Automated Subroutine Repository Maintenance via Usage Log Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual maintenance of subroutines in software testing is inefficient and impractical for large software products with numerous and continuously updated subroutines, requiring significant manual intervention and time.

Innovation Solution

An automated system that analyzes logs of subroutine usage to identify and update a repository of subroutines, comparing identified subroutines against a repository of applicable subroutines, and designating matching subroutines, thereby reducing manual intervention and increasing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual maintenance of subroutines is performed, then accuracy of subroutine repository can be maintained, but productivity and time consumption deteriorate significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of subroutine repositoryVSAvoidmaintenance efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically maintains the subroutine repository by analyzing logs and identifying subroutines used by the application under test, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by continuously updating the repository based on observed usage patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of creating and maintaining subroutines with an automated computer-based system that analyzes logs and generates subroutines automatically, substituting human effort with computational processes.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of subroutines increases with large software products, then functionality improves, but device complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality of testing systemVSAvoidcomplexity of subroutine repository
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the large software product into individual subroutines by analyzing logs and identifying distinct functional units. Each subroutine represents a discrete, manageable component that can be independently maintained and reused.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal subroutine repository that can serve multiple testing scenarios and applications. Subroutines are designed to be reusable across different test cases, reducing overall system complexity through consolidation of common functionality.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual creation of new subroutines is performed, then adaptability to new functions improves, but loss of time and productivity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle new functionsVSAvoidtime for creating and updating subroutines
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of application logs to identify potential subroutines before they are explicitly needed for testing. By proactively analyzing usage patterns and pre-defining subroutines, the system eliminates the time required for manual creation when new testing scenarios arise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors application logs and uses feedback from actual usage patterns to automatically create and update subroutines. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the repository remains current with minimal manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8904350B2Maintenance of a subroutine repository for an application under test based on subroutine usage information
Publication Date: 2014.12.02 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US8904350B2 patent drawing
  • US8904350B2 patent drawing
  • US8904350B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention relate to maintaining a repository of subroutines used by a software program under test based on an analysis of subroutine usage logs. One aspect of the invention concerns a system for analyzing a log of subroutine usage by an application under test to identify subroutines used by the application based on actions in the subroutines, and comparing the identified subroutines against a repository of subroutines applicable to the application. The system may further designate a subroutine in the repository as a matching subroutine, modify or delete a subroutine, or add a new subroutine to the repository.