Smart Bed Remote-Control Simulation for Scalable Automation Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automation testing methods for physical components, such as bed components, are inefficient and resource-intensive, requiring frequent screenshot comparisons and script updates, and lack the ability to perform remote testing.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented framework that enables remote automation testing of physical components like remote controls and sensors, using a GUI to simulate user interactions, collect results, and provide real-time output, with features like direct memory access and firmware updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional automation testing methods are used for physical components, then testing can be performed, but the process is inefficient and resource-intensive requiring frequent screenshot comparisons and script updates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidresource expenditure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical component's interface through the simulation interface, allowing automated interactions without capturing screenshots. The virtual representation mirrors the physical component's behavior, eliminating the need for visual comparison and reducing resource consumption while maintaining testing accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual screenshot capture and visual comparison mechanisms with an automated simulation system. The simulation interface directly models the physical component's responses, substituting the mechanical process of screenshotting with a virtual simulation approach that is more efficient and resource-friendly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional testing methods are used, then local testing can be performed, but remote testing capability is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote testing capabilityVSAvoidtesting location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a simulation interface as an intermediary between the physical component and the tester. This intermediary layer can be accessed remotely through network connections, allowing testers to interact with the physical component without being physically present. The simulation interface mediates the interaction, transmitting control signals and receiving responses over a network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If frequent screenshot comparisons are performed, then visual testing can be conducted, but script updates are required frequently increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual testing accuracyVSAvoidscript update frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the component's interface behavior through the simulation interface. This virtual model automatically reflects the component's current state and responses, eliminating the need for manual screenshot comparisons and reducing the frequency of script updates. The simulation interface maintains measurement precision by accurately modeling the component's behavior without requiring visual verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Extent of automation

If manual testing is performed, then direct physical interaction is possible, but automation and scalability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation testing capabilityVSAvoidtesting scalability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual representation of the physical component through the simulation interface, enabling automated interactions. The simulation interface can be programmatically controlled to perform various test scenarios automatically, scaling testing capacity without requiring additional physical intervention. This virtual copy allows multiple tests to run concurrently and be orchestrated through automation frameworks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20250321872A1System framework for automation testing of smart bed system components

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 SLEEP NUMBER CORP

AI summary

An interface communicates with a smart bed remote control. A front-end system provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for receiving user input indicating one or more test actions to perform with the smart bed remote control, wherein the GUI presents a visual display of the smart bed remote control and user-interactable options that represent physical selectable controls on the smart bed remote control. A back-end system configured to provide communication between the front-end system and the smart bed remote control via the interface.