WO1999049382A1

WO1999049382A1 - Mobile data communication device

Info

Publication number: WO1999049382A1
Application number: PCT/AT1999/000076
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wilhelm Liesinger
Original assignee: Nova-Technik Entwicklung Von Und Handel Mit Medizinischen Geräten Gmbh
Priority date: 1998-03-23
Filing date: 1999-03-23
Publication date: 1999-09-30
Also published as: AU2911199A

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile data communication device (1). A computer system which can be supplied with power from an electrical power source is arranged inside a housing (2), whereby said computer system is made up of at least one computer and at least one memory, a read and/or write unit for chip cards (12), a graphic display device (3), an input device (4) and at least one connection module (4) to external components, provided with interfaces which can be freely defined. The display device (3) is a high resolution liquid crystal display. The input device is an analog, pressure-sensitive touch foil (8). The connection module (14) can be replaced.

Description

WO 99/49382. l. PCT / AT99 / 00076

Mobile data communication device

The invention relates to a mobile data communication device as defined in claim 1.

Such mobile data communication devices are known. Devices with reader functions for personal control, for example, are state of the art. Computers, so-called palmtop computers, are also known for scheduling or address management. In addition, networks for a wide variety of applications, be it in the medical-technical field or the like, are commonplace.

A disadvantage of all of these devices, however, is that the outlay for customer-specific or application-specific applications is very high and, if appropriate, individual developments have to be carried out for each application.

The present invention has for its object to provide a data communication device which on the one hand avoids the disadvantages cited above and on the other hand allows the reading or writing of data on intelligent or non-intelligent integrated circuits for chip cards from different manufacturers.

This object of the invention is achieved by the features of claim 1.

The surprising advantage resulting from the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 can be seen in the fact that the properties of a palmtop computer, a chip card reader and a data organization can be summarized or combined in one device. The areas of application of this mobile data communication device according to the invention are extremely diverse. For example, the invention can be used in the medical-technical field as an intelligent unit or in person control or as a mobile, portable chip card terminal.

A further embodiment according to claim 2 is also advantageous since the data communication device according to the invention can thereby be modularly expanded. In this way, use can not only be limited to one reading or writing unit, but a full-fledged terminal is available. Through the training according to claim 3, it is possible to ensure the representation of people. A resolution of 240 x 160 pixels is preferably selected.

An embodiment according to claim 4 is also advantageous, since a clear display can be achieved even in poor lighting conditions. It is expedient to limit the backlighting in terms of time or to operate it depending on the current performance of the battery. The contrast can also be regulated manually and temperature-compensated.

According to a further embodiment according to claim 5, the anti-reflective glass plate serves to protect the display device and at the same time as a smooth surface for the input device.

An embodiment according to claim 6 is also advantageous, since this touch foil, namely a so-called analog touch panel, can be designed individually. So the user can design and manufacture the input area himself. In addition, a country or application or customer-specific input field can also be designed. This completely eliminates the expense of manufacturing customer-specific or application-specific keyboards. The touch foil offers the exact determination of the positions X and Y by changing the resistance value when touched. This determination is possible on the display device itself as well as in the area of the input device. The touch foil is connected to the electronics, for example, 4-pin and is queried by a control device via an analog-digital converter with a resolution of, for example, 10 bits. The film has a hardened surface and is scratch-resistant to a certain degree.

An embodiment according to claim 7 proves to be advantageous since handwritten and signatures can also be easily captured. The resolution of the touch is expediently 12 bits at the point, so that it can be stored in a storage medium or sent in a network. The size of the touch foil extends beyond the liquid display device, so that direct entries can be made on the front of the housing.

A further development according to claim 8 is advantageous since stochastically arranged foreign particles with a very small grain size, for example less than 10 mm, be magnetized by a pulse generator with a certain frequency and read simultaneously by a scanner. The foreign particles have a certain electrical conductivity. The resolution of the scanner is expediently 2 mm ² , but the points to be measured overlap. The resulting increased resolution is approximately 1 mm, without this blurring leading to a falsification of the measurement result. A clearly recognizable natural resonance can be measured. In total, 1600 mm ^{2 are} preferably read on a card with a resolution of, for example, 12 bits. The measuring process takes only a very short time, for example 600 ms. The result of this measurement is also the access code for opening the processor on the card. The measurement is carried out without contact.

The embodiment according to claim 9 also enables voice reproduction with the data communication device.

According to an advantageous development according to claim 10, for example, medication can be recorded in this way, and automatic billing can also be carried out.

According to an advantageous development according to claim 1 1, there are various possibilities for system embedding. The connection module, also referred to as an interface, provides the respective or necessary interfaces to the environment. For example, communication with a terminal, a personal computer, a modem, a printer, a bar code reader or the like can be carried out via a standardized serial interface, for example RS232. Of course, company-specific interfaces are also available.

An embodiment according to claim 12 is advantageous since the connection module can be exchanged or exchanged quickly and easily via the plug contacts.

The embodiment according to claim 13 enables, for example, measurement data acquisition with electrical isolation for medical technical applications. Measurement data acquisition over longer distances is also possible.

However, an embodiment according to claim 14 is also advantageous, since three clocked power supply units must expediently be supplied. So is the power supply for the computer system, the reference voltage for the display device and the Power supply required for the backlight.

The embodiment according to claim 15 ensures that all power supplies are supplied with the defined input voltage range.

In addition to the serial interfaces already mentioned, the connection module can also have parallel interfaces.

With the embodiment according to claim 17, transmission rates of up to 1 15 kbit / s are possible. Compatibility with different palmtop computers or personal computers from different manufacturers can also be created via the infrared interface.

An embodiment according to claim 18 is also possible, whereby the functionality of a simple network is guaranteed.

An embodiment according to claim 19 is also advantageous, since such an output expediently has a high resolution in the range from 6 kHz to 8 kHz. For example, high quality voice output is possible.

The embodiment according to claim 20 has the advantage that, due to the low-voltage technology, the voltage supply can also take place, for example, via two batteries.

According to an advantageous further development according to claim 21, use is made if required with increased security. The users of this system can be found in those areas where increased security for data access is desired.

A further development according to claim 22 is also advantageous, wherein the receiving station expediently has exposed, gold-plated contacts for the connection module. The recording station contains, apart from a light emitting diode for monitoring the charging process for the batteries, no electronic components. A permanently connected plug-in power supply unit supplies the voltage for the data communication device. The various plugs or sockets that are compatible with the respective connection modules are arranged on the back of the recording station. The refinements according to claim 23 also prove to be advantageous. The receiving station can receive the data communication device with an inclination of, for example, 45 ° as a tabletop device. Furthermore, double-sided adhesive tapes can be provided on the underside of the receiving station for attachment to third-party devices. However, there is also the option of firmly locking the data communication device in the receiving station, mounting it flat on a wall and using it as access control.

An embodiment according to claim 24 is also possible, a secure connection being thereby ensured.

According to an advantageous development according to claims 25 and 26, a plurality of receiving stations are pushed into one another, it being possible for a network to be built up between exposed devices between several devices. The data communication device recognizes this contacting, although no data can be read from these contacts in the non-multiple mode. Double readers are necessary if authorizations or access to a card should only be possible via a so-called master card. Furthermore, it is necessary in the medical field that several devices can be connected in this network. Appropriately, pressing the on / off button on one device can switch all devices in this network simultaneously.

An embodiment according to claim 27 is also advantageous, wherein a UHF (ultra high frequency) network offers a range of 300 m under optimal conditions. Such a network can be used, for example, as a mobile personal control or as

Network expansion or use as an extended access control system.

However, an embodiment according to claim 28 is also advantageous, which ensures bidirectional communication and inductive transmission of the power supply to a transponder. Storage can be used for object and person identification. With automatic person identification, the transponder is housed in the wristband of the person. When passing through checkpoints, the name, data and, for example, the patient's current medical history, obtained from the hospital's database server, are available without inserting a card. A detection that several patients are in the area of influence is given and does not lead to false data. Confusion can be excluded. WO 99/49382. f. , PCT / AT99 / 00076

The embodiment according to claim 29 enables the functionality of all registers and thus the entire periphery to be checked via the JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) interface. Of course, after checking the functionality, the original state is restored.

Finally, however, an education is possible, as described in claim 30, which results in a wide range of uses, so that an enumeration cannot be complete. For example, the mobile data communication device can be used in the areas of: access control, authorization, data verification, payment transactions, person control, quality control, remote diagnosis, server tasks, terminal, quantity control and billing, field service with pager functions, distribution functions, network expansions, functions on the Internet, telecommunications technology , Medical technology, etc.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

Show it:

1 shows the mobile data communication device according to the invention with the receiving station;

2 shows a section through the data communication device according to the invention;

3 shows a simple networking of several data communication devices according to the invention;

4 shows the data communication device according to the invention in the area of use of personal control;

5 the data communication device according to the invention in the medical-technical field of application.

As an introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts or states have the same reference numerals or the same component parts. WO 99/49382. η _ PCT / AT99 / 00076

Designations are provided, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be analogously applied to the same parts or states with the same reference numerals or the same component names. The location information selected in the description, such as. B. "above", "below", "laterally", etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are to be transferred to the new position in the event of a change of position. Furthermore, individual features from the different exemplary embodiments shown can also represent independent solutions according to the invention.

