Method for managing calibration information in a continuous blood glucose monitoring system

Abstract

To provide a method for managing calibration information for a continuous blood glucose measurement system, which can determine whether initial calibration of a sensor transmitter is performed.SOLUTION: When a sensor transmitter generates a transmission packet, the transmission packet is generated to include a generation identifier for identifying biometric information or the transmission packet according to a generation sequence of the biometric information or transmission packet, so that the biometric information is transmitted or received without a loss of the biometric information via the generation identifier. Further, a transmission packet or biometric information that a communication terminal has failed to receive is accurately determined on the basis of a packet generation identifier or the total number of transmitted packets, so that only the transmission packet or biometric information failed to receive between the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal can be discriminately transmitted or received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for managing calibration information in a continuous blood glucose monitoring system. More specifically, the present invention provides periodically acquired calibration information and the acquisition time thereof to a sensor transmitter, and when the sensor transmitter and a communication terminal are communicatively connected, receives the calibration information and information about the acquisition time thereof from the sensor transmitter, thereby determining whether additional calibration information is required at the time of communicative connection without the need to repeat the stabilization step or initial correction of the sensor transmitter, and relates to a calibration information management method that acquires additional calibration information and outputs biological information using the received calibration information.

Background Art

[0002] Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs in many modern people, and in the case of South Korea, it affects more than 2 million people, which corresponds to 5% of the total population.

[0003] Diabetes is caused by an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin secreted from the pancreas due to various causes such as obesity, stress, disrupted eating habits, and genetic factors. As a result, the glucose balance in blood cannot be properly maintained, and the glucose content in the blood unilaterally increases, leading to the onset of the disease.

[0004] Normally, glucose in blood is maintained at a constant concentration and used as an energy source for tissue cells.

[0005] However, when glucose increases more than necessary, it is not properly taken up by the liver, muscles, fat cells, etc., and accumulates in the blood. As a result, diabetic patients maintain a blood glucose level that is much higher than that of healthy people. Furthermore, excess blood glucose passes through tissues as it is and is excreted in urine, so sugar that is absolutely necessary for various tissues of the body becomes deficient, causing functional abnormalities in various tissues throughout the body.

[0006] A characteristic of diabetes is that there are almost no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, specific symptoms such as excessive thirst, increased appetite, frequent urination, weight loss, general fatigue, itchy skin, and persistent wounds on the hands and feet appear. Further progression of the disease can lead to complications such as vision impairment, high blood pressure, kidney disease, stroke, periodontal disease, muscle spasms, neuralgia, and gangrene.

[0007] To diagnose diabetes and manage it to prevent progression to complications, systematic blood glucose monitoring and treatment must be carried out in parallel.

[0008] Diabetes requires constant blood glucose monitoring for management, and the demand for blood glucose monitoring devices continues to increase. Numerous studies have shown that when diabetic patients properly control their blood glucose, the incidence of diabetic complications is significantly reduced. Therefore, it is extremely important for diabetic patients to regularly monitor their blood glucose for blood glucose control.

[0009] Generally, finger prick blood glucose monitors are primarily used for managing blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. However, while these devices are useful for managing blood glucose in diabetic patients, they only display the result at the time of measurement, making it difficult to accurately grasp rapidly changing blood glucose levels. Furthermore, because blood glucose monitors measure blood glucose multiple times a day, blood must be drawn each time, which places a significant burden on diabetic patients.

[0010] Normally, diabetic patients experience alternating periods of high and low blood sugar, but emergencies occur during hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia occurs when sugar is not supplied for an extended period and can lead to loss of consciousness or, in the worst cases, death. Therefore, immediately detecting hypoglycemia is extremely important for diabetic patients. However, blood glucose monitors that measure blood glucose intermittently have clear limitations.

[0011] To overcome the limitations of the above-mentioned blood sampling blood glucose monitors, a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS) has been developed that is inserted into the human body to measure blood glucose levels every few minutes. This system can be used to easily manage diabetic patients and respond to emergencies.

