System and method for extracting and conveying modulated AC signal information
First Claim
1. An apparatus for extracting and interpreting information from an AC signal, comprising:
- a signal input for receiving at least one AC signal;
an operational amplifier for receiving and outputting the AC signal;
a dual diode configured to receive the AC signal and split the AC signal into two separate paths, the two separate paths including a baseline path and a filtering path, wherein the AC signal passing through the baseline path remains substantially unchanged and the AC signal passing through the filtering path passes through a low-pass filter;
a comparator for comparing amplitudes of the AC signal from the baseline path and the AC signal from the filtering path, the comparator yielding a comparator output that is a binary state; and
a microprocessor for receiving the comparator output and controlling a display, the display being configured to generate a visual indicia responsive to the comparator output.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An economical system and method for extracting amplitude and frequency information from a modulated AC signal are provided. In one embodiment, the invention includes a circuitry implementing op amps, a dual diode, a filter, and a comparator to receive and manipulate the modulated AC signal. The dual diode receives and splits the AC signal into two separate paths, including a baseline path and a filtering path. The AC signal passing through the baseline path remains substantially unchanged, and the AC signal passing through the filtering path passes through a low-pass filter. The signal is then sent through a comparator for comparing amplitudes of the AC signal from the two paths, and the comparator output is received by a microprocessor for controlling a display that generates a visual indicia responsive to the comparator output.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. An apparatus for extracting and interpreting information from an AC signal, comprising:
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a signal input for receiving at least one AC signal; an operational amplifier for receiving and outputting the AC signal; a dual diode configured to receive the AC signal and split the AC signal into two separate paths, the two separate paths including a baseline path and a filtering path, wherein the AC signal passing through the baseline path remains substantially unchanged and the AC signal passing through the filtering path passes through a low-pass filter; a comparator for comparing amplitudes of the AC signal from the baseline path and the AC signal from the filtering path, the comparator yielding a comparator output that is a binary state; and a microprocessor for receiving the comparator output and controlling a display, the display being configured to generate a visual indicia responsive to the comparator output. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of extracting and interpreting information from an AC signal, comprising:
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receiving at least one AC signal; modifying the AC signal through an operational amplifier; splitting the AC signal into two separate paths, the two separate paths including a baseline path and a filtering path, wherein the AC signal passing through the baseline path remains substantially unchanged and the AC signal passing through the filtering path passes through a low-pass filter; comparing amplitudes of the AC signal from the baseline path and the AC signal from the filtering path, thereby yielding a comparator output that is a binary state; and outputting the comparator output to a microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor is arranged to control a display, the display being configured to generate a visual indicia responsive to the comparator output. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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Specification