1, the mobile data communication device 1 consists of a

Housing 2, which has a graphic display device 3 and an input device 4 on the front. The housing 2 of the data communication device 1 is in pocket format, expediently with a size of 80 x 115 x 25 mm. The display device 3 is a high-resolution liquid crystal display which allows the display of people or curves and other displays of measurement data, for example with a resolution of 240 x 160 pixels. Furthermore, the data communication device 1 has a backlight 5 in the area of the display device 3, which can be actuated via a contrast controller 6. The duration of illumination of the backlight 5 is limited in time and can be provided with an automatic shutdown. The data communication device 1 can be put into operation via an on / off button 7.

An analog, pressure-sensitive touch foil 8 is provided as input device 4. The resolution of this touch foil 8 is 10 bits over the entire touch area and can easily recognize handwritten and signed documents. The touch film 8 covers both the display area and the input area, since its transparency is high enough not to impair the quality of the display. Since the touch foil 8 projects beyond the display device 3, direct inputs can be made both in the display area and in the input area. Since the input area can be designed and manufactured by the user himself, an individual, country-, customer- or application-specific keyboard 9 can thus be implemented very simply and inexpensively.

An insertion slot 11 for receiving the chip card 12 is provided on an upper head end 10 of the housing 2, the position of the chip card 12 being illustrated in the fully inserted state in the case shown. The exact position of the chip card 12 is detected optoelectronically, which means that foreign particle detection WO 99/49382. ö. PCT / AT99 / 00076

requires no greater accuracy of the card position than the chip contact itself. In addition, the card guide is provided with a noticeable locking and also compensates for bent chip cards 12.

In the lower area of the housing 2, a recess 13 is provided for receiving the connection module 14. The recess 13 has the width and strength of the connection module 14 and presses it against the lower part of the housing 2, as a result of which the stability of the connection module 14 in the data communication device 1 is guaranteed.

The data communication device 1 can be plugged into a receiving station 15, for example in order to achieve a wired connection to the environment. The receiving station 15 contacts the connection module 14 via exposed, expediently gold-plated contacts 16. Apart from a light-emitting diode 17 for monitoring the charging process, the receiving station 15 contains no electronic components.

A permanently connected plug-in power supply unit 18 with a voltage supply of, for example, 12 volt direct voltage supplies the voltage for the data communication device 1. The rear of the receiving station 15 is designed in such a way that different plugs or sockets which are compatible with the respective connection modules 14 are arranged. The receiving station 15 can be used as a table device or as a wall device.

The mobile data communication device 1 is constructed according to FIG. 2 in SMD technology or multilayer technology. The housing 2 has a housing base 19 in which a trough 20 is provided for the batteries 21. The batteries 21 can be exchanged via a closable opening 22. Furthermore, a base 23 is provided on the housing base 19 for receiving and locking the connection module 14, with the connection to a computer system 25 being established via a row of plugs 24, for example 64-pin. The connection module 14 has optional interfaces 26 to the environment and the voltage adjustment for an external supply. The contacts 16 for the connection to the receiving station 15 - are drawn in for better understanding - are located on the underside of the connection module 14. The housing base 19 and the upper part of the housing 2, not shown, enclose the connection module 14 exactly and thus ensure its stabilization. A loudspeaker 27 is also embedded in the housing base 19. Furthermore, the housing base 19 has corresponding print holders 28 for fixing the computer system 25. The computer system 25 contains all components which are necessary for the operation of the data communication device 1 in the basic configuration. The computer system 25 is constructed as a module in SMD (surface mountain device) technology and in multilayer technology and is equipped on both sides. The computer system 25 expediently comprises the following active assemblies: at least one computer 29 and at least one memory 30 and a reading and / or writing unit 31 for chip cards 12. The memory 30 expediently comprises a main and an intermediate short memory. In addition, the following can preferably also be provided: a control device and the peripheral components required for this, a pulse generator for foreign particle detection, an infrared interface 32 and a loudspeaker control. Plugs and sockets 33 are provided as connecting elements, for example.

According to FIG. 3, a network of several data communication devices 1 is shown. Networking can take place successively or, as in the case shown, in a star shape via a central networking station 34. The data communication device 1 with the inserted chip card 12 is arranged in the receiving station 15. The plug-in stations 15 are connected to the central networking station 34 via plug-in connections 35, preferably standardized RJ45 plugs, via data sockets 36 which are connected to the data lines 37. The plug connections 35 are equipped with different numbers of poles. The central networking station 34 is connected to a server 39 and possibly to one or more workstations 40 via a cabling 38, a CAT5 cabling having proven to be expedient.

