Test Data Fabrication Engine for Software Application Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing development systems for software application tests lack flexibility in the manual definition process and do not provide robust context for users, making it burdensome to create and modify tests effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system and test development interface that allows users to define and modify tests with variable value protocols, automatically identifying and alerting users to changes in pre-defined conditions and treatment of input variables, using a data fabrication engine to generate values for underdefined variables and schedule tests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual definition process is used for test creation, then test flexibility is improved, but user burden and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest flexibilityVSAvoidmanual definition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic detection of changes to software applications and automatic identification of underdefined variables, allowing the test system to self-configure and reduce manual intervention while maintaining flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with automated systems including data fabrication engines that automatically generate values for underdefined variables, and automated change detection mechanisms that monitor software applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If comprehensive test coverage is implemented, then software quality is improved, but test development time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware qualityVSAvoidtest development time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting changes to software applications before tests are executed, and by pre-identifying underdefined variables that need values, thereby preparing test data in advance and reducing overall development time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Automated data fabrication engines replace manual test data creation processes, automatically generating values for underdefined variables and significantly reducing the time required to achieve comprehensive test coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated data fabrication is used, then test creation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest creation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a data fabrication engine as an intermediary component that automatically generates values for underdefined variables, acting as a mediator between the test definition system and the software application under test, thereby improving efficiency while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10824541B1System and method for test data fabrication

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 STATE FARM MUTAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY

AI summary

Systems and methods for building and executing a test for a software application. The system includes a database for storing variable value protocols, output files, and data related thereto. A computing device is in communication with the database and is configured to create and/or modify the variable value protocols. The computing device includes an interface having a plurality of sections for displaying the variable value protocols and variables related thereto. The computing device is configured to receive values to define selected variables of the variable value protocols and receive values from a data fabrication engine for variables that were not selected. The computing device is configured to notify a user that a current version of the software application treats one of the selected variables different than a previous version of the software application.