Automation Application for Adaptive Macro Generation and Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional macro recorders and specialized programmer tools are limited in their ability to perform complex tasks, are version and interface-specific, and require programming knowledge, making them burdensome and error-prone for users without programming expertise.
Innovation Solution
A computing system that includes an automation application capable of generating, modifying, and executing macros for target applications, using a sequence of user inputs, screen states, operating system processes, and evidence events to mimic user interactions and perform actions without requiring programming knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional macro recorders are used to generate macros, then simple repetitive tasks can be automated, but the system cannot make complex decisions based on feedback and becomes useless when application versions or interfaces change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by capturing screen states and analyzing application responses during macro execution. The system monitors the actual state of the application interface and compares it against expected states, allowing the macro to adapt its behavior based on real-time feedback. This enables the macro to handle variations in application versions and interfaces by dynamically adjusting its actions based on what it observes rather than following rigid pre-recorded sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static, fixed macros into dynamic, adaptive automation sequences. By incorporating screen state capture and analysis capabilities, the macro system becomes dynamic - it can detect changes in the application interface, determine appropriate responses, and modify its execution flow accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the same macro to function across different application versions without becoming obsolete.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional macro recorders are used, then macro generation is simple, but the macros are tied to specific computing device characteristics and difficult to port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs screen state capture as a form of visual copying that abstracts the macro from device-specific characteristics. Instead of recording absolute pixel coordinates or device-specific identifiers, the system captures the visual state of the interface and uses image recognition to locate elements. This allows macros to be ported between devices with different resolutions, screen sizes, or configurations by matching visual patterns rather than relying on fixed positional data.
3Extent of automation
If specialized programmer tools are used, then complex tasks can be automated, but programming knowledge is required which makes the system burdensome and inaccessible to non-programmers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation by enabling the macro system to automatically perform tasks that would otherwise require programming expertise. The system captures screen states, automatically analyzes them to identify interface elements and their relationships, and generates appropriate automation logic without human intervention. This eliminates the need for users to understand programming concepts while still enabling complex task automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces screen state capture and analysis as an intermediary layer between the user and the automation logic. Instead of requiring users to write code, they interact with the system through visual interface elements. The intermediary automatically translates these visual interactions into structured automation sequences, bridging the gap between non-programmer users and complex automation capabilities.
4Productivity
If manual input is used to operate applications, then users can perform actions, but the process is burdensome, error-prone, and sacrifices functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-capturing screen states and pre-analyzing interface structures before macro execution. The system prepares automation sequences in advance based on the captured visual information, allowing for error-free reproduction of tasks. By analyzing the interface structure beforehand and building robust automation logic that accounts for potential variations, the system eliminates human errors while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An automation application is described herein. The automation application executes on a computing device and accesses a macro for a target application. The macro has been generated based upon a sequence of inputs from a user received by the target application that causes the target application to perform an action, screen states of the target application as the target application receives the sequence of inputs from the user, operating system processes that are performed by an operating system as the target application receive the sequence of inputs from the user, and evidence events representing information obtained from the operating system processes. The automation application executes the macro, wherein executing the macro causes the automation application to mimic the sequence of inputs to the target application, thereby causing the target application to perform the action.