[0012] The continuous blood glucose monitoring system includes a sensor transmitter that attaches to a part of the user's body and measures blood glucose by collecting bodily fluids, and a communication terminal that outputs the transmitted blood glucose values. The sensor transmitter measures the user's blood glucose for a certain period, for example, about 15 days, while the sensor is inserted into the person's body, and generates blood glucose information. The sensor transmitter periodically generates blood glucose information, and the communication terminal, equipped with a blood glucose management application, periodically receives blood glucose information from the sensor transmitter and outputs the received blood glucose information so that the user can check it.

[0013] In the continuous blood glucose monitoring system described above, when the sensor transmitter is inserted into the user's body, it must go through a stabilization phase of 1 to 3 hours. Once stabilization is complete, the communication terminal displays the blood glucose information received from the sensor transmitter on its display unit and provides it to the user.

[0014] To provide users with accurate blood glucose information, the blood glucose information received from the sensor transmitter must be initially calibrated and continuously calibrated at regular intervals throughout the sensor transmitter's usage period. During initial calibration, blood glucose calibration information measured via a separate blood glucose meter and strip is input to the communication terminal to calibrate the blood glucose information received from the sensor transmitter with this calibration information. Subsequently, the blood glucose information received from the sensor transmitter must be continuously calibrated at regular intervals throughout the sensor transmitter's usage period using the blood glucose calibration information measured via the blood glucose meter and strip.

[0015] The sensor transmitter and communication terminal are continuously connected during the period of use of the sensor transmitter, and blood glucose information measured by the sensor transmitter is provided to the communication terminal. In such cases, due to user negligence or malfunction of the sensor transmitter and communication terminal, the communication registration information of the sensor transmitter and communication terminal may be deleted, or the blood glucose management application registered on the communication terminal may be deleted.

[0016] In the above case, a communication reconnection process must be performed between the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal. During communication reconnection, the communication terminal must repeat the sensor transmitter's stabilization stage, initial calibration stage, etc. Repeating such unnecessary steps causes operational inconvenience to the user. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0017] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the conventional method of managing calibration information between a sensor transmitter and a communication terminal as described above. The first object of the present invention is to provide a method for managing calibration information in which the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal determine whether initial calibration of the sensor transmitter has been performed based on a calibration identifier that indicates whether initial calibration of the sensor transmitter is possible when the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal are connected for communication.

[0018] A second object of the present invention is to provide a calibration information management method that provides a sensor transmitter with periodically acquired calibration information and the time of acquisition thereof, and enables the sensor transmitter and communication terminal to communicate without acquiring additional calibration information when the sensor transmitter and communication terminal reconnect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] To achieve the objectives of the present invention, the calibration information management method according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the steps of: when a communication connection is established between a sensor transmitter, which is placed on a part of the user's body and measures the user's biological information, and a communication terminal, which receives the biological information from the sensor transmitter, an initial input interface screen is activated on the communication terminal and initial calibration information is obtained via the initial input interface screen; and, if initial calibration information is obtained, an initial calibration message is generated which includes a calibration identifier indicating whether the sensor transmitter can be calibrated, and the generated initial calibration message is transmitted to the sensor transmitter.

[0020] Preferably, the calibration information management method according to the present invention further includes a step of determining whether initial calibration information has been acquired in the process of receiving biological information from a sensor transmitter, and the communication terminal does not provide the biological information received from the sensor transmitter to the user via the communication terminal until the initial calibration information has been acquired.

[0021] The calibration information management method according to the present invention is characterized in that, after initial calibration information is acquired, the communication terminal calibrates the biometric information received from the sensor transmitter to the initial calibration information and provides the calibrated biometric information to the user.

[0022] Preferably, the calibration information management method further includes the steps of: determining whether the sensor transmitter is the sensor transmitter that was previously used when a communication connection is established between the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal; receiving a calibration information message from the sensor transmitter that includes a calibration identifier indicating whether the sensor transmitter can be calibrated, if the sensor transmitter is the sensor transmitter that was previously used; and providing the user with biometric information received from the sensor transmitter based on the calibration information.

[0023] In the calibration information management method according to the present invention, when it is determined that the sensor transmitter is a sensor transmitter that has been used and calibration has already been completed based on the calibration identifier of the calibration information message, biological information received from the sensor transmitter is immediately provided to a user immediately after communication connection without a stabilization step.

