Automation Service Translating UI Interactions to Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and error-prone nature of configuring hosted services, such as virtual machines and databases, requires a more efficient method for automating configuration steps and sharing configuration information.
Innovation Solution
An automation service that translates user interface interactions into software code, allowing users to record, share, and reproduce configuration actions by invoking application programming interfaces, thereby automating the configuration process and reducing manual repetition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration steps are used for hosted services, then users can configure services through user interface, but the process is complex, tedious, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures user interface interactions and converts them into software code that replicates the configuration process. This copy of the configuration steps can be executed automatically, eliminating manual repetition and reducing errors while maintaining the same configuration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction with the user interface by generating and executing software code that automatically performs configuration tasks. This substitution of manual operations with automated code execution reduces both complexity and error rates.
2Productivity
If configuration steps are repeated manually, then services can be configured, but time is wasted and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing and storing the configuration steps as software code during the first execution. This pre-generated code can be reused for subsequent configurations, eliminating the need to repeat manual configuration steps and significantly reducing configuration time.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a software code copy of the configuration process, the system enables rapid reproduction of configuration steps without manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity and reducing the time required for repeated configurations.
3Loss of information
If configuration information is shared between users, then knowledge can be transferred, but the process remains complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts configuration information into software code that can be accurately shared and transferred between users. This code-based representation preserves the exact configuration steps without the errors and ambiguities associated with manual documentation or verbal communication, ensuring accurate information sharing.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing service may include a user interface and an associated programming interface which is invoked by interaction with the user interface. An automation service may receive information indicative of a series of interactions with the user interface that result in an invocation of the programming interface. The automation service may generate code comprising instructions for invoking the programming interface, the instructions based on the invocation caused by interaction with the user interface. The generated code may be shared. When executed, the generated code may reproduce the effects of the interaction with the user interface.