user interface interaction. This method is more stable and is not affected by dynamic changes in the page.

[0032] The DOM structure provides a hierarchical representation of the content of a web page, allowing the plug-in to perform operations accurately according to the user's configuration. This ensures that no matter how the page is updated or reloaded, as long as the identification path of the element does not change, the automated process can remain consistent and accurate. For example, when a user needs to extract data from a form, the plug-in can identify each row and column in the table through the DOM structure, thereby accurately grabbing the required data.

[0033] For example, a user can select a button and obtain its XPath path, and then define the operation of clicking the button in the configuration interface. Even if other parts of the page change, as long as the XPath path of the button remains unchanged, the operation remains valid, improving the accuracy and consistency of the operation.

[0034] Furthermore, the plug-in obtains the element of the target page selected by the user and captures the unique identifier of the element, and also includes: the plug-in obtains the XPath path input by the user; the plug-in determines the corresponding element according to the XPath path input by the user, and uses the XPath path as the unique identifier of the element.

[0035] Allowing users to manually enter XPath paths provides greater flexibility, allowing users to select the most appropriate identifier based on actual needs. Users can directly control the selection of elements to ensure that the automated operation meets expectations, reducing the possibility of misoperation and enhancing controllability.

[0036] S103: The plug-in performs automated data interaction based on the element according to the conditions configured by the user.

[0037] During the task execution process, the plug-in gradually performs various operations according to the configuration. The execution process and data of the operations are completed locally and no communication with external servers is performed.

[0038] Furthermore, the plug-in displays the results of the automated data interaction to the user. The plug-in records the status of each operation, including success, failure or abnormal situation, and the user can view the execution results of the automated task in real time, which increases the transparency and traceability of the operation. The immediate result display helps users quickly understand the task status and make timely adjustments or optimizations. When an automated task is completed or an error is encountered, the plug-in can remind the user by popping up a notification, sending an email or other means, instead of forcing the user to interrupt the current work to view the task status. For example, if an automated report generation task is successfully completed, the plug-in can display a brief notification to inform the user that the report is ready, and the user can choose to view it immediately or process it later, making it more applicable.

[0039] Furthermore, the plug-in stores all operation records locally in encrypted form. The locally encrypted operation records ensure the security of sensitive data and prevent data leakage. Localized logging supports administrators to review and trace the operation history, facilitating compliance management and problem diagnosis.

[0040] In summary, the data interaction method based on browser plug-ins provided in this application is based on browser plug-ins. Users only need to simply install it in the browser to use it, without the need for additional clients or servers. As a browser plug-in, its deployment cost is much lower than that of traditional RPA, and it is suitable for large-scale promotion in enterprise environments with limited budgets. It significantly simplifies the installation and maintenance process, reduces deployment costs, and is particularly suitable for rapid promotion to enterprise environments of different sizes. Since the plug-in runs in a browser environment, it only requires Chrome or a compatible browser to use it, reducing dependence on specific operating systems, terminals, or version environments, thereby solving compatibility issues that may be encountered in traditional RPA systems.

[0041] Ordinary users can use the plug-in independently without the need for dedicated IT support, which reduces the burden on the enterprise IT department, simplifies cross-departmental collaboration, and reduces dependence on IT resources.

[0042] As a browser plug-in, it does not require external authorization. Enterprises can control the enabling or disabling of the plug-in through the browser's own management function, avoiding complex authorization and license verification processes. It is especially suitable for use in intranet isolation environments.

[0043] The plug-in is designed as a non-dependent permission setting, allowing enterprises to use it for multiple users in a single configuration, reducing the complexity of account and permission management, making it easier for new employees to get started quickly, and simplifying account and permission management.

[0044] The modular configuration method allows users to easily set up automated processes by clicking and dragging without programming knowledge, greatly reducing the technical threshold. The code-free operation interface not only improves efficiency but also simplifies the process and learning difficulty. The user-friendly interface and intuitive operation simplify the learning process, allowing users to quickly get started without the need for companies to invest in additional training resources.

[0045] Localized data processing, all operations are completed in the user's local browser, does not rely on external APIs, does not need to communicate with external servers, and is fully suitable for intranet isolation environments to ensure data security and privacy protection.

[0046] Data is directly obtained from the pages browsed by users through the DOM structure, avoiding the risk of data leakage during network transmission. Non-intrusive data capture is particularly suitable for enterprise environments with high requirements for data security.

[0047] Set up local data encryption storage for operation records and processes to protect the security of sensitive data and ensure compliance with intranet and compliance requirements.

[0048] The plug-in will not monopolize system resources when executing tasks, allowing users to perform other work at the same time. The lightweight non-exclusive operation improves the efficiency of multi-task parallel processing.

[0049] These improvements of the data interaction method based on browser plug-ins provided by this application work together to improve automation efficiency, reduce usage difficulty, enhance data security, and adapt to various enterprise environments, aiming to provide a more efficient, flexible and easy-to-use automation solution. In particular, for enterprises that need to work in a high-security and low-resource consumption environment, this data interaction method based on browser plug-ins provides obvious advantages.

Claims

1. A data interaction method based on a browser plug-in, characterized in that: include: Obtaining a user's startup instruction, and the plug-in is started according to the startup instruction; The plug-in obtains the element of the target page selected by the user and captures the unique identifier of the element; The plug-in performs automated data interaction based on the element according to conditions configured by the user.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The plug-in obtains the element of the target page selected by the user and captures the unique identifier of the element, including: The plug-in reads the DOM structure of the target page; The plug-in locates the element in the target page by using the DOM structure and captures the unique identifier of the element.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The plug-in locates the element on the target page using the DOM structure and captures the unique identifier of the element, including: The plug-in uses the DOM structure to locate the element on the target page; The plug-in determines the XPath path of the element and uses it as the unique identifier of the element.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plug-in obtains the element of the target page selected by the user and captures the unique identifier of the element, and also includes: The plug-in obtains the XPath path input by the user; The plug-in determines the corresponding element according to the XPath path input by the user, and uses the XPath path as the unique identifier of the element.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After the plug-in is started according to the startup instruction, the plug-in further includes: The plug-in obtains the configuration instructions operated by the user in the graphical interface; The plug-in completes the configuration of the condition according to the configuration instruction.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The configuration instruction includes a specific operation and an execution frequency, a trigger condition and an execution interval of the specific operation.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Also includes: The plug-in stores the configuration instructions as a template.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that include: The plug-in will display the result of executing the automated data interaction to the user.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: include: The plug-in records all operations locally and stores them in encrypted form.

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