Calibrator having enhanced user interface

Abstract

To provide a calibrator having an enhanced user interface (UI).SOLUTION: The calibrator outputs an electrical signal over an output terminal of the calibrator. The calibrator presents, on a display of the calibrator, a graphical indication associated with an electrical quantity of the electrical signal. The calibrator or a controller thereof synchronizes a color of the graphical indication with a color emitted by a light indicator associated with the output terminal. The calibrator presents, together with the graphical indication, a signal property GUI element that is selectable and representative of a signal property associated with the electrical signal. In response to user selection of the signal property GUI element, the calibrator displays an editable GUI element permitting user modification of the signal property, and the calibrator modifies the electrical signal according to user input.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is directed to electrical test equipment, and more particularly to a calibrator having an enhanced user interface (UI).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0002] Test equipment including an electrical calibrator often includes a plurality of terminals. The test equipment receives and outputs various types of signals via the terminals. Due to the availability of multiple terminals to which a user can connect a connector, there still exists a possibility that the user may misidentify the terminal through which to draw or input a signal. Further, as the functions of the test equipment are extended, the corresponding menu structure for configuring the functions of the test equipment is also extended, making the operation of the test equipment more complex.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] A calibrator is provided with output terminals having respective terminal optical indicators through which the calibrator outputs an electrical quantity. The calibrator shows a display of the electrical quantity on a display and synchronizes the color emitted by the optical indicator with the color of the display.

[0004] The calibrator shows a display of the electrical quantity along with a graphical user interface (GUI) element that enables a user to directly modify the signal characteristics of the electrical quantity. In response to receiving the modified signal characteristics, the calibrator adjusts the electrical quantity.

[0005] The calibrator may display identification information that uniquely identifies editable GUI elements on any display screen presented to the user. This identification information may, for example, point to user-editable GUI elements through the touchscreen features of the display. The calibrator may also display identification information for editable GUI elements in response to user selection of areas of the display that do not contain editable GUI elements. Thus, the user may modify values, quantities, or characteristics represented by the GUI elements by interacting with the displayed GUI elements.

[0006] The calibrator may display a connection diagram to assist the user when connecting the calibrator to another device. The connection diagram includes a diagrammatic representation of the calibrator, the device, and the connectors used to connect the calibrator to the device, and the calibrator's representation also includes a representation of the light color associated with the terminals of the calibrator used when connecting the calibrator to the device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A block diagram of a calibrator according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2] An example of a calibrator's front panel is shown. [Figure 3] An example of a calibrator display is shown. [Figure 4] This shows the display of editable GUI elements using a calibrator. [Figure 5] This shows the display of the signal type selection menu provided by the calibrator. [Figure 6] This displays the identification of editable GUI elements by the calibrator. [Figure 7] This shows the connection diagram using a calibrator. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for operating the calibrator is shown. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for operating the calibrator is shown. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for operating the calibrator is shown. [Figure 11]A flowchart illustrating the procedure for operating the calibrator is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Due to the fact that a calibrator has multiple terminals, a user may connect a probe or device to a terminal different from the terminal through which the signal is output. For example, a calibrator is provided that is equipped with output terminals, each having an optical indicator adjacent to the output terminal. The calibrator outputs an electrical quantity via the output terminal. The calibrator displays the electrical quantity on a display along with the color indication emitted by the optical indicators associated with the output terminals. The calibrator synchronizes the color emitted by the optical indicators with the color of the display.

[0009] The user operating the calibrator uses the display color and the color emitted by the light indicator to identify the terminal through which the electrical energy is output, for example, in order to connect the correct terminal to the connector. Therefore, the likelihood of the user identifying the correct terminal is increased. Furthermore, the likelihood of the user tapping the wrong terminal, which is not the terminal through which the electrical energy is output, is reduced.

[0010] Due to the wide range of functions of the calibrator, the calibrator has multiple parameters that can be set by the user. This specification provides a calibrator that displays the quantity along with a signal characteristic graphical user interface (GUI) element. The signal characteristic GUI element allows the user to directly modify the signal characteristics of the quantity. The user may select a GUI element. In response to the user's selection of a GUI element, the calibrator displays an editable GUI element and allows the user to input the desired signal characteristics of the quantity (for example, by typing in the signal characteristics or by modifying them in other ways). In response to receiving the modified signal characteristics, the calibrator adjusts the quantity. The calibrator sets the signal characteristics of the quantity according to the user's modifications received.

[0011] By providing direct access to editable fields from the electrical calibrator's display, users can quickly adjust electrical quantity characteristics without having to navigate complex menu structures.

[0012] The calibrator described herein displays electrical quantities output via terminals, along with several characteristics of electrical quantities that can be directly set by user interaction. Techniques are provided to improve the user experience and inform the user of identifying information of displayed information that can be directly set or edited by the user. The calibrator may display identifying information that uniquely identifies editable GUI elements on any display screen presented to the user. The identifying information may, for example, point to the user-editable GUI element through the touchscreen features of the display. The identifying information may also be a contour representing the boundary of the editable GUI element, thereby allowing the user to modify the value, quantity, or characteristic represented by the GUI element by selecting a display area within the contour (for example, by touching the touchscreen display). The calibrator may display identifying information of an editable GUI element in response to a user selection of a display area that does not contain an editable GUI element. For example, if the user selects a display area where no information is displayed, the calibrator may respond by actually responding to user input and displaying identifying information to direct the user to an editable GUI element (and the display area targeting the element) directly from the display. Therefore, the user may modify the values, quantities, or characteristics represented by the displayed GUI elements by interacting with them. Identification information improves the usability of the calibrator, thereby increasing the likelihood that the user will be able to fully utilize the calibrator's functions by receiving information that points out which displayed GUI elements can be modified by the user.

[0013] The calibrator itself may be calibrated during calibration, and during calibration, the calibrator is coupled to another device and / or connector cable. The calibrator may display a connection diagram to help the user connect the calibrator to the other device. The calibrator may display a connection diagram in response to user selection of GUI elements from the calibrator's display. The connection diagram includes a diagrammatic representation of the calibrator, the other device, and the connectors that connect the calibrator to the other device, and assists and informs the user when performing calibration. The calibrator's display also includes a display of the light colors associated with the terminals of the calibrator used when connecting the calibrator to the other device.

[0014] Connection diagrams are advantageous in making the calibrator easier to use by informing the user of identification information for the terminals that connect to the electrical leads of the connector, using both the relative positions of the terminals on the calibrator (or its front panel) and the color of the light emitted by the light indicator associated with each terminal.

[0015] As illustrated by the examples provided herein, the disclosure provides a calibrator having an enhanced user interface (UI) that guides the use of the calibrator's terminals, modifies the characteristics of the output electrical signal, allows the user to directly modify the calibrator's functions without requiring them to navigate multiple complex menu structures, and simplifies user operation of the calibrator by visually indicating the appropriate calibrator terminal to use in the current calibrator configuration. For example, a configured calibrator outputs an electrical signal via the calibrator's output terminals. The calibrator presents a graphical representation on the calibrator's display associated with the electrical quantity of the electrical signal. The calibrator or its controller synchronizes the color of the graphical representation with the color emitted by a light indicator on the calibrator associated with the output terminal.

[0016] Figure 1 shows a flowchart illustrating a calibrator 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The calibrator 100 includes a controller 102, a memory 104, a front end 106, a plurality of terminals 108a to i, a plurality of optical indicators 110a to g, a display 112, and an input device 114. The controller 102 is operably coupled to the memory 104, the front end 106, the plurality of optical indicators 110a to g, the display 112, and the input device 114. The front end 106 is coupled to the plurality of terminals 108a to i.

[0017] Calibrator 100 may be any electrical test equipment such as an electrical precision source instrument. Calibrator 100 may output alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) current, voltage, or power signals. The signals have specific electrical quantities (e.g., voltage, current, or frequency). Calibrator 100 outputs signals via one or more of the multiple terminals 108a to i. Calibrator 100 may also provide resistance, inductance, and capacitance values ​​between two of the multiple terminals 108a to i. Calibrator 100 may further simulate a resistance temperature detector (RTD) and a thermocouple between its terminals. Calibrator 100 can be used in a laboratory or development environment to present and supply accurate electrical quantities and / or provide output electrical signals having electrical quantities.

[0018] The controller 102 may be any type of device configured to execute instructions (computer executable instructions) that cause the calibrator 100 to operate as described herein. For example, the controller 102 may be a processor or a microcontroller, and may include a central processing unit (CPU) with an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or other type of processing unit.

[0019] As described herein, the controller 102 receives user input for setting the operation of the calibrator 100 using the input device 114 and / or the display 112, which may be a touch screen display. The controller 102 commands the display 112 to display information to the user and commands the front end 106 to generate an electrical quantity for output via one or more of the plurality of terminals 108a - i. The controller 102 also commands the plurality of optical indicators 110a - g to emit light having a specific color.

[0020] The memory 104 may be any type of non - transient computer - readable storage medium. In particular, the memory 104 may be a read - only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). Further, the memory 104 may be static or dynamic. The memory 104 stores computer - executable instructions that can be retrieved or accessed by the controller 102 for execution. When executed by the controller 102, the computer - executable instructions cause the controller 102 (and thus the calibrator 100) to operate as described herein.

[0021] The front end 106 includes a circuit configured to generate an electrical quantity and output the electrical quantity via one or more of a plurality of terminals 108a - i. The circuit may include, among other things, amplifiers, filters, application - specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and analog components (such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transistors). The front end 106 may include a plurality of channels, whereby each channel may be configured to generate or present an electrical quantity within a certain range. For example, the first channel may be configured to generate a DC signal having a voltage within the first range, and the second channel may be configured to generate a DC signal having a voltage within the second range. The front end 106 may selectively couple the first channel or the second channel to the terminal according to the range of the output signal.

[0022] The display 112 may be any type of visual output device configured to output data to the user. The display 112 may be a screen configured to display the indication of the electrical quantity output by the calibrator 100 and the information including an indicator associated with the electrical quantity. The display 112 may be a color display. Additionally, the display may be a touch - screen display operable to receive user input for configuring the operation of the calibrator 100.

