Virtualized Embedded Device Testing for Fast Environment Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embedded device testing methods require repetitive reconfiguration of hardware and software environments, leading to inefficiency, high production costs, and increased costs due to the need for shared testing equipment, which is not optimized for multiple users.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a hierarchical host structure with a main host and sub hosts to create virtualized execution environments, allowing users to select software and hardware configurations remotely, and enabling efficient testing across various environments using Docker containers or virtual machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical hardware environments are established for each host device to test embedded devices, then testing can be performed with actual hardware configurations, but hardware reconfiguration is required repeatedly for different users and environments, leading to time loss and high production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of hardware environments through virtualization technology. Instead of physically reconfiguring hardware for each test scenario, virtual environment templates are created that replicate specific hardware configurations. These virtual environments can be rapidly instantiated and switched between, eliminating the time-consuming physical reconfiguration process while maintaining testing accuracy through faithful replication of target hardware behaviors
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic modification of environment parameters through software configuration rather than physical hardware changes. By changing virtual environment parameters (such as device models, OS versions, configuration settings) through software, the system can adapt to different testing needs without physical reconfiguration, thus reducing time loss while maintaining the ability to test various hardware configurations
2Reliability
If physical hardware environments are established for each host device to test embedded devices, then testing can be performed with actual hardware configurations, but high production costs are required to distribute test equipment to all users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a centralized virtual environment server that can serve multiple users and test scenarios simultaneously. A single physical infrastructure is designed to support diverse testing needs through virtualization, allowing one system to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate dedicated hardware for each user. This universal platform reduces production costs by eliminating the need to distribute expensive test equipment while maintaining testing accuracy through isolated virtual environments
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of purchasing and distributing physical hardware to each user, the system creates virtual copies of hardware environments on a centralized server. These virtual environments replicate the behavior and characteristics of actual hardware at a fraction of the cost, allowing multiple users to access identical or different hardware configurations without requiring physical distribution of test equipment
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical hardware environments are established for each host device to test embedded devices, then testing can be performed with actual hardware configurations, but frequent hardware changes cause high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic virtual environment provisioning where testing environments can be rapidly created, modified, and destroyed through software control. Instead of static physical hardware configurations that require expensive changes to adapt, the system dynamically generates virtual environments based on testing requirements, allowing frequent and flexible environment changes without hardware modification costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables adaptation to different testing scenarios by modifying software parameters rather than physical hardware. Configuration files, virtual device descriptors, and environment settings can be changed to reflect different hardware configurations, allowing the system to adapt to new testing needs without the high costs associated with physical hardware changes
4Productivity
If multiple users share single hardware equipment to perform tests, then resource utilization is improved, but it is necessary to repetitively reconfigure a desired environment each time to perform the test
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-configured virtual environment templates that are prepared in advance for common testing scenarios. Instead of reconfiguring environments from scratch each time a user accesses the system, the desired environments are pre-built and stored as templates. When users need to perform tests, they can quickly instantiate these pre-configured environments or select from available templates, dramatically reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining high resource utilization through shared access
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an embedded device testing method. Preferably, the present invention relates to a function testing method for an embedded device designed to execute a specific function. The embedded device testing method having a hierarchical host structure executed on a computing device according to the present invention includes: receiving, by a main host, setting information for an execution environment of a target device; constructing a virtualized execution environment on a sub host according to the setting information; executing specific software or a specific test case in the constructed execution environment; and monitoring a result of the execution. According to the present invention, resources may be utilized efficiently because there is no need to newly configure and prepare physical hardware resources every time during the development and testing of an embedded device.