US Patent 7398514 Test automation stack layering

Separation of aspects of automated testing into architectural layers enables automated testing to occur sooner and faster and to provide more comprehensive testing. A physical layer provides an object model over the user interface of an application. A logical layer provides an object model around the functions of an application. A test case executor may execute a test case. A data manager may ensure variability in test data. A behavior manager may determine execution details appropriate for a particular test case. A verification manager may perform the verification processing after the test case has executed.