MXPA99007894A - Personal computer card for collection of real-time biological data - Google Patents

Abstract

A real-time biological data processing PC card is very lightweight, cost effective, and portable. The real-time biological data processing PC card is capable of converting a host personal computer system (27) 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 sensors (21), and is interchangeable with other real-time biological data processing PC cards. A practitioner having three different biological data collection devices, effectively carries three full sized, powerful diagnostic instruments. The full resources of a host personal computer (27) 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.

Description

PERSONAL COMPUTER CARD FOR COLLECTING BIOLOGICAL DATA IN REAL TIME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to personal computer (PC) cards and more particularly to PC cards to be used in combination with personal computers for Collect biological data on a real time basis. Description of Related Art The Health Care System in the U.S.A. It is currently in the middle of a transformation of specialized medicine to a primary care oriented system that is more cost conscious. It is expected that devices that have effective means in cost to diagnose and verify patients, achieve prominence in the market. Many devices for current data acquisition 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. A prior art device, manufactured by the assignee of the present application, incorporates a diagnostic box that is adapted to interconnect with a serial port of a personal computer. This diagnostic box is manufactured with a relatively expensive housing that is approximately the size of a book, an AC cable and power adapter, a serial port cable, a microprocessor and other equipment. physical. The diagnostic box allows a user to perform spirometry operations in real time, while it is pre-wired to the display of the PC computer, keyboard, printer and other items. The PC computer display instructs the user with selectable patient incentives, and customized reports can be generated. The personal computer display can be configured to display volume-versus-time and flow-versus-volume curves. Additionally, parameters such as maximum exhalation volume, maximum inhalation volume and maximum flow volumetric flow can be calculated and displayed on the personal computer display. There have been cards for data acquisition in the prior art for transferring electrical signals from a data detector through the data acquisition card and to a personal computer. These data acquisition cards have been configured in cards of the International Association of Personal Computer Memory Cards (PCMCIA = Personal Computer Memory Card International Association). The cards for data acquisition of the prior art are often configured to measure potential signals in the range from 0 to 10 volts, and are often configured with 12-bit precision. A data acquisition card in the typical prior art may comprise a 30-pin connector and a cable, which is connected to a connector board. The connector board allows a user to connect different signals. In addition to the range of signals of relatively high voltage (0 to 10 volts), low precision (for example 12 bits), extra physical equipment (connector of 30 pins, cable and a connector board) and additional optional physical equipment, these data acquisition cards of the prior art are configured with a plurality of feeds and outputs and also are not adapted to convert a personal computer into a system of collection, processing and verification of powerful biological data signals. The prior art data acquisition cards are not adapted for spirometry collection and analysis, since these cards are not equipped with pressure transducers to convert pressure signals into electrical signals. Even if these data acquisition cards of the prior art were equipped with pressure transducers, the cards would not be equipped with low voltage and high precision signal collection and conditioning circuits. A data acquisition card of the prior art, will not be suitable for other purposes of biological data collection and processing, since the collection of biological data from electrocardiography (ECG = Electrocardiography), since these data acquisition cards of the Prior art techniques are not equipped with any insulating means to protect a patient against potential shock, which may occur from the patient data acquisition card. Another device of the prior art is described in the U.S. Patent. No. 5,549,115 granted to Morgan et al. The Morgan et al. Patent generally describes a PCMCIA format card, which is adapted to perform as a data storage device, similar to a flexible disk storage device. The PCMCIA card of Morgan et al. Is equipped with a real-time clock to provide time and time data to the host system in order to synchronize the time of the guest system with the time in which the data is currently acquired. . The PCMCIA 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 into a system for collecting, processing and verifying biological data signals. in real time . The Morgan patent system and collaborators, requires a separate dedicated computer device to acquire the data and a separate personal computer device to process the data at a later time. The U.S. Patent No. 5,546,432 issued to Thompson, describes a spirometer that includes electronic control components remotely located from a portable housing. Communication between the portable enclosure that includes an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter and an amplifier occurs through a cable. A dedicated microprocessor includes a simple keyboard structured and specifically adapted to control the operation of a spirometer included in the Thompson device. The handle-shaped housing of the Thompson Patent is quite different from a PC card. There is a need in the prior art for systems for collection, processing and verification of biological data signals in real time, which is extremely lightweight and portable. The prior art has not introduced any cost effective PC card that is adapted to convert a guest personal computer into any of a variety of real-time data collection and processing systems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The PC card for real-time biological data processing of the present invention is very light weight, cost effective and portable. The real-time biological data processing PC card of the present invention is capable of converting a guest personal computer system into a powerful diagnostic instrument. Each PC card for biological data processing in real time is adapted to feed and process biological data from one or more biological data detectors and is interchangeable with other PC cards for biological data processing in real time. A medical specialist who has three different PC cards for biological data processing in real time, each corresponding to a different biological data collection device, effectively transports three powerful full-scale diagnostic instruments. All the resources of a host personal computer can be used and become a powerful diagnostic tool, for each biological data collection device, by the insertion of one of the PC cards of biological data processing in real time. 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 convert the air pressure into an electrical signal. The laptop card includes an analog-to-digital converter adapted to receive and digitize the electrical signal and a laptop-card interface adapted to provide an interface between the laptop computer card and a guest microprocessor system. The laptop 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 laptop card also includes a housing, which is adapted to contain the pressure transducer, the amplifier, the analog-to-digital converter and the laptop card interface. A pressure feed gate is arranged in the housing. This pressure feed gate is in fluid communication with the pressure transducer and is adapted to receive air pressure from an air tube. The laptop card also includes a flexible air passage, which communicates integral between the housing and which is adapted to supply an air pressure to the gate for pressure feeding. 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 circuits and a laptop card interface. The biological data receiver is adapted to receive biological data and to send out biological data, and the signal conditioning circuits are adapted to receive the biological data from the biological data receiver and to convert the biological data into digitized biological data. . The laptop card interface is disposed within the housing of the laptop card and is adapted to communicate with a host computer to retransmit the digitized biological data to the host computer on a real-time basis, as the biological data are converted by the signal conditioning circuits.

The biological data receiver can be adapted to receive biological data from a pulse oximetry detector, which is located externally to the portable, biological data collection device. The biological data receiver can also be adapted to receive biological data from an ECG detector. The biological data detector is adapted to output signals of low amplitude in order of a mini volt. The data digitized from the analog-to-digital converter, preferably have a resolution greater than 12 bits and preferably have a resolution of 16 bits. The biological data detector may also include an air tube for a spirometer. According to another aspect of the present invention, a host computer is configurable among a plurality of device modes for biological data collection. The host computer includes a laptop card slot, adapted to receive a laptop card there, a laptop card interface adapted to communicate with a laptop card inserted into the laptop card slot, a microprocessor , a data conduit and power means, for receiving the designation data from a laptop card within the slot of the laptop card. The laptop card interface is adapted to receive digitized biological data from a laptop card inserted into the laptop card slot and the power means are operatively connected to the microprocessor. The designation data is indicative of a type of biological data digitized from a laptop card inserted into the laptop card slot. The designation data may either comprise a first identifier to indicate that the digitized biological data is to be interpreted by the microprocessor as spirometer pressure data or a second identifier indicating that the digitized biological data shall be interpreted by the microprocessor as electrical data of the microprocessor. pulse oximetry. The host computer includes means for configuring the host computer in a real-time spirometer pressure data collection and analysis device upon receipt of the first identifier and for configuring the host computer in a device for collecting and analyzing electrical oximetry data. pulse in real time, upon receiving the second identifier. The host computer can also be configured in a device mode for ECG data collection, upon receipt of a third identifier of the power means. Additionally, the host computer can be configured among various other modes of biological data collection device upon receipt of additional identifiers. In accordance with 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 laptop card and the pulse oximetry laptop card are both insertable into a personal computer system and are interchangeable. The portable spirometer laptop card is adapted to convert the host computer into a spirometer data collection and analysis device, and the pulse oximetry portable computer card is adapted to convert the host computer into a device for collection and analysis of pulse oximetry data. The combination of interchangeable biological data portable computer cards also includes a portable ECG card, as well as other computer cards, each adapted to convert the host computer into a different type of biological data collection and analysis device. According to another aspect of the present invention, a portable computer card for supplying biological data to a host computer includes a laptop card housing, at least one driver connected to the housing of the laptop card, an amplifier operatively connected to the driver at least one source of energy operatively connected to the amplifier and insulating means to provide electrical insulation between the power source and the conductor. The driver adapts to collect biological data from a patient and the amplifier is adapted to receive the biological data and output an amplified signal. The isolation means may comprise an optical translator, and may be placed between the conductor and the amplifier. The laptop card also includes an analog-to-digital converter to digitize the amplified signal and a laptop computer interface to provide a communication link between the laptop computer card and a guest personal computer system. The laptop 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 driver, which is adapted to receive energy from the host personal computer. The present invention, together with additional features and advantages thereof can be better understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 illustrates a PC card for real-time biological data processing according to the present invention; Figure IA illustrates an end view of the PC card for real-time biological data processing of Figure 1, taken from the direction of the la-la line; Figure IB illustrates a planar top view of the PC card for real-time biological data processing without the connection of the air tube; Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the circuits of the PC card for real-time biological data processing and a host personal computer system according to the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates a host personal computer system according to the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates a PC card for real-time biological data processing according to the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates • a schematic block diagram of the circuits of the PC card for real-time biological data processing according to the currently preferred mode; Figure 6a illustrates a simplified perspective view of the main circuit card of the PC card for real-time biological data processing according to the currently preferred mode; Figure 6b illustrates a circuit board with pulse oximetry module according to the currently preferred mode; and Figure 7 illustrates a fingertip detent, articulated, according to the currently preferred embodiment. Detailed Description of Modalities Currently Preferred Going now to Figure 1, a PC card for real-time biological data processing 10 is illustrated having a format housing of the International Association of Personal Computer Memory Cards (PCMCIA) 12 and a pressure transducer housing 14. The pressure transducer housing 14 preferably comprises a pressure feed gate 16, which is adapted to removably accept a flexible air passage, 18. A disposable spirometry nozzle 21 is connected to one end of the passageway. flexible, for air, 18 and a connector is connected to the other end of the flexible air passage 18. As currently incorporated, the connector comprises a truncated conical structure that is adapted to fit correspondingly within the pressure feed gate 16 After a user breathes inside the disposable spirometry nozzle 21, the flexible passage for air 18 and the Disposable Spirometry Nozzle 21 can be removed from the pressure feed gate 16 and discarded. The PCMCIA format housing 12 of the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10 is preferably configured to conform to PCMCIA dimensional standards. As is currently preferred, the PCMCIA format housing has a width of approximately 7.49 cm (2.95"). The PCMCIA format housing 12 preferably comprises a length of approximately 8.64 cm (3.40"). The pressure transducer housing 14 according to the currently preferred embodiment has dimensions that are larger than those allowed by the PCMCIA conventions. As currently incorporated, the pressure transducer housing 14 comprises a height of approximately 2.54 cm (1"). These enlarged dimensions of the pressure transducer housing 14 facilitate the placement of the biological detector circuits such as, for example, a pressure transducer. The Figure illustrates an end view of the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10, which is taken from a view on the line la-la of Figure 1, and Figure lb illustrates a planar top view of the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10. A guest personal computer 27 comprising a PCMCIA 30 format slot, which is dimensioned and configured in accordance with PCMCIA dimensional standards, in order to facilitate insertion there of the housing with PCMCIA format 12. Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of components associated with the PC card for data processing b real-time iológicos 10 and the guest personal computer 27. The PC card for biological data processing. in real time 10 comprises a pressure detector 32, an amplifier 34, an analog-to-digital converter 36, an analog-to-digital synchronization circuit 38, a storage buffer 41 and a PCMCIA 43 interface. The flexible passage for air 18 connects the disposable spirometry nozzle 21 to the pressure sensor 32 and a conductor path 45 connects the detector, pressure 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 driver path 50. A conductor path 52 connects the analog-to-digital converter 36 with the analog-to-digital synchronization circuit 38 and a conductor path 54 connects the analog-to-digital synchronization circuit 38 to the PCMCIA interface 43. The storage buffer 41 is connected to the PCMCIA interface 43 via a conduit path 51. When inserting the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10 into the PCMCIA format slot 30, the PCMCIA interface 43 is connected to the PCMCIA conduit interface 58 through a conduit 61. The host personal computer 27 comprises a microprocessor 61, a storage 63, a merchandiser 65, a keypad. or 67 and a PCMCIA interface 70. The guest personal computer 27 may of course comprise other components that are not illustrated in Figure 2. The microprocessor 61 is connected to the storage 63 via a conduit 72 and is connected to the keypad 67 via a conduit 74. A conduit 76 connects the merchandiser 65 to the conduit 74 and a conduit 78 connects the merchandiser 65 to the keypad 67. The microprocessor 61 is connected to the interface PCMCIA 70 via a conduit 81 and the interface PCMCIA 70 is connected to the conduit interface PCMCIA. 58 via a conduit 83. When the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10 and the host personal computer 27 are configured as illustrated in Figure 2, communication between devices 10 and 27 can occur through standardized PCMCIA protocols. PCMCIA Developer's Guide (second edition published by Sycard Technology 1994), the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference, describe information on PCMCIA conventions and protocols. Although the embodiment of Figure 2 illustrates that it comprises a pressure sensor 32 and a disposable mouthpiece for spirometry 21, any biological data detector and / or associated components can be incorporated into the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10. As it is currently preferred, each biological data detector having a different biological data format, is configured on a separate real-time biological data processing PC card. The various PC cards for real-time biological data processing are interchangeable, in order to configure the host personal computer 27 in various modes of processing and biological data collection in real time. Alternatively, a PC card for simple real-time biological data processing 10 can be configured to accept one or more different types of biological data detectors. In accordance with the present invention, various interchangeable real-time biological data processing PC cards can configure the host personal computer 27 in various modes of collection, processing and verification, including spirometry, electrocardiography (including 24-hour rest, test effort, average signal, event ECG, and heart rate variability), blood pressure, body temperature, electroencephalography (EEG), echocardiography,. Doppler, pulse oximetry (SP02), sleep analysis, tcP02, tcP02, nitrogen dioxide, capnography, respiratory velocity, pulse velocity, polysomnography, carbon monoxide, gastroesophageal pH, hydrogen, nitric oxide, body composition, glucometer, audiometer, plethomograph, weight, electromyography, urometry and tympanometry, for example. Other biological data can also be collected and processed by the host personal computer 27, after being configured by a corresponding PC card for biological data processing. - The PC card for biological data processing in real time 10 illustrated in Figure 2, which is adapted to configure the host personal computer 27 for spirometry procedures, receives a pressure signal from the nozzle 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 synchronized by the analog-to-digital synchronization circuit 38, receives the amplified biological data from the amplifier 34 and digitizes the biological data. The analog-to-digital synchronization circuit 38 provides a synchronization signal, which facilitates the sampling of the amplified biological data in the conductor path 47. These digitized biological data are output to the conductor path 50. The buffer storage 41 receives the digitized biological data and outputs this digitized biological data to a conductor path 51, wherein the digitized biological data is made available to the PCMCIA interface 43. The storage buffer 41, preferably comprises a controller or first-in-first-out type buffer (FIFO = First In First Out) and can be issued for simple configurations, where buffering capabilities are not required. The PC card for real-time biological data processing 10 further comprises control circuits and the PCMCIA interface 43 preferably comprises an output power interface (I / O = Input Output) logic glue (glue logic), and a connector of entrance exit. Upon insertion of the PC card for real-time biological data processing 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 PC card for biological data processing in real time 10, they start communicating through the established PCMCIA format conventions. The microprocessor 61 determines the type of PC card for real-time biological data processing that has been inserted into the PCMCIA 30 slot. In the illustrated case of Figure 2, the designation data of the PCMCIA 43 interface indicates the microprocessor 61 that a PC card for real-time biological data processing of the spirometry type, 10, has been inserted. The assignment data of the PCMCIA interface 43 can alternatively identify the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10 as adapted to relay oximetry data, ECG or other biological data to the host personal computer 27. As an alternative to, or in addition to, the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, a user may feed designation data by the keyboard 67 or the display 65, indicating the type of PC card for real-time biological data processing 10, which has been inserted into the PCMCIA format slot 30 of the host personal computer 27. After the host personal computer 27 has "configured" the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10, the host personal computer 27 signals, by the display 65 to the user to start the spirometry test. As they are currently incorporated, the multimedia devices, such as displays and entertainment sounds, are implemented by the host personal computer 27 in order to educate the patient on how to perform the biological data test. Exhibitor 65 signals the patient to begin the test, and advises the patient during the test with, for example, entertainment incentives. This instructional multimedia system is configured to help patients, especially in situations of home disease management, helping asthmatics and cystic fibrosis patients, for example, to comply with test protocols. Additionally, the system of the present invention can reduce the need for interaction with right-handed humans in order to achieve a successful administration of biological data tests. The biological data for the pressure sensor 32, after being processed by the amplifier 34 and the analog-to-digital converter 36, are preferably transferred immediately from the PCMCIA interface 43 of the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10 to the PCMCIA 70 interface of the guest personal computer 2'7. The host personal computer 27 having received the designation data indicating that the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10 is a PC card for real-time biological data processing of spirometry, is configured to function as a collection device, processing and verification of complete spirometry data. For example, a volume-versus-time waveform or a flow-versus-volume curve may be displayed on the display 65, indicating that the real-time biological data received by the pressure detector 32. A number of other parameters , such as maximum exhalation volume, maximum inhalation volume, and maximum volumetric flow rate, to name a few, may also be displayed on the display 65 of the host personal computer 27. These data may also be compiled and printed in a variety of ways. analytical and comparative formats. Figure 3 illustrates a guest personal computer 27 according to the currently preferred mode. The guest personal computer 27 preferably comprises a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA = Personal Digital Assistant). The guest personal computer 27 can comprise any desktop or laptop computer alike. When the guest personal computer 27 comprises a personal digital assistant, as is currently preferred, the software WindowsMR CE (Pegasus) is preferably used. This software preferably operates on the operating system indowsMR CE. Other commercially available software packages or software packages tailored to the measurement can be used with the present invention. A pointing device 87 that is held by the hand 90 of a user, can be used to feed data into the guest personal computer 27 by a touch sensitive display 65. The guest personal computer 27, with the PC card for processing Real-time biological data 10 of Fig. 1 inserted therein, will be configured in an instrument for the collection of powerful, diagnostic spirometry data analysis. Already. that the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10 uses the keyboard 67, the exterior 65, the storage 63, the microprocessor 61, supplies power (not shown) and the data transmission and printing capabilities (not shown) of the guest computer system 27, the PC card itself for biological data processing in real time 10 is very economical and rudimentary in design. However, the real-time biological data processing PC card 10 is very powerful. The software loaded inside the guest personal computer 27 is preferably configured to allow the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10 to be interconnected by PCMCIA format, with any other type of a variety of personal computers such as a computer personal desk or a portable personal computer (Notebook) for example. The guest personal computer 27 can transmit data by any conventional means such as a serial port cable or a modem that connects through an RJ11 telephone jack. Data can be transmitted over the Internet, for example. In the domestic management of disease, for example the host personal computer 27 can be configured to collect, process and transmit additional information on medications, diets, symptoms and other parameters of the patient. The combination of elements of the present invention in this way provides a very portable, lightweight and economical means for diagnosis and verification of patients. Figure 4 illustrates a PC card for real-time biological data processing, which has both a disposable spirometry nozzle 21 and a pulse oximetry finger holder 98. Similar components are designated with like reference numbers. As with the embodiment of Figure 1, the disposable spirometry nozzle 21 is connected to the pressure transducer housing 14 via a flexible air passage 18 and a gate for pressure feeding * 16. The pulse oximetry finger holder 98 is connects to the pressure transducer housing 14 by a pulse oximetry cable 101 which transits to a connector 103. Figure 5 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the currently preferred embodiment of Figure 4. Basically, data from an oximeter detector of pulse 105, such as the pulse oximeter holder 98 (Figure 4) are fed to a pulse oximeter module 107 via a conductive path 110. As currently incorporated, an optical coupler is placed between the oximeter finger clip pulse 98 and a power source connection (not shown) on the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10, to thereby To prevent a patient from receiving a shock from there. Module data for pulse oximeter 107 is then fed to PCMCIA interface 43 via a conductor path 112. Pulse oximeter module 107 preferably comprises elements similar to amplifier 34, analog-to-digital converter 36, circuit analog-to-digital synchronization 38 and the storage buffer 41. The elements of the pulse oximeter module 107 can be combined with or within the elements 34, 36, 38 and 41 or as it is currently incorporated, kept separately therefrom. in the pulse oximeter module 107. As currently incorporated, the host personal computer 27 can receive on a real-time basis, process and verify spirometry data and pulse oximeter data, either separately or simultaneously. The designation data in the currently preferred mode indicates to the host personal computer 27 that the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10, comprises both pulse oximetry data detectors and spirometry data. The pressure sensor 32 may alternatively be located in the disposable mouthpiece for spirometry 21, as well as the amplifier 34, the analog-to-digital converter 36 and the circuits for analog-to-digital synchronization 38, or any combination thereof. same. Any or all of these elements, in addition to the storage buffer 41, can be placed either in the disposable spirometry nozzle 21, the pulse oximeter detector 105, or the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10 or any combination of them, or be totally eliminated. Since the present invention is not intended to be limited to PCMCIA 43 interfaces, any circuit capable of sending an analog signal to a guest personal computer 27 can reduce the need for components within the PC card for real-time biological data processing 10. The pulse oximeter detector 105 and pulse oximeter module 107 may be those manufactured by NoninMR Medical Inc., located in Ply outh, Minnesota. According to one embodiment, the pulse oximeter detector 102 may comprise a portable pulse oximeter 8600 manufactured by NoninMR Medical, Inc. FIG. 6A illustrates the main circuit board 118 of the currently preferred embodiment., which corresponds in general to the elements 32-54 of Figure 5. The main circuit board 118 is illustrated as comprising a number of platelets or chips (chips) 121, a gate for pressure feed 16 and a pressure sensor 32. A connector for pulse oximetry module 105 accepts a pulse oximetry module connector 127 which is illustrated in Figure 6b. The pulse oximetry module connector 127 of Figure 6b is electrically connected to a supplementary circuit board 130. The supplementary circuit board 130 generally corresponds to the pulse oximeter module 107 of Figure 5. Figure 7 illustrates a view in perspective of a pulse oximeter finger holder 98 connected to a hand 87 of the user. The pulse oximeter finger clip 98 is connected to the supplementary circuit board 130 by a pulse oximeter cable 101. Although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, many other changes, modifications and substitutions in addition to those set forth in the preceding paragraphs, they may be performed by a person with ordinary skill in the art without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims (27)

1. CLAIMS 1.- A portable computer card for collecting biological data, characterized in that it comprises: a pressure transducer, the pressure transducer is adapted to receive an air pressure from an air tube and also adapted to convert the air pressure in an electrical signal; an analog-to-digital converter adapted to receive and digitize the electrical signal; a laptop card interface operatively coupled with the analog-to-digital converter; The laptop card interface is adapted to provide an interface between the laptop card and a guest microprocessor system.
2. 2. The portable computer card according to claim 1, characterized in that the laptop card interface comprises a card interface of the International Association of Portable Computer Memory Cards (PCMCIA = Personal Computer Memory Card International Association). .
3. 3. - The portable computer card according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: an amplifier adapted to receive and amplify the electrical signal from the pressure transducer, the amplified electrical signal is related to the air pressure; and a housing, the pressure transducer, the amplifier, the analog-to-digital converter and the laptop card interface are disposed within the housing.
4. 4. The portable computer card according to claim 3, characterized in that it also comprises a gate for pressure supply disposed inside the housing, the gate for pressure supply is in fluid communication with the pressure transducer and is adapted to receive the air pressure.
