DESC:FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001]
The present disclosure relates to testing hearable products (such as True Wireless Stereo (TWS), Bluetooth headphones, Bluetooth neckbands and the like). More specifically, the present disclosure relates to system and method for performing automatic testing of Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002]
The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003]
Testing is an important part of any hearable product’s development process. Testing the hearable device, user interface and functionalities (such as Bluetooth connectivity, Bluetooth signal strength, capacitive touch control, battery life, speaker, music playback, and call functions) of those devices are very crucial since the user interface and product functionalities may undergo many iterations during the product development process. Conventionally, various systems and methods exist for manually testing the user interface and functionalities of Hearable products, but they have the following disadvantages such as reliability factor, more time consuming and release of product on time. The test engineers strive to catch the issues before the hearable product being released in the market although issues always creep in and often reappear, even with the best manual testing processes and practices. When not tested diligently, the product released for public may return to the service center (when the product is not exhibiting optimum performance) which further creates e-waste. Typically, the limited test resources make manual testing more time consuming. And, when manually testing the hearable products, the testers are required to perform various types of assessments without any tools and at the same time they need to prioritize the products' test instances and decide on which instances are to be tested first and which eventually, leads to a delay in releasing Hearable products in the Market.
[0004]
It is very difficult to ascertain when to initiate and conclude the testing of products and may always depend on the core judgment of all the testing processes/procedures in line and their significance. In light of the abovementioned disadvantages, there is a need for a system and
3
method for automating the
testing of the hearable products. Further, there is also a need for a system and method that provides a user-friendly system for testing which facilitates the technical users to easily test Hearable products without requiring support from expensive and niche resources. Furthermore, there is also a need for a system and method that can be leveraged for performing exploratory testing in agile environments.
SUMMARY
[0005]
Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
[0006]
In one aspect of the present invention, a system for preforming automatic testing of Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices is disclosed. The system includes at least one computing device at least two stands at least two speaker, and a dummy head. The at least one computing device that is connected with a single board computer. The single board computer is configured with a plurality of test modules for testing the BT hearable devices. The at least two stands that is configured with at least two servo motors to perform one or more operations related to buttons on the BT hearable devices. The at least two speaker that is configured to play audio as received by the BT hearable devices during testing. The dummy head that is configured with a test BT hearable device. The plurality of test modules comprises a connectivity test, a capacitive touch control (CTC) test, a battery life test, a speaker test, a long hour test, a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) test, and a control over mobile test. The computing device is configured to: connect to the test BT hearable device. The computing device is further configured to send commands to test the test BT hearable device for a predefined count, or a predefined percentage. The computing device is further configured to check a response from the test BT hearable device for the commands, if the response to commands satisfies the compliance criteria then the test BT hearable device has no issue. If the response to commands doesn’t satisfy the compliance criteria then the test BT hearable device has issue.
[0007] According to some embodiments herein, the connectivity test includes steps of connecting, the computing device, to the test BT hearable device, initiating, by the single board computer, the connectivity test BT hearable device, sending, by the computing device, first set of commands to pair, unpair, connect, and disconnect the test BT hearable device for a first predefined count, and checking, by the computing device, a response from the test BT hearable device for the
4
commands, wherein if the response to commands is equal to the first predefined count then the
connectivity test is successful. If the response to commands is equal to the first predefined count then the connectivity test is unsuccessful.
[0008]
In one aspect of the present invention, the method for preforming automatic testing of Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices, the method comprising: connecting at least one computing device with a single board computer, wherein the single board computer is configured with a plurality of test modules for testing BT hearable devices; selecting, by the computing device, at least one set of commands from the list in relation to connection, disconnection, pairing, unpairing, capacitive touch control, battery level, speaker functionality, signal strength, and call connectivity; sending, by the single board computer, commands to the BT hearable device for the selected assessment; performing, by the hearable device, the selected assessment; receiving, by the single board computer, a response in relation to the selected assessment; checking, by the single board computer, a response received from the BT hearable device for the commands; determine, by the single board computer, the test performance based on the at least one of compliance criteria; and displaying, by the computing device, a message when the test performance satisfies the compliance criteria.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009]
The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[00010]
FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a step-up for providing system for preforming automatic testing of Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein;
[00011]
FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method (200) of initiating one or more testing algorithms on a test BT hearable devices through the system (100);
[00012]
FIG. 3A is a block diagram of example system in an embodiment of the present invention;
[00013]
FIG. 3B is a block diagram of example system in another embodiment of the present invention;
[00014]
FIG. 3C is an example block diagram of system illustrating multipoint connection test in another embodiment of the present invention;
5
[00015]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing connectivity test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein;
[00016]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing CTC (Capacitive Touch Control) test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein;
[00017]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing battery life test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein;
[00018]
FIG. 7A is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing speaker test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein;
[00019]
FIG. 7B is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing microphone test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein;
[00020]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing long hour test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein;
[00021]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing RSSI test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein;
[00022]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing control via mobile phone test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein;
[00023]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of preforming automatic testing of Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein; and
[00024]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the method of automatic testing of Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices in an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00025]
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
6
[00026]
As mentioned, there remains a need for system and method for performing automatic testing of Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1A-12, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[00027]
FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a step-up for providing a system 100 for preforming automatic testing of Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein. The system 100 includes one or more rubber foot (102A-102B), a wooden table 104, computing devices are a computer (106), a mobile device (108), at least two speaker (110A-110B), at least two stands (112A-112B), a BT hearable device (114A & 114B) combinedly represented as (114), a knob (115A & 115B) and a dummy head 116, at least two servo motors (118) (as shown in FIG. 1B). In a non-limiting example, the Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices includes a True Wireless Stereo (TWS), Bluetooth headphones, Bluetooth neckbands and the like. The system 100 further includes a single board computer. In an embodiment, the single board computer is a controlling module, which may have one or more internal & external components, processors and controllers, and is capable of connecting to one or more devices to receive input or send output. The example single board computer (301) is Raspberry Pi 4B. The single board computer (301) is connected to the computing device (106, 108) which has graphical user interfaces to enable users to select a test sequence and to input various test procedures/conditions and parameters for testing the subject BT hearable device (114A-114B). The test sequence/procedures/modules may have a compliance criteria to satisfy and when the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) satisfies the compliance criteria, then the test sequence is successful on the BT hearable device (114A & 114B). The compliance criteria include but not limited to predefined count, predefined percentage, predefined duration, predefined number of taps, connectivity establishment, pairing establishment, battery level, tapping for call operations, call operations (such as initiating or dialling a call, connecting a call, disconnecting a call, answering a call, rejecting a call), tapping to select play, pause, next and previous music, tapping accuracy, reference microphone data and measured microphone data, signal to noise ratio, comparison of RMS values, predefined signal strength (RSSI). In an embodiment, one or more compliance criteria is automatically determined by the single board computer. Further, user may also add a compliance criteria depending on the various testing scenarios, through computing device (106, 108).
7
[00028]
The at least one computing device (106, 108) which is connected with a single board computer. The single board computer is configured with a plurality of test modules for testing the BT hearable devices. The at least two stands (112A-112B) provide support and configured in such way to accommodate at least two servo motors. The servo motors (118) is configured to perform one or more operations related to tapping buttons or tapping a region on the BT hearable devices, by means a pair of knobs placed at the end of servo motors. The at least two speakers (110A-110B) which is configured to play audio, noise, pink noise as received by the BT hearable devices during testing. The at least two speakers (110A-110B) are used while preforming speaker and microphone test. The dummy head (116) which is configured with a test BT hearable device (114A-114B). The single board computer (301) may have a list of test sequence/ procedures/ assessments/ modules. The plurality of test modules comprises a connectivity test, a capacitive touch control (CTC) test, a battery life test, a speaker test, a microphone, a long hour test, a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) test, a control over mobile test, a multi-point connection test and any other relevant tests for assessing the performance of the hearable device. In an embodiment of the present invention, the computing device (106, 108) is configured to: connect to the test BT hearable device (114A-114B), configured to send commands to test the test BT hearable device (114A-114B) for a predefined count, or a predefined percentage and further configured to check a response from the test BT hearable device (114A-114B) for the commands, and if the response to commands satisfies the at least one of a compliance criteria such as predefined count, predefined duration, then the test BT hearable device (114A-114B) has no issue. If the response to commands doesn’t satisfy at least one of the compliance criteria, the test BT hearable device (114A-114B) may have connectivity issue.
[00029]
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the single board computer and a servo module are connected to test the Capacitive touch control (CTC) functions of BT hearable device. The CTC functions are tested through set of instructions and commands processed by the single board computer and executed by both the BT hearable devices and the servo module. The servo module comprises, a modulator, pair of servo motors and a pair of knobs. A desktop monitor, keyboard, and mouse are connected to single board computer for selecting a test sequence and inputting various test conditions and test parameters. The single board computer is configured with a power module and provides a power supply of 5V 3A. The mobile device (108) is connected to single board computer for further testing the call functions, multi point connection capabilities
8
of test BT hearable device
(114A-114B) with the support of the hearable application. A Mini DSP is a unit having two ear shaped modules which accommodate the both left and right BT hearable devices. The BT hearable devices are placed on the ear shaped modules of mini-DSP to test BT hearable device’s speaker and microphone, and to play/pause, and next and previous music playback or speaker’s volume control functionalities of the left and right BT hearable devices (114A-114B), when the left and right BT hearable device is tapped by knobs connected with servo motors. In an embodiment, the mini-DSP is directly connected to single board computer, to transfer the computed data.. In an embodiment, the single board computer is configured and provided with several set of instructions/commands to control the connected peripherals such as mini DSP, and modulator. These set of instructions are primarily processed by single board computer to display a graphical user interface and which in turn enable users to select at least one test sequence and to input various test conditions and test parameters for the selected test sequence.
[00030]
According to second embodiment of the present invention, the connectivity test allows and enables automatic connectivity assessments such as pairing, unpairing, connecting, and disconnecting for the test BT hearable device (114A-114B). The Capacitive touch control (CTC) test allows automatic operation related tests such as play, pause, next, and previous of the BT hearable device (114A-114B), when a button or a region or area on BT hearable device is touched, tapped and enabled by the knob connected to servo motor. The battery life test allows automatic assessment of battery Life of the BT hearable device (114A-114B). The speaker and microphone test allows automatic assessment of speaker and microphone of BT hearable device (114A-114B), by means of signal to noise ratio. The long-hour test allows automatic assessment of music playback for the longest time of BT hearable device (114A-114B), until all charge consumed in a battery. The Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI Test) allows automatic performing RSSI test i.e.., BT signal strength test on BT hearable device (114A-114B). The control via mobile phone test allows automatic control via mobile phone for call functions (example initiating, answering, or rejecting or ending the calls) from the BT hearable device (114A-114B). The multipoint (or multi point) connection test allows automatic connection establishment, music playback, call alert, and call accept/reject capabilities of BT hearable device.
[00031]
FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method (200) of initiating one or more testing algorithms on a BT hearable devices through the system (100). At step (202), the method (200) starts and performs different testing procedures and scenarios. In step 204, the
9
system
(100) connects to the BT hearable devices (204). In step (206), the system (100) performs a connectivity test on the BT hearable device. In step (208), the system (100) performs capacitive touch control (CTC) test on the BT hearable device by operating the servo motors. In step (210), the system (100) performs a battery life test on the BT hearable device. In step (212), the system (100) performs a speaker test on the BT hearable device. In step (214), the system (100) performs a long hour battery test on the BT hearable device. In step (216), the system (100) performs a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) test on the BT hearable device. In step (218), the system (100) performs a Control via Mobile Phone test for call functions on the BT hearable device. In step (220), the method checks the testing progress of the BT hearable devices. In an embodiment, the steps 204 to 218 may be performed in sequentially or simultaneously. In another embodiment, the method (200) may also perform at least one of step between 204 to 218. In yet another embodiment, the method (200) may perform one or more steps in any order between 204 to 218. In step (220), the method checks the progress of the BT hearable devices. In an embodiment, the method (200) may check for the compliance criteria for each of the step (204 to 218) performed on the BT hearable device. Further, in an embodiment, the method (200) may start and end by at least performing one step between 204 and 218. In another embodiment, the method (200) may start and end by at least performing plurality of steps between 204 and 218. In step (222), the method (200) ends different testing procedures on the BT hearable device.
[00032]
FIG. 3A is a block diagram of example system in an embodiment of the present invention. The system is shown comprising, plurality of hardware components. The block diagram includes the computing devices such as computer (106) and mobile device (108), the single board computer (301), at least two servo motors (306A,306B). a modulator (308), a pair of knobs (not shown), a BT hearable fixture unit (309), a BT right hearable device (114A), a BT left hearable device (114B). The single board computer (301) may comprise, I/O devices (302), a processing unit (304), and memory (not shown). Further, both right and left BT right hearable device (114A & 114B) further comprises, at least two battery (310A, 310B), at least two device control unit (312A, 312B), at least two communication modules (314A, 314B), at least two speakers (316A, 316B), at least two Capacitive Touch Control (CTC) units (318A, 318B), and a microphone unit (not shown). BT hearable fixture unit (309) comprise two mini right and left ears (or mini-DSP ears). The mini ears comfortably accommodate the right and left BT hearable device. In an aspect of the present invention, the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) is configured with a battery (310A
10
& 310B), device
control unit (312A & 312B), communication module (314A & 314B), speaker (316A & 316B) and CTC (318A & 318B).
[00033]
The I/O devices (302) receives plurality of instructions from the computing devices (106, 108) to initiate and process different types of device related capabilities. The memory of single board computer (301) stores all the instructions/commands/ procedures in relation to the one or more test assessments. The memory of single board computer (301) may have a list of test assessments/ modules. The processing unit (304) of single board computer (301) processes the plurality of commands based on a type of test being initiated by computing devices (106, 108), connected through I/O devices (302). The single board computer (301) is connected to modulator (308). The mini-DSP ears of BT hearable fixture unit (309) are connected for testing the Speaker and microphone of BT hearable devices. The BT hearable device is placed on Mini DSP ears for testing and connected to single board computer (301). The device control unit (312A, 312B) of BT hearable device (114A, 114B) are capable of processing one or more instructions received from single board computer (301). The communication module (314A, 314B) BT hearable device (114A, 114B) is configured to perform various connectivity related operations through any communication standards, including but not limited to Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wireless, wifi, ZigBee. The capacitive touch control (CTC) unit (318A, 318B) is an input device of BT hearable device (114A, 114B), which receive the input in the form of conductive touch (tap) of a human finger and while testing knobs are used to tap. The speakers (316A, 316B) of BT hearable device (114A, 114B) outputs the audio, based on the commands by the device control unit (312A, 312B), which in turn received from single board computer (301). The microphone of BT hearable device (114A, 114B) inputs and records voice, sound in the environment. In an embodiment, the device control unit includes communication module, speaker, CTC and battery.
[00034]
The modulator (308) receives one or more instructions from single board computer (301) in relation to the operation of servo motors. The servo motors are connected with a pair of knobs (115A & 115B, placed at edge of left and right servo motor as shown in FIG. 3A-3C). In an embodiment, the modulator (308) is used to operate the servo motors at a particular speed, so that the capacitive touch control configured on BT left and right hearable device is tapped by the knobs uniformly, at regular intervals. Further, during the CTC test, BT left and right hearable device receive the commands to play the music and capacitive touch control (CTC) functions such
11
as
play/pause, and next and previous music playback are assessed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the servo module is comprises, a modulator connected with the single board computer, wherein, configured to receive instructions from single board computer and to control the operation of pair of servo motors, a pair of servo motors configured to rotate at a particular speed based on the output received from the modulator and a pair of knobs is configured to touch the capacitive touch control (CTC) of BT hearable device, wherein, both the knobs are operated when BT hearable device is configured to play, pause, play next or previous audio music, attending a call, end a call, or rejecting a call; In an embodiment, at least one of knobs is operated to check the CTC functionality of BT hearable device either on left or right side. In one aspect of the present invention, the test assessments or test procedures of hearable device, and their respective commands/ instructions are initiated and processed either by computing device or single board computer, or both or any other device connected to the hearable device. In an embodiment, several tests are performed by the computing device and others are performed by the single board computer.
[00035]
FIG. 3B is an example block diagram of system in another embodiment of the present invention. In an aspect, the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) is configured with a device control unit (312A & 312B). Further, the device control unit (312A & 312B) is internally configured with hardware components such as a battery (310A & 310B), a processing unit (320A & 320B), a communication module (314A & 314B), speaker (316A & 316B) and CTC (318A & 318B). In an embodiment, the device control unit (312A & 312B) is a system on chip, wherein all hardware components are embedded in it. The processing unit (320A & 320B) of the device control unit (312A & 312B) is capable of processing one or more instructions received from single board computer (301).
[00036]
FIG. 3C is an example block diagram of system illustrating multipoint connection test in another embodiment of the present invention. In an aspect, the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) is configured with a device control unit (312A & 312B). Further, the device control unit (312A & 312B) is internally configured with hardware components such as a battery (310A & 310B), a processing unit (320A & 320B), a communication module (314A & 314B), speaker (316A & 316B) and CTC (318A & 318B). In an embodiment, the device control unit (312A & 312B) is a system on chip, wherein all hardware components are embedded in it. The processing unit (320A & 320B) of the device control unit (312A & 312B) is capable of processing one or more
12
instructions received from single board computer (301).
The single board computer (301) sends one or more instructions to check the multipoint connection in BT hearable device. Following four test cases are assessed in multipoint connection. In the first test case, the single board computer (301) connects with BT hearable device (114A & 114B) and a first mobile device (350), and BT hearable device directly connects with the first mobile device (350), through the one or more instructions processed by single board computer (301), to check the connectivity. Then, the single board computer (301) disconnects itself, and test is assessed successful, when the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) and first mobile device (350) are still connected to each other and BT hearable device receives device capability instructions directly from the first mobile device (350).
[00037]
Further the single board computer 301 at a given point is connected to one or more mobile devices. The one or more mobile devices includes a first mobile device (350), a second mobile device (352). Based on the connection between the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) and the first mobile device (350), the second mobile device (352), (354), the following test cases are assessed.
[00038]
A second test case is a music playback test, where the first mobile device (350), and the second mobile device (352) are connected to the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) through Single Board Computer (301). Further, single board computer (301) disconnects itself and BT hearable device (114A & 114B) is directly connected with first (350) and second mobile device (352). For example, when a first music is played by the first mobile device (350), the first music is heard in the BT hearable device (114A & 114B), further if the second mobile device (352) starts playing a second music, the first music played by first mobile device is automatically paused and the second music from the second mobile device (352) is heard on the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) and similarly a switch over of music happen when appropriate first (350) or second mobile (352) is selected to play music.
[00039]
Further the single board computer (301) at any given point is connected to one or more mobile devices. The one or more mobile devices includes a first mobile device (350), a second mobile device (352) and a third mobile device (354). A third mobile device (354) is external to the system. Based on the connection between the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) and the first, second and third mobile device (350, 353, 354), the following two test cases are assessed. Further, Single Board Computer (301) disconnects itself and BT hearable device (114A & 114B) is directly connected with first (350) and second mobile device (352), during the test.
13
[00040]
A third test case is a call alert test, where a call is received either by the first mobile device (350), or the second mobile device (352) from the third mobile device (354). For example, the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) may get a call alert when a call is either received by the first and second mobile device (350, 352).
[00041]
A fourth test case is a call accept, or reject test, where the first mobile device (350) is playing the first music and when the second mobile device (352) receives a call from the third mobile device (354), then the first music is paused in the first mobile device (350) and the call from second mobile device (352) is accepted, as a priority. Call functions are automatically prioritized in BT hearable device (114A & 114B) over music playback functions. The music from first mobile device may be in paused state even though the ongoing call (w.r.t second mobile device (352)) is ended. . In an embodiment, the single board computer (301) disconnects itself during the test, when the subject mobile devices are directly connected with the BT hearable device (114A & 114B).
[00042]
In an embodiment of the present invention, the system (100) include first, second and third mobile device (350, 352, &, 354). The first mobile device (350) is connected with the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) through the single board computer (301) for an instance, wherein, the first and second mobile device (350, & 352) are connected with the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) through the single board computer (301), music playback is received in the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) from first mobile device (350) wherein music from first mobile device (350) pauses when the music from second mobile device (352) is initiated. The first and second mobile device (350 & 352) are connected with the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) through the single board computer (301). A call initiated from the third mobile device (354) to first mobile device (352), music playback in BT hearable device (114A & 114B) is paused and call alert is sent to the BT hearable device(114A & 114B). The call is initiated and connected and music playback is paused from the second mobile device (352) and vice versa. When first and second mobile device (350 & 352) simultaneously receives a call, BT hearable device (114A & 114B) selects the call based on the priority. A priority is determined by earliest call initiation of first and second mobile device (350 & 352).
[00043]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method (400) of performing connectivity test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein. At step (402), the method (400) includes initiating connectivity test by sending first set of commands. The first set of
14
commands include, separate set of instructions to test the connection, disconnection, pairing and
unpairing in relation to the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) with the single board computer (301). At step (404), the method (400) includes receiving the first set of commands by the BT hearable device (114A & 114B). At step (406), the method (400) includes performing one or more tasks in relation to connectivity test. In an embodiment, there are four tasks to be performed such as pairing, connection (after pairing), disconnection, and unpairing. At step (408), the method (400) includes checking responses for one or more tasks for a predetermined duration. In another embodiment, the tasks may be performed at least for 10 times. At step (410), the method (400) includes checking whether responses in relation to all tasks are successful. In an embodiment, the predetermined duration to receive response for any task is 30-60 seconds. In an embodiment, the response for each task at each time is recorded. If the responses for tasks are successful, then the control is transferred to step 412, otherwise the control is transferred to step 414. At step (412), the method (400) includes marking responses and displaying connectivity test is successful if the responses in relation to all tasks are successful. At step (414), the method (400) includes marking responses (for example, pass or fail) and displaying connectivity test is unsuccessful if the responses in relation to all tasks or one or more selected tasks are unsuccessful.
