Automated Form Testing via Pixel Comparison and Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software applications often fail to maintain the layout and static content integrity of finalized forms, especially when dynamic content is merged, leading to manual testing inefficiencies and inaccuracies due to the difficulty in comparing predicted and actual output forms.
Innovation Solution
Converting forms to a raw image format like bitmaps for pixel-by-pixel comparison, applying masks to ignore dynamic content regions, and comparing masked predicted and actual output forms to identify inconsistencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual testing is used to compare layout and static content of forms, then testing accuracy can be maintained through human observation, but testing efficiency and productivity are significantly reduced due to time-consuming manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of human observation and comparison with an automated image processing system. The system converts forms to images, applies masks to dynamic content regions, and automatically compares the masked images to identify layout inconsistencies, thereby maintaining accuracy while dramatically improving testing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces masks as an intermediary element that selectively hides dynamic content regions during comparison. This mask acts as a mediator that allows the testing system to focus only on static content and layout elements, enabling automated comparison without being interfered by variable dynamic content
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic content is merged into form templates, then form functionality and adaptability are improved, but layout integrity and static content positioning are compromised due to unexpected content length variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the layout verification function from the form generation process. By separating the static layout elements from dynamic content through masking, the system can independently verify that layout integrity is maintained regardless of how dynamic content varies in length or content
3Measurement precision
If pixel-by-pixel comparison is performed on entire forms including dynamic content, then comparison precision is maximized, but testing complexity and computational requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the form comparison task into two distinct parts: dynamic content regions (masked out) and static content regions (compared). This segmentation allows the system to perform precise pixel-by-pixel comparison only on relevant static areas, reducing computational complexity while maintaining comparison precision
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are provided that allow for comparison of an automatically-generated form to an original form to identify discrepancies efficiently. Portions of the form, such as those expected to contain dynamic data, may be masked, allowing for more efficient and accurate comparison with a predicted form and an actual output form. Further, testing of the form may be automated, allowing for more accurate and efficient generation of each form considered.