Sensor condition indicating system
DCFirst Claim
1. Apparatus for signaling the approximate value of an input signal encoding a variable numeric value, comprising:
- a) a value differentiator receiving the input signal, and providing a range signal encoding one of a predetermined finite set of indicator values, the selection of an indicator value depending on which one of a plurality of predetermined, non-overlapping, value ranges the numeric value encoded in the input signal falls within;
b) a signaling unit receiving the range signal, and providing a human perceptible signal comprising a number of similar discrete indications dependent on the indicator value encoded in the range signal.
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Abstract
A sensor provides a status signal indicating a condition of an operating system to the operating system'"'"'s control system. The sensor has an inherent variable quantity such as resistance whose magnitude indicates the operating system status. The control system includes a user-operable switch which when actuated signals the microprocessor to determine the approximate value of the sensor'"'"'s variable quantity. The magnitude of the variable quantity is then indicated by a signal comprising one or more beeps of sound or flashes of light. The number of beeps or flashes indicates the approximate present magnitude of the sensor'"'"'s variable quantity. In a preferred embodiment, the control system comprises a microprocessor programmed to control the operating system and to perform most of the functions of the invention.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. Apparatus for signaling the approximate value of an input signal encoding a variable numeric value, comprising:
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a) a value differentiator receiving the input signal, and providing a range signal encoding one of a predetermined finite set of indicator values, the selection of an indicator value depending on which one of a plurality of predetermined, non-overlapping, value ranges the numeric value encoded in the input signal falls within; b) a signaling unit receiving the range signal, and providing a human perceptible signal comprising a number of similar discrete indications dependent on the indicator value encoded in the range signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A control system for controlling the operation of an operating system, said operating system having
a) a sensor having a variable electrical parameter indicative of operating system status; -
b) a converter-connected to the sensor for providing a sensor signal encoding the electrical parameter value; and said control system including c) a switch for supplying a mode select signal; and d) a control unit receiving the mode select signal and including a mode flag register recording at least first and second values set by the control unit and corresponding respectively to first and second modes of operation of the operating system, and supplying a mode flag signal encoding the value in the mode flag register, said control unit setting the mode flag register to the first value responsive to the mode select signal; and wherein the invention comprises in the control system e) a value differentiator receiving the sensor signal, and providing a range signal encoding one of a predetermined finite set of indicator values, the selection of an indicator value depending on which one of a plurality of predetermined, non-overlapping, value ranges the parameter value encoded in the sensor signal falls within; f) a signaling unit receiving the range signal and an initiate signal, and responsive to the initiate signal, providing a human perceptible signal comprising at least one of a plurality of similar discrete indications, the number of said discrete indications provided dependent on the indicator value encoded in the range signal; and g) a logic element receiving the mode select signal and the mode flag register signal, and responsive to the mode select signal and the first value of the mode flag register signal, issuing an initiate signal. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A control system for controlling the operation of an operating system, said operating system having
a) a sensor having a variable electrical parameter indicative of operating system status; -
b) a converter connected to the sensor for providing a sensor signal encoding the electrical parameter value; and said control system including c) a switch for supplying a mode select signal; and d) a control unit receiving the mode select signal and including a mode flag register recording at least first and second values set by the control unit and corresponding respectively to first and second modes of operation of the operating system, and supplying a mode flag signal encoding the value in the mode flag register, said control unit setting the mode flag register to the first value responsive to the mode select signal; and wherein the invention comprises in the control system e) a value differentiator receiving the sensor signal and an initiate signal, and responsive to the initiate signal, providing a range signal encoding one of a predetermined finite set of indicator values, the selection of an indicator value depending on which one of a plurality of predetermined, non-overlapping, value ranges the parameter value encoded in the sensor signal falls within; f) a signaling unit receiving the range signal and providing a human perceptible signal comprising at least one of a plurality of similar discrete indications, the number of said discrete indications provided dependent on the indicator value encoded in the range signal; and g) a logic element receiving the mode select signal and the mode flag register signal, and responsive to the mode select signal and the first value of the mode flag register signal, issuing an initiate signal. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification