WO1997035395A1

WO1997035395A1 - Communications line test apparatus with an improved graphical user interface

Info

Publication number: WO1997035395A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/005414
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bryan J. Zwan; Kenneth T. Myers
Original assignee: Digital Lightwave, Inc.
Priority date: 1996-03-19
Filing date: 1997-03-19
Publication date: 1997-09-25
Also published as: WO1997035396A1; AU2603497A; AU2557897A; US5805571A; US5991270A

Abstract

A novel graphical user interface (10) for test device applications which permits simultaneous display of system status (18, 56,66) and alarm (16, 54, 64) information while supporting graphically based test device I/O and configuration. The present invention also includes a novel graphical representation I/O scheme whereby test device configuration is accomplished through intuitive manipulation of an image of the test device. The present invention also includes embedded menuing features and a 'one button down' user input section which facilitates ease of operation of the system. The present invention may be advantageously applied to a test device (20) designed to extract and process telecommunications signals such as DS1, DS3, SONET, and ATM communication protocols.

Description

C_OMMUNICATIONS LINE TEST APPARATUS WITH AN IMPROVED GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a novel graphical user

interface. More particularly, the present invention relates

to a graphical user interface for communications line test device applications. The invention consists of graphical

presentation which permits the display of critical ongoing test

parameters while providing for the reconfiguration of test

operations. The invention utilizes an intuitive "one button

down" approach to signify the active operation and employs a

straightforward user touch screen input device. Configuration

of the test device is facilitated by presentation of a

graphical representation of the physical device. Inputs into

the system are then made by touching the desired portion of the

graphical representation of the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The complexity of communications test devices has

increased with the complexity of the instruments and systems

they are designed to analyze. This additional complexity has rendered ineffective the former dials and buttons of prior test

devices. Others have attempted to propose graphical user

interfaces for test devices. Generally, Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) are well known in the art and a shift in the

computer and related industries from word based interfaces to

graphic interfaces has occurred in some applications. For

example, United States Patent No. 5,384,911 to Bloomfield

discloses a GUI that can be used in conjunction with word based

systems. The interface does not however provide for graphical

representation a physical device.

At least one prior art testing device incorporates GUI

technology and is directed to a method and system for

graphically depicting and testing components in a data

processing system. United States Patent No. 5,305,437 to

Fritze et al . discloses a testing method and system as a part

of a personal computer's diagnostic control program. As

disclosed, a graphic display is coupled to a polling means that

determines the configuration of the processing system being

tested. The graphic depiction is displayed in response to a

determination of the configuration of the processing system.

A testing program selectively tests a particular hardware

component to determine if the component is defective. In

response to identifying a defective component, a graphic

display control alters the graphic presentation of the

defective component displayed on the screen to alert the technician of the^' defect. Although the Fritze et al .

disclosure provides a testing and interface system adapted for

use with personal computers, the disclosed method and system

has several significant limitations. For example, the

disclosed Fritze et al . method and system does not provide for

a menu driven interface that is directly responsive to program commands and pertinent data entry. The disclosed Fritze et al.

method and system merely provides a convenient way to display

the results of a test operation. Moreover, the disclosure of

the Fritze et al. patent does not teach or suggest a method and

system that permits the display of simultaneous alarm and

status information or the configuration of a test device.

Others have attempted to produce a fully integrated test

device for the multitude of communications signal protocols in

use today but have routinely utilized inadequate user

interfaces. An early attempt to produce a unitary communications line tested was proposed by Harris et al . in

U.S. Patent No. 3,956,601. Harris discloses an early

transmission line test device which includes a transmitter

section to generate test signals, a receive section to capture

test signals, and a display to report data. The Harris test

device tests for various parameter conditions including envelope delay, noise, and distortion but each test modality

takes place sequentially, with a selection mechanism to advance

the instrument from one test to the next. A significant

limitation of this disclosure is that the interface used is

complex and cumbersome, significantly impeding the utility of

the device.

A further attempt was proposed by Szymborski et al . in

U.S. Patent No. 5,121,342. Szymborski discloses a multi-mode

test device which evaluates analog and digital

telecommunications signals such as Tl and ISDN protocol signals but does not include the capability of processing high speed

optical signals. Szymborski utilizes a single programmable

gate array to provide an interface for different transmission

protocols. The line interface can be reconfigured to

accommodate a different line protocol through operator input.

