Automated Response Time Measurement via Screen Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current response time measurement methods, such as the stopwatch method, have low accuracy and are cumbersome, especially when measuring output times on computer screens, and struggle with varying screen outputs, leading to inaccurate results.

Innovation Solution

A response time measurement system that uses a capture device to detect output times on a facility's screen, applying a test signal and calculating the response time based on captured images and their timestamps, allowing for accurate and automated measurement regardless of signal type or output type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a stopwatch method is used to measure response time from test signal application to screen display, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement accuracy is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoidresponse time measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical stopwatch method with an automated image processing system. A capture device records the screen output, and image processing algorithms automatically detect the appearance of test patterns or specific visual elements, eliminating manual timing and significantly improving measurement accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the output screen through image capture. By capturing screen images and analyzing them for specific patterns or changes, the system objectively measures response time without relying on subjective human perception or manual stopwatch operation, thereby improving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If manual stopwatch measurement is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidresponse time measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the simple but inaccurate mechanical stopwatch with an automated optical measurement system comprising a capture device and image processing unit. This system automatically detects visual changes on the screen and calculates response time, achieving high precision while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through software-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system performs self-measurement by automatically capturing its own output screen and analyzing the captured images to determine response time. The system uses its own visual output as the measurement target, eliminating the need for external measurement instruments and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the output screen varies frequently, then the facility can display dynamic content, but the detection of displayed output becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen output variabilityVSAvoidoutput detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes color and visual pattern changes as detection markers. By monitoring for specific color transitions, brightness changes, or predefined visual patterns on the screen, the system can reliably detect output events even in dynamically varying displays, overcoming the difficulty of detecting changes in frequently varying screen content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the captured screen images and comparing them against expected output patterns. When a specific visual change corresponding to the test signal is detected, the system registers the response time, providing reliable measurement even when the screen displays varying dynamic content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2857973B1Apparatus and method for measuring response time
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 DOOSAN HEAVY IND & CONSTR CO LTD
  • EP2857973B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2857973B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4(d)
  • EP2857973B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~5(d)

AI summary

Example embodiments relate to a response time measurement apparatus, a response time measurement system and a response time measurement method for measuring a response output time from a facility corresponding to an input signal, and more particularly, a response time measurement apparatus, a response time measurement system and a response time measurement method in which the output display of a facility is captured through a capture device (40) to detect an output time on the basis thereof.