Universal measuring instrument with signal processing algorithm encapsulated into interchangeable intelligent detectors
First Claim
1. A metering apparatus including a meter adaptable for use with any one of a plurality of sensing heads, said apparatus comprising:
- a meter including;
processor means including ports for receiving sensor input signals and memory input signals and for outputting output signals;
a meter memory coupled to said processor means; and
output means coupled to said processor means for outputting information in response to said output signals from said processor means; and
a sensing head electrically coupled to said meter and including;
a sensor for sensing an external stimulus, and for generating sensor signals in response thereto to form said sensor input signals; and
a sensor head memory preprogrammed with a processing algorithm which defines the processing to be performed on said sensor input signals to generate a desired output and wherein said processing algorithm is downloaded to said meter to form said memory input signals.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A reading meter (10) is capable of use with a plurality of different sensor heads (16, 16b). The reading meter (12) includes a digital display (20), a processor (22) and memory (23), and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC 41). Each different sensor head includes a memory (32a) which carries at least the processing algorithm for the particular sensor. In operation, the reading meter (12) reads the detector head memory (32a), and loads the information so read into its processor memory (23). The raw sensor data is converted to digital form, and processed in accordance with the stored algorithm, to produce the desired display. In one embodiment, the detector head memory (32a) is read, and the information is serially coupled to the reading meter. In another embodiment, the serial data is converted to optical signals (634) for transmission. The processor memory (23) may include other data which is held in semipermanent storage, such as calibration data for an ADC within the reading meter, and housekeeping information for the display (20). A count-down counter (52) in each sensor head is programmed with a number representing the number of days remaining in the calibration period, and is decremented daily.
49 Citations
44 Claims
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1. A metering apparatus including a meter adaptable for use with any one of a plurality of sensing heads, said apparatus comprising:
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a meter including; processor means including ports for receiving sensor input signals and memory input signals and for outputting output signals; a meter memory coupled to said processor means; and output means coupled to said processor means for outputting information in response to said output signals from said processor means; and a sensing head electrically coupled to said meter and including; a sensor for sensing an external stimulus, and for generating sensor signals in response thereto to form said sensor input signals; and a sensor head memory preprogrammed with a processing algorithm which defines the processing to be performed on said sensor input signals to generate a desired output and wherein said processing algorithm is downloaded to said meter to form said memory input signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method for obtaining measurements of an external stimulus using a universal meter and any one of a plurality of sensor heads, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) electrically coupling one of said plurality of sensor heads to said universal meter; (b) downloading a preprogrammed processing algorithm from said one of said plurality of sensor heads to said universal meter; (c) reading sensor signals from said one of said plurality of sensor heads to said universal meter; (d) applying said preprogrammed processing algorithm to said sensor signals by said universal meter to generate said measurements; and (e) outputting said measurements to the user. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
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Specification