Cobra V4 Software
Computerized Online BReath Archive

Introduction

The latest advancement in breath testing communications and data mangement is new software from CMI, Inc. dubbed COBRA(Computerized Online BReath Archive). COBRA combines secure instrument communications with advanced report and graph generation to provide a complete and clean solution to your data management needs. The COBRA package was developed by a team of engineers who used both customer feedback and an earlier software package named A.D.A.M.S.(Alcohol Data Management System) to conceptualize and then materialize the future of breath testing data management. COBRA is designed to be the standard by which all other breath testing communications and data management programs will be judged.

Historically, such software has performed three main functions: remote control of instruments, retrieving test data from instruments, and managing the download test data. Programs before COBRA were designed to do one or more of these functions without taking the entire system into consideration. COBRA performs all three functions seamlessly. Furthermore, each function may be used independently if the full power of COBRA is not required. For example, COBRA can be configured to simply download instrument data to a file of the customer’s choosing. The data can then be used with another database management package or a pre-existing state program package. The database management software can also be used separately by importing data from compatible file types. This data can then be analyzed as if it were downloaded by COBRA itself.

Security is a primary concern when transmitting information over the phone lines. The COBRA to instrument communications link utilizes the same secure protocol used by A.D.A.M.S. to insure safe transmissions. Reusing the same protocol offers existing users of CMI instruments the ability to easily update to COBRA. One COBRA equipped site can communicate with one or several other COBRA equipped sites using a similar secure protocol. Data security also depends on allowing only users who have appropriate approval and clearance to gain access to the databases or communication features of the software. Individual user profiles are set up by the COBRA program manager to grant each individual the access needed. A user ID, pass code, and access privileges are entered for each individual with the option of entering an expiration date for the individual’s access. Expiration dates can be used to enforce re-certification rules if necessary.

Whether you are new to breath testing data management or a seasoned expert, you’ll find that COBRA is the future and exactly what your program needs.

Features

• Communications: COBRA to Instrument and COBRA to COBRA communications may be initiated either on the spot or by a pre-programmed batch sequence. The pre-programmed batch sequences can even download directly to a spreadsheet or database file. All communications equipped CMI and LION Labs instruments are compatible with COBRA. 

• Reports and Queries: Full logic search functionality used to generate custom reports and queries. Queries and reports can be saved, printed, and viewed. 
• Security: User names and pass words are developed for each individual user. An individual’s access to program functions is allowed by selecting access levels as shown in Figure 1. 
• User Logs: All sequences performed are logged to a file along with the time, date, and the individual’s ID code. 
• Error Logs: All system and communications errors are logged to a separate file along with a description of the error, and the time and date when the error occurred. 
• Remote Control: Depending on the instrument, COBRA can initiate remote instrument sequences such as remote calibration testing and diagnostics. Certain instruments can be disabled remotely if a problem is found through remote diagnostics. 
• Modem Support: A database of the most common modems insures compatibility with modems currently in use. 
• Instrument Inventory: COBRA utilizes a separate instrument database for each model of instrument. The instrument database screen, shown in Figure 2, is used by COBRA to track all instruments for a given installation. A handy memo function offers a way of keeping track of maintenance, location changes, and other notes required for a service log.

Specifications

To use CMI COBRA, you need:

• Personal computer with a 486DX or higher processor (Pentium recommended) 
• Microsoft Windows 95 operating system 
• 16 MB of memory for use on Windows 95 
• Hard disk space required: 20 MB for the program(user databases will require additional space) 
• One 3.5" high-density disk drive 
• VGA or higher-resolution video adapter
• Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

Options:

• Windows-compatible printer
• 300 or higher baud modem

Data formats supported:

• Directly exports: dBASE (.DBF), Microsoft Excel V2.0(.XLS), Microsoft FoxPro® 2.X(.DBF), ASCII text Comma Separated Variable(.CSV), Lotus® 1-2-3® V2.X(.WK1)

© 1997-1998 CMI, Inc. All rights reserved.
This data sheet is for informational purposes only. CMI MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS SUMMARY. Company names and/or data used in screens are fictitious, unless otherwise noted. Microsoft, FoxPro, Windows, and the Windows logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. dBASE, is a registered trademark of Borland International, Inc. 1-2-3 and Lotus are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation.