US5157668A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for locating faults in electronic units
Assignee: BELL SELTZER PARK & GIBSON PA
•
Filing: 1989-07-05
•
Granted: 1992-10-20
•
Expires: 2009-07-05
Abstract
Abstract An artificial intelligence based method and apparatus for locating faults in electronic units includes a technique for modelling electronic units in terms of behavioral constraints. Behavioral constraints model circuit components in terms of changes in outputs thereof which result from changes in inputs thereto. These changes, referred to as "phase changes" may be supplemented by gain and compliance constraints to model an electronic unit at all functional abstraction or hierarchical decomposition levels thereof. In addition to providing a universal modelling scheme, behavioral constraint relationships provide a highly accurate indication of subtle changes in a circuit, for accurate fault location or troubleshooting. Troubleshooting takes place by applying a predetermined search strategy on the electronic unit which is represented by behavioral constraints. The search strategy begins with a top down search. When a faulty block is found, the search moves down one functional abstraction level and searches the next lower level block having an output corresponding to the output of the higher level block. If the next lower level block is not defective, adjacent blocks at the next lower level are searched. Testing of the electronic unit is begun according to the functional test plan specified for the unit. Each functional test in the functional test plan is associated with one or more blocks at a functional abstraction level. When a functional test fails, troubleshooting begins at the block and functional abstraction level corresponding to the failed functional test.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles W. Buenzli, Jr.
- 👤 Ravi Rastogi
- 👤 Kenneth F. Sierzega
- 👤 Maurice M. Tayeh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:23
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F11/00; G06F11/22; G06F11/2257; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/28; G01R31/2832; G01R31/2836; G01R31/2846; G06F30/00; G06F30/30; G06F30/32; G06F30/33
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 134
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A computer based method of characterizing an electronic circuit having a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising the steps of: storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components; determining, for at least one of said electronic circuit components, incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; and storing in said computer, for said at least one of said electronic circuit components, said determined incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from said incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; wherein said at least one of said electronic circuit components include primitive circuit components, and wherein said at least one of said electronic circuit components further include intermediate and high level circuit components.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
A computer based method of characterizing an electronic circuit having a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising the steps of: storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components; determining, for at least one of said electronic circuit components, incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; and storing in said computer, for said at least one of said electronic circuit components, said determined incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from said incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; wherein said at least one of said electronic circuit components include primitive circuit components, and wherein said at least one of said electronic circuit components further include intermediate and high level circuit components.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs comprise one of an increase and decrease in said selected outputs and wherein said incremental changes in selected inputs comprise one of an increase and decrease in said selected inputs.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
191 words
A computer based method of characterizing an electronic circuit having a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising the steps of: storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components; determining, for at least one of said electronic circuit components, incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; and storing in said computer, for said at least one of said electronic circuit components, said determined incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from said incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of IF-THEN statements in the form IF (input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n) THEN (output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n), wherein input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n represent said incremental changes in said selected inputs and output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n represent said incremental changes in said selected outputs.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
191 words
A computer based method of characterizing an electronic circuit having a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising the steps of: storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components; determining, for at least one of said electronic circuit components, incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; and storing in said computer, for said at least one of said electronic circuit components, said determined incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from said incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of IF-THEN statements in the form IF (input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n) THEN (output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n), wherein input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n represent said incremental changes in said selected inputs and output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n represent said incremental changes in said selected outputs.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
172 words
A computer based method of characterizing an electronic circuit having a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising the steps of: storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components; determining, for at least one of said electronic circuit components, incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; and storing in said computer, for said at least one of said electronic circuit components, said determined incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from said incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of statements in the form (input 1, input 2 . . . input n) IN PHASE/OUT OF PHASE (output 1, output 2 . . . output n), where input 1, input 2 . . . input n represent said selected inputs and output 1, output 2 . . . output n represent said selected outputs.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
172 words
A computer based method of characterizing an electronic circuit having a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising the steps of: storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components; determining, for at least one of said electronic circuit components, incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; and storing in said computer, for said at least one of said electronic circuit components, said determined incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from said incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of statements in the form (input 1, input 2 . . . input n) IN PHASE/OUT OF PHASE (output 1, output 2 . . . output n), where input 1, input 2 . . . input n represent said selected inputs and output 1, output 2 . . . output n represent said selected outputs.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
123 words
A computer based method of characterizing an electronic circuit having a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising the steps of: storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components; determining, for at least one of said electronic circuit components, incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; storing in said computer, for said at least one of said electronic circuit components, said determined incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from said incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; and storing in said computer, for said at least one of said electronic circuit components at least one gain between selected outputs thereof and selected inputs thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
123 words
A computer based method of characterizing an electronic circuit having a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising the steps of: storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components; determining, for at least one of said electronic circuit components, incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; storing in said computer, for said at least one of said electronic circuit components, said determined incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from said incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; and storing in said computer, for said at least one of said electronic circuit components at least one gain between selected outputs thereof and selected inputs thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
115 words
A computer based method of characterizing an electronic circuit having a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising the steps of: storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components; determining, for at least one of said electronic circuit components, incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; storing in said computer, for said at least one of said electronic circuit components, said determined incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from said incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; and storing in said computer, for at least one of said electronic circuit components at least one compliance thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
115 words
A computer based method of characterizing an electronic circuit having a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising the steps of: storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components; determining, for at least one of said electronic circuit components, incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; storing in said computer, for said at least one of said electronic circuit components, said determined incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from said incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; and storing in said computer, for at least one of said electronic circuit components at least one compliance thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said at least one compliance comprises absolute maxima and minima of selected inputs and outputs of said electronic circuit components.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said at least one compliance comprises a state of said electronic circuit components.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
68 words
A computer based model for circuit components comprising incremental changes in selected outputs of said circuit components which result from incremental changes in selected inputs to said circuit components, said incremental changes in selected outputs and said incremental changes in selected inputs being stored in a computer; wherein said circuit components include primitive circuit components, and wherein said circuit components further include intermediate and high level circuit components.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
68 words
A computer based model for circuit components comprising incremental changes in selected outputs of said circuit components which result from incremental changes in selected inputs to said circuit components, said incremental changes in selected outputs and said incremental changes in selected inputs being stored in a computer; wherein said circuit components include primitive circuit components, and wherein said circuit components further include intermediate and high level circuit components.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
42 words
The model of claim 9 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs comprise one of an increase and decrease in said selected outputs and wherein said incremental changes in selected inputs comprise one of an increase and decrease in said selected inputs.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
139 words
A computer based model for circuit components comprising incremental changes in selected outputs of said circuit components which result from incremental changes in selected inputs to said circuit components, said incremental changes in selected outputs and said incremental changes in selected inputs being stored in a computer; wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs which result from incremental changes in selected inputs comprise a series of IF-THEN statements in the form IF (input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n) THEN (output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n), wherein input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n represent said incremental changes in said selected inputs and output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n represent said incremental changes in said selected outputs.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
139 words
A computer based model for circuit components comprising incremental changes in selected outputs of said circuit components which result from incremental changes in selected inputs to said circuit components, said incremental changes in selected outputs and said incremental changes in selected inputs being stored in a computer; wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs which result from incremental changes in selected inputs comprise a series of IF-THEN statements in the form IF (input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n) THEN (output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n), wherein input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n represent said incremental changes in said selected inputs and output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n represent said incremental changes in said selected outputs.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
121 words
A computer based model for circuit components comprising incremental changes in selected outputs of said circuit components which result from incremental changes in selected inputs to said circuit components, said incremental changes in selected outputs and said incremental changes in selected inputs being stored in a computer; wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of statements in the form (input 1, input 2 . . . input n) IN PHASE/OUT OF PHASE (output 1, output 2 . . . output n), where input 1, input 2 . . . input n represent said selected inputs and output 1, output 2 . . . output n represent said selected outputs.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
121 words
A computer based model for circuit components comprising incremental changes in selected outputs of said circuit components which result from incremental changes in selected inputs to said circuit components, said incremental changes in selected outputs and said incremental changes in selected inputs being stored in a computer; wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of statements in the form (input 1, input 2 . . . input n) IN PHASE/OUT OF PHASE (output 1, output 2 . . . output n), where input 1, input 2 . . . input n represent said selected inputs and output 1, output 2 . . . output n represent said selected outputs.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
59 words
A computer based model for circuit components comprising incremental changes in selected outputs of said circuit components which result from incremental changes in selected inputs to said circuit components, said incremental changes in selected outputs and said incremental changes in selected inputs being stored in a computer and further comprising gains between selected outputs thereof and selected inputs thereof.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
59 words
A computer based model for circuit components comprising incremental changes in selected outputs of said circuit components which result from incremental changes in selected inputs to said circuit components, said incremental changes in selected outputs and said incremental changes in selected inputs being stored in a computer and further comprising gains between selected outputs thereof and selected inputs thereof.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
51 words
A computer based model for circuit components comprising incremental changes in selected outputs of said circuit components which result from incremental changes in selected inputs to said circuit components, said incremental changes in selected outputs and said incremental changes in selected inputs being stored in computer and further comprising compliances thereof.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
51 words
A computer based model for circuit components comprising incremental changes in selected outputs of said circuit components which result from incremental changes in selected inputs to said circuit components, said incremental changes in selected outputs and said incremental changes in selected inputs being stored in computer and further comprising compliances thereof.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
The model of claim 14 wherein said compliances comprise absolute maxima and minima of selected inputs and outputs of said circuit components.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
The model of claim 14 wherein said compliances comprise a state of said circuit components.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
82 words
A computer based method of characterizing an electronic circuit, including a plurality of interconnected electronic components, comprising the steps of: storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic components; and providing a library of models in said computer, said library of models comprising primitive, intermediate and high level models, each of said primitive, intermediate and high level models comprising incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
82 words
A computer based method of characterizing an electronic circuit, including a plurality of interconnected electronic components, comprising the steps of: storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic components; and providing a library of models in said computer, said library of models comprising primitive, intermediate and high level models, each of said primitive, intermediate and high level models comprising incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer based method of claim 17 further comprising the step of: associating selected ones of said primitive, intermediate and high level models to characterize said electronic circuit.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 18 wherein said associating step comprises the steps of: representing said electronic components in terms of selected ones of said primitive models in said library; and representing said electronic circuit in terms of selected ones of said intermediate and high level models in said library.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 19 wherein the step of representing said electronic circuit comprises the steps of: representing groups of said electronic components in terms of selected ones of said intermediate models in said library; and representing said plurality of interconnected electronic components in terms of one of said high level models in said library.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs comprise one of an increase and decrease in said selected outputs and wherein said incremental changes in selected inputs comprise one of an increase and decrease in said selected inputs.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
99 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of IF-THEN statements in the form IF (input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n) THEN (output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n), wherein input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n represent said incremental changes in said selected inputs and output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n represent said incremental changes in said selected outputs.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of statements in the form (input 1, input 2 . . . input n) IN PHASE/OUT OF PHASE (output 1, output 2 . . . output n), where input 1, input 2 . . . input n represent said selected inputs and output 1, output 2 . . . output n represent said selected outputs.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said models of electronic components further comprise gain between selected outputs thereof and selected inputs thereof.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
17 words
The method of claims 17 or 24 wherein said models of electronic components further comprise compliances thereof.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said compliances comprise absolute maxima and minima of selected inputs and outputs of said electronic components.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said compliances comprise a state of said electronic components.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
80 words
A computer based apparatus for characterizing an electronic circuit including a plurality of interconnected electronic components, comprising: means for storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic components; and a library of models in said computer, said library of models comprising primitive, intermediate and high level models, each of said primitive, intermediate and high level models comprising incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
80 words
A computer based apparatus for characterizing an electronic circuit including a plurality of interconnected electronic components, comprising: means for storing in said computer, a representation of said electronic circuit including said plurality of interconnected electronic components; and a library of models in said computer, said library of models comprising primitive, intermediate and high level models, each of said primitive, intermediate and high level models comprising incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer based apparatus of claim 28 further comprising: means for associating selected ones of said primitive, intermediate and high level models to characterize said electronic circuit.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs comprise one of an increase and decrease in said selected outputs and wherein said incremental changes in selected inputs comprise one of an increase and decrease in said selected inputs.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
94 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of IF-THEN statements in the form IF (input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n) THEN (output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n), wherein input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n represent changes in said selected inputs and output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n represent changes in said selected outputs.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of statements in the form (input 1, input 2 . . . input n) IN PHASE/OUT OF PHASE (output 1, output 2 . . . output n), wherein put 1, input 2 . . . input n represent said selected inputs and output 1, output 2 . . . output n represent said selected outputs.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said modules of electronic components further comprise gain between selected outputs thereof and selected inputs thereof.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claims 28 or 33 wherein said models of electronic components further comprise compliances thereof.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 34 wherein said compliances comprise absolute maxima and minima of selected inputs and outputs of said electronic components.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 34 wherein said compliances comprise a state of said electronic components.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said means for associating comprises: means for representing said electronic components in terms of selected ones of said primitive models in said library; and means for representing said plurality of interconnected electronic components in said electronic circuit in terms of selected ones of said intermediate and high level models in said library.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said means for representing the interconnected electronic components comprises: means for representing groups of said electronic components in terms of selected ones of said intermediate models in said library; and means for representing said plurality of interconnected electronic components in terms of one of said high level models in said library.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
136 words
A computer based method for locating a fault in an electronic unit having a plurality of interconnected electronic components, comprising the steps of: providing a library of models in said computer, said library of models comprising primitive, intermediate and high level models, each of said primitive, intermediate and high level models comprising incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; associated selected ones of said primitive, intermediate and high level models to form a representation of said electronic unit; obtaining measurements of at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components; and, employing said representation to determine whether said measurements of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components result from a malfunction of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
136 words
A computer based method for locating a fault in an electronic unit having a plurality of interconnected electronic components, comprising the steps of: providing a library of models in said computer, said library of models comprising primitive, intermediate and high level models, each of said primitive, intermediate and high level models comprising incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; associated selected ones of said primitive, intermediate and high level models to form a representation of said electronic unit; obtaining measurements of at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components; and, employing said representation to determine whether said measurements of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components result from a malfunction of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 39 wherein said primitive, intermediate and high level models further comprise gain between selected outputs thereof and selected inputs thereof.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
19 words
The method of claims 39 or 40 wherein said primitive, intermediate and high level models further comprise compliances thereof.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said compliances comprise the absolute maxima and minima of selected inputs and outputs thereof.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said compliances comprise a state of said electronic circuit elements.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 39 wherein said associating step comprises the steps of: representing said electronic components in said electronic unit in terms of selected ones of said primitive models in said library and; representing the interconnected electronic components in said electronic unit in terms of selected ones of said intermediate and high level models in said library.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 44 wherein the step of representing the interconnected electronic components comprises the steps of: representing groups of said electronic components in terms of selected ones of said intermediate models in said library; and representing said plurality of interconnected electronic elements in terms of one of said high level models in said library.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 39 wherein said obtaining step comprises the step of: providing an indication of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components to be measured; and accepting measurements of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 39 wherein said obtaining step comprises the step of: directing automatic measuring equipment to measure said at least one of said plurality of interconnected components; and accepting measurements from said automatic measuring equipment.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
71 words
The method of claim 39 wherein said employing step is followed by the step of: providing an indication that said at least one of said plurality of interconnected components is malfunctioning if it is determined that changes in the outputs of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components are as a result of a malfunction of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method of claim 39 wherein said obtaining and employing steps are repeatedly performed on second and subsequent ones of said plurality of interconnected electronic components if it is determined that changes in the outputs of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components are not as a result of a malfunction of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
86 words
The method of claim 39 wherein said obtaining and employing steps are repeatedly performed on said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components if it is determined that changes in the outputs of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components are as a result of a malfunction of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components, in order to locate the malfunction in one of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 50 wherein said intermediate and primitive models are employed during the repeated performance of said obtaining and employing steps in order to locate the malfunction in said one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
146 words
A computer based apparatus for locating a fault in an electronic unit having a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising: means for providing a library of models in said computer, said library of models comprising primitive, intermediate and high level models, each of said primitive, intermediate and high level models comprising incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; means for associating selected ones of said primitive, intermediate and high level models to form a representation of said electronic unit; means for obtaining measurements of at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components; and, means connected to said associating means, for determining whether said measurements of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components are as a result of a malfunction of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
146 words
A computer based apparatus for locating a fault in an electronic unit having a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising: means for providing a library of models in said computer, said library of models comprising primitive, intermediate and high level models, each of said primitive, intermediate and high level models comprising incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto; means for associating selected ones of said primitive, intermediate and high level models to form a representation of said electronic unit; means for obtaining measurements of at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components; and, means connected to said associating means, for determining whether said measurements of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components are as a result of a malfunction of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said primitive, intermediate and high level models further comprise gain between selected outputs thereof and selected inputs thereof.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claims 52 or 53 wherein said primitive, intermediate and high level models further comprise compliances thereof.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 54 wherein said compliances comprise absolute maxima and minima of selected inputs and outputs thereof.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 54 wherein said compliances comprise a state of said electronic circuit elements.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said means for associating comprises: means for representing said electronic components in said electronic unit in terms of selected ones of said primitive models in said library and; means for representing the interconnected electronic components in said electronic unit in terms of selected ones of said intermediate and high level models in said library.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 57 wherein said means for representing the interconnected electronic components comprises: means for representing groups of said electronic components in terms of selected ones of said intermediate models in said library; and means for representing said electronic unit in terms of one of said high level models in said library.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said means for obtaining comprises: means for providing an indication of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components to be measured; and means for accepting measurements of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said means for obtaining comprises: means for directing automatic measuring equipment to measure said at least one of said plurality of interconnected components; and means for accepting measurements from said automatic measuring equipment.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 52 further comprising: means for providing an indication that said at least one of said plurality of interconnected components is malfunctioning if it is determined that changes in the outputs of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components are as a result of a malfunction of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
