Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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METHOD AND COMPUTER CODE FOR PORTABLE SENSING
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 60/164,022, filed on November 4, 1999, U.S. Provisional
Patent
Application Serial No. 60/162,683, filed on November 1, 1999, U.S. Provisional
Patent
Application Serial No. 60/188,307, filed on March 10, 2000, and U.S.
Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 60/188,360, filed on March 10, 2000, all of which are
hereby
incorporated by reference as if set forth in full in this document.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to the detection and transmission of
sensory data. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and
computer
codes) for detecting and transmitting sensory data from one portable device to
another
for analytic purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Techniques and devices for detecting a wide variety of analytes in fluids
such as vapors, gases and liquids are well known. Such devices generally
comprise an
array of sensors that in the presence of an analyte produce a unique output
signature.
Using pattern recognition algorithms, the output signature, such as an
electrical response,
can be correlated and compared to the known output signature of a particular
analyte or
mixture of substances. By comparing the unknown signature with the stored or
known
signatures, the analyte can be detected, identified and quantified. Examples
of such
detection devices can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,571,401(by Lewis et al.
and assigned
to California Institute of Technology); 5,675,070 (by Gelperin and assigned to
NCR
Corporation); 5,697,326 (by Mottram et al. and assigned to British Technology
Group
Limited); 5,788,833 (by Lewis et al. and assigned to California Institute of
Technology);
5,807,701 (by Payne et al. and assigned to Aromascan PLC); and 5,891,398 (by
Lewis et
al. and assigned to California Institute of Technology), the disclosures of
which are
incorporated herein by reference.
Concurrent with the development of better detection techniques for
detecting analytes, there is an emerging need to develop methods and devices
to
efficiently transmit the collected sensory data for swift analysis. Under some
prior
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customary practices, the sensory data were first captured and then physically
transported
back to a laboratory or some other designated facility for subsequent
analysis. Very
often, analyses on these data would not be performed until a substantial
period of time
had elapsed and consequently their results would not be available for hours,
days or even
S weeks.
Timely transmission and analysis of sensory data for detected analytes
have tremendous applications in a variety of areas. There are many instances
where it is
desirable to obtain results on the analysis of the sensory data in a timely
manner. For
example, in a hospital/medical environment, it would be greatly beneficial if
data
collected from a patient can be transmitted quickly to a laboratory to
determine the cause
of the patient's ailments thereby allowing the doctors to prescribe the
necessary treatment
without any undue delay. In a similar example, medical and other related data
from home
monitoring devices can be collected and transmitted swiftly to the appropriate
hospitals
and/or authorities to allow them to provide better response to home
emergencies. In
another example, in enviromnents where the presence of certain substances can
potentially lead to dangerous conditions, such as a gas leak in a foundry or a
home, the
swift transmission of sensory data for analysis can very well preempt an
impending
disaster. Clearly, there are many other situations which one could think of
where the
efficient transmission of sensory data will generate tremendous benefits.
Hence, it would
be desirable and beneficial to provide a system that is capable of timely
transmitting
sensory data for analysis.
In addition to the need to have timely transmission of sensory data, there is
a need to provide easy access to the collective data compiled for the known
analytes. The
results of any detection analysis are only as good as the data which are
available for
comparison. At the present time, various analytes have been identified and
data therefor
have been compiled and stored all over the world. Perhaps, due to the
voluminous
amount of data that are available, these data are generally not centralized in
any one
particular repository but are instead separately stored at different
facilities. The
segregation of these data, therefore, renders a complete and accurate analysis
more
difficult. Hence, it would be desirable to have a system that is capable of
providing better
access to various data repositories thereby allowing more accurate analyses to
be
performed. The present invention remedies these shortcomings by providing a
system of
transmitting, storing and retrieving sensory information.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to detecting and transmitting
analyte data from a field device to a processor. In an exemplary embodiment,
the present
invention provides a method and computer codes) for capturing and transmitting
analyte
data over a computer network such as an Internet, the Internet, a local area
network, a
wide area network or any combination thereof.
Ir~ am exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a method for
capturing and transmitting analyte data pertaining to an unknown analyte. The
data for
the unknown analyte is captured using a field device at a first geographic
location. The
captured analyte data is then transmitted via a computer network to a
processor at a
second geographic location. In a preferred embodiment, the captured analyte
data are
transferred via a worldwide network of computers such as an Internet, the
Internet, a
combination thereof, and the like.
