WO2005050847A1

WO2005050847A1 - A device for processing a signal

Info

Publication number: WO2005050847A1
Application number: PCT/SE2004/001702
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zainali Saeed
Original assignee: Frame Access Ab
Priority date: 2003-11-21
Filing date: 2004-11-19
Publication date: 2005-06-02

Abstract

A device adapted for receiving and processing one or more input signals form one or more input devices (5), and for communicating with one or more external units (34), wherein the device comprises an integrated circuit (36) comprising programmable logic (38) adapted to receive software modules for implementing one or more central processing units performing operating system functions and processing said one or more input signals and generating one or more output signals to said one or more external units in accordance with program instructions of an application program. The integrated circuit comprises programmable logic (42c) adapted to receive one or more software modules for implementing one or more driver modules adapted to communicate with said one or more input devices, and programmable logic (41) adapted to receive software modules implementing one or more communication module adapted to communicate with said one or more external units.

Description

A DEVICE FOR PROCESSING A SIGNAL

FIELD OF THE I NVENTION

The present invention relates to a device adapted for receiving and processing one or more input signals from one or more input devices, and for communicating with one or more external units according to the preamble of claim 1 .

PRIOR ART

Today there exist systems for supervising patients at hospitals. Such a supervision system comprises a device attached to the patient for collecting data from the patient. The collected data is sent to an external unit, such as an external computer or a monitor. However, there is also a desire to be able to supervise the patients when they are at home, or away from the hospital. A demand on the collecting device is then that it must be small and light so that the patient can easily move around with the collecting device attached to the body. Another problem is that, even though there exist many ideas about supervising patients at home, there is a lack of knowledge of how to accomplish a commercial product in a simple, fast and cheap way.

Today many control systems are built using a PLC (Programma- ble Logical Controller). PLCs are typically built using a microprocessor or microcontrollers that repeatedly execute a cycle of programmed instructions, such a program is hereby denoted an application program. At the beginning of each cycle all input devices are scanned and the logic functions are sequentially com- puted. The results of these computations are sent to output devices at the end of each cycle. Input devices are for example different types of sensors such as a pressure sensor or a vibration sensor. Output devices are for example different types of actuators. However the sequential computations in PLCs limit their computation speed. Furthermore, the speed of the input- and output devices can limit the scan time especially in the case of slow, remote devices. Another disadvantage with a PLC solution is that the hardware required is expensive. Additional I/O modules and interfaces, sensors and actuators comprising a processing unit also add costs to the control system. Still an- other disadvantage with a PLC is that its processing power and I/O interface is limited. If more processing power is required a new PLC has to be connected.

In an article "Field Programmable Gate Arrays for high perform- ance manufacturing automation" published in International Journal of Intelligent Control and Systems Vol. 3, No 4 (1999) 701 - 723 it is proposed to use Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) for automation and control. A single FPGA chip contains an array of thousand of logic gates whose interconnections can be configured by writing appropriate commands to its internal memory. In the article it is proposed to use a FPGA as a coprocessor to the processor contained in the PLC. The FPGA is used for execution of the application program. Thereby, the sequential scanning and computation of the PLC can be replaced by highly parallel computations performed directly in hardware.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies of the aforementioned supervision and control systems.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a device as specified in claim 1. The device comprises an integrated circuit comprising programmable logic adapted to receive software modules implementing digital circuits such as a central processing unit, a driver module adapted to communicate with one or more input devices and at least one communication module adapted to communicate with one or more external units. The integrated circuit is adapted for receiving software modules implementing digital processing of the input signals. Preferably, said integrated circuit is a programmable gate array, for instance a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The integrated circuit may also comprise a storage unit for storing the application program.

A device according to the invention can be dynamically configured to function for different tasks. The device is configured by loading new software modules to the integrated circuit. The device is adapted for receiving new software with new or changed functions. Preferably, the device is adapted for wirelessly receiving the new software.

