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Problem:
We were asked to develop a
complex Windows CE embedded application that monitors blood perfusion in
humans, based in part on an older hardware prototype tested in animal
studies. The new instrument had to collect thermal data from a
dual-thermistor sensor, perform real-time thermal calculations, and
graphically display the perfusion measurement and ancillary temperature
trend data. In addition, the instrument had to interface with a secondary
embedded thermal processor, decrypt probe information, stream data
continuously to disk for up to 10 days, scroll and zoom graphic data,
stream data to an external RS232 port, upload files and print strip
charts. As shown, five buttons navigate through a simple menu structure to
setup and operate the machine. |
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Solution:
Our solution satisfied all
of the requirements despite significant technological hurdles. Our
sophisticated multi-threaded approach simultaneously acquired real-time
thermal power data with no loss, carried out thermal calculations,
displayed measurement status and errors, displayed 4 graphical plots in
real-time at user-defined zoom and time selections, streamed encoded data
to disk and to the external port, accepted user parameter input and
printed strip charts; all simultaneously without glitches.
The photo above shows a number of units undergoing early
burn-in testing.
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