Method and apparatus for aiding manual instrument settings by displaying estimates of future measurement results
US4890236A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 1, 1988 |
| Grant date | Dec 26, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R27/28
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Upon the adjustment of a control setting of a test instrument, the current data (taken before the change is effected) is manipulated by recalculating the trace data in light of any adjustment that is entered by a user. This represents an estimate of the effect of the adjustment in the control setting, and this estimate is redrawn on a display device. This modified image is preferably displayed before the real new image is ready to be displayed. This provides immediate feedback to the user so that adjustments can be effected without slowing the measurement process. Various embodiments provide panning or repositioning the trace left and right while changing the x-axis center frequency; stretching or compressing the trace (spanning) while changing the frequency span; or using a combination for adjustments to only the start or stop frequency. In one embodiment, the estimate can be displayed only after the user has committed to having a new measurement performed. Alternatively, in another embodiment, estimates can be displayed continuously while the user is making adjustments and before the user has committed to performing a new measurement. Having a test instrument display to the user …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.