U.S. patent number 3,693,166 [Application Number 05/073,954] was granted by the patent office on 1972-09-19 for data interpretation terminal.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Searle Medidata Inc.. Invention is credited to John B. Dowling, Edward B. Rawson.
United States Patent |
3,693,166 |
Rawson , et al. |
September 19, 1972 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
DATA INTERPRETATION TERMINAL
Abstract
A data terminal for use in a computer-based medical screening
system for the entry of interpretive data concerning X-ray
pictures, ECG displays and the like. Data is visually verified
before entry into a patient record in computer memory, and terminal
operation is permitted only by an operator having a verified
identification code.
Inventors: |
Rawson; Edward B. (Lincoln,
MA), Dowling; John B. (Stow, MA) |
Assignee: |
Searle Medidata Inc. (Waltham,
MA)
|
Family
ID: |
22116822 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/073,954 |
Filed: |
September 21, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
710/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H
10/60 (20180101); G16H 40/63 (20180101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
19/00 (20060101); G06f 003/00 (); G06f
015/42 () |
Field of
Search: |
;340/172.5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
3335407 |
August 1967 |
Lange et al. |
3478326 |
November 1969 |
Bourghardt |
3566361 |
February 1971 |
Lavertu et al. |
3566365 |
February 1971 |
Rawson et al. |
3566370 |
February 1971 |
Worthington, Jr. et al. |
R26832 |
March 1970 |
Randlev |
|
Primary Examiner: Henon; Paul J.
Assistant Examiner: Chirlin; Sydney R.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A data terminal for the entry of interpretative data into a
computer-based medical record of a patient comprising:
a plurality of console buttons each representing a respective
interpretive phrase which is to be entered into said medical
record;
a plurality of control buttons for initiating respective control
steps in said terminal;
a data keyboard for the manual entry of numerical data;
logic circuitry coupled to said console buttons, control buttons
and data keyboard and operative upon actuation of said buttons and
keyboard to provide digital signal representations of said actuated
buttons and keyboard;
means for assembling said digital signal representations into data
words for transmission to a computer;
means for decoding data words received from said computer;
means for visually displaying numerical data decoded from said
computer data words;
means for visually indicating steps to be taken during terminal
operation;
a plurality of indicator lamps, each associated with a respective
console button and control button and each operative in response to
a respective data word from said computer to indicate the receipt
by said computer of corresponding data representing an interpretive
phrase and a control step;
means for displaying messages decoded from said computer data words
and indicative of terminal operation;
means for manually causing entry of data into said medical record
after visual verification thereof;
means operative in response to an operator identification code for
enabling terminal operation; and
wherein said logic circuitry includes:
a shift register having a serial input and serial output adapted
for connection to a data transmission link;
an address decoder coupled to predetermined bit positions of said
shift register and operative to provide an output indication upon
receipt of a predetermined station address;
a read and write decoder coupled to predetermined bit positions of
said shift register and operative to provide read and write command
signals to said logic circuitry upon receipt of data words from
said computer;
a plurality of data buffers, each coupled to predetermined bit
positions of said shift register and each operative in response to
data in said predetermined bit positions to provide an output
signal;
a plurality of lamp drivers, each coupled to a respective data
buffer, and each operative in response to a respective output
signal therefrom to cause respective energization of said message
displays, visual indicators and console and control button
indicators; and
a display decoder coupled to a respective data buffer and operative
to drive said numerical display means.
2. A data terminal for the entry of interpretive data into a
computer-based medical record of a patient comprising:
a plurality of console buttons each representing a respective
interpretive phrase which is to be entered into said medical
record;
a plurality of control buttons for initiating respective control
steps in said terminal;
a data keyboard for the manual entry of numerical data;
logic circuitry coupled to said console buttons, control buttons
and data keyboard and operative upon actuation of said buttons and
keyboard to provide digital signal representations of said actuated
buttons and keyboard;
means for assembling said digital signal representations into data
words for transmission to a computer;
means for decoding data words received from said computer;
means for visually displaying numerical data decoded from said
computer data words;
means for visually indicating steps to be taken during terminal
operation;
a plurality of visual indicators, each associated with a respective
console button and control button and each operative in response to
a respective data word from said computer to indicate the receipt
by said computer of corresponding data representing an interpretive
phrase and a control step;
means for displaying messages decoded from said computer data words
and indicative of terminal operation;
means for manually causing entry of data into said medical record
after visual verification thereof;
means operative in response to an operator identification code for
enabling terminal operation; and
wherein said logic circuitry includes;
a shift register having a serial input and serial output adapted
for connection to a data transmission link;
an address decoder coupled to predetermined bit positions of said
shift register and operative to provide an output indication upon
receipt of a predetermined station address;
a read and write decoder coupled to predetermined bit positions of
said shift register and operative to provide read and write command
signals to said logic circuitry upon receipt of data words from
said computer;
a plurality of data buffers, each coupled to predetermined bit
positions of said shift register and each operative in response to
data in said predetermined bit positions to provide an output
signal;
a plurality of drivers, each coupled to a respective data buffer,
and each operative in response to a respective output signal
therefrom to cause respective energization of said message
displays, visual indicators and console and control button
indicators; and
a display decoder coupled to a respective data buffer and operative
to drive said numerical display means.
