GUI Test Overlay Blocks Inputs to Preserve Element Appearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing application testing systems face challenges in recreating user interactions with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) due to changes in GUI state, such as altered appearances of GUI elements, which can hinder the accurate replay of automated test scripts.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that generate a screen element to block user inputs from altering the GUI state during test recording, allowing the original appearance of GUI elements to be preserved in snapshots, enabling accurate replay of automated test scripts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user inputs are allowed to be processed during test recording, then the test script captures real user interactions, but the GUI state changes (appearance alterations) which prevents accurate replay
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the recording process into two distinct modes: a blocked recording mode where GUI state is preserved and inputs are recorded without execution, and an unblocked replay mode where the test script is executed. This segmentation allows the recording phase to capture inputs while maintaining GUI consistency, and the replay phase to execute those inputs accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary blocking of user inputs during the recording phase before any GUI state changes can occur. By preemptively preventing input processing during recording, the original GUI appearance is preserved in snapshots, ensuring that the replay component can accurately match and recreate the intended user interactions.
2Loss of information
If snapshots are taken of the GUI during user interaction, then the visual state is captured for replay, but altered appearances are recorded leading to replay failures
Solution Approach 1:
The recording process is divided into distinct phases: blocked recording where snapshots are taken without input processing to preserve original appearance, and unblocked execution for actual testing. This ensures snapshots capture the true GUI state while maintaining recording efficiency.
3Reliability
If a screen element is generated to block user inputs, then the original GUI state is preserved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a screen element as an intermediary layer between user inputs and the GUI during recording. This mediator blocks inputs from directly altering the GUI state while still allowing snapshots to be taken and inputs to be recorded for later replay, ensuring consistent test reproduction without major architectural changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may include a processor (102) that may generate automated test scripts to test graphical user interface (GUI) functions of an application under test (AUT) (235). The apparatus may generate a screen element (220) that is overlaid onto at least one or all of the GUIs (210). The screen element (220) may therefore receive user inputs directed at the GUI (210), but block such inputs from being provided to the GUI (210). The user inputs received at the screen element (220) may be recorded in an automated test script for later replay. Blocking the user input may prevent a change in appearance of a GUI element (212) that would otherwise result from the user input, facilitating automated location of the GUI element (212) during replay of the automated test script.