Testing system for a touchscreen device

Abstract

Test system (1) for an electronic device (2) comprising a touchscreen (3); wherein the test system (1) comprises an arm (4) that is movable between at least a first position in which it touches the touchscreen (3) and actuates it in use, and a second position in which it is spaced away from the touchscreen (3); characterized in that it further comprises pneumatic actuating means (5) designed to actuate the arm (4) between the first position and the second position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority over Italian patent application No. 102021000012911, filed on May 19, 2021. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present invention relates to a testing system for an electronic device comprising a touchscreen.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to a testing system for touchscreen devices, which are intended especially for applications in aviation. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] The design process for electronic devices generally includes a suitability phase in which the devices' compliance with specific requirements is assessed. For example, during the suitability phase, electromagnetic interference and the compatibility of the devices under various environmental conditions and in critical setups are evaluated.

[0005] The testing equipment must be carefully selected to avoid interference between the equipment and the device under test. Furthermore, the testing equipment must meet strict safety standards to prevent potential hazards to the personnel performing the test.

[0006] In particular, during the suitability phase of electronic devices that include a touchscreen, the touchscreen is placed in an electromagnetic field and repeatedly activated. However, the touchscreen should not be operated by an operator. Firstly, it has been found that the operator's presence tends to interfere with the electromagnetic radiation, thus distorting the test results. Secondly, the electromagnetic radiation used during the test can be harmful to health.

[0007] The touchscreen cannot even be properly operated by another electronic device, such as the robotic arm disclosed in WO-A2-2017051263. In fact, as explained above, the presence of another electronic device near the touchscreen under test is likely to interfere with the electromagnetic radiation.

[0008] Specifically, the robotic arm disclosed in WO-A2-2017051263 consists of a pen designed to move in three-dimensional space to emulate various touch-based movements on the touchscreen panels to provide commands to the computing device, and the pen further includes a pen tip. There is one or more rotary motors designed to move the pen in a plane, and a linear actuator that moves the pen along an axis perpendicular to the plane.

[0009] Furthermore, EP-A1-1884201 discloses a surgical instrument for use in conjunction with a pneumatically driven tool, which has a trigger mechanism operatively connected therein and movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. A pneumatically driven drive system operatively communicates with the pneumatically driven tool and is configured to selectively exert at least one trigger force of sufficient magnitude on the trigger mechanism of the pneumatically driven tool to cause the trigger mechanism to move from the unactuated position to the actuated position in response to a gas flow from a gas source fluidically coupled to the pneumatically driven drive system.At least one feedback device communicates with the pneumatically driven drive system to provide feedback relating at least to the magnitude of the release force when the pneumatically driven drive system moves the release mechanism from the unactuated to the actuated position, and to a relative position of the release mechanism when the release mechanism is moved between the unactuated and actuated positions.

[0010] US patent application A1-2012280934 discloses a device for testing a touch panel, which includes a robotic hand that is positioned over the touch panel to be tested. The robotic hand moves toward and away from the touch panel. A first test finger and a second test finger are coupled to the robotic hand. As the robotic hand moves toward the touch panel, the first test finger touches the touch panel to simulate a one-finger touch, and the second test finger then touches the touch panel to simulate a two-finger touch.

[0011] Therefore, the industry is aware of the need for a testing system that can be safely used to validate electronic devices with touchscreens while minimizing electromagnetic interference from the electronic devices under test. REVELATION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The aim of the present invention is to obtain a testing system that meets the aforementioned need in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0013] The aforementioned problem is solved by the present invention insofar as it relates to a testing system according to claim 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] For a better understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is described below with reference to a non-limiting example and the accompanying drawings, in which: - Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a test system according to the present invention in two respective operating positions and with some parts that are not shown for the sake of clarity; and - Fig. 3 is a functional diagram of the test system of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, although some parts are not shown for the sake of clarity. BEST WAY TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0015] Referring to Fig. Reference numeral 1 designates a test system for an electronic device 2, which includes a touchscreen 3 and is intended in particular, but not exclusively, for applications in aviation. For example, the electronic device 2 is designed to be integrated into the cockpit interface of an aircraft.

[0016] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the test system 1 is designed to be placed near the touchscreen 3 in order to repeatedly operate it during the suitability test of the electronic device 2. The suitability tests may include, for example, tests of electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), or electromagnetic susceptibility.

[0017] Specifically, the Touchscreen 3 is an input device comprising an active surface and designed to receive an input signal as a result of pressure applied to at least part of the active surface. Alternatively, the Touchscreen 3 is an input / output device designed to receive the aforementioned input signal and display an output signal.

