Interactive UI for Test Event Timing Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test and measurement systems face challenges in accurately configuring and visualizing sourcing events for multiple channels, leading to errors due to the need for manual entry of numerical parameters and limited visual feedback, making it difficult to manage independent settings for each channel.
Innovation Solution
A user interface that utilizes graphical visualization and interactive markers to display and configure sourcing events across multiple channels, allowing users to intuitively set event parameters like delay and width, with features like movable bars and text data boxes for precise control, enabling simultaneous comparison and adjustment of events across channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual entry of numerical parameters is used to configure source events, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision deteriorate due to errors in setting up pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual numerical entry (mechanical input method) with graphical visualization and interactive markers. Users configure event parameters by visually positioning markers on a displayed waveform or timeline rather than typing numbers, substituting a manual data entry system with an interactive visual system that reduces errors while maintaining interface simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary graphical representation layer between the user and the numerical parameters. Instead of directly entering numbers, users interact with visual markers that represent event parameters, and the system mediates by converting these visual positions into precise numerical values, thereby improving accuracy without increasing user burden
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent configuration for each channel is implemented, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple separate configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration interfaces of multiple channels into a single unified graphical display. All channel events are visualized together on one waveform or timeline with distinct markers for each channel, allowing users to configure and compare multiple channels simultaneously rather than managing separate configuration screens for each channel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the configuration process by displaying events as graphical markers on a waveform or timeline. This transforms the configuration from a one-dimensional numerical entry task into a two-dimensional visual task where users can see temporal relationships and relative positions of events across channels, making complex multi-channel configuration more manageable
3Ease of operation
If graphical visualization with interactive markers is used, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional interface elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the graphical visualization automatically updates based on user interactions with the markers. When users move or adjust markers, the system automatically recalculates and displays the corresponding numerical parameters and waveform characteristics, eliminating the need for manual computation or complex menu navigation and making the interface easier to operate despite the additional visual elements
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration device in a test and measurement system including an event generator and a Device Under Test (DUT) to receive one or more events generated by the event generator includes an output display structured to graphically illustrate a first event timeline that includes source event markers for a first test channel for a second test channel, in which the first event timeline and the second event timeline appear on the output display as separate timelines vertically separated from one another. The position of the event delay indicator or a position of the event width indicator may be movable by a user, and moving the position of the event delay indicator or moving the position of the event width indicator causes the event generator to change one or more event generation parameters of the first event based on such movement. Methods are also disclosed.