Test support apparatus, test support method, and non-transitory computer readable medium

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Solution Overview

Problem

The technique for generating test cases based on state transition information relies heavily on the test engineer's skill in designing state transitions, making the generated test cases dependent on individual expertise.

Innovation Solution

A test support apparatus that includes an operation definition information conversion unit to generate state transition information from operation definition information, allowing for the automatic creation of test cases independent of the test engineer's skill.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If test engineers manually design state transition information, then test cases can be generated based on product specifications, but the generated test cases depend on the test engineer's skill level

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest case generation automationVSAvoidtest case quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically generating state transition information from operation definition information without requiring manual intervention from test engineers. The operation definition information conversion unit processes operation definitions, occurrence conditions, and release conditions to autonomously create state transition information, eliminating dependency on test engineer expertise while maintaining consistent test case quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The operation definition information conversion unit acts as an intermediary between operation definition information and state transition information. It transforms operation definitions along with occurrence and release conditions into structured state transition information, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for manual test engineer intervention while ensuring consistent and reliable test case generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual state transition design is used, then flexibility in handling complex operations is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest case generation speedVSAvoidstate transition design time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining operation definitions, occurrence conditions, and release conditions that can be automatically converted into state transition information. This advance preparation eliminates the need for manual state transition design during test case generation, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual design process with an automated conversion system. The operation definition information conversion unit substitutes manual test engineer efforts with an automated mechanism that processes operation definitions and generates state transition information, dramatically reducing time loss while maintaining or improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250004895A1Test support apparatus, test support method, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A test support apparatus (100) includes an operation definition information conversion unit (120). Regarding each device included in a test subject that includes at least one device, the operation definition information conversion unit (120) generates for each state of each device, state transition information indicating a transition of operation to be executed by each device included in the test subject, based on operation definition information indicating the operation to be executed by each device and an occurrence condition and a release condition corresponding to the operation to be executed by each device.