DataTap Passive Capture for Nonintrusive Test Feature Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test automation systems face challenges in integrating new functions and features without disrupting or impacting existing test frameworks, leading to reluctance from users due to potential disruptions.

Innovation Solution

A passive data capture element, known as the DataTap service, records and mirrors data traffic flows within test environments, allowing new features to be integrated without altering existing test platforms, and enables functions like test replay and parameter modification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If new functions and features are integrated into existing test platforms, then testing coverage and quality scoring are improved, but system complexity and potential disruption to existing frameworks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a DataTap service as an intermediary component that sits between the existing test platform and the new automation functions. This mediator captures data traffic passively without requiring modifications to the existing test framework, thereby improving testing coverage while avoiding system complexity and disruption to established systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the existing test platform remains separate from the new DataTap service and automation platform. This segmentation allows new features to be added independently without affecting the core existing system, enabling improved adaptability while controlling complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing test frameworks are modified to integrate new automation functions, then new features can be added, but reliability and stability of existing tests may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenew feature integrationVSAvoidtest framework stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The DataTap service acts as a passive intermediary that monitors and captures data traffic without modifying the existing test framework. This approach enables new automation functions to be integrated while maintaining the reliability and stability of existing tests, as the core framework remains unchanged and unimpacted by new components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of modifying the existing test framework to accommodate new functions, the patent inverts the approach by having new functions adapt to the existing framework through passive data capture. The DataTap service observes existing test traffic and enables new automation capabilities without requiring changes to the proven, stable test framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If passive data capture is implemented, then integration of new features without disruption is enabled, but system overhead and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseamless integrationVSAvoidsystem resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The DataTap service implements passive data capture as an intermediary that monitors test traffic without actively interfering with or adding significant overhead to system operations. By capturing data in a non-intrusive manner, it enables seamless integration of new features while minimizing the increase in system resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12386732B2Systems and methods for capturing test execution and communication

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 APPLAUSE APP QUALITY

AI summary

A test automation system is provided that implements a DataTap service to capture underlying communications in a test environment or on a test platform. In some embodiments, the DataTap service can be configured as a passive data capture element. In various embodiments, passive data capture allows the system to record/mirror all data traffic flows associated with test execution without affecting the operation or execution of the tests. Some alternatives include functions to modify test traffic. In some examples, the system is configured to replay tests, modify test execution, modify test parameters, among other options. Various embodiments of the system allow new and updated feature sets to be integrated into existing test platforms without any changes in code, tests, or operation. Further, updates to test services become simple plug-in based features that, for example, provide assurance of zero impact on existing implementation.