However, the Szymborski system is limited to processing one

signal at a time with its gate array devoted to one particular

protocol of interest. As a result, the user interface of

Szymborski does not include the capability to display multiple

line protocols simultaneously.

The difficulties and limitations suggested in the

preceding are not intended to be exhaustive but rather among the many which may tend to reduce the effectiveness and user

satisfaction with prior communications line test devices and

methods and the like. Other noteworthy problems may also

exist; however, those presented above should be sufficient to

demonstrate that prior communications line test devices and

methods appearing in the past will admit to worthwhile

improvement.

SUMMARY QF THE INVENTION

A novel graphical user interface for test device

applications which permits simultaneous display of system

status and alarm information while supporting graphically based

test device I/O and configuration. The present invention also

includes a novel graphical representation I/O scheme whereby

test device configuration is accomplished through intuitive

manipulation of an image of the test device. The present

invention also includes embedded menuing features and a "one

button down" user input section which facilitates ease of

operation of the system. The present invention may be

advantageously applied to a test device designed to extract and process telecommunications signals such as DSl, DS3, SONET, and

ATM communication protocols . OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a general object of the invention to provide a novel graphical user interface for test devices that

will obviate or minimize the problems previously described with reference to the prior art.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel

graphical user interface for test devices that will present

ongoing test parameters and alarm information while permitting

user input to the test device.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel

graphical user interface for test devices that will support an

intuitive graphical representation input method to configure

the test device.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel

graphical user interface for test devices that utilizes

embedded menus.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel

graphical user interface for test devices that utilizes an

intuitive graphical button scheme. It is a further- object of the invention to provide a novel

graphical user interface for test devices as applied to a communications signal line test apparatus.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel

graphical user interface for test devices that supports remote

operation and data acquisition to facilitate centralized operator control and data procurement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a generalized representation of the graphical

user interface for test devices of the present invention showing the basic system display.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a test device

utilizing the graphical user interface of the present invention

showing the constituent components thereof.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a test device

utilizing the graphical user interface of the present invention

showing the components of the processor and display section

thereof .

FIG. 4 is a generalized representation of the graphical

user interface for test devices of the present invention

showing user inputs and a test device display. FIG. 5 is a generalized representation of the graphical

user interface for test devices of the present invention

showing the device configuration display.

FIG. 6 is a generalized representation of the graphical

user interface for test devices of the present invention

showing the device configuration display as used to configure

the test device.

FIG. 7 is a generalized representation of the graphical

user interface for test devices of the present invention

showing the device configuration display as used to configure

the test device to accomplish a specific test.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figure 1, the graphical user interface of the

present invention is presented in display screen 10. The

present invention herein is described as applied to a

communications line test device 20; however, it should be

appreciated that other applications of the present graphical

interface fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

The example test device includes the ability to analyze and

process signals in SONET, ATM, DSl and DS3 protocols. A schematic block diagram of the test device 20 is presented in

Figure 2.

To briefly summarize the components and functions of test

device 20, test device 20 consists of several modules including

a common control module 30, a SONET module 40, an ATM processor

90, an M13 multiplexer 100, a DS3 line interface 110, a DS3

processor 112, a DSl line interface 140, a DSl processor 142,

a jitter processor 150, an orderwire interface 160, a datacom

interface 170, and a switch matrix 200.

The display upon which the graphical user interface of the

present invention appears can best be appreciated with

reference to the Figure 3 representation of common control

module 30. Common control module 30 consists of a high level

microprocessor 22, RAM 24, FLASH EEPROM memory 25, non-volatile

RAM 26, and associated timing and interface chipset 28. Analog

to digital converter 27 permits the control module 30 to

measure analog parameters. Control module 30 is further

provided with a PCMCIA interface 30 to permit porting of the

device using standard PCMCIA type 2 hardware. In this manner,

data may be extracted and control information added to the

present invention using a stand alone microcomputer.

Microprocessor 22 may take the form of any commercially available high level microprocessor but is advantageously

comprised of the Intel 80386sl processor for its low power

consumption and high speed processing capabilities. Processor

22 communicates with the other components of the present

invention over data/address bus 32. Bus 32 is a standard eight

bit mutliplexed data/address bus commonly used with Intel x86

series microprocessors. Address information is latched to the

various devices of the system as desired and programming

information and data are enabled over a common bus using time

multiplexing in a conventional manner.

RAM 24 consists of commercially available dynamic random

access memory with a nominal storage capacity of 10 megabytes.