69 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said means for obtaining and means for determining repeatedly operate upon second and subsequent ones of said plurality of interconnected electronic elements if it is determined that changes in the outputs of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components are not as a result of a malfunction of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
88 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said means for obtaining and means for determining repeatedly operate upon said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components if it is determined that changes in the outputs of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components are as a result of a malfunction of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components, in order to locate the malfunction in one of said at least one of said plurality of interconnected electronic components.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
280 words
A computer based method for isolating a fault in a unit under test, said unit under test comprising a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising the steps of: (a) providing in said computer a hierarchical decomposition of said unit under test, said hierarchical decomposition comprising a plurality of blocks each of which includes at least one input and at least one output, said blocks being arranged in a plurality of functional abstraction levels from low to high, each lowest functional abstraction level block corresponding to a respective one of said electronic circuit components, each higher functional abstraction level block including at least one next lower functional abstraction level block; (b) testing the electronic circuit components corresponding to a selected block to determine if said selected block is faulty; (c) if said selected block is faulty, testing the electronic circuit components corresponding to a first block in a next lower functional abstraction level from said selected block, said first block having an output which corresponds to an output of said selected block; (d) if the first block in said next lower functional abstraction level is not faulty, testing the electronic circuit components corresponding to an adjacent block in said next lower functional abstraction level; (e) repeating step (d) until a faulty next lower functional level block is found; (f) testing the electronic circuit components corresponding to a second block in a next lower functional abstraction level from said faulty next lower functional level block, said second block having an output which corresponds to an output of said faulty next lower functional abstraction level block; and (g) repeatedly performing steps (d), (e) and (f) until a faulty circuit component is found.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
280 words
A computer based method for isolating a fault in a unit under test, said unit under test comprising a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, comprising the steps of: (a) providing in said computer a hierarchical decomposition of said unit under test, said hierarchical decomposition comprising a plurality of blocks each of which includes at least one input and at least one output, said blocks being arranged in a plurality of functional abstraction levels from low to high, each lowest functional abstraction level block corresponding to a respective one of said electronic circuit components, each higher functional abstraction level block including at least one next lower functional abstraction level block; (b) testing the electronic circuit components corresponding to a selected block to determine if said selected block is faulty; (c) if said selected block is faulty, testing the electronic circuit components corresponding to a first block in a next lower functional abstraction level from said selected block, said first block having an output which corresponds to an output of said selected block; (d) if the first block in said next lower functional abstraction level is not faulty, testing the electronic circuit components corresponding to an adjacent block in said next lower functional abstraction level; (e) repeating step (d) until a faulty next lower functional level block is found; (f) testing the electronic circuit components corresponding to a second block in a next lower functional abstraction level from said faulty next lower functional level block, said second block having an output which corresponds to an output of said faulty next lower functional abstraction level block; and (g) repeatedly performing steps (d), (e) and (f) until a faulty circuit component is found.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 64 wherein said step (c) is preceded by the step of selecting said first block from the set of all blocks in said next lower functional abstraction level having an output which corresponds to an output of said selected block, according to predetermined selection criteria.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 65 wherein said predetermined selection criteria comprise an ordered list of blocks to be selected, based upon the electronic components included in said blocks.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 66 wherein said ordered list of blocks to be selected is based upon known failure modes of the electronic elements included in said blocks.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 64 wherein said adjacent block comprises a block in said next lower functional abstraction level, having an output which corresponds to an input of said first block in said next lower functional abstraction level.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 64 wherein a prioritized search is performed at said lowest functional abstraction level.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 64 wherein step (d) is performed if said first block is not faulty, or if it cannot be determined whether said first block is faulty.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 70 wherein step (f) comprises the step of testing the electronic circuit components corresponding to a second block in a next lower functional level from said faulty next lower level block, or if a faulty next lower level block has not been identified, testing the electronic circuit components corresponding to a second block in a next lower functional level from the block which cannot be determined as faulty.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 64 wherein said step (b) is preceded by the step of determining a selected block for testing.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
82 words
The method of claim 72 wherein said determining step comprises the steps of: storing a representation of a functional test plan for said unit under test in said computer, said representation of said functional test plan including a correlation between a respective one of the functional tests and at least one of said plurality of blocks being tested by the respective one of said functional tests; and applying said functional test plan to said unit under test to determine said selected block.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 73 wherein said applying step comprises applying the tests specified in said functional test plan to said unit under test, in the order specified by said functional test plan.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 73 wherein said applying step comprises the steps of: providing an indication of a functional test to be performed on said unit under test; and accepting measurements of the results of said functional test.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 73 wherein said applying step comprises the steps of: directing automatic test equipment to perform a first functional test on said unit under test; and accepting the results of said first functional test from said automatic test equipment.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 64 wherein each of said plurality of blocks in said hierarchical decomposition further comprises incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 77 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs comprise one of an increase and decrease in said selected outputs and wherein said incremental changes in selected inputs comprise one of an incremental increase and decrease in said selected inputs.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
99 words