[0024] Preferably, the calibration information management method according to the present invention further comprises the steps of: comparing an identifier of a sensor transmitter received from the sensor transmitter with an identifier of a sensor transmitter already registered in a communication terminal to determine whether the sensor transmitter is a used sensor transmitter; and determining whether the remaining service life of the sensor transmitter remains based on remaining service life information mapped to the identifier of the sensor transmitter.

[0025] Preferably, the calibration information management method according to the present invention further comprises the step of outputting a notification message prohibiting use of the sensor transmitter to the communication terminal when there is no remaining service life left of the communicatively connected sensor transmitter.

[0026] Preferably, the calibration information management method according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the steps of: determining whether a set calibration period has been reached; activating a period input interface screen on a communication terminal when the calibration period is reached, and periodically acquiring new calibration information via the period input interface screen; and when new calibration information is acquired, transmitting a periodic calibration message comprising a calibration identifier, an acquisition time of the new calibration information, and the new calibration information to the sensor transmitter.

[0027] In the calibration information management method according to the present invention, the calibration information message is characterized by comprising a calibration identifier, an acquisition time of new calibration information, and the new calibration information.

[0028] Preferably, the calibration information management method according to the present invention further includes a step of determining whether new calibration information is needed based on the difference between the time of acquisition of new calibration information in a calibration information message and the current time, and if new calibration information is needed, the method is characterized by activating the periodic input interface screen on the communication terminal and acquiring the new calibration information via the periodic input interface screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] The calibration information management method according to the present invention has the following various effects.

[0030] The first effect is that, when a sensor transmitter and a communication terminal are connected via communication, the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal are connected via communication based on a calibration identifier indicating whether the sensor transmitter can be initially calibrated. If the sensor transmitter has already undergone initial calibration, the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal can be connected via communication and used immediately without repeating unnecessary stabilization and initial calibration steps.

[0031] The second effect is that the calibration information management method according to the present invention provides a sensor transmitter with periodically acquired calibration information and its acquisition time, and when the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal reconnect, the sensor transmitter receives information regarding the calibration information and its acquisition time from the sensor transmitter, thereby determining whether additional calibration information is necessary at the time of reconnection, and providing a calibration information management method that calibrates and outputs biological information using the acquired or received calibration information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a continuous blood glucose monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an applicator for attaching the sensor transmitter of the present invention to the body. [Figure 3]This diagram illustrates the process of attaching a sensor transmitter to the body using an applicator. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the process of attaching a sensor transmitter to the body using an applicator. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the messages sent and received between a sensor transmitter and a communication terminal. [Figure 6] This is a functional block diagram illustrating a sensor transmitter according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a functional block diagram illustrating a communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for managing calibration information in a communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the step of generating a periodic calibration message in the calibration information management method according to the present invention. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates an example of inputting initial calibration information or new calibration information. [Figure 11] This shows one embodiment of the initial input interface screen. [Figure 12] This shows one embodiment of the periodic input interface screen. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart illustrating the method for reconnecting a sensor transmitter and communication according to the present invention. [Figure 14] This flowchart illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, which outputs and controls blood glucose information according to calibration information received via a calibration information message. [Figure 15] This shows one embodiment of the interface screen displayed when the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal are reconnected. [Figure 16] This shows one embodiment of the interface screen displayed when requesting a reconnection of communication between a sensor transmitter and a communication terminal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] It should be noted that the technical terms disclosed in this invention are used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, in the art to which this invention pertains, such technical terms should be interpreted in the sense that they are generally understood by a person of ordinary skill, unless they are specifically defined differently in this invention, and should not be interpreted in a sense that is more comprehensive or narrower than necessary. In addition, if such technical terms deviate from the spirit of this invention, they should be understood as being replaced with technical terms that a person skilled in the art can accurately understand.

[0034] Furthermore, the singular expressions used in this invention include plural expressions unless the meaning is clearly different in the wording. In this invention, terms such as "constitute" or "include" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the invention, and should be interpreted as potentially excluding some of the components or steps, or including additional components or steps.

[0035] Furthermore, it should be noted that the attached diagrams are intended to facilitate understanding of the concept of the present invention, and should not be interpreted as limiting the concept of the present invention.