FLASH EEPROM 25 is also conventional in design with a storage

capacity of 2 megabytes. Non-volatile RAM 26 consists of

approximately 32 KB of any high speed non-volatile RAM such as

SRAM with battery backup. Timing and interface chipset 28

includes a timing source, frequency counters, and related clock

functions necessary to support the system. Chipset 28 further

includes specialized interfaces such as RS-232 and GPIB

interfaces to permit remote control of and communication with

control module 30. Control module 30 is also provided with a highly

sophisticated display system which consists of touchscreen

controller 33, touchscreen 34, and display 35. Display 35

carries the graphical user interface of the present invention

and is comprised of a LCD active matrix color display capable of producing hundreds of colors. Overlaying display 35 is a

touchscreen 33 which consists of commercially available

capacitive touch panel. Touchscreen 33 is controlled by

touchscreen controller 34 which senses the position of an input

to the system by polling touchscreen 33 and calculating the

input position. Input position information is then passed back

to microprocessor 22 for further use and processing.

Information is presented on display 35 in distinct zones.

Zones are created for the current test performed by the system

and for virtual "buttons" used for operator input, shown as

boxes 15 in Figure 1. The operator simply touches the screen

in the indicated location to manipulate the system. RAM 24

contains a lookup table 29 corresponding to all possible touch

locations on touchscreen 33. At each address in lookup table

29, there is stored a key pointer associated with a particular

position on display 35. A user touch adjacent one of the

highlighted boxes prompts touchscreen controller 34 to report position data to processor 22 where it is compared to lookup

table 29. The pointer derived from lookup table 29 can then

take the form of a graphical element to be displayed on display

33 or an executable sequence to reconfigure the underlying test

device.

Test device 20 includes the capability of processing

signals at in DSl, DS3 , OC-1, OC-3, OC-12, and ATM formats.

In includes a SONET module 40 which includes line interface

components to receive such signals and analysis components to

process SONET signals and extract lower order component

signals. The test device further includes a DSl line interface

140 to receive DSl signals, and a DSl processor 142 to analyze

those signals. It further includes a DS3 line interface and

DS3 processor to receive and analyze DS3 signals. Still

further, test device 20 includes a M13 multiplexer to multiplex

and demultiplex DSl and DS3 signals. Still further, test

device 20 includes an ATM module to accept and process ATM

signals. All of these functions may be carried out

simultaneously using test device 20 through the use of a

dynamically configurable switch matrix 200.

Switch matrix 200 allows for a completely non-blocking

arrangement of communications pathways between each of the elements of the test device 20. Switch matrix 200 provides

switching for data as well as clock signals through the switch

fabric and maintains suitable clock and data relationships.

Switch 200 cross connects DSl signals from the M13 mux 100,

SONET module 40, ATM Processor 90, DSl line interface 140 and

DSl processor 142. Similarly, switch 200 cross-connects DS3

signals from M13 mux 100, SONET module 40, ATM processor 90,

DS3 line interface 110 and DS3 processor 112. These

communications pathways are thus selectable as desired.

Switch 200 allows the following connections in a non-

blocking manner for DSl signals:

1) To SONET Module 40 From: DSl Line Interface 140

DSl Processor 142

2) To M13 Mux 100 From: DSl Line Interface 140

DSl Processor 142

3) To ATM Processor 90 From: DSl Line Interface 140

DSl Processor 142

4) To DSl Line From: M13 Mux 100

Interface 140

SONET Module 40 ATM Processor 90

DSl Processor 142

5) To DSl Processor 142 From: M13 Mux 100

SONET Module 40

ATM Processor 90

DSl Line Interface 140

Switch 200 allows the following connections in a non-

blocking manner for DS3 signals :

1) To SONET Module 40 From: DS3 Line Interface 110

DS3 Processor 112

M13 Mux 100

ATM Processor 90

2) To M13 Mux 100 From: DS3 Line Interface 110

SONET Module 40

ATM Processor 90

To DS3 Interface 110 From: DS3 Processor 112

SONET Module 40 M13 Mux 100

ATM Processor 90

4) To DS3 Processor 112 From: DS3 Line Interface 110

SONET Module 40

ATM Processor 90

5) ATM Processor 90 From: DS3 Line Interface 110

DS3 Processor 112

M13 Mux 100

SONET Module 40

Through the use of the switch 200, the test device

supports wholly novel test methods and capabilities. The

switch 200 allows an extremely flexible test configuration that enables the user to perform tests or functions not previously

available. In prior art devices, a single test is performed

on a single line at any given time, even in systems which

include more than one test bed. The dynamic routing and

switching arrangement enables multiple test protocols to

proceed simultaneously. However, the large number of

combinations and permutations available for configuration of test device 20 leads to difficulty in operation using prior art

techniques. A text based interface would require extensive

operator input to designate communications pathways and desired

output format. Accordingly, the present graphical interface

10 provides a unique an valuable I/O platform for test device

20.

