Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
176 words
A sensor system comprising: a sensor for providing a sensor signal indicative of the amplitude of a preselected stimulus; threshold means for comparing an adjustable threshold signal to the sensor signal and providing a test signal with an amplitude of a first level if the sensor signal exceeds the threshold signal and of a second level if the threshold signal exceeds the sensor signal, whose duty cycle is indicative of the percent of time that the sensor signal exceeds the threshold signal; comparator means for receiving the test signal and comparing the duty cycle thereof to a predetermined ideal duty cycle, and wherein said comparator means generates an error signal which responds to the duty cycle comparison by adjusting the threshold signal as required to cause the duty cycle of the test signal approach the ideal preselected duty cycle; and output means for sampling the threshold signal, which is indicaTive of the level exceeded by the sensor signal a percentage of the time equal to the present ideal duty cycle, and providing an output indicative thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
176 words
A sensor system comprising: a sensor for providing a sensor signal indicative of the amplitude of a preselected stimulus; threshold means for comparing an adjustable threshold signal to the sensor signal and providing a test signal with an amplitude of a first level if the sensor signal exceeds the threshold signal and of a second level if the threshold signal exceeds the sensor signal, whose duty cycle is indicative of the percent of time that the sensor signal exceeds the threshold signal; comparator means for receiving the test signal and comparing the duty cycle thereof to a predetermined ideal duty cycle, and wherein said comparator means generates an error signal which responds to the duty cycle comparison by adjusting the threshold signal as required to cause the duty cycle of the test signal approach the ideal preselected duty cycle; and output means for sampling the threshold signal, which is indicaTive of the level exceeded by the sensor signal a percentage of the time equal to the present ideal duty cycle, and providing an output indicative thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
76 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said threshold means comprises a two-level voltage limit means for restricting the test signal to two predetermined levels so that the average dc voltage of the test signal is proportional to the duty cycle of the best signal and wherein said comparator means comprises voltage sensitive means for receiving the test signal and an integrator for converting the test signal to a dc voltage proportional to its duty cycle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A system according to claim 2 comprising reference signal means for supplying a reference signal to said comparator means, wherein the reference signal is representative of the ideal duty cycle and wherein said comparator means comprises voltage comparator means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system according to claim 3 wherein said reference signal means comprises variable reference signal means for supplying a variable reference signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system according to claim 3 wherein said voltage sensitive means comprises energy storage means for averaging the test signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system according to claim 5 wherein said energy storage means comprises an integrator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system according to claim 6 wherein the charging time constant of said integrator is variable and relatively long.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system according to claim 6 wherein said output means comprises a meter.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 6 wherein said output means comprises a dc output for use with an external dc recorder.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system according to claim 6 wherein said sensor is an audio level sensor.