[00044]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method (500) of performing Capacitive Touch Control (CTC) test on the test BT hearable devices (114A & 114B), according to some embodiments herein. At step (502), the method (500) includes initiating Capacitive Touch Control (CTC) test by sending second set of commands. The second set of commands include, separate set of instructions to test the play/pause, and next and previous audio music playback, in relation to the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) with the single board computer (301). In an embodiment, the BT left and right hearable devices are placed on mini-DSP ears. At step (504), the method (500) includes receiving the second set of commands by the BT hearable device (114A & 114B). The single board computer (301) may send one or more instructions to modulator to operate the servo motors to uniformly and at periodical intervals, so that the knobs tap on the capacitive touch control of both BT left and right hearable devices. In an embodiment, the single tap on hearable device refers to the play or pause, double tap refers to playing previous or next music and long press refers to powering on or off the hearable device. At step (506), the method (500) includes performing one or more tasks in relation to CTC functionalities. The tasks include playing, pausing the audio, playing previous and next audio music playback, switching on and off the BT hearable device
15
(114A & 114B)
. At step (508), the method (500) collecting and checking responses of the CTC functionalities and tasks. The checking response include, when tapped the hearable device should successfully play or pause (current audio music being played) or play previous music audio or play next music audio, switching on and off. At step (510), the method (500) includes checking whether responses in relation to all tasks are successful. If the responses are successful, then the control is transferred to step 512, otherwise, the control is transferred to step 514. At step (512), the method (500) includes marking responses and displaying CTC test is successful if the responses in relation to all tasks are successful. And, at step (514), the method (500) includes marking responses and displaying CTC test is unsuccessful if the responses in relation to all tasks are unsuccessful. The CTC functionalities include at least one of play, pause, next and previous music playback, switching on and off. In an example embodiment, the responses is a result of calculated tapping accuracy. Tapping accuracy is the output response of capacitance test control unit divided by the servo motor input tapings. Further if the calculated tapping accuracy is greater than a first predefined percentage, then the test BT hearable device (114A & 114B) has no issue. If the calculated tapping accuracy is lesser than the first predefined percentage then the test BT hearable device has issue. In an embodiment, the first predefined percentage is 95%.
[00045]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method (600) of performing battery life test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein. At step (602), the method (600) includes initiating battery test by sending third set of commands. At step (604), the method (600) includes receiving the third set of commands by the BT hearable device (114A & 114B). At step (606), the method (600) includes fetching initial battery levels from the BT hearable device. At step (608), the method (600) includes performing one or more tasks in relation to battery. In an embodiment, the task includes, playing audio music on BT hearable device for a predetermined duration. In an embodiment, the audio music may be of SBC (Smart Bitrate Control), AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), MP3 and other codecs. In another embodiment, the single board computer may automatically determine the duration in which music to be played in the BT hearable device to test the battery level. In an embodiment, the predetermined duration may be of any duration which is a multiple of 5 seconds. The battery of hearable device may be displayed as the multiples of 10 only (for example, 80%, 60%). If the battery is full charge, it shows 100%, half charge 50%, no or less charge 10% and so on. At step (610), the method (600) includes fetching final battery levels from the BT hearable device. At step (612), the method (600) includes finding
16
a
difference between the initial and the final battery levels. At step 614, the method (600) checks whether the difference between the initial and final battery levels is less than or equal to predefined percentage and if the difference between the initial and final battery levels is less than or equal, then the control is transferred to step 616, otherwise the control is transferred to step 618. The predefined percentage is the percentage in which the battery level is reduced when the audio music played for specific duration and at optimum volume level. The optimum volume level may be 50%. In an embodiment, the volume level may be increased or decreased to test the battery level. In another embodiment, the predefined percentage may be different for devices such as TWS, neck bands. If the at step (616), the method (600) includes and displays the battery life test is successful. At step (616), the method (600) includes and displays the battery life test is unsuccessful. In an embodiment, the predefined percentage is 10%.
[00046]
FIG. 7A is a flowchart illustrating a method (700) of performing speaker test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein. At step (702), the method (700) includes initiating speaker test by sending fourth set of commands. At step (704), the method (700) includes receiving the fourth set of commands by the BT hearable device. In an embodiment, the fourth set of commands is common for testing speaker and microphone including, but not limited to playing a music, sine wave, or any sound for a predetermine duration, or playing at a predetermined interval. At step (706), the method (700) includes playing music with and without sound on the hearable device and recording corresponding root mean square (RMS) values of the sound received from speakers of hearable device, through the mini-DSP. At step (708), the method (700) includes comparing the RMS values received from speakers (in decibels) with and without sound. At step (710), the method (700) includes determining a factor for optimising audio output and to derive consistency (stability) of audio output in different listening environments.
[00047]
FIG. 7B is a flowchart illustrating a method (750) of performing microphone test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein. At step (752), the method (750) includes initiating microphone test by sending fourth set of commands. At step (754), the method (750) includes receiving the fourth set of commands by the BT hearable device. At step (756), the method (750) playing a sound or sine wave at a particular frequency in the speaker of the BT hearable device. The external speakers are configured to play a noise signal (for example, a pink noise signal at a specific decibel). In an example, the specific frequency may be between 20hz to 20khz and the specific decibel may be 80db. Further, the mini-DSP also receives
17
commands to initiate recording of music or sound.
In an embodiment, the single board computer receives the recorded sound data from mini-DSP. At step (758), the method (750) compares the recorded sound data with the reference microphone sound data. At step (760), the method (750) checks, by the single board computer, whether the signal to noise ratio of recorded sound data with respect to the reference sound data is in optimal range. In an embodiment, the optimum signal to noise ratio range for a microphone is greater than 5db and less than or equal to 90db. When the signal to noise ratio is in the optimal range then the control is transferred to step 762, otherwise, the control is transferred to step 764. The signal to noise ratio is used to assess the capability of microphone, and determine the level in which the microphone of BT hearable device may suppress the incoming noise or external noise or any environmental noise. At step (762), the method (750) displays the microphone test is successful and at step (764), the method (750) displays the microphone test is unsuccessful.
