Patent ID: 6658357
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
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; logic for controlling the positioning of the 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 at least a minimum 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; 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; but wherein the Second Pointer is not required to advance to the next-in-order data storage area in locked-step with the First Pointer, and the Second Pointer may advance to a data storage area further forward of the next-in-order data storage area or regress to a prior data storage area according to the logic for controlling the positioning of the Second Pointer; and wherein said collection and measurement apparatus collects and processes data from the at least one event.