[0023] One of the multiple light indicators 110a to g may be any light source or device configured to emit light. For example, a light indicator may be a light-emitting diode (LED) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). A light indicator may be configured to emit multiple colors. The controller 102 may instruct a light indicator to emit a specific color and to switch colors. Each light indicator is associated with one of the multiple terminals 108a to i. A light indicator may be located in close proximity to each terminal. For example, a light indicator may be circular in shape and may surround a terminal as described herein, or it may be adjacent to a terminal.

[0024] The input device 114 may be any type of device configured to receive user input. The input device 114 may be a keypad, buttons, or a scroll wheel, in particular. The user can use the input device 114 to configure the calibrator 100 and its functions. The calibrator 100 may include one or more wired or wireless communication interfaces configured to communicate with external devices. For example, one or more wired or wireless communication interfaces may be modems or transceivers. One or more wired or wireless communication interfaces may communicate with external devices and transmit data to them.

[0025] Figure 2 shows an example of the front panel 116 of the calibrator 100. The front panel 116 includes a plurality of terminals 108a to i, a plurality of optical indicators 110a to g, a display 112, and an input device 114. A first set of terminals 108a to g of the plurality of terminals 108a to i is associated with each of the plurality of optical indicators 110a to g, while a second set of terminals 108h to i of the plurality of terminals 108a to i is not associated with any optical indicators. Figure 2 shows the optical indicators surrounding each terminal, but the optical indicators may otherwise be located near the terminals. For example, the optical indicators may be positioned adjacent to the terminals, or the front panel 116 may include traces that couple the optical indicators to the terminals in the figure.

[0026] The display 112 presents a display 118 of the quantity of electricity output by one of the terminals 108a to i. The display 118 of the quantity of electricity is shown as text containing the numerical value of the quantity along with the unit associated with that value. As shown in Figure 2, the display 118 of the quantity of electricity informs the user that the terminal outputs a signal with a voltage of 10 volts (V). The calibrator 100 (controller 102) may synchronize the color associated with the display of the quantity of electricity with the color emitted by the light indicator associated with the terminal outputting the signal. Thus, along with the display 118 of the quantity of electricity, the display 112 visually presents a display 120 (shown as an outline in Figure 2) having a color that corresponds to, is synchronized with, or matches the color associated with one or more terminals from which the quantity of electricity is output. For example, if the signal is output via the first and second terminals 108a and 108b of the multiple terminals 108a to i, the calibrator 100 displays the outline in blue. The calibrator 100 also instructs the first and second optical indicators 110a and 110b, which correspond to the first and second terminals 108a and 108b, to emit blue light. Thus, the calibrator 100 uses the display 120 and the first and second optical indicators 110a and 110b to inform the user operating the calibrator 100, such as a worker or technician, which terminals to take out or draw from the displayed electrical quantities.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the display 112 may display the electric quantity itself (e.g., 10V) in a color synchronized with the colors emitted by the first and second light indicators 110a and 110b. Alternatively or additionally, the display 112 may display a colored circle or dot adjacent to the electric quantity, whose color is synchronized with that of the first and second light indicators 110a and 110b.

[0028] Figure 3 shows another example of the display 112 of the calibrator 100. The display 112 shows a first display 118a of a first electrical quantity output by the calibrator 100 and a second display 118b of a second electrical quantity output by the calibrator 100. The first electrical quantity is shown as an AC voltage with root mean square (RMS) of 115V, and the second electrical quantity is shown as an AC current with RMS of 10 amperes (A). The electrical quantity displays 118a and 118b are shown with their respective displays 120a and 120b of a specific light color. In this example, each display 120a and 120b is shown as the contour of the displayed electrical quantity connected to the contour of a common shape (e.g., circular) of the terminal. The circular shape may alternatively be a square or other shape. The type of shape may depend on the function performed by the calibrator 100. For example, if the calibrator 100 performs a temperature function, its shape may be square.

[0029] The first display 120a associated with the first electric quantity has a first color (indicated by left diagonal hatching in Figure 2). The calibrator 100 synchronizes the first color with the color emitted by the first light indicator 110a associated with the first terminal 108a. The calibrator 100 may synchronize the colors by making them the same. The calibrator 100 may display the first display 120a on the display 112 in the same color as the color emitted by the first light indicator 110a. For example, the calibrator 100 may change the color emitted by the first light indicator 110a to match the first color displayed by the display 112. Thus, a user operating the calibrator 100 is informed that the first electric quantity has been drawn at the first terminal 108a associated with the first light indicator 110a.

[0030] Similarly, the second indicator 120b associated with the second electric quantity has a second color (indicated by right hatching in Figure 2). The calibrator 100 synchronizes the second color with the color emitted by the second light indicator 110b associated with the second terminal 108b through which the second electric quantity is output. The user operating the calibrator 100 is informed that the second electric quantity is drawn at the second terminal 108b associated with the second light indicator 110b.

