CN100535950C

CN100535950C - Communication unit for a person's skin

Info

Publication number: CN100535950C
Application number: CNB200580017396XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 让·德格斯特; 维姆·德格斯特
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Ze Russo F Ltd By Share Ltd
Priority date: 2004-05-28
Filing date: 2005-05-26
Publication date: 2009-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 2025-05-26
Also published as: EP1600906A1; CN1989532A

Abstract

Electric communication unit to be placed on a person's skin, comprising a support element (3), a series of body contacts (7), a pulse generator (6) provided for generating a series of pulses and for transmitting the series of pulses to said series of body contacts (7), said series of body contacts (7) being provided to transmit said series of pulses onto the skin of said person. The electric communication unit is in the form of a patch.

Description

The communication unit that is used for application on human skin

Technical field

The present invention relates to be equipped to the communication unit that is placed on the application on human skin, described unit comprises:

-supporting member, described supporting member comprises:

-a series of Body contact parts;

-the pulse producer that is connected with a series of Body contact parts, in case described pulse producer is equipped to and receives first signal and just generate a series of pulses, and with described a series of pulse transmissions to described a series of Body contact parts, described a series of Body contact parts are equipped to described a series of pulse transmissions to described people's skin; With

-the power supply that is connected with pulse producer.

Background technology

People constantly need new and better therapeutic treatment cause the current formula therapy of carrying out.Economy and social value constantly promote pharmaceutical arm and create the most effective medicine as far as possible.Following factor is represented the main influence to final result of treatment:

1. the characteristic of every agent medicine.People study by clinical testing and determine optimum molecule and their necessary concentration, so that heal the sick fully.

2. depend critically upon in time the giving of medicine that patient observes property (and fabricator, pharmacists or according to the frequency of doctor formula suggestion).

Nearest studies show that of doing of mechanism of the World Health Organization (WHO), second factor, that is, patient's compliance is very important.Although the interior quality of medicine is fine owing to lack to observe property actual administration half can not cause effective treatment.Obviously, no matter on the social aspect or on economic aspect, this problem all has an immense impact on to All Around The World.

The conclusion of these researchs is to press for a kind of modern solution and solve this problem.The invention provides answer based on new ideas.

Up to the present, exist some parts to solve the electrical communication equipment of patient's compliance problem.

For example, US 4 708 716 discloses a kind of applicator that is used for discharging through skin medicine, and this applicator comprises the circuit of pressing close to skin when applying ointment or plaster applicator on skin.This apply ointment or plaster electric current to be flow through and make medicine pass skin enter in the blood flow.Can be in the loop with electrode deployment, signal of feedback makes by means of such backfeed loop when reaching the required dosage level with box lunch in blood flow, obtains the applicator of type as required of regulating drug dose on demand.Can be used as indicator in the circuit with LCD or electrochemical phototropism material (ECM, electrochemical phototropicmaterial) this equipment of packing into.Along with finishing of this circuit, activate indicator, so that provide medicine just passing through the sure indication that skin discharges.

Unfortunately, such equipment is only limited to the medicine of process skin and is difficult to manufacturing.Really, in case the work of equipment and electric current just work and to move to liquid drug on the skin from medicine storage to pass skin relevant.Therefore, this system need allow electrode force the medicine storage structure and the circuit structure of pressing close to skin of medicine migration.Therefore, if sub-fraction is not suitably applied ointment or plaster on skin, circuit just can not be pressed close to and equipment will can operate as normal.

In addition, confirm correctly taken place medicine diffusion by sending luminous signal to patient according to the equipment of No. the 4 708 716, United States Patent (USP), under some environment as hospital environment etc., this can give rise to trouble.When the wearer of equipment in bed, imperceptible such luminous signal.Therefore, may take place, for example, night maybe when being busy with inquiring about concentration, patient can not correctly take medicine.By providing affirmation with the decent sure indication of crossing skin release of medicine, equipment can not be informed patient with fault, and patient should be noted that whether checkout facility has sent signal.

And, according to the equipment of No. the 4 708 716, United States Patent (USP) only can be used on patient originally on one's body.

In No. the 6 175 763, United States Patent (USP), provided another example.In case comprising the electric feed drive electric current that flows through skin according to the electric induction system of No. the 6 175 763, United States Patent (USP) works and just discharges the medicine storage of medicine.This electricity induction system comprises the haptic signal generator of the haptic signal that sensor, controller and the generation of sensing situation relevant with system works or incident can sensing.Specifically, sensor is the sensor of content of drug in the pH sensor of pH value of medicine in the sensing medicine storage or the sensing medicine storage.If go wrong at equipment, content is unusual in the unusual or medicine storage such as pH, and for example empty medicine storage then is equipped to from sensor received signal and the controller of controlling the haptic signal generator and detects exceptional value, and haptic signal sent to patient's skin.

Such equipment is by providing the haptic signal that can feel when patient is sleeping or be busy, part has solved the problem that the equipment of No. the 4 708 716, United States Patent (USP) exists.Only when going wrong, haptic signal is sent to patient's skin, and when the equipment operate as normal, do not send signal.

Unfortunately, because the work of equipment is relevant with the migration of medicine from medicine storage, during the medicine that such equipment also only can be applicable to pass through skin is applied ointment or plaster.Haptic signal is also relevant with function, and is especially relevant with the fault of equipment.Owing to need to have the medicine storage that comprises liquid medicine and such as the grabber and the circuit of horizontal grabber or pH grabber, this equipment also is difficult to make.

This circuit is also pressed close to wearer's skin, and if this equipment suitably applied ointment or plaster, this equipment will can correctly not work and will generate haptic signal.In addition, according to the equipment of No. the 6 175 763, United States Patent (USP) only can be used on patient originally on one's body.

Really, should manufacture according to the equipment of these two United States Patent (USP)s and have the medicine that is included in the medicine storage and should comprise electronic circuit or circuit.Therefore, the manufacturing step complexity, final equipment is very expensive.In addition, such equipment can send the out of order warning of equipment to patient, but can not solve the medicine that depends critically upon patient's property observed, for example, flake drug, ball powder thing or even the problem that in time gives of injectable drug (by fabricator, pharmacists or according to the frequency of doctor formula suggestion).

The electrical communication equipment that also has another kind of type for example, is described in the electrical communication equipment among the GB 2 386 207.The equipment of GB 2 386 207 is disclosed in the preamble of claim 1.It is the noiseless anatomy warning system that comprises wireless elementary cell of transmitter and anatomy radio-cell (communication unit).In case receive the signal that sends from elementary cell, the anatomy radio-cell just can output to electric current on user's the skin.Such electrical communication system is equipped to, and for example reminds patient that he or she must obey his or her pill, tablet etc. down, perhaps carries out his or her injection.This equipment is made up of two annulus that link together and be equipped on the pin that for example is buckled in the user respectively and user's the ankle.This equipment can be used on as tablet, pill etc. in the therapy of applying ointment or plaster without skin, and can be applied to other personnel except patient, but this equipment is not only heavy but also can not work outside the range of transmission of elementary cell.

Therefore, there is significant limitations in known communication unit on several aspects: too big, user friendly is poor, be difficult for making, can not irrespectively give a warning with User Status, ability to see things in their true light is poor, only can be applicable to the certain drug type, bad find out be easy to add the method that has now in the Drug packing etc.

The objective of the invention is, but alleviate some of these shortcomings at least by the notion that widespread use is provided, but the notion of this widespread use must obey down by send him or she to patient that the warning of his or her medicine improves reliability, and can irrespectively be applied on another person's the skin with User Status.

Summary of the invention

For this reason, the invention provides unit, it is characterized in that according to claim 1 preamble, communication unit is and is equipped to the patch form that is placed on the application on human skin, and it is characterized in that pulse producer further comprises the processing unit that has storer, described processing unit is equipped to:

-storage secondary signal, described secondary signal comprise indication should when generate described first signal data and

-generate and send described first signal to described pulse producer.

According to communication unit of the present invention since its flat shape be easier to make, and miniaturization, user friendly, unheavy, ability to see things in their true light etc. arranged.In addition, because the paster notion, this unit is highly susceptible to placing.In addition, by enduringly with Body contact, can be in noiseless mode and sends series of pulses to user's body at any time in this unit.

The term of mentioning here " when " refer to section (interval or special time) any time, especially be fit to give the time period of medicine.For example, this time can be mornings 8 point, 2 pm, at 8 in evening and midnight 0 point, or or even each hour, per two hours, one day twice, an evening etc.

Here the term of mentioning " pulse " comprises several different stimulated such as electric pulse, vibration, temperature variation, every kind of stimulation all means with continuous, intermittent or periodic manner, preferably with intermittent or periodic manner, and most preferably felt by people or mammal with periodic manner.

Such communication unit further is totally independent of elementary cell after (in advance) programming.In fact, the user only needs the emission elementary cell by the receiver antenna that sends signal to communication unit, imports designated time or administration time.Described receiver antenna is connected with the pulse producer that comprises the processing unit that has storer.Storer is equipped to the storage secondary signal, and secondary signal comprises the information when indication should generate first signal (activation signal).Because data storage is in the storer of processing unit, processing unit will generate activation signal (being exactly described first signal) when needed, and need not in the range of transmission of elementary cell.First signal (activation signal) can generate in the time identical with secondary signal (information signal) when needed, or is generating constantly after a while when needed.In other words, the work of the range-independence ground between communication unit and elementary cell and the receiver.In case be programmed and by initial activation the autonomous work of communication unit.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will be appreciated that secondary signal and activation (first) signal can be identical or different signal.In GB 2 386 207, these two signals in fact are individual signals.According to the present invention, these signals can be different, but also may not be different.Activation signal (first signal) is to be caused by the secondary signal that elementary cell is launched, by processing unit processes and be stored in the storer so that by day or the appropriate time during evening send to the Body contact part.

That in addition, wear communication unit may not be patient.Child is being carried out under the situation of drug therapy, this unit applied ointment or plaster on father and mother's skin so that sure correct management is favourable to child's drug therapy, and for example at night, waking father and mother's ratio up by the pulse of Body contact part receiving serial, to wake child up more suitable.

In a particular embodiment, pulse producer comprises the voltage source that generates described series of pulses.Described series of pulses has the preferably voltage range from 20Vdc to 150Vdc, more preferably, and the voltage range from 50Vdc to 100Vdc and most preferably, approximately 75Vdc.

Thereby have to this people obviously but to around not obvious the making of people distinguish that it is favourable becoming possible a series of pulses.

In a specific advantageous embodiment, pulse producer comprises the current source that is used to generate described series of pulses.

The constant intensity that the existence of current source is highly profitable transmission becomes possibility.Really, everyone skin all is different, though some will feel series of pulses, other people may very responsive or even the imperceptible pulse of paired pulses.In addition, voltage is resistance value and strength of current value multiplied result.By constant voltage is applied on the skin, if the resistance of skin changes because of a variety of causes, then strength of current can be greater than or less than the strength of current that plan applies.Therefore, it is favourable providing the constant current strength that is included between the value of mentioning here to skin.

Preferably, described series of pulses has the strength range from 1mAdc to 150mAdc, more preferably, has the strength range and most preferably from 10mAdc to 50mAdc, approximately 30mAdc.

These scopes help obviously making distinguishing that the people who wears this unit simultaneously can accept also can notice.

Preferably, pulse producer comprises restrictor.

The existence of restrictor has improved security by avoiding mistake high strength is applied on the skin.

Equipment according to the present invention makes to be distinguished and becomes possibility, really, has only the user just can feel activity.Other people can not notice caution signal (series of pulses).In addition, this feature makes this unit become safe especially.

And these pulses have and are included in 1 μ s between the 10ms, preferably, at 10 μ s between the 1ms, most preferably, the width of about 30 μ s, and wherein, the cycle between the pulse from 1 μ s to the 10s scope, preferably, from 100 μ s to 100ms, and most preferably, about 1ms.

Like this, the pulse of generation is enough to be noted by waking up effectively, if personage's needs of sleeping just can be done like this.

Advantageously, described series of pulses further comprises a plurality of bursts, and each burst comprises a set of pulses, and described burst space does not have a period of time of pulse.Output current is disperseed, for example, so that leniently wake the personage who is sleeping up or do not alarm the personnel that working etc.

Preferably, described paster comprise such as can from

The adhesion layer of the Macfilm F2023 that company buys.By using such adhesion layer, paster is hypoallergenic, and is to prevent suds, alcohol, some hydrocarbons etc.In a kind of variant embodiment of the present invention, described communication unit further comprises the film zone that absorbs medicine thereon, and described communication unit further is equipped to is used as dermal patch.

It is favourable that the benefit of dermal patch and communication unit are combined.In this embodiment, communication unit for example is equipped to and sends the warning that must change paster to patient.

In a very specific advantageous embodiment, communication unit further comprises biology sensor or the millimicro chip that is equipped to measurement biology, chemistry and/or physical data and described data is sent to storer.

For example, exist some can quantize the sensor of protein or glucose content by their electrochemical characteristic.Therefore, under the situation of diabetic, communication unit should remind patient that he or she must carry out his or her injection of insulin, and, this unit further is confirmed suitably to have reached the normal glucose level now as the result who well finishes and effectively inject.

For example, work in the biology sensor of electric conductivity of several biological substances or millimicro chip and can detect some biologies, chemistry and/or physical parameter such as protein level, enzyme level, dissolved oxygen DO, blood pressure etc.All prior biological sensors or millimicro chip can be with in the present invention.Biology sensor or millimicro chip or even the biometrics grabber all be equipped to processing unit and send the 3rd signal comprise biology, chemistry or physical parameter.The 3rd treated signal be equipped to be stored in the storer and by, for example doctor or patient extract.In an alternate embodiment, the 3rd treated signal that is stored in the storer is sent to comparer, so that compare with the normal storage value of this biology, chemistry or physical parameter, in the time of within the value of two similar or the 3rd signals (parameter signal) of value is with respect to the scope of described normal value at acceptable value, comparer will send the affirmation signal of representing to have reached normal value to processing unit.Processing unit will send further activation signal to pulse producer, and pulse producer will generate and the identical or different a series of affirmation pulses of described series of pulses, reach normal value so that inform patient.

In another variant embodiment, the 3rd treated signal that is stored in the storer is sent to comparer, so that compare with the normal storage value of this biology, chemistry or physical parameter, when two values different or with respect to the scope of described normal value at acceptable value outside the time, comparer will send the caution signal of representing to have reached exceptional value to processing unit.Processing unit will send activation signal to pulse producer, and pulse producer will generate and the identical or different a series of warn pulses of described series of pulses, reach exceptional value so that inform the described biology of patient, chemistry or physical parameter.

Preferably, also comprise the recording-member that is equipped to storage and sends the affirmation data to storer according to communication unit of the present invention.

Recording-member can store and send to storer for example relevantly sent the number of times of pulse, effectively the time of the described series of pulses of generation and the affirmation data that whether effectively described series of pulses sent to skin are favourable.

This for example can be applied to when returning the expense that satisfies condition, the insurance company that the confirmation request patient has taken his or her medicine at the fixed time at interval effectively.

In addition, unit further according to the present invention is applied to wear communication unit so that remind them medicine to be given patient's nurse.Therefore, reduced the risk that the nurse forgets administration.

In addition, the present invention relates to comprise the electrical communication system of described communication unit and elementary cell, wherein, described communication unit comprises receiver or receiver antenna, and wherein, described elementary cell is described secondary signal to be sent to the receiver of described communication unit or receiver antenna and the radio transmitters that need not to open the unit package of the described communication unit of encapsulation.

This has contained different advantage of the present invention.At first, providing independent packing for paster, wherein programming under the situation of paster with the wireless mode that passes packing, the user is guaranteed that paster is new and payes attention to sanitary condition.In addition, this packing prevents that paster is subjected to damaging the influence of the sunshine of adhesion layer etc., humidity etc.Secondly, in some cases, drug packages can comprise one or more according to communication unit of the present invention.Wireless programming makes the pharmacists need not to open drug packages this unit of just can programming.

In an advantageous embodiment, can encrypt the radio communication information between elementary cell and the communication unit, to improve security of users and confidentiality.

And when providing several pasters to carry out drug therapy, they should advantageously comprise permission by differently the programme identifier of each paster of suitable parts.For example, treatment can be included in first week and to give tablet twice every day, gives tablet etc. in second week once a day.Have the paster of identifier by use, allow the pharmacists to enjoin first and second pasters of programming respectively according to the doctor.

Activationary time point (that is, should generate the time of first signal (activation signal)) or frequency must be easy to programme.Several means can be used for programming according to unit of the present invention.This can finish by the content of hard coded storer during manufacture, or finishes at customer location " scene ", and, for example, when selling certain medicine, finish by the pharmacists.By hard coded during manufacture, during this step, advantageously do not use power supply according to unit of the present invention.Radio transmitters can be RF transmitter, inductive sender, electric capacity transmitter, infrared transmitter, sound transmitter etc., comprises to allow programming to avoid simultaneously opening, for example the parts of medicine or smt package.Most preferred transmitter is an inductance RF transmitter, because with data storage in storer the time, it does not use the power supply of communication unit.Preferably, paster and smt package have the preliminary dimension that can add in a large amount of existing Drug packings.Certainly, the paster that is included in the drug packages also can programmed during manufacture (hard coded).

And, the invention still further relates to the communication unit of in drug therapy, using according to invention, so that remember in time giving of medicine.

Here the purposes in the drug therapy of mentioning comprises and is used to remind patient to obey the purposes of his or her medicine down, dermal patch that patient wears separation and this paster paster to remind patient should change or change the another kind of purposes that the purposes of his or her dermal patch or time are key factor.In addition, the adhesion layer according to paster of the present invention can comprise the various activating agents that are used in usually in traditional dermal patch treatment.This means, in common paster, can make activating agent combine the skin that passes the people with adhesion layer by using thin layer.The mode that can also comprise activating agent with the adhesion layer of paster is made according to paster of the present invention.Like this, communication unit (paster) will remind patient to remove or change his or her paster.In addition, as previously mentioned, the communication unit of patch shape can be used for father and mother and nurse, can really take medicine on time to guarantee child or patient.

In a kind of variant, communication unit can be used as wake-up device.This allows to work as the several people only wakes a people in bed up and protects other people in same room the length of one's sleep.And this unit further is used for, and for example educate dog association and wake up when needed during night or any other period at one day or go out, or time alarm is very important or need any other time limit of time alarm.

In addition, compare with the cost of medicine, the cost of paster can be very low.

In a variant embodiment, communication unit or electrical communication system can be used among LAN (LAN (Local Area Network)) or the BAN (body area network).For example, in hospital, the doctor can determine to impose on each patient to several patient's administrations and with a series of different pulses.Then, as long as the nurse is by the elementary cell paster of just programming.Consequently, each patient will receive his or her respective series pulse.

In addition, in an alternate embodiment, the invention provides and for example be equipped to the central communication unit of using for the nurse and for example be equipped to a series of subordinate communication unit that patients is worn.As previously mentioned, the nurse will receive a series of certain pulses corresponding with given patient, and patient wears the above-mentioned communication unit that has biology sensor or millimicro chip.The 3rd signal (parameter signal) that biology sensor or millimicro chip will comprise the value of biology, chemistry or physical parameter sends to processing unit, and processing unit sends to the central elementary cell that is included among LAN or the BAN with them.Therefore, can examine nurse's reliability or patient's compliance.This examining can be used in Mala praxis or require in the certain situation of other error that the proof medicine gives.

Therefore, communication unit or electrical communication system can or be used as affirmation equipment as medical control and tracking equipment.Other embodiment according to communication unit of the present invention or electrical communication system mentions in appended claims.

In conjunction with the drawings, specific non-limiting example of the present invention is carried out following description, other features and advantages of the present invention will be clearer.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the exploded view according to equipment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the transversal section according to equipment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is the figure of the preferred pulse shape of illustration pulsegroup;

Fig. 4 is the figure that possible happen suddenly of illustration pulsegroup;

Fig. 5 is the figure that possible activate scheme of illustration series of pulses;

Fig. 6 is the figure of illustration possibility every day sight;

Fig. 7 is the synoptic diagram of the first possibility notion of circuit;

Fig. 8 is the synoptic diagram of the second possibility notion of circuit;

Fig. 9 is the synoptic diagram of the 3rd possibility notion of circuit;

Figure 10 is the figure of the possible memory allocation of illustration;

Figure 11 is the schematic illustration according to electrical communication system of the present invention;

Figure 12 is the schematic illustration of embodiment that comprises Figure 11 of biology sensor or millimicro chip; And

Figure 13 is the schematic illustration of embodiment that comprises Figure 11 of recording-member.

In the accompanying drawings, identical label is assigned to the same or similar element according to communication unit of the present invention or system.

Embodiment

The present invention relates to paster, relate in particular to thin (certainly) that be bonded on user's skin and adhere to paster.Paster is in pre-programmed or freely programmable production burst constantly.These pulses are felt by application on human skin, and remind the user to take certain action, for example give medicine.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustration the assembly of paster.

Supporting member 3 is made up of thin flexible composite material and as printed-wiring board (PWB) (PCB).The design of this PCB is integrated receiver antenna 4, be used between power supply 2 and Body contact part 7, producing the contact element 5 of contact.Electricity parts/ASIC (special IC) 6 is positioned on the supporting member 3 and with power supply 2, receiver antenna 4 and Body contact part 7 and is connected.Electricity parts/ASIC forms pulse producer 6.Capping 1 is made up of thin flexible composite material and is used to protect all frangible electronic units to avoid external action.Bonding agent 9 is added on the bottom side of supporting member 3.Liner 8 is made up of thin flexible composite material and is bonded on the bonding agent 9 during the protection paster.Liner 8 is just removed in that time of applying ointment or plaster before on the user's body.Bonding agent 9 is bonded on the skin paster during use always.

The pulse producer of paster generates a series of electric pulses in the appropriate moment of determining.As can be as seen from Figure 3, each pulse preferably has the piece waveform of following characteristic:

● pulse width: preferably, from 1 μ s to 10ms, more preferably, from 10 μ s and most preferably to 1ms, about 30 μ s;

● the cycle between the pulse: from 1 μ s to 10s, preferably, from 100 μ s and more preferably to 100ms, about 1ms;

● strength of current: preferably, from 1mAdc to 150mAdc, more preferably, from 10mAdc to 50mAdc and most preferably, about 30mAdc;

● under the situation of voltage source, voltage should be, preferably, and from 20Vdc to 150Vdc, more preferably, from 50Vdc to 100Vdc and most preferably, about 75Vdc;

● the rise time: preferably, less than 5 μ s, more preferably, less than 1 μ s; With

● fall time: preferably, less than 5 μ s, more preferably, less than 1 μ s.

As can seeing from Fig. 4, burst comprises a set of pulses.Its exemplary values is as follows: a burst preferably is made up of 500 pulses, and pulse duty cycle is 30 μ s/1ms.Therefore, the duration of burst is 500ms.

The a series of bursts that form described series of pulses are called as activation, and such activation can be as seen from Figure 5.The latter preferably is made up of 20 bursts, and duty cycle is 500ms/1s.Therefore, the duration of activation is 20s.In this case, each burst comprises one group of 500 pulse.

Should generate the time of activation signal or the time interval by programming device or elementary cell by decision.

May be illustrated among Fig. 6 by sight every day.This is the exemplary distribution of series of pulses, but those of ordinary skill in the art should be understood that these can be different.For example, each burst can be different, and each burst can comprise different number pulses, and each series also can be different, and these differences can be used to remember different treatment steps.For example, 5 three pulses or 20 short bursts can be represented to take medicine, and 3 four pulses or 5 long bursts can represent to remove another paster (dermal patch) or paster itself.

In a kind of variant, 20 short bursts can impose on given patient A.10 short bursts can impose on given patient B, and 3 long bursts can impose on the 3rd given patient C.Then, nurse's communication unit of wearing reminds him or she to give given patient A, B or C with medicine.

Preferably maximum 1/10.000 (100ppm) of clock drift.This represents about jede Woche 1 minute.

Under the not accurate enough situation of internal clocking, be necessary to measure clock frequency after good making.At this measurement data, a value can be put into storer, fixedly the end value (for example, the clock correction factor) of the counter of typical example such as 1Hz burst frequency.This action preferably occurs in the paster factory.During the programming that activates, carry out this action and mean that really each programming device must be furnished with the expensive measuring system that is used for frequency or time.

The precision of must be able to programming is about 200 activation (8 bit address bus) of 10s.This means, for plan need 16 bit data bus (2^16=65536) weekly.

Alternately, the precision of must be able to programming is 128 activation (use 8 bit address buses in the middle of 7) of 1 minute.By using 15 (2^15=32768) in the middle of 16 bit data bus, be 3 weeks the longest service time.

Identical with the system that is used for programming (effectively) RFID label, wireless technology is used in the programming of chip.Distance between elementary cell and the paster is very short.Ultimate range is preferably less than 0.2m, in order to avoid interference current applies.

Comprise in central elementary cell under the situation of server, the distance between programming parts and the paster can be longer.

After this unit was programmed, receiver or receiver antenna can temporarily be pulled down or deactivation, in order to avoid interference current or other apply.The duration of antenna failure can be stored in the storer during programming.

Pulse producer can advantageously comprise the receiver that is incorporated in wherein, still, should be noted that pulse producer also can be connected with the receiver of described pulse producer outside.In case be programmed, receiver just should not appear in this unit clearly.Receiver can be removed after programming or can be independent fully.If the programming of this unit is the hard coded during making, needs receiver not in communication unit according to the present invention then.

For example transmit the required energy of programming (EE) PROM ((electric erasable) programmable read only memory) by inductive coupling by programming device (for example, elementary cell).Table 1 has provided a few examples of the similar existing chip of purpose.

Table 1

Atmel	T555714-DBW
Atmel	T555714-DBW	EM Microelectronics	EM4450

Need be by the external reference of storer be revised these chips.The programming principle is identical.

Before chip operation, only allow very little leakage current, so that not rapid discharge power supply.Power supply can be the compact power such as any kind of battery etc.For application-specific, according to serviceable life, unit cost and unit size, power supply can be rechargeable or rechargeable not.

Because so input voltage low (3V) and the relative high output voltage of needs are the working voltage converter.Table 2 has provided similar some examples that may have chip now of purpose.

Table 2

Manufacturer	Product type
Manufacturer	Product type	Micrel	MIC4826
Supertex	HV826X or HV850	Micrel	MIC4826
Supertex	HV826X or HV850	Panasonic	MIP804
NPC	SM8142BD	Panasonic	MIP804
NPC	SM8142BD	Sipex	SP4403
Toko	TK65915M	Sipex	SP4403
Toko	TK65915M	Zywyn	ZSP4403UEB

In order to dwindle circuit size, ASIC is used in suggestion.

First may notion be presented among Fig. 7.

First may notion be should generate high voltage by usability.About this point, need the upright parts (coil, diode and capacitor) of a component.Just as already mentioned, electric parts/ASIC forms pulse producer 6.Electricity parts/ASIC (special IC) 6 is connected with power supply 2, receiver antenna 4 and contact element 5.Contact element 5 is equipped to Body contact part 7 and is connected with the power supply 2 that is exactly battery.

Pulse producer 6 comprises storer 11, and storer 11 is connected with first end of 8 bit address buses 17 and first end of 16 bit data bus 18.Second end of second end of 8

bit address buses

17 and 16 bit data bus 18 is connected with controller 19.Controller 19 and the coil interface 4 ' be connected coil interface 4 ' be connected that is exactly receiver with antenna 4.

Controller 19 is connected with the RESET input of first clock counter 20.The input end of clock of first clock counter 20 itself is connected with clock 33 by divider 21.The output terminal of first clock counter 20 is connected with the first input end of comparer 22.Second input end of comparer 22 also is connected with 16 bit data bus 18.The first input end of the output terminal of comparer 22 and AND (" with ") door 23 is connected.The output terminal of AND door 23 is connected with trigger FF1 24.The output terminal of FF1 24 is connected with the input end of phase inverter 25, and the output terminal of phase inverter 25 is connected with second input end of AND door 23.The output terminal of FF1 24 also is connected with the first input end of the 2nd AND door 26.

8 bit address buses 17 are connected with second clock counter 27, and the input end of clock of second clock counter 27 directly is connected with clock 33.

Second input end of AND door 26 also directly is connected with clock 33.The output terminal of AND door 26 is connected with the first input end of NAND (NAND) door 28.Voltage reference Vref 34 is connected with the positive input terminal of comparer " C " 30.The negative input end of comparer " C " 30 is connected with voltage regulator Vsen 29.The output terminal of comparer " C " 30 is connected with second input end of NAND door 28.The output terminal of NAND door 28 is connected with the input end of clock of the 3rd clock counter 31 and is connected with the grid of switching transistor T1 35.The output terminal of the 3rd clock counter 31 is connected with the input end of the 2nd NAND door 32.The output of NAND door 32 feeds back to the RESET input of the 3rd clock counter 31, and also the grid with two switching transistor elements T 2 36 and T3 37 is connected.

Power supply 2 is connected with power controller 40.The input end of power controller 40 is connected with output voltage.

The voltage source of the stepup transformer that power supply 2 is still formed by coil 39, diode 52, switching transistor T1 35 and capacitor 38.

In the phase one, the storer 11 of programming ASIC (special IC).Here, record activationary time point.The technology of using is identical with the technology of the RFID label (RFID tags) that is used to programme.The required energy of programming communication unit according to the present invention is carried by inductive coupling by programming device (elementary cell).Can be especially in the production run of ASIC or at last stages (in advance) programmable memory 11 of delivery period by programming device.The hardware classes of the hardware of this programming device and RFID programmable device seemingly.Provide the software of user friendly programming mode to utilize put preset time and calculate the data that will be stored in the storer 11.

ASIC is only for the first time using the moment of paster to start working.Do like this is in order to make power consumption keep minimum when not in use.The startup of ASIC is managed by the square " power controller " 40 of ASIC.The startup of ASIC in the moment of applying ointment or plaster for the first time on skin, causes the little leakage current that triggers ASIC work based on such principle.

In case ASIC is activated, first clock counter 20 and second clock counter 27 all begin counting.First clock counter 20 is 8 binary counters and with the frequency counting of 32768Hz.Second clock counter 27 has guaranteed that all memory locations (256) are read successively.When one of 256 values equal the value of first clock counter 20, set flip-flop FF124.After 20 seconds, FF1 24 resets.

If trigger FF1 24 is set and comparer " C " 30 is in high level, time clock is transported to the first switching transistor T1 35.Now, the first switching transistor T1 35 frequency with 32768Hz in 20 seconds is carried out switch.Consequently the self-induction by coil 39 generates high voltage.Capacitor 38 is charged to the voltage up to about 75V.

Fig. 8 illustration utilize the second possible notion may be incorporated in the capacitor charge pump the ASIC itself (for example, the HV 850 that can buy from Supertex company).

bit address buses

Controller 19 is connected with the RESET input of first clock counter 20.The input end of clock of first clock counter 20 itself is connected with clock 33 by divider 21.The output terminal of first clock counter 20 is connected with the first input end of comparer 22.Second input end of comparer 22 also is connected with 16 bit data bus 18.The output terminal of comparer 22 is connected with the first input end of AND door 23.The output terminal of AND door 23 is connected with trigger FF1 24.The output terminal of FF1 24 is connected with the input end of phase inverter 25, and the output terminal of phase inverter 25 is connected with second input end of AND door 23.The output terminal of FF1 24 also is connected with the first input end of the 2nd AND door 26.

Second input end of AND door 26 also directly is connected with clock 33.

The output terminal of AND door 26 is connected with the 3rd clock counter 31, and the 3rd clock counter 31 is connected with NAND door 32.The output terminal of NAND door 32 contacts with the grid of two switching transistor elements T 236 and T337.

The output terminal of FF1 24 also is connected with the input end of enabling of capacitor charge pump 41.The output terminal of capacitor charge pump 41 is connected with the source electrode of T236.

Vsen 29 is voltage regulators of the output voltage of regulating capacitor charge pump 41, and is connected with capacitor charge pump 41.

If trigger FF1 24 is set, then capacitor charge pump 41 is activated, and generation is introduced into the required output voltage of switch output stage T2 36 and T3 37.

Under both of these case (Fig. 7 and Fig. 8), the required duty cycle of the 3rd clock counter 31 and NAND port 32 management output voltages.Transistor T 2 36 and T3 37 are as output stage.

As can seeing from Fig. 9, the 3rd may notion use many improvement features.These additional functionalities are:

1) current source replaces voltage source;

2) current detector is used in:

In-the control gear, so that check communication unit operate as normal whether;

In-the release mechanism, so that avoid the high surge do not expected;

3) programmable pulse pattern; With

4) programmable current intensity.

As can seeing from Fig. 9 (this figure should comprise Figure 10 of the different piece of describing storer), pulse producer 6 comprises storer 11, and storer 11 is connected with first end of 8 bit address buses 17 and first end of 16 bit data bus 18.Second end of second end of 8

bit address buses

Controller 19 is connected with the RESET input of first clock counter 20.The input end of clock of first clock counter 20 itself is connected with clock 33 by divider 21.The output terminal of first clock counter 20 is connected with the first input end of comparer 22.Second input end of comparer 22 also is connected with 16 bit data bus 18.The output terminal of comparer 22 is connected with the first input end of AND door 23.Another input end of AND door 23 is connected with the A7 of address bus.The output terminal of AND door 23 is connected with first one shot multivibrator 50 successively and is connected with second one shot multivibrator 51 that is in series position.Second one shot multivibrator 51 is connected with the first input end of pulse shaper 42 and is connected with AND door 26.

Second input end of pulse shaper 42 also directly is connected with clock.

One shot multivibrator 51, pulse shaper 42 and digital analog converter " DAC " 43 are connected with 16 bit data bus 18 with 8 bit address buses 17.

Digital analog converter " DAC " 43 is connected with Voltage-controlled Current Source (VCCS) 45, and VCCS 45 is connected with resistance 48 and is connected with the output terminal of capacitor charge pump circuit 41.

Two input ends of operational amplifier 47 are connected with the both sides of resistance 48.The output terminal of operational amplifier 47 is connected with the set input of rest-set flip-flop 46 by Schmidt (Schmitt) trigger 44 and keeps the input end of function " S/H " 49 to be connected with sampling.The output terminal of negating of rest-set flip-flop 46 is connected with second input end of AND door 26.The output terminal of AND door 26 is connected with the input end of enabling of capacitor charge pump circuit 41.

The output terminal that sampling keeps function " S/H " 49 on data line D15 with memory communication.Its RESET input is connected with the output terminal of second one shot multivibrator 51.

The electric current of Voltage-controlled Current Source VCCS 45 flows through transistor T 2 36.Transistor T 3 37 forms current mirror with transistor T 2 36.Consequently, and flow through transistor T 3 37 and flow through skin by Body contact part 7 the same, identical strength of current flows through transistor T 2 36.

The pulse shaper output terminal is connected with the grid of transistor T 1 35.This transistor T 1 35 is with the determined mode switch output current of pulse shaper.For this reason, the source electrode of T1 35 is connected with the grid of transistor T 2 36 with T3 37.

In the phase one, the storer 11 of programming ASIC (special IC).Here write down the activationary time point.The technology of using is identical with the technology of the RFID label (RFID tags) that is used to programme.The required energy of programming communication unit according to the present invention is carried by inductive coupling by programming device (elementary cell).Can pass through programming device (elementary cell) especially in the production run of ASIC or at last stages (in advance) programmable memory 11 of delivery period.The hardware of this programming device (elementary cell) and the hardware classes of RFID programmable device are seemingly.Provide the software of user friendly programming mode to utilize put preset time and calculate the data that will be stored in the storer 11.

ASIC is only for the first time using the moment of paster to start working.Do like this is in order to make power consumption keep minimum when not in use.The startup that comes management asic by the square " power controller " 40 of ASIC.The startup of ASIC in the moment of applying ointment or plaster for the first time on skin, causes the little leakage current that triggers ASIC work based on such principle.

In case ASIC is activated, first clock counter 20 and second clock counter 27 all begin counting.First clock counter 20 is 8 binary counters and with the frequency counting of 32768 Hz.Second clock counter 27 has guaranteed that all memory locations (256) are read successively.

When one of 256 values equal the value of first clock counter 20 and A7 and are high level, set MMV1 (single one shot multivibrator that triggers) 50.Since D15 be used to store the indication communication unit whether operate as normal examine the position, the D0 that only considers data bus 17 is to D14.Described one shot multivibrator 50 prevents from accurately to export by repeatedly set during the coupling in the content of one of the value of first clock counter 20 and 256 memory locations (D0 is to D14 and A7).Therefore, the duration of set one shot multivibrator 50 must be longer than the clock period of first clock counter 20 slightly.A7 forbids being half memory location of keeping such as following (but not limiting to this) such additional data: identifier, strength of current, pulse length, pulse duty cycle, burst-length, burst duty cycle, activate (referring to Figure 10) such as length, antenna failure time and the clock correction factors.

Because described one shot multivibrator MMV2 51 is connected with data bus 18 with address bus 17, the setting time of the one shot multivibrator of can easily programming (single one shot multivibrator that triggers) MMV2 51.On particular address, will with pack into the internal register of described one shot multivibrator MMV2 51 of the corresponding data of content of the memory location of that particular address.In this example, the time was configured to 20 seconds.This means that described one shot multivibrator MMV2 51 was reset in 20 seconds after by initial set.

The output of described one shot multivibrator MMV2 51 is activation signal and is connected with pulse shaper 42.Can be with the described pulse shaper 42 of programming as the same way as that is used for described one shot multivibrator MMV2 51.

Described pulse shaper 42 produces pulse pattern and is connected with the grid of the first transistor T1 35.

VCCS (Voltage-controlled Current Source) 45, DAC (digital analog converter) 43, transistor seconds T2 36 and the 3rd transistor T 3 37 form programmable current source.Described transistor seconds T2 36 and the 3rd transistor T 3 37 are current mirrors.Strength of current is provided with by described VCCS.Described VCCS is by described DAC 43 set.Can be with the described DAC 43 that programmes as the same way as that is used for described one shot multivibrator MMV2 51 and described pulse shaper 42.

When enabling capacitor charge pump circuit 41 and rest-set flip-flop " FF " 46 by activation signal and be not set, described capacitor charge pump circuit 41 provides compliance voltage for described VCCS 45.

There are under the situation of activation signal the mode of pulse shaper 42 to determine, switch the first transistor 35 by the programming pulse pattern.

Output current flows through resistance " R " 48 and flows through skin by the Body contact part.

Voltage at the described resistance of the differential input end feed-in of operational amplifier " A " 47 48 two ends.

The output voltage of described operational amplifier 47 is introduced to sampling and keeps function " S/H " 49 and keep function " S/H " 49 to regulate by sampling.Described sampling keeps the whether information of operate as normal (whether electric current flows through) of function 49 storage indication communication unit between active period.As long as there is activation signal, described sampling keeps function 49 just to keep this information.In this activationary time, transmit value that described sampling keeps function 49 and it is stored in that constantly on the D15 of the memory location of first clock counter, 20 indications.Consequently, the stage is examined whether operate as normal of communication unit at specific activationary time point in the back.

The output voltage of described operational amplifier 47 also is introduced to Schmidt trigger.Described Schmidt trigger 44 as electric fuse, therefore, plays restrictor with rest-set flip-flop 46, with the heavy current output of avoiding not expecting.When described rest-set flip-flop 46 was set, the output terminal of negating of described rest-set flip-flop 46 was low.This forbids enabling described capacitor charge pump circuit 41.Obviously, when ASIC starts, the described rest-set flip-flop 46 of not set.

As can seeing from Figure 11, electrical communication system 13 according to the present invention comprises elementary cell 12 and at least one communication unit 14.Communication unit 14 has the form of PCB unit, and it comprises the supporting member that contains pulse producer 6, and pulse producer 6 comprises receiver 4 ' and processing unit 10.Processing unit 10 comprises storer 11.Pulse producer 6 is connected with Body contact part 5 with power supply 2.In addition, antenna 4 be integrated in the communication unit 14 and antenna 4 directly with receiver 4 ' be connected.As mentioned above, communication unit can be by doctor, pharmacists, patient, nurse's programming, or can be during manufacture, for example needs at the fixed time or time interval during administered agents selling, and comes (in advance) to programme by hard coded.Therefore, elementary cell sends to communication unit 14 with data-signal (a) (secondary signal).Except out of Memory, this signal (a) also comprises the relevant data that must generate at which time point series of pulses.Secondary signal (a) by antenna 4 receive and send to receiver 4 '.Receiver sends signal to processing unit 10 successively, so that it is stored in the storer 11.When needed, the activation signal that will be also referred to as first signal (b) here sends to pulse producer 6.When pulse producer 6 receives activation signal (b), from power supply 2, take out electric current and generate a series of pulses (c) (also can be called caution signal) by pulse producer 6.Series of pulses is sent to Body contact part 7, so that described series of pulses is sent to skin according to the wearer of communication unit of the present invention (paster) 14.

Therefore, patient, child, old man, dog, adult etc. will feel described series of pulses (c) on his/her skin, and will recognize what he should do, and this has been taken medicine etc.

In Figure 12, electrical communication system further comprises at least one biology sensor 16.It can be that a series of biology sensors of identical or different type are favourable that communication unit comprises.Especially, preferably measure two or more different parameters, with the value of an affirmation or a related parameter.The biology sensor that also can be millimicro chip etc. can be measured biology, chemistry or physical parameter, for example, the pH value of the dissolved oxygen DO in the process blood flow of skin, skin, protein level, glucose level, blood pressure, enzyme content, dermatopolyneuritis, skin conductivity etc.Biology sensor can constantly be measured biology, chemistry or physical parameter, maybe can measure them by the predetermined space that is stored in the storer.Predetermined space can be, for example generates 30 minutes or 1 hour after time of a series of pulses that indication must take medicine.It is favourable containing the parameter of representing drug effect.Therefore, processing unit sends to biology sensor so that activate it with enabling signal (d).Biology sensor is measured these parameters.Processing unit sends to storer with supplemental characteristic.Can wait the extraction of finishing supplemental characteristic by portable computer, elementary cell, the webserver by doctor, nurse, patient.

In a particular embodiment, being stored in parameter in the storer can be used for generating and cause a series of pulses (c) to send to the activation signal (b) that Body contact part 7 re-sends to skin (S).This examples of applications can be measured automobiles driver's the situation that wakes/fall asleep.Under the situation of falling asleep when the driver is driving, the driver will be warned and wake up to a series of pulses.

Figure 13 illustration communication unit comprise the embodiment of at least one recording-member 15.Recording-member 15 is equipped to by processing unit transmission affirmation data and with it and stores in the storer.Confirm whether time of data and effective generation series of pulses and series of pulses are sent to skin effectively or even to have generated which series of pulses relevant.Recording-member in fact be can detect that electric current flows through, the institute of current shape, signal frequency, pulse width, recurrence interval, pulse shape, time, the time interval etc. might parts.Be actually to be suitable for storing to be used to confirm whether the time, the series of pulses that generate series of pulses effectively, generate series of pulses are sent to skin effectively, or even generated the institute of any data of which series of pulses might parts.

Hereinafter provide other advantage of this communication unit.Communication unit is user-friendly, and initialization and use for the first time must be understandable for normal adult.Communication unit should be adequately protected.Especially, the preservation term of validity of the communication unit function of the best date of expiration of medicine preferably.In addition, communication unit also should be just removable if needed.When the user finishes the course of treatment, or what its required moment in office, paster must be easy to remove.Another characteristic of communication unit is, also should be durable in use in suds.Because some actual cause, suds should promptly can not damage this unit can not make this unit separate with skin yet.Further feature is, communication unit preferably can be used for the assistant who helps patient: if consider ambient conditions, this is desirable, and the assistant can help patient.For example, father and mother can apply ointment or plaster it on themselves health, so that correctly medicine is given their child, perhaps, the old man care-giver can replace their old patient to use it.

In addition, elementary cell can be by unique identifier several communication unit of programming.These unique identifiers can be stored the center system that is included in the data in several pasters and be used in the same hospital.For example, wear each patient and to comprise biology sensor or millimicro chip to measure and to send in the above-mentioned variant of paster of biological, chemistry or physical parameter value to processing unit, communication unit can be equipped to wireless mode, for example sends parameter in the RF mode or with bluetooth approach to center system or to elementary cell.The parameter of each communication unit can send to center system, does not have owing to their unique identifier and obscures risk.For example, if parameter is sent to the addressable central location of doctor, then the doctor can check patient's compliance, examines in time giving of medicine, or checks the benefit of particular treatment.

In addition, electrical communication system can comprise elementary cell, central communication unit and subordinate communication unit.Elementary cell for example is equipped to and enjoins the central communication unit of programming according to the doctor in the department of hospital.Central authorities' communication unit can be equipped to the nurse who wears it is generated several different series of pulses, and each patient is corresponding to a particular series pulse.Each subordinate communication unit preferably comprises biology sensor or millimicro chip, to measure and to send biology, chemistry or physical parameter to processing unit.Communication unit can be equipped to wireless mode and for example send them in the RF mode or with bluetooth approach to center system, so that check patient's compliance, examines in time giving of medicine, or checks the benefit of particular treatment.

Here at the preferred use under the drug therapy background the present invention is described.Certainly, the present invention also can be applied under many different backgrounds, for example, reminds appointment, just in time woke mother up before feeding the baby, avoids the driver sleeping etc.

Claims

1. one kind is equipped to and is placed on the application on human skin and with the electric unit of patch form, described unit comprises:

-supporting member (3), described supporting member (3) comprises:

-a series of Body contact parts (7); And

-power supply (2),

It is characterized in that described electric unit is communication unit and comprises:

-the pulse producer (6) that is connected with power supply (2) with a series of Body contact parts (7), described pulse producer (6) is in case be equipped to and receive first signal and just generate a series of pulses, and described series of pulses sent to described serial Body contact part (7), described serial Body contact part (7) is equipped to described series of pulses is sent on described people's the skin; Described pulse producer (6) further comprises the processing unit that has storer, and described processing unit is equipped to:

-generate and send described first signal to described pulse producer (6).

2. electric unit according to claim 1, wherein, described pulse producer (6) comprises the voltage source that is used to generate described series of pulses, and described series of pulses has the voltage of scope from 20Vdc to 150Vdc.

3. electric unit according to claim 1, wherein, described pulse producer (6) comprises the current source that generates described series of pulses, and described series of pulses has the intensity of scope from 1mAdc to 150mAdc.

4. electric unit according to claim 3, wherein, described pulse producer (6) comprises restrictor.

5. according to any one described electric unit of claim 1 to 4, wherein, described pulse has and is included in 1 μ s to the width between the 10ms, and the scope in the cycle between the pulse from 1 μ s to 10s.

6. according to the described electric unit of claim 5, wherein, described series of pulses further comprises a plurality of bursts, and each burst comprises a set of pulses, and described burst is period that does not have pulse of interval each other.

7. according to any one described electric unit of claim 1 to 4, further comprise hypoallergenic adhesion layer (9).

8. according to any one described electric unit of claim 1 to 4, further comprise the adhesion layer (9) of anti-suds.

9. according to any one described electric unit of claim 1 to 4, further comprise the film zone that absorbs medicine thereon, described communication unit further is equipped to is used as dermal patch.

10. according to any one described electric unit of claim 1 to 4, further comprise the biology sensor or the millimicro chip that are equipped to measurement biology, chemistry and/or physical data and described data are sent to storer.

11., further comprise the recording-member that is equipped to storage and sends the affirmation data to storer according to any one described electric unit of claim 1 to 4.

12. according to any one described electric unit of claim 1 to 4, wherein, described electric unit is used in the drug therapy.

13. will be according to any one described electric unit of claim 1 to 4, wherein, described electric unit is as wake-up device.

14. will be according to any one described electric unit of claim 1 to 4, wherein, described electric unit is as general alert device.

15. will be according to any one described electric unit of claim 1 to 4, wherein, described electric unit is used in LAN (Local Area Network) or the body area network.

16. will be according to any one described electric unit of claim 1 to 4, wherein, described electric unit is as medicine control and tracking equipment.

17. will be according to any one described electric unit of claim 1 to 4, wherein, described electric unit is as affirmation equipment.

18. one kind comprises according to any one the described electric unit of claim 1 to 11 and the electrical communication system of elementary cell, wherein, described communication unit comprises receiver, and wherein, described elementary cell is to need not to open the radio transmitters that the unit package that encapsulates described communication unit just can send to described secondary signal the receiver of described communication unit.