5. 5. The portable computer card according to claim 4, characterized in that it also comprises a flexible passage for air, connected integrally with the housing, the gate for pressure supply is adapted to receive air pressure from an air tube for the flexible passage for air.
6. 6. A device for portable biological data collection, characterized in that it comprises: a portable computer card housing; a biological data receiver coupled with the laptop card housing, the biological data receiver is adapted to receive biological data and output the biological data; circuits for signal conditioning operatively coupled to the biological data receiver, the signal conditioning circuits are adapted to receive the biological data from the biological data receiver and convert the biological data into the digitized biological data; and a laptop card interface disposed within the laptop card housing, the laptop card interface is adapted to communicate with a host computer and re-transmit the digitized biological data to the host computer on a time basis real, as the biological data is converted by the signal conditioning circuits.
7. 7. The device for portable biological data connection according to claim 6, characterized in that the biological data receiver is adapted to receive biological data from a pulse oximetry detector that is located externally to the portable biological data collection device. .
8. 8. - The portable biological data connection device according to claim 7, characterized in that the biological data receiver is also adapted to receive biological data from an electrocardiography detector (ECG Electrocardiography).
9. 9. The device for connection of portable biological data according to claim 6, characterized in that the biological data receiver is adapted to receive biological data from an ECG detector.
10. 10. The device for portable biological data connection according to claim 6, characterized in that the portable computer card housing has an external surface and the biological data receiver comprises a biological data detector adapted to be connected to the external surface of the housing of the laptop card.
11. 11.- The device for connection of portable biological data in accordance with the claim 10, characterized in that the biological data detector is adapted to output low amplitude signals in an order of a mini volt, and the circuits for signal conditioning are adapted to send digitalized digitized data having a resolution greater than 12. bits.
12. 12. - The device for connection of portable biological data in accordance with the claim 11, characterized in that the circuits for signal conditioning are adapted to output digitalized biological data having a resolution of 16 bits.
13. 13. - The portable biological data connection device according to claim 12, characterized in that the circuits for signal conditioning comprise: a pressure transducer operatively connected to the biological data detector; an amplifier operatively connected to the pressure transducer; and an analog-to-digital converter operatively connected to the amplifier.-
14. 14. - The device for connection of portable biological data in accordance with the claim 10, characterized in that the biological data detector is formed integrally on the external surface of the housing for the laptop card.
15. 15. The device for connection of portable biological data according to claim 14, characterized in that the biological data detector comprises a spirometer air tube.
16. 16. - The portable biological data connection device according to claim 6, characterized in that the laptop card interface comprises a PCMCIA interface.
17. 17. - A host computer configurable among a plurality of modes for biological data collection devices, characterized in that it comprises: a slot for a laptop computer card, adapted to receive a laptop computer card; a laptop card interface adapted to communicate with a laptop computer card inserted into the laptop card slot and adapted to receive digitized biological data from a laptop card inserted into the laptop card slot; a microprocessor; a data conduit operatively connected between the microprocessor and the laptop card interface; power means for receiving designation data from a laptop card inside the laptop card slot, the power means are operatively connected to the microprocessor and the designation data are indicative of a type of the biological data digitized from a Laptop card inserted into the laptop card slot, the designation data comprise one of a first identifier and a second identifier, the first identifier indicates that the digitized biological data shall be interpreted by the microprocessor as spirometer pressure data and the second identifier indicates that the digitized biological data should be interpreted by the microprocessor as electrical data of pulse oximetry; and means of configuration for the host computer in a device for collection and analysis of spirometry pressure data in real time when receiving in the first identifier and for configuring the host computer in a device for collecting and analyzing electrical data of pulse oximetry in real time, upon receiving the second identifier, the configuration means are operatively connected to the microprocessor.
18. 18. - The host computer according to claim 17, characterized in that the designation data comprises a third identifier which indicates that the digitized biological data are to be interpreted by the microprocessor as ECG data, and the host computer is configurable in a mode of ECG data collection device.
19. 19. A host computer according to claim 17, characterized in that the host computer is configurable among other modes of biological data collection device, in addition to a spirometry biological data collection device mode and a pulse oximetry biological data collection device mode.
