Patent ID: 6738454
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A method of employing a modular test instrument for testing an apparatus, system, or device, comprising the steps of:selecting an application module for connection to a base unit, said application module being intended for performance of one or more application-specific tests of said apparatus, system, or device, said application module being selected from a group thereof, connecting said application module to a base unit, 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 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 said apparatus, device, or system to be tested, wherein when said base unit and said corresponding application module have been cooperatively assembled, said display comprised by said base unit is enabled to display an application-specific GUI (ASGUI), and the combination is capable of performing one or more application-specific tests of said apparatus, system, or device, said application-specific tests of said apparatus, system, or device being specific to testing of a specific type of apparatus, system, or device, and wherein neither said base unit nor said application module is separately operable to perform said application-specific tests of said apparatus, system, or device; connecting the combination of said base unit and said corresponding application module to said apparatus, device, or system to be tested, and employing the combination of said base unit and said application module to perform testing of said apparatus, system, or device.