In one aspect, before the captured analyte data are transmitted, they are
encoded by the field device into a transmissible format. Upon receipt of the
encoded
analyte data, the processor decodes such data to permit analysis to be
performed. In order
to analyze the captured analyte data, the processor retrieves data of known
analytes from
an electronic library and performs the analysis using such data. In addition,
the processor
can update the electronic library with the captured analyte data.
By transmitting the captured analyte data via a computer network, the
present invention provides a method that is capable of transmitting analyte
data in a
timely and efficient manner. Consequently, analyses can be performed swiftly
and results
can be obtained on a more expedited basis.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of the present invention is
implemented in the form of computer codes. More specifically, the present
invention
provides a system including computer code for capturing and transmitting
analyte data
pertaining to an unknown analyte. The computer code is embedded in memory,
which
can be at a single location or multiple locations in a distributed manner. The
system has a
first code directed to capturing data for the unknown analyte using a field
device at a first
geographic location. The system also includes a second code directed to
transmitting the
captured analyte data to a processor at a second geographic location via a
computer
network. In a preferred embodiment, the captured analyte data are transferred
via a
worldwide network of computers such as an Internet, the Internet, a
combination thereof,
and the like.
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In one aspect, before the captured analyte data are transmitted, the system
includes computer code directed to encoding the captured analyte data by the
field device
into a transmissible format. The system also includes computer code directed
to decoding
the encoded analyte data by the processor to permit analysis to be performed.
In order to
analyze the captured analyte data, the system further includes computer code
directed to
retrieving data of known analytes from an electronic library and performing
the analysis
using such data. In addition, the system includes computer code directed to
updating the
electronic library with the captured analyte data. This code and others can be
used with
the present invention to perform the functionality described herein as well as
others.
By transmitting the captured analyte data via a computer network, the
present invention provides a system including computer codes that is capable
of
transmitting analyte data in a timely and efficient manner. Consequently,
analyses can be
performed swiftly and results can be obtained on a more expedited basis.
Numerous benefits are achieved by way of the present invention over
conventional techniques. For example, the present invention allows for the
efficient
transfer of analyte data from one geographic location to another geographic
location
thereby providing utility and applications in various areas such as
hospital/medical
applications, fire safety monitoring, environmental toxicology, remediation,
biomedicine,
material quality control, food monitoring, agricultural monitoring, heavy
industrial
manufacturing, ambient air monitoring, worker protection, emissions control,
product
quality testing, oil/gas petrochemical applications, combustible gas
detection, HZS
monitoring, hazardous leak detection, emergency response and law enforcement
applications, explosives detection, utility and power applications,
food/beverage/agriculture applications, freshness detection, fruit ripening
control,
fermentation process monitoring and control, flavor composition and
identification,
product quality and identification, refrigerant and fumigant detection,
cosmetic/perfume
applications, fragrance formulation, chemical/plastics/pharmaceuticals
applications,
fugitive emission identification, solvent recovery effectiveness, anesthesia
and
sterilization gas detection, infectious disease detection, breath analysis and
body fluids
analysis. Additionally, the present invention uses conventional computer
hardware and/or
software, which make it easy to implement.
Using a distributed computer network for collecting analyte data and then
performing the analysis and interpretation remotely has a number of
advantages. For
example, every new piece of data can be added to the electronic library
thereby
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continually expanding the repository of knowledge. This approach allows
historical data
to be kept and retrieved for subsequent use. In addition, with the use of an
electronic
library, data can be easily shared at different physical locations thereby
facilitating
objective data comparison. For instance, data relating to a product can be
captured at
various shipment checkpoints to provide quality control on the product.
Finally, by
providing the capability to have a number of field devices transmit data to a
central
location, a large area can be monitored for safety or other purposes.
Reference to the remaining portions of the specification, including the
drawings and claims, will realize other features and advantages of the present
invention.
Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the
structure and
operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in
detail below
with respect to accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers
indicate
identical or functionally similar elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic block diagram showing a system according
to one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic block diagram showing a system according
to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a simplified schematic block diagram showing a system according
to a third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a simplified flow diagram showing the process of encoding the
data in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a simplified flow diagram showing the process of decoding the
data in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a simplified schematic block diagram showing a system according
to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a simplified schematic block diagram showing a system according
to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 8 is a simplified schematic block diagram showing a system according
to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
WO 01/33212 CA 02389708 2002-05-O1 pCT/US00/30281
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
AND SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic block diagram showing a detection and
transmission system 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
This diagram is merely an example which should not limit the scope of the
claims herein.
One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations,
modifications, and
alternatives. As shown, the system 2 preferably includes a field device 10, a
processor 12
and an electronic library 14.
The field device 10 is capable of detecting an analyte 16 and transmitting
the data relating to such analyte via a computer network 18 to the processor
12 for
analysis. It should be understood that the field device 10 is generally
capable of
communicating with other devices connected to the computer network 18. In one
embodiment, the field device 10 includes an analyte detector 20 and a data
coder/decoder
(codec) 22.
The analyte detector 20 is a transducer, such as an electronic nose, capable
of detecting the presence of an analyte 16 and then generating certain sensory
data
corresponding to a unique output signature specific to the detected analyte.
The analyte
detector 20 may utilize one of many different detection techniques, such as
electronic
nose technology, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry etc., to detect the
presence
of an analyte depending on the attendant circumstances. An illustrative
implementation
of the analyte detector is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
271,873, which
is now U.S. Patent No. 6,085,576, commonly assigned, and hereby incorporated
by
reference for all purposes.
The main function of the data codec 22 is to encode and decode data
exchanged between the field device 10 and the outside world. For example, the
data
codec 22 receives data from the analyte detector 20 and, after appropriate
encoding or
formatting, relays them to the processor 12 via the computer network 18. In
other
instances, data coming from the processor 12 are decoded by the data codec 22
to allow
the data to be used by the field device 10. The data encoding or formatting
steps will be
described in further details below.
The data communications between the field device 10 and the outside
world, such as the processor 12, can be either one-way or two-way
communication. The
field device 10 can act solely as a transmitter capable of only sending data
to the
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processor 12, or alternatively, the field device 10 can act as a transceiver
capable of both
sending and receiving data from the processor 12.
The analyte detector 20 and the data codec 22 are preferably located within
the same housing. The field device 10 can be a portable, handheld device such
as the
Palm~ devices manufactured by 3Com and the Visor~ produced by Handspring. By
incorporating the analyte detector 20 and the data codec 22 in a portable,
handheld
device, a user has the additional ability to operate in a mobile manner. This
mobility is
obviously greatly desirable as the need to detect the presence of analytes
often arises in
limiting environments where cable, phone or other pre-installed communication
outlets
are not readily available or accessible. In one embodiment, the analyte
detector 20 is
described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 271,873, which is now U.S.
Patent No.
6,085,576, commonly assigned, and hereby incorporated by reference for all
purposes.
As described therein, the analyte detector 20 is integrated into a hand-held
device thereby
permitting a user to conduct the analyte detection in a mobile manner.
In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the data codec 22 can be
located on a gateway, such as a computer, connected to the computer network
18. Under
this configuration, the field device 10 sends the captured analyte data to the
gateway and
the data codec 22 processes the data and forwards them to the processor 12 via
the
computer network 18.
The processor 12 includes a data codec 22 and an analyte analyzer 26.
Similar to the data codec 22 in the field device 10, the function of the data
codec 22 in the
processor 12 is to encode and decode data exchanged between the processor 12
and the
outside world. For example, the data codec 22 receives data from the field
device 10 via
the computer network 18 and processes or decodes the data into a format which
can be
understood by the analyte analyzer 26; similarly, the data codec 22 can also
format or
encode data so as to allow the processor 12 to transmit them to the field
device 10. In
other instances, the data codec 22 also encodes or decodes the data so as to
allow such
data to be exchanged between the processor 12 and the electronic database 14.
The analyte analyzer 26 is capable of performing analysis on a detected
analyte. Using data stored in the electronic library 14 and after appropriate
formatting by
the data codec 22, the analyte analyzer 26 compares data received from the
field device
10 with data retrieved from the electronic database 14 to identify the
identity of the
detected analyte. The results of the analysis can then be formatted by the
data codec 22
for posting onto the electronic library 14. In addition, the results can be
made available to
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the field device 10 in a number of ways. For example, the processor 12 can
directly send
the results back to the field device 10 via the computer network 18, or, the
results can be
formatted in HTML and displayed on a web page which can then be accessed by
the field
device 10 to retrieve the results.
The analyte analyzer 26 uses a number of pattern recognition algorithms to
compare the output signature of the detected unknown analyte to the signatures
of known
analytes. Many of the algorithms are neural network based algorithms. A neural
network
has an input layer, processing layers and an output layer. The information in
a neural
network is distributed throughout the processing layers. The processing layers
are made
up of nodes that simulate the neurons by its interconnection to their nodes.
In operation, when a neural network is combined with a sensor array, the
sensor data is propagated through the networks. In this way, a series of
vector matrix
multiplications are performed and unknown analytes can be readily identified
and
determined. The neural network is trained by correcting the false or undesired
outputs
from a given input. Similar to statistical analysis revealing underlying
patterns in a
collection of data, neural networks locate consistent patterns in a collection
of data, based
on predetermined criteria.
Suitable pattern recognition algorithms include, but are not limited to,
principal component analysis (PCA), Fisher linear discriminant analysis
(FLDA), soft
independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA), K-nearest neighbors (KNN),
neural
networks, genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic, and other pattern recognition
algorithms. In a
preferred embodiment, the Fisher linear discriminant analysis (FLDA) and
canonical
discriminant analysis (CDA) and combinations thereof are used to compare the
output
signature and the available data from the electronic library. The operating
principles of
various algorithms suitable for use in the present invention are disclosed
(see, Shaffer et
al., Analytica Chimica Acta, 384, 305-317 (1999)), the teaching of which are
incorporated
herein by reference.
In order to determine which pattern recognition algorithm is optimal for
the analysis of a particular detected analyte, the processor 12 is trained
using various sets
of training data. The subj ect of training devices for classification or
identification
purposes for one or more substances capable of producing sensory information
is covered
by a series of patent applications, U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
60/188,589, filed on
March 10, 2000, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/188,588, filed on March
10, 2000,
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and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/188,569, filed on March 10, 2000,
all
commonly owned, and hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
With respect to the electronic library 14, it generally contains signatures
for various known analytes and other relevant information pertaining to these
analytes.
The electronic library 14 can be composed of a number of different databases.
These
databases can be located in one central repository, or alternatively, they can
be dispersed
among various distinct physical locations. These databases can be categorized
and
structured in various ways based on the needs and criteria of the database
designer. For
example, the data can be organized in a database using field descriptors.
Field descriptors
can include the sample name, type of data etc. Possible types of data include
training
data, identification data, or quality control data. As another example, a
first database may
contain data relating to various types of analytes collected using the same
detection
technique under a standardized set of conditions, and a second related
database may
contain miscellaneous information correlating to data contained in the first
database;
more specifically, a first database may contain aroma data for various types
of wines, and
a second database may contain additional information for each type of wine
identified in
the first database such as the vineyard, type of wine, year of bottling, etc.
Alternatively, a
database may contain data specific to one particular analyte with such data
collected
using different detection techniques. Methods used to create and organize
databases are
commonly known in the art, for example, relational database techniques can be
used to
logically connect these databases.
In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. l, the databases comprising the
electronic library 14, or a portion thereof, can be physically located
separate from the
processor 12. These databases can reside on remote, distant servers on a local
area
network or the Internet. Under this arrangement, whenever any data are needed,
the
processor 12 needs to access the necessary databases) via a communication
channel to
retrieve the requisite data for analysis. For example, the processor 12 can
access and
retrieve data from a remote database via a computer network such as a LAN or
the
Internet.
Fig. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. This
diagram is merely an example which should not limit the scope of the claims
herein. One
of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations,
modifications, and
alternatives. In this embodiment, the electronic library 14 is located on the
same machine
as the processor 12. For example, the processor 12 can reside on a server 28
hosting a
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website and the electronic library 14 can similarly reside on the same server
28. With this
arrangement, the electronic library 14 and the data contained therein are
readily
accessible for use by the processor 12.
The data in the electronic library 14 can be stored in a number of different
S formats. For example, the data can be formatted into HTML documents which
can then
be made accessible on the Internet from any remote location.
Since data are constantly provided to the electronic library 14 during
operation of the present invention, the electronic library 14 may need to be
updated on a
periodic basis to keep the size of the electronic library 14 manageable.