A device according to the invention makes it easy and fast to commercialize new ideas for control and/or supervision. The invention is particularly useful for companies with limited economical resources for development of new products. A device according to the invention is flexible, cheap, small, light and has low power consumption. Thanks to the low price of the device is can be used as a disposable device.

A driver module is a software module able to communicate with a specific type of hardware. A driver module contains all neces- sary information about the device it shall communicate with.

Preferably, the programmable logic of said integrated circuit is reprogrammable. Such a device is easy to upgrade. The communication module is for example adapted for communicating with the external units via GSM, GPRS, Wlan, Blue tooth, Ethernet, CAN, 3G, Hsdpa, Umts-tdd, Flash ofdm, Wimax, Iburst, Ripwave or Wibro. If the device is to be used for supervision, at least one of said external units should comprise a display device.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for receiving and processing input signals from one or more input devices, and for communicating with one or more external units having high computation speed and that can easily replace a traditional control system.

With a device according to the invention the main functions of the PLC, i. e. the CPU comprising an operating system and the I/O interface, are implemented in a programmable circuit. Thus, a single chip, a so-called system-on-a-chip solution, can replace one or more PLCs. The hardware cost of a control system having a device according to the invention is thus cheaper than the hardware cost in a PLC-based control system. A control system having a device according to the invention is fast since it is possible to implement parallel execution of the application program in the programmable circuit. The invention makes it possible to centralize all interfaces, software, hardware and operating system to a system on a chip solution. The invention makes it possible for the costumer to reuse existing control system.

Further developments of the invention are characterized by the features of the additional claims.

According to an embodiment of the invention said integrated circuit has an area which is partitioned into a plurality of sub- areas, each sub-area adapted to receive at least one software module, in the following denoted an IP-module, designed for configuring the sub-area so that it performs a specific purpose, wherein at least one of said sub-areas is adapted to receive said software module implementing said central processing unit, at least one of said sub-areas is adapted to receive said software modules implementing said driver modules and at least one of said sub-areas is adapted to receive said software modules implementing said communication modules. Thanks to the fact that the integrated circuit has an area, which is partitioned into a plurality of sub-areas, each dedicated to receive a specific type of IP-module, it is easy to reconfigure the device. It is also possible to remotely make changes in the system and add functionality to the system. It is easy to add and remove input devices and external units. Further, it is easy to design a device for a specific application.

According to an embodiment of the invention said sub-area is adapted to receive more than one IP-module implementing a central processing unit. By this embodiment it is possible to implement more than one central processor unit in the same cir- cuit, and thereby achieve a fast system to a low hardware cost.

According to an embodiment of the invention said sub-area, is adapted to receive said software modules implementing said driver modules, is adapted to receive a plurality of different types of software modules, each designed for configuring the sub-area as a interface for communication with a specific type of input device. An input interface is thus implemented as IP- modules on said sub-area. For each type of driver module a corresponding IP-module comprising program instructions for im- plementing the driver module on a sub-area is provided. A driver module is adapted to communicate with a specific type of input device and each driver module is implemented on a sub-area dedicated for implementing driver modules. Thereby it is possible to configure the sub-area for any selected type of input de- vice. Thus, the device may communicate with any type of input device. When a new input device is to be connected to the device it is easy to add a new driver module to the device.

According to an embodiment of the invention the device com- prises a human interaction unit and an interface for communicating with the human interaction unit and the programmable logic of said integrated circuit is configured in such way that the integrated circuit comprises said interface for communicating with the human interaction unit. Thus the l/O-interface for communication with the human interaction unit is also implemented as an IP-module on the integrated circuit. The human interaction unit could be any HMI-interface, for example an operator station, which makes it possible for a human to communicate with the device.

In control systems of today, HMI-interfaces are used as a standalone device. The HMI-interface is connected to the PLC for control and supervision of the control system. A problem is real time transfer of data between the HMI-interface and the control system. The transfer of data takes to long time, which causes a delay in displaying real events.

According to an embodiment of the invention the human interaction unit comprises at least one human interaction device, and a human interaction control unit for controlling the man machine communication, wherein the programmable logic of said integrated circuit is configured in such way that the integrated circuit comprises said human interaction control unit. The human interaction device is for example a keyboard and a display. The control unit comprises a processing unit and a storage unit. In- tegrating the human interaction control unit as an IP-module on the integrated circuit solves the problem in connection with real time transfer of data.

According to an embodiment of the invention the device com- prises a second integrated circuit comprising programmable analog elements, and the second integrated circuit is arranged for communication with said first integrated circuit. The programmable analog elements of said second integrated circuit are preferably reprogrammable. Preferably, said second inte- grated circuit is a programmable analog array, for instance a field programmable analog array (FPAA). The second integrated circuit is adapted for receiving software modules implementing analog processing of said input signals. This embodiment makes it possible to implement digital parts on the first integrated circuit and analog parts on the second integrated circuit. This em- bodiment further reduces the weight and size of the device. Preferably, the first and the second integrated circuits are provided on the same circuit card. Thereby the baud rate between analog and digital data is increased.

According to an embodiment of the invention at least one of said input devices comprises an analog circuit and said second integrated circuit is configured in such way that it comprises said analog circuit. Analog parts of the input devices are preferably implemented on the second integrated device. The analog parts comprise for instance A/D-converters. An advantage gained is cheaper hardware and reduced weight and size of the device.

According to an embodiment of the invention said second integrated circuit has an area which is partitioned into a plurality of sub-areas, each sub-area adapted to receive at least one software module designed for configuring the sub-area so that it performs a specific purpose, wherein at least one of said sub- areas is adapted to receive at least one software module implementing an analog circuits of said input device. Thus, it is easy to add, change and upgrade separate analog parts. It is possible to remotely make the changes.

According to an embodiment of the invention at least one of said input devices comprises a sensor element adapted to detect a quantity of a body, and converting the detected quantity into an electrical signal and the first integrated circuit is adapted to receive one or more software modules implementing functions for processing the electrical signal from the sensor element. For example, the first integrated circuit is adapted to receive a soft- ware module implementing a central processing unit adapted to process said electrical signal from the sensor element, and a software module implementing a driver module adapted to communicate with the sensor element. The detected quantity can be any kind of a vital signs signal, for example type of and/or amount of a detected gas, such as a respiratory gas, a vital signs signal, such as ECG, SP0₂, pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, or breathing frequency. For instance, said detected quantity is the heart rate of a fetus.

According to an embodiment of the invention the device is wire- lessly connected to the external unit or units. Thereby, no cables are needed and it is possible for a person to easy walk around while carrying the device. In an alternative embodiment the device is connected to the external devices with cables.

According to an embodiment of the invention the external unit is a mobile phone. In an alternative embodiment the external units is a vital sign monitor, a wireless access point or a wireless receiver and/or transceiver.

According to an embodiment of the invention the first and second integrated circuit are integrated on one single chip.

According to an embodiment of the invention the first integrated circuit, the second integrated circuit and the sensor element are integrated on one single chip. For example it is possible to have on the same chip as the device one or more sensors for supervision of ECG signals, temperature, GPS system, position sensor, a webserver and GPRS communication.

According to an embodiment of the invention the device is designed for being attached to the body. The device is for example designed for being attached to the body via a belt. In another embodiment the device is designed for being glued on the skin. According to an embodiment of the invention the device is designed for being implanted in the body. For example, the device is designed for being implanted under the skin.

According to an embodiment of the invention the device is adapted to be integrated into one of said input devices. If the input device is an electrode it is advantageous to integrate the device in the electrode. Thanks to the fact that a device according to the invention is very small it is possible to integrate it into the electrode.

According to an embodiment of the invention the device can work as a wireless Internet server.

The invention is useful for control and/or supervision of different kinds of systems. The invention is for example suitable in industrial-, building-, and home-automation, in process industry as well as for medical purposes in hospitals and at home. The device according to the invention is for example useful for super- vising an individual, such as a patient, a fetus or an animal.

This innovation makes it possible to reduce the major part of analog and software application modules to the configurable hardware modules. It makes it possible to reduce the power consumption by decreasing the components on the board. It makes it possible to measure for instant pacemaker pulse detection 100% correct compared to today's solution. Most times it cost too much power consumption loss when software wants to identify pacemaker detection. The use of Delta-Sigma technol- ogy reduces most of the analog filters and amplifiers. This device reduces half of the analog components needed.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for monitoring a fetus, which makes it possible for a mother to use to supervise its fetus on her own when she stays at home. This object is achieved by an apparatus as specified in claim 31 . The apparatus could be used for supervising the fetus of a human as well the fetus of an animal, for instance a horse.

Even though not explicitly expressed in the claims, the apparatus is claimed in combination with the appended claims directed to the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be explained more closely by the description of different embodiments of the invention and with reference to the appended figures.

Fig. 1 shows a device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows an apparatus for monitoring a fetus comprising a device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a device according to a first embodiment of the invention. The device is adapted for controlling a plurality of output devices 3. The output devices are for example fans and compressors. The device receives input signals from a plurality of input devices 5. The input devices are for example sensors for measuring temperature and humidity. The input devices 5 comprise sensors elements 30 providing output signals representing the measured values and sensor signals processing units 32 arranged for processing the output signals from the sensor elements and thereafter send the processed signal to the device for further processing . The output devices 3 comprise actuator elements 31 , for instance and actuator signal processing units 33 arranged to produce control signals to said actuator elements 31 .

The device comprises a first integrated circuit 36 comprising programmable logic. In this embodiment the first integrated circuit is a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The integrated circuit 36 has an area that is partitioned in a plurality of sub- areas 37 - 42. Each sub-area is adapted to receive one or more IP-modules (Intellectual Property modules) and to be configured by the IP-module to perform a specific purpose. An IP-module is a pre-tested software module and is for instance distributed as code libraries on CD-ROM or over the Internet. An IP-module comprises two parts. One part of the IP-module comprises in- structions for programming hardware and the other part comprises instructions for programming software. The hardware part is for example programmed in VHDL-language and the software part is for example programmed in C or C++.

The integrated circuit 36 has sub-area 38 defined for being configured to contain a plurality of CPUs. The sub-area 38 is adapted to receive IP-modules implementing central processing units (CPU). Thus, it is possible to implement one or more CPUs on the sub-area 38. In figure 2 the sub-area 38 comprises two CPUs 38a, 38b. If it is desired to implement an additional CPU, an appropriate IP-module is loaded to the FPGA. The CPU is arranged for processing the signals from the input devices 5, performing operating system functions and generating output signals to the output devices 3 in accordance with program in- structions of the application program. A device according to the invention is easily upgraded with more processor power by add- ing one or more IP-modules, each representing a central processing unit, to the system.

The integrated circuit 36 comprises a sub-area 42 adapted for receiving IP-modules implementing an l/O-interface to the input and output devices 3, 5. The sub-area 42 is large enough to receive a plurality of IP-modules of different types. Each IP- module is designed for configuring the sub-area as a driver module for communication with a specific type of input or output device. The sub-area 42 comprises a plurality of driver modules 42a, 42b for communication with the input and output devices 3, 5. An IP-module comprises program code for implementing the driver module on the integrated circuit 36. A deliverer of a device according to the invention will offer the customer a number of different IP-modules, each representing a different type of driver module. Thereby, it is possible for a customer to select the driver modules necessary for his device. The IP-modules for the driver modules are programmed and tested by the deliverer of the device.

The integrated circuit 36 further comprises a sub-area 37 defined to contain memory and a sub-area 40 defined to contain a storage unit for storing the application program. The application program storage unit could either be contained in the FPGA, or in a separate memory. For security reasons the storage unit can be placed both in the FPGA and in a separate memory.

The device comprises a human machine interaction (HMI) unit for communication between an operator and the device. The human interaction unit comprises a human interaction device 34 comprising a keyboard and a display screen, and an interface 42c for communication between the device and the interaction device 34. The keyboard is used to input data into the device and the display screen shows operator messages and informa- tion from the program. The interface 42c for communicating between the device and the human interaction device is imple- mented in sub-area 42 on the integrated circuit 36. The human interaction unit also comprises a human interaction control unit 43 for controlling the man machine communication. The human interaction control unit comprises a processor and software for controlling the man-machine interaction. The programmable logic of the integrated circuit 36 is configured in such way that it comprises said human interaction control unit 43.

The first integrated circuit 36 comprises a sub-area 41 config- ured in such way that it comprises communication modules adapted for communicating with external units. The circuit comprises a module 41 a for communication via GSM comprising a GSM modem, module 41 b for communication via Internet, and a module 41 c for communication via CAN. The communication modules are implemented on the integrated circuits by means of specially designed IP-modules, each adapted to implement a specific communication protocol. Thus it is possible for the customer to provide the device with all desired communication modules.

The first integrated circuit 36 is also provided with a PID regulator 39a. The PID regulator uses system feed back to continuously control a dynamic process. The purpose of PID control is to keep a process running a close as possible to a desired set point.

A device according to the invention has an almost unlimited processor power. If there is a need of more processor power another IP-module is loaded to the integrated circuit. If the first integrated circuit 36 has run out of available area, another equal integrated circuit (FPGA) is added to the system. The second integrated circuit is connected in parallel to the first integrated circuit.

The first integrated circuit 36 is provided with its own software tool to be able to custom build the specific programs of the de- vice and the hardware and software parts of the device. Xilinx EDK (Embedded Development Kit) tool 3.2 is used for design and implementation.

Using an FPGA and integrating it with other automation functions will allow the user to update the network protocols by reconfiguring the FPGA. For example various protocols such as Device Net, Iron Works, and SDS, can be provided as a library of IP-modules to reconfigure the FPGA. FPGA can provide a quantum leap towards high performance manufacturing automation. Firstly, FPGAs are reconfigurable, allowing any changes required for approving process and product quality. Secondly they are based on well-established technology that will allow users to replace existing devices with newer, highly density de- vices while using the existing connections and board layout.

The device according to the invention comprises a second integrated circuit 45 adapted for programming analog circuits. The first integrated circuit 36 makes it possible to configure digital applications and the second integrated circuit 45 makes it possible to configure analog applications. The second integrated circuit 45 comprises reprogrammable analog switches. Preferably the second integrated circuit is a field programmable analog array (FPAA). The second integrated circuit 45 comprises the analog parts of the device, for example frequency converters and analog l/O-modules.

For example, the second integrated circuit 45 comprises the analog parts of the interface between the device and the input and output devices 3, 5, such as relays, D/A-converters and A/D-converters. The area of the second integrated circuit is partitioned into a plurality of sub-areas 46-48, each sub-area adapted to receive one or more IP-modules designed for configuring the sub-area so that it performs a specific purpose. The sub-area 48 is adapted to receive IP-modules implementing the analog parts 48a, 48b of the interface between the device and the input and output devices 3, 5.

The device communicates wirelessly with the input and output devices 3, 5. The device comprises a transmitter and receiver unit 52 adaptive for wireless communication with the input and output devices 5, 3. The input and output devices 3, 5 are provided with corresponding transmitters and receivers 54 adapted for wireless communication with the device. The communication uses for example Bluetooth technology, Radio link or Zigbee. The first integrated circuit 36 comprises a wireless module 56 adapted for handling the wireless communication. The first integrated circuit 36, the second integrated circuit 45, the human interaction unit 34, and the transmitter and receiver unit 52 are connected to a bus 50 and communicate with each other via the bus 50.

