Mobile Terminal Screen Pixel Analysis for Network Quality Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing communications network quality, especially in mobile networks, are either costly and subjective when manual or limited in their ability to measure user-perceived quality, as they focus on quantitative measures like packet exchange and response time, and are not adaptable to different mobile devices or integrated into the phone for continuous use.
Innovation Solution
A method that periodically retrieves pixel values from a terminal's screen, calculates representative parameters, and transfers them for analysis, allowing for user-perceived quality assessment independent of the terminal or application, using image processing algorithms and simulating user actions to automate the testing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual testing methods are used with standard mobile phones, then the testing can be performed with simple equipment, but the cost increases and the objectivity of results deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal automatically performs quality assessments by capturing its own screen content and analyzing it through embedded software, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining objective, automated measurements of display quality, loading times, and network performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing procedures with automated software-based analysis that captures screen pixel data, processes it through algorithms, and generates quality metrics automatically, substituting human operators with computational systems
2Productivity
If automatic test methods focusing on packet exchange and response time are used, then the testing cost decreases, but the ability to measure user-perceived quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent analyzes screen pixel data including color information to assess visual quality of displayed content, measuring actual user-perceived quality attributes such as image fidelity, color accuracy, and display rendering rather than just network throughput metrics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual perception dimension to network quality testing by capturing and analyzing screen content, moving beyond traditional network metrics (packets, response time) to include user-experienced quality attributes like display rendering and visual content delivery
3Extent of automation
If validation tools are developed for specific mobile telephone types, then the testing can be performed automatically, but the adaptability to different telephones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing solution where the mobile terminal itself serves as both the test subject and the testing instrument through integrated software that adapts to different device types, making the testing methodology applicable across various terminal platforms without requiring device-specific external tools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the terminal's own screen as an intermediary medium to measure network quality, where the screen content serves as a universal interface that can be analyzed regardless of the specific terminal type, creating a platform-independent testing approach
4Productivity
If external validation tools are used, then the testing can be performed, but the integration into the mobile telephone deteriorates and permanent use becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the testing functionality directly into the mobile terminal by integrating quality assessment software within the device itself, combining the terminal's computing resources, screen, and network interface into a unified self-testing system that eliminates external tools and enables continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal performs self-diagnosis and self-assessment by automatically capturing its own screen content and analyzing its own performance, enabling the device to test itself without external intervention and making permanent, convenient use practical for end users
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for testing a communication network by means of a terminal, which is provided with a screen (42) and is used for exchanging information via a telecommunication network. The inventive method comprises the following steps: a step (40) for periodically totally or partly retrieving values of the terminal screen pixels, a step (44, 46) for computing on the base of said pixel values one or several parameters representative for the screen content and a step (48) for transmitting said one or several parameters to storing and/or analysing means.