[0018] The functionality of the touchscreen 3 is based on any known touch sensor technologies (for example, PCAP, resistive, capacitive, optical).

[0019] Additionally, the touchscreen 3 can be programmed to activate only when the pressure applied to the active surface exceeds a pressure threshold, and / or when the pressure is applied over a contact area larger than an area threshold, and / or when the pressure is applied for a time interval greater than a time interval threshold. This prevents the touchscreen 3 from being activated by accidental contact during use.

[0020] The test system 1 includes an arm 4 which is positioned between a first position in which it can touch the touchscreen 3 ( Fig. 2), and a second position in which it can be spaced away from the touchscreen 3 ( Fig. 1) is movable.

[0021] Advantageously, the test system 1 also includes pneumatic actuating means 5 designed to actuate the arm 4 between the first and second positions.

[0022] When the arm 4 is in the first position, it exerts pressure on the touchscreen 3 and in particular on the active surface of the touchscreen 3, so that the touchscreen 3 is activated.

[0023] The test system 1 further comprises a housing 7 in which the pneumatic actuating means 5 are at least partially housed, and a pivot pin 8 which is attached to the housing 7 and defines an axis of rotation A. Preferably, the housing 7 is made of a conductive material, e.g., aluminum.

[0024] Furthermore, the arm 4 has two opposite ends 40, 41 and is articulated to the housing 7 at a pivot pin 8. Therefore, the arm 4 can rotate about the axis of rotation A between the first and second positions. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the arm 4 is operationally connected to the pneumatic actuating means 5 at the end 40 and is articulated to the pivot pin 8 at an intermediate position between the ends 40 and 41.

[0025] Preferably, the arm 4 is a telescopic arm, i.e., the distance between the ends 40 and 41 is adjustable. Accordingly, different areas of the touchscreen 3 can be touched by the adjustable arm 4 without changing the relative position between the housing 7 and the electronic device 2.

[0026] Additionally, arm 4 consists of a dielectric material. For example, the dielectric material is plastic.

[0027] The arm 4 in turn includes an actuating tip 6, which is formed integrally with the arm 4 and is designed to touch the touchscreen 3 when the arm 4 is in the first position ( Fig. 2).

[0028] The actuating tip 6 is designed to exert a pressure on the touchscreen 3 that is higher than the pressure threshold. This pressure depends on an actuating force exerted by the actuating tip 6 on the touchscreen 3 and a contact area defined by the actuating tip 6 on the touchscreen 3. Such an actuating force is a contact force and preferably corresponds to the average human finger pressure. Even more preferably, the actuating force exerted by the actuating tip 6 on the active surface of the touchscreen 3 is in the range of 100 g to 150 g (9.80665 × 10⁻⁶). -1 N to 1.47099 N).

[0029] In particular, the actuating tip 6 is attached to the end 41 of the arm 4. Furthermore, the actuating tip 6 is preferably detachably attached to the end 41. In this way, if required, an actuating tip 6 compatible with the specific touch sensor technology used by the touchscreen 3 can be attached to the arm 4. Additionally, actuating tips 6 with different dimensions, each defining different contact areas with the touchscreen 3, can be detachably attached to the arm 4.

[0030] Specifically, the actuating tip 6 comprises a first section 6a, to which it is attached at end 41, and a second section 6b, which is connected to the first section 6a and, in operation, is positioned so that it faces the touchscreen 3. The second section 6b is essentially conical and includes a rounded tip on the side opposite the first section 6a. Additionally, the second section 6b is shaped like a fingertip.

[0031] According to an alternative embodiment, the actuating tip 6 is fixedly attached to the arm 4 or formed in one piece with the arm 4 and includes a replaceable cover 10. In particular, the replaceable cover 10 can be provided in different sizes to define different contact areas and / or can be compatible with different technologies used by the touchscreen 3.

[0032] As schematically in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the pneumatic actuating means 5 comprise at least one pneumatic actuator 20 and a compressed air source 21 which is fluidically connected to the pneumatic actuator 20.

[0033] Specifically, the pneumatic actuator 20 is a linear pneumatic actuator comprising a cylinder and a shaft designed to move within the cylinder between a retracted position ( Fig. 1) and an extended position ( Fig. 2) to slide as a function of the compressed air supplied to the cylinder.

[0034] In further detail, when the pneumatic actuator 20 is in the retracted position, it has a first extension along a direction X perpendicular to the axis A ( Fig. 1); when the pneumatic actuator 20 is in the extended position, it has a second extension along direction X that is larger than the first extension ( Fig. 2).