The method of claim 77 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of IF-THEN statements in the form IF (input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n) THEN (output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n), wherein input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n represent said incremental changes in said selected inputs and output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n represent said incremental changes in said selected outputs.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method of claim 77 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of statements in the form (input 1, input 2 . . . input n) IN PHASE/OUT OF PHASE (output 1, output 2 . . . output n), where input 1, input 2 . . . input n represent said selected inputs and output 1, output 2 . . . output n represent said selected outputs.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 80 wherein said models of electronic circuit components further comprise gain between selected outputs thereof and selected inputs thereof.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
18 words
The method of claims 80 or 81 wherein said models of electronic circuit components further comprise compliances thereof.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 82 wherein said compliances comprise absolute maxima and minima of selected inputs and outputs thereof.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 82 wherein said compliances comprise a state of said electronic circuit elements.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
225 words
A computer system for isolating a fault in a unit under test, said unit under test comprising a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components comprising: means for storing in said computer a hierarchical decomposition of said unit under test, said hierarchical decomposition comprising a plurality of blocks each of which includes at least one input and at least one output, said blocks being arranged in a plurality of functional abstraction levels from low to high, each lowest functional abstraction level corresponding to a respective one of said electronic circuit components, each higher functional abstraction level block including at least one next lower functional abstraction level block; first means for directing testing of the electronic circuit components corresponding to a selected block to determine if said selected block is faulty; second means, connected to said first means, for directing testing the electronic circuit components corresponding to a first block in a next lower functional abstraction level from said selected block, said first block having an output which corresponds to an output of said selected block, if said first means indicates that said selected block is faulty; and third means, connected to said first means, for directing testing of the electronic circuit components corresponding to an adjacent block in said next lower functional abstraction level, if said first means indicates that said selected block is not faulty.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
225 words
A computer system for isolating a fault in a unit under test, said unit under test comprising a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components comprising: means for storing in said computer a hierarchical decomposition of said unit under test, said hierarchical decomposition comprising a plurality of blocks each of which includes at least one input and at least one output, said blocks being arranged in a plurality of functional abstraction levels from low to high, each lowest functional abstraction level corresponding to a respective one of said electronic circuit components, each higher functional abstraction level block including at least one next lower functional abstraction level block; first means for directing testing of the electronic circuit components corresponding to a selected block to determine if said selected block is faulty; second means, connected to said first means, for directing testing the electronic circuit components corresponding to a first block in a next lower functional abstraction level from said selected block, said first block having an output which corresponds to an output of said selected block, if said first means indicates that said selected block is faulty; and third means, connected to said first means, for directing testing of the electronic circuit components corresponding to an adjacent block in said next lower functional abstraction level, if said first means indicates that said selected block is not faulty.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 85 wherein said first block is selected from the set of all blocks in said next lower functional abstraction level having an output which corresponds to an output of said selected block, according to predetermined selection criteria.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 86 wherein said predetermined selection criteria comprise an ordered list of blocks to be selected, based upon the electronic components included in said blocks.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 86 wherein said predetermined selection criteria comprise an ordered list of blocks to be selected, based upon known failure modes of the electronic elements included in said blocks.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 85 wherein said adjacent block comprises a block in said next lower functional abstraction level, having an output which corresponds to an input of said first block in said next lower functional abstraction level.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 85 wherein said first means further comprises means for determining said selected block for testing.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
84 words
The system of claim 90 wherein said means for determining comprises: means for storing a representation of a functional test plan for said unit under test in said computer, said representation of said functional test plan including a correlation between a respective one of the functional tests and at least one of said plurality of blocks being tested by the respective one of said functional tests; and means for applying said functional test plan to said unit under test to determine said selected block.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 91 wherein said applying means comprises means for applying the tests specified in said functional test plan to said unit under test, in the order specified by said functional test plan.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 91 wherein said applying means comprises: means for providing an indication of a functional test to be performed on said unit under test; and means for accepting measurements of the results of said functional test.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 91 wherein said applying means comprises: means for directing automatic test equipment to perform a first functional test on said unit under test; and means for accepting the results of said first functional test form said automatic test equipment.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 85 wherein each of said blocks further comprises incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 95 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs comprise one of an increase and decrease in said selected outputs and wherein said incremental changes in selected inputs comprise one of an increase and decrease in said selected inputs.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
97 words
The system of claim 95 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of IF-THEN statements in the form IF (input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n) THEN (output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n), wherein input change 1, input change 2 . . . input change n represent incremental changes in said selected inputs and output change 1, output change 2 . . . output change n represent incremental changes in said selected outputs.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method of claim 95 wherein said incremental changes in selected outputs thereof which result from incremental changes in selected inputs thereto comprise a series of statements in the form (input 1, input 2 . . . input n) IN PHASE/OUT OF PHASE (output 1, output 2 . . . output n), where input 1, input 2 . . . input n represent said selected inputs and output 1, output 2 . . . output n represent said selected outputs.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 98 wherein said models of electronic circuit components further comprise gain between selected outputs thereof and selected inputs thereof.