Both the integrated circuits are reprogrammable and thus recon- figurable.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention. The device comprises a first integrated circuit 60 comprising programmable logic configured in such way that the integrated circuit comprises one or more central processing units, a storage unit for the application program, and communication models adapted for communicating with external units. The circuit 60 is for example a FPGA. The integrated circuit 60 has an area that is partitioned in a plurality of sub-areas 37 - 41 , 61 . Each sub-area is adapted to receive one or more IP-modules. The circuit 60 fur- ther comprises at least one actuator signal processing unit 61 a and at least one sensor signal processing unit 61 b. Embedded intelligence in the form of hardware and software has been moved from the input and output devices to the programmable integrated circuit 60. Thus, the sensor signal processing units 32 for processing the output signals from the sensor element and the actuator signal processing units 33 arranged to produce control signals to the actuator elements, as shown in figure 2, is moved to the first integrated circuit 60. Thereby the number of driver modules necessary is reduced or not needed at all.

The system further comprises a software platform comprising a number of software converters that converts existing program code, such as Java code and IEC1 131 to new code written in another program language, for example VH DL/Verylog Code generation, and C++. Thus, the system supports old software used in existing PLC-systems.

Figure 3 shows a device according to a third embodiment of the invention integrated on one single chip 70. The chip comprises an integrated circuit 72, for example a FPGA, comprising pro- grammable logic adapted to receive a plurality of IP-modules. The FPGA has an area, which is partitioned into a plurality of sub-areas 74 - 78, each sub-area adapted to receive at least one software module designed for configuring the sub-area so that it performs a specific purpose. One sub-area 74 is adapted to receive one or more software modules implementing one or more central processing unit and one or more software modules implementing one more operating system. One sub-area 76 is adapted for receiving software modules for implementing different types of driver modules adapted to communicate with differ- ent types of input devices, such as ECG, ultrasound, temperature, respiration, EtC0₂, and SpC0₂. Some of the driver modules are also adapted to make computations of the signals received from the input devices.

One sub-area 78 is adapted for receiving software modules for implementing different types of communication modules adapted to communicate with different types of external units, such as Blue tooth, Ethernet mobile, WLAN, and UWB. Some of the sub- areas are adapted to receive software modules implementing different functions as well as driver modules, for example arrhythmia analysis and pacemaker detection. Which functions, drivers and communication modules to be implemented on the FPGA are optional, and they are implemented by loading prefabricated IP-modules to the dedicated sub-area.

The chip 70 further comprises a second integrated circuit 82, for example a FPAA, comprising programmable analog elements, and arranged for communication with the first integrated circuit 72. The second integrated circuit 82 is adapted for receiving software modules 84 implementing analog processing of said input signals, for example an EEG amplifier, an ECG amplifier and filter functions such as Sigma-Delta conversion. The chip 70 further comprises a memory 84 for storing an application program including instructions for processing of the input signals, a power supply battery and other components.

Figure 4 shows an apparatus for monitoring a fetus comprising a device 70 according to the invention. The apparatus further comprises a first sensor 90 adapted for detecting the ECG signals of the fetus and a second sensor 92 for detecting ultra- sound signals reflected by the fetus. The sensors 90, 92 are connected to the device 70 which are adapted for receiving the sensor signals. The device 70 comprises an integrated circuit 72 comprising programmable logic configured in such way that it comprises a central processing unit 74 adapted for processing the received sensor signals and on basis thereof generating an output signal to an external unit 94. In this embodiment the external unit 94 is a mobile phone comprises a display device 95. Alternatively, the external unit is a personal computer, a handheld computer, such as a PALM pilot, or any other known type of monitor. The device 70 is adapted for wireless communication with the external device.

The integrated circuit comprises programmable logic configured in such way that it comprises an ultrasound driver module 76a, and an ECG driver module 76b adapted to communicate with the sensors 90 and 92 and a communication module 78b adapted to communicate with said external unit 94. The apparatus is capable of being attached to the body of a mother carrying the fetus further by means of a belt 96. The belt 96 is designed for being carried round the waist of the mother. The sensors 90, 92 and the device 70 is integrated in the belt 96.

The apparatus disclosed in figure 4 will react in this way that when a fetus is not in a correct position, the mother can hear the heart rate sound. When the fetus is in a correct position, the display device of the external unit will displays the ECG pulse. In an alternative embodiment it is also possible to send the information to a doctor in real time. All tracks and information such as ECG, SP02, pulse, hart rate, blood pressure, temperature, or breathing frequency of fetus and mother are available by displaying it on the mobile phone as well as stored in the device as well can be send in real time to the doctor.

In this application the analog to digital converter is designed as a part of a communication system. The converter is designed as a Sigma-Delta modulator, which is most suitable for low-speed applications. Its main advantages over high-speed converters are less area and less power consumption. This make it sufficient for reaching a signal-to-noise ratio, SNR, of 1 10 dB, meaning 24 bits resolution in a CMOS technology using a Sigma- Delta over-sampling structure in a signal band of 1000 Hz.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims. For example the first integrated circuit has an area adapted for receiving IP-modules representing microprocessors, micro controllers, digital signal processors, coprocessors and applications specific instruction processors (ASIP). In another embodiment of the invention the device may comprises more than one FPGA connected to each other via a bus.

Claims

1 . A device adapted for receiving and processing one or more input signals from one or more input devices (5; 90, 92), and for communicating with one or more external units (3, 34; 94), wherein the device comprises an integrated circuit (36; 72) comprising programmable logic (38; 74, 75) adapted to receive software modules for implementing one or more central processing units performing operating system functions and processing said one or more input signals and generating one or more output signals to said one or more external units in accordance with program instructions of an application program, characterized in that said integrated circuit comprises programmable logic (42a; 76) adapted to receive one or more software modules for imple- menting one or more driver modules adapted to communicate with said one or more input devices, and programmable logic (41 , 42c; 78) adapted to receive software modules for implementing one or more communication module adapted to communicate with said one or more external units.

2. A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that said programmable logic (42a; 76), adapted for receiving software modules implementing driver modules, is adapted for receiving software modules for implementing different types of driver modules adapted to communicate with different types of input devices.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said programmable logic (41 ; 78), adapted for receiving software modules implementing communication modules, is adapted for receiving software modules for implementing different types of communication modules adapted to communicate with different types of external units.

4. A device according to any of the previous claims, character- ized in that the device is adapted for controlling one or more output devices (3), and that said integrated circuit comprises programmable logic (42b) adapted to receive one or more software modules for implementing one or more driver modules adapted to communicate with said one or more output devices.

5. A device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that said integrated circuit is a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

6. A device according to any of the previous claims, character- ized in that said integrated circuit has an area which is partitioned into a plurality of sub-areas (37-42; 74-78), each sub- area adapted to receive at least one software module designed for configuring the sub-area so that it performs a specific purpose, wherein at least one of said sub-areas (38) is adapted to receive said software module implementing said central processing unit, at least one of said sub-areas is adapted to receive said software modules implementing said driver modules and at least one of said sub-areas is adapted to receive said software modules implementing said communication modules.

7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that said sub-area (42) adapted to receive said software modules implementing said driver modules is adapted to receive a plurality of different types of software modules, each designed for configur- ing the sub-area as a interface for communication with a specific type of input device.

8. A device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises a human interaction unit (34, 43) and an interface (42c) for communicating with the human interaction unit and that the programmable logic of said integrated circuit is configured in such way that the integrated circuit comprises said interface for communicating with the human interaction unit.

9. A device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that said first integrated circuit (45;72) is adapted for re- ceiving software modules implementing digital processing of said input signals.

10. A device according to any of the previous claims, character- ized in that it comprises a second integrated circuit (45;82) comprising programmable analog elements, and that the second integrated circuit is arranged for communication with said first integrated circuit (36;72).

1 1 . A device according to claim 10, characterized in that said second integrated circuit (45;82) is a field programmable analog array (FPAA).

12. A device according to claim 10 or 1 1 , characterized in that said second integrated circuit (45;82) is adapted for receiving software modules implementing analog processing of said input signals.

13. A device according to any of the claims 10 - 12, character- ized in that at least one of said input devices comprises an analog circuit (48a, 48b) and said second integrated circuit (45;82) is adapted for receiving software modules implementing said analog circuit.

14. A device according to claim 13, characterized in that said second integrated circuit (45;82) has an area which is partitioned into a plurality of sub-areas (46 - 48), each sub-area adapted to receive at least one software module designed for configuring the sub-area so that it performs a specific purpose, wherein at least one of said sub-areas (48) is adapted to receive at least one software module implementing an analog circuits of said input device.

15. A device according to any of the previous claims, character- ized in that at least one of said input devices (90, 92) comprises a sensor adapted to detect a quantity of a body, and converting the detected quantity into an electrical signal and said first integrated circuit (72) is adapted to receive one or more software modules implementing functions for processing said electrical signal from the sensor element.

16. A device according to claim 15, characterized in that said detected quantity is type of and/or amount of a detected gas or gases.

17. A device according to claim 15, characterized in that said detected quantity is type of and/or amount of detected respiratory gas or gases.

18. A device according to claim 15, characterized in that said detected quantity is a vital signs signal or signals.

19. A device according to claim 15, characterized in that said detected quantity is any of ECG, pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, or breathing frequency.

20. A device according to claim 15, characterized in that said detected quantity is a vital sign signal or signals of a fetus.

21 . A device according to any of the previous claims, character- ized in that it is wirelessly connected to the external unit or units.

22. A device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that said communication module is adapted for communi- eating with the external units via any of GSM, GPRS, Wlan, Blue tooth, Ethernet, CAN, 3G, Hsdpa, Umts-tdd, Flash ofdm, Wimax, Iburst, Ripwave or Wibro.

23. A device according to any of the previous claims, character- ized in that at least one of said external units (94) is a mobile phone.

24. A device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the first (72) and second (82) integrated circuit are integrated on one single chip.

25. A device according to claim 15 and 24, characterized in that the first (72) integrated circuit, the second (82) integrated circuit and said sensor (90, 92) are integrated on one single chip.

26. A device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the device is designed for being attached to the body.

27. A device according any of the previous claims, characterized in that the device is designed for being implanted in the body.

28. A device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the device is adapted to be integrated in one of said input devices.

29. A device according to claim 15, characterized in that said input device is an electrode and that the device is adapted to be integrated in the electrode.

30. Use of a device according to any of the claims 1 - 29 for supervising an individual.

31 . Use of a device according to any of the claims 1 - 29 for patient supervising.

32. Use of a device according to any of the claims 1 - 29 for supervising a fetus.

33. Use of a device according to any of the claims 1 - 29 for su- pervising an animal.

34. An apparatus for monitoring a fetus, the apparatus is designed so that it is capable of being attached to the body of a mother carrying the fetus, the apparatus comprising a sensor (90, 92) for detecting a quantity of the fetus and converting the detected quantity into an electrical signal, characterized in that the apparatus comprises an integrated circuit (72) comprising programmable logic configured in such way that the integrated circuit comprises a central processing unit adapted for processing said electrical signal and on basis thereof generating at least one output signal to an external unit (94).

35. A apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that said integrated circuit comprises programmable logic configured in such way that the integrated circuit comprises at least one driver module (76a, 76b) adapted to communicate with said sensor (90, 92) and at least one communication module (78b) adapted to communicate with said external unit.

36. An apparatus according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that said external unit (94) comprises a display device (95).

37. An apparatus according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that said external units is a mobile phone.

38. An apparatus according to any of the claims 34 - 37. characterized in that it comprises a second integrated circuit comprising programmable analog elements, and that the second integrated circuit is arranged for communication with said first integrated circuit (36).

39. An apparatus according to any of the claims 34 - 38. characterized in that it comprises a device according to any of the claims 1 - 29.