METHOD FOR ACQUIRING AND STORING BIOMETRIC DATA, IN PARTICULAR DATA OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A BIOLOGICAL SYSTEM, APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHODS, AND USES

Abstract

A method for acquiring and storing data of biological samples, a method for controlling a biological system and an apparatus for these methods, and uses thereof.

Claims

1. A method for acquiring and storing data of biological samples, including the following steps: acquiring the data, characterized in that the data are stored as digital data in unmodified fashion or after modification in a blockchain together with a timestamp.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the timestamp specifies the time or time period at which or during which the electromagnetic signals are acquired or specifies the time or time period at which the digital data are stored.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the data of the biological samples are biophysical and/or biochemical data, which were acquired from the biological sample.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the data of the biological samples are acquired by measurement methods, including acquiring electromagnetic signals emitted by a biological sample, as analogue or digital electric signals, by electron tomography, electrocardiography, electronystagmography, potential measurements on cell membranes, or acquired by imaging methods, including photography of image files of video files, or by other methods, including medical history or tissue assessments.

5. The method for influencing and/or controlling a biological system, with the exception of a human body, including the following steps: carrying out an acquisition and storage of data according to claim 1, modifying the captured digital data for the purposes of producing modified data before or after the aforementioned storage and controlling the biological system depending on the modified data.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the digital data have first digital data, which were acquired as electromagnetic signals or stored as digital signals at a first time, at which the biological sample was in a first state, and second digital data, which were acquired as electromagnetic signals or stored as digital data at a second time, at which the biological sample was in a second state, and the first digital data are compared to the second digital data and the second digital data are modified according to the result of the comparison.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the digital data are encrypted in a blockchain prior to storage, including using a symmetric or asymmetric encryption method.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the data are modified or modulated prior to and/or after encryption and/or prior to and/or after storage.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the control is carried out by infusion techniques, irradiation techniques or other treatment techniques.

10. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the conversion of the analogue data into digital data is implemented by an analogue-to-digital converter.

11. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that storage of the digital data in a blockchain is implemented in a memory, including a RAM or a ROM.

12. An apparatus for carrying out the method according to claim 1, comprising a detection unit for acquiring data, including data emitted by a biological sample, as analogue or digital electric signals, a conversion unit for converting the analogue electric signals into digital data, and a memory unit for storing the digital data in a blockchain together with a timestamp.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by an encryption unit for encrypting the digital data prior to storage in a blockchain, including a symmetric or asymmetric encryption method.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by a modification unit for modifying or modulating the data prior to and/or after encryption and/or prior to and/or after storage.

15. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by an effector unit for exerting an influence on the biological sample depending on the stored data.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the effector unit is or contains an infusion system or an irradiation system.

17. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the detection unit is an EEG appliance or an ENG appliance.

18. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the conversion unit is an analogue-to-digital converter.

19. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the memory unit is or contains a RAM or a ROM.

20. Use of the method according to claim 1 for diagnosing or controlling biological samples including living cells, organs, organisms, and living beings with the exclusion of methods on the human body or methods on the animal body.

Description

[0053] In the drawing:

[0054] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus according to the invention in individual layers,

[0055] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show a transmitter/receiver apparatus in individual layers; and

[0056] FIG. 3 shows the structure of an apparatus according to the invention.

[0057] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention. Firstly, it has a transmitter/receiver apparatus 110, which will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. This transmitter/receiver apparatus 110 receives electric signals as data, for example electromagnetic waves from a biological sample. In turn, it is also capable of emitting electrical signals, for example electromagnetic waves onto a biological sample. Expressed differently, the transmitter/receiver apparatus 110 is an electromagnetic receiver and/or transmitter that has been provided with a dipole antenna, for example.

