Monitoring and displaying pressurization data

• US 6,533,757 B1
• Filed: 06/08/2000
• Issued: 03/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Johnson, Blaine A., Roberts, Larry E., Smith, A. Tony, Foote, Jerrold L., Lampropoulos, Fred P., Taylor, Steven R., Stout, Thomas D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Walberg, Teresa
• Assistant Examiner(s): DAHBOUR, HENRY
• Application Number:
  US09/589,992
• Time in Patent Office: 1,013 Days
• Field of Search: 604/131, 604/920, 604/100.01, 604/100.02, 604/100.03, 604/96.01, 604/97.01, 604/97.02, 604/97.03, 604/98.01, 604/98.02, 604/99.01, 604/99.02, 604/99.03, 604/509
• US Class Current: 604/131
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/127 Aorta
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/1018 Balloon inflating or inflation-control devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/10184 Means for controlling or monitoring inflation or deflation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/10188 Inflation or deflation data displays
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/104 used for angioplasty

Abstract

Methods and systems for controlling and monitoring pressurization data. The methods and systems advance beyond the prior art in their ability to convey pressurization data unambiguously. The methods and systems include a novel combination of visual cues and control features to insure that pressurization data may be analyzed accurately. For example, the visual cues and control features include changing the background color of the display area and providing a pressurization arrow to indicate pressurization or depressurization; a time showing the elapsed time of pressurization or depressurization; a pressurization number indicating the number of pressurization cycles that have occurred; software keys for making configuration choices; and text and graphic display modes. A touch interface may be provide for user interaction. To insure accurate pressure measurements, at least one pressure reference standard may also be utilized.

Claims

1. In a real-time primary device including a display that displays received pressurization data, a method of electronically tracking the received pressurization data, the method comprising the acts of:

establishing a plurality of pressurization states;

receiving pressurization data that includes pressurization values corresponding to more than one of the plurality of pressurization states; and

changing the background color of the display as the pressurization values transition between any of the plurality of pressurization states.

2. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the plurality of pressurization states include a state of pressurization and a state of depressurization, the method further comprising the act of displaying a pressurization arrow indicating whether a most recent pressurization value represents a state of pressurization or a state of depressurization.

3. A method as recited in claim 2 further comprising the acts of:

defining a pressurization cycle in terms of the plurality of pressurization states; and

displaying within the pressurization arrow, a count corresponding to a current pressurization cycle.

4. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the acts of:

defining a zero band of pressurization values;

displaying a current pressurization value as zero when it falls within the zero band of pressurization values;

displaying a unit of measure corresponding to the current pressurization value; and

displaying an elapsed time since a last transition between any of the plurality of pressurization states.

5. A method as recited in claim 4 further comprising the acts of:

defining a pressurization cycle in terms of the plurality of pressurization states;

receiving pressurization data that corresponds to a complete pressurization cycle;

displaying a pressurization value corresponding to a maximum pressurization value reached during the complete pressurization cycle; and

displaying an elapsed time of at least one pressurization state that occurred during the complete pressurization cycle.

6. A method as recited in claim 5 wherein the primary device is capable of tracking pressurization values in at least two units of measure, the units of measure arranged in a circular sequence, and wherein the display is a graphical display that includes a touch interface, the method further comprising the acts of:

receiving a touch input corresponding to the display of a unit of measure;

displaying the unit of measure that is next in the circular sequence; and

updating the display of pressurization values to reflect the displayed unit of measure.

7. A method as recited in claim 6 further comprising the acts of:

displaying one or more soft keys on the graphical display, one of the soft keys providing the capability of marking current pressurization data to define an event;

receiving a touch input corresponding to the soft key for marking events; and

marking the pressurization data as an event.

8. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the primary device includes memory, the method further comprising the acts of:

dividing pressurization data into one or more discrete events; and

storing the one or more discrete events in the memory.

9. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the primary device includes an external interface that provides pressurization data to one or more external components, the method further comprising the act of downloading pressurization data through the external interface.

10. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the acts of:

setting a maximum pressurization value;

setting a maximum elapsed time for any of the plurality of pressurization states;

using the display to signal if the maximum pressurization value is exceeded; and

using the display to signal if the maximum elapsed time is exceeded.

11. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the primary device includes one or more pressure reference standards, the method further comprising the acts of:

measuring the one or more pressure reference standards for a first time to produce a first pressure value for each standard; and

storing the first pressure value for each standard.

12. A method as recited in claim 11 wherein the primary device includes a low pressure reference standard and a high pressure reference standard, the method further comprising the acts of:

initializing the primary device by performing the acts of;

establishing a tolerance value indicating the allowable variation between measurements of the pressure reference standards;

measuring the low pressure reference standard subsequent to the first time of measuring the low pressure reference standard;

comparing the subsequent measurement of the low pressure reference standard to the first, stored, measurement of the low pressure reference standard;

measuring the high pressure reference standard subsequent to the first time of measuring the high pressure reference standard;

comparing the subsequent measurement of the high pressure reference standard to the first, stored, measurement of the high pressure reference standard; and

reporting any variation between first and subsequent measurements of the pressure reference standards, if the variation exceeds the tolerance value;

stabilizing the primary device by requiring received pressurization data to include pressurization values that remain constant during a stabilization period; and

calibrating the primary device by requiring received pressurization data to include pressurization values, remaining constant during a calibration period, that essentially represent ambient air pressure.

13. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the act of linking a remote device to the primary device, wherein the remote device is substantially identical to the primary device.

14. A method as recited in claim 13 further comprising the acts of:

transmitting received pressurization data from the primary device to the remote device;

synchronizing the displays of the primary and remote devices;

allowing either device to receive input for controlling how the primary and remote devices operate;

transmitting any input received at the primary device to the remote device and any input received at the remote device to the primary device; and

synchronizing the operation of remote and primary devices when any input is transmitted between the remote and primary devices.

15. In a real-time primary device including a graphical display that displays received pressurization data, a method of electronically tracking the received pressurization data, the method comprising the acts of:

displaying a two-dimensional grid with a first axis corresponding to time and a second axis corresponding to magnitude, the grid including divisions and a scale for indicating the values that may be represented on the grid;

displaying a magnitude indicator on the magnitude axis of the grid;

receiving pressurization data including pressurization values;

moving the magnitude indicator to a point on the magnitude axis that corresponds to the pressurization values as they are received;

drawing a point on the grid at the magnitude indicator;

scrolling the grid away from the magnitude axis to indicate the passage of time; and

auto-ranging the display of the grid.

16. A method as recited in claim 15 further comprising the acts of:

setting a goal corresponding to a desired pressurization value; and

drawing a line across the grid at the magnitude that corresponds to the goal.

17. A method as recited in claim 15 wherein the graphical display includes a touch interface, further comprising the act of receiving a touch input.

18. A method as recited in claim 17 wherein the touch input corresponds to a command for magnifying display of the grid, the method further comprising the act of magnifying display of the grid in a region that is roughly centered about a current pressurization value.

19. A method as recited in claim 17 further comprising the acts of:

displaying one or more soft keys on the graphical display, one of the soft keys providing the capability of marking current pressurization data to define an event, wherein the received touch input corresponds to the soft key for marking events; and

marking the current pressurization data as an event.

20. A method as recited in claim 15, further comprising the acts of:

dividing the grid into regions; and

auto-ranging by keeping at least one region above and one region below the position of the magnitude indicator.

21. A method as recited in claim 15 further comprising the acts of:

establishing a plurality of pressurization states;

receiving pressurization data that includes pressurization values corresponding to more than one of the plurality of pressurization states; and

changing the background color of the display as the pressurization values transition between any of the plurality of pressurization states.

22. A method as recited in claim 21, wherein the pressurization states include a state of pressurization and a state of depressurization, the method further comprising the acts of:

defining a zero band of pressurization values;

displaying a current pressurization value as zero when it falls within the zero band of pressurization values;

displaying an elapsed time since a last transition between any of the plurality of pressurization states;

defining a pressurization cycle in terms of the plurality of pressurization states;

receiving pressurization data that corresponds to a complete pressurization cycle;

displaying an elapsed time of at least one pressurization state that occurred during the complete pressurization cycle;

displaying a pressurization value corresponding to a maximum pressurization value reached during the complete pressurization cycle;

displaying a unit of measure corresponding to displayed pressurization values;

displaying a pressurization arrow indicating whether a most recent pressurization value represents a state of pressurization or a state of depressurization; and

displaying within the pressurization arrow, a count corresponding to a current pressurization cycle.

