Computer interface unit for an audiometer
First Claim
1. A computer interface unit for an audiometer having a plurality of controllable audiometer modules, said interface unit permitting control of said audiometer modules by means of a computer and comprising:
- (a) a plurality of first control lines, including both input and output lines, there being a plurality of input lines and at least one output line, the first lines being connectable to a computer and each first line having a d-c isolating coupler therein;
(b) a plurality of decoders connected to said first lines;
(c) a plurality of memories, each connected to one of said decoders;
(d) a plurality of second control lines connecting said memories with said audiometer modules, whereby said audiometer modules may be controlled by said computer;
(e) a NAND gate connected through inverters to individual ones of said input lines and without inverters to other individual ones of said input lines, said NAND gate having an output line connected via an integrator and at least one Schmitt trigger circuit to an associated one of said memories; and
(f) an OR gate having an input connected to the line between said Schmitt triggers and an output connected to said one output line for providing a reply signal to said computer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An interface unit for measuring instruments, such as audiometers, which are controlled by a computer, the interface unit being as cost-efficient as possible and setting minimum requirements for the computer hardware and software. This is achieved in that the lines (17 to 19) of the interface unit that are connected to the computer contain d-c isolating couplers (17.1 to 19.1) and are respectively connected with individual decoders (13 to 15) which, in turn, are connected to memories (7 to 9). Control lines lead from these memories to the measuring modules (1 to 3) of a measuring instrument. Such a measuring instrument is usable, in particular, as an audiometer or for establishing the optimum adjustment of a hearing aid to compensate certain hearing impairments.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A computer interface unit for an audiometer having a plurality of controllable audiometer modules, said interface unit permitting control of said audiometer modules by means of a computer and comprising:
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(a) a plurality of first control lines, including both input and output lines, there being a plurality of input lines and at least one output line, the first lines being connectable to a computer and each first line having a d-c isolating coupler therein; (b) a plurality of decoders connected to said first lines; (c) a plurality of memories, each connected to one of said decoders; (d) a plurality of second control lines connecting said memories with said audiometer modules, whereby said audiometer modules may be controlled by said computer; (e) a NAND gate connected through inverters to individual ones of said input lines and without inverters to other individual ones of said input lines, said NAND gate having an output line connected via an integrator and at least one Schmitt trigger circuit to an associated one of said memories; and (f) an OR gate having an input connected to the line between said Schmitt triggers and an output connected to said one output line for providing a reply signal to said computer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A computer interface unit for an audiometer having a plurality of controllable audiometer modules, said interface unit permitting control of said audiometer modules by means of a computer and comprising:
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(a) a plurality of first control lines including both input and output lines, connectable to a computer, each first line having a d-c isolating coupler therein; (b) a plurality of decoders connected to said first lines; (c) a plurality of memories, each connected to one of said decoders; (d) a plurality of second control lines connecting said memories with said audiometer modules, whereby said audiometer modules may be controlled by said computer; (e) an OR gate, having plural inputs and a single output; (f) a plurality of reply lines interconnecting said decoders with the respective inputs of said OR gate, the output of said OR gate being connected to said output line which has a d-c isolating coupler therein; (g) a second memory for storing a bit pattern, said memory having a plurality of outputs for presenting signals representing said bit pattern; and (h) a plurality of AND gates, each having inputs connected to one of said memory outputs and to one of said reply lines connected to a decoder, said AND gates each having an output connected to said OR gate.
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5. A computer interface unit for an audiometer having a plurality of controllable audiometer modules, said interface unit permitting control of said audiometer modules by means of a computer and comprising:
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(a) a plurality of first control lines, connectable to a computer, each first line having a d-c isolating coupler therein; (b) a plurality of decoders connected to said first lines; (c) a plurality of memories, each connected to one of said decoders; and (d) a plurality of second control lines connecting said memories with said audiometer modules, whereby said audiometer modules may be controlled by said computer, wherein each data word is stored, following an address word and after a preselectable waiting time without a clock signal transmitted from said computer, in a data memory assigned to the respective address of such address word, the waiting time being provided by an integrator connected to receive the output signal of the address decoder, a part of the data words maximally possible through the number of control lines being reserved for addresses;
wherein the address decoder is constructed so that it automatically generates a control signal for interference voltage blanking during the command execution, the duration of which is selectable, as well as a reply signal which can switch on a display; and
wherein the command memory belonging to an address is prepared for the acceptance of new data and can cause a program branch in said computer. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification