User interface control device and method for controlling a user interface

Abstract

The present invention relates to a user interface control device and a method for controlling a user interface, the user interface control device comprising a display, an input key, the input key being pressable by a user, and a processor, the processor being configured to register a start time and a duration of a key press on the input key, wherein the processor is configured to assign a first function to the input key if the duration of the key press is less than or equal to a time threshold, and the processor is configured to assign a second function to the input key if the duration of the key press is greater than the time threshold, wherein the display is configured to display a graphical element, the graphical element indicating the duration of the key press at least until the time threshold is reached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a user interface control device and an electronic instrument including the device. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a user interface. Background Technology

[0002] Many electronic measuring devices (such as spectrum analyzers) are suitable for receiving and analyzing electrical signals. These devices typically have a user interface that allows the user to configure the device or select its mode. Typically, this user interface includes multiple buttons on the front panel of the device. Each button on the user interface can be a single-function button assigned to a specific setting or mode of the device.

[0003] However, a large number of buttons increases the complexity and overall cost of the measuring device. Furthermore, a large number of buttons makes the device difficult to operate intuitively and can lead to incorrect user input.

[0004] Document EP 2 837 992 A1 discloses a user interface interaction method and apparatus for a touchscreen device. In this method, at least two single-function buttons on the touchscreen device's user interface are combined into a single multi-function button. The type of touch operation on the multi-function button is determined, for example, by the duration of the touch operation. However, inexperienced users of this user interface may not know how long to touch the multi-function button to initiate different types of touch operations. This can lead to incorrect user input, for example, if the button is unintentionally touched for too long.

[0005] Document WO 03 / 041371 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for searching names from a personal information database. It discloses various methods for inputting letters on a keypad, such as selecting letters based on the duration of keystrokes. While a key is being pressed, a temporary bar can be displayed to show the letters selectable using that key. However, the user cannot intuitively know how long they must press the key to switch between these letters, which can lead to incorrect input if the key is pressed for too long. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved user interface control device, an improved electronic instrument, and an improved method for controlling a user interface, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0007] The object of this invention is achieved by the technical solutions provided in the appended independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a user interface control device, comprising: a display; an input key pressable by a user; and a processor configured to register a start time and duration of a key press on the input key, wherein the processor is configured to assign a first function to the input key if the duration of the key press is less than or equal to a time threshold, and the processor is configured to assign a second function to the input key if the duration of the key press is greater than the time threshold, wherein the display is configured to display a graphical element indicating that the duration of the key press is at least until the time threshold is reached.

[0009] This achieves the advantage of providing a user interface control device that can be controlled in a simple and intuitive way. In particular, because a single input key can have different functions, there is no need for additional keys for each function. Thanks to the visual feedback during key presses, the user knows which function is assigned to the key when it is released, thus avoiding incorrect user input.

[0010] The user interface control device can be integrated into or connected to an electronic instrument, such as a measuring device or a signal generator. The user interface control device can be configured to provide a user interface for the electronic instrument or can be connected to an interface of the electronic instrument. Preferably, the first function of the input key includes activating a first mode of the electronic instrument, and the second function of the input key includes activating a second mode of the electronic instrument.

[0011] Preferably, the graphic element indicates how long it will take to reach a time threshold. The display of the graphic element can be triggered by pressing a button.

[0012] Input keys can be physical keys, such as buttons or switches. Specifically, input keys are adapted to change their position and / or state if pressed, and return to their initial position and / or initial state after being released. For example, input keys are arranged on the front panel of an electronic instrument in which a user interface control device is integrated.

[0013] The processor can be a microprocessor, particularly a microprocessor in an electronic instrument. For example, the processor is configured to start a timer after the start time of case registration, wherein the timer registers the duration until the key is released. The processor can stop the timer when the input key is released. The processor can be configured to detect a short press if the timer stops before a threshold is reached, and to detect a long press if the timer stops after the threshold is reached. For example, to register whether an input key is pressed, the processor can receive a signal from the input key when the input key is pressed.

[0014] In this implementation, the graphical elements include progress bars, countdown timers, and / or timer displays.

[0015] This allows for visual feedback to the user regarding the required press time for the key to perform a secondary function, thus preventing operational errors or incorrect settings. Progress bars, countdown timers, and / or timer displays can be designed to indicate how long the input key needs to be pressed to reach a time threshold.

[0016] In one implementation, the display is configured to show a graphical or textual representation of the corresponding first or second function assigned to the input key if the input key is released at any time during key presses.

[0017] This achieves the advantage of providing users with visual feedback on the current function of the input keys (e.g., activation of a specific mode of an electronic instrument), and thus can avoid operational errors or incorrect settings.

[0018] In one implementation, when an input key is released, the display is configured to indicate the corresponding function assigned to the input key by the processor.