23. A method as recited in claim 15 wherein the primary device includes memory, the method further comprising the acts of:

dividing pressurization data into one or more discrete events; and

storing the one or more discrete events in the memory.

24. A method as recited in claim 15 wherein the primary device includes an external interface that provides pressurization data to one or more external components, the method further comprising the act of downloading pressurization data through the external interface.

25. A method as recited in claim 24 wherein the act of downloading pressurization data includes downloading one of a textual representation of pressurization data and a graphical representation of pressurization data.

26. In a real-time system comprising a control syringe for generating pressure, a transducer for converting sensed pressure into electrical signals, a primary device with a graphical display that includes a touch interface, and a communication link between the transducer and primary device, a method of electronically tracking received pressurization data at the primary device, the method comprising the acts of:

establishing a plurality of pressurization states that include a state of pressurization and a state of depressurization;

receiving pressurization data that includes pressurization values corresponding to more than one of the plurality of pressurization states;

changing the background color of the display as the pressurization values transition between any of the plurality of pressurization states;

displaying a pressurization arrow indicating whether a most recent pressurization value represents a state of pressurization or a state of depressurization;

defining a pressurization cycle in terms of the plurality of pressurization states; and

displaying within the pressurization arrow, a count corresponding to a current pressurization cycle.

27. A method as recited in claim 26 wherein the primary device includes memory, further comprising the acts of:

dividing pressurization data into one or more discrete events; and

storing the one or more discrete events in the memory.

28. A method as recited in claim 26 further comprising the acts of:

defining a zero band of pressurization values;

displaying a current pressurization value as zero when it falls within the zero band of pressurization values;

displaying an elapsed time since a last transition between any of the plurality of pressurization states;

defining a pressurization cycle in terms of the plurality of pressurization states;

receiving pressurization data that corresponds to a complete pressurization cycle;

displaying a pressurization value corresponding to a maximum pressurization value reached during the complete pressurization cycle;

displaying a unit of measure corresponding to the displayed pressurization values; and

displaying an elapsed time of at least one pressurization state that occurred during the complete pressurization cycle.

29. A method as recited in claim 28 wherein the primary device is capable of tracking pressurization values in at least two units of measure, the units of measure arranged in a circular sequence, the method further comprising the acts of:

receiving a touch input corresponding to the display of a unit of measure;

displaying the unit of measure that is next in the circular sequence; and

updating the display of pressurization values to reflect the displayed unit of measure.

30. A method as recited in claim 28 further comprising the acts of:

displaying a two-dimensional grid with a horizontal axis corresponding to time and a vertical axis corresponding to magnitude, the grid including divisions and a scale for indicating the values that may be represented on the grid;

displaying a magnitude indicator at the right-hand side of the grid;

receiving pressurization data including pressurization values;

moving the magnitude indicator to a point on the vertical axis that corresponds the pressurization values as they are received;

drawing a point on the grid at the magnitude indicator;

scrolling the grid from right to left along the horizontal axis to indicate the passage of time;

setting a goal corresponding to a desired pressurization value; and

drawing a line across the grid at the magnitude that corresponds to the pressurization value goal.

31. A method as recited in claim 30 wherein the primary device includes a low pressure reference standard and a high pressure reference standard, the method further comprising the acts of:

measuring the low pressure reference standard for a first time;

storing the first low pressure reference standard measurement;

measuring the high pressure reference standard for a first time;

storing the first high pressure reference standard measurement;

establishing a tolerance value indicating the allowable variation between first and subsequent measurements of the low and high pressure reference standards;

measuring the low pressure reference standard subsequent to the first time of measuring the low pressure reference standard;

comparing the subsequent measurement of the low pressure reference standard to the first, stored, measurement of the low pressure reference standard;

measuring the high pressure reference standard subsequent to the first time of measuring the high pressure reference standard;

comparing the subsequent measurement of the high pressure reference standard to the first, stored, measurement of the high pressure reference standard; and

reporting any variation between first and subsequent measurements of the pressure reference standards when the variation exceeds the tolerance value.

