Inter-Process Communication Test Harness for Non-UI Software
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software testing frameworks face difficulties in effectively testing non-user interface (non-UI) elements of software libraries and applications, requiring the creation of new applications with UI elements to fully test these components.
Innovation Solution
A test harness is developed to communicate with a sample application using inter-process communications, allowing it to execute non-UI elements' library calls and validate results, generating a readable report for human operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing testing frameworks are used to test non-UI elements, then testing coverage is limited, but creating new applications with UI elements increases device complexity and development time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing system into two independent components: a test harness application that manages testing operations and a sample application that provides the non-UI elements under test. This segmentation allows comprehensive testing of non-UI elements without requiring complex UI implementations, as the test harness can directly invoke and validate library calls through inter-process communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication mechanism (content provider interface and broadcast receiver) that enables the test harness to interact with the sample application and underlying library code without direct coupling. This intermediary layer facilitates comprehensive testing of non-UI elements while maintaining system modularity and reducing overall complexity.
2Measurement precision
If manual testing of non-UI elements is performed, then testing accuracy is limited, but automated testing requires creating additional application structures
Solution Approach 1:
The test harness application is designed as a universal testing platform that can test multiple non-UI elements across different library calls through a standardized interface. It performs multiple functions including test case execution, result validation, and report generation, thereby achieving high testing accuracy without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter-driven testing where test cases are configured with specific parameters (expected results, test data) that can be dynamically adjusted. This allows precise automated validation of non-UI elements through configurable test scenarios rather than hard-coded testing logic, improving accuracy while maintaining framework flexibility.
3Productivity
If comprehensive testing of non-UI elements is implemented, then testing efficiency improves, but development time increases due to creating new applications
Solution Approach 1:
The sample application is prepared in advance with pre-configured library calls and test data structures. The test harness is also pre-configured with test cases and validation logic. This preliminary setup enables rapid execution of comprehensive tests without requiring time-consuming ad-hoc application development for each testing scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing framework implements self-service capabilities where the test harness automatically executes test cases, validates results against expected outcomes, and generates test reports without manual intervention. This automation achieves comprehensive testing efficiency while minimizing the time investment required for test execution and analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Application developers may develop applications or portions of application that do not have a corresponding user interface. Testing non-user interface elements of an application may require application developers to develop corresponding user interface elements for all or a portion of the executable code included in the application. Developers may test non-user interface elements of an application or library by wrapping the executable code in a sample application managed by a test harness. The test harness may transmit test operations configured to test the non-user interface elements of the application to the sample application over an inter-process communication channel. The sample application may execute the test and return the results of the test to the test harness using inter-process communication methods.