Personal computer card for collection of real-time biological data

• US 6,159,147 A
• Filed: 10/15/1998
• Issued: 12/12/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: VectraCor, Inc.
• Original Assignee: QRS Diagnostic, LLC
• Inventors: Lien, Spencer J., Lichter, Patrick A.
• Primary Examiner(s): WINAKUR, ERIC FRANK
• Application Number:
  US09/173,059
• Time in Patent Office: 789 Days
• Field of Search: 600/300, 600/301, 600/309, 600/323, 600/529, 600/537, 600/538, 600/544, 600/546, 600/549, 600/481, 600/308, 600/364, 128/920
• US Class Current: 600/300
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0475 Special features of memory means, e.g. removable memory cards
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02055 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/022 by applying pressure to close blood vessels, e.g. against the skin; Ophthalmodynamometers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02411 of foetuses
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/033 Uterine pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/097 Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/11 Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb for measuring pulse A61B5/02 ;A61B5/1038 takes precedence; motion detection to correct for motion artifacts in physiological signals A61B5/721
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/30 Input circuits therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/318 Heart-related electrical modalities, e.g. electrocardiography [ECG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/369 Electroencephalography [EEG] devices for psychotechnics A61B5/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/389 Electromyography [EMG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/398 Electrooculography [EOG], e.g. detecting nystagmus; Electroretinography [ERG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 Clamps or clips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/06 : Measuring blood flow measuring volume flow in general G01F, e.g. G01F1/66, G01F1/72; measuring speed of fluids in general G01P5/00
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 : for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/92 : Computer assisted medical diagnostics

Abstract

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

Claims

1. 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.

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 circuits 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 game-set card interface being adapted to communicate with a game-set host microprocessor system and to relay the at least one digital signal to the game-set host microprocessor system on a real-time basis as the signal conditioning circuitry outputs the at least one digital signal.

3. 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.

4. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 3, 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.

5. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 3, 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.

6. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 3, 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.

7. 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.

8. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 7, 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.

9. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 7, wherein:

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.

10. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 7, 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.

11. 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.

12. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 11, 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.

13. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 11, 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.

14. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 11, 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.

15. 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;

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.

16. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 15, 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.

17. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 15, 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.

18. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 15, 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.

19. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 18, wherein

the flow signal receiver comprises at least one pressure sensor;

and

the line pressure signal receiver comprises a pressure sensor.

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

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.

21. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 20, 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.

22. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 20, 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.

23. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 20, 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.

24. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 23, wherein the flow signal receiver comprises at least one pressure sensor.

25. 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.

26. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 25, 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.

27. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 25, 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 circuit is operatively coupled to the line pressure signal receiver; and

the personal computer card interface is disposed within the personal computer card housing.

28. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 25, 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.

29. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 28, wherein the line pressure signal receiver comprises a pressure sensor.

30. 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 pressure thermistor 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.

31. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 30, 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.

32. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 30, 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.

33. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 30, 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 signal and to relay the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal to the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver.

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

the respiration-rate sensor comprises a chest band and a microphone; and

the nasal-air pressure thermistor sensor comprises a nasal cannula.

35. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 34, wherein:

the respiration-rate signal receiver comprises a strain gauge; and

the nasal-air pressure/thermistor signal receiver comprises a pressure/temperature sensor.

36. 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.

37. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 36, 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.

38. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 36, 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.

39. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 36, 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.

40. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 39, wherein the respiration-rate signal receiver comprises a strain gauge.

41. 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;

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.

42. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 41, 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.

43. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 41, 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.

44. The personal computer card as set fort in claim 41, wherein 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.

45. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 44, wherein the nasal-air pressure thermistor signal receiver comprises a pressure/temperature sensor.

46. 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.

47. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 46, 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.

48. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 46, 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.

49. 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.

50. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 49, 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.

51. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 49, 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.

52. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 49, 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.

53. 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.

54. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 53, 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.

55. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 53, 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.

56. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 53, 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.

57. 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.

58. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 57, 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.

59. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 57, 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-gate 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.

60. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 57, 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.

61. 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.

62. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 61, 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.

63. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 61, 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.

64. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 61, 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 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.

65. 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.

66. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 65, 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.

67. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 65, 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.

68. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 65, 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.

69. 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.

70. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 69, 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.

71. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 69, 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.

72. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 70, 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.

73. 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.

74. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 73, 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.

75. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 73, 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.

76. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 73, 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.

77. 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.

78. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 77, 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.

79. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 77, 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.

80. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 77, 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.

81. 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.

82. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 81, 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.

83. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 81, 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.

84. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 81, 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.

85. 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.

86. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 85, 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.

87. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 85, 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.

88. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 85, 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.

89. 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.

90. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 89, 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.

91. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 89, 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.

92. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 89, 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.

93. 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.

94. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 93, 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.

95. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 93, 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.

96. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 93, 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.

97. 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.

98. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 97, 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.

99. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 97, 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.

100. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 97, 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.

101. 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.

102. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 101, 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.

103. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 101, 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.

104. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 101, 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.

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

an oxygen signal receiver, the oxygen signal receiver being adapted to receive 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.

106. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 105, 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.

107. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 105, 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.

108. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 105, 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 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.

109. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 105, 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-dioxide signal receiver, the nitrogen signal receiver and the carbon-dioxide signal receiver.

110. 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.

111. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 110, 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.

112. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 110, 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.

113. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 110, 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.

114. 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.

115. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 114, wherein the personal computer card interface is adapted to relay the digitize nitrogen data to the host computer on a real-time basis as the digitized nitrogen data is output by the signal-conditioning circuitry.

116. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 114, 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.

117. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 114, 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.

118. 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.

119. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 118, 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.

120. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 118, 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.

121. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 118, 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.

122. 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.

123. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 122, 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.

124. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 122, 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.

125. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 122, 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.

126. 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.

127. The personal computer card for collecting biological data as set forth in claim 126, 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.

128. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 127, wherein the electrical resistance detector is adapted to determine a body composition of the patient.

129. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 128, wherein the body composition of the patient comprises a fat composition of the patient.

130. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 128, 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.

131. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 127, 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.

132. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 127, 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.

133. The personal computer card for collecting biological data as set forth in claim 126, 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.

134. 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.

135. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 134, 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.

136. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 134, 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.

137. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 134, 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.

138. 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.

139. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 138, 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.

140. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 138, 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.

141. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 138, 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.

142. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 141, wherein:

the ear probe sensor comprises a hand-held wand adapted to be placed into an ear of a patient; and

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

143. 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.

144. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 143, 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.

145. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 143, 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.

146. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 143, 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.

147. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 146, 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.

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

an electroencephalograhy (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.

149. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 148, 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 within the personal computer card housing.

150. The personal computer card as set forth in claim 148, 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.

151. 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.

152. The portable biological data collection device as set forth in claim 151, 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.

153. 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.

154. The portable biological data collection device as set forth in claim 153, wherein:

the game-set card housing comprises a personal computer card housing; and

the game-set card interface comprises a personal computer card interface.

155. The host microprocessor system as set forth in claim 153, wherein the game-set card housing comprises a compact flush card housing.

156. 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.

157. 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.

158. The host microprocessor system as set forth in claim 157, 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.

159. The host microprocessor system as set forth in claim 157, 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.

160. The host microprocessor system as set forth in claim 159, wherein the set-top box is adapted to transmit the digitized biological data real-time to the at least one other host microprocessor system.

161. The host microprocessor system as set forth in claim 159, 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.

162. The host microprocessor system as set forth in claim 157, wherein the host microprocessor system comprises a game set.

163. The host microprocessor system as set forth in claim 157, 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.