Graph-Based Test Case Specification for Complex API Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for testing robust video conferencing platforms are inadequate, leading to high error rates, missed critical variations, and difficulty in manual planning and visualization of test cases, especially with complex APIs involving numerous endpoints and parameters.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing graph-based methods and a graphical user interface (GUI) to input test case specifications, which are then converted into standardized test case information using JSON objects, enabling reduced error rates and efficient test case generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual test case planning methods are used, then test cases can be created, but error rates are high and critical variations are missed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest case accuracyVSAvoidtest planning complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical test planning processes with an automated graph-based system. The system automatically generates test cases by processing graph data structures that represent test scenarios, eliminating manual errors while maintaining comprehensive test coverage through systematic graph traversal algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The test case generation system is self-service in that it automatically creates test cases from graph specifications without requiring manual intervention for each test case. The system autonomously processes the graph structure, extracts test scenarios, and generates standardized test case outputs, reducing both error rates and planning complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive test coverage is pursued for complex APIs, then more variations are tested, but manual planning becomes increasingly difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest case coverageVSAvoidtest planning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex API testing problem into manageable graph components. Each API endpoint, parameter, and test scenario is represented as a discrete node or edge in the graph structure, allowing comprehensive coverage to be achieved through systematic graph processing rather than manual planning of each individual test case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter representation from manual test case descriptions to structured graph data structures. By transforming test specifications into graph format with defined nodes, edges, and attributes, the system enables automated processing that maintains high adaptability to complex API variations while significantly improving ease of operation through standardized graph manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If standardized test case information is generated, then storage and processing resources are optimized, but conversion processes are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing resource efficiencyVSAvoidconversion process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal graph-based representation that can model various test scenarios across different API endpoints and parameters. This single graph structure serves multiple functions: representing test cases, defining test data, specifying expected outcomes, and enabling automated generation of standardized test information, thereby optimizing resource efficiency without requiring multiple separate conversion processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12547529B1Generation of standardized test case information using graph-based methods

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 ZOOM COMMUNICATIONS INC

AI summary

Techniques for generation of standardized test case information using graph-based methods are disclosed. In an example method, a computing device receives, from a graphical user interface (GUI), a test case specification, including a graph with a number of nodes, in which at least one pair of nodes are connected by an edge. The computing device receives, from the GUI, a designation of a node as a test case node, preconditions associated with the test case node, and step-expectation maps associated with the test case node. The computing device generates standardized test case information including the test case specification, the preconditions, and the step-expectation maps. The standardized test case information includes a data structure, based on a test case specification standard, that includes a representation of the test case specification and an image of the test case specification. The computing device outputs the standardized test case information.