WO2007064103A1

WO2007064103A1 - Error test method for mobile communication terminals based on automatic generation of test scenario files and system for the same

Info

Publication number: WO2007064103A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/004963
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sangyeob Baek; Jungkeun Lim
Original assignee: Fusionsoft Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-11-30
Filing date: 2006-11-24
Publication date: 2007-06-07
Also published as: KR100585577B1

Abstract

Disclosed herein are a test method and system for a wireless communications terminal, based on automatic generation of a test scenario. A wireless communications terminal and a computer are communicatively connected with each other through a desired communications cable. An automatic test program is executed in the computer. At the state where the computer and the wireless communications terminal are adjusted for their port setup and properly interconnected, if a scenario writer inputs keys of the wireless communications terminal, the internal module of the wireless communications terminal transmits data for the key input information to the automatic test program of the computer. The automatic test program makes the data into a test scenario file and stores the file in a storage means of the computer. This test scenario file is reproduced in the computer to convert it into a command recognizable by the wireless communications terminal. The command is provided to a local or remote wireless communications terminal to perform a test for the wireless communications terminal. Thus, preparation of a test scenario for wireless communications terminals and the test using the scenario can be done efficiently.

Description

ERROR TEST METHOD FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

TERMINALS BASED ON AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF

TEST SCENARIO FILES AND SYSTEM FOR THE SAME

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an error test method for wireless communications terminals, more specifically to a simplified method of and a system for generating a test scenario for error test required during the course of developing wireless communications terminals. Background Art

[2] In the process of developing wireless communications terminals such as cellular phones, smart phones, PDAs and the like, the developers must test the developed terminals as to whether they operate properly with a wireless communications system in an area where the terminals are to be used. If an error is found during the test, causes for the error is examined and analyzed to figure out a solution therefor.

[3] In general, wireless communications terminal are tested according to a prepared test scenario in order to secure consistency and perfectness of the test. However, most of the conventional test procedures for wireless terminals have been manually carried out. For example, a test scenario is prepared in the form of a document, for the purpose of testing a wireless communications terminal. When a test for a new model wireless terminal is required, the tester performs a test for the terminal in such a way to operate all the keys of the terminal manually according to the test scenario.

[4] Such a manual test method is not very efficient in that every time when the wireless communications terminal to be tested is changed, the tester must repeat the key input work according to the test scenario. In addition, the tester has a burden of accurately inputting the key values according to the test scenario. Furthermore, if a new terminal having a new function is developed, a new test scenario suitable for the new terminal must be prepared. Such preparation of a test scenario in the form of a written document is time- and labor-consuming. Thus, what is needed is a new technique for preparing a test scenario and testing a wireless communications terminal more efficiently. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[5] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in order to mitigate the above inconvenience occurring in the prior art, and it is an object of the invention to provide an error test method and system for wireless communications terminals, in which a test scenario file for operational error test, occurring during the course of developing wireless communications terminals, can be simply and conveniently prepared by the developer or the tester (verifier) through a computer system and such a test scenario can be used to perform the error test of wireless communications terminals efficiently. Technical Solution

[6] In order to accomplish the above objects, according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a test method for a wireless communications terminal, based on automatic generation of a test scenario, comprising the steps of: adjusting a port setup of a computer and a wireless communications terminal so as to be properly communicated with each other, at the state where the wireless communications terminal and the computer are interconnected with each other through a desired communications cable and an automatic test program is executed in the computer; if a user inputs keys of a keypad of the wireless communications terminal in order to prepare a test scenario, generating command data corresponding to the input key and transmitting the command data to the automatic test program of the computer, by means of a terminal module of the automatic test program; and by means of the automatic test program, generating a test scenario file of a desired format, recording the command data transmitted from the terminal module in sequence in the test scenario file, and storing the test scenario file in a storage means of the computer.

[7] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a test method for a wireless communications terminal, based on automatic generation of a test scenario, comprising the steps of: preparing a software simulator having functions of displaying input keys of a real wireless communications terminal on a computer screen and generating a command corresponding to key values input on the screen by a user, executing the simulator in the computer, and if a scenario writer inputs keys on the computer screen in order to make a test scenario using the simulator, generating command data for the wireless communications terminal corresponding to the input key by means of the simulator; and by means of the automatic test program executed in the computer, generating a test scenario file of a desired format, recording the command data transmitted from the terminal module in sequence in the test scenario file, and storing the test scenario file in a storage means of the computer.

[8] The above methods can be used to prepare a test scenario for a wireless communications terminal in a simple and convenient way. In addition, for the purpose of testing wireless communications terminal using the test scenario, preferably the above method may further comprise the steps of: connecting a local computer with a test wireless communications terminal so as to be communicated with each other, and with the scenario file stored in the local computer, by means of the local computer, opening the test scenario file and converting the file contents into a command recognizable in the wireless communications terminal; providing the converted command to the wireless communications terminal; and processing the command by means of the wireless communications terminal.

[9] Preferably, for the purpose of testing a remote wireless communications terminal, the test method may further comprise the steps of: at the state where a local computer and a remote computer are connected so as to communicate with each other through a communications network and a test wireless communications terminal is connected to the remote computer so as to communicate with each other and the test scenario file is stored in the local computer, by means of the local computer opening the test scenario file and converting contents of the test scenario file into a command recognizable by the wireless communications terminal; transmitting the converted command to the remote computer so as to be provided to the wireless communications terminal; and by means of the wireless communications terminal processing the command.

[10] Furthermore, for the purpose of more specifically verifying the proceeding conditions of test of a remote wireless communications terminal, preferably the test method may further comprise the step of: at the state where a camera is communicatively connected to the remote computer, by means of the camera photographing screen contents of the wireless communications terminal as a mobile image when processing result of the command is displayed on the screen of the wireless communications terminal; and transmitting the photographed mobile image to the local computer via the remote computer and the communications network and displaying contents of the mobile image on the screen of the local computer.

[11] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a test system for a wireless communications terminal, based on automatic generation of a test scenario, the system comprising: a computer and at least one wireless communications terminal, a computer module of an automatic test program being installed in the computer and a terminal module thereof being installed in the wireless communications terminal, the computer and the wireless communications terminal being inter-connected through a communications cable, wherein the two modules of the automatic test program are executed in the computer to set up the computer and wireless communications terminal so as to communicate with each other, the terminal module of the automatic test program transmits to the computer all command data corresponding to all key values input into the wireless communications terminal when a tester (verifier) operates keypad of the wireless communications terminal in order to prepare a test scenario, and the computer module of the automatic test program generates a test scenario file of desired format and records the command data transmitted to the computer in sequential order inside of the file and stores the file in a storage means, such that the key operation contents of the wireless communications terminal are automatically made into a test scenario file.

[12] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a test system for a wireless communications terminal, based on automatic generation of a test scenario, the system comprising: a computer; and an automatic test program capable of being executed on the computer, the automatic test program including a simulator module having a function which enables input keys of a real wireless communications terminal to be displayed on a computer screen and generates a wireless terminal command data corresponding to key values input by a user through the screen, the automatic test program having a function of receiving the command data from the simulator module and converting the command data into a test scenario file of desired format and then storing the test scenario file in a storage means of the computer.

[13] In order to reproduce the test scenario with respect to a remote wireless communications terminal, the test system may further comprise a remote computer connected through a communications network to the local computer storing the test scenario and at least one remote wireless communications terminal communicatively connected to the remote computer, wherein the computer module and terminal module of the automatic test program are installed in the remote computer and the remote wireless communications terminal respectively.

[14] In case where the test scenario is reproduced with respect to a remote wireless communications terminal, for the purpose of reliable data connection considering characteristic of the entire networks connected with Internet, the test system of the invention may further comprise a remote computer connected through a communications network to the local computer storing the test scenario, at least one remote wireless communications terminal communicatively connected to the remote computer, and a relay server connected between the local computer and the remote computer through a communications network. Furthermore, the computer module and terminal module of the automatic test program are installed in the remote computer and the remote wireless communications terminal respectively, and the relay server only is registered with a firewall such that the local computer and the remote computer send and receive required data through the relay server.

[15] Further, the test system may further comprise a camera communicatively connected to the remote computer, wherein, when processing result for the command is displayed on the screen of the wireless communications terminal, if the camera photographs the screen contents of the wireless communications terminal as a mobile image and provides the mobile image to the remote computer, the automatic test program transmits the mobile image from the remote computer via the communications network to the local computer to make content of the mobile image to be displayed on the screen of the local computer. It is preferable that the test scenario file is made of a file of XML format.

Advantageous Effects

[16] According to the present invention, a test scenario for wireless communications terminal can be prepared in a simple and convenient way. Various convenient functions are used to make a variety of test scenarios. In addition, prepared test scenario can be easily applied to the test of a local wireless communications terminal or a remote wireless communications terminal. That is, preparation of a test scenario and its application are efficiently performed such that errors occurring during the development of wireless communications terminals are corrected fast, thereby enabling to shorten the time required for new product development and commercialize high- quality products in proper timing. Brief Description of the Drawings

[17] Further objects and advantages of the invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[18] Fig. 1 shows a computer module architecture of an automatic test program;

[19] Fig. 2 shows a system for automatically generating a test scenario, in which a wireless communications terminal is connected with a computer;

[20] Fig. 3 shows an automatic generation of test scenario using the automatic test program;

[21] Fig. 4 shows a system for testing a local wireless communications terminal using a generated test scenario;

[22] Fig. 5 shows a system for testing a remote wireless communications terminal using a generated test scenario;

[23] Fig. 6 show a test system for a remote wireless communications terminal using a generated test scenario and a relay serve;

[24] Fig. 7 shows a test command flow for a local wireless communications terminal and a result data flow through processing of the command; and

[25] Fig. 8 shows a test command flow for a local wireless communications terminal and a result data flow through processing of the command. Mode for the Invention

[26] Hereafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described more specifically, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[27] In the automatic test system for wireless mobile communications terminals, a wireless mobile communications terminal to be tested may be placed at the same area (hereinafter, referred to as a "local area") as a testing personnel (hereinafter, referred to as a "tester"), or placed at a remote area (hereinafter, referred to a "remote area") spatially far away from the tester. In addition, the wireless mobile communications terminal to be tested may include a single terminal or multiple terminals. Further, test data may be prepared in advance by a tester using a wireless mobile communications terminal and the system (i.e., a test scenario), or prepared in real-time by a tester using a wireless mobile communications terminal locally connected. Using the wireless mobile communications terminal and the system, the tester prepares test contents in the form of a test scenario and reproduces the prepared test scenario onto a wireless mobile communications terminal, which is connected locally or remotely. The resultant data for the locally or remotely reproduced test scenario is confirmed in real-time at the place of the tester, or stored in the form of a certain file and later used as analysis data when an error occurs.

[28] Throughout this description and claims, the term "wireless mobile communications terminal" may be also referred to as a "wireless communications terminal," "mobile communications terminal," "communications terminal," or "wireless terminal," "mobile terminal," "terminal," or the like, which will be used interchangeably.

[29] The present invention provides an automatic test program for automatically generating a test scenario and testing using the test scenario. This program has a function by which key input contents exerted by a tester are transmitted to the program installed in the computer and stored therein as a test scenario file. Furthermore, it also has a function of applying such test scenario file to an error test of wireless communications terminals. Such an automatic test program includes a computer module and a wireless mobile communications terminal module (hereinafter, referred to as a "terminal module").

[30] Fig. 1 shows a configuration of the computer module of the automatic test program.

Major functions of the automatic test program are as follows. In Fig. 1, the environment/utility 10 is a module to manage program environment variables and common utilities. The user interface (UI) 20 is a module to interface to user's input/ output devices (keyboard, monitor, etc.). The controller 40 is a module to transmit instructions of the UI 20 to a lower level module and events of a lower level module to the UI 20. The scenario administrator 50 is a module to generate and reproduce a test scenario. The device administrator 60 is a module in charge of administering a current wireless terminal connected to the computer. The codec/parser 70 is a module having functions of parsing test scenario files and transforming the parsed contents into instructions adaptable to wireless communications terminals and generating instructions required for network communications with terminals. The virtual device 80 is a false device module which is to be mapped into a physical real device. The port 90 is a module in charge of receiving data of the virtual or real device being transmitted via a serial or Internet and transmitting it to a destination. The message sender 100 is a module to transmit a message being transmitted via the port 90 to the codec/parser 70. This automatic test program can be used to store, in the form of a log, events transmitted to a communications terminal or events generated by the terminal and produce the stored log as it is, during the testing of a local or remote wireless terminals.

[31] As illustrated in Fig. 2, a test scenario can be generated through a test system including a computer 200 with an automatic test program installed and a wireless communications terminal 210 connected to the computer through a communications cable 220 such as a serial cable or a USB cable. The automatic test program includes a module to be installed in a test wireless communications terminal 210. Hereinafter, the test wireless communications terminal is referred to as a "test terminal". The program module installed in the test terminal 210 has a function of transmitting commands, corresponding to all key input values from the keypad, to the computer 200.

[32] With the system of Fig. 2, an automatic generation of a test scenario is carried out as follows. First, an automatic test program is executed in the computer 200 and thereafter a wireless communications terminal 210 and the computer 200 are connected to each other using a serial cable or a USB cable. Then, a port setup with the connected wireless terminal 210 is performed in the automatic test program and it is then tested as to whether properly connected or not. After that, a user (e.g., a scenario writer) inputs required meta information (scenario writer, model of wireless terminal, binary version, generation date, etc.) onto the input screen (window) provided by the automatic test program. The input meta information is used for generating a test scenario file.

[33] Upon completion of these preparations, the user generates a scenario through the input means of the wireless terminal 210 and the automatic test program. Fig. 3 shows the internal structure of an automatic test program, which is involved in the generation of a test scenario. Referring to Fig. 3, specifically, if a user inputs keys on the keypad of a wireless terminal 210 coupled to the automatic test program, the terminal module of the automatic test program already installed in the wireless terminal 210 transmits command data corresponding to the key input information to the automatic test program of the computer 200. The key input values of the wireless terminal 210 transferred to the port 90 through the communications cable 220 are transmitted to the codec/parser 70 in the received order through the message sender 100. The codec/ parser 70 converts the data transmitted from the wireless terminal 210 into a desired file format and transmits it to the test scenario administrator 50 through the message sender 100, the port 90, the virtual device 80 and the device administrator 60. The test scenario administrator 50 uses the meta information to convert the test scenario file into a XML format, and then records received information in sequence in the test scenario file. Through this course of actions, the command data transmitted from the wireless communications terminal 210 is stored in the test scenario file in real-time by means of the automatic test program.

[34] Since the contents of a test scenario is a text, the file format of a test scenario is not particularly limited so long as it is a file format to be able to record a text. A desirable file format includes an extensible markup language (XML). In case of an XML format, the test scenario file can be easily encoded and decoded. In addition, an external test scenario can be easily inserted and their test functions can be efficiently distinguished from each other.

[35] For purposes of generating a test scenario file more conveniently and efficiently, the automatic test program has various functions as follows, i) A function of designating a certain particular key event or section and repeatedly executing the designated event or section. In case where a certain key input content needs to be repeated five times, this function can be used, i.e., the user performs the key operation only one time and then designates the number to be repeated, without manually repeating the same key operation five times, ii) A function of inserting an existing test scenario file into a desired position inside of a test scenario file currently being generated, iii) A function of pre-establishing an error test schedule, such as a test start time and a test end time, using the prepared test scenario, iv) A function of automatically and repeatedly inputting a text into a test scenario currently being generated, so as to fit into a certain specific format. These convenient functions can be utilized to generate a test scenario and carry out a test more efficiently. The generated test scenario file is stored in a storage means such as a hard disk of the computer 200.

[36] Where a test scenario is prepared using the wireless communications terminal, the wireless communications terminal should have a program module for transmitting all the events, imposed to the wireless terminal, to the automatic test program module of the computer 200. Data format (protocol) transmitted from the wireless terminal 210 is to be identical to the program protocol of the computer 200. This matter is to be applied in the same manner during the subsequent reproduction of a prepared test scenario.

[37] On the other hand, a test scenario file generated as above can be useful to test a wireless communications terminal as to any operational error or the like. The test can be carried out in various types of system environments. As shown in Fig. 4, an automatic test system for a local terminal can be used, where at least one wireless terminals 210a, 210b and 210c are connected via a communications cable 220 to a computer 200 which stores the automatic test program and a test scenario. When a test scenario is reproduced in the computer 200, the computer module of the automatic test program should have a function of transmitting a command recognizable in the wireless terminal 210a, 210b, 210c to the wireless terminal, and the terminal module of the wireless terminal 210a, 210b, 210c should have a function of processing the command transmitted from the computer 200. The illustrated system is configured such that a tester prepares a test scenario using the system, and connects his or her computer 200 to one or multiple wireless terminals via a communications cable 220 such as a serial cable or a USB cable to reproduce the prepared test scenario.

