Testing machine with graphical user interface with situational awareness
Inventors
Schulz, Bradley Dean • Buth, Michael Ray • Breece, Jeffrey Allan • Tillman, David Martin • Bitney, Maureen • Bennington, Darrell Robert • Patel, Pinklekumar D.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10712719-B2
Publication Date
2020-07-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
A testing machine for testing a test specimen includes an actuator assembly configured to be coupled to the test specimen; and a computing device configured to control the actuator assembly, the computing device including a graphical user interface that renders at least a visual representation or a simulated visual representation of at least a parameter of the component or the component changing in accordance with changes of the actual corresponding component on the testing machine.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a testing machine graphical user interface that provides situational awareness by rendering a simulated visual representation of a limit in association with a visual representation or simulated visual representation of the actuator to which the limit pertains. The simulated visual representation of the limit relates to movement of the actuator or a load applied by the actuator, visually corresponds to an actual limit value stored in a controller of the testing machine, and is adjustable in the graphical user interface.
The GUI supports adjustable limit sets and nested limits associated with different contexts, including system limits, fixture limits, and test specimen limits. The limits can be expressed with absolute scale and relative scale, and can include first and second ranges with a relative comparison, including one-sided limits and enabled/disabled limits. When configured limits are reached, the GUI provides visual feedback to indicate that the limit values have been reached.
The invention further describes a guided setup workflow implemented via GUI panels to help users configure fixturing and testing parameters, including balance fixturing and acceleration compensation guidance. The GUI also supports specifying positive/negative force polarity and managing pretest configuration and additional specimens, while stored, model/component-specific parameters for actuators, load cells, extensometers, and environmental chambers constrain user inputs such that test limits do not exceed component limits.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is directed to a testing machine with an actuator assembly and a computing device that uses a GUI to render an adjustable simulated visual representation of a limit tied to an actual controller value, and to control the testing machine according to that limit. One inventive feature is identified in the supplied material, with dependent refinements disclosed around limit types, GUI feedback, and guided setup.
Adjustable simulated limit in GUI tied to actuator movement or load
A computing device controls the testing machine and includes a graphical user interface that renders a simulated visual representation of a limit associated with a visual representation or simulated visual representation of the actuator to which the limit pertains, where the simulated visual representation of the limit relates to movement of the actuator or a load applied by the actuator, corresponds to an actual limit value stored in a controller of the testing machine, is adjustable in the graphical user interface, and is used by the computing device to control the testing machine according to the limit.
Coverage centers on GUI-driven rendering of an adjustable simulated visual representation of actuator-related limits that correspond to actual controller limit values, with testing machine control carried out according to those limits.
Stated Advantages
Provides situational awareness by rendering simulated or visual representations of testing machine state and limits.
Reduces configuration and testing errors and time by using stored component-specific parameters to constrain user inputs so test limits do not exceed component limits.
Documented Applications
Testing machine use where GUI-based situational awareness is needed to configure and manage actuator-related limits and testing parameters during test setup and pretest configuration.
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