Showing papers on "Acceptance testing published in 1991"

Method and apparatus for improved coin, bill and other currency acceptance and slug or counterfeit rejection

Abstract: Methods and validation apparatus for achieving improved acceptance and rejection for coins, bills and other currency items. One aspect includes modifying item acceptance criteria by creating and defining three-dimensional acceptance clusters, the data for which are stored in look-up tables in memory associated with a microprocessor. A second aspect involves fraud prevention by temporarily tightening or readjusting item acceptance criteria when a potential fraud attempt is detected. A third aspect relates to minimizing the effects of counterfeit items such as slugs on the self-adjustment process for the item acceptance criteria. A final aspect relates to calculation of a relative value of the acceptance criteria in order to conserve memory space and minimize computation time.

Performance, effectiveness, and reliability issues in software testing

Abstract: The author has identified two problems that need to be overcome in order that some of the powerful testing techniques be used in practice: performance and effectiveness. The testing methods referred to are dataflow and mutation testing. >

Testing Very Big Systems

Abstract: This book provides a practical and proven alternative to standard debugging emphasizing methodological verification, validation, and testing of large-scale software systems. It presents the very latest function analysis techniques and explores the economics of the testing process.

Paving the Way to Thermally Stable Coordinate Measuring Machines

Abstract: The manufacturers of high and ultra-precision coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) go to great lengths when it comes to temperature control of locations for CMM assembly, adjustment and acceptance testing (1).

Performance testing procedures for photovoltaic modules in mismatching conditions

Abstract: To verify the performance of a photovoltaic (PV) module in mismatching conditions, different procedures based on two typical experimental PV module tests, one with all cells fully irradiated and the other with one or more totally shaded cells, are proposed. Such procedures provide parameters and characteristics which can be useful for characterizing the quality of a module. These procedures can be the basis for a conventional acceptance test. >

Design of a system for software testing and debugging for multiprocessor avionics systems

Abstract: As multiprocessor software solutions find their way into critical applications such as avionics as a means of increasing performance and reliability, the need for both debugging and testing tools increases dramatically. The authors focus on the gathering of accurate run-time information providing support for both debugging and testing of embedded multiprocessor systems by using run-time identification of simple events and postexecution identification of compound events. Additionally, they propose a way of combining specification-based (black-box) system testing and automatic monitoring to substantially reduce the complexity, tedium, and cost of complete structural (white-box) testing. >

Using Untampered Metrics to Decide When to Stop Testing Software

Abstract: Exhaustive testing of large software systems is prohibitively expensive and practically impossible. However, most software development process managers erroneously assume completeness of the test programs. This has often resulted in an incorrect system evaluation and the release of poor quality products to the field. The understanding of this limitation can become a strength by driving the testers to optimize the positioning of the test programs (robust testing). The observation that software errors tend to form clusters (design holes) permits the use of statistical failure analysis to pinpoint the largest and most likely defective areas. It is essential to periodically halt testing and analyze the test failure data in order to optimize the use of the remaining testing resources and interval. The entire test program can be stopped when the likelihood of residual design errors is small enough.

Recovery testing for switch software faults

Abstract: Software fault insertion testing is emerging as a means to assess a switching system's ability to respond appropriately to software faults. The author presents a customer view of switching system software quality and testing in the field, which supplements the traditional supplier's view in terms of defects per line of code or window of stability of the software testing stability curve. From a customer viewpoint, the ability of a switching system to recover from software faults serves as one of the important indicators of the software quality. The author proposes a methodology for customer recovery testing to assess switch software quality and readiness for service. >

Robot Testing and Information Related to Robots

Abstract: Testing is an important aspect associated with robots This may be performance testing, reliability testing, or any other type of testing In this Chapter, we will deal with robot performance and reliability testing in particular There are several types of performance testing techniques which have been used since the inception of the robot [1], [2] The forms of performance testing vary from the verification of the design goals by the robot manufacturer to the determination of the most appropriate robot for a specific use The purpose of the robot reliability testing program is to obtain knowledge of failures—in particular, robot failure occurrence patterns Robot reliability tests may be categorized into three broad groups [2]: reliability development and demonstration testing, qualification and acceptance testing, and operational testing

On generating test data from prototypes

Abstract: A new approach is proposed for automatically generating test data for functional testing from the specifications for rapid prototyping. Rapid prototyping, a new software development approach, uses formal specifications to quickly generate prototypes to obtain user's feedback from the prototype execution. The authors find that the test cases and the corresponding behavior of the prototype are good references in generating test data for system acceptance testing, and the test data can be automatically generated from the formal specifications used in prototyping. Thus, most of the test cases for functional testing can be automatically generated, and a lot of efforts devoted to software testing can be reduced. >

Testing and Evaluating C3I Systems That Employ AI. Volume 1. Handbook for Testing Expert Systems

Abstract: : This is the first and main volume of a five-volume report on this project to develop methods for testing expert systems. This volume provides a software tester with a comprehensive method for testing expert systems and knowledge-based systems. It contains chapters on an overview of expert system testing, foundations for testing expert systems, subjective methods, technical methods, empirical methods, an integrative framework for testing and evaluation, the relationship between this framework and other approaches to testing, and future directions. It also contains a detailed questionnaire that can be used to elicit subjective information from subjects and an extensive list of reference Expert systems, Testing, Knowledge-based systems, Artificial intelligence, Multiattribute utility

Methodology and tools for requirements capture, traceability, and verification

Abstract: This paper describes a methodology for establishing a clear requirements baseline at the outset of the development lifecycle using the general approach of procedure SQA01. It was originally applied to software development for a military HF communication system, and has since been applied to two further projects in the civil sector concerning private mobile radio and message switching. The methodology provides forward and reverse traceability between this baseline and the design, so giving assurance that the delivered product meets its requirements whilst not being over-engineered. The methodology helps engineers perform formal integration and acceptance testing such as described in procedures SQA08 and SQA09 by documenting tests and providing traceability to the requirements baseline.

Performance Testing of Plastics Products

Abstract: Plastics engineers frequently are required to evaluate the physical and other characteristics of objects made from plastics. The purpose may be control of quality in production, acceptance testing against specifications, establishment of data for engineering and design, or other economically important activities.

Testing for neutral-to-ground connections in new construction.

Abstract: A study was performed to seek out inadvertent connections between neutral and ground in the power distribution system of a newly constructed hospital, prior to occupancy. Such connections are not only violations of code but could cause medical device problems. Ground wires are not intended to carry load currents except during faults. When currents do flow in grounds, medical device chassis voltages are elevated and some devices may respond unpredictably. Suitable acceptance testing is not commonly done. In this study, a simple test method was developed that helped reveal and correct many neutral-ground misconnections. The authors advocate incorporating such a test into building construction contract specifications.

Engineering Evaluation of the MEMTEC, Limited, Small Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU) for the United States Southern Command

Abstract: : This report describes the engineering evaluation of the MEMTEC, Ltd. (Australia), Small Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU). Objectives of the evaluation were to: (1) Determine if the MEMTEC Small ROWPU met Quality Assurance acceptance criteria listed in contract DAAK70-89-C-0076, Section E.1. 1; (2) Provide the opportunity for the project engineer and support personnel to obtain a working knowledge of the Small ROWPU's operational characteristics prior to the operational test at the Tropic Test Site, Panama; and (3) Accrue operating hours on the Small ROWPU system under semi-controlled conditions to provide an opportunity to correct any operational glitches prior to initiating TTS operational testing.

Rapid prototyping and testing coverage based on decision tables

Abstract: Encapsulating testing scenarios into complex tests and rapid-testing prototyping are key issues for understanding software testing complexity. The author demonstrates how decision table (DT) techniques can help in visualizing these issues, and so reduce the testing complexity and improve the quality of software products. >

Software reliability experiments data analysis and investigation

Abstract: The objectives are to investigate the fundamental reasons which cause independently developed software programs to fail dependently, and to examine fault tolerant software structures which maximize reliability gain in the presence of such dependent failure behavior. The authors used 20 redundant programs from a software reliability experiment to analyze the software errors causing coincident failures, to compare the reliability of N-version and recovery block structures composed of these programs, and to examine the impact of diversity on software reliability using subpopulations of these programs. The results indicate that both conceptually related and unrelated errors can cause coincident failures and that recovery block structures offer more reliability gain than N-version structures if acceptance checks that fail independently from the software components are available. The authors present a theory of general program checkers that have potential application for acceptance tests.

Single-chip FM-CW radar low-cost production test

Abstract: In order to realize the low product cost potential of a single-chip FM-CW radar MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit), an innovative production testing concept is developed in which the complete transmit/receive transfer function is verified in under one minute using the self-generated microwave signal in a simulated radar range environment. The test acceptance criteria are related to fundamental radar module specifications. The test environment, test acceptance criteria, and data storage are controlled by a personal computer. A text example is given. >

Centrifugal Pump Performance Testing - Power Industry User Requirements

Abstract: Many aspects of centrifugal pump performance adequacy are best demonstrated by test. In the Power Industries the primary parameters; flowrate, total head and input power are readily quantifiable and appropriate acceptance tests to meet functional needs are definable. Special tests are required where cavitation is perceived to give rise to a risk of performance loss, erosion damage or surging. Choosing an appropriate acceptance test method to give the desired plant operating security in these circumstances can pose difficulties at the User/Manufacturer interface. Aspects of centrifugal pump performance testing, from the well established to those where general agreement between User and Manufacturer has not yet been formulated, are discussed. A User view is given on pump testing standards and the areas in which research and development to support special tests should be carried out.