Patent ID: 6590963
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
An instrument, comprising in combination a base unit and an application module,said base unit providing predetermined non-application-specific functions, and comprising a display device for display of a graphical user interface (GUI), said predetermined non-application-specific functions provided by said base unit including generic control functions required to operate said display device, said base unit being adapted to be assembled to a corresponding application-specific application module selected from a group thereof, each application module mating with said base unit in accordance with a predetermined physical and electrical interface, and each said application module storing application-specific program data and software, including application-specific GUI software, and providing application-specific physical interface means for providing predetermined application-specific communication with an apparatus, device, or system to be tested, wherein when said base unit and a corresponding application module have been cooperatively assembled, the combination is capable of performing one or more predetermined end-user functions, the end-user functions provided by a given application module being specific to a single application, and said display comprised by said base unit is enabled to display an application-specific GUI, and wherein neither said base unit nor said application module is operable to perform said predetermined end-user functions without the other.