[00048]
In an aspect of the present invention, the capability of microphone is also tested when a call is initiated/attended by user. In a scenario, Mobile device A and Mobile device B may receive calls, wherein, a hearable device is paired and connected with the Mobile device A. A call is being made by Mobile device B to Mobile device A. The call is initiated and transferred to the hearable device. Further, the external speaker also plays a noise signal at specific frequency when the call is connected at the hearable device. The specific frequency of noise is 50db. The mini-DSP records the call along with the noise and subject recorded data is compared with the reference source microphone data to check whether its signal to noise ratio is in optimal range and to assess and determine the level of capability in which the microphone of BT hearable device may suppress the external noise.
[00049]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method (800) of performing long hour test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein. At step (802), the method (800) includes initiating long hour test by sending fifth set of commands. The long hour test is performed to determine the time frequency or duration in which the battery level declines to zero, when audio music is being played continuously on the BT hearable device. At step (804), the method (800) includes receiving the fifth set of commands by the BT hearable device. At step (806), the method (800) includes fetching battery levels for predefined time intervals. In an embodiment, the battery levels are fetched every 5 minutes. At step (808), the method (800) includes playing music for a first configured duration. At step (810), the method (800) includes
18
monitor
ing the connectivity status of the BT hearable device. At step (812), the method (800) checks whether the BT hearable device is connected with the single computer device and playing music, if BT hearable device is connected and still playing the music, then the control is transferred to step 814, otherwise, the control is transferred to step 816. At step (814), the method (800) includes, and continue to perform long hour test. At step (816), the method (800) includes receiving responses long hour test and displaying long hour test is successful when the BT hearable device (114A & 114B) is automatically disconnected from single board computer (301).
[00050]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method (900) of performing Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein. At step (902), the method (900) includes initiating RSSI test by sending sixth set of commands. The RSSI test is perform to assess the range of the BT hearable device with respect to single board computer. In real time, user connects hearable device with the mobile device, when attending a call, user may move away from the mobile device, thereby the connection and signal quality is interrupted and RSSI, and is used to determine good signal strength. At step (904), the method (900) includes receiving the sixth set of commands by the BT hearable device. At step (906), the method (900) includes connecting BT hearable device with the single board computer for a preconfigured duration. The preconfigured duration may be 300 to 600 seconds, etc. At step (908), the method (900) includes disconnecting the BT hearable device after the preconfigured duration ends. At step (910), the method (900) includes calculating the RSSI value and complete the RSSI test by determining the signal strength for the subject duration. In an embodiment, the single board computer checks whether calculated RSSI value for the preconfigured duration is within -50dBm, if RSSI value is below -50dBm, then the RSSI test is successful, otherwise when the RSSI value is more than -50dBm, then the test is unsuccessful.
[00051]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method (1000) of performing control via mobile phone test on the test BT hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein. At step (1002), the method (1000) includes initiating control via mobile phone test by sending seventh set of commands. In an embodiment, a first and second mobile device are configured and connected with the single board computer. At step (1004), the method (1000) includes receiving the seventh set of commands by the BT hearable device. At step (1006), the method (1000) includes establishing a connection between first mobile device and BT hearable device. At step (1008), the method (1000) includes sending command to secondary mobile device to initiate a call to the first mobile device.
19
When a call is initiated by the second mobile device, the first mobile device receives the call and
transfers to the BT hearable device to answer subject call. At step (1010), the method (1000) includes sending a separate set of commands to servo motors by single board computer, to operate and to tap on capacitive touch control (CTC) of BT hearable device, by means of knob, to attend incoming calls. At step (1011), the method (1000) includes enabling at least one action of answer, or end, or reject the incoming calls, when tapped on the capacitive touch control (CTC) of BT hearable device. In an embodiment, single tap on CTC refers to answer the call or end the ongoing call, double tap on CTC refer to reject the incoming calls. Test is successful, when the tap initiates its desirable features on BT hearable device (114A & 114B).
[00052]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method (1100) of preforming automatic testing of Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices, according to some embodiments herein. At step (1102), the method (1100) includes connecting at least one computing device with a single board computer. The single board computer is configured with a plurality of test modules for testing the BT hearable devices. At step (1104), the method (1100) includes configuring at least two stands with at least two servo motors to perform one or more operations related to buttons or CTC on the BT hearable devices. At step (1106), the method (1100) includes configuring speakers of BT hearable device to play audio music during testing. At step 1108, the method (1100) includes configuring a dummy head with a test BT hearable device. The plurality of test modules comprises a connectivity test, a capacitive touch control (CTC) test, a battery life test, a speaker test, a long hour test, a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) test, a control over mobile test and a multi-point connection test. At step (1110), the method (1100) includes configuring the computing device to perform connecting to the test BT hearable device (114A-114B). At step (1112), the method (1100) includes sending commands to test the BT hearable device for a predefined compliance criteria, and At step (1114), the method (1100) includes checking a response from the test BT hearable device for the commands, if the response to commands satisfies the predefined compliance criteria then the test BT hearable device has no issue and testing is successful. If the response to commands does not satisfy the compliance criteria then the test BT hearable device has at least one issue.
