Blockchain-Based RPA Script Reuse via Generic Abstraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Developers face challenges in locating and reusing existing RPA code due to limited tools in integrated development environments, making it cumbersome to find and modify generic RPA scripts that interact with website pages.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that generate a generic RPA script retaining functional information without business data, record it in a distributed ledger blockchain, and allow developers to download and modify these scripts, while monitoring and aggregating interaction patterns for improved automation and integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If RPA scripts are stored in traditional repositories, then code storage is achieved, but developers face challenges in locating and reusing existing RPA code due to limited search and retrieval tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of locating and reusing RPA codeVSAvoidcomplexity of code repository system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary system that mediates between RPA script storage and developer retrieval needs. The blockchain serves as a decentralized repository with built-in search and verification capabilities, eliminating the need for complex centralized repository management while improving code locatability and reuse efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical search and retrieval mechanisms in centralized repositories with a blockchain-based system using cryptographic hashing, smart contracts, and distributed ledger technology. This substitution enables more efficient code location through blockchain search protocols and automated verification without requiring complex centralized management infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If RPA scripts are modified and updated, then functionality is improved, but tracking versions and maintaining script integrity becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of RPA script modification and updatesVSAvoidtime spent tracking versions and maintaining integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each RPA script modification is automatically recorded on the blockchain with timestamp, version information, and integrity verification. This creates an immutable audit trail that provides real-time feedback on script changes, eliminating manual version tracking and ensuring script integrity through cryptographic verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing blockchain-based version control and integrity verification before modifications are made. Smart contracts are pre-configured to automatically handle versioning, validation, and recording of changes, eliminating the need for post-modification manual tracking and integrity checks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If developers collaborate on RPA projects independently, then individual development flexibility is maintained, but mass collaboration and code reuse across the organization are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability for mass collaboration and code reuseVSAvoidloss of reusable code patterns and best practices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal blockchain-based platform that serves multiple functions: centralized code repository, version control system, collaboration space, and knowledge base. This multi-functional system enables developers to access, modify, and share RPA scripts across the organization while maintaining individual development flexibility, preventing loss of reusable code patterns through immutable recording of all modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges previously separate functions (code storage, version control, collaboration tools, and knowledge management) into a unified blockchain-based system. This consolidation enables mass collaboration by providing a single source of truth that all developers can access and contribute to, while preserving individual flexibility through decentralized script modification capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240319968A1Generation of automatic robotic process automation (RPA) by mass collaboration on blockchain

Publication Date: 2024.09.26 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to robotic process automation (RPA) and, more particularly, to systems, computer program products, and methods of automation of generating RPA by mass collaboration of RPA development on a distributed ledger blockchain. For example, a computer-implemented method includes: generating, by a processor set, from an RPA script a generic RPA script retaining functional information without business data; recording, by the processor set, the generic RPA script in a distributed ledger blockchain; obtaining, by the processor set, contextual information of the generic RPA script including uniform resource locator, query parameters, and post parameters; and recording, by the processor set, the contextual information of the generic RPA script in the distributed ledger blockchain.