[0031] As described herein, the light indicator 110 may be configured to emit multiple colors, and at any given time, it may emit one of the colors according to the display shown on the display 112. For example, when the amount of electricity output by the calibrator 100 is DC or AC voltage or current, the second light indicator 110b may emit a first color, which is green. Conversely, when the amount of electricity output by the calibrator 100 is DC or AC power, the second light indicator 110b may emit a second color, which is blue. The calibrator 100 synchronizes the color of the second display 120b accordingly.

[0032] In one embodiment, the calibrator 100 may provide terminal color indicators 120a, 120b by indicating the electrical quantity indicators 118a, 118b in specific colors. For example, the calibrator 100 may color-code the voltage and current levels in Figure 3 to indicate the terminals through which voltage and current are output. The calibrator 100 may color-code the voltage and current levels by indicating the text in specific colors. Continuing this example, the calibrator 100 may indicate the voltage level in green (e.g., the text 115V in green) and the current level in blue (e.g., the text 10A in blue) to indicate that the voltage is output by a terminal having a corresponding light indicator that emits green light, and the current is output by a terminal having a corresponding light indicator that emits blue light.

[0033] Calibrator 100 displays first and second signal characteristic graphical user interface (GUI) elements 122a and 122b, respectively, associated with the first and second electrical quantities. Calibrator 100 also displays first and second signal type GUI elements 124a and 124b, respectively, associated with the first and second electrical quantities. This specification describes the response of calibrator 100 to user selection of signal characteristic GUI elements 122a and 122b and signal type GUI elements 124a and 124b. In addition, calibrator 100 displays an output GUI element 126. The output GUI element 126 visually shows the user the electrical components that are coupled to each terminal through which electrical quantities are output. As shown in Figure 3, the output GUI element 126 shows the user that a resistor is coupled to the second terminal 108b.

[0034] Signal characteristic GUI elements 122a and 122b are provided to the user to set or change the signal characteristics of the first and second electrical quantities, respectively. Signal characteristic GUI elements 122a and 122b visually display the phase angles of the AC voltage and AC current output by the calibrator 100, respectively, and allow user adjustment of the phase angle. First and second signal type GUI elements 124a and 124b are provided to the user to set or change the signal types of the first and second electrical quantities, respectively. Signal characteristic GUI elements 122a and 122b visually display a sine wave and indicate to the user that both the AC voltage and AC current output by the calibrator 100 are sine wave signals. Signal type GUI elements 124a and 124b allow the user to change the signal type from among sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, or spike signals, truncated sine waves, or truncated triangle waves, in particular, having a specific duty cycle.

[0035] The two electrical quantities will be explained with reference to Figure 3, but please note that the calibrator 100 may output and display any number of electrical quantities. In addition, the calibrator 100 may perform the color synchronization described herein for any number of electrical quantities.

[0036] Figure 4 shows the display of the editable GUI element 128 by the calibrator 100. The calibrator 100 presents the editable GUI element 128 in response to the user's selection of the first signal characteristic GUI element 122a. The editable GUI element 128 allows the user to adjust the phase angle of the AC voltage. The user may input a phase angle into the editable GUI element 128, thereby setting the phase angle used by the calibrator 100 when generating the first electric quantity. The calibrator 100 responds by adjusting the phase of the first electric quantity. The user may input a phase angle into the editable GUI element 128, for example, by keying the phase angle using the input device 114 of the calibrator 100. The calibrator 100 displays the editable GUI element 128 together with the first signal characteristic GUI element 122a of the first electric quantity. The display of the first signal characteristic GUI element 122a indicates to the user that input to the editable GUI element 128 adjusts the signal characteristic associated with the first signal characteristic GUI element 122a.

[0037] In addition, the calibrator 100 displays the terminal light color indicator 120a of the first electric quantity. The indicator 120a informs the user of the terminal that is outputting the first electric quantity that is undergoing a phase angle change.

[0038] Figure 5 shows the display of the signal type selection menu 130 by the calibrator 100. The calibrator 100 may present the signal type selection menu 130 on the display 112 in response to a user selection of the first signal type GUI element 124a. The signal type selection menu 130 includes a plurality of selectable signal type GUI elements 132a to d, each representing a waveform of a different type. The plurality of selectable signal type GUI elements 132a to d include a selectable sine wave GUI element 132a, a selectable square wave GUI element 132b, a selectable triangle wave GUI element 132a, and a selectable truncated wave GUI element 132a.

[0039] The user can select a signal type from the signal type selection menu 130 using display 112 if the display is a touchscreen display, or they can select a signal type from the signal type selection menu 130 using input device 114. In response to receiving a user selection from the signal type selection menu 130, the calibrator 100 changes the signal type (or waveform) of the first electric quantity for each user selection. For example, in response to a user selection of a selectable triangular wave GUI element 132a from the signal type selection menu 130, the calibrator 100 may change the first electric quantity from an AC voltage with 115V RMS and a sine wave, as shown in Figure 3, to an AC voltage with 115V RMS and a triangular wave. As shown in Figure 5, the calibrator 100 pre-selects the element 132a corresponding to a sine wave when the menu 130 is presented. This pre-selection indicates the current signal type of the first electric quantity.

[0040] The signal types described with reference to Figure 5 are related to waveform types, but the calibrator 100 may allow the user to set or modify any other signal characteristics or features using the same or similar functions.

[0041] Figure 6 shows the display of identification information 134 for editable GUI elements by the calibrator 100. The calibrator 100 displays the identification information 134 to direct the user to GUI elements that can be edited by the user directly, for example, through the touchscreen features of the display. The identification information 134 is shown in Figure 6 as a contour representing the boundary of the editable GUI element. By user selection of the display area within the contour (for example, by touching the touchscreen display), the user can modify the value, quantity, or feature represented by the GUI element. In addition to, or as an alternative to, displaying the contour, the calibrator 100 may also display the identification information 134 by, in particular, underlining the element, displaying the element in a specific color, or displaying an indicator adjacent to or near the element. The indicator displayed adjacent to or near the element may have a specific color, such as green.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the identification information 134 indicates to the user that the voltage level, frequency, and offset, as well as the confidence intervals for the voltage level, frequency, and offset, can be changed directly from the display 112. Furthermore, the identification information 134 indicates that the signal phase and waveform shape of the AC voltage, as well as the reference resistor and the characteristics of the reference resistor, can be changed directly from the display 112. The user can directly modify any of the identified fields by selecting a field and entering the corresponding setting. Once the user enters a setting, the calibrator 100 adjusts the electrical quantity according to the setting. In this way, the calibrator 100 simplifies user operation of the calibrator 100 by enabling direct modification of the calibrator's functions without requiring the user to navigate multiple complex menu structures, and provides an enhanced user interface (UI) that visually indicates the appropriate terminals of the calibrator to be used in the current calibrator configuration.

[0043] The calibrator 100 displays identification information 134 for editable elements in response to a user selection of a first area 136 of the display 112 that does not contain any editable elements. For example, if the user selects an area of ​​the display 112 where no information is displayed, the calibrator 100 responds to the user input by displaying identification information 134 to direct the user to a GUI element (and a second area of ​​the display 112 targeting that element) that is directly editable from the display 112. Thus, the user may modify a quantity or feature by interacting with the displayed element.

[0044] Figure 7 shows the display of the connection diagram 138 by the calibrator 100. The calibrator 100 may display the connection diagram 138 in response to a user selection from the display 112 of a GUI element (not shown) that allows the user to command the display of the connection diagram 138. The connection diagram 138 includes a display 140 of the calibrator 100, a display 142 of the device, and a display 144 of the connector that connects the calibrator 100 to the device. Displays 140, 142, and 144 illustrate the calibrator 100, the device, and the connector, respectively. Displays 140, 142, and 144 include displays of the terminals of the calibrator 100 and the device, as well as the electrical leads of the connector. The connection diagram 138 shows the connector and the connections made between both the calibrator 100 and the device. The connection diagram 138 may assist the user (e.g., a technician or inspection worker) when performing calibration on the calibrator 100 and inform the user of the connections used to perform the calibration. Alternatively, the device may be a device that receives the electrical output from the device under test (DUT) or the calibrator 100, and connection diagram 138 may assist the user in connecting the calibrator 100 to the device.

[0045] The indicator 140 of the calibrator 100 indicates the relative position of the calibrator's terminals. The indicator 140 of the calibrator 100 also includes indicators 146a-c of the color of light associated with the terminals of the calibrator 100 to which the connector is coupled. Simultaneously with the presentation of the connection diagram 138, the calibrator 100 causes the light indicator to emit light having the colors shown in the connection diagram 138, as described herein. Thus, the connection diagram 138 informs the user of identifying information about the terminals to be coupled to the connector, using both the relative position of the terminals and the color of light emitted by the light indicator associated with the terminals.

[0046] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of method 800 for operating the calibrator 100. As described herein, the calibrator 100 may be any electrical test equipment. Method 800, in 802, includes outputting an electrical signal through the output terminals of the calibrator 100. The electrical signal may be any AC or DC signal. For example, the electrical signal may be a voltage, current, or power signal. The output terminals may be associated with an optical indicator, thereby the optical indicator may be positioned close to the output terminals on the front panel of the calibrator 100.

[0047] In 804, the display of the calibrator 100 presents a graphical representation related to the quantity of electricity in the electrical signal. The graphical representation may be an outline surrounding the quantity of electricity. Additionally or alternatively, the graphical representation may be an underline or other graphical representation of the quantity of electricity. Presenting the quantity of electricity may also include presenting the numerical value of the quantity of electricity and the unit of electricity (e.g., in text format).

[0048] In 806, the controller of the calibrator 100 synchronizes the color of the graphical display with the color emitted by the light indicator. Synchronizing the colors may include displaying a graphical display on the display that has the same color as the light emitted by the light indicator.

[0049] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of a method 900 for operating the calibrator 100. In this method, the calibrator 100 presents a signal characteristic GUI element in 902, along with a graphical display associated with an electrical quantity. The signal characteristic GUI element is selectable and may represent a signal characteristic associated with an electrical signal. The signal characteristic may also be phase, and the signal characteristic GUI element may visually indicate the phase angle, allowing user adjustment of the phase angle of the AC voltage or AC current output by the calibrator 100.