With reference to Figure 1, an active test field 12 is

presented at the top of graphical interface 10 to immediately

apprise the operator of the active test. Because it is

contemplated that several of the SONET, ATM, DS3, and DSl test

sets of device 20 may be active at one time, it is important

to apprise the user of the currently active test set subject

to manipulation and user inputs.

At the left hand portion of interface 10, there are

provided several subdivided fields used to continuously report

alarm and status information regarding the tests performed by

the test device. In the present application, field 14

continuously reports the status and alarm information from the

SONET test module. Alarm information 16 and status information

18 are derived from SONET module 40 and is passed to processor

22 for display on graphical interface 10. In like manner, ATM

field 42 displays ATM alarm and status information 44 derived from ATM processor 90 and passed to processor 22 for display

on graphical interface 10. Still further, alarm information

54 and status information 56 derived from DSl processor 142 are

passed to processor 22 for display on graphical interface 10

in DSl field 52. Still further, alarm information 64 and

status information 66 derived from DS3 processor 112 are passed

to processor 22 for display on graphical interface 10 in DS3

field 62.

Selection of any of the SONET, ATM, DSl, or DS3 test sets

is accomplished by touching one of the test set fields at the

top of each test set section. For example, to manipulate the

SONET test set, the user selects the area adjacent the field

SONET 14. Similarly, to select ATM operations, the user would

select the ATM 42 field.

Function group 80 includes a variety of function keys relevant to test device 20. The application software used for

test device 20 assigns these functions as appropriate to suit

the test device under consideration. Each location is assigned

a particular software function such as Transmit 81, Receive 82,

Results 83, Test Setup 84, Utility 85, Switch Matrix 86, Alarm

History 87. These functions are common to the various test

sets. Selection of a function group key may be accompanied by selection of the menu functions 70. Menu functions 70 provide

further choices as to the data or parameters displayed such as

Trouble Scan 71, Main Results 72, Error Analysis 73, Graphs 74,

Recall Results 75, and Save Results 76. Action keys 120

provide further configurable function keys for graphical

interface 10. For this test device, these are assigned as Pointer Action 121, Error Insert 122, Run Stop 123, Clear

History 124, Print 125, Auto Config 126, and Help 127. It

should be appreciated that the above function keys assignments

are by way of a communications line test device example. It

is contemplated that the assignment of the function keys of the

present invention is supported by conventional application

software specific to the application used with test device 20.

Selective display field 50 comprises the largest portion

of the overall area of graphical interface 10. Selective

display 50 provides the working area for the interface. As an

example of the use of such function keys with a communications

line test device, in Figure 4, function key 87 has been

selected directing the display of alarm information. Selected

function keys are indicated as highlighted on display 35. In

addition, menu key 74 is selected to direct the form of the alarm information to be presented. As a result, alarm information in the form of a graphical output appears within selective display field 50. In this manner, multiple layers

of configurations may be implemented according to the requirements and capabilities of the underlying test set.

The input function keys of the present invention are

adapted to exhibit a "one button down" function within groups. This means that if one button is selected then no others in the group may be selected. If another function is selected then any prior function keys selected within that group are

deselected.

An important feature of the present invention is the continued display of important alarm and status messages while other system elements are being manipulated or reviewed. This is accomplished through the use of a partitioned display where SONET field 14, ATM field 42, DSl field 52, and DS3 field 62 are displayed independently of selectable display 50. The operator can monitor specific alarm or status parameters, configure the system, review historical data or perform other operations without interrupting the continued reporting of critical alarm and status messages. A further novel aspect of the present invention lies in

its use of a graphical representation of test device 20 to

create an intuitive configuration platform. As noted

previously, the primary elements of the example test device 20

used for this description include a SONET module, an ATM

processor, a DSl line interface, a DSl processor, a DS3 line

interface, a DS3 processor and an M13 mux. Each of these

elements surround a switch matrix 200 which creates

communications paths between respective elements as desired

through operation of processor 22. In order to configure the

desired communications paths through switch matrix 200,

graphical interface 10 displays a full graphical representation

of test device 20 as shown in Figure 5 including graphical

representations of SONET module 152, ATM processor 154, DSl

line interface 156, DSl processor 158, DS3 line interface 162,

DS3 processor 164 and M13 mux 166. Each of the elements described above are shown adjacent a representation of switch

200 shown as graphical representation 202. Additional input

pads 172 - 179 are provided to permit the user to designate the

format of the signal to be communicated where appropriate. By

selecting elements in sequence, communications pathways are

created through switch 200 connecting the respective elements. For example, in Figure 6 there is presented a version of the

graphical interface showing the creation of a communications pathway between the SONET module and the DSl processor. This

connection is produced simply by touching the SONET module

representation 152 and the DSl processor representation 158 in

sequence.

A further example is set forth in Figure 7. In Figure 7,

the function of an external network element such as a SONET mux

must be analyzed to determine whether its SONET mapping

functions are sound. In order to test this function, it is

desired to produce a DSl signal, embed that signal within a

SONET OC-12 signal, and have the external SONET mux demap that

signal into its constituent signals and return the original DSl

test signal for evaluation by the test device. In order to

configure the switch to accomplish this test, the user would

first select the DSl pad 172 to indicate DSl mapping. The user

would then select the output of DSl processor representation

158 and then the input to SONET module representation 152. The

system would then show a dashed connection between element 158

and 152. By selecting "confirm" that connection becomes solid

indicating that the system has accepted that configuration.

Next, the user would select the input of the DSl processor 158 and the output of the DSl line interface 156, press confirm.

User then would exit the switch matrix and choose the DSl test

set, and set the desired transmit parameters and form of the

results for display on selective display 50. In this manner,

a complex test protocol is implemented in a fully intuitive and

natural manner. The key to this ease of implementation is the

graphical representation of switch matrix 202 and the related

system elements. By providing the user with the ability to see

and point to desired signal paths, little or no training is

required to operate the system. This results in significant

savings to those engaged in the operation and maintenance of

communications network elements.

It should be appreciated that there has been disclosed in

accordance with the present invention, the preferred embodiment

of an improved telecommunications test apparatus and method.

It is evident that many alternatives, common modifications, and

variations would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the

art in light of the description set forth herein. Accordingly,

the present invention is intended to embrace all such

alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within

the spirit and broad scope of the following appended claims.

Claims

We claim :

1. A graphical interface for a communications line test device comprising:

SONET means for displaying a graphical representation of SONET system information;

DSl means for displaying a graphical representation of DSl system information;

DS3 means for displaying a graphical representation of DS3

system information;

a processor in communication with said SONET means, said

DSl means, and said DS3 means;

selective display means for simultaneously displaying

detailed system information in addition to display of said

SONET system information, said DSl system information, and said

DS3 information.

2. The graphical interface for a communications line test

device according to claim 1, further comprising:

function keys to provide user specified test parameters;

and

wherein said function keys are arranged within groups with

only one function key being active simultaneously.

3. The graphical interface for a communications line test

device according to claim 1, further wherein said SONET system

information comprises alarm and status information.

4. The graphical interface for a communications line test

device according to claim 1, further wherein said DSl system

information comprises alarm and status information.

5. The graphical interface for a communications line test

device according to claim 1, further wherein said DS3 system

information comprises alarm and status information.

6. The graphical interface for a communications line test

device according to claim 1, further comprising:

ATM means for displaying a graphical representation of ATM

system information.

7. The graphical interface for a communications line test

device according to claim 1, further comprising: a display adapted to present data under the control of

said processor; a touchscreen adjacent said display adapted to sense the

position of an operator's touch to indicate input data.

8. A graphical interface for a communications line test device comprising:

a SONET module for receiving and processing SONET signal

information;

a DSl test set for receiving and processing DSl signal

information;

a DS3 test set for receiving and processing DS3 signal

information;

a switch matrix in communication with each of said SONET

module, said DSl test set, and said DS3 test set which

selectively creates communications pathways between at least

two of said SONET module, said DSl test set and said DS3 test

set;

display means for displaying a graphical representation

of said switch matrix;

user interface means for accepting user inputs;

processor means for interpreting said user inputs and for

configuring said switch matrix in response to said user inputs.