Automated test bench for refurbished electronic devices / equipment.

Abstract

Automated test bench for refurbished electronic devices / equipment. The invention essentially consists of providing an automated, non-intrusive test bench dedicated to devices / equipment, such as connected objects, including smartphones and tablets, particularly refurbished ones. This bench allows for the detection of any display anomaly, primarily through display recognition on at least the device / equipment's user interface (UI), and advantageously through touch input. Thus, anomalies such as spots, traces of oxidation, non-functional or no longer operational pixels, and touch detection defects can be identified during a test sequence. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Automated test bench for refurbished electronic devices / equipment. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automated test benches for electronic devices / equipment, more particularly reconditioned ones.

[0002] It aims to improve existing test benches by proposing an automated, non-intrusive test bench, intended to carry out mechanical and / or software and / or visual and / or sound tests of the human-machine interface of a device / equipment, such as electronic equipment provided with a human-machine interface comprising a screen and a keyboard, the latter being able to be combined in the case of a touch screen.

[0003] The invention aims more specifically to propose a test bench particularly dedicated to reconditioned devices / equipment, which are likely to present defects and / or breakdowns due to its life cycle prior to reconditioning.

[0004] Among the devices and equipment that can be subjected to an automated test bench as envisaged within the framework of the invention, mention may be made of computer equipment such as computers, smartphones, tablets, weighing indicators, payment terminals, dashboards or even portable medical instruments, which have been reconditioned.

[0005] By "reconditioned device / equipment" is understood the usual meaning of the technology, namely a device or equipment which has already been operated during a previous life cycle and which has been refurbished or repaired with a view to being marketed and therefore operated again. Prior art

[0006] It is known to implement functional or endurance tests of human-machine interfaces implementing the keyboard and / or the screen and / or the standard software application of a device / equipment with the external environment.

[0007] The automated human-machine interface testing solutions for devices / equipment that exist today can be classified into different categories.

[0008] The tests that must be implemented are functional or endurance tests implementing the keyboard and / or the screen and / or the standard software application of the device / equipment with the external environment.

[0009] The first category concerns automated benches specifically dedicated to testing.

[0010] Thus, mechanical and software development is done specifically for each new type of device / equipment that we wish to test. We immediately perceive The major drawback of this solution is that each new piece of equipment or equipment upgrade requires new development. Software can facilitate this development, but it is intended for a limited audience of IT specialists. One example is the software with the commercial name "LabView".

[0011] Intrusive tests have also been implemented, as described in patent application EP0084454. Here, dedicated software, the functions of which are to retrieve information on the current displays and also to simulate a key press on a keyboard of the device / equipment to be tested, is loaded into the latter. In this case, the test can be automated without implementing external mechanical means. Apart from the fact that the device / equipment is loaded with additional software, these intrusive tests have the major drawback of introducing test conditions which are not identical to the operating conditions of the equipment.

[0012] Test software specifically dedicated to human-machine interfaces has been developed. This software is limited to testing applications for use on the web, and is rarely usable for embedded software. This software can be considered intrusive because it is not necessary for the operation of the device / equipment. We can refer to the “Selenium” software, which is a computer testing “framework” developed in Java.

[0013] Finally, there are keyboard or screen test functions. These functions allow the physical test to be carried out but are limited to a keyboard or a screen. The screen and keyboard combination is used for testing one of the subassemblies, as disclosed in patent applications EP2405356 and EP0175765. These solutions do not implement the operating application of the device / equipment but a dedicated application, and can therefore be considered intrusive.

[0014] The applicant proposed in patent FR3086406B1 an automated, non-intrusive test bench, configured to carry out mechanical and / or software and / or sound tests of human-machine interfaces of a device / equipment to be tested.

[0015] A test bench as described in this patent is shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Fig. 1] is a perspective view with transparency of an example of an automated test bench, generally designated by the reference 1. [Fig. 2] illustrates in side view the test bench 1.

[0016] The test bench 1 consists of a module with a frame 10 assembled from a plurality of profiles and which is provided with feet 12.

[0017] A central unit 2, an enclosure 3, an electrical control box 4 of the central unit and an external connection 5, preferably a 220V power supply connection and / or an Ethernet type connection are fixed to the frame 10.

[0018] The bottom of the enclosure 3 comprises a support 6 which makes it possible to hold the device at test in a fixed reference position, during test sequences.

[0019] Another power supply connection 7 which can supply the device / equipment to be tested and be controlled is arranged near the support 6.

[0020] The enclosure 3 comprises a plurality of transparent walls 30, one of which can open and constitutes, for an operator, secure access to the support 6 from the outside. To facilitate access, the access wall 30 is provided with a handle P.

[0021] Electronic means 31 allowing the power supplies to be cut off and, if necessary, the access door to be locked / unlocked are provided. In addition, an emergency button 32 fixed to the frame 10 near the access door allows an operator to interrupt any test in the event of an emergency.

[0022] A three-axis (X, Y, Z) gantry 8 is fixed inside the enclosure 3.

[0023] A feeler 9 is fixed to the gantry 8 which can therefore move the feeler 9 in translation. along each of the three axes X, Y and Z. The probe 9 can therefore come into contact as desired with any area of ​​the device during the test(s), each contact area constituting an acquisition interface (HMI).

[0024] A camera 13 is also fixed to the gantry 8. This camera allows images and / or videos to be taken of the device / equipment, more particularly of the interface(s) (HMI) for visual restitution of the device / equipment, during the test(s).

[0025] To control the lighting conditions inside the enclosure and therefore increase the quality of the image and / or video captures from the camera 13, lighting means 14 of the support of the apparatus / equipment are fixed to the frame 10.

[0026] The central unit 2 can control the switching on, switching off and, where appropriate, the adjustment of the intensity of the beam F of the lighting means 14 during the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment.

[0027] A microphone 15 is fixed inside the enclosure 3. This microphone 15 is adapted to pick up the sounds emitted by at least one sound reproduction interface of the device / equipment, during the test(s).

[0028] The operation of the test bench 1 which has just been described will now be briefly explained.

[0029] The operator positions and, if necessary, fixes the device / equipment to be tested on the support 6.

[0030] Then, he connects a power supply of the device / equipment to be tested to the power socket 7 which the central unit 2 can control.

[0031] The operator then closes the access door 30 of the enclosure 3 which is locked by the ad hoc means 31.

[0032] A test sequence of the device / equipment can then be initiated.

[0033] A control-command software loaded in the central unit 2 has already retrieved or is retrieving the list of tests to be executed in a dedicated language.

[0034] The software then controls and synchronizes all or part of the components internal to the enclosure 3 according to a predefined test sequence: the three-axis gantry 8 and therefore the probe 9, the camera 13 and, where applicable, the lighting means 14, the microphone 15, and, where applicable, the electrical power socket.

[0035] The software then retrieves the functional information of the device / equipment tested.

[0036] In particular, the software can perform processing of images from the camera 13 preferably with OCR character recognition, 7 segments, 16 segments, and / or color recognition, and / or shape recognition, and / or icon recognition.

[0037] In addition, the software can perform processing of the sounds emitted by the device / equipment under test, in order to distinguish operations from the HMIs.

[0038] Ultimately, the software allows the results and traces of the tests executed to be uploaded in a dedicated format, which can be recorded in one or more files in the central unit 2 or in an external recording medium via the external connection 5.

[0039] This test bench 1 which has just been described may require significant intervention by the operator to fix the device / equipment to be tested on the support 6. Indeed, the operator must change the fixing system each time a different model of device / equipment is tested. This results in a significant replacement time as well as risks of human errors in the choice or installation of the fixing system.

[0040] In addition to the test limitations, particularly those linked to the management of the camera on the back of a smartphone, the test bench according to patent US10491314B2 has the same shortcomings since it proposes a positioning and a fixing which must be replaced for each new type of device / equipment which must be tested.

[0041] This is why the Applicant proposed in the patent application filed on December 23, 2022 under No. FR2214430, a universal device / equipment support solution for a test bench which simplifies while guaranteeing its reliability the installation of any type of device / equipment on a test bench, preferably like that described in Figures 1 and 2.

[0042] Although a test bench like the one described in Figures 1 and 2, which integrates the aforementioned universal support, is perfectly suited to any type of device / equipment, it may not give complete satisfaction for reconditioned devices / equipment. Indeed, even with a very high quality of reconditioning, refurbished or repaired devices / equipment may have defects whose qualitative analysis is not carried out by the test bench.

[0043] There is therefore a need to improve existing automated test benches in order to allow, during one or more tests, a qualitative analysis of possible defects likely to be present in reconditioned devices / equipment.

[0044] The aim of the invention is to at least partially meet this need. Statement of the invention

[0045] To this end, the invention relates, in one of its aspects, to an automated, non-intrusive test bench, intended to carry out mechanical and / or software and / or sound tests of human-machine interface(s) (HMI) of a device / equipment, in particular of a reconditioned device / equipment, comprising:

[0046] - a support, adapted to hold the apparatus / equipment to be tested in a position fixed, called reference, during at least one test of at least one sequence;

[0047] - at least one camera, suitable for taking images and / or videos of the device / equipment, more particularly one or more interfaces (HMI) for visual restitution of the device / equipment, such as a screen, during the test(s),

[0048] - a central unit, adapted to control the camera(s), in order to implement the or the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment, and to carry out the processing of images and / or videos of the device / equipment, from the camera(s),

[0049] the test sequence(s) comprising at least one display recognition on at least the interface (HMI) of the device / equipment, of one or more elements defined by the user, chosen from a text, an icon or a color or a combination thereof, so as to be able to detect at least one display anomaly of said interface (HMI).

[0050] According to a first advantageous embodiment, the test bench comprises:

[0051] - at least one tactile sensor, adapted to carry out at least one tactile press with the interface (HMI) during the test(s);

[0052] - at least one probe actuator, adapted to move the probe in translation along at least one of the three axes (X, Y, Z);

[0053] the central unit being adapted to control the probe actuator(s),

[0054] the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprising a tactile pressing action, selected from a single pressing, a series of pressings or a sliding movement or a combination of these on the interface (HMI) of the device / equipment, so as to be able to detect at least one surface or local discontinuity of the interface (HMI) and / or the operating state of a proximity sensor of the device / equipment.

[0055] Advantageously, the bench comprises an annular ring arranged around the probe, to provide at least one tactile support in addition to that of the probe.

[0056] According to a second advantageous embodiment, the test bench comprises:

[0057] - at least one microphone, adapted to capture the sounds emitted by at least one sound reproduction interface of the device / equipment,

[0058] the central unit being adapted to control the microphone;

[0059] the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprising at least one sound control action selected from a detection of an exceeding of a predefined sound level, a detection of a sound chosen by the user or a combination thereof, so as to be able to detect at least one malfunction, a crackling sound or an obstruction of the sound reproduction interface of the device / equipment.

[0060] According to a third advantageous embodiment, the test bench comprises:

[0061] - at least one loudspeaker, adapted to emit sounds to at least one interface noise emission of the device / equipment,

[0062] the central unit being adapted to drive the loudspeaker;

[0063] the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprising at least one sound control action selected from a detection of a sound by at least one microphone of the device / equipment, a detection of a sound chosen by the user or a combination of these, so as to be able to detect at least one malfunction, a parasitic noise or an obstruction of the sound acquisition interface of the device / equipment.

[0064] According to a fourth advantageous embodiment, the test sequence(s) of the apparatus / equipment comprise(s) at least one recognition of images taken by at least one photographic sensor of the apparatus / equipment, so as to detect the operating state of the photographic sensor and / or its optical quality and / or that its focus is functional.

[0065] According to a fifth advantageous embodiment, the test bench further comprises at least one lighting module for at least one photographic sensor of the device / equipment,

[0066] the central unit being further adapted to control the switching on, switching off and, where appropriate, adjusting the intensity of the lighting means during the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment;

[0067] the test sequence(s) of the apparatus / equipment comprising at least one action of analyzing images taken of the lighting module in operation by the photographic sensor of the apparatus / equipment so as to detect at least one task according to at least one criterion defined by the user chosen from the number, the size in pixels, and the percentage of opacity or a combination thereof.

[0068] According to a sixth advantageous embodiment, the test bench further comprises at least one light sensor adapted to detect at least one light flash emitted by an illumination source of the device / equipment,

[0069] the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprising at least one re knowledge of the light flash emitted by the illumination source of the device / equipment, so as to detect its operating status.

[0070] According to a seventh advantageous embodiment, the test bench further comprises at least one vibration sensor adapted to detect at least one vibration emitted by a vibration source of the device / equipment,

[0071] the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprising at least one recognition of vibration(s) emitted by the vibration source of the device / equipment, so as to detect its operating state or whether the vibration(s) is / are emitted at the desired frequency. The support may also comprise a vibration sensor arranged to be in contact with the device / equipment when the device / equipment is fixed on the support and configured to convert a vibration of the device / equipment into an analog signal.

[0072] According to an eighth advantageous embodiment, the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprises at least one action of detecting the operating state of a gyroscopic sensor and / or an accelerometer of the device / equipment.

[0073] According to a ninth advantageous embodiment, the test bench includes a power supply socket(s) for the appliance / equipment,

[0074] the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprising at least one action for detecting the electrical recharging capacity and / or the data exchange capacity of the device / equipment.

[0075] Preferably, the test bench comprises an enclosure comprising at least one secure access from the outside, the enclosure being configured to house the support in its reference position, the camera(s), and where appropriate the tactile probe(s) and the probe actuator(s), the three-axis gantry, the microphone(s), the loudspeaker(s), the lighting module(s), the light sensor(s), the vibration sensor(s).

[0076] According to an advantageous variant, the test bench comprises a frame on which the central unit, the enclosure, an electrical control box for the central unit and an external connection, preferably a 220V power supply connection and / or an Ethernet type connection are fixed.

[0077] According to another advantageous characteristic, the enclosure comprises slides on which the support is slidably mounted, forming a drawer, between a deployed position outside the enclosure and the reference position in which access to the enclosure is closed.

[0078] Advantageously, the support is, in its deployed position, accessible to an operator or a robot, such as an articulated arm, to fix a device / equipment thereto. More particularly, a test bench according to the invention can be integrated into an automated chain for loading / unloading devices / equipment, in particular recon packaged, which may include a robot arm, particularly a 6-axis one.

[0079] Thus, the invention essentially consists of proposing an automated, non-intrusive test bench dedicated to devices / equipment, such as connected objects, including smartphones and tablets, in particular reconditioned ones, which makes it possible to detect any display anomaly firstly from a display recognition on at least the interface (HMI) of the device / equipment and advantageously by a touch support. Thus, anomalies such as stains, traces of oxidation, pixels that are not or no longer operational, and tactile detection defects can be detected during a test sequence.

[0080] Furthermore, the invention allows the detection of any audio failure of a device / equipment, i.e. the detection of malfunctions, obstructions and crackling of microphones and loudspeakers, preferably with a quantitative analysis of a device / equipment.

[0081] All the defects of photographic and / or video sensors of a device / equipment can also be detected with a qualitative analysis: this can involve a calculation of sharpness, an analysis of optical quality and detection of tasks on one or more sensors of a device / equipment.

[0082] A test bench according to the invention is particularly dedicated to testing reconditioned devices / equipment for which it is essential to ensure the quality of reconditioning and therefore its functionalities and / or aesthetics in order to be able to put them back on sale.

[0083] The invention also relates to the use of the automated test bench as described above to carry out at least one non-intrusive test of at least one sequence of a so-called connected device / equipment, in particular reconditioned, more particularly chosen from a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, an electronic payment terminal, a measurement or metrology indicator, on-board medical equipment, an IOT object equipped with a screen and a keyboard, dashboard equipment, an interactive terminal, a connected watch, a portable video game console, a car radio, an industrial control panel.

[0084] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of examples of implementation of the invention given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the following figures. Brief description of the drawings

[0085] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of an automated test bench according to the state of the art.

[0086] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a side view of the test bench of [Fig.l].

[0087] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of an automated test bench according to the invention, with the apparatus / equipment holder to be tested shown on its drawer in its position extracted outside the frame.

[0088] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of part of the test bench according to the [Fig.3], without the enclosure, showing a device to be tested in its position placed and fixed on the support, ready for testing.

[0089] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a support of a test bench according to the invention.

[0090] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view of the support of [Fig.5] without certain parts.

[0091] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a view of the support of [Fig.5] on which a device is fixed / equipment to be tested.

[0092] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a view of the support of [Fig.5] on which a device is fixed / equipment of different dimensions from that of [Fig.7].

[0093] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a detail view of the retaining sole of a support of test bench according to the invention.

[0094] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a detail view of the cable insertion module of a test bench support according to the invention.

[0095] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a view of the support of [Fig.5] comprising an apparatus / equipment being installed in the bracket.

[0096] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a view of the support of [Fig.5] comprising an apparatus / equipment in fixed configuration on the support. Detailed description

[0097] Throughout the present application, the terms "horizontal" and "upper" are to be understood with reference to a test bench according to the invention arranged in the operating position, the apparatus / equipment to be tested being fixed on the support while being kept flat horizontally.

[0098] Figures 1 and 2 have already been commented on in the preamble and will therefore not be described below.

[0099] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a test bench, an automated, non-intrusive test bench, generally designated by the reference 1. It is specified that all the elements which are not shown in Figures 3 and 4 may be similar to those in Figures 1 and 2.

[0100] The test bench 1 consists of a module with a frame 10 assembled from a plurality of profiles 11 and which is provided with feet 12. A central unit 2, an enclosure 3, an electrical control box 4 of the central unit and an external connection 5, preferably a 220V power supply connection and / or an Ethernet type connection are fixed to the frame.

[0101] The enclosure 3 can accommodate a support 6 which can be used to fix and maintain the apparatus / equipment 120 to be tested in a fixed reference position, during one or more test sequences.

[0102] The bottom of the enclosure 3 comprises a plate 61 on which slides 60 are fixed.

[0103] The support 6 is mounted to slide horizontally on these slides 60, forming a drawer that can move between a deployed position in which it is outside the enclosure 3, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], and an extreme folded position, which is the reference position, as illustrated in [Fig. 4].3

[0104] Another power supply connection 7 which can supply the device / equipment to be tested and be controlled is arranged near the support 6 in its reference position.

[0105] The enclosure 3 comprises a plurality of walls 30, one of which can open vertically and constitutes, for an operator, secure access to the support 6 from the outside. To facilitate access, the access wall 30 is provided with a handle P. At least a portion of the walls, preferably all the walls 30 of the enclosure 3 is (are) coated internally, in particular by padding, with a coating of a sound-absorbing material in order to control the sound environment of the enclosure 3. At least a portion of the walls, preferably all the walls 30 of the enclosure 3 can be opaque in order to isolate the interior of the enclosure from external light.

[0106] Electronic means 31 allowing the power supplies to be cut off and, if necessary, the access door to be locked / unlocked are provided. In addition, an emergency button 32 fixed to the frame 10 near the access door allows an operator to interrupt any test in the event of an emergency.

[0107] A three-axis (X, Y, Z) gantry 8 is fixed inside the enclosure 3.

[0108] A tactile sensor 9 is fixed to the gantry 8 which can therefore move the tactile probe 9 along each of the three axes X, Y and Z. The probe may comprise a ring arranged around the body of the probe. The tactile probe 9, with its ring, can therefore make tactile presses as desired with any lateral or vertical zone of the device / equipment to be tested during the test(s), each contact zone constituting an acquisition interface (HMI). The tactile probe can in particular interact with resistive and capacitive touch screens, as well as the inductive keys of a device / equipment to be tested.

[0109] A camera 13 is also fixed to the gantry 8. This camera allows the taking of images and / or videos of the device / equipment fixed in the support in its reference position, more particularly of the interface(s) (HMI) for visual restitution of the device / equipment, during the test(s). Preferably, the camera 13 is in a position above and vertically above the device / equipment to be tested, fixed in the support 6 in its reference position. The camera 13 allows a large part of the smartphone screen to be seen.

[0110] To control the lighting conditions inside the enclosure and therefore increase the quality of the image and / or video captures from the camera 13, lighting means 14 of the support of the apparatus / equipment are fixed to the frame 10.

[0111] The central unit 2 can control the switching on, switching off and, where appropriate, the adjustment of the intensity of the beam F of the lighting means 14 during the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment.

[0112] A microphone 15 can be mounted movably inside the enclosure 3, in particular on the gantry. This microphone 15 is adapted to pick up the sounds emitted by at least one sound reproduction interface of the device / equipment, during the test(s).

[0113] Two stereo speakers 16 can be fixed inside the enclosure 3. These can emit sounds or melodies previously loaded into the central unit 2.

[0114] A light module 17 can be mounted fixed or mobile, preferably to be opposite the optics, in particular the photographic sensors of the rear face of the device / equipment 120 to be tested in the reference position of the support 6.

[0115] A vibration sensor 18 may be arranged in the enclosure, in particular fixed on the plate 61 so as to be in contact with the apparatus / equipment 120 to be tested in the reference position of the support 6.

