Hand simulator and audio test system

Abstract

A hand simulator and an audio test system are disclosed. The hand simulator comprises: a main bearing portion used for bearing a device under test, wherein the main bearing portion comprises a palm and a thumb, an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger, and a little finger that are movably arranged at the end of the palm; a limiting portion comprising a plurality of limiting posts, wherein at least some of the limiting posts are arranged on the palm, the plurality of limiting posts define a receiving space, and the device under test is limited within the receiving space. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention provides a hand simulator that simulates the shape of a human hand, wherein said hand simulator is provided with a limiting portion used for limiting a device under test, allowing the hand simulator to be used for measuring the frequency response of a loudspeaker or microphone of the device under test, or both, while simulating acoustic characteristics resembling those of a user's hand. A device under test can be accurately and repeatedly positioned, improving the practical usefulness of audio testing of any portable device. Further, the invention can be used as a basis for improving existing measurement standards and creating new test methods.

Description

A hand simulator and an audio testing system Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of testing technology for devices under test, and in particular to a hand simulator and an audio testing system. Background Technology

[0002] One problem with testing portable audio devices in the prior art is that current measurement standards ignore the influence of the user's hand on the frequency response for speaker playback and microphone response, whether in handheld device use (traditional telephone) or in various speaker applications (such as telephone and teleconferencing, audiovisual media playback and gaming).

[0003] Tests of portable audio devices based on actual usage show that the user's hands have a strong influence on frequency response, spatial distribution of sound, and channel balance when using stereo.

[0004] To address the challenges of improving the realism of testing and development of portable audio devices, a hand simulator that mimics the acoustic and vibrational characteristics of a user's hand and can accurately and repeatably position the device under test is needed. Technical issues

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hand simulator and an audio testing system to solve the technical problems in the prior art. It can simulate the acoustic and vibration characteristics similar to those of a user's hand and can accurately and repeatably locate the device under test. Technical solutions

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a hand simulator, comprising:

[0007] The main support part is used to support the device under test. The main support part includes a palm and the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger that are movably disposed at the end of the palm.

[0008] The limiting part includes a plurality of limiting posts, at least some of which are disposed on the palm. The plurality of limiting posts together form a receiving space, and the device under test is limited to the receiving space.

[0009] In the hand simulator described above, preferably, the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger each have one or more phalanges, and the phalanges can rotate relative to the palm and to adjacent phalanges.

[0010] In the hand simulator described above, preferably, the plurality of limiting posts include at least a first limiting post group and a second limiting post group, wherein the limiting posts in the first limiting post group are movable along a first direction, and the limiting posts in the second limiting post group are movable along a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0011] In the hand simulator described above, preferably, the plurality of limiting posts further includes a third limiting post group, wherein the limiting posts within the third limiting post group are movable along a third direction, the third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0012] In the hand simulator described above, preferably, the limiting part further includes an extension bracket, one end of which is connected to the main support part, and the other end of which is provided with a plurality of limiting posts.

[0013] In the hand simulator described above, preferably, a receiving cavity is recessed in the palm, and a replaceable module is detachably disposed within the receiving cavity, with different replaceable modules having different recessed contours on the side opposite to the palm.

[0014] In the hand simulator described above, preferably, a first surface is formed on the palm, and a depth adjustment member is connected to the first surface, the depth adjustment member being used to adjust the recess depth of the first surface.

[0015] Secondly, the present invention provides an audio testing system, including a hand simulator and an audio testing device. The hand simulator is the aforementioned hand simulator, which is used to support the device under test. The audio testing device includes a processor, a microphone, and a speaker. The device under test is signal-connected to the processor, and the processor is signal-connected to the microphone and / or the speaker.

[0016] The audio testing system described above preferably further includes a body simulator and a connector, wherein the opposite ends of the connector are respectively connected to the body simulator and the hand simulator, so that the hand simulator is maintained in a predetermined posture at a predetermined position.

[0017] In the audio testing system described above, preferably, two hand simulators are provided, which are arranged opposite each other along a preset direction. The hand simulators can move back and forth along the preset direction to move closer to or further away from the other hand simulator. Beneficial effects

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, this invention sets up a hand simulator that mimics the shape of a human hand and equips the hand simulator with a limiting part for limiting the device under test. The hand simulator can be used to measure the frequency response of the speaker, microphone or both of the device under test. It can simulate acoustic characteristics similar to those of a user's hand and can accurately and repeatably position the device under test, improving the practical usability of audio testing for any portable device, including mobile phones, smartphones and tablets. It can serve as a basis for improving existing measurement standards and creating new testing methods. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the hand simulator in the hidden limiting part state;

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the hand simulator in the hidden limiting part state;

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device under test placed on the hand simulator;

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the hand simulator with the limiting part of the first structure;

[0023] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a hand simulator with a limiting part having the second structure;

[0024] Figure 6 is a structural diagram of a hand simulator with replaceable modules;

[0025] Figure 7 is a structural diagram of different replaceable modules;

[0026] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the cavity used to accommodate the replaceable module;

[0027] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the adjustable first surface;

[0028] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hand simulator and body simulator in the first connection state;

[0029] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hand simulator and body simulator in the second connection state;

[0030] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of two hand simulators set up opposite each other;

[0031] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of an audio testing system with a microphone;

[0032] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of an audio testing system with a loudspeaker.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] 100-Hand simulator, 101-Palm, 102-Thumb, 103-Index finger, 104-Middle finger, 105-Ring finger, 106-Little finger, 107-Limiting post, 108-Guide groove, 109-Extension bracket, 110-Receiving cavity, 111-Replaceable module, 112-First surface, 113-Depth adjustment component;

[0035] 200 - Audio test system; 201 - Processor; 202 - Microphone; 203 - Speaker;

[0036] 300-Body Simulator;

[0037] 400 - Connector, 401 - First connecting block, 402 - Second connecting block;

[0038] 500-slide rail;

[0039] 600 - Device under test;

[0040] D1 - First direction;

[0041] D2 - Second direction;

[0042] D3-Third direction. The best embodiment of the present invention

[0043] The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, an embodiment of the present invention provides a hand simulator 100, including a main support portion and a limiting portion, wherein:

[0045] The main support is used to support the device under test 600, which includes, but is not limited to, mobile devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the main support includes a palm 101 and a thumb 102, index finger 103, middle finger 104, ring finger 105, and little finger 106 movably disposed at the end of the palm 101. Those skilled in the art will know that the main support can mimic the shape of a human hand in great detail (e.g., based on a scan of a real hand) or have a partially simplified structure, wherein only acoustically relevant features are copied, such as the overall width of the hand, the approximate shape of the fingers, and the general curvature of the palm 101, which are not limited herein.

[0046] Referring to Figure 3, when the device under test 600 is placed on the main support, the palm 101 supports the device under test 600, and the thumb 102, index finger 103, middle finger 104, ring finger 105 and little finger 106 can simulate the state of a human hand holding the device under test 600 in a real environment, so that the frequency response of the speaker 203, microphone 202 or both of the device under test 600 can simulate the acoustic characteristics similar to those of a user's hand.

[0047] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the limiting part is used to limit the device under test 600 to prevent it from falling out of the main support part. In one feasible embodiment, the limiting part includes a plurality of limiting posts 107, at least some of which are disposed on the palm 101. In addition, depending on the size and shape characteristics of the device under test 600, a plurality of limiting posts 107 can be disposed outside the main support part. This is not limited here. The plurality of limiting posts 107 together form a receiving space. When the device under test 600 is supported on the palm 101, the outer contour surface of the device under test 600 abuts against the limiting posts 107, and the device under test 600 is confined within the receiving space, so that the device under test 600 can be accurately and repeatably positioned, improving the practical usability of audio testing of any portable device.

[0048] Referring to FIG4, in the embodiments provided in this application, the thumb 102, index finger 103, middle finger 104, ring finger 105 and little finger 106 are all one or more phalanges. The phalanges can rotate relative to the palm 101 and to adjacent phalanges, so that each finger has at least one degree of flexion and extension freedom, which can imitate the movement of a human hand, so as to simulate the state of holding the device under test 600 in reality, or the fingers (e.g., the thumb 102) can move on the screen of the device to simulate, for example, screen interaction in a game.

[0049] When the device under test 600 is a mobile phone, the thumb 102 and little finger 106 can rotate to produce a substantially lateral movement so that the device under test is grasped by two fingers, and the remaining three fingers (index finger 103, middle finger 104, ring finger 105) can remain stationary, forming a plane; or they can be moved using one or more flexible joints so that the position of the fingertips can be adjusted to accommodate different measurement positions or the shape of the device.

[0050] In one feasible implementation, the thumb 102 has rotational and flexion-extension degrees of freedom, and the other fingers (index finger 103, middle finger 104, ring finger 105 and little finger 106) each have two flexion-extension degrees of freedom. The flexion-extension degree of freedom refers to the flexion and extension of each finger joint relative to the palm 101 or other finger joints, and the rotational degree of freedom refers to the rotation of the thumb 102 as a whole relative to the palm 101.

[0051] The above flexion and extension movements can be achieved through a hinge structure. In a typical structure, the hinge structure includes a pivot and a transition block rotatably connected to the pivot. Each transition block is connected to a palm 101 or a phalanx, so that the palm 101 or phalanx is hinged through the pivot.

[0052] The rotational motion can be achieved through a worm gear structure. In a typical structure, the worm gear structure includes a drive motor, a worm wheel, and a worm. The output end of the drive motor is connected to the worm, and the root of the thumb 102 is connected to the worm wheel. The worm meshes with the worm wheel, and the drive motor rotates, which can drive the thumb 102 to rotate relative to the palm 101.

[0053] Furthermore, the surface of the hand simulator 100 can be coated, in whole or in part, with materials exhibiting vibration-like properties, such as compliance and vibration damping, to prevent noise generated by the vibration of the device under test 600 and to simulate the acoustic reflection characteristics of human hand tissue. Partial coating can be applied to the fingertips and / or the palm 101 of the hand. Suitable coating materials include various plastics and rubbers. The surface material can be selected from materials with high surface friction to facilitate the mounting of the device under test 600.

[0054] The hand simulator 100 may be equipped with a vibration sensing element (accelerometer, etc.) so that the hand simulator 100 can also be used to evaluate the function of tactile actuators or vibrations caused by audio transducers. The hand simulator 100 may also be equipped with a built-in microphone, which can be used for calibration purposes or to evaluate the near-field distribution of sound generated by the device under test 600.

[0055] In the embodiments provided in this application, the limiting post 107 is disposed on the palm 101 in a movable connection form to adapt to the test device 600 of different sizes and shapes. In one feasible embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, this movable connection form may be that the surface of the palm 101 is recessed with a guide groove 108, and the limiting post 107 is fitted into the guide groove 108 with a gap. The guide groove 108 plays a fixing and guiding role, so that the limiting post 107 can only move back and forth along the extension direction of the guide groove 108. Those skilled in the art will know that the movable connection form can also be implemented by other embodiments, which are not limited here, as long as the limiting post 107 can move and maintain a preset position on the movement path.

[0056] The movement of the limiting post 107 can change the size and shape of the internal space of the receiving space, thereby adapting to the test device 600 of different sizes and shapes. After the test device 600 is placed on the palm 101, the outer contour surface of the test device 600 abuts against the limiting post 107. The limiting post 107 is kept in the abutting position, which is the preset position, so that the test device 600 can be accurately and repeatably positioned.

[0057] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the plurality of limiting posts 107 include at least a first limiting post group and a second limiting post group. The limiting posts 107 in the first limiting post group can move along the first direction D1, and the limiting posts 107 in the second limiting post group can move along the second direction D2. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are perpendicular. The first direction D1 is defined as the left-right direction in the figure, which is the width direction of the palm 101. The second direction D2 is defined as the up-down direction in the figure, which is the length direction of the palm 101.

[0058] The limiting posts 107 in the first limiting post group all appear in pairs and abut against the left and right sides of the device under test 600. They are used to position and limit the device under test 600 in the width direction of the palm 101. By moving the limiting posts 107 in the first limiting post group in the first direction D1, the device under test 600 of different widths can be limited. At the same time, multiple pairs of limiting posts 107 can be set in the second direction D2 to provide more stable clamping and limiting of the device under test 600. Those skilled in the art will know that the number and distribution of the limiting posts 107 in the first limiting post group can be determined according to the size and outline of the device under test 600, and are not limited here.

[0059] At least one limiting post 107 in the second limiting post 107 abuts against the bottom of the device under test 600, and at least one limiting post 107 abuts against the top of the device under test 600, for positioning and limiting the device under test 600 in the length direction of the palm 101. By moving the limiting post 107 in the second limiting post group in the second direction D2, the device under test 600 of different lengths can be limited. Those skilled in the art will know that the number and distribution of the limiting posts 107 in the second limiting post group can be determined according to the size and outline of the device under test 600, and are not limited here.

[0060] Furthermore, referring to FIG5, the plurality of limiting posts 107 also includes a third limiting post group. The limiting posts 107 in the third limiting post group can move along a third direction D3. The third direction D3 intersects with the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The moving direction of the limiting posts 107 in the third limiting post group is inclined to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, so as to abut against the arc-shaped corner end of the device under test 600, or to adapt to or abut against the irregular side end of the device under test 600. Those skilled in the art will know that the number and distribution of the limiting posts 107 in the third limiting post group can be determined according to the size and outline of the device under test 600, and are not limited here.

[0061] To ensure the controlled and repeatable positioning of the device under test 600, and to distribute the mechanical stress on the palm 101 and the device under test 600 to more contact points, in the embodiments provided in this application, as shown in FIG5, the limiting part further includes an extension bracket 109. One end of the extension bracket 109 is connected to the main support part, and the other end of the extension bracket 109 is provided with a plurality of limiting posts 107. In one feasible embodiment, the extension bracket 109 has a "+" shaped structure. One end of the extension bracket 109 in the second direction D2 is connected to the palm 101 or one of the fingers. The other end of the extension bracket 109 in the second direction D2 is provided with a limiting post 107 in the second limiting post group. The two ends of the extension bracket 109 in the first direction D1 are respectively provided with a pair of limiting posts 107 in the first limiting post group, thereby enabling positioning and limiting of the top of the device under test 600 and the two sides near the top of the device under test 600.

[0062] User testing revealed that the shape of the palm 101 is a crucial factor in determining the high-frequency response of portable devices. To measure the impact of the palm 101 shape, in the embodiments provided in this application, the preset area of ​​the palm 101 is set in a variable manner.

[0063] In one feasible implementation, referring to Figures 6 to 8, different palm 101 shapes are provided by interchangeable modules 111. Specifically, a receiving cavity 110 is recessed on the palm 101, and a replaceable module 111 is detachably disposed in the receiving cavity 110. The replaceable module 111 can be detachably fixed in various ways such as embedding, snap-fit, and threaded connection, which is not limited here. The side of different replaceable modules 111 opposite to the palm 101 has different recessed contours, and the shape and depth of the recessed contours of different replaceable modules 111 are different. By replacing the replaceable module 111, different palm 101 shapes can be provided conveniently and quickly, providing a convenient basis for audio testing of the device under test 600.

[0064] In another feasible implementation, referring to FIG8, a first surface 112 is formed on the palm 101. The first surface 112 is located in a preset area of ​​the palm 101, preferably the central area. A depth adjustment member 113 is connected to the first surface 112. The depth adjustment member 113 is used to adjust the recessed depth of the first surface 112. The depth adjustment member 113 can be hidden inside the palm 101, and the structure design is more compact. Preferably, the depth adjustment member 113 includes a lead screw and a lead screw nut. The lead screw is connected to the first surface 112, and the other end of the lead screw is threadedly connected to the lead screw nut. The lead screw nut is set inside the palm 101. The driving member drives the lead screw nut to rotate, thereby driving the lead screw to reciprocate, thereby adjusting the recessed depth of the first surface 112. This allows for convenient and quick provision of palm 101 shapes with different contours, providing a convenient basis for audio testing of the device under test 600.

[0065] Based on the hand simulator 100 provided in the above embodiments, and referring to Figures 13 and 14, this application also provides an audio testing system 200. The audio testing system 200 includes a hand simulator 100 and an audio testing device. The hand simulator 100 is the aforementioned hand simulator 100, which is used to support the device under test 600. The audio testing device includes a processor 201, a microphone 202, and a speaker 203. The device under test 600 is signal-connected to the processor 201, and the processor 201 is signal-connected to the microphone 202 and / or the speaker 203.

[0066] Referring to Figure 13, the processor 201 is connected to the microphone 202. When the device under test 600 emits sound, the microphone 202 detects the sound of the device under test 600. The processor 201 realizes audio testing of different types of mobile terminals.

[0067] Referring to Figure 14, the processor 201 is connected to the speaker 203, which can play the test sound source signal. After the device under test 600 receives the test sound source signal, it can output the test sound source signal to the processor 201. Then the processor 201 performs judgment and analysis to realize the test of the device under test 600.

[0068] Furthermore, referring to Figures 10 and 11, the system also includes a body simulator 300 and a connector 400. The body simulator 300 can simulate at least the head and upper torso of a human body. The two ends of the connector 400 are respectively connected to the body simulator 300 and the hand simulator 100, so that the hand simulator 100 is kept in a predetermined position and posture. The hand simulator 100 is used with the body simulator 300 or other recording devices to record audio test samples for subjective hearing tests, and is used with the audio test system 200 to evaluate the spatial quality of the reproduced sound.

[0069] In the embodiments provided in this application, the connector 400 positions the hand simulator 100 near the ear of the body simulator 300 to simulate the scenario of answering a phone call in real life. The hand simulator 100 can maintain a fixed posture in this fixed position so that different test devices 600 can be compared and tested under the same conditions.

[0070] In one feasible implementation, referring to Figures 10 and 11, the connector 400 includes a first connecting block 401 and a second connecting block 402. One end of the first connecting block 401 is connected to the hand simulator 100, the other end of the first connecting block 401 is connected to one end of the second connecting block 402, and the other end of the second connecting block 402 is connected to the head or upper torso of the body simulator 300.

[0071] To simulate the situation of holding the device under test 600 with both hands, in the embodiments provided in this application, as shown in FIG12, two hand simulators 100 can be provided. The two hand simulators 100 are arranged opposite each other on a slide rail 500 along a preset direction. The hand simulators 100 can move back and forth along the extension direction of the slide rail 500. The two hand simulators 100 jointly support the device under test 600. The device under test 600 can be a large mobile terminal such as a tablet computer, which is not limited here. The hand simulators 100 can move back and forth along the preset direction to move closer to or further away from the other hand simulator 100. The distance between the two hand simulators 100 is adjustable, thereby adapting to the device under test 600 of various sizes and shapes.

[0072] The audio testing system 200 provided in this application, by setting up a hand simulator 100 that mimics the shape of a human hand, can be used to measure the frequency response of the speaker 203, microphone 202, or both of the device under test 600. It can simulate acoustic characteristics similar to a user's hand and can accurately and repeatably locate the device under test 600, improving the practical usability of audio testing for any portable device, including mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets, and can serve as a basis for improving existing measurement standards and creating new testing methods.

[0073] The above description, based on the embodiments shown in the figures, details the structure, features, and effects of the present invention. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of implementation shown in the figures. Any changes made in accordance with the concept of the present invention, or equivalent embodiments modified to have equivalent changes, that do not exceed the spirit covered by the specification and figures, should be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hand simulator, characterized by The hand simulator comprises: a main supporting part for supporting a device under test, the main supporting part comprising a palm and a thumb, an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger and a little finger movably arranged at the end of the palm; a limiting part comprising a plurality of limiting columns, at least part of the limiting columns being arranged on the palm, and a plurality of the limiting columns being combined to form a receiving space, and the device under test being limited in the receiving space.

2. The hand simulator of claim 1, wherein, Each of the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger and the little finger has one or more finger joints, and the finger joints and the palm and adjacent finger joints can rotate relative to each other.

3. The hand simulator of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of limiting columns at least comprises a first limiting column group and a second limiting column group, the limiting columns in the first limiting column group being movable in a first direction, and the limiting columns in the second limiting column group being movable in a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction.

4. The hand simulator of claim 3, wherein, The plurality of limiting columns further comprises a third limiting column group, the limiting columns in the third limiting column group being movable in a third direction, the third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

5. The hand simulator of claim 1, wherein, The limiting part further comprises an extension support, one end of the extension support being connected with the main supporting part, and the other end of the extension support being provided with a plurality of the limiting columns.

6. The hand simulator of claim 1, wherein, The palm is recessed to form a receiving cavity, and a replaceable module is detachably arranged in the receiving cavity, different sides of different replaceable modules away from the palm having different recessed profiles.

7. The hand simulator of claim 1, wherein, The palm is formed with a first surface, and a depth adjusting member is connected with the first surface, the depth adjusting member being used to adjust the recessed depth of the first surface.

8. An audio test system characterized by, The hand simulator comprises a hand simulator according to any one of claims 1-7, and an audio testing device, the audio testing device comprising a processor, a microphone and a loudspeaker, the device under test being signal connected with the processor, and the processor being signal connected with the microphone and / or the loudspeaker.

9. The audio test system of claim 8, wherein, The hand simulator further comprises a body simulator and a connecting member, opposite ends of the connecting member being connected with the body simulator and the hand simulator respectively, so that the hand simulator is kept in a predetermined posture at a predetermined position.

10. The audio test system of claim 8, wherein, The hand simulator is provided in two, the two hand simulators being oppositely arranged along a preset direction, and the hand simulators being movable along the preset direction to approach or move away from each other.

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