Methods and apparatus to control staging of test specimens

Abstract

To provide methods and apparatus to control staging of test specimens.SOLUTION: Disclosed example systems to perform automated testing include: a stage configured to secure one or more test specimens; one or more actuators configured to position the stage and the one or more test specimens; a user interface configured to receive input defining a test sequence of a plurality of points to be tested on the one or more test specimens, and display a graphic indicative of positions of the plurality of points on the one or more test specimens and one or more paths to be taken by the stage to traverse the plurality of points during testing of the test sequence; and control circuitry configured to control a test process of the test sequence in accordance with the plurality of points and the one or more paths.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to materials testing, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for controlling the staging of test specimens. [Background technology]

[0002] In a test system, a test stage can be used to physically position one or more test specimens for physical, electrical and / or other types of testing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A method and apparatus for controlling the staging of a test specimen, as more fully set forth in the claims, is disclosed substantially as shown in and described in connection with at least one of the drawings.

[0004] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters represent like parts throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary testing system for performing mechanical property tests on one or more test specimens attached to a test stage, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0006] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary implementation of the test system of FIG.

[0007] [Diagram 3] 3 illustrates an example user interface that may be used to implement the user interface of FIG. 2 to define a test sequence including test points and / or test paths and to display a graphic illustrating the test sequence.

[0008] [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart representing example machine-readable instructions that may be executed to implement the test system of FIGS. 1-3 to define and perform test sequences using test stages. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and, where appropriate, like or identical reference numbers are used to refer to like or identical components.

[0010] Exemplary test stages can move a test specimen in one or more linear dimensions (e.g., X-stage, Y-stage, or Z-stage for a single dimension, XY-stage, XZ-stage, or YZ-stage for two dimensions, XYZ-stage for three dimensions), in circular and / or polar motion, rotational motion, and / or any other desired motion and / or positioning. The test stage can include fixtures to which one or more specimens are attached depending on the properties of the specimen and / or the type(s) of test (e.g., compression, tension, torsion, flexure, etc.) and / or motion (s) (e.g., analysis) to be performed.

[0011] In contrast to conventional test systems that utilize test stages, the disclosed exemplary test systems provide the operator(s) with a clear indication of the number and location of test points in a test sequence, as well as the paths between the test points. For example, some disclosed test systems display a graphic representing the test stages and overlay the locations of the test points, and the paths between the test points, on the graphic to quickly show the operator the exact test sequence. As a result, the disclosed exemplary test systems provide a significant improvement in accuracy and operator efficiency in defining test sequences.

[0012] An exemplary system disclosed includes a stage configured to perform automated testing of one or more specimens and to secure the one or more test specimens; one or more actuators configured to position the stage and the one or more test specimens; a user interface configured to receive inputs defining a test sequence of a plurality of points to be tested on the one or more test specimens and display a graphic indicating positions of the plurality of points on the one or more test specimens and one or more paths taken by the stage to traverse the plurality of points during testing of the test sequence; and a control circuitry configured to control a testing process of the test sequence in accordance with the plurality of points and the one or more paths.

[0013] In some examples, the control circuitry is configured to calculate a path based on the plurality of points. In some exemplary systems, the input defining the plurality of points includes at least one of: coordinates of the plurality of points on the stage, a number of rows of the plurality of points, a number of columns of the plurality of points, a number of the plurality of points, a dimension of one or more test specimens, a position of a first point of the plurality of points, a position of a last point of the plurality of points, or a change in position between successive points of the plurality of points. In some exemplary systems, the input is a direct selection of one or more of the plurality of points via an input device. In some such examples, the input device includes at least one of a joystick, a mouse, or a touch screen.

[0014] In some examples, the user interface is configured to display a graphic as a grid representing a stage, a plurality of points superimposed on the stage, and one or more paths connecting the plurality of points. In some examples, the user interface is configured to display sequential indicia associated with the plurality of points to indicate the order in which the plurality of points will be tested during the testing process. In some examples, the user interface is configured to show a first point of the plurality of points and display the one or more paths with one or more directional indicators.

[0015] In some exemplary systems, the user interface is configured to indicate that one or more of the plurality of points are outside a boundary of the stage. In some exemplary systems, the user interface is configured to indicate a current position of the stage via a graphic. In some examples, the user interface is configured to display a second graphic representing the entire stage. In some exemplary systems, the stage is configured to move the test specimen in at least one of a linear, rotational, or radial direction. In some examples, the control circuitry is configured to control the stage actuator using at least one of Euclidean, polar, circular, spherical, or cylindrical coordinates having one or more dimensions.

