DE9306162U1 - Device for reading, entering, storing and processing personal data programmed into chip cards - Google Patents

Description

PATENT ATTORNEYS· HEMMERICH-MULLER-GROSeE- ¹ POLLMGrER'" VALENTiN-GIHSKE - 1 -

& Z April 1993 _: . _sr 7 6 700

identec Company for Investment, Management and Market Research mbh, Büdenholzer Straße 28, 5245 Brachbach

Device for reading, entering, storing and processing personal data programmed into chip cards

The invention relates to a device for reading, entering, storing and processing personal data programmed into chip cards, such as health insurance cards, with a card reader for the chip cards, which can be connected to a card terminal (CT) via an interface.

Devices for reading and processing data within an organization with a central processing unit (CPU), a data storage device, an integrated card reader for smart cards or similar cards and a printer interface are generally known.

The so-called chip card (smart card) contains a complete mini-computer inside the plastic card, which is 85.6 x 54 mm in size, for example, which can be used very flexibly and safely. In addition to a processor, the card also has a programmable and erasable memory, as well as a powerful operating system. Such a chip card, also known as a multifunctional card, is suitable for a variety of applications, whereby these can be programmed, erased and changed and can therefore actually be used for a wide variety of functions. The smart card can also have an individual code that cannot be cracked.

PATENT ATTORNEYS · HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSSP · PÖLLME1ER ••VALENTIN- - GIHSKE - 2 -

through which the authenticity of a document retrieved from the card is ensured and an electronic document from the card can only be read by a designated recipient.

As a result of the versatility that can be achieved with the chip card, the health insurance card generally introduced in Germany is currently being gradually replaced by the introduction of a patient chip card from April 1993, with a complete conversion of all health insurance cards to chip cards to take place by 1995.

When used as a patient health insurance card, the chip card opens up new possibilities in that, for example, data from the patient's medical history can be stored on the health insurance card and updated as needed. For example, the health insurance card can contain the holder's blood group or consent to organ donation in the event of an accident or a warning about known allergic reactions and many other vital information. These advantages are also highly relevant because the relatively small card can be carried in a wallet like a phone card or credit card and can be carried by the holder at all times, which of course could not be the case with previous health insurance cards.

When the health insurance card is introduced, it is planned to be used in doctor's offices to print personal and patient data on medical certificates, invoices, documents or similar information carriers using intelligent reading devices and thus to record and save personal details, health insurance company, insurance number, etc. This is intended to significantly streamline administrative processes and information exchange between doctors and health insurance companies and make them more transparent. Only the health insurance companies are authorized to label, save and change the insurance card; an insured person can change their mind at any time.

PATENT ATTORNEYS · HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSSS · POLLMÖER C VALEWTIN , GIHSKE - 3 have the programmed content printed out for inspection.

The invention is based on the task of further developing and completing a device for reading, entering, storing and processing personal data of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1 programmed into chip cards such as health insurance cards, so that the data stored on a health insurance card can be used as widely and exhaustively as possible in the environment of a medical practice organization and can be integrated into the entire data flow of a personal treatment case. This is to be achieved through multifunctional use and expansion options of the device from single-user application to multi-user capability up to computer connection options or integration into existing or to be installed networks, furthermore through the possibility of direct data input via an externally connectable keyboard and the possibility of using the scope of services in mobile use through miniaturized design dimensions, weights and plug connections to connectable devices such as printers, data lines and terminals available on the market.

To solve the problem, the invention proposes a device for reading, entering, storing and processing personal data programmed into chip cards such as health insurance cards, with a card reader for the chip cards, which can be connected to a card terminal (CT) via an interface, that the card terminal comprises:

a) integrated electronic elements or components:

a programmable central processing unit (CPU)

PATENT ATTORNEYS · HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSSE-POLLMELER-VALEN-TIM GIHSKE - 4 -

- at least one keyboard for entering data, especially for programming the CPU

- a data storage, with extension in some cases,

- an internal card reader

- a time element

- a full-text display

b) electronic elements or components that can be optionally connected via serial or parallel interfaces:

- at least one externally connectable full-text keyboard for direct data entry

- at least one external display, e.g. light strip for organizational information

- at least one printer e.g. for patient cards, prescriptions, terminal slips etc.

