Web Element Difference Detection via Source Code Tree Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for managing web applications lack efficient methods for determining differences between web elements across different versions of a web application, leading to challenges in testing and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an information processing system that selects different versions of a web application, generates tree structures from source code files, identifies node differences, and produces information characterizing these differences, enabling automated actions such as updating test cases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual comparison methods are used to determine differences between web elements across versions, then measurement precision can be maintained, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifference detection accuracyVSAvoidversion comparison speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical comparison processes with an automated computer-based system that uses parsing algorithms to automatically compare web element structures across different versions, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically parsing source code files, generating tree structures, comparing nodes, and generating difference reports without requiring human intervention in the comparison process, thereby improving productivity while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated comparison tools are introduced to improve productivity, then version comparison speed improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversion comparison speedVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the comparison process into distinct manageable steps: parsing source code files into tree structures, comparing nodes between versions, generating difference information, and creating reports. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the automated comparison into modular functional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces tree structures as an intermediary representation that simplifies the comparison process. By converting source code files into standardized tree structures with nodes representing web elements, the system creates a common language for comparison that reduces the complexity of directly comparing different versions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive difference analysis is performed to improve measurement precision, then defect detection accuracy improves, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by parsing source code files and generating tree structures before the actual comparison begins. This pre-processing organizes the data in a way that enables efficient comparison, reducing the time required for analysis while maintaining comprehensive coverage for accurate defect detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuity of useful action by continuously comparing nodes between versions and immediately generating difference information as the comparison progresses, rather than batch processing. This continuous approach enables faster detection while maintaining thoroughness through systematic node-by-node comparison

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12277417B2Source code-based determination of differences between web elements of different versions of a web application

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An apparatus comprises a processing device configured to select first and second versions of a web application, to obtain first and second sets of source code files used for generating front ends of the first and second versions of the web application, and to generate first and second sets of tree structures based at least in part on the first and second sets of source code files, respectively. The processing device is also configured to identify node differences between the first and second sets of tree structures and to generate, based at least in part on the identified node differences, information characterizing differences between web elements of the first and second versions of the web application. The processing device is further configured to initiate automated action based at least in part on the generated information characterizing differences between web elements of the first and second versions of the web application.