Robotic Wearable Testing with Track and Tap Point Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional software testing of theme park wearable devices is slow and manual, limiting skilled testers from performing cerebral activities and requiring extensive rote device tapping, with proprietary technology hindering automated testing solutions.

Innovation Solution

A robotic wearable device testing system that uses track drive and tap point drive systems to simulate human interaction with wearable devices, enabling precise positioning and communication with tap points, thereby automating the testing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual testing methods are used, then testers can perform cerebral activities like improving test cases, but the testing process becomes slow and requires extensive rote device tapping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting speedVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tapping operations with an automated robotic system that uses a track drive mechanism and tap point drive system to physically move wearable devices and simulate tap interactions, thereby increasing testing speed while maintaining comprehensive test coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic testing system autonomously performs testing operations without requiring continuous human intervention. The system automatically positions devices, executes test sequences, and records results, enabling the testing process to serve itself and significantly improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Area of stationary object

If manual testing is used, then testers can track device states and entitlements, but the process requires more physical space and larger teams

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical footprintVSAvoidtesting complexity management
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual tracking and management operations with an automated control system that digitally tracks device states, entitlements, and test progress, reducing the physical space required for testing operations while simplifying complexity management through automated record-keeping and system control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary wearable technology is used, then theme parks can provide unique patron experiences, but automated testing becomes difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewearable device functionalityVSAvoidtesting implementation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specialized robotic intermediary system that acts as a bridge between the proprietary wearable devices and the testing infrastructure. The robotic system with its track drive and tap point mechanisms is designed to work specifically with wearable devices, enabling automated testing of proprietary technology without requiring changes to the wearable devices themselves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3864478B1Robotics for theme park wearable software testing
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
  • EP3864478B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3864478B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3864478B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Systems and methods presented herein include a robotic wearable device testing system with a track drive system that includes one or more tracks having a plurality of attachment pads configured to attach to one or more wearable devices. Each track of the one or more tracks is configured to move along a path defined by the track. In addition, the robotic wearable device testing system includes a tap point drive system that includes one or more tap point sliders configured to slide laterally with respect to the track drive system. Each tap point slider of the one or more tap point sliders includes a tap point configured to wirelessly communicate with the one or more wearable devices when the one or more wearable devices are in close proximity with the tap point. Each tap point slider of the one or more tap point sliders also includes an electronic interference door configured to block wireless signals between the one or more wearable devices and the tap point. The robotic wearable device testing system also includes control circuitry configured to control relative movement of the one or more tracks and the one or more tap point sliders to position one or more wearable devices attached to respective attachment pads of the plurality of attachment pads in close proximity with a tap point of the one or more tap point sliders, and to control movement of the electronic interference door to allow or block the wireless signals between the one or more wearable devices and the tap point of the one or more tap point sliders.