Abstract: The monitoring device incorporates transducing devices for converting the desired measured parameters into electrical signals capable of being processed by a local computer or microprocessor system. The device interacts with the ambulatory patient and then, via a modem or other electronic communication device, transmits the measured parameters to a computer located at a remote site. At the remote location. the various indicia of the ambulatory patient's condition are monitored and analyzed by the medical professional caregiver. To provide the ambulatory patient with an added level of convenience and ease of use, such monitoring device is contained in a single integrated package.

Abstract: A method and system (20) for embossing characters on a card (44). A programmed host computer system (24) which interfaces with an embosser (22) includes logic (50) for computing character movement time and card movement time for each character to be embossed on the card (44), selecting the longest of the two values for each character as a character movement time, embossing the character having the shortest character movement time, and then iteratively performing the same process for the remaining characters such that the characters are embossed in a very time efficient manner.