32. A method as recited in claim 26 wherein the system includes a remote device substantially identical to and linked to the primary device, further comprising the acts of:

transmitting received pressurization data from the primary device to the remote device;

synchronizing the displays of the primary and remote devices;

allowing either device to receive input for controlling how the primary and remote devices operate;

transmitting any input received at the primary device to the remote device and any input received at the remote device to the primary device; and

synchronizing the operation of remote and primary devices when any input is transmitted between the remote and primary devices.

33. A real-time primary system for electronically tracking received pressurization data, the primary system comprising:

a central processing unit;

memory coupled to the central processing unit;

a pressurization data input interface coupled to the central processing unit;

a color graphical display coupled to the central processing unit; and

processor means for performing the steps of;

establishing a plurality of pressurization states;

receiving pressurization data that includes pressurization values corresponding to more than one of the plurality of pressurization states;

defining a zero band of pressurization values;

displaying a current pressurization value as zero when it falls within the zero band of pressurization values; and

changing the background color of the display as the pressurization values transition between any of the plurality of pressurization states.

34. A system as recited in claim 33 wherein the pressurization states include a state of pressurization and a state of depressurization, the system further comprising processor means for performing the steps of:

displaying a pressurization arrow indicating whether a current pressurization value represents a state of pressurization or a state of depressurization;

defining a pressurization cycle in terms of the plurality of pressurization states; and

displaying within the pressurization arrow, a count corresponding to a current pressurization cycle.

35. A system as recited in claim 34 further comprising processor means for performing the steps of:

displaying an elapsed time since a last transition between any of the plurality of pressurization states;

receiving pressurization data that corresponds to a complete pressurization cycle;

displaying a pressurization value corresponding to a maximum pressurization value reached during the complete pressurization cycle;

displaying a unit of measure corresponding to the displayed pressurization values; and

displaying an elapsed time of at least one pressurization state that occurred during the complete pressurization cycle.

36. A system as recited in claim 35 further comprising a touch interface integral with the color graphical display.

37. A system as recited in claim 36 further comprising processor means for performing the steps of:

displaying one or more soft keys on the graphical display, one of the soft keys providing the capability of marking current pressurization data to define an event;

receiving a touch input corresponding to the soft key for marking events; and

marking the current pressurization data as an event.

38. A system as recited in claim 36 wherein the primary device is capable of tracking pressurization values in at least two units of measure, the units of measure arranged in a circular sequence, further comprising processor means for performing the steps of:

displaying a unit of measure corresponding to a current pressurization value;

receiving a touch input corresponding to the display of the unit of measure;

displaying the unit of measure that is next in the circular sequence; and

updating the display of pressurization values to reflect the displayed unit of measure.

39. A system as recited in claim 33 further comprising processor means for performing the steps of:

dividing pressurization data into one or more discrete events; and

storing the one or more discrete events in the memory.

40. A system as recited in claim 33 further comprising:

an external interface that provides pressurization data to one or more external components; and

processor means for transferring data through the external interface.

41. A system as recited in claim 33 further comprising:

one or more pressure reference standards; and

processor means for performing the steps of;

measuring the one or more pressure reference standards for a first time to produce a first pressure value for each standard;

storing the first pressure value for each standard;

measuring each standard subsequent to the first time to produce a subsequent pressure value for each standard;

comparing the first pressure value and subsequent pressure value for each standard; and

reporting, for each standard, any variation between the first and subsequent pressure values when the variation is greater than a tolerance value.

42. A system as recited in claim 33 further comprising:

a remote system interface;

a remote system that is substantially identical to the primary system;

processor means for performing the steps of;

establishing a connection between the primary system and the remote system;

transmitting received pressurization data from the primary system to the remote system;

synchronizing the displays of the primary and remote systems;

receiving, from either device, input for controlling how the primary system and remote system operate;

transmitting any input received at the primary system to the remote system and any input received at the remote system to the primary system; and

synchronizing the operation of the remote and primary systems when any input is transmitted between the systems.

43. A system as recited in claim 33 further comprising processor means for performing the steps of:

displaying a two-dimensional grid, the grid having a first axis corresponding to time and a second axis corresponding to magnitude;

displaying a magnitude indicator on the magnitude axis;

moving the magnitude indicator to a point on the magnitude axis that corresponds to pressurization values as they are received;

drawing a point on the grid at the magnitude indicator; and

scrolling the grid away from the magnitude indicator to indicate the passage of time.

44. A system as recited in claim 43 further comprising processor means for performing the steps of:

setting a goal corresponding to a desired pressurization value; and

drawing a line across the grid at the magnitude that corresponds to the pressurization value goal.

45. A system as recited in claim 44 further comprising:

a touch interface integral with the color graphical display; and

processor means for performing the steps of;

receiving a touch input that corresponds to a command for magnifying display of the grid; and

magnifying display of the grid in a region that is roughly centered about a current pressurization value.

46. A real-time primary system for electronically tracking received pressurization data, the primary system comprising:

a control syringe capable of generating pressure;

a transducer operably connected to the control syringe, the transducer converting sensed pressure into electrical signals;

a communication link operably connected to the transducer;

a central processing unit;

memory operably coupled to the central processing unit;

a pressurization data input interface operably coupled to the central processing unit and the communication link;

a color graphical display coupled to the central processing unit; and

processor means for performing the steps of;

establishing a plurality of pressurization states including a state of pressurization and a state of depressurization;

receiving pressurization data that includes pressurization values corresponding to more than one of the plurality of pressurization states;

changing the background color of the display as the pressurization values transition between any of the plurality of pressurization states; and

displaying a pressurization arrow indicating whether a current pressurization value represents a state of pressurization or a state of depressurization.

47. A system as recited in claim 46 further comprising processor means for performing the steps of:

defining a pressurization cycle in terms of the plurality of pressurization states;

displaying within the pressurization arrow, a count corresponding to a current pressurization cycle;

defining a zero band of pressurization values;

displaying a current pressurization value as zero when it falls within the zero band of pressurization values;

displaying an elapsed time since a last transition between any of the plurality of pressurization states;

receiving pressurization data that corresponds to a complete pressurization cycle;

displaying a pressure value corresponding to a maximum pressurization value reached during the complete pressurization cycle;

displaying a unit of measure corresponding to the displayed pressurization values; and

displaying an elapsed time of at least one pressurization state that occurred during the complete pressurization cycle.

48. A system as recited in claim 47 further comprising processor means for performing the steps of:

displaying a two-dimensional grid, the grid having a first axis corresponding to time and a second axis corresponding to magnitude;

displaying a magnitude indicator on the magnitude axis;

moving the magnitude indicator to a point on the magnitude axis that corresponds to pressurization values as they are received;

drawing a point on the grid at the magnitude indicator;

scrolling the grid away from the magnitude indicator to indicate the passage of time;

setting a goal corresponding to a desired pressurization value; and

drawing a line across the grid at the magnitude that corresponds to the pressurization value goal.

49. A system as recited in claim 48 further comprising:

a touch interface integral with the color graphical display; and

processor means for performing the steps of;

receiving a touch input that corresponds to a command for magnifying display of the grid; and

magnifying display of the grid in a region that is roughly centered about a current pressurization value.

50. A system as recited in claim 49 further comprising processor means for performing the steps of:

displaying one or more soft keys on the graphical display, one of the soft keys providing the capability of marking current pressurization data to define an event;

receiving a touch input corresponding to the soft key for marking events; and

marking the current pressurization data as an event.

51. A system as recited in claim 46 further comprising:

one or more pressure reference standards; and

processor means for performing the steps of;

measuring the one or more pressure reference standards for a first time to produce a first pressure value for each standard;

storing the first pressure value for each standard;

measuring each standard subsequent to the first time to produce a subsequent pressure value for each standard;

comparing the first pressure value and subsequent pressure value for each standard;

reporting, for each standard, any variation between the first and subsequent pressure values when the variation is greater than a tolerance value.

52. A system as recited in claim 46 further comprising:

a remote system interface;

a remote system that is substantially identical to the primary system; and

processor means for performing the steps of;

establishing a connection between the primary system and the remote system;

transmitting received pressurization data from the primary system to the remote system;

synchronizing the displays of the primary and remote systems;

receiving, from either device, input for controlling how the primary system and remote system operate;

transmitting any input received at the primary system to the remote system and any input received at the remote system to the primary system; and

synchronizing the operation of the remote and primary systems when any input is transmitted between the systems.

