Piezoelectric Grid Actuation for User Interface Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for testing user interface functionality of computing systems are costly and prone to errors, especially when using human testers or bulky robotics, and can produce unreliable results due to differences in testing environments.

Innovation Solution

A piezoelectric grid is installed on the user interface, allowing for remote actuation by generating control mappings and transmitting electrical charges to simulate user interactions, such as button presses or touch gestures, without the need for human operators or complex mechanical systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If human testers are used to operate the user interface during testing, then the testing accuracy and reliability are improved, but the testing cost and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidtesting cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of human testers physically operating the user interface with an electrical field-based piezoelectric grid system. The grid uses electrical signals to induce mechanical deformation that simulates user interactions, eliminating the need for human operators while maintaining testing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The piezoelectric grid acts as an intermediary between the control system and the user interface. It receives electrical control signals and converts them into mechanical actuation forces that physically interact with the user interface elements, enabling automated testing without direct human involvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If specialized robotics are used to actuate user interface elements, then automated testing is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated testing capabilityVSAvoidrobotics system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical robotics systems with a piezoelectric grid that uses electrical fields to generate mechanical actuation. This substitution dramatically simplifies the automated testing system while maintaining the ability to precisely actuate user interface elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The piezoelectric grid allows for precise control of actuation parameters such as force magnitude, duration, and location by adjusting electrical signal parameters. This enables fine-tuned automated testing without the mechanical complexity of traditional robotics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If purpose-built testing software is used, then automated testing is achieved, but the testing environment differs from real-world conditions reducing result reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated testing capabilityVSAvoidtest result reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric grid serves as a physical intermediary that bridges the gap between software-based test instructions and actual user interface actuation. By physically deforming to contact and actuate interface elements, it ensures tests are performed in the actual hardware environment rather than a simulated software environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach provides a cost-effective and reliable method for testing user-selectable functions on computing devices, reducing the need for expensive robotics and human testers, while ensuring accurate simulation of real-world user interactions.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric grid comprising piezoelectric material that deforms upon application of electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10254734B2Testing user interface functionality through actuation by a piezoelectric grid

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 AVAYA INC

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and computer-readable media to facilitate testing user-selectable functions on a user interface of a computing device, wherein a piezoelectric grid comprising piezoelectric material that deforms upon application of electricity is installed onto a surface of the user interface of the computing device. In a particular embodiment, a method provides generating a control mapping of areas of the piezoelectric grid to locations on the user interface of the computing device. The method further provides receiving test instructions comprising actuation information for a targeted portion of the user interface of the computing device. The method further provides processing the test instructions and the control mapping to determine control signals for the piezoelectric grid to implement the test instructions, and transmitting the control signals to the piezoelectric grid to actuate the targeted portion of the user interface of the computing device.