Automated Application Modeling via Screenshot Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for modeling applications are time-consuming, require significant effort, and are impractical for applications with many states and screens, especially when screens are added or removed, as they are tightly coupled to the application's implementation and often need developer cooperation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically generating a displayable model of an application based on graphical user interface (GUI) events and information, involving screenshot capture, transition information storage, and interactive model display, allowing for real-time verification and modification of application compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual modeling methods are used to select and store images and information, then the model can be generated with detailed control, but the process becomes time-consuming and effort-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic modeling by having the application model itself through automated screenshot capture and analysis. The application's own GUI events and state transitions are harvested to generate the model without requiring external manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between modeling accuracy and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of selecting and storing images with an automated electronic system that captures screenshots programmatically, extracts GUI events, and generates models through algorithmic processing. This substitution eliminates manual labor while maintaining modeling precision.
2Reliability
If code structure inspection methods are used to produce models, then the model reflects the implementation details, but the system becomes tightly coupled to the application implementation and requires developer cooperation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces screenshots and GUI event logs as an intermediary layer between the application implementation and the model. Instead of directly inspecting code structure, the system captures the application's visual output and user interactions, creating a model that is independent of implementation details while remaining accurate to the application's behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the application's GUI through screenshots and uses this copy to generate the model. This copying approach allows modeling without direct access to or coupling with the underlying code structure, enabling the system to work with any application that produces a graphical interface.
3Quantity of substance
If current modeling systems are used for applications with large number of states and screens, then comprehensive coverage can be achieved, but the systems become impractical and unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system handles the complexity of modeling applications with numerous screens by having the application model itself. The system automatically captures all state transitions and screen changes without manual intervention, making the process practical even for large-scale applications that would be prohibitive to model manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated capture of all screenshots and GUI events during application execution before model generation begins. This preliminary data collection ensures comprehensive coverage of all states and screens is achieved systematically, making the subsequent modeling process efficient and practical.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual modeling approaches are used, then developer cooperation can ensure accuracy, but the process requires significant developer involvement and is not scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The application models itself through automated screenshot capture and analysis of its own GUI events. This self-service approach eliminates the need for developer cooperation while maintaining accuracy, and enables scalable modeling of multiple applications simultaneously without additional human resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process requiring developer involvement with an automated electronic system that programmatically captures and analyzes application behavior. This substitution dramatically increases productivity by enabling parallel processing of multiple applications while maintaining model accuracy through systematic automated analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automatically generating a displayable model of an application. A first and second screenshots of a first and second screens produced by an application may be captured and stored in a model. Transition information related to a transition from the first to the second screen may be obtained and stored in the model. A session may be recorded by recording screenshots and related events. Other embodiments are described and claimed.