[0036] The calibration information management method according to the present invention will be explained in more detail below using the attached diagram.

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a continuous blood glucose monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1, the continuous blood glucose monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor transmitter 10 and a communication terminal 30.

[0039] When the sensor transmitter 10 is attached to the body, the tip of the sensor is inserted subcutaneously, and it periodically collects bodily fluids from the person to measure blood glucose levels.

[0040] The communication terminal 30 is a terminal that receives blood glucose information from the sensor transmitter 10 and displays the received blood glucose information to the user. It may be a mobile terminal that can communicate with the sensor transmitter 10, such as a smartphone, tablet PC, or laptop computer. Of course, the communication terminal 13 is not limited to this, and any type of terminal that includes communication functions and has programs or applications installed may be used.

[0041] The sensor transmitter 10 transmits blood glucose information measured periodically to the communication terminal 30 upon request or at set intervals. For data communication between the sensor transmitter 10 and the communication terminal 30, the sensor transmitter 11 and the communication terminal 13 may be connected via a wired connection such as a USB cable, or they may be connected via wireless communication such as infrared communication, NFC communication, or Bluetooth®.

[0042] Here, the sensor transmitter 10 is attached to a part of the body via the application. Figure 2 shows an applicator for attaching the sensor transmitter of the present invention to the body, and Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating the process of attaching the sensor transmitter to a person's body using the applicator.

[0043] First, using Figure 2, the applicator 50 will be described as follows: The applicator 50 has a sensor transmitter 10 inside, and operates in such a way that the user can pull out the sensor transmitter 10 and attach it to a specific part of the user's body. The applicator 50 is formed with one open side, and the sensor transmitter 10 is attached to the applicator 50 through the open side of the applicator 50.

[0044] When attaching the sensor transmitter 10 to a part of the body using the applicator 50, the applicator 50 includes a needle (not shown) formed to surround the tip of the sensor on the sensor transmitter 10 subcutaneously, a first elastic member (not shown) that pushes the needle and the sensor tip together into the skin, and a second elastic member (not shown) that pulls out only the needle. The configuration of the applicator 50 causes the needle and the sensor tip to be inserted subcutaneously simultaneously by the compression stopper of the first elastic member (not shown) which is compressed and positioned inside the applicator 50, and pulls out only the needle by the compression stopper of the second elastic member (not shown) which is compressed when the sensor tip is inserted subcutaneously. The user may safely and easily attach the sensor transmitter 10 to the skin via the applicator 50.

[0045] The process of attaching the sensor transmitter 10 to the body can be explained in more detail using Figures 3 and 4. With the protective cap 51 separated, the open side of the applicator 50 is brought into close contact with the skin 20 of a specific part of the body. When the applicator 50 is operated with the applicator 50 in close contact with the skin 20 in this manner, the sensor transmitter 10 can be pulled out from the applicator 50 and attached to the skin 20. At the bottom of the sensor transmitter 10, the tip of the sensor 12 is positioned to protrude from the sensor transmitter 10, and a portion of the tip of the sensor 12 is inserted into the skin 20 by a needle provided on the applicator 50. Therefore, with the tip of the sensor 12 inserted into the skin 20, the sensor transmitter 10 can be attached to the skin 20.

[0046] Here, the body contact surface of the sensor transmitter 10 may be equipped with adhesive tape so that the sensor transmitter 10 can be fixed and attached to the skin 20 of the body. Therefore, when the applicator 50 is separated from the skin 20 of the body, the sensor transmitter 10 will be fixed and attached to the skin 20 of the body by the adhesive tape.

[0047] Subsequently, when power is applied to the sensor transmitter 10, the sensor transmitter 10 establishes communication with the communication terminal 30, and the sensor transmitter 10 transmits the measured blood glucose information to the communication terminal.

[0048] After establishing a communication connection with the sensor transmitter 10, the communication terminal 50 allows the sensor transmitter 10 to stabilize for 1 to 3 hours. Once the sensor transmitter 10 has stabilized, the communication terminal 30 uses the calibration information input to calibrate the biometric information received from the sensor transmitter 10, and outputs the calibrated biometric information to the communication terminal 50 for use by the user.

[0049] The sensor transmitter 10 can measure not only blood glucose information but also a variety of other biological information. In the following explanation, we will describe one embodiment of biological information by measuring blood glucose information.

[0050] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the messages transmitted and received between the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal.

[0051] As explained using Figure 5, communication for sending and receiving data is established between the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal (S1). The sensor transmitter and the communication terminal can communicate via a wired connection such as a USB cable, or via wireless communication methods such as infrared, NFC, or Bluetooth, but a detailed explanation of these methods will be omitted.

[0052] When communication is established between the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal, after the sensor transmitter has stabilized, initial calibration information for calibrating the blood glucose information measured by the sensor transmitter is input to the communication terminal. Furthermore, if initial calibration information is input to the communication terminal, it generates an initial calibration message containing a calibration identifier indicating whether the sensor transmitter can be initially calibrated, and transmits the generated initial calibration message to the sensor transmitter (S3).

[0053] To accurately calibrate the blood glucose information measured by the sensor transmitter, new calibration information is periodically input during the period of use of the sensor transmitter. Furthermore, each time new calibration information is periodically input, the communication terminal generates a periodic calibration message containing a calibration identifier, new calibration information, and the time the new calibration information was acquired, and transmits the generated periodic calibration message to the sensor transmitter (S5).

[0054] Here, when the sensor transmitter receives an initial calibration message or a periodic calibration message, the sensor transmitter stores a calibration identifier and updates the existing initial calibration information or new calibration information with the newly received new calibration information and stores it each time new calibration information is received.

[0055] Here, initial calibration information or new calibration information can be measured via the blood glucose meter and strip.

[0056] The sensor transmitter transmits measured biometric information to the communication terminal in real time or periodically. The communication terminal calibrates the received biometric information with the most recent calibration information and outputs the calibrated biometric information to the user via the communication terminal. Furthermore, if communication between the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal is interrupted, or if the communication registration information or blood glucose management application registered on the communication terminal is deleted, the communication between the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal is reconnected (S7).

[0057] When communication between the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal is reconnected, the sensor transmitter sends a calibration information message to the communication terminal (S9). Furthermore, the communication terminal uses the calibration identifier provided in the calibration information message, the time of acquisition of the last received initial calibration information or new calibration information, and the initial calibration information or new calibration information to calibrate the blood glucose information received from the sensor transmitter without a stabilization step and provides it to the user.

[0058] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a sensor transmitter according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] To explain in more detail using Figure 6, the sensor control unit 110 connects to the communication terminal via the sensor communication unit 130.

[0060] When the sensor control unit 110 receives an initial calibration message from the communication terminal after communication is established, it either stores the calibration identifier and initial calibration information contained in the initial calibration message in the storage unit 150 and controls the system, or, each time a new calibration message is received, it updates the initial calibration information or the previously stored new calibration information with the new calibration information contained in the new calibration message and stores it in the storage unit 150 and controls the system. Here, when the sensor control unit 110 receives an initial calibration message, it either stores information regarding the acquisition time of the initial calibration information contained in the initial calibration message in the storage unit 150 and controls the system, or it updates the acquisition time of the previously stored new calibration information with the acquisition time of the new calibration information contained in the new calibration message and stores it in the storage unit 150 and controls the system.

[0061] On the other hand, when the sensor control unit 110 reconnects to the communication terminal via the sensor communication unit 130, or when requested by the communication terminal, it extracts information from the storage unit 150 regarding the calibration identifier, the most recently stored initial calibration information or new calibration information, and the acquisition time of the most recently stored initial calibration information or new calibration information to generate a calibration information message, and transmits the generated calibration information message to the communication terminal via the sensor communication unit 130 for control.

[0062] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] To explain in more detail using Figure 7, the terminal control unit 210 controls the terminal communication unit 230 to establish communication with the sensor transmitter. When communication is established, the terminal control unit 210 receives the sensor transmitter identifier from the sensor transmitter via the terminal communication unit 230 and registers and stores the received sensor transmitter identifier in the storage unit 150. Here, the sensor transmitter identifier may later be used to determine whether a sensor transmitter that was already in use is to be reconnected, or whether there is remaining usage time for the sensor transmitter.

