Energy-optimised data transmission for a medical appliance

• US 7,782,192 B2
• Filed: 10/25/2007
• Issued: 08/24/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/26/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care Inc. (Roche Holding AG)
• Original Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG (Roche Holding AG)
• Inventors: Shoemaker, Michael, Meyer Olden, Gunnar, La Bastide, Sebastiaan, Fankhauser, Sybille, Bernini, Nicole, Essenpreis, Matthias, Jeckelmann, Joel
• Primary Examiner(s): HOFSASS, JEFFERY A
• Application Number:
  US11/924,236
• Publication Number:
  US 20080129486A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,034 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539.12, 607/1
• US Class Current: 340/539.12
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0209 adapted for power saving
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3507 with implanted devices, e.g. external control
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3569 sublocal, e.g. between console and disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3592 using telemetric means, e.g. radio or optical transmission
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8212 with means or measures taken for minimising energy consumption
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14248 of the skin patch type
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/17 delivered via infusion or injection
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/20 for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems

Abstract

A medical appliance for use on and/or in the body of a user including a transmission unit and an activation switch connected to the transmission unit for activating the transmission unit when an activation signal is received by the activation switch. The invention encompasses systems and processes for transmitting data between a medical appliance and an external appliance, wherein, in some embodiments, the external appliance activates the medical appliance prior to data transmission when the latter is in an idle state.

Claims

1. A medical system comprising:

a) a medical device for use on or in a user'"'"'s body, comprising a transmitter/receiver unit and an activation switch connected to the transmitter/receiver unit wherein the switch can activate the transmitter/receiver unit when an activation signal is received from the activation switch; and

b) a remote control comprising a data input unit, an activation unit for activating the activation switch of the medical device and a transmitter/receiver unit able to exchange data with the transmitter/receiver unit of the medical device;

c) wherein the medical device is configured such that the medical device is in an idle energy state when the transmitter/receiver units are not in communication.

2. The medical system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medical device comprises at least one of a sensor, a glucose sensor, an infusion system, a pump, an insulin pump or an injection pen.

3. The medical system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the remote control comprises a glucose measuring device.

4. The medical system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activation switch comprises at least one of an induction coil, a magnetic switch, a reed contact, a microphone, a light-sensitive switch, a photo-diode or a mechanical switch.

5. The medical system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activation unit comprises at least one of an induction coil and a permanent magnet.

6. The medical system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the remote control comprises a data output unit.

7. The medical system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the remote control comprises an interface for communicating with at least one of an electronic device, a PC, a mobile telephone or PDA.

8. A method of using a medical system comprising the steps of:

providing a medical device comprising a communication unit and an activation element connected to the communication unit wherein the activation element activates the communication unit and wherein the medical device is in an idle energy state;

providing a remote control comprising a data input unit, an activation unit for activating the activation element of the medical appliance and a communication unit able to communicate with the communication unit of the medical appliance;

placing the medical device and remote control in proximity sufficient for the communication units to initiate communicate with each other; and

activating, by the remote control, the medical device from the idle energy state prior to communication between the communication units.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein after the communication is initiated, the activation element remains activated for a predefined period which substantially corresponds to an amount of time necessary to transmit a predefined amount of data.

10. A medical system comprising:

a) a medical device configured to be carried on a user'"'"'s skin, comprising a transmitter/receiver unit and an activation switch connected to the transmitter/receiver unit wherein the switch can activate the transmitter/receiver unit when an activation signal is received from the activation switch;

b) a remote control comprising a data input unit, a display unit, and an activation unit for activating the activation switch of the medical device and a transmitter/receiver unit able to exchange data with the transmitter/receiver unit of the medical device;

c) wherein the data input unit is configured for entering control signals which are transmittable to the medical device for controlling an operating mode of the medical device;

d) wherein the display unit is configured for displaying information relating to operation of the medical device; and

e) wherein the medical device is configured such that the medical device is in an idle energy state when the transmitter/receiver units are not in communication.

11. The medical system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the medical device is an infusion pump and the remote control is a blood sugar measuring device.