Data processing: measuring – calibrating – or testing – Measurement system in a specific environment – Mechanical measurement system
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-09
2001-12-11
Wachsman, Hal (Department: 2857)
Data processing: measuring, calibrating, or testing
Measurement system in a specific environment
Mechanical measurement system
C702S057000, C702S182000, C702S033000, C702S120000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06330514
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a keyboard testing system, and in particular, to a system which automatically testing a keyboard and analyzing and storing the test result.
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 testing a microprocessor, light emitting diode (LED) indicators and 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 system that efficiently and effectively tests a keyboard and obtains correct test results.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard testing system, which automatically and sequentially test a microprocessor, LED indicators and keys of a keyboard whereby the keyboard test is performed efficiently and effectively.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard testing system, which applies substantially, the same force to all the keys of the keyboard to be tested thereby reducing the likelihood of incorrect test result.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard testing system wherein the force applied to actuate keys of a keyboard can be precisely controlled.
To achieve the above objects, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a keyboard testing system comprising a processor-based test unit electrically coupled to a microprocessor of a keyboard to be tested to test and determine if the microprocessor function properly, at least one optic sensor which is controlled by the test unit to detect light emitted from LED indicators of the keyboard for testing the indicators and a key testing device which is controlled by the test unit to sequentially actuate keys of the keyboard for testing the keys. The key testing device includes at least one pneumatic cylinder to which an end effector is mounted. The pneumatic cylinder is controlled by the test unit to move the end effector toward/away from and thus actuating/de-actuating the keys. A conveying device moves the key testing device to each of the keys for testing each of the keys. Test results obtained in testing the microprocessor, the indicators and the keys of the keyboard are transmitted to the test unit which controls a warning device to generate a warning signal when a fault condition is determined based on the test results.
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Behavior Tech Computer Corp.
Rosenberg , Klein & Lee
Tsai Carol S.
Wachsman Hal
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