Method for providing event notification

Abstract

To provide an event notification when signal loss occurs in outputting the notification.SOLUTION: One embodiment is a method for providing an event notification in a blood glucose measurement system, the method including: a step for determining whether or not an event has occurred; a step for determining whether or not an event occurrence point of time belongs to a signal loss section as an event occurs; and a step for outputting a notification corresponding to the event, depending on whether or not the event occurrence point of time belongs to the signal loss section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a technique for providing a notification of an event in a blood glucose measurement system, and more particularly to a technique for providing the notification corresponding to an event when a signal loss occurs when outputting the notification. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, advances in medical technology have led to the development and sale of various medical devices that can be attached to the user's body. Medical devices that can be attached to the skin of a patient with a chronic disease can be useful for monitoring biological information and providing treatment.

[0003] For example, chronic diseases such as diabetes require continuous management, and medical devices that attach to the skin and measure blood glucose levels can be used to monitor diabetic patients' blood glucose levels. Diabetes is characterized by almost no noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, specific symptoms of diabetes appear, such as excessive drinking, excessive eating, excessive urination, weight loss, general fatigue, itchy skin, and slow healing of wounds on the hands and feet. As diabetes progresses, complications such as vision impairment, high blood pressure, kidney disease, stroke, periodontal disease, muscle spasms, neuralgia, and gangrene appear. Diagnosing diabetes and managing it to prevent complications requires systematic blood glucose monitoring and treatment.

[0004] Various medical device manufacturers offer a variety of blood glucose monitors that can measure blood glucose levels for people with diabetes and those without diabetes who have higher-than-normal blood glucose levels.

[0005] There are two types of blood glucose monitors: one in which the user draws blood from the tip of a finger and measures blood glucose one time, and one in which the monitor is attached to the user's abdomen or arm and measures blood glucose continuously.

[0006] Diabetic patients generally experience alternating periods of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and emergency situations occur during hypoglycemia, which can lead to loss of consciousness or even death if the hypoglycemic state continues for a long period without a sugar supply. Therefore, it is extremely important for diabetics to detect hypoglycemia immediately, but blood glucose meters that measure blood glucose intermittently have limitations in their ability to accurately detect this.

[0007] Recently, to overcome these limitations, a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) has been developed and is being used, which is inserted into the body and measures blood glucose levels every few minutes.To minimize the pain and discomfort felt by users when drawing blood, a continuous glucose monitoring system measures blood glucose continuously after inserting a needle-shaped transcutaneous sensor into areas such as the abdomen or arm, where pain is relatively less.

[0008] The continuous blood glucose monitoring system comprises a sensor transmitter that is inserted into the user's skin to measure blood glucose levels inside the body and transmit the measured blood glucose levels, and a terminal that outputs the transmitted blood glucose levels.

[0009] Meanwhile, the device can send various notifications to the user regarding the blood glucose level output. Notifications can occur depending on conditions related to changes in blood glucose levels, the environment in which the sensor transmitter is used, etc. The user can set the conditions for notifications and the notification output method (e.g., sound, vibration, notification cycle, etc.) through the device, and can receive notifications according to those settings.

[0010] Furthermore, in a continuous blood glucose measurement system, a terminal that communicates with a sensor transmitter transmits and receives blood glucose information via a wired or wireless connection, and the terminal must continuously receive data packets containing blood glucose information from the sensor transmitter. However, if the terminal is unable to continuously receive blood glucose information from the sensor transmitter due to a temporary interruption in communication between the sensor transmitter and the terminal or the user's unfamiliarity with the operation, or if the sensor transmitter and the terminal are separated by a distance that prevents them from communicating with each other for a considerable period of time, the terminal may not be able to receive the user's blood glucose information during that time. In this way, a signal loss may occur, preventing the terminal from receiving data containing blood glucose information from the sensor transmitter.

[0011] However, there may be situations where the device sounds an alarm even when it cannot receive vital signs from the sensor transmitter due to signal loss. If the device cannot receive data during signal loss and does not sound a notification, even though the user was experiencing hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia before signal loss or if such a condition is predicted, this could pose a risk to the user's health. Therefore, when events such as high or low blood glucose levels, sudden changes in blood glucose levels, sensor replacement, blood glucose level correction, low sensor battery, and connection with a health care provider occur during signal loss, the device must efficiently handle notifications for those events. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] Against this background, one object of the present embodiment is to provide notification of an event when a signal loss occurs when outputting the notification.

[0013] Another object of this embodiment is to provide notification of an event when, after a notification in response to an event, a re-notification or snooze is output during signal loss, or when an event occurs during signal loss and a re-notification or snooze in response to the event is output after signal loss. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment may provide a method for providing an event notification in a blood glucose measurement system, the method including the steps of determining whether an event has occurred, determining whether the time point of the event belongs to a signal loss section in response to the occurrence of the event, and outputting a notification corresponding to the event depending on whether the time point of the event belongs to the signal loss section.

[0015] In the above method, the step of outputting a notification corresponding to the event may include outputting a notification corresponding to the event during the signal loss period.

[0016] In the above method, the step of outputting a notification corresponding to the event may output or stop outputting the notification corresponding to the event during the signal loss period depending on a type of the event, and the event may include high or low blood glucose level, a sudden change in blood glucose level, sensor replacement, blood glucose level correction, low battery of the sensor, or connection with a health care provider.

[0017] In the above method, the step of outputting a notification corresponding to the event may determine to output a notification corresponding to the event if the event has a higher priority than a loss of signal.

[0018] In the above method, the notification may include a re-notification or a snooze.

[0019] In the above method, the signal loss interval may occur during a re-notification or snooze after a notification corresponding to the event, and the step of outputting the notification corresponding to the event may output or stop outputting the re-notification or snooze during the signal loss interval.

[0020] In the above method, the event may include a high or low blood glucose level, a sudden change in blood glucose level, a sensor replacement, a blood glucose level correction, a low battery in the sensor, or a connection with a healthcare provider.

[0021] In the above method, the step of outputting a notification corresponding to the event may determine to output a notification corresponding to the event if the event has a higher priority than a loss of signal.

[0022] In the above method, when the event occurs during the signal loss period, the step of outputting a notification corresponding to the event may include outputting a re-notification, snoozing, or stopping the output of the notification corresponding to the event after the signal loss ends.

[0023] In the above method, the event may include a high or low blood glucose level, a sudden change in blood glucose level, a sensor replacement, a blood glucose level correction, a low battery in the sensor, or a connection with a healthcare provider.

[0024] In the above method, the step of outputting a notification corresponding to the event may determine to output the re-notification or the snooze if the event has a higher priority than a signal loss. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] As described above, according to this embodiment, by determining and controlling whether or not to output a notification due to the occurrence of an event during signal loss, it is possible to provide the user with blood glucose information in a timely manner and prevent health risks caused by the lack of notification. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for schematically illustrating a blood glucose measurement system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an applicator for attaching a sensor transmitter to a human body according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of attaching a sensor transmitter to a human body using an applicator according to an embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a sensor transmitter according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating biometric information generated in a sensor transmitter or a terminal according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a data packet being generated in a sensor transmitter or terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting and receiving biological information between a sensor transmitter and a terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a terminal to provide a notification of an event according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for a terminal to provide a notification of an event according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an event notification by determining whether a terminal outputs a notification according to an embodiment; [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating notifications provided according to event types according to an embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method in which a terminal provides a notification of an event according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for a terminal to provide a notification of an event according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another example of a method in which a terminal provides a notification of an event according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for a terminal to provide a notification of an event according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] When describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related publicly known functions will be omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would be obvious to a person skilled in the art and would unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0028] The terms used in this application are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expressions include the plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should be understood that in this application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described herein, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0029] The terms "first," "second," etc. are merely identifiers for distinguishing between identical or corresponding components, and the identical or corresponding components are not limited by the terms "first," "second," etc.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding components will be given the same drawing numbers, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram for schematically explaining a blood glucose measurement system according to one embodiment.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a blood glucose measuring system (hereinafter referred to as the “system”) 10 according to one embodiment may include a sensor transmitter 100 and a terminal 200.

[0033] The sensor transmitter 100 is attached to the human body B, and when the sensor transmitter 100 is attached to the human body B, one end of the sensor of the sensor transmitter 100 is inserted into the skin and can periodically extract body fluids from the human body to measure blood glucose.

[0034] The terminal 200 can receive a biological signal including blood glucose information from the sensor transmitter 100, generate blood glucose information from the biological signal, and output the information to a user. The terminal 200 may include various devices such as, but is not limited to, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet PC, a desktop, or a laptop, and may include a device that has a communication interface capable of communicating with the sensor transmitter 100 and on which programs and applications can be installed.

[0035] The sensor transmitter 100 can transmit the measured biosignal to the terminal 200 at the request of the terminal 200 or periodically at set time intervals. To perform data communication between the sensor transmitter 100 and the terminal 200, the sensor transmitter 100 and the terminal 200 may be connected to each other by a wired connection such as a USB cable, or may be connected wirelessly by infrared communication, NFC communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an applicator for attaching a sensor transmitter to a human body according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the process of attaching a sensor transmitter to a human body using an applicator according to one embodiment.

[0037] 2 and 3, an applicator 300 according to one embodiment includes a sensor transmitter 100 therein, and is operated by a user to eject the sensor transmitter 100 to the outside and attach it to a specific part of the user's body. The applicator 300 is formed in a shape with one open side, and the sensor transmitter 100 is attached to the applicator 300 via the open side of the applicator 300.

[0038] When attaching the sensor transmitter 100 to a part of the body using the applicator 300, in order to insert one end of the sensor provided in the sensor transmitter 100 into the skin, the applicator 300 may include a needle (not shown) formed to surround one end of the sensor inside, a first elastic member (not shown) that pushes both the needle and one end of the sensor into the skin, and a second elastic member (not shown) that withdraws only the needle. With this configuration of the applicator 300, the needle and one end of the sensor can be inserted into the skin simultaneously by releasing the compression of the first elastic member (not shown) that is arranged in a compressed state inside the applicator 300. Once the one end of the sensor is inserted into the skin, only the needle is withdrawn by releasing the compression of the compressed second elastic member (not shown). A user can safely and easily attach the sensor transmitter 100 to the skin using the applicator 300.

[0039] Considering the process of attaching the applicator 300 to the human body B in detail, with the protective cap (not shown) removed, the open side of the applicator 300 is brought into close contact with the skin S at a specific location on the human body B. When the applicator 300 is operated with the applicator 300 in close contact with the skin S of the human body B in this manner, the sensor transmitter 100 is discharged from the applicator 300 and attached to the skin S. Here, one end of the sensor 101 is disposed at the bottom of the sensor transmitter 100 so as to be exposed from the sensor transmitter 100, and a portion of the one end of the sensor 101 is inserted into the skin S via a needle provided on the applicator 300. In this way, the sensor transmitter 100 can be attached to the skin S with one end of the sensor 101 inserted into the skin S.

[0040] Here, the surface of the sensor transmitter 100 that comes into contact with the human body B may be provided with adhesive tape so that the sensor transmitter 100 can be fixedly attached to the skin S of the human body B. In this way, when the applicator 300 is separated from the skin S of the human body B, the sensor transmitter 100 is fixedly attached to the skin S of the human body B by the adhesive tape.

[0041] Thereafter, when power is applied to the sensor transmitter 100, the sensor transmitter 100 communicates with the terminal and can transmit a biological signal including blood glucose information to the terminal. The sensor transmitter 100 can generate various types of biological information in addition to blood glucose information, and the following description will be given assuming that blood glucose information is measured as an example of biological information.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a sensor transmitter according to an embodiment.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, a sensor transmitter 100 according to an embodiment may include a sensor module 110, a sensor communication unit 120, a sensor control unit 130, and a sensor storage unit 140.

[0044] The sensor module 110 may include at least one sensor that is inserted into the human body to sense a bio-quantity. The at least one sensor can measure the bio-quantity and generate a bio-signal. The bio-signal may include a current value as an analog signal.

[0045] The sensor communication unit 120 can transmit and receive data or information to and from the terminal. For example, the sensor communication unit 120 can transmit a biological signal transmitted from the sensor module 110 or data (e.g., biological information) stored in the sensor storage unit 140 to the terminal.

[0046] The sensor control unit 130 may control the overall configuration of the sensor transmitter 100, including the sensor module 110, the sensor storage unit 140, and the sensor communication unit 120. For example, the sensor control unit 130 may receive a control signal from a terminal and control the configuration of the sensor transmitter 100 accordingly. The sensor control unit 130 may also process a biosignal. For example, the sensor control unit 130 may convert the biosignal into an analog or digital form, or may perform processing to remove noise as necessary.

[0047] The sensor storage unit 140 can store data or information. For example, the sensor storage unit 140 can store data on a biological quantity measured by the sensor module 110 (e.g., a current value of a biological signal or its digital data) or data received from a terminal (e.g., a command value of a control signal).

[0048] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, a terminal 200 according to an embodiment may include an output unit 210, a communication unit 220, a control unit 230, and a storage unit 240.

[0050] The output unit 210 can output the biological information (e.g., blood glucose information) included in the biological signal so that the user can check it. For example, the output unit 210 can display the blood glucose information as numerical values ​​(values) or even as a graph processed from the numerical values.

[0051] The communication unit 220 can communicate with the sensor communication unit of the sensor transmitter to transmit and receive data or information. For example, the communication unit 220 can receive a biosignal including information (biometric information) on a biometric quantity measured by the sensor transmitter. Here, the communication unit 220 can receive a biosignal that has been primarily processed from the sensor transmitter. Preferably, the processed biosignal may include discrete data (discontinuous data) in which a current value, which is an analog signal, is digitally converted. When the current value is sampled every cycle, digital discrete data can be generated. Alternatively, the communication unit 220 can transmit a control signal for controlling the sensor transmitter to the sensor transmitter.

[0052] The storage unit 240 can store data or information. For example, the storage unit 240 can store data (e.g., biological information) received from a sensor transmitter. Here, the biological information may include digital data communication indicating a current value as blood glucose information. Alternatively, the storage unit 240 can store data input by a user or environment setting data for setting the operating environment of the terminal.

[0053] The control unit 230 may include at least one processor that executes a program that provides event notification in the blood glucose measurement system, and at least one memory that stores the program. The memory and processor included in the control unit 230 may be integrated into a single chip or may be physically separated.

[0054] The memory may be implemented as a non-volatile memory element such as a ROM (read only memory), a PROM (programmable ROM), an EPROM (erasable programmable ROM), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM) or a flash memory, or a volatile memory element such as a RAM (random access memory) to store various programs, data and / or information.

[0055] The control unit 230 can also generate a blood glucose level, which is blood glucose information digitized from the biological information. To this end, the control unit 230 can acquire biological information in the form of a current value from the sensor transmitter and preprocess and / or process the current value of the biological information. The control unit 230 may first calculate a sensitivity and generate a blood glucose level according to this sensitivity.

[0056] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating biometric information generated by a sensor transmitter or a terminal according to an embodiment.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 6, biometric information can be generated by a sensor transmitter or a terminal according to an embodiment. Specifically, the sensor transmitter acquires an analog (continuous) biometric signal indicating a current value at predetermined intervals and samples the biometric signal to generate digital (discontinuous) data indicating the current value. The generated data can be processed by the sensor transmitter or the terminal to generate biometric information. In the following description, digital data is generated from the biometric signal by the sensor transmitter, and the terminal processes the digital data to generate biometric information. However, this is not limiting, and the processing may be performed in part or entirely by the sensor transmitter depending on the embodiment.

