Device for use in studies involving multiple subjects to record observation data in an output file

摘要

A device for use in studies involving multiple subjects to record observation data in an output file is provided. The invention may be embodied in a tablet type computer having a touchscreen or another form of electronic device having user input capability. The device displays a set of subject buttons for selecting a subject for which observation data will be recorded, a corresponding set of start time buttons to track and display the elapsed time for the corresponding subject, and a set of observation buttons corresponding to pre-defined observation data established by the user. Additional features may include, among other features, a reminder function for setting user-defined alarms, a time-stamped note function, and an initiation function for items such as time synchronization, describing subjects, and describing environmental or exposure details for the study to be performed.

主权项

1. A device for use in studies involving multiple subjects to record observation data in an output file, comprising:
a display for displaying a plurality of subject buttons, start time buttons, and observation buttons within a graphical user interface; the plurality of subject buttons for selecting a subject for which observation data will be recorded wherein said subject buttons have an ON condition and an OFF condition responsive to a user input to the device via a selection mechanism such that when a subject button is selected it is set to the ON condition and all other subject buttons are set to the OFF condition; the plurality of start time buttons corresponding to said plurality of subject buttons for selecting a subject such that each subject button has an associated start time button, and wherein said start time buttons are initially set to a value of zero elapsed time, and wherein selection of a start time button by a user input to the device via the selection mechanism causes the start time button thus selected to track and display the elapsed time for the corresponding subject since said start time button was selected; and the plurality of observation buttons corresponding to pre-defined and different observation data established by a user wherein selection of an observation button by a user input to the device via the selection mechanism causes the observation button thus selected to record in the output file the pre-defined and different observation data associated with the observation button thus selected and the elapsed time when the observation button was selected as measured by the time start button associated with the subject button in the ON condition, so that a plurality of observations can be recorded for each subject during the same study by selecting the subject button for that subject so that it is set to the ON condition and then selecting the observation button for the observed data for that subject; upon selection of the start time button by the user input to the device via the selection mechanism, displaying on the start time button thus selected the elapsed time for the corresponding a subject since said start time button was selected; and upon selection of the observation button by the user input to the device via the selection mechanism, recording in the output file the pre-defined observation data associated with the observation button thus selected and the elapsed time when the observation button was selected as measured by the time start button associated with the subject button in the ON condition.