[0064] The terminal control unit 210 stabilizes the sensor transmitter for a certain period of time from the time of communication connection with the sensor transmitter, and when the stabilization of the sensor transmitter is complete, it displays the initial input interface screen via the display unit 270. When initial calibration information is input via the user interface unit 280, the input initial calibration information and information regarding the acquisition time of the initial calibration information are stored in the storage unit 250 and controlled.

[0065] The terminal control unit 210 counts the usage time of the sensor transmitter from the time of communication connection with the sensor transmitter, and when a predetermined calibration cycle is reached, it controls the display unit 270 to display a periodic input interface screen for periodically acquiring new calibration information. Furthermore, when new calibration information is input via the user interface 280, it controls the storage unit 250 to store the input new calibration information and information regarding its acquisition time.

[0066] On the other hand, when initial calibration information is input, the message generation unit 290 generates an initial calibration message containing a calibration identifier indicating that the sensor transmitter has been initially calibrated, initial calibration information, and the time the initial calibration information was acquired. Alternatively, when new calibration information is input, it generates a periodic calibration message containing a calibration identifier, new calibration information, and the time it was acquired. The terminal control unit 210 transmits the generated initial calibration message or periodic calibration information to the sensor transmitter via the terminal communication unit 230 for control.

[0067] When establishing a communication connection with a sensor transmitter, the terminal control unit 210 compares the sensor transmitter identifier received from the sensor transmitter with the sensor transmitter identifier already stored in the storage unit 250 to determine whether the sensor transmitter to be established is one that has already been used, and if it is one that has already been used, whether there is remaining usage time remaining. Based on this, it controls the communication connection with the sensor transmitter. Alternatively, based on the calibration information message received from the sensor transmitter, if it is a sensor transmitter that has already been used, it controls the provision of calibrated blood glucose information to the user based on whether initial calibration has been performed, or whether initial calibration information or new calibration information acquired within a critical range determined based on the current time exists.

[0068] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for managing calibration information in a communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] To explain in more detail using Figure 8, after establishing communication with the sensor transmitter, the communication terminal determines whether the sensor transmitter has completed stabilization (S110).

[0070] Once the sensor transmitter has stabilized, it is determined via the initial input interface screen whether initial calibration information has been acquired (S130). Before the initial calibration information is acquired, even if blood glucose information is received from the sensor transmitter, the received blood glucose information is not provided to the user (S190). After the initial calibration information is acquired, the blood glucose information received from the sensor transmitter is calibrated with the initial calibration information, and the calibrated biometric information is output via the display unit and provided to the user (S150).

[0071] On the other hand, when initial calibration information is acquired, an initial calibration message is generated that includes a calibration identifier indicating that the sensor transmitter has been initially calibrated, the acquired initial calibration information, and the time of acquisition. Alternatively, a periodic calibration message is generated that includes newly acquired calibration information, the time of acquisition, and a calibration identifier, and the generated initial calibration message or periodic calibration message is transmitted to the sensor transmitter (S170).

[0072] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the step in generating a periodic calibration message in the calibration information management method according to the present invention.

[0073] To explain in more detail using Figure 9, after the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal are connected, the usage period of the sensor transmitter is counted to determine if the set calibration period has been reached (S211).

[0074] When the set calibration period is reached, the period input interface screen is activated on the display unit to acquire new calibration information (S213). Depending on the field to which the present invention is applied, a notification sound or vibration may be output to prompt the user to input new calibration information instead of the period input interface screen.

[0075] The system determines whether new calibration information has been input via the user interface. If new calibration information has been input, it generates a periodic calibration message containing the new calibration information, the time of acquisition of the new calibration information, and a calibration identifier, and transmits the generated periodic calibration message to the sensor transmitter (S217).

[0076] However, if no new calibration information is entered after the set input time has elapsed, a notification message is output to the user to control the system (S219). Here, the notification message is a message instructing the user to enter new calibration information, and the notification message may be displayed or output as a notification sound or vibration.

[0077] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of inputting initial calibration information or new calibration information. Using Figure 10, the stabilization time (T0) is defined from the time when the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal are connected (T0). S Stabilize the sensor transmitter until the specified time has elapsed.

[0078] Once the sensor transmitter has stabilized, initial calibration information (I0) is input. Here, initial calibration information (I0) may be input multiple times to accurately calibrate the sensor transmitter's biometric information.

