Multi-locator system for tracking modified data elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face difficulties in identifying and tracking specific data elements on webpages when the webpage structure and presentation are modified, as they lack robust mechanisms to differentiate the original element from modified versions without additional data.
Innovation Solution
A multi-locator system is employed, using class-based and attribute-based locators that work together to identify target elements by parsing structure data, even when classes and attributes change, and weights are assigned based on confidence trained with data to ensure reliable identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locator is used to identify a data element, then the identification process is simple, but the system fails when the element's class or attribute changes
Solution Approach 1:
The locator system is segmented into multiple independent locators, each targeting different aspects of the element (e.g., class-based locators, attribute-based locators, position-based locators). This segmentation ensures that if one locator fails due to element modification, other locators can still successfully identify the element, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes locator parameters by selecting from multiple locators with different characteristics. When an element is modified, the system can switch to a locator that uses different parameters (e.g., from class-based to attribute-based or position-based identification), maintaining reliability without requiring a completely new system.
2Reliability
If multiple locators are used to track modified elements, then identification reliability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locator system is designed to be dynamic, automatically selecting and weighting locators based on current element characteristics and modification patterns. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to element changes without manual intervention, managing complexity through automation while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the performance of each locator is evaluated and weighted accordingly. Locators that successfully identify modified elements receive higher weights, while failing locators are adjusted or replaced. This feedback loop optimizes the system's reliability without requiring proportional increases in complexity.
3Measurement precision
If locators are updated based on modified element attributes, then tracking accuracy improves, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining multiple locators with different strategies before element modification occurs. This preparation allows the system to quickly evaluate multiple identification approaches without extensive real-time processing when modifications happen, improving tracking accuracy while controlling data processing volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards locators that fail to identify modified elements and recovers by generating new locators based on the element's current characteristics. This approach maintains high tracking accuracy by continuously using the most effective locators while minimizing unnecessary data processing from obsolete locators.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are configured for tracking content represented in a resource. A modified version of structure data of a resource that includes at least one element is received. Each element represents content of the resource in the structure data. Each element includes a portion of the structure data that defines the content. Data specifying a target element of the structure data is received. A plurality of locators for the target element are obtained. A locator of the plurality is derived as a function of a frequency that one or both of attributes and classes of the target element appear in the structure data and includes a subset of the attributes and the classes, the subset uniquely identifying the target element. The plurality of locators including the locator are applied to a modified version of the structure data to extract a modified version of the target element.