Inter-Session RPA Automation for Concurrent User Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robotic process automation (RPA) technologies restrict users from interacting with their computing system while RPA robots are running, as the robots control the user interface and prevent simultaneous use of other applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an inter-process communication (IPC) facilitator and RPA driver that allows RPA robots to run in a separate session, enabling them to interact with applications in the main session through inter-session automation, allowing users to use their system freely while the robot performs tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If RPA robot runs in the same session as the user, then the robot can directly control applications through the user interface, but the user is prevented from performing other activities while the robot is operating
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the computing environment into separate sessions: a user session for human interaction and a robot session for automation execution. This segmentation allows the RPA robot to run independently in its own session while the user continues to work in their session, resolving the conflict between automation capability and user productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
An IPC facilitator acts as an intermediary between the robot session and user session, enabling communication and coordination through inter-process communication. This mediator allows the robot to control applications and access user interface elements without directly occupying the user's session, thus maintaining user ability to perform other activities while achieving automation goals.
2Productivity
If RPA robot controls applications through the user interface in the same session, then automation tasks can be performed, but the user becomes a spectator unable to interact with other applications
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the execution environment into separate user and robot sessions, the system enables parallel operation where the user can continue productive activities while the robot executes automation tasks, eliminating idle time and maintaining overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the robot execution to a different dimensional space (separate session) rather than competing for resources in the same session. This dimensional separation allows both user activities and robot automation to occur simultaneously without interference, maximizing productivity for both.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional emulators, simulators, virtual machines, or Docker containers are used, then a separate execution environment can be provided, but they do not address the specific issues of attended automation robots operating on the same computing system
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex virtualization infrastructure like VMs or containers, the system creates a simplified copy of the user session environment within the same operating system through IPC mechanisms. This approach provides the benefits of a separate execution environment while avoiding the overhead and complexity of full virtualization, making it specifically suited for attended automation scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Automation of a process running in a first session via robotic process automation (RPA) robot(s) running in a second session is disclosed. In some aspects, a form is displayed in a user session, but one or more attended RPA robots that retrieve and/or interact with data for an application in the first session run in one or more other sessions. In this manner, the operation of the RPA robot(s) may not prevent the user from using other applications or instances when the RPA robot(s) are running, but the data modifications made or facilitated by the RPA robot(s) may be visible to the user in the first session window.