DE102013101751B4 - Device and method for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical quantity, having a first resistance unit (3) whose first electrical resistance R1 is variable according to a physical variable acting on the first resistance unit (3), and a second resistance unit ( 4) which is connected by means of an electrical circuit to the first resistance unit (3) and has a second electrical resistance R2, as well as to a mobile computing unit connected to the first resistance unit with output device for outputting the value of the physical quantity and / or information via a state derived from the value of the physical quantity, the device furthermore comprising a mobile telephone and the mobile computing unit being part of the mobile telephone, characterized in that the first resistance unit (3) is connected to a first AC voltage source (1) and the second Resistance unit (4) is connected to a second AC voltage source (2), wherein the first AC voltage source (1) is configured such that the amplitude A1 of one of the first AC voltage source (1) generated first AC voltage is constant, and the second AC voltage source (2) is configured such that the amplitude A2 of one of the second AC voltage source (2) generated second AC voltage is variable.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for determining and outputting a state information and / or the value of a physical quantity as well as a corresponding method, which can be carried out with the device according to the invention.

Mobile phones and their increasing use in fields other than telecommunications are well known. In particular, the communication possibilities created by the typical components of a mobile phone make mobile phones also interesting for the measurement data acquisition. However, external sensors are still required for this, which are to be connected to the mobile phones. The problem with this is that depending on the mobile phone manufacturer, the connection options for external devices are usually very different, so that the connectivity is not guaranteed every external sensor to each mobile phone or a relatively large number of different adapters must be kept ready.

A standardized connection device on all mobile phones is the jack socket for the audio system, which offers the possibility to easily connect sensors with a correspondingly shaped jack plug.

The DE 199 17 169 A1 discloses a method for storing and reproducing high quality audio and / or video data in mobile terminals with optional use of removable writeable memory modules. Additional new application possibilities are opened up here by the optional addition of further functional components as well as the optional realization of the data transmission to / from server devices in the mobile radio network or in the public Internet.

The US 2013 / 0012799A1 describes a mobile terminal with a voltmeter, a controller and an outboard electrode. With the control device is a biological information of a living being, which is contacted with the electrode detectable. The mobile terminal may be a mobile phone.

From the DE 601 26 999 T2 For example, a mobile telephone device such as a mobile phone configured to operate using a cellular network is known. It includes a telecommunication radio frequency transceiver for the transmission and reception of communications over a cellular network; Control means for controlling an operation of the mobile telephone device; and reader means with a reader and a reader inductive coupling means.

The EP 1 046 910 B1 describes a mobile phone equipped with a function for measuring the gas components in the exhalation. For this purpose, the mobile phone has a gas sensor with which exhaled gases can be analyzed. A calculation device of the mobile telephone enables the generation of information derived from the analysis which can be output via a display device of the mobile telephone.

From the DE 10 2010 028 920 A1 a mobile communication terminal is known, comprising a display unit, a foreign-power sensor unit, a carrier, which is arranged on the display unit and on the foreign-power sensor unit, a data processor unit which is connected to the foreign-power sensor unit and the display unit, and a hand-held housing for receiving the above-mentioned respective units and the exposed carrier. The carrier is for carrying and transmitting the foreign force to the foreign force sensor unit, and the data processor unit is for receiving and determining the weight sensed by the foreign force sensor unit from the foreign force, whereby the mobile communication terminal has the function of sensing the external force.

The US 20110300751A1 teaches an electronic device, such as a portable music player, a mobile phone or a computer, which can make position measurements with an audio system. In this case, sensors such. For example, optical sensors, magnetic sensors, mechanical sensors, electrical sensors, resistive sensors, or capacitive sensors may be used in monitoring the position and movement of an audio plug relative to the audio jack.

The DE 20 2007 009 448 U1 shows a mobile phone with a temperature sensor, which is permanently connected to the phone and can be stowed in this. The DE 00 0060 303 017 T2 describes a used thermometer for clinical use with a memory, which forms a unit with a signal means and a temperature sensing means.

The DE 00 0010 335 745 A1 describes the use of certain methods for determining ovulation by means of data storage, e.g. In tables and the like. For data collection and utilization preferably a mobile phone is used.

In Kuo, Y., Verma, S., Schmid, T., & Dutta, P. (2010) "Hijacking Power and Bandwidth from the Mobile Phone Audio Interface", ACM DEV 2010, is a device for determining and outputting the temperature value published, which has a variable resistor and an electrically connected computing unit with information output device. Here, the data are recorded digitally and then transmitted digitally modulated to the mobile phone. Alternatively, however, digitally recorded data can also be encoded via audio signals. Proceeding from this, the present invention is based on the object of providing a device and a method with which cost-effective and reliable measurement of physical quantities and / or the output of state information derived therefrom are possible.

According to the invention, a device is provided for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable, a first resistance unit whose first electrical resistance R ₁ is variable according to a physical variable acting on the first resistance unit, a second resistance unit which is connected to the first resistance unit by means of an electrical circuit and has a second electrical resistance R ₂ , and a mobile computing unit electrically connected to the first resistance unit with output device for outputting the value of the physical quantity and / or information about one of the value the physical size derived state, wherein the device further comprises a mobile phone and the mobile computing unit is part of the mobile phone. The first resistance unit is connected to a first AC voltage source and the second resistance unit is connected to a second AC voltage source, wherein the first AC voltage source is configured such that the amplitude A _{1 of} a first AC voltage generated by the first AC voltage source is constant, and the second AC voltage source is configured in that the amplitude A _{2 of} a second alternating voltage generated by the second alternating voltage source is variable.

That is, the device is designed to output the value of the physical quantity and / or an information calculated therefrom.

Upon application of the first resistance unit with a temperature as a physical variable, the output device thus serves only to output information about the state derived from the temperature and / or about the physical variable underlying this information, ie the temperature itself.

Accordingly, when outputting the information based on the physical quantity, the output device also has the function of a processing device.

In particular, the inventive device for detecting elevated body temperature such. B. use in a fever disease.

The resistance value of the second resistance unit is known and stored in the arithmetic unit. It is essentially independent of an applied physical quantity.

From the first resistance unit and the second resistance unit, a voltage divider is preferably formed.

In this refinement, it is _{appropriate for} the _{device to comprise} a unit for determining an optimum amplitude A _{2opt of} the second alternating voltage, which when superimposed with the first alternating voltage results in a resulting alternating voltage with a minimum resulting amplitude A _resmin . This unit for determining an optimal amplitude may be part of the mobile computing unit or of the mobile telephone. The variable AC sources can be part of the mobile phone in the form of the audio system such. B. headphone output or microphone input. The device is preferably designed such that the value of the optimal amplitude A _{2opt is stored} in the arithmetic unit or can be fed thereto.

In particular, it can be provided that the alternating voltage sources are part of the mobile telephone and the first resistance unit is connected to a microphone input of the mobile telephone.

To ensure adequate user or operational safety, it is provided that the alternating voltage sources and the first resistance unit are galvanically separated from one another. This can be z. B. be realized by capacitors in the lines between the first resistance unit and the respective AC voltage source.

That is, it requires three capacitors, with a capacitor at the microphone input and one capacitor each on one of the channels of the stereo audio output.

The arithmetic unit is preferably configured such that the first resistor R ₁ can be calculated thereon on the basis of the following equation: R ₁ = R _{2 .A 1} / A _2opt .

This means that the calculation is carried out in and / or by means of the mobile telephone. In a particularly favorable embodiment, it is provided that the arithmetic unit is configured such that the value of the physical variable acting on the first resistance unit can be determined on the basis of the calculated first resistance R ₁ .

The determination of the value of the physical quantity via the first resistor R ₁ is carried out by reading from pairs of values or reading from a function of the value of the physical variable as a function of the resistance or by calculation.

In this case, the arithmetic unit is preferably configured in such a way that the state derived from the value of the physical variable and / or the value of the physical variable acting on the first resistance unit can be output with it.

In this case, the output of the value of the physical quantity by means of the output device, preferably via the display of the mobile phone, or acoustically.

Optionally, the value may also be stored, preferably together with data about the time of measurement.

In addition, the data obtained can also be used for much more complicated algorithms.