3. A data terminal according to claim 2 wherein said means for
visually indicating steps to be taken during terminal operation
includes:
a patient identification indicator for visually indicating after
said terminal operation is enabled that a patient identification
number is to be entered;
a patient identification check indicator for visually indicating
after entry of a valid patient identification number that a check
number is to be entered; and
a data indicator for visually indicating after entry of a valid
check number that interpretive phrase data is to be entered by said
console buttons.
4. A data terminal according to claim 2 wherein said means for
enabling terminal operation includes a card reader adapted to
receive a coded identification card and to decode the operator
identification number contained therein;
and wherein said circuit means is operative to transmit said
identification number to said computer, the receipt of a valid or
invalid identification number causing respective data words to be
transmitted to said terminal to cause display of appropriate
messages on said message display.
5. A data terminal according to claim 2 including:
a plurality of control indicators for denoting a succession of
interpretive phrases which are to be entered by said console
buttons to constitute a complete interpretive statement.
6. A data terminal for the entry of interpretive data into a
compute-based medical record of a patient comprising:
a plurality of console buttons each representing a respective
interpretive phrase which is to be entered into said medical
record;
a plurality of control buttons representing a succession of
interpretive phrases which are to be entered by said console
buttons;
a data keyboard for the manual entry of numerical data;
a plurality of visual indicators each associated with a respective
console button and a respective control button;
a multi-digit display for visually displaying numerical data;
a display for messages indicative of terminal operation;
means operative in response to an operator identification code for
enabling terminal operation;
means including said data keyboard for transmitting a patient
identification code to a computer for selection of the medical
record stored in memory for an associated patient;
a plurality of visual indicators for denoting subsequent steps to
be performed by a terminal operator in entering data;
electronic logic circuitry coupled to said console buttons, control
buttons and data keyboard and operative upon actuation of said
control buttons, control buttons and keyboard to provide digital
signal representations of actuated ones thereof;
electronic circuit means for assembling said digital signal
representations into data words for transmission to a computer,
said circuit means including electronic data storage means for
storing data, means for entering data representing an actuated
console button, control button or keyboard into said storage means,
and means for transmitting data in said storage means to said
computer;
means for decoding data words received from said computer, each of
said data words from said computer having an address portion for
identifying said terminal and a data portion for controlling
operation of said terminal indicators, said decoding means
including:
means for energizing selected ones of said console and control
button visual indicators;
means for causing the visual display of numerical data on said
multi-digit display in response to the transmission by said circuit
means to said computer of a data word representing such numerical
data;
means for energizing selected ones of said subsequent step
indicators in accordance with data entering steps to be
performed;
means for displaying messages on said message display indicative of
terminal operation; and
means for manually causing entry of numerical data into computer
memory after visual verification thereof on said multi-digit
display, and for causing entry of interpretive phrase data in said
patient medical record after visual verification thereof on the
visual indicators associated with actuated ones of said console
buttons.
7. A data terminal according to claim 6 wherein said step denoting
visual indicators include:
a patient identification indicator for visually indicating after
said terminal is enabled that a patient identification number is to
be entered;
a patient identification check indicator for visually indicating
after entry of a valid patient identification number that a check
digit is to be entered by said keyboard; and
a data indicator for visually indicating after entry of a valid
check digit that interpretive phrase data is to be entered by said
console buttons.
8. A data terminal according to claim 6 wherein said decoding means
includes:
storage means having an input and output adapted for connection to
a data transmission link coupled to said computer;
an address decoder coupled to said storage means and operative to
provide an output indication upon receipt from said computer of a
predetermined terminal address;
a read and write decoder coupled to said storage means and
operative to provide read and write command signals to said
terminal circuitry upon receipt of data words from said
computer;
a plurality of data buffers each coupled to said storage means and
each operative in response to predetermined data to provide an
output signal; and
a plurality of drivers each coupled to a respective data buffer and
each operative in response to a respective outlet signal therefrom
to cause respective energization of said message display, numerical
display, subsequent step indicators and console and control button
indicators.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to electronic data communication and more
particularly to data terminals for the remote entry of data into a
computer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the automated medical screening of patients, a plurality of test
stations are usually provided, each station being operative to
provide a particular medical test and to enter data indicative of
the results of such tests into a computer-based patient record. A
particularly effective medical screening system is described in
copending patent application Ser. No. 759,389, now U.S. Pat. No.
3,566,365, titled Multi-Phasic Medical Screening System, assigned
to the assignee of the present invention. Test data is usually of
an objective nature and is the result of specific tests performed
on the patient. For example, in the analysis of blood and urine
samples, test results obtained by well-known laboratory apparatus
are entered into the patient record on a suitable terminal provided
for the purpose. Similarly, test results respecting visual acuity,
hearing, weight and height and the like are also entered into a
patient record by means of respective data terminals. Certain
medical tests such as radiology and cardiology tests require
interpretation by a skilled physician in order to ascertain results
of meaning in respect of the patient's medical condition. It would
be advantageous, and it is an object of the present invention to
provide, a data entry terminal by which information interpretative
of X-ray pictures, an ECG and the like can be assembled and
transmitted to a computer-based medical record for entry
therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, a data entry terminal is provided for the real time entry
of interpretive information into a computer-based medical record of
a patient only by an operator having a valid identification code
and in a manner which affords relatively simple and accurate
operation. By virtue of the invention, interpretive phrases are
entered into a patient record for later printing out in a form
convenient and useful to an attending physician. Interpretations
are entered by means of individual phrases which may be modified or
deleted as subsequent entries are made. Operation of the terminal
is enabled by means of an operator identification card which
contains a coded representation of operator identity in order to
permit terminal operation only by an authorized individual.
Interpretive data transmitted by the terminal to the computer is
returned to the terminal for display for purposes of data
verification prior to entry into the patient record.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be more fully understood from the detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data entry system in which the
invention is employed;
FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of a data interpretation terminal
embodying the invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a data interpretation terminal
according to the invention;
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the data format of
messages directed by the terminal to a computer; and
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the data format of
messages received by the terminal from a computer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A real time data entry system in which the invention is employed is
illustrated in FIG. 1. A computer 10 is coupled to a data scanner
12 which, in turn, is coupled via a suitable transmission link 14
to a data interpretation terminal 16. Other like terminals may also
be coupled to scanner 12, as can data terminals for other purposes
such as described in the above-identified copending application. A
teletypewriter 18 or other output device is also coupled to link 14
for providing a printed data output. As described in the aforesaid
application, scanner 12 is operative to sequentially address each
remote station, and to provide communication between each station
and the computer for a selected interval of time, during which
information is conveyed from the computer to the respective station
and from a station back to the computer. Each data station is
on-line with the computer at all times but is communicative
therewith only during predetermined intervals.
The computer is typically of a type having a direct memory access
capability such as a PDP-8I computer sold by the Digital Equipment
Corporation. The data scanner 12 operative to control operation of
the terminal 16 and to provide communication between the terminal
and computer 10, as well as other data terminals and stations of
the overall system, is described in the above-identified copending
application.
The interpretation terminal is shown in a typical packaging
configuration in FIG. 2. The terminal includes a plurality of push
buttons 20 for definition of interpretive phrases and of a number
to accommodate particular test requirements. The push buttons 20
are of the illuminating type and are each labeled to specify a
predetermined interpretive phrase. A plurality of illuminating push
button operating controls are also provided and include a START
button 22 for commencing terminal operation, and ENTER button 24
for causing entry of interpretive data into the computer base
patient medical record, and control buttons 26 for governing a data
entry sequence. The buttons 26A denote respective phrases which are
to be formed by use of console buttons 20. The CLEAR FIELD button
26B causes the erasure of numeric information as displayed on the
displays 30 and 32. The END button 26C is actuated to denote the
completion of a data entry sequence.