[0019] This achieves the advantage of providing users with visual feedback about the functions to be performed (e.g., activation of a specific mode of an electronic instrument), and thus can avoid operational errors or incorrect settings.

[0020] In the implementation, the user interface control device is configured to receive configuration input, particularly via a dedicated interface of the user interface control device.

[0021] This allows for the configuration of input keys according to different user habits or needs. The interface may include input elements, such as a touchscreen or keyboard, on which the user can input configuration information. The user interface can also be configured to connect to an external electronic device, such as a laptop computer, for receiving configuration input.

[0022] In this implementation, the processor is configured to adjust the time threshold based on configuration input.

[0023] This allows for the effective configuration of input keys according to different user habits or needs.

[0024] In the implementation, the processor is configured to define a first function and / or a second function of the input key based on configuration input.

[0025] This allows for the effective configuration of input key functionality based on different user habits or needs. For example, the processor can define which modes of the electronic instrument are activated by the first and / or second functions of the input keys.

[0026] In this implementation, the input keys are either hard keys or soft keys.

[0027] Preferably, hard keys are keys with dedicated functions, while soft keys are programmable keys that can invoke different functions according to their programming. For example, a soft key could be a space bar near the display, where the display indicates the current function of the soft key.

[0028] In this implementation, the input keys include user interface control elements. Specifically, these user interface control elements are software buttons.

[0029] This achieves the advantage of not requiring physical keys, thereby reducing the overall cost of the device.

[0030] In this implementation, the display is a touch display, and the input keys are displayed on the touch display.

[0031] This eliminates the need for physical keys, thereby reducing the overall cost of the device. Preferably, the input key refers to a graphical button on the touchscreen.

[0032] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to an electronic instrument, particularly a measuring device or signal generator, which includes a user interface control device according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0033] In one embodiment, the electronic instrument includes a channel for receiving and / or forwarding signals, wherein a first function of the input key includes activating a channel preset mode of the electronic instrument, and / or a second function of the input key includes activating a device preset mode of the electronic instrument.

[0034] Preferably, the signal is an electrical signal, an optical signal, or an acoustic signal. The signal may be a radio frequency (RF) signal. The first mode and the second mode may refer to a first setting or parameter and a second setting or parameter of the electronic instrument for analyzing or generating signals. In particular, the two modes are used frequently, and therefore, advantageously, they can be activated quickly and intuitively.

[0035] Electronic instruments may include connectors (e.g., plugs) to which another device for generating or receiving signals may be connected.

[0036] In this implementation, the electronic instrument is any of the following devices: an audio analyzer, an oscilloscope, a network analyzer, a power meter and / or a voltmeter, a receiver, an instrument and / or a counter, a signal and / or spectrum analyzer, a test and / or measurement device for broadcasting, a signal generator, a spectrum monitoring device, or a wireless communication tester.

[0037] If the electronic instrument is a measuring device, it can be configured to analyze the measurement signal based on the activated first or second mode. This can refer to analyzing the signal based on the conditions, functions, or settings (such as predetermined or default measurement parameters) associated with the first or second mode of the electronic measuring device.

[0038] For example, an electronic instrument may be a spectrum analyzer, which is configured to analyze various characteristics of a signal, such as its spectrum (particularly spectral components), energy, bandwidth, and / or harmonics. For example, the measured signal may be an RF signal. A spectrum analyzer may include one or more measurement channels. For example, each measurement port of a spectrum analyzer may be associated with a measurement channel of the spectrum analyzer.

[0039] Specifically, in channel preset mode and / or device preset mode, the spectrum analyzer is set to predetermined or default settings. These predetermined or default settings can be stored in the device's memory. For example, in channel preset mode, the currently selected measurement channel of the spectrum analyzer is preset to a default configuration, such as default measurement parameters or default resolution. In device preset mode, all channels of the spectrum analyzer can be preset to default configurations.

[0040] In addition, electronic instruments can be configured to process signals, such as amplify signals, and / or display signals on the display elements of the device (e.g., the same display used to display graphic elements).

[0041] All of the above-described embodiments and / or optional features of the user interface control device and / or electronic instrument can be combined.

[0042] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a user interface, comprising:

[0043] -Press the input key;

[0044] - Register the start time and duration of the key press on the input keys;

[0045] - If the duration of the key press is less than or equal to a time threshold, then the first function is assigned to the input key;

[0046] - If the duration of the key press exceeds the time threshold, then a second function is assigned to the input key; and

[0047] - Display a graphical element that indicates the duration of the key press at least until the time threshold is reached.

[0048] This achieves the advantage of providing a simple and intuitive control scheme for user interfaces (e.g., user interfaces for electronic instruments). In particular, because a single input key can have different functions, there is no need for additional keys for each function. Thanks to the visual feedback during key presses, the user knows which function is assigned to the key when it is released, thus avoiding incorrect user input.

[0049] In one implementation, the first function of the input key includes a first mode for activating electronic instruments (e.g., measuring devices or signal generators), and the second function of the input key includes a second mode for activating electronic instruments.

[0050] In particular, the method may also include the following steps:

[0051] -Analyze and / or generate signals based on the activated first and / or second modes.

[0052] The above description of the user interface control device according to the first aspect of the present invention is correspondingly applicable to the method for controlling the user interface according to the third aspect of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0053] The invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a user interface control device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0055] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an electronic instrument according to an embodiment is shown;

[0056] Figures 3a-3c A schematic diagram of three displays according to a further embodiment is shown; and

[0057] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a method for controlling a user interface according to an embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a user interface control device 200 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0059] The user interface control device 200 includes: a display 203; an input key 205 pressable by a user; and a processor 207 configured to register the start time and duration of a key press on the input key 205. The processor 207 is configured to assign a first function to the input key if the key press duration is less than or equal to a time threshold, and to assign a second function to the input key if the key press duration is greater than the time threshold. Thus, the display 203 is configured to display a graphical element indicating that the key press duration is at least until the time threshold is reached.

[0060] The user interface control device 200 may be a component of an electronic instrument, such as a measuring device or a signal generator. The user interface control device 200 may be configured to provide a user interface for controlling the electronic instrument or may be connected to a user interface of the electronic instrument. For example, a first function of an input key corresponds to a first mode of activating the electronic instrument, and a second function of an input key corresponds to a second mode of activating the electronic instrument.

[0061] Input key 205 can be a physical key, such as a button or switch. Input keys can be hard keys or soft keys.

[0062] Display 203 may be a touch display. Input keys 205 may be user interface control elements displayed on the touch display.

[0063] Processor 207 may be a microprocessor. For example, processor 207 is configured to start a timer after the start time of key registration, wherein the timer registers the duration until key 205 is released.

[0064] The user interface control device 200 can be configurable. For example, a time threshold and / or the first and second functions themselves can be configured. Preferably, the user interface control device 200 includes a dedicated interface for receiving such configuration input. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image).

[0065] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an electronic instrument 100 including a user interface control device 200 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0066] Preferably, the first function of the input key 205 includes activating a first mode of the electronic instrument 100, and the second function of the input key 205 includes activating a second mode of the electronic instrument 100.

[0067] The electronic instrument 100 may be a measuring device including at least one measuring port 101, which is configured to receive a measurement signal to be analyzed by the electronic instrument. The electronic instrument 100 may be configured to analyze the measurement signal based on a first mode or a second mode of the electronic instrument activated via an input key.

[0068] For example, Figure 2 The electronic instrument 100 shown is a spectrum analyzer. The spectrum analyzer 100 can be configured to analyze various characteristics of the measured signal, such as the signal's spectrum (especially spectral components), energy, bandwidth, and / or harmonics. For example, the measured signal is an electrical signal and / or an RF (radio frequency) signal.

[0069] The spectrum analyzer 100 may include one or more measurement channels. For example, each measurement port 101 of the spectrum analyzer may be associated with a measurement channel of the spectrum analyzer. Different sources of measurement signals to be analyzed by the measurement device 100 may be connected to a measurement port 101 respectively.

[0070] The first mode can be the channel preset mode of the spectrum analyzer 100, and / or the second mode can be the device preset mode of the spectrum analyzer 100. For example, in the channel preset mode, the currently selected measurement channel of the spectrum analyzer 100 is preset to a default configuration, such as default measurement parameters or default resolution. In the device preset mode, all channels of the spectrum analyzer 100 can be preset to a default configuration.

[0071] Alternatively, the electronic instrument 100 may be a signal generator configured to generate signals (e.g., electrical signals) based on a set pattern.

[0072] Figures 3a-3c A schematic diagram of three displays 301a-301c according to a further embodiment is shown. Figures 3a-3c The displays 301a-301c are shown, for example, on the display 203 of the user interface control device 200 and / or electronic instrument 100 during or after keying on the corresponding input key 205.

[0073] Figure 3a Display screen 301a shows the period before a time threshold is reached during key presses. Display screen 301a shows a graphical element 303 in the form of a progress bar, indicating how long the input key 205 has been pressed and when the time threshold will be reached. Alternatively, the graphical element 303 can be a countdown or timer display for the progress bar. In this way, the user knows how long he must press the input key 205 to assign a different function to it.

[0074] The processor 207 can be configured such that when the input key 205 is pressed, the processor 207 controls the display 203 to display the graphic elements 303.

[0075] For example, the time threshold is 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds.

[0076] Preferably, the displays 301a-301c also indicate, for example, by text display which mode of the electronic instrument 100 will be activated if the input key 205 is released before the time threshold is reached, and which mode of the electronic instrument 100 will be activated if the input key 205 is released after the time threshold is reached. In this way, the user knows at any time which mode will be activated if he / she releases the input key.

[0077] Figure 3b The display 301b shows the state of the screen after the input key 205 is released before the time threshold is reached. Figure 3c The display 301c shows the state of the screen after the input key 205 is released after the time threshold has been reached.

[0078] In both cases, the display 203 indicates which mode of the electronic instrument 100 is selected, such as the device preset mode or the channel preset mode.

[0079] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a method 400 for controlling a user interface according to an embodiment is shown. For example, method 400 can be used to control, for example... Figure 1 The user interface control device of the device 200 shown is shown.

[0080] Method 400 includes the following steps:

[0081] -401: Press input key 205;

[0082] -403: Register the start time and duration of the key press on input key 205;

[0083] -405: If the duration of the key press is less than or equal to the time threshold, the first function is assigned to input key 205;

[0084] -407: If the duration of the key press exceeds a time threshold, assign the second function to input key 205; and

[0085] -409: Display graphic element 303, which indicates the duration of the key press at least until a time threshold is reached.

[0086] The user interface can be an electronic instrument (e.g.) Figure 2 The user interface of the electronic instrument 100 shown is described. A first function of the input keys may include activating a first mode of the electronic instrument 100, and a second function of the input keys may include activating a second mode of the electronic instrument 100. Specifically, method 400 may be a method for controlling the electronic instrument 100.

[0087] Preferably, method 400 further includes the following steps:

[0088] - Preferably, electronic instrument 100 is used to analyze and / or generate signals based on the activated first or second mode.

[0089] If the electronic instrument 100 is a measuring device, the above method may further include the following steps:

[0090] - Receive measurement signals to be analyzed by electronic instrument 100.

[0091] All features of all embodiments described, illustrated and / or claimed herein can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. A spectrum analyzer, comprising: Channels used for receiving and / or forwarding RF signals; as well as User interface control device, the user interface control device comprising: monitor; Input keys, the input keys being pressable by a user; and A processor configured to register the start time and duration of key presses on the input keys. The processor is configured to assign a first function to the input key if the duration of the key press is less than or equal to a time threshold, and the processor is configured to assign a second function to the input key if the duration of the key press is greater than the time threshold. The display is configured to show graphic elements indicating the duration of the button press at least until a time threshold is reached. The first function of the input key includes activating the channel preset mode of the spectrum analyzer and / or the second function of the input key includes activating the device preset mode of the spectrum analyzer. In the channel preset mode, the currently selected measurement channel of the spectrum analyzer is preset to the default configuration, and In the device preset mode, all channels of the spectrum analyzer are preset to the default configuration.

2. The spectrum analyzer as described in claim 1, wherein, The graphical elements include progress bars, countdown timers, and / or timer displays.

3. The spectrum analyzer as described in claim 1, wherein, The display is configured to display a graphical or textual representation of the corresponding first or second function assigned to the input key if the input key is released at any time during key presses.

4. The spectrum analyzer as described in claim 1, wherein, When the input key is released, the display is configured to indicate the corresponding function assigned to the input key by the processor.

5. The spectrum analyzer as described in claim 1, wherein, The user interface control device is configured to receive configuration input.

6. The spectrum analyzer as described in claim 5, wherein, The processor is configured to adjust the time threshold based on the configuration input.

7. The spectrum analyzer as described in claim 5, wherein, The processor is configured to limit the first function and / or the second function of the input key based on the configuration input.

8. The spectrum analyzer as described in claim 1, wherein, The input keys are either hard keys or soft keys.

9. The spectrum analyzer as described in claim 1, wherein, The input keys include user interface control elements.

10. The spectrum analyzer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The display is a touch display, and the input keys are displayed on the touch display.

11. The spectrum analyzer as described in claim 5, wherein, The user interface control device is configured to receive the configuration input via a dedicated interface of the user interface control device.

12. A method for controlling a user interface of a spectrum analyzer, wherein, The spectrum analyzer includes channels for receiving and / or forwarding RF signals, and the method includes: - Press the input key; - Register the start time and duration of the key press on the input keys; - If the duration of the key press is less than or equal to a time threshold, then the first function is assigned to the input key; - If the duration of the key press exceeds the time threshold, then a second function is assigned to the input key; and - Display graphic elements indicating the duration of the key press at least until the time threshold is reached. The first function of the input key includes activating the channel preset mode of the spectrum analyzer and / or the second function of the input key includes activating the device preset mode of the spectrum analyzer. In the channel preset mode, the currently selected measurement channel of the spectrum analyzer is preset to the default configuration, and In the device preset mode, all channels of the spectrum analyzer are preset to the default configuration.

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