COLLAPSIBLE NONINVASIVE ANALYZER METHOD AND APPARATUS
The invention relates generally to a noninvasive spectroscopic based analyzer. More particularly, a collapsible spectrometer and or deployable subject interface for an analyzer, such as a noninvasive glucose concentration analyzer, is described.
1 . An apparatus interfacing to a human subject, comprising:
a portable spectroscopic analyzer, said analyzer comprising:
means for deploying a tactile subject interface integrated into said analyzer, wherein said subject interface transforms from a non-operational configuration to an operational configuration.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said means for deploying said subject interface comprises an automated actuator controlled deployment of said subject interface.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said means for deploying said subject interface comprises any of:
a hinged mechanism used in deployment of said subject interface;
a rail mechanism used in deployment of said subject interface; and
a pneumatic system used in deployment of said subject interface.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said means for deploying said subject interface comprises any of:
unfolding said subject interface into said operational configuration from said non-operational configuration; and
extending said subject interface into said operational configuration from said non-operational configuration.
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said non-operational configuration comprises any of:
a storage configuration; and
a transport configuration.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said means for deploying deploys any of:
a hand support;
a wrist support; and
an optical sample probe.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a display screen, wherein said display screen becomes viewable to the human subject in said operational configuration and is not viewable to the human subject in said non-operational configuration.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said portable spectroscopic analyzer in said operational configuration exposes an optical sample probe interface upon deployment of said subject interface.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a handle integrated into said portable spectroscopic analyzer.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said means for deploying combines unfolding at least a portion of said subject interface in combination with sliding said subject interface in transformation from said non-operational configuration to said operational configuration.
11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said means for deploying unfolds at least a first portion of said subject interface using a first hinge and unfolds a second portion of said first portion of said subject interface using a second hinge.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said means for deploying utilizes a slide out tray in transformation of said spectroscopic analyzer from said non-operational configuration to said operational configuration.