A data entry keyboard 28 is provided to cause entry of numerical
information identifying a patient. The patient identification
number is displayed on a numerical display 30, which typically is a
multi-digit Nixie tube display, for visual verification by the
operator prior to its entry into the computer-based patient medical
record. A second numerical display 32 is provided to display a
predetermined checking digit which is also entered via keyboard 28.
A slot 34 is provided in the front panel of the terminal for
receiving an operator identification card 36 which contains a coded
identification number which is read by an associated card reader
for transmission thereof to the computer. The computer upon receipt
of a valid operator identification code will cause transmission of
command data to the terminal to initiate terminal operation. An
annunciator display 49 is provided for displaying instructions to
the terminal operator during the data entry process. In the
illustrated embodiment, display 49 is of the rear projection type
in which selected messages are projected upon a translucent screen
for viewing by the operator. A buzzer is also provided within the
terminal and is operative to warn of equipment malfunction or other
illegal condition. A control 40 is provided for adjusting the
volume of the signal buzzer and a test button 42 is also provided
as a means for testing buzzer operation.
Three indicators are provided to instruct the terminal operator of
steps to be performed and include an indicator 44, labeled PID,
which upon illumination denotes a request for entry of a patient
identification number via keyboard 28. A CHECK indicator 46 signals
a request for entry of the predetermined check digit. A DATA
indicator 48 signals a request for entry of interpretive data via
controls 20 and 26.
The terminal is operative to direct data words to the computer and
for receiving data words therefrom. Such data words will
hereinafter be referred to as the computer bound word and the
terminal bound word respectively. In the illustrated embodiment a
24-bit word format is employed. The computer bound word format is
depicted in FIG. 4 and the terminal bound word format is depicted
in FIG. 5. Two commands are employed for transmission from the
terminal to the computer via a computer bound word. Command 1
contains data representing the actuated field indicators and
console switches. Command 2, generated by actuation of START button
22, causes transmission to the computer of an operator
identification number as read from the operator identification card
36. If the START button is depressed and no operator identification
card is inserted, or if a card is inserted but contains an
erroneous number, the computer will recognize the events and cause
illumination of a suitable message (Illegal Data) on annunciator 38
to denote the illegal condition. If the computer receives a valid
identification number, a terminal bound word is directed to the
terminal to cause illumination of a Ready message on annunciator
38.
In the illustrated embodiment nine terminal bound word commands are
employed. Command 1 causes information to be directed to the
annunciator and buzzer, while commands 2 through 6 are employed to
select banks of indicator lights associated with console buttons
20, 22, 24, and 26. Each console button lamp is illustrated by a
single bit of a command, and the lamps are arranged in banks, each
bank being associated with a command. Command 7 causes data to be
written to displays 30 and 32; command 8 causes selected
illumination of field lamps 44, 46, and 48; and command 9 is
employed to clear the terminal registers. The station address is
encoded in bit positions 1-7 of each terminal bound word command
and the terminal is operative upon recognition of its address to
permit decoding of the data content in the received command. The
command identity is encoded in bits 8-11 of each computer bound
word and terminal bound word. Bit 12 in the computer bound word
when set denotes that data is to be entered by causing a computer
interrupt.
Depression of a console button causes generation of a multi-bit
code identifying that button and this data is assembled in a
computer bound word for transmission to the computer. Upon receipt
and decoding of this received data, the computer writes back in a
terminal bound word to cause illumination of the button light
associated with the selected console button. Information conveyed
from the terminal to the computer is thus directed back to the
terminal for purposes of verification. This information can be
erased by depressing the button a second time. The computer, upon
receipt of an identical button identification, recognizes this
event as a command to erase the previously sent data.
Referring to FIG. 3, the computer bound words and terminal bound
words are conveyed over the system transmission link coupled to a
shift register control 60 which is operative to convey data to and
from a shift register 62, and which is also operative to control
the serial and parallel data transfer thereof. The console buttons
64, which include the buttons 20, 22, 24 and 26 shown in FIG. 2,
and the data keyboard 28, are coupled to a switch decoder 66 which
is coupled to enter logic 68 and which has a second output coupled
to a fan-in network 70. Enter logic 68 is coupled to an encoder 72,
the output of which is coupled to selected bit positions of shift
register 62. A card reader 74 is coupled to enter logic 68 and also
to fan-in network 70 to provide a means for entry of an operator
identification number in order to verify that data is being entered
by an authorized individual.
