Method and system for coupling function unit and function unit

Abstract

Methods, systems, and functional units for coupling functional units. The invention relates to a method for coupling functional units which are designed to communicate wirelessly with one another. The method comprises the following steps: establishing a first wireless communication connection between a first primary functional unit and a second primary functional unit, the first primary functional unit being coupled to a secondary functional unit; transmitting coupling information from the first primary functional unit to the second primary functional unit via the first wireless communication connection, the coupling information comprising at least coupling data suitable for coupling with the secondary functional unit; and coupling the second primary functional unit with the secondary functional unit based on the coupling information for establishing a second wireless communication connection. The invention also relates to: a functional unit; a system comprising a medical device and / or a sensor; and a system comprising a personal protection device, a gas measurement device and / or a gas sensor, which are suitable for carrying out such a method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for coupling functional units, and more particularly to a method for changing the coupling state of functional units, wherein these functional units are designed to communicate wirelessly with each other. The invention also relates to: a functional unit; a system including medical devices and / or sensors; and a system including personal protective equipment, gas measuring devices, and / or gas sensors. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, two or more functional units—that is, devices that perform specific tasks in a corresponding application domain, such as sensors, actuators, or control units—are networked together to exchange data, wherein they are designed to communicate wirelessly with each other. Networking multiple functional units results in extended application domains, which are usually accompanied by corresponding, application-specific, improved solutions.

[0003] A common scenario in practice involves networking various functional units, such as networking one or more sensors with control units, monitoring units, data evaluation units, and / or display units. Here, the one or more sensors transmit detected measurements via a wireless communication interface, for example, to the data evaluation unit for further processing. An example of a networked system from the medical technology field is a thermostat and one or more sensors for measuring vital signs, where the sensors transmit measurements to the thermostat. Furthermore, in the safety technology field, specifically in the protection of personnel, buildings, and systems, gas measuring devices are networked with a control center to transmit gas measurements, or with functional units of personal protective equipment, such as a digital level indicator on a compressed air respirator being networked with a head-up display on a gas mask, where the head-up display displays the level measurement received from the digital level indicator. In both examples, typically, which functional units will communicate with each other is defined by coupling the corresponding functional units before data exchange.

[0004] The advantage of functional units in wireless communication lies in their flexible deployment possibilities, as their deployment locations within radio range are largely free to choose and not restricted by cables. Here, it is typically necessary to specify which functional units will communicate with each other and exchange data. In practice, this is achieved through the coupling of two or more functional units, also known as pairing. When functional units designed to communicate wirelessly with each other are coupled, coupling information is exchanged between these functional units, enabling further data exchange. This coupling information is stored in at least one of these functional units, allowing the corresponding functional unit to identify other functional units set up or intended for communication, and to exchange data with one or more other coupled functional units. In other words, this coupling is used to define communication partners for data exchange.

[0005] Appropriately, only those functional units relevant to the application should be coupled to each other. This is especially important because multiple functional units are often within the transmitting and / or receiving range, and not all of these units are related. Therefore, proper coupling of functional units is a crucial task in the aforementioned application scenarios in the fields of medical technology and security technology.

[0006] This coupling of functional units can be performed manually, whereby the user couples two functional units configured for communication by selecting the appropriate functional unit. This is time-consuming and requires technical knowledge that is often not necessary for the normal use of the functional unit and must typically be acquired additionally by the user of the respective functional unit. Furthermore, errors can occur when manually initiating coupling, resulting in incorrect or unintentional coupling between unrelated functional units. Worse still, especially when multiple functional units exist within radio range, the user must know or recognize the functional units to be coupled. In this case, these functional units must typically have visible and distinguishable identifiers or screens to differentiate them. However, not every functional unit has a screen, and attaching individual identifiers to multiple functional units is very time-consuming and prone to errors.

[0007] A common approach to functional unit coupling in practice is to keep the corresponding functional units to be coupled together, and then couple these functional units to each other. The problem with this is that the functional units to be coupled are not always positionally flexible enough to keep them together. It may also occur that, due to site conditions, it is only possible to keep the functional units to be coupled and configured for application-related data exchange together with considerable effort; or, due to the application scenario, it is not desirable to keep the functional units to be coupled and configured for application-related data exchange together. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Based on known solutions from the prior art and the aforementioned problems, the objective of this invention is to provide an improved method for coupling functional units, wherein these functional units are designed to wirelessly communicate with each other. In particular, it is intended to enable the replacement of an already coupled functional unit with another functional unit in a simple and reliable manner. It is also intended to enable the inclusion of another functional unit in a network of multiple already coupled functional units, allowing that other functional unit to exchange data with the already coupled functional units. Furthermore, it is intended to describe a system and functional units suitable for performing this method.

[0009] The above-mentioned objectives are achieved by the following subjects: a method having the features of claim 1; a system having the features of claim 13 including a medical device and / or a sensor for detecting vital signs parameters; a system having the features of claim 14 including personal protective equipment, a gas measuring device and / or a gas sensor; and a functional unit having the features of claim 15. Further details of the invention are derived from the dependent claims, the specification, and the drawings. Herein, the features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention also apply in connection with the system according to the invention and the functional unit according to the invention, such that the disclosure of various aspects of the invention is always mutually referenced, or more precisely, can always be mutually referenced.

[0010] The method according to the present invention for coupling functional units designed to wirelessly communicate with each other comprises the following steps: - A first wireless communication connection is established between the first main functional unit and the second main functional unit, wherein the first main functional unit is coupled to the sub-functional unit; - Through the first wireless communication connection, coupling information is transmitted from the first main functional unit to the second main functional unit, wherein the coupling information includes at least coupling data suitable for coupling with the sub-functional unit; - Based on this coupling information, the second main functional unit is coupled with the sub-functional unit to establish a second wireless communication connection.

[0011] The coupling of functional units designed to communicate wirelessly with each other, also known as pairing, should be understood as a communication-related networking of these functional units. For functional units coupled to each other, at least one of these functional units knows information used to identify the other functional unit, thereby enabling direct communication between one functional unit and the other functional unit.

[0012] In the context of this invention, a functional unit is understood as an apparatus that performs a specific task in a corresponding application field, such as in medical or safety technology. Particularly in the fields of medical and safety technology, the task of the functional unit is to assist or protect personnel. Here, the functional unit is preferably adapted to detect and / or affect parameters in the environment in which it operates. Furthermore, these functional units are designed to, in addition to performing tasks in the corresponding application field, conduct wireless communication and, for example, exchange data with other functional units. Functional units from the field of medical technology, particularly ventilators, anesthesia machines, incubators, or sensors for measuring vital signs, are typically used for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. On the other hand, functional units from the field of safety technology, particularly gas measuring devices, gas sensors, or components of personal protective equipment, are designed to protect one or more personnel, particularly from hazardous concentrations of gases or gas mixtures.

[0013] The functional unit preferably includes: at least one control unit, such as a microprocessor, for processing data; and at least one data memory. The functional unit also includes at least one communication unit for wireless communication.

[0014] According to the present invention, functional units can be divided into two groups: a main functional unit group and a sub-functional unit group, wherein these main functional units and these sub-functional units are designed to be coupled to each other. In the sense of the present invention, coupling is only provided between one or more main functional units and one or more sub-functional units. Coupling between multiple main functional units or between multiple sub-functional units is conceivable, but is not relevant according to the present invention. Here, the main functional units are designed to wirelessly communicate not only with each other and especially without prior coupling, but also with the sub-functional units. Furthermore, the sub-functional units are designed to wirelessly communicate not only with each other and especially without prior coupling, but also with the main functional units. An important aspect of the present invention is that coupling information is transmitted from a first main functional unit to a second main functional unit; and then, based on this coupling information, the second main functional unit is coupled to the sub-functional units.

[0015] The objective of the method according to the present invention is to couple a second main functional unit with a sub-functional unit, wherein the sub-functional unit is already coupled with a first main functional unit. It is conceivable that the coupling between the first main functional unit and the sub-functional unit was established at a previous point in time using the method according to the present invention or using methods known from the prior art.

[0016] In the first step of this method, a first communication connection is established between a first main functional unit and a second main functional unit coupled to the sub-functional unit. Preferably, the first communication connection is established when the first main functional unit and the second main functional unit are not coupled. For example, the establishment of the first communication connection is initiated by placing the first main functional unit and the second main functional unit within a common radio range. It is also conceivable that the establishment of the first communication connection only involves: identifying the second main functional unit through the first main functional unit; or identifying the first main functional unit through the second main functional unit.

