Set-Top Box Testing via Inactive Subscriber Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently testing new software updates for set-top boxes without disrupting the functionality of inactive production units or requiring a large, expensive lab setup, given the variety of hardware models and software levels in deployed set-top boxes.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using a test server connected through a television distribution network to select and test inactive set-top boxes, load and execute new software, and record results, allowing for testing in a production environment without impacting the subscriber experience, and restoring the set-top boxes to their original configuration post-testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software is tested in set-top boxes installed in a lab, then testing can be performed in a controlled environment, but a large number of set-top boxes must be maintained in the lab, increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A test server is introduced as an intermediary component that remotely manages and coordinates testing across multiple set-top boxes. The test server distributes test software, collects test results, and manages the testing workflow without requiring physical presence in a lab environment. This intermediary system reduces the complexity of maintaining a large lab inventory while ensuring reliable software testing through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining numerous physical set-top boxes in a lab, the system uses a virtualized testing approach where test software is copied and executed on remotely located set-top boxes. The test server creates virtual test environments by loading test software onto selected set-top boxes, performing tests, and then removing the test software. This copying approach eliminates the need for permanent lab inventory while maintaining testing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large inventory of test boxes is maintained to cover hardware and software variety, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but the cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The test server provides universal testing capability that can adapt to multiple hardware models and software versions without requiring dedicated test boxes for each configuration. The system dynamically selects appropriate set-top boxes from the deployed network based on the testing requirements, making the testing infrastructure multi-functional and adaptable to various hardware/software combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system dynamically selects which set-top boxes to use for testing based on current network conditions, hardware availability, and test requirements. Rather than maintaining a static lab inventory, the system flexibly assigns testing tasks to available set-top boxes in the deployed network, optimizing resource utilization and reducing the total number of boxes needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If inactive production set-top boxes are utilized for testing, then the need for expensive lab setup is reduced, but there is risk of affecting subscriber experience or box functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary checks to identify set-top boxes that are currently inactive or in sleep state before assigning testing tasks. By selecting only inactive boxes for testing, the system ensures that testing activities will not interrupt active subscriber services. The test server queries the status of set-top boxes and only selects those confirmed to be inactive, thereby protecting subscriber experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements protective measures by creating restore points or backup configurations before loading test software onto set-top boxes. If testing causes any issues or the box becomes unresponsive, the system can restore the box to its previous state, ensuring that subscriber services are not permanently affected. This cushioning approach mitigates potential risks while enabling cost-effective testing.
4Measurement precision
If testing is performed on set-top boxes in production environment, then real-world compatibility is improved, but testing time and resource availability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs testing in periodic cycles by selecting groups of inactive set-top boxes, executing tests, collecting results, and then restoring the boxes to normal operation. This periodic approach allows comprehensive testing to be distributed over time across multiple boxes, achieving high measurement precision through diverse real-world testing while minimizing impact on any single box's availability for subscriber services.
Data Source
AI summary
Novel tools and techniques to enable data to be tested on subscriber set-top boxes. Some solutions can connect a sever with a group of subscriber set-top boxes through a television distribution network. In some cases, a plurality of set-top boxes are selected, and at least one set-top box is determined to be inactive. In some cases, data are loaded and tested on the inactive set-top.