The output of network 70 is coupled to selected bit positions of
shift register 62. Shift register 62 is coupled to a station
address decoder 76, which, in turn, is coupled to shift register
control 60. The shift register is also coupled to a read/write
decoder 78, an output of which is coupled to network 70. The shift
register is also coupled to a plurality of buffers 80, 82 and 84,
each of which also receives an input signal from the switch decoder
66. Each buffer 80, 82 and 84 is associated with a respective lamp
driver 86, 88 and 90. Lamp driver 86 is operative to energize
message lamps 92 of annunciator 38, while driver 88 is operative to
energize field lamps 94. Lamp driver 90 is operative to energize
the lamps 96 associated with console buttons 20, 22, 24, and 26.
The shift register 62 is also coupled to a display decoder driver
98 by way of associated buffer 100. Decoder 98 is coupled to a
display indicator 102 identified in FIG. 2 as displays 30 and
32.
Actuation of one or more console buttons 64 and keys of data
keyboard 28 causes corresponding signals to be applied to switch
decoder 66 which identify the actuated switches and which provide a
coded representation of the actuated switch identify to enter logic
68 and fan-in network 70. Switch decoder 66 is itself the subject
of copending application Ser. No. 29,422 titled Switch Coding
Circuitry and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
Briefly, this switch decoder is operative to ascertain the identity
of an actuated switch within an array of mechanically unrelated and
electrically distinct input switches and to provide a coded switch
signal which is free of contact bounce noise and which is
representative of a valid switch actuation.
In its standby condition, the terminal will display the message
Insert ID on annunciator 38 as decoded from a terminal bound word
received from the computer. Upon insertion of an operator identity
card in slot 34 and depression of START button 22, the operator
identification number as read by card reader 74 is directed in a
computer bound word to the computer which will ascertain whether
the operator identification number is valid. If the number is not
valid, the computer will direct a message to the terminal which
will actuate an Illegal ID message on annunciator 38. If the
identification number is valid, the computer will direct a message
to the terminal which will cause illumination of field indicator 44
which signals the operator to enter the patient identification
number. The indicator 44, as well as the other field indicators 46
and 48, are selectively activated by decoding of selected bits of a
received terminal bound word by buffer 82 which, in turn, drives
lamp driver 88 for actuation of the appropriate field lamps.
Similarly, the annunciator messages are decoded by means of message
buffer 80 which senses appropriate bits of a received word from the
computer.
Upon entry of a patient identification number via keyboard 28, this
data is directed to the computer and is returned to the terminal
for energization of display 30 for visual verification by the
operator. If the patient identification number is correct,
actuation of ENTER button 24 causes entry of this number into
computer memory. Upon depression of the ENTER button, the
annunciator 38 will display a READY message, and indicator 46 will
light to denote that a check digit is to be entered. A
predetermined check digit is entered via keyboard 28, and if a
valid digit is entered, indicator 48 will light calling for entry
of interpretive data. Phrase I button 26A will also light, calling
for entry of the first phrase, represented by buttons 20.
The operator will depress the buttons 20 associated with the
phrases descriptive of the interpretation being conducted. Certain
of the buttons 20 will describe abnormalities while certain other
of the buttons will describe the location of these abnormalities.
Other buttons are provided for qualifying statements such as "new
finding." Depression of respective buttons 20 causes transmission
of an associated code in a computer bound word to the computer
which will direct the received code back to the terminal for
illumination of the lamp associated with the actuated console
button. Illumination of the button light indicates that the
computer has received the information. Actuation of ENTER button 24
will cause entry of the previously transmitted interpretative data
into the computer based medical record and will cause a terminal
bound word command to be directed to the terminal for illumination
of the Phrase II button 26A for entry of subsequent interpretive
data. Interpretive statements are similarly entered for Phrase III
and Phrase IV. The phrases entered via console buttons 20 are
stored in the patient's medical record contained in computer
memory. During readout of the interpretive data entered by the
novel terminal, the computer under the government of appropriate
software causes a narrative text to be printed in response to the
stored interpretive statements.
In order to delete a phrase which has been previously entered, the
phrase to be corrected is identified by actuation of the associated
button 26A, which will cause transmission of a corresponding code
to the computer. Upon receipt of this code word, the computer is
operative to cancel information previously entered for the selected
phrase. In this manner, data can be corrected in the patient
record.
The invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly
shown and described, except as indicated in the appended
claims.
* * * * *