Method and apparatus for predicting and detecting the onset of ovulation

• US 4,770,186 A
• Filed: 04/27/1987
• Issued: 09/13/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/1985
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Zetek Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Zetek Incorporated
• Inventors: Regas, Jennine, Fernando, Ranjit S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Coven, Edward M.
• Application Number:
  US07/043,107
• Time in Patent Office: 505 Days
• Field of Search: 128/734, 128/735, 128/723, 128/693, 128/738, 324/15, 324/62, 324/154 R
• US Class Current: 600/547
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0012 Ovulation-period determination for animals A61D17/002
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0051 for taking saliva or sputum samples devices for receiving spittle A61J9/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2010/0016 based on measurement of electric currents, e.g. conductivity tests

Abstract

A method and apparatus for predicting ovulation in a human female subject. The onset of menstruation of the subject is noted. Daily determinations are made of the electrical resistivity of the subject'"'"'s saliva, beginning not more than five days following beginning of menstruation. The onset of ovulation is determined as a function of a peak resistivity measurement following onset of menstruation, which peak is followed by a nadir and subsequent sharp increase in saliva electrical resistivity measurement. Vaginal resistivity measurements may be made to confirm ovulation. A probe is used for the resistivity measurement. A probe includes a head or body with exposed imbedded electrodes.

Claims

1. A diagnostic system for determining the onset of ovulation in a female subject, comprising:

(a) a read only memory means for storing a diagnostic program for determining the fertility state of the female subject from salivary and vaginal resistance data values,

(b) a random access memory means for storing temporary data values;

(c) a non-volatile memory means for storing daily data values;

(d) a display means for displaying characters representing the fertility state;

(e) a microprocessor means for controlling the processing of data in accordance with said diagnostic program, said microprocessor means being connected to read only memory means, said random access memory means, said nonvolatile memory means, and said display means;

(f) a sensing means for sensing the resistance of an electrical path along the tongue or cervix of the female user and outputting analog signals,

(g) a conversion means for converting said analog signals to digital signals;

(h) an input means for enabling the input of data by the female subject; and

(i) a first interface means connected to said input means and said analog-to-digital conversion means for enabling the input of digital signals representing a current daily data value to said microprocessor means,

wherein said diagnostic program comprises algorithms for the recognition of predetermined patterns of data values, said algorithms being applied to said current daily data value and said stored daily data values by said microprocessor means, said microprocessor means controlling said display means to display characters representing one of several fertility states of said subject in response to recognition of a corresponding one of said predetermined patterns.

2. A diagnostic system for determining the onset of ovulation as defined in claim 1, wherein said diagnostic program comprises first, second, and third algorithms for the recognition of first, second, and third patterns of data values, said first pattern being that the current daily data value is less than the previous daily data value by a first predetermined amount, said second pattern being that the current daily data value is greater than the previous daily data value by a second predetermined amount and the previous daily data value is less than the next preceding daily data value by a third predetermined amount, and said third pattern being that the current daily data value is greater than the previous daily data value by a fourth predetermined amount.

3. A diagnostic system for determining onset of ovulation as defined in claim 1, further comprising means connected to said microprocessor means for converting parallel data signals to synchronous serial signals for forming a communications link with an external device.

4. A diagnostic system for determining onset of ovulation as defined in claim 1, further comprising a real-time clocking means operatively connected to said microprocessor means by way of a second interfacing means.

5. A diagnostic system for determining onset of ovulation as defined in claim 1, further comprising a decoding means connected to said microprocessor means for decoding control and address signals output by said microprocessor means.

6. A diagnostic system for determining amount of ovulation in a female subject, comprising

(a) a probe means for outputting data signals representing the resistance value of an electrical path along the surface of a body part of said female subject;

(b) an electronic data processing means connected to receive outputted data signals from said probe means and to output a predetermined control signal in response to detection of data signals representing a predetermined pattern of successive resistance values; and

(c) a display means connected to receive outputted control signals from said data processing means and to display characters representing a predetermined fertility state of said female subject in response to receipt of said predetermined control signal.

7. A diagnostic system for determining the onset of ovulation as defined in claim 6, further comprising analog-to-digital conversion means connected between said probe means and said data processing means for converting said data signals from analog to digital form.

8. A diagnostic systme for determining the onset of ovulation as defined in claim 6, further comprising battery voltage supply means for supplying power, voltage recognition means for recognizing a battery voltage less than a predetermined level, and activation means for activating said display means to display a signal indicating low battery voltage in response to recognition of a battery voltage less than said predetermined level.

9. A diagnostic system for determining the onset of ovulation as defined in claim 6, further comprising power supply means and excessive voltage protection switch means connected to said probe means for limiting the voltage provided to said probe means by said power supply means to a predetermined maximum level.

10. A diagnostic system for determining the onset of ovulation as defined in claim 9, wherein said probe means comprises a pair of electrodes and said excessive voltage protection switch means comprises a pair of diodes connected across said electrodes.

11. A diagnostic system for determining the onset of ovulation as defined in claim 6, further comprising rechargeable power supply means having port means for receiving a recharging voltage from a recharging means, means for detecting a recharging voltage at said port means, and means for disabling said diagnostic system in response to the detection of a recharging voltage.

12. A diagnostic system for determining the onset of ovulation as defined in claim 11, further comprising means for automatically initiating a recharging cycle in response to the voltage in said rechargeable power supply means being less than a predetermined value and said recharging means being connected to said diagnostic system.

13. A diagnostic system for determining the onset of ovulation as defined in claim 6, further comprising battery voltage supply means for supplying power and amplifier means connected to receive data signals from said probe means at a first input and having a reference voltage at a second input wherein said reference voltage is equal to a fraction of said battery voltage less a predetermined fixed voltage, thereby rendering the amplifier output independent of said battery voltage.

14. A diagnostic system for determining the onset of ovulation in a female subject, comprising:

(a) a first probe means for outputting data signals representing the resistance value of an electrical path along the surface of a first body part of said female subject;

(b) a second probe means for outputting data signals representing the resistance value of an electrical path along the surface of a second body part of said female subject;

(c) an electronic data processing means having a port for interchangeably receiving either of said probe means, said data processing means including

(i) means for recognizing which of said probe means is inserted in said port,

(ii) means for applying a first pattern detection algorithm to said data signals in response to recognition of said first probe means,

(iii) means for applying a second pattern detection algorithm to said data signals in response to recognition of said second probe means,

(iv) means for outputting first and second control signals in response to detection of data signals representing first and second patterns of successive resistance values, respectively;

(d) a display means connected to receive the output of said data processing means and to display characters representing first or second fertility states of said female subject, respectively, in response to receipt of said first or second control signals.