Automated test bench for reconditioned electronic appliances / devices

Abstract

The invention essentially consists in providing an automated, non-intrusive test bench which is intended for appliances / devices which are smart objects, such as smartphones and tablets, in particular reconditioned ones, and which makes it possible to detect any display anomaly in the first instance from a recognition of a display on at least the interface (IHM) of the appliance / device, and advantageously by a touch press. Thus, anomalies such as stains, traces of rust, pixels that are not or are no longer functional and touch-detection defects can be detected during a sequence of tests.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Automated test bench for reconditioned electronic devices / equipment.

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of automated test benches for electronic devices / equipment, more particularly reconditioned ones.

[0005] 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 audio tests of the human-machine interface of a device / equipment, such as electronic equipment equipped with a human-machine interface comprising a screen and a keyboard, the latter being able to be confused in the case of a touch screen.

[0006] 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 their life cycle prior to reconditioning.

[0007] Among the devices and equipment that can be subjected to an automated test bench as envisaged within the framework of the invention, we can cite IT equipment such as computers, smartphones, tablets, weighing indicators, payment terminals, dashboards or even portable medical instruments, which have been reconditioned.

[0008] 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.

[0009] Prior art

[0010] 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.

[0011] Automated human-machine interface testing solutions for devices / equipment that exist today can be classified into different categories. The tests that must be implemented are functional or endurance tests involving the keyboard and / or the display and / or the standard software application of the device / equipment with the external environment.

[0012] The first category concerns automated benches specifically dedicated to testing.

[0013] Thus, mechanical and software development is done specifically for each new type of device / equipment that one wishes to test. The major drawback of this solution is immediately apparent: for each new piece of equipment or equipment upgrade, a new development must be carried out. Software can facilitate this development, but it remains intended for a confidential audience of computer scientists. One example is the software with the commercial name "LabView".

[0014] Intrusive tests have also been implemented, as described in patent application EP0084454. Here, dedicated software, whose functions 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 disadvantage of introducing test conditions that are not identical to the operating conditions of the equipment.

[0015] Testing 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 software "Selenium", which is a computer testing "framework" developed in Java.

[0016] 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 the test of 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. 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.

[0017] A test bench as described in this patent is shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view with transparency of an example of an automated test bench, generally designated by the reference 1. Figure 2 illustrates in side view the test bench 1.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 connection and / or an Ethernet type connection are fixed to the frame 10.

[0020] The bottom of the enclosure 3 includes a support 6 which makes it possible to maintain the device to be tested in a fixed reference position, during test sequences.

[0021] Another power supply connection 7 which can supply power to the device / equipment to be tested and be controlled is arranged near the support 6.

[0022] The enclosure 3 comprises a plurality of transparent walls 30, one of which can be opened and provides an operator with secure access to the support 6 from the outside. To facilitate access, the access wall 30 is provided with a handle P.

[0023] Electronic means 31 are provided for cutting off the power supplies and, if necessary, locking / unlocking the access door. 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.

[0024] A three-axis (X, Y, Z) gantry 8 is fixed inside enclosure 3.

[0025] A probe 9 is attached to the gantry 8 which can therefore move the probe 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). A camera 13 is also attached to the gantry 8. This camera allows images and / or videos to be taken of the device / equipment, more particularly of the visual restitution interface(s) (HMI) of the device / equipment, during the test(s).

[0026] 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 device / equipment are fixed to the frame 10.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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).

[0029] The operation of test bench 1 just described will now be briefly explained.

[0030] The operator positions and, if necessary, fixes the device / equipment to be tested on support 6.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The operator then closes the access door 30 of the enclosure 3 which is locked by the ad hoc means 31.

[0033] A device / equipment test sequence can then be initiated.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The software then controls and synchronizes all or part of the internal components of 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 power supply socket.

[0036] The software then retrieves the functional information of the device / equipment under test. In particular, the software can perform image processing 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] Additionally, the software can perform processing of sounds emitted by the device / equipment under test, in order to distinguish operations from HMIs.

[0038] Ultimately, the software allows the results and traces of the tests carried out 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 testing limitations, particularly those related 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 offers a mounting and fixing that must be replaced for each new type of device / equipment that 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 the installation of any type of device / equipment on a test bench while guaranteeing its reliability, 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 for 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. 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.

[0043] The aim of the invention is to meet this need at least partially.

[0044] 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 device / equipment to be tested in a fixed position, called a reference position, 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 of one or more interfaces (HMI) for visual restitution of the device / equipment, of the screen type, during the test(s),

[0048] - a central unit, 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 thereof, so as to be able to detect at least one display anomaly of said interface (HMI).

[0049] According to a first advantageous embodiment, the test bench comprises:

[0050] - at least one tactile probe, suitable for making at least one tactile contact with the interface (HMI) during the test(s);

[0051] - at least one probe actuator, adapted to move the probe in translation along at least one of the three axes (X, Y, Z); the central unit being adapted to control the probe 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 thereof 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] According to a second advantageous embodiment, the test bench comprises:

[0054] - at least one microphone, adapted to capture the sounds emitted by at least one sound reproduction interface of the device / equipment, the central unit 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.

[0055] According to a third advantageous embodiment, the test bench comprises:

[0056] - at least one loudspeaker, adapted to emit sounds to at least one sound emission interface of the device / equipment, the central unit 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.

[0057] 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.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, 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; the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprising at least one action of analyzing images taken of the lighting module in operation by the photographic sensor of the device / 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.

[0058] 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, the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprising at least one recognition of the light flash emitted by the illumination source of the device / equipment, so as to detect its operating state.

[0059] 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, 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.

[0060] 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. According to a ninth advantageous embodiment, the test bench comprises one or more electrical power sockets of the device / equipment, the test sequence(s) of the device / equipment comprising at least one action of detecting the electrical recharging capacity and / or the data exchange capacity of the device / equipment.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 reconditioned devices, which can comprise a robot arm, in particular with 6 axes.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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. In addition, 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.

[0067] All defects in 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Brief description of the drawings

[0072] [Fig 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a state-of-the-art automated test bench.

[0073] [Fig 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the test bench of Figure 1.

[0074] [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an automated test bench according to the invention, with the device / equipment under test support shown on its drawer in its position extracted outside the frame. [Fig 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a part of the test bench according to Figure 3, without the enclosure, showing a device under test in its position placed and fixed on the support, ready for testing.

[0075] [Fig 5] Figure 5 represents a support of a test bench according to the invention.

[0076] [Fig 6] Figure 6 is a view of the support of Figure 5 without certain parts.

[0077] [Fig 7] Figure 7 is a view of the support of Figure 5 on which a device / equipment to be tested is fixed.

[0078] [Fig 8] Figure 8 is a view of the support of Figure 5 on which is fixed a device / equipment of dimensions different from that of Figure 7.

[0079] [Fig 9] Figure 9 is a detailed view of the support sole of a test bench support according to the invention.

[0080] [Fig 10] Figure 10 is a detail view of the cable insertion module of a test bench support according to the invention.

[0081] [Fig 11] Figure 11 is a view of the bracket of Figure 5 having a device / equipment being installed in the bracket.

[0082] [Fig 12] Figure 12 is a view of the bracket of Figure 5 having an apparatus / equipment in a configuration secured to the bracket.

[0083] Detailed description

[0084] 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.

[0085] Figures 1 and 2 have already been commented on in the preamble and will therefore not be described below.

[0086] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a test bench, an automated, non-intrusive test bench, generally designated by the reference 1. It should be noted that all the elements which are not shown in Figures 3 and 4 may be similar to those in Figures 1 and 2.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The enclosure 3 makes it possible to house a support 6 which makes it possible to fix and maintain the device / equipment 120 to be tested in a fixed reference position, during one or more test sequences.

[0089] The bottom of the enclosure 3 comprises a plate 61 on which slides 60 are fixed.

[0090] 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 Figure 3, and an extreme folded position, which is the reference position, as illustrated in Figure 4.3.

[0091] Another power connection 7 which can supply power to the device / equipment to be tested and be controlled is arranged near the support 6 in its reference position.

[0092] 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) internally coated, 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.

[0093] Electronic means 31 are provided for cutting off the power supplies and, if necessary, locking / unlocking the access door. 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.

[0094] A three-axis (X, Y, Z) gantry 8 is fixed inside the enclosure 3.

[0095] A tactile probe 9 is attached to the gantry 8 which can therefore move the tactile probe 9 in translation along each of the three axes X, Y and Z. The probe can comprise a ring arranged around the body of the probe. The tactile probe 9, with its ring, can therefore perform 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 device / equipment are fixed to the frame 10.

[0098] 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.

[0099] A microphone 15 can be mounted movably inside the enclosure 3, in particular on the gantry. This microphone 15 is suitable for capturing the sounds emitted by at least one sound reproduction interface of the device / equipment, during the test(s).

[0100] Two stereo speakers 16 can be fixed inside the enclosure 3. These can emit sounds or melodies previously loaded into the central unit 2.

[0101] 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.

[0102] A vibration sensor 18 may be arranged in the enclosure, in particular fixed to the plate 61 so as to be in contact with the device / equipment 120 to be tested in the reference position of the support 6.

[0103] 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 figure 6 can be fixed on the support

[0104] 6.

[0105] 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, if necessary with the visualization of detections of non-compliant tests.

[0106] Figure 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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).

[0110] The support 6 also comprises a holding device 103 arranged between the jaws 101.

[0111] The holding device 103 comprises an upper surface 104 which extends along a Y axis perpendicular to the X axis 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 Y axis. 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. A holding sole 109 is arranged on the upper surface 104 to receive the apparatus / equipment 120. Holding soles 109 of different thicknesses can be used in order to adapt the support 6 to apparatus / equipment of different thicknesses.The holding sole 109 can advantageously be configured so as to facilitate the positioning of the device / equipment by its geometry.

[0112] Preferably, the support sole 109 is made of polyoxymethylene (POM) in order to limit the risks of damaging the device / equipment.

[0113] As shown in Figure 5, the apparatus / equipment 120 under test is arranged on the holding base 109. The support 6 may however not include a holding base 109, the apparatus / equipment 120 then being placed directly on the upper surface 104.

[0114] The holding sole 109 is shown in isolation in Figure 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.

[0115] Alternatively, the stops 110 can be arranged on the bearing surface 104 or on another element of the support 6.

[0116] The position of the stops 110 depends in particular on the dimensions of the device / equipment 120 and those of the support 6.

[0117] Advantageously, the support surface 104 and the support sole 109 may comprise through openings aligned and configured to receive a vibration sensor 111. The vibration sensor 111 is configured to be in contact with the device / equipment 120 when the latter is fixed on the support so as to detect vibrations produced by the device / equipment.

[0118] Advantageously, a signal processing algorithm can be implemented to detect characteristic vibration profiles in the signals captured by the vibration sensor 111.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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 appliance / equipment 120. Figure 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.

[0121] Preferably, the support 6 may comprise the brightness sensor 114 for detecting the light emitted by the flash of a device / equipment.

[0122] 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.

[0123] Figure 6 shows the support 6 of Figure 5 with the support sole 109 and the cable insertion module 112 removed.

[0124] Figures 7 and 8 show the support 6 of Figure 3, with refurbished smartphones 120 of different dimensions, as devices to be tested, being fixed to the support 6.

[0125] The operation of support 6 will now be explained.

[0126] Initially, as shown in Figure 3, the jaws 101 of the gripper 100 are in a spaced apart position to allow a space for 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.

[0127] The module 112, the vibration sensor 111 and the brightness sensor 114 are installed on the support if they are not already installed.

[0128] The apparatus / equipment 120 is then placed on the holding base 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 moved away by an edge of the apparatus / equipment pushed against the support piece 105. As shown in Figure 9, the restoring force exerted by the coil springs 107 then allows the support piece 105 to exert a force on the apparatus / equipment 120 pressing the latter against the stops 110.

[0129] The device / equipment is then held in place along the Y axis.

[0130] Once the apparatus / equipment 120 is in place between the support piece 105 and the stops 110, the jaws 101 of the clamp 100 are brought together in order to center and clamp the apparatus / equipment 120 along the X axis. The clamp 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.

[0131] For example, a force of between 10 N and 50 N is advantageously applied by the clamp 100 to the device / equipment.

[0132] The accuracy of the positioning of the device / 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.

[0133] Once the device / 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 device / 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.

[0134] Advantageously, the support 6 is configured to leave free access to the side buttons, cable sockets, camera or photographic device lenses, microphones and / or speakers of the device / equipment 120.

