Adaptive Object Identification via Dynamic Attribute Sampling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional object identification techniques in web applications face challenges due to dynamic attributes changing over time, making it difficult for automated tools to reliably replay scripts and identify objects, especially when manual intervention is required for updating object descriptions.

Innovation Solution

Adaptive object identification mechanisms that employ multiple sampling of attributes at 'interesting' points in an object's lifetime, using importance scores to distinguish static from dynamic attributes and create a robust object description, which can be refined during script replay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional object identification techniques are used with single observation, then the identification process is simple, but the reliability of object identification deteriorates when attributes change over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject identification reliabilityVSAvoididentification mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the object description adaptive rather than static. The identification mechanism continuously updates the object description based on multiple observations over time, allowing it to adapt to changing attributes. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining high reliability through continuous adaptation while managing complexity through automated updating processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by performing multiple observations and attribute sampling before final object identification is needed. By collecting and analyzing attribute data in advance across multiple time points, the system builds a robust object description that can withstand attribute changes, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If manual intervention is used to update object descriptions, then the identification accuracy can be maintained, but the productivity and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescript replay efficiencyVSAvoidobject identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the identification mechanism to automatically update object descriptions without manual intervention. The system autonomously performs multiple observations, analyzes attribute changes, and adjusts the object description accordingly. This self-updating capability maintains identification accuracy while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating manual updating requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors attribute changes and uses this information to refine object descriptions. By incorporating feedback from multiple observations and attribute sampling, the system automatically adjusts its identification criteria to maintain accuracy while operating autonomously, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple sampling of attributes is performed to distinguish static from dynamic attributes, then the object description robustness improves, but the time and resources required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject description robustnessVSAvoidattribute sampling time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing multiple observations but not necessarily sampling all attributes at every observation point. Instead, it strategically samples attributes at key moments and uses importance weighting to focus on the most critical attributes. This approach builds robust object descriptions while minimizing the time and resources required compared to exhaustive sampling of all attributes at all times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8572095B2Adaptive object identification
Publication Date: 2013.10.29 MICRO FOCUS LLC
  • US8572095B2 patent drawing
  • US8572095B2 patent drawing
  • US8572095B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A adaptive object identification mechanism provides an object description of an object of an application that is executed by a processor, where the object description is based on attributes associated with the object. When an operation on the object is detected, the attributes of the object are sampled at the time of the operation and compared with the object description to assess whether the attributes have changed. The object description is then adjusted based on the assessment.