[0016] A disclosed exemplary method for performing automated testing of one or more specimens includes fixing one or more test specimens to a test stage, receiving input via a user interface defining a test sequence of a plurality of points to be tested on the one or more test specimens, displaying via the user interface a graphic indicating the positions of the plurality of points on the one or more test specimens and one or more paths that the stage will take to traverse the plurality of points during testing of the test sequence, and performing a testing process of the test sequence by controlling, via control circuitry, a stage actuator to move the test stage according to the plurality of points and the one or more paths.

[0017] In some example methods, the input defining the plurality of points includes at least one of: coordinates of the plurality of points on the stage, a number of rows of the plurality of points, a number of columns of the plurality of points, a number of points, a dimension of one or more test specimens, a position of a first point of the plurality of points, a position of a last point of the plurality of points, or a change in position between successive points of the plurality of points. In some examples, displaying the graphic includes displaying the graphic as a grid representing the stage, the plurality of points superimposed on the stage, and one or more paths connecting the plurality of points.

[0018] In some exemplary methods, receiving the input includes receiving a direct selection of one or more of the plurality of points via an input device. In some examples, displaying the graphic includes displaying the graphic as a grid representing the stage with the plurality of points superimposed on the stage and displaying one or more paths connecting the plurality of points. In some examples, controlling a stage actuator includes controlling a stage actuator to move the stage in at least one of a linear, rotational, or radial direction. Some exemplary methods further include indicating, via a user interface, that one or more of the plurality of points are outside a boundary of the stage.

[0019] FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of an example testing system 100 for performing mechanical property tests on one or more test specimens 102a-102o attached to a test stage 104. The example test stage 104 of FIGURE 1 is an XY stage that positions the test specimens 102a-102o under a test element 106 (e.g., a compression tester, a tension tester, a torsion tester, a bend tester, etc.). In some examples, the test stage 104 can hold a single specimen, where multiple locations on the single specimen can be positioned under the test element 106 for testing or other operations (e.g., analysis).

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary implementation of the test system 100 of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the test system 100 includes a test fixture 201 and a computing device 202.

[0021] The exemplary computing device 202 may be a general purpose computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile device, a server, an all-in-one computer, and / or any other type of computing device. The computing device 202 of FIG. 2 includes a processor 203, which may be a general purpose central processing unit (CPU). In some examples, the processor 203 may include one or more special purpose processing units, such as an FPGA, a RISC processor with an ARM core, a graphics processing unit, a digital signal processor, and / or a system on a chip (SoC). The processor 203 executes machine-readable instructions 204, which may be stored locally at the processor (e.g., in an internal cache or on the SoC), in a random access memory 206 (or other volatile memory), in a read-only memory 208 (or other non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory), and / or in a mass storage device 210. The exemplary mass storage device 210 may be a hard drive, a solid-state storage drive, a hybrid drive, a RAID array, and / or any other mass data storage device. The bus 212 allows communication between the processor 203 , the RAM 206 , the ROM 208 , the mass storage device 210 , the network interface 214 , and / or the input / output interface 216 .

[0022] The example network interface 214 includes hardware, firmware, and / or software that connects the computing device 202 to a communications network 218, such as the Internet. For example, the network interface 214 may include IEEE 802.X compliant wireless and / or wired communications hardware for transmitting and / or receiving communications.

[0023] 2 includes hardware, firmware, and / or software that couples one or more input / output devices 220 to the processor 203 to provide input to and / or output from the processor 203. For example, the I / O interface 216 may include an image processing device that interfaces with a display device, a Universal Serial Bus port that interfaces with one or more USB-compliant devices, FireWire, Fieldbus, and / or any other type of interface. The example test system 100 includes a display device 224 (e.g., an LCD screen) coupled to the I / O interface 216. Other example I / O device(s) 220 may include a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a trackball, a pointing device, a microphone, an audio speaker, a display device, an optical media drive, a multi-touch touch screen, a gesture recognition interface, a magnetic media drive, and / or any other type of input and / or output device.

[0024] Computing device 202 can access non-transitory machine-readable medium 222 via I / O interface 216 and / or I / O device(s) 220. Examples of machine-readable medium 222 in FIG. 2 include optical disks (e.g., compact disks (CDs), digital versatile / video disks (DVDs), Blu-ray® disks, etc.), magnetic media (e.g., floppy® disks), portable storage media (e.g., portable flash drives, secure digital (SD) cards, etc.), and / or any other type of removable and / or installed machine-readable medium.

[0025] Test fixture 201 is coupled to a computing device 202. In the example of Figure 2, test fixture 201 is coupled to the computing device via an I / O interface 216, such as a USB port, a Thunderbolt port, a FireWire (IEEE 1394) port, and / or any other type of serial or parallel data port. In some examples, test fixture 201 is coupled to network interface 214 and / or I / O interface 216 via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.), either directly or via network 218.

[0026] Test fixture 201 includes a frame 228, a load cell 230, a test stage 232 (e.g., test stage 104 of FIG. 1), a stage actuator 234, a specimen fixture 236, control circuitry 238, and a user interface 250. Frame 228 provides rigid structural support for the other components of test fixture 201 that perform the test. Load cell 230 measures the force applied to the specimen (e.g., substrate 102) by test actuator 246.

[0027] The example control circuitry 238 controls the movement of the stage 232 based on a test sequence that includes a set of multiple test points and a path between consecutive test points. The example stage 232 can be configured to move linearly (e.g., Euclidean or Cartesian coordinates in one or more dimensions), rotationally (e.g., angular movement of the stage 232), and / or radially (e.g., inward and outward movement of the stage). The control circuitry 238 can be configured to control the stage actuators 234 using one or more of Euclidean, polar, circular, spherical, cylindrical, and / or any other coordinate system having one or more dimensions, and / or the user interface 250 can allow an operator to define points and / or paths using the same or different coordinate systems.

[0028] Although stage 232 and stage actuator 234 are shown in FIG. 2 as part of system 100, stage 232 and / or stage actuator 234 may be integrated with system 100 or added to an existing system.

[0029] The test actuators 246 apply forces to and / or force displacements of the specimen(s). In the exemplary test system 100, the test element 106 is stationary in the XY directions, and the stage actuators 234 move the stage 232 and the specimen(s) in the XY directions relative to the test element 106, allowing the test element 106 to perform testing in the Z direction.

[0030] Exemplary actuators that may be used to implement the stage actuators 234 and / or the test actuators 246 may include electric motors, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, piezoelectric actuators, relays, and / or switches. The exemplary test fixture 201 uses motors, such as servo motors or direct drive linear motors, although other systems may use different types of actuators. For example, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, and / or any other type of actuator may be used based on the requirements of the system.

[0031] The specimen fixture 236 attaches the specimen(s) to the stage 232. For example, the specimen fixture 236 can include grippers 248, such as jaw grips, platens, probes, clamps, and / or other types of fixtures, depending on the specimen and / or mechanical property being tested. The grippers 248 can be manually configured and controlled by manual inputs and / or automatically controlled by the control circuitry 238.

[0032] Test system 100 may further include one or more user interfaces 250 including one or more input devices 252. Input device 252 may include buttons, switches, and / or other input devices located on an operator control panel. For example, input device 252 may include buttons, a touch screen, a mouse, a joystick, and / or other types of input device(s). Input device(s) 252 may control the operation of test fixture 201, such as by defining the location(s) of test points, by defining paths between test points, by controlling stage actuator(s) 234 to push (e.g., position) test stage 232 to a desired position, by controlling a switch (e.g., a foot switch) that controls gripper 248 (e.g., via another actuator) to open or close, and / or by controlling any other input device to control the operation of test fixture 201, etc.

[0033] The example control circuitry 238 communicates with the computing device 202, for example to receive test parameters from the computing device 202 and / or report measurements and / or other results to the computing device 202. For example, the control circuitry 238 may include one or more communication and / or I / O interfaces that enable communication with the computing device 202. The control circuitry 238 may control the stage actuator(s) 234 to move the test stage 232 to position a test point on the specimen adjacent to (e.g., below) the test element 106 for testing during a test sequence. Additionally or alternatively, the control circuitry 238 may control the test actuator 246 to move in a given direction and / or to control the velocity of the test actuator 246, control the gripper 248 to grip or release the specimen, and / or receive measurements from the displacement transducer 240, the load cell 230, and / or other transducers.

[0034] 3 illustrates an example user interface 300 that may be used to implement the user interface 250 and / or display device 224 of FIG. 2 to define a test sequence including test points and / or test paths and to display a graphic 302 illustrating the test sequence. The example user interface 300 includes inputs for defining test points. The example user interface 300 may be presented via a display screen (e.g., display 224), a touch screen, and / or any other display method.

[0035] The interface 300 is configured to receive input 304 defining a test sequence including a plurality of points to be tested on one or more test specimens attached to the stage 104 of Figure 1. Exemplary inputs shown in Figure 3 include a coordinate input 306 for one or more of the plurality of points on the stage, a number of rows 308 of the plurality of points, a number of columns 310 of the plurality of points, a number of points 312 (e.g., a total number of points), a dimension input 314 for a dimension of one or more test specimens, a position input 316 for a position (e.g., coordinate) of a first point of the plurality of points, a position input 318 for a position (e.g., coordinate) of a last point of the plurality of points, or a change in position 320 (e.g., delta) between successive points of the plurality of points. Additionally or alternatively, the interface 300 may enable an operator to import and / or export a sequence of points and / or paths from a file (e.g., via the mass storage device 210, the network interface 214, the I / O device 220, and / or the machine-readable medium 222 of Figure 2).

[0036] Exemplary coordinate inputs (e.g., inputs 306, 314, 316, 318, 320) include inputs for multiple dimensions (e.g., X and Y coordinates for an XY stage), but may include fewer or more inputs for different types of stages. In some examples, the coordinate inputs may be received with reference to a grid represented by the graphic 302, such as by pointing a cursor to a desired point on the graphic 302 associated with a coordinate system and selecting a location. In response to a selection on the grid, the example control circuitry 328 may use the location as an input (e.g., inputs 306, 314, 316, 318, or 320) for the selected coordinate input.

[0037] The exemplary graphic 302 illustrates the locations of a plurality of points 322 (numbered 1-25 in the example of FIG. 3) on one or more test specimens, and one or more paths (e.g., arrows between successive ones of the points 1-25) that the stage 104 takes across the plurality of points 1-25 during testing of a test sequence. As shown in FIG. 3, the user interface 300 is configured to display the graphic 302 as a grid representing the stage 104, with the plurality of points 322 superimposed on the stage and one or more paths 324 connecting the plurality of points 322. The exemplary graphic 302 displays sequential indicia, such as an alphanumeric sequence (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.; A, B, C, etc.; A1, A2, B1, B2, etc.) associated with the points 322 to indicate the order in which the points 322 will be tested during the testing process.

[0038] In some examples, sequential indicia may be used to indicate a sequence in place of the arrows shown in Figure 3. In some other examples, arrows or similar path indicators may be used in conjunction with an indication of the first point to display one or more paths and sequences without the use of specific indicia to indicate the sequence.

[0039] As used herein, a "path" refers to a route that exists between two or more of points 1 to 25. In other words, a route from point 1 to point 2 can be considered a single path, and a route that starts at point 1 and ends at point 25 can be considered a single path or multiple paths (e.g., paths 2 to 24).

[0040] The example user interface 300 can indicate when one or more points entered through the user interface are outside the boundary of the stage. For example, if an operator enters coordinates that are outside the stage 104 (e.g., according to a grid coordinate system that represents the stage 104), the user interface 300 can display an alert, alarm, or other indication that the points are outside the boundary of the stage 104.

[0041] In some examples, the user interface 300 can include (eg, overlay) a stage position indicator 326 over the graphic 302 that represents the current position of the stage 104 (eg, relative to the test elements 106).

[0042] The graphic 302 may represent the entire stage 104 and / or a portion of the stage 104, such as defined dimensions of a specimen or region of interest. In some examples, when the graphic 302 represents a portion of the stage 104, the user interface 300 may allow the operator to zoom out and display a second graphic representing the entire stage 104.

[0043] By displaying the graphic 302 to visually represent and indicate the locations and paths 324 of the points 322, the example user interface 300 substantially improves the efficiency and accuracy with which an operator can define and perform test sequences using the stage. In particular, the user interface 300 enables a user to quickly determine the number and placement of points on the specimen, determine whether any points are outside the boundaries of the specimen and / or stage 232, and / or determine whether improvements or corrections to the test sequence should be implemented.

[0044] Figure 4 is a flow chart representing exemplary machine-readable instructions 400 that may be executed to implement the test system of Figures 1-3 to define and perform a test sequence using test stages. The instructions 400 may be executed, for example, by the control circuitry 238 and / or processor 203 of Figure 2 to define a test sequence, display a user interface 300 including a graphic 302 representing points and paths in the test sequence, and control a test fixture to perform the defined test sequence. The exemplary instructions 400 are described below as being executed by the control circuitry 238 of Figure 2.

[0045] At block 402, the control circuitry 238 determines whether to set up a test sequence. For example, the control circuitry 238 may receive an input from a first menu to enter a test sequence interface (e.g., user interface 300 of FIG. 3). If a test sequence is to be set up (block 402), then at block 404 the control circuitry 238 may receive one or more inputs that define a test sequence of points to be tested on one or more test specimens. For example, the control circuitry 238 may receive (e.g., via user interface 250 of FIG. 2 and / or user interface 300 of FIG. 3) one or more of coordinates of a plurality of points on a stage, a number of rows of the plurality of points, a number of columns of the plurality of points, a number of points, a dimension of one or more test specimens, a position of a first point of the plurality of points, a position of a last point of the plurality of points, or a change in position between successive points of the plurality of points.

[0046] In block 406, the control circuitry 238 calculates the locations of the points and / or paths between the defined points. For example, when a number of rows is defined and a number of columns is defined, the control circuitry 238 can automatically define coordinate locations of the points corresponding to the defined number of rows and columns and calculate paths between the points. The control circuitry 238 can define the points according to rules, such as to space the points evenly and / or to obtain a default representation of the testing of the specimen. The path calculations can be performed by the control circuitry 238, for example, to maximize testing efficiency, reduce total testing time, and / or to achieve any other computational goal and / or based on a default path scheme.

[0047] At block 408, the control circuitry 238 displays one or more graphics (e.g., graphic 302 of FIG. 3 ) that indicate the positions and paths of the points relative to the stage 104. For example, the control circuitry 238 may display the graphic 302 including one or more of a grid representing the stage 104, an arrow 324 or other indicator of the path and / or testing order of the points 322, a sequence of indicia representing the testing order of the points 322, and / or an indicator 326 of the current position of the stage 104 relative to the test element 106.

[0048] In block 410, the control circuitry 238 determines whether the test sequence setup is complete. For example, the operator may choose to store the test sequence for subsequent retrieval and / or use by selecting a save or store button in the user interface 300. If the test sequence setup is not complete (block 410), control returns to block 404 to continue receiving inputs defining the test sequence.

[0049] When the setup is complete (block 410) or a test sequence is not set up (block 402), the control circuitry 238 determines whether a test sequence is to be performed in block 412. For example, an operator may select to perform a defined test sequence via the user interface 250 of FIG. 2. If a test sequence is not to be performed (block 412), control returns to block 402.

[0050] If a test sequence is to be performed (block 412), then in block 414, the control circuitry 238 controls the stage actuator(s) 234 and the test actuator(s) 246 to perform the test sequence. For example, the control circuitry 238 may control the stage actuator(s) 234 to move the stage 232 based on locations depicted in a graphic displayed on the user interface 300, and control the test actuator 246 at each of the locations. During the test, the example control circuitry 238 may collect load data (e.g., via the load cells 230) and / or displacement data (via the displacement transducers 240). In block 416, the control circuitry 238 stores the test data, such as the collected load data and / or displacement data. The example instructions 400 may then end. In some examples, after performing the test, control may return to block 402 to determine whether another test sequence is to be defined.

[0051] The method and system can be implemented in hardware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The method and / or system can be implemented in a centralized manner in at least one computing system, or in a distributed manner where different elements are distributed across several interconnected computing systems. Any kind of computing system or other device adapted to perform the methods described herein is suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software can include a general-purpose computing system, with a program or other code that, when loaded and executed, controls the computing system to perform the methods described herein. Another typical embodiment can include an application specific integrated circuit or chip. Some embodiments can include a non-transitory machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) medium (e.g., flash drive, optical disk, magnetic storage disk, etc.), which stores one or more lines of code executable by a machine, thereby causing the machine to perform a process as described herein. As used herein, the term "non-transitory machine-readable medium" is defined to include all types of machine-readable storage media and to exclude propagating signals.

[0052] As used herein, the terms "circuit" and "circuitry" refer to physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that may comprise, be executed by, and / or otherwise be associated with hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory may include a first "circuit" when executing a first one or more lines of code, and may include a second "circuit" when executing a second one or more lines of code. As used herein, "and / or" refers to any one or more of the items in a list linked by "and / or". As an example, "x and / or y" refers to any element of the triplet {(x),(y),(x,y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y, and / or z" means any element of the seven-element set {(x),(y),(z),(x,y),(x,z),(y,z),(x,y,z)}. In other words, "x, y, and / or z" means "one or more of x, y, and z." As used herein, the term "exemplary" means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the term "for example" begins a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. As used herein, whenever circuitry includes the necessary hardware and code (if either is necessary) to perform a function, the circuitry is "operable" to perform that function, regardless of whether implementation of that function is disabled or enabled (e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.).

[0053] Although the method and / or system have been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the method and / or system. For example, blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples may be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the method and / or system is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Instead, the method and / or system includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A system for automated testing of one or more specimens, comprising: a stage configured to secure one or more test specimens; one or more actuators configured to position the stage and the one or more test specimens; A user interface, receiving an input defining a test sequence of a plurality of points to be tested on the one or more test specimens; a user interface configured to display a graphic indicating locations of the plurality of points on the one or more test specimens and one or more paths taken by the stage to traverse the plurality of points during testing of the test sequence; and control circuitry configured to control a test process of the test sequence according to the plurality of points and the one or more paths; A system comprising:

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to calculate the path based on the plurality of points.

3. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the input defining the plurality of points includes at least one of: coordinates of the plurality of points on the stage, a row number of the plurality of points, a column number of the plurality of points, a number of the plurality of points, a dimension of the one or more test specimens, a position of a first point of the plurality of points, a position of a last point of the plurality of points, or a change in position between successive points of the plurality of points.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the input comprises a direct selection of one or more of the plurality of points via an input device.

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the input device comprises at least one of a joystick, a mouse, or a touch screen.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the user interface is configured to display the graphic as a grid representing the stage, the plurality of points superimposed on the stage, and the one or more paths connecting the plurality of points.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the user interface is configured to display sequential indicia associated with the plurality of points to indicate the order in which the points are to be tested during the testing process.

8. The system of claim 6 , wherein the user interface is configured to indicate a first point of the plurality of points and to display the one or more routes with one or more directional indicators.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the user interface is configured to indicate that one or more of the plurality of points are outside a boundary of the stage.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the user interface is configured to indicate a current position of the stage via the graphic.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the user interface is configured to display a second graphic that represents an entirety of the stage.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the stage is configured to move the test specimen in at least one of a linear, rotational, or radial direction.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to control the stage actuator using at least one of Euclidean, polar, circular, spherical, or cylindrical coordinates having one or more dimensions.

14. 1. A method for automated testing of one or more specimens, comprising: Fixing one or more test specimens to a test stage; receiving input via a user interface defining a test sequence of a plurality of points to be tested on the one or more test specimens; displaying, via the user interface, a graphic indicating locations of the plurality of points on the one or more test specimens and one or more paths that the stage will take to traverse the plurality of points during testing of the test sequence; performing a test process of the test sequence by controlling, via control circuitry, a stage actuator to move the test stage according to the plurality of points and the one or more paths; A method comprising:

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the input defining the plurality of points includes at least one of: coordinates of the plurality of points on the stage, a row number of the plurality of points, a column number of the plurality of points, a number of the plurality of points, a dimension of the one or more test specimens, a position of a first point of the plurality of points, a position of a last point of the plurality of points, or a change in position between successive points of the plurality of points.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein displaying the graphic comprises displaying the graphic as a grid representing the stage, the plurality of points superimposed on the stage, and the one or more paths connecting the plurality of points.

17. The method of claim 14 , wherein receiving the input comprises receiving a direct selection of one or more of the plurality of points via an input device.

18. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein displaying the graphic comprises displaying the graphic as a grid representing the stage, the plurality of points superimposed on the stage, and the one or more paths connecting the plurality of points.

19. The method of claim 14 , wherein controlling the stage actuator comprises controlling the stage actuator to move the stage in at least one of a linear, rotational or radial direction.

20. The method of claim 14 , further comprising indicating, via the user interface, that one or more of the plurality of points are outside a boundary of the stage.

Images