Multiuser Test Environment With Reversible Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test environments require significant adaptation for new or varied test objects, limiting efficient and economic use, especially when multiple test case execution units need to access and test multiple objects simultaneously or remotely.

Innovation Solution

A test environment design that allows reversible coupling of test case execution units to multiple test objects, enabling remote access and parallel execution of test cases, with a connection system using a multiplexer or connection bus for flexible and fail-safe coupling, and signal taps for data analysis, facilitating multiple user access and efficient resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a test environment is adapted to a specific test object, then testing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and adaptation effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidadaptation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test environment is designed with universal interfaces and standardized coupling mechanisms that allow multiple test objects to be tested using the same test case execution unit. The system can dynamically reconfigure connections between test case execution units and test objects without requiring dedicated hardware adaptations for each test object, thus maintaining testing accuracy while reducing device complexity and adaptation effort.

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

2Productivity

If a single test case execution unit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases when multiple test objects need testing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting throughputVSAvoidnumber of test case execution units
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple test case execution units are merged into a single coordinated system that can dynamically allocate resources and manage multiple test objects. The system uses a centralized scheduling mechanism that allows parallel execution of test cases on different test objects while maintaining unified control, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test environment implements dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where test case execution units can be dynamically assigned to different test objects based on testing priorities and resource availability. This dynamic allocation allows the system to scale productivity up or down as needed without requiring a fixed number of dedicated execution units for each test object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If test case execution units are coupled to test objects, then testing functionality is enabled, but adaptability to different test objects decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest object flexibilityVSAvoidcoupling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Standardized interface modules serve as intermediaries between test case execution units and test objects. These interface modules provide a uniform coupling mechanism that simplifies connections while maintaining the ability to adapt to different test object types. The intermediary layer handles the complexity of adapting to various test objects, presenting a simplified interface to the test case execution units and thereby increasing adaptability without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2984495B1Multiuser-capable test environment for a plurality of test objects
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH
  • EP2984495B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2984495B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a text environment (10) for testing test objects (105). The test environment (10) has a first test situation implementation unit (110A) and a second test situation implementation unit (110B) as well as a first test object (105A) and a second test object (105B). The test environment is designed such that at least one test situation implementation unit of the first test implementation unit and the second test situation implementation unit can be coupled to a test object of the first test object and the second test object for carrying out a test situation. Thus a number of users of test situation implementation units can access the same test object successively.