Accessory device, and system comprising same for managing blood glucose

Abstract

Provided is a system for managing blood glucose, the system comprising: a bio-apparatus for measuring biosignals including blood glucose; and a drug injection device for injecting drug for controlling blood glucose in the body, wherein the bio-apparatus and drug injection device are each provided with at least one electrode for connecting to the human body, and transmit and receive electrical signals between each other with the human body as the medium, and the bio-apparatus is provided with a power reception circuit for receiving operational power from the drug injection device.

Description

Accessory device and blood glucose management system including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to power supply of a bio-device configured in a blood sugar management system.

[0002] Recently, due to various reasons such as westernized lifestyle and family history, blood sugar disease, which was once considered a disease of the elderly, is occurring in various age groups.

[0003] For patients with blood sugar disease, regular blood sugar checks are essential.

[0004] In the past, patients with diabetes would have a separate blood sugar meter to check their blood sugar level periodically and then self-inject medication such as insulin based on the blood sugar level to manage their blood sugar level.

[0005] However, the method of having the patient check and inject the medication on their own does not require a separate blood sugar check unless it is time to check the blood sugar level. However, it is difficult to predict how the patient's blood sugar level will change during the time the blood sugar level is not checked, which carries a risk.

[0006] Moreover, patients may not adhere to strict blood sugar check schedules or delay blood sugar checks or medication injections due to lack of symptoms. This complacency can lead to life-threatening consequences, so various technologies are being developed to effectively manage patients' blood sugar levels.

[0007] As a technology related to blood sugar management, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1513186 (Application date: September 27, 2013, Registration date: April 17, 2015, “Blood sugar management watch and blood sugar management method”, hereinafter referred to as “prior art”) has been presented.

[0008] In the prior art, a blood sugar management watch is disclosed that is worn on the wrist of a user, measures blood sugar levels on a blood sugar strip, and provides an alarm function that notifies the time of blood sugar measurement.

[0009] The blood sugar management watch, which is part of the bio device, notifies the user when the blood sugar level is being measured, so that the user does not miss the blood sugar level measurement time. The watch only performs the function of analyzing and notifying the user of the blood sugar level by collecting a small amount of blood, putting it on a blood sugar level strip, and then inserting it into the blood sugar level management watch, which is the main body of the blood sugar meter.

[0010] At this time, in the conventional technology, the user was still responsible for collecting blood to measure the user's blood sugar level and injecting insulin into the body based on the blood sugar level, which was inconvenient to use.

[0011] Accordingly, there is a need to develop a blood sugar management system to increase user convenience.

[0012] Meanwhile, bio-devices are applied to the human body for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

[0013] In the case of bio-devices specialized in blood sugar management, they are proposed to be in contact with the user's body to measure bio-signals (e.g. blood sugar) or inject drugs, so they are designed in the form of wireless patches (or wireless terminals) for the convenience of the user.

[0014] At this time, in the case of bio-devices proposed to operate wirelessly, it is common to place a battery inside the bio-device and receive power from the built-in battery.

[0015] These prior technologies had the following problems:

[0016] First, because the design took into account the built-in battery space, there were many restrictions in the design and manufacturing as the size of the bio device and the battery capacity had to be taken into consideration.

[0017] Second, when the built-in battery capacity is exhausted and it becomes difficult to supply sufficient power to the biosensor, it must be removed from the human body and placed in a separate charging case, or the charging cable must be connected and charged for a specified period of time before it can be reused. Therefore, the bio device cannot be used during the charging period.

[0018] In this case, for users requiring continuous monitoring of their bio-signals, important disease signs may be missed, making early disease prevention difficult. Therefore, the time spent without bio-devices can be directly linked to the user's life, and therefore, minimizing this time is crucial.

[0019] Third, in the case of bio devices where the built-in battery capacity is completely depleted and it is difficult to replace the battery, the user must purchase a new product and use it, so the cost burden must be borne entirely by the user.

[0020] Fourth, the battery-embedded bio-device has a shorter lifespan than the expected lifespan of the components (sensors, circuits, etc.) equipped to measure bio-signals or perform drug injections within the bio-device due to the difficulty of charging and replacing the battery, resulting in waste.

[0021] Fifth, if the bio device is damaged, there is a possibility that the user's safety may be threatened as he or she may be exposed to hazardous chemicals contained in the built-in battery.

[0022] The present invention was conceived to solve the above-described problems and to secure freedom in the design of a bio-device specialized in blood sugar management while extending its operating life.

[0023] In order to achieve this purpose, a blood sugar management system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a bio-device for measuring bio-signals including blood sugar; and a drug injection device for injecting a drug for controlling blood sugar in the body (hereinafter referred to as a “blood sugar control drug”), wherein each of the bio-device and the drug injection device has at least one electrode for connecting to a human body and transmits / receives electrical signals between each other using the human body as a medium, and the bio-device may have a power receiving circuit for receiving power from the drug injection device to operate.

[0024] Here, the drug injection device may be provided as a patch-type device including a power supply circuit for supplying power to the bio device.

[0025] At this time, the drug injection device comprises: a cartridge portion storing a certain amount of blood sugar control drug; a needle portion for injecting the blood sugar control drug stored in the cartridge portion into the body; a first power portion charged with a certain amount of direct current power; an AC converter portion for converting the direct current power provided from the first power portion into alternating current power; a first data transmission / reception portion for generating a communication packet for communicating with the bio-device (hereinafter referred to as a “first communication packet”) and collecting the communication packet transmitted from the bio-device (hereinafter referred to as a “second communication packet”); a first multiplexing portion for generating a combination signal by combining the AC power converted by the AC converter portion and the first communication packet; at least one electrode (hereinafter referred to as an “electrode of the drug injection device”) for transmitting the combination signal to the bio-device or receiving the second communication packet transmitted from the bio-device; and a first integrated control portion for controlling each of the above-described components. , and the first integrated control unit can control the cartridge unit and the needle unit so that a predetermined blood sugar control drug is injected into the body according to a preset dosing cycle.

[0026] And, the drug injection device further includes a gain control unit for controlling the gain of the combination signal; and the first integrated control unit can analyze the second communication packet and control the gain control unit so that the gain of the combination signal to be provided to the bio device is adjusted according to information about the gain of the combination signal previously provided to the bio device.

[0027] In addition, the bio-device comprises: a measuring unit for measuring a bio-signal including blood sugar; a second data transmitting / receiving unit for generating the second communication packet including measurement data for the bio-signal measured from the measuring unit and collecting the first communication packet transmitted from the drug injection device; a second power unit having a power receiving circuit for receiving AC power transmitted from the drug injection device, converting the received AC power into DC power, and supplying the converted DC power as power for operating each component; at least one electrode (hereinafter referred to as “electrode of the bio-device”) for receiving a combination signal transmitted from the drug injection device or transmitting the second communication packet to the drug injection device; a second multiplexing unit for distinguishing the AC power and the first communication packet among the combination signals received through the electrodes of the drug injection device and providing them to the second power unit and the second data transmitting / receiving unit, respectively; And a second integrated control unit that controls each of the above-described components; wherein the second integrated control unit controls the second multiplexing unit so that the second communication packet is processed into a form that can be provided to the drug injection device, and the second communication packet processed through the second multiplexing unit is transmitted through the electrode of the bio device and can be propagated to the electrode side of the drug injection device through the human body.

[0028] At this time, the first integrated control unit can control the cartridge unit and the needle unit so that a predetermined blood sugar control drug is injected into the body even if the preset dosing cycle is not reached based on the blood sugar measurement result included in the second communication packet transmitted from the bio device.

[0029] And, the bio-devices are provided in N (wherein, N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1), the drug injection devices are provided in M ​​(wherein, M is a natural number greater than or equal to 1), and the N bio-devices are supplied with power from the M drug injection devices and can perform bidirectional communication between each other.

[0030] At this time, the bio-device may be provided as a blood sugar sensor that is inserted into the body or is at least partially in contact with the skin and is mounted on the body to measure blood sugar.

[0031] Meanwhile, the blood sugar management system proposed by the present invention includes a bio-device for measuring bio-signals including blood sugar; a drug injection device for injecting a drug for controlling blood sugar in the body; and an accessory device for communicating with at least one of the bio-device and the drug injection device and supplying power to the bio-device; wherein the bio-device, the drug injection device, and the accessory device each have at least one electrode for connecting to a human body and transmit / receive electrical signals therebetween using the human body as a medium, and the bio-device may have a power receiving circuit for receiving power from at least one of the drug injection device and the accessory device to operate.

[0032] In addition, the accessory device proposed by the present invention comprises: a power supply unit charged with a DC power of a certain capacity; an AC converter unit for converting the DC power provided from the power supply unit into AC power; a data transmission / reception unit for generating a communication packet (hereinafter referred to as a "first communication packet") for communicating with a bio-device mounted on a human body for measuring a bio-signal or injecting a drug, and collecting the communication packet (hereinafter referred to as a "second communication packet") transmitted from the bio-device; a multiplexing unit for generating a combination signal by combining the AC power converted by the AC converter unit and the first communication packet; at least one electrode for transmitting the combination signal to the bio-device or receiving the second communication packet transmitted from the bio-device; a gain control unit for controlling the gain of the combination signal; and an integrated control unit for controlling each of the above-described components. , and the combination signal is transmitted to the bio-device through the electrode using the human body as a medium, and the integrated control unit analyzes the second communication packet and controls the gain control unit so that the gain of the combination signal to be provided to the bio-device is adjusted according to information about the gain of the combination signal previously provided to the bio-device.

[0033] As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

[0034] First, power can be supplied between the drug injection device and the bio-device by utilizing the human body as a medium, so there is no need to worry about the battery when designing the bio-device, which can minimize its size and secure freedom of design.

[0035] Second, since it operates continuously by receiving power from at least one drug infusion device (or a drug infusion device and an accessory device), not only is the operating life extended, but it can also contribute to the early prevention of diseases by continuously performing bio-signal measurements.

[0036] Third, since the battery-related configuration of the bio device is omitted, it can be implemented with a simpler configuration than before, which can reduce the manufacturing cost and also reduce the cost burden on the user.

[0037] Fourth, even if the bio-device is damaged, it is safe from the dangers of many harmful chemicals contained in batteries because it does not contain batteries inside.

[0038] Fifth, since a power supply configuration for supplying power to a bio-device (e.g., a drug injection device or an accessory device) and a bio-device can communicate with each other through the human body, it is easy to control the bio-device through the power supply configuration, and the power supply configuration can function as a data hub between the bio-device and an external terminal capable of wireless communication with the power supply configuration.

[0039] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings illustrating a blood sugar management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a bio-device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a drug injection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 6 is a block diagram briefly illustrating an accessory device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a reference diagram illustrating a communication packet in a biosignal measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, but technical parts already known will be omitted or compressed for the sake of brevity.

[0045] It should be noted that references in this specification to “one” or “an” embodiment of the invention are not necessarily to the same embodiment, but rather mean at least one.

[0046] In the examples below, the terms first, second, etc. are not used in a limiting sense, but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0047] In the examples below, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning.

[0048] In the examples below, terms such as “include” or “have” mean that a feature or component described in the specification is present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0049] Each configuration shown in the drawing is arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

[0050] For reference, as part of the method for wirelessly charging the bio-device discussed in the background technology, it is also possible to consider charging the bio-device applied to the human body using external radio waves or ultrasound, but in this case, the following problems exist.

[0051] First, since the bio device still needs to include a battery configuration for charging, its thickness inevitably increases, which could reduce the user's wearing comfort due to its size.

[0052] Second, since radio waves or ultrasound waves of sufficient intensity to charge the power inside the bio-device must be accurately transmitted to the bio-device within a short period of time, it was difficult to ensure the stability of the body adjacent to the bio-device.

[0053] Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention proposed the present invention with a focus on improving the user's wearing comfort (or minimizing the foreign body sensation) and minimizing harmful effects on the human body.

[0054] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0055] FIGS. 1 to 3 are drawings for explaining a blood sugar management system according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a block diagram briefly illustrating a bio-device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a block diagram briefly illustrating a drug injection device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram briefly illustrating an accessory device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a biosignal measurement system (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a bio device (100) and a drug injection device (200).

[0057] The bio device (100) is configured to measure biosignals including blood sugar.

[0058] At this time, the bio device (100) can be provided as a blood sugar sensor that is inserted into the body or is mounted on the body with at least a part in contact with the skin to measure blood sugar.

[0059] Specific examples include blood sugar sensors in contact with the skin, blood sugar sensors inserted into the human body, and blood sugar sensors applied to the eye.

[0060] A specific description of this bio device (100) will be discussed after describing the accessory device (200).

[0061] The drug injection device (200) is configured to inject a drug (hereinafter referred to as a “blood sugar control drug”) for controlling blood sugar levels in the body.

[0062] At this time, the drug injection device (200) may be provided as a patch-type device including a power supply circuit for supplying power to the bio device (100).

[0063] As a specific example, a patch-type insulin injection device can be applied.

[0064] This patch-type insulin injection device, i.e., drug injection device (200), is used for patients who require insulin treatment management.

[0065] Each of the above-mentioned bio-device (100) and drug injection device (200) has at least one electrode for connecting to the human body, and transmits / receives electrical signals between them using the human body as a medium.

[0066] At this time, the bio device (100) may be equipped with a power receiving circuit for operating by receiving power from the drug injection device (200).

[0067] That is, the bio device (100) can operate by receiving power from at least one of the drug injection device (200) and the accessory device (300) described below, even without a separate battery for operating the configuration.

[0068] The drug injection device (200) may include a cartridge unit (210), a needle unit (220), a first power supply unit (230), an AC converter unit (240), a first data transmission / reception unit (250), a first multiplexing unit (260), an electrode (270, hereinafter referred to as “electrode of the drug injection device”), a gain control unit (280), and a first integrated control unit (290).

[0069] A certain amount of blood sugar control medication (e.g., insulin) is stored in the cartridge portion (210). This cartridge portion (210) may be provided as a syringe or cartridge-shaped container capable of storing a certain amount of insulin.

[0070] The needle part (220) is configured to inject the blood sugar control drug stored in the cartridge part (210) into the body. At this time, the needle part (220) is provided as a needle made of metal or soft material, so that when the patch-type drug injection device (200) is attached to the skin, at least a portion of the needle part (220) can be inserted into the body.

[0071] The first power supply unit (230) is configured to be charged with a DC power supply of a certain capacity.

[0072] For example, the first power supply unit (230) may be provided with a DC power supply device such as a battery.

[0073] The AC conversion unit (240) is configured to convert the DC power provided from the first power supply unit (210) into AC power.

[0074] At this time, the AC power converted through the AC converter (240) is provided to the bio device (100) through the human body and is used as power to operate the bio device (100).

[0075] The first data transmission and reception unit (250) generates a communication packet (hereinafter referred to as “first communication packet”) for communicating with the bio device (100) and collects a communication packet (hereinafter referred to as “second communication packet”) transmitted from the bio device (100).

[0076] That is, the first data transmission / reception unit (250) performs a data communication function between the bio device (100) and the drug injection device (200).

[0077] The first multiplexing unit (260) generates a combined signal by combining the AC power converted by the AC conversion unit (240) and the first communication packet.

[0078] For example, the first multiplexing unit (260) may be provided as a multiplexer (e.g., MUX).

[0079] The electrode (270) of the drug injection device is configured to transmit a combination signal to the bio device (100) or receive a second communication packet transmitted from the bio device (100).

[0080] At this time, the electrode (270) of the drug injection device transmits power through the human body using one or two electrodes in contact with the human body.

[0081] That is, power is supplied between the drug injection device (200) and the bio device (100) using the human body as a conductor.

[0082] For reference, the current supplied from the drug injection device (200) to the bio device (100) is preferably an AC power of 10 mA or less at 3 V. This is an extremely low power of 30 mW or less. In other words, the drug injection device (200) supplies a weak current that is not harmful to the human body to the bio device (100).

[0083] The gain control unit (280) is configured to control the gain of the combined signal.

[0084] For example, it can be provided with an automatic gain controller (AGC).

[0085] The first integrated control unit (290) controls each of the above-mentioned components.

[0086] At this time, the first integrated control unit (290) can control the cartridge unit (210) and the needle unit (220) so that a predetermined blood sugar control drug is injected into the body according to the preset dosing cycle.

[0087] In addition, the first integrated control unit (160) can control the cartridge unit (210) and the needle unit (220) so that a predetermined blood sugar control drug is injected into the body even if the preset dosing cycle is not reached based on the blood sugar measurement results included in the second communication packet transmitted from the bio device (100).

[0088] In addition, the first integrated control unit (290) can analyze the second communication packet and control the gain control unit (280) so that the gain of the combined signal provided to the bio device (100) is adjusted according to information about the gain of the combined signal provided to the bio device (100).

[0089] To explain more specifically, if the data in the second communication packet includes a signal that the size of the combined signal such as power provided from the drug injection device (200) to the bio-device (100) communicating with the drug injection device (200) is weak, the first integrated control unit (290) controls the gain control unit (280) to increase the gain of the combined signal so that the combined signal with the adjusted gain can be provided to the bio-device (100) through the electrode (270) of the drug injection device.

[0090] By providing a drug injection device (200) for supplying power to a bio device (100) in a form that can be easily worn in daily life, the discomfort during use can be minimized.

[0091] At this time, the drug injection device (200) may have a built-in circuit pattern (or circuit material) that can come into contact with the skin, and the circuit pattern may include a power supply circuit for supplying power stored in an internally built-in battery (or power storage device) to the outside.

[0092] In addition, the circuit pattern may further include circuits for performing additional functions (such as sensing bio-functions, communication functions for communicating with the bio-device (or external terminal)), etc.

[0093] For reference, the drug injection device (200) can wirelessly supply power through the human body and perform a data hub function that collects and manages measurement data collected through data communication.

[0094] In addition, the drug injection device (200) may be further equipped with a communication unit (not shown) capable of communicating with an external terminal, and the communication unit may provide measurement data on bio-signals that can diagnose the user's health to a neighboring external terminal through short-distance communication such as BT or Wi-Fi.

[0095] For reference, any external terminal that can communicate with the drug injection device (200) via short-range wireless communication, such as a smartphone, tablet PC, desktop, or bio-signal monitoring terminal, can be applied.

[0096] In addition, if the drug injection device (200) is lost in the future, power can be continuously supplied to the bio device (100) through another accessory device (300).

[0097] The aforementioned bio device (100) may include a measuring unit (110), a second data transmission / reception unit (120), a second power supply unit (130), an electrode (140, hereinafter referred to as “electrode of the bio device”), a second multiplexing unit (150), and a second control unit (160).

[0098] The measuring unit (110) measures biosignals.

[0099] This measuring unit (110) can be provided with a biosensor, circuit, etc. for measuring a biosignal.

[0100] The biosignal measured by the measuring unit (110) may be blood sugar, but the biosignal that the measuring unit (110) can measure is not limited thereto and, depending on the implementation, any biosignal (or bioinformation) that can be measured by inserting it into the human body or by contacting the skin, such as body temperature, heartbeat, pulse, etc., may be included.

[0101] The second data transmission / reception unit (120) generates a second communication packet including measurement data for a biosignal measured from the measurement unit (110), and collects a first communication packet transmitted from at least one of the drug injection device (200) and the accessory device (300) described below.

[0102] That is, the second data transmission and reception unit (120) performs the function of transmitting and receiving communication packets when exchanging electrical signals between the bio device (100) and the drug injection device (200) or the bio device (100) and the accessory device (300).

[0103] For reference, the second communication packet includes identification information of the bio device (100) along with measurement data.

[0104] The second power supply unit (130) converts the AC power transmitted from the drug injection device (200) into DC power, and supplies the converted DC power as power for operating each component (e.g., the measuring unit, the second data transmission / reception unit, the electrodes of the bio device, the second multiplexing unit, and the second control unit).

[0105] That is, the second power source (130) performs a power receiving function that receives power through the human body using one or two electrodes (140) of a bio device in contact with the human body.

[0106] The electrode (140) of the bio device is provided with at least one or more electrodes and is configured to receive a combination signal transmitted from the drug injection device (200) or transmit a second communication packet to the drug injection device (200).

[0107] The second multiplexing unit (150) distinguishes between AC power and the first communication packet among the combination signals received through the electrodes (140) of the bio device and provides them to the second power unit (130) and the second data transmission / reception unit, respectively.

[0108] Additionally, the second multiplexing unit (150) processes the second communication packet into a form that can be provided to the accessory device (200).

[0109] For example, the second multiplexing unit (150) can generate a processed signal by combining a second communication packet with a portion (a weak level of AC power) of the AC power supplied to the second power unit (130).

[0110] The second integrated control unit (160) controls each of the above-mentioned components (110, 120, 130, 140, 150).

[0111] For example, the second integrated control unit (160) can control the second multiplexing unit (150) so that the second communication packet is processed into a form that can be provided to the drug injection device (200).

[0112] At this time, the second communication packet processed through the second multiplexing unit (150) can be transmitted through the electrode (140) of the bio device and transmitted through the human body to the electrode (250) of the drug injection device.

[0113] As a result, each of the above-mentioned bio-device (100) and drug injection device (200) has at least one electrode (140, 270) for connecting with the human body, and transmits / receives electrical signals between each other using the human body as a medium.

[0114] That is, the electrode (270) of the drug injection device and the electrode (140) of the bio device are in contact with the skin, and not only two-way data communication between the drug injection device (200) and the bio device (100) using the human body as a medium is performed, but also wireless power supply from the drug injection device (200) to the bio device (100) is performed.

[0115] Strictly speaking, the bio device (100) and the drug injection device (200) utilize the human body as a conductor to perform two-way communication between each other and one-way power supply from the drug injection device (200) to the bio device (100).

[0116] This bio-device (100) can be operated by receiving power from a drug injection device (200), and can be manufactured without a battery. In other words, it can be miniaturized compared to previously reported bio-devices (100), and the degree of freedom in design can be improved.

[0117] Meanwhile, the blood sugar management system (10) proposed by the present invention may further include an accessory device (300).

[0118] The accessory device (300) is configured to communicate with at least one of the bio device (100) and the drug injection device (200) and supply power to the bio device (100).

[0119] At this time, each of the bio device (100), drug injection device (200), and accessory device (300) has at least one electrode for connecting to the human body, and can transmit / receive electrical signals between each other using the human body as a medium.

[0120] At this time, the accessory device (300) assists the drug injection device (200) in performing its function of supplying power to the bio device (100).

[0121] That is, the accessory device (300) may be equipped with a power supply circuit for supplying power to the bio device (100).

[0122] This accessory device (300) may include a third power supply unit (310), an AC converter unit (320), a third data transmission / reception unit (330), a third multiplexing unit (340), an electrode (350, hereinafter referred to as “electrode of the accessory device”), a gain control unit (360), and a third integrated control unit (370).

[0123] The third power supply unit (310) is configured to be charged with a DC power supply of a certain capacity.

[0124] For example, the third power supply unit (310) may be provided as a DC power supply device such as a battery.

[0125] The AC conversion unit (320) is configured to convert the DC power provided from the third power supply unit (310) into AC power.

[0126] At this time, the AC power converted through the AC converter (320) is provided to the bio device (100) through the human body and is used as power to operate the bio device (100).

[0127] The third data transmission and reception unit (330) generates a communication packet (hereinafter referred to as a “first communication packet”) for communicating with a bio device (100) or a drug delivery device (200), and collects a communication packet (hereinafter referred to as a “second communication packet”) transmitted from the bio device (100) or the drug delivery device (200).

[0128] That is, the third data transmission / reception unit (330) performs a data communication function between the bio device (100) and the accessory device (300).

[0129] The third multiplexing unit (340) generates a combined signal by combining the AC power converted by the AC conversion unit (320) and the first communication packet.

[0130] For example, the third multiplexing unit (340) may be provided as a multiplexer (e.g., MUX).

[0131] The electrode (350) of the accessory device is configured to transmit a combination signal to the bio device (100) or receive a second communication packet transmitted from the bio device (100).

[0132] At this time, the electrode (350) of the accessory device transmits power through the human body using one or two electrodes in contact with the human body.

[0133] That is, power is supplied between the accessory device (300) and the bio device (100) using the human body as a conductor.

[0134] For reference, the current provided from the accessory device (300) to the bio device (100) is preferably an AC power of 10 mA or less at 3 V. This is an extremely low power of 30 mW or less. In other words, the accessory device (200) supplies a weak current to the bio device (100) that is not harmful to the human body.

[0135] The gain control unit (360) is configured to control the gain of the combined signal.

[0136] The third integrated control unit (370) controls each of the above-mentioned components.

[0137] For example, the third integrated control unit (370) can analyze the second communication packet and control the gain control unit (360) to adjust the gain of the combination signal provided to the bio device (100) based on information about the gain of the combination signal provided to the bio device (100).

[0138] To explain more specifically, if the data in the second communication packet includes a signal that the size of the combination signal such as power provided from the accessory device (300) to the bio device (100) communicating with the corresponding accessory device (200) is weak, the third integrated control unit (370) controls the gain control unit (360) to increase the gain of the combination signal so that the combination signal with the adjusted gain can be provided to the bio device (100) through the electrode (350) of the accessory device.

[0139] These accessory devices (300) may be provided as devices that can be attached to the human body, such as watches, wristbands, rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, glasses, and waist bands, but at least a portion of the devices may be provided as devices that can come into contact with the skin (e.g., wearable devices that come into contact with the human body).

[0140] In addition, it can be provided as a patch-type device that is fixed to the skin using a wide pad required for adhesion.

[0141] The purpose is to minimize discomfort during use by providing an accessory device (300) for supplying power to a bio device (100) in a form that can be easily worn in daily life.

[0142] As a most preferred example, the accessory device (300) may be provided as a patch-type device having a built-in circuit pattern (or circuit material) that can come into contact with the skin.

[0143] At this time, the circuit pattern may include a power supply circuit for supplying power stored in an internally built-in battery (or power storage device) to an external source. In addition, the circuit pattern may further include circuits for performing additional functions (such as bio-function sensing and communication functions for communicating with the bio-device (or external terminal)).

[0144] For reference, the accessory device (300) along with the drug injection device (200) can wirelessly supply power through the human body and perform a data hub function that collects and manages measurement data through data communication.

[0145] In addition, the accessory device (300) may further be equipped with a communication unit (not shown) capable of communicating with an external terminal, and the communication unit may provide measurement data on bio-signals that can diagnose the user's health to a neighboring external terminal through short-range communication such as BT or Wi-Fi.

[0146] For reference, any external terminal that can communicate with the accessory device (300) via short-range wireless communication, such as a smartphone, tablet PC, desktop, or bio-signal monitoring terminal, can be applied.

[0147] Additionally, the accessory device (300) can be used in common and can be frequently replaced. If this accessory device (300) is lost in the future, it can be replaced with another accessory device, or power can be continuously supplied to the bio device (100) through another accessory device (300) worn by the user.

[0148] Meanwhile, FIG. 3 illustrates a biosignal measurement system (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 3, N bio devices (100) (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) may be provided, and M drug injection devices (200) (where M is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) may be provided.

[0150] At this time, N bio devices (100) are supplied with power from M drug injection devices (200) and can perform bidirectional communication between each other.

[0151] That is, the bio device (100) and the drug injection device (200) correspond to N:M and can constitute a biosignal measurement system (10).

[0152] To explain more specifically, the bio device (100) and the power supply configuration (e.g., the drug injection device (200) and the accessory device (300)) for supplying power to the bio device (100) are provided in a correspondence of N:M, and when N < M, when the power charged in one drug injection device (200) or accessory device (300) is exhausted, the power supply can continue from the other drug injection device (200) or accessory device (300), so that stable operation of the bio device (100) can be possible.

[0153] Meanwhile, FIG. 7 is a reference diagram illustrating a communication packet in a biosignal measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] Communication between the bio device (100), drug injection device (200), and accessory device (300) can be implemented as bidirectional communication using serial communication.

[0155] At this time, the communication packets used for mutual communication are illustrated in Fig. 7.

[0156] Referring to Figure 7, the composition of a communication packet can be composed of STX, identifier, Length, Data, and ETX.

[0157] STX means the start of data.

[0158] An identifier is a unique ID of a device (biometric device or accessory device).

[0159] At this time, the identifier can have a size of 16 bits, and when communicating between the bio device (100) and the accessory device (200), the integrated control unit of each device can identify the type of the other device by checking the unique ID of the device.

[0160] Length defines the length of DATA and can have a size of 16 bits.

[0161] DATA is data generated by any one of the bio device (100), drug injection device (200), and accessory device (300).

[0162] For example, it may be measurement data measured by a bio device (100), a control command for controlling the operation of the bio device (100) provided from a drug injection device (200) or an accessory device (300) to the bio device (100), a control command for controlling the operation of the drug injection device (200) from the accessory device (300), gain information of a combination signal provided to the bio device (100), etc.

[0163] ETX means end of data.

[0164] This is just an example, so the composition of the communication packet may vary depending on the implementation.

[0165] Referring to the configuration of the communication packet mentioned above, data for identifiers must be included between the bio device (100), the drug injection device (200), and the accessory device (300).

[0166] This is to identify the device in communication (or power supply) when communicating between multiple devices, and to ensure that the communication packet is accurately delivered to the target device.

[0167] For example, when one drug injection device (or accessory device) and two bio-devices (hereinafter referred to as “first bio-device” and “second bio-device”) are applied to the human body, the bio-signals measured by each of the first bio-device and the second bio-device may overlap or be different.

[0168] At this time, the drug injection device (200) can analyze the communication packets sent by each device and distinguish and secure the measurement data provided from the first bio device and the measurement data provided from the second bio device.

[0169] If so, the accessory device (200) can compare and analyze the bio-signal measurements measured by the first bio-device and the second bio-device to check whether there is an error in the values ​​measured from the two bio-devices.

[0170] To explain more specifically, if the measurement data for the overlapping bio-signals of the first bio-device and the second bio-device are different, the drug injection device (200) examines the errors in the corresponding values, and if the measurement data measured from one of the bio-devices falls within an unacceptable error range and has a value that is meaningless for diagnosing a disease, the failure of the corresponding bio-device can be determined.

[0171] In this case, the drug injection device (200) can output the judgment result regarding the failure to the display unit provided by the accessory device (200) or provide it in real time to an external terminal.

[0172] As another example, when two drug injection devices (or one drug injection device and one accessory device) (hereinafter referred to as the 'first drug injection device' and the 'second drug injection device') and a single bio-device (100) are applied to the human body, both drug injection devices may supply a low level of power to the single bio-device (100), but may also sequentially receive power from either drug injection device.

[0173] In this case, the bio device (100) is provided with an identification ID for all drug injection devices or accessory devices that come into contact with the human body during the first operation, and sets one of the drug injection devices (e.g., the first drug injection device) to preferentially communicate with the set first accessory and receive power from the first drug injection device.

[0174] A bio device (100) that operates by receiving power from a first drug injection device can, when the power supply level falls below a preset level or power supply is not provided, continuously receive power from another drug injection device (e.g., a second drug injection device) and communicate with the second drug injection device to inform the second drug injection device of the need for replacement or charging of the first drug injection device.

[0175] The guidance provided from the bio device (100) is output to a display unit equipped in an accessory device that communicates with the second drug injection device and the human body, or is provided in real time to an external device so that the user can check it.

[0176] That is, through communication between the drug injection device (200) and the bio device (100), information about whether the bio device (100) is broken or whether the drug injection device (or accessory device) needs to be replaced or recharged can be provided to the user in real time through the drug injection device (or accessory device), and the user who confirms this can quickly take the best action to ensure that the bio device (100) can continue to operate.

[0177] For reference, the communication speed can have a variable speed from 100 bps to 10 Mbps.

[0178] As a result, the blood sugar management system (10) proposed by the present invention has many advantages in data collection and device control due to the two-way communication function between the bio-device (100) using the human body as a medium and the drug injection device (or accessory device).

[0179] To explain more specifically, the bio-device (100) can be used for a long period of time without having to replace the bio-device (100) repeatedly or charge it after removal due to the multi-device communication and power supply function, and the convenience of use can be improved, such as easy data integration collection of the bio-device (100) and control of the bio-device (100) through the drug injection device (200).

[0180] Additionally, when an accessory device (300) is additionally provided in the blood sugar management system (10) in which communication and power supply between the bio-device (100) and the drug injection device (200) are performed, the accessory device (300) can communicate with at least one of the bio-device (100) and the drug injection device (200) through the human body so that, in addition to an additional power supply function, a control command for controlling the bio-device (100) and the drug injection device (200) is input from the outside and transmitted to each component. Through this, the continuous operation of the blood sugar management system (10) is assisted while the control of each component is easily performed, thereby contributing to improving the user's convenience and ensuring the efficient operation of the blood sugar management system.

[0181] As described above, the specific description of the present invention has been made by way of embodiments with reference to the drawings, but since the above-described embodiments have only described preferred examples of the present invention, the present invention should not be understood as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and the scope of the rights of the present invention should be understood by the claims described below and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bio device for measuring bio-signals including blood sugar; and A drug infusion device for injecting a drug to control blood sugar levels in the body; Each of the above bio-device and the above drug injection device has at least one electrode for connecting to the human body, and transmits / receives electrical signals between each other using the human body as a medium. The bio device is characterized in that it has a power receiving circuit for receiving power from the drug injection device and operating. Blood sugar management system.

2. In paragraph 1, The above drug injection device is characterized in that it is provided as a patch-type device including a power supply circuit for supplying power to the bio device. Blood sugar management system.

3. In paragraph 2, The above drug injection device, A cartridge section containing a certain amount of blood sugar control medication; A needle portion for injecting a blood sugar control drug stored in the cartridge portion into the body; A first power supply unit charged with a certain amount of direct current; An AC converter for converting the direct current power provided from the first power supply into alternating current power; A first data transmission / reception unit that generates a communication packet (hereinafter referred to as a “first communication packet”) for communicating with the bio device and collects a communication packet (hereinafter referred to as a “second communication packet”) transmitted from the bio device; A first multiplexing unit that generates a combined signal by combining the AC power converted in the above AC conversion unit and the first communication packet; At least one electrode (hereinafter referred to as an 'electrode of the accessory device') for transmitting the combination signal to the bio device or receiving a second communication packet transmitted from the bio device; and A first integrated control unit that controls each of the above-mentioned configurations; including; The first integrated control unit is characterized in that it controls the cartridge unit and the needle unit so that a predetermined blood sugar control drug is injected into the body according to a preset dosing cycle. Blood sugar management system.

4. In paragraph 3, The above drug injection device, Further comprising a gain control unit for controlling the gain of the above combination signal; The first integrated control unit analyzes the second communication packet and controls the gain control unit so that the gain of the combined signal to be provided to the bio device is adjusted according to information about the gain of the combined signal previously provided to the bio device. Blood sugar management system.

5. In paragraph 3, The above bio device, A measuring unit for measuring bio-signals including blood sugar; A second data transmission / reception unit that generates the second communication packet including measurement data for a biosignal measured from the above measurement unit and collects the first communication packet transmitted from the drug injection device; A second power supply unit having a power receiving circuit for receiving AC power transmitted from the drug injection device, converting the received AC power into DC power, and supplying the converted DC power as power for operating each component; at least one electrode (hereinafter referred to as “electrode of the bio device”) for receiving a combination signal transmitted from the drug injection device or transmitting the second communication packet to the drug injection device; A second multiplexing unit that distinguishes the AC power and the first communication packet among the combination signals received through the electrodes of the drug injection device and provides them to the second power unit and the second data transmission / reception unit, respectively; and A second integrated control unit that controls each of the above-mentioned configurations; The second integrated control unit controls the second multiplexing unit so that the second communication packet is processed into a form that can be provided to the drug injection device. The second communication packet processed through the second multiplexing unit is transmitted through the electrode of the bio device and propagated through the human body to the electrode side of the drug injection device. Blood sugar management system.

6. In paragraph 5, The first integrated control unit is characterized in that it controls the cartridge unit and the needle unit so that a predetermined blood sugar control drug is injected into the body even if the preset dosing cycle is not reached based on the blood sugar measurement result included in the second communication packet transmitted from the bio device. Blood sugar management system.

7. In paragraph 1, The above bio-device is provided in N units (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1), and the above drug injection device is provided in M units (where M is a natural number greater than or equal to 1). N of the above bio-devices are powered by M of the above drug injection devices and are characterized in that they perform bidirectional communication with each other. Blood sugar management system.

8. In paragraph 1, The bio-device is characterized in that it is a blood sugar sensor that is inserted into the body or is at least partially in contact with the skin and is mounted on the body to measure blood sugar. Blood sugar management system.

9. Bio-device for measuring bio-signals including blood sugar; A drug infusion device for injecting drugs to control blood sugar levels in the body; and An accessory device for communicating with at least one of the bio-device and the drug injection device and supplying power to the bio-device; Each of the above bio-device, the drug injection device and the accessory device has at least one electrode for connecting to the human body, and transmits / receives electrical signals between each other using the human body as a medium. The bio device is characterized in that it has a power receiving circuit for receiving power from at least one of the drug injection device and the accessory device to operate. Blood sugar management system.

10. Power supply unit charged with a certain capacity of direct current; An AC converter for converting the direct current power provided from the above power supply into alternating current power; A data transmission and reception unit that generates a communication packet (hereinafter referred to as a “first communication packet”) for communicating with a bio-device for measuring bio-signals including blood sugar, and collects a communication packet (hereinafter referred to as a “second communication packet”) transmitted from the bio-device; A multiplexing unit that generates a combined signal by combining the AC power converted by the above AC conversion unit and the first communication packet; At least one electrode for transmitting the combination signal to the bio device or receiving a second communication packet transmitted from the bio device; A gain control unit for controlling the gain of the above combination signal; and An integrated control unit that controls each of the above-mentioned components; The above combination signal is transmitted to the bio device through the electrode using the human body as a medium, The above integrated control unit is characterized in that it controls the gain control unit so that the gain of the combination signal to be provided to the bio device is adjusted according to information about the gain of the combination signal provided to the bio device by analyzing the second communication packet. Accessory device.

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