Acquisition and representation of empirical time functions on the basis of directly measured local integrals

The continuous acquisition of experimental time functions by an integrating analogue-to-digital conversion technique is discussed. The theoretical justification of the procedure's superiority over schemes based on point measurement, with special regard to its intrinsic noise rejection, and an appropriate mathematical method for the computer internal representation and processing of empirical functions are given. Then, the hardware design of a corresponding multichannel interfacing unit, its physical interconnection with minicomputers and/or microcomputers and the required software support are described. The technique yields considerable complexity and work load reductions and eases time constraints.