Signal processor for personal computers
First Claim
1. Signal processing means for connection between a parallel printer port of a personal computer and an external printer, comprising:
- a first data buffer,a signal receiving port for receiving an external signal for monitoring by the signal processing means,a signal converter connected to said signal receiving port and selectively connected to said first data buffer for producing data containing information about the external signal and for transferring said data into said first data buffer, including analog converter means for converting an analog external signal monitored at said signal receiving port to a first digital signal,printer control means for selectively interconnecting the parallel printer port of the personal computer to the input of an external printer, said printer control means selectively enabling one of at least two interconnect modes, including a transparent mode in which the parallel printer port of the personal computer is connected to the input of an external printer, enabling direct throughput of printer control instructions between the personal computer and the external printer, and a nontransparent mode in which the connection between the parallel printer port of the personal computer and the external printer is blocked,logic control means connected to said first data buffer and coupled to the personal computer through the parallel printer port, said logic control means being responsive to instructions from the personal computer for controlling the signal processing means including the printer control means, andan oscillator clock connected to said analog converter means and to said logic control means, in which said analog converter means converts the analog external signal to said first digital signal at intervals established by said oscillator clock, which intervals are determined by instructions supplied from the personal computer to said oscillator clock through said logic control means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An external signal processor is provided for use with a personal computer. The signal processor incorporates hardware components for receiving external analog or frequency signals and for converting the signals to digital form for retrieval by the computer in nibble mode. Interconnection with the personal computer is through the parallel printer port, with the signal processor installed between the computer and an external printer. Normal printer functions are available when a transparent mode is enabled. The signal processor can also monitor one or more external digital signals and output one or more digital control signals. An example of programmable control software is also provided.
30 Citations
24 Claims
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1. Signal processing means for connection between a parallel printer port of a personal computer and an external printer, comprising:
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a first data buffer, a signal receiving port for receiving an external signal for monitoring by the signal processing means, a signal converter connected to said signal receiving port and selectively connected to said first data buffer for producing data containing information about the external signal and for transferring said data into said first data buffer, including analog converter means for converting an analog external signal monitored at said signal receiving port to a first digital signal, printer control means for selectively interconnecting the parallel printer port of the personal computer to the input of an external printer, said printer control means selectively enabling one of at least two interconnect modes, including a transparent mode in which the parallel printer port of the personal computer is connected to the input of an external printer, enabling direct throughput of printer control instructions between the personal computer and the external printer, and a nontransparent mode in which the connection between the parallel printer port of the personal computer and the external printer is blocked, logic control means connected to said first data buffer and coupled to the personal computer through the parallel printer port, said logic control means being responsive to instructions from the personal computer for controlling the signal processing means including the printer control means, and an oscillator clock connected to said analog converter means and to said logic control means, in which said analog converter means converts the analog external signal to said first digital signal at intervals established by said oscillator clock, which intervals are determined by instructions supplied from the personal computer to said oscillator clock through said logic control means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A signal processor controlled by a personal computer for connection between the parallel printer port of a personal computer and the input of an external printer, the processor comprising:
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a computer interconnect port including a plurality of pins for interconnection with compatible pins on the parallel printer port of a personal computer, one or more signal input ports at which one or more signals monitored by the signal processor are received, a signal converter connected to one said signal input port, a first data buffer connected to said signal converter, a printer interconnect port for interconnection with an external printer, and an address selector connected to said computer interconnect port and controlled by a personal computer connected thereto, said address selector also being connected to and including predetermined address codes therein for accessing other selected components of the signal processor, including said signal converter, said first data buffer, and said printer interconnect port, whereby a computer connected to said computer interconnect port accesses selected components through the computer interconnect port to retrieve information and control the signal processor, wherein said signal converter converts a signal monitored at said one or more signal input ports, in accordance with instructions from a personal computer, and produces a first digital signal containing information about the monitored signal, said first data buffer receives and stores information contained in said first digital signal for access and retrieval by a personal computer through said address selector, and said address selector selectively enables one of at least two interconnect modes in response to instructions from a personal computer, including, a transparent mode in which said computer interconnect port is connected to said printer interconnect port for direct throughput of printer control instructions between a personal computer and an external printer, and a nontransparent mode in which the connection between the address selector and computer interconnect port is blocked. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A signal processor controlled by a personal computer for connection to the parallel printer port of a personal computer, comprising:
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a computer interconnect port including a plurality of pins for interconnection with compatible pins on the parallel printer port of a personal computer, one or more signal input ports at which one or more signals monitored by the signal processor are received, a signal converter connected to one said signal input port, a first data buffer connected to said signal converter, and an address selector connected to said computer interconnect port and controlled by a personal computer connected thereto, said address selector also being connected to and including predetermined address codes therein for accessing other selected components of the signal processor, including said signal converter and said first data buffer, whereby a computer connected to said computer interconnect port accesses selected components through the computer interconnect port to retrieve information and control the signal processor, and wherein said signal processor converts a signal monitored at said one or more signal input ports, in accordance with instructions from a personal computer, and produces a first digital signal containing information about the monitored signal, and said first data buffer receives and stores information contained in said first digital signal for access and retrieval by a personal computer through said address selector. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification