Virtual User Rules Engine for Automated Software Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software testing methods are inadequate for complex systems, leading to time-consuming and costly processes, with manual testing unable to keep pace with the increasing complexity of software technologies, resulting in significant economic losses due to faulty software.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a rules-based approach with virtual users, where a set of conditional statements is used to generate and execute test flows automatically, allowing for more efficient and comprehensive testing by simulating user interactions and managing concurrency issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual testing is used for complex software systems, then testing can be performed with current tools and methods, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and cannot keep pace with increasing software complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual users that copy and simulate the behaviors of real users. These virtual users are programmed with rule sets that replicate typical user interactions, allowing automated testing that scales with software complexity without requiring additional manual testing resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing processes with an automated computer-based system. The rules engine automatically executes test scenarios, generates test cases, and analyzes results, substituting human operators with an automated computational system that can handle complex software at scale
2Reliability
If comprehensive testing of all functions is performed, then test coverage increases, but the time and effort required for testing increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments comprehensive testing into multiple parallel virtual user scenarios. Instead of sequentially testing all functions manually, the system divides test coverage into concurrent virtual user streams that can execute simultaneously, maintaining comprehensive coverage while reducing total testing time
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual users continuously execute their rule sets against the software system without interruption. The rules engine maintains continuous monitoring and execution of test scenarios, ensuring ongoing test coverage without the start-stop nature of manual testing cycles
3Ease of manufacture
If automated testing rules are created manually, then testing can be standardized, but the complexity of creating and managing rules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service capabilities where the rules engine automatically manages rule execution, conflict resolution, and test coordination. The virtual users autonomously execute their rule sets without requiring manual intervention to manage the complexity of rule interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The rules engine acts as an intermediary layer between the virtual users and the software system. It mediates the complexity of rule management by providing automated conflict resolution, priority handling, and coordination, shielding users from the underlying complexity while maintaining standardized testing
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer implemented method and system for automated test and retesting using an interactive interface provided by a computer processor comprising: an input configured to receive a set of rules for a virtual user, the set of rules comprising a plurality of conditional statements for the virtual user; a memory component configured to store the set of rules; and a rules engine, comprising at least one processor, configured to generate a plurality of test flows based on the set of rules wherein the test flow tool provides modeling capability through an interface comprising a canvas configured to manage one or more rules and a palette that contains a collection of modeling components; and further configured to automatically execute the plurality of test flows on a system under test.