[0116] A light sensor can be arranged inside the enclosure so as to be opposite the light flash of the device / equipment 120 to be tested in the reference position of the support 6. This sensor, as shown under the reference 114 in [Fig.6] can be fixed on the support 6.

[0117] The test bench 1 may itself comprise a human-machine interface (HMI), such as a touch screen 20 which allows an operator to initiate any test sequence or verify the completion thereof, where appropriate with the visualization of detections of non-compliant tests.

[0118] [Fig. 5] illustrates a support 6 forming a drawer 60 of the test bench according to the invention such as that illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

[0119] The support 6 comprises a clamp 100 having two jaws 101 aligned along an axis X. Each jaw 101 comprises two gripping ends 102. The jaws 101 of the clamp 100 make it possible to center and maintain between the device / equipment placed on the support.

[0120] Preferably, the jaws 101 are fixed to the body of the clamp 100 in a detachable manner, for example by screws. This makes it possible to simplify the changing of the jaws and therefore their maintenance as well as their adaptation to different models of devices / equipment, in particular to take into account the variable dimensions of these models, which is all the more common for devices / equipment of the smartphone type which are reconditioned beforehand.

[0121] The gripping ends 102 are configured to hold the apparatus / equipment in place and are preferably made of a low hardness material so as not to damage the apparatus / equipment, such as polyoxymethylene (POM).

[0122] The support 6 also comprises a holding device 103 arranged between the jaws 101.

[0123] The holding device 103 comprises an upper surface 104 which extends along an axis Y perpendicular to the axis X in the horizontal plane. At one end of the upper surface 104, the holding device 103 comprises a support piece 105 slidably mounted on two rods 106 extending along the axis Y. The support piece 105 is subjected to an elastic force in the direction of the support surface. The elastic force is exerted by an elastic member 107 such as two helical springs each arranged around a rod 106. The helical springs bear on one side on supports 108 secured to the rod 106 and on the other on the support piece 105.

[0124] A holding sole 109 is disposed on the upper surface 104 to receive the apparatus / equipment 120. Holding soles 109 of different thicknesses may be used to adapt the support 6 to apparatus / equipment of different thicknesses. The holding sole 109 may advantageously be configured to facilitate the positioning of the apparatus / equipment by its geometry.

[0125] Preferably, the support sole 109 is made of polyoxymethylene (POM) in order to limit the risks of damaging the device / equipment.

[0126] As shown in [Fig.5], the apparatus / equipment 120 under test is arranged on the holding sole 109. The support 6 may however not include a holding sole 109, the apparatus / equipment 120 then being placed directly on the upper surface 104.

[0127] The holding sole 109 is shown in isolation in [Fig. 7]. It may advantageously comprise stops 110 which project from the surface of the sole. The stops 110 are arranged near an end of the holding sole opposite the support piece 105 and are configured to block the apparatus / equipment 120 under test in a given position along the Y axis when the support piece 105 exerts a force on the apparatus / equipment 120 in the direction of the stops 110.

[0128] Alternatively, the stops 110 may be arranged on the bearing surface 104 or on another element of the support 6.

[0129] The position of the stops 110 depends in particular on the dimensions of the device / equipment 120 and those of the support 6.

[0130] Advantageously, the support surface 104 and the support sole 109 may comprise through openings aligned and configured to receive a sensor. vibration sensor 111. The vibration sensor 111 is configured to be in contact with the apparatus / equipment 120 when the latter is fixed on the support so as to detect vibrations produced by the apparatus / equipment.

[0131] Advantageously, a signal processing algorithm can be implemented to detect characteristic vibration profiles in the signals captured by the vibration sensor 111.

[0132] The support 6 also comprises a cable insertion module 112 mounted on a support block 115. The support block 115 and the cable insertion module 112 are arranged in proximity to one or more sockets of the appliance / equipment 120 configured to receive the plug of a corresponding cable when the appliance / equipment is fixed on the support.

[0133] The module 112 is configured to guide a cable 119 such as a power cable and allow its insertion into the corresponding socket of the device / equipment 120. [Fig.8] is a detail view of the module 112 housing the cable 119. The module 112 allows the power supply electrical connection to be guided directly without the possibility of the user making a mistake.

[0134] Preferably, the support 6 may comprise the brightness sensor 114 for detecting the light emitted by the flash of a device / equipment.

[0135] The support 6 advantageously comprises an anti-vibration sole 113 intended to be arranged in contact with the test bench and configured to minimize the transmission of vibrations between the test bench and the apparatus / equipment 120. The other elements of the support 6 are arranged on the anti-vibration sole 113.

[0136] [Fig.6] shows the support 6 of [Fig.5], the holding sole 109 and the cable insertion module 112 being removed.

[0137] Figures 7 and 8 show the support 6 of [Fig.3], reconditioned smartphones 120 of different dimensions, as devices to be tested, being fixed on the support 6.

[0138] The operation of the support 6 will now be explained.

[0139] Initially, as shown in [Fig. 3], the jaws 101 of the gripper 100 are in a spaced position to allow the operator or a mechanical device such as a six-axis robot to place the apparatus / equipment 120 between the jaws on the holding sole 109 arranged on the upper surface 104 of the holding device 103.

[0140] The module 112, the vibration sensor 111 and the brightness sensor 114 are installed on the support if they are not already installed.

[0141] The apparatus / equipment 120 is then placed on the holding sole 109. To do this, the support piece 105 is moved away from the upper surface 104 in order to leave sufficient space for the apparatus / equipment 120. Preferably, the support piece 105 is pushed aside by an edge of the device / equipment pushed against the support piece 105.

[0142] As shown in [Fig.9], the restoring force exerted by the helical springs 107 then allows the support piece 105 to exert a force on the apparatus / equipment 120 pressing the latter against the stops 110.

[0143] The device / equipment is then held in place along the Y axis.

[0144] Once the device / equipment 120 is in place between the support piece 105 and the stops 110, the jaws 101 of the gripper 100 are brought together in order to center and clamp the apparatus / equipment 120 along the X axis. The gripper is configured to hold the apparatus / equipment with sufficient force so that the latter remains stationary during the tests carried out by the test bench, without damaging it.

[0145] By way of example, a force of between 10 N and 50 N is advantageously applied by the clamp 100 to the device / equipment.

[0146] The precision of the positioning of the apparatus / equipment 120 along the Y axis by the holding device 103 and along the X axis by the clamp 100 is preferably between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm, for example 0.1 mm.

[0147] Once the apparatus / equipment 120 is positioned and held on the support 6, the operator can move the cable insertion module 112 in order to insert the plug of the cable 119 housed in the module 112 into the corresponding socket of the apparatus / equipment, as illustrated in [Fig. 10]. The cable insertion module 112 can also be moved in an automated manner, for example by a six-axis robot.

[0148] Advantageously, the support 6 is configured to leave free access to the side buttons, the cable sockets, the camera or photographic device lenses, the microphones and / or the speakers of the device / equipment 120.

[0149] The support 6 makes it possible to manage devices / equipment of different dimensions without changing parts or using tools.

[0150] However, if the device / equipment has a thickness different from the standard thicknesses for a category of device / equipment, the operator can easily replace the support sole 109 with a support sole of suitable thickness.

[0151] The operation of the test bench 1 which has just been described will now be briefly explained.

[0152] An operator or a robot, in particular a six-axis robot, positions and, if necessary, fixes the device / equipment to be tested on the support 6 in its deployed position outside the enclosure.

[0153] The operator or the six-axis robot then slides the support 6 on which the device / equipment under test 120 is fixed until it reaches its reference position.

[0154] The operator or the six-axis robot connects a power supply of the device / equipment to be tested 120 to the power socket 7 which the central unit 2 can control. This connection can be made in the extreme deployed position, outside the enclosure, or in the reference position of the support 6.

[0155] The operator or the six-axis robot then slides vertically downwards the access door 30 of the enclosure 3 which can be locked by the ad hoc means 31

[0156] The device / equipment 120, in particular a reconditioned smartphone, can then be subjected to one or more test sequences carried out by the test bench.

[0157] An example of a test sequence is given below. All tests can be carried out according to a chronologically defined sequence with, if necessary, several tests carried out simultaneously.

[0158] Tests of a display screen of the device / equipment 120 Tests A /

[0159] After capturing at least one image by the camera 13, the bench 1 can carry out one or more text, color and icon analysis / recognition actions.

[0160] For example, a test A / may consist of validating that at least a large part of the screen of the device 120 displays the colors correctly, and without defective areas (color displayed different from the desired color).

[0161] To do this, the central unit 2 or an application embedded on the device / equipment 120 displays for example successively the colors BLUE, RED and GREEN as well as WHITE and BLACK. For each color, the central unit 2 analyzes the screen with its camera of the device 120 and checks the color displayed.

[0162] It also checks that no other colors are displayed. B / Tests

[0163] After having carried out a tactile pressing action, selected from a simple pressing, a series of pressings or a sliding movement or a combination of these on the interface (HMI) of the device / equipment by means of the probe 9, the bench 1 can detect at least one surface or local discontinuity of the interface (HMI) of the device / equipment.

[0164] For example, a test B / may consist of validating that the touch screen of the device 120 works over its entire surface.

[0165] To do this, the central unit 2 or an application embedded on the device / equipment 120 displays a white screen.

[0166] Then the sensor 9 scans the screen of the device / equipment by scanning at least part of its surface. The central unit 2 or an on-board application checks that the screen panel of the device / equipment 120 is working and that the scan is not interrupted.

[0167] The number of discontinuities can thus be detected.

[0168] Physical button tests of the device / equipment 120

[0169] After having made a tactile press on at least one physical button by means of the probe 9 with its ring, the bench 1 can carry out one or more detections of its operating state and therefore of the function for which it is configured.

[0170] For example, a test may consist of pressing an identified button and then the central unit 2 or an application embedded in the device / equipment 120 checks the resulting status.

[0171] All types of buttons of a device / equipment 120 can be tested, in particular those of a smartphone, both those on the side whose function can be a screen lock, volume +, volume -, “Mute” and those on the front face.

[0172] Device / Equipment Speaker Tests 120

[0173] After the device / equipment 120 has emitted at least one sound or melody through at least one of its loudspeakers, the bench 1 can perform one or more actions to validate the sound or melody and / or to verify that the loudspeaker is not blocked.

[0174] For example, a test may consist of validating that the loudspeaker emits the expected sound or melody, that it is not blocked and that it does not crackle or saturate.

