Scheduler is a powerful upgrade that allows you to create a test schedule that includes a number of audio and acoustic measurements, that run sequentially, automatically.

You can control the length of time that each task runs, whether the generator is turned on, how long to wait between tasks, or whether each task is started manually.

Results are stored as each test completes, using a common naming format, so that you can go back and collect the results from the test.

Using the Task Scheduler

The Scheduler can be used to set up a group of tests to be run sequentially, automatically. Results are stored at the end of each test using a common file name convention.

Scheduler cannot run every AudioTools module. For one thing, the module must be able to store data. Also, some modules require hardware interaction, and are not suitable for automatic test runs.

In this document, we will call a “test” a complete test run, which may include many individual audio measurements, which we will call “tasks”.

The Scheduler Screen

When you first enter the Scheduler, you will see the main Scheduler screen.

Tests are stored in files, in the public/test folder on the iOS device, and on your Dropbox, if you have it linked. Each test file contains information about the test, and a list of tasks to run.

The test files present are shown in a table on the Scheduler screen. You can add tests with the + button, delete a test by swiping across it, edit a test by tapping the “i” or arrow disclosure button, or tap on the test table cell to start the test running.

After tapping the “+” button to create a new test, or tapping the disclosure button, you can edit the test file.

Editing a Test

To create a new test schedule, tap the + on the Scheduler screen. This will bring up the Test screen.

The Test

These are the parameters fro the Test:

Test Name

To change the name of the test, just edit the text field on the top of the Test screen. A new test will be created using the new name, and the old test (if already saved) will not be changed or deleted.

Start Delay

Set an optional time to wait before the test begins. This allows you to move the iOS device, or to setup the testing environment before the test run starts. Time is shown in minutes and seconds.

Time Between Tests

Set an optional time to wait in between each task. This can allow time for the room to quiet down between tasks, for example. Time is shown in minutes and seconds.

Prompt for Next Test

Normally, each task starts automatically, after the Time Between Tests. Turning this option on allows you to control when the next task will start manually. The Scheduler will wait for you to tap a button before it continues on to the next task.

Lockout Local Control

When a task is running, you can interact with the screen, which could affect the outcome of the measurement results. Turning on this option ensures that the task will run undisturbed.

Note: It is possible to create a scenario where a task is running, and you can’t interrupt it, for example by setting a very long task run time with lockout turned on. The only way to exit the app would be by force-quitting it. To do this, double-click the menu button, and follow the iOS procedure for force-quitting an app, to end the app operation.

Task List

Below the test settings is the list of tasks. This list will be empty until you add a task, using the “+” button. You can also delete a task by swiping across the table cell, or reorder the tasks after tapping the Edit button and moving them by touching the control on the right and dragging the cell to a new position in the list.

After you tap the “+” button, or when you tap the task table cell, the Task editing screen appears.

The Automated Task

The test consists of a list of tasks that run in sequence. You can have as many tasks as you wish, but note that if the same task runs twice in a given test run, the last task run will overwrite any previous task data files (except in the case of the surround signal generator, see below).

Task Parameters

The individual task settings, such as octave banding, weightings, decay times, and graph parameters are all set locally in the module. These settings are automatically saved, and will be in effect when the automated task runs. Make sure your tasks are setup the way that you want them before you start the test schedule.

The run time parameters for the task are set on the Task Screen. These include the length of time that the task will run, whether it will turn on the generator, and the task itself.

Generator

Set up the generator for this task using the Generator panel. You can turn on the generator, select the signal type, and for sine or square waves, the frequency. You can also select the balanced / mono signal mode.

Note that some tasks, such as STIPA, will always use their special signal. You still have to turn on the generator switch if you want the signal to play.

Surround Signals

Surround signals may be selected, if you have the Surround Generator module unlocked. When a surround signal is selected, the channel designator will be added to the file, just before the date, so that you can run a number of surround tests in the same test run without the files overwriting.

Run Time

Set the time that you wish the task to run in this field. Note that you will have to take into account any special considerations for the actual task. For example, if the Amplitude Sweep module is set to run a 30 second sweep, make sure you allow enough task run time for the sweep to complete. The same thing applies to STIPA, which requires a certain test length to complete.

Select Task

Select the task from the list of available tasks. If a measurement is not included in this list, it is not supported for automated tests