Automated TV Testing System Reducing Operator Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual testing of electronic devices, such as digital televisions, is prone to human errors, leading to defective devices being incorrectly identified as non-defective, and vice versa, resulting in financial losses and diminished customer confidence.
Innovation Solution
A system and method to automate TV device testing, which minimizes operator interaction by using a computer system with an electronic interface to perform a complete functional test of a TV's features, including display, audio, and connectivity tests, while creating a reliable audit trail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual testing is used to verify TV device functionality, then operator flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but human errors increase and testing consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing operations with an automated computer-based testing system. The system uses software to control test sequences, capture device responses, and analyze results, eliminating human operators from the physical testing process while maintaining comprehensive functional verification of TV devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system performs self-verification through automated comparison of actual device responses against expected test results. The system automatically identifies deviations, generates defect reports, and determines pass/fail status without human intervention, enabling the system to service itself in the testing process.
2Reliability
If manual testing procedures are implemented, then comprehensive functional verification is achieved, but testing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated testing system executes continuous test sequences without interruption, automatically transitioning between different functional tests (display, audio, connectivity, etc.). The system maintains continuous operation by immediately proceeding to the next test step upon completion of each step, eliminating idle time between manual testing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary setup and configuration of test parameters, device connections, and test sequences before actual testing begins. Test protocols and expected results are pre-programmed, allowing the system to execute comprehensive functional verification without real-time human intervention or decision-making during the testing process.
3Loss of information
If manual testing is performed without systematic documentation, then operator judgment is utilized, but audit trail generation becomes difficult and operator accountability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system automatically captures and records all test inputs, device responses, and analysis results in a structured digital format. The system provides immediate feedback by comparing actual responses against expected outcomes and generates comprehensive audit trails that document the entire testing process, including timestamps, test conditions, and defect identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary between the TV device under test and the human operator. This intermediary automatically manages data collection, analysis, and documentation, transforming complex testing data into structured audit trails that are easily stored, retrieved, and analyzed without requiring manual documentation efforts.
Data Source
AI summary
A test system includes a computer system including a processor and a memory; and an electronic interface in communications with the computer and a television device under test, the electronic interface including a test interface board configured to permit the television device under test to be put into a debug mode by the computer system.