Automated Software Installation via UI Control Element Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for software installation on computers are inefficient and often require human intervention, especially in corporate networks, as they rely on manual processes or silent mode installations that may not be available or effective for all scenarios, necessitating a solution for automatic installation without user involvement.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automate the installation of software applications by creating an installation rule using a sequence of control element activations within the installer, allowing for user-independent installation by identifying and activating necessary UI elements across multiple windows until the application is successfully installed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual installation of software is performed, then the installation can be completed successfully with user control, but it requires administrator rights, user skill, and significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-learning by automatically executing the installer, capturing UI element interactions, and generating installation rules without human intervention. The automated system serves itself by recording its own actions during the installation process and using this recorded knowledge for future automatic installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the installation process by recording UI element interactions, window transitions, and control element activations. This copied knowledge is stored as installation rules that can be replayed automatically, eliminating the need for repeated manual installation efforts.
2Loss of time
If silent mode installation is used, then installation time is reduced, but it is not available for all applications or may miss important user actions like EULA consent
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different installer types by learning their specific UI patterns and control element sequences. Rather than using a fixed silent mode approach, the system adjusts its automation strategy based on the actual installer behavior observed during the learning phase, making it compatible with diverse application installers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the automation parameters based on the specific installer being executed. By capturing and analyzing the unique UI element hierarchy, window transition patterns, and control element sequences of each installer, the system generates customized installation rules that adapt to different application requirements, including proper handling of EULA consent and hardware verification.
3Extent of automation
If existing automation tools are used, then some automation capability is achieved, but they require human involvement to correct procedures when new software or installation methods are released
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically learns and adapts to new installers by executing them and capturing their UI patterns. When new software or installation methods are released, the system performs self-learning during the first execution, automatically generating updated installation rules without requiring human intervention for correction or maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the outcomes of installation attempts are analyzed and used to refine installation rules. By monitoring success/failure conditions and adjusting the automation logic accordingly, the system continuously improves its automation capability without human involvement in the correction process.
4Speed
If automated installation is attempted without self-learning, then automation speed is faster, but it cannot handle complex scenarios like hardware verification or EULA consent
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary learning actions by executing the installer once in a learning mode to capture all UI patterns, control element sequences, and scenario-specific requirements. This preliminary action stores the necessary knowledge about hardware verification, EULA consent, and other complex scenarios, enabling fast automated execution in subsequent installations without sacrificing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for automating installation of applications. In one aspect, the system launches an application installer of a software application; identifies control elements in an active window of the application installer, wherein the control elements include at least user interface (UI) elements responsible for transitioning the active window to another window of the application installer; transitions to other windows of the application installer and identifies control elements in all other windows of the application installer until the application is installed; generates an automatic installation rule for the application that automatically activates one or more windows of the application installer and one or more control elements of said window to install the application without a participation of a user.