Patent ID: 7260827
Filing Date: 2007-08-21
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method of testing a video server for a video-on-demand system, said method including the steps of: storing, in a single computer, respective current states for each of several simulated control terminals, where each current state identifies a movie that was last requested by the corresponding simulated control terminal and a VCR-like command that was last sent from the corresponding simulated control terminals; displaying, on a visual monitor connected to said computer, 1) a pointer for selecting any one particular simulated control terminal, 2) the current state of the selected simulated control terminal, and 3) a set of control buttons for requesting any one of several movies and for sending VCR-like commands; performing a first manual step, by an operator of said computer, which consists of clicking a mouse that is coupled to said computer while placing a cursor on said pointer; responding immediately within said computer to said first manual step by—a) selecting another simulated control terminal via said pointer, and b) displaying on said visual monitor the current state of said another simulated control terminal; performing a second manual step, by said operator, which consists of clicking said mouse while placing said curser on a particular one of said control buttons; responding immediately within said computer to said second manual step by—a) generating an output signal from said computer to said video server which represents said one particular control button and which identifies said another simulated control terminal, b) updating the current state for said another simulated control terminal, and c) displaying on said visual monitor the updated current state; and, repeatedly performing, by said operator, only said first and second manual steps in a sequence.