[0050] The user may select a signal characteristic GUI element. In 904, the calibrator 100 presents an editable GUI element that allows user modification of the signal characteristics in response to the user's selection of a signal characteristic GUI element. In 906, the calibrator 100 receives the user modification of the signal characteristics via the editable GUI element. In 908, the calibrator 100 modifies the electrical signal output via the output terminal according to the user modification of the signal characteristics. The calibrator 100 can set the phase of the electrical signal to the phase input by the user in the editable GUI element.

[0051] Figure 10 shows a flowchart of a method 1000 for operating the calibrator 100. At 1002, the calibrator 100 receives a user selection of a first area of ​​the display. The first area of ​​the display does not have to be used to present information (e.g., electrical quantities or parameters) to the user, and the selection of the first area does not have to result in the direct presentation of an editable element or field in which the user can set electrical quantities. For example, the first area may be a blank space on the display.

[0052] In response to receiving a user selection of a first area in 1004, the calibrator 100 indicates one or more second areas of the display that respond to user input. As described herein, indicating one or more second areas may include, in particular, applying a border to one or more second areas, or displaying one or more second areas with a different brightness (brighter or darker) than other areas of the display.

[0053] Figure 11 shows a flowchart of a method 1100 for operating the calibrator 100. The calibrator 100 presents a GUI element in 1102 that allows the user to command the display of a connection diagram showing the respective connections made between the terminals of the calibrator and the terminals of a device, which may be a voltmeter in particular. The connection diagram may provide the user with information on how to connect the calibrator 100 to the device.

[0054] In 1104, the calibrator 100 receives a user selection of a GUI element. In 1106, in response to receiving the user selection of a GUI element, the calibrator 100 presents a connection diagram showing the respective colors emitted by light indicators positioned in relation to each terminal of the calibrator, synchronized with the displayed graphical display. As described herein, the connection diagram shows the colors emitted by the light indicators when the connection diagram is displayed. The user can identify the terminals shown on the connection diagram based on the correspondence between the colors in the connection diagram and the colors emitted by the light indicators.

[0055] In view of the foregoing disclosure, various examples of electrical test equipment and calibrators may include any one or a combination of the following features: output terminals configured to output an electrical signal; a light indicator positioned in relation to the output terminals and configured to emit light; a display configured to present a graphical representation associated with the quantity of electricity in the electrical signal; and a controller configured to synchronize the color of the graphical representation with the color emitted by the light indicator.

[0056] The calibrator and test apparatus may also include other features, such as the controller being configured to synchronize the colors of the graphical display with the colors emitted by the light indicator by causing the light indicator to emit the same colors used by the display to present the graphical display.

[0057] The calibrator and test apparatus may also include other features, such as the optical indicator emitting one of several colors, including a color synchronized with the color of the graphical display and a second color, and being configured to dynamically change to emit the second color in response to a change in the electrical signal from one type of electrical signal to a different type of electrical signal.

[0058] The calibrator and test apparatus may also include other features, such as the controller being configured to display, on a display, a graphical representation associated with an electrical quantity, along with selectable signal characteristic GUI elements representing signal characteristics associated with an electrical signal, and in response to the user's selection of a signal characteristic GUI element, to display an editable GUI element that allows the user to modify the signal characteristics.

[0059] The calibrator and test apparatus may also include other features, such as the controller being configured to receive user modifications of signal characteristics via an editable GUI element and to modify the electrical signal output via an output terminal in accordance with the user modifications of signal characteristics.

[0060] The calibrator and test apparatus may also include other features, such as a signal characteristic GUI element visually representing the phase angle, and a controller configured to display an editable GUI element that allows user modification of the phase angle of an electrical signal in response to user selection of the signal characteristic GUI element.

[0061] The calibrator and test apparatus may also include other features, such as the display including a first area, and the controller being configured to cause the display to show one or more second areas of the display that respond to user input in response to receiving a user selection of the first area.

[0062] The calibrator and test apparatus may also include other features, such as one or more second areas containing one or more GUI elements, and a controller configured to display one or more GUI elements on a display by drawing the outlines of one or more GUI elements using the respective boundaries of one or more GUI elements.

[0063] The calibrator and test apparatus may also include other features, such as having multiple terminals that include output terminals, and having multiple optical indicators that include the optical indicators and are each positioned in relation to the multiple terminals.

[0064] The calibrator and test apparatus may also include other features, such as the controller being configured to display a connection diagram on a display that shows the respective connections made between multiple terminals of the calibrator and terminals of the apparatus, and the respective colors emitted by multiple light indicators of the calibrator that are synchronized with the displayed graphical display, and to receive user selections of the GUI elements and, in response to the user selections of the GUI elements, to display the connection diagram on the display.

[0065] In light of the foregoing disclosure, various examples of how the electrical test apparatus may be performed include any one or a combination of the following features: outputting an electrical signal from the output terminals of the electrical test apparatus, wherein the electrical test apparatus has a light indicator positioned in relation to the output terminals; presenting a graphical representation on the display of the electrical test apparatus that is associated with the quantity of the electrical signal; and synchronizing the color of the graphical representation on the display of the electrical test apparatus with the color emitted by the light indicator associated with the output terminals.

[0066] The method and test apparatus may include other features, such as emitting one of several colors by a light indicator, including a color synchronized with the color of the graphical display and a second color, and dynamically changing the light indicator to emit the second color in response to a change in the electrical signal from one type of electrical signal to a different type of electrical signal.

[0067] The method and test apparatus may also include other features, such as presenting a selectable signal characteristics GUI element that represents the signal characteristics associated with an electrical signal, along with a graphical display associated with the electrical quantity, and presenting an editable GUI element that allows the user to modify the signal characteristics in response to the user's selection of the signal characteristics GUI element.

[0068] The method and test apparatus may also include other features, such as receiving user modifications of signal characteristics via an editable GUI element, and modifying the electrical signal output via an output terminal in accordance with the user modifications of the signal characteristics.

[0069] The method and test apparatus may include other features, such as a signal characteristic GUI element that visually represents the phase angle.

[0070] The method and test apparatus may include other features, such as displaying an editable GUI element that allows user modification of the phase angle of an electrical signal in response to user selection of a signal characteristic GUI element.

[0071] The method and test apparatus may include other features, such as receiving a user selection of a first area of ​​a display and, in response to receiving the user selection of the first area, displaying one or more second areas of the display that respond to user input.

[0072] The method and test apparatus may include other features, such as one or more second areas containing one or more GUI elements.

[0073] The method and test apparatus may include other features, such as displaying one or more GUI elements on a display by drawing the outlines of one or more GUI elements using the respective boundaries of one or more GUI elements.

[0074] The method and test apparatus may also include other features, such as presenting a GUI element on a display that allows the user to command the display of a connection diagram showing the respective connections made between the terminals of the electrical test apparatus and the terminals of the apparatus, and the respective colors emitted by light indicators positioned in relation to each terminal of the electrical test apparatus which are synchronized with the displayed graphical display; receiving the user selection of the GUI element; and displaying the connection diagram on the display in response to receiving the user selection of the GUI element.

[0075] In light of the foregoing disclosure, various examples of calibrators may include one or a combination of the following features: a controller, and a memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to instruct a display to present a graphical representation associated with the quantity of electrical signals output by the terminals of the calibrator, and to synchronize the colors of the graphical representation with the colors emitted by light indicators positioned in relation to the terminals.

[0076] The calibrator may also include other features, such as an executable command instructing a controller to instruct a display to present a selectable signal characteristic GUI element representing a signal characteristic associated with an electrical signal, along with a graphical display of electrical quantities; in response to a user selection of the signal characteristic GUI element, instructing the display to present an editable GUI element that allows user modification of the signal characteristic; receiving user modification of the signal characteristic via the editable GUI element; and modifying the electrical signal output via terminals in accordance with the user modification of the signal characteristic.

[0077] Further embodiments can be provided by combining the various embodiments described above.

[0078] These and other modifications can be made to embodiments, taking into consideration the modes for carrying out the above invention. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be interpreted as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but rather as including all possible embodiments along the scope of all equivalents to which such claims are granted. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A calibrator an output terminal configured to output an electrical signal; a light indicator positioned relative to the output terminal and configured to emit light; a display configured to present a graphical representation associated with a characteristic of the electrical signal; a controller, synchronizing the color of the graphical display with the color emitted by the light indicator; causing a first user-selectable graphical user interface (GUI) element indicative of a first signal type of the electrical signal to be displayed on the display along with a graphical representation associated with the characteristic of the electrical signal; causing the display to display a plurality of GUI elements in response to a user selection of the first GUI element; receiving a user selection of a second GUI element from the plurality of GUI elements, the second GUI element indicating a second signal type different from the first signal type; a controller configured to, in response to receiving the user selection for the second GUI element, change the signal type of the electrical signal from the first signal type to the second signal type and cause the output terminal to output the electrical signal of the second signal type.

2. 2. The calibrator of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to synchronize the color of the graphical representation with the color emitted by the light indicator by causing the light indicator to emit the same color as the color used by the display to present the graphical representation.

3. The light indicator: emitting one of a plurality of colors including the color synchronized with the color of the graphical representation and a second color; 3. The calibrator of claim 1 or 2, configured to dynamically change to emit the second color in response to the electrical signal changing from one type of electrical signal to a different type of electrical signal.

4. The characteristic of the electrical signal is an electrical quantity of the electrical signal, and the controller presenting selectable signal characteristic GUI elements representing signal characteristics associated with the electrical signal along with the graphical representation associated with the characteristics; 3. A calibrator according to claim 1 or 2, configured to, in response to a user selection of the signal characteristic GUI element, cause the presentation of an editable GUI element that allows user modification of the signal characteristic.

5. The controller: receiving the user modification of the signal characteristics via the editable GUI element; 5. The calibrator of claim 4, configured to modify the electrical signal output via the output terminal in accordance with the user modification of the signal characteristics.

6. the signal characteristics GUI element graphically represents a phase angle; 5. The calibrator of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to, in response to a user selection of the signal characteristic GUI element, display the editable GUI element that enables user modification of the phase angle of the electrical signal.

7. the display includes a first region; The controller:

3. The calibrator of claim 1, wherein in response to receiving a user selection of the first region, the calibrator causes the display to show one or more second regions of the display responsive to the user input, the one or more second regions including one or more GUI elements.

8. a plurality of terminals including the output terminal; a plurality of light indicators, each of which includes the light indicator and is arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of terminals; The controller: causing the display to present a GUI element that enables a user to command the display of a connection diagram representing respective connections made between the plurality of terminals of the calibrator and terminals of a device, the connection diagram showing respective colors emitted by the plurality of light indicators of the calibrator synchronized with the displayed graphical representation; receiving a user selection of the GUI element; 3. The calibrator of claim 1 or 2, configured to cause the connection diagram to be presented on the display in response to the user selection of the GUI element.

9. The controller: causing the display to present, together with the graphical representation associated with the characteristic, a first graphical user interface (GUI) element selectable by a user and indicating a first signal type of the electrical signal; causing the display to display a plurality of GUI elements in response to a user selection of the first GUI element; receiving a user selection of a second GUI element of the plurality of GUI elements indicating a second signal type different from the first signal type; in response to receiving the user selection of the second GUI element; changing the signal type of the electrical signal from the first signal type to the second signal type; 3. The calibrator of claim 1, configured to cause the output terminal to output the electrical signal having the second signal type.

10. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: presenting, by a display of the electrical test equipment, a graphical representation associated with a characteristic of the electrical signal; synchronizing the color of the graphical display with the color emitted by a light indicator associated with an output terminal of the electrical test equipment configured to output the electrical signal; causing the display to display a first user-selectable graphical user interface (GUI) element indicative of a first signal type of the electrical signal along with a graphical representation associated with the characteristic of the electrical signal; displaying a plurality of GUI elements on the display in response to a user selection of the first GUI element; receiving a user selection of a second GUI element from the plurality of GUI elements, the second GUI element indicating a second signal type different from the first signal type; in response to receiving the user selection for the second GUI element, changing a signal type of the electrical signal from the first signal type to the second signal type and causing the output terminal to output the electrical signal of the second signal type; 11. A computer-implemented method comprising:

11. emitting, by the light indicator, one of a plurality of colors including the color synchronized with the color of the graphical display and a second color; and dynamically changing the light indicator to emit the second color in response to the electrical signal changing from one type of electrical signal to a different type of electrical signal.

12. the characteristic of the electrical signal is an electrical quantity of the electrical signal, and the computer-implemented method comprises: presenting selectable signal characteristic GUI elements representing signal characteristics associated with the electrical signal along with the graphical representation associated with the characteristics; and in response to a user selection of the signal characteristic GUI element, presenting an editable GUI element that enables user modification of the signal characteristic.

13. receiving the user modification of the signal characteristics via the editable GUI element; and modifying the electrical signal output via the output terminal in accordance with the user modification of the signal characteristics.

14. the signal characteristics GUI element graphically represents a phase angle; The computer-implemented method comprises:

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, comprising displaying an editable GUI element in response to the user selection of the signal characteristics GUI element, the editable GUI element enabling user modification of the phase angle of the electrical signal.

15. receiving a user selection of a first region of the display; 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 10 or 11, comprising: in response to receiving the user selection of the first region, presenting one or more second regions of the display responsive to user input, the one or more second regions including one or more GUI elements.

16. presenting, by the display, a GUI element that allows a user to command the display of a connection diagram representing each connection made between terminals of the electrical test equipment and terminals of the equipment, and showing respective colors emitted by light indicators positioned in association with each terminal of the electrical test equipment synchronized with the displayed graphical representation; receiving a user selection of the GUI element; and presenting the connection diagram on the display in response to receiving the user selection of the GUI element.

17. A calibrator A controller; When executed by the controller, the controller: commanding a display to present a graphical representation relating to a characteristic of the electrical signal output by the terminals of the calibrator; synchronizing the color of the graphical display with the color emitted by a light indicator positioned in association with the terminal; causing a first user-selectable graphical user interface (GUI) element indicative of a first signal type of the electrical signal to be displayed on the display along with a graphical representation associated with the characteristic of the electrical signal; causing the display to display a plurality of GUI elements in response to a user selection of the first GUI element; receiving a user selection of a second GUI element from the plurality of GUI elements, the second GUI element indicating a second signal type different from the first signal type; a memory having executable instructions stored therein for changing the signal type of the electrical signal from the first signal type to the second signal type in response to receiving the user selection for the second GUI element and causing the output terminal to output the electrical signal of the second signal type.

18. The characteristic of the electrical signal is an electrical quantity of the electrical signal, and the executable instructions direct the controller to: presenting selectable signal characteristic GUI elements representing signal characteristics associated with the electrical signal along with the graphical representation of the characteristics; in response to a user selection of the signal characteristic GUI element, directing the display to present an editable GUI element that enables user modification of the signal characteristic; receiving the user modification of the signal characteristics via the editable GUI element; 18. The calibrator of claim 17, wherein the electrical signal output via the terminals is modified in accordance with the user modification of the signal characteristics.

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