[38] Details on the reproduction procedures of a test scenario are shown in Fig. 7. First, the automatic test program stored in the computer 200 is executed. Then, test terminals 210a, 210b, 210c are connected to the computer 200 using a communications cable 220. At this point, an automatic test setup window displayed in the computer 200 monitor is used to match a port setup between the wireless terminals 210a, 210b and 210c connected to the computer, and test as to whether they are properly connected with one another. After confirmation of their normal connection, an instruction is made to open and reproduce the prepared test scenario file. This instruction is transmitted to a scenario reproducer (controller + command generator + scenario administrator) 55 through a user interface 20. The scenario reproducer 55 cooperates with the codec/ parser 70 to parse the test scenario file of XML format and convert the parsed data into a command of recognizable format in the wireless terminal 210a, 210b and 210c. Such command is transmitted to the virtual device 80 through the device administrator 60. The virtual device 80 uses its own port 90 to transmit the command to a real physical device 110. This command flow is denoted by the solid line in Fig. 7. In this way, the command concerned is transmitted from the computer 200 to the wireless terminals 210a, 210b and 210c, and received and processed by the automatic test program module installed inside of each wireless terminal.

[39] As for the reproduction of a test scenario, the automatic test program installed in the computer 200 provides the following functions. That is, i) a temporary interruption function capable of temporarily interrupting reproduction during the reproduction of a test scenario, ii) a function of reproducing a test scenario file in a stepwise way, for example, one script every time when a specific key is pressed, iii) a function of inputting a break point into a specific position of a test scenario file and reproducing the test scenario file until the break point, iv) a function of appointing a certain portion of a test scenario file and number of times for reproduction of the certain portion and repeatedly reproducing the certain portion of the test scenario file at a pre-determined number of times, etc.

[40] If a test scenario is reproduced in the wireless communications terminal, the wireless communications terminal executes a command and transmits its result data to the automatic test program of the computer 200. The result data flow is denoted by the dot line in Fig. 7. In the computer 200, the received result data is decoded by the codec/parser 70 and again made into data confirmable by the tester. Then, such data is transmitted to the user interface 20 via the port 90, the virtual device 80 and the device administrator 60, and displayed in real-time on the computer 200 screen and also stored in a storage means. The test result is used as data for analysis in case where a problem occurs.

[41] On the other hand, the prepared test scenario can be used for testing a wireless terminal placed at the same area as a tester and also at a remote area. In the same way as in a local test, one or multiple wireless communications terminals can be connected at the remote area and a test scenario can be used for test. Fig. 5 shows a system for automatic test of a remote wireless terminal. This system is configured such that a tester (verifier) prepares a test scenario using a local computer 200-1, then the local computer 200-1 is made to be connected with a remote computer 200-2 through a communications network 230 such as Internet, and the prepared test scenario is reproduced in the one or multiple wireless communications terminals 210a, 210b and 210c, which are connected to the remote area 200-2.

[42] The reproduction procedures of a test scenario in the remote wireless terminals

210a, 210b and 210c are depicted by the solid line in Fig. 8. The reproduction of a test scenario will be explained hereafter. First, the program is executed in the remote computer 200-2 and then the remote computer 200-2 and the wireless terminals 210a, 210b and 210c are inter-connected through a communications cable 220. The automatic test program of the remote computer 200-2 adjusts a port setup with the connected wireless terminals 210, 210b and 210c. Then, the remote computer program tests as to whether the remote computer 200-2 and the wireless terminals 210a, 210b and 210c are properly connected with each other. With the automatic test program executed, the local computer 200- 1 generates a virtual device to be tested. When generating a virtual device, a remote IP and port number, and a connection port of wireless terminals connected to the remote computer 200-2 and the like are established. Thereafter, the scenario generator 55 of the automatic test program in the local computer opens and parses the test scenario to make a command understandable by the wireless communications terminal 210. Then, the above command is made into a packet form transmittable through the communication network 230, and transmitted to the remote computer 200-2 through Internet 230. The automatic test program of the remote computer 200-2 receives the network packet from the local computer 200-1 and the codec/parser 70-2 decodes the packet and converts it into a command recognizable by the wireless communications terminal. The command is transmitted to the wireless communications terminal 210 through the serial port 90-3 via the virtual device 80-2, the device administrator 60-2 and the virtual device 80-3. The command is received by the remote wireless terminal 210, the internal module of which processes the command. Through the above procedures, the remote wireless communications terminal can be tested conveniently.

[43] Test results for a remote wireless communications terminal also can be confirmed in the local computer 200-1. Result data flow is denoted by the dot line in Fig. 8. During the test of a remote wireless terminal 210 in the local computer 200-1 using a test scenario, the test result data from the remote wireless communications terminal 210 is provided to the codec/parser 70-2 via the serial port 90-3 and encoded into a network packet. The encoded network packet is transmitted in real-time to the local computer 200-1 through Internet 230 via the virtual device 80-3, the device administrator 60-2, the virtual device 80-2 and the Internet port 90-2. In the local computer 200-1, the transmitted network packet is decoded by the codec/parser 70-1 and converted into data viewable by the user. The decoded data is transferred to the user interface 20 through the virtual device 80-1 and the device administrator 60-1. Then, the test result data is displayed on the screen of the local computer 200- 1 to be viewed by the tester (verifier) and at the same time stored in a storage means of the local computer 200-1.

[44] On the other hand, in some cases, an automatic test system for remote terminals

210a, 210b and 210c can be used, which employs a relay server 200-3 as shown in Fig. 6. The relay server 200-3 is introduced in order to enable a connection between the local computer 200-1 and the remote computer 200-2 under any circumstances, considering all the characteristics of each network. In many cases, the configuration of corporate network and test area network is provided with a security system such as a firewall. It is not easy to configure a connection for test to a computer in such a network, thus leading to difficulties in normal connection. Considering these circumstances and characteristics of all the networks connected with the Internet, a relay server 200-3 is employed to enable a reliable data connection. That is, in order to mitigate registering of the local computer 200-1 and the remote computer 200-2 into the firewall for every test, the relay server 200-3 is disposed between these two computers 200- 1 and 200-2. Only the relay server 200-3 is registered into the firewall and required data is transmitted via the relay server. In addition, the relay server maintains a list of remote wireless communications terminals connected thereto, so that the local computer can conveniently select a remote communications terminal to be tested.

[45] It is preferable that the automatic test program has a function of transmitting the screen (window) of a remote wireless terminal to a local computer. This function helps to perform error analysis by allowing the local computer to view the screen information of the remoter wireless terminal, which changes every time when a command is transmitted while the local computer tests a wireless terminal connected to the remote computer. For this purpose, as shown in Fig. 5, a computer camera 240 is required to take the picture of the screen of the remote wireless communications terminal 210a. The camera 240 photographs as a mobile image the screen being displayed in such a manner that text commands received from the local computer 200-1 is processed by the remoter wireless communications terminal 210a. The mobile image data is transferred from the remote computer 200-2 to the local computer 200-1. When the local computer 200- 1 displays the test result data on the computer screen, it shows the mobile image together.

[46] On the other hand, the preparation of a test scenario may be performed using events, which are transferred from a wireless communications terminal through a direction connection between the program and the wireless communications terminal. In the case of absence of the wireless communications terminal, it can be made through the simulator and the command generator provided by the program. Also, the test scenario may be prepared using a software simulator program module, which is implemented on the computer having the same as in a real wireless terminal so as to have a function of generating a command corresponding to the keypad. This simulator 30 module may be included as part of the automatic test program. The simulator 30 is a module configured such that a real wireless communications terminal can be reproduced on a computer. The simulator has a function of controlling a wireless communications terminal and displaying a screen output. That is, the simulator 30 displays the keypad of a wireless terminal on the computer screen and provides a function of generating a command (key value) corresponding to the keys clicked on the keypad by a user. In addition, it has a function of displaying on the computer the screen contents that correspond to key values input by a user. When the automatic test program is executed, the simulator 30 reads each button information from the file where setup information is stored, and matches operational information with the connected wireless communications terminal. Here, the setup information refers to information including keypad information of the entire wireless communications terminal and a matching command thereto. Different wireless communications terminals have various different keypads. For example, the command corresponding to the number one key in a keypad may be different for different terminals, i.e., a command "Key_l" for a terminal manufactured by a company A and a command "Key_One" for a terminal manufactured by another company B. Thus, considering these circumstances, all the information is contained in a particular information file, and then a desired setup file can be read and applied.