[0058] Furthermore, the apparatus according to the invention has a processing apparatus 120. The processing apparatus 120 has an input/output unit 121 as well as a memory 122 and a processing unit 123. Input/output unit 121, memory 122 and processing unit 123 are linked to one another, for example by way of a data bus. The input/output unit 121 has an A/D converter for converting the analogue electromagnetic signals that are received and transmitted by the apparatus 110 into digital signals. Furthermore, the input/output unit 121 has a D/A converter for converting the digital signals output by the processing unit 123 or the memory 122 into analogue signals that can then be transmitted to the transmitter/receiver apparatus 110.

[0059] The signals converted into digital signals by the A/D converter in the input/output unit 121 are, firstly, written to the memory 122 and, secondly, processed in the processing unit 123.

[0060] The data processing, including modifying the data and providing the data with a timestamp, as described in the claims occurs in the processing unit 123. Subsequently, the timestamp-provided data modified thus are written to the memory 122. Instead of the local memory 122, use can also be made of a cloud memory, which is accessed via a public network, for example the Internet.

[0061] The modified data can be transmitted to the transmitter/receiver apparatus 110 via the D/A converter in the input/output unit 121 and can be emitted there as an electromagnetic wave by way of the antenna situated therein.

[0062] The method according to the invention is carried out by virtue of the transmitter/receiver apparatus 110 being arranged in the vicinity of a biological sample, for example a tissue sample (e.g., a punch biopsy) or a blood sample. The electromagnetic signals emitted by the biological sample are acquired by the transmitter/receiver apparatus 110 and transmitted to the processing apparatus 120. There, they are converted into digital data in the input/output unit 121 by means of an A/D converter, provided with a timestamp by the processing unit 123 and stored in a blockchain or added to an existing blockchain in the memory 122. The data stored thus can be modified, for example by virtue of changes in the digital signals over time being captured and being compensated by suitable processing. The data modified thus can be stored in the memory 122, for example in the same blockchain as the initial data, subsequently be forwarded to the input/output unit 121, converted into analogue electric signals there by means of a D/A converter and transmitted to the transmitter/receiver apparatus 110. The transmitter/receiver apparatus 110 converts the received analogue signal into an electromagnetic wave by means of an antenna, said electromagnetic wave being emitted and being able to be received by the biological sample, which is arranged in the vicinity of the transmitter/receiver apparatus 110.

[0063] Storing the data in a blockchain firstly ensures the integrity of the data and secondly records the data history together with the timestamp. This renders it possible to observe the profile of the recorded signals, for example, during an illness or during therapy.

[0064] FIG. 2 shows a preferred configuration of the transmitter/receiver apparatus 110 according to the invention, with individual layers being illustrated in their sequence. Individual layers 1, 5, 6, 7 of the apparatus 110 are illustrated in a side view (A) and in a plan view (B). Each layer 1, 5, 6 and 7 has a planar embodiment with the chip card form (LWH=approximately 8.6 cmapproximately 5.4 cmapproximately 0.8 cm).

[0065] The first layer 1 is configured as a printed circuit board made of epoxy resin with a thickness of 0.37 mm, which, as conductor tracks made of copper, contains two capacitors 3A, 3B on the right-hand side as apparatuses for storing electromagnetic energy and two single conductors 4A, 4B. On one side, the capacitors 3A and 3B are each connected to a first end of the respective single conductor 4A and 4B. The second connector of the capacitors 3A, 3B is free or insulated.

[0066] The free second end of the single conductors 4A, 4B has a spiral shape in each case and it is arranged on the left-hand side of the layer 1. Furthermore, the first layer 1 has on its first side a third capacitor 15 as an apparatus for storing electromagnetic energy. A further electric signal can be written into this capacitor. This capacitor is electrically connected to the processing apparatus 120 by a further line that cannot be identified in the figure and it is able to transmit analogue electric signals to said processing apparatus and receive said signals therefrom.

[0067] The second layer 5 consists of polyethylene, it has a thickness of 0.20 mm and it is adhesively bonded to the surface (first side) of the first layer 1 that is provided with the conductor tracks 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B. The second layer 5 contains two circular cavities 2A, 2B that pass therethrough, have a diameter of approximately 8.5 mm in the length plane and are arranged exactly over the free spiral-shaped end of the single conductors 4A, 4B. The cavities 2A and 2B are terminated on the lower side by the first layer 1 and are open on their upper side. A self-adhesive pad 9, illustrated separately in FIG. 1, is arranged in the cavities 2A and 2B in each case. The self-adhesive pad 9 consists of a circular, absorbent material and it is characterized by a diameter of 8 mm and a thickness of less than 0.20 mm. By way of example, this pad 9 serves to receive a bodily fluid, as specified above.

[0068] A third layer 6, illustrated separately here, is adhesively bonded to the second layer 5, said third layer being configured as a decorative film, consisting of polyethylene with a thickness of 0.15 mm and containing two through-cutouts 8A, 8B in the form of through-holes, said cutouts each being situated exactly in the centre above the cavities 2A and 2B of the second layer 5. The through-holes have a diameter of 2 mm. Consequently, apart from the holes, the two cavities 2A and 2B of the second layer 5 are sealed by the decorative film 6.

[0069] On its second side 5B, the first layer 1 has two second arrangements, each with a field, a single conductor and an apparatus for storing electromagnetic energy; i.e., the second side of the first layer 1 contains two capacitors 12A, 12B and two wave-shaped single conductors 11A, 11B in the left-hand part. At their one respective connector, the two capacitors 12A, 12B are each connected to one of the wave-shaped single conductors 11A, 11B. The free end of the single conductors 11A and 11B extends to the right-hand side, up to the vicinity of the edge of the layer 5. The other connector of the capacitors 12A, 12b is free or electrically insulated.

[0070] Additionally, a fourth layer 7 is arranged on the second side of the layer 1, said fourth layer being configured as a decorative film, consisting of polyethylene with a thickness of 0.15 mm and having an adhesive print and two labelling fields 10A, 10B. The labelling fields 10A, 10B are each situated exactly above the single conductors 11A and 11B of the second arrangement. Since all four layers are adhesively bonded to one another, this yields an apparatus made of four layers 1, 5, 6 and 7 as a result, i.e., a four-layer chip. Possible locations for pre-printed writing 13 are illustrated in the fourth layer 7.

[0071] FIG. 3 describes the structure of the configuration of the apparatus according to the invention as per FIG. 2 in a cross section. The apparatus has a plane embodiment in the chip card form (LWH=approximately 8.6 cmapproximately 5.4 cmapproximately 0.8 cm) and has a structure made of the four layers 1, 5, 6, 7. The first layer has a capacitor 3 as an apparatus for storing electromagnetic energy on the right-hand side and, in the centre and up to the left-hand side, it contains a single conductor 4 made of copper wire. At its first connector, the capacitor 3 is connected to one end of the single conductor 4. The second connector of the capacitor 3 is free or electrically insulated. The free end of the single conductor 4 (labelled 4A here) has a spiral-shaped embodiment and is arranged on the left-hand side of the layer 1.

[0072] The second layer 5 contains a circular through-cutout 2, which has a diameter of approximately 8.5 mm in the plane of the layer, and is arranged exactly over the spiral-shaped free end 4A of the single conductor 4 in the left-hand part of the layer 5. In the completed apparatus, the through-cutout 2 is terminated by the layer 1 on its lower side (second side) and open on its upper side (first side) and consequently forms a cavity. A self-adhesive pad 9 is arranged in this cavity.

[0073] The third layer 6 is adhesively bonded on the second layer, said third layer 6 containing the through-hole 8, which is situated exactly in the centre over the cavity, i.e., over the through-cutout 2 of the second layer 5. The through-hole 8 of the third layer 6 has a diameter of 2 mm in this example. Apart from the through-hole 8 in the third layer 6, the cavity 2 is sealed by the decorative film 6. On its upper side, this decorative film 6 carries various fields 13 with imprints. The cavity 2, the capacitor 3 and the conductor track 4 on the first side of the first layer 1 form a first arrangement.

[0074] The further layer 7, which has a printed field 13 and an inscribable labelling field 10 on its outer side, is adhesively bonded to the opposite second side of the layer 1. In the region of the labelling field 10 and lying opposite thereto on the second side of the second layer 5, a wave-shaped single conductor 11 is arranged as a conductor track. The one end of the single conductor 11 is connected to a capacitor 12 embodied as a conductor track in the region of the left-hand end of the labelling field 10 and opposite thereto on the second side of the second layer 5. The other end of the conductor 11 is free and extends in wave-shaped fashion from the capacitor 12 to the vicinity of the right outer edge of the layer 5. The field 10, the capacitor 12 and the conductor 11 form a second arrangement.

[0075] Since all four layers 1, 5, 6 and 7 are adhesively bonded to one another or welded to one another, an apparatus made of four layers arises, i.e., a four-layer chip card.

[0076] In general, at least one second arrangement can be provided on the second side of the substrate in the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, said at least one second arrangement having at least one field (10), at least one second single conductor (11) and at least one second apparatus for storing electromagnetic energy (12), with one end of the second single conductor (11) being connected to the second apparatus for storing electromagnetic energy (12) and the other end being arranged in, on or adjacent to the field (10) as a free end.

[0077] In the apparatus according to the invention, the at least one second arrangement can be arranged in, on or adjacent to the second side of the first layer.

[0078] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, a fourth layer (7) can be arranged on the second side of the first layer, said fourth layer having at least one field (10) or at least one through-cutout in the form of a field (10) and preferably being designed as a self-adhesive decorative film.

[0079] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, the fourth layer (7) can contain or consist of plastic, preferably polycarbonate, polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride.

[0080] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, the field (10) or the through-cutout in the form of a field (10) can be rectangular, preferably have the dimensions lengthwidth of 2-7 cm0.5cm, particularly preferably 4-6 cm0.8-1.5 cm, or be circular or oval.

[0081] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, the at least one field (10) or the at least one cutout in the form of a field (10) can have a writable material.

[0082] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, the writable material can be embodied in such a way that it absorbs and/or adsorbs solid and/or liquid writing material.

[0083] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, the at least two layers (1, 5, 6, 7) of the substrate can be largely round, oval or rectangular.

[0084] In the apparatus according to the invention, the at least two layers (1, 5, 6, 7) of the substrate can be embodied in card form, preferably having lengthwidthheight dimensions of 2-14 cm2-10 cm0.05-0.60 mm, particularly preferably of 8-9 cm5-6 cm0.15-0.40 mm.

[0085] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, a third apparatus for storing electromagnetic energy can be arranged on, in or adjacent to the substrate.

[0086] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, at least one, some or all of the apparatuses for storing electromagnetic energy (3, 12) can be a capacitor or can have a capacitor.

[0087] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, the apparatus on the first side can have one, two or three first arrangements.

[0088] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, the apparatus on the second side can have one, two or three second arrangements.

[0089] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, the free end of the at least one single conductor (4) on the first side can have a spiral-shaped embodiment.

[0090] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, the free end of the at least one single conductor (11) on the second side can have a wave-shaped embodiment.

[0091] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, the free end of the at least one single conductor (4) on the first side can be worked into the through-opening in the second layer (2), preferably in such a way that the single conductor (4) contacts the first and/or second layer (1, 5) at least in regions in the region of the through-opening (2).

[0092] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, the free end of the at least one single conductor (11) on the second side is worked into the field (10) or into the cutout in the form of a field (10), preferably in such a way that the single conductor (11) contacts the first layer (1), at least in regions.

[0093] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, the single conductor on the first side (4) can contact the first, second and/or third layer (1, 5, 6) on less than half or on half of its circumference and/or the single conductor on the second side (11) can contact the first layer and/or fourth layer (1, 7) on less than half or on half of its circumference.

[0094] In the transmitter/receiver apparatus according to the invention, at least one of the single conductors (4, 11) can contain or consist of substantially electrically conductive material, preferably ferromagnetic material; and/or, it can be coated, at least in regions, with at least one noble metal, preferably gold.