Wireless Diagnostic System

• US 20110055632A1
• Filed: 08/31/2009
• Published: 03/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ComSonics, Inc.
• Original Assignee: ComSonics, Inc.
• Inventors: Zimmerman, Dennis A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,112,669 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 714/31
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2294 by remote test
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/12 Network monitoring probes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/50 Testing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/30 for subscriber's lines , for the local loop
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/301 Circuit arrangements at the subscriber's side of the line
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/04 Arrangements for maintaining operational condition

Abstract

Results of field testing of portions of a distributed system such as a Broadband Communications System from a testing device to a controller which downloads programmed test protocols and sequences thereof to the separate testing device over a wired or wireless link and thereafter can be used to control the testing device as well as display test results and provide analysis of the test results and suggest procedures to technical personnel. The controller then can transmit the test data to a central facility or distribution hub in substantially real-time together with work performance data where full technical analysis can be performed. The test data and results of analysis can then be distributed as desired such as to a management analysis facility to support improvement of efficiency of the system and the operation thereof.

Claims

1. A test system for measuring operating parameters of a distributed system, said test system comprising:

a testing device including

a connector for connection to a test point,

a memory for storing instructions for a plurality of test sequences, and

a processor responsive to commands for executing said instructions to perform said test sequences and collecting data responsive to said test sequences;

a controller physically separate from said testing device including

a manual input arrangement,

a display, and

a processor responsive to said manual input arrangement for controlling storage and execution of said instructions for a plurality of said test sequences in said testing device and receiving, storing and displaying data collected by said testing device; and

a communication link between said testing device and said controller for communicating control signals and said instructions for a plurality of said test sequences from said controller to said testing device and communicating data collected by said testing device to said controller.

2. A test system as recited in claim 1, further comprising

a further communication link from said controller to a central facility or distribution hub for communication of test data and information concerning operation of said communication link between said testing device and said controller to a central facility or distribution hub.

3. A test system as recited in claim 2, further comprising

a facility for storing and providing technical analysis of said test data.

4. A test system as recited in claim 3, further comprising

a facility for providing management analysis of said test data, and work performance data.

5. A test system as recited in claim 1, wherein said testing device further includes

at least one indicator for indicating status of said testing device.

6. A test system as recited in claim 5, wherein at least one of an active testing/stand-by state, status of said communication link between said testing device and said controller and halting or interruption of a test sequence is indicated

7. A test system as recited in claim 1, wherein said testing device further includes an analysis facility capable of detecting abnormal or out-of-tolerance test data.

8. A test system as recited in claim 1, wherein said communication link between said testing device and said controller is a wireless link.

9. A method of testing portions of a distributed system, said method including:

establishing a communication link between a testing device and a controller physically separate from said testing device;

storing instructions for a plurality of test sequences in said testing device under control of said controller;

connecting said testing device to a test point of said distributed system;

transmitting from said controller to said testing device a command to perform a test sequence of said plurality of test sequences;

performing said test sequence and collecting test data at said testing device;

transmitting said test data from said testing device to said controller; and

displaying said test data at said controller.

10. A method in claim 9, further comprising a step of

communicating test data and information concerning operation of said communication link between said testing device and said controller indicating work performance data to a central facility or distribution hub.

11. A method as recited in claim 10, further comprising a step of

storing and providing technical analysis of said test data.

12. A method as recited in claim 11, further comprising a step of

providing management analysis of said test data and work performance data.

13. A method as recited in claim 9, further comprising a step of

indicating status of said testing device at said testing device.

14. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein at least one of an active testing/stand-by state, status of said communication link between said testing device and said controller and halting or interruption of a test sequence is indicated.

15. A method as recited in claim 9, further comprising a step of

detecting abnormal or out-of-tolerance test data at said testing device.

16. A method as recited in claim 9, including the further step of

providing said communication link between said testing device and said controller with a wireless link.