VENTILATION DEVICE AND METHOD

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a data processing unit of a ventilation device, and also to a ventilation device. Therapy data are registered and stored in a memory unit and at least a part of the therapy data is transmitted with a transmission unit to a network. At least one available radio network is determined with the transmission unit and at least one parameter for a network quality of the network is defined. At least one processing of the therapy data prior to their transmission into the radio network is carried out dynamically with the data processing unit depending on the parameter.

Claims

1. A method for operating a data processing unit of a ventilation device, wherein the method comprises registering therapy data and storing them in at least one memory unit of the data processing unit and transmitting at least a part of the stored therapy data with at least one transmission unit to at least one network, and wherein at least one available radio network is determined with the transmission unit, at least one parameter for a network quality of the radio network is defined, and at least one processing of the therapy data prior to their transmission into the radio network is carried out dynamically with the data processing unit depending on the at least one parameter.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter defines an availability and/or a transmission reliability of the radio network.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapy data are prioritized for processing and wherein therapy data which exceed at least one threshold value for a priority are transmitted primarily or exclusively.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the threshold value for the priority is defined dynamically depending on the at least one parameter.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein a priority above the threshold value is allocated to number of therapy hours and/or a therapeutic process and/or a therapy statistic.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapy data are transmitted with a redundancy which is set dynamically depending on the at least one parameter.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein therapy data which exceed the threshold value for the priority are transmitted with a higher priority than therapy data below the threshold value.

8. The method of claim I, wherein it is specified depending on the at least one parameter that the therapy data are transmitted via at least one network connection other than the radio network.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one remote adjustment facility of the ventilation device is restricted and/or extended depending on the at least one parameter.

10. The method of claim I, wherein the at least one parameter as at east one downlink to the ventilation device.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapy data are checked for changes for the processing, and wherein changed therapy data are transmitted primarily and/or exclusively.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein therapy data with a data volume above a threshold value are transmitted via at least one network connection other than the radio network and/or are stored on at least one transportable storage medium.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein an acknowledgement of receipt relating to received therapy data is forwarded by the radio network only after a predefined time period has elapsed and/or only in conjunction with at least one further acknowledgement of receipt and/or at least one further downlink of therapy data.

14. The method of claim I, wherein at least one of data compression, restriction of at least one value range, differentiation of absolute values is carried out for the processing of the therapy data.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein therapy hours are cumulatively counted and transmitted as at least one device parameter.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein processing of therapy data of a time period in which an expected acknowledgement of receipt relating to the received therapy data has not been forwarded by the radio network comprises an averaging, and wherein only an average value is transmitted for at least a part of the therapy data.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein only an average value for a therapeutic process and/or a therapy statistic is transmitted.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapy data are transmitted even without feedback from the radio network.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein a connection set-up of the transmission unit to the network is carried out with a dynamic timing, and wherein the timing is increased in a targeted manner for a remote adjustment of the ventilation device and/or for an initial therapy phase.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein a connection set-up of the transmission unit to the radio network is initiated by at least one downlink to the ventilation device from a network connection other than the radio network and/or is initiated by at least one user input.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein an operation of the transmission unit is carried out with consideration of at least one regional specification of the radio network, and wherein the specification is determined on the basis of at least one of: at least one carrier check (Listen Before Talk), reception and evaluation of at least one GPS signal, evaluation of at least one GPS identifier of at least one base station, consideration of at least one user input, consideration of at least one region-specific device configuration.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapy data are transmitted in at least partially encrypted form.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmission unit comprises at least one modem unit which is identified at least during a first commissioning of the ventilation device, and wherein a stored network protocol is selected and/or a device configuration is set on the basis of the identification of the modem unit.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmission unit is supplied with energy at least temporarily via at least one energy store which is charged during an operation of the ventilation device.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one data set from a group of data sets is stored for the therapy data, which group comprises: recorded and/or set device parameters, recorded patient parameters, recorded and/or evaluated therapeutic processes, registered and/or evaluated therapy statistics, modifications and/or settings of device configurations, messages to the patient, error reports.

26. A method for operating a data processing unit of a ventilation device, wherein the method comprises registering therapy data, storing the therapy data in at least one memory unit of the data processing unit, and transmitting at least a part of the stored therapy data with at least one transmission unit to a network, and wherein at least one radio connection to at least one radio network is set up with the transmission unit and at least one processing of the therapy data is carried out with the data processing unit prior to their transmission into the radio network.

27. A ventilation device, wherein the device comprises at least one ventilation unit for generating an airflow for a respiratory therapy, at least one data processing unit, at least one memory unit, and at least one transmission unit, and in which therapy data can be registered using the at least one data processing unit and can be stored in the at least one memory unit, the at least one transmission unit being suitable and designed for transmitting at least a part of the stored therapy data to a network, for determining at least one available radio network, and for defining at least one parameter for a network quality of the radio network, and the at least one data processing unit being suitable and designed for dynamically carrying out a processing of the therapy data prior to their transmission to the radio network depending on the parameter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] Further advantages and features of the present invention are set out in the description of the example embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0079] In the drawings:

[0080] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a ventilation device according to the invention in a perspective view; and

[0081] FIG. 2 shows a highly schematic representation of the ventilation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0082] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description in combination with the drawings making apparent to those of skill in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.

[0083] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a ventilation device 