What is ISO 13209-4 about?
ISO 13209-4 is the fourth part of multiple series that defines the Open Test sequence eXchange (OTX) additional extension requirements and data model specifications.
The data model specification aims at an exhaustive definition of all features of the OTX extensions which have been implemented to satisfy the requirements. ISO 13209-4 establishes rules for the syntactical entities of each extension. Each of these syntactical entities is accompanied by semantic rules which determine how OTX documents containing extension features are to be interpreted. The syntax rules are provided by UML class diagrams and XML schemas, whereas the semantics is given by UML activity diagrams and prose definitions.
NOTE- The requirements are derived from the use cases described in ISO 132091.
Who is ISO 13209-4 for?
ISO 13209-4 on Open Test sequence eXchange format is useful for:
- Electronic system suppliers
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Service dealerships/repair shops
- Vehicle regulatory authorities  
Why should you use ISO 13209-4?
The automotive industry mainly relies on paper documentation and/or proprietary authoring environments to document and implement such test sequences for a specific test application. An author who is setting up engineering, assembly line or service diagnostic test applications implements the required test sequences manually, supported by non-uniform test sequence documentation, most likely using different authoring applications and formats for each specific test application. This redundant effort can be greatly reduced if processes and tools support the OTX concept.
ISO 13209-4 provides an open and standardized format for the human-and machine-readable description of diagnostic test sequences. The format supports the requirements of transferring diagnostic test sequence logic. Test sequences help you in defining the success of interactions between the user (i.e., workshop or assembly line staff), the diagnostic application (the test equipment) and the vehicle communication interface as well as any calculations and decisions that have to be carried out. Test sequences provide a means to define interactive, guided diagnostics or similar test logic.
ISO 13209-4 sets to enlarge the field of application, ensure exchangeability between different tools and suppliers, improvement of OTX code quality and improvement of standard acceptance. This will help you in the OTX extension.
