SKIN PAD, ASSISTANCE SYSTEM, SET

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system comprising a skin pad and an assistance system according to claim 1.

[0002] In practice, plasters are known that can be applied to the skin of a wearer in a removable manner.

[0003] US2007 / 027388, US2015 / 351690 and US2016 / 310663 reveal skin pads with assistance systems.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to propose a system comprising a skin overlay and an assistance system.

[0005] The problem according to the invention is solved by a system having the features of claim 1.

[0006] The present invention relates to a skin pad with a planar backing material. The skin pad and / or the backing material according to the invention comprise a side facing the skin of a wearer and a side facing away from the skin. The backing material is provided, at least partially on its skin-facing side, with an adhesive layer by which the skin pad can be fixed to the skin of the wearer.

[0007] The skin covering according to the invention has at least one first pocket section which is accessible from the side facing away from the skin, i.e. can be opened, loaded or filled, closed, etc. from this side.

[0008] The pocket section can be opened, closed, or sealed, particularly repeatedly. It serves to hold a component or contains one within it.

[0009] The assistance system comprises at least one processor and one memory, wherein the processor is suitable and / or configured to execute instructions stored in memory. The assistance system also includes a power supply unit and a communication unit.

[0010] In all the following explanations, the use of the expression "may be" or "may have" etc. is to be understood as synonymous with "is preferably" or "has preferably" etc. and is intended to explain embodiments according to the invention.

[0011] Embodiments according to the invention may have one or more of the features mentioned above or below. The features mentioned herein may be incorporated in any combination into embodiments according to the invention, provided that a person skilled in the art does not recognize a specific combination as technically impossible.

[0012] Further embodiments according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and embodiments.

[0013] Whenever numerical terms are used herein, a person skilled in the art understands them to indicate a lower numerical limit. Unless this leads to a contradiction apparent to a person skilled in the art, they will always interpret the use of "ein" or "einem" as meaning "at least one" or "at least one." This understanding is encompassed by the present invention, as is the interpretation that a numerical term such as "ein" can alternatively be meant as "exactly one," wherever this is technically feasible to a person skilled in the art. Both are encompassed by the present invention and apply to all numerical terms used herein.

[0014] Whenever an embodiment is mentioned herein, it refers to an exemplary embodiment according to the invention.

[0015] In case of doubt by a person skilled in the art, the terms "top" and "bottom" are to be understood as absolute or relative spatial references relating to the orientation of the component in question during its normal use.

[0016] In some embodiments, the skin overlay comprises at least a second pocket section and / or at least one additional chamber. These may be designed to hold an object within them or may contain an object. The object may be a reusable or multi-use item.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least one element from the group consisting of a first pocket section, a second pocket section, and an additional chamber is bounded on its underside by the support material and on its upper side by a cover material. Optionally, several elements from the above group are bounded by the same support material and / or the same cover material.

[0018] In some embodiments, the covering material is connected to the side of the carrier material facing away from the skin, for example by means of an adhesive layer, a hook and loop fastener section and / or a seam section.

[0019] In some embodiments, the material of the cover material corresponds to the material of the substrate material.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one element of the skin cover group, which consists of a first pocket section, a second pocket section, and an additional chamber, has a closure means. Such a closure means can optionally be a flap having a slot, hook-and-loop fastener, and / or zipper section. Optionally, the closure means is the cover material, which is attached, for example, by means of a hook-and-loop fastener, to the carrier material, thereby forming an interior or a volume.

[0021] In some embodiments, the carrier material and / or the cover material consists of, or incorporates, a nonwoven material, e.g., a PE fleece.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the carrier material is or has a water-impermeable microporous plastic carrier layer.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the support material can have at least one opening in its inner area and / or the form of a surrounding frame. Advantageously, this allows for material savings by reducing the amount of support material required.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the adhesive layer can circumscribe an area and thus be absent in the center. This advantageously allows less adhesive material to come into contact with the skin of the person wearing the skin pad. Reactions to the adhesive material can therefore be reduced or prevented. Furthermore, less adhesive surface needs to be removed when the skin pad is to be removed from the skin. This saves time when removing the skin pad. Additionally, the strain on the wearer is reduced.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the skin cover has a hook and loop fastener and / or a covering material between the carrier material on the one hand and an element from the group consisting of a first pocket section, a second pocket section and an additional chamber on the other.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the adhesive layer comprises a silicone adhesive, preferably a pressure-sensitive one. Pressure-sensitive silicone adhesives are described, among others, by Ulman and Thomas in "Silicone Pressure sensitive adhesives for healthcare applications", Advances in Pressure sensitive technology-2 (1995), pp. 133-157. Silicone adhesives are relatively skin-compatible.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the adhesive layer is applied across the entire surface of the skin-facing side. In others, it is applied only in sections, for example, in patterns. Applying it only in patterns can, in particular, increase the water vapor permeability of the skin dressing. This can be more comfortable for the wearer.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the adhesive strength of the silicone adhesive is approximately 0.8 N / 25 mm, in particular 0.85 to 0.95 N / 25 mm and particularly preferably 0.92 N / 25 mm, wherein the adhesive strength was measured according to the German Pharmacopoeia DAB 10 of 1996 with a pull-off angle of 180° against stainless steel.

[0029] In some embodiments, the carrier material is a strip-shaped or ring-shaped material with a central recess.

[0030] In some embodiments, the skin-facing side of the adhesive is provided with a heat-stable protective layer in the range of 60 to 150°C.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the adhesive layer has a ring-shaped or otherwise closed basic form, which, however, is interrupted in a segment-like manner, resulting in a rib-like connection between the skin and the carrier material.

[0032] This allows the water vapor permeability to be further increased across the substrate material, even in the area of ​​the substrate material itself.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least one element from the group consisting of first pocket section, second pocket section and additional chamber is closable, openable, and / or serves to accommodate an electronic unit, e.g., an assistance system or a component thereof, e.g., a power supply unit.

[0034] In some designs, the skin dressing is not a wound plaster.

[0035] In some embodiments, the skin pad does not have a wound pad, in particular no swelling body, no superabsorbent material and / or no wound pad made of a sandwich of two polypropylene knits and a fiber / SAP mixture arranged in between.

[0036] In some embodiments, the communication unit, power supply unit, and / or satellite communication unit are implemented separately and functionally integrated. In other embodiments, however, one or more units and / or their parts may be physically implemented as a single, cohesive element; for example, the processor and memory may form a cohesive element. Likewise, in some embodiments, one or more units may consist of several physically separate elements; for example, a communication unit may be implemented in several separate elements that, for instance, enable different types of radio communication.

[0037] In some embodiments, the communication unit, memory, and processor, and optionally the power supply unit, are physically integrated as a single, cohesive element. In particular, the communication unit in this case comprises a satellite navigation unit and a mobile communication unit.

[0038] In some embodiments, the power supply unit comprises at least one battery, which is preferably rechargeable (rechargeable batteries are also referred to herein as accumulators) and / or replaceable.

[0039] In some embodiments, the power supply unit includes at least one capacitor for power supply (e.g., at least one supercapacitor).

[0040] In some embodiments, the power supply unit includes a charging unit for charging a battery. In some embodiments, the charging unit includes a connection for an external voltage source, e.g., a low-voltage DC power supply.

[0041] In some embodiments, the power supply unit is suitable and / or configured for inductive charging. For this purpose, the power supply unit is preferably equipped with a coil into which current can be induced by an inductive charger to charge the battery and / or the capacitor (e.g., according to the Qi standard).

[0042] In some embodiments, the battery and / or capacitor can be at least partially charged by energy harvesting. This involves absorbing energy from the environment and generating electricity from it. The energy can be, for example, kinetic energy (e.g., from vibrations, linear and / or rotational movements, weight shifts), temperature differences (e.g., body temperature versus ambient temperature), and / or photon energy (e.g., solar radiation). For this purpose, the power supply unit can include at least one Peltier element, piezoelectric element, and / or solar cell, and / or an electromagnetic linear and / or rotary generator.

[0043] The communication unit optionally includes a receiver and a transmitter for signals, especially electromagnetic waves, particularly in the high-frequency range. High frequency refers to electromagnetic waves between 30 kHz and 300 GHz.

[0044] The communication unit is suitable and / or configured to send and / or receive information.

[0045] The communication unit may include a mobile communication module that can transmit data and / or initiate and receive telephone calls in accordance with known mobile communication standards (e.g. using mobile communication technologies GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS and / or LTE).

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit can include one or more radio modules for short-range radio communication (e.g., according to the Bluetooth (BT) standard), for connection to a wireless network (e.g., WiFi), and / or for other radio technologies and standards (e.g., Z-Wave, Zigbee), in particular low-energy radio technologies (e.g., LoRa, LoRaWAN, SigFox, NB-Fi). In some embodiments, the frequencies used for communication lie within the approved ISM bands.

[0047] In some embodiments, the communication unit is suitable and / or configured to perform position determination autonomously or in conjunction with the processor, based on stationary radio frequency transmitters. Such transmitters can be, for example, beacons that periodically transmit a unique identifier, such as a time signal. With appropriate configuration, the communication unit can determine a position from the received identifier (possibly in conjunction with the processor). For more precise position determination, the communication unit can, in some embodiments, evaluate the signal strength of one or more received beacons.

[0048] In some embodiments, the communication unit is able to evaluate the position using beacons that use a Bluetooth standard (BT beacons).

[0049] In some embodiments, the position determination is purely passive, i.e., the communication unit only receives signals for position determination and does not send any signals for this purpose.

[0050] In alternative embodiments, the communication unit for position determination can both receive and transmit signals. For example, the communication unit can transmit signals to beacons. In some embodiments, a position can be determined from the relative strength of the signals transmitted by the assistance system and received by multiple beacons. This determination can take place within the assistance system (e.g., through data transmitted from the beacons, such as the relative signal strength of the received signal from the assistance system or the signal propagation time) or within the beacons or a system connected to them, and then be transmitted to the assistance system, e.g., via the beacons and / or by using the communication unit.

[0051] In some embodiments, the mobile network is used exclusively for position determination. In other embodiments, the mobile network is used in addition to other methods for position determination. For example, the signal strength of several mobile base stations can be used for position determination. Conversely, in some embodiments, the assistance system can initiate position determination via the mobile network.

[0052] The assistance system according to the invention comprises, in some embodiments, a satellite navigation unit. A satellite navigation unit comprises a receiver for signals, in particular electromagnetic waves, especially high frequency.

[0053] The satellite navigation unit of the assistance system is suitable and / or configured to receive and evaluate signals from navigation satellite systems, e.g., autonomously or in conjunction with the processor. The assistance system can preferably evaluate signals from one or more of the following navigation satellite systems: Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou.

[0054] In some embodiments, positioning by the satellite navigation unit is combined with at least one other positioning method, for example, by combining it with mobile phone data. In some embodiments, this can reduce the time until the first position fix, which can be considerable when the initial fix is ​​obtained solely through satellite navigation. This can be achieved, for example, through assisted GPS (A-GPS), where GPS data combined with mobile phone data can lead to a significantly faster fix. As a result, the power consumption of the assistance system can be considerably reduced in some embodiments.

[0055] In some embodiments, the assistance system according to the invention comprises at least one sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor is suitable and / or configured to measure and / or monitor parameters of the user. Such parameters can be, for example, vital parameters such as heart rate, hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate, and / or blood pressure.

[0056] In some embodiments, one or more of the following parameters can be measured and / or monitored by the assistance system: blood glucose concentration, lung function (e.g., acoustic), position, orientation, acceleration, and / or temperature. The assistance system may also include sensors that detect dehydration or incontinence. Suitable sensors for determining the aforementioned and other parameters may, in some embodiments, include: optical sensors such as photodiodes, transistors, and resistors; pulse oximeters; acoustic sensors (e.g., microphones); sensors for force, strain, glucose (invasive or non-invasive); inertial measurement units; accelerometers; gyroscopes; magnetometers; barometric pressure sensors; humidity sensors; and / or touch sensors (e.g., mechanical switches, optical sensors, and / or capacitive sensors).

[0057] In some embodiments, the sensor can provide information about the wearing status, i.e., whether the assistance system is being worn by the wearer as intended or has already been removed by the wearer.

[0058] In some embodiments, the assistance system includes at least one control element (e.g., a switch or button), in particular a control element with which the user can manually trigger a distress call. In some embodiments, such a distress call can then be forwarded via the communication module. For example, a voice connection can be established so that the user can verbally communicate their symptoms. In these and some other embodiments, the assistance system includes at least one microphone and / or at least one loudspeaker. Alternatively or additionally, the assistance system can be suitable and / or configured to emit a visual or audible warning signal.

[0059] The determination of position, orientation and / or acceleration, e.g. by inertial measurement units, accelerometers, gyroscopes and / or magnetometers, can in some embodiments be used to record a motion profile of the carrier and / or to detect unusual and / or dangerous movements or positions.

[0060] In some embodiments, a time-dependent motion profile can be used (e.g., depending on the time of day and / or day of the week).

[0061] In some embodiments, the assistance system may be suitable and / or configured to automatically create a movement profile and detect significant deviations, in order to then trigger an event in the event of such deviations.

[0062] In some versions, the assistance system includes a real-time clock.

[0063] In some embodiments, a deviation from a previously recorded movement profile can detect, for example, when the user has left their familiar surroundings and become lost. Such a deviation can, in some embodiments, trigger position determination. Conversely, in some embodiments, position determination can remain completely or partially deactivated as long as a current movement profile matches a predetermined movement profile. This can reduce the average energy consumption of the assistance system in some embodiments.

[0064] In some embodiments, a fall can be detected by using sensor data, e.g., from inertial measurement units, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and / or magnetometers. A fall can exhibit a specific motion profile; for example, acceleration exceeding a predetermined threshold and / or a specific position and / or change in position can indicate a fall. A detected fall can constitute an event within the meaning of the invention that triggers specific steps of the assistance system.

[0065] In certain embodiments of the invention, the assistance system is functionally connected to at least one physically separate sensor. For example, if the assistance system is worn on the upper body, a pulse sensor can be attached to the wrist and connected to the assistance system via wireless communication.

[0066] In some embodiments, the assistance system is configured to be worn directly on the body. This can improve the detection of certain parameters in some embodiments. For example, with direct skin contact, the assistance system can detect skin temperature, heart rate, and wearing status with high reliability and accuracy.

[0067] In some embodiments, the assistance system is designed as a garment or dressing, for example, a shirt, undershirt, vest, sock, shoe, or plaster, or has the like. In some embodiments, the assistance system is fixed to the body by such a garment or dressing.

[0068] In some embodiments, the assistance system can detect events and initiate further steps upon the occurrence of one or more events. An event within the meaning of the invention can, in some embodiments, be a detected fall. In some embodiments, an event can consist of exceeding and / or falling below threshold values ​​for one or more measured parameters. For example, an event can consist of falling below a threshold for a measured acceleration, measured heart rate, measured hemoglobin oxygen saturation, and / or measured respiratory rate. An event can also be the removal of the assistance system from the body or a low battery charge.

[0069] Furthermore, a lack of movement over a certain period of time can also be an event; this can, for example, serve for pain detection, pressure ulcer prevention and / or fall prevention.

[0070] Position determination by a communication unit and / or satellite navigation unit can, in certain configurations, be carried out within the framework of geofencing. Leaving a predefined area can constitute an event (e.g., leaving a specific building or leaving a specific site).

[0071] An event may also indicate that the readings of one or more sensors are outside a plausible range, or that several sensors in combination do not provide plausible readings. Such an event could, for example, point to a device defect, insufficient supply voltage, or the removal of the assistive system from the body.

[0072] In some embodiments, an event can trigger further steps, such as sending information. In some embodiments, the triggered steps include one or more of the following: Determining the position using a communication unit and / or satellite navigation unit; notifying a central office (e.g., a server), an emergency service, or a helper (e.g., emergency physician, paramedic, relative, or neighbor), for example, via text message in the GSM system (SMS) or via data transmission in the mobile internet (e.g., via mobile network, WiFi, or Bluetooth), e.g., to a mobile device such as a telephone or tablet; and sending an acoustic and / or visual alarm signal.

