Persistent Bluetooth Channel for Automated Mobile Device Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for automated testing of mobile devices face limitations, particularly in maintaining a persistent data connection between the test controller and the mobile device under test, which is essential for continuous control and monitoring during the testing cycle.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system that establishes a persistent data channel using a short-range communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, between the test controller and mobile devices, with a secondary communication channel (like WiFi or SMS) as a fallback in case the primary channel fails, ensuring uninterrupted communication for test execution and result reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If USB connection is used for communication at the monitor site, then power can be provided to the mobile device, but the mobile device needs to be modified for use at the monitor site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power bank as an intermediary device that provides power to the mobile device under test without requiring any modification to the device. The power bank connects to the mobile device through standard charging ports and acts as a mediator to supply electrical energy, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing power and avoiding device modification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a wireless communication module that replicates the functionality of direct wired communication between the test controller and mobile device. By copying the control and monitoring functions over a wireless channel, the system eliminates the need for physical USB connections and associated device modifications while maintaining full communication capability
2Ease of operation
If SMS messages are sent via cellular network, then communication can occur without modification, but persistent connection cannot be maintained throughout the test cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into two distinct channels: a primary wireless communication channel for persistent data transmission between the test controller and mobile device, and a secondary SMS-based channel for fallback communication. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable persistent connection through the primary channel while retaining the ease of operation of SMS through the secondary channel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a fallback mechanism where SMS communication capability is prepared in advance as a backup channel. If the primary wireless connection fails, the system automatically switches to the pre-configured SMS channel, ensuring communication continuity throughout the test cycle. This beforehand cushioning resolves the contradiction by providing both persistent connection reliability and communication ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented system is provided that enables automated testing of a plurality of mobile devices residing at a monitor site. The system is comprised generally of a test controller in data communication with the plurality of mobile devices. The test controller transmits a test request over a wireless network to each of the plurality of mobile devices, where the test controller communicates via a persistent data channel using a short range communication protocol such as a Bluetooth. Each of the mobile devices is configured with a test agent that is configured to receive the test request from the test controller and execute a test in response to the test request.