Abstract:
A test system, for example for set top boxes or game consoles, includes logic to reformat media signals output by a device under test, logic to receive the reformatted media signals and to analyze them for errors, and a pluggable interface coupling the device under test to the logic to reformat the media signals.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    This application relates to automated test equipment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0002]    In the drawings, the same reference numbers and acronyms identify elements or acts with the same or similar functionality for ease of understanding and convenience. To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced. 
           [0003]      FIG. 1  illustrates a prior-art test system for end-user devices such as set top boxes and game consoles. 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a novel automated test system for end-user devices. 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a novel programmable multiformat board. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0006]    References to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. 
         [0007]    Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list. 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates a test system for user devices such as set top boxes and game consoles. Multiple units under test (UUT 1 , UUT 2 , . . . UUTN) are coupled to multiple multi-media-format boards: MFB 1 , MFB 2 , . . . MFBN. The multi-media-format boards may each offer a set of media format conversion functionality. The connectivity employed, between a particular UUT and its associated MFB may vary according to the make and model of the UUT and or MFB. Some UUTs may receive signals which are not directed from or through the MFB with which they are associated, for example signals from a service provider head-end. The inputs to a MFB, UUT, and the connections between an MFB and UUT, may vary according to the make and model of UUT, complicating the testing process. 
         [0009]    Polling, control, initialization, and configuration signals provided by the service provider (e.g., a cable television network operator, an Internet Service Provider, etc.) to the UUT are supplied via a direct connection between the UUT and the service provider network. 
         [0010]    In order to swap a UUT with another for testing purposes, it may be necessary to manually reconfigure the connections between the UUT and the MFB, and the UUT and the service provider. 
         [0011]    Each MFB may be coupled to test logic (e.g. a laptop computer), for example via a Universal Serial Bus (USB). Each MFB may drive an infrared (IR) signal source (IR 1 , IR 2  . . . IRN) to control the UUT. A USB hub may be employed to expand the number of ports available on a laptop, personal computer, or other test device. 
         [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a novel automated test system for end-user devices. Inputs to a unit under test (UUT) are received at a pluggable interface module  202 , which adapts and positions the signals to be received by the UUT  204 . The interface module  202  comprises inputs to and outputs from the UUT  204 . 
         [0013]    A multi-media format board  206  (MFB) may be configured with logic that is downloaded and installed on the board  206 , making it a programmable multi-media format board (PMFB). This may enable use of a single PMFB with multiple makes and models of UUT. The PMFB  206  may be configured to provide all of the inputs that the UUT  204  receives, and to receive all outputs of interest for testing from the UUT  204 . In this manner, it may be possible to simple disengage a particular UUT from the interface module  202 , and plug in a new UUT, without manually removing or installing any cabling or connections to the UUT  204  or PMFB  206 . 
         [0014]    The interface module  202  may comprise an identification (e.g. an assembly part number) that corresponds to the supported model. This identification may be coded into a non-volatile memory of the interface module  202 . The PMFB  206  may be adapted to automatically detect the make and model of a UUT  204  coupled thereto by interacting with the UUT  204  and/or with the interface module  202 , and may download and/or activate appropriate logic (e.g. from the test/analysis logic  208 ) to interact with and facilitate the testing of the UUT  204 . Upon detecting the make and model of a UUT  204 , the PMFB  206  may inform the test/analysis logic  208  of this information, so that the test/analysis logic  208  may select appropriate test and analysis logic for the UUT  204 . Logic of the test system may provide for parallel processing, such that each UUT  204  may be tested independently and concurrently. Multi-threading may be employed to accomplish this. 
