Dynamic Macro Recorder With Non-Graphical Object Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing macro technologies are inefficient and error-prone due to the need for manual user interaction and selection during playback, leading to inconsistent and unreliable results, especially when dealing with varying parameters and relative positioning of objects.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows user input during macro playback, displaying actions as a hierarchical representation, enabling users to configure and modify parameters, pause playback, and maintain relative positioning through vector offsets, and uses non-graphical object selection to ensure accurate and flexible macro execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If macros record only mouse clicks for object selection, then the macro playback is automated, but the selection may miss the object causing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mouse-clicking system with an intelligent object identification system. Instead of recording physical mouse movements and clicks, the system records object identifiers and uses programmatic methods to select objects during playback, eliminating the imprecision of manual clicking while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary object identification layer between the user action and the macro execution. This intermediary system captures the intended target of user actions through multiple methods (object identifiers, coordinates, selection boxes) and translates them into reliable selection commands during playback, acting as a mediator that ensures accurate object selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If macros require manual user interaction during playback to change parameters, then the macro is flexible, but the productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the macro with multiple parameter input methods during the recording phase. The system anticipates that parameters may need modification and builds in multiple input mechanisms (direct parameter entry, file input, user prompts) beforehand, so that during playback the system can quickly adapt without requiring manual intervention for each parameter change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the macro dynamic by allowing it to adapt its parameter input method based on the situation. The macro can switch between using pre-recorded parameters, reading from external files, or prompting the user for input, making the system flexible and adaptable while maintaining efficient automated execution.
3Device complexity
If macros record absolute positions of objects, then the macro is simple to record, but the relative positioning between objects is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation from absolute coordinates to relative positioning parameters. Instead of recording only the absolute position of each object, the system records the relative position or offset from a reference point, allowing objects to maintain their spatial relationships when the macro is executed at different locations or scales.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture obtain user input during a playback of a macro. A series of user actions are recorded in the form of a macro. A representation of the user actions is displayed. The representation provides nodes that each represent the user actions. One of the nodes is selected and configured by the user to request additional user input relating to a parameter of the selected node during playback of the macro. The macro is played back and automatically pauses at the selected node. User input is obtained and the macro automatically continues execution utilizing the user input for the parameter of the selected node. Additionally, one or the user actions includes a selection of objects. As part of the recorded macro, references to the selected objects are stored in a non-graphical manner. During playback, objects are selected based on the stored references.