Lightweight Functional Testing for Data Collection Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data collection system testing methods are heavy and disruptive, unable to be used in normal production environments without causing exceptional load or disturbing system traffic.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight functional testing method using a message simulator that mimics normal client behavior, periodically verifying the data collection system's functionality without causing significant load, allowing for early detection of issues and continuous operation monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If heavy testing methods are used to verify system functionality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and use of energy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the production environment including message producers, collectors, buffers, and processing services. This copy receives test messages and undergoes the same processing pipeline as production, enabling functionality verification without complex external testing infrastructure. The copy principle allows accurate functionality testing while avoiding the need for complex heavy-weight testing systems.
2Measurement precision
If heavy testing methods are used to verify system functionality, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing approach uses partial action by sending a controlled number of test messages (e.g., 1000 messages per test round) rather than continuous heavy testing. The test configuration specifies limited message volumes and periodic test intervals, providing sufficient functionality verification while consuming minimal system resources. This partial testing approach achieves measurement precision without excessive resource consumption.
3Reliability
If traditional testing is performed in production environment, then reliability is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into production environment and test environment that operate in parallel. Test messages are segmented separately from production messages, with dedicated message producers and collectors for testing. This segmentation allows reliability verification in the actual production environment while preventing test traffic from interfering with normal production operations, thus eliminating harmful effects on production traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including test message producers, collectors, and verification services that mediate between test messages and the production processing pipeline. These intermediaries isolate test traffic from production traffic, allowing functionality verification while preventing test messages from causing harmful load or disruption to production system operations.
4Reliability
If comprehensive functionality testing is performed, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system operates periodically with configurable test rounds and intervals rather than continuously. Test messages are sent in periodic batches (e.g., every specified number of seconds or after a certain number of production messages), allowing comprehensive functionality verification while maintaining high production throughput between test cycles. This periodic approach balances reliability assurance with productivity preservation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method performing a method for functional testing of a data collection system and a computer program product for a message simulator and a computer program product for a verification service apparatus for implementing this method. The method comprises periodically sending by the message simulator to the data collection system running in production environment, batches of sets of messages, where the messages mimic normal client messages. Each message contains a batch identification common to the messages within the specific batch and a unique message counter value. The batch of messages received by the data collection system is checked in the verification service to verify whether the data collection systems operates correctly.