U.S. patent application number 10/781425 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-26 for personal computer card for collection of real-time biological data.
This patent application is currently assigned to QRS Diagnostic, LLC. Invention is credited to Lichter, Patrick A., Lien, Spencer J..
Application Number | 20040167381 10/781425 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31996618 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040167381 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lichter, Patrick A. ; et
al. |
August 26, 2004 |
Personal computer card for collection of real-time biological
data
Abstract
A real-time biological data processing PC card is lightweight,
cost effective, and portable. The real-time biological data
processing PC card is capable of converting a host personal
computer system into a powerful diagnostic instrument. Each
real-time biological data processing PC card is adapted to input
and process biological data from one or more biological data
sensors, and is interchangeable with other real-time biological
data processing PC cards. A practitioner having three different
real-time biological data processing PC cards, for example, each
one corresponding to a different biological data collection device,
effectively carries three full-sized, powerful diagnostic
instruments. The full resources of a host personal computer can be
utilized and converted into a powerful diagnostic instrument, for
each biological data collection device, by the insertion of one of
the real-time biological data processing PC cards.
Inventors: |
Lichter, Patrick A.;
(Plymouth, MN) ; Lien, Spencer J.; (Medina,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KINNEY & LANGE, P.A.
THE KINNEY & LANGE BUILDING
312 SOUTH THIRD STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55415-1002
US
|
Assignee: |
QRS Diagnostic, LLC
Plymouth
MN
55447
|
Family ID: |
31996618 |
Appl. No.: |
10/781425 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10781425 |
Feb 18, 2004 |
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09666878 |
Sep 20, 2000 |
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6712762 |
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09666878 |
Sep 20, 2000 |
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09173059 |
Oct 15, 1998 |
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6159147 |
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09173059 |
Oct 15, 1998 |
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08810632 |
Feb 28, 1997 |
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5827179 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/300 ;
128/920; 600/323; 600/481; 600/538; 600/544; 600/546 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/02055 20130101;
A61B 5/318 20210101; A61B 5/0205 20130101; A61B 5/022 20130101;
G16Z 99/00 20190201; A61B 8/06 20130101; A61B 5/7203 20130101; A61B
5/369 20210101; A61B 5/14552 20130101; A61B 5/6838 20130101; A61B
5/0002 20130101; A61B 2560/0475 20130101; A61B 5/389 20210101; A61B
5/398 20210101; A61B 5/30 20210101; A61B 5/6826 20130101; A61B
5/02411 20130101; A61B 5/097 20130101; A61B 5/11 20130101; A61B
2560/0443 20130101; G16H 40/63 20180101; A61B 5/14532 20130101;
A61B 5/033 20130101; Y10S 128/92 20130101; A61B 5/1455
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/300 ;
128/920; 600/323; 600/538; 600/544; 600/546; 600/481 |
International
Class: |
A61B 005/00 |
Claims
1. A portable biological data collection system comprising: a
biological data sensor for engaging a patient for sensing
biological data from the patient; and a portable biological data
collection device connected to the biological data sensor by a
flexible connection, the portable biological data collection device
comprising: an amplifier for amplifying the sensed biological data
from the biological data sensor to produce an amplified signal; an
analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the amplified signal to
produce a digitized signal; and a personal computer card interface
for relaying the digitized signal to a host computer on a real-time
basis as the biological data is sensed by the biological data
sensor, and for supplying electrical power from the host computer
to the amplifier and the analog-to-digital converter.
2. The portable biological data collection system of claim 1,
wherein the portable biological data collection device further
comprises a personal computer card housing, wherein the amplifier,
the analog-to-digital converter, and the personal computer card
interface are disposed within the personal computer card
housing.
3. The portable biological data collection system of claim 2,
wherein the portable biological data collection device further
comprises: an analog-to-digital timing circuit disposed within the
personal computer card housing for communicating with the
analog-to-digital converter for producing a sampling timing signal;
and a storage buffer disposed within the personal computer card
housing for receiving the digitized signal from the
analog-to-digital converter for outputing the digitized signal;
wherein the personal computer card interface supplies electrical
power from the host computer to the analog-to-digital timing
circuit and the storage buffer.
4. The portable biological data collection device of claim 1,
wherein the flexible connection comprises a hollow tube.
5. The portable biological data collection system of claim 4,
wherein the portable biological data collection device further
comprises a personal computer card housing, wherein the amplifier,
the analog-to-digital converter, and the personal computer card
interface are disposed within the personal computer card
housing.
6. The portable biological data collection system of claim 5,
wherein the portable biological data collection device further
comprises: an analog-to-digital timing circuit disposed within the
personal computer card housing for communicating with the
analog-to-digital converter for producing a sampling timing signal;
and a storage buffer disposed within the personal computer card
housing for receiving the digitized signal from the
analog-to-digital converter for outputing the digitized signal;
wherein the personal computer card interface supplies electrical
power from the host computer to the analog-to-digital timing
circuit and the storage buffer.
7. The portable biological data collection system of claim 4,
wherein the biological data sensor comprises a gas composition
sensor.
8. The portable biological data collection system of claim 7,
wherein the gas composition sensor comprises a breath composition
sensor.
9. The portable biological data collection system of claim 7,
wherein the biological data sensor is selected from a group
consisting of a nitrogen sensor, an oxygen sensor, a hydrogen
sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, and an
alcohol sensor.
10. The portable biological data collection system of claim 4,
wherein the biological data sensor comprises a mouthpiece.
11. The portable biological data collection system of claim 4,
wherein the biological data sensor is a non-invasive sensor.
12. The portable biological data collection system of claim 4,
wherein the biological data sensor is an invasive sensor.
13. The portable biological data collection system of claim 1,
wherein the flexible connection comprises an electrical
connection.
14. The portable biological data collection system of claim 13,
wherein the portable biological data collection device further
comprises a personal computer card housing, wherein the amplifier,
the analog-to-digital converter, and the personal computer card
interface are disposed within the personal computer card
housing.
15. The portable biological data collection system of claim 14,
wherein the portable biological data collection device further
comprises: an analog-to-digital timing circuit disposed within the
personal computer card housing for communicating with the
analog-to-digital converter for producing a sampling timing signal;
and a storage buffer disposed within the personal computer card
housing for receiving the digitized signal from the
analog-to-digital converter for outputing the digitized signal-,
wherein the personal computer card interface supplies electrical
power from the host computer to the analog-to-digital timing
circuit and the storage buffer.
16. The portable biological data collection system of claim 13,
wherein the biological data sensor comprises at least one
microphone.
17. The portable biological data collection system of claim 13,
wherein the biological data sensor is selected from a group
consisting of a pulse oximetry sensor, a temperature sensor, a
blood pressure sensor, an electrocardiography sensor, an
electroencephalograhy sensor, an echocardiography sensor, a Doppler
sensor, a respiratory rate sensor, a pulse rate sensor, a
bio-impedance sensor, a blood glucose sensor, a blood cholesterol
sensor, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, a heart beat sensor, a
weight sensor, an electromyography sensor, an electro-oculogram
sensor, and a body fluid sensor.
18. The portable biological data collection device of claim 17,
wherein the electrocardiography sensor is selected from a group
consisting of a resting electrocardiography sensor, a 24-hour
electrocardiography sensor, a stress testing electrocardiography
sensor, a signal averaging electrocardiography sensor, an event ECG
electrocardiography sensor, and a heart-rate variability
electrocardiography sensor.
19. The portable biological data collection system of claim 13,
wherein the biological data sensor is adapted to be in contact with
skin of the patient.
20. The portable biological data collection system of claim 19,
wherein the portable biological data collection device further
comprises electrical isolation circuitry disposed between the
flexible connection and the amplifier for electrically isolating a
patient from the electrical power.
21. The portable biological data collection system of claim 19,
wherein the biological data sensor is adapted to be in contact a
fingertip of the patient.
22. The portable biological data collection system of claim 13,
wherein the biological data sensor is a non-invasive sensor.
23. The portable biological data collection system of claim 13,
wherein the biological data sensor is an invasive sensor.
24. The portable biological data collection system of claim 1,
wherein the personal computer card interface relays designation
data to the host computer for allowing the host computer to
identify the biological data to be collected.
25. A portable biological data collection system comprising: a
plurality of biological data sensors adapted to engage with a
patient for sensing biological data from the patient; and a
portable biological data collection device connected to the
biological data sensors by a plurality of flexible connections, the
portable biological data collection device comprising: an amplifier
for amplifying the sensed biological data from the biological data
sensors to produce amplified signals; an analog-to-digital
converter for digitizing the amplified signals to produce digitized
signals; and a personal computer card interface for relaying the
digitized signals to a host computer on a real-time basis as the
biological data is sensed by the biological data sensors, and for
supplying electrical power from the host computer to the amplifier
and the analog-to-digital converter.
26. The portable biological data collection system of claim 25,
wherein the portable biological data collection device further
comprises a personal computer card housing, wherein the amplifier,
the analog-to-digital converter, and the personal computer card
interface are disposed within the personal computer card
housing.
27. The portable biological data collection system of claim 26,
wherein the portable biological data collection device further
comprises: an analog-to-digital timing circuit disposed within the
personal computer card housing for communicating with the
analog-to-digital converter for producing a sampling timing signal;
and a storage buffer disposed within the personal computer card
housing for receiving the digitized signals from the
analog-to-digital converter for outputing the digitized signals;
wherein the personal computer card interface supplies electrical
power from the host computer to the analog-to-digital timing
circuit and the storage buffer.
28. The portable biological data collection system of claim 26,
wherein at least one of the plurality of flexible connections
comprises a hollow tube.
29. The portable biological data collection system of claim 26,
wherein at least one of the plurality of flexible connections
comprises an electrical connection.
30. The portable biological data collection system of claim 25,
wherein the personal computer card interface relays designation
data to the host computer for allowing the host computer to
identify the biological data to be collected for each of the
plurality of biological data sensors.
31. A portable biological data collection device comprising: a
biological data sensor adapted to be placed into close proximity
with a patient for sensing biological data from the patient; an
amplifier for amplifying the sensed biological data from the
biological data sensor to produce an amplified signal; an
analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the amplified signal to
produce a digitized signal; and a personal computer card interface
for relaying the digitized signal to a host computer on a real-time
basis as the biological data is sensed by the biological data
sensor, and for supplying electrical power from the host computer
to the amplifier and the analog-to-digital converter.
32. The portable biological data collection device of claim 31
further comprising a personal computer card housing, wherein the
amplifier, the analog-to-digital converter, and the personal
computer card interface are disposed within the personal computer
card housing.
33. The portable biological data collection device of claim 31,
wherein the amplifier is disposed on the biological data
sensor.
34. The portable biological data collection device of claim 33
further comprising a personal computer card housing, wherein the
analog-to-digital converter, and the personal computer card
interface are disposed within the personal computer card
housing.
35. The portable biological data collection device of claim 33,
wherein the analog-to-digital converter is disposed on the
biological data sensor.
36. The portable biological data collection device of claim 35
further comprising a personal computer card housing, wherein the
personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal
computer card housing.
37. The portable biological data collection device of claim 33
further comprising a filter disposed on the biological data sensor
for filtering the amplified signals from the amplifier.
38. The portable biological data collection device of claim 31
further comprising electrical isolation circuitry disposed on the
biological data sensor for electrically isolating a patient from
the electrical power.
39. The portable biological data collection device of claim 31
further comprising a defibrillator protector disposed on the
biological data sensor for providing electrical protection to the
portable biological data collection device.
40. A portable biological data collection device comprising: a
sensor-connector end for connecting to a biological data sensor;
signal-conditioning circuitry for receiving biological data from
the biological data sensor for producing a digitized signal; and a
computer-connector end for connecting to a host computer, the
computer-connector end comprising a personal computer card
interface for relaying the digitized signal to the host computer on
a real-time basis as the biological data is sensed by the
biological data sensor, and for supplying electrical power from the
host computer to the signal-conditioning circuitry; wherein the
sensor-connector end is dimensionally larger than the
computer-connector end.
41. The portable biological data collection device of claim 40,
wherein the sensor-connector end comprises a first housing, and
wherein the computer-connector end comprises a second housing, the
personal computer card interface being disposed within the second
housing.
42. The portable biological data collection device of claim 41,
wherein the personal computer card interface comprises a PCMCIA
interface, and wherein the second housing is a PCMCIA card
housing.
43. The portable biological data collection device of claim 41,
wherein the personal computer card interface comprises a compact
flash interface, and wherein the second housing is a compact flash
card housing.
44. The portable biological data collection device of claim 40,
wherein the personal computer card interface relays designation
data to the host computer for allowing the host computer to
identify the biological data to be collected.
45. The portable biological data collection device of claim 40,
wherein the signal-conditioning circuitry comprises: an amplifier
for amplifying the sensed biological data from the biological data
sensor to produce an amplified signal; and an analog-to-digital
converter for digitizing the amplified signal to produce the
digitized signal.
46. The portable biological data collection device of claim 45,
wherein the sensor-connector end comprises first housing, the
amplifier being disposed within the first housing, and wherein the
computer-connector end comprises a second housing, the personal
computer card interface being disposed within the second
housing.
47. The portable biological data collection device of claim 45,
wherein the signal-conditioning circuitry further comprises: an
analog-to-digital timing circuit adapted to communicate with the
analog-to-digital converter for producing a sampling timing signal;
and a storage buffer adapted to receive the digitized signal from
the analog-to-digital converter for outputing the digitized signal;
wherein the personal computer card interface is further adapted to
supply electrical power from the host computer to the
analog-to-digital timing circuit and the storage buffer.
48. The portable biological data collection device of claim 47,
wherein the sensor-connector end comprises a first housing, the
amplifier being disposed within the first housing, and wherein the
computer-connector end comprises a second housing, the personal
computer card interface being disposed within the second
housing.
49. The portable biological data collection device of claim 45,
wherein the personal computer card interface relays designation
data to the host computer for allowing the host computer to
identify the biological data to be collected.
50. The portable biological data collection device of claim 40,
wherein the computer-connector end is connectable to an external
port of the host computer.
51. The portable biological data collection device of claim 40,
further comprising a plurality of stacked circuit boards disposed
within the first end housing.
52. The portable biological data collection device of claim 40,
further comprising a flexible connection for connecting the
sensor-connector end to the biological data sensor.
53. The portable biological data collection device of claim 52,
wherein the sensor-connector end comprises a first housing, the
flexible connection being connected to the first housing, and
wherein the computer-connector end comprises a second housing, the
personal computer card interface being disposed within the second
housing.
54. The portable biological data collection device of claim 53,
wherein the flexible connection comprises a hollow tube.
55. The portable biological data collection device of claim 53,
wherein the connection comprises an electrical connection.
56. The portable biological data collection device of claim 52,
wherein the personal computer card interface relays designation
data to the host computer for allowing the host computer to
identify the biological data to be collected.
57. The portable biological data collection device of claim 40,
further comprising a plurality of flexible connections for
connecting the sensor-connector end to a plurality of biological
data sensors.
58. The portable biological data collection device of claim 57,
wherein the sensor-connector end comprises a first housing, the
flexible connections being connected to the first housing, and
wherein the computer-connector end comprises a second housing, the
personal computer card interface being disposed within the second
housing.
59. The portable biological data collection device of claim 58,
wherein at least one of the plurality of flexible connections
comprises a hollow tube.
60. The portable biological data collection device of claim 58,
wherein at least one of the plurality of flexible connections
comprises an electrical connection.
61. The portable biological data collection device of claim 57,
wherein the personal computer card interface relays designation
data to the host computer for allowing the host computer to
identify the biological data to be collected for each of the
plurality of biological data sensors.
62. A portable biological data collection system comprising: a
biological data sensor for engaging a patient for sensing
biological data from the patient; and a portable biological data
collection device for receiving the biological data from the
biological data sensor, the portable biological data collection
device comprising: signal-conditioning circuitry for receiving the
biological data and for producing a digitized signal; and a
personal computer card interface for relaying the digitized signal
to a host computer on a real-time basis as the biological data is
sensed by the biological data sensor, for supplying electrical
power from the host computer to the amplifier and the
analog-to-digital converter, and for relaying designation data to
the host computer for allowing the host computer to identify the
biological data to be collected.
63. The portable biological data collection system of claim 62,
wherein the portable biological data collection device further
comprises a personal computer card housing, wherein the
signal-conditioning circuitry and the personal computer card
interface are disposed within the personal computer card housing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/666,878, filed on Sep. 20, 2000, entitled PERSONAL COMPUTER
CARD FOR COLLECTION OF REAL-TIME BIOLOGICAL DATA, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/173,059, filed on Oct.
15, 1998, entitled PERSONAL COMPUTER CARD FOR COLLECTION OF
REAL-TIME BIOLOGICAL DATA, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 08/810,632, filed on Feb. 28, 1997, entitled
PERSONAL COMPUTER CARD FOR COLLECTION OF REAL-TIME BIOLOGICAL DATA,
all of which are commonly assigned and the contents of which are
expressly incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to personal computer
(PC) cards and, more particularly, to PC cards for use in
combination with personal computers for collecting biological data
on a real-time basis.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The United States health care system is currently in the
midst of a transformation away from specialized medicine toward a
more cost-conscious, primary-care oriented system. Devices having
cost-effective means for diagnosing and monitoring patients are
expected to gain prominence in the market place. Many current data
acquisition devices exist in the medical industry, but few, if any,
of these devices are economical, extremely lightweight and
portable, accurate, versatile, and interchangeable with other
biological data collection devices.
[0006] One prior art device, manufactured by the assignee of the
present application, incorporates a diagnostic box which is adapted
to interface; with a serial port of a personal computer. This
diagnostic box is manufactured with a relatively expensive housing,
having a size approximately equal to that of a book, an alternating
current (AC) chord and power adapter, a serial port cable, a
microprocessor, and other hardware elements.
[0007] The diagnostic box allows a user to perform real-time
spirometry operations, while harnessing the PC computer's display,
keyboard, printer, and other items. The PC computer display
instructs the user with selectable patient incentives, and
user-customized reports can be generated. The display of the
personal computer can be configured to display volume-versus-time
and flow-versus-volume curves. Additionally, parameters such as
maximum exhale volume, maximum inhale volume and maximum flow rate
can be computed and displayed on the personal computer display.
[0008] Data acquisition cards have existed in the prior art for
transferring electrical signals from a data sensor through the data
acquisition card and into a personal computer. These data
acquisitions cards have been configured into Personal Computer
Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) cards.
[0009] Prior art data acquisition cards are often configured to
measure potential signals ranging from zero to ten volts, and are
often configured with twelve bit accuracy. A typical prior art data
acquisition card may comprise a 30 pin connector and a cable, which
is connected to a connector board. The connector board allows a
user to hook up various signals thereto. In addition to the
relatively high-voltage signal range (zero to ten volts),
low-accuracy (e.g. twelve bits), extra hardware (30 pin connector,
cable, and a connector board), and additional optional hardware,
these prior art data acquisition cards are configured with a
plurality of inputs and outputs and, further, are not adapted to
convert a personal computer into a powerful biological data signal
collecting, processing, and monitoring system.
[0010] Prior art data acquisition cards are not adapted for
performing spirometry collection and analysis, since these cards
are not equipped with pressure transducers for converting pressure
signals into electrical signals. Even if these prior art data
acquisition cards were equipped with pressure transducers, the
cards would not be equipped with high-precision low-voltage signal
collection and conditioning circuitry. A prior art data acquisition
card, additionally, would not be suitable for other biological data
collection and processing purposes, such as Electrocardiography
(ECG) biological data collection, since these prior art data
acquisition cards are not equipped with any insulating means for
insulating a patient from potential shock, which may be delivered
from the data acquisition card to the patient.
[0011] Another prior art device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,549,115 to Morgan et al. The Morgan et al. patent generally
discloses a PCMCIA format card which is adapted to perform as a
data storage device, similarly to a floppy disc storage device. The
PCMCIA format cart of Morgan et al. is equipped with a real-time
clock for providing time and date data to the host system, in order
to synchronize the host system time with the time of which the data
was actually acquired. The PCMCIA format card of Morgan et al. does
not provide any means for real-time data collection and processing
and, accordingly, is not suitable for converting a host PC computer
into a real-time biological data signal collection, processing, and
monitoring system. The system of the Morgan et al. patent requires
a separate dedicated computer device for acquiring the data, and a
separate personal computer device for processing the data at a
later time.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,432 to Thomson discloses a spirometer
which includes control electronics located remotely from a
hand-held housing. Communication between the hand-held housing,
which includes an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter and an
amplifier, occurs through a cable. A dedicated microprocessor
including a simple keyboard structured and adapted specifically to
control the operation of a spirometer is included in the Thomson
device. The handle-shaped housing of the Thomson patent is quite
different from a PC card.
[0013] A need exists in the prior art for real-time biological data
signal collecting, processing, and monitoring systems, which are
extremely lightweight and portable. The prior art has not
introduced any cost-effective PC card, which is adapted to convert
a host personal computer into any of a variety of real-time data
collecting and processing systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The real-time biological data processing PC card of the
present invention is very lightweight, cost effective, and
portable. The real-time biological data processing PC card of the
present invention is capable of converting a host personal computer
system into a powerful diagnostic instrument. Each real-time
biological data processing PC card is adapted to input and process
biological data from one or more biological data sensors, and is
interchangeable with other real-time biological data processing PC
cards. A practitioner having three different real-time biological
data processing PC cards, each one corresponding to a different
biological data collection device, effectively carries three
full-sized, powerful diagnostic instruments. The full resources of
a host personal computer may be utilized and converted into a
powerful diagnostic instrument, for each biological data collection
device, by the insertion of one of the real-time biological data
processing PC cards.
[0015] A portable computer card for collecting biological data,
according to the present invention, includes a pressure transducer
adapted to receive an air pressure from an air tube and to convert
the air pressure into an electrical signal. The portable computer
card includes an analog-to-digital converter adapted to receive and
digitize the electrical signal, and a portable computer card
interface adapted to provide an interface between the portable
computer card and a host microprocessor system. The portable
computer card interface may comprise a PCMCIA card interface. An
amplifier, which is adapted to receive and amplify the electrical
signal from the pressure transducer, is disposed between the
pressure transducer and the analog-to-digital converter. The
amplified electrical signal is related to the air pressure. The
portable computer card further includes a housing, which is adapted
for holding the pressure transducer, the amplifier, the
analog-to-digital converter, and the portable computer card
interface. A pressure input port is disposed on the housing. This
pressure input port is in fluid communication with the pressure
transducer and is adapted to receive an air pressure from an air
tube. The portable computer card further includes a flexible air
passageway, which is integrally connected to the housing, and which
is adapted to supply an air pressure to the pressure input
port.
[0016] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
a portable biological data collection device includes a portable
computer card housing, a biological data receiver, signal
conditioning circuitry, and a portable computer card interface. The
biological data receiver is adapted to receive biological data and
to output the biological data, and the signal conditioning
circuitry is adapted to receive the biological data from the
biological data receiver and to convert the biological data into
digitized biological data. The portable computer card interface is
disposed within the portable computer card housing, and is adapted
to communicate with a host computer to relay the digitized
biological data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the
biological data is converted by the signal conditioning
circuitry.
[0017] The biological data receiver can be adapted to receive
biological data from a pulse oximetry sensor, which is located
externally of the portable biological data collection device. The
biological data receiver can further be adapted to receive
biological data from an ECG sensor. The biological data sensor is
adapted to output low-amplitude signals on an order of one
millivolt. The digitized data from the analog-to-digital converter
preferably has a resolution greater than 12 bits and, preferably,
has a resolution of 16 bits. The biological data sensor may further
include a spirometer air tube.
[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a host
computer is configurable among a plurality of biological data
collection device modes. The host computer includes a portable
computer card slot adapted to receive a portable computer card
therein, a portable computer card interface adapted to communicate
with a portable computer card inserted into the portable computer
card slot, a microprocessor, a data bus, and input means for
receiving designation data from a portable computer card within the
portable computer card slot. The portable computer card interface
is adapted to receive digitized biological data from a portable
computer card inserted into the portable computer card slot, and
the input means is operatively connected to the microprocessor. The
designation data is indicative of a type of digitized biological
data from a portable computer card inserted into the portable
computer card slot. The designation data may comprise either a
first identifier for indicating that the digitized biological data
should be interpreted by the microprocessor as spirometer-pressure
data or a second identifier indicating that the digitized
biological data should be interpreted by the microprocessor as
pulse oximetry electrical data. The host computer includes
configuration means for configuring the host computer into a
real-time spirometer-pressure data collecting and analyzing device
upon receipt of the first identifier, and for configuring the host
computer into a real-time pulse oximetry electrical data collecting
and analyzing device upon receipt of the second identifier. The
host computer may also be configured into an ECG data collection
device mode, upon receipt of a third identifier from the input
means. Additionally, the host computer may be configured among
various other biological data collection device modes, upon receipt
of additional identifiers.
[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a
combination of a plurality of interchangeable biological data
portable computer cards includes a spirometer portable computer
card and a pulse oximetry portable computer card. The spirometer
portable computer card and the pulse oximetry portable computer
card are both insertable into a personal computer system, and are
interchangeable. The spirometer portable computer card is adapted
to convert the host computer into a spirometer data collecting and
analyzing device, and the pulse oximetry portable computer card is
adapted to convert the host computer into a pulse oximetry data
collecting and analyzing device. The combination of interchangeable
biological data portable computer cards may further include an ECG
portable card, as well as other computer cards, each being adapted
to convert the host personal computer into a different type of
biological data collecting and analyzing device.
[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
portable computer card for delivering biological data to a host
computer includes a portable computer card housing, at least one
conductor connected to the portable computer card housing, an
amplifier operatively connected to the at least one conductor, a
power source operatively connected to the amplifier, and insulating
means for providing electrical insulation between the power source
and the conductor. The conductor is adapted to collect biological
data from a patient, and the amplifier is adapted to receive the
biological data and to output an amplified signal. The insulating
means may comprise an optical translator, and can be positioned
between the conductor and the amplifier. The portable computer card
further includes an analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the
amplified signal, and a portable computer card interface for
providing a communication link between the portable computer card
and a host personal computer system. The portable computer card
interface is adapted to relay the digitized amplified signal to the
host computer on a real-time basis, as biological data is collected
from a patient. The power source comprises a conductor, which is
adapted for receiving power from the host personal computer.
[0021] The present invention, together with additional features and
advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the
following description taken in connection with the accompanying
illustrative drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a real-time biological data processing PC
card according to the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 1a illustrates an end view of the real-time biological
data processing PC card of FIG. 1, taken from the direction of the
line 1a-1a;
[0024] FIG. 1b illustrates a top planar view of the real-time
biological data processing PC card, without the air tube
connection;
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the
circuitry of the real-time biological data processing PC card and a
host personal computer system, according to the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a host-personal computer system according
to the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a real-time biological data processing PC
card according to the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the
circuitry of the real-time biological data processing PC card
according to the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 6a illustrates a simplified perspective view of the
main circuit board of the real-time biological data processing PC
card according to the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 6b illustrates a pulse oximeter module circuit board
according to the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates an articulated finger clip sensor
according to the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis vitals data;
[0033] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis ventilator-operation data;
[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis sleep-related data;
[0035] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis ECG data; and
[0036] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis carbon-dioxide detection data;
[0037] FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis hydrogen detection data;
[0038] FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis alcohol detection data;
[0039] FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis sleep-related data including body motion and
position and ECG;
[0040] FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis sleep-related data including body motion and
position, ECG, EOG and EMG;
[0041] FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis blood pressure related data;
[0042] FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis birth procedure related data;
[0043] FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis blood glucose detection data;
[0044] FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis blood cholesterol detection data;
[0045] FIG. 21 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis blood arterial-blood-gas detection data;
[0046] FIG. 22 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis oxygen detection data;
[0047] FIG. 23 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis body composition data;
[0048] FIG. 24 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis heart beat data;
[0049] FIG. 25 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis ear-drum pressure data;
[0050] FIG. 26 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis blood flow related data;
[0051] FIG. 27 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis EEG related data;
[0052] FIG. 28 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis biological data to a game set; and
[0053] FIG. 29 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis biological data to a set-top box.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] Turning to FIG. 1, a real-time biological data processing PC
card 10 is illustrated having a Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association (PCMCIA) format housing 12 and a pressure
transducer housing 14. The pressure transducer housing 14
preferably comprises a pressure input port 16, which is adapted to
removably accommodate a flexible air passageway 18. A disposable
spirometry mouthpiece 21 is attached to one end of the flexible air
passageway 18, and a connector is attached to the other end of the
flexible air passageway 18. As presently embodied, the connector
comprises a truncated, conical shape which is adapted for matingly
fitting within the pressure input port 16. After a user breaths
into the disposable spirometry mouthpiece 21, the flexible air
passageway 18 and the disposable spirometry mouthpiece 21 may be
removed from the pressure input port 16, and discarded. In the
below description and claims, the term "spirometry" is intended to
encompass not only the general meaning of the word, but also to
broadly encompass any other pulmonary function which can be
detected by measuring air flow, pressure or volume.
[0055] The PCMCIA format housing 12 of the real-time biological
data processing PC card 10 is preferably configured to conform with
PCMCIA dimensional standards. As presently preferred, the PCMCIA
format housing has a width of approximately 2.95 inches. The PCMCIA
format housing 12 preferably comprises a length of approximately
3.40 inches. The pressure transducer housing 14, according to the
presently preferred embodiment, has dimensions which are larger
than PCMCIA conventions permit. As presently embodied, the pressure
transducer housing 14 comprises a height of approximately 1 inch.
These enlarged dimensions of the pressure transducer housing 14
facilitate placement of biological sensor circuitry, such as, for
example, a pressure transducer.
[0056] FIG. 1a illustrates an end view of the real-time biological
data processing PC card 10, taken from a view along the line 1a-1a
of FIG. 1, and FIG. 1b illustrates a top-planar view of the
real-time biological data processing PC card 10. A host personal
computer 27 comprises a PCMCIA format slot 30, which is sized and
dimensioned according to PCMCIA dimensional standards, in order to
facilitate insertion of the PCMCIA format housing 12 therein.
[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of components
associated with the real-time biological data processing PC card 10
and the host personal computer 27. The real-time biological data
processing PC card 10 comprises a pressure sensor 32, an amplifier
34, an analog-to-digital converter 36, an analog-to-digital timing
circuit 38, a storage buffer 41, and a PCMCIA interface 43. The
flexible air passageway 18 connects the disposable spirometry
mouthpiece 21 to the pressure sensor 32, and a conductor path 45
connects the pressure sensor 32 to the amplifier 34. The amplifier
34 is connected to the analog-to-digital converter 36 via a
conductor path 47, and the analog-to-digital converter 36 is
connected to the storage buffer 41 via a conductor path 50. A
conductor path 52 connects the analog-to-digital converter 36 to
the analog-to-digital timing circuit 38, and a conductor path 54
connects the analog-to-digital timing circuit 38 to the PCMCIA
interface 43. The storage buffer 41 is connected to the PCMCIA
interface 43 via a conductor path 51. Upon insertion of the
real-time biological data processing PC card-10 into the PCMCIA
format slot 30, the PCMCIA interface 43 is connected to a PCMCIA
bus interface 58 via a bus 61.
