Hardware Keyboard Coprocessor for Accurate Device Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automation testing methods for keyboards in device testing rely on software and hardware simulators, which either consume computational resources or fail to accurately replicate key events, limiting the functionality that can be tested.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automating a real keyboard for device testing, where a controller receives a data signal from a computing device based on an automation script, generates a keyboard signal through a keyboard circuit, and inputs it to the Device Under Test, while capturing the response from the computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software simulators are used for keyboard automation, then the testing coverage is improved, but the computational resources of the DUT are consumed and performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hardware keyboard coprocessor that physically copies and replicates real keyboard key events at the hardware level, rather than using software simulation. This allows accurate keyboard functionality testing without consuming DUT computational resources, as the hardware coprocessor generates authentic keyboard signals directly.
2Use of energy by moving object
If hardware simulators are used for keyboard automation, then the computational resources are preserved, but the accuracy of key event replication is reduced and functionality testing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware keyboard coprocessor creates accurate copies of real keyboard key events by physically pressing and releasing actual keyboard keys, capturing the authentic electrical signals. This hardware-level copying ensures complete key event accuracy including all edge cases, special keys, and timing characteristics, enabling comprehensive DUT functionality testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces software-based keyboard simulation with a hardware-based system that uses physical keyboard mechanisms. The keyboard coprocessor physically actuates real keyboard keys and captures their electrical signals, substituting software simulation with actual hardware interaction to achieve complete testing coverage.
3Measurement precision
If a real keyboard is automated for testing, then the testing accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a keyboard coprocessor as an intermediary device between the test controller and the DUT. This coprocessor handles all complex hardware keyboard operations, signal generation, and timing management, while presenting a simplified interface to the test controller. The intermediary absorbs the complexity, allowing accurate real keyboard testing without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to method and system for automating keyboards for device testing. The method includes receiving a data signal corresponding to a test case for a Device Under Test (DUT) from a computing device based on an automation script. The automation script includes a configuration file corresponding to a keyboard circuit, and the controller is communicatively coupled to the keyboard circuit and the computing device. The method further includes generating a keyboard signal through the keyboard circuit based on the data signal. The method further includes inputting the keyboard signal to the DUT. Further, the method includes capturing a response of the DUT corresponding to the keyboard signal.