The connection module 14 inserted into the data communication device 1 has an interface 26 which is electrically isolated for medical technical applications and is known under the standardized designation RS485 or RS422. However, a so-called CAN bus or an interface 26 based on Ethernet could also be used. Depending on the interfaces 26 used, there is compatibility with various operating systems.

In the case of networking in the medical field, a voltage supply for the network part in the data communication device 1 must be ensured via the data line 37 due to the necessary electrical isolation of the primary network part from the device. Appropriate software is provided for the network configuration, with all software applications except the user drive system and the basic configuration, managed via files.

4 shows a network with the mobile data communication device 1 for personal control or personal identification or for the identification of motor vehicles 41. Data communication takes place wirelessly, for example via UHF (ultra high frequency). A database, which can be connected to a further network 43, serves as the central data station 42, for example. A recording station 15 is connected to the data station 42 with a data communication device 1, this data communication device 1 serving as a transmitter 44 and / or receiver for the radio waves. A network 43 based on UHF offers a range of approximately 300 m under optimal conditions. It is designed as a so-called token ring, with only the data communication device 1 connected to the central data station 42 carrying out the token assignment. The communication from the data communication device 1 operating as a transmitter 44 and / or receiver to the central data station 42 takes place via the standardized interface 26, which is known under the name RS232.

For the identification of motor vehicles 41 or persons, the receiving station 15 with the data communication device 1 is arranged in the motor vehicle or on the person himself. The driver can report the corresponding data via radio to the central data station, for example, via his chip card 12, whereupon the necessary steps are initiated.

This can also happen with the person control. The corresponding data are transmitted from the chip card 12 to the central data communication device 1 and to the central data station via a transmitter 44 built into the data communication device 1.

5, the integration of medical devices 45 into a network 46, which is constructed with mobile data communication devices 1, is shown.

The constantly increasing requirements regarding flexibility, performance and efficiency for modern electronic systems in medicine force the necessity to guarantee fast communication systems for the patient-related storage of medical data in appropriate archives. The problem here is that completely different communication protocols are used by the manufacturers of medical devices 45. There are also big differences in the digital, as well as in the analog interface configuration. It will be high WO 99/49382. jj _ PCT / AT99 / 00076

Transmission speeds in measurement-intensive and imaging systems are required. There are also no opportunities for the development of a standardized network topology in sight. There are a large number of different types of medical systems, such as in the laboratory, where all medical data are to be stored in an archive. The size and power consumption also play a certain role.

This increasing need for a concept for connecting heterogeneous working environments is satisfied with a network 46 based on the mobile data communication device 1.

Each medical device 45 is connected to the receiving station 15 for a data communication device 1 via a line 47. The receiving station 15 is in turn wired to the data socket 36 and thus to the network 46 via a plug connection 35. A central database 48 is connected to the network 46 via a cable 49. Likewise, a bedside monitoring screen 50 is connected, for example, via a receiving station 15 assigned to the hospital bed.

This network model combines both different hardware and software products. This system can include up to 40 different medical devices 45 in this network environment, visualize the data and store them patient-related in the in-house central database 48. The transmission rate of this network 46 is in the range from 10 Mbit / s to 14 Mbit / s. This system fulfills new requirements such as the transfer of X-ray, ultrasound images or data from the endoscope or the scanner.

The tasks shown are solved as follows:

- Data transmission on the part of the network 46: a network structure based on Ethernet is fully compatible with the Microsoft Network operating system in order to enable graphic data visualization on the monitoring screens 50;

Adaptation to various connection modules 51 of the medical devices 45: the various protocols are available on the data communication device 1 in the form of files. The connection modules 14 are equipped with digital or analog interfaces 26, such as with the standardized interfaces RS232, RS422. WO 99/49382. γι. PCT / AT99 / 00076

- Data display: the display device 3 on the data communication device 1 has a resolution in order to display medical data graphically without any problems.

- Patient-related storage of the medical data in the central database 48: the data identify themselves either via the patient bar code or on the basis of the personal identification data on the insurance or medical card.

- Access authorizations for patient data: the allocation of authorizations and priorities for access to patient data are, due to data protection, a very important topic, above all in both areas. The verification of the patient data can only be carried out by an authorized person. Since the data communication device 1 can accept chip cards 12, these individual authorizations can be implemented.

- Development according to medical technical regulations: the optoelectronic separation of the network 46 from the data communication device 1 with over 4 kV enables direct connection without electrical isolation to the medical device 45 itself, thus the voltage supply of the data communication device 1 from a medical device 45 is possible.

- Repair of a data communication device 1: the repair of systems in the medical technical field must be carried out easily and briefly. Since no connections are made directly to the data communication device 1 and the receiving station 15 has no electronic components, the repair is limited to an exchange of the data communication device 1, which can be carried out easily by anyone.

- Automatic drug delivery: since the data communication device 1 represents an intelligent system that continuously processes all available data, the infusion rate of drugs and thus parameters of the therapy measure can be modified with the help of an online control. The system is based on acquired knowledge about the dynamics of pharmacokinetic processes. Access authorizations at system parameterization levels on the data communication device 1 itself are assigned via the chip card 12.

Finally, for the sake of order, it should be pointed out that individual components and assemblies in the drawings are out of proportion for a better understanding of the invention. tionally and to scale are shown distorted.

Above all, the individual in FIGS. 1; 2; 3; 4; 5 shown embodiments form the subject of independent, inventive solutions. The related tasks and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

WO 99/49382 .14 _. PCT / AT99 / 00076

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 data communication device 41 motor vehicle

2 housing 42 data station

3 Display device 43 network

4 input device 44 transmitter

5 backlight 45 medical device

6 Contrast controller 46 network

7 On / off button 47 line

8 Touch foil 48 Central database

9 keyboard 49 cable 10 headboard

50 monitoring screen

11 insertion slot 51 connection module

12 chip card

13 recess 14 connection module

15 recording station

16 contact

17 LED 18 plug-in power supply

19 case back

20 trough

21 battery 22 opening

23 base

24 connector row

25 computer system 26 interface

27 speakers

28 Print holder

29 computers

30 memories

31 reading and / or writing unit

32 infrared interface

33 socket

34 Networking station 35 plug connection

36 data socket

37 Data line

38 cabling 39 server

40 workstation

Claims

Patent claims

1. Mobile data communication device, characterized in that in a housing (2) can be supplied via an electrical energy source computer system (25), which consists of at least one computer (29) and at least one memory (30), a reading and / or A writing unit (31) for chip cards (12), a graphic display device (3), an input device (4) and at least one connection module (14) with freely definable interfaces (26) to external components are arranged.

2. Mobile data communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one main memory and at least one intermediate short-term memory are provided.

3. Mobile data communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the display device (3) is a high-resolution liquid crystal display.

4. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device (3) has an optionally time-limited backlight (5).

5. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that an anti-reflective glass plate is arranged over the display device (3), which serves as a base for the input device (4).

6. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (4) is an analog, pressure-sensitive touch foil (8).

7. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the touch foil (8) covers both the display area and the input area.

8. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a scanner module is provided. can be seen that has a logic for measuring and evaluating stochastically distributed foreign particles.

9. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a loudspeaker (27) which can be controlled by the computer system (25) is provided.

10. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bar code detection, which is connected to the computer (29), is provided.

11. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection module (14) is interchangeable.

12. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection module (14) is connected to the computer (29) via a row of plugs (24).

13. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection module (14) has at least one, optionally having an electrical isolation interface (26) for bidirectional data communication.

14. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection module (14) has an interface (26) for the voltage supply and / or for a battery charging circuit.

15. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection module (14) has an interface (26) for voltage monitoring.

16. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection module (14) has serial and / or parallel interfaces (26) for data communication. WO 99/49382 _ γη _ PCT / AT99 / 00076

17. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection module (14) has an infrared interface (32).

18. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a wireless network operation based on a token ring can be carried out via the infrared interface (32).

19. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection module (14) has a pulse width modulation output for a voice output and / or a multi-frequency selection method and / or digitized sounds.

20. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical energy supply takes place via the low-voltage technology, in particular via the 3.3 volt technology.

21. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that via the connection module

(14) Protection against unauthorized reading of data is provided.

22. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a receiving station (15) for the data communication device (1) is provided which has the mechanical components for data communication with the environment.

23. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data communication device (1) can be inserted into the receiving station (15), the receiving station (15) as a table or wall device or as an installation part for a drive shaft a personal computer.

24. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving station (15)

Has contacts (16) for connection to the data communication device (1). WO 99/49382. lg. PCT / AT99 / 00076

25. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of recording stations (15) can be plugged into one another.

26. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a network (43, 46) can be set up via a plurality of recording stations (15) and their corresponding interfaces (26).

27. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a transmitter (44) and / or receiver is provided for the wireless data communication.

28. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data communication takes place inductively via transponders.

29. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one JTAG interface is provided for loading the operating system via the basic configuration.

30. Mobile data communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed as a universal compact device in pocket format.