[00053]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the method of automatic testing of Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices in an embodiment of the present invention. In step 1210, connecting at least one computing device (106, 108) with a single board computer, wherein the single board computer is configured with a plurality of test modules for testing BT hearable devices. In step 1220,
20
selecting, by the computing device, at least one set of commands from a list of assessments in
relation to connection, disconnection, pairing, unpairing, capacitive touch control, battery level, speaker functionality, signal strength, and call connectivity. In step 1230, sending, by the single board computer, commands to the BT hearable device for the selected assessment. In step 1240, performing, by the hearable device, the selected assessment. In step 1250, receiving, by the single board computer, a response in relation to the selected assessment. In step 1260, checking, by the single board computer, a response received from the BT hearable device for the commands. In step 1270, determining, by the single board computer, the test performance based on the at least one of compliance criteria and in step 1280, displaying, by the computing device, a message when the test performance satisfies or dissatisfies the compliance.
[00054]
In an aspect of the present invention, a single board computer is configured to and capable of connecting at least 4 BT hearable device in real time, and may send one or more sets of commands to test the functionality and assess the capability of the all 4 connected BT hearable device simultaneously in real time.
[00055]
The advantage of the present invention is that the system increases test coverage and improves the accuracy, output efficiency and reliability. More test scenarios may be included, and are simultaneously tested, results in comparatively less time consumption. The test cases and corresponding instructions may be modified to accommodate new testing scenarios.
[00056]
While various examples of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described examples, but should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1.
A system (100) for preforming automatic testing of Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices, the system comprising:
a single board computer (301); a BT hearable device (114A, 114B) comprising left and right ear buds;
at least one computing device (106, 108) connected with the single board computer, wherein the single board computer is configured with a plurality of test modules for testing the BT hearable device;
at least two stands (112A-112B) configured to accommodate at least two servo motors to perform one or more operations related to buttons or capacitive touch control (CTC) on the BT hearable device (114A, 114B);
a dummy head (116) accommodating a BT hearable device (114A, 114B); and
a servo module connected with single board computer (301), wherein the test performance of BT hearable device (114A, 114B) is assessed for pairing, connection, disconnection, unpairing, capacitive touch control, battery level, speaker functionality, signal strength, microphone functionality, call connectivity and multi point connection,
wherein, single board computer (301) is configured to connect to the BT hearable device (114A, 114B); send commands to test the BT hearable device (114A, 114B); check a response received from the BT hearable device (114A, 114B) for the commands;
determine the test performance based on the at least one of compliance criteria wherein, the compliance criteria comprises at least one or combination of a predefined count, a predefined percentage, a predefined duration, predefined number of taps, a connectivity establishment, a pairing establishment, a device battery level, call operations, initiating a call, dialling a call, connecting a call, disconnecting a call, answering a call, rejecting a call, a reference microphone data, a measured microphone data, a signal to noise ratio, a play, pause, comparison of RMS values, a predefined signal strength (RSSI); and
22
display a message when the test performance satisfies the compliance criteria.
2.
The servo module of system (100) of claim 1 further comprising:
a modulator connected with the single board computer;
a pair of servo motors connected with the modulator; and
a pair of knobs connected and placed at edge of the servo motors wherein, the modulator is configured to receive instructions from single board computer and to control the operation of pair of servo motors, wherein, the pair of servo motors configured to rotate at a particular speed based on the output received from the modulator, and wherein the pair of knobs is configured to touch the capacitive touch control of BT hearable device, wherein, at least one of knob is operated when the BT hearable device (114A, 114B) is configured to play, pause, play next or previous audio music, attending a call, ending a call, disconnecting a call, or rejecting a call.
3.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the single board computer (301) is connected to the computing device (106, 108) and graphical user interface to enable users to select a test sequence, test modules and to input various test conditions and test parameters for testing the test BT hearable device (114A, 114B).
4.
The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising, a first (350), second (352) and third mobile device (354), wherein, the first mobile device (350) is connected with the BT hearable device (114A, 114B) through the single board computer (301),
wherein, first (350) and second mobile device (352) are connected with the BT hearable device (114A, 114B) through the single board computer (301), music playback is received in BT hearable device (114A, 114B) from first mobile device (350) wherein, music from first mobile device (350) pauses when the music from second mobile device (352) is initiated,
wherein, first (350), and second mobile device (352) are connected with the BT hearable device (114A, 114B) through the single board computer (301), wherein a call initiated from the third mobile device (354) to first mobile device (350), music playback in BT hearable device (114A, 114B) is paused and call alert is sent to the BT hearable device (114A, 114B), wherein, call is initiated and connected and music playback is paused from the second mobile device (352) and vice versa; wherein, when first (350) and second mobile device (352) simultaneously receives a call, BT hearable device (114A, 114B)
23
selects the call based on the priority, wherein priority is determined by earliest call initiation of first (350) and second mobile device (352).
5.
A method (1200) for preforming automatic testing of Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices, the method comprising:
connecting (1210), at least one computing device (106, 108), with a single board computer (301), wherein the single board computer (301) is configured with a plurality of test modules for testing BT hearable devices;
selecting (1220), by the computing device (106, 108), at least one set of commands from a list of test assessments in relation to connection, disconnection, pairing, unpairing, capacitive touch control, battery level, speaker functionality, microphone functionality, signal strength, and call connectivity;
sending (1230), by the single board computer (301), a set of commands to the BT hearable device (114A, 114B) for the selected assessment; performing (1240), by the BT hearable device (114A, 114B), the selected assessment, wherein, selected assessment is implemented in at least one of a right BT hearable device (114A), a left BT hearable device (114B) or both in real time;
receiving (1250), by the single board computer, a response in relation to the selected assessment;
checking (1260), by the single board computer (301), a response received from the BT hearable device (114A, 114B) for the set of commands with respect to the selected assessment;
determining (1270), by the single board computer (301), the test performance based on the at least one of compliance criteria, wherein, the compliance criteria includes at least one or combination of a predefined count, a predefined percentage, a predefined duration, predefined number of taps, a connectivity establishment, a pairing establishment, a device battery level, call operations, initiating a call, dialling a call, connecting a call, disconnecting a call, answering a call, rejecting a call, reference microphone data, measured microphone data, signal to noise ratio, play, pause, comparison of RMS values, predefined signal strength (RSSI); and
displaying (1280), by the computing device (106, 108), a message when the test performance satisfies or dissatisfies the compliance.
24
6.
The method of claim 5, further comprising:
sending, by the single board computer (301), first set of commands to pair, connect, disconnect and unpair the BT hearable device (114A-114B) for a predefined duration; and
checking, by the single board computer (301), a response from the BT hearable device (114A-114B) for the commands, wherein the response to commands satisfies the compliance criteria then the connectivity test is successful.
7.
The method of claim 5, further comprising:
sending, by the single board computer, a second set of commands to the test BT hearable device (114A-114B) to play music;
sending, by the single board computer (301), tap commands through modulator to operate at least two servo motors having pair of knobs, to tap on the BT hearable device (114A-114B) for testing capacitive test control (CTC) functionalities,
wherein the CTC functionalities comprises at least one of play, pause, next and previous music playback; and
calculating, by the single board computer (301), a tapping accuracy of the test BT hearable device (114A-114B),
wherein when the calculated tapping accuracy is greater than a first predefined percentage and satisfies the compliance criteria, then the capacitive test control (CTC) test is successful.
8.
The method of claim 5, further comprising:
fetching, by the single board computer (301), initial battery levels from the BT hearable device (114A-114B);
sending, by the single board computer (301), third set of commands to play music in the BT hearable device (114A-114B) for a predefined time duration set by a user through the computing device (106, 108), wherein, the third set of commands further include to play music for a preconfigured duration and length dynamically determined by the single board computer (301);
fetching, by the single board computer (301), the final battery levels from the BT hearable device (114A-114B); and
finding and checking, by the single board computer (301), a difference between the initial battery levels and the final battery levels of the test BT hearable device (114A-114B),
25
wherein if the difference between initial and final battery levels is less than a second predefined percentage then the battery test is successful.
9.
The method of claim 5, further comprising: receiving, by the BT hearable device (114A, 114B), fourth set of commands to play music with and without sound and record RMS values by the Mini DSP, and wherein, the fourth set of commands is configured to play at least one sound wave at a specific frequency;
receiving, by the set of speakers, a set of commands from the single board computer (301) to play a noise, as a specific frequency;
recording, by the mini-DSP, both sound wave, and noise, wherein, sound wave is at least one of a music, voice during call;
receiving, by the single board computer (301), a response for fourth set of commands;
compute RMS values and determine a signal to noise ratio value; and
comparing, by the single board computer (301), the subject signal to noise ratio with the reference signal to noise ratio value, wherein, the speaker and microphone test is successful when the subject signal to noise ratio value is within optimal range of reference signal to noise ratio value and BT hearable device (114A, 114B) suppress the noise.
10.
The method of claim 5, further comprising: receiving, by the BT hearable device (114A, 114B), fifth set of commands to fetch battery level at predetermined time intervals, playing a music for first configured duration, monitoring the connectivity of the BT hearable device (114A, 114B);
receiving, by the single board computer (301), a response for fifth set of commands; and
checking, by the single board computer (301), the response and long hour test is successful when the BT hearable device (114A, 114B) is automatically disconnected with the single computer device, wherein, the BT hearable device (114A, 114B) disconnects when its battery level is zero.
11.
The method of claim 5, further comprising: receiving, by the BT hearable device (114A, 114B), sixth set of commands to connect the BT hearable device (114A, 114B) for a preconfigured duration, and disconnect the BT hearable device (114A, 114B);
26
receiving, by the single board computer (301), a response for the sixth set of commands; and
calculating, by the single board computer (301), a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value and determining the signal strength for the BT hearable device (114A, 114B), wherein, the test is successful when the RSSI value is within -50dBm.
12.
The method of claim 5, further comprising: receiving, by the BT hearable device (114A, 114B), seventh set of commands to establish connection between a first mobile device (350) and the BT hearable device (114A, 114B);
sending, by the single board computer (301), a set of commands to a second mobile device (352) to initiate the call to the first mobile device (350); and
sending, by the single board computer (301), a set of commands to operate the servo motor and to enable the servo motors and knobs to tap on capacitance test control (CTC) of BT hearable device (114A, 114B) in order to perform one or more operations for the call from the second mobile device (352) to the first mobile device (350), wherein, the operation include at least one of attending a call, rejecting a call, and ending a call.
13.
A method (1100) for preforming automatic testing of Bluetooth (BT) hearable devices, the method comprising:
connecting (1102) at least one computing device (106, 108) with a single board computer (301), wherein the single board computer (301) is configured with a plurality of test modules for testing the BT hearable devices;
configuring (1104) at least two stands (112A-112B) with at least two servo motors to perform one or more operations related to buttons on the BT hearable devices;
configuring (1106) at least two speaker (110A-110B) to play audio as received by the BT hearable devices during testing; and
configuring (1108) a dummy head (116) with a test BT hearable device (114A-114B), configuring (1110) a servo module connected with the BT hearable device (114A, 114B), wherein test performance of BT hearable device (114A, 114B) is assessed for connection, disconnection, pairing, unpairing, capacitive touch control, battery level,
27
speaker functionality, signal strength, and call connectivity, wherein the computing device (106, 108) is configured to: connect to the BT hearable device (114A, 114B); send commands to test the BT hearable device (114A, 114B); check a response received from the BT hearable device (114A, 114B) for the commands; determine the test performance based on the at least one of compliance criteria; and
display a message when the test performance satisfies the compliance criteria.