How does the Application Modeler spy areas of the screen in Mainframe applications?

The Application Modeler in Blue Prism utilizes a grid superimposition technique to spy areas of the screen in Mainframe applications. This method is particularly effective for applications that may not support traditional UI elements or controls, which often occurs in Mainframe environments.

By applying a grid overlay, the Application Modeler can identify and interact with elements on the screen with precision. Each cell of the grid represents a specific area of the application interface, allowing the modeler to define regions of interest and capture the necessary data elements. This approach enhances the accuracy of the automation process since it compensates for the lack of standard object recognition that is often challenged by the presentation layer of Mainframe applications.

Capturing screenshots, highlighting active windows, or using keyboard shortcuts do not provide the same depth of interaction or the capability to define specific areas on the screen necessary for effective automation in these environments. Thus, the superimposing of a grid stands out as the optimal method in this context.