[0175] The central unit 2 verifies from the sound or melody captured by its microphone 15 that the raw sound is actually the one emitted or collects a point cloud for analysis. This verification is preferably based on comparison with a model that can be created according to a reference sound or melody of a new device / equipment 120 and with an expected level of precision.

[0176] A test may be repeated for each speaker of the device / equipment 120. Device / Equipment Microphone Tests 120

[0177] After one and / or the other of the loudspeakers 16 of the bank 1 has emitted at least one sound or melody, the device / equipment 120 records this sound or melody by at least one of its microphones and sends it to the central unit 2. The bank 1 can carry out one or more actions of validation of the sound or melody and / or of checking that the microphone(s) of the device / equipment 120 is not blocked.

[0178] For example, a test may consist of validating that the loudspeaker 16 emits the expected sound or melody, and that the microphone(s) of the device / equipment 120 is (are) not blocked and that it (they) does not crackle or saturate.

[0179] The central unit 2 verifies from the sound or melody captured by the speaker(s) of the device / equipment 120 that the raw sound is actually the one emitted or collects a point cloud for analysis. This verification is preferably based on comparison with a model which can be created according to a reference sound or melody of a new device / equipment 120 and with an expected level of precision.

[0180] A test can be repeated for each microphone of the device / equipment 120.

[0181] Camera / Equipment Photographic Sensor Tests 120 Tests A /

[0182] After the photographic sensor on the rear face of the device / equipment 120 has taken a photograph, it records it and sends it to the central unit 2. The bench 1 can carry out one or more actions to validate the image taken.

[0183] For example, an A / test may consist of validating that the rear-facing photographic sensor takes a photograph of printed text, and that the image of this text can be viewed with an OCR recognition reading of at least one word of the printed text.

[0184] The central unit 2 therefore analyses the image captured by the device / equipment 120.

[0185] Another test A / may consist of validating that the photographic sensor on the rear face has not been reconditioned with stains / dust left on the sensor. The photographic sensor on the rear face of the apparatus / equipment 120 takes, for example, a photo of a luminous surface and sends it to the central unit 2 which analyzes the image and detects the stains according to one or more criteria set beforehand by the operator (number, size and opacity).

[0186] Another test A / may consist of validating that the focus of the photographic sensor on the rear face is functional. The photographic sensor on the rear face of the apparatus / equipment 120 takes, for example, a photograph of a printed QR Code and sends it to the central unit 2 which analyzes the image and detects the level of sharpness of the QR code. B / Tests

[0187] After the photographic sensor on the front of the device / equipment 120 has taken a photograph, it records it and sends it to the central unit 2. The bench 1 can carry out one or more actions to validate the image taken.

[0188] For example, a test B / may consist of validating that the front-facing photographic sensor takes a photograph of a printed text, and that the image of this text can be viewed with an OCR recognition reading of at least one word of the printed text.

[0189] The central unit 2 therefore analyses the image captured by the device / equipment 120. The automatic focusing and / or exposure of the photographic sensor on the front face can be validated.

[0190] Another test B / may consist of validating that the focus of the photographic sensor on the front face is functional. The photographic sensor on the front face of the apparatus / equipment 120 takes, for example, a photograph of a printed QR Code and sends it to the central unit 2 which analyzes the image and detects the level of sharpness of the QR code.

[0191] Device / Equipment Flash Light Tests 120

[0192] After the flash of the device / equipment 120 has been triggered, the light sensor of the bank 1 detects it. The central unit 2 validates that the flash is functional. Device / Equipment Vibrator Tests 120

[0193] After the vibrator 120 has been triggered, the vibration sensor 18 of the bench 1 detects it. The central unit 2 validates whether the vibration is in accordance with the expected frequency.

[0194] Tests of a proximity sensor of the device / equipment 120

[0195] After moving the probe 9 in front of the device / equipment 120, the latter detects it. The central unit 2 validates whether the proximity sensor is operational.

[0196] Tests of a gvroscopic sensor and / or an accelerometer of the device / equipment 120

[0197] The device / equipment 120 detects whether it is positioned horizontally. The central unit 2 validates whether the gyroscopic sensor and / or accelerometer is / are operational.

[0198] Tests of the connection of the device / equipment 120 Tests A /

[0199] The device / equipment 120 connected to the power supply socket of the bench 1 detects whether it is charging. The central unit 2 validates whether the electrical charging is operational. B / Tests

[0200] The device / equipment 120 connected to a data exchange port of the bench 1, of the USB type, detects whether it is capable of recovering data. The central unit 2 validates whether the data exchange port of the electrical device / equipment 120 is operational. [0201 ] Tests of electronic chips within the device / equipment 120

[0202] The device / equipment 120 detects the presence or absence of one or more electronic cards, of the SIM type, and whether it is / are capable of sending data, in particular to a telephone operator. The central unit 2 validates whether the electronic card(s) of the electrical device / equipment 120 is operational.

[0203] Other variants and improvements may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Automated test bench (1), non-intrusive, intended to carry out mechanical and / or software and / or sound tests of human-machine interface(s) (HMI) of a device / equipment, in particular of a reconditioned device / equipment, comprising: - a support (6), adapted to hold the device / equipment to be tested in a fixed position, called a reference position, during at least one test of at least one sequence; - at least one camera (13), suitable for taking images and / or videos of the device / equipment, more particularly of one or more interfaces (HMI) for visual restitution of the device / equipment, of the screen type, during the test(s), - a central unit (2), adapted to control the camera(s), in order to implement the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment, and to carry out the processing of the images and / or videos of the device / equipment, coming from the camera(s), the test sequence(s) comprising at least one display recognition on at least the interface (HMI) of the device / equipment, of one or more elements defined by the user, chosen from a text, an icon or a color or a combination of these so as to be able to detect at least one display anomaly of said interface (HMI).

2. An automated test bench (1) according to claim 1, comprising: - at least one tactile probe (9), adapted to carry out at least one tactile press with the interface (HMI) during the test(s); - at least one probe actuator (8), adapted to move the probe in translation along at least one of the three axes (X, Y, Z); the central unit (2) being adapted to control the sensor actuator(s), the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprising a tactile pressing action, selected from a single press, a series of presses or a sliding movement or a combination of these on the interface (HMI) of the device / equipment, so as to be able to detect at least one surface or local discontinuity of the interface (HMI) and / or the operating status of a proximity sensor of the device / equipment.

3. Automated test bench (1) according to claim 2, comprising an annular ring arranged around the probe, to provide at least one tactile support in addition to that of the probe.

4. Automated test bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - at least one microphone (15), adapted to capture the sounds emitted by at least one sound reproduction interface of the device / equipment, the central unit (2) being adapted to control the microphone; the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprising at least one sound control action selected from a detection of an exceeding of a predefined sound level, a detection of a sound chosen by the user or a combination thereof, so as to be able to detect at least one malfunction, a crackling sound or an obstruction of the sound reproduction interface of the device / equipment.

5. Automated test bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - at least one loudspeaker (16), adapted to emit sounds towards at least one sound acquisition interface of the device / equipment, the central unit (2) being adapted to control the loudspeaker; the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprising at least one sound control action selected from a detection of a sound by at least one microphone of the device / equipment, a detection of a sound chosen by the user or a combination thereof, so as to be able to detect at least one malfunction, a parasitic noise or an obstruction of the sound acquisition interface of the device / equipment.

6. Automated test bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the test sequence(s) of the apparatus / equipment comprising at least one recognition of images taken by at least one photo sensor- topographic of the device / equipment, so as to detect the operating status of the photographic sensor and / or its optical quality and / or that its focus is functional.

7. Automated test bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one lighting module (17) of at least one photographic sensor of the apparatus / equipment, the central unit being further adapted to control the switching on, switching off and, where appropriate, adjusting the intensity of the lighting means during the test sequence(s) of the apparatus / equipment; the test sequence(s) of the apparatus / equipment comprising at least one action of analyzing images taken of the lighting module in operation by the photographic sensor of the apparatus / equipment so as to detect at least one task according to at least one criterion defined by the user chosen from the number, the size in pixels, and the percentage of opacity or a combination thereof.

8. Automated test bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one light sensor adapted to detect at least one light flash emitted by an illumination source of the apparatus / equipment, the test sequence(s) of the apparatus / equipment comprising at least one recognition of the light flash emitted by the illumination source of the apparatus / equipment, so as to detect its operating state.

9. Automated test bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a light sensor adapted to detect at least one light flash emitted by an illumination source of the apparatus / equipment, the test sequence(s) of the apparatus / equipment comprising at least one recognition of the light flash emitted by the illumination source of the apparatus / equipment, so as to detect its operating state.

10. Automated test bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one vibration sensor adapted to detect at least one vibration emitted by a vibration source of the apparatus / equipment, the test sequence(s) of the apparatus / equipment comprising at least one recognition of vibration(s) emitted by the vibration source vibration of the device / equipment, so as to detect its operating status or whether the vibration(s) is / are emitted at the desired frequency.

11. Automated test bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the test sequence(s) of the apparatus / equipment comprising at least one action of detecting the operating state of a gyroscopic sensor and / or an accelerometer of the apparatus / equipment.

12. Automated test bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more electrical power supply sockets of the device / equipment, the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprising at least one action for detecting the electrical recharging capacity and / or the data exchange capacity of the device / equipment.

13. Automated test bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an enclosure (3) comprising at least one secure access (30, 31, 32) from the outside, the enclosure being configured to house the support in its reference position, the camera(s), and where appropriate the tactile sensor(s) and the sensor actuator(s), the microphone(s), the loudspeaker(s), the lighting module(s), the light sensor(s), the vibration sensor(s).

14. Automated test bench (1) according to claim 13, comprising a frame (10) on which the central unit (2), the enclosure (3), an electrical box (4) for controlling the central unit and an external connection (5) are fixed, preferably a 220V power supply connection and / or an Ethernet type connection.

15. Automated test bench (1) according to claim 13 or 14, the enclosure comprising slides (60) on which the support is slidably mounted to form a drawer, between a deployed position outside the enclosure and the reference position in which access to the enclosure is closed.

16. An automated test bench (1) according to claim 15, the support being, in its deployed position, accessible to an operator or a robot, such as an articulated arm, for attaching an apparatus / equipment thereto.

17. Use of the automated test bench (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, to carry out at least one non-intrusive test of at least one sequence of a so-called connected device / equipment, in particular reconditioned, more particularly chosen from a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, an electronic payment terminal, a measurement or metrology indicator, on-board medical equipment, an IoT object with a screen and a keyboard, dashboard equipment, an interactive terminal, a connected watch, a portable video game console, a car radio, an industrial control panel.

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