Test Instrument Code Module Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test instruments offer either fixed software and firmware configurations, forcing users to purchase unnecessary features, or require extensive coding for complete customization, leading to a poor user experience and inefficient cost.
Innovation Solution
A system and method providing pairs of code modules for processor-side and programmable hardware elements, allowing users to customize test instruments through a graphical programming environment, enabling modification and adaptation of functionality without extensive coding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If test instruments use fixed software and firmware configurations, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate as users cannot customize functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The software and firmware are divided into modular code segments that can be independently selected and configured. Users can choose specific code modules to include or exclude, allowing customization without requiring deep technical knowledge. This segmentation enables both ease of operation through simple selection and adaptability through flexible configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The test instrument is designed with a universal platform that can perform multiple functions through different code module configurations. The same hardware platform supports various testing capabilities by loading different combinations of code modules, achieving both operational simplicity and functional versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If test instruments allow complete customization through custom code, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase due to extensive coding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Complex functionality is broken down into discrete, pre-written code modules. Users configure the instrument by selecting and combining these modules rather than writing code from scratch, maintaining adaptability while reducing the complexity burden on users.
Solution Approach 2:
A graphical programming environment serves as an intermediary between the user and the complex code structure. This interface allows users to configure functionality through visual means without directly managing the underlying code complexity, achieving adaptability without exposing users to full system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If test instruments require extensive custom coding for functionality, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to tremendous coding effort
Solution Approach 1:
Common testing functions are pre-implemented as ready-to-use code modules. Users can quickly configure their test instruments by selecting these pre-prepared modules rather than writing code from scratch, maintaining full adaptability while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating redundant coding effort.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to create unique code for each function, the system provides reusable code templates and modules that can be copied and adapted for different testing scenarios. This approach enables adaptability across various applications while significantly reducing the time and effort required for configuration.
4Ease of manufacture
If test instruments provide fixed functionality, then ease of manufacture and cost efficiency are improved, but adaptability deteriorates as users must purchase features they may never use
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is manufactured with a standardized platform and modular code segments. This segmentation allows efficient mass production of the base unit while enabling post-manufacturing customization through software configuration, achieving both manufacturing efficiency and product adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The test instrument transitions from a static, fixed-functionality device to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Code modules can be added, removed, or modified after manufacture, allowing the instrument to adapt to different user needs without requiring physical redesign or re-manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
Customizing a test instrument. A plurality of pairs of code modules may be provided. Each pair of code modules may include a first code module having program instructions for execution by a processor of the test instrument and a second code module for implementation on a programmable hardware element of the test instrument. For each pair of code modules, the first code module and the second code module may collectively implement a function in the test instrument. User input may be received specifying modification of a second code module of at least one of the plurality of pairs of code modules. Accordingly, a hardware description may be generated for the programmable hardware element of the test instrument based on the modified second code module.