20. 20. A host computer according to claim 17, characterized in that the feeding means is adapted to receive designation data from one of a keyboard and a touch screen display.
21. 21. A host computer according to claim 17, characterized in that the power means are adapted to receive designation data from the laptop card.
22. 22. A host computer according to claim 17, characterized in that the slot of the laptop card • comprises a PCMCIA card slot.
23. 23. A combination of a plurality * of portable computer cards for interchangeable biological data, characterized in that it comprises: a) a portable spirometer computer card, comprising: 1) a housing for a spirometer portable computer card having a external surface; 2) a pressure feed gate arranged within the spirometer laptop card housing, the pressure feed gate is adapted to receive air pressure from an air tube; 3) a pressure transducer disposed inside the housing of the spirometer laptop card, the pressure transducer is adapted to receive air pressure from an air tube through the gate for pressure feeding and generate an electrical signal, a The intensity of the electrical signal generated is proportional to the intensity of the received air pressure; 4) an amplifier operatively connected to the pressure transducer, the amplifier is adapted to receive the generated electrical signal and output an amplified signal; 5) an analog-to-digital converter operatively connected to the amplifier, the analog-to-digital converter is adapted to digitize the amplified signal; and 6) a laptop card interface disposed within the housing of the spirometer laptop card, the laptop card interface is adapted to communicate with a host computer and is adapted to retransmit the digitized amplified signal to the host computer on a real-time basis, as the electrical signal is generated from the air pressure; and b) a pulse oximetry portable computer card, comprising: 1) a housing for pulse oximetry portable computer card having an external surface; 2) at least one conductor connected to the pulse oximetry laptop card housing, the driver is at least adapted to collect pulse oximetry data from a patient; 3) an analog-to-digital converter operatively connected to the driver at least, the analog-to-digital converter is adapted to digitize the amplified signal; and 4) a laptop card interface disposed within the housing for pulse oximetry laptop card, the laptop card interface is adapted to communicate with a host computer and is adapted to retransmit the digitized amplified signal to the host computer on a real-time basis, as a patient's pulse oximetry data is collected.
24. 24. The combination of the plurality of interchangeable biological data portable computer cards according to claim 23, characterized in that the portable spirometer computer card is adapted to convert the host computer into a device for data collection and analysis. Spirometer and pulse oximetry laptop card is adapted to convert the host computer into a pulse oximetry data collection and analysis device.
25. 25. The combination of the plurality of interchangeable biological data portable computer cards according to claim 23, characterized in that it also comprises an ECG laptop card comprising: 1) a housing for an ECG laptop card having a external surface; 2) at least one conductor connected to the ECG laptop card housing, the driver is at least adapted to collect ECG data from a patient; 3) an amplifier operatively connected to the driver at least, the amplifier is adapted to receive the electrical signal and output an amplified signal; 4) an analog-to-digital converter operatively connected to the amplifier, the analog-to-digital converter is adapted to digitize the amplified signal; and 5) a laptop card interface disposed within the ECG laptop card housing, the laptop card interface is adapted to communicate with a host computer, and is adapted to retransmit the digitized amplified signal to the computer host on a real-time basis, as the ECG data is collected from a patient.
26. 26.- A portable computer card for supplying biological data to a host computer, characterized in that it comprises: a housing for a portable computer card that has an external surface; at least one driver connected to the laptop card housing, the driver is at least adapted to collect biological data from a patient; an amplifier operatively connected to the driver at least, the amplifier is adapted to receive the biological data and output an amplified signal; a power source operatively connected to the amplifier, insulating means for providing electrical insulation between the power source and the duct at least, the insulating means being arranged between the duct at least and the amplifier; an analog-to-digital converter operatively connected to the amplifier, the analog-to-digital converter is adapted to digitize the amplified signal; and a laptop card interface disposed within the housing of. Laptop card, the laptop card interface is adapted to communicate with a host computer and 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.
27. 27. The portable computer card for supplying biological data to a host computer according to claim 26, characterized in that the isolation means comprise an optical translator, and the power source comprises a conductor for receiving energy from a host computer.