[0058] The host personal computer 27 comprises a microprocessor 61,
a storage 63, a display 65, a keyboard 67, and a PCMCIA interface
70. The host personal computer 27, of course, may comprise other
components which are not shown in FIG. 2. The microprocessor 61 is
connected to the storage 63 via a bus 72, and is connected to the
keyboard 67 via a bus 74. A bus 76 connects the display 65 to the
bus 74, and a bus 78 connects the display 65 to the keyboard 67.
The microprocessor 61 is connected to the PCMCIA interface 70 via a
bus 81, and the PCMCIA interface 70 is connected to the PCMCIA bus
interface 58 via a bus 83.
[0059] When the real-time biological data processing PC card 10 and
the host personal computer 27 are configured as shown in FIG. 2,
communication between the devices 10 and 27 can occur via
standardized PCMCIA protocols. The PCMCIA Developer's Guide-2nd
Edition, published by Sycard Technology in 1994, the contents of
which are expressly incorporated herein by reference, discloses
information on PCMCIA conventions and protocols.
[0060] Although the embodiment of FIG. 2 is shown comprising a
pressure sensor 32 and a disposable spirometry mouthpiece 21, any
biological data sensor and/or associated components may be
incorporated into the real-time biological data processing PC card
10 in accordance with the present invention.
[0061] In one embodiment, each biological data sensor, having a
different format of biological data, is configured in a separate
real-time biological data processing PC card. The various real-time
biological data processing PC cards are interchangeable, to thereby
configure the host personal computer 27 into various real-time
biological data collecting and processing modes. Alternatively, a
single real-time biological data processing PC card 10 may be
configured to accommodate one or more different types of biological
data sensors. According to the present invention, various
interchangeable real-time biological data processing PC cards can
configure the host personal computer 27 into various collecting,
processing, and monitoring modes, including spirometry,
electrocardiography (including resting, 24-hour, stress testing,
signal averaging, event ECG, and heart-rate variability), blood
pressure, body temperature, electroencephalograhy (EEG),
echocardiography, Doppler, pulse oximetry (SPO2), sleep analysis,
tcPO2, tcPCO2, nitrogen dioxide, capnography, respiratory rate,
pulse rate, polysomnography, carbon monoxide, gastroesophageal pH,
hydrogen, nitric oxide, bio-impedance, glucometer, audiometry,
plethysmograph, weight, electromyography, urometry, and
tympanometry, for example. The term "bioimpedance" is intended to
include the general meaning of the term "bio-impedance" and to also
include body composition analysis, cardiac output or any other
bio-impedance analysis. Other biological data may also be collected
and processed by the host personal computer 27, after being
configured by a corresponding real-time biological data processing
PC card.
[0062] The real-time biological data processing PC card 10 shown in
FIG. 2, which is adapted for configuring the host personal computer
27 for spirometry procedures, receives a pressure signal from the
mouth piece 21. The pressure sensor 32, which preferably comprises
a pressure transducer, converts the pressure signal into an
electrical signal, which is amplified by the amplifier 34. The
analog-to-digital converter 36, which is timed by the
analog-to-digital timing circuit 38, receives the amplified
biological data from the amplifier 34, and digitizes the biological
data. The analog-to-digital timing circuit 38 provides a timing
signal, which facilitates sampling of the amplified biological data
on the conductor path 47. This digitized biological data is output
onto the conductor path 50. The storage buffer 41 receives the
digitized biological data, and outputs this digitized biological
data onto a conductor path 51, where the digitized biological data
is made available to the PCMCIA interface 43. The storage buffer 41
preferably comprises a first in first out (FIFO) buffer, and may be
omitted for simple configurations where buffering capabilities are
not needed. The real-time biological data processing PC card 10
further comprises control circuitry, and the PCMCIA interface 43
preferably comprises input output (I/O) interface glue logic and an
input output connector.
[0063] Upon insertion of the real-time biological data processing
PC card 10 into the PCMCIA format slot 30 of the host computer 27,
the microprocessor 61, the PCMCIA interface 70 of the host computer
27, and the PCMCIA interface 43 of the real-time biological data
processing PC card 10 begin communicating via established PCMCIA
format conventions. The microprocessor 61 determines the type of
real-time biological data processing PC card which has been
inserted into the PCMCIA format slot 30. In the illustrated case of
FIG. 2, designation data from the PCMCIA interface 43 indicates to
the microprocessor 61 that a spirometry-type real-time biological
data processing PC card 10 has been inserted. Designation data from
the PCMCIA interface 43 may, alternatively, identify the real-time
biological data processing PC card 10 as being adapted for relaying
oximetry, ECG, or other biological data to the host personal
computer 27. As an alternative to, or in addition to, the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, a user may input designation data
via the keyboard 67 or the display 65, indicating the type of
real-time biological data processing PC card 10 which has been
inserted into the PCMCIA format slot 30 of the host personal
computer 27.
[0064] After the host personal computer 27 has "set up" the
real-time biological data processing PC card 10, the host personal
computer 27 prompts, via the display 65, the user to begin the
spirometry test. As presently embodied, multi-media devices, such
as entertaining displays and sounds, are implemented by the host
personal computer 27 in order to educate the patient on how to
perform the biological data test. The display 65 prompts the
patient to begin the test, and coaches the patient during the test
with, for example, entertaining incentives. This multi-media
instructional system is configured to assist patients, especially
in home disease management situations, helping asthmatics and
cystic fibrosis patients, for example, comply with testing
protocols. Additionally, the system of the present invention may
reduce the need for skilled human interaction in order to achieve
successful administration of the biological data tests.
[0065] The biological data from the pressure sensor 32, after being
processed by the amplifier 34 and the analog-to-digital converter
36, is preferably immediately transferred from the PCMCIA interface
43 of the real-time biological data processing PC card 10 to the
PCMCIA interface 70 of the host personal computer 27. The host
personal computer 27, having received designation data indicating
that the real-time biological data processing PC card 10 is a
spirometry real-time biological data processing PC card, is
configured to function as a complete spirometry data collecting,
processing, and monitoring device. For example, a
volume-versus-time wave form or a flow-versus-volume curve may be
displayed on the display 65, indicating the real-time biological
data received by the pressure sensor 32. A number of other
parameters, such as maximum exhale volume, maximum inhale volume,
and maximum flow rate, to name a few, may also be shown on the
display 65 of the host personal computer 27. This data also may be
compiled and printed in a variety of analytical and comparative
formats.
[0066] FIG. 3 illustrates a host personal computer 27, according to
the presently preferred embodiment. The host personal computer 27
preferably comprises a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The host
personal computer 27 may comprise any desktop of laptop computer,
as well. When the host personal computer 27 comprises a personal
digital assistant, as presently preferred, Windows.RTM. CE
(Pegasus) software is preferably used. This software preferably
operates on the Windows.RTM. CE operating system. Other
commercially available software packages, or customized software
packages, may be used with the present invention. A pointing device
87, held by the hand 90 of a user, may be used to input data into
the host personal computer 27 via a touch sensitive display 65. The
host personal computer 27, having the real-time biological data
processing PC card 10 of FIG. 1 inserted therein, is configured
into a powerful diagnostic spirometry data collecting and analyzing
instrument. Since the real-time biological data processing PC card
10 uses the keyboard 67, display 65, storage 63, microprocessor 61,
power supply (not shown), and data transmission and printing
capabilities (not shown) of the host computer system 27, the
real-time biological data processing PC card 10 itself is very
inexpensive and rudimentary in design. Yet, the real-time
biological data processing PC card 10 is very powerful. The
software loaded within the host personal computer 27 is preferably
configured to allow the real-time biological data processing PC
card 10 to interface, via PCMCIA format, with any other of a
variety of personal computers such as a desktop personal computer,
or a notebook personal computer, for example.
[0067] The host personal computer 27 can transmit data via any
conventional means, such as a serial port cable or a modem
connection through an RJ11 phone plug. Data may be transmitted over
the Internet, for example. In home disease management, for example,
the host personal computer 27 can be configured to gather, process,
and transmit additional information on the patient's medication,
diet, symptoms, and other parameters. The combination of elements
of the present invention thus provides a very portable,
lightweight, and inexpensive means for diagnosing and monitoring
patients.
[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates a real-time biological data processing PC
card 10, having both a disposable spirometry mouthpiece 21 and a
pulse oximeter finger clip 98. Like components are designated with
like reference numbers. As with the embodiment of FIG. 1, the
disposable spirometry mouthpiece 21 is connected to pressure
transducer housing 14 via a flexible air passageway 18 and a
pressure input port 16. The pulse oximeter finger clip 98 is
connected to the pressure transducer housing 14 via a pulse
oximeter cable 101, which transitions into a connector 103.
[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an
embodiment of FIG. 4. Basically, data from a pulse oximeter sensor
105, such as the pulse oximeter clip 98 (FIG. 4), is fed to a pulse
oximeter module 107 via a conductor path 110. As presently
embodied, an optical coupler is positioned between the pulse
oximeter finger clip 98 and a power source (not shown) connection
of the real-time biological data processing PC card 10, to thereby
prevent a patient from being shocked therefrom. Data from the pulse
oximeter module 107 is then fed to the PCMCIA interface 43 via a
conductor path 112. The pulse oximeter module 107 preferably
comprises elements similar to the amplifier 34, the
analog-to-digital converter 36, the analog-to-digital timing
circuit 38, and the storage buffer 41. The elements of the pulse
oximeter module 107 may be combined with or into the elements 34,
36, 38, 41 or, as presently embodied, maintained separately
therefrom in the pulse oximeter module 107.
[0070] The host personal computer 27 may receive on a real-time
basis, process, and monitor spirometry data and pulse oximetry
data, either separately or simultaneously. The designation data, in
the illustrated embodiment, indicates to the host personal computer
27 that the real-time biological data processing PC card 10
comprises both spirometry data and pulse oximetry data sensors. The
pressure sensor 32 may alternatively be located on the disposable
spirometry mouthpiece 21, as can the amplifier 34, the
analog-to-digital converter 36, and the analog-to-digital timing
circuitry 38, or any combination thereof. Any or all of these
elements, in addition to the storage buffer 41, may be positioned
on either the disposable spirometry mouthpiece 21, the pulse
oximeter sensor 105, or the real-time biological data processing PC
card 10, or any combination thereof, or eliminated altogether.
Since the present invention is not intended to be limited to PCMCIA
interfaces 43, any circuitry capable of forwarding an analog signal
to a host personal computer 27 could reduce the need for components
within the real-time biological data processing PC card 10. The
pulse oximeter sensor 105 and the pulse oximeter module 107 may be
manufactured by Nonin.RTM. Medical, Inc., located in Plymouth,
Minn. According to one embodiment, the pulse oximeter sensor 105
may be similar that in an 8600 portable pulse oximeter,
manufactured by Nonin.RTM. Medical, Inc.
[0071] FIG. 6a illustrates the main circuit board 118 of the
presently preferred embodiment, generally corresponding to the
elements 32-54 of FIG. 5. The main circuit board-118 is illustrated
comprising a number of IC chips 121, a pressure input port 16, and
a pressure sensor 32. A pulse oximetry module connector 125
accommodates a pulse oximetry module connector 127, which is
illustrated in FIG. 6b; The pulse oximetry module connector 127 of
FIG. 6b is electrically connected to a supplemental circuit board
130. The supplemental circuit board 130 generally corresponds to
the pulse oximeter module 107 of FIG. 5.
[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a pulse oximeter
finger clip 98 connected to a hand 87 of a user. The pulse oximeter
finger clip 98 is connected to the supplemental circuit board 130
via a pulse oximeter cable 101.
[0073] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card 10a for collecting and
forwarding on a real-time basis vitals data. In the embodiment of
FIG. 8, like elements are designated with like reference numerals
followed by the letter "a." Data from a pulse oximeter sensor 105a
is fed to a pulse oximeter module 107a via a conductor path 110a.
As presently embodied, an optical coupler is positioned between a
pulse oximeter finger clip (not shown) and a power source (not
shown) connection of the real-time biological data processing PC
card 10a, to thereby prevent a patient from being shocked
therefrom. Data from the pulse oximeter module 107a is then fed to
the PCMCIA interface 43a via a conductor path 112a. The pulse
oximeter module 107a may comprise conventional circuitry for
processing data from the pulse oximeter sensor 105a, such as
elements including an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, an
analog-to-digital timing circuit, and a storage buffer. The
elements of the pulse oximeter module 107a may be combined with or
into the elements of the temperature module 201 and the blood
pressure module 203 or, as presently embodied, maintained
separately therefrom in the pulse oximeter module 107a.
[0074] Data from a temperature sensor 205, indicating a body
temperature of a patient, is fed to the temperature module 201 via
a conductor path 207. Data from the temperature module 201 is then
fed to the PCMCIA interface 43a via a conductor path 209. The
temperature module 201 may comprise conventional circuitry for
processing data from the temperature sensor 205, such as elements
including an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, an
analog-to-digital timing circuit, and a storage buffer. The
elements of the temperature module 201 may be combined with or into
the elements of the pulse oximeter module 107a and/or the elements
of the blood pressure module 203 or, as presently embodied,
maintained separately therefrom in the temperature module 201.
[0075] Data from a blood pressure sensor 211, indicating a blood
pressure of a patient, is fed to the blood pressure module 203 via
a conductor path 213. Data from the blood pressure module 203 is
then fed to the PCMCIA interface 43a via a conductor path 215. The
blood pressure sensor 211 preferably comprises a cuff with
microphones as is known in the art. The blood pressure module 203
may comprise conventional circuitry for processing data from the
blood pressure sensor 211, such as elements including an amplifier,
an analog-to-digital converter, an analog-to-digital timing
circuit, and a storage buffer. The elements of the blood pressure
module 203 may be combined with or into the elements of the pulse
oximeter module 107a and/or the elements of the temperature module
201 or, as presently embodied, maintained separately therefrom in
the blood pressure module 203.
[0076] As presently embodied, a host personal computer 27 receives
on a real-time basis, processes, and monitors pulse oximetry data,
body temperature data, and blood pressure data either separately,
sequentially, or simultaneously. The designation data, in the
presently preferred embodiment, indicates to the host personal
computer 27 that the real-time biological data processing PC card
10a comprises pulse oximetry data, temperature data and blood
pressure data sensors. One or more of the components comprising the
pulse oximeter module 107a, the temperature module 201 and/or the
blood pressure module 203 may alternatively be located on the
respective sensors 105a, 205, 211.
[0077] Turning to FIG. 9, a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis ventilator operation data is shown. In the
embodiment of FIG. 9, like elements are designated with like
reference numerals followed by the letter "b." A pressure line 220
and flow line 222 are connected to monitor pressure and flow rate
of a ventilator connected to a patient. The pressure line inputs
pressure data from a hose of the ventilator to a pressure sensor
224 and, subsequently, to an amplifier 226. The flow line 222 are
input into the pressure sensors 228 and the amplifier 230. An
analog-to-digital converter 232 receives the signals from the
amplifiers 226 and 230, and converts the signals to digital
signals. The digital signals are forwarded to the PCMCIA interface
43b via a storage buffer 236.
[0078] The host personal computer 27 receives on a real-time basis,
processes and monitors the pressure and flow rate data from the
sensors 220 and 222 either separately, sequentially or
simultaneously. The designation data indicates to the host personal
computer 27 that the real-time biological data processing PC card
10b comprises pressure and flow rate data from a ventilator hose
connected to a patient. One or more of the components of the PC
card may be placed on the pressure line 220 or the differential
flow line 222.
[0079] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis, sleep-related data. A chest band 240 is placed
around a patient's chest to measure the patient's respiration rate,
for example. Sensors on the chest band 240 measure movement of the
patient's chest while the patient is sleeping for determining, for
example, whether the patient is breathing through his or her nose
and whether an obstruction is present. Data from sensors on the
chest band 240 is input into a strain gauge 242 and subsequently
amplified by an amplifier 244. A nasal canula/thermistor 246
measures breathing through a patient's nose, and the data therefrom
is input into a pressure sensor 248 and subsequently amplified by
the amplifier 250. A pulse oximetry sensor 253 measures the
patient's pulse rate and/or blood-oxygen concentration. Data from
the chest band 240 and the nasal canula/thermistor 246 is digitized
by the analog-to-digital converter 260 and passed to the PCMCIA
interface 43c via a storage buffer 263. Data from the pulse
oximetry sensor 253 is similarly passed to the PCMCIA interface 43c
after being processed by an oximetry module 266. The data from the
chest band 240, the nasal canula/thermistor 246 and the pulse
oximetry sensor 253 is transferred to the host personal computer 27
on a real-time basis, either separately, sequentially of
simultaneously.
[0080] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a real-time
biological data processing PC card for collecting and forwarding on
a real-time basis ECG data. One to twelve leads 275 are attached to
a patient for inputting ECG data to a defibrillator protector 277.
The defibrillator protector 277 accommodates operation of the PC
card 10d when the patient is defibrillated, as is known in the art.
Conventional noise reduction 279 and isolation 281 components
receive data from the preamp 283. Data from the isolation circuitry
281 is input to a filter and analog-to-digital conversion module
293 via an amplifier 295. The ECG data is input into a PCMCIA
interface 43d via a storage buffer 297. The noise reducer 279 may
comprise, for example, a driven right leg and driven shield
configuration, wherein an ECG signal from the leads 275 is inverted
and injected back into the patient's right leg to cancel noise. The
driven shield comprises a similar mechanism for reducing noise as
is known in the art.
[0081] The PC card 10d may be configured to implement a signal
averaging mode of ECG data collection, wherein a relatively high
sampling rate of 2,000 to 3,000 samples per second is implemented,
for example. The samples are subsequently averaged for providing
additional resolution, compared to a slower sampling rate such as
250 samples per second. Moreover, instead of implementing one to
twelve leads for feeding electrical signals from the patient to the
PC card 10d, a wireless embodiment may be implemented. In this
embodiment, electrical signals from the patient are transmitted to
a receiver on a PC card, for example. Processed data from the
twelve leads 275 is transferred from the PC card 10d to the host
personal computer 27 on a real-time basis in accordance with the
present invention.
[0082] Turning to FIG. 12, a PC card 10e for collecting and
forwarding on a real-time basis carbon dioxide detection data to a
host personal computer 27 on a real-time basis is disclosed. Carbon
dioxide in the breath of a patient is detected by a carbon dioxide
detection module 312, after being input through a mouthpiece 314.
FIG. 13 illustrates a hydrogen detection module 317 within a PC
card 10f. A patient breathes into a mouthpiece 319. A reading on a
detected amount of hydrogen is forwarded to the PC card 27 via a
PCMCIA interface 43f of the PC card 10f on a real-time basis. As
shown in FIG. 14, a real-time biological data processing PC card
10g collects breath from a user via a mouthpiece 322. An amount of
alcohol in the user's breath is detected by an alcohol detection
module 324, which sends digital data to the PCMCIA interface 43g
for subsequent routing on a real-time basis to the personal
computer 27.
[0083] A real-time biological data processing PC card for
collecting and forwarding on a real-time basis sleep-related data
including body motion and position, and ECG, is shown in FIG. 15.
The apnea card circuitry generally corresponds to that disclosed in
FIG. 10, and the PC card 10h further comprises a microphone module
326 for receiving sound signals from a microphone 328 and
forwarding digitized signals on a real-time basis to the PCMCIA
interface 43h. A limb motion module 331 inputs data from motion
sensors 333. Data from the motion sensor or sensors 333 is
processed by the limb motion module 331 and forwarded on a
real-time basis to the PCMCIA interface 43h. Position data from a
position sensor 336 is forwarded to the body position module 338,
processed, and subsequently forwarded on a real-time basis to the
PCMCIA interface 43h. The microphone 328 can be attached to a neck
of a patient, for example, for providing information as to whether
the patient is snoring. The motion sensor 333 may comprise an
accelerometer, for example, and may be attached to a limb of a
patient to determine limb and/or body motion. The position sensor
336 may comprise a mercury switch, for example, and may be attached
to a portion of a patient to determine whether the patient is lying
on his or her stomach or back, for example. An ECG sensor 341 may
comprise one or two channels, for example, for inputting electrical
information to the ECG module 343. Processed information from the
ECG module 343 is subsequently forwarded on a real-time basis to
the PCMCIA interface 43h.
[0084] The PC card 10i of FIG. 16 is similar to that depicted in
FIG. 15, with additional EEG, EOG, and EMG components. An EEG
sensor 348, an EOG sensor 350 and an EMG sensor 352 forward signals
detected on a patient to an EEG module 354, an EOG module 356, and
an EMG module 358, respectively, on a real-time basis. The EEG
module 354, the EOG module 356 and the EMG module 358 forward
processed data to the PCMCIA interface 43i on a real-time basis
and, subsequently, as with the other embodiments of the present
invention, the PCMCIA interface 43i preferably forwards the
real-time data to the host personal computer 27 on a real-time
basis.
[0085] Turning to FIG. 17, a real-time biological data processing
PC card 10j inputs blood pressure data from a blood pressure sensor
370 on a real-time basis. The blood pressure sensor preferably
comprises a blood pressure cuff with microphones. A blood pressure
module 372 receives the data from the sensor 370 and forwards
processed digitized data on a real-time basis to the PCMCIA
interface 43j.
[0086] FIG. 18 illustrates a real-time biological data processing
PC card for collecting and forwarding on a real-time basis birth
procedure related data. A chest band 380 comprises a contraction
sensor 382 and a fetus heart rate sensor 384. The contraction
sensor 382 may comprises a pressure sensor, for example, which is
adapted to be disposed on a woman's stomach via the chest band 380,
and the fetus heart rate sensor 384 may comprise a microphone. An
additional sensor (not shown) may also be incorporated for
monitoring on a real-time basis the mother's heart rate. The
additional sensor may comprise, for example, a pulse oximeter. Data
from the contraction sensor 382 and the fetus heart rate sensor 384
is input into the pressure sensors and amplifiers 386, 388, 390,
392. An analog-to-digital converter 394 processes the information
and outputs the information to the PCMCIA interface 43k via a
storage buffer 397.
[0087] FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 illustrate non-invasive blood
composition detection PC cards 10L, 10m and 10n, respectively, for
collecting on a real-time basis biological data and forwarding the
data on a real-time basis to a host personal computer 27. The blood
glucose module 401 of the PC card 10L inputs blood glucose data
from a non-invasive blood glucose sensor 403 on a real-time basis.
The non-invasive blood glucose sensor 403 may comprise any
conventional means for measuring a blood glucose concentration of a
patient, such as, for example, a patch adapted to be attached to a
person's skin or an optical measuring apparatus. A blood
cholesterol module 406 of the PC card 10m (FIG. 20) inputs blood
cholesterol data from a non-invasive blood cholesterol sensor 408.