[0035] The end 40 of arm 4 is operationally connected to the pneumatic actuator 20. When the pneumatic actuator 20 is in the retracted position, the end 40 is also closer to the housing 7 and the arm 4 is in the second position ( Fig. 1); when the pneumatic actuator 20 is in the extended position, the end 40 is further away from the housing 7 and the arm 4 is in the first position ( Fig. 2).

[0036] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 corresponds to the actuation of the arm 4, by means of the pneumatic actuator 20 from the second position to the first position, a rotation of the arm 4 counterclockwise around the axis A.

[0037] The cylinder of the pneumatic actuator 20 is a double-acting cylinder. Alternatively, the cylinder of the pneumatic actuator 20 is a single-acting cylinder and the test system 1 includes elastic means, not shown, designed to pre-tension the arm 4 in the direction of the second position.

[0038] Specifically, the elastic means comprise a calibrated spring with specific elastic properties. In more detail, the magnitude of the actuating force exerted by arm 4 on the touchscreen 3 depends on the elastic properties of the calibrated spring.

[0039] The pneumatic actuating means 5 further comprise valve means 22, which are designed to regulate and / or control the compressed air flow from the source 21 to the pneumatic actuator 20. Specifically, the valve means 22 comprise, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows an inlet valve 23 which is fluidically connected to the source 21, and a pressure regulator 24 which is fluidically arranged between the inlet valve 23 and the pneumatic actuator 20.

[0040] Specifically, the inlet valve 23 is configured to selectively allow or block the flow of compressed air from the source 21 to the pneumatic actuator 20. Additionally, the pressure regulator 24 is configured to regulate the flow of compressed air to the pneumatic actuator 20 in order to prevent damage to the pneumatic actuator 20.

[0041] Furthermore, the pneumatic actuating means 5 comprise a switch 26, in particular a microswitch, which is designed to control the actuation of the arm 4 by means of the pressure actuator 20. Specifically, the switch 26 is programmed to regulate the supply of compressed air from the source 21 to the pneumatic actuator 20 over time in order to control the movement of the pneumatic actuator 20 between the extended and retracted positions and, accordingly, the movement of the arm 4 between the first and second positions.

[0042] The switch 26 can be programmed to vary a contact frequency f at which the arm 4 moves from the second position to the first position and / or vice versa within a given time interval. For this purpose, the test system 1 includes a frequency adjustment device 27, which is operationally connected to the switch 26 and can be operated to set a desired value of the contact frequency f. Specifically, the switch 26 is designed to vary the contact frequency f as a result of the desired value of the contact frequency f set by means of the frequency adjustment device 27. Fig. 3).

[0043] In the embodiment shown, the frequency setting device 27 comprises a knob 28 which is arranged on the housing 7 ( Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) The knob 28 can be rotated about its own axis relative to a measuring scale in order to set the desired value of the contact frequency f.

[0044] Preferably, the pneumatic actuating means 5 comprise a pressure indicator 25 designed to display the pressure value of the compressed air flowing from the source 21 towards the pneumatic actuator 20. Furthermore, the pressure indicator 25 is operationally connected to the pressure regulator 24, and even more preferably, it is an analog pressure indicator.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the test system 1 further includes a counter 11 designed to store and / or display the number of times the arm 4 switches from the first position to the second position and / or vice versa.

[0046] In particular, meter 11 is a mechanical meter, i.e., it is a passive, non-electric meter.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the counter 11 is operationally connected to the pneumatic actuator 20 ( Fig. 3).

[0048] The operation of the test system 1 is described starting from a state in which the housing 7 is near the touchscreen 3, the pneumatic actuator 20 is in the retracted position and the arm 4 is in the second position ( Fig. 1).

[0049] In addition, the environmental conditions and setups compatible with the performance of the suitability tests are determined, the housing 7 is electrically connected to the earth and the desired value of the contact frequency f is set using the frequency adjustment device 27.

[0050] When source 21 supplies compressed air to pneumatic actuator 20, the pneumatic actuator 20 moves from the retracted position to the extended position. Since the extension of the pneumatic actuator 20 varies along direction X from the first extension to the second extension, and the end 40 is operationally connected to the pneumatic actuator 20, the arm 4 rotates counterclockwise about axis A in the direction of the first position ( Fig. 2).

[0051] When the arm 4 is in the first position, the actuating tip 6 touches the touchscreen 3, exerts the actuating force, and defines the contact area with the touchscreen 3. The pressure exerted by the actuating tip 6 on the touchscreen 3 activates the touchscreen 3.

