Combined computer mouse and blood pressure sphygmomanometer

Abstract

A sphygmomanometer cuff assembly, air pump, pressure sensor and release valve are contained in an otherwise conventional computer mouse controller. Three alternative embodiments are illustrated and discussed herein. In one such embodiment the sphygmomanometer cuff is nominally positioned within the mouse structure and is extended outside the mouse housing during the measurement. In another embodiment, the cuff is always external of the mouse structure and is easily connected to the mouse at special ports during the measurement. In yet another embodiment, the cuff is always internal of the mouse structure and is readily accessible through an aperture in the housing surface of the mouse to permit the measurement to take place. Preferably, in each of these alternative embodiments a hinged or slidable door or panel protects the cuff or cuff ports between measurements. In all of the embodiments shown herein, the sphygmomanometer cuff is configured for receiving a human finger in circumambient pressured engagement using controlled air pressure to vary the cuff/finger engagement pressure in a precise manner.

1 . A combination comprising: 
 a computer mouse controller; and    a device for measuring at least one parameter of a person's health status;    said controller having an interface for said measuring device;    wherein said measuring device is selectively attached to said controller during measurement of said at least one parameter;    a computer to which said controller is in communication for transferring data relating to said measurement.    
   
   
       2 . The combination recited in  claim 1  wherein said computer comprises a display device for displaying said data.  
   
   
       3 . A combination comprising: 
 a computer mouse controller; and    a sphygmomanometer;    said controller having an interface with said sphygmomanometer;    wherein said sphygmomanometer has a pressure cuff accessible through an aperture in said controller.    
   
   
       4 . A sphygmomanometer having a pressure cuff for selective engagement with a person's extremity for measuring a person's systolic and diastolic blood pressure; and 
 a computer control device having a housing, said cuff being contained within said housing, said housing having an access to said contained cuff for placing said extremity into said cuff;    wherein said access comprises an aperture in said housing.    
   
   
       5 . A sphygmomanometer having a pressure cuff for selective engagement with a person's extremity for measuring a person's systolic and diastolic blood pressure; and 
 a computer mouse control device having a housing, said housing having at least one external port for receiving said cuff and containing at least one air pump for filling said cuff with air to compressively engage said extremity.    
   
   
       6 . A sphygmomanometer having a pressure cuff for selective engagement with a person's finger for measuring a person's systolic and diastolic blood pressure; and 
 a computer mouse control device having a housing with at least one aperture for receiving said finger, said pressure cuff being located within said housing in proximity to said aperture for engaging said finger.    
   
   
       7 . A computer mouse control device having a housing forming an interior chamber; and 
 a sphygmomanometer having an air pump positioned within said interior chamber of said housing for measuring a person's blood pressure using said computer mouse control device and a cuff for pressurized engagement with a person's extremity, said cuff being selectively connected to said air pump through a port in said housing.    
   
   
       8 . The computer mouse control device recited in  claim 7  further comprising a computer interface for connecting said control device to a computer having a display and wherein said measured blood pressure may be displayed on said display.