- an output unit for textual information* such as treatment instructions, medication instructions, etc.

at least one contact that can be activated by the card reader, such as a door contact, bell, camera surveillance, loudspeaker, etc.

PATENT ATTORNEYS ■ HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSSE · PÖLLMÖER -VALENTIN* GIHSKE - 5 -

The inventive design of the device for reading, entering, storing and processing data programmed into chip cards enables multifunctional use in recognizing, capturing, storing and processing this data, which upgrades the health insurance card to the central organizational tool of a doctor's office. The variety of electronic elements and modules and their internal integration on the one hand and on the other hand elements or modules arranged peripherally via serial or parallel interfaces result in a surprisingly wide-ranging use of the scope of functions and in particular an extension of the use of the device from single-user application to multi-user capability and integration into existing or to be installed organizational networks with the option of direct computer connection.

One embodiment provides that the device has a power supply with both a power pack and preferably with a portable battery. Both the self-sufficient power supply using a battery and the correspondingly miniaturized design of the card terminal (CT) make the device surprisingly uncomplicated for mobile use, for example when a doctor visits a patient or in an ambulance, rescue helicopter, etc.

A further very advantageous embodiment of the device provides that a personal computer (PC), especially for the treating doctor, is provided as an externally connectable keyboard. This means that the doctor can program the data from the health insurance card with the medical history and the patient's personal data directly into the personal computer (PC) screen at his workstation without having to ask questions or search through a standard file. This allows him to call up all the data required for the treatment immediately and without wasting time.

PATENT ATTORNEYS · HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSSE"· FOLLMEIER ■ VALENTIN ^ ¹ GIHSKE - 6 -

One design provides for a personal computer (PC) to be provided as an additional externally connectable keyboard, especially for the reception room staff. This means that the order of treatment, the date for a further treatment sequence, the printout of prescriptions and billing documents for the doctor's office can be recorded, saved and printed out on a case-by-case basis using this personal computer (PC).

For this purpose, a practical design further provides for another external card reader to be connected via a serial interface.

One embodiment provides that a further serial
A voice memory with a microphone and a loudspeaker is connected to the interface. This can be used, for example, to inform a patient who inserts his health insurance card into the reader slot outside of office hours, like an answering machine, that there are no office hours or when there will be another office hours. The patient can use the microphone to answer and leave a message or request an appointment for treatment, etc.

One design provides that the timer is connected to the contact device and/or the voice memory via a time selection device and a locking or release circuit that can be activated with it. This ensures that, for example, outside of office hours, the entrance door cannot be unlocked after the card has been inserted, or that the door can only be unlocked during the scheduled office hours. During office hours, the voice memory can be switched off and only switched on again after the office has closed.

PATENT ATTORNEYS · HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSSE" · FOLLMElER · VALENTIN -GIHSKE - 7 -

In addition, the timer has the advantage that it transfers the time and calendar date to the relevant organizational documents on all printouts.

A very advantageous design of the device provides that the card terminal (CT) including its power supply is designed as a portable unit. This means that it can also be used outside the treatment room with all its advantages, for example in mobile use during accident assistance, etc.

Finally, one design provides that the card terminal (CT) can be connected to the organization's internal telephone system or to an answering machine via a telephone interface. This means that, for example, patient data can be transferred from a doctor's office to a hospital or to a rescue helicopter using a modem without any loss of time, particularly in the case of difficult and urgent cases such as organ transplants, etc.

The invention is shown below in a purely schematic block diagram in a preferred embodiment, whereby further advantageous details of the invention can be taken from the block diagram. This shows a device for reading, entering, storing and processing personal data programmed into a chip card 25, for example a health insurance card, with an external card reader 16a to 16d for the chip cards 25, whereby this can be connected to the card terminal (CT) shown in the block diagram via an interface 37. Several serially connected external readers 16a to 16d can be assigned to the terminal via the interface 37. An internal reader 5 can also be present in the terminal. Their signals or data can then be entered into the data memory 3 via an internal signal line 26.

PATENT ATTORNEYS · HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSSE POLLMEIER -VALENTIN GIHSKE - 8 The card terminal (CT) includes:

a) integrated electronic elements or components:

- a programmable central processing unit 1 (Central Processing Unit=CPU)

- at least one keyboard 2 for entering data, in particular for programming the CPU I

- a data storage 3, in some cases with extension 4,

- an internal card reader 5

- a time element 6

- a full-text display 7

b) 30 to 43 optionally connectable electronic elements or components via serial or parallel interfaces:

at least one externally connectable full-text keyboard 8 for direct data input via an interface 35

- at least one external display 9a or 9b, e.g. light strip for organizational information etc., via the interfaces 30 or 31

PATENT ATTORNEYS- HEMMERICH · MÜLLER -GROSSE*· POLLMEIER -VALENTIN "GIHSKE - 9 -

- at least one printer 10 e.g. for patient cards, prescriptions, terminal slips etc. via the interface 33

- at least one output unit 11 for text information such as call systems etc. via the interface 34

at least one contact 12 that can be activated by the card readers 16a to 16d, such as a door contact, bell, camera surveillance, loudspeaker, etc., whereby the contact 12 can be connected to the terminal (CT) via the interface 36 and the loudspeaker 21 via the interface 42.

The device has a power supply 13 with a power pack 14 that can be connected via the interface 39 and preferably a portable battery 15 that can be connected via the interface 38. The power supply 13 with the aid of a portable battery 15 advantageously ensures that the entire card terminal (CT) can also be taken and used outside the organization, for example in an ambulance, rescue helicopter, when visiting the hospital or in the home of a patient.

A personal computer (PC) 17, particularly for the treating doctor, is very advantageously provided via an interface 40 as an externally connectable keyboard. This allows the doctor to enter data on the patient's medical history, diagnosis, prescription and other important information either into the data storage device 3 or into the chip card 25 and also enter and save this data on an internal diskette that is only accessible to the doctor.

PATENT ATTORNEYS ■ HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSSE ■ POLLMEIeR -VALENTIN · GIHSKE - 10 -

It can also be advantageous to provide a personal computer (PC) 18 as an additional keyboard that can be connected externally via a point 41, especially for the reception room staff. This allows the visitor or patient, for new arrivals, to be programmed into the data storage 3 from their chip card 25 or saved for further treatment appointments. The personal computer (PC) 18 is also used to calculate and save all doctor's appointments in a predetermined time order. The reception room staff can also enter the health insurance company, membership number or the address of an uninsured private patient into the data storage and manage this data.

It is very advantageous to connect a voice memory 19 with a microphone 20 and a loudspeaker 21 via a further serial interface 42. This means that the patient can be given information outside of office hours, such as the availability of a doctor's representative, the address and availability of an emergency doctor, the address and availability of a pharmacy on duty, or the usual office hours and/or other information essential to the organization, for example when the chip card 25 is inserted into an external reader 16a to 16d. The patient or the chip card holder can then use the microphone 20 to enter data or information relating to, for example, the call back of the organization or the doctor.

The timer 6 integrated in the card terminal (CT) can be equipped in such a way that it is connected to the contact device 12 and/or the voice memory 19 via a time selection device 22 and a locking or release circuit 23 that can be activated with it. This means that, for example, the door contact can be switched off outside of office hours and the door monitoring can be activated. Furthermore, a special program of the voice memory can be activated via the signal line 27, which, after the chip card 25 has been inserted, sends certain information such as operating instructions etc. to the

PATENT ATTORNEYS · HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSSE · POLLMEIER -'VALEWtIN'·" GIHSKE - 11 -

Cardholder notifies.

As already mentioned, the card terminal (CT) including its power supply 13 by means of a battery 15 is preferably designed as a portable unit. Of course, in this case, peripheral elements that are not required for mobile use can be disconnected at their interfaces. This applies, for example, to the external readers 16a to 16d, the switchable contacts 12, the external keyboard 8, in some cases the printer 10, the external displays 9a, 9b, the voice memory 19 with microphone and loudspeaker 21, 20 and the personal computers (PC) 17 and 18. On the other hand, the card terminal (CT) can be connected to an internal or external telephone system 24 via a telephone interface 43, particularly for mobile use in an ambulance, helicopter or train. When connected internally to a telephone system 24 of the organization, the card terminal (CT) can also be connected to an answering machine, for example.

The invention creates the possibility of using a device designed to read data, for example for data stored on a card, extensively in multifunctional use as a universal communication and organizational tool. This results in the following advantageous possibilities:

- Multifunctional use such as recognition, recording, storage and processing of existing and widely used data storage media in the form of memory cards or health insurance cards.

- A problem-free expansion option of the terminal from the single-user application via the

Multi-user capability and computer connection options

i
opportunities and integration into existing or future

installing networks.

PATENT ATTORNEYS · HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSSE · POLLMHIER "VALENTIhJ ■ GIHSKE - 12 -

- A direct data input option via an externally connected keyboard.

- The ability to use the range of functions in mobile applications thanks to the smallest design dimensions, weights and plug connections to connectable devices, e.g. a printer, as well as the possibility of battery operation.

- The unproblematic possibility of connecting to data lines of as many terminal providers on the market as possible.

- The possibility of direct connection to a computer.

- Using a time block to automatically enter the time and date for each important piece of information.

- An uncomplicated installation that can also be carried out by a layperson.

Because, for example, doctors' practices, with a maximum of 20% of computers currently equipped, still make little use of such tools (computers), and this is obviously due in many cases to reservations about "computer technology", the invention was to create a device that, with the simplest handling, makes the unavoidable use of a memory card as a medical certificate easy to use in an application-related manner and accessible to laypeople. Possible, later use of computers should be possible through the use of appropriate standardized interfaces, e.g. the interface 32 shown in the block diagram for a serially connectable computer 50, as well as the connection of application-related external devices.

PATENT ATTORNEYS · HEMMERICH ■ MÜLLER · GROSSE*· POLLMELER · VALENTIN -GIHSKE -13-

The core of the card terminal (CT) is the microprocessor 1 (CPU), which monitors and controls the terminal using the CPU program. A data memory 3 with extension 4 stores both the program and data that has been read and/or is to be processed. This is read or entered via a built-in card reader 5, an internal keyboard 2 or an external keyboard 8 and/or via data interfaces 37 and external readers 16a to 16d connected to it, e.g. from a chip card 25. The data can be output via a built-in display 7 or via externally connected displays 9a, 9b, e.g. light strip 1 and light strip 2, or via a connectable printer 10, via existing data interfaces 30 to 43 and/or via existing contacts that can be connected. Input and output data can be completed in a data set using an existing time block with the date and time of the input/output.

The card terminal (CT) can be installed in the simplest configuration in a doctor's waiting room or at the practice reception. However, a personal computer (PC) 17 or 18 can also be connected to the CT, for the doctor via an interface 40 or for the reception staff via an interface 41. Each arriving patient inserts their health insurance card 25 into the internal reader 5 or into an external reader 16a to 16d and is thus registered in the order in which they arrive. Private patients without a card and/or patients who have forgotten their card can be registered retrospectively using a connectable external keyboard 8 of the interface 35 or on the personal computer (PC) 18 of the reception organization.

Using the existing keyboard 2 or a personal computer (17), particularly in larger organizations with several doctors such as hospitals or the like, it is possible for a doctor, an emergency contact point, an assistant, etc. to record arriving or present patients in the order of appearance on an external

PATENT ATTORNEYS-HEMMERICH-MÜLLER-GROSSE*· POLLMER-VALENTIN-GIHSKE - 14 -

Display 9a, 9b, e.g. a light strip 1 or 2 and if necessary also via loudspeaker. The advantages are, on the one hand, the correct processing of the waiting patients and, on the other hand, the mandatory registration and possible visualization of all patients who have come during the day, which effectively prevents treatment entries etc. from being forgotten.

A standardized interface allows a commercially available printer to be connected to the Card-Termin (CT) and registered, stored data to be printed out.

A further advantage is that once a card terminal (CT) is in place, it can be expanded almost infinitely via standardized interfaces.

The invention is versatile and serves to efficiently handle complex organizational problems, such as those that arise in modern medical practices. It makes it easier for doctors, assistants and patients to carry out essential bureaucratic procedures and saves unnecessary time on essential organizational measures in addition to the actual treatment. In this respect, the invention represents an optimal solution to the task posed at the beginning.

PATENT ATTORNEYS · HEMMERICH · MÜLLER-GROSSt-POLLMEiER-^ALE^N., GIHSKE - 21 -

: .sr76

I 2 April 1993

List of reference symbols

1 CPU

2 Keyboard

3 Data storage

4 Expansion

5 internal readers

6 Time element

7 Full text display

8 external full-text display

9 external display

10 printers

11 Output unit

12 Contact

13 Power supply

14 , Power supply

15 Battery

16 card readers

17 Personal Computer (Doctor)

18 personal computers (anteroom)

19 Voice Memories

20 Microphone

21 speakers

22 Time pre-select

23 Circuit

24 Telephone

PATENT ATTORNEYS ■ HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSSE -"POLLMEIER - VALENTIN · GIHSKE - 22 -

25 Chip Card

26 Signal line 2 7 Signal line 30 Interface 43 Interface

Claims (9)

PATENT ATTORNEYS-HEMMERICH-MÜLLER-GROSSE .-POLLMElER-^ VALENTIN-GIHSKE - 15 - ,&ngr;/;- April wed :-sr 76 700 identec Gesellschaft für Beteiligung, Verwaltung und Marktforschung mbH, Büdenholzr Straße 28, 5245 Brachbach Protection claims 1. Device for reading, entering, storing and processing personal data programmed into chip cards such as health insurance cards, with a card reader for chip cards, which can be connected to a card terminal (CT) via an interface, characterized,
that the Card Terminal (CT) includes: a) integrated electronic elements or components: - a programmable central processing unit (1)
Central Processing Unit (CPU) - at least one keyboard (2) for entering data in particular for programming the CPU (1) a data storage (3), in some cases with extension (4), - an internal card reader (5) 4 PATENT ATTORNEYS-HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSSF-POLLMEIER-'VALENTIN--GIHSKE - 16 - - a time element (6) a full-text display (7) b) electronic elements or components that can be optionally connected via serial or parallel interfaces (30 to 43): at least one externally connectable full-text keyboard (8) for direct data input via an interface (35) - at least one external display (9a or 9b), e.g. light strip for organizational information etc., via the interfaces (30 or 31) at least one printer (10) e.g. for patient cards, prescriptions, terminal slips etc. via the interface (33) - at least one output unit 11 for textual information such as call systems etc. via the interface (34) at least one contact (12) that can be activated by the card reader (16a to 16d), such as a door contact, bell, camera surveillance, loudspeaker, etc., wherein the contact (12) can be connected to the terminal (CT) via the interface (36) and the loudspeaker (21) can be connected via the interface (42). PATENT ATTORNEYS · HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSSH · PDLLMEIER -"VALENTIN * GIHSKE -17- 2. Device according to claim 1,
characterized in that it has a power supply (13) with a power pack (14) and preferably a portable battery (15). 3. Device according to claim 1,
characterized in that a personal computer (PC 17), in particular for the attending physician, is provided as an externally connectable keyboard. 4. Device according to claim 1,
characterized in that a personal computer (PC 18), in particular for the reception room staff, is provided as a further externally connectable keyboard. 5. Device according to claim 1,
characterized in that a further external card reader (16a to 16d) is connected via a serial interface (37). 6. Device according to claim 1,
characterized in that a voice memory (19) with a microphone (20) and a loudspeaker (21) is connected via a further serial interface (42). 7. Device according to claim 1,
characterized in that the timer (6) is connected to the contact device (12) and/or the voice memory (19) via a time selection device (22) and a blocking or release circuit (23) which can be activated thereby. PATENT ATTORNEYS · HEMMERICH · MÜLLER · GROSS« · FOLLME1ER * VALENTfN - GIHSKE -18- 8. Device according to claim 1,
characterized in that the card terminal (CT) including its power supply (13) is designed as a portable unit. 9. Device according to claim 1,
characterized in that the card terminal (CT) can be connected to an internal or external telephone system or to an answering machine via a telephone interface (43).