Patent ID: 6577985
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
A method for encoding a current state of an array of elements, each element currently in either a high or low condition, the method comprising:(a) identifying a set of expected valid normal detected states of the array, the set of expected valid normal detected states excluding a state in which all elements are detected to be in low condition; (b) identifying a set of expected valid abnormal detected states for the array, the set of expected valid abnormal detected states also excluding a state in which all elements are detected to be in low condition; (c) identifying a set of events to which normal and abnormal detected states of the array are to correspond; (d) developing a truth table in which each event in the set thereof corresponds to at least one expected valid normal detected state of the array and at least one expected valid abnormal detected state of the array; (e) polling the current state of the array; and (f) identifying a current event from the set of events based upon the truth table in view of current state of the array as polled in step (e).