Automated Data Validation Script Generation for Software Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual validation of data against predefined specifications in software development is time-consuming, especially when dealing with large numbers of parameters, as it requires manual comparison of data generated by software tools.

Innovation Solution

An automated method that acquires test objects and scenarios, generates test scripts, and executes them to compare data against a predefined specification, producing a test report, which includes user-set formatting options for efficient validation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual validation is used, then validation accuracy is maintained, but validation time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalidation timeVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service validation where the validation process automatically executes against predefined specifications without requiring manual intervention. The validation script retrieves test objects, compares them against the specification, and generates reports autonomously, allowing the system to validate itself rather than requiring human operators to manually check each data point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual validation process with an automated computational system. Instead of human operators manually comparing data against specifications, the system uses software-based validation scripts that automatically retrieve, compare, and validate data, substituting the mechanical human operation with an automated information processing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual comparison of data is performed, then validation thoroughness is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalidation speedVSAvoidvalidation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The validation system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a retrieval module that fetches test objects, a comparison module that validates data against specifications, and a reporting module that generates validation results. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, improving overall system productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining validation specifications and preparing test objects before actual validation occurs. The validation script is pre-configured with the necessary comparison criteria, and test objects are pre-retrieved and formatted, so that when validation executes, it can immediately proceed with comparison without requiring manual setup or configuration during the validation process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If automated validation is implemented, then validation speed increases, but initial setup complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalidation timeVSAvoidsystem implementation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The validation script is designed with universal functionality that can handle multiple validation scenarios through a single unified system. It can retrieve different types of test objects, compare them against various predefined specifications, and generate appropriate reports, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate validation tools for different validation needs, thereby easing implementation despite the increased automation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10169218B2Method for automatically validating data against a predefined data specification
Publication Date: 2019.01.01 ALSTOM HOLDINGS SA
  • US10169218B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for automatically validating data against a predefined data specification, includes: a) acquiring data to be validated (2), the data including a plurality of test objects, b) acquiring a test database (4) including a plurality of test files each defining a test scenario, c) acquiring a predefined data specification (6) against which the test objects must be validated, d) automatically generating a plurality of test scripts (8), from the acquired test files and using relevant data from the test objects of the acquired predefined data specification, e) for each generated test script, executing the test script (10) on the test objects, and f) automatically generating a test report (12) including a result of each executed test case.