Data processing: measuring – calibrating – or testing – Testing system – Of mechanical system
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-28
2001-10-16
Grimley, Arthur T. (Department: 2852)
Data processing: measuring, calibrating, or testing
Testing system
Of mechanical system
C073S037000, C073S865900, C340S301000, C340S302000, C400S472000, C702S114000, C702S119000, C702S120000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06304830
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to an automatic apparatus for testing computer keyboard.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Keyboards have been widely used as a man-machine interface between processor-based apparatus, such as personal computer, industrial controller and cash register, and users/operators for manually inputting instructions and data to the processor-based apparatus. The operation reliability is an important factor for a satisfactory performance of a keyboard. Thus, tests conducted before a keyboard is shipped to a user or a sale agent is very important. Conventionally, keyboards are tested manually. In other words, an operator sequentially depresses and actuates each key or pushbutton of the keyboard to see if the keyboard generates a correct responsive signal. Such a manual test is inefficient and laborious. Furthermore, striking forces that the operator applies to the keys of the tested keyboard may be different from key to key resulting in fault test result.
Besides, there are a variety of keyboards available in the market and a keyboard manufacturing shop may need to manufacture several kinds of keyboard. Therefore, a testing operator has to acquaint himself or herself with different key layouts of the keyboards when different keyboards are manufactured. This complicates the test and quality control operation of the keyboard manufacture.
Thus it is desired to have an automatic keyboard testing apparatus which overcomes the problems discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic keyboard testing apparatus which performs automatic testing process on keyboards thereby providing an efficient and effective quality control of the keyboards.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic keyboard testing apparatus which facilitates reducing the likelihood of fault test result.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an automatic keyboard testing apparatus which allows a striking force applied to keys of the keyboard in test to be adjustable for suiting for different types of keyboards.
It is still further object of the present invention is to provide an automatic keyboard testing apparatus which is suitable for testing keyboards of different key layouts.
To achieve the above objects, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an automatic keyboard testing apparatus comprising a pair of support arms fixed to a machine frame for supporting a keyboard to be tested therebetween. A clamping device secures the keyboard between the support arms. A test module comprises testing units for operating/testing pushbuttons, a knob and indictors of the keyboard. A key actuating device comprises a plurality of key depressing elements movably mounted thereto. Each key depressing element comprises a pressurized air stream outlet for applying a pressurized air stream to a corresponding key of the keyboard for actuating the key. A conveyor mechanism moves the key actuating device across the keyboard for sequentially actuating the keys of the keyboard. A keyboard coupling device electrically couples the keyboard to a processor-based determination device to receive signals therefrom for determining if the tested keyboard is properly functioning. A warning device is connected to the determination device for giving off a warning signal when the keyboard fails the test.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3597981 (1971-08-01), Wakayashi et al.
patent: 3768622 (1973-10-01), Wood
patent: 5501518 (1996-03-01), Woodward
patent: 5827983 (1998-10-01), Ortoli
Behavior Tech Computer Corp.
Grimley Arthur T.
Le John
Rosenberg , Klein & Lee
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