The non-invasive blood cholesterol sensor 408 may comprise any
non-invasive blood-cholesterol measuring apparatus. The detection
module 411 (FIG. 21) of the PC card 10n is adapted to receive a
breath of a patient via a mouthpiece 413, and detect on a real-time
basis gases including, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and/or
carbon monoxide. Each of the modules 401, 406 and 411 forwards
processed sensor data on a real-time basis to the PCMCIA interfaces
43L, 43m and 43n, respectively. FIG. 22 illustrates a PC card 10o
comprising an oxygen detector 415 for inputting breath from a
mouthpiece 417 and forwarding processed data on a real-time basis
to a PCMCIA interface 43o.
[0088] A real-time biological data processing PC card 110p for
collecting and forwarding on a real-time basis body composition
data is illustrated in FIG. 23. A first conductor 422 and a second
conductor 424 provide electrical resistance data on a real-time
basis to the current source/electrical resistance module 426, which
subsequently forwards processed information to the PCMCIA interface
43p. The current source/electrical resistance detection module 426
in a preferred embodiment injects an electrical signal into a
patient via the first conductor 422, and uses the second detector
424 to determine an electrical resistance of the patient. In
modified embodiments, either the current source, the electrical
resistance detector, or both, may be disposed within the host
personal computer 27. Based upon the measured electrical resistance
and the electrical signal injected into the patient, an estimate of
a fat composition of the patient is generated and forwarded to the
PCMCIA interface 43p on a real-time basis.
[0089] The PC card 10q illustrated in FIG. 24 collects heartbeat
information on a real-time basis from a heartbeat sensor 430. The
heartbeat information is processed via an amplifier 434 and an
analog-to-digital converter 436, and is passed on a real-time basis
to the PCMCIA interface 43q via a storage buffer 438. The real-time
heartbeat data can be monitored and manipulated on the personal
computer 27.
[0090] The PC card 10r of FIG. 25 inputs data on a real-time basis
from an ear probe 440 into a pressure sensor module 443, which
processes the data and subsequently outputs the processed data to
the PCMCIA interface 43r on a real-time basis. The ear probe 440
may comprise a hand-held wand for placement into the ear of a
patient. The hand-held wand may comprise mechanical means for
measuring the eardrum pressure or, alternatively, may comprise
optical means for measuring an eardrum pressure of the patient as
is well known in the art.
[0091] Turning to FIG. 26, a PC card 10s inputs data from a pencil
probe 450 into a Doppler shift blood flow detection module 455 on a
real-time basis. The pencil probe 450 emits acoustical signals
which are used for measuring blood flow as is known in the art.
Information from the pencil probe 450 is first processed by the
Doppler shift blood flow detection module 455, and is subsequently
forwarded on a real-time basis to the PCMCIA interface 43s for use
by the personal computer 27. The PC card lot in FIG. 27 inputs
electrical information from EEG sensors 460 into an EEG module 465
on a real-time basis. The EEG module 465 processes the electrical
data and outputs the processed data to a PCMCIA interface 43t on a
real-time basis for use by the personal computer 27.
[0092] FIG. 28 illustrates a real-time biological data processing
PC card 501 connected to a game set 503 for collecting and
forwarding on a real-time basis biological data to the game set
503. The biological data is received on a real-time basis into the
PC card 501 from one or more sensors 505 and 507. A game control
509 is connected to the game set 503, and a television 511 operates
as a monitor. The PC card 501 can be configured similarly to any of
the above-described PC cards of the present invention, with an
exception of the interface for communicating with the game set.
503. The game set 503 may comprise a game set such as Nintendo.RTM.
or Sega.RTM.. If the game set 503 has a Windows CE operating system
and a PCMCIA card slot, then the PC card 501 may be virtually
identical to any of the above-discussed PC cards of the present
invention. If the game set 503 does not have a PC card slot, then
other housings and/or interfaces may be implemented with the PC
card 501 to facilitate proper real-time communication between the
PC card 501 and the game set 503. One example, compact flash cards
and compact flash card housings may be used. As another example,
proprietary Nintendo.RTM. game set digital interfaces may be used
with the PC card 501. The game console 509 may be connected to
either the game set 503 or the television 511, and may be linked by
a conventional cord or by a wireless communication path.
[0093] FIG. 29 illustrates a real-time biological data processing
PC card 521 for collecting and forwarding on a real-time basis
biological data to a set-top box 523. The set-top box 523 is
connected to a television 525, which operates as a monitor, and is
further connected to a keyboard 527. The keyboard 527 may be
connected to either the set-top box 523 or the television 525 via a
conventional cable or a wireless communication path. In accordance
with the illustrated embodiment, the set-top box 523 comprises an
Internet connection 532 for facilitating real-time data transfer of
biological data from the sensors 535, 537 to one or more receivers
on the Internet. The PC card 521 and sensors 535, 537 may comprise
any combination of PC cards and sensors discussed in any of the
above embodiments. The set-top box 523 can transmit biological data
from the sensors 535, 537 on a real-time basis over the Internet to
other users, such as a user at a doctor's office or hospital.
Additionally, the set-top box 523 can receive biological data on a
real-time basis from other users via the Internet connection 532.
Information received from other users via the Internet connection
532 can be displayed by the set-top box 523 on the television 525,
for example.
[0094] Information can be transmitted and received through the
Internet connection 532 either on a real-time basis or,
alternatively, at predetermined intervals. The set-top box 523 may
be configured to automatically dial out and establish an Internet
connection, and to transmit or receive real-time biological data
over the Internet, at predetermined or user-defined intervals. A
patient can conduct tests using one or more sensors, such as the
sensors 535 and 537, and at the same time or at a later time,
transmit the data to a doctor via the Internet connection 532. In
addition to a set-top box 523, Internet telephones, personal
computers, wireless Internet computers, network computers or other
Internet "appliances" capable of sending real-time data over the
Internet may be used. In one embodiment, game sets may be used to
transmit or receive the real-time biological data over the
Internet.
[0095] In modified configurations of the above-described
embodiments, some or all of the circuitry and/or components for
each of the modules on the personal computer cards can be placed
within the host microprocessor system, so long as the card is able
to input digital information to the host microprocessor system.
Moreover, in other modified configurations circuitry and/or
components for each of the modules on the personal computer cards
can be placed on the biological data sensors themselves, in
addition to or in the alternative to placement of the circuitry
and/or components on the host microprocessor system. In embodiments
where the signal or signals from the biological data sensor or
sensors is simply digitized and forwarded to the host
microprocessor system (personal computer, game set, set-top box,
etc.) for subsequent processing and interpretation, the
signal-conditioning circuitry can comprise the bare-essential
elements, such as merely an analog-to-digital converter, for
formatting the data from the biological data sensors and forwarding
to the host microprocessor system.
[0096] In embodiments wherein the host microprocessor system
comprises a game set, for example, the personal computer card may
have additional initializing data. This may be the case for
embodiments wherein other types of host microprocessor systems are
used, as well. In some embodiments, the host microprocessor system
is loaded with initializing data and instructions, for example,
before the personal computer card is loaded into the host
microprocessor system. In other embodiments, substantial amounts of
data and/or instructions are loaded into the host microprocessor
system (or game set, set-top box, etc.) by the personal computer
card at the time of insertion of the personal computer card into
the host microprocessor system.
[0097] In any of the above-described embodiments of the present
invention, the personal computer card may comprise a PCMCIA-type
card, a card having an interface which is adapted to communicate
with a game set, a compact flash card, or any other type of
portable card with an interface for transmitting data to a host
microprocessor system. An example of a host microprocessor system
adapted for accommodating compact flash cards is the Cassiopeia
E-10, manufactured by Casio Computer Co. Ltd and described at
http://www.casiohpc.com/indes.html.
[0098] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been
shown and described, many other changes, modifications and
substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above
paragraphs, may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art
without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *
References