DE102004014809A1 - Memory card for measurement data storage, especially for medical applications, has an autonomous processing unit and interfaces for connecting to both an electronic device, such as a PDA, and a measurement sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

Memory card for an electronic unit has a memory unit for storing electronic data in a file system, at least a connection interface which permits a connection to an electronic unit, at least a second interface for reading in data from a measurement sensor and a processing unit that is able to autonomously processes the read-in sensor information and store it in the memory unit as a file within a file system. Independent claims are also included for the following:- (A) a data carrier for a computer and; (B) a portable computer system with a memory card slot.

Description

The The invention relates to a memory card, on the one hand as conventional Storage medium for mobile devices, how PDAs or laptops can be used, and the other an interface to sensor information, in particular from the medical field, to read and record.

Field of the invention:

In the field of detection of medical data a number of applications is known in which the PALM ^® or the Pocket PC is used in a specific embodiment for reading of medical data. These special devices are expensive and not very flexible.

By the cost pressure on medical devices, especially the private ones Use, it is an object of the present invention, a possibility to provide for the reduction of production costs for measuring units, by using a standardized measuring unit through a variety of systems can be used.

moreover elevated the use of a standardized measuring unit with different Computers independence the measurement data acquisition and increased thus the redundancy and flexibility.

These The object is achieved by the inventions having the features of the independent claims. advantageous Further developments of the inventions are characterized in the subclaims.

Of the general approach of the present invention is that a conventional Memory card, as it is currently known as flash memory and which is provided with a file system to an I / O interface is extended. This I / O interface is designed so that the measured data independent from the connected terminal (eg PDA) are written to the memory card and into the File system are involved.

The Using a flash card as a carrier of the measuring unit implied the simultaneous storage of the measurement data on this medium. Consequently may be the collecting and / or evaluating data processing unit for every Measurement z. For example different applications vary.

Currently well-known and widespread storage systems are USB sticks, SECURE Digital Card, SmartMedia Card, MultiMedia Card, Compact Flash Card, Sony Memory Stick, IBM Micro Drive and xD-Picture Card. All these Storage units could with or without its own power supply to a driver-free Interface that process measuring sensor data can and can put down on the memory card. It goes without saying even that enumeration can be extended as desired, especially if new storage technologies be used over the known interfaces are connected to the host systems.

in the Single is a memory card for electronic equipment with a storage element for storing electronic data in a file system or similar preferably hierarchical information structure. It is conceivable here also the filing in a database system. Basically, the file system stands for one structured storage of information in a defined format, which can be interpreted by a variety of other devices. This is achieved by placing an appropriate driver on the memory card is arranged.

Farther the memory card comprises at least a first connection interface, which allows a connection to an electronic device that is based on the data Has access. This is usually the well-known system bus that uses the Data exchange with the connected PDAs and mobile phones allowed.

Farther includes the card according to the invention at least one further interface, also measuring sensor interface called over the measuring sensor information can be read. This interface is used to read the information from the test strip or other external sensors, which may also have their own logic to already processed digital information to transfer.

Furthermore, the card is provided with a processing unit, which independently processes the read-in measuring sensor information in such a way that it is stored in the memory element independently of the electronic device, the measuring sensor information being incorporated into the file system or into the information structure to be bound. In this case, however, no driver or no special software is necessary, which runs on the terminal or the PDA or the mobile phone. Instead, the data is stored independently of the driver in the memory area of the card.

For this can serve a data logger module that contains the sensor information at regular intervals or read in response to a trigger / interrupt.

In a further embodiment is an integrated time and / or Date module on the memory card for storing date and time Timestamps available in order to compare them with the read-in measurement data save. This can be a real-time clock. The clock can still be buffered by a battery, so that the card u. U. can also be operated without PDA. However, it is also conceivable that the clock with the system time of the electronic equipment is synchronized.

To the Reading out the sensor information, different approaches are conceivable. So on the one hand, the logic already implemented on the sensor and on the other hand the logic and the converters on the memory card. So the interface can be connected to an AD converter, the z. B. voltage data, in particular resistance measurements, makes. Furthermore, it can be a digital bus that has the logic responds to the measuring sensor and possibly supplied with power to then digitally get the information. So the measuring sensor interface be designed to be with gauges or measuring sensors for the Determination of ingredients in liquids, especially blood sugar, or for the determination of temperatures can be brought into contact.

Also it is conceivable to use a counting device to use for measuring pulses, the z. B. the heart rate measures. All these functions can be installed separately or in combination on the card. So that Card detects which sensor is used are the sensors in a preferred embodiment with Type identifiers provided so that the system recognizes which Type of sensor is used. The type designation can be digital, be designed analog or mechanical.

By Configuration information, preferably in the file system (as File), the function of the memory card can be determined become. So can on the one hand, the storage or storage locations for measurement results and sensors On the other hand, the format of the filing of the information can be determined the memory card are used. Furthermore, the mode can be determined in which the measurement sensor interface operates in the storage element.

So The format of the clipboard can be selected be like ASCII character set, RTF, HTML, XML, EXCEL, DOC. Furthermore, it can be determined how the content of the document or file. Also can be set whether for every measurement a new file should be used or how many Entries in to file a file. Furthermore, it can be determined whether a create new file after a certain time. Further configuration options are conceivable.

One Another important aspect is that the information is for status information and measurement data, preferably in the measured value file these are inserted one after the other in chronological order.

Around to avoid a collision of accesses by a simultaneous Access of the PDA and the data logger could occur in a preferred embodiment the memory card a competing access control on the Memory element and their information given. This can be both software side as well as hardware implemented. Furthermore, it is conceivable to make the access control finely granular so and read operations in dependence position or blocks of the file at the same time.

By this approach is left with previous data from measurements with others Data processing units even when changing the data processing unit received on the integrated data memory.

The Power supply is through the data processing unit used in principle ensured. However, an extension of the measuring unit is conceivable around a power supply unit (internal or external), so that Also a measurement without existing data processing unit is possible. The storage of the measured data takes place on the non-volatile Data memory of the flash card (eg SD, CF). The for the measuring unit Expended energy is needed only when needed, eg. B. by plugging of the sensor in the connector slot.

On the Connector or the sensor interface can with the help of a calibration sensor or test strip a calibration performed to production-related Tolerance variations of the measuring sensor or the test strip and to balance the measuring unit.

at a preferred embodiment is the analyzer, as already described by way of example, for glucose concentration measurement, which is determined by means of test elements. Especially in diabetes often a glucose measurement is done several times a day, analyzers are used to measure glucose in particular for made for private use. Diabetes is one of the most important Diseases where good surveillance of the disease Helps to damage such as B. to avoid blindness. Monitoring the disease using appropriate data processing by the patient when needed done yourself can be, so here is particularly in demand. Within the scope of the invention Naturally any kind of analyzers conceivable, such. B. coagulation meters.

By the use of a tailored to the respective data processing unit Software solution is a highly integrated, specialized overall system, so that more therapy-relevant data automatically or manually added can be and a timely, direct on-site analysis by the patient himself can.

The Already possible to process data in computer-technical format a much better involvement of the patient in the therapeutic Process of the supervising physician (or a data processing unit available there).

The From a medical point of view, important analysis and further processing the collected measurement data to optimize the therapy is through the renunciation of external interfaces greatly simplified and is therefore also available to non-technical users.

in the The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments which are shown schematically in the figures. Same reference numbers in the individual figures designate the same elements. In detail demonstrate:

1 a logical layer structure of the memory card according to the invention;

2a An example of an application of the memory card according to the invention, which on the one hand comprises only the card and on the other hand the memory card in a PDA.

in the The scope of the invention are numerous modifications and developments the described embodiments realizable.

The 1 shows a design of a possible embodiment in which the measurement data is written directly to the memory card. There is no reading of a data stream via the I / O interface of a memory card. As a result, independence of device drivers of the devices used is achieved. A complex, device-level programming of the interfaces of the device platforms used is eliminated. Any device that can access the file system of the memory card can read the values from the standardized ASCII file.

A core of the invention relates to the implementation by a data logger module which writes the measured values in the interval or by triggering via the measuring sensor in the flash memory of the memory card. The measuring sensor comprises the sensors 1 to n, which communicate with the data logger module via metallic contacts and an AD converter.

The Integration of a measured value module for reading the voltage data, z. B. for resistance measurement or A / D conversion for different measuring sensors, such as measuring strips for the determination of blood sugar or other ingredients in liquid Substances, measuring sensors for measuring temperatures or for measuring of pulses, z. B. the heart rate, is performed by a 1 to n Channel AD converter module, which triggers the values at the sensor or by triggering intervals of the RTC clock (optional radio clock) in the data logger writes. The data logger module is directly with connected to the Card I / F controller, which also makes it a competing one Access to the flash memory allows. The "multiuser" access (concurrent Writing the measured value module and reading out by software) z. B. be controlled by a semaphore file.

Farther is an integrated time and date module for storing Date and time stamp on the memory card before, in order to to store ingested measurement data. This is with the data logger connected, which makes the assignment.

The Implementation can be done by an RTC clock (real time clock), which optionally has a integrated battery is powered. Otherwise, it will plug you in the card in the device started by the power supply of the device and with the system time of the device synchronized. Optional would be also a radio clock on memory cards with sufficient size imaginable.

The Communication of the measured value module present on the flash card over a data exchange over the flash card's own file system. To bidirectional communication to enable can in appropriate directory structures in-data z. B. for parameterization of the measured value module (for example, adjusting the time, Activation of individual (special) functions of the measured value module, activation individual measuring channels etc). Conversely, the measured data from the measured value module in corresponding out files written and can read by a further processing IT device and further processed become.

It It should be noted that other architectures are chosen can, which allow a concurrent access and the card controller provide information accordingly. So could the data logger too work directly with some I / F modules.

Further Information regarding the construction and specifications of the individual card types can be taken from the corresponding Drafts, such. B. the SD card Specification of 15 April 2001.

Around widest possible compatibility to ensure, should be the for the files used character set to the 7 bit ASCII character set restrict. Possibly. Special characters to be displayed can be analogous to standardized ones Description languages, such as As RTF, HTML, XML, etc. by so-called. Represents tags become.

For the exchanged Data should preferably be for status information and metrics be differentiated. So for Fields of application with fast consecutive measured values one as fast as possible Storage possible should be in the metric file in a random access all Measured values are attached consecutively.

Of the File structure can be described here only as an example, since he very specific of the respective concrete measurement module and its depends on the data to be processed.

• – Statusinformationen in einer separaten Datei,
• – Belegdaten (Messwerte und ggf. Fehlerstatistik) in einer Belegdatendatei und
• – Konfigurationsdaten in einer Konfigurationsdatei (zum Einstellen spez. Merkmale auf dem Messwertmodul) abgelegt werden.

So should the

• - status information in a separate file,
• - Document data (measured values and possibly error statistics) in a document data file and
• - Configuration data are stored in a configuration file (for setting specific features on the measured value module).

This format uses the standard ASCII character set (ASCII 7-bit) and can be based on the following specification: File header with general definitions (initiation of the line with #, separator with;):

The 2a - 2 B show the flash card 2 and the measuring sensor 1 which can be guided on the metallic contacts. The 2 B additionally shows a PDA, which reads out the information.

Claims (17)

Memory card for electronic devices, - with at least a memory element for storing electronic data in one File System, - With at least one first connection interface that has a connection to an electronic device allowed, which has access to the data, - with at least one second Measuring sensor interface, via the measuring sensor information is readable, - with a Machining unit that reads the read sensor information independently prepared so that they are independent from the electronic device stored in the memory element, wherein the measuring sensor information be integrated into the file system. Memory card according to the preceding claim, characterized characterized in that a data logger module, the measuring sensor information at regular intervals or read in by a trigger. Memory card after one or more of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the memory element is um a flash memory is. Memory card after one or more of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the information from the measuring sensor interface by a corresponding device of the processing unit driver independent of terminal be stored on the memory card. Memory card according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that an integrated time and / or date module on the memory card for storing date and Timestamping is available to save these to the read measurement data. Memory card after one or more of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the clock is a real time clock and / or is buffered by a battery and / or with the system time of the electronic equipment is synchronized. Memory card after one or more of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the interface with an AD converter is in communication and / or with means for reading and / or determining voltage data, in particular for resistance measurement, and / or with means for reading electronic sensors onto gauges and / or counting devices for measuring pulses. Memory card after one or more of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the measuring sensor interface with measuring strips and / or measuring sensors for the determination of ingredients in liquids, especially blood sugar, for the Determination of temperatures and / or for the determination of pulses, especially the heart rate, is provided. Memory card after one or more of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that means for checking a coding of the measuring sensor and / or the measuring strip are present. Memory card after one or more of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the interface as a digital bus is designed if the sensor has a stand-alone digital logic. Memory card after one or more of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that a concurrent access control given to the memory element and the information. Memory card after one or more of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that configuration information for storage the information read in by the interface and / or the control of the measuring sensor interface in the memory element, in particular as a file system, are given. Memory card according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the format of the tray is selectable, such as ASCII character set, RTF, HTML, XML, EXCEL, DOC and / or construction of content. Memory card after one or more of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the information according to status information and measurement data, preferably in the measured value file these are inserted one after the other in chronological order. Memory card after one or more of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that it is USB flash drive, SECURE Digital Card, SmartMedia Card, MultiMedia Card, Compact Flash Card, Sony Memory Stick, IBM Micro Drive and / or xD-Picture Card, extended by the measuring sensor interface and the processing unit were. disk for one Computer characterized by storing software that the memory card configuration file after one or more edited the previous memory card claims and a graphical Menu provides to change the parameters. Portable computer system with a memory card slot for a memory card according to one or more of the preceding memory card claims through a device containing the configuration file of the memory card Edited after one or more of the previous memory card claims and provides a graphical menu to change the parameters.