Measuring and testing – Testing by imparting motion
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-18
2001-11-13
Raevis, Robert (Department: 2856)
Measuring and testing
Testing by imparting motion
Reexamination Certificate
active
06314825
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a keyboard testing apparatus, and in particular to an apparatus for automatically testing indicators and keys of a keyboard.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Keyboards have been widely used to serve as a man-machine interface between a user and an electronic apparatus, such as personal computer, industrial controller, and cash registers. An incorrectly-operating keyboard may lead to incorrect data input and thus cause serious damage to the electronic apparatus.
Conventionally, a keyboard is tested manually by sequentially depressing the keys thereof by an operator. This is very inefficient. Furthermore, since the keys are manually depressed for test, the force that the operator applies to different keys may be different which may result in incorrect test result.
It is thus desirable to have a keyboard testing apparatus that efficiently and effectively tests a keyboard in order to overcome the above problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard testing apparatus, which automatically and sequentially test keys and indicators a keyboard whereby the keyboard is efficiently and effectively tested.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard testing apparatus, which applies substantially the same force to all the keys of the keyboard for testing the keys thereby reducing the likelihood of incorrect test result.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard testing apparatus wherein the force applied to keys of a keyboard for test can be precisely controlled.
To achieve the above objects, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a keyboard testing apparatus comprising a housing inside which two clamping members spaced from each other at an adjustable distance for receiving a keyboard to be tested therebetween. A retaining device includes a pneumatic cylinder for applying force to the keyboard to firmly retain the keyboard in position. An indicator testing device includes several optic sensors for detecting light emitted from indicators of the keyboard. A key testing device includes several key actuators capable to sequentially actuate/de-actuate the keys of the keyboard. A conveying device moves the key actuators relative to the keyboard in order to position the key actuators with respect to each key of the keyboard. A control unit, preferably a processor-based device, controls the operation of the key testing apparatus and receives test signals from the keyboard and the optic sensors to determine if the keyboard function normally. The control unit generates a warning signal via a warning device when the keyboard is abnormal. The control unit also stores information of the test result for further processing.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4441833 (1984-04-01), Hasenbalg
patent: 5192152 (1993-03-01), Silvestri et al.
patent: 5827983 (1998-10-01), Ortoli
Behavior Tech Computer Corp.
Raevis Robert
Rosenberg , Klein & Lee
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