Patent Publication Number: US-2011050572-A1

Title: Input device model testing system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a testing system, and more particularly to an input device model testing system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     With increasing development of scientific technologies, multimedia products and computers become essential in our daily lives. In the computer systems, input devices play important roles for communicating the computer and the user. The common input devices of the computer systems include for example mice, keyboards or trackballs. Among these input devices, mice are the most prevailing because they are very easy-to-use. When a mouse is held on the palm of a user&#39;s hand, the user may move the mouse to control movement of the cursor shown on the computer screen. In addition, by operating the click buttons of the mouse, the user may select a desired item on the function menu of the browsing frame or execute a corresponding function. Moreover, via the keyboard, the user may input symbols or texts as required. In other words, the importance of the keyboard is also obvious. 
     As known, before an input device is mass-produced by a manufacturer, the external form of the input device needs to be designed in advance. Take a mouse for example. In designing the external form of the mouse, the manufacturer needs to fabricate a mouse model according to the anticipated external form. The mouse model has the same outward appearance as the mouse. In addition, the mouse model is made of foam or plastic material. After the mouse model is fabricated, the mouse model is placed on a desk plane, and a testing procedure is performed to test the tactile feel of the mouse model by holding and/or moving the mouse model. By gathering the opinions of the testers, the manufacturer will modify the external form of the mouse model. After undue testing procedures and modifying procedures, a desired external form of the mouse model is determined. Afterwards, a real mouse is fabricated according to the desired external form of the mouse model. The use of the mouse model is helpful to simulate the operating conditions of a real mouse and realize the possibly defects of designing the real mouse. In a case that some defects of the mouse model have been found during the testing procedure, the user could correct the defects in order to design a more perfect mouse model. Under this circumstance, the possibility of alerting the designing process of the real mouse will be minimized. 
     Generally, during the testing procedure is performed to test the tactile feel of the mouse model, the user should place the mouse model on a desk plane while imagining the situation of using the mouse model to control the computer. Since the mouse model is not in communication with the computer, the tester usually places his or her hand on the mouse model and moves the mouse model on the desk plane while looking at the mouse model. In other words, the action of operating the mouse model by the tester has nothing to with the computer. Furthermore, when a real mouse is operated by a user, the line of vision of the user is always directed toward the computer screen rather than the mouse. Since the tester fails to be personally on the scene to simulate the mouse model as the real mouse, so many details associated with the operations of the mouse model are ignored. Under this circumstance, the opinions of the tester have unsatisfactory reference values and fail to be totally accepted by the manufacturer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a testing system for testing an input device model. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device model testing system. The input device model testing system includes a working plane, a mouse model, a first image pickup device, a second image pickup device, a first computer screen, a microphone, and a computer host. The working plane includes a plurality of simulated icons. The mouse model is placed on the working plane for pointing to one of the simulated icons. The mouse model includes a cursor element, a first button zone and a second button zone. The first image pickup device is used for capturing the working plane, thereby generating a working plane image. The working plane image includes an image of the simulated icon that is pointed by the cursor element of the mouse model. The second image pickup device is used for capturing the mouse model, thereby generating a model image. The model image includes an image of the button zone that is clicked. The first computer screen is used for displaying the working plane image. The microphone is used for receiving a clicking sound emitted from the mouse model when the mouse model is clicked, thereby generating a clicking signal. The computer host is in communication with the first image pickup device, the second image pickup device, the microphone and the first computer screen for receiving the clicking signal, the working plane image and the model image. The computer host includes a model image analyzing program for discriminating which of the button zones is clicked according to the model image, a working plane image analyzing program for discriminating which of the simulated icons is pointed by the cursor element according to the working plane image, a simulated icon link program for establishing linkages between the simulated icons and respective icon shortcuts, and a plurality of icon shortcuts corresponding to respective simulated icons. According to the clicking signal and by the model image analyzing program and the working plane image analyzing program, the computer host discriminates which of the button zones is clicked and which of the simulated icons is pointed. As a consequence, a first button function or a second function associated with the pointed simulated icon is executed, and a result of executing the first button function or the second function is displayed on the first computer screen. 
     In an embodiment, after the computer host discriminates which of the button zones is clicked and which of the simulated icons is pointed, the simulated icon link program executes a function of linking the pointed simulated icon with a corresponding icon shortcut. 
     In an embodiment, the icon shortcuts includes a “My Computer” icon shortcut, a “My Document” icon shortcut, and an “Internet Explorer” icon shortcut 
     In an embodiment, the first button function and the second button function are a left-button function and a right-button function, respectively. 
     In an embodiment, when the cursor element is pointed to the simulated icon corresponding to the “My Computer” icon shortcut and the first button zone of the mouse model is clicked, the simulated icon link program executes a function of triggering the “My Computer” icon shortcut. 
     In an embodiment, when the cursor element is pointed to the simulated icon corresponding to the “My Computer” icon shortcut and the second button zone of the mouse model is clicked, the simulated icon link program executes a function of showing a right-button menu. 
     In an embodiment, when the cursor element is pointed to the simulated icon corresponding to the “My Computer” icon shortcut and the first button zone of the mouse model is double clicked, the simulated icon link program executes a function of opening the “My Computer” icon shortcut. 
     In an embodiment, the working plane is a cardboard, and the simulated icons are drawn on the cardboard. 
     In an embodiment, the working plane is a glass platform, the input device model testing system further includes a second computer screen under the glass platform and in communication with the computer host for displaying a Windows interface of the computer host, and the icon shortcuts are shown on the Windows interface. 
     In an embodiment, the simulated icons shown on the glass platform correspond to the icon shortcuts shown on the Windows interface, respectively. 
     In an embodiment, the cursor element includes an arrow part for pointing to one of the simulated icons, and an extension part connected to a main body of the mouse model. 
     In an embodiment, the cursor element is made of transparent plastic material, and the arrow part of the cursor element is coated with white paint for facilitating identification. 
     In an embodiment, the model image analyzing program and the working plane image analyzing program respectively discriminate the clicked button zone and the pointed simulated icon according to an image recognition technology. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device model testing system. The input device model testing system includes a keyboard model, an image pickup device, a computer screen, a microphone, and a computer host. The keyboard model includes a plurality of key zones. The image pickup device is used for capturing the keyboard model, thereby generating a model image. The model image includes an image of the key zone that is depressed. The computer screen is used for displaying an input message interface. The microphone is used for receiving a depressing sound emitted from the keyboard model when one of the key zones of the keyboard model is depressed, thereby generating a corresponding depressing signal. The computer host is in communication with the image pickup device, the microphone and the computer screen for receiving the depressing signal and the model image. The computer host includes a model image analyzing program for discriminating which of the key zones is depressed according to the model image, and the input message interface. According to the depressing signal and by the model image analyzing program, the computer host discriminates which of the key zones is depressed, so that a text or symbol corresponding to the depressed key zone is inputted to the computer host and the text or symbol is shown on the input message interface of the computer screen. 
     In an embodiment, the input message interface is a Microsoft Word document file or a Notepad file. 
     In an embodiment, the model image is divided into a plurality of image blocks by the model image analyzing program, and the image blocks correspond to respective key zones. 
     In an embodiment, the key zones at least comprises an A key zone, a B key zone, and a C key zone. 
     In an embodiment, when the A key zone, the B key zone and the C key zone are successively depressed and respective depressing signals are generated by the microphone, the image blocks of the model image corresponding to the A key zone, the B key zone and the C key zone are successively sheltered and the depressing signals are transmitted to the computer host, so that letters ABC are inputted to the input message interface and shown on the computer screen by the computer host. 
     In an embodiment, the model image analyzing program discriminates the depressed zone according to an image recognition technology. 
     The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic architecture diagram illustrating an input device model testing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is schematic diagram illustrating a model image obtained by the input device model testing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of icon shortcuts shown on the second computer screen of the input device model testing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic architecture diagram illustrating an input device model testing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic architecture diagram illustrating an input device model testing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is schematic diagram illustrating a model image obtained by the input device model testing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is schematic diagram illustrating an input message interface shown on the computer screen of the input device model testing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention provides an input device model testing system.  FIG. 1  is a schematic architecture diagram illustrating an input device model testing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the input device model testing system  1  comprises a working plane  10 , a mouse model  11  placed on the working plane  10 , a first image pickup device  12 , a second image pickup device  13 , a microphone  15 , a first computer screen  14 , a second computer screen  17 , and a computer host  16 . 
     The working plane  10  has a first simulated icon  101 , a second simulated icon  102 , and a third simulated icon  103 . In this embodiment, the working plane  10  is a glass platform. The second computer screen  17  is disposed under the glass platform  10 . 
     The mouse model  11  comprises a cursor element  111 , a first button zone  112  (see  FIG. 2 ) and a second button zone  113  (see  FIG. 2 ). The cursor element  111  is arranged on the working plane  10  for pointing to one of the simulated icons  101 ,  102  and  103 . The cursor element  111  comprises an arrow part  1111  and an extension part  1112 . The arrow part  1111  points to one of the simulated icons  101 ,  102  and  103 . The extension part  1112  is connected to the main body of the mouse model  11 . In this embodiment, the cursor element  111  is made of transparent plastic material. For facilitating identification, the arrow part  1111  of the cursor element  111  is coated with white paint. That is, the arrow part  1111  with the white paint simulates the cursor on the computer screen. 
     The first image pickup device  12  is in communication with the computer host  16 . The first image pickup device  12  is used for capturing the working plane  10 , thereby generating a working plane image I 1  to the computer host  16 . The working plane image I 1  also includes the image of the one of the simulated icons  101 ˜ 103  that is pointed by the cursor element  111  of the mouse model  11 . The second image pickup device  13  is also in communication with the computer host  16 . The second image pickup device  13  is used for capturing the mouse model  11 , thereby generating a model image I 2  to the computer host  16 . The model image I 2  also includes the image of the first button zone  112  or the second button zone  113  that is clicked by the user. The first computer screen  14  is in communication with the computer host  16  for displaying the working plane image I 1 . The microphone  15  is in communication with the computer host  16  for receiving a clicking sound emitted from the mouse model  11  when the mouse model  11  is clicked by the user. When the clicking sound is received, the microphone  15  issues a clicking signal SC to the computer host  16 . 
     The clicking signal SC, the working plane image I 1  and the model image I 2  are transmitted to the computer host  16 . The computer host  16  further comprises a model image analyzing program  161 , a working plane image analyzing program  162 , a simulated icon link program  163 , a Windows interface W, a first icon shortcut W 1  corresponding to the first simulated icon  101 , a second icon shortcut W 2  corresponding to the second simulated icon  102 , and a third icon shortcut W 3  corresponding to the third simulated icon  103 . According to the model image I 2 , the model image analyzing program  161  discriminates which of the first button zone  112  and the second button zone  113  is clicked. According to the working plane image I 1 , the working plane image analyzing program  162  discriminates which of the simulated icons  101 ,  102  and  103  is pointed by the cursor element  111 . In this embodiment, the model image analyzing program  161  and the working plane image analyzing program  162  respectively discriminate and analyze the clicked button zones and the pointed simulated icon according to an image recognition technology. By executing the simulated icon link program  163 , the linkages between the simulated icons  101 ˜ 103  and respective icon shortcuts W 1 ˜W 2  will be established. In other words, by analyzing the working plane image I 1 , the working plane image analyzing program  162  will realize which of the simulated icons  101 ,  102  and  103  is pointed by the cursor element  111 . Similarly, by analyzing the model image I 2 , the model image analyzing program  161  will realize which of the first button zone  112  and the second button zone  113  is clicked. According to the clicking signal SC, the computer host  16  could realize whether a clicking action is generated. After the computer host  16  realizes which button zone is clicked and which simulated icon is pointed, the simulated icon link program  163  will execute the function of linking the pointed simulated icon with a corresponding icon shortcut. 
     The second computer screen  17  is in communication with the computer host  16  for displaying the Windows interface W. The icon shortcuts W 1 , W 2  and W 3  are shown on the Windows interface W. Since the working plane  10  is a glass platform and the second computer screen  17  is disposed under the working plane  10 , the icon shortcuts W 1 , W 2  and W 3  of the Windows interface W shown on the second computer screen  17  are viewable through the working plane  10 . In other words, the simulated icons  101 ,  102  and  103  shown on the working plane correspond to the icon shortcuts W 1 , W 2  and W 3 , respectively. In this embodiment, the first icon shortcut W 1  is a “My Computer” icon shortcut, the second icon shortcut W 2  is a “My Document” icon shortcut, and the third icon shortcut W 3  is an “Internet Explorer” icon shortcut (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Please refer to  FIG. 1  again. When the input device model testing system  1  is used by the user U to test the mouse model  11 , the working plane  10  is captured by the first image pickup device  12 , and the obtained working plane image I 1  is transmitted to the first computer screen  14  through the computer host  16 . In other words, the working plane image I 1  is displayed on the first computer screen  14  to be viewed by the user U. Under this circumstance, instead of looking at the mouse model  11 , the line of vision V of the user U is directed toward the first computer screen  14  during the mouse model  11  is tested by the user U. As a consequence, the input device model testing system  1  could simulate the conditions of operating a real mouse. 
