RPA GUI Workflow Generation From Video and Event Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of training Robotic Process Automation (RPA) robots to perform tasks through graphical user interfaces (GUIs) is cumbersome and requires human operators to manually program each step, limiting automation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method that captures video of an operator using a GUI and analyzes the corresponding events to generate a workflow, allowing RPA robots to replicate the process without human intervention, using machine learning algorithms to identify interactive elements and infer events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual programming is used to train RPA robots, then the robot can perform tasks with high precision, but the training process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask execution precisionVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures video of human operators performing tasks and copies their actions to create automated workflows. The video recording module records operator interactions with GUI elements, and the workflow generation module automatically translates these recorded actions into executable workflows, eliminating the need for manual step-by-step programming while preserving task execution precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service training by allowing RPA robots to learn tasks autonomously through video analysis. The machine learning module automatically identifies GUI elements and maps video actions to corresponding robot commands without requiring human operators to manually program each step, significantly reducing training time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual programming is used to train RPA robots, then the workflow can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity increases due to requiring human operators to identify each step and GUI portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow control reliabilityVSAvoidtraining process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical process of manual workflow creation with an automated video analysis system. Instead of requiring human operators to manually identify and program each GUI interaction, the machine learning module automatically analyzes video footage, identifies interactive elements, and generates workflows, thereby reducing training complexity while maintaining workflow control reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces video recording and machine learning analysis as intermediary steps between human task performance and robot execution. The video serves as an intermediate representation that captures human actions, and the machine learning module acts as a mediator that translates these actions into executable workflows, simplifying the overall training process while ensuring reliable workflow control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If traditional automation methods are used, then tasks can be automated, but the adaptability to different GUIs and processes is limited due to requiring significant re-engineering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask automation levelVSAvoidGUI adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality by using video analysis as a common interface for training RPA robots across different GUIs and applications. The machine learning module can identify and interact with various types of GUI elements (buttons, text fields, menus) across different software applications using the same video-based approach, enabling high-level automation while maintaining adaptability to diverse interfaces without requiring application-specific re-engineering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230169399A1System and methods for robotic process automation
Publication Date: 2023.06.01 BLUE PRISM LTD
  • US20230169399A1 patent drawing
  • US20230169399A1 patent drawing
  • US20230169399A1 patent drawing

AI summary

There is disclosed a method of training an RPA robot to use a GUI. The method comprises capturing video of the GUI as an operator uses the GUI to carry out a process; capturing a sequence of events triggered as the operator uses the GUI to carry out said process; and analyzing said video and said sequence of events to thereby generate a workflow. The workflow, when executed by an RPA robot, causes the RPA robot to carry out said process using the GUI.