In particular, the unit for determining an optimum amplitude A _2opt be designed such that the amplitude A ₂ of the second alternating voltage is increased with it and thereby, the time of occurrence of extreme values of the respective amplitudes can be detected, and with it when superimposing the first AC voltage having the varying second alternating voltage, the time of occurrence of the minimum amplitude A _{resmin of} the resulting AC voltage is detectable, and by reading an amplitude A _{2 associated with} this time, the optimum amplitude A _{2opt of} the second AC voltage can be determined.

Preferably, the entire waveform of the second AC voltage is stored over time. In this case, ideal functions that run through the minima and the maxima of the amplitudes are preferably ramped. The times of the amplitude extreme values are detected at the microphone input of the mobile phone. The amplitude A ₂ assigned to the determined _instant of occurrence of the minimum amplitude A _{resmin of} the resulting AC voltage is the optimum amplitude A _{2opt of} the second AC voltage.

Alternatively, it is provided that the unit for determining an optimum amplitude A _{2opt is configured} such that different amplitudes A _{2 of} the second alternating voltage are adjustable with it and with it when superimposing the first alternating voltage with the varying second alternating voltage and detecting the resulting amplitudes of the resulting AC voltage respectively the maximum and the minimum extreme value points can be detected by linear approximation as points of linear functions and by determining the intersections of these linear functions, the minimum amplitude A _{resmin of} the resulting AC voltage is detectable, and by reading an amplitude A _{2 associated with} this minimum amplitude A _resmin the optimum amplitude A _{2opt of} the second alternating voltage can be determined.

The reading of the optimum amplitude A _2opt is based on the determined A _resmin , wherein z. B. from simple ratio _equations of the size of A _resmin on A _2opt can be closed because the overlapping vibrations each have a sinusoidal function.

The device described here or its circuit thus serves for the direct detection of a resistance value by audio systems of mobile phones, without having to resort to an external microprocessor or without a digital data transmission.

The implemented with the device according to the invention method is based on the detection of a variable resistance value, the z. B. depending on the particular temperature, such. B. in a thermistor, or as a function of an acting force, such. B. the strain gauge changes. In other words, all sensors which react to changes in physical measured variables with a change in a corresponding electrical resistance can be read out and evaluated by the present device or by the present method.

One advantage of the device according to the invention is, inter alia, that in addition to a standard stereo audio output provided as standard and an audio input on the mobile phone only a few external components must be present.

In addition, a galvanic isolation between the mobile phone and the measuring sensor can be realized in a structurally simple design, so that the device according to the invention satisfies medical safety standards. In this case, the device according to the invention is self-sufficient by the battery present in the mobile phone, so that no further external batteries or power supplies are needed.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for determining and outputting a state information and / or the value of a physical variable is provided that this has a switch for commissioning, this switch is configured and arranged so that it can be easily by a human Tongue and / or actuated by pressing against a human palate.

• • die erste Widerstandseinheit von einer ersten Wechselspannungsquelle und eine zweite Widerstandseinheit, die mittels einer elektrischen Schaltung mit der ersten Widerstandseinheit verbunden ist, von einer zweiten Wechselspanungsquelle bestromt wird,
• • die erste Wechselspannungsquelle die Amplitude A₁ einer von der ersten Wechselspannungsquelle generierten ersten Wechselspannung konstant hält und die zweite Wechselspannungsquelle die Amplitude A₂ einer von der zweiten Wechselspannungsquelle generierten zweiten Wechselspannung variiert,
• • eine elektrisch mit der ersten Widerstandseinheit verbundene mobile Recheneinheit mit Ausgabevorrichtung auf Basis des ersten Widerstandes R₁ den Wert der physikalischen Größe ermittelt und den Wert der physikalischen Größe und/oder eine Information über einen aus dem Wert der physikalischen Größe abgeleiteten Zustand ausgibt.

To achieve the stated object, a method for determining and outputting status information and / or the value of a physical variable is also provided. A first resistance unit whose first electrical resistance R ₁ is variable according to a physical quantity acting on the first resistance unit is subjected to a physical quantity, wherein

• The first resistance unit is energized by a first alternating voltage source and a second resistance unit, which is connected to the first resistance unit by means of an electrical circuit, is supplied with current by a second alternating voltage source,
• The first alternating voltage source keeps constant the amplitude A _{1 of} a first alternating voltage generated by the first alternating voltage source and the second alternating voltage source varies the amplitude A _{2 of} a second alternating voltage generated by the second alternating voltage source,
• A mobile computing unit with output device based on the first resistor R ₁ electrically connected to the first resistance unit determines the value of the physical variable and outputs the value of the physical variable and / or information about a state derived from the value of the physical variable.

Both voltage sources are preferably controlled directly by the mobile phone when the voltage sources are the headphone output. The alternating voltages are phase-shifted by 180 °.

In this case, it is provided in particular that an optimum amplitude A _{2opt of} the second alternating voltage, which results in superimposition with the first alternating voltage a resulting alternating voltage with a minimum resulting amplitude A _resmin , is determined.

The arithmetic unit preferably calculates the first resistor R ₁ on the basis of the following equation: R ₁ = R _{2 .A 1} / A _2opt .

That is, the arithmetic unit determines the value of the physical quantity applied to the first resistance unit based on the calculated first resistance R ₁ .

In particular, the unit for determining an optimum amplitude A _{2opt can increase} the amplitude A _{2 of} the second AC voltage and thereby determine the times of the occurrence of the extreme values of the respective amplitudes. When superimposing the first alternating voltage with the varying second alternating voltage, the time of occurrence of the minimum amplitude A _{resmin of} the resulting alternating voltage can be detected and the optimum amplitude A _{2opt of} the second alternating voltage can be determined by reading out an amplitude A ₂ assigned to this time. Preferably, the entire waveform of the second AC voltage is stored over time.

Alternatively, it is provided that the unit for determining an optimum amplitude A _{2opt sets} different amplitudes A _{2 of} the second alternating voltage and, when the first alternating voltage is superposed with the varying second alternating voltage and the resultant amplitudes of the resulting alternating voltage are respectively converted into the maximum and the minimum extreme value points linear approximation recognized as points of linear functions, and a is detected by detecting the intersections of these linear functions, the minimum amplitude _resmin the resultant alternating voltage, as well as _resmin assigned by reading one of these minimum amplitude a amplitude a _2, the optimum amplitude a _2opt the second ac voltage determines.

As a result, the device according to the invention is relatively robust to different series resistances of the output stage of a stereo signal used and to differently designed microphone inputs, which may possibly be present in different types of mobile telephone, since the principle of finding the minimum resulting amplitude A _{resmin is} the basis of the device Compared to a simple, conventional voltage divider, which consists of a fixed and a variable resistor, makes much more robust. This also allows a calibration of the device in the manufacture of essential components of the device according to the invention, without being limited to a particular type of mobile phone.

The method according to the invention for determining and outputting status information and / or the value of a physical variable can be carried out in such a way that the body temperature, in particular the body temperature of a living being, is determined as the physical quantity, wherein the first resistance unit is positioned in a body opening of the living being ,

In this case, such a temperature determination takes place with the mobile telephone as the arithmetic unit, which calculates or reads out the existing temperature on the basis of the determined first resistance value and makes it available to the user of the method.

Alternatively, body temperature may also be measured in the armpit, orally, or simply just against the skin of a human or animal.

In particular, in the case of female organisms it is thus possible, depending on the cycle, to draw a conclusion about the current fertility.

Of course, the body temperature measurement can also be used to determine disease symptoms.

In a further alternative application of the method, it is provided that the physical size of the ion concentration, the impedance and / or the conductivity of the saliva of a living being is determined. In this case, the phase of the variable amplitude can be changed in order to detect the impedance completely as a complex value.

This means that here the variable resistor consists of a liquid, namely saliva, which is located between two electrodes. Thus, the electrical impedance of the substance can be determined by the method according to the invention. The impedance also varies with the female cycle, so that this method embodiment can serve as an alternative or in addition to the temperature measurement for the purpose of fertility determination.

The invention additionally provides a computer program which, after having been loaded into storage means of the data processing device, enables a data processing device to carry out a method according to the invention for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable. In the device according to the invention thus, for example, two resistance units are arranged, wherein the electrical resistance the first resistance unit is not known and the electrical resistance of the second resistance unit is known.

A constant alternating voltage is applied to the first resistance unit, and a varying alternating voltage is applied to the second resistance unit.

This means that the amplitude of the first source is constant and the amplitude of the second source is variable, if possible by software adjustable.

It is determined at which optimum amplitude A _{2opt of} the alternating voltage at the second resistance unit the amplitude A _{resmin of} a resulting oscillation or alternating voltage is minimal.

In contrast to the classical bridge circuit of a Wheatstone bridge, in which a voltage source is applied and a resistor is varied until a minimum voltage is applied to the bridge, in the present inventive method are two alternating voltages with different phases and amplitudes to the network. The amplitude ratios of the two voltage sources are varied until the minimum is applied.

The value of the determined optimum amplitude A _2opt is used to determine the value of the first electrical resistance R ₁ in the computing unit of the mobile telephone by means of the formula R ₁ = R _{2 .A 1} / A _2opt .

The determination of the minimum amplitude of the resulting oscillation is z. B. via a ramp-shaped amplitude increase of the amplitude A ₂ and determining the time t, when the microphone input of the mobile phone, the minimum of the resulting amplitude A _{resmin is} detected, which is determined based on the time t, which amplitude A ₂ at time t present.

Alternatively, the detection of the optimum amplitude A _{2opt can be made} by setting different amplitudes A _{2 of} the second AC voltage and performing a linear fit of the extreme value points of the resulting oscillation and determining the minimum of the resulting amplitude A _resmin at the intersection of the linear functions and output generated thereby the optimum amplitude A _{2opt of} the AC voltage at the second resistance unit, which is present at the minimum of the resulting amplitude A _resmin , take place.

For this purpose, the optimum amplitude A _{2opt is read} into the microphone input of the arithmetic unit or of the mobile telephone comprising this arithmetic unit.

In the arithmetic unit, the determined resistance value of the first resistance unit is also converted into the value of the physical quantity applied to the first resistance unit or read out according to the resistance value of the first resistance unit.

The value of the determined physical quantity is output by the arithmetic unit or its output device.

The invention will be explained below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

It shows:

1 a circuit underlying a device according to the invention in the first embodiment, and

2 a device according to the invention underlying the circuit of a second embodiment.

The in the 1 and 2 shown circuits are except for the arrangement of three capacitors 6 . 7 . 8th in 1 identical.

The invention should first be in the hands of in 1 illustrated circuit will be explained.

The circuit is essentially constructed such that a first resistance source 1 with a first resistance unit 3 , a second resistance unit 4 and a second AC voltage source 2 is connected in series. Between the first resistance unit 3 and the second resistance unit 4 is a measuring point for determining the minimum voltage 5 connected.

To meet safety conditions, as z. B. apply in the medical field, the circuit shown in accordance with 1 three capacitors, namely a first capacitor 6 between the first AC voltage source 1 and the first resistance unit 3 , a second capacitor 7 between the second resistance unit 4 and the second AC voltage source 2 and a third capacitor 8th between the junction of the measuring point to determine the minimum voltage 5 between the first resistance unit 3 and the second resistance unit 4 as well as this measuring point 5 even.

This circuit is connected to an audio system of a mobile phone, not shown, to detect detected data with high accuracy. The circuit uses mobile generated and software readjusted voltages from the first AC source 1 and the second AC voltage source 2 be made available as preferably readjusted stereo signals. These are used to calculate the value of the resistance of the first resistance unit 3 , the z. B. depending on the temperature in the surrounding medium can be determined. The second resistance unit 4 has a solid, known resistance.

The difference between those in the 1 and 2 shown circuits consists only in that the in 2 circuit shown not the three capacitors 6 . 7 . 8th , in the 1 are shown. That is, that in 2 shown circuit is designed simpler and cheaper, but can not realize the galvanic isolation, in accordance with the circuit 1 is executed.

In the following, the inventive method to hand the 1 and 2 be explained.

The amplitude of the AC voltage of the first AC voltage source 1 is kept constant while a sinusoidal AC voltage from the first AC source 1 is output with the history: V ₁ = A ₁ sinusoid (ωt); with V ₁ as the voltage of the first AC voltage source 1 and A ₁ as the amplitude of the voltage of the first AC voltage source 1 ,

We have ω = 2πf.

The frequency f is in the audio range of preferably 50 to 20,000 Hz. The voltage V _{2 of} the second AC voltage source 2 is phase-shifted by 180 ° with respect to the voltage of the first AC voltage source V ₁ and is generated at the same frequency but different amplitude A ₂ : V ₂ = A ₂ sine (ωt + π).

The amplitude A ₂ is now varied until at the microphone input of the mobile phone, ie at the measuring point of the minimum voltage 5 , a signal with a minimum amplitude is detected, namely with the amplitude A _2opt .

The unknown resistance value of the first resistance unit 3 can now be calculated as follows: R ₁ = R ₂ × A ₁ / A _2opt . Example: RMS voltage at the microphone input (Mic) Amplitude ratio (A ₁ / A _2opt ) 167 μV 1.0 865 μV 1:05 532 μV 1.1 1181 μV 1.15 2019 μV 1.2

The minimum here is A ₁ / A _2opt = 1.1
R ₂ = 50 k,
and with that is
R ₁ = 50 k · 1.1 = 55 k the sought value.

The capacitors 6 . 7 . 8th serve the galvanic separation between the measuring point for the determination of the minimum voltage 5 and the mobile phone. This increases in particular the security in the situation in which the mobile phone z. B. is connected via a charging cable to the power grid, the capacitors 6 . 7 . 8th Currents that flow through the user when using the device according to the invention, limit to health acceptable levels. It lends itself to this, as capacitors 6 . 7 . 8th to use those of type Y1.

The signal with minimum amplitude can be detected by different approaches.

On the one hand, with constant amplitude of the voltage from the first AC voltage source 1 a sinusoidal signal with ramp-increasing, time-dependent amplitude A ₂ = A ₂ (t) at the second AC voltage source 2 will be realized.

The rise time is much longer than a sine wave, with respect to a sine-wave period at 20 kHz = 0.05 ms and a length of the ramp-shaped amplitude-modulated sine signal of 250 ms, which corresponds to 5,000 oscillations. The values of the amplitude A _{2 of} the voltage from the second AC voltage source 2 in this case comprise the range from A _2min to A _2max , the desired amplitude A _2opt , for which the amplitude measured at the microphone _input is minimal, lies in this value range. Since the start time at the microphone input can be determined and the temporal amplitude curve of A ₂ (t) is known to the mobile phone, it is possible to _deduce the desired amplitude A _{2 opt} from the time of the minimum determined at the microphone input t _min with A ₂ (t): A _2opt = A ₂ (t _min ).

In this case, many amplitude values are tried out in a relatively short time and it is determined with which amplitude value a minimum can be achieved.

Alternatively, the signal with minimum amplitude can also be determined in such a way that for some fixed amplitude values A ₁ = constant and A ₂ = A ₂₁ , A ₂₂ ... A _{2n are} measured. The position of the minimum can be calculated by means of a linear fit or linear approximation. The used values A ₂ are divided into groups smaller or larger than A _{2 opt} , since two different lines are used for the fit, _defining a negative slope for amplitudes less than A _{2 opt} and a positive slope for amplitudes greater than A _{2 opt} .

The illustrated circuit of the invention underlying circuit can also be supplemented with a further resistor whose resistance is fixed and known. This additional resistance can thus be used to control the function of the circuit and consequently to reduce measurement errors.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

first AC voltage source

2

second AC voltage source

3

first resistance unit

4

second resistance unit

5

Measuring point for determining the minimum voltage

6

first capacitor

7

second capacitor

8th

third capacitor

Claims (14)

Device for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable, having a first resistance unit ( 3 ) whose first electrical resistance R ₁ corresponds to a first resistance unit ( 3 ) is variable, and a second resistance unit ( 4 ) connected by an electrical circuit to the first resistance unit ( 3 ) and having a second electrical resistance R ₂ , as well as with a mobile computing unit electrically connected to the first resistance unit with output device for outputting the value of the physical quantity and / or information about a state derived from the value of the physical quantity, wherein the Device further comprises a mobile phone and the mobile computing unit is part of the mobile phone, characterized in that the first resistance unit ( 3 ) to a first AC voltage source ( 1 ) and the second resistance unit ( 4 ) to a second AC source ( 2 ), wherein the first AC voltage source ( 1 ) is configured such that the amplitude A _{1 of} one of the first AC voltage source ( 1 ) is constant, and the second AC voltage source ( 2 ) is configured such that the amplitude A _{2 of} one of the second AC voltage source ( 2 ) Generated second alternating voltage is variable. Device for determining and outputting a state information and / or the value of a physical variable according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is a unit for determining an optimal amplitude A _2opt the second AC voltage, which when superimposed on the first AC voltage, a resulting AC voltage with minimal resulting amplitude A _resmin . Device for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the alternating voltage sources ( 1 . 2 ) Are part of the mobile phone and the first resistance unit ( 3 ) is connected to a microphone input of the mobile phone. Device for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the alternating voltage sources ( 1 . 2 ) and the first resistance unit ( 3 ) are galvanically separated from each other. Device for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the arithmetic unit is designed such that with it the first resistor R ₁ can be calculated on the basis of the following equation : R ₁ = R _{2 .A 1} / A _2opt . Device for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a switch for starting up, this switch being designed and arranged so that it can be easily replaced by a human tongue and / or by pressing on a human palate is operable. Method for determining and outputting status information and / or the value of a physical quantity with which a first resistance unit ( 3 ) whose first electrical resistance R ₁ corresponds to a first resistance unit ( 3 ) is applied, wherein • the first resistance unit ( 3 ) from a first AC voltage source ( 1 ) and a second resistance unit ( 4 ) connected by an electrical circuit to the first resistance unit ( 3 ), from a second AC source ( 2 ), • the first alternating voltage source ( 1 ) the amplitude A _{1 of} one of the first AC voltage source ( 1 ) holds the first AC voltage constant and the second AC voltage source ( 2 ) the amplitude A _{2 of} one of the second AC voltage source ( 2 ) second alternating voltage varies, • an electrically with the first resistance unit ( 3 ) connected mobile computing unit with output device based on the first resistor R ₁ determines the value of the physical quantity and outputs the value of the physical quantity and / or information about a derived from the value of the physical quantity state. Method for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable according to claim 7, characterized in that an optimum amplitude A _{2opt of} the second AC voltage, which results in superposition with the first AC voltage, a resulting AC voltage with a minimum resulting amplitude A _resmin , is determined. Method for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable according to one of Claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the arithmetic unit calculates the first resistor R ₁ on the basis of the following equation: R ₁ = R _{2 .A 1} / A _2opt . Method for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the unit for determining an optimum amplitude A _{2opt increases} the amplitude A _{2 of} the second AC voltage and thereby increases the times detects the occurrence of the extreme values of the respective amplitudes, and upon superposition of the first alternating voltage with the varying second alternating voltage detects the time of occurrence of the minimum amplitude A _{resmin of} the resulting alternating voltage and by reading an amplitude A _{2 associated with} this time the optimum amplitude A _{2opt of} the second AC voltage determines. Method for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the unit for determining an optimum amplitude A _{2opt sets} different amplitudes A _{2 of} the second alternating voltage and, when the superposition of the first AC voltage with the varying second AC voltage and detection of the resulting amplitudes of the resulting AC voltage respectively the maximum and minimum extreme points detected by linear approximation as points linear functions and detected by determining the intersections of these linear functions, the minimum amplitude A _{resmin of} the resulting AC voltage and through Reading one of these minimum amplitude A _resmin associated amplitude A _{2 determines} the optimal amplitude A _2opt the second AC voltage. Method for determining and outputting status information and / or the value of a physical variable according to one of Claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the body temperature, in particular the body temperature of a living being, is determined as the physical variable, wherein the first resistance unit is in a body opening of the living being is positioned. Method for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the ionic concentration, the impedance and / or the conductivity of the saliva of a living being is determined as the physical quantity. A computer program that allows a data processing device, after being loaded into storage means of the data processing device, to perform a method for determining and outputting state information and / or the value of a physical variable according to one of claims 7 to 13.

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