53. A computer program product for electronically tracking received pressurization data, wherein the pressurization data is received by a real-time primary system that includes a color graphical display, the computer program product comprising:

a computer-readable medium carrying computer-executable instructions comprising;

program code means for establishing a plurality of pressurization states including a state of pressurization and a state of depressurization;

program code means for receiving pressurization data that includes pressurization values corresponding to more than one of the plurality of pressurization states;

program code means for changing the background color of the display as pressurization values transition between any of the plurality of pressurization states; and

program code means for displaying a pressurization arrow indicating whether a current pressurization value represents a state of pressurization or a state of depressurization.

54. A computer program product as recited in claim 53 wherein the computer-executable instructions further comprising:

program code means for defining a pressurization cycle in terms of the plurality of pressurization states;

program code means for displaying within the pressurization arrow, a count corresponding to a current pressurization cycle;

program code means for defining a zero band of pressurization values;

program code means for displaying a current pressurization value as zero when it falls within the zero band of pressurization values;

program code means for displaying an elapsed time since a last transition between any of the plurality of pressurization states;

program code means for receiving pressurization data that corresponds to a complete pressurization cycle;

program code means for displaying a pressure value corresponding to a maximum pressurization value reached during the complete pressurization cycle;

program code means for displaying a unit of measure corresponding to the displayed pressurization values; and

program code means for displaying an elapsed time of at least one pressurization state that occurred during the complete pressurization cycle.

55. A computer program product as recited in claim 53 wherein the computer-executable instructions further comprise:

program code means for displaying a two-dimensional grid, the grid having a first axis corresponding to time and a second axis corresponding to magnitude;

program code means for displaying a magnitude indicator on the magnitude axis;

program code means for moving the magnitude indicator to a point on the magnitude axis that corresponds to pressurization values as they are received;

program code means for drawing a point on the grid at the magnitude indicator;

program code means for scrolling the grid away from the magnitude indicator to indicate the passage of time;

program code means for setting a goal corresponding to a desired pressurization value; and

program code means for drawing a line across the grid at the magnitude that corresponds to the pressurization value goal.

56. A computer program product as recited in claim 55 wherein the system includes a touch interface integral with the color graphical display, the computer-executable instructions further comprising:

program code means for receiving a touch input that corresponds to a command for magnifying display of the grid; and

program code means for magnifying display of the grid in a region that is roughly centered about a current pressurization value.

57. A computer program product as recited in claim 53 wherein the system includes a touch interface integral with the color graphical display, the computer-executable instructions further comprising:

program code means for displaying one or more soft keys on the graphical display, one of the soft keys providing the capability of marking current pressurization data to define an event;

program code means for receiving a touch input corresponding to the soft key for marking events; and

program code means for marking the current pressurization data as an event.

58. A computer program product as recited in claim 53 wherein the system includes one or more pressure reference standards, the computer-executable instructions further comprising:

program code means for measuring the one or more pressure reference standards for a first time to produce a first pressure value for each standard;

program code means for storing the first pressure value for each standard;

program code means for measuring each standard subsequent to the first time to produce a subsequent pressure value for each standard;

program code means for comparing the first pressure value and subsequent pressure value for each standard;

program code means for reporting, for each standard, any variation between the first and subsequent pressure values when the variation is greater than a tolerance value.

59. A computer program product as recited in claim 53 wherein the system includes a remote system interface and a remote system that is substantially identical to the primary system, the computer-executable instructions further comprising:

program code means for establishing a connection between the primary system and the remote system;

program code means for transmitting received pressurization data from the primary system to the remote system;

program code means for synchronizing the displays of the primary and remote systems;

program code means for receiving, from either device, input for controlling how the primary system and remote system operate;

program code means for transmitting any input received at the primary system to the remote system and any input received at the remote system to the primary system; and

program code means for synchronizing the operation of the remote and primary systems when any input is transmitted between the systems.

60. A computer program product as recited in claim 54 wherein the primary system includes a touch interface and is capable of tracking pressurization values in at least two units of measure, the units of measure arranged in a circular sequence, the computer executable instructions further comprising:

program code means for receiving a touch input corresponding to the display of a unit of measure;

program code means for displaying the unit of measure that is next in the circular sequence; and

program code means for updating the display of pressurization values to reflect the displayed unit of measure.

61. A computer program product as recited in claim 53 wherein the primary system includes memory, the computer-executable instructions further comprising:

program code means for dividing pressurization data into one or more discrete events; and

program code means for storing the one or more discrete events in the memory.