Test Program Set Obsolescence Mitigation via Governing Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated test systems face challenges in maintaining cost-effectiveness due to rapid obsolescence of hardware and software components, with existing solutions failing to provide transparent updating and integration of new technologies, leading to premature system obsolescence and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that defines governing rules for electronic test systems, allowing for the creation of new Test Program Sets (TPS) that comply with these rules, enabling the integration of new components while maintaining system functionality, and notifying users of potential obsolescence to prevent disruption, thus allowing for continuous updating and reuse of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If commercial technology and standards are used to build automated test systems, then interoperability and cost-effectiveness are improved, but system obsolescence occurs more rapidly due to single entity influence and slow standard development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automated test system into distinct layers: a stable, standardized interface layer that ensures interoperability and a flexible implementation layer that can adapt to commercial technology changes. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through standardized interfaces while embracing commercial technology for cost-effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between using commercial standards and avoiding obsolescence.
2Stability of the object's composition
If proprietary test systems are used, then system stability and control are improved, but adaptability to new technologies and interoperability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces standardized interfaces as intermediaries between proprietary test system components and external systems or new technologies. These interfaces act as mediators that maintain internal system stability while enabling external adaptability and interoperability, allowing the system to remain controlled and stable internally while being versatile externally.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rapid updates to hardware and software components are implemented, then system adaptability is improved, but system complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes standardized interfaces and architecture in advance (preliminary action) before rapid component updates are needed. This preliminary structuring creates a stable framework that simplifies future integrations, allowing rapid updates to be implemented with reduced complexity because the integration rules and interfaces are already defined.
4Adaptability or versatility
If commercial standards development processes are followed, then standardization and interoperability are improved, but development time and system obsolescence risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts and implements existing commercial standards immediately rather than waiting for their full development through lengthy professional organization processes. By taking preliminary action to implement available standards now, the system achieves interoperability without the time loss associated with waiting for complete standard development, while still benefiting from ongoing standardization efforts.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic test system including hardware and software components and method of use which provide obsolescence mitigation. A test program set (TPS) including a test program test is created to enable units to be tested. When a new component is introduced, the change is detected and a new TPS is created with at least part of the test program test. If the new TPS complies with defined, governing rules for the system, testing using the new TPS is possible. If not, a determination is made as to whether any component of the TPS is obsolete and if not, the units can be tested using the new TPS without redefining the rules. When a component of the TPS is obsolete, the rules are reviewed to ascertain the effect of removal of the component and optionally redefined to enable the new component to be used in combination with the remaining components.