     When the input device model testing system  1  is used by the user U to test the mouse model  11 , the user U could arbitrarily move the mouse model  11  on the working plane  10  such that the arrow part  1111  of the cursor element  111  points to one of the simulated icons  101 ,  102  and  103 . In addition, the moving trajectory of the cursor element  111  is recorded in the working plane image I 1 . On the other hand, during the mouse model  11  is tested by the user U, the clicking action of the mouse model  11  is captured by the second image pickup device  13  and recorded in the model image I 2 . 
       FIG. 2  is schematic diagram illustrating a model image obtained by the input device model testing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In a case that the first button zone  112  of the mouse model  11  is clicked by the user U, the computer host  16  executes a first button function. Whereas, in a case that the second button zone  113  of the mouse model  11  is clicked by the user U, the computer host  16  executes a second button function. In this embodiment, the first button function and the second button function are a left-button function and a right-button function, respectively. 
     For example, when the mouse model  11  is moved by the user U to have the arrow part  1111  of the cursor element  111  point to the first simulated icons  101  and then the second button zone  113  of the mouse model  11  is clicked by the user U, the image of the action of clicking the second button zone  113  by the user U will be recorded in the model image I 2 . At the same time when the mouse model  11  is clicked by the user U, the clicking sound emitted from the mouse model  11  is recorded by the microphone  15  and the microphone  15  issues a corresponding clicking signal SC to the computer host  16 . In addition, the model image I 2  is also transmitted to the computer host  16 . After the working plane image I 1 , the model image I 2  and the clicking signal SC are received by the computer host  16 , the working plane image analyzing program  162  discriminates that the pointed simulated icon is the first simulated icon  101  according to the working plane image I 1 , the model image analyzing program  161  discriminates that the second button zone  113  is clicked according to the model image I 2 , and the computer host  16  realizes that the clicking action occurs according to the clicking signal SC. 
     After the computer host  16  discriminates the pointed simulated icon and the clicked button zone, the simulated icon link program  163  executes a function of establishing the linkage between the first simulated icon  101  and the first icon shortcut W 1  (e.g. the “My Computer” icon shortcut). In a case that the second button zone  113  is clicked, the simulated icon link program  163  executes a function of showing a right-button menu associated with the “My Computer” icon shortcut (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Similarly, in a case that the arrow part  1111  of the cursor element  111  points to the first simulated icons  101  corresponding to the “My Computer” icon shortcut W 1  and then the first button zone  112  of the mouse model  11  is clicked, the simulated icon link program  163  will execute the function of triggering the “My Computer” icon shortcut. Whereas, in a case that the arrow part  1111  of the cursor element  111  points to the first simulated icons  101  corresponding to the “My Computer” icon shortcut W 1  and then the first button zone  112  of the mouse model  11  is double clicked, the simulated icon link program  163  will execute the function of opening the “My Computer” icon shortcut. 
     From the above description, the input device model testing system  1  of the present invention is capable of simulating the conditions of operating a real mouse. In addition, the computer host  16  could execute instructions in response to operations of the mouse model  11  by the user U. During the testing procedure of the input device model testing system  1 , the user U could be interactive with the computer host  16 , so that the efficacy of being personally on the scene to simulate the mouse model as the real mouse is obtained. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic architecture diagram illustrating an input device model testing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the input device model testing system  2  comprises a working plane  20 , a mouse model  21 , a first image pickup device  22 , a second image pickup device  23 , a microphone  25 , a computer screen  24 , and a computer host  26 . The working plane  20  has a first simulated icon  201 , a second simulated icon  202 , and a third simulated icon  203 . The mouse model  21  has a cursor element  211 . The cursor element  211  comprises an arrow part  2111  and an extension part  2112 . The first image pickup device  22  is used for capturing the working plane  20 , thereby generating a working plane image I 1 ′ to the computer host  26 . The second image pickup device  23  is used for capturing the mouse model  21 , thereby generating a model image I 2 ′ to the computer host  26 . The microphone  25  is used for receiving a clicking sound emitted from the mouse model  21  when the mouse model  21  is clicked by the user. When the clicking sound is received, the microphone  25  issues a clicking signal SC′ to the computer host  26 . The computer host  26  further comprises a model image analyzing program  261 , a working plane image analyzing program  262 , a simulated icon link program  263 , a Windows interface W′, a first icon shortcut W 1 ′ corresponding to the first simulated icon  201 , a second icon shortcut W 2 ′ corresponding to the second simulated icon  202 , and a third icon shortcut W 3 ′ corresponding to the third simulated icon  203 . The components of the computer host  26  are substantially identical to those of the computer host  16  of the first embodiment, and are not redundantly described herein. 
     The input device model testing system  2  is distinguished from the input device model testing system  2  in that the working plane  20  is a cardboard and the simulated icons  201 ,  202  and  203  are drawn on the cardboard. The operating principles of the input device model testing system  2  are identical to those of the computer host  16  of the first embodiment, and are not redundantly described herein. Since the input device model testing system  2  is a cardboard, the working plane  20  is relatively cost-effective to meet the requirements of different users. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic architecture diagram illustrating an input device model testing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the input device model testing system  3  comprises a keyboard model  31 , an image pickup device  32 , a microphone  34 , a computer screen  33  and a computer host  35 . The keyboard model  31  comprises a plurality of key zones. For example, these key zones comprises an A key zone  311  (see  FIG. 6 ), a B key zone  312  (see  FIG. 6 ), a C key zone  313  (see  FIG. 6 ), and so on. The image pickup device  32  is in communication with the computer host  35  for capturing the keyboard model  31 , thereby generating a model image I* to the computer host  35 . The model image I* also includes the image of the key zone that is depressed by the user. The microphone  34  is in communication with the computer host  35  for receiving a depressing sound emitted from the keyboard model  31  when the keyboard model  31  is depressed by the user. When the clicking sound is received, the microphone  34  issues a depressing signal SC* to the computer host  35 . The computer screen  33  is in communication with the computer host  35  for displaying an input message interface W*. The depressing signal SC* and the model image I* are transmitted to the computer host  35 . The computer host  35  further comprises a model image analyzing program  351  and the input message interface W*. According to the model image I*, the model image analyzing program  351  discriminates which of key zones is depressed. In this embodiment, the input message interface W* is a Microsoft Word document file. Alternatively, the input message interface W* is a Notepad file. 
       FIG. 6  is schematic diagram illustrating a model image obtained by the input device model testing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . When the input device model testing system  2  is used by the user U* to test the keyboard model  31 , the input message interface W* is opened and displayed on the computer screen  33 . Under this circumstance, instead of looking at the keyboard model  31 , the line of vision V* of the user U* is directed toward the computer screen  33 . The A key zone  311 , the B key zone  312  and the C key zone  313  of the keyboard model  31  are successively depressed by the user U*, the images of the actions of depressing the A key zone  311 , the B key zone  312  and the C key zone  313  by the user U* will be recorded in the model image I*. The model image I* is then transmitted to the computer host  35  to be analyzed by the model image analyzing program  351 . In addition, the depressing sounds emitted from the keyboard model  31  when the A key zone  311 , the B key zone  312  and the C key zone  313  are depressed by the user U* will be recorded by the microphone  34 , so that the microphone  34  issues corresponding depressing signals SC* to the computer host  35 . According to the depressing signals SC*, the computer host  35  could confirm whether these key zones are actually depressed. 
     Please refer to  FIG. 6  again. By the model image analyzing program  351 , the model image I* is divided into a plurality of image blocks corresponding to respective key zones. In a case that the finger of the user U* is typing a letter and the image block corresponding to a depressed key zone is sheltered by the finger of the user U*, the model image analyzing program  351  could realize which key zone is depressed by the user U* by analyzing the model image I*. According to the depressing signal SC* issued from the microphone  34 , the computer host  35  could realize that a key zone is depressed. After the computer host  35  discriminate that the A key zone  311 , the B key zone  312  and the C key zone  313  are actually depressed, the letters ABC are inputted to the input message interface W* and also shown on the computer screen  33  by the computer host  35  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     From the above description, the input device model testing system of the present invention allows the user to be personally on the scene to simulate the mouse model as the real mouse. During the testing procedure of the input device model testing system, the computer host could execute instructions in response to operations of the mouse model or the keyboard model. Since the procedure of testing the input device model is substantially the same as the practical condition of operating the input device, the defects associated with the usage of the input device model could be easily found in order to be corrected by the manufacture. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.