Various schemes
can be used to update the electronic library 14. In one scheme, the older data
are
discarded after some predetermined period of time. In another scheme, the
older data are
averaged and then compressed on a regular basis so as to make room for the
more
recently captured data. In yet another scheme, the more recent data are stored
in the
database only when such data represent an exception or deviation.
A number of different technologies can be used to implement the
communications between the field device 10, the processor 12 and the
electronic library
14. As to communications between the field device 10 and the processor 12,
such
communications can be conducted via a computer network 18. In order to provide
a
physical connection to the outside world for the transmission of captured
analyte data, the
field device 10 includes a communication interface 24 that is capable of being
coupled to
the computer network 18. The communication interface 24 may include an
Ethernet
interface, an RS-232 interface, a parallel port, a universal serial bus (USB),
an infrared
data link, an optical interface, or an RF interface. The computer network 18
can be one of
a variety of networks including a worldwide computer network, an Internet, the
Internet, a
WAN, a LAN or an intranet. It should be understood that conventional access to
the
computer network is conducted through a gateway (not shown). A gateway is a
machine,
for example, a computer, that has a communication address recognizable by the
computer
network.
The field device 10 can communicate with the computer network 18 via
the communication interface 24 using either wireless or wired technologies.
Wireless
technologies may include infrared, radio waves, satellite and microwaves.
Wired
technologies may include cables and modems.
Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. This
diagram is merely an example which should not limit the scope of the claims
herein. One
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of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations,
modifications, and
alternatives. As shown therein, the field device 10 can be detachably coupled
to a
docking device 30 which, in turn, is connected to a gateway on the computer
network 18.
Fig. 3 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention. This
diagram is merely an example which should not limit the scope of the claims
herein. One
of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations,
modifications, and
alternatives. As shown therein, field devices 10 may be able to communicate
with one
another directly. In this device-to-device type of communication, infrared
signals are
generally used.
As to communications between the processor 12 and the electronic library
14, such communications can also be conducted via a computer network 18 or
other
communication links such as a modem. Similarly, the processor 12 also includes
a
communication interface 24 to allow the processor 12 to communicate with other
devices.
Also, as mentioned above, depending on various requirements, the electronic
library 14
can reside on the same machine as the processor 12, thereby reducing
communication
overhead and costs.
The field device 10 generally performs the following steps before the
captured analyte data are delivered to the computer network 18 for
transmission: (1)
capturing analyte data in analog form; (2) converting the analog data into
digital data; (3)
encoding digital data into an analysis format; (4) encoding data in analysis
format into a
TCP/IP format; and (5) encoding data in TCP/IP format into a specific network
data
format.
At the receiving end, the processor 12 generally performs the following
steps to decode the encoded data: (1) receiving data in specific network data
format; (2)
decoding the received data into TCP/IP format; and (3) decoding the data in
TCP/IP
format into an analysis format.
Details of these steps will now be described with reference to Figs. 4 and
5. Fig. 4 illustrates the various data encoding formats needed to convert the
analog data
from the detected analyte into a transmissible format for transmission to the
processor 12.
This diagram is merely an example which should not limit the scope of the
claims herein.
One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations,
modifications, and
alternatives. At step 100, analog data from the detected analyte are first
captured by the
analyte detector 20 in the field device 10. The analyte detector 20 acting as
a transducer
then converts the analog data into digital signals at step 120. At step 140,
the digital
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signals are encoded into an analysis format which can be understood by the
analyte
analyzer 26. This format can be either proprietary or well-known. Any format
can be
used as long as the analyte analyzer 26 is capable of handling such format.
While it is not
necessary that the format used by the field device 10, the processor 12, and
the electronic
library 14 must be the same, a standardized format is preferred since format-
conversion
overhead can be saved. At step 160, the formatted data are further encoded
into a format
which can be transmitted over the computer network 18, such as the TCP/IP
format. This
step 160 is important if the formatted data are to be sent to the processor 12
via a
computer network 18, such as the Internet, which contains numerous sub-
networks
having different network data formats. At step 180, the data in TCP/IP format
are
encoded into the specific network data format which the gateway to the
computer
network 18 can understand.
Fig. 5 illustrates the various data decoding formats needed to convert the
transmitted data received from the field device 10 to permit analysis by the
processor 12.
This diagram is merely an example which should not limit the scope of the
claims herein.
One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations,
modifications, and
alternatives. At step 200, data transmitted from the field device 10 via the
computer
network 18 are received by the gateway in a network data format specific to
the gateway.
At step 220, the data in the network data format are decoded into the TCP/IP
format. At
step 240, the data in TCP/IP format are further decoded into an analysis
format which can
be used by the analyte analyzer 26 for analysis.
The present invention can be used in a number of different ways. In one
mode of operation, a user first uses the field device 10 to capture
information on an
unknown analyte 16, and then relays the captured information to the processor
12 for
analysis. More specifically, the analyte detector 20 is used to detect the
presence of an
unknown analyte 16. The analyte detector 20 then accordingly generates a
unique output
signature for this unknown analyte 16. The unique output signature is next
relayed to the
data codec 22 and encoded for transmission to the processor 12.
The data codec 22 in the processor 12 accepts the output signature from
the field device 10 and then, after appropriate processing, passes it onto the
analyte
analyzer 26 for analysis. Depending on the detection technique used to detect
the
unknown analyte 16 and other relevant information which can be provided by the
user,
the processor 12 accesses the electronic library 14 retrieving the pertinent
data
corresponding to the signatures of various known analytes. The analyte
analyzer 26 then
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compares the output signature with these known signatures to ascertain the
identity of the
detected analyte. If desired, the results of the comparison are transmitted to
the field
device 10 from the processor 12 for use by the user. Alternatively, the
results of the
comparison can be posted onto a web page for retrieval by the field device 10.
Optionally, if the output signature of the detected analyte is determined to
be not currently included in the electronic library 14, the processor 12 can
then
appropriately update the electronic library 14 to reflect the new output
signature and its
accompanying information.
For example, the present invention can be used to detect chemical leaks.
Data relating to the harmful chemical are captured by the field device 10 and
relayed to
the processor 12. The processor 12 compares the captured data to data
available from the
electronic library 14 to ascertain the identity of the chemical. Results of
the comparison
are then sent to the field device 10 to enable the user to initiate the
necessary remedial
measures, if any, to limit further damage. Optionally, in the event that the
identity of the
chemical cannot be determined using the data currently existing in the
electronic library
14, the processor 12 will update the electronic library 14 to reflect the
discovery of this
"new" chemical for future identification.
In another mode of operation, field devices 10 are capable of
communicating and exchanging data with one another using their respective
communication interfaces 24. The primary purpose here is to allow sharing of
data
between the two devices 10. In the event that multiple field devices 10
(employing the
same detection technique) are used to detect the same unknown analyte, data
collected
from these devices 10 can be used by the processor 12 for calibration purposes
to provide
for any use-to-use variability of a field device 10.
In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the field device 10 can be a
remote computer capable of connecting to the Internet, the processor 12 can be
an
interactive website residing on a remote server 28 connected to the Internet,
and the
electronic library 14 can be located on the same remote server 28. In a mode
of operation
in accordance with this embodiment, the user uses the field device 10 to
retrieve
information for certain analytes which are similar or related to a known,
desired analyte.
More specifically, the user enters the relevant information for the desired
analyte into the
field device 10. The field device 10, via the communication interface 24,
transmits the
entered information to the processor 12. The processor 12 processes the
entered
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information and retrieves from the electronic library 14 the corresponding
signature for
the desired analyte.
Having retrieved the corresponding signature, the processor 12 then
searches the electronic library 14 to identify a group of analytes which are
similar or
related to the analyte desired by the user by comparing the corresponding
signature with
other known signatures.
A dditional information concerning each analyte within this identified
group can be retrieved from other databases, if necessary. The identity of
each analyte
within the identified group and all the accompanying information are
subsequently
transmitted to the field device 10 for use by the user. Optionally, other
information
entered by the user can be used to narrow the identified group of analytes.
For example, the present invention can be used in a wine store to help
consumers identify a wine list based on their personal tastes and preferences.
In addition
to different tastes, most wines also have their own distinctive aromas.
Therefore, an
electronic library storing data on wine aromas and other relevant information
can be
created. If a consumer has previously enjoyed a particular wine and can
provide
sufficient information about that wine, the present invention can be used to
compile a list
of comparable wines which the consumer may similarly enjoy. Using the present
invention, this wine list can be further narrowed based on other factors such
as country of
origin, price, availability, shipping costs, and prior selections, etc.
Fig. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention. This
diagram is merely an example which should not limit the scope of the claims
herein. One
of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations,
modifications, and
alternatives. As shown therein, certain components of the processor 12, such
as the
analyte analyzer 26, can reside within the field device 10. The analyte
analyzer 26 is
included within the field device 10 as opposed to the processor 12 and the
field device 10
further includes a data storage area 32. With this particular configuration,
the present
invention may be operated in the following manner. The user enters a request
34 into the
field device 10 for data relating to certain specified, known analytes. The
field device 10
then transmits the request 34 to the processor 12. The processor 12, in turn,
retrieves the
relevant data from the electronic library 14 in accordance with the request 34
and
forwards the requested data to the field device 10. Upon receipt of the
requested data, the
field device 10 stores them in a data storage area 32 for subsequent use. When
the field
device 10 is used to detect an unknown analyte 16, data in the data storage
area 32 are
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readily available for use by the analyte analyzer 26 to compare and identify
the detected
analyte 16.
By having the analyte analyzer 26 and the data storage area 34
incorporated into the field device 10, the time required for analysis can be
shortened. For
example, prior to entering a particular area, if the user knows that there is
a relatively high
probability of presence of certain known analytes in that area, the user can
download the
signatures of these known analytes onto the field device 10 ahead of time.
With the
signatures readily available within the field device 10, the output signature
of the detected
analyte 16 can be compared against these known signatures first. Therefore,
there may
not be a need to connect to the processor 12 thereby allowing the analysis to
be performed
more quickly. Connection to the processor 12 only needs to be made when none
of the
downloaded signatures matches with that of the detected analyte 16.
The present invention can be used in many different applications. In
certain embodiments, the system of the present invention can be used for
monitoring
medical conditions and disease processes. For instance, WO 98/29563, published
July 9,
1998, and incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method for monitoring
conditions
in a patient wherein a sample is obtained from a patient over a period of
time. The
samples are then flowed over a gas sensor and a response is measured.
Thereafter, the
response is correlated with known responses for known conditions. The
conditions
include, but are not limited to, the progression and/or regression of a
disease state,
bacterial infections, viral, fungal or parasitic infections, the effectiveness
of a course of
treatment and the progress of a healing process.
In certain instances, the patient is in a nursing home, primary residence or
hospital. The patient uses the field device 10 to capture data on an analyte
such as, but
not limited to, a breath sample, which the patient provides. The data on the
breath sample
can be optionally transmitted over the Internet or intranet to the processor
12 and then be
subsequently analyzed or read by a medical professional at a health company,
doctors
office or hospital. Using the system of the present invention, real time home
health
management is realized.
In certain aspects, the analyte data, such as olfaction data, vital signs and
any other symptoms of the patient are transmitted to a second location. The
data can then
be analyzed and the medical condition and disease process monitored.
Thereafter, the
patient can access the diagnostic information on a private Web site for
further instructions
and treatment.
WO 01/33212 CA 02389708 2002-05-O1 pCT/US00/30281
In other aspects, the system of the present invention can be used for
monitoring chronic diseases which generally have associated with them
distinctive odors
or smells. For example, the system of the present invention can be used for
monitoring
medical conditions in a respiring subject. For instance, WO 98/39470,
published
September 1 l, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method
for
detecting the occurrence of a condition in a respiring subject. The method
comprises
introducing emitted respiratory gases to a gas sensing device, detecting
certain species
present in the gas and correlating the presence of the species with certain
conditions.
A wide variety of conditions can be ascertained using this aspect of the
present invention. These conditions include, but are not limited to,
halitosis, ketosis,
yeast infections, gastrointestinal infections, diabetes, alcohol,
phenylketonuria,
pneumonia, and lung infections. Those of skill in the art will know of other
conditions
and diseases amenable to the method and system of the present invention.
In yet another embodiment, the system of the present invention can be
used for monitoring conditions and disease processes in female patients. For
instance,
WO 99/09407, published February 25, 1999, and incorporated herein by
reference,
discloses a method for detecting the occurrence of a condition in a female
patient
comprising obtaining a sample of gaseous or volatile substance from the
vaginal region of
the patient, detecting the gas and correlating the detection with the
occurrence of a
condition. A wide variety of conditions can be ascertained using this aspect
of the present
invention. These conditions include, but are not limited to, cervical cancer,
ovarian or
uterine cancer, HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, cytomegalovirus, yeast
infections,
pregnancy and Chlamydia.