[0073] In some embodiments, the assistance system is partially or completely sealed to be watertight. In some embodiments, the assistance system, or parts thereof, is configured such that disinfection, e.g., with conventional skin and / or surface disinfectants (e.g., isopropanol), is possible without damaging the assistance system. For this purpose, the assistance system, or parts thereof, can be sealed with a water-impermeable material, such as synthetic resin or silicone-containing materials.

[0074] In some embodiments, the assistance system comprises, in addition to a mobile component worn by the user, one or more stationary components, preferably one or more stationary communication units. Such a communication unit can, for example, be a beacon capable of transmitting radio signals. In some embodiments, the assistance system is capable of determining the position of the mobile component using the stationary communication unit. For this purpose, a beacon can, for example, periodically and / or upon a trigger send a unique identifier. Alternatively or additionally, the assistance system can include a femtocell, that is, a base station for a short-range mobile network, which can be used, for example, to improve reception in a building where the user frequently spends time.Improved reception may allow a body-worn mobile communication module to operate with lower energy consumption and prevent events from being missed due to a lack of signal.

[0075] In some embodiments, the assistance system includes additional or other sensors, which may in particular be those with the following sensor functions: Microphones, especially configured for interpreting respiratory sounds (respiratory rate, respiratory depth, aspiration, for example for the diagnosis of bronchitis, pneumonia or the like) and / or stomach and intestinal sounds (for example for the diagnosis of constipation); reflex SpO2 sensor for oxygen saturation; capacitive ECG (for example for determining heart rate or conduction); sensor for determining fluid status or fluid supply (dehydration, exsiccosis, volume depletion); thermometer for temperature measurement.

[0076] In some embodiments, the assistance system comprises one or more housings or sub-housings in which individual components of the assistance system are housed.

[0077] In some embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned housings or sub-housings are connected to one another by means of at least one connecting section. These connecting sections can, for example, be free of components of the assistance system—optionally with the exception of signal conductors. They can optionally, preferably, serve as an elastic, plastic, articulated, or similar connection between adjacent housings or sub-housings connected by a connecting section, in which individual components of the assistance system are housed. This design allows the assistance system to adapt to a certain extent to the surface anatomy of its wearer. This may be perceived as particularly comfortable or advantageous when the wearer, for example while sleeping, lies on the assistance system which is inserted into the main support.

[0078] A comparable, advantageous effect is achieved in some embodiments by having the first and second sections of at least one housing or sub-housing exhibit different bending properties, respectively. This can, in turn, be achieved through hinged sections, the selection of different materials and / or different material thicknesses, geometric differences, or the like in the housing or sub-housing. Such a design can also be provided for the bending sections mentioned herein.

[0079] Some or all embodiments of the invention may have one, several or all of the advantages mentioned above and / or below.

[0080] An achievable advantage of some embodiments may be that the skin pad does not have to be changed every time components held to the wearer's body by means of the skin pad need to be replaced during the required wearing time of the specific skin pad or during the duration of a treatment of the wearer.

[0081] For example, a power supply unit for a medical or non-medical device, which is held in place by a skin dressing for several days and needs to be replaced before the skin dressing itself can be removed or replaced, can be removed from the assistance system and replaced. The skin dressing can therefore remain in place indefinitely. Skin irritation caused by frequent dressing changes, such as those experienced when changing an adhesive bandage, can thus be reduced or even avoided.

[0082] The present invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which the same reference numerals denote identical or similar components. In the figures: Fig. 1 shows a skin covering according to the invention in a first exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a skin covering according to the invention in a second exemplary embodiment in a top view; Fig. 3 shows the Fig. 2 Figure 4 shows a known skin pad with a partial section view of one side of the skin pad; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an assistance system; Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the assistance system; Figure 6 shows another representation of an assistance system; Figure 7 shows an arrangement of beacons; Figures 8a and 8b show a skin pad according to the invention with an assistance system in a third exemplary embodiment in different views; Figure 9a shows the third exemplary embodiment, affixed to the back of a person; Figures 10a, 10b, and 10c show a skin pad according to the invention with an assistance system in a fourth exemplary embodiment in different views; Figures 11a and 11b show a skin pad according to the invention with an assistance system in a fifth exemplary embodiment in different views; Figure 11a, 11b, and 11b show a skin pad according to the invention with an assistance system in a fifth exemplary embodiment in different views.Figures 12a and 13b show a skin pad according to the invention with an assistance system in a sixth exemplary embodiment in various views; and Figures 13a and 13b show the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments arranged side by side in direct comparison.

[0083] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the skin pad 1 according to the invention. This pad has a planar carrier material 3. The skin pad 1 and / or carrier material 3 have a side 1a facing the skin of a user of the skin pad 1 during use and a side 1b facing away from the skin during use.

[0084] On the side 1a facing the skin, the carrier material 3 has means for bonding the skin pad 1 to the skin. These means can be adhesive, for example in the form of one or more adhesive layers 5 or adhesive sections.

[0085] On the side 1b facing away from the skin, the carrier material 3 has at least one first pocket section 7 or is connected to it - directly or indirectly.

[0086] The first pocket section 7 is arranged to be accessible from the side 1b facing away from the skin.

[0087] The first pocket section 7 has a receiving section which is optionally closed or closable by means of a closure device 9. The closure device 9 is in Fig. 1 The closure flap is shown as an example. Other closures, such as zippers, hook and loop fasteners, adhesive closures, magnetic closures, and the like, can be provided alternatively or additionally and are encompassed by the present invention.

[0088] The first pocket section 7 can house the entire assistance system. The same applies to the other pocket sections, chambers, and the like, which are explained below.

[0089] Fig. 2 shows a skin covering 1 according to the invention in a second exemplary embodiment in top view.

[0090] The skin layer 1 of the Fig. 2 essentially corresponds to that of the Fig. 1 In addition to that of the Fig. 1 However, it has an additional chamber 11. By combining the first pocket section 7 and the additional chamber 11, it is advantageously possible to place different objects in the skin pad 1 and deposit them together with it on the user's skin.

[0091] The separation between the first pocket section 7 and the additional chamber 11 allows for the storage of different items on the user, with separate access points for each. Depending on the use of the skin pad 1, it may be intended to hold items requiring relatively frequent access, as well as items requiring relatively infrequent access while the skin pad 1 is being worn. The closure devices 9 used for the first pocket section 7 and the additional chamber 11 can reflect this and be selected accordingly. For example, the handling requirements for items requiring infrequent or no access may be lower than in the opposite case. The respective closure devices can therefore be selected to be more cost-effective.

[0092] In Fig. 2 The first pocket section 7 and the additional chamber 11 are shown without any spatial connection. This can alternatively be different. For example, a channel, tunnel, or the like can connect the lumen of the first pocket section 7 and the lumen of the additional chamber 11.

[0093] Fig. 3 The skin layer 1 of the Fig. 2 looking at their side from a right-left direction in relation to the orientation in Fig. 2 . In a right-hand corner Fig. 3 The area of ​​the skin covering 1 is shown cut with a covering material 13.

[0094] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an assistance system 100, which is implemented as a skin overlay 1. The technical components of the skin overlay 1 include a processor 200 with memory 300, a communication unit 400, and a power supply unit 500.

[0095] In the Figur 4 In the embodiment shown, the assistance system 100 also includes an optional satellite navigation unit 600 and at least one optional sensor 700.

[0096] Even in the representation of an assistance system 100 in Fig. 5 The processor 200 with memory 300 is shown.

[0097] The power supply unit 500 comprises a lithium-ion battery 505 with a nominal voltage of 3.7 V and a capacity (charge quantity) of at least 1500 mAh, which is generally sufficient for battery operation of the assistance system 100 for at least 24 hours. In addition, the power supply unit 500 includes an optional inductive charging unit 510, which enables wireless charging of the battery 505. For this purpose, the power supply unit 500 includes a receiving coil 515 and charging electronics 520 compliant with the Qi standard. Furthermore, the power supply unit contains two DC / DC converters 522 for 3.3 V and 1.5 V output voltages (for I / O and processor core, respectively). To ensure the most continuous power supply possible for the assistance system 100, the battery 505 of the assistance system 100 can be replaced. For this purpose, the battery 505 is connected to the power supply unit 500 via a connector 525.A discharged battery 505 can thus be replaced by a charged battery 505 and the discharged battery 505 can be recharged, for example, outside of the assistance system 100.

[0098] Inductive chargers that can wirelessly supply the Assistance System 100 with charging current can be incorporated into furniture, cushions or textiles, for example in armchairs, chairs, pillowcases, bed sheets or mattress protectors, so that the Assistance System 100 can be charged in the wearer's normal daily routine without removing the Assistance System 100 from the body.

[0099] One module of the assistance system 100 contains, for example, an Infineon MD8710 system-on-a-chip with an ARM Cortex-R4 processor 200 and a Bluetooth module 480. Another module contains a mobile communication module 410 and a satellite navigation unit 600, which here are implemented as a combined module with a communication unit and satellite navigation unit 450, namely as a GSM / GPS module 450 (e.g., Telit GE-864GPS), which can be used for both mobile communication (including TCP / IP data transfer) and assisted GPS.

[0100] Except for the antenna for satellite navigation 620 (designed especially as the antenna for GPS 620) and the antenna for mobile communications 420, all assemblies are mounted on several multilayer circuit boards 800 (here on two 6-layer circuit boards 800, each approximately 35 mm x 30 mm in size), which are connected with a flexible film 810 with conductor tracks (here a flexible polyamide film that extends over the connection area into the two circuit boards 800 and forms layers 3 and 4 there).

[0101] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows another embodiment of the assistance system 100, wherein the different assemblies are attached to a flexible tear-resistant fiber mat 900 and embedded in an elastomer, so that the assistance system 100 is durable, resistant, waterproof and disinfectable.

[0102] The in Fig. 6 The assistance system 100 shown comprises a battery 505, which powers a processor 200 with memory 300, and a GPS / GSM module 450, which is a combination of the mobile communication module 410 and the satellite navigation unit 600. A short-range radio communication module 480, here a Bluetooth module 480, is integrated into the processor 200. Alternatively, such a short-range radio communication module 480 can be implemented separately from the processor 200, for example, together with the mobile communication module 410. An active antenna for GPS 620 is connected to the satellite navigation unit 600, and an antenna for mobile communication 420 is connected to the mobile communication module 410. The circuit board 800, on which the processor 200 with memory 300 is mounted, is functionally connected to the circuit board 800, on which the mobile communication module 410 and the satellite navigation unit 600 are mounted, via a flexible film 810 which has conductive traces.

[0103] Such a compact assistance system 100 can be attached, for example, to the back of a wearer using a skin pad 1, in particular an adhesive bandage.

[0104] To successfully determine its position within buildings, the Assistance System 100 can receive electromagnetic waves from Beacons 950, i.e., from transmitters that periodically transmit a unique identifier. These Beacons 950 can, for example, use Bluetooth to send a unique identifier, such as their MAC address and, optionally, a uniquely identifiable name. The Assistance System 100 is equipped with a Bluetooth module 480 for receiving signals from the Beacons 950. The Bluetooth module 480 can be part of a Satellite Navigation Unit 600 and / or a Communication Unit 400, or it can be located separately, for example, together with the Processor 200.

[0105] The in Fig. 6 The assistance system 100 shown has one or more sensors 700. The sensors 700 in Fig. 6 The system comprises an accelerometer (e.g., a digital three-axis accelerometer such as the ADXL345 from Analog Devices), a gyroscope, and optionally a magnetometer, which together form an inertial measurement unit (IMU 710). Such an IMU 710 can be used to detect an event. For example, a fall by the user could be detectable by the IMU 710. High acceleration, a change in position from standing to lying down, and / or a high angular velocity can indicate a fall. For fall detection, the geometric means of all accelerometer axes from the last data set can be calculated. If the calculated geometric means exceed a predetermined threshold, this is initially interpreted as a possible fall.To reduce false positive detections of falls, an optional second step involves checking the static component of a change in position (transition from sitting or standing to lying down) and / or the dynamic component of the change in position using gyroscope data. With the aid of the IMU 710, certain movement sequences, such as walking, running, or cycling, can also be determined and, if necessary, transmitted via the Communication Unit 400.

[0106] Other events detectable by the IMU 710 include getting out of bed at night, wandering (walking movements with numerous changes of direction), or unusually low movement activity. In addition, the assistance system has 100 features. Fig. 6 An optional air pressure sensor can be used to detect changes in the carrier's height. For example, the air pressure sensor can determine whether the carrier is moving from one floor to another.

[0107] In embodiments where the assistance system 100 is attached to the torso of the carrier (e.g. with a skin pad 1), position determination (e.g. standing vs. lying down) can often be performed particularly reliably, since the IMU 710 cannot move relative to the torso and therefore unambiguous position information of the torso can be determined from the IMU 710.

[0108] The energy consumption of the assistance system 100 depends heavily on the activation state of the various subsystems. For example, in some embodiments, the IMU 710 is very energy-efficient, the Bluetooth module 480 has low energy consumption, whereas the GSM module 410 and the satellite navigation unit 600 have high energy consumption. Therefore, it is important to keep the communication unit 400, especially the GSM module 410, and the satellite navigation unit 600 switched off for as long as possible. To this end, in some embodiments, the communication unit 400, GSM module 410, and / or satellite navigation unit 600 are only activated in response to a specific event, such as a detected fall or a lack of signal reception from a beacon 950 for a predetermined period.

[0109] Fig. 7 This shows an example arrangement of four Bluetooth Beacons 950 (AD) in four rooms of an apartment. The range of each Beacon 950 is represented as a circular arc. As can be seen from the Fig. 7 As can be seen, the reception areas of the Beacons 950 partially overlap. Therefore, the received signal can be used to determine the area where the Assistance System 100 is located. The signal strength of each individual Beacon 950 can also be taken into account (e.g., as the received signal strength indicator RSSI). The Assistance System 100 can, for example, store the MAC addresses and positions of known Beacons 950 to enable position determination within the Assistance System 100 itself. Alternatively, in some configurations, Beacons 950 can transmit their position along with a unique identifier. Beacons 950 can also be used in larger buildings, such as hospital rooms.

[0110] To reduce energy consumption, the Assistance System 100 can be configured to deactivate the Satellite Navigation Unit 600 when signals from a Beacon 950 are received. This is because the Beacons 950 already provide position determination, and the Satellite Navigation Unit 600 typically has a significantly higher energy consumption than a short-range radio communication module 480, such as a Bluetooth module 480. The Assistance System 100 can also be configured to trigger an alarm if signals from a Beacon 950 are not received. This alarm informs, for example, a server or control center that the wearer is likely to be outside the range of the Beacons 950. Alternatively or additionally, in these cases, the GSM module 410 and / or the GPS module 600 can be activated to enable location determination even without the Beacons 950.In addition, an alarm can be triggered if a signal from a specific Beacon 950 is received, e.g. because the carrier is in the wrong area.

[0111] In some cases, the Assistance System 100 can include Beacons 950. For example, the Assistance System 100 might have a mobile component worn on the body and a stationary component containing one or more Beacons 950. Alternatively or additionally, the Assistance System 100 can include a central unit, such as a server, that interacts with the mobile component and forwards information to specific addresses in response to predetermined events, such as triggering an emergency call.

[0112] A Beacon 950, as it is in Fig. 7 The device shown can, for example, be housed in a plug-in enclosure, making the Beacon 950 easy to install and inconspicuous in the user's home.

[0113] If the user is outdoors, the Assistance System 100 can determine their position using assisted GPS, which may be faster and / or require less energy. This process utilizes auxiliary information from the mobile network. WiFi data can also be used for faster positioning if, for example, the MAC addresses of WiFi adapters and their locations are recorded in a database. Such a database can be stored within the Assistance System 100 for relevant areas or retrieved from a server by the Assistance System 100.

[0114] Fig. 8a Figure 1 shows a skin pad 1 according to the invention with an assistance system 100 in a third exemplary embodiment in a perspective view. The right-hand illustration of the Fig. 8a Figure 1 shows the skin pad 1 open, meaning the locking flap 9 is unfolded. In this configuration, the assistance system 100 can be inserted into the skin pad 1.

[0115] The arrangement with the inserted assistance system 100 shows the middle illustration of the Fig. 8a In the left-hand illustration of the Fig. 8a The locking flap 9 is folded down and covers or conceals the previously inserted assistance system 100. The skin pad 1 has a side 1a facing the skin of a wearer of the skin pad 1 during use and a side 1b facing away from the skin during use.

[0116] Optionally, the skin pad 1 has at least one recess on its upper surface and / or in its carrier material 3 or a cross-section thereof as a positioning aid, receptacle or limit for the assistance system 100.

[0117] The recess allows the assistance system 100 to be positioned, for example, centrally in the skin pad 1 or in / on the carrier material 3. This advantageously prevents the assistance system 100 from slipping or shifting within the skin pad 1 and / or within the carrier material 3.

[0118] Additionally or alternatively, a recess can embed the assistance system 100 within the skin pad 1, preferably in such a way that flat surfaces or transitions are created between the top of the carrier material and the top of the assistance system 100. This avoids potential edges and corners and advantageously increases the wearer's comfort.

[0119] In the embodiment of the Fig. 8a The closure flap 9 and the corresponding counterpart of the carrier material 3 (alternatively the cover material 13) have a magnetic closure 15.

[0120] The magnetic closure 15 can be designed in various ways, for example by means of a magnet on or in the closure flap 15 and a ferromagnetic material on the opposite side (i.e. on the carrier material 3 or on the cover material 13), or vice versa, or magnets on both sides.

[0121] The magnet and / or the ferromagnetic material can have identical or different geometries and designs. For example, they can be button-shaped, ribbon-shaped, encapsulated, coated, sheathed, etc.

[0122] A magnetic closure 15 is an advantageously simple, convenient, and user-friendly closure that is easy to open and close. Furthermore, it can be designed to be almost arbitrarily thin. Therefore, it adds little or no height.

[0123] The skin pad 1 has on its skin-facing side 1a means for bonding the skin pad 1 to the skin, which are not described further here (see, for example, the description of the Fig. 1 ).

[0124] The material of the skin layer 1 and the carrier material 3 may have a so-called lining, for example in the form of padding, which may be made of foam.

[0125] The materials of the skin layer 1 as a whole and / or only of the carrier material 3 or the cover material 13 can be air-permeable ("breathable") and / or moisture-permeable (for the removal of perspiration). In the Fig. 8a und 8b The materials are depicted as having open pores or openings at least on their surfaces, whereby the pores can penetrate the materials completely or partially.

[0126] Fig. 8b The right side shows the skin pad 1 according to the invention with the assistance system 100. Fig. 8a in a top view (above) and in a side view (below).

[0127] Fig. 8b The assistance system 100 according to the invention is shown on the left. Fig. 8a in a top view (above) and in a side view (below).

[0128] Fig. 9 shows two examples of the third exemplary embodiment of the skin pad 1 according to the invention from the Figuren 8a und 8b with an assistance system 100 inserted therein, which is affixed to the back of a person, optionally and purely by way of example at two different positions.

[0129] Fig. 10a Figure 1 shows a skin pad 1 according to the invention with an assistance system 100 in a fourth exemplary embodiment in a perspective view. Compared to the third embodiment from the Fig. 8a und 8b The shape of the skin support 1 and the assistance system 100 has been slightly modified. The slightly wedge-shaped form, for example, may be adapted to an anatomical fit to a support surface on the back (see Fig. 9 ) be advantageous.

[0130] Furthermore, a mechanism, which can also be used in other embodiments, for fixing the closure flap 9 to the carrier material 3 is shown. This mechanism can be used as in Fig. 8a und Fig. 8b by means of a magnetic closure 15, by means of a hook and loop fastener 17 or in another manner.

[0131] In the Fig. 10a bis 10c Additionally, a so-called removal aid for pulling the assistance system 100 out of the skin pad 1 is shown. The removal aid is purely optional and designed as a loop 19, the function of which is described below. Fig. 10c will be explained.

[0132] The tab can run in the direction in which the assistance system 100 is inserted into the skin pad 1. It can be guided around the far end of the assistance system 100 and thus run to both sides (top and bottom, or parts thereof) of the assistance system 100, optionally also touching them there.

[0133] Optionally, the closure flap 9 can be used instead of as shown in the Fig. 10a und Fig. 10b shown, not folded upwards (i.e., towards loop 19), but as shown in the Fig. 8a und 8b The closure flap 9 and the carrier material 3 are designed to be extended downwards. This advantageously prevents the closure flap 9 and the carrier material 3 from overlapping or lying on top of each other. Overlapping or lying on top of each other could be detrimental to the wearer, as it could lead to an increase in the thickness of the entire skin contact area 1, which could be particularly uncomfortable when lying down and could potentially cause pressure sores, especially on the back.

[0134] Fig. 10b The skin pad 1 according to the invention is shown with the assistance system 100. Fig. 10a The image shows a top view (above) and a side view (below). It can be seen that the Assistance System 100 can also optionally be wedge-shaped, trapezoidal, or triangular when viewed from above.

[0135] Fig. 10c Figure 1 schematically illustrates the removal aid for pulling the assistance system 100 out of the skin support 1. Arrow 21 indicates the direction in which the loop 19 is pulled out to remove the assistance system 100. This allows for easy removal of the assistance system 100 from the skin support 1, for example, to replace the entire assistance system 100 or just the batteries or rechargeable batteries. When the assistance system 100 is reinserted, the loop 19 is reinserted along with the assistance system 100.

[0136] The arrow direction 23 shows the folding direction of the closure flap 9 to fix the closure flap 9 on the carrier material 3.

[0137] Fig. 11a,b show analogous to the Figuren 8a,b and 10a,b,c a further skin covering 1 according to the invention with an assistance system 100 in a fifth exemplary embodiment in different views.

[0138] In this exemplary or any other embodiment, the skin layer 1 is incised, notched, tapered, subdivided or otherwise shaped along at least one of its edges.

[0139] Such a shape of the skin pad 1 can be advantageous, for example, with regard to the anatomical adaptation to a contact surface on the back.

[0140] Optionally, the closure flap 9 can be used instead of as shown in the Fig. 11a und 11b shown, not folded upwards (i.e., towards loop 19), but as shown in the Fig. 8a und 8b executed, downwards.

[0141] Alternatively, the closure flap 9 or any other closure device can be part of the cover material 13. If this is the case, the thickness of the set consisting of skin pad 1 with inserted assistance system 100 can be advantageously kept low.

[0142] Fig. 12a,b show analogous to the Figuren 8a,b , to the 10a,b,c as well as to the Figuren 11a,b a further skin covering 1 according to the invention with an assistance system 100 in a sixth exemplary embodiment in different views.

[0143] The wide shape of the skin support 1 and the assistance system 100 can be advantageous, for example, with regard to the anatomical adaptation to a support surface, especially in the lower back area.

[0144] Optionally, the closure flap 9 can be used instead of as shown in the Fig.12a und 12b shown not folded upwards, but as shown in the Fig. 8a und 8b executed, downwards.

[0145] Fig. 13a,b The third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments are shown side by side in a direct comparison.

[0146] In addition, each skin pad 1 and / or each assistance system 100 according to the invention can provide shielding against electromagnetic radiation, in particular on the body-facing side 1a of the skin pads 1 (see Fig. 8a or Fig. 10a The electromagnetic radiation that needs to be shielded or attenuated can be emitted by the Assistance System 100. The shielding measures mentioned here can be, for example, shielding grids, metallized plastic films, aluminum foil-laminated paper, graphite and conductive paint layers, or other shielding devices.

[0147] The assistance systems 100 according to the invention can, by way of example, have a length of approximately between 4 cm and 12 cm and a width of approximately between 2 cm and 10 cm. The assistance system 100 can have a minimum length of 4 cm. The assistance system 100 can have a maximum length of 12 cm. The assistance system 100 can have a minimum width of 2 cm. The assistance system 100 can have a maximum width of 10 cm.

[0148] The skin pads according to the invention 1 can, by way of example, have a length of approximately between 6 cm and 20 cm and a width of approximately . The skin layer 1 can have a minimum length of 6 cm and a maximum length of 20 cm. The skin layer 1 can have a maximum length of 20 cm.

[0149] The skin pad 1 can have a minimum width of 4 cm. The skin pad 1 can have a maximum width of 15 cm. Bezugszeichenliste

[0150] 1 Skin pad 1 Side facing the skin pad of a wearer 1 Side facing away from the skin pad of a wearer 3 Carrier material 5 Adhesive layer 7 First pocket section 9 Closure device, closure flap 11 Additional chamber 13 Cover material 15 Magnetic closure 17 Hook and loop fastener 19 Loop 21 Direction of pull of the loop 23 Folding direction of the closure flap 100 Assistance system 200 Processor 300 Memory 400 Communication unit 410 Mobile communication module, GSM module 420 Mobile communication antenna, GSM antenna 450 Combined module with communication unit and satellite navigation unit, GSM / GPS module 480 Short-range radio communication module, Bluetooth module 500 Power supply unit 505 Battery, lithium-ion battery 510 Inductive charging unit 515 Receiver coil 520 Charging electronics 522 DC / DC converter 525 Connector 600 Satellite navigation unit, GPS module 620 (Active) Antenna for satellite navigation, antenna for GPS 700 Sensor 710 Inertial measurement unit, inertial measurement unit, IMU 800 Circuit board, multilayer circuit board 810 Flexible film 900 Fiber mat 950 Beacons

Claims

1. A system comprising a dermal patch (1) and an assistance system (100), wherein the dermal patch (1) is equipped with a flat carrier material (3), having, in use, one side (1a) facing the skin and one side (1b) opposite the skin of a wearer of the dermal patch (1), wherein the carrier material (3) on the side (1a) facing the skin is provided at least partially with an adhesive layer (5) for fixing the dermal patch (1) to the skin of the wearer, characterized in that the dermal patch (1) comprises at least one first pocket section (7), which is accessible from the side (1b) opposite the skin, wherein the first pocket section comprises the assistance system (100), wherein the assistance system (100) includes at least one: - processor (200); - storage (300); - communication unit (400) including a mobile radio communication unit; and - power supply unit (500).

2. The system according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one element from the group consisting of the first pocket section (7), the second pocket section and an additional chamber (11) is delimited on its underside by the carrier material (3) and on its upper side by a covering material (13), in particular jointly.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the covering material (13) is connected to the side (1b) of the carrier material (3) opposite the skin, for example by means of an adhesive layer (5), a Velcro section, a seam section.

4. The system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the material of the covering material (13) corresponds to the material of the carrier material (3).

5. The system according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one element from the group consisting of the first pocket section (7), the second pocket section and an additional chamber (11) comprises a closure means (9).

6. The system according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the assistance system (100) includes a satellite navigation unit (600).

7. The system according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the assistance system (100) is equipped with at least one sensor (700).

8. The system according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the assistance system (100) is suitable and / or configured to be worn on the body.

9. The system according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the assistance system (100) is suitable and / or configured to detect an event.

10. The system according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the assistance system (100) is suitable and / or configured to initiate further steps in response to a specific event.

11. The system according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the assistance system (100) is sealed watertight and / or can be disinfected.