Automated Instrument Testing via Spreadsheet Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated testing systems require programming skills to develop software applications for characterizing devices under test, which can be a barrier for engineers lacking such skills, and existing interfaces are poorly adapted for running large numbers of tests in an automated sequence.
Innovation Solution
A data processing system with a graphical user interface (GUI) that utilizes a measurement table to define and execute test parameters and measurements, allowing users to interactively control instruments and record actions for automated testing, including features like parameter lists, measurement history, and sweep operations to simplify the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated testing is implemented using programming languages, then productivity and reliability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring programming skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a measurement table as an intermediary interface between the user and the automated testing system. This table provides a spreadsheet-like environment where users can define test parameters, sequences, and conditions without needing to write programming code. The measurement table translates user-friendly tabular inputs into automated testing operations, thereby maintaining productivity while eliminating the barrier of programming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional programming-language-based control mechanism with a graphical user interface (GUI) based measurement table. Instead of requiring users to write and execute programming scripts, the system allows users to configure automated tests through visual table editing, drag-and-drop operations, and point-and-click interactions. This substitution transforms the mechanical act of programming into a simpler visual configuration process
2Ease of operation
If manual testing is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and reliability deteriorate due to human error and tedium
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement table enables users to perform self-service automation by allowing them to independently configure and execute automated test sequences using familiar spreadsheet operations. Users can define their own measurement trials, parameter variations, and analysis methods without requiring external programming assistance. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation while dramatically increasing productivity through automated execution of numerous test cases
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement table serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a parameter configuration interface, a test sequence editor, a data storage structure, and a results analysis tool. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate programming tasks into a single unified interface, making automated testing as accessible and efficient as manual testing while providing the productivity benefits of automation
3Measurement precision
If the number of measurement trials is increased, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement table allows users to pre-define complete test sequences, parameter sets, and measurement configurations before execution. All measurement trials, including hundreds or thousands of combinations, can be configured in advance using spreadsheet operations. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for real-time programming or manual setup during test execution, thereby enabling high-precision multi-trial measurements without proportionally increasing the time investment
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a data processing system to operate a first instrument and a second instrument connected to the data processing system is disclosed. The method includes displaying a measurement table. The data processing system receives user input defining a first parameter that is to be varied during a testing procedure by the first instrument and a first measurement to be made by the second instrument during the test procedure, a plurality of first parameter values to be used in the testing procedure. The data processing system causes the first instrument to provide each of the first parameter values and the second instrument to make the measurement and enter the measurement in a corresponding cell of a second row in the measurement table when the first instrument provides each of the first parameter values.