Automated infrared test signal generator

An automated signal generator apparatus for radiating a test signal to a device under test, comprising:

• a microprocessor;
• transmitter means;
• a first memory for storing data;
• and
• means for providing said data to said microprocessor;
• wherein:
• said microprocessor is adapted to execute said data to provide a corresponding control signal to said transmitter means;
• and
• said transmitter means is adapted to use said control signal to radiate said test signal, said test signal corresponding to said control signal and being suitable for controlling said device under test.

A method for testing a remotely-controlled device under test, comprising the steps of:

• providing test instructions which correspond to a sequence of user inputs to a human interface;
• communicating said test instructions to an automated signal generator;
• processing said test instructions at said automated signal generator to translate said test instructions to an electrical control signal;
• and
• providing said electrical control signal to a transmitter to radiate a corresponding signal for controlling the device under test.

A method for testing a remotely-controlled device under test, comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a control signal which is output from a human interface and which corresponds to a sequence of user inputs to the human interface;
• processing said control signal to at least one of (a) repeatedly provide said control signal to an automated signal generator, and (b) provide said control signal to the automated signal generator at a rate which is greater than a rate at which the control signal was output from the human interface;
• wherein:
• the automated signal generator provides said processed control signals to a transmitter to radiate a corresponding signal for controlling the device under test.

A method for testing a remotely-controlled device under test, comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a control signal which is output from a human interface and which corresponds to a sequence of user inputs to the human interface;
• communicating said control signal to an automated signal generator;
• processing said control signal at said automated signal generator to at least one of (a) repeatedly provide said control signal to an IR transmitter means, and (b) provide said control signal to said IR transmitter means at a rate which is greater than a rate at which the control signal was received by said automated signal generator;
• wherein:
• the automated signal generator provides said processed control signals to the transmitter to radiate a corresponding signal for controlling the device under test.