Model-based automatic test case generation for automotive embedded software testing

We propose a method to automatically generate software and hardware test cases from a UML model developed through a model-based development process. Where languages such as source-code languages are used within the model, input and expected values for each test case are generated using a custom parser. As a next step, unit test cases are combined to generate integration test cases using a bottom-up approach. Then these cases are converted into hardware test cases for approval testing of embedded systems, using XQuery and hardware mapping tables. We demonstrate this process by applying it to the power window switch module of a Hyundai Santa Fe vehicle. Our approach provides an automatic testing procedure for embedded systems developed by model-based methods, and generates test cases efficiently using a recombination of signals. In conclusion, our proposed method could help reduce the resources needed for test case generation from software to hardware.