HTML Locator Browser Extension for Dynamic Web Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for web-based automation struggle to accurately and efficiently locate specific HTML elements on dynamic web pages, as the addresses of these elements frequently change due to updates, making manual selection and XPath generation unreliable and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The development of an HTML locator system that automatically determines location candidates for HTML elements using XPath or CSS selectors, providing an ordered list of potential locations that can be used for automation processes, even on complex and dynamically updated web pages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual selection and XPath generation are used to locate HTML elements, then automation can be applied, but the process becomes time-consuming and unreliable due to frequent address changes on dynamic web pages
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows HTML elements to self-identify through user interaction. When a user hovers over or clicks an element, the system automatically captures its location information and generates XPath/CSS selector without requiring manual inspection of page source code, thus eliminating time-consuming manual location processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (manually browsing page source, searching for element addresses, generating XPath) with an automated electronic system that uses browser extensions to automatically detect, capture, and generate location selectors through user interaction, significantly reducing time and improving accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If web pages are frequently updated with new HTML elements, then functionality is improved, but the stability of element addresses deteriorates, making automation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to web page changes by allowing users to re-select elements after updates. The browser extension continuously monitors and captures new element locations, automatically generating updated XPath and CSS selector expressions that reflect the current page structure, thus maintaining stability despite frequent updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares location selectors in advance by generating XPath and CSS selector expressions before automation execution. When web pages are updated, the selectors can be quickly regenerated through simple user interaction, preventing automation breakdown before it occurs.
3Productivity
If automated location determination is implemented, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a browser extension as an intermediary between the user and the web page. This intermediary automatically captures element location information and generates XPath/CSS selectors, simplifying the overall system by handling complexity within the extension while presenting a simple user interface for element selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The browser extension serves multiple functions: it detects HTML elements, captures their location information, generates both XPath and CSS selector expressions, and integrates with automation frameworks. This multi-functionality consolidates several tools into one, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Briefly, embodiments of a system, method, and article for receiving a user selection of a HyperText Markup Language (HTML) element on a web page. A source representation of objects which comprise a structure and content of the web page may be automatically acquired. The source representation may be automatically processed to determine an ordered list of candidate locations for the HTML element. An output locator may be generated and displayed. The output locator may present the ordered list of location candidates for the HTML element.