FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to equipment for testing the various functionalities of a hand held device as well as the method to carry out such tests.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Cellular and computing devices have become extremely widespread over the last years and user adoption is expected to increase exponentially in the near future. This has led to an increased focus on accurate testing and certification of such devices. Further, given the wide range of devices and technologies manufacturers adopt in the process of building such cellular and computing devices, there is a need for cross-platform testing apparatus that can be used to test such devices.
Given the high volume of such cellular and computing devices sold every year, automating such testing is critical to meet the needs of the market. While some testing is further required to be conducted through the use of software applications, there is an inherent shortfall in the way software manages the process. Tests for certain device sensors require physical movement, or docking/ undocking of the cellular device. The testing cannot be conducted with software alone.
The following discussion of the prior art is intended to present the invention in an appropriate technical context and allow its significance to be properly appreciated. Unless clearly indicated to the contrary, however, reference to any prior art in this specification should not be construed as an admission that such art was widely known or form part of common general knowledge in the field.
EP1914634A1 discloses a system for testing of mobile device wherein, screen information is captured from a display of a mobile device with the mobile device. The user events are captured from a user input device of a mobile device with the mobile device. The captured screen information and the captured user events are transferred from the mobile device to a computer. The captured screen information is displayed with a display of the computer. The captured user events are visualized with the display of the computer.
US 2012/0218396 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for usability testing of a mobile device. The method and apparatus display a usability testing script on a computer screen of a user computer, capture video of a mobile device while a user is using the mobile device in accordance with the usability testing script, create a recording data file comprising at least the video, and send the recording data file to a data collection computer.
At present there are many devices available to test battery, keypad, touch screen, display, and free fall of a device. However, these devices only test one of the features of the device and no other function.
Many cellular and computing device manufacturing companies have their respective testing arrangements.
For instance, Micromax carries out tests on its phones, on both hardware and software and includes verification and validation of hardware devices and software applications. It does a sanity check on mobile devices to verify that there are no defects brought by the manufacturing or assembling. It connects the phone with the computer based device.
The tests performed includes- radio frequency test, camera test, climate test, charger test, high voltage test, ball drop test, drop test, battery back-up test.
However, while testing, the phone is stationary and is connected to the testing device with nodes. Therefore, the tests which involve movement of the phone cannot be performed. Thus, the test and devices available in the market are not comprehensive and require improvement.
US Patent No. 9,190,725 discloses a test system having test stations with adjustable antennas. This mainly deals with a wireless test system for testing radio-frequency transceiver circuitry in devices under test. It also deals with a method of testing wireless electronic devices, comprising a master test station in which a device under test is located, and a slave testing station.
US Patent No. 9,176,004 relates generally to display devices and more particularly to equipment for testing display devices. It discloses an imaging sensor array testing equipment. It teaches a testing device for testing one or more characteristics of an electronic display. The testing device includes a main body and a receiving body, within the main body, configured to receive at least a portion of the electronic display. The testing device also includes a plurality of sensors, which are configured to detect at least one type of non-uniformity of the electronic display by detecting light emitted from the electronic display.
US 8,971,821 relates to electronic devices and more particularly to systems for testing wireless electronic devices. The test system, as claimed in 8,971,821 includes a wireless test chamber, antenna configured to wirelessly test the device, robotic arms to move the device under test to docking station.
Presently, there are various apparatus to test a particular feature or function or few features of a device under test. Moreover, majority of these tests are done at the manufacturing stage, i.e. before the packaging and sale of the product. However, there is no equipment which carries out tests for all the features and functionalities of a device, especially after sale of the device, as claimed in the present invention. For the refurbishment industry which refurbishes used devices for re-sale, it is a herculean task, both economically and in terms of human capital, to test for each feature and function of a device with various equipments available in the market. Therefore, in order to overcome this drawback the inventors came up with an apparatus which tests devices for all the possible features and functionalities, with a unique arrangement. The present invention provides an auto-check apparatus in a compact box, with unique arrangement of items and fixtures to hold the device under test at one place. In auto-check apparatus according to the present invention all separate test cases for the hardware and software of a cellular and computing device are integrated into one testing apparatus. Thus it is ensured that the device under test is secured to the single testing bed, and does not have to be moved to a second platform to continue with the rest of the tests.
