Automated Endurance Testing for Set-Top Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endurance testing of set-top boxes and similar devices is labor-intensive and expensive due to the need for manual operation and the inability of existing tools to detect system crashes and log command sequences effectively.
Innovation Solution
An automated system comprising test cells, control stations, and a network that uses distribution devices to remotely control and monitor content processing devices, enabling automated endurance testing without human intervention and logging of failure events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual operation is used to conduct endurance tests, then the testing process can be performed with simple tools, but the testing becomes labor intensive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated endurance testing where the computer automatically sends remote control commands, monitors for system crashes, and logs events without requiring manual human operation throughout the test duration. The distribution device facilitates this self-service capability by enabling remote control of the content processing device through the network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of human operators physically pressing remote control buttons with an automated computer system that electronically sends commands through a distribution device over a network, substituting human physical action with automated digital control
2Extent of automation
If existing testing tools are used to monitor endurance tests, then automation is partially achieved, but the tools fail to detect important events such as system crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the content processing device for system crashes and other failure events, with the computer receiving notifications when crashes occur and automatically logging the sequence of commands and events that led to the failure, creating a closed-loop verification system
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution device serves as an intermediary between the computer and the content processing device, enabling the computer to send remote control commands and receive crash notifications without direct physical connection, facilitating reliable automated monitoring through network-based communication
3Extent of automation
If existing testing tools are used to log events, then some automation is achieved, but the tools fail to log the sequence of commands or events that caused the crash
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically logging the sequence of remote control commands sent and events occurred leading up to system crashes, preserving critical failure analysis data that would otherwise be lost, enabling subsequent investigation of crash causes
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system provides feedback by tracking and recording the complete sequence of commands and events in real-time, creating an automated audit trail that captures the exact state transitions leading to failures, eliminating information loss through systematic data collection
Data Source
AI summary
A content processing device is configured to selectively receive a media signal from a media signal provider. A distribution device is configured to selectively receive a media signal from the content processing device, and to selectively provide one or more command signals to the content processing device. A computer is configured to selectively receive the media signal from the distribution device, and to selectively provide commands to the distribution device. The distribution device is further configured to provide the received one or more commands to the content processing device via the one or more command signals.