         [0015]    The PMFB  206  may convert outputs of the UUT  204  to a binary format suitable for processing and analysis by the test/analysis logic  208 . Each PMFB  206  may have associated test logic, or multiple PMFBs may output data in parallel to shared test/analysis logic. Outputs of the PMFB  206  to test/analysis logic  208  may be provided in some embodiments via universal serial bus (USB). The pluggable interface module  202  may be adapted to fit, e.g. slot into, a retainer  210 . The interface module  202  is interchangeable and may be specific to a make and model of UUT  204 , whereas the retainer  210  may comprise a universal configuration (inputs and outputs) common among all makes and models of UUT  204 . A slide rack  212  driven by a lever  214 , crank, or other mechanism may be provided for loading the UUT  204  and for mechanically engaging it with the interface module  202  via operation of the lever  214  or other control. The lever  214  or other control may likewise be employed to disengage the UUT  204  from the interface module  202 , at which point the UUT  204  and/or the modular interface  202  may be removed and replaced with another UUT  204  and/or interface module  202 . 
         [0016]    The PMFB  206  may comprise logic for the decoding and reformatting of various media formats, such as Component, Composite, S-video, HDMI, and analog video. The format logic may also support S/PDIF and/or coaxial/optical audio formats, to name just some examples. Logic to decode different media formats may be downloaded by the PMFB  206  in some embodiments. Thus, a single PMFB  206  may be employed with various UUTs that operate upon or output various media formats. 
         [0017]    Polling, control initialization, and configuration signals provided by the service provider (e.g., a cable television network operator, an Internet Service Provider, etc.) to the UUT are provided via a source signal selector  216 . The source signal selector  216  may choose from among multiple available service provider sources and direct signals from the chosen source to the interface module  202  (note that the signals from the chosen source may in some implementations be directed to the retainer  210 , which may comprise inputs and outputs common to all makes and models of UUT  204 . For example, the source signal selector  216  may choose signals from a particular headend of a cable television provider, depending upon the make/model of the UUT  204 . The source signal selector  216  may choose signals from different service providers depending on the type of UUT (e.g. set top box, game console, etc.). The source signal selector  216  may comprise a configurable RF attenuation control to stress the RF input of the unit under test. This may be employed to detect anomalies on units failing when the RF level is below certain threshold levels. 
         [0018]    A carousel server (OLL, e.g. a Motorola Offline Loader, not shown in drawings) may be employed to load code objects on various set-top boxes. Deploying an OLL may increase the throughput of loading desired code objects independent from a service provider source. The signal selector  216  may be used in conjunction with the OLL to help prepare the set-top boxes with specific code objects. 
         [0019]    Either or both of the PMFB  206  or source signal selector  216  may determine the make and/or model of the UUT  204 . If the PMFB  206  makes this determination, it may in some embodiments communicate the make/model information to the source signal selector  216  and/or direct the PMFB  206  to select a particular source. If the source signal selector  216  makes this determination, it may, in some embodiments, communicate the information the PMFB  206  and/or direct the PMFB  206  to select a particular source. Media signals may be provided via a tunable RF channel from a local source  218 , instead of from the provider network. The local source need not be “local” to the test system, but may be any source other than the service provider network. The local media test signals may be substituted for signals from the provider network (e.g. the provider signals may be filtered out and replaced), or the local signals may supplement the polling, control, initialization, and configuration signals normally provided by the service provider. 
         [0020]    The source  218  of the local media test signals may be a separate server for this purpose, and/or the test/analysis logic  208  or devices may provide the local media test signals. In some embodiments, the media test signals may be selected according to the make and/or model of the UUT  204 . The system may include logic to apply the media test signals to the UUT via a same physical medium as service provider configuration signals are applied to the UUT. This logic may be comprised by the source signal selector  216 , the pluggable interface module  202 , the media format board  206 , or some other device (e.g. an RF coupler in the signal path). 
         [0021]    Control signals that drive features of the UUT  204  may be provided, for example by an IR port and/or USB from the PMFB  206 . PCI or SPI control and data exchange may also be employed to interact with the UUT  204 . The PMFB  206  may operate as a frame grabber which captures one or more frames output by the UUT  204 , buffers the captured frame(s), converts them to a data stream, and transfers them to the test/analysis logic  208 , for example via a USB interface. 
         [0022]    Logic to capture and process new/updated or different media formats, or to interact with new/different makes and models of UUT  204 , may be dynamically loaded to the PMFB  206  by the test/analysis logic  208  or another device. Dynamic loading of logic to the PMFB  206  may be based upon a determination of the make and/or model number of the UUT  204 . 
         [0023]    A test platform employing features of the described test system embodiment(s) may be arranged in horizontal, vertical, and/or grid configurations, with one, two, four, eight, or up to 24 UUT test stations, to name some of the possibilities. 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a novel programmable multi-media format board. Various components readily apparent to those skilled in the art are omitted from the illustration for purposes of keeping the description concise. The board may be programmed with new/changed media processing logic via parallel port, USB, or other digital interfaces, which may communicate and store upgrades to SDRAM, FLASH memory (not shown), or other volatile or nonvolatile program memory (e.g. memory of audio and video decoder blocks). Various board functions are coordinated using logic comprised by an FPGA, EPROM, EEPROM, ASIC, or other program memory storage. An IR port is available for communicating commands wirelessly to a UUT. 
         [0025]    The board has a capability to receive and decode various media formats, such as CVBS, Component. S-Video, HDMI (high definition multimedia interface), S/PDIF, Digital audio, PCM, Dolby, and DTS. A secure daughter board  222  may be used to decode and test HDMI signals, with the decoded result then passed to the MFB. The HDMI daughter board tests the signal to comply with HDCP (high bandwidth digital content protection), because the decoded HDMI signal cannot be passed to a PC, laptop, or other unsecure digital platform without violation of the HDCP specification. The board may also have a capability to receive and decode analog, SPDIF, optical signals, as well as RF signals (e.g. via coaxial cable). 
         [0026]    The board may comprise logic (e.g. in FPGA) to determine the make and model of a coupled UUT, and to adapt the applied media decoding logic accordingly, and to communicate the make and model information to a signal source for the UUT (or cause the signal source to, select a signal suitable to the make and/or model of the UUT). This make and model information may be obtained from the UUT, or from the pluggable interface module, or from another source, depending on the implementation. 
         [0027]    The board may comprise logic (e.g. in FPGA) to adapt the applied media decoding, logic based upon instructions from a signal source or other external device. 
         [0028]    “Logic” refers to signals and/or information embodied in circuits (e.g. memory circuits) that may be applied to influence the operation of a device. Software, hardware, and firmware are examples of logic. In general, logic may comprise combinations of software, hardware, and/or firmware. 
         [0029]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that logic may be distributed throughout one or more devices, and/or may be comprised of combinations of instructions in memory, processing capability, circuits, and so on. Therefore, in the interest of clarity and correctness logic may not, always be distinctly illustrated in drawings of devices and systems, although it is inherently present therein. 
         [0030]    The techniques and procedures described herein may be implemented via logic distributed in one or more computing devices. The particular distribution and choice of logic is a design decision that will vary according to implementation. 
         [0031]    Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are various logic implementations by which processes and/or systems described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes are deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a solely software implementation; or yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by which the processes described, herein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the context, in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those, skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspects of implementations may involve optically-oriented hardware, software, and or firmware. 
         [0032]    The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood as notorious by those within the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide, range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Several portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems) as one or more programs running on, one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and/or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal, bearing media used to actually carry out the distribution Examples of a signal bearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable type media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digital tape, and computer memory; and transmission type media such as digital and analog communication links using TDM or IP based communication links (e.g., packet links). 
         [0033]    In a general sense, those skilled in the art will, recognize that the various aspects described herein which can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment). 
         [0034]    Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the art to describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein, and thereafter use standard engineering practices to integrate such described devices and/or processes into larger systems. That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into a network processing system via a reasonable amount of experimentation. 
         [0035]    The foregoing described aspects depict different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality.