Browser-Based Application Augmentation Without Source Code Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modifying existing applications is difficult and costly, especially when they were not developed in-house, and finding and applying robotic process automations (RPAs) is challenging, leading to high costs when changing application needs.
Innovation Solution
An augmentation engine automatically embeds predefined automation augmentations into target applications without modifying their source code, using a browser assistant to enhance functionalities and execute RPAs directly within the application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If robotic process automations are applied to existing applications, then application functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to requiring additional assistant software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RPA functionality directly into the web browser through a browser extension, merging two previously separate systems (RPA software and web browser) into a unified platform. This eliminates the need for separate assistant software while maintaining RPA capabilities in web applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The browser extension serves multiple functions: it acts as both a web browser add-on and an RPA execution platform. This multi-functional approach allows the same component to handle both web browsing and automation tasks, reducing overall system complexity.
2Extent of automation
If assistant software is installed to execute RPAs, then automation capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The automation capability is merged into the existing web browser through an extension, eliminating the need for separate assistant software installation. Users leverage their already-installed browser to execute RPAs, simplifying the deployment process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If applications are modified to add features, then functionality is enhanced, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficulty in modifying existing applications
Solution Approach 1:
The browser extension acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the web application. Instead of modifying the application's source code, the extension injects automation capabilities through the browser environment, making customization easy without affecting the original application.
Solution Approach 2:
The RPA logic is implemented as a separate copy that runs within the browser extension rather than modifying the original application code. This allows functionality enhancement while preserving the integrity and unchanged state of the source application.
4Adaptability or versatility
If source code modification is performed to augment applications, then customization is achieved, but loss of time increases due to the difficulty and cost of modification
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the original application source code, the patent creates a separate RPA copy that executes within the browser extension. This approach achieves customization without the time-consuming process of application modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The browser extension serves as an intermediary that enables customization through non-invasive means. By injecting automation capabilities through the browser rather than modifying source code, the implementation time is significantly reduced.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided. The method is implemented by an augmentation engine that is executed by a processor. The method includes detecting a target application hosted by a browser. The method includes augmenting features or functionalities into the target application by automatically embedding predefined automation augmentations into the target application without modifying a source code of the target application. The method includes executing a selected number of the predefined automation augmentations.