Digital interpolator for reducing time quantization errors

A signal processor for extracting desired information from discrete sequential samples of a time-varying function, said information relating to extrema or durations of predetermined portions of said time-varying function, and being manifested in said time-varying function by a characteristic shape, comprising:

• first means, receptive of data signals indicative of said sequential samples, for iteratively selecting consecutive groups of a predetermined number of said sequential samples and generating signals consecutively indicative of the respective values of such samples within each consecutive group of samples;
• second means, receptive of said group signals, for collacating a predetermined continuous function in sequence to each respective consecutive group of samples, said predetermined function having a predetermined shape that approximates said characteristic shape in said time-varying function, said second means generating an output signal indicative of the instant of occurrence of indicia of said desired information in said predetermined function with respect to a given one of said samples within each of said groups;
• third means, receptive of said occurrence signal, for comparing said instant of occurrence to preset threshold values, and providing an output signal indicative of said occurrence only when said location is within said preset threshold values, ensuring thereby that the information manifested by a particular occurrence of said indicia is indicated in only one of said consecutive groups;
• and
• fourth means, receptive of said third means output signal, for deriving from said third means output signal a signal indicative of said desired information, whereby said information is interpolated from said discrete samples.