CA2347544A1

CA2347544A1 - Personal computer card for collection of real-time biological data

Info

Publication number: CA2347544A1
Application number: CA002347544A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Patrick A. Lichter; Spencer J. Lien
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: QRS Diagnostic LLC
Priority date: 1998-10-15
Filing date: 1999-09-28
Publication date: 2000-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2019-09-28
Also published as: US6159147A; CA2347544C; EP1124479A1; MXPA01003784A; WO2000021434A1; AU6276699A; CN1330525A; EP1124479A4; AU763773B2

Abstract

A real time biological data processing PC card (10) is lightweight, cost effective, and portable. The real time biological data processing PC card is capable of converting a host personal computer system (27) into a powerful diagnostic instrument. Each real time biological data processing PC card is adapted to input, and process biological data from one or more biological da ta sensors (21). It 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 persona l computer can be utilized, and converted into a powerful diagnostic instrumen t, for each biological data collection device, by the insertion of one of the real time biological data processing PC cards.

Claims

1. Canceled

2. A portable biological data collection device, comprising:
at least one biological data receiver for inputting biological data;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the at least one biological data receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter and being adapted to output at least one digital signal; and a digital interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the digital interface being adapted to interface the portable biological data collection device to a host microprocessor system, wherein the digital interface comprises a compact flash card interface, the compact flash card interface being adapted to communicate with the host microprocessor system and to relay the at least one digital signal to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the signal conditioning circuitry outputs the at least one digital signal.

3. A portable biological data collection device, comprising:
at least one biological data receiver for inputting biological data;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the at least one biological data receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter and being adapted to output at least one digital signal; and a digital interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the digital interface being adapted to interface the portable biological data collection device to a host microprocessor system, wherein the digital interface comprises a game-set card interface, the 36a game-set card interface being adapted to communicate with a game-set host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the signal conditioning circuitry outputs the at least one digital signal.

4. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the pulse-oximetry signal receiver being adapted to receive a pulse-oximetry signal from a pulse-oximetry sensor and further being adapted to output the pulse-oximetry signal;
a blood-pressure signal receiver, the blood-pressure signal receiver being adapted to receive a blood-pressure signal from a blood-pressure sensor and further being adapted to output the blood-pressure signal;
a temperature signal receiver, the temperature signal receiver being adapted to receive a body-temperature signal from a body-temperature sensor and further being adapted to output the body-temperature signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to at least one of the pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the blood-pressure signal receiver and the temperature signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter and being adapted to output at least one digital signal; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

5. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 4, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the at least one digital signal to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the at least one digital signal is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

6. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 4, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the pulse-oximetry signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the blood-pressure signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the temperature signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to at least one of the pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the blood-pressure signal receiver and the temperature signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

7. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 4, wherein:
the pulse-oximetry sensor is coupled to the pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the pulse-oximetry sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a pulse-oximetry signal and to relay the pulse-oximetry signal to the pulse-oximetry signal receiver;
the blood-pressure sensor is coupled to the blood-pressure signal receiver, the blood-pressure sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a blood-pressure signal and to relay the blood-pressure signal to the blood-pressure data receiver;

the body-temperature sensor is coupled to the temperature signal receiver, the body-temperature sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a body-temperature signal and to relay the body-temperature signal to the temperature signal receiver.

8. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a temperature signal receiver, the temperature signal receiver being adapted to receive a body-temperature signal from a body-temperature sensor and further being adapted to output the body-temperature signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the temperature signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the body-temperature signal from the temperature signal receiver and to convert the body-temperature signal into digitized body-temperature data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

9. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 8, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized body-temperature data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the body-temperature signal is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

10. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 8, wherein:

40.

the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the temperature signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the temperature signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

11. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 8, wherein the body-temperature sensor is coupled to the temperature signal receiver, the body-temperature sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a body-temperature signal and to relay the body-temperature signal to the temperature signal receiver.

12. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a blood-pressure signal receiver, the blood-pressure signal receiver being adapted to receive a blood-pressure signal from a blood-pressure sensor and further being adapted to output the blood-pressure signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the blood-pressure signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the blood-pressure signal from the blood-pressure signal receiver and to convert the blood-pressure signal into digitized blood-pressure data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

41.

13. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 12, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized blood-pressure data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the blood-pressure signal is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

14. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 12, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the blood-pressure signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the blood-pressure signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

15. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 12, wherein the blood-pressure data sensor is coupled to the blood-pressure signal receiver, the blood-pressure data sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a blood-pressure signal and to relay the blood-pressure signal to the blood-pressure receiver.

16. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a flow signal receiver, the flow signal receiver being adapted to receive a flow signal from a flow sensor and further being adapted to output the flow signal;

42.

a line pressure signal receiver, the line pressure signal receiver being adapted to receive a line pressure signal from a line pressure sensor and further being adapted to output the line pressure signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to at least one of the flow signal receiver and the line pressure signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter and being adapted to output at least one digital signal; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

17. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 16, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the at least one digital signal to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the at least one digital signal is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

18. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 16, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the flow signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the line pressure signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to at least one of the flow signal receiver and the line pressure signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

19. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 16, wherein:
the flow sensor is coupled to the flow signal receiver, the flow sensor being adapted to contact a line of a ventilator, to output a flow signal and to relay the flow signal to the flow signal receiver; and the line pressure sensor is coupled to the line pressure signal receiver, the line pressure sensor being adapted to contact a line of a ventilator, to output a line pressure signal and to relay the line pressure signal to the line pressure data receiver.

20. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 19, wherein:
the flow signal receiver comprises at least one pressure sensor; and the line pressure signal receiver comprises a pressure sensor.

21. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a flow signal receiver, the flow signal receiver being adapted to receive a flow signal from a flow sensor and further being adapted to output the flow signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the flow signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the flow signal from the flow signal receiver and to convert the flow signal into digitized flow data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

22. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 21, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized flow data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the flow signal is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

23. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 21, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the flow signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the flow signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

24. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 21, wherein the flow sensor is coupled to the flow signal receiver, the flow sensor being adapted to contact a line of a ventilator, to output a flow signal and to relay the flow signal to the flow signal receiver.

25. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 24, wherein the flow signal receiver comprises at least one pressure sensor.

26. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a line pressure signal receiver, the line pressure signal receiver being adapted to receive a line pressure signal from a line pressure sensor and further being adapted to output the line pressure signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the line pressure signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the line pressure signal from the line pressure signal receiver and to convert the line pressure signal into digitized line pressure data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

27. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 26, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized Line pressure data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the line pressure signal is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

28. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 26, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the line pressure signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the line pressure signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

29. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 26, wherein the line pressure sensor is coupled to the line pressure signal receiver, the line pressure sensor being adapted to contact a line of a ventilator, to output a line pressure signal and, to relay the line pressure signal to the line pressure receiver.

30. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 29, wherein the line pressure signal receiver comprises a pressure sensor.

31. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the pulse-oximetry signal receiver being adapted to receive a pulse-oximetry signal from a pulse-oximetry sensor and further being adapted to output the pulse-oximetry signal;
a respiration-rate signal receiver, the respiration-rate signal receiver being adapted to receive a respiration-rate signal from a respiration-rate sensor and further being adapted to output the respiration-rate signal;
a nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver, the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver being adapted to receive a nasal-air pressure/temperature signal from a nasal-air/thermistor pressure sensor and further being adapted to output the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to at least one of the pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the respiration-rate signal receiver and the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter and being adapted to output at least one digital signal; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

32. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 31, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the at least one digital signal to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the at least one digital signal is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

33. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 31, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the pulse-oximetry signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the respiration-rate signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to at least one of the pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the respiration-rate signal receiver and the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

34. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 31, wherein:

48.

the pulse-oximetry sensor is coupled to the pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the pulse-oximetry sensor being adapted to bel placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a pulse-oximetry signal and to relay the pulse-oximetry signal to the pulse-oximetry signal receiver;
the respiration-rate sensor is coupled to the respiration-rate signal receiver, the respiration-rate sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a respiration-rate signal and to relay the respiration-rate signal to the respiration-rate signal receiver;
the nasal-air pressure/thermistor sensor is coupled to the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver, the nasal-air pressure/thermistor sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal and to relay the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal to the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver.

35. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 34, wherein:
the respiration-rate sensor comprises a chest band and a microphone; and the nasal-air pressure/thermistor sensor comprises a nasal cannula.

36. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 35, wherein:
the respiration-rate signal receiver comprises a strain gauge; and the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver comprises a pressure/thermistor sensor.

37. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a respiration-rate signal receiver, the respiration-rate signal receiver being adapted to receive a respiration-rate signal from a respiration-rate sensor and further being adapted to output the respiration-rate signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the respiration-rate signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the respiration-rate signal from the respiration-rate signal receiver and to convert the respiration-rate signal into digitized respiration-rate data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

38. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 37, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized respiration-rate data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the respiration-rate signal is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

39. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 37, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the respiration-rate signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the respiration-rate receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

40. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 37, wherein the respiration-rate sensor is coupled to the respiration-rate signal receiver, the respiration-rate sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a respiration-rate signal and to relay the respiration-rate signal to the respiration-rate receiver.

41. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 40, wherein the respiration-rate signal receiver comprises a strain gauge.

42. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver, the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver being adapted to receive a nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal from a nasal-air pressure/thermistor sensor and further being adapted to output the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal from the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver and to convert the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal into digitized nasal-air pressure/thermistor data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

43. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 42, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized nasal-air pressure/thermistor data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

44. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 42, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

45. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 42, wherein the nasal-air preassure/thermistor sensor is coupled to the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver, the nasal-air pressure/thermistor sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal and to relay the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal to the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver.

52.

46. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 45, wherein the nasal-air pressure thermistor signal receiver comprises a pressure/temperature sensor.

47. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
an electrocardiography (ECG) signal receiver, the ECG signal receiver being adapted to receive ECG
signals from a plurality of ECG sensors and further being adapted to output the ECG signals;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the ECG signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the ECG
signals from the ECG signal receiver and to output digitized ECG data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system and to relay the digitized ECG data to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the digitized ECG data is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

48. Canceled.

49. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 47, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the ECG signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;

the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the ECG signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

50. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 47, wherein:
the plurality of ECG sensors are coupled to the ECG
signal receiver, the plurality of ECG sensors being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output ECG signals and to relay the ECG
signals to the ECG signal receiver.

51. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a hydrogen signal receiver, the hydrogen signal receiver being adapted to receive a hydrogen signal from a hydrogen sensor and further being adapted to output the hydrogen signal;

signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the hydrogen signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the hydrogen signal from the hydrogen signal receiver and to output digitized hydrogen data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

52. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 51, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized hydrogen data to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the digitized hydrogen data is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

53. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 51, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the hydrogen signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the hydrogen signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

54. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 51, wherein the hydrogen sensor is coupled to the hydrogen signal receiver, the hydrogen sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a hydrogen signal and to relay the hydrogen signal to the hydrogen signal receiver.

55. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
an alcohol signal receiver, the alcohol signal receiver being adapted to receive an alcohol signal from an alcohol sensor and further being adapted to output the alcohol signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the alcohol signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the alcohol signal from the alcohol signal receiver and to output digitized alcohol data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

56. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 55, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized alcohol data to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the digitized alcohol data is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

57. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 55, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the alcohol signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the alcohol signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

58. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 55, wherein the alcohol sensor is coupled to the alcohol signal receiver, the alcohol sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output an alcohol signal and to relay the alcohol signal to the alcohol signal receiver.

59. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the pulse-oximetry signal receiver being adapted to receive a pulse-oximetry signal from a pulse-oximetry sensor and further being adapted to output the pulse-oximetry signal;

a respiration-rate signal receiver, the respiration-rate signal receiver being adapted to receive a respiration-rate signal from a respiration-rate sensor and further being adapted to output the respiration-rate signal;
a nasal-air pressure signal receiver, the nasal-air pressure signal receiver being adapted to receive a nasal-air pressure signal from a nasal-air pressure sensor and further being adapted to output the nasal-air pressure signal;
a sound signal receiver, the sound signal receiver being adapted to receive a sound signal from a sound sensor and further being adapted to output the sound signal;
a motion signal receiver, the motion signal receiver being adapted to receive a motion signal from a motion sensor and further being adapted to output the motion signal;
a position signal receiver, the position signal receiver being adapted to receive a position signal from a position sensor and further being adapted to output the position signal;
an electrocardiography (ECG) signal receiver, the ECG signal receiver being adapted to receive ECG signals from a plurality of ECG sensors and further being adapted to output the ECG signals;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to at least one of the pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the respiration-rate signal receiver, the nasal-air pressure signal receiver, the sound signal receiver, the motion signal receiver, the position signal receiver and the ECG signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter and being adapted to output at least one digital signal; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

60. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 59, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the at least one digital signal to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the at least one digital signal is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

61. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 59, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the pulse-oximetry signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the respiration-rate signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the sound signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the motion signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the position signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the ECG signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to at least one of the pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the respiration-rate signal receiver, the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver, the sound signal receiver, the motion signal receiver, the position signal receiver and the ECG signal receiver;
and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

62. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 59, wherein:
the pulse-oximetry sensor is coupled to the pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the pulse-oximetry sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a pulse-oximetry signal and to relay the pulse-oximetry signal to the pulse-oximetry signal receiver;
the respiration-rate sensor is coupled to the respiration-rate signal receiver, the respiration-rate sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a respiration-rate signal and to relay the respiration-rate signal to the respiration-rate signal receiver;
the nasal-air pressure/thermistor sensor is coupled to the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver, the nasal-air pressure/thermistor sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal and to relay the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal to the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver;
the sound sensor is coupled to the sound signal receiver, the sound sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a sound signal and to relay the sound signal to the sound signal receiver;
the motion sensor is coupled to the motion signal receiver, the motion sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a motion signal and to relay the motion signal to the motion signal receiver;
the position sensor is coupled to the position signal receiver, the position sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a position signal and to relay the position signal to the position signal receiver; and the plurality of ECG sensors are coupled to the ECG
signal receiver, the plurality of ECG sensors being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output ECG signals and to relay the ECG
signals to the ECG signal receiver.

63. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the pulse-oximetry signal receiver being adapted to receive a pulse-oximetry signal from a pulse-oximetry sensor and further being adapted to output the pulse-oximetry signal;
a respiration-rate signal receiver, the respiration-rate signal receiver being adapted to receive a respiration-rate signal from a respiration-rate sensor and further being adapted to output the respiration-rate signal;
a nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver, the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver being adapted to receive a nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal from a nasal-air pressure/thermistor sensor and further being adapted to output the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal;
a sound signal receiver, the sound signal receiver being adapted to receive a sound signal from a sound sensor and further being adapted to output the sound signal;

a motion signal receiver, the motion signal receiver being adapted to receive a motion signal from a motion sensor and further being adapted to output the motion signal;

a position signal receiver, the position signal receiver being adapted to receive a position signal from a position sensor and further being adapted to output the position signal;

an electrocardiography (ECG) signal receiver, the ECG signal receiver being adapted to receive ECG signals from a plurality of ECG sensors and further being adapted to output the ECG signals;
an electroencepholograhy (EEG) signal receiver, the EEG signal receiver being adapted to receive EEG signals from a plurality of EEG sensors and further being adapted to output the EEG signals;
an electrooculogram (EOG) signal receiver, the EOG
signal receiver being adapted to receive EOG signals from a plurality of EOG sensors and further being adapted to output the EOG signals;
an electromyography (EMG) signal receiver, the EMG
signal receiver being adapted to receive EMG signals from a plurality of EMG sensors and further being adapted to output the EMG signals;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to at least one of the pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the respiration-rate signal receiver, the nasal-air pressure signal receiver, the sound signal receiver, the motion signal receiver, the position signal receiver, the ECG signal receiver, the EEG signal receiver, the EOG signal receiver and the EMG signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter and being adapted to output at least one digital signal; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

64. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 63, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the at least one digital signal to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the at least one digital signal is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

65. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 63, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the pulse-oximetry signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the respiration-rate signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the sound signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the motion signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the position signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the ECG signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the EEG signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the EOG signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;

the EMG signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to at least one of the pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the respiration-rate signal receiver, the nasal-air pressure signal receiver, the sound signal receiver, the motion signal receiver, the position signal receiver, the ECG signal receiver, the EEG signal receiver, the EOG signal receiver and the EMG signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

66. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 63, wherein:
the pulse-oximetry sensor is coupled to the pulse-oximetry signal receiver, the pulse-oximetry sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a pulse-oximetry signal and to relay the pulse-oximetry signal to the pulse-oximetry signal receiver;
the respiration-rate sensor is coupled to the respiration-rate signal receiver, the respiration-rate sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a respiration-rate signal and to relay the respiration-rate signal to the respiration-rate signal receiver;
the nasal-air pressure/thermistor sensor is coupled to the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver, the nasal-air pressure/thermistor sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal and to relay the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal to the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver;

the sound sensor is coupled to the sound signal receiver, the sound sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a sound signal and to relay the sound signal to the sound signal receiver;
the motion sensor is coupled to the motion signal receiver, the motion sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a motion signal and to relay the motion signal to the motion signal receiver;
the position sensor is coupled to the position signal receiver, the position sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a position signal and to relay the position signal to the position signal receiver;
the plurality of ECG sensors are coupled to the ECG
signal receiver, the plurality of ECG sensors being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output ECG signals and to relay the ECG
signals to the ECG signal receiver;
the plurality of EEG sensors are coupled to the EEG
signal receiver, the plurality of EEG sensors being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output EEG signals and to relay the EEG
signals to the EEG signal receiver;
the plurality of EOG sensors are coupled to the EOG
signal receiver, the plurality of EOG sensors being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output EOG signals and to relay the EOG
signals to the EOG signal receiver; and the plurality of EMG sensors are coupled to the EMG
signal receiver, the plurality of EMG sensors being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output EMG signals and to relay the EMG
signals to the EMG signal receiver.

67. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a sound signal receiver, the sound signal receiver being adapted to receive a sound signal from a sound sensor and further being adapted to output the sound signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the sound signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the sound signal from the sound signal receiver and to convert the sound signal into digitized sound signal data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

68. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 67, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized sound signal data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the sound signal is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

69. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 67, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the sound signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the sound signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

70. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 67, wherein the sound sensor is coupled to the sound signal receiver, the sound sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a sound signal and to relay the sound signal to the sound signal receiver.

71. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a motion signal receiver, the motion signal receiver being adapted to receive a motion signal from a motion sensor and further being adapted to output the motion signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the motion signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the motion signal from the motion signal receiver and to convert the motion signal into digitized motion signal data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

72. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 71, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized motion signal data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the motion signal is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

73. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 71, wherein:

the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the motion signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the motion signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

74. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 71, wherein the motion sensor is coupled to the motion signal receiver, the motion sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a motion signal and to relay the motion signal to the motion signal receiver.

75. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a position signal receiver, the position signal receiver being adapted to receive a position signal from a position sensor and further being adapted to output the position signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the position signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the position signal from the position signal receiver and to convert the position signal into digitized position signal data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

76. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 75, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized position signal data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the position signal is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

77. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 75, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the position signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the position signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

78. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 75, wherein the position sensor is coupled to the position signal receiver, the position sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a position signal and to relay the position signal to the position signal receiver.

79. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
an electrooculogram (EOG) signal receiver, the EOG
signal receiver being adapted to receive EOG signals from a plurality of EOG sensors and further being adapted to output the EOG signals;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the EOG signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the EOG signals from the EOG signal receiver and to output digitized EOG
data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

80. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 79, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized EOG data to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the digitized EOG data is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

81. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 79, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the EOG signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the EOG signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

82. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 79, wherein:
the plurality of EOG sensors are coupled to the EOG
signal receiver, the plurality of EOG sensors being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output EOG signals and to relay the EOG
signals to the EOG signal receiver.

83. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:

an electromyography (EMG) signal receiver, the EMG
signal receiver being adapted to receive EMG signals from a plurality of EMG sensors and further being adapted to output the EMG signals;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the EMG signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the EMG signals from the EMG signal receiver and to output digitized EMG
data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

84. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 83, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized EMG data to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the digitized EMG data is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

85. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 83, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the EMG signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the EMG signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

86. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 83, wherein:

the plurality of EMG sensors are coupled to the EMG
signal receiver, the plurality of EMG sensors being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output EMG signals and to relay the EMG
signals to the EMG signal receiver.

87. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a fetal heart-rate signal receiver, the fetal heart-rate signal receiver being adapted to receive a fetal heart-rate signal from a fetal heart-rate sensor and further being adapted to output the fetal heart-rate signal;
a contraction signal receiver, the contraction signal receiver being adapted to receive a contraction signal from a contraction sensor and further being adapted to output the contraction signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to at least one of the fetal heart-rate signal receiver and the contraction signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter and being adapted to output at least one digital signal; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

88. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 87, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the at least one digital signal to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the at least one digital signal is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

89. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 87, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the fetal heart-rate signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the contraction signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to at least one of the fetal heart-rate receiver and the contraction signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

90. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 87, wherein:
the fetal heart-rate sensor is coupled to the fetal heart-rate signal receiver, the fetal heart-rate sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a fetal heart-rate signal and to relay the fetal heart-rate signal to the fetal heart-rate signal receiver; and the contraction sensor is coupled to the contraction signal receiver, the contraction sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a contraction signal and to relay the contraction signal to the contraction signal receiver.

91. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising: a fetal heart-rate signal receiver, the fetal heart-rate signal receiver being adapted to receive a fetal heart-rate signal from a fetal heart-rate sensor and further being adapted to output the fetal heart-rate signal;

signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the fetal heart-rate signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the fetal heart-rate signal from the fetal heart-rate signal receiver and to convert the fetal heart-rate signal into digitized fetal heart-rate data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

92. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 91 wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized fetal heart-rate data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the fetal heart-rate signal is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

93. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 91, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the fetal heart-rate signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the fetal heart-rate signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

94. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 91, wherein the fetal heart-rate sensor is coupled to the fetal heart-rate signal receiver, the fetal heart-rate sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a fetal heart-rate signal and to relay the fetal heart-rate signal to the fetal heart-rate receiver.

95. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a contraction signal receiver, the contraction signal receiver being adapted to receive a contraction signal from a contraction sensor and further being adapted to output the contraction signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the contraction signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the contraction signal from the contraction signal receiver and to convert the contraction signal into digitized contraction data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

96. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 95, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized contraction data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the contraction signal is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

97. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 95, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the contraction signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;

the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the contraction signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

98. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 95, wherein the contraction sensor is coupled to the contraction signal receiver, the contraction sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a contraction signal and to relay the contraction signal to the contraction receiver.

99. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a blood glucose signal receiver, the blood glucose signal receiver being adapted to receive a blood glucose signal from a blood glucose sensor and further being adapted to output the blood glucose signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the blood glucose signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the blood glucose signal from the blood glucose signal receiver and to output digitized blood glucose data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

100. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 99, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized blood glucose data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the digitized blood glucose data is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

101. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 99, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the blood glucose signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the blood glucose signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

102. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 99, wherein:
the blood glucose sensor comprises a non-invasive blood glucose sensor; and the blood glucose sensor is coupled to the blood glucose signal receiver, the blood glucose sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a blood glucose signal and to relay the blood glucose signal to the blood glucose signal receiver.

103. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a blood cholesterol signal receiver, the blood cholesterol signal receiver being adapted to receive a blood cholesterol signal from a blood cholesterol sensor.
and further being adapted to output the blood cholesterol signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the blood cholesterol signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the blood cholesterol signal from the blood cholesterol signal receiver and to output digitized blood cholesterol data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

104. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 103, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized blood cholesterol data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the digitized blood cholesterol data is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

105. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 103, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the blood cholesterol signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the blood cholesterol signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

106. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 103, wherein:
the blood cholesterol sensor comprises a non-invasive blood cholesterol sensor; and the blood cholesterol sensor is coupled to the blood cholesterol signal receiver, the blood cholesterol sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a blood cholesterol signal and to relay the blood cholesterol signal to the blood cholesterol signal receiver.

107. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
an oxygen signal receiver, the oxygen signal receiver being adapted to receive an oxygen signal from an oxygen sensor and further being adapted to output the oxygen signal;
a carbon-dioxide signal receiver, the carbon-dioxide signal receiver being adapted to receive a carbon-dioxide signal from a carbon-dioxide sensor and further being adapted to output the carbon-dioxide signal;
a nitrogen signal receiver, the nitrogen signal receiver being adapted to receive a nitrogen signal from a nitrogen sensor and further being adapted to output the nitrogen signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to at least one of the oxygen signal receiver, the carbon-dioxide signal receiver and the nitrogen signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter and being adapted to output at least one digital signal; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

108. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 107, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the at least one digital signal to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the at least one digital signal is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

109. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 107, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the oxygen signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the carbon-dioxide signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the nitrogen signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to at least one of the oxygen signal receiver, the carbon-dioxide signal receiver and the nitrogen signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

110. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 107, wherein:
the oxygen sensor comprises a non-invasive oxygen sensor;
the oxygen sensor is coupled to the oxygen signal receiver, the oxygen sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output an oxygen signal and to relay the oxygen signal to the oxygen signal receiver;
the carbon-dioxide sensor comprises a non-invasive carbon-dioxide sensor;
the carbon-dioxide sensor is coupled to the carbon-dioxide signal receiver, the carbon-dioxide sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a carbon-dioxide signal and to relay the carbon-dioxide signal to the carbon-dioxide signal receiver;
the nitrogen sensor comprises a non-invasive nitrogen sensor; and the nitrogen sensor is coupled to the nitrogen signal receiver, the nitrogen sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a nitrogen signal and to relay the nitrogen signal to the nitrogen signal receiver.

111. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 107, wherein:
the personal computer card further comprises a carbon-monoxide signal receiver, the carbon-monoxide signal receiver being adapted to receive a carbon-monoxide signal from a carbon-monoxide sensor and further being adapted to output the carbon-monoxide signal;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to at least one of the oxygen signal receiver, the carbon-dioxidel signal receiver, the nitrogen signal receiver and the carbon-dioxide signal receiver.

112. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a carbon dioxide receiver, the carbon dioxide signal receiver being adapted to receive a carbon dioxide signal from a carbon dioxide sensor and further being adapted to output the carbon dioxide signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the carbon dioxide signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the carbon dioxide signal from the carbon dioxide signal receiver and to output digitized carbon dioxide data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

113. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 112, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized carbon dioxide data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the digitized carbon dioxide data is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

114. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 112, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the carbon dioxide signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the carbon dioxide signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

115. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 112, wherein:
the carbon dioxide sensor comprises a non-invasive carbon dioxide sensor; and the carbon dioxide sensor is coupled to the carbon dioxide signal receiver, the oxygen sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a carbon dioxide signal and to relay the carbon dioxide signal to the carbon dioxide signal receiver.

116. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a nitrogen receiver, the nitrogen signal receiver being adapted to receive a nitrogen signal from a nitrogen sensor and further being adapted to output the nitrogen signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the nitrogen signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the nitrogen signal from the nitrogen signal receiver and to output digitized nitrogen data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

117. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 116, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized nitrogen data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the digitized nitrogen data is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

118. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 116, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the nitrogen signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the nitrogen signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

119. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 116, wherein:
the nitrogen sensor comprises a non-invasive nitrogen sensor; and the nitrogen sensor is coupled to the nitrogen signal receiver, the nitrogen sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a nitrogen signal and to relay the nitrogen signal to the nitrogen signal receiver.

120. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a carbon monoxide receiver, the carbon monoxide signal receiver being adapted to receive a carbon monoxide signal from a carbon monoxide sensor and further being adapted to output the carbon monoxide signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the carbon monoxide signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the carbon monoxide signal from the carbon monoxide signal receiver and to output digitized carbon monoxide data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

121. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 120, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized carbon monoxide data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the digitized carbon monoxide data is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

122. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 120, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the carbon monoxide signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the carbon monoxide signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

123. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 120, wherein:
the carbon monoxide sensor comprises a non-invasive carbon monoxide sensor; and the carbon monoxide sensor is coupled to the carbon monoxide signal receiver, the carbon monoxide sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a carbon monoxide signal and to relay the carbon monoxide signal to the carbon monoxide signal receiver.

124. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
an oxygen signal receiver, the oxygen signal receiver being adapted to receive an oxygen signal from an oxygen sensor and further being adapted to output the oxygen signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the oxygen signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the oxygen signal from the oxygen signal receiver and to output digitized oxygen data; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

125. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 124, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized oxygen data to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the digitized oxygen data is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

126. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 124, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the oxygen signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the oxygen signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

127. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 124, wherein the oxygen sensor is coupled to the oxygen signal receiver, the oxygen sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output an oxygen signal and to relay the oxygen signal to the oxygen signal receiver.

128. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a first conductor signal receiver, the first conductor signal receiver being adapted to receive a first conductor signal from a first conductor, the first conductor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient;
a second conductor signal receiver, the second conductor signal receiver being adapted to receive a second conductor signal from a second conductor, the second conductor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the first conductor signal receiver and the second conductor receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the first conductor signal from the first conductor signal receiver and being adapted to receive the second conductor signal from the second conductor signal receiver; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

129. The personal computer card for collecting biological data as set forth in Claim 128, and further comprising:
a current source adapted to apply a predetermined current to at least one of the first conductor signal receiver and the second conductor signal receiver; and an electrical resistance detector, the electrical resistance detector being adapted to determine an electrical resistance of the patient, based on the predetermined current applied by the current source.

130. The personal computer card for collecting biological data as set forth in Claim 128, wherein:

at least one of the first conductor signal receiver and the second conductor signal receiver is adapted to receive a predetermined current from a current source on the host microprocessor system; and an electrical resistance between the first conductor signal receiver and the second conductor signal receiver can be determined by an electrical resistance detector on the host microprocessor system, the electrical resistance detector being adapted to determine an electrical resistance of the patient, based on the predetermined current applied by the current source.

131. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 129, wherein the electrical resistance detector is adapted to determine a body composition of the patient.

132. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 131, wherein the body composition of the patient comprises a fat composition of the patient.

133. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 131, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the electrical resistance to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the electrical resistance detector determines the electrical resistance of the patient.

134. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 129, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the current source is coupled to the personal computer card housing;

the electrical resistance detector is operatively coupled to the personal computer card housing; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

135. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 129, wherein:
the first conductor is coupled to the first conductor signal receiver, the first conductor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient; are coupled to the ECG signal receiver, the plurality of ECG sensors being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output ECG signals and to relay the ECG signals to the ECG signal receiver.

136. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a heart-beat signal receiver, the heart beat signal receiver being adapted to receive a heart beat signal from a heart beat sensor and further being adapted to output the heart beat signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the heart beat signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter and being adapted to output at least one digital signal; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

137. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 136, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the at least one digital signal to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the at least one digital signal is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

138. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 136, wherein;
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the heart-beat signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the heart-beat signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

139. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 136, wherein the heart-beat sensor is coupled to the heart-beat signal receiver, the heart-beat sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a heart-beat signal and to relay the heart-beat signal to the heart-beat signal.

140. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
an ear probe signal receiver, the ear probe signal receiver being adapted to receive an ear probe signal from an ear probe sensor and further being adapted to output the ear probe signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the ear probe signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter and being adapted to output at least one digital signal; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

141. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 140, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the at least one digital signal to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the at least one digital signal is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

142. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 140, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the ear probe signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the ear probe signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

143. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 140, wherein the ear probe sensor is coupled to the ear probe signal receiver, the ear probe sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output an ear probe signal and to relay the ear probe signal to the ear probe signal receiver.

144. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 143, wherein:
the ear probe sensor comprises a hand-held wand adapted to be placed into an ear of a patient; and 90.

the ear probe sensor is adapted to measure a pressure of an eardrum of the patient.

145. Canceled

146. Canceled

147. Canceled 91.

148. Canceled

149. Canceled

150. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
a pencil probe signal receiver, the pencil probe signal receiver being adapted to receive a pencil probe signal from a pencil probe sensor and further being adapted to output the pencil probe signal;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the pencil probe signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter and being adapted to output at least one digital signal; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system.

151. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 150, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the at least one digital signal to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the at least one digital signal is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

152. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 150, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the pencil probe signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled to the pencil probe signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

153. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 150, wherein the pencil probe sensor is coupled to the pencil probe signal receiver, the pencil probe sensor being adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output a pencil probe signal and to relay the pencil probe signal to the pencil probe signal receiver.

154. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 153, wherein:
the pencil probe sensor comprises a hand-held wand adapted to emit acoustical signals; and the pencil probe sensor is adapted to measure a blood flow of the patient, based upon the emitted acoustical signals.

93.

155. A personal computer card for collecting biological data, comprising:
an electroencephalography (EEG) signal receiver, the EEG signal receiver being adapted to receive EEG signals from a plurality of EEG sensors and further being adapted to output the EEG signals;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the EEG signal receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry comprising at least one analog-to-digital converter and being adapted to output at least one digital signal; and a personal computer card interface operatively coupled to the signal-conditioning circuitry, the personal computer card interface being adapted to provide an interface between the personal computer card and a host microprocessor system and to relay the at least one digital signal to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the at least one digital signal is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

156. Canceled

157. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 155, wherein:
the personal computer card comprises a personal computer card housing;
the EEG signal receiver is coupled to the personal computer card housing;
the signal-conditioning circuitry is operatively coupled the EEG signal receiver; and the personal computer card interface is disposed withing the personal computer card housing.

158. The personal computer card as set forth in Claim 155, wherein the plurality of EEG sensors are coupled to the EEG signal receiver, the plurality of EEG
sensors being. adapted to be placed into close proximity with a patient, to output EEG signals and to relay the EEG signals to the EEG signal receiver.

159. A portable biological data collection device, comprising:
a personal computer card housing;
a biological data receiver coupled to the personal computer card housing, the biological data receiver being adapted to receive biological data and to output the biological data;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the biological data receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the biological data from the biological data receiver and to convert the biological data into digitized biological data; and a personal computer card interface disposed within the personal computer card housing, the personal computer card interface being adapted to communicate with a set-top box and to relay the digitized biological data to the set-top box on a real-time basis as the biological data is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

160. The portable biological data collection device as set forth in Claim 159, wherein:
the set-top box comprises a host microprocessor system; and the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitized biological data to the set-top box on a real-time basis for transmission by the set-top box to another host microprocessor system.

161. A portable biological data collection device, comprising:
a game-set card housing;
a biological data receiver coupled to the game-set card housing, the biological data receiver being adapted to receive biological data and to output the biological data;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the biological data receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the biological data from the biological data receiver and to convert the biological data into digitized biological data; and a game-set card interface disposed within the game-set card housing, the game-set card interface being adapted to communicate with a game-set and to relay the digitized biological data to the game-set on a real-time basis as the biological data is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

162. The portable biological data collection device as set forth in Claim 161, wherein:
the game-set card housing comprises a personal computer card housing; and the game-set card interface comprises a personal computer card interface.

163. The host microprocessor system as set forth in Claim 161, wherein the game-set card housing comprises a compact flash card.

164. A portable biological data collection device, comprising:
a computer card housing;

a biological data receiver coupled to the computer card housing, the biological data receiver being adapted to receive biological data and to output the biological data;
signal-conditioning circuitry operatively coupled to the biological data receiver, the signal-conditioning circuitry being adapted to receive the biological data from the biological data receiver and to convert the biological data into digitized biological data; and a compact flash card interface disposed within the computer card housing, the compact flash card interface being adapted to communicate with a host microprocessor system and to relay the digitized biological data to the host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the biological data is converted by the signal conditioning circuitry.

165. A host microprocessor system configurable among a plurality of biological data collection device modes, comprising:
a personal computer card slot adapted to receive a personal computer card therein;
a personal computer card interface adapted to communicate with a personal computer card inserted into the personal computer card slot and adapted to receive digitized biological data from a personal computer card inserted into the personal computer card slot;
a microprocessor;
a data bus operatively connected between the microprocessor and the personal computer card interface;
an input device adapted to receive designation data from a personal computer card within the personal computer card slot, the input device being operatively connected to the microprocessor and the designation data being indicative of a type of the digitized biological data from a personal computer card inserted into the personal computer card slot, the designation data comprising one of a first identifier and a second identifier, the first identifier indicating that the digitized biological data should be interpreted by the microprocessor as first biological data and the second identifier indicating that the digitized biological data should be interpreted by the microprocessor as second biological data; and a configurer adapted to configure the host microprocessor system into a first real-time biological data collecting and analyzing device upon receipt of the first identifier, and adapted to configure the host microprocessor system into a second real-time biological data. collecting and analyzing device upon receipt of the second identifier, the configurer being operatively connected to the microprocessor.

166. The host microprocessor system as set forth in Claim 165, the designation data comprising a third identifier indicating that the digitized biological data should be interpreted by the microprocessor as third biological data, and the host microprocessor system being configurable into a third real-time biological data collecting and analyzing device.

167. The host microprocessor system as set forth in Claim 165, wherein:
the host microprocessor system comprises a set-top box; and the set-top box is adapted to receive the digitized biological data and to transmit the digitized biological data to at least one other host microprocessor system.

168. The host microprocessor system as set forth in Claim 167, wherein the set-top box is adapted to transmit the digitized biological data real-time to the at least one other host microprocessor system.

169. The host microprocessor system as set forth in Claim 167, wherein the set-top box is adapted to transmit the digitized biological data to the at least one other host microprocessor system at a later time either automatically at predetermined intervals or upon transmit instructions.

170. The host microprocessor system as set forth in Claim 165, wherein the host microprocessor system comprises a game set.

171. The host microprocessor system as set forth in Claim 165, wherein:
the personal computer card slot is adapted to receive a compact flash card therein;
the personal computer card interface is adapted to communicate with a compact flash card inserted into the personal computer card slot.