Device Test Automation Framework for Embedded Software

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual testing of embedded software is inefficient and prone to human errors due to limited resources and high costs in embedded environments, leading to time-consuming and repetitive processes.

Innovation Solution

A device test automation framework that configures test scripts based on user input, simulates hardware, executes tests, captures device interfaces, and generates reports, using a graphical user interface and hardware abstraction to automate the testing process independently or with application software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual testing is performed for embedded software, then human judgment and flexibility can be applied, but time consumption and human errors increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system performs self-verification through automated execution of test scripts, automatic capture of device interfaces, and automated comparison with expected results. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for manual human intervention in the testing process, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining accuracy through consistent automated execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical testing operations with automated software-based testing. The automated test execution engine substitutes human operators, and computer vision algorithms replace manual visual inspection, thereby eliminating human errors and significantly reducing testing time while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual testing is used for embedded devices, then resource constraints can be managed, but repeatability and consistency of testing decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidtesting consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The automated testing system executes identical test scripts repeatedly with consistent results. The system maintains stability by automatically replaying the same test sequences, capturing interfaces in a standardized manner, and comparing results against predetermined expectations, ensuring high repeatability and consistency across multiple testing runs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the testing process from manual variable operations to automated parameter-driven execution. Test scripts contain fixed parameters and expected results that remain constant across executions, while only the test data varies. This parameterization ensures that testing consistency is maintained while productivity increases through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated testing is implemented, then testing speed and coverage improve, but system complexity and initial resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting speedVSAvoidtesting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary automated test execution engine that bridges the gap between simple test definitions and complex testing operations. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of automated execution, interface capture, and result analysis, allowing the overall system to achieve high testing speed while keeping the user-facing interface simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses copying by creating virtual representations of device interfaces through image capture and processing. Instead of requiring complex physical test setups, the system captures images of actual device interfaces and processes them computationally, thereby simplifying the physical system complexity while enabling fast automated testing with high coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Measurement precision

If image capture and comparison is used for interface verification, then automated verification accuracy improves, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface verification accuracyVSAvoidcomputational resource usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by focusing image processing and comparison only on critical interface elements and regions of interest rather than processing entire device interfaces in full detail. This selective approach maintains high verification accuracy for key functional areas while reducing overall computational resource usage and processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8984349B2Method and system for automating the process of testing a device

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 HCL TECH LTD

AI summary

Device Test Automation framework. This embodiment provides a device test automation framework for automating testing of embedded systems. The device test automation framework—DTAF allows user to test embedded device software using test scripts, which can capture various interfaces of device under test. A Graphical User Interface—GUI tool is created based on device under test configuration and user input. This GUI tool shows various interface of device under test. A device test automation framework hardware enables communication between test tool and the device under test. DTAF allows testing process to dramatically improve productivity, effectiveness, efficiency and coverage of embedded software testing