Extensible Automated Test Framework for Software Reuse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated testing frameworks for software systems lack the ability to efficiently reuse and extend automated test procedures across various configurations, making it difficult to ensure that new features and modifications do not break existing functionality.

Innovation Solution

A customizable and extensible test framework that examines the applicability of automated test procedures for multiple test options and executes them using procedure annotations, allowing for the creation of a suite of test specifications that can be reused across different configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If comprehensive automated test suites are created for all configurations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal test procedure framework where a single test procedure can be applied across multiple configurations and systems. The test procedure is designed to be configuration-agnostic, using parameter substitution to adapt to different scenarios without requiring separate test procedures for each configuration, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments test suites into modular, reusable test procedures that can be independently developed and combined. Each test procedure is a discrete unit that can be selectively applied to different configurations, allowing the test framework to be built incrementally and maintained more easily than monolithic test suites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If test procedures are customized for each configuration, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The framework enables a single test procedure to serve multiple configurations through parameterization. Instead of writing custom test procedures for each configuration, the same procedure can be executed with different parameter values, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving productivity through reuse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter substitution to adapt test procedures to different configurations. By changing parameters rather than rewriting test logic, the system maintains precise measurement capabilities across configurations while reducing the effort required to create and maintain test suites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If extensive test coverage is achieved, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes test procedures in advance that can be automatically selected and executed based on configuration changes. The framework pre-defines test procedures that cover multiple configurations, so when a configuration change occurs, the appropriate tests are automatically selected and run without manual intervention, reducing the time penalty associated with comprehensive test coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Universal test procedures that cover multiple configurations reduce the total number of tests needed compared to having separate dedicated tests for each configuration. This consolidation maintains comprehensive coverage while reducing overall execution time through efficient reuse of test logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9069901B2Software and framework for reusable automated testing of computer software systems
Publication Date: 2015.06.30 SALESFORCE INC
  • US9069901B2 patent drawing
  • US9069901B2 patent drawing
  • US9069901B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, software, frameworks, and systems for automating test procedures for a computer processing system. An embodiment of the method includes steps of determining a plurality of available automated test procedures, determining a plurality of available test options, and generating a plurality of test specifications. Each test specification may include option data corresponding to one of the available test options as well as procedure data corresponding to one of the available automated test procedures. The present invention advantageously supports reuse and extensibility of automated test procedures for a variety of configurations.