FR2794548A1 - Information system incorporating an expert system to filter and organize data from diverse data sources for use in medical systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The information system connects to a network (R) with information terminals (T1,T2,...,TN) and a server (S), and has a processor (UC) with memory (M) which holds a local file of patient data (F1), a local file of rules (F2) on patient data and a local file (F3) of documents associated with local rules. The server holds databases (FG2,FG3) containing all the rules of a particular domain.

Description

 The present invention relates primarily to a computer system on which has been implemented a mechanism for managing rules applicable according to a context, including an advanced expert system capable of working with great speed and speed. to a contextual information call system using an expert system.

Expert systems of known types include an inference engine and a knowledge base incorporating the knowledge of an expert in the field under consideration including a fact base and a rule base. The rule base includes a large number of rules whose inference engine continuously checks the application conditions to execute the actions resulting from the rules to be applied. As a result, expert systems of known types, to form responses or to control actions in real time monopolize a central unit of a dedicated computer system.

In addition, the formulation of rules of the known system expert rule base is not simple and requires for their formulation, not only the presence of an expert of the field considered, but also the implication of a cognitician .

On the other hand, it recognizes software for browsing the Internet and viewing the pages described in the HTML (browser in English terminology) including the Internet Explorer software from Microsoft and the Navigator software of the Nestcape Company. These softwares make it possible to download data from data servers spread over the Internet. However, the repatriated data is not automatically organized in the computer's mass memory or interfaced with the software on this computer. The data is not updated on the computer in the case of their update on the server.

Network-oriented work tools are also known within companies. The implemented solutions usually combine an electronic mail, a collaborative working tool on one of the shared documents, including so-called Groupware tools such as Lotus Notes software marketed by the IBM Company, office applications, Internet access and possibly business-oriented business applications. These solutions are used by members of a company via binding work procedures both in terms of use and learning. The profitability of implementing such software tools and their associated hardware is made possible only by economies of scale offered by standardization. Work procedures are strictly followed only by the hierarchical authority within the companies.

Also known is the ORACLE relational database management system, version 7, which provides database replication management on multiple workstations.

The client-server operation is also known on a local network enabling a client to extract part of a database and to process the part extracted on the client station.

No known type of computer tool ensures a relevant interaction between the information received from the servers and the vertical software, especially the business software. This is particularly true in the case of a plurality of users exercising the same business and using different business software. In addition, expert systems of known types monopolize the machines on which they run and therefore do not allow background execution so as to provide a user, in real time, relevant information according to the contente or to propose the user to perform relevant actions based on that context.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a computer system for management of rules applicable according to a context, particularly with the aid of a particularly fast execution expert system.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide such an expert system capable of running in the background so as to cooperate with other programs running in the foreground, such as vertical software, for example professional software of the medical software type for a doctor.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an expert system for easy entry and editing of the rules of the trade concerned.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a computer system integrating business procedures at the level of the man-machine interface.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a computer system for downloading information from the servers available on a network, and to automatically interface the downloaded information with the vertical software, in particular with the business software. .

It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a system for automatically downloading updates of previously downloaded information. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a computer system for off-line synchronous work including the type - online loading of a form to fill; - offline filling of the form; - online return of the completed form; - download an update of the form when the previously processed form is out of date.

These objects are achieved by a computer system according to the present invention comprising a rule management system including an expert system comprising selection tools applicable rules according to different pluralities of criteria. Advantageously, the criteria of the selections are hierarchical. Thus, the system according to the present invention continuously processes only a reduced number of selected rules according to one or more criteria of the selection of rules. The processing of a small number of rules can be done in the background without taking up excessive resources and allows the simultaneous execution, in the foreground, of a business software and the interaction between the expert system and this software.

Advantageously, the selected rules are copied into a restricted base of active rules, which makes it possible to accelerate the processing. In a variant, the selected rules carry a selection flag enabling them to be tested without extracting the rule base or by successively extracting selected individual rules.

Advantageously, the system according to the present invention uses a unified and centralized interface. On the one hand, it is advantageous to codify the information present on various servers that can be accessed. For example, for a doctor, drugs, medical procedures, diseases and the like will be codified. For a mechanic, we will codify spare parts, various models of vehicles and engines, breakdowns and / or garage operations. For a design office engineer, one will codify the catalogs of spare parts likely to be implemented as well as the various behaviors of products or subassemblies likely to be conceived.

At the client station, the software advantageously comprises a homepage including links to the various software tools that can be implemented while displaying their status such as new message <I> received, alert, </ I > or <I> new </ I> documents available on networks with strong correspondence with the profiles of the user. The client's client station manages the connections to the servers and sends the request to download the documents to be loaded onto the post. As an alternative for clients with a permanent connection to the servers, these functions are executed in a private area reserved for the client on the server.

Advantageously, the automation of updates, in particular content databases and messages, is carried out in a configurable manner, in particular by entering a user profile defining its centers of interest, its priorities and the like.

Advantageously, the receipt of emergency messages relevant for its trades or mandatory treatments can not be removed from the profile.

Advantageously, the automatic updating and connection implement security mechanisms of known type, in particular a user identification card based on microcircuits, called smart card, for example, CPS cards. a medical field. Also in the medical field, the server can be equipped with a CSA-type control card. Whatever the domain, the server advantageously provides the creation of an exchange journal.

It may be advantageous to allow the export or access to all or part of the data of the client station from another station, stationary or nomadic. In the latter case, it may be a non-wired link associated with a personal assistant-type light post.

Advantageously, the integration of the client station is ensured by an automation of business procedures, with contextual activation of the various tools or services. Preferably, a rules mechanism and an event communication will ensure the relevant activation of certain tools with respect to the needs of the user. For example, in medicine, the rules mechanism activates the tools for entering a mandatory declaration form for a disease following a positive diagnosis or proposes activating the said input tools.

Advantageously, the rules themselves can also be automatically updated by data import by the network. It is preferably the selection criterion of the highest level ensuring the loading or updating only the rules corresponding to the profile of the user so as to limit the number of rules to treat.

In a variant, the system according to the present invention operates locally with the possibility of remote backup on the server. It can be a partial backup, for example of the address file, or a total backup incorporating the professional files that can be returned after a disaster on the client's client computer.

As a variant, persons having the right of access to this information, for example a colleague in the event of a medical emergency, may consult this information concerning the treated patient. The network allows to authorize the direct access of a first doctor to the data stored on the post of a colleague (second doctor) or on a private backup on the data server of this post of the second doctor. Likewise, the sending, in particular by electronic mail, of the result of an examination or tests carried out by a specialist, for example by a radiologist or by a medical laboratory to the attending physician.

The invention mainly relates to a method for harmonizing the operation of computer terminals in each of which is at least implemented a business software corresponding to the business of the user or client of the terminal, each terminal comprising at least one local professional file where are stored data specific to the user in the exercise of his business, at least one local file of rules where are stored the rules applicable to the data of the local professional file of the user, and at least one local file of documents that can be selected and enabled as a result of applying rules of the local rule file to data of the local professional data file, which method is characterized by: - grouping together the terminals of a set of 'users exercising the same profession and becoming members of the network, - to be included in the network at least one server in which at least a general file of rules applicable in the business common to this set of users is stored, and a general file of the documents that can be selected and activated as a result of the application of the set of rules of the general file, - to regularly update the general files of rules and documents of the server, then the corresponding local files of each terminal of the network, so that the same data entered in any terminal of the network are treated in the same way by all network terminals.

The invention also relates to a computer system for implementing the aforementioned method, which system is characterized in that it comprises in particular a network consisting of a set of computer terminals and at least one server, each terminal. at least equipped with an input / output interface for connection to the network, a central processing unit, a display or display unit, an input unit, a printer, and a memory assembly, in that the memory unit of each terminal is divided into several blocks where the local professional file of the patient data is notably recorded, the local file of rules applicable to the data of the local professional file. , and the local file of documents associated with the local file of rules, and in that the server includes databases in which all the rules are registered. es to the profession in question and all the documents associated with these rules.

The invention also relates to a computer system comprising a rule management mechanism to be performed conditionally according to a context characterized in that it comprises selection means according to a plurality of criteria different from the rules susceptible of be executed in a particular context or set of context, among the rules of a set of all the rules that can be executed.

The invention also relates to a computer system characterized in that the selection criteria are hierarchical, so as to test the rules to be selected according to a criterion only among the rules already selected according to the criteria having a higher hierarchical level.

The invention also relates to a computer system characterized in that it comprises means for replicating the selected rules to storage means and in that it ensures the scanning according to the context of the set replicated selected rules.

The invention also relates to a computer system characterized in that the rules include an expiry criterion limiting their activation over time.

The invention also relates to a computer system characterized in that it further comprises a vertical software and means for interfacing the rule management system with the vertical software.

The invention also relates to a computer system characterized in that it comprises a graphical human-machine interface and in that the integration between the rules management system and the vertical software is performed at the interface level. man-machine.

The invention also relates to a computer system characterized in that it comprises means for connection to servers and a database organizing in a predetermined format the information received from the servers.

The invention also relates to a computer system characterized in that it comprises an event coding basis that can be processed by rules.

The invention also relates to a computer system characterized in that the rules implemented are managed by the Lotus Notes software. The invention also relates to a computer system characterized in that the vertical software is a software for assistance to the medical consultation for a doctor.

The invention also relates to a computer system characterized in that it comprises local storage means and / or remote organized information and in that the rule management system provides access to a relevant piece of information organized stored according to a context resulting from the execution of a program by said computer system.

The invention will be better understood by means of the description below and the appended figures given as non-limiting examples, and in which FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a rule selection process implemented by the preferred embodiment of a rule management system implemented by the information system according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first operating step of the preferred embodiment of an expert system installed on a computer system according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a second operating step of the preferred embodiment of an expert system installed on a computer system according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a third operating step of the preferred embodiment of an expert system implemented on a computer system according to the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a fourth operating step of the preferred embodiment of an expert system implanted on a computer system according to the present invention; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a fifth operating step of the preferred embodiment of an expert system implanted on a computer system according to the present invention; FIG. 7 is a diagram of an architecture of the known type; FIG. 8 is a diagram of the architecture according to the present invention; Figure 9 is a diagram of the architecture of the preferred embodiment of a client station on the present invention; and FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a computer system for carrying out the invention in the case of assistance to the medical consultation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a principle of operation of a rule management system, in particular of an expert system that can be implemented in a computer system on the present invention. The rule management system, in particular the IBM Rules Lotus Notes inference engine or rule management mechanism, selects the rules to be executed according to a plurality of advantageously hierarchical criteria. We avoid constantly scanning rules that we are sure do not have to apply in the case considered, to allow a quick execution of the expert system and especially, insofar as the expert system does not cling that a small part of the computing power available, its cooperation with other software.

In 1, the selection criteria level counter is initialized.

We go in 3.

In 3, the selection criteria level counter is incremented.

We go to 5. In 5, we load the criterion of selection of rules whose level corresponds to the value of the counter incremented in 3.

We go in 7.

In 7, the counter of selectable rules, that is rules that have not been eliminated by a higher selection level criterion, is initialized. For example, if j equals 1, we will scan the set of available rules from 0 to imax. If j is greater than 1, we analyze only the set of rules selected at the higher level.

We go in 9.

In 9, the counter of rules to be analyzed is incremented.

We go in 11.

In 11, it is checked whether the rule analyzed (rule i) fulfills the criteria being analyzed (selection criteria of level j).

If the rule analyzed corresponds to the criterion, we go to 13.

Otherwise, we go to 15.

In 13, the rule i is selected. This selection may correspond to the marking of the rule, for example by a flag in the rule base, or, advantageously, by a copy of the rule in a reduced base of active rules.

In 15, we check if there are rules to analyze.

If there are rules to analyze, we go to 9. If the analyzed rule was the last rule to analyze, we go to 17.

In 17, we check if we are at the last level of selection criteria.

Otherwise, we go to 3.

If so, we go to 19 where the rule selection routine ends. It will be automatically retriggered if a condition matching the selection criterion changes. Thus, the computer system according to the present invention is particularly efficient if the selection criteria tested correspond to relatively stable conditions in time, the criteria changing rapidly in real time, being analyzed by the rule manipulation mechanism, in particular the engine of the invention. inference, among the selected rules.

He is good. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to a sequential execution illustrated in FIG. 1, a scanning distribution on several spots executed on the same processor, or executed in parallel on a plurality of processors, does not go beyond the scope of the present invention. present invention.

In FIGS. 2 to 6, the successive steps of rule management of the preferred exemplary embodiment of the computer system according to the present invention can be seen. Without this being of any limiting nature, the expert system is based on Lotus Notes software and installed on an assistance computer station for the autonomous medical consultation that can be connected, for example, by telephone line to the Internet network.

When reading the data, such as an update of the patient file, the EVENT Agent performs a rule check. The rules 23.1 to 23.n are stored in a rule base 23 carrying, on the Lotus Notes software, the extension .nsf. In the illustrated example, where j is equal to 1, the rules are selected according to a single criterion during their scanning symbolized by the arrow 25. The selected rules are copied, for example, in a part 27 entitled <I> View </ I> Rules <I> active </ I> of a <I> Base </ I> File.nsf 29 having on the other hand part 31 entitled Historical Rules View and part 33 entitled <I> View </ I > Rules <I> Triggered. </ I> However, it is fine. understood that the storage of the rules in a plurality of different bases does not go beyond the scope of the present invention. The active rules are added to the <I> Active </ I> Rules </ I> View </ I> which can store other rules that have been previously selected and not yet purged.

In FIG. 3, <I> the Agent </ I> EVENT provides a scan, symbolized by the arrow 35, of the <I> Rules View </ I> <I> active </ I> to eliminate the rules outdated. In addition, it may be interesting to automate a full purge not to risk drowning the user under rules that do not interest him.

In FIG. 4, the EVENT Agent <I> 21 </ I> ensures the activation of the historized rules, that is to say the rule transfers of the part 31 of the <I> Base </ I> F.zchier.nsf, containing rules that may become active after they are triggered in Part 27 <I> Active Rules view. </ I> The criterion for analyzing historized rules symbolized by arrow 37 corresponds, for example, to an event and at the system date. For example, a historized rule may correspond to a rule that must be executed periodically or must be executed several times at regular intervals or not. The logging allows periodic triggers of certain examinations depending on the date of the last exam contained in the patient file of the current date (system date).

Similarly, some medical tests or procedures may be triggered by the appropriate rules only in cases where they are useful depending on the patient's profile, including medical and family history, environment, diagnosis, or a diagnostic hypothesis. The transfer of historized rules to the Active Rules </ I> View 27 </ I> is symbolized by the arrow 39. The transferred rules are advantageously erased from the Historical Rules View 31. In FIG. 5, the Agent EVENENIENT 21 provides the activation of the active rules, that is to say the analysis of rules of the <I> Active Rules View 27 </ I> symbolized by the arrow 41 and their transfer, symbolized by the arrow 43, in the <I> > View </ I> Rule <I> Triggered </ I> 33. The actions provided for in the rules of the <I> Triggered </ I> 33 Rules View individually or in combination are performed advantageously in interaction with a software program s executing on the computer system according to the present invention. An advantageous example is illustrated in FIG. 6, in which the rule mask scripts triggered by the rule action button generated in the Lotus Notes software are executed. For example, the triggering of a rule causes the proposition, the display, and the editing or sending a document and / or form corresponding to the rule stored in a <I> Base </ I> Actions.nsf of documents and forms. The triggered rule is linked in FIG. 6 to the document or form of the base 45 by the arrow 47. If the rule provides for its subsequent execution, it is transferred in the Historical Rules View 31 as symbolized by the arrow 49. The triggered rules are deleted from the <I> Triggered Rules </ I> View 33.

The system of the present invention is based on event triggering and has programmed retrigger capability. This event logic is advantageously based on a list of events specific to the business of the associated business software and on properties of the rules. For example, each rule is associated with three properties, its control event, corresponding to the selection criterion 5, of FIG. 1, its triggering event and its expiry event. Thus, one automates repetitive and complex protocols not bound to a date such as the filling of a form at the beginning of each consultation by a doctor (trigger event) following the choice of the user (control event). This professional procedure is automatable if the choice of the user (the practitioner) activates the rule that is triggered with each patient choice until the user changes. The programmed retrigger capability (Historical Rules) is used to manage the case tracking procedure. This service is advantageously based on a simple communication between processes for triggering an event (arrow 43, FIG. 5) by the rule management mechanism, or by passing the associated data defining its context to control the triggering parameters. Advantageously, the rules management mechanism is associated with a parameterizable buffer program which makes it possible to parameterize the interactions in the human-machine interface of a new triggered rule. This allows the user to trigger the action related to a rule at the time he deems appropriate without abruptly cutting his work. This service also manages the interaction with network tools, including the interaction between network tools and the business software. Indeed, on the one hand, the rules can be controlled, that is to say selected and activated by the network services, for example by receiving an email. Likewise, the rules can activate network tools such as for example searching for information on an Internet information server or on a server of the local network or sending a message on such a network. Rules can also ensure the transfer of a context. Thus, the business software of the computer system according to the present invention allows the user to access the network service without having to learn their mechanism or their specific man-machine interface. For example, a medical consultation software can trigger rules by associating data from the patient file with a diagnosis made in a compatible format. It should be noted that the realization of contextual activation tool rules relevant to a profession is facilitated by a standardization of the data used by this profession, both at the level of the organization and the representation of these data, for 1a defining rules trigger criteria. In medicine, CIP codes can be used to write a prescription. The access to the horn type network is illustrated in FIG. 7. A client station 51 is connected by a network to a first server 53.1 of data stored according to a standard A to a second server 53.2 of the data stored according to a standard B and to a third server 53.3 storing information according to a standard C. The client station 51 must therefore integrate management standards A, B and C. In contrast, the client station 55 according to the present invention incorporates a single standard. Servers 57.1, 57.2 and 57.3 will need to incorporate a single D standard for storing and presenting information. Thus, the client station can access all these servers in a unified manner with the possibility of data interaction from the servers 57.1 to 57.3 with the client software of the client station 55. It is understood that the client station 55 according to the present invention can also access to conventional servers such as server 59 without the benefit of specific advantages of the present invention.

In Figure 9, one can see the features of the computer system on the present invention for assistance to the medical consultation. This system comprises a station operating for example under the WINDOWS 95, WINDOWS 98 or WINDOWS NT4 operating system, marketed by the company Microsoft or on a Macintosh marketed by the company APPLE. The station comprises, in a known manner, professional software such as a medical consultation software 61, security management means 63, for example based on microcircuit cards, accounting software 65 and Continuing Medical Training modules 67. Advantageously, the item further comprises a coding basis 69 for coding medical acts and / or drugs. These software are interfaced by a software package 71 providing at the level of the human-machine interface additional services such as the management of the computer station 73, the electronic mail 75, a program of agenda 77, a telematic access to the minitel ': "79, a patient file 81, communication software 83 with a local and / or remote network, statistical software 85, an automatic form update module and documentation 87 ensuring the replication from the servers up-to-date versions of the information already available on the station, a download acquisition service and display of documentary news 89, and access to external services, such as for example the Villages <I> Health </ I> services. 93, for example based on rules of the Lotus Notes software, ensures the integration of the various elements 73 to 91 at the machine interface and their interfacing with software 61 to 69. Similarly, the computer system of Figure 9 can access in a transparent and unified way to all local or remote servers using a compatible data architecture. The software ensures the repatriation of all the information in the form of a database organized by the software 71 facilitating access to this data by the software 61 to 69 as well as updates 87 from the network. These updates are preferably performed automatically for example when the station is switched on in the morning and / or before it is switched off at night. The periodicity of connection to the network, for example daily, twice daily or weekly is significantly higher than the frequency of updates of documentary information and especially administrative forms related to the medical field. Thus, during a medical consultation assisted by the consultation software 61 using the card of a patient stored in the patient file 81, the software 71 proposes to the doctor to fill out a support form at 100 by the Social Security. benefits of his patient (declaration of a pathology in Long Term Affection). This form is up-to-date and can be partially pre-filled with data about the doctor as well as the patient. The form is completed offline. When connected, all completed forms are forwarded to the server of the relevant body, for example Social Security.

Similarly, the software 71 facilitates the exchange, between professionals, data usable by different consulting software 61. The integration of the software 61 also makes it possible to exchange business data with the servers, which makes it possible to set up remote backup services, if desired, in a private area of the server for a file of address or even for professional files. The doctor can authorize the automated processing of data such as medical statistics. Finally, access to the business data on the server makes it possible to set up remote access tools. Thus, a doctor on the move could consult his patient file on a secure server. Alternatively, another accredited professional may, in an emergency, access data, such as data on the last blood glucose of a patient. Similarly, urgent messages could be transmitted by network to a set of practitioners concerned. In the case where the computer system is switched off, it would be possible to wake up remotely by modem. The computer system as described above can thus advantageously be used to harmonize the operation of a set of computer terminals.

In general, these computer terminals operate under an operating system that allows the execution of software among which can be found a Lo business software that is specific to a profession, for example a software for assistance to the medical consultation for a doctor, as has already been mentioned previously.

This Lo business software will take into account data that can be divided into at least three stored files, namely - a local patient file F1 where spell recorded data specific to each patient and which constitute his medical file, - a local file rule F2 where are registered rules that can be applied to the data of the patent file F ?, and - a local file F3 document where are saved data in the form of documents, printed matter or other, and which are likely to providing an answer and / or defining a type of action to be performed, as a result of local rules applied to data of the local patient file F1.

In the medical field, the mass of information likely to be taken into account by doctors in the performance of their duties, is constantly increasing in view of a better knowledge of diseases, their diagnoses, therapeutic treatments and their side effects, ..., the discovery of new diseases, new drugs, ...

Faced with this proliferation of information, doctors have the opportunity to equip their computer terminals with L1 software allowing them to consult databases stored in a server to perfect their knowledge on given topics, these databases being regularly updates.

Concretely, for lack of a suitable solution, there is no contextual interaction between the two programs Lo and L1, because the doctor only has to consult the databases without being able to record some of the information consulted so that they can be taken into account by the Lo business software.

Thus, in the performance of his duties, the doctor will use his software on the one hand and his own knowledge on the other hand, to carry out the consultation with his patients.

In practice, doctors have at their disposal different business software operating under different operating systems, and this results in a great diversity.

According to the invention, this interaction will be created by linking the Lo and L1 software in a contextual manner, and the operation of a set of terminals will be harmonized by grouping them in a network, in particular with the possibility of sharing at least common rules. applicable to their patients and to exchange information.

The interaction between the Lo and L1 software is such that the Fz and F3 files of the rules and documents are automatically updated from at least one server in the network without any intervention of the physician, and several doctors who have decided to Networking will be able to share common rules and documents.

Thus, in the medical field, it will be possible to harmonize the prescriptions prescribed by the various physicians of the network, regardless of the physician consulted by the patient.

Such a network R as schematically illustrated in FIG. 14, groups together a set of computer terminals T1, T2,..., Tn and at least one server S.

Each terminal, in this case the terminal T1, comprises, for example, an I / O input-output interface for connection to the network R, a central processing unit UC, a display unit A, a US input unit, a printer I, and a memory unit M, all these elements being interconnected by a bus B data, addresses and control.

The memory unit M is divided into several blocks M1, M2, M3 and M4 where the files mentioned above, namely the local professional file F1 on the patient data, the local file F2 of the applicable rules and the local file, are notably recorded. F3 of the documents, as well as a block M4 where are recorded a Lo business software and an L1 consultation software that allows dialogue with the server S, and interaction software L2 that extends the functionality of the business software Lo .

Such a network R can operate in the manner described below and given by way of example.

Generally speaking, the physician equipped with the computer terminal T1 may have to update his local professional file F1 during a consultation with his patient, to display on the unit A the current treatment of the patient. .., but without necessarily implying a particular reaction of the system. In other words, these data may constitute facts that are not likely to create an event to which the system will react, such as a change of address.

On the other hand, data representative of a fact can create an event that will automatically be taken into account by the system and force it to react.

Following a blood test prescribed to his patient for example, the doctor will examine the results and enter the corresponding data to update the medical record of his patient, but especially for the purpose of reacting the Lo business software of his terminal to these data.

These data taken into account by the Lo business software will then create one or more events that will be analyzed by rules stored in the local file F2 and duly selected by the business software Lo from the data entered.

In the case of a diabetic patient, for example, whose test results show a blood sugar level that exceeds a threshold value, the rules applicable to diabetes will be selected in the local rules file F2, and the rules thus applied will allow the Lo business software to consult the file F3 documents to activate the documents relating to diabetes, and edit for example and a prescription predicting the appropriate treatment to be followed by the patient.

In the case where the patient is a woman who is more than fifty years old, the entry of this data will also create an event which will be analyzed by the rules of the local file F2. This analysis will result in consulting the medical file of the patient registered in the F1 file to find out if she has already performed a mammogram. If not, the Lo business software will consult the F3 file of documents to prescribe a mammogram by editing an order to this effect, as well as information documents intended for the patient. If so, the rules applied control the date the last mammogram was done before deciding to prescribe another one.

In general, the applicable rules stored in the local file F2 are regularly updated from the server S where all the applicable rules, registered in a general file FG2 and duly controlled by authorized persons or organizations are recorded. This update may consist of deleting rules to replace them by others or to complete them, etc. In a similar way, the server S also contains a general file FG3 of documents which is also regularly updated. , as well as those saved in the 'Local F3' file.

However, if such a system allows the doctor to work locally, the interest of a networked organization R will allow several doctors to work and share a set of rules and documents in common, which will result in results of the same nature for all patients and this regardless of the physician consulted belonging to the network.

The invention therefore proposes a method for harmonizing the operation of computer terminals T1, T2,..., Tn in each of which is at least implemented a Lo business software corresponding to the business of the user or client of the terminal, each terminal Ti, T2, ..., Tn comprising at least one professional file -Local F1 where are stored data specific to the user in the exercise of his trade, at least one local file F2 rules where are stored the rules applicable to the data of the user's local professional file F1, and at least one local file F3 of documents that can be selected and edited as a result of the application of rules of the local file F2 of rules to data of the local professional file F1 of data, this method being characterized in that it consists in grouping in a network R the terminals Ti, T2,..., Tn of a set of users exercising the same business and of even members of the network, - to include in the network R at least one server S in which are at least registered a general file FG2 rules applicable in the business common to this set of users, and a general file FG3 documents that can to be selected and activated as a result of the application of the set of rules of the general file, - to update the general rules and documents files of the server S, then the corresponding local files F2, F3 of each terminal of the network, so that the same data entered in any terminal of the network are treated in the same way by all the terminals of the network.

Advantageously, the method may also consist in not recording in the local file F2 of rules of each terminal that the rules that can be applied to the data recorded in the local professional file F1 local of the user, to update these rules when they are modified or replaced by others, and to introduce into the local file F2 the rules applicable to new data entered into the local professional file Fi by the user.

In a similar manner, the method also consists in not saving in the local file F3 of documents of each terminal that the documents that can be selected and activated as a result of the application of rules of the local file F2 of rules to data from the local professional file Fi, to update these local documents when they are modified or replaced, and to introduce in the local file F3 the new documents that will be selected and activated after applying new local rules to new data entries in the local professional F1 file by the user.

In the case of a medical application, the doctors who will have their computer terminals connected to a network will be able to work on the same rules and the same documents that they will share in common.

The method may also include recording in the server S at least one extract of the local patient file F1 of each user connected to the network R, so as to allow the formation of common files to users or members of a professional network, in particular to to allow the user to interrogate since terminal are the extract of the local patient file F1 from other terminals of the network, and to also allow the establishment of statistics on the activity of the users or members of a professional network, by example.

The present invention is not limited to medical consultation assistance, but applies to areas where data can be stored as an organized database. For example, a computer system according to the present invention of computer-aided mechanical documentation will call by rules the various documents of the mechanics as well as the physical properties of the various materials.

In addition to technical data, a system for architects will include a legal knowledge base on construction law as well as catalogs of the parts available for constructing buildings. The curriculum can be formulated into rules with several levels of selection criteria. The first level of criteria may correspond to the class. The second level of criteria may correspond to the subject. The rules may correspond to course elements to be taught.

The prioritization of the rules application criteria makes it possible to accelerate the operation of the computer system on the present invention by processing a small number of rules that may be relevant.

However, the implementation of a powerful computer system makes it possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to use rules without prior selection according to a plurality of criteria, each time ensuring the scanning of the base of complete rules.

Likewise, the present invention is not limited to rules reproducing the knowledge of an expert in a field. All or part of the rules of a system according to the present invention may relate to actions to be performed conditionally according to a context.

The present invention applies mainly to a computer-assisted contextual documentation shared over a network and to a management of a database of information and services (documents, forms, utilities, files, URLs, etc.) mobilized contextually. computer-based and shared network (database update and data exchange).

Claims (4)

<U> CLAIMS </ U> 1. A method for harmonizing the operation of computer terminals (T1, T2, ... Tn) in each of which is at least implemented a Lo business software corresponding to the business of the user or client of the terminal, each terminal (T1, T2, ... Tn) comprising at least one local professional file (F1) where are memorized data specific to the user in the exercise of his trade, at least one 'Local (F2) rules file where are stored the applicable rules to the local professional file (F1) data of the user, and at least one local file (F3) of documents that can be selected and activated as a result of the application of rules of the local file (F2) of rules to data of the local professional file (F1) of data, this method being characterized in that it consists. - to group in a network (R) the terminals (T1, T2, ... Tn) of a set of users exercising the same business and becoming members of the network, - to include in the network (R) at least a server (S) in which at least one general file (FG2) of rules applicable in the business common to this set of users is stored, and a general file (FG3) of documents that can be selected and activated as a result applying the set of rules of the general file, - regularly updating the general rules and documents files of the server (S), then the corresponding local files (F2, F3) of each terminal of the network, so that the same data entered in any terminal of the network are treated in the same way by all the terminals of the network. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it also consists in not recording in the local file (F2) of rules of each terminal that the rules that can be applied to the data stored in the local professional file of the user, to update these local rules (Fi.) when they are modified or replaced by others, and to introduce in the local file (F2) the rules applicable to new data entered in the local professional file (F1) by the user. 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it also consists in not recording in the local file (F3) of documents of each terminal that the documents that can be selected and activated as a result of the application of rules of the local file (F2) rules to data of the local professional file (F1), to update these local documents when they are modified or replaced, and to introduce in the local file (F3) the new documents that will be selected and activated after applying new local rules to new data entered in the local professional file (F1) by the user. 4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it consists in recording in the server (S) an extract of the local professional file (F1) of each user. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that it consists in allowing any user to interrogate from his terminal the extract of the local professional file (F1) of the other users. 6. Computer system for implementing the method as defined by any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises in particular a network (R) consisting of a set of computer terminals (T1, T2 ,. ..Tn) and at least one server (S), each computer terminal being at least equipped with an input / output interface (I / O) for connection to the network, a central processing unit (UC), a display or display unit (A), an input unit (US), a printer (I), and a memory unit (M), in that The memory unit (M) of each terminal is divided into several blocks (M1, M2, M3) in which the local professional file (F1) of the patient data, the local file (F2) of rules applicable to the data of the patient, is recorded. local professional file, and the local file (F3) of documents associated with the local file (F2) of rules, and that the ur (S) includes databases (FG2, FG3) in which all the rules applicable to the profession in question and all the documents associated with these rules are recorded in particular. 7. Computer system according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a rule management mechanism to be performed conditionally according to a context characterized in that it comprises means (11) of selection according to a plurality different criteria (5) of the rules (27) that can be executed in a particular context or set of context, among the rules of a set (23) of all the rules that can be executed. 8. Computer system according to claim 7, characterized in that the selection criteria are hierarchical, so as to test the rules (23.1 to 23n) to be selected according to a criterion only among the rules already selected according to the criteria having a higher hierarchical level . 9. Computer system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises means for replication (26) of the selected rules (27) to storage means and in that it ensures the scanning (35) according to the context of the replicated set of selected rules. 10. Computer system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the rules include an expiry criterion limiting their activation over time. 11. Computer system according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises a vertical software (61, 65) and means (71) for interfacing the rule management system with the software. vertical (61,65). 12. Computer system according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a graphical human-machine interface and in that the integration between the rules management system (71, 93) and the vertical software (61, 65). is performed at the man-machine interface. 13. Computer system according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that it comprises means for connecting to servers (57.1, 57.2, 57.3) and a database organizing in a predetermined format the information received from the servers (57.1, 57.2, 57.3). 14. Computer system according to any one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a coding base (69) of events that can be treated by rules. 15. Computer system according to any one of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that the rules implemented are managed by the Lotus Notes software. 16. Computer system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the vertical software (61, 65) is a software for assistance to the doctor's medical consultation. 17. Computer system according to any one of claims 6 to 16, characterized in that it comprises local storage means and / or remote organized information and in that the rule management system provides access to a relevant piece of organized information stored according to a context resulting from the execution of a program by said computer system.