Interactive Web Crawler for Hidden Dynamic Content
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional link-based web crawlers fail to access and index hidden web pages, which are dynamically generated and lack hyperlinks, leading to incomplete and inaccurate indexing due to limitations in handling scripted content and form interactions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a browser agent to load web pages, execute dynamic elements, retrieve and analyze form controls, and generate URLs by submitting pre-determined values, leveraging a knowledge base to prioritize crawling and estimate utility gains, thereby interacting with web pages as a human would to uncover hidden content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional link-based crawlers are used to access web pages through outlinks, then crawling simplicity is maintained, but the ability to access hidden web pages is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a form interaction module as an intermediary between the crawler and hidden web pages. This module automatically fills web forms, submits queries, and triggers dynamic content generation, enabling the crawler to access pages that require user interaction without manual intervention. The intermediary handles the complexity of form parsing, value generation, and submission, allowing the crawler to access the hidden web while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Extent of automation
If algorithms generate queries for form input by analyzing static content, then crawling automation is achieved, but the accuracy of generated URLs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the crawler monitors the results of form submissions and adjusts its query generation strategy accordingly. By analyzing which generated URLs lead to valid content and which result in errors or duplicate pages, the system refines its understanding of form control dependencies and valid value combinations. This feedback loop continuously improves URL generation accuracy while maintaining automation, addressing the contradiction between automated form handling and precise URL generation.
3Productivity
If default values are used for form controls, then crawling speed is improved, but the completeness of indexed content deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hybrid approach where default values are used for initial rapid crawling to quickly index commonly accessed pages, while also implementing selective exploration of non-default form control values. The system identifies high-priority forms that are likely to lead to important hidden content and systematically explores their value spaces. This partial application of exhaustive form value testing, combined with default value usage for routine pages, maintains crawling speed while improving content coverage completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed subject matter provides a system or method for web crawling hidden files. An example method includes loading a web page with a browser agent, and executing any dynamic elements hosted on the web page using the browser agent to insert pre-determined values. A list of form controls may be retrieved from the web page using the browser agent, and the controls may be analyzed using a driver component. Form control values may be sent from the driver component to the browser agent, and an event may be submitted to the web page by the browser agent or scripted content may be run to trigger operations on the web page corresponding to the form control values. A URL may be generated for various form control values using a generalizer.