US3914758A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Digital readout for displaying both long term and short term average values of a signal
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1973-04-16
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Granted: 1975-10-21
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Expires: 1993-04-16
Abstract
Abstract A visual indication of both the long term average amplitude value and the instantaneous variations therefrom of a signal is obtained by employing a plurality of display units. A number of the display units is employed to display the long term average value. The instantaneous variations in the signal amplitude are displayed by selectively illuminating individual elements of a display unit in accordance with a prescribed code. The intensity of illumination of the display unit elements is proportional to the time interval that the instantaneous amplitude value is at an amplitude value assigned to the individual elements. Thus, a visual indication of the instantaneous value of the signal is realized by observing the relative brightness of the display unit elements.
Inventors
- 👤 James Flagg Ingle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:55
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01D; G01D1/00; G01D1/02; G01D1/14; G01R; G01R13/00; G01R13/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
In a display system of the type including a plurality of numeric display units for yielding a visual indication of the long term average amplitude value of a supplied signal, wherein the improvement comprises: means for obtaining a visual indication of instantaneous variations in at least the least significant digit of the amplitude value of a supplied signal including, display means having a plurality of illuminatable elements, specific amplitude values being assigned to individual ones of said elements in accordance with a pre-established code scheme, means responsive to a supplied signal for generating digital signals representative of the instantaneous amplitude value of said supplied signal, and means for supplying said digital signals in a predetermined relationship to individual ones of the elements of said display means, wherein the intensity of illumination of said elements is proportional to the time interval that the instantaneous amplitude value of said supplied signal is at the amplitude value assigned to said elements and wherein said illuminatable elements are arranged in a predetermined spatial relationship so that an observer may perceive a range of the instantaneous variations in said at least least significant digit of the amplitude value of said supplied signal by viewing the intensity of illumination of said elements.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
206 words
In a display system of the type including a plurality of numeric display units for yielding a visual indication of the long term average amplitude value of a supplied signal, wherein the improvement comprises: means for obtaining a visual indication of instantaneous variations in at least the least significant digit of the amplitude value of a supplied signal including, display means having a plurality of illuminatable elements, specific amplitude values being assigned to individual ones of said elements in accordance with a pre-established code scheme, means responsive to a supplied signal for generating digital signals representative of the instantaneous amplitude value of said supplied signal, and means for supplying said digital signals in a predetermined relationship to individual ones of the elements of said display means, wherein the intensity of illumination of said elements is proportional to the time interval that the instantaneous amplitude value of said supplied signal is at the amplitude value assigned to said elements and wherein said illuminatable elements are arranged in a predetermined spatial relationship so that an observer may perceive a range of the instantaneous variations in said at least least significant digit of the amplitude value of said supplied signal by viewing the intensity of illumination of said elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including means for generating a signal representative of the amplitude of said supplied signal and wherein said digital signal generating means includes means for converting said amplitude signal into digital signals in accordance with a prescribed code scheme.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2 further including means for controlling the amplitude level of said supplied signal to be within a prescribed range.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said amplitude signal generating means includes detector means for generating a unidirectional signal representative of the amplitude of the supplied signal in accordance with a predetermined relationship and wherein said amplitude controlling means includes controllable amplifier means for maintaining the amplitude of said supplied signal within a prescribed amplitude range and means responsive to said unidirectional signal for generating signals for controlling said amplifier means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said converting means includes an analog-to-digital converter for generating signals in binary coded decimal form representative of the instantaneous value of said unidirectional signal and means for converting said binary code decimal signal into logical signals representative of individual digits in accordance with a predetermined relationship, said logical signals supplied to predetermined ones of said display unit elements in a prescribed relationship.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-20 | 1979-04-21 | 1979-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-20 | 1983-04-21 | 1983-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-20 | 1987-04-21 | 1987-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |