Measurement System Value Editing with Cursor-Based Digit Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Measurement systems, such as RF measurement devices, are prone to damage from unintentional incorrect entries due to frequent adjustments of parameter values within large value ranges, and the input of these values is often complex and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling a test and/or measurement system that includes a display unit showing a numerical control value, with a first editing mode for coarse adjustments and a second editing mode for fine adjustments, using predefined step sizes, and a third mode for direct input, to simplify and prevent incorrect entries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If direct input of parameter values is used, then the input speed is improved, but the risk of incorrect entries increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput speedVSAvoidrisk of incorrect entries
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cursor element as an intermediary between the user input and the parameter value. Instead of directly inputting values, the user navigates the cursor to position it at the desired digit, and the system automatically sets the value based on the cursor position and predefined options. This mediator reduces direct manual input errors while maintaining fast adjustment speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If frequent adjustments of parameter values are made, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of system damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment frequencyVSAvoidsystem damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary validation by displaying the control value and requiring cursor positioning before the actual parameter change is executed. The system prepares the new value based on cursor position and predefined step sizes, allowing users to review the intended change before it takes effect. This preliminary action prevents impulsive incorrect entries that could damage sensitive measurement hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple parameter values need to be set, then the measurement precision is improved, but the input complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter setting accuracyVSAvoidinput complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the parameter input process into distinct digits or value positions. Each digit can be independently adjusted by positioning the cursor at the corresponding location and using predefined step sizes. This segmentation allows precise control over each digit while simplifying the overall input process, as users don't need to manually type entire values but can incrementally adjust each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4703747A1Method for controlling a test and/or measurement system
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4703747A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703747A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP4703747A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method (10) for controlling a test and/or measurement system (100) which comprises a display unit (101) configured to show a numerical control value of the test and/or measurement system. The method (10) comprises activating (11) a first editing mode of the test and/or measurement system, wherein in the first editing mode: a curser element is displayed (11a) at a predefined position with regards to the control value, and the control value is edited (11b) upon receiving a first user input. The method (10) further comprises activating (12) a second edition mode of the test and/or measurement system, wherein in the second editing mode: the position of the cursor element (41) is moved (12a) to a digit of the control value, and a value of said digit is increased or decreased (12b) by a predefined step size upon receiving a second user input.