[0017] The first communication connection established in the first step is used to enable data exchange between main functional units that are preferably not coupled to each other or cannot be coupled. Here, the first and second main functional units are at least temporarily within a common radio range. Preferably, the first communication connection is established once the first and second main functional units are within the common radio range, wherein, preferably, the second main functional unit transmits a signal at periodic time intervals, which can be received by the first main functional unit once the first and second main functional units are within the common radio range. It is also contemplated that the first and / or second main functional units are additionally pre-configured to establish a first communication connection with a corresponding other main functional unit.

[0018] In the next method step, the coupling information is transmitted from the first main functional unit to the second main functional unit via the first communication connection. Alternatively, the second main functional unit may read this coupling information from the first main functional unit via the first communication connection. In any case, after this method step, the coupling information will remain in the second main functional unit for further processing.

[0019] The coupling information includes coupling data for the sub-functional unit. Preferably, the coupling data includes a unique identifier for the sub-functional unit. Particularly preferably, the coupling data includes a MAC address (Media Access Control Address), which allows the sub-functional unit to be identified within radio range. The MAC address is in particular a 48-bit data value and / or an address specified for the communication method of the second communication connection, such as a Bluetooth MAC address.

[0020] Depending on the application, after transmitting coupled information, the coupling between the first main functional unit and the sub-functional unit may be maintained or canceled. For example, this can be specified to the first main functional unit and / or the second main functional unit as a configuration parameter. It is also conceivable to specify to the sub-functional unit whether to maintain or cancel the coupling between the first main functional unit and the sub-functional unit. Here, the sub-functional unit may be designed, for example, to be coupled with multiple main functional units or only with one main functional unit. In the first case, the sub-functional unit maintains its coupling with the first main functional unit during the process; while in the second case, for example, after the sub-functional unit is coupled with the second main functional unit, the sub-functional unit cancels its coupling with the first main functional unit. Therefore, the sub-functional unit can advantageously be coupled with multiple main functional units for data exchange. In cases where the first main functional unit is, for example, replaced by the second main functional unit, canceling the coupling between the first main functional unit and the sub-functional unit is advantageous.

[0021] In the next step of the method, the second main functional unit and the sub-functional unit are coupled to each other based on the coupling data. Here, the second main functional unit preferably sends a coupling request to the sub-functional unit, and then the sub-functional unit sends a coupling confirmation to the second main functional unit.

[0022] Then, a second communication connection is established between the mutually coupled second main functional unit and sub-functional unit, and data exchange is performed via this second communication connection. Preferably, this is bidirectional data exchange and / or bidirectional communication connection. More preferably, the transmitted data is generated by the second main functional unit and / or sub-functional unit, and this data is in particular measurement data, control signals, and / or data including the status of the corresponding functional units.

[0023] Compared to known methods, the particular advantage of the method according to the present invention for coupling functional units designed to communicate wirelessly with each other is that the communication partner, i.e., one of the coupled functional units, can be replaced or replaced in a simple and reliable manner. In particular, there is no need to select the communication partner to be coupled, for example by means of a selection menu on a display, because the coupling data is transferred to the new communication partner, in this case, to the second main functional unit.

[0024] Another advantage of the method according to the invention is that the sub-functional unit, i.e., the functional unit to be coupled with the second functional unit, does not need to have a visible identifier. Furthermore, the sub-functional unit may initially be inaccessible because the transmission of coupling information from the first main functional unit to the second main functional unit is independent of the state and / or radio range of the sub-functional unit. Therefore, in this case, the second main functional unit and the sub-functional unit can even be spatially separated from each other, or do not need to be in the same location. They only need to be within a common radio range when the second main functional unit is coupled with the sub-functional unit.

[0025] In a preferred extension of this method, the first wireless communication connection is based on the first communication method, and the second wireless communication connection is based on the second communication method. Here, the maximum radio transmission distance of the second communication method is greater than that of the first wireless communication method. Preferably, the maximum transmission distance of the second communication method is a multiple of the maximum transmission distance of the first communication method.

[0026] Advantageously, the communication methods of the first and second communication connections differ, wherein the first communication method is primarily used for transmitting coupling information, and the second communication method is used for coupling and / or transmitting application data. Here, application data refers to data related to a specific application of the functional unit, such as sensor measurements, status information, control information for electrical stimulation, or similar data.

[0027] Another particular advantage of this extended scheme of the method is that the data transmission range of the coupled functional units covers a large radio range, and these coupled functional units can be correspondingly far apart. Another advantage is that data transmission based on the second communication method via the second communication connection is not interfered with by the communication connection based on the first communication method, or is at least only slightly interfered with by the communication connection based on the first communication method.

[0028] Preferably, the first communication method is based on the Near Field Communication (NFC) standard. More preferably, the second communication method is based on the Bluetooth standard. NFC and Bluetooth are two international transmission standards. NFC is characterized by: short radio transmission distance (up to 10 cm); low data transfer rate (up to 424 kBit / s); and low power consumption. Bluetooth is characterized by: a radio transmission distance of up to 100 m; a data transfer rate of up to 25 Mbit / s; and power consumption three to six times that of NFC.

[0029] Advantageously, the two transmission standards of the first and second communication methods are applied as needed, with NFC used for energy-efficient transmission of small amounts of data, especially coupling information, and Bluetooth used for transmission of relatively large amounts of application data over a wider radio range.

[0030] According to a preferred extension of this method, coupling information is transmitted from the first main functional unit to the second main functional unit once the first and second main functional units are in the near field. Here, these functional units are in the near field when they are spatially close to each other, particularly when the distance between them corresponds at most to the maximum radio transmission distance of the first communication method of the first communication connection. Here, the first communication method preferably has a small maximum radio transmission distance, for example, 10 cm.

[0031] The main functional unit is designed to: preferably by means of the NFC standard, identify the main functional unit in the near field; and perform the transmission of coupled information. This is a particularly convenient and reliable solution for users, for example, to bring the first main functional unit spatially close to the second main functional unit.

[0032] In a preferred extension of this method, data to be transmitted via a second wireless communication connection is generated by a second main functional unit and / or a sub-functional unit. For example, the generated data may be sensor measurements, status information, control information for electrical stimulation, or similar application-related data.

[0033] According to a preferred extension of this method, the coupling information includes configuration data, particularly the configuration data of the first main functional unit. Configuration data refers, for example, to the settings or parameters of the functional unit, such as sensor measurement intervals or alarm thresholds.

[0034] Therefore, the second main functional unit, which receives the coupling information containing this configuration data, can also advantageously employ and apply this configuration data. Thus, it is particularly convenient to replace the first main functional unit with the second main functional unit. For example, the first and second main functional units are sensors with a set measurement range as a parameter. According to this extension of the method, information regarding the set measurement range of the first main functional unit, along with the coupling data, is transmitted as coupling information to the second main functional unit, and the second main functional unit applies this measurement range to other measurements.

[0035] In a preferred extension of this method, the sub-functional unit sends at least one identification message, which is received by the second main functional unit and preferably includes a MAC address. The second main functional unit is configured to check whether coupling is provided based on the identification message and the coupling data, for example, by comparing the MAC address of the identification message with the MAC address of the coupling information. If coupling is provided and the MAC addresses are, for example, the same, coupling is performed between the second main functional unit and the sub-functional unit.

[0036] In another preferred extension of the method, the second main functional unit sends at least one coupling request, which is received by the sub-functional unit. This coupling request includes at least a portion of coupling information, particularly coupling data. The sub-functional unit is configured to check whether coupling is offered based on the received coupling information and, preferably, a MAC address stored in the sub-functional unit's data memory. This is done, for example, by comparing the sub-functional unit's MAC address with the coupling information, particularly the coupling data in the form of a MAC address. If coupling is offered and the MAC addresses are, for example, identical, coupling occurs between the second main functional unit and the sub-functional unit.

[0037] According to a preferred extension of this method, the coupling information includes a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID), wherein the UUID is suitable for identifying wireless communication connections, and a unique UUID is assigned to the wireless communication connections of multiple functional units. The UUID is preferably a 128-bit data value, thereby realizing a unique identifier for the communication connection.

[0038] In this embodiment, a UUID is assigned to the communication connection between the first main functional unit and the sub-functional unit, which are initially coupled to each other. Here, for example, the first main functional unit or the sub-functional unit is configured to generate the UUID and transmit it to the corresponding communication partner, that is, to the sub-functional unit or the first main functional unit.

