Test Script Transformation Analyzer for Evolving GUI Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in generating accurate test scripts for graphical user interface (GUI) applications that change over time, as existing methods are laborious, error-prone, and fail to detect runtime errors effectively, especially when GUI elements evolve, leading to semantic inconsistencies and increased maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A test script transformation architecture that includes a GUI type model, GUI model builder logic, GUI comparator logic, and a script analyzer to generate accurate test scripts for new application versions by comparing current and subsequent GUI versions, identifying differences, and providing transformation guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manually testing large-scale enterprise GUI applications, then testing thoroughness is improved, but labor intensity and error rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting thoroughnessVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables test scripts to automatically adapt themselves to GUI changes through the transformation analyzer that detects changes and generates transformation guides, allowing the testing system to maintain itself without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical testing processes with an automated system that uses change detection algorithms, script transformation engines, and AI-based analysis to automatically update test scripts when GUI changes occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If using API calls to access and manipulate GUI objects, then automation capability is improved, but runtime errors and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation capabilityVSAvoidruntime error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transformation analyzer performs preliminary analysis by detecting GUI changes before test scripts execute, generating transformation guides that preemptively correct potential runtime errors by pre-adjusting API calls to match the updated GUI structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the transformation analyzer continuously monitors GUI changes and provides real-time adjustments to test scripts through transformation guides, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to GUI evolution and prevents runtime errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If maintaining test scripts for prior application versions, then historical testing accuracy is improved, but adaptability to new versions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehistorical testing accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to new versions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms static test scripts into dynamic, self-updating scripts by automatically detecting GUI changes and generating transformation guides that adapt the scripts to new versions, allowing test scripts to evolve alongside the application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transformation process is segmented into independent modules: change detection, impact analysis, transformation guide generation, and script transformation, allowing each component to be developed and maintained independently while working together to maintain testing accuracy across versions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If expanding test scripts with manually written code, then test coverage is improved, but script complexity and maintenance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest coverageVSAvoidscript complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transformation analyzer acts as an intermediary between the test script and the GUI application, automatically detecting changes and generating transformation guides that simplify the maintenance process by handling complexity automatically rather than requiring manual script expansion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2105837B1Test script transformation analyzer with change guide engine

Publication Date: 2018.08.15 ACCENTURE GLOBAL SERVICES LTD

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AI summary

A script analyzer with change guide generates accurate test scripts for evolving applications. Applications often have complex graphical user interfaces for which the permutations and combinations of GUI elements give rise to an enormous field of potential commands and command sequences to be tested. Furthermore, these applications change over time, rendering prior test scripts unworkable. The script analyzer automatically generates new test scripts to reliably test subsequent application versions, while greatly reducing the time, cost, and resource expenditures needed to arrive at subsequent application versions.