Apparatus and method for generating model reference tests

A method, executable on a computer system, for generating a model reference testcase for a target system, the method comprises the steps of:

• generating a testcase request file using a graphic user interface that accepts a high-level request, the testcase request file being based on a high-level target system function;
• datafilling the testcase request file;
• generating a template in the testcase request file for a call flow;
• translating at least one alphanumeric variable representation to a corresponding numeric value in the testcase request file from a rules module;
• and
• inserting at least one telephony message protocol in the testcase request file.

An apparatus for generating a model reference testcase for a telephony target system, the apparatus comprising:

• a computer system having an electronic memory storage device,
• a knowledge base stored on said electronic memory storage device, said knowledge base including a system configuration module, a functional module, a rules module, and a protocol standards module, said modules establishing a set of functional description data relating to the target system;
• a user interface program executable by said computer system, said user interface program receiving a high-level testcase request and formatting said testcase request in an output file;
• and
• a testcase generation program executable by said computer system, said testcase generation program accepting as an input argument said output file of said user interface program, said testcase generation program having access to said knowledge base for converting said output file into an executable testcase, said testcase generation program having a plurality of generation modules arranged in an open chain configuration.

An apparatus for generating a test call testcase for a telephony target system, the apparatus comprising:

• means for generating a testcase request file using a graphic user interface that accepts a high-level request, the testcase request file being based on a high-level target system function;
• means for datafilling the testcase request file;
• means for generating a template in the testcase request file for a call flow;
• means for translating at least one alphanumeric variable representation to a corresponding numeric value in the testcase request file from a rules module;
• and
• means for inserting at least one telephony message protocol in said testcase request file.