[0135] The 6-bracket allows you to manage devices / equipment of different sizes without changing parts or using tools.

[0136] 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.

[0137] The operation of the test bench 1 which has just been described will now be briefly explained. 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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

[0141] 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.

[0142] An example of a test sequence is given below. All tests can be performed in a chronologically defined sequence, with several tests performed simultaneously if necessary.

[0143] Testing a display screen of the device / equipment 120

[0144] Tests A /

[0145] After capturing at least one image by the camera 13, the bench 1 can perform one or more text, color and icon analysis / recognition actions.

[0146] For example, an A / test 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 (displayed color different from the desired color).

[0147] To do this, the central unit 2 or an application embedded in 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 displayed color.

[0148] It also checks that no other colors are displayed. Tests B /

[0149] After having carried out 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 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.

[0150] For example, a B / test might consist of validating that the touchscreen of the device 120 works over its entire surface.

[0151] To do this, the central unit 2 or an application embedded on the device / equipment 120 displays a white screen.

[0152] 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 embedded application checks that the screen panel of the device / equipment 120 is working and that the scan is not interrupted.

[0153] The number of discontinuities can thus be detected.

[0154] Physical button tests of the device / equipment 120

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] All types of buttons on a device / equipment 120 can be tested, including those on a smartphone, both the side buttons whose function can be a screen lock, volume +, volume -, "Mute" and those on the front panel.

[0158] 120 Device / Equipment Speaker Tests

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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. 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.

[0161] A test can be repeated for each speaker in the device / equipment 120.

[0162] Device / Equipment Microphone Tests 120

[0163] 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 to validate the sound or melody and / or to verify that the microphone(s) of the device / equipment 120 are not blocked.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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 that can be created according to a reference sound or melody of a new device / equipment 120 and with an expected level of precision.

[0166] A test can be repeated for each microphone in T device / equipment 120.

[0167] Testing of photographic sensors of T device / equipment 120

[0168] Tests A /

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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 reading of at least one word of the printed text.

[0171] The central unit 2 therefore analyses the image captured by the device / equipment 120.

[0172] Another test A / may consist of validating that the rear-facing photographic sensor has not been reconditioned with stains / dust left on the sensor. The rear-facing photographic sensor of the device / 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 previously set by the operator (number, size and opacity).

[0173] Another test A / may consist of validating that the focus of the rear-facing photographic sensor is functional. The rear-facing photographic sensor of the device / 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 sharpness level of the QR code. Tests B /

[0174] 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.

[0175] For example, a B / test may consist of validating that the front-facing photographic sensor takes a photograph of printed text, and that the image of this text can be viewed with an OCR reading of at least one word of the printed text.

[0176] 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.

[0177] Another test B / may consist of validating that the focus of the front-facing photographic sensor is functional. The front-facing photographic sensor of the device / 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 sharpness level of the QR code. Tests of the light flash of the device / equipment 120

[0178] 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.

[0179] Device / Equipment Vibrator Tests 120

[0180] 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.

[0181] Testing a device / equipment proximity sensor 120

[0182] 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. Tests of a gyroscopic sensor and / or an accelerometer of the device / equipment 120 The device / equipment 120 detects whether it is positioned horizontally. The central unit 2 validates whether the gyroscopic sensor and / or the accelerometer is / are operational.

[0183] Testing the device / equipment connectivity 120

[0184] Tests A /

[0185] The device / equipment 120 connected to the power supply socket of bench 1 detects whether it is charging. The central unit 2 validates whether the electrical charging is operational.

[0186] B / Tests

[0187] The device / equipment 120 connected to a data exchange port of the bench 1, of the USB type, detects whether it is capable of retrieving data. The central unit 2 validates whether the data exchange port of the electrical device / equipment 120 is operational.

[0188] Testing of electronic chip(s) within the device / equipment 120

[0189] 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.

[0190] Other variations 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 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 thereof so as to be able to detect at least one display anomaly of said interface (HMI).

2. 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 probe 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 thereof 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.

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 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.

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

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 of the apparatus / equipment, so as to detect its operating state 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 device / equipment comprising at least one action of detecting the operating state of a gyroscopic sensor and / or an accelerometer of the device / 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 touch 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. 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, to fix a device / 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 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.

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