[0079] After the sensor transmitter has stabilized, when the sensor transmitter's usage period has expired (T e New calibration information (I) should be added periodically, preferably every 12 hours, or every day until ) 1、 I 2、 I 3、 I 4、··· The system receives the input, calibrates the blood glucose information received from the sensor transmitter with the new calibration information, and provides the user with the calibrated blood glucose information.

[0080] Figure 11 shows one embodiment of the initial input interface screen.

[0081] As shown in Figure 11a, an initial input interface screen is displayed to indicate that the sensor transmitter has stabilized and to request that initial calibration information be entered. If the user selects the "Confirm" icon to enter the initial calibration information, an initial input interface screen for entering the initial calibration information is displayed as shown in Figure 11b.

[0082] The user inputs the blood glucose level measured by the blood glucose meter, i.e., the initial calibration information, via an initial input interface screen for entering initial calibration information.

[0083] Figure 12 shows one embodiment of the periodic input interface screen.

[0084] As shown in Figure 12, when it is time for a calibration cycle, a cycle input interface screen for entering new calibration information is displayed. The user enters the blood glucose value measured by the blood glucose meter, i.e., the new calibration information, via the cycle input interface screen for entering new calibration information.

[0085] Preferably, the periodic calibration interface screen may display previously acquired new calibration information and information regarding the time of acquisition together.

[0086] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the sensor transmitter and communication reconnection method according to the present invention.

[0087] To explain in more detail using Figure 13, when the communication terminal establishes a communication connection with a sensor transmitter, it receives the sensor transmitter's identifier from the sensor transmitter, compares the received sensor transmitter identifier with the sensor transmitter identifiers registered and stored in the communication terminal, and determines whether the sensor transmitter it intends to establish a communication connection with is a sensor transmitter that has already been used and registered (S231).

[0088] If the sensor transmitter to be connected to is a registered sensor transmitter, it is determined whether the usage period of the sensor transmitter to be connected to has expired based on the information of the remaining usage period of the sensor transmitter mapped to the sensor transmitter identifier (S233). Here, the remaining usage period of the sensor transmitter may be calculated by subtracting the actual usage time of the sensor transmitter from the time the sensor transmitter first connected to the communication terminal to the present from the total usage period of the sensor transmitter.

[0089] If the usage period of the sensor transmitter expires, it is no longer possible to continue using the sensor transmitter, and a warning message is output to the display unit to warn the user to use a new sensor transmitter (S239).

[0090] However, if the sensor transmitter has remaining service life, a calibration information message is received from the sensor transmitter (S235). The calibration information message includes a calibration identifier, the most recently received initial calibration information or new calibration information, and information regarding the acquisition time of the most recently received initial calibration information or new calibration information.

[0091] The blood glucose information received from the sensor transmitter is calibrated to the initial calibration information or new calibration information of the calibration information message, and the calibrated blood glucose information is output to the display unit and provided to the user (S237).

[0092] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the present invention, which outputs and controls blood glucose information according to calibration information received via a calibration information message.

[0093] To explain in more detail using Figure 14, when communication is established with the sensor transmitter, it is determined whether initial calibration information or new calibration information exists in the calibration information message received from the sensor transmitter (S251).

[0094] If initial calibration information or new calibration information exists, it is determined whether additional calibration information is necessary based on the time the initial calibration information or new calibration information was acquired (S253). Whether or not additional calibration information is necessary can be determined if the time the initial calibration information or new calibration information was acquired is within the critical time relative to the present time, that is, if the time the initial calibration information or new calibration information was acquired is within the calibration period after it was recently acquired and set relative to the present time, then it may be determined that additional calibration information is not necessary.

[0095] If no additional calibration information is required, the system calibrates the blood glucose information received from the sensor transmitter using the received initial calibration information or new calibration information, and provides the user with the calibrated blood glucose information (S255).

[0096] However, if it is determined that additional calibration information is required, the periodic input interface screen is activated to obtain the additional calibration information (S257), and new calibration information is obtained through the activated periodic input interface screen (S259).

[0097] When new calibration information is acquired, the next calibration cycle is characterized by starting from the time the new calibration information was acquired as additional calibration information.

[0098] Figure 15 shows one embodiment of the interface screen displayed when the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal are reconnected, and displays the sensor transmitter identifier (2312XX) received from the sensor transmitter when the communication is reconnected with the sensor transmitter.

[0099] Figure 16 shows one embodiment of the interface screen displayed when requesting a communication reconnection between the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal.

[0100] As explained using Figure 16a, if it is determined that the remaining service life of a sensor transmitter has expired based on the identifier of the communication terminal and the sensor transmitter that has been requested to reconnect, a notification message will be output to replace it with a new sensor transmitter.

[0101] As illustrated in Figure 16b, if it is determined that no additional calibration information is required based on the calibration information message received from the reconnected sensor transmitter, a message is output indicating that the sensor transmitter can be used immediately without additional calibration information. However, if the user requests to input additional calibration information even though it can be used immediately without additional calibration information (i.e., if the cancel icon is selected), the periodic input interface screen is activated on the display. Even if no additional calibration information is required, the user may input new calibration information again for accuracy and provide calibrated blood glucose information.

[0102] As illustrated in Figure 16c, if it is determined that additional calibration information is required based on the calibration information message received from the reconnected sensor transmitter, a message indicating that additional calibration information is needed is output. If the user requests that additional calibration information be entered (i.e., if the confirmation icon is selected), the periodic input interface screen is activated on the display unit.

[0103] On the other hand, the embodiments of the present invention described above can be created with a program that can be executed by a computer, and can be realized on a general-purpose digital computer that operates the above program using a recording medium that can be read by a computer.

[0104] The recording media that can be read by the aforementioned computer include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROMs, floppy disks, hard disks, etc.), optically readable media (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.), and carrier waves (e.g., transmission over the Internet).

[0105] Although the present invention has been described using embodiments shown in the figures, these are merely illustrative, and a person with ordinary skill in the art of the present invention will understand that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the obvious scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical idea of ​​the claims.

Claims

1. The first step involves establishing a communication connection between the sensor transmitter and the communication terminal, The steps include determining whether the sensor transmitter is the sensor transmitter that was used, If the sensor transmitter is the sensor transmitter used, the steps include receiving a calibration information message from the sensor transmitter, A step in which, based on the first time point and the calibration information message, it is determined whether additional calibration information is necessary, Includes, The calibration information message includes calibration information for a second time point, which is earlier than the first time point. The calibration information message includes the time the calibration information was acquired at the second time point. Method for managing calibration information.

2. If the difference between the time of acquisition of the calibration information and the first time point is within the critical time, the biological information is calibrated using the calibration information. When the difference between the time the calibration information is acquired and the first time point exceeds the critical time, the biometric information is calibrated using the additional calibration information that is input. A method for managing calibration information according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned calibration information management method is: If the difference between the time of acquisition of the calibration information and the first time point exceeds the critical time, the further step includes activating the periodic input interface screen on the communication terminal. The additional calibration information is input through the periodic input interface screen. The method for managing calibration information according to claim 2.

4. In the aforementioned calibration information management method, The system compares the identifier of the sensor transmitter included in the calibration information message with the identifier of a sensor transmitter already registered in the communication terminal to determine whether the sensor transmitter is the one being used. A method for managing calibration information according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned calibration information management method is: The process further includes determining whether there is remaining service life for the sensor transmitter based on the remaining service life information mapped to the identifier of the sensor transmitter, If the sensor transmitter still has remaining service life, it is determined whether the additional calibration information is necessary. The method for managing calibration information according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned calibration information management method is: If the remaining service life of the sensor transmitter to be connected to the communication terminal is not available, the process further includes the step of outputting an alarm message to the communication terminal prohibiting the use of the sensor transmitter. The method for managing calibration information according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned calibration information management method is: The stage of determining whether the set calibration period has arrived, When the calibration period arrives, the communication terminal activates the period input interface screen, and new calibration information is periodically acquired through the period input interface screen. If the aforementioned new calibration information is acquired, the further step includes transmitting a calibration identifier, the time of acquisition of the new calibration information, and a periodic calibration message comprising the new calibration information to the sensor transmitter. A method for managing calibration information according to claim 1.

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