Test Design Assistance Device Using Iterative Slide Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test design methods require a linear increase in test cases with the number of factors, making them inefficient for testing combinations of settings in software, especially when dealing with multiple factors at different levels.
Innovation Solution
A test design assistance device that generates a test matrix by extending orthogonal tables to accommodate factors at multiple levels, allowing for efficient allocation and reduction of test cases through the iterative slide method, which connects orthogonal tables laterally and forms them into stages, reducing the number of test cases required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional orthogonal tables are used for test design, then test coverage is maintained, but the number of test cases increases linearly with the number of factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the test design process into multiple stages, where orthogonal tables are applied hierarchically. Factors are divided into groups that can be tested in stages, with each stage using orthogonal tables to cover combinations efficiently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive coverage while avoiding the linear explosion of test cases by processing factors in manageable groups rather than all at once.
2Reliability
If the number of factors increases, then test completeness improves, but test case generation becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing factors to identify and group them before test case generation. The system performs preliminary analysis to determine factor relationships, dependencies, and grouping criteria. This preliminary organization allows subsequent orthogonal table application to be more efficient, reducing the time required for test case generation while maintaining completeness by ensuring all factors are systematically covered.
3Productivity
If orthogonal tables are laterally connected and vertically formed into stages, then test case number is reduced, but allocation of multilevel factors becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing a hierarchical staging dimension to the orthogonal table structure. Instead of only lateral connections, the system creates vertical stages where factors are allocated across multiple levels. This additional dimensional organization simplifies the allocation of multilevel factors by providing a structured framework that naturally accommodates different factor levels, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining test case reduction benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A test design assistance device 10 acquires information about the number of levels indicating the number of values which can be obtained for each factor in a plurality of factors of a test target, selects a matrix capable of allocating all of factors in a maximum number of levels information in the matrix capable of allocating factors in multilevel generated based on an orthogonal table, sets the maximum number of the number of levels in the levels of factors which are not allocated as a focused number of levels, and allocates factors in the focused number of levels to the matrix when the number of columns capable of allocating the factors in the focused number of levels is equal to greater than the number of factors in the focused number of levels, in the selected matrix.