[47] A user controls a wireless communications terminal implemented on the computer by means of the simulator 30, in the same way as in a real wireless communications terminal. The simulator 30 receives a user's control information, at the state where op- erational setup information is setup. The simulator 30 analyzes the control information received from the user as to the type of the information, and provides it to the codec/ parser 70 where it is converted into a command for wireless communications terminal. The converted command is stored in the computer as a test scenario file, as previously explained. Similar to the previous explanation, test of wireless communications terminal 210 using the test scenario file and the output screen of the terminal 210 during the test are provided to the computer 200. Industrial Applicability

[48] The present invention can be used for an error test that is repeatedly carried out during the development of wireless communications terminals. In particular, key operation contents for the error test are made automatically into a test scenario file. This test scenario file can be used for the error test for other terminals. In this way, the test scenario file can be made very fast and conveniently and thus errors occurring in the development of wireless terminals are solved fast as much, thereby enabling to expedite the development of a new product.

[49] Although the invention has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] A test method for a wireless communications terminal, based on automatic generation of a test scenario, comprising the steps of: adjusting a port setup of a computer and a wireless communications terminal so as to be properly communicated with each other, at the state where the wireless communications terminal and the computer are interconnected with each other through a desired communications cable and an automatic test program is executed in the computer; if a user inputs keys of a keypad of the wireless communications terminal in order to prepare a test scenario, generating command data corresponding to the input key and transmitting the command data to the automatic test program of the computer, by means of a terminal module of the automatic test program; and by means of the automatic test program, generating a test scenario file of a desired format, recording the command data transmitted from the terminal module in sequence in the test scenario file, and storing the test scenario file in a storage means of the computer.

[2] A test method for a wireless communications terminal, based on automatic generation of a test scenario, comprising the steps of: preparing a software simulator having functions of displaying input keys of a real wireless communications terminal on a computer screen and generating a command corresponding to key values input on the screen by a user, executing the simulator in the computer, and if a scenario writer inputs keys on the computer screen in order to make a test scenario using the simulator, generating command data for the wireless communications terminal corresponding to the input key by means of the simulator; and by means of the automatic test program executed in the computer, generating a test scenario file of a desired format, recording the command data transmitted from the terminal module in sequence in the test scenario file, and storing the test scenario file in a storage means of the computer.

[3] The test method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising the steps of: connecting a local computer with a test wireless communications terminal so as to be communicated with each other, and with the scenario file stored in the local computer, by means of the local computer, opening the test scenario file and converting the file contents into a command recognizable in the wireless communications terminal; providing the converted command to the wireless communications terminal; and processing the command by means of the wireless communications terminal.

[4] The test method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising the steps of: at the state where a local computer and a remote computer are connected so as to communicate with each other through a communications network and a test wireless communications terminal is connected to the remote computer so as to communicate with each other and the test scenario file is stored in the local computer, by means of the local computer opening the test scenario file and converting contents of the test scenario file into a command recognizable by the wireless communications terminal; transmitting the converted command to the remote computer so as to be provided to the wireless communications terminal; and by means of the wireless communications terminal processing the command.

[5] The test method as claimed in claim 4, further comprising the step of: at the state where a computer camera is communicatively connected to the remote computer, by means of the camera photographing screen contents of the wireless communications terminal as a mobile image when processing result of the command is displayed on the screen of the wireless communications terminal; and transmitting the photographed mobile image to the local computer via the remote computer and the communications network and displaying contents of the mobile image on the screen of the local computer.

[6] The test method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the test scenario file is made of a file of XML format.

[7] The test method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the automatic test program includes at least one of i) a function of designating a certain particular key event or section and repeatedly executing the designated event or section, ii) a function of inserting an existing test scenario file into a desired position inside of a test scenario file currently being generated, iii) a function of pre-establishing an error test schedule, such as a test start time and a test end time, using the prepared test scenario, and iv) a function of automatically and repeatedly inputting a text into a test scenario currently being generated, so as to fit into a certain specific format.

[8] A test system for a wireless communications terminal, based on automatic generation of a test scenario, the system comprising: a computer and at least one wireless communications terminal, a computer module of an automatic test program being installed in the computer and a terminal module thereof being installed in the wireless communications terminal, the computer and the wireless communications terminal being inter-connected through a communications cable, wherein the two modules of the automatic test program are executed in the computer to set up the computer and wireless communications terminal so as to communicate with each other, the terminal module of the automatic test program transmits to the computer all command data corresponding to all key values input into the wireless communications terminal when a tester operates keypad of the wireless communications terminal in order to prepare a test scenario, and the computer module of the automatic test program generates a test scenario file of desired format and records the command data transmitted to the computer in sequential order inside of the file and stores the file in a storage means, such that the key operation contents of the wireless communications terminal are automatically made into a test scenario file.

[9] The test system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the computer module of the automatic test program opens the test scenario file from the computer storing the test scenario and converts the file contents into a command recognizable in the wireless communications terminal and provides the command to a test wireless communications terminal, and the terminal module of the automatic test program receives the command and processes the command in the wireless communications terminal.

[10] The test system as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the computer module of the automatic test program includes at least one of i) a function of designating a certain particular key event or section and repeatedly executing the designated event or section, ii) a function of inserting an existing test scenario file into a desired position inside of a test scenario file currently being generated, iii) a function of pre-establishing an error test schedule, such as a test start time and a test end time, using the prepared test scenario, and iv) a function of automatically and repeatedly inputting a text into a test scenario currently being generated, so as to fit into a certain specific format.

[11] The test system as claimed in claim 9, in order to reproduce the test scenario with respect to a remote wireless communications terminal, further comprising a remote computer connected through a communications network to the local computer storing the test scenario and at least one remote wireless communications terminal communicatively connected to the remote computer, wherein the computer module and terminal module of the automatic test program are installed in the remote computer and the remote wireless communications terminal respectively.

[12] The test system as claimed in claim 11, in order to reproduce the test scenario with respect to a remote wireless communications terminal, further comprising a remote computer connected through a communications network to the local computer storing the test scenario, at least one remote wireless communications terminal communicatively connected to the remote computer, and a relay server connected between the local computer and the remote computer through a communications network, wherein the computer module and terminal module of the automatic test program are installed in the remote computer and the remote wireless communications terminal respectively, and the relay server only is registered with a firewall such that the local computer and the remote computer send and receive required data through the relay server.

[13] The test system as claimed in claim 11 or 12, further comprising a camera communicatively connected to the remote computer, wherein, when processing result for the command is displayed on the screen of the wireless communications terminal, if the camera photographs the screen contents of the wireless communications terminal as a mobile image and provides the mobile image to the remote computer, the automatic test program transmits the mobile image from the remote computer via the communications network to the local computer to make content of the mobile image to be displayed on the screen of the local computer.

[14] A test system for a wireless communications terminal, based on automatic generation of a test scenario, the system comprising: a computer; and an automatic test program capable of being executed on the computer, the automatic test program including a simulator module having a function which enables input keys of a real wireless communications terminal to be displayed on a computer screen and generates a wireless terminal command data corresponding to key values input by a user through the screen, the automatic test program having a function of receiving the command data from the simulator module and converting the command data into a test scenario file of desired format and then storing the test scenario file in a storage means of the computer.

[15] The test system as claimed in claim 8 or 14, wherein the test scenario file is made of a file of XML format.

[16] The test system as claimed in claim 14, in order to reproduce the test scenario with respect to a remote wireless communications terminal, further comprising a remote computer connected through a communications network to the local computer storing the test scenario and at least one remote wireless communications terminal communicatively connected to the remote computer, wherein the computer module and terminal module of the automatic test program are installed in the remote computer and the remote wireless communications terminal respectively.

[17] The test system as claimed in claim 14, in order to reproduce the test scenario with respect to a remote wireless communications terminal, further comprising a remote computer connected through a communications network to the local computer storing the test scenario, at least one remote wireless communications terminal communicatively connected to the remote computer, and a relay server connected between the local computer and the remote computer through a communications network, wherein the computer module and terminal module of the automatic test program are installed in the remote computer and the remote wireless communications terminal respectively, and the relay server only is registered with a firewall such that the local computer and the remote computer send and receive required data through the relay server.

[18] The test system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the relay server maintains a list of remote wireless communications terminals connected to the relay server such that the local computer can easily select a wireless communications terminal to be tested.