Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of software training documentation creation and maintenance, and more particularly to the field of video training/instruction production. 
     Instructional video documentation is a multisensory environment with ability to convey information through auditory and visual channels. The ability to quickly and accurately produce training videos is increasingly important when coordinating in a continuous delivery software development environment and when supporting multi-lingual applications. Likewise, combining auditory and visual channels wherein the time lengths of the channels vary, aligning multiple media channels in a training video can be time consuming and error prone. 
     SUMMARY 
     As disclosed herein, a method for creation and maintenance of video-based training documentation, the method comprising the steps of: creating one or more universal identifiers, associated with one or more user interface elements, for delimiting one or more videos and one or more audios; creating one or more test scripts based on matching the one or more universal identifiers to one or more task instructions; creating one or more videos based on the one or more test scripts, wherein the one or more universal identifiers are marked on the one or more videos; creating one or more audios, based on the one or more universal identifiers and the one or more task instructions, wherein the one or more universal identifiers are marked on the one or more audios; and combining the one or more audios and the one or more videos, based on synchronizing the one or more universal identifiers. A computer system and a computer program product corresponding to the above method are also disclosed herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram illustrating a computing environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart depicting operational steps of instructional video creation and maintenance within the data processing environment of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a sample of universal identifier based synchronization of media channels comprising the components of a produced video, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  depicts a block diagram of components of the host computer system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Video-based software documentation is preferred media, compared to printed manuals, by a range of documentation users. Video-based training/instruction can replace a user&#39;s need for extensive reading in favor of step-by-step demonstration. Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for automatic production of training videos by using universal identifiers (UID) associated with a software product user interface (UI). Embodiments described herein use UIDs as markers to link media channels comprising video, audio and closed caption (CC) and enables the automatic creation of training videos. Further, UID markers and task instructions included in the video product can provide for finding and advancing to a desired video section. 
     With a variety of factors such as, but not limited to, multi-lingual needs, support for hearing impaired and continuous software delivery, the ability to quickly and accurately produce training videos is increasingly important. In addition, display dimensions on computing devices such as, but not limited to, laptops, tablets, kiosks and smart phones make usability of a single training video a challenge. Automatic video creation facilitates efficient production of alternate versions for delivery to a variety of computing devices. 
     Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures. It should be noted that references in the specification to “an exemplary embodiment,” “other embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when describing a particular feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
       FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of computing environment  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Computing environment  100  includes computer system  110 , and host computer system  120 , interconnected via network  140 . Computer system  110  and host computer system  120  can be desktop computers, laptop computers, specialized computer servers, or the like. In certain embodiments, computer system  110  and host computer system  120  represent computer systems utilizing clustered computers and components acting as a single pool of seamless resources via network  140 . For example, such embodiments operate in data center, cloud computing, storage area network (SAN), and network attached storage (NAS) applications. In general, computer system  110  and host computer system  120  are representative of any electronic devices, or combination of electronic devices, capable of executing computer readable program instructions, as described in detail with regard to  FIG. 4 . 
     Network  140  can be, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, or a combination of the two, and include wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections. In general, network  140  can be any combination of connections and protocols that will support communications between computer system  110  and host computer system  120 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Computer system  110  includes applications  112 , executing locally on the computer system and provides the capability to create, edit and manage the tools used to process any phase of an instructional video production. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, host computer system  120  comprises, UI properties file  122 , task properties file  124 , software product  126 , test system  128 , speech generator  130 , CC generator  132  and video assembler  134 . Host computer system  120  further comprises commercial or custom software products (not shown) associated with creating and maintaining training videos. In this embodiment of the present invention, UI properties file  122  and task properties file  124  are separate, in other embodiments UI properties file and task properties file are integrated. Further, test system  128 , speech generator  130 , CC generator  132  and video assembler  134  can be any combination of separate or integrated tools. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, UI properties file  122  can be a combination of a plurality of UI properties files. The provided UI properties file(s)  122  contains UI text for each UI element that software product  126  references as it operates, or compiles. Each UI element contains a unique identifier (i.e., variable) representing each displayed message, menu item or other language sensitive interaction with software product  126 . An embodiment of the present invention uses the UI element unique identifier as a UID reference during video production. In other embodiments, a UID used for training video production can be another element associated with each software product  126  UI element. 
     Generally, software product  126  displays UI text by referencing an associated UI element in a UI properties file(s)  122 . In support of alternate natural languages, software product  126  can reference settings such as user locale or other attributes to display appropriate UI text. For example, a menu item in software product  126  titled “Save As” in an English locale becomes “Guardar Como” in a Spanish locale. The prior example uses a UID and a locale property, in UI properties file(s)  122 , to display the correct UI text. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, task properties file  124  can be a combination of a plurality of task properties files. Task properties file  124  contains, in part, one or more UIDs matching UIDs contained in UI properties file(s)  122  and predetermined instructional text for a plurality of UI elements. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, test system  128  operates on one or more predetermined test scripts to exercise the UI function of software product  126  and has the capability to record execution of each test to contribute the video channel of the training video. The test script references UIDs so that each UI interaction will automatically associate UI Text with UI task instructions and create UID markers accompanying the video channel. For example, a test system  128  can produce an annotation file that identifies marks along a video time scale. It should be noted that the one or more test scripts and associated one or more software product(s)  126  can be adapted to record video during a test run to accommodate readability for computing devices of varying display size such as, but not limited to, laptops, tablets, kiosks and smart phones. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, speech generator  130  is a text-to-speech converter used to produce an audio channel. Speech generator  130  also marks sections of the audio channel using UIDs as defined in task properties file(s)  124 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, CC generator  132  is a closed caption utility to convert task instructions from task properties file(s)  124 . CC generator  132  has the capability to mark sections of the closed caption text channel using UID as defined in task properties file(s)  124 . Closed caption text is further segmented using rules such as, but not limited to, maximum number of words per display screen, display pause period as defined per industry standards and the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In other embodiments, CC generator  132  produces subtitles where the audio and CC language channels differ. Other embodiments of the present invention can preclude closed caption text in the training video. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, video assembler  134  is a tool capable of merging any combination of video, closed caption and audio channels. Video assembler  134  uses UIDs available in each media channel to perform merging and synchronization of each media channel based on matching UID marks. 
       FIG. 2  is a flowchart depicting operational steps of instructional video creation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The video creation flow  200  includes assigning UID to each UI element containing UI text in UI properties file  122  in step  202 . Software product  126  is the source for UI text used in step  202 . The UID establishes “content referencing” linkages between UI elements such as, UI text and task instructions. It should be noted that content references can be implemented using a custom solution or by using markup languages such as, but not limited to, Extensible Markup Language (XML) or Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA). It should be noted when introducing alternate natural languages or refining UI text, the UI elements are translated or updated respectively without affecting an assigned UID in UI properties file(s)  122 . 
     Step  206  creates task instructions and associated UIDs in task properties file(s)  124  based on UIDs contained in UI properties file(s)  122 . The UID reference associates a task step to a UI element used by software product  126 . It should be noted when introducing alternate natural languages, the task instruction text is updated without affecting an assigned UID in task properties file(s)  124 . 
     Step  208  creates a test script that executes UI elements of software product  126  contained in UI properties file(s)  122 , and references task instructions contained in task properties file(s)  124 . The test script references mutual UIDs in UI properties file(s)  122  and task properties file(s)  124  in the same sequence to enable the instructional aspect of the video recording. It should be noted that the format of the test script is appropriate to the employed software testing application (e.g., IBM Rational TestManager). It should be further noted that the test script references UIDs in UI properties file  122  and task properties file  124  so that test script content is not affected when supporting alternate natural languages, refining task instructions or refining user interface elements. 
     In step  210 , the test script provided in step  208  runs against software product  126  with recording enabled. The recorded test run by test system  128  automatically generates the video channel of the training video. In one embodiment, each UID acts as a marker in a single video produced by a test run. In other embodiments, the test run can produce a plurality of videos ranging in one or more UID markers. It should be noted that UID markers also establish reference points in the video to support advance and rewind capabilities. 
     Step  212  converts the task instructions from step  206  to speech using speech generator  130 . In one embodiment, audio is marked based on encountering each UID and in another embodiment an audio file is create for each UID. It should be noted that a new audio channel is created for alternate natural language or when refining task instructions. 
     Step  214  converts task instructions from step  206  to closed caption format. Closed caption standards limit font size and number of characters per screen. There are one or more closed caption segments per UID. In one embodiment, the CC generator  132  marks closed caption text based on encountering each UID, in another embodiment the CC generator  132  creates a closed caption file for each UID. It should be noted that a new closed caption channel is created for alternate natural language or when refining task instructions. 
     In step  216 , a video channel created in step  210  has other media channels added from step  212  and step  214 . The video assembler  134  tool uses UID to synchronize video, audio and closed caption channels. The UID markers allow synchronization of media channels and establishment of reference points to support advance and rewind to select points in a video using search or other media playback controls. It should be noted that new video is created and is adaptive to deliver different versions for, but not limited to, alternate natural languages, alternate devices (e.g., laptop, smart phone) or when refining task instructions 
       FIG. 3  depicts a sample of UID synchronization of media channels comprising the components of a video produced by video assembler  134 . This synchronization time line  300  illustrates one of many possible techniques to synchronize media channel end times, the use of UID_n  318  establishes alignment points for each media channel and thereby enables automatic training video creation. 
     UI text  308  scale represents UID established in UI properties file(s)  122  where UID_ 1   310 , UID_ 2   312 , UID_ 3   314 , UID_ 4   316 , UID_n  318  are markers of software product  126  UI text and ‘n’ indicates one to many possible UID. The UID markers establish reference points to align sections of media channel and to support advance or rewind to select points in a video. Note that UI text  308  scale is not time based until synchronization of media channels is complete. 
     Further depicted on UI text  308  scale are task_ 1   320 , task_ 2   322 , task_ 3   324  and task_n which represent instructional task text associated with the UID in task properties file(s)  124  and where ‘n’ indicates one to many possible tasks. 
     In the context of managing synchronization between the media channels, embodiments of the present invention describe the use of UID_n  318  as markers within each channel (video  302 , audio  304 , and cc text  306 ) and those markers establish the starting point of each media channel section or segment. In the example, where end times do not align between associated media channels, video assembler  134  establishes a pause. For example, video end  328  is 00:32 on video  302  where audio end  332  is 00:36, thus video assembler  134  generates a pause video  350  (freeze frame) action to support completion of audio end  332 . Conversely, UID_ 2  audio end  334  is 01:03 while video end  330  is 01:08, thus pause audio  352  (silence) action is taken. 
     For cc text  306 , audio end  332 , audio end  334 , and audio end  336  are aligned with the ends of cc text seg_ 2   340 , seg_ 3   342 , seg_ 5   346  respectively. CC generator segments closed caption to predetermined rules of number of words for screen and font size. As depicted, seg_ 1   338  and seg_ 2   340  constitute task_ 1   320  as task_ 1  text requires splitting into 2 segments to meet closed caption rules. Further, audio end  332  has playback pacing aligned with reading pacing as defined in cc text  306  rules and since seg_ 2   340  is already displayed during pause video  350 , there is no impact on the closed caption channel being displayed during pause video  350 . Once audio end  332  occurs then UID_ 2   312  starts associated media channels video  302 , audio  304  and cc text  306 . 
     In another example, task_ 2   322  has a shorter audio end  334  than video end  330  thus seg_ 3   342  is correspondingly short. It should be noted that any combination of media channel pauses are introduced to achieve media channel synchronization. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a block diagram of components of the host computer system  120  in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that  FIG. 4  provides only an illustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to the environments in which different embodiments can be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environment can be made. 
     Host computer system  400  includes communications fabric  402 , which provides communications between computer processor(s)  404 , memory  406 , persistent storage  408 , communications unit  410 , and input/output (I/O) interface(s)  412 . Communications fabric  402  can be implemented with any architecture designed for passing data and/or control information between processors (such as microprocessors, communications and network processors, etc.), system memory, peripheral devices, and any other hardware components within a system. For example, communications fabric  402  can be implemented with one or more buses. 
     Host computer system  400  includes processors  404 , cache  416 , memory  406 , persistent storage  408 , communications unit  410 , input/output (I/O) interface(s)  412  and communications fabric  402 . Communications fabric  402  provides communications between cache  416 , memory  406 , persistent storage  408 , communications unit  410 , and input/output (I/O) interface(s)  412 . Communications fabric  402  can be implemented with any architecture designed for passing data and/or control information between processors (such as microprocessors, communications and network processors, etc.), system memory, peripheral devices, and any other hardware components within a system. For example, communications fabric  402  can be implemented with one or more buses or a crossbar switch. 
     Memory  406  and persistent storage  408  are computer readable storage media. In this embodiment, memory  406  includes random access memory (RAM). In general, memory  406  can include any suitable volatile or non-volatile computer readable storage media. Cache  416  is a fast memory that enhances the performance of processors  404  by holding recently accessed data, and data near recently accessed data, from memory  406 . 
     Program instructions and data used to practice embodiments of the present invention may be stored in persistent storage  408  and in memory  406  for execution by one or more of the respective processors  404  via cache  416 . In an embodiment, persistent storage  408  includes a magnetic hard disk drive. Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard disk drive, persistent storage  408  can include a solid state hard drive, a semiconductor storage device, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other computer readable storage media that is capable of storing program instructions or digital information. 
     The media used by persistent storage  408  may also be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage  408 . Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, and smart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto another computer readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage  408 . 
     Communications unit  410 , in these examples, provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these examples, communications unit  410  includes one or more network interface cards. Communications unit  410  may provide communications through the use of either or both physical and wireless communications links. Program instructions and data used to practice embodiments of the present invention may be downloaded to persistent storage  408  through communications unit  410 . 
     I/O interface(s)  412  allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to each computer system. For example, I/O interface  412  may provide a connection to external devices  418  such as a keyboard, keypad, a touch screen, and/or some other suitable input device. External devices  418  can also include portable computer readable storage media such as, for example, thumb drives, portable optical or magnetic disks, and memory cards. Software and data used to practice embodiments of the present invention can be stored on such portable computer readable storage media and can be loaded onto persistent storage  408  via I/O interface(s)  412 . I/O interface(s)  412  also connect to display  420 . 
     Display  420  provides a mechanism to display data to a user and may be, for example, a computer monitor. 
     The programs described herein are identified based upon the application for which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular program nomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not be limited to use solely in any specific application identified and/or implied by such nomenclature. 
     The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention. 
     The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire. 
     Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device. 
     Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention. 
     Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions. 
     These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiment, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Technology Category: 3