Automated Test Generation Using State Model Pathways
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing automated tests are inefficient, overly complex, and prone to errors, making it challenging to achieve adequate coverage of system under test (SUT) without a significant workload for testers.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided to generate automated tests by utilizing a model of the SUT with multiple states and actions, where the selection of actions is dependent on previous selections, using coverage parameters and weight values to improve test coverage and explore more pathways through the available actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional automated test production methods are used, then test automation can be achieved, but the process becomes overly complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary model representing the SUT with its states and actions. This model serves as a mediator between the test generation system and the actual SUT, simplifying the test production process by providing an abstracted representation that captures essential behavior without requiring direct complex interactions with the underlying system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the test generation approach by changing parameters from direct test case specifications to model-based state and action definitions. By parameterizing the SUT behavior through states, actions, and transitions in the intermediary model, the system achieves automation while reducing complexity through standardized parameter management.
2Reliability
If comprehensive test coverage is pursued, then more pathways through SUT actions are explored, but the workload for testers increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The test generation system performs self-service by automatically exploring pathways through the SUT model without requiring manual tester intervention for each test case. The system autonomously generates test sequences by navigating the state transitions and actions defined in the model, thereby maintaining high coverage while preserving tester productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the SUT model with all possible states, actions, and transitions before test generation begins. This preliminary modeling work enables the automated system to subsequently generate comprehensive test coverage without requiring testers to manually design each test pathway, thus achieving both high reliability and maintained productivity.
3Reliability
If manual test execution is performed on multiple devices, then thorough testing can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copying representation of the SUT in the form of an intermediary model that replicates the essential behavior and state transitions. This model copy enables automated test execution that can rapidly explore multiple pathways and devices without requiring physical manual interaction with each device, thereby maintaining testing thoroughness while dramatically reducing testing duration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating an automated test configured to test a system under test. The system under test includes a plurality of operational states and executable actions. The method includes: providing a model of the system under test, the model including a plurality of model states and selectable model actions, wherein one or more of the model states are representative of operational states of the system under test and each model action is associated with one or more executable actions on the system under test; and generating an automated test. The automated test is generated by selecting a sequence of model actions; and defining, based on the selected sequence of model actions, an automated test configured to execute a sequence of executable actions on the system under test. The selection of model actions is dependent upon the previous selection of model actions in the current and/or previous automated tests.