Patent ID: 6411904
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A data collection and measurement device collecting data with substantially zero dead time, comprising:a) a circular buffer comprising: a plurality of data storage areas that are linked to receive and consecutively store incoming data from a plurality of successive sampling periods for at least one event of a measurement device, where each data storage area is configured to receive and store data from one sampling period, and the data storage areas are linked in an order that provides storage for data from a next-in-time sampling period into the next-in-order data storage area; a First pointer; and a Second pointer; and b) at least one Digital Signal Processor (DSP), where the First Pointer directs receipt and storage of data of the next-in-time sampling period into the next-in-order data storage area, and, once all data storage areas contain data, directs receipt of data of the next-in-time sampling period, and storage by overwriting therewith data in the next-in-order data storage area, the Second Pointer is directed to the data storage area that stores data from a sample period preceding a current time of data receipt and storage by a fixed trailing distance as a referenced to the First Pointer, and directs one of the at least one DSPs to read and process data in the data storage area to which the Second Pointer is directed, and wherein once the next-in-time data have been stored, the First Pointer advances to the next-in-order data storage area, and once data in the data storage area to which the Second Pointer is directed have been processed, the Second Pointer advances to the next-in-order data storage area, wherein said collection and measurement apparatus collects and processes data from the at least one event, and where the fixed trailing distance equals at least a longest possible time for an event.