US3685046A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Seismic playback/monitor system
Assignee: Texaco Inc
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Filing: 1970-06-02
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Granted: 1972-08-15
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Expires: 1990-06-02
Abstract
Abstract Having digitized a wide dynamic amplitude range analog signal Vin and recorded it in digital word from comprising a binary coded mantissa A and a binary coded exponent E, where A and E are related to a constant radix or base (e.g., the decimal number 8) the present invention provides methodology and apparatus for converting A and E to an analog signal Vo of compressed dynamic amplitude range for the purpose of making playbacks in the form of oscillograms therefrom. As initially recorded in digital form the digital word is, mathematically, Vin + OR - A8 E equation 1. According to one illustrative embodiment of the invention, in reconverting the digitally recorded A and E data to obtain the desired analog signal Vo, digital signals representing A are converted to an analog signal V(D A) AVref equation 5 where Vref is a periodic function of time t. Digital signals representing the E data are processed to provide a signal representative of a new exponent (K-E) where K is changed by a predetermined magnitude each time Vref attains a predetermined magnitude. Analog signal V(D A)is delivered to an arrangement of cascaded amplifier stages, each of which has a gain of 8. The signal (K-E) gates the amplified V(D A) signal through a particular stage of said amplifier arrangement to yield the analog signal Vo V(D A)8(K E)equation 6 which can also be stated as Vo Vin Vref8K equation 7. Also, in accordance with the invention various forms of programmed gain control may be introduced in that a time varying gain function G(t) is applied to Vref. Moreover, in accordance with another aspect of the invention a form of automatic gain control is introduced by enabling signal Vo to control the rate of gain expansion.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald L Howlett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:04
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03G; H03G3/00; H03G3/20; H03G3/30; H03G3/3005; H03G3/3026; G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/28; G01V1/34; G06; G06G; G06G7/00; G06G7/12; G06G7/20; G06G7/24; H03K; H03K6/00; H03M; H03M1/00; H03M1/66; H03M1/74
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
229 words
In a system wherein each analog signal, among a wide dynamic amplitude range of analog signals, is represented by a corresponding digital word in the form of digital signals representing the algebraic equation Vin AR E wherein Vin represents the amplitude of a particular analog signal in said range, A represents a mantissa, R represents a radix of the number system used and E represents an exponent, and wherein some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent E, the method of making, from said digital signals, an analog signal Vo of compressed dynamic amplitude range comprising: generating a periodic analog reference signal Vref which has minimum and maximum signal levels; converting the digital signals representing A to a corresponding analog signal; combining the analog signal corresponding to A with analog reference signal Vref to produce an analog signal V(D A) AVref; generating a digital signal representing a number K; changing the value of K by a predetermined amount each time analog signal Vref reaching said maximum level; combining the digital signals representing K and E to produce a digital signal representing the number (K-E); and, amplifying the analog signal V(D A) according to an amplification factor equal to R(K E), wherein the exponent of R is the digital value of (K-E), to produce the analog signal Vo V(D A)R(K E) in response to the digital signal (K-E).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
229 words
In a system wherein each analog signal, among a wide dynamic amplitude range of analog signals, is represented by a corresponding digital word in the form of digital signals representing the algebraic equation Vin AR E wherein Vin represents the amplitude of a particular analog signal in said range, A represents a mantissa, R represents a radix of the number system used and E represents an exponent, and wherein some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent E, the method of making, from said digital signals, an analog signal Vo of compressed dynamic amplitude range comprising: generating a periodic analog reference signal Vref which has minimum and maximum signal levels; converting the digital signals representing A to a corresponding analog signal; combining the analog signal corresponding to A with analog reference signal Vref to produce an analog signal V(D A) AVref; generating a digital signal representing a number K; changing the value of K by a predetermined amount each time analog signal Vref reaching said maximum level; combining the digital signals representing K and E to produce a digital signal representing the number (K-E); and, amplifying the analog signal V(D A) according to an amplification factor equal to R(K E), wherein the exponent of R is the digital value of (K-E), to produce the analog signal Vo V(D A)R(K E) in response to the digital signal (K-E).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
260 words
In a system wherein each analog signal, among a wide dynamic amplitude range of analog signals, is represented by a corresponding digital word in the form of digital signals representing the algebraic equation Vin AR E wherein Vin represents the amplitude of a particular analog signal in said range, A represents a mantissa, R represents a radix of the number system used and E represents an exponent, and wherein some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent A and some of said digital signals correspoNding to said word represent E, the method of making from said digital signals, an analog signal Vo suitable for making a visible display comprising: generating a periodic analog reference signal Vref which has minimum and maximum signal levels; converting the digital signals representing A to a corresponding analog signal; combining the analog signal corresponding to A with analog reference signal Vref to produce an analog signal V(D A) AVref; generating a digital signal representing a number K; changing the value of K by a predetermined amount each time analog signal Vref reaches its maximum signal level in response to Vref reaching said maximum level; combining the digital signals representing K and E to produce a digital signal representing the number (K-E); amplifying the analog signal V(D A) according to an amplification factor equal to R(K E) wherein the exponent of R is the digital value of (K-E), to produce the analog signal Vo V(D A)R(K E) in response to the digital signal (K-E); and, making a visible display of the analog signal Vo.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
260 words
In a system wherein each analog signal, among a wide dynamic amplitude range of analog signals, is represented by a corresponding digital word in the form of digital signals representing the algebraic equation Vin AR E wherein Vin represents the amplitude of a particular analog signal in said range, A represents a mantissa, R represents a radix of the number system used and E represents an exponent, and wherein some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent A and some of said digital signals correspoNding to said word represent E, the method of making from said digital signals, an analog signal Vo suitable for making a visible display comprising: generating a periodic analog reference signal Vref which has minimum and maximum signal levels; converting the digital signals representing A to a corresponding analog signal; combining the analog signal corresponding to A with analog reference signal Vref to produce an analog signal V(D A) AVref; generating a digital signal representing a number K; changing the value of K by a predetermined amount each time analog signal Vref reaches its maximum signal level in response to Vref reaching said maximum level; combining the digital signals representing K and E to produce a digital signal representing the number (K-E); amplifying the analog signal V(D A) according to an amplification factor equal to R(K E) wherein the exponent of R is the digital value of (K-E), to produce the analog signal Vo V(D A)R(K E) in response to the digital signal (K-E); and, making a visible display of the analog signal Vo.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system according to claim 2 wherein said visible display is an oscillogram.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
9 words
The system according to claim 2 wherein R 8.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
268 words
In a system wherein each analog signal, among a wide dynamic amplitude range of analog signals, is represented by a corresponding digital word in the form of digital signals representing the algebraic equation Vin AR E wherein Vin represents the amplitude of a particular analog signal in said range, A represents a mantissa, R represents a radix of the number system used and E represents an exponent, and wherein some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent A and some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent E, the method of making, from said digital signals, an analog signal Vo of compressed amplitude range comprising; generating a periodic analog reference signal Vref VmaxG(t) which has maximum and minimum signal levels and wherein Vmax is the maximum reference signal level and wherein G(t) represents a time varying gain function; converting the digital signals representing A to a corresponding analog signal; combining the analog signal corresponding to A with analog reference signal Vref to produce an analog signal V(D A) AVref; generating a digital signal representing a number K; changing the value of K by a predetermined amount each time analog signal Vref reaches its maximum signal level in response to Vref reaching said maximum level, Vmax; combining the digital signals representing K and E to produce a digital signal representing the number (K-E); and, amplifying the analog signal V(D A) according to an amplification factor equal to R(K E) wherein the exponent of R is the digital value of (K-E), to produce the analog signal Vo VinVmax G(t)8K in response to the signal representing (K-E).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
268 words
In a system wherein each analog signal, among a wide dynamic amplitude range of analog signals, is represented by a corresponding digital word in the form of digital signals representing the algebraic equation Vin AR E wherein Vin represents the amplitude of a particular analog signal in said range, A represents a mantissa, R represents a radix of the number system used and E represents an exponent, and wherein some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent A and some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent E, the method of making, from said digital signals, an analog signal Vo of compressed amplitude range comprising; generating a periodic analog reference signal Vref VmaxG(t) which has maximum and minimum signal levels and wherein Vmax is the maximum reference signal level and wherein G(t) represents a time varying gain function; converting the digital signals representing A to a corresponding analog signal; combining the analog signal corresponding to A with analog reference signal Vref to produce an analog signal V(D A) AVref; generating a digital signal representing a number K; changing the value of K by a predetermined amount each time analog signal Vref reaches its maximum signal level in response to Vref reaching said maximum level, Vmax; combining the digital signals representing K and E to produce a digital signal representing the number (K-E); and, amplifying the analog signal V(D A) according to an amplification factor equal to R(K E) wherein the exponent of R is the digital value of (K-E), to produce the analog signal Vo VinVmax G(t)8K in response to the signal representing (K-E).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system according to claim 5 further comprising the making of a visible display of the analog signal Vo.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
278 words
In a system wherein each analog signal, among a wide dynamic amplitude range of analog signals, is represented by a corresponding digital word in the form of digital signals representing the algebraic equation Vin AR E whereIn Vin represents the amplitude of a particular analog signal in said range, A represents a mantissa, R represents a radix of the number system used and E represents an exponent, and wherein some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent A and some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent A and some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent E, apparatus for making, from said digital signals, an analog signal Vo suitable for making a visible display comprising: means for generating a periodic reference signal Vref which has minimum and maximum signal levels; means for converting the digital signals representing A to a corresponding analog signal; means for combining the analog signal corresponding to A with reference signal Vref to produce an analog signal V(D A) AVref; means for generating a signal representing a number K; means for changing the value of K by a predetermined amount each time Vref reaches its maximum level in response to Vref reaching said maximum level; means for combining the signals representing K and E to produce a signal representing the number (K-E); means for amplifying the analog signal V(D A) according to an amplification factor equal to R(K E) wherein the exponent of R is the digital value of (K-E), to produce the analog signal VO V(D A)R(K E) in response to the signal (K-E); and, means for making a visible display of the analog signal Vo.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
278 words
In a system wherein each analog signal, among a wide dynamic amplitude range of analog signals, is represented by a corresponding digital word in the form of digital signals representing the algebraic equation Vin AR E whereIn Vin represents the amplitude of a particular analog signal in said range, A represents a mantissa, R represents a radix of the number system used and E represents an exponent, and wherein some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent A and some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent A and some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent E, apparatus for making, from said digital signals, an analog signal Vo suitable for making a visible display comprising: means for generating a periodic reference signal Vref which has minimum and maximum signal levels; means for converting the digital signals representing A to a corresponding analog signal; means for combining the analog signal corresponding to A with reference signal Vref to produce an analog signal V(D A) AVref; means for generating a signal representing a number K; means for changing the value of K by a predetermined amount each time Vref reaches its maximum level in response to Vref reaching said maximum level; means for combining the signals representing K and E to produce a signal representing the number (K-E); means for amplifying the analog signal V(D A) according to an amplification factor equal to R(K E) wherein the exponent of R is the digital value of (K-E), to produce the analog signal VO V(D A)R(K E) in response to the signal (K-E); and, means for making a visible display of the analog signal Vo.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system as defined in claim 7, wherein said means for generating said periodic reference signal Vref comprises means for generating a Vref signal which varies in time according to a predetermined function, thereby providing programmed gain control.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
56 words
A system as defined in claim 7, comprising means for sensing the value of said analog output signal Vo and wherein means are provided for controlling the means for generating said periodic reference signal Vref so as to cause said reference signal Vref to tend to maintain a constant output level, thereby providing automatic gain control.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
271 words
In a system wherein each analog signal, among a wide dynamic amplitude range of analog signals, is represented by a corresponding digital word in the form of digital signals representing the algebraic equation Vin AR E wherein Vin represents the amplitude of a particular analog signal in said range, A represents a mantissa, R represents a radix of the number system used and E represents an exponent, and wherein some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent A and some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent E, apparatus for making, from said digital signals, an analog signal Vo of compressed dynamic amplitude range comprising: means for generating a periodic analog reference signal Vref Vmax G(t) wherein Vmax is the maximum signal level and G(t) represents a time varying gain function; means for converting the digital signals representing A to a corresponding analog signal; means for combining the analog signal corresponding to A with analog reference signal Vref to produce an analog signal V(D A) AVref; means for generating a digital signal representing a number K; means for changing the value of K by a predetermined amount each time analog signal Vref reaches its maximum signal level in response to Vref reaching said maximUm level; means for combining the digital signals representing K and E to produce a digital signal representing the number (K-E); and, means for amplifying the signal V(D A) according to an amplification factor equal to R(K E) wherein the exponent of R is the digital value of (K-E), to produce the analog signal Vo VinVmax G(t)8K in response to the signal representing (K-E).
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
271 words
In a system wherein each analog signal, among a wide dynamic amplitude range of analog signals, is represented by a corresponding digital word in the form of digital signals representing the algebraic equation Vin AR E wherein Vin represents the amplitude of a particular analog signal in said range, A represents a mantissa, R represents a radix of the number system used and E represents an exponent, and wherein some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent A and some of said digital signals corresponding to said word represent E, apparatus for making, from said digital signals, an analog signal Vo of compressed dynamic amplitude range comprising: means for generating a periodic analog reference signal Vref Vmax G(t) wherein Vmax is the maximum signal level and G(t) represents a time varying gain function; means for converting the digital signals representing A to a corresponding analog signal; means for combining the analog signal corresponding to A with analog reference signal Vref to produce an analog signal V(D A) AVref; means for generating a digital signal representing a number K; means for changing the value of K by a predetermined amount each time analog signal Vref reaches its maximum signal level in response to Vref reaching said maximUm level; means for combining the digital signals representing K and E to produce a digital signal representing the number (K-E); and, means for amplifying the signal V(D A) according to an amplification factor equal to R(K E) wherein the exponent of R is the digital value of (K-E), to produce the analog signal Vo VinVmax G(t)8K in response to the signal representing (K-E).
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system according to claim 10 further comprising means for making an oscillogram of the signal Vo.
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) | 1975-08-15 | 1976-02-14 | 1976-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-15 | 1980-02-14 | 1980-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-15 | 1984-02-14 | 1984-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |