Smart Box Automated Smartphone Testing System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack an automated solution for comprehensive hardware and software testing of smartphones at retail facilities, repair centers, and production facilities, leading to inefficiencies, high costs, and customer dissatisfaction due to manual testing methods that are error-prone and subjective.

Innovation Solution

The Smart Box system, which includes a robotic arm and stylus for simulating human interaction with smartphones, performs automated hardware and software tests, transmitting results to a centralized server for global analytics, thereby reducing subjectivity and increasing testing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual testing methods are used to test smartphone hardware and software, then testing can be performed with simple equipment, but testing accuracy is low and results are subjective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidtesting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The smartphone under test performs self-testing through automated software that controls its own hardware components and sensors. The device's processor executes test routines that activate cameras, microphones, speakers, and other components, then automatically captures and analyzes the output data without requiring external testing equipment for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A single smartphone device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the test subject and the testing instrument. The same device being tested uses its own camera to capture display images, its microphone to record speaker output, its sensors to detect environmental conditions, and its processor to analyze all data, eliminating the need for separate specialized testing equipment for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If comprehensive hardware and software testing is performed manually, then all device functions can be tested, but testing time is excessive and productivity is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidtesting duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated testing system executes test routines continuously without interruption. The smartphone's processor runs test sequences that continuously activate components, capture data, and analyze results in an unbroken workflow. Multiple test functions are executed in rapid succession without manual intervention between steps, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the testing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Test routines are pre-programmed into the smartphone's software before testing begins. The device loads and executes predetermined test sequences that automatically activate components and capture data in the correct order, eliminating the need for manual setup and configuration during the actual testing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If automated testing systems are implemented at retail facilities, then testing accuracy and efficiency improve, but system complexity and initial costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting reliabilityVSAvoidtesting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The smartphone performs self-testing using its own integrated components, eliminating the need for complex external testing equipment at retail facilities. The device's processor executes test routines that use its camera, microphone, sensors, and other built-in components to automatically evaluate its own functionality, providing reliable results with minimal external infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The smartphone itself acts as an intermediary between the testing concept and the retail facility environment. Rather than requiring complex external testing equipment, the device uses its own software and hardware as a mediator to perform comprehensive self-diagnosis, bridging the gap between automated testing capabilities and simple retail facility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If manual testing is used to diagnose device problems, then equipment costs are low, but diagnostic accuracy is poor leading to No Trouble Found conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The smartphone performs self-diagnosis by automatically executing test routines that activate components and analyze their performance. The device's processor captures data from its own sensors and components, compares results against expected parameters, and identifies faults without requiring manual testing procedures, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through automated execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10530499B2Methodology of using the various capabilities of the smart box to perform testing of other functionality of the smart device
Publication Date: 2020.01.07 ADVANTEST AMERICA INC
  • US10530499B2 patent drawing
  • US10530499B2 patent drawing
  • US10530499B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An automatic system level testing (ASLT) system for testing smart devices is disclosed. The system comprises a system controller coupled to a smart device in an enclosure, wherein the system controller comprises a memory comprising test logic and a processor. The enclosure comprises a plurality of components, wherein the processor is configured to automatically control the smart device and the plurality of components in accordance with the test logic. The plurality of components comprises: (a) a robotic arm comprising a stylus affixed thereto; and (b) a platform comprising a device holder affixed thereto, wherein the smart device is inserted into the device holder; and (c) a wireless access point. The processor is further configured to: (a) control the smart device to activate wireless mode; (b) receive wireless signals from the wireless access point using the smart device; (c) retrieve wireless scan results from the smart device; and (d) analyze the wireless scan results.