Automated Set Top Box Test Controller With Parallel Staging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional quality test systems for end-user devices like set-top boxes and game consoles face challenges due to varying connectivity and model-specific configurations, leading to complex and inefficient testing processes, especially when swapping units for testing purposes.

Innovation Solution

A machine architecture with automated staging, utilizing multiple IR transmitters, composite video inputs, and SNMP protocol for DOCSIS capability, enables concurrent processing and parallel execution of pre-provisioning, provisioning, and post-provisioning phases, along with diagnostic validation using OCR and video quality algorithms, to streamline the testing process and reduce latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual reconfiguration is used to swap UUTs for testing purposes, then connectivity between UUT and MFB can be established, but testing efficiency and productivity are reduced due to time-consuming manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of UUT swappingVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple media format boards with different connectivity options and pre-establishing test configurations. When a UUT needs to be tested, the system has already prepared the appropriate MFB and connection settings, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration during UUT swapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The test system implements self-service capabilities through automated connection management. The system automatically detects UUT types, selects appropriate MFB configurations, and establishes connections without human intervention. This automated self-configuration process maintains ease of operation while dramatically improving testing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple MFBs with varying connectivity are used to accommodate different UUT models, then adaptability to various devices is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple configurations and connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different UUT modelsVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements universality by designing MFBs with multiple connectivity options and configurations that can serve different UUT models. A single MFB can be reconfigured to work with various device types, reducing the need for multiple specialized boards and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining broad adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where MFB settings can be changed on-the-fly based on the UUT being tested. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different device models without requiring physical hardware changes or complex manual setup, thereby reducing system complexity while preserving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If conventional test systems with manual configuration are used, then device-specific testing can be performed, but latency and testing time increase due to sequential processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of device-specific testingVSAvoidtesting latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The testing process is segmented into independent, parallelizable stages. Multiple UUTs can undergo different phases of testing simultaneously across different MFBs. This segmentation allows device-specific testing to maintain its accuracy while reducing overall latency through concurrent execution of test sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous testing operations where multiple UUTs are tested in parallel rather than sequentially. While one device undergoes provisioning, another can be tested in pre-provisioning or post-provisioning phases. This continuous parallel operation maintains testing accuracy while dramatically reducing total testing time and latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach facilitates efficient, high-volume quality testing by reducing latency and improving scalability, enabling simultaneous testing of multiple units with reduced manual intervention and enhanced diagnostic capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Each MFB may drive an infrared (IR) signal source to control the UUT

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10523998B2Set top box and customer premise equipment (CPE) unit test controller

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 CONTEC LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a machine architecture implementing a staging automation process, including features such as multiple IR transmitters and composite video inputs for automated high volume quality testing. Diagnostic display outputs from a unit under test are input to OCR and video quality algorithms to validate that the units under test are ready for a functional test process at the next stage.