[0052] During the rotation of the arm 4 between the first and second positions, the pressure value of the compressed air flowing from the source 21 towards the pressure actuator 20 can be adjusted by the valve medium 22 and is indicated by the pressure gauge 25.

[0053] By manually adjusting the length of the arm 4, i.e. the distance between the ends 40 and 41, different areas of the touchscreen 3 can be touched by the arm 4.

[0054] In addition, the contact frequency f of the arm 4 can be varied by means of the button 28 of the frequency adjustment device 27, which is operationally connected to the switch 26.

[0055] In addition, counter 11 displays how often arm 4 has reached the first position.

[0056] An examination of the properties of the test system 1 according to the invention reveals the advantages that can be achieved with it.

[0057] In particular, the electromagnetic interference from the test equipment is minimized because the test system 1 includes an arm 4 that is alternately designed to touch the touchscreen 3 and is actuated by pneumatic actuators 5. This is because the arm 4 is not actuated by electromagnetic devices capable of disrupting the electromagnetic field required for conducting the tests and thus distorting the test results.

[0058] Furthermore, test system 1 enables suitability tests to be carried out under safe conditions. The arm 4 is automatically actuated by the pneumatic actuators 5, and the touchscreen 3 does not require manual operation by an operator. Consequently, it is not necessary for an operator to be exposed to electromagnetic radiation during the tests.

[0059] Since the arm 4 is telescopic, the actuating tip 6 is also designed to touch different areas of the active surface of the touchscreen 3. This allows the touchscreen 3 to be actuated at different points without having to move the housing 7 and / or the electronic device 2 relative to each other.

[0060] Since the test system 1 includes a switch 26 which is programmable to vary the contact frequency f, the number of times the arm 4 touches the touchscreen 3 in a given time can be easily adjusted according to the requirements of the aptitude tests.

[0061] Furthermore, arm 4 is made of dielectric materials. Therefore, the interference of arm 4 with electromagnetic radiation is minimized.

[0062] Finally, it is clear that modifications and variants can be made to the claimed test system 1 without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0063] In particular, the test system 1 can include more than one arm 4.

[0064] Furthermore, the test system 1 can have more than one actuating tip 6, which is preferably arranged at the end 41 of the arm 4. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] IT 102021000012911

[0001] WO-A2-2017051263 [0007, 0008] EP-A1-1884201

[0009] US-A1-2012280934

[0010]

Claims

[1] Test system (1) for an electronic device (2) comprising a touchscreen (3); wherein the test system (1) comprises an arm (4) which is movable between at least a first position in which it touches the touchscreen (3) and operates it in use, and a second position in which it is spaced away from the touchscreen (3); characterized by , that it further comprises pneumatic actuating means (5) designed to actuate the arm (4) between the first position and the second position. [2] Testing system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the arm (4) in turn comprises at least one actuating tip (6) which is integral with the arm (4) and is designed to touch the touchscreen (3) when the arm (4) is in the first position during use; wherein the actuating tip (6) is designed to exert an actuating force on the touchscreen (3) during use when the arm is in the first position during use. [3] Testing system according to claim 2, characterized by , that the testing system (1) further comprises: - a housing (7) that at least partially accommodates the pneumatic actuating means (5); and - a pivot pin (8) that is integral with the housing (7) and is designed to pivot the arm (4) relative to the housing (7); wherein the arm (4) in turn comprises a first end (40) which is operationally connected to the pneumatic actuating means (5) and a second end (41) opposite the first end (40); wherein the actuating tip (6) is attached to the arm (4) at the second end (41). [4] Testing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pneumatic actuating means (5) in turn comprise: - a pneumatic actuator (20) which is operationally connected to the arm (4) and which is movable between a retracted position and an extended position; and - a compressed air source (21) which is fluidically connected to the pneumatic actuator (20) and is designed to supply the pneumatic actuator (20) with compressed air in order to move the pneumatic actuator (20) in use from the retracted position towards the extended position and / or vice versa. [5] Testing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it further comprises a switch (26) which is programmable to vary a contact frequency (f) in use, with which the arm (4) moves from the second position to the first position and / or vice versa in a given time interval. [6] Testing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that it further comprises elastic means designed to pre-tension the arm (4) in the direction of the second position. [7] Testing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the arm (4) is made of a dielectric material. [8] Testing system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by , that the housing (7) is made of a conductive material. [9] Testing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it further includes a counter (11) designed to store and / or display the number of times the arm (4) switches from the first position to the second position and / or vice versa during use. [10] Testing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the arm (4) is telescopic.

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