[0039] When transmitting coupling information from the first main functional unit to the second main functional unit, for example, since the first and second main functional units are placed in a common near field, the coupling data includes the UUID, which is selected from or appended to, for example, a MAC address. The second main functional unit is configured to establish communication with the sub-functional unit based on the UUID. Preferably, the UUID is reserved for communication connections between the second main functional unit and the sub-functional unit.

[0040] Based on the above description, in this embodiment, it is also conceivable that the communication connection between the first main functional unit and the sub-functional unit may be maintained or canceled depending on the application. Preferably, when the first main functional unit is replaced by the second main functional unit due to the application, the communication connection between the first main functional unit and the sub-functional unit is canceled.

[0041] Advantageously, UUIDs are associated with communication connections rather than with specific functional units, making the approach more flexible.

[0042] In a preferred extension of this method, prior to establishing the second wireless communication connection, the coupling between the second main functional unit and the sub-functional unit is confirmed via input messages on the second main functional unit and / or via input messages on the sub-functional unit. Here, it is conceivable that input messages are generated on the corresponding functional unit, for example, by user manipulation or button pressing; or that input messages are received via an interface for wireless or wired communication.

[0043] Advantageously, this extended scheme of the method is also more reliable and more flexible because: the user can determine the time point for establishing the second communication connection; and / or the user can check the sub-functional unit and / or the second main functional unit before establishing the second communication connection.

[0044] According to a preferred extension of this method, at least the second main functional unit and the sub-functional unit each include an output unit. Furthermore, at least the second main functional unit and the sub-functional unit are configured such that, once coupled to each other, they output the same signal via their respective output units. Here, the output units are preferably designed to output optical, acoustic, and / or tactile signals. Preferably, the respective output units include multi-color LEDs, and the second main functional unit and the sub-functional unit output optical signals of the same color once coupled to each other. It is also conceivable that the second main functional unit and the sub-functional unit output optical signals with the same blinking pattern once coupled to each other; or that the second main functional unit and the sub-functional unit output the same tactile and / or acoustic signals once coupled to each other. In any case, the signals output by the second main functional unit and the sub-functional unit are identical and can be distinguished from other output signals of other functional units not coupled to the second main functional unit or the sub-functional unit, and especially other functional units coupled to each other.

[0045] Preferably, once the coupling is removed, the corresponding signal is no longer output. Advantageously, by outputting the same signal, the user can directly identify which functional units are coupled to each other.

[0046] In the following, the present invention relates to a system comprising a medical device and / or a sensor for detecting vital signs parameters, wherein the medical device and / or the sensor is configured to perform one of the above-described extensions of the method according to the invention.

[0047] In the context of this invention, medical devices and sensors used to detect vital signs parameters should be understood as functional units. Which of these functional units is the first or second primary functional unit or a secondary functional unit depends on the application.

[0048] In one application scenario, a medical device, such as a thermostat, is present, along with a first sensor and a second sensor, which are designed, for example, as pulse sensors. Here, the first sensor is already coupled to the medical device and is to be replaced by the second sensor. In this application scenario, the medical device is a secondary functional unit, the first sensor is a first primary functional unit, and the second sensor is a second primary functional unit. Here, for example, because the first and second sensors are placed in a common near field, coupling information is transmitted from the first sensor to the second sensor. Then, based on the coupling information, the medical device and the second sensor are coupled to each other as described above.

[0049] Another conceivable application scenario involves a first medical device and a second medical device, such as two thermostats, and a sensor, such as a pulse sensor. Here, the sensor is coupled to the first medical device, and the first medical device is to be replaced by the second medical device. In this application scenario, the sensor is a sub-functional unit, the first medical device is a first main functional unit, and the second medical device is a second main functional unit. Here, for example, because the first and second medical devices are placed in a common near field, coupling information is transmitted from the first medical device to the second medical device. Then, based on the coupling information, the sensor and the second medical device are coupled to each other as described above.

[0050] The present invention also relates to a system comprising personal protective equipment, a gas measuring device and / or a gas sensor, wherein the personal protective equipment, the gas measuring device and / or the gas sensor are configured to perform the method according to the present invention or one of the above-described extensions of the method.

[0051] In the context of this invention, the personal protective equipment, the gas measuring device, and the gas sensor should be understood as functional units. Which of these functional units is the first or second primary functional unit or a secondary functional unit depends on the application.

[0052] For example, the personal protective equipment includes a first protective helmet with a display and a respiratory protection device with an oxygen reserve measurement, wherein the current value of the oxygen reserve is transmitted to the display via a wireless communication connection. For example, the first protective helmet may be replaced with a second protective helmet. In this case, the respiratory protection device is a secondary functional unit, the first protective helmet is a first primary functional unit, and the second protective helmet is a second primary functional unit.

[0053] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a functional unit comprising a communication module and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to perform the following steps: - Establish a first wireless communication connection with the first main functional unit, wherein the first main functional unit is coupled with the sub-functional unit; - Receive coupling information of the first main functional unit via the first wireless communication connection, wherein the coupling information includes at least coupling data suitable for coupling with the sub-functional unit; - Based on coupling information, it is coupled with the sub-functional unit to establish a second wireless communication connection with the sub-functional unit.

[0054] The control unit preferably includes: a microprocessor for processing data; and at least one data memory. The communication module is configured to wirelessly transmit data to another communication module via an interface. It is conceivable that the communication module is included within the microprocessor or another data processing unit. Preferably, the communication module is designed to transmit data via Bluetooth or NFC. Particularly preferably, the communication module is designed to transmit data via both Bluetooth and NFC. Furthermore, other wireless transmission standards are conceivable.

[0055] In the context of this invention, the functional unit, first main functional unit, and sub-functional unit should be understood as apparatuses that perform specific tasks in their respective application areas. Here, the functional unit is designed as a second main functional unit. Particularly in the fields of medical and safety technologies, the task of the functional unit, first main functional unit, or sub-functional unit is to assist or protect personnel. Here, they are preferably adapted to detect and / or influence parameters in the environment affecting the functional unit. Furthermore, they are designed to perform wireless communication and exchange data in addition to performing tasks in their respective application areas. The functional unit, first main functional unit, or sub-functional unit is, for example, a ventilator, anesthesia machine, incubator, or a sensor, gas measuring device, gas sensor, or component of personal protective equipment used to measure vital signs parameters.

[0056] The purpose of this invention is to couple functional units and sub-functional units in a reliable and convenient manner, wherein the sub-functional units are already coupled to a first main functional unit.

[0057] An important aspect of the present invention is that a functional unit, which here acts as a second main functional unit, receives coupling information from a first main functional unit, and then, based on the coupling information, couples the functional unit with a sub-functional unit.

[0058] The control unit of this functional unit is configured to establish a first communication connection between a first main functional unit coupled to the sub-functional unit and the functional unit. Preferably, the first communication connection is established once the first main functional unit and the functional unit are within a common radio range.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to receive coupling information from the first main functional unit via a communication module and a first communication connection. It is also conceivable that the control unit is configured to read this coupling information from the first main functional unit via the first communication connection.

[0060] The coupling information includes coupling data for the sub-functional unit. Preferably, the coupling data includes a unique identifier for the sub-functional unit. Particularly preferably, the coupling data includes a MAC address (Media Access Control Address), which allows the sub-functional unit to be identified within radio range.

[0061] The control unit is also configured to couple with the sub-functional unit and establish a second communication connection based on coupling data. Preferably, the control unit is configured to send a coupling request to the sub-functional unit via a communication module.

[0062] The second communication connection is preferably designed for bidirectional data exchange between the functional unit and the sub-functional unit. More preferably, the transmitted data, particularly measurement data, control signals, and / or status data, is generated by the functional unit and / or the sub-functional unit.

[0063] Advantageously, the first main functional unit can be replaced with this functional unit in a simple and reliable manner. In particular, there is no need to select the communication partner to be coupled, for example by means of a selection menu on the display, because the coupling data is transferred to the new communication partner, in this case, to this functional unit. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Other features, objectives, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention are described without limiting the general concept of the invention.

[0065] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first main functional unit, the second main functional unit, and the sub-functional units is shown. Figure 2 A timing diagram of an embodiment of the method according to the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a system including a medical device, a first sensor, and a second sensor is shown; and Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the functional unit is shown.

[0066] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the same components in the various drawings are respectively equipped with the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0067] exist Figure 1 The present invention is described in a preferred embodiment having a first main functional unit 1, a second main functional unit 2, and a sub-functional unit 3, which may be: medical equipment, especially a ventilator, anesthesia machine, or incubator; a sensor for measuring vital signs parameters; a gas measuring device; a gas sensor; or a component of personal protective equipment.

[0068] The first main functional unit 1, the second main functional unit 2, and the sub-functional unit 3 each include: a control unit in the form of a microcontroller; and at least one communication module, wherein the at least one communication module is designed to wirelessly transmit data via Bluetooth and / or NFC.

[0069] The first main functional unit 1 and the secondary functional unit 3 are coupled to each other. First, the first main functional unit 1 is placed in the near field of the second main functional unit 2 by the user, such that the distance between them is less than 10 cm. Then, a first communication connection 5, in the form of an NFC connection, is established between the first main functional unit 1 and the second main functional unit 2, and the second main functional unit 2 reads coupling information 4 from the first main functional unit 1. The coupling information 4 includes coupling data in the form of the Bluetooth MAC address of the secondary functional unit 3. Then, the second main functional unit 2 receives an identification message containing the Bluetooth MAC address from the secondary functional unit 3 and sends a coupling request to the secondary functional unit 3. Then, the secondary functional unit 3 sends an acknowledgment of the coupling request to the second main functional unit 2, after which the secondary functional unit 3 and the second main functional unit 2 are coupled to each other. Then, the second main functional unit 2 and the secondary functional unit 3 exchange data with each other via Bluetooth.

[0070] exist Figure 2 The diagram illustrates another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention. This timing diagram depicts preferred communication between the first and second main functional units 1 and 2, and between the second main functional unit 2 and the sub-functional unit. First, a first communication connection 5 is established between the first and second main functional units 1 and 2, wherein the first and second main functional units 1 and 2 are pre-positioned in a near field such that the distance between them is less than 10 cm. The first communication connection 5 is an NFC connection, through which the first main functional unit 1 sends coupling information 4 to the second main functional unit. Here, the coupling information 4 includes the Bluetooth MAC address of the sub-functional unit 3.

[0071] The sub-functional unit 3 sends an identification message at periodic time intervals. This identification message includes the Bluetooth MAC address of the sub-functional unit 3. The second main functional unit 2 receives this identification message and compares the Bluetooth MAC address contained therein with the Bluetooth MAC address previously included in the coupling information 4. If the two Bluetooth MAC addresses match, the second main functional unit sends a coupling request to the sub-functional unit 3. Then, the sub-functional unit 3 sends an acknowledgment of the coupling request to the second main functional unit, and the sub-functional unit 3 and the second main functional unit 2 couple with each other. Data exchange then takes place between the sub-functional unit 3 and the second main functional unit 2 via Bluetooth.

[0072] The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These descriptions and presentations are purely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims, but are merely illustrative of the claims. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced and modified in various ways, and that various features of the embodiments can be freely combined with each other if technically reasonable, without departing from the scope of the patent claims.

[0073] exist Figure 3 The diagram shows a schematic of a system comprising a medical device (7) in the form of a thermostat, a first sensor (8a), and a second sensor (8b). The first sensor (8a) and the second sensor (8b) are pulse sensors designed to measure a patient's pulse. The first sensor (8a) is already coupled to the medical device (7) and is to be replaced by the second sensor (8b). First, the first sensor (8a) is placed in the near field of the second sensor (8b), enabling the first sensor (8a) to recognize the second sensor (8b). Then, the first sensor (8a) and the second sensor (8b) establish a first communication connection (5) in the form of an NFC connection, and transmit coupling information (4) to the second sensor (8b) via the second communication connection (5). The coupling information (4) includes coupling data that enables coupling with the medical device (7). Then, the coupling between the first sensor (8a) and the medical device (7) is decoupled. The second sensor (8b) compares the coupled data (5) with those devices that send information messages via Bluetooth, especially medical devices (7), using the information messages to identify these devices; and couples with the medical device (7). Then, the second sensor (8b) and the medical device (7) are coupled to each other and exchange data via the second communication connection (6).

[0074] Figure 4A preferred embodiment of a functional unit (9) is shown, the functional unit having a communication module (10) and a control unit (11), wherein the communication module (10) and the control unit (11) are connected to each other for data exchange. Here, the communication module is designed to establish a first wireless communication connection (5) and / or a second wireless communication connection (6) with another functional unit. In this embodiment, the communication module (10) is configured to establish a first communication connection (5) in the form of NFC communication and a second communication connection in the form of Bluetooth communication. The control unit (11) is designed as a microcontroller, FPGA, or similar data processing unit. It is conceivable that the control unit (11) includes the communication module (10). It is also conceivable that the communication module (10) includes first and second communication modules, wherein the first communication module is configured to establish NFC communication and the second communication module is configured to establish Bluetooth communication.

[0075] According to the application, Figure 4 The functional unit (9) is designed as a first main functional unit (1), a second main functional unit (2) or a sub-functional unit (3), and is configured to: perform at least a part of a method of one of the above design forms.

[0076] List of reference numerals 1 First Main Functional Unit 2 Second Main Functional Unit 3 Sub-functional units 4. Coupling Information 5 First wireless communication connection 6 Second wireless communication connection 7. Medical equipment 8a First Sensor 8b Second Sensor 9 Functional Units 10. Communication Module 11. Control Unit.

Claims

1. A method for coupling functional units, which are designed to communicate wirelessly with one another, having the following steps: - establishing a first wireless communication connection (5) between the first main functional unit (1) and the second main functional unit (2), wherein - a first master functional unit (1) is coupled with a secondary functional unit (3); - coupling information (4) is transmitted from the first master functional unit (1) to a second master functional unit (2) via the first wireless communication connection (5), wherein the coupling information (4) comprises at least coupling data suitable for coupling with the secondary functional unit (3); - the second master functional unit is coupled with the secondary functional unit (3) on the basis of the coupling information (4) for establishing a second wireless communication connection (6).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first wireless communication connection (5) is based on a first communication method and the second wireless communication connection (6) is based on a second communication method, wherein the second communication method has a greater maximum radio transmission distance than the first communication method.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first communication method is based on a near field communication (NFC) standard.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The second communication method is based on a Bluetooth standard.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The coupling information (4) is transmitted from the first master functional unit (1) to the second master functional unit (2) as soon as the first master functional unit (1) and the second master functional unit (2) are in a near field.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Data transmitted via the second wireless communication connection (6) are generated by the second master functional unit (2) and / or by the secondary functional unit (3).

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The coupling information (4) comprises coupling data.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The secondary functional unit (3) sends at least one identification message, which is received by the second master functional unit (2).

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second master functional unit (2) sends at least one coupling request, which is received by the secondary functional unit (3), wherein the coupling request comprises at least a part of the coupling information (4).

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The coupling information comprises a universally unique identifier (UUID), wherein the UUID is suitable for identifying a wireless communication connection (5, 6).

11. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The coupling of the second master functional unit (2) with the secondary functional unit (3) is confirmed by an input message on the second master functional unit and / or by an input message on the secondary functional unit (3) before the second wireless communication connection (6) is established.

12. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least the second master functional unit (2) and the secondary functional unit (3) each have a signal output element and output the same signal as soon as the second master functional unit and the secondary functional unit are coupled with one another.

13. A system comprising a medical device (7) and / or a sensor (8) for detecting a vital sign parameter, wherein The medical device (7) and / or the sensor (8) are designed to carry out the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A system comprising personal protective equipment, a gas measuring device, and / or a gas sensor, wherein, The personal protective equipment, the gas measuring device and / or the gas sensor are designed to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A functional unit (9) comprising a communication module (10) and a control unit (11), wherein The control unit (11) is designed to carry out the following steps: - a first wireless communication connection (5) is established with a first master functional unit (1), wherein the first master functional unit (1) is coupled with a secondary functional unit (3); - coupling information (4) is transmitted from the first master functional unit (1) to a second master functional unit (2) via the first wireless communication connection (5), wherein the coupling information (4) comprises at least coupling data suitable for coupling with the secondary functional unit (3); - receiving, via the first wireless communication connection (5), coupling information (4) of the first master functional unit (1), wherein the coupling information (4) comprises at least coupling data suitable for coupling with the slave functional unit (3); - coupling, based on the coupling information (4), with the slave functional unit (3) for establishing a second wireless communication connection (6) with the slave functional unit (3).

Images