Automated Terminal Testing via Network-Generated Programs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual testing of communication network terminals and programs is time-consuming and costly, with inadequate integration of manufacturer specifications and inefficient remote diagnostics, leading to delayed product releases and high operational expenses.

Innovation Solution

A method for partially automated testing using a computing device in the communication network to generate and execute test programs on terminals, with standardized documentation for defining test features and recording test data, enabling faster and cheaper testing with improved specification compliance and remote diagnostics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual testing is used to ensure comprehensive quality assurance, then testing thoroughness is improved, but testing time and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality assuranceVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device automatically executes test programs and performs self-diagnosis without requiring manual intervention. The device collects test data, transmits it to the network, and generates test reports autonomously, eliminating the need for manual testing operations while maintaining comprehensive quality assurance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual testing operations are replaced by automated electronic test programs executed on the terminal device. The mechanical process of manual testing is substituted with an automated software-based system that runs test sequences, collects data, and generates reports electronically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual testing is used to ensure comprehensive quality assurance, then testing thoroughness is improved, but personnel requirements and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality assuranceVSAvoidtesting cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device performs self-testing and self-diagnosis, eliminating the need for external testing personnel. The automated system executes test programs, collects data, and generates reports independently, reducing personnel requirements and associated costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The test program is transmitted as data to the terminal device, creating a digital copy of the testing logic. This allows the same testing capability to be replicated across multiple devices without requiring additional physical testing resources or personnel for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If physical presence of the device is required for testing, then test parameter control is improved, but remote diagnostics become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest parameter controlVSAvoidremote diagnostics

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test program acts as an intermediary that transmits testing instructions and receives test data between the network and the terminal device. This intermediary mechanism enables remote testing by mediating the interaction between the network-based testing system and the remote terminal device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The requirement for physical device presence is replaced by electronic data transmission. Test programs and data are transmitted digitally through the network, eliminating the need for physical transport or presence while maintaining test parameter control through software-based mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If automated testing is implemented, then testing efficiency is improved, but integration of manufacturer specifications becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidspecification compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Test programs are pre-configured with manufacturer specifications and requirements before being transmitted to the terminal device. The testing framework, test cases, and evaluation criteria are prepared in advance, ensuring that automated testing incorporates all necessary specification compliance checks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where test results are transmitted back to the network, allowing for verification of specification compliance. The automated system compares actual test outcomes against predefined specifications and provides feedback on compliance status, enabling continuous quality assurance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2237590B1Method and apparatus for testing of terminals which are operated in communication networks and/or programs running on these terminals

Publication Date: 2020.04.29 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH

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AI summary

The method involves operating a terminal (2) in communication network (1), particularly telecommunications networks, such as mobile communication networks. A test program running on the terminal and a computing device provided in the communication network are used for operating the terminal. An identifier identifying the terminal is transmitted to the computing device for determining the terminal to be tested. The information regarding the test is transmitted to the computing device which generates a test program based on the information. An independent claim is also included for a network node in a communication network.