Claim 116
Independent Claim
18 words
The method of claims 95 or 98 wherein said models of electronic circuit components further comprise compliances thereof.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 100 wherein said compliances absolute maxima and minima of selected inputs and outputs thereof.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 100 wherein said compliances comprise a state of said electronic circuit elements.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
198 words
A computer based method for initiating automated troubleshooting of a unit under test, said unit under test comprising a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, said method comprising the steps of: storing in said computer a hierarchical decomposition of said unit under test, said hierarchical decomposition comprising a plurality of blocks each of which at least one input and at least one output, said blocks being arranged in a plurality of functional abstraction levels from low to high, each lowest functional abstraction level block corresponding to a respective one of said electronic circuit components, each higher functional abstraction level block including at least one next lower functional abstraction level block; storing a functional test plan for the unit under test in said computer; associating a respective one of the functional tests in said functional test plan with at least one of said plurality of blocks being tested by the respective one of the functional tests; causing the functional tests specified in said functional test plan to be performed on said unit under test until one of the functional tests fails; and, performing troubleshooting of said electronic circuit components corresponding to the block associated with the failed functional test.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
198 words
A computer based method for initiating automated troubleshooting of a unit under test, said unit under test comprising a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, said method comprising the steps of: storing in said computer a hierarchical decomposition of said unit under test, said hierarchical decomposition comprising a plurality of blocks each of which at least one input and at least one output, said blocks being arranged in a plurality of functional abstraction levels from low to high, each lowest functional abstraction level block corresponding to a respective one of said electronic circuit components, each higher functional abstraction level block including at least one next lower functional abstraction level block; storing a functional test plan for the unit under test in said computer; associating a respective one of the functional tests in said functional test plan with at least one of said plurality of blocks being tested by the respective one of the functional tests; causing the functional tests specified in said functional test plan to be performed on said unit under test until one of the functional tests fails; and, performing troubleshooting of said electronic circuit components corresponding to the block associated with the failed functional test.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 103 wherein said causing step comprises the step of: causing the functional tests specified in said functional test plan to be performed in the sequence specified by said functional test plan.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 103 wherein said causing step comprises the steps of: providing an indication of a functional test to be performed on said unit under test; and accepting measurements of the results of said functional test.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 103 wherein said causing step comprises the steps of: directing automatic test equipment to perform a functional test on said unit under test; and accepting the results of said functional test from said automatic test equipment.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
207 words
A computer based apparatus for initiating automated troubleshooting of a unit under test, said unit under test comprising a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, said apparatus comprising: means for storing in said computer a hierarchical decomposition of said unit under test, said hierarchical decomposition comprising a plurality of blocks each of which includes at least one input and at least one output, said blocks being arranged in a plurality of functional abstraction levels from low to high, each lowest functional abstraction level block corresponding to a respective one of said electronic circuit components, each higher functional abstraction level block including at least one next lower functional abstraction level block; means for storing a functional test plan for the unit under test in said computer; means for associating a respective one of the stored functional tests in said functional test plan with at least one of said plurality of blocks being tested by the respective one of the functional tests; means for causing the functional tests specified in said functional test plan to be performed on said unit under test until one of said functional tests fails; and, means for initiating troubleshooting of said electronic circuit components corresponding to the block associated with the failed functional test.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
207 words
A computer based apparatus for initiating automated troubleshooting of a unit under test, said unit under test comprising a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, said apparatus comprising: means for storing in said computer a hierarchical decomposition of said unit under test, said hierarchical decomposition comprising a plurality of blocks each of which includes at least one input and at least one output, said blocks being arranged in a plurality of functional abstraction levels from low to high, each lowest functional abstraction level block corresponding to a respective one of said electronic circuit components, each higher functional abstraction level block including at least one next lower functional abstraction level block; means for storing a functional test plan for the unit under test in said computer; means for associating a respective one of the stored functional tests in said functional test plan with at least one of said plurality of blocks being tested by the respective one of the functional tests; means for causing the functional tests specified in said functional test plan to be performed on said unit under test until one of said functional tests fails; and, means for initiating troubleshooting of said electronic circuit components corresponding to the block associated with the failed functional test.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 107 wherein said means for causing comprises: means for causing the functional tests specified in said functional test plan to be performed in the sequence specified by said functional test plan.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 107 wherein said means for causing comprises: means for providing an indication of a functional test to be performed on said unit under tests; and means for accepting measurement of the results of said functional test.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 107 wherein said means for causing comprises: means for directing automatic test equipment to perform a functional test on said unit under test; and means for accepting the results of said functional test from said automatic test equipment.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
198 words
A computer system for characterizing an electronic unit comprising a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, said computer system comprising: a circuit knowledge base; an electronics knowledge base containing models of common electronic circuit components, said models comprising all of phase, gain and compliance limits; and a knowledge acquisition module connected to said circuit knowledge base and said electronics knowledge base, said knowledge acquisition module comprising: means for acquiring a representation of a schematic diagram of said electronic unit and placing said schematic diagram representation in said circuit knowledge base; means for generating a hierarchical decomposition of said electronic unit, said hierarchical decomposition comprising a plurality of blocks each of which includes at least one input and at least one output, said plurality of blocks being organized in a plurality of functional abstraction levels from low to high, the blocks in said lowest functional abstraction level corresponding to a respective one of said electronic circuit components, each higher functional abstraction level block including at least one next lower functional abstraction level block, each of said plurality of blocks corresponding to a model in said electronics database; and, means for placing said hierarchical decomposition in said circuit knowledge base.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
198 words
A computer system for characterizing an electronic unit comprising a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, said computer system comprising: a circuit knowledge base; an electronics knowledge base containing models of common electronic circuit components, said models comprising all of phase, gain and compliance limits; and a knowledge acquisition module connected to said circuit knowledge base and said electronics knowledge base, said knowledge acquisition module comprising: means for acquiring a representation of a schematic diagram of said electronic unit and placing said schematic diagram representation in said circuit knowledge base; means for generating a hierarchical decomposition of said electronic unit, said hierarchical decomposition comprising a plurality of blocks each of which includes at least one input and at least one output, said plurality of blocks being organized in a plurality of functional abstraction levels from low to high, the blocks in said lowest functional abstraction level corresponding to a respective one of said electronic circuit components, each higher functional abstraction level block including at least one next lower functional abstraction level block, each of said plurality of blocks corresponding to a model in said electronics database; and, means for placing said hierarchical decomposition in said circuit knowledge base.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 111 wherein said knowledge acquisition module further comprises: means for acquiring a representation of a test plan for said electronic unit and placing said representation of said test plan in said circuit knowledge base.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
123 words
A computer system for troubleshooting an electronic unit comprising a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, said computer system comprising: a circuit knowledge base, containing a hierarchical decomposition of said unit under test into a plurality of functional abstraction levels; an electronics knowledge base containing models of common electronic circuit components, said models comprising all of phase, gain and compliance limits; and a troubleshooting module comprising: means for storing in said circuit knowledge base a predetermined search strategy for searching said hierarchical decomposition; means for searching said hierarchical decomposition pursuant to said search strategy; and means for comparing measurements of said electronic circuit components with said models in said electronics knowledge base, to thereby identify a faulty one of said electronic circuit components.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
123 words
A computer system for troubleshooting an electronic unit comprising a plurality of interconnected electronic circuit components, said computer system comprising: a circuit knowledge base, containing a hierarchical decomposition of said unit under test into a plurality of functional abstraction levels; an electronics knowledge base containing models of common electronic circuit components, said models comprising all of phase, gain and compliance limits; and a troubleshooting module comprising: means for storing in said circuit knowledge base a predetermined search strategy for searching said hierarchical decomposition; means for searching said hierarchical decomposition pursuant to said search strategy; and means for comparing measurements of said electronic circuit components with said models in said electronics knowledge base, to thereby identify a faulty one of said electronic circuit components.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
63 words
The system of claim 113 wherein said circuit knowledge base further contains a representation of a test plan for said electronic unit, and wherein said means for searching further comprises: means for causing said test plan to be executed until a failed test is detected; and means for initiating searching said hierarchical decomposition at a functional abstraction level corresponding to said failed test.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4242751A
Cited
US4459695A
Cited
US4613940A
Cited
US4591938A
Cited
US4591983A
Cited
US4651284A
Cited
US4635208A
Cited
US4709366A
Cited
US4827428A
Cited
US4766595A
Cited
US4791357A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-10-20 | 1996-04-20 | 1996-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-10-20 | 2000-04-20 | 2000-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-10-20 | 2004-04-20 | 2004-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |