Analog data generating and processing device for use with a personal computer

Abstract

An interface device ( 10 ) provides fast data communication between a host device with input/output interfaces and a data transmit/receive device, wherein the interface device ( 10 ) comprises a processor means ( 13 ), a memory means ( 14 ), a first connecting device ( 12 ) for interfacing the host device with the interface device, and a second connecting device ( 15 ) for interfacing the interface device ( 10 ) with the data transmit/receive device. The interface device ( 10 ) is configured by the processor means ( 13 ) and the memory means ( 14 ) in such a way that, when receiving an inquiry from the host device via the first connecting device ( 12 ) as to the type of a device attached to the host device, regardless of the type of the data transmit/receive device, the interface device sends a signal to the host device via the first connecting device ( 12 ) which signals to the host device that it is communicating with an input/output device.

1 . An analog data generating and processing device for use with a personal computer having at least one multi-purpose interface to which inquiry signals are periodically sent as to what type of device is operatively connected thereto, comprising:
 a connecting device that is to be operatively connected to the multi-purpose interface of the personal computer and that is able to receive therefrom the periodic inquiry signals;   a circuit that includes a sensor and an analog to digital converter, the circuit being adapted (i) to be exposed to analog wave signals that originate from a source that is external to the analog data generating and processing device and that is not located in substantial proximity to the sensor, (ii) to generate one or more sets of analog data therefrom, and (iii) to generate a set of digitized analog data that are representative of each one of the sets of analog data;   a processor and a first memory both of which are operatively connected to the circuit, the processor being adapted to cause one or more of the sets of digitized analog data to be stored in the first memory irrespective of whether or not the analog data generating and processing device has been recognized by the personal computer;   the processor being further adapted to cause one or more of the sets of digitized analog data to be stored in the first memory before the connecting device is connected to a multi-purpose interface of the personal computer;   the processor and first memory being adapted to automatically and without user intervention send a response signal to the multi-purpose interface of the personal computer after the connecting device is operatively connected to the multi-purpose interface and after the connecting device receives at least one periodic inquiry signal therefrom, the response signal informing the personal computer that it can automatically and without user intervention recognize the analog data generating and processing device as being a device having digital data that is stored therein;   the processor and first memory being adapted to, after the analog data generating and processing device has been automatically recognized by the personal computer, and after the connecting device has been coupled to the multi-purpose interface of the personal computer, cause one or more of the sets of digitized analog data, including any digitized analog data sets that are generated before the input/output port is connected to the multi-purpose interface of the personal computer, to be transferred to the personal computer;   the analog data generating and processing device being adapted to affect the transfer of one or more of the sets of digitized analog data by means of a software driver that is stored in a second memory of the personal computer without user intervention;   a conductive path having a first portion physically connected to the processor and a second portion physically connected to the first memory, the first and second portions of the conductive path being contiguous and not electrically disconnected from each other while one or more of the digitized analog data sets are being transferred to the personal computer; and   the processor being further adapted to store one or more of the sets of digitized analog data in a file system defined within the first memory so that each set of digitized analog data can be selectively retrieved therefrom.