Abstract:
A real-time biological data processing PC card is lightweight, cost effective, and portable. The real-time biological data processing PC card is capable of converting a host personal computer system into a powerful diagnostic instrument. Each real-time biological data processing PC card is adapted to input and process biological data from one or more biological data sensors, and is interchangeable with other real-time biological data processing PC cards. A practitioner having three different real-time biological data processing PC cards, for example, each one corresponding to a different biological data collection device, effectively carries three full-sized, powerful diagnostic instruments. The full resources of a host personal computer can be utilized and converted into a powerful diagnostic instrument, for each biological data collection device, by the insertion of one of the real-time biological data processing PC cards.

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