Automated Device Testing via Image-Based UI Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual testing of complex electronic devices is inadequate due to increased complexity and diversity, requiring automated test procedures that can efficiently cover various device types and models with high accuracy and speed.

Innovation Solution

An automated system comprising an image acquisition module and processor that captures, analyzes, and executes commands on device displays, using template documents to transform contextual commands into device-specific instructions, allowing the same test script to be used across multiple device types and models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual testing is used for complex electronic devices, then testing can be performed with simple tools, but testing coverage, accuracy and speed are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidtesting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical testing operations with an automated testing system that uses image acquisition modules, processors, and script execution to perform testing operations. The system captures device display images, parses them to identify UI elements, and automatically executes test commands, substituting human manual operations with automated computational processes that achieve both high accuracy and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated testing is implemented, then testing speed and coverage improve, but device complexity and script adaptation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal testing framework that can test multiple device types and models using the same test scripts. The system achieves this by automatically adapting to different device interfaces through image-based UI element identification, allowing a single test script to work across diverse devices without requiring device-specific script modifications, thereby reducing the impact of device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer consisting of the image acquisition module and parser that mediates between the test script and the actual device operations. This intermediary automatically translates high-level test commands into device-specific operations by analyzing device display images, shielding the test script from device complexity while maintaining high testing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If device-specific test scripts are created for each device model, then testing accuracy for that device improves, but testing efficiency and reusability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidtesting cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables a single test script to achieve device-specific testing accuracy by using image-based UI element identification. The system captures the actual device display, parses UI elements based on their visual characteristics, and dynamically adapts test commands to match the specific device interface, maintaining high accuracy across different devices without requiring separate scripts for each model.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes testing parameters based on device-specific characteristics by analyzing captured display images. The system adjusts UI element identification criteria, coordinate systems, and command sequences according to the specific device being tested, allowing one script to adapt to multiple devices while maintaining high testing accuracy and reducing retesting cycle time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7881491B2Method, system and apparatus for operating a device using contextual scripting
Publication Date: 2011.02.01 PERFECTO MOBILE
  • US7881491B2 patent drawing
  • US7881491B2 patent drawing
  • US7881491B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for interacting with a digital device by acquiring an image of a display of the device, deriving the functional state and context of the device by analyzing the acquired image and commanding the device to perform an action. the procedure described above may be repeated by a script or test procedure.