[0058] For example, the sensor transmitter may acquire an analog biosignal (e.g., a current value), measure the biosignal every 10 seconds, and process the measured biosignal to generate a single piece of first data. Specifically, the sensor transmitter may measure (sample) the biosignal 30 times every 10 seconds to generate digital data. The sensor transmitter may remove the highest and lowest data from the 30 pieces of data, calculate an average value A1 of the remaining data, and determine this average value A1 as the single piece of first data. The first data, which is the data of the average value A1 calculated in this way, is generated every 10 seconds, and as shown in the figure, six average values ​​A1 to A6, i.e., six pieces of first data, are generated per minute.

[0059] In addition, the sensor transmitter can collect 30 pieces of first data for 300 seconds (5 minutes) and transmit them to the terminal. The terminal can receive and process 30 pieces of first data from the sensor transmitter every 300 seconds (5 minutes).

[0060] The terminal can again generate an average value B1 using the six first data (average values ​​A1 to A6). When generating the average value B1, the terminal can also remove the higher and lower data from the six average values ​​A1 to A6 and generate an average value B1 of the remaining data. The second data, which is the data of the average value B1 calculated in this way, is generated in one-minute increments, and as shown in the figure, one average value B1, i.e., one second data, can be generated per minute. As mentioned above, in some cases, processing into the second data may be performed by the sensor transmitter.

[0061] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a data packet being generated in a sensor transmitter or a terminal according to an embodiment.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 7, biometric information can be generated by processing the second data in a sensor transmitter or a terminal according to an embodiment. In the above example, the terminal can receive 30 pieces of first data in 10-second intervals from the sensor transmitter and obtain five pieces of second data B1 in 1-minute intervals. The terminal can also generate an average value C1 using the five pieces of second data (average values ​​B1 to B5). When generating the average value C1, the terminal can also remove the higher and lower data from the five average values ​​B1 to B5 and generate an average value C1 of the remaining data. The third data, which is data of the average value C1 calculated in this way, is generated in 5-minute intervals, and as shown in the figure, one average value C1, i.e., one piece of third data, can be generated every 5 minutes. As described above, in some cases, processing into the third data may be performed by the sensor transmitter.

[0063] Here, the terminal generates second data B1 to B5 in order during the biological information generation cycle Tp, and can generate one third data C1 during the blood glucose level biological information generation cycle Ts. During the blood glucose level biological information generation cycle Ts, the blood glucose level is calculated from the third data C1 through sensitivity, and during the biological information generation cycle Tp, the terminal can generate second data B1 to B5 that form the basis of the third data C1. In the above example, the biological information generation cycle Tp corresponds to 1 minute, and the blood glucose level biological information generation cycle Ts corresponds to 5 minutes.

[0064] The third data generated every 5 minutes can be filtered to remove noise, and the filtered third data can be converted into biometric information including blood glucose levels by applying sensitivity, and the biometric information can be output to the user.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting and receiving biological information between a sensor transmitter and a terminal according to an embodiment.

[0066] 8, the sensor transmitter 100 and the terminal 200 according to an embodiment may be connected to each other for communication to transmit and receive data including biometric information. After the communication connection is established, data can be transmitted and received. The sensor transmitter 100 and the terminal 200 may be connected to each other via wired or wireless communication, and may be connected to each other via USB communication, infrared communication, Bluetooth communication, or the like.

[0067] Specifically, the sensor transmitter 100 and the terminal 200 may transmit and receive data differently depending on whether a new communication connection is established after communication is interrupted (initial communication connection) or whether only data is transmitted and received after the initial communication connection. First, when the sensor transmitter 100 and the terminal 200 establish a new communication connection while communication is interrupted, the sensor transmitter 100 may transmit an advertisement message to the terminal 200 (step S801). The sensor transmitter 100 may periodically transmit advertisement messages to the terminal 200; this process may be called advertisement. The terminal 200 may receive the advertisement message and perform authentication with the sensor transmitter 100 (step S803). For example, the sensor transmitter 100 and the terminal 200 may authenticate that they are valid devices through a hash value. Then, the sensor transmitter 100 and the terminal 200 may establish a communication connection (step S805). A communication connection is a state in which data can be sent and received immediately without going through a separate initial communication process such as authentication, and the sensor transmitter 100 and the terminal 200 can send and receive data at any time in response to an advertisement message while the communication connection is established. The terminal 200 can send an information request message to the sensor transmitter 100 to obtain data including biometric information (e.g., 30 first data items) (step S807). In response to the information request message, the sensor transmitter 100 can send data including biometric information (e.g., 30 first data items) to the terminal 200 (step S809).

[0068] Once the initial communication is established, data can be transmitted and received in the established communication connection state without a separate authentication process. The sensor transmitter 100 can periodically or aperiodically transmit an advertisement message to the terminal 200 (step S811). The terminal 200 can transmit an information request message to the sensor transmitter 100 in response to the advertisement message, requesting data transmission (step S813). The sensor transmitter 100 can transmit data in response to the information request message (step S815).

[0069] Here, the terminal 200 may receive data from the sensor transmitter 100 at any time, and may receive data in response to the advertisement message only when the sensor transmitter 100 transmits the advertisement message. The sensor transmitter 100 may transmit the advertisement message to the terminal 200 periodically or aperiodically, thereby allowing the terminal 200 to request and receive data. Furthermore, the sensor transmitter 100 may transmit the advertisement message only in an active mode, i.e., while awake, rather than continuously. Therefore, data transmission and reception between the sensor transmitter 100 and the terminal 200 may also be performed only during this active mode period Tact. The sensor transmitter 100 may wait without transmitting any data during an inactive mode, i.e., a period when not in an active mode.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a terminal provides a notification of an event according to an embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method in which a terminal provides a notification of an event according to an embodiment.

[0071] 9, a flow chart of a method for a terminal to provide an event notification according to an embodiment is shown. The terminal can provide various notifications to a user in response to events related to the output of biometric information.

[0072] For example, events may include signal loss, high or low blood glucose levels, sudden changes in blood glucose levels, sensor replacement, blood glucose calibration, low sensor battery, and connection to a health care provider. Signal loss indicates that the device is unable to receive vital signs from the sensor transmitter, and if no data is received for a certain period of time (e.g., 25 minutes), a notification can be provided to the user. High or low blood glucose levels indicate hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and the user can configure notifications for high or low blood glucose levels by setting ranges (low and high limits) that specify hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Sudden changes in blood glucose levels indicate the degree of change (or slope) in blood glucose levels, and if the change is severe, whether hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, a notification can be provided to the user. Sensor replacement indicates that the sensor should be replaced when its lifespan expires, and a notification can be provided to the user when the sensor's lifespan expires. Blood glucose calibration indicates that a calibration value must be entered to accurately calculate a blood glucose level, and a notification can be provided to the user when the calibration is due. A low sensor battery indicates that the battery of the sensor, which is powered by its own battery (power source), has run out and the sensor must be replaced. If the remaining battery power is low, a notification can be provided to the user. A connection with a health care provider may indicate that a different entity, other than the user who manages the user's health status, is connected to the sensor transmitter via another terminal and receives biometric information from the sensor transmitter. When the health care provider is connected, a notification can be provided to the user.

[0073] Specifically, if the terminal is experiencing a signal loss when outputting a notification in response to the occurrence of such an event, the terminal in this embodiment may operate as follows.

[0074] First, the control unit of the terminal can set the output unit to output a notification when an event occurs (step S901). The terminal receives an instruction for the event and the notification from the user, and the control unit of the terminal can control the output unit to output a notification corresponding to the event according to the instruction.

[0075] The control unit of the terminal may determine whether an event has occurred (step S903). Specifically, the control unit of the terminal may detect whether an event has occurred according to the settings. The control unit of the terminal may detect whether a signal loss, high or low blood glucose level, a sudden change in blood glucose level, sensor replacement, blood glucose level correction, low battery of the sensor, connection with a health care manager, etc. have occurred. For example, the control unit of the terminal may determine that a signal loss has occurred if data has not been received for a certain period of time. Alternatively, the control unit of the terminal may determine that hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia has occurred if the blood glucose level exceeds a boundary specified by the user. Alternatively, the control unit of the terminal may determine that an event requiring sensor replacement or blood glucose level correction has occurred if the sensor's life cycle or correction period has expired. When such an event has occurred, the control unit of the terminal may control the output unit to output a notification set according to the event.

[0076] Typically, the control unit of the device determines whether an event has occurred, and the output unit can output a notification corresponding to the event according to a user setting. In this case, signal loss and notification output may overlap. For example, when the device is experiencing signal loss, a high or low blood glucose level or a sudden change is expected, and the device must output a notification for this. Alternatively, the sensor may reach the end of its life or a calibration period, and the device must output a notification for this. When such an event occurs, the device can output a notification corresponding to the event. Here, the device can determine whether the time point at which the event occurred (hereinafter referred to as "time X1") is within a signal loss period (step S905). That is, the device can determine whether to output a notification corresponding to the event during signal loss. The signal loss period may refer to the time during which signal loss continues in the device.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 10, a situation in which a terminal outputs a notification when a signal loss occurs according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0078] Specifically, the terminal can normally receive biological information from the sensor transmitter in response to an advertisement message transmitted by the sensor transmitter at advertisement timing AD1 (S_DATA).

[0079] During communication between the sensor transmitter and the terminal, signal loss may occur at some point, causing the terminal to enter a signal loss period Tloss. During signal loss, the terminal may not be able to receive any data, including biometric information, from the sensor transmitter. Unlike advertisement timing AD1, the terminal may not be able to receive biometric information at advertisement timings AD2 and AD3, which belong to the signal loss period Tloss. While the terminal is in a signal loss state, an event may occur at time X1, requiring the terminal to output a notification corresponding to the event. In this situation, the terminal may determine whether to output a notification. Depending on the determination, the terminal may output or stop the notification.

[0080] Thereafter, the signal loss may be resolved, and the terminal may be able to receive data from the sensor transmitter. The terminal may then receive biometric information from the sensor transmitter as usual at subsequent advertisement timings (e.g., advertisement timing AD4).

[0081] Here, the advertisement timings AD1, AD2, AD3, and AD4 may be periodic or aperiodic. If the advertisement timings AD1, AD2, AD3, and AD4 are periodic, they may be formed at 5-minute (300-second) intervals. As in the above data packet example, in principle, at each advertisement timing AD1, AD2, AD3, and AD4, the sensor transmitter can transmit 30 pieces of collected data to the terminal at once. The advertisement timings AD1, AD2, AD3, and AD4 may be repeated, and other advertisement timings may then be formed at 5-minute intervals. However, if the advertisement timings AD2 and AD3 are in a signal loss state, the terminal may not receive data. While biometric information is not being received, the terminal may output a blank or gap in which no blood glucose level is displayed on the user interface.

[0082] Also, referring to FIG. 9 , a control unit of a terminal according to an embodiment may determine whether to output a notification for an event that occurs during a signal loss. That is, the control unit of the terminal may output a notification for the event depending on whether the event occurrence time falls within a signal loss period (step S907). In normal times when there is no signal loss, the terminal may output a notification for the event. Meanwhile, during a signal loss, the terminal may output a notification for the event, but may not output the notification depending on criteria. Here, the notification for the event may include re-notification and snooze. Specifically, the control unit of the terminal may determine whether to output a notification based on the priority between the event and signal loss. For example, if the priority of the event is higher than the priority of signal loss, the control unit of the terminal may control the output unit to output a notification during signal loss. Furthermore, the control unit of the terminal may determine whether to output a notification depending on the type of the event. This will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a terminal to provide an event notification by determining whether to output a notification according to an embodiment.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 11, the operation of a terminal for providing notification during signal loss is illustrated according to one embodiment.

[0085] The terminal can detect and determine whether an event has occurred (steps S1101 and S1103). The terminal can detect and determine whether an event of a corresponding type (signal loss, high or low blood glucose level, sudden change in blood glucose level, sensor replacement, blood glucose level correction, low battery of the sensor, connection with a health care manager, etc.) has occurred.

[0086] If it is determined that an event has not occurred, the terminal may continue to detect the event (NO in step S1103 and step S1101). If it is determined that an event has occurred, the terminal may further detect signal loss (YES in step S1103 and step S1105). The terminal may determine whether it is currently in a signal loss state.

[0087] If it is determined that no signal loss has occurred, the terminal may output a notification for the event (NO in step S1107 and step S1111). If it is determined that a signal loss has occurred, the terminal may compare and determine the priority between the event and the signal loss (YES in step S1107 and step S1109). If it is determined that the priority of the event is higher than or equal to the priority of the signal loss, the terminal may output a notification for the event (YES in step S1109 and step S1111). For example, if an event of high or low blood glucose level, a sudden change in blood glucose level, or correction has a higher priority than signal loss, the terminal may output a notification for this.

[0088] Conversely, if it is determined that the priority of the event is lower than the priority of signal loss, the terminal may not output a notification for the event, or may stop the output if it outputs a notification (NO in step S1109 and step S1113). For example, if an event such as high or low blood glucose level or a sudden change in blood glucose level has a lower priority than signal loss, the terminal may not output a notification for this event.

[0089] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating notifications provided according to event types according to an embodiment.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 12, notifications provided by a terminal according to an embodiment are shown according to the type of event. The terminal may determine different types of notifications to be output during normal operation or signal loss and corresponding events. Here, the types of notifications may include normal notification, re-notification, and snooze. Generally, a notification may refer to a notification that is first sounded when an event occurs. A re-notification may refer to a notification that is provided again periodically or aperiodically after an initial notification. A snooze may refer to a notification that is provided after a notification has been temporarily ignored. Compared to a re-notification, a snooze differs in that a user operation is required for the initial notification and the time interval after the initial notification is relatively short.

[0091] For example, in I of this drawing, types of notifications for events during normal times are shown. During normal times without signal loss, the device can provide notifications for high or low blood glucose levels, sudden changes in blood glucose levels, sensor replacement, blood glucose level correction, low sensor battery, and connection with a health care provider. However, the device can only provide reminders and snooze notifications for events such as blood glucose level correction. The user can operate the device to provide reminders and snooze notifications for other events as well.

[0092] Meanwhile, Figure II of this drawing shows types of notifications for events that occur during signal loss. When a signal loss occurs and an event occurs during the signal loss, the device may similarly provide notifications for high or low blood glucose levels, sudden changes in blood glucose levels, sensor replacement, blood glucose correction, low sensor battery, and connection with a healthcare provider. However, the device may also provide re-notification and snooze for events such as high or low blood glucose levels, sudden changes in blood glucose levels, sensor replacement, low sensor battery, and connection with a healthcare provider, in addition to blood glucose correction. The device may determine that the priority of the event is higher than the priority of signal loss according to the settings. The device may output a notification for the event even during signal loss through a comparison of the priorities. The user may operate the device to change such settings.

[0093] The following describes an example in which a terminal outputs a notification during a signal loss.

[0094] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method in which a terminal according to an embodiment provides a notification of an event.

[0095] 13 illustrates an example in which a terminal outputs a notification when a signal loss occurs according to an embodiment. In this example, a signal loss occurs after the terminal outputs a notification in response to an event, and the terminal may need to provide a notification such as a re-notification or snooze during the signal loss. If a signal loss occurs when outputting a notification, the terminal determines whether to output the notification, and depending on this determination, the terminal may or may not output the notification.

[0096] Specifically, the terminal can receive biological information from the sensor transmitter in response to an advertisement message transmitted by the sensor transmitter at advertisement timing AD1 during normal times (S_DATA).

[0097] During communication between the sensor transmitter and the terminal, an event occurs at time X1, and the terminal can output a notification or snooze. The snooze may be set to ON and a signal loss may occur. The terminal may need to output a snooze when it enters a signal loss period Tloss and the time arrives. In this situation, the terminal can determine whether to output a snooze. Depending on the determination, the terminal may output or stop the snooze.

[0098] Here, the terminal may determine whether to output a snooze signal based on the priority between the event and the signal loss. For example, if the priority of the event is higher than the priority of the signal loss, the terminal may output a snooze signal during the signal loss. This will be described in detail later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0099] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for a terminal to provide a notification of an event according to an embodiment.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 14, an operation of a terminal for providing notification during signal loss when a signal loss coincides with a re-notification or snooze after a notification in response to an event, according to one embodiment, is illustrated.

[0101] The terminal can detect and determine whether an event has occurred (steps S1401 and S1403). The terminal can detect and determine whether an event of a corresponding type (signal loss, high or low blood glucose level, sudden change in blood glucose level, sensor replacement, blood glucose level correction, low sensor battery, connection with a health care manager, etc.) has occurred.

[0102] If it is determined that no event has occurred, the terminal can continuously detect the event (NO in step S1403 and step S1401). If it is determined that an event has occurred, the terminal can output a notification for the event (YES in step S1403 and step S1405).

[0103] The terminal can set the snooze to ON so that the snooze sounds (step S1407). The user can change the notification settings by operating the terminal, and can also set whether or not to output the snooze. The terminal can set the snooze to ON according to the notification settings input by the user.

[0104] The terminal can stop notifications, schedule snooze, and then continue receiving biometric information. During the reception of biometric information, the terminal can detect signal loss and determine whether signal loss has occurred (steps S1409 and S1411). The terminal can determine whether it is currently in a signal loss state.

[0105] If it is determined that no signal loss has occurred, the terminal may output a snooze for the event (NO in step S1411 and step S1415). If it is determined that a signal loss has occurred, the terminal may compare and determine the priority between the event and the signal loss (YES in step S1411 and step S1413). If it is determined that the priority of the event is higher than or equal to the priority of the signal loss, the terminal may output a snooze for the event (YES in step S1413 and step S1415). For example, if an event of high or low blood glucose level, a sudden change in blood glucose level, or correction has a higher priority than a signal loss, the terminal may output a snooze for this event.

[0106] Conversely, if it is determined that the priority of the event is lower than the priority of signal loss, the terminal may not output a snooze message for the event, or may stop the output if output (NO in step S1413 and step S1417). For example, if an event of high or low blood glucose level or a sudden change in blood glucose level has a lower priority than signal loss, the terminal may not output a snooze message for this event.

[0107] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another example of a method in which a terminal provides a notification of an event according to an embodiment.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 15 , another example of a terminal outputting a notification when a signal loss occurs according to an embodiment is shown. In this example, an event occurs during the signal loss, and after the signal loss, the terminal may need to provide a re-notification or snooze in response to the event. The terminal determines whether to output a notification for the event that occurred during the signal loss, and may output or not output the notification according to this determination. Furthermore, after the signal loss ends, the terminal determines whether to output a re-notification or snooze for the event, and may output or not output the re-notification or snooze according to this determination.

[0109] Specifically, the terminal can receive biological information from the sensor transmitter in response to an advertisement message transmitted by the sensor transmitter at advertisement timing AD1 during normal times (S_DATA).

[0110] During communication between the sensor transmitter and the terminal, an event occurs at time X1, and the terminal may determine whether to output a notification. Based on the determination, the terminal may output or stop outputting the notification. This notification is the first notification for the event at time X1, and depending on the user's input, the terminal may output a second notification or snooze after the signal loss ends. Here, the terminal may determine whether to output a notification based on the priority between the event and the signal loss. For example, if the priority of the event is higher than the priority of the signal loss, the terminal may output a notification during the signal loss.

[0111] When the signal loss ends, it may be time to re-notify or snooze. The terminal may determine whether to output a re-notification or snooze. Depending on the determination, the terminal may output or stop the re-notification or snooze. In particular, the terminal needs to determine whether to output a re-notification or snooze based on whether a notification does not sound during the signal loss or after the signal loss ends. As during the signal loss, the terminal may determine whether to output a re-notification or snooze based on the priority between the event and the signal loss. For example, if the priority of the event is higher than the priority of the signal loss, the terminal may output a re-notification or snooze after the signal loss ends. This will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings.

[0112] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for a terminal to provide a notification of an event according to an embodiment.

[0113] 16, an operation of a terminal for providing a re-notification or snooze in response to an event occurring during a signal loss and after a signal loss is illustrated, according to one embodiment. Here, an example in which the terminal provides a snooze is described.

[0114] The terminal can detect and determine whether an event has occurred (steps S1601 and S1603). The terminal can detect and determine whether an event of a corresponding type (signal loss, high or low blood glucose level, sudden change in blood glucose level, sensor replacement, blood glucose level correction, low battery of the sensor, connection with a health care manager, etc.) has occurred.

[0115] If it is determined that no event has occurred, the terminal may continue to detect the event (NO in step S1603 and step S1601). If it is determined that an event has occurred, the terminal may further detect signal loss (YES in step S1603 and step S1605). The terminal may determine whether it is currently in a signal loss state.

[0116] If it is determined that no signal loss has occurred, the terminal may output a notification for the event (NO in step S1607 and step S1611). If it is determined that a signal loss has occurred, the terminal may compare and determine the priority between the event and the signal loss (YES in step S1607 and step S1609). If it is determined that the priority of the event is higher than or equal to the priority of the signal loss, the terminal may output a notification for the event (YES in step S1609 and step S1611). For example, if an event such as high or low blood glucose level, sudden change in blood glucose level, or correction has a higher priority than signal loss, the terminal may output a notification for this.

[0117] Conversely, if it is determined that the priority of the event is lower than the priority of signal loss, the terminal may not output a notification for the event, or may stop the output if it outputs a notification (NO in step S1609 and step S1613). For example, if an event of high or low blood glucose level or a sudden change in blood glucose level has a lower priority than signal loss, the terminal may not output a notification for this event.

[0118] Meanwhile, the terminal can set the snooze to ON so that the snooze sounds (step S1615). The user can change the notification settings by operating the terminal, and can also set whether or not to output the snooze. The terminal can set the snooze to ON according to the notification settings input by the user.

[0119] The terminal may stop notification and continue to receive biometric information after reserving a snooze. While the terminal is receiving biometric information, a signal loss may end, and the time for snooze may arrive. The terminal may compare and determine the priority between the event and the signal loss (step S1617). If it is determined that the priority of the event is higher than or equal to the priority of the signal loss, the terminal may output a snooze for the event (YES in step S1617 and step S1619). For example, if an event of high or low blood glucose level, a sudden change in blood glucose level, or correction has a higher priority than a signal loss, the terminal may output a snooze for the event.

[0120] Conversely, if it is determined that the priority of the event is lower than the priority of signal loss, the terminal may not output a snooze for the event, or may stop the output if output (NO in step S1617 and step S1621). For example, if an event of high or low blood glucose level or a sudden change in blood glucose level has a lower priority than signal loss, the terminal may not output a snooze for this event.

[0121] Aspects of the subject matter described herein may be described in the context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or perform particular abstract data types.

[0122] Alternatively or additionally, the functionality described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. By way of example and not limitation, exemplary types of hardware logic components that may be used include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), program-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), etc.

[0123] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be embodied in the form of a recording medium storing a program and / or instructions executable by a computer. The instructions are stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, they may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be embodied as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0124] The computer-readable recording medium includes any type of recording medium that stores computer-readable instructions, such as a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, an optical data storage device, etc.

[0125] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, a person having ordinary skill in the art may modify and change the present invention in various ways by adding, changing, or deleting components within the scope of the concept of the present invention as set forth in the claims, and this also falls within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A method for providing event notification in a blood glucose monitoring system, comprising: determining whether an event has occurred; responding to the occurrence of an event, determining whether the event occurrence time point belongs to a signal loss period; outputting a notification corresponding to the event depending on whether the event occurrence time point falls within the signal loss period; How to provide event notifications, including:

2. The step of outputting a notification corresponding to the event includes: outputting a notification corresponding to the event during the signal loss period; The method for providing event notification of claim 1 .

3. The step of outputting a notification corresponding to the event includes: outputting or stopping a notification corresponding to the event during the signal loss period according to the type of the event; The events include high or low blood glucose levels, sudden changes in blood glucose levels, sensor replacement, blood glucose correction, low battery in the sensor, or connection with a healthcare provider. The method for providing event notification of claim 1 .

4. The step of outputting a notification corresponding to the event includes: determining to output a notification corresponding to the event if the event has a higher priority than signal loss; The method for providing event notification of claim 1 .

5. The notification includes a re-notification or snooze. The method for providing event notification of claim 1 .

6. the signal loss period occurs during a re-notification or snooze after a notification corresponding to the event; The step of outputting a notification corresponding to the event includes: outputting or stopping the re-notification or the snooze during the signal loss period; The method for providing event notification of claim 1 .

7. The events include high or low blood glucose levels, sudden changes in blood glucose levels, sensor replacement, blood glucose correction, low battery in the sensor, or connection with a healthcare provider. The method for providing event notification according to claim 6.

8. The step of outputting a notification corresponding to the event includes: determining to output a notification corresponding to the event if the event has a higher priority than signal loss; The method for providing event notification according to claim 6.

9. the event occurs during the signal loss period, The step of outputting a notification corresponding to the event includes: After the signal loss ends, outputting a re-announcement or snooze or stopping output of the notification corresponding to the event. The method for providing event notification of claim 1 .

10. The events include high or low blood glucose levels, sudden changes in blood glucose levels, sensor replacement, blood glucose correction, low battery in the sensor, or connection with a healthcare provider. The method for providing event notification according to claim 9.

11. The step of outputting a notification corresponding to the event includes: determining to output the re-notification or the snooze if the event has a higher priority than signal loss; The method for providing event notification according to claim 9.

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