The autocheck apparatus claimed in this invention combines the use of hardware apparatus and software to automate the device testing. This will help manufacturers and resellers by providing a standardized platform for quality assurance and testing.
With this apparatus, the cost also comes down manifold, as the person has to spend only on single machine instead of many machines for performing several tests to check on multiple features and functions.
As mentioned above, the available apparatus perform tests at the manufacturing stage and before the sale of the product. The present invention allows the users of devices to check their devices even after buying them.
Therefore, the invention overcomes all the practical and technical problems faced till date to test the functions of a cellular and computation device. In addition compared to existing testing apparatus, which target only one device in particular, the invention allows testing and certifying a plethora of devices, even those which have not been introduced to the market yet.

ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS:
DUT: Device under test and includes a smartphone, a phablet and/or a tablet of any shape, size and configuration.
CPTA: Cross Platform Testing Apparatus refers to the entire apparatus according to the present invention in totality to carry out all the tests on the DUT.
OBC: On Board Computer
PCB: Printed Circuit Board
IMU: Inertial Measurement Unit
CCU: Central Control Unit
MCU: Micro Controller Uunit
LDR: Light Dependent Resistor

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention provides a Cross Platform Testing apparatus (CPTA) for testing one or more functionalities of a Device Under Test (DUT). The CPTA according to the invention includes a central control unit, gripper, testing bed, speaker, microphone, light panels, light sensing panel, motion simulation means, light source and swing arm, and means to arrange and attach all the components in a manner to make the apparatus compact and DUT to undergo a comprehensive analysis of all its functionalities.
One of the embodiment of the present invention provides a cross platform testing apparatus (CPTA) for testing the functionalities of a device under test (DUT), that includes a central control unit configured to sense and test the device, a swing arm configured to move several means to test the device, at least two light panel, light sensing panel, a testing bed configured to receive and hold the device, a light source configured to provide variable power of light, means to stimulate motion in various part of the device, movable support structure to move the device under test and means for conducting the test, means to arrange and attach all the components in a manner to make the DUT undergo a comprehensive analysis of one or more functionalities.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides that the CPTA includes a speaker and microphone.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a testing bed that includes one or more gripper configured to hold the DUT in place, vacuum pump, vacuum chamber and a sensor block (IMU).
Still another embodiment of the present invention provides that the apparatus comprises at least two light panels to uniformly distribute the light.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides that the Central Control Unit (CCU) includes: slave microcontroller unit (MCU) , On Board Computer (OBC), sound signal conditioning and processing unit, power distribution and OBC interfacing to Hardware components PCB
Another embodiment of the present invention provides that the sensor block (IMU) comprises one or more testing meters selected from an accelerometer, magnetometer, gyrometer and barometer.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention the apparatus is constructed in such a manner that it provides a compact structure.
In still another embodiment of the present invention provides the means for motion include one or more servomotors.
In another embodiment of the present invention provides that the swing arm includes two arms facing each other and one linking arm.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides testing of one or more functionalty of the DUT using the apparatus according to the present invention comprising the steps of:
(i) securing the DUT on the testing bed,
(ii) installation of an application by the OBC, of the apparatus, in the DUT,
(iii) reading through the DUT data and sensors by the application installed in step (ii) and returning a list of available features and relevant DUT information to the testing platform,
(iv) queuing of test by the OBC, based on the list received, to optimise the testing process,
(v) running one or more tests by the platform in accordance with the OBC commands,
(vi) recording and analysis of the sensor readings by the OBC,
(vii) uploading the test results to a central server database, at the end of testing,
(viii) comparing the readings obtained from the sensors interfaced to the OBC with the on-board sensors of the DUT, by the OBC, to see if DUT has perfect working conditions,
(ix) resetting DUT to its factory settings by the testing hardware, after the tests are complete.
Still another embodiment of the present invention provides that one or more tests including magnetometer test, accelerometer test, gyrometer test, Bluetooth test, WiFi test, SD Card test, flash test, vibration test, barometer test, proximity test are conducted as defined in above steps (iv) to (viii).
Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides that one or more features including the front and back camera, the light intensity, the USB connection, the speaker and microphone and the SIM slot and SIM Signal of the DUT are tested as defined in above mentioned steps (iv) to (viii).
In still another embodiment of the present invention provides motion simulation mechanism comprising a bracket for motor mounting, X-axis of twist servo motor, Y-axis of twist servo motor, Z-axis of twist servo motor and a mounting base.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides swing arm section comprising of an arm link, panel select servo motor, arm reinforcement, arm link reinforcement and an arm actuation servo.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which references indicate similar elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates the testing hardware under rest condition with the DUT mounted according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates the testing bed along with its components;
Figure 3 illustrates the testing bed along with motion simulation means;
Figure 4 illustrates the swing arm section;
Figure 5 illustrates the section of the apparatus for testing front camera and proximity of DUT;
Figure 6 illustrates the light sensor calibration section;
Figure 7 illustrates the central control unit; and
Figure 8 illustrates the flowchart of the process for testing functionalities of devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION:
Electronic devices may have errors, regardless of the technology used to manufacture the electronic device whether using automated or manual technology. Parts may not be manufactured properly and faults may arise during assembly operations. Therefore, it is necessary to check any electronic device before sending in the market or before reselling the same.
Presently, there are various apparatus to test a particular feature or function or few features of a device under test. Moreover, majority of these tests are done at the manufacturing stage, i.e. before the packaging and sale of the product. However, there is a need of an apparatus which is compact and carries out tests for all the features and functionalities of a device, especially after sale of the device. For the refurbishment industry which refurbishes used devices for re-sale, it is a herculean task, both economically and in terms of human capital, to test for each feature and function of a device with different equipments available in the market. The present invention provides a cross platform auto-check apparatus in a compact box, with unique arrangement of items and fixtures to hold the device under test at one place. In the apparatus according to the present invention all different hardware and software tests for a cellular and computing device are integrated into one testing apparatus and can be conducted without moving the device under test to another platform.
The apparatus claimed in this invention combines the use of hardware apparatus and software to automate the device testing. This will help manufacturers and resellers by providing a standardized platform for quality assurance and testing.
With this compact apparatus, the cost also comes down manifold.
Aspects of the embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope. In the drawing, parts having no relationship with the explanation are omitted for clarity, and the same or similar reference numerals designate the same or similar elements throughout the specification.
FIG. 1 illustrates a cross platform testing apparatus (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention to test the functioning of a DUT which includes a Central Control Unit (1), a swing arm (2), speaker and microphone (3), light panel(4,7), light sensing panel (5); a testing bed (6), motion stimulation means (8).
FIG. 2 illustrates the testing bed (6) according to the present invention which includes grippers (10), vacuum chamber (11), a sensor block (12) and a servomotor (13).
The testing bed (6) comprises at least one gripper (10) to hold the DUT in place. The gripper is either suction or vacuum cups. The gripper (10) is attached with the vacuum pump and is mounted on the vacuum chamber (11).
The apparatus preferably comprises a series of test controllers. The test controllers are preferably coupled with an OBC (31) administration server. Each test controller tests a specific functionality of the DUT (101). The OBC (31) administration server loads specified software and starts administering the tests.
The DUT(101) includes a smartphone, a phablet and/or a tablet of any shape, size and configuration.
Figure 3 illustrates the test bed along with motion simulation means of the apparatus. The testing bed (6) is mounted on the servomotor (13) which is attached with a U-bracket-A (14) to support the servomotor. The other two servomotors (15, 18) are attached with mounting bracket (16). The entire structure is mounted on base (19) placed above the Central Control Unit (1).
As illustrated in Figure 4, the swing arm is raised vertically with the help of servomotor (24) before carrying out the tests on DUT, resulting the change in the orientation of light panel A(4) and light sensing panel (5) and bring them in horizontal position over the DUT (101). The movement of swing arm (2) brings speaker and microphone (3) in proximity to the DUT (101).
Figure 5 illustrates the section of the apparatus to test front camera and proximity of DUT. Light panel B (7) is mounted over the servomotor (25) with the help of mounting mean/bracket (26) and U-bracket-A (14) holds the second servomotor (27) of this section. This entire structure is also on base (19) which is placed above Central Control Unit (1).
Figure 6 illustrates the light sensor calibration section of the apparatus (100) is attached on base (19). It includes a power light source (28) mounted on a light support (29).
The Central Control Unit (1) includes slave microcontroller unit (30), On Board Computer (OBC, 31), Printed Circuit Board (33), sound and signal acquisition system, power distribution system and IMU as illustrated in Figure 7.
OBC (31) installs the application on to the DUT (101) and receives a list of available features and relevant information of DUT (101). According to the list received, the OBC (31) queues up the test to optimise the testing process, which is then carried out after receiving command from the OBC(31). The sensor readings received after running each test are recorded and analysed by OBC (31). At the end of the test, the results are uploaded to a central server database from OBC (31).
The sensor block (12) comprises one or more sensor selected from accelerometer, magnetometer, gyrometer, barometer.
The apparatus (100) according to the present invention comprises at least two light panels A(4) and B (7). The light panels distribute the lights uniformly to conduct tests.
The apparatus (100) according to the present invention further comprises a power light source (28) as illustrated in Figure 6. The light of the source can be adjusted or varied depending on the requirement.
As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, more than one Servomotor (13, 15, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 27) is configured with the apparatus (100) for moving various sections of the apparatus (100) or moving DUT (101).
The Servomotor (13, 15, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 27) can be a panel alignment adjustment, panel height adjustment and swing arm actuation Servomotors.
Both the panel height adjustment servo motor (27) and panel alignment servo motor (25) are employed to make a synchronous motion which keeps the Light Panel B (7) up, while testing the proximity sensor of the DUT (101).
The cross platform testing apparatus does a full functional testing of a DUT according to the following mechanism:
? DUT is secured on the testing bed (6) of the cross platform testing apparatus using gripper i.e., suction cups (10);
? DUT is detected by a sensor on the testing bed by a simple Light Dependent Resistor (LDR ) array detecting light intensity;
? OBC (31) installs an application in the DUT;
? the installed application will read through DUT(101) data and sensors and return the list of available features and relevant DUT information to the testing bed(6);
? then as per the list received, the OBC (31) on the testing bed (6) will queue up the tests to optimize the testing process;.
? the base runs the tests as per the OBC (31) commands;
? the sensor readings are recorded and are analyzed by OBC (31) and test results are uploaded to a central server database from OBC (31) at the end of testing;
? the OBC (31) does a comparison between the readings obtained from the sensors interfaced to OBC(31) and the onboard sensors of DUT (101) to see if the DUT(101) is in perfect working condition;
? on completion of the testing the DUT (101) is reset to factory conditions by the OBC(31).
One or more tests selected from magnetometer test, accelerometer test, gyrometer test, Bluetooth test, Wifi test, SD Card test, flash test, vibration test, barometer test and proximity test may be carried out on DUT as per the requirement.
On or more features like front and back camera, light intensity, the microphone and speaker, USB connection, sim slot and sim signal of the DUT can be tested as per the requirement.
Some of the tests as conducted by the cross platform testing apparatus according to the present invention are given below:
Attaching the DUT (101) to the cross platform testing apparatus (100) using gripper/suction cups (10) mounted on the vacuum chamber(11) embedded in the testing bed(6). The screen of the DUT(101) faces the gripper/suction cups (10). Sensor on testing bed(6) detects the presence of the DUT(101) by a simple LDR array detecting light intensityand sends a signal to activate the vacuum pump which in turn creates a pressure drop inside the vacuum chamber (11) embedded in the testing bed(6), which in turn secures the DUT(101) firmly to the testing bed (6).
The accelerometer, magnetometer, gyrometer and barometer are embedded in the sensor block (12) which is preferably under the testing bed (6) for better performance.
The DUT (101) mounted on the testing bed (6) undergoes the accelerometer test to check all three axis. All motion simulation mechanism Servomotors (13, 15, 17, 18) are at an idle state in the beginning at which the acceleration due to gravity (G- Value) of the Z axis of DUT(101) accelerometer and Z axis of accelerometer of Cross Platform Testing Apparatus (100) is measured. The Y-Z plane actuation/X axis of twist Servomotor (15, 18) are rotated at an angle in the range of 30° to 55° anticlockwise from idle state and then the G- Value of Y axis for both accelerometers on the DUT(101) and testing bed (6) are measured. The X-Z plane actuation/Y axis of twist servo motor (17) is again rotated by an angle ranging between 30° to 55° anticlockwise from idle state and the readings are recorded for X axis of accelerometer on DUT (101) and testing bed(6). The X-Z plane actuation/Y axis of twist Servomotor (17) is again rotated to an angle ranging between 30° to 55° clockwise from idle state and the readings are recorded for X axis accelerometer on DUT and testing bed.
The readings are recorded once when the motion mechanism completes the motion and is at a kinematically inert state. The application records the sensor reading on DUT(101) and is then transferred to OBC (31) and is then compared to respective readings taken simultaneously by the dedicated sensor. As per the connected DUT(101), the OBC (31) then sets an error limit for the readings obtained from an existing database corresponding to a particular model. If the DUT(101) reading falls out of the margin set, then the DUT(101) fails the test.
The connected DUT(101) undergoes the magnetometer test to check the magnetic field around the DUT(101). The readings of DUT(101) magnetometer and embedded magnetometer on testing bed (6) are recorded when motion simulation Servomotor (13, 15, 17, 18) are at rest. The Z axis of twist Servomotor (13) is rotated by an angle ranging between 75° to 100° clockwise from idle state and the readings are recorded for X-Y magnetometer on DUT(101) and testing bed. The Z axis of twist Servomotor (13) is again rotated by an angle ranging between 75° to 100° from idle state and the readings are recorded for X-Y magneto on phone and testing bed. The Z axis twist Servomotor (13) is rotated 360° in 4 turns to record X-Y magnetometer readings on the DUT(101) and testing bed (6).
The X-Y readings are recorded, once when the motion mechanism completes the motion and is at a kinematically inert state. The application records the sensor reading on the DUT(101) that are then transferred to OBC (31) which compares them with the respective readings taken simultaneously by the sensor block. As per the connected DUT(101), the OBC (31) then sets an error limit for the readings obtained from an existing database corresponding to a particular model. If the DUT(101) reading falls out of the margin set, then the DUT(101) fails the test. The position of magnetometer may be changed without affecting the efficiency of the test. If the DUT’s(101) magnetometer is not calibrated it is rotated in position similar to digit 8 to calibrate the magnetometer.
The DUT(101) undergoes the gyrometer test to check the rotational motion and any other changes in motion of the DUT(101). The Y-Z plane actuation/X axis of twist Servomotor (15, 18) are rotated by an angle ranging between 30° to 55° anticlockwise from idle state and then the Y axis for both gyrometer on DUT(101) and testing bed(6) are measured in a continuous pattern. The Y-Z plane actuation/X axis of twist Servomotor (15,18) are again rotated by an angle ranging between 30° to 55° clockwise from idle state and the gyrometer readings are again recorded in a continuous pattern for Y axis. The X-Z plane actuation/Y axis of twist Servomotor (17) is rotated by an angle ranging between 30° to 55° anticlockwise from idle state and the readings are recorded in a continuous pattern for X axis of gyrometer of the DUT(101) and testing bed(6). The X-Z plane actuation/Y axis of twist Servo Motor (17) is again rotated by an angle ranging between 30° to 55° clockwise from rest state and the readings are recorded in a continuous pattern for X axis of gyrometer of the DUT(101) and testing bed(6).
