Extended Test Vectors for Undefined Input Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing methods fail to effectively detect errors in system implementations when default values for undefined inputs lead to matching expected output values, lacking confidence that actual outputs are derived solely from defined inputs.
Innovation Solution
Generate extended test vectors by replacing undefined system inputs with different values, executing these vectors on a target platform, and verifying whether outputs match expected values to ensure outputs are derived from defined inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If default values are automatically set for undefined inputs in test cases, then test execution can proceed, but the testing effectiveness is reduced because it cannot detect whether outputs are derived from defined inputs or default values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the input parameters into two distinct categories: defined inputs and undefined inputs. This segmentation allows the testing system to track and analyze the contribution of each input type to the system outputs separately, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining test execution efficiency and improving testing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the original test case with modified undefined input values (extended test vectors). By comparing results from the original test case with results from the extended test vectors, the system can determine whether outputs are influenced by defined inputs or default values, thus improving testing effectiveness without significantly increasing overall testing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If only a partial subset of system inputs is defined in test cases, then test case development is simplified, but confidence in system implementation is reduced because errors may be masked by default values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis to identify which inputs are defined and which are undefined in each test case before execution. This preliminary classification enables the system to generate appropriate extended test vectors and conduct targeted analysis, maintaining ease of test case development while improving error detection confidence through systematic verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically changes the values of undefined inputs in extended test vectors to different placeholder values. By observing whether system outputs change when undefined inputs are modified, the system can determine with higher confidence whether outputs are correctly derived from defined inputs, thereby improving measurement precision without complicating test case development.
3Reliability
If extended test vectors are generated by replacing undefined inputs with different values, then confidence in output derivation is improved, but test complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates extended test vectors that serve multiple functions: they verify system outputs, identify dependencies between inputs and outputs, and detect errors. By making the test vectors multi-functional, the patent improves output derivation confidence without proportionally increasing test complexity, as the same extended vectors accomplish multiple verification goals simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the results from extended test vectors are analyzed to determine whether undefined inputs influence system outputs. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust testing strategies and focus resources on critical input-output relationships, thereby improving reliability while managing test complexity through intelligent resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for improved testing of system implementation are described herein. In one example, a method includes receiving a test case based on requirements for a system, wherein a first subset of all system inputs includes defined system inputs for the test case, wherein a second subset of all system inputs includes undefined system inputs for the test case. The method further includes generating extended test vectors from the test case by replacing the undefined system inputs for the test case with different values, wherein each respective extended test vector includes a different combination of values for the undefined system inputs from other extended test vectors. The method further includes executing the extended test vectors on a target platform for the system. The method further includes verifying whether outputs generated during execution of the extended test vectors match expected values for the defined system outputs for the test case.