In still yet another embodiment, the system of the present invention can be
used for monitoring conditions and disease processes using a device that
affixes to a
portion of the skin on a subject. For instance, WO 99/09408, published
February 25,
1999, and incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method for detecting a
condition
of a subject with a device that is adapted to be affixed to the subject and
having a gas
sensing means disposed so as to detect gases and volatile species emanating
from a
portion of the skin. A wide variety of conditions can be ascertained using
this aspect of
the present invention. These conditions include, but are not limited to, skin
cancer,
diabetes, heart disease, heavy metal in the subject and drugs.
Fig. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present embodiment. This
diagram is merely an example which should not limit the scope of the claims
herein. One
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of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations,
modifications, and
alternatives. As shown therein, the present invention includes an analyte
synthesizer or
dispenser 36. The analyte synthesizer 36 is a device which is capable of
synthesizing or
dispensing analytes based on input information and parameters. The analyte
S synthesizer/dispenser 36 can be coupled to the field device 10 to receive
the relevant
analyte information. A conventional analyte synthesizer is the "iSmellTM"
synthesizer, or
personal scent synthesizer available from Digiscents (Oakland California). The
iSmellT'~z
synthesizer is a software-controlled computer peripheral device that is
capable of emitting
a broad range of fragrances, smells and aromas using a combination and
synthesis of
primary odorants.
This embodiment may be used in the following manner. The signature of
a known analyte is relayed by the field device 10 to the analyte
synthesizer/dispenser 36
and thereafter the known analyte is reconstructed to produce either the actual
fragrance,
aroma, scent, or smell or a simulated version thereof. In addition, other
analytes which
are similar to the known analyte can also be reconstructed to offer a wider
range of
selection.
This embodiment including the analyte synthesizer/dispenser 36 can be
used for various purposes. For example, an electronic library 14 can contain
signatures of
a myriad of consumer products including, but not limited to, perfumes, cigars,
liquor,
coffee, cosmetics, lipsticks, tobacco and wine. Using the system of the
present invention,
a consumer can, for example, physically smell a reconstructed sample of a
particular
brand of perfume having a characteristic signature, and if the consumer enjoys
this brand
of perfume, it is possible to suggest and then synthesize other perfumes with
similar
signatures that the consumer may also enjoy to provide a wider consumer
choice.
The present invention can further be used for medical purposes, for
example, delivering an odorant for inhalation via a computer network so as to
stimulate
the male sexual response. As described in U.S. Patent No. 5,885,614, which
issued to
Hirsch, on March 23, 1999, the use of odorants are useful for inducing or
enhancing an
erection, and as aids for a non-invasive treatment of male vasculogenic
impotence. As
described therein, the administration of odorants for inhalation by a male
individual
having a normal olfactory ability effectively increased penile blood flow from
about 2-
40%, and enhanced sexual arousal. Preferred odorants are those that provided a
20-40%
increase in blood flow to the penis, which includes lavender, oriental spice,
cola and
orange, and odorant mixtures of lavender and pumpkin pie, doughnut and black
licorice,
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and pumpkin pie and doughnut. The odorants are useful as adjuvants to augment
penile
blood flow and as aids in the treatment of male impotence, and to enhance
sexual arousal
in normal males, i.e., those without sexual dysfunction. The signature of the
desired
odorant is transmitted via the Internet to the analyte synthesizer/dispenser
36. The
desired odorant is thereafter synthesized and/or dispensed to the male by
inhalation.
It is understood that, based on the disclosure provided herein, the method
of the present invention, or portions thereof, and the functionality described
in connection
therewith, can be implemented in many different ways by one of ordinary skill
in the art.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of the present invention and its
functionality
are implemented using computer codes and/or software programming techniques in
a
modular manner. However, many other ways of implementing the present invention
are
available as should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
It is also understood that the examples and embodiments described herein
are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes
in light
1 S thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be
included within the
spirit and purview of this application and scope of the appended claims. All
publications,
patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by
reference for all
purposes in their entirety.
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