The X-Y plane actuation/Z axis of twist Servomotor (13) is rotated by an angle ranging between 30° to 55° anticlockwise from idle state. The Z axis for both gyrometer on DUT(101) and testing bed (6) are then measured in a continuous pattern. The X-Y plane actuation/Z axis of twist Servomotor (13) are again rotated by an angle ranging between 30° to 55° clockwise from idle state and the gyrometer readings are again recorded in continuous pattern for Z axis.
The recorded gyrometer readings of the DUT(101) are then transferred to OBC (31) and are then compared to respective readings taken simultaneously by the gyrometer. As per the connected DUT(101), the OBC (31) then sets an error limit for the readings obtained from an existing database corresponding to particular model. If the DUT(101) reading falls out of the margin set, then the DUT(101) fails the test. The position of the gyrometer may be changed without affecting the accuracy of the test.
The DUT(101) undergoes the SD card test. The OBC (31) transfers a test file to the DUT(101), reads back the same file and checks the data integrity. The DUT(101) fails the test if the specifications of the DUT(101) mention any SD card slot for a specific model, but the cross platform testing apparatus cannot detect the inserted external memory card in the DUT(101). In another embodiment the DUT(101) undergoes the Bluetooth test, for which the Bluetooth module is attached with controller for interface. The Bluetooth module interfaced to OBC (31) is connected to the Bluetooth of the DUT(101). Once the connection is successful, a test pattern is communicated over the link and its data integrity is recorded by the OBC.
The DUT(101) fails the Bluetooth test, if
? it fails to connect to the Bluetooth module of OBC (31)
? the data integrity check fails.
The position of the Bluetooth module may be changed without affecting the accuracy of the test.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention the DUT(101) to be tested undergoes the WiFi test. WiFi interfaced to OBC (31) is connected to the DUT(101) by matching the SSID and password. Test data is downloaded from the DUT(101) to check the WiFi connection speed and signal strength. The data is captured by application running on the DUT(101) and is transferred to Testing apparatus. The WiFi strength for the testing bed is already calibrated. The DUT(101) fails the test, if it does not satisfy any one of the known connectivity and signal strength criteria from database. The position of the WiFi can be changed.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the DUT(101) is also tested to check if it is rooted, unlocked or jailbroken. The software installed searches for particular set of files in the root folder of the DUT(101). The DUT(101) fails the test if any of those files are detected
According to another embodiment of the invention, the proximity sensors of the DUT(101) are tested. The Motion Simulation Mechanism is at rest and the testing bed (6) is in the idle configuration. Then the Panel Height Adjustment Servo Motor (27) and Panel Alignment Adjustment Servo Motor (25) makes a synchronous motion which leads the light panel B(7) to rise perpendicular to Z axis of the apparatus, which will bring it close to the front side of the DUT(101) where the proximity sensor is present. If the proximity sensor is functional it triggers an internal output which is recorded and transferred to OBC (31) to compare it with an existing database for the model.
The position of the proximity sensor block cannot be changed without affecting the efficiency of the test.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the flash of the attached DUT(101) is tested. The Swing arm actuation servos rotates at an angle in the range of 75° to 100° anticlockwise to lift up DUT mounted on swing arm (2) to a verticalposition. Then the Panel Select Servo motor (21) is rotated at an angle in the range of 75° to 100° clockwise to align the light sensing panel (5) over DUT(101) flash. Once the alignment is achieved, the OBC (31) sends a signal to activate DUT(101) flash. The light sensing panel (5) records the light intensity produced by the flash and the result is compared to the threshold value for the respective model in the database.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the front camera of the mounted DUT(101) is tested. The motion simulation mechanism is at rest and the testing Bed (6) is in the idle configuration. Then the Panel Height Adjustment Servo Motor (27) and Panel Alignment Adjustment Servo Motor (25) make a synchronous motion which leads the light panel B (7) to rise perpendicular to Z axis of the cross platform testing apparatus. Simultaneously the light panel B (7) is lit with single colour. The front facing camera clicks a picture, the recorded picture is transferred to OBC (31), where it is analysed for any missing or defective cells.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the back camera of the mounted DUT(101) is tested. The Swing Arm Actuation Servos (24) rotates by an angle ranging between 75° to 100° anticlockwise to lift up DUT(101) mounted on swing arm (2) to a vertical position. The Panel Select Servo motor (21) is then rotated by an angle ranging between 75° to 100° anticlockwise to align the light panel A (4) over the back camera of the DUT(101). Simultaneously the light panel A (4) is lit with single colour.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the ambient light sensor of the mounted DUT(101) is tested. Every mechanism is at idle state. OBC (31) activates the Variable Power Light source (28). Intensity of light from source is varied and simultaneously the ambience sensor on DUT(101) measures the change. The data is transferred to OBC (31) plotting a curve for intensity change of light source and change measured by ambience sensor. The slopes of that curve are compared to a present error margin.
The USB connection of DUT(101) is also tested in another embodiment of the invention. The OBC(31) initiates a software installation via the USB connection to check the USB functionality.
The DUT(101) also undergoes a vibration test.. Every mechanism is in idle state. OBC (31) sends a signal to start the vibration sensor test. The application installed in the DUT(101) will generate a signal which will activate the vibration motor to vibrate at a frequency range at which user response occurs. A sensor mounted on sensor block (12) on testing bed (6) records the vibration readings. The readings obtained are compared by OBC (31) with a set error limit which is provided to DUT(101) vibrator for frequency. The recorded readings are further measured for testing the amplitude of vibration and it is checked if it qualifies the threshold for the attached DUT.
According to another embodiment of the invention, when the DUT(101) is a smartphone, it is tested for its SIM slot and phone signal. The OBC(31) gives signals to DUT(101) to record the SIM signal strength and compare with the known/standard database value.
The speaker and microphone of the attached DUT(101) are also tested according to another embodiment of the invention. A speaker and microphone (3) attached to Swing Arm (2) connected to OBC(31) via dedicated sound signal acquisition system and the Processing Unit (32) plays several frequencies within the audible range at different amplitudes which are recorded by the microphone of the DUT(101). The microphone recording is filtered using standard signal filters and is compared to the played mix of frequencies for a match. Similarly, for speaker test of DUT (101) a mix range of frequencies are played via the speakers of DUT (101) and are recorded by microphone (3) apparatus attached to swing arm (2). The recordings are processed and compared to the played frequencies using standard graph comparison algorithms.
Depending on the requirement, one or all of the above tests may be conducted on the DUT (101) by the cross platform testing apparatus (101) according to the present invention. The DUT(101) reading is compared to the reading obtained from external sensor attached to OBC (31), for the barometer sensor, in another embodiment of the invention.
Once all test cases have been completed, the OBC (31) sends a signal to reset the DUT(101) to its original factory conditions.
Table-1 and Fig-8 shows the different components involved in the performance of the different tests and also how essential the said components are for that particular test. Figure 8 illustrates the various tests carried out using the CPTA of the present invention. Table-1 further goes on to indicate how crucial is the position of each component for each test and whether the position of the component can be changed without affecting the accuracy or efficiency of the test. Therefore, this table gives a clearer picture of the importance of each component and its position for each test.
TABLE 1:
Test Component Component Essential for Test Position the component can be changed without affecting the effectivness and accuracy of test Position for component
Magnetometer Servo Motor 13 Yes Yes
Sensor Block 12 No Yes
Accelerometer Sensor Motor 15 Yes Yes The position of servo is such that to make motion of platform in 3 axis to check all the 3 axis
Sensor Motor 17 Yes Yes
Sensor Motor 13 Yes Yes
Sensor Block 12 Yes Yes It has to be under platform for better performance
Clamp 14 No Yes
Gyrometer Sensor 15 Yes Yes The position of servos be such that it can make 3 axis motion
Sensor Block 12 Yes Yes
Sensor 17 Yes Yes
Sensor 13 Yes Yes
Clamp 14 No Yes
Bluetooth Test Bluetooth Module Yes No It has to be attached with controller for interface
Wifi Test Wifi Module Yes No It has to be attached with OBC
Sd card Test no It has to be inserted in device for testing
Proximity Sensor Servo 25 Yes Yes
Servo 27 Yes Yes
Panel 7 Yes No It has to be in parallel to front face device for testing
Flash Test Servo 24 Yes Yes
Swing Arm 2 Yes Yes
Servo 21 Yes Yes
Servo 15,18 No Yes
Panel 4 Yes No It has to be in parallel with flash for testing
Front Camera Servo Motor 27 Yes Yes
Servo Motor 25 Yes Yes
Light Panel 7 Yes No It has to be in front of Front Camera
Back Camera Servo 24 Yes Yes
Servo 15,18 No Yes
OBC 31 Yes Yes
Swing Arm 2 Yes No It has to be parallel with back camera for testing
Ambient Light Sensor Servo 13 No Yes
Light Source Yes No It has to be near device
Usb Connection OBC 31 Yes No It has to connected with OBC
Vibration Test OBC 31 Yes Yes
Sensor Block 12 Yes No It has to be in contact with device through any medium
Speaker and Microphone dedicated sound signal acquisition system Yes Yes
Mic Yes Yes
Speaker Yes Yes
Barometer Sensor Block 12 Yes Yes The DUT records the barometer reading and compares the reading with Sensor Block
Phone Format OBC 31 Yes Yes The OBC 31 sends a signal to perform a factory reset
Note: There is an OBC and slave controller used for controlling test cases whose position can change.

In the foregoing specification, reference has been made to specific embodiments of the invention. It will, however be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

We Claim:

1. A cross platform testing apparatus for testing the functionalities of a device under test (DUT), comprising a central control unit configured to sense and test the device, a swing arm configured to move several means to test the device, at least two light panel, light sensing panel, a testing bed configured to receive and hold the device, a light source configured to provide variable power of light, means to stimulate motion in various part of the device, movable support structure to move the device under test and means for conducting the test, means to arrange and attach all the components in a manner to make the DUT undergo a comprehensive analysis of one or more functionalities.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprises speaker and microphone configured to test the sound functionality of the DUT.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the testing bed includes one or more gripper configured to hold the DUT in place, vacuum pump, vacuum chamber and sensor block (IMU).

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises light panels to uniformly distribute the light.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Central Control Unit (CCU) comprises:
(i) slave microcontroller unit (MCU)
(ii) On Board Computer (OBC)
(iii) sound signal conditioning and processing unit
(iv) power distribution and OBC interfacing to Hardware components PCB

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sensor block(IMU) comprises one or more testing meters selected from an accelerometer, magnetometer, gyrometer and barometer.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a compact structure.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means to stimulate motion comprises one or more servomotors.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the swing arm comprises two arms facing each other and one linking arm.

10. A method for testing one or more functionality of the DUT using the apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
(i) securing the DUT on the testing bed,
(ii) installation of an application by the OBC, of the apparatus, in the DUT,
(iii) reading through the DUT data and sensors by the application installed in step (ii) and returning a list of available features and relevant DUT information to the testing platform,
(iv) queuing of test by the OBC, based on the list received, to optimise the testing process,
(v) running one or more tests by the platform in accordance with the OBC commands,
(vi) recording and analysing of the sensor readings by the OBC,
(vii) uploading the test results to a central server database, at the end of testing,
(viii) comparing the readings obtained from the sensors interfaced to the OBC with the on-board sensors of the DUT, by the OBC, to see if DUT has perfect working conditions,
(ix) resetting DUT to its factory settings by the testing hardware, after the tests are complete.

11. The method as claimed in steps (iv) to (viii) of claim 9, wherein one or more tests comprises magnetometer test, accelerometer test, gyrometer test, Bluetooth test, WiFi test, SD Card test, flash test, vibration test, barometer test, proximity test.

12. The method as claimed in steps (iv) to (viii) of claim 9, wherein one or more features comprises the front and back camera, the light intensity, the USB connection, the speaker and microphone and the SIM slot and SIM Signal of the DUT.

Dated this the 5th day of April 2017.

(DIVYA KAPOOR)
(IN/PA-1337)
Of SUBRAMANIAM & ASSOCIATES
Attorneys for the Applicants