Data analysis system and method

Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining at least one representative temperature value for a female human user for an extended period includes receiving at least a first, second and third plurality of temperature measurements obtained from a female human user during at least first, second and third respective extended periods, wherein each extended period includes at least one hour and wherein the start of each extended period is separated by at least 8 hours. At least one representative temperature value is calculated for the second extended period. The representative temperature value is calculated using at least one first temperature value obtained from a plurality of measurements taken during the first extended period, at least one second temperature value obtained from a plurality of measurements taken during the second extended period and at least one third temperature value obtained from a plurality of measurements taken during the third extended period.

1 - 102 . (canceled) 
     
     
         103 . A temperature sensing system comprising:
 a temperature sensor for deployment in or on the body of a female human user for obtaining a plurality of temperature readings from the female human user;   a memory for storing each of the plurality of temperature readings;   a processor for digitising each of the plurality of temperature readings;   a power supply; and   a communications interface for communicating the plurality of digitised temperature readings to a central server or a remote computer system.   
     
     
         104 . A temperature sensing system according to  claim 103 , wherein the communications interface comprises a first communications interface connected to the temperature sensor for communicating the plurality of digitised temperature readings to an intermediate device and a second communications interface at the intermediate device for communicating the plurality of digitised temperature readings to the central server or remote computer system. 
     
     
         105 . A temperature sensing system according to  claim 103 , further comprising an intermediate device in communication with the temperature sensor and the central server or remote computer system, the intermediate device comprising an intermediate device memory for storing a plurality of processed temperature readings for communication to the central server or remote computer system. 
     
     
         106 . A temperature sensing system according to  claim 105 , wherein the processor is implemented at the intermediate device. 
     
     
         107 . A temperature sensing system according to  claim 105 , wherein the intermediate device memory is arranged to store the plurality of temperature readings received from the temperature sensor and the plurality of digitised temperature readings. 
     
     
         108 . A temperature sensing system according to  claim 103 , wherein the memory is arranged to cache a plurality of temperature readings and to upload the cached temperature readings periodically to the intermediate device, central server or remote computer system. 
     
     
         109 . A temperature sensing system according to  claim 103 , wherein the temperature sensor has a resolution of at least 0.03 deg C., preferably at least 0.01 deg C. 
     
     
         110 . A temperature sensing system according to  claim 103 , wherein the temperature sensor has a linear response at temperatures of greater than 36 deg C. and less than 38 deg C., preferably at temperatures of greater than 35 deg C. and less than 40 deg C. 
     
     
         111 . A temperature sensing system according to  claim 103 , wherein the temperature sensor comprises a waterproof, sealed indwelling unit shaped for intravaginal use. 
     
     
         112 . A temperature sensing system according to  claim 103 , wherein the power supply comprises a battery. 
     
     
         113 . The temperature sensing system according to  claim 104 , further comprising an interface for the user to flag and identify faulty or irrelevant data. 
     
     
         114 . The temperature sensing system of  claim 103 , wherein the temperature sensor is configured to take multiple temperature readings at regular time intervals during an overnight period. 
     
     
         115 . The temperature sensing system of clam  103 , wherein the memory is configured to store the multiple temperature readings taken during at least one overnight period. 
     
     
         116 . The temperature sensing system of  claim 104 , wherein the intermediate device comprises a user device comprising a computer, tablet, cellular telephone or PDA. 
     
     
         117 . The temperature sensing system of  claim 116 , wherein the user device comprises a communication interface for receiving the temperature readings from the temperature sensor. 
     
     
         118 . The temperature sensing system of  claim 116 , wherein the user device further comprises a communication interface for sending the temperature readings, or data derived from the temperature readings, to a remote computer system and for receiving information from the remote computer system. 
     
     
         119 . The temperature sensing system of  claim 116 , wherein the user device comprises a user application for displaying information and results to the user. 
     
     
         120 . The temperature sensing system of  claim 103 , further comprising a tabletop unit, wherein the temperature sensor is placed on the tabletop unit. 
     
     
         121 . The temperature sensing system of  claim 120 , wherein the temperature sensor communicates with the tabletop unit or the user device using RFID or BlueTooth™ communication. 
     
     
         122 . The temperature sensing system of  claim 103 , wherein the temperature sensor is disposable after a period pre-determined by the system.