Automated Testing of Computer Graphics Systems

Abstract

Graphics systems have become increasingly complex over the last years. Computer graphics standards provide the means to implement portable graphics applications. However, the goals aimed by the use of graphics standards cannot be achieved, unless the standards are not lent to certification. Methods and tools for testing graphics systems have been developed, such as the GKS conformance testing package. Current test tools rely heavily on operator judgement of pictorial output produced by implementations being tested. As graphics systems are becoming richer in functionality, the design of test cases becomes more difficult and error prone. Automated test methods should be devised to provide for certification methods more precise than those involving human judgement. ln particular, methods .for automatic picture testing should be devised. Graphics systems should also include functions to assist in automatic testing, in order to prevent t·he need for special externai devices such as cameras and image processing equipment. This paper focuses on the issues raised by automatic testing of graphics systems. Standard components are studied with regard to their ability to being tested. Recent technologies and their application to automatic testing are discussed.