Patent ID: 6364844
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An improved diagnostic system for determining or monitoring a physiological condition in a mammal, said diagnostic system comprising:(a) a read only memory means for storing a diagnostic program for determining the fertility state of the mammal from salivary and vaginal resistance data values, (b) a random access memory means for storing temporary data values; (c) a non-volatile memory means for storing daily data values; (d) a display means for displaying characters representing the fertility state; (e) a microprocessor means for controlling the processing of data in accordance with said diagnostic program, said microprocessor means being connected to read only memory means, said random access memory means, said nonvolatile memory means, and said display means; (f) a sensing means for sensing the resistance of an electrical path along the tongue or in the vagina of the female mammal and outputting analog signals, (g) a conversion means for converting said analog signals to digital signals; (h) an input means for enabling the input of data; and (i) a first interface means connected to said input means and said analog-to-digital conversion means for enabling the input of digital signals representing a current daily data value to said microprocessor means, and said diagnostic program comprising algorithms for the recognition of predetermined patterns of data values, said algorithms being applied to said current daily data value and said stored daily data values by said microprocessor means, said microprocessor means controlling said display means to display characters representing one of several fertility states of said subject in response to recognition of a corresponding one of said predetermined patterns; the improvement wherein said algorithms are capable of the automated determination of variables that can be used to define the beginning of the fertile cycle of the mammal, the end of the fertile cycle of the mammal and the most fertile day of the mammal.