Error detection/correction and fault detection/recovery – Data processing system error or fault handling – Reliability and availability
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-11
2001-09-25
Beausoleil, Robert (Department: 2184)
Error detection/correction and fault detection/recovery
Data processing system error or fault handling
Reliability and availability
C714S736000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295612
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is directed to a method and system of invoking and monitoring tests executed by multiple, diverse control systems/algorithms and, more particularly, to a method and system that allows such invoking and monitoring to be performed by a common monitoring system.
BACKGROUND ART
Generally, many control systems are formed from a main computer system arranged to perform multiple control algorithms. One such application is in an automotive environment. Such control systems can be coupled with a separate monitoring system to provide a testing capability for each of the multiple control algorithms.
However, typical algorithm/software testing methodologies require the monitoring system to provide both an initial parameter stimulus to the main computer system as well as a set of expected results. As a consequence, the test monitoring system must be adapted to maintain application-specific expected results within the monitor itself. Such a requirement significantly adds to the complexity of the monitoring system while also limiting the use of the monitoring system to monitoring and testing specific, predetermined control applications. Therefore, a need exists for a monitoring system that can operate independently of any specific applications to be tested and monitored so as to improve efficiency while reducing overall cost and complexity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for invoking and monitoring of tests executed by multiple, diverse control systems/algorithms on a main controller that are independent of any unique specifications required by one or more of the control algorithms.
In accordance with this and other objects, the present invention provides a method and system for introducing normalized values to isolate a monitor processor from unique application specific details of control algorithms located on a main controller. The normalized values can be updated on-board when a memory on the main controller changes, thereby providing complete testing automation.
Since the return values passed to the monitor are normalized to yield a predetermined result, the monitor can provide algorithm monitoring capability without requiring any knowledge about the associated application. Thus, the same monitor design can be used for many different controller applications.
Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for invoking and monitoring of tests executed by multiple, diverse control systems/algorithms on a main controller that includes invoking execution of a test by sending a request from a monitor system to the main controller, retrieving expected test results and storing the expected test results in the monitor system, and performing the requested test to generate actual test results. The actual test results are normalized to generate test result values that are not specific to the particular test that was requested. The normalized test result values are then compared to the expected test results to determine whether the actual test results were correct. Normalizing the actual test results is performed by adding a normalization value to the actual test results. In one embodiment, the adding is performed in the main controller, and in another embodiment, the actual test results and the normalization value are sent to the monitor system.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a testing and monitoring system is provided that includes a main controller arranged to execute testing of a plurality of diverse control systems/algorithms, and a monitor system connected to the main controller and operative to invoke execution of a test by sending a request to the main controller, and retrieving expected test results from memory. The main controller is arranged to perform the requested test computing actual test results, and to generate a normalization value associated with the actual test results for combination with the actual test results to produce test result values that are not specific to the particular test that was requested. The monitor system is operative to compare the normalized test result values to the expected test results to determine whether the actual test results were correct.
The above advantages and other advantages, objects and features of the present invention, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Cole Charles L.
Czuhai Brian Scott
Wang Hui
Baderman Scott T.
Beausoleil Robert
Shelton Larry I.
Visteon Global Technologies Inc.
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