Abstract:
A display method and apparatus provides an easy to interpret presentation of multiple channel data, in the form of columns where the height of the column represents the relative measurement. A threshold line provides an indication of whether the measurement is above or below the threshold. Greater detail and numeric measurement values can be displayed for individual channels while the multiple channel display is in view.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This disclosure relates to test and measurement, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for displaying test results from multiple test inputs. 
         [0002]    When making test measurements on multiple channels or multiple inputs, especially when such measurements are of similar variables or signals, it can be desirable to display the various measurement results together, for comparison or the like. In accordance with the prior art, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a graphical representation of signals is shown, together with an alternate viewing mode of a chart showing channel data in  FIG. 6 . A problem with this method is that it is difficult for the user to quickly evaluate one channel relative to another. It is also difficult to quickly evaluate each displayed number relative to some threshold of quality (a limit). 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In accordance with the invention, an improved display method and device is provided for displaying data from multiple channels. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved multiple channel display method. 
         [0005]    It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide an improved multiple channel display device. 
         [0006]    It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an improved multiple channel display that allows easy comparison of multiple channels to one another as well as to a threshold value. 
         [0007]    The subject matter of the present display method and apparatus is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a test instrument that embodies the display method and apparatus; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a view of a particular display in accordance with the method and apparatus; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a view of a particular display illustrating all measurements being below a threshold; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is view of a particular display illustrating a measurements being above a threshold; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a view of a prior art display; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a view of another prior art display. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    The system according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a method and apparatus for displaying multiple channel data. 
         [0015]    The method and apparatus provides an easy to interpret and quickly view the information from measurements on multiple measurement channels. The presentation of information quickly allows the user to determine qualitative goodness relative to a settable limit. It also allows the user to examine quantitative information quickly through selectable channel information. The information for all channels is presented simultaneously in a graphical format allow the user to easily understand and interpret the results from all channels simultaneously. The method and apparatus allow for the use of low cost fixed segment LCDs as well as high-resolution dot matrix displays. 
         [0016]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a block diagram of a test instrument, in this particular embodiment, an optical networking test instrument  100 , the instrument connects to a network under test  102 , an optical network in a particular embodiment, via network interface(s)  104 . The instrument includes processor(s)  106 , memory such as RAM/ROM  108 , persistent storage  110 , I/O  112  which attaches the device to a network or other external devices (storage, other computer, etc.), display  114 , user input devices  116  (such as, for example, keyboard, mouse or other pointing devices, touch screen, etc.), power supply  118  which may include battery or AC power supplies. The processor(s) operate the instrument to provide test and measurement function for the network. 
         [0017]    In operation, the network test instrument is attached to the network, and observes transmissions on the network and provides stimulus and response measurement to collect information and statistics and effect testing and measurement. 
         [0018]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary display  10  in accordance with the method and apparatus, plural channel indicators  12  are provided (twelve such channels shown in the illustrated embodiment), wherein a graphical indicator with channel number indication represents the individual channels. Above each channel are plural vertically aligned ovals in region  13 , 5 such ovals per channel in the illustrated version. Between the 3 rd  and 4 th  ovals is a horizontal threshold line  14 , resulting in 3 ovals below and two ovals above the threshold line. Further provided on a left side of the screen, above and below the threshold line  14  are a not-ok indicator  16  and an ok indicator  18 . Wavelength display digits  20  are provided in an upper right position of the screen, while signal level display digits  22  are positioned in a lower right portion of the screen. 
         [0019]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an operational view is provided for a measurement situation where all measured values are below the threshold limit. In the particular view, specific measurement values are shown for channel  9 , so the graphical channel indicator  12 ′ is displayed for channel  9 . The relative values of the other channels are displayed in region  13 . In signal level display area  22 , a signal level value of 0.59 db is shown, while in wavelength display area  20 , a value of 850 nm is shown. A loss indicator  24  is illuminated to show that the particular measurement being displayed is signal loss. OK indicator  18  is illuminated, demonstrating that all the signal channel values are below the threshold. 
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of an example display of particular data in a case where at least one channel&#39;s data is outside of the threshold as represented by threshold line  14 . In  FIG. 4 , oval  26  is illuminated for channel  9 , where oval  26  is above the threshold line  14 , indicating that the measurement value is beyond the threshold. As a result, the not OK indicator  16  is made visible (as contrasted with the situation of  FIG. 3 , where OK indicator  18  was visible), conveying that a value is out of acceptable range. The particular measurement value (0.79 db) is displayed at  22 . 
         [0021]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , this figure illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary display with many of the possible display elements illustrated, including measurement type being performed  30  (POWER, SET REF, LOSS LIMIT, VIEW RECORD), mode indicator  32  (AUTO), measurement type indicator  34  (WAVELENGTH), low battery indicator  36 , channel indicators  12 , plural ovals (in the illustrated embodiment)  13 , POLARITY  36 , ABC?  38  (all separately displayable), OTHER indicator  40 , 2 kHz indicator  42 , up arrow  44 , down arrow  46 , SAVE  48 , CHANNEL  50 , λ 52 , plus or minus indicator  54 , display digits  22 . Other display elements include REF  56 , mW  58 , μ 60 , dBm  62 , DELETE?  64 , ALL?  66 . 
         [0022]    In operation, the various elements are displayed that correspond to the particular type of measurement or operation being performed. 
         [0023]    Accordingly, an improved display and method is provided that enables easy comparison of multiple channel data as well as quick understanding of where a measurement value falls in relation to a threshold value. 
         [0024]    While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.