Proxy Module for Manual Device Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Complexity in computer-related hardware and software testing leads to increased manual intervention, making it difficult for testers to efficiently convey test status and obtain assistance from third parties, especially in field testing scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A proxy test module that bridges commands and messages between human testers and devices under test (DUTs), allowing real-time communication and annotation of test results, enabling third-party assistance and efficient information integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tester manually connects to the device under test and inputs test commands during regression testing, then the tester can perform detailed manual testing, but it becomes difficult to convey test status information and obtain third-party assistance efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy test module as an intermediary between the tester and the device under test. This proxy module captures test commands, device responses, and test status information, then transmits this data to a remote third party through a communication interface. The intermediary enables real-time information sharing and collaboration without requiring the tester to physically convey status updates, thus resolving the communication efficiency problem while maintaining manual testing capabilities.
2Reliability
If the number of testing steps and commands is increased due to device and configuration complexity, then the testing coverage is improved, but the manual testing process becomes more time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automation by creating a digital copy of the manual testing process. The proxy test module captures the tester's manual commands and device responses, storing them as structured test data. This copied data can then be automatically processed, analyzed, and shared with third parties, eliminating the time-consuming manual transcription and analysis steps while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of recording and analyzing test data with an automated electronic system. The proxy test module automatically captures commands, responses, and test status, then transmits this information electronically to remote systems. This substitution eliminates the manual labor of documenting test results and enables real-time collaboration without increasing testing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tester performs tests in the field without on-site expertise, then field testing capability is improved, but the ability to obtain third-party assistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy test module serves as a communication intermediary that bridges the field tester and remote third-party experts. It captures test status, device responses, and error conditions, then transmits this information to remote systems where experts can analyze the data and provide guidance. This intermediary enables field testers to perform tests independently while maintaining access to expert assistance, thus enhancing both field capability and collaboration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where test data captured by the proxy module is immediately transmitted to third parties, who can then provide corrective commands or guidance back through the same interface. This feedback mechanism enables remote experts to intervene in field testing in real-time, adjusting test procedures or interpreting results without requiring physical presence, thus maintaining expertise access while enabling field deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing assisted manual testing of computer related devices. Test commands are routed from a user system through a proxy module to a device under test. The responses of the device are routed through the proxy module to a user system. A user interface is run on the user system that allows the user to view the responses of the device in a log with the issued test commands. The user interface includes annotation dialog boxes and fields, highlighting elements and flagging elements through which a user can annotate and create notes for the test log as the test is being run on the device. Through the proxy module, a third party can act as a user and view the test log and user created annotations and notes as the test is being run on the device. The test log, annotation and notes can also be stored by the proxy module so that a third party can view them at a later time. The third party can act as a user in issuing commands through the proxy module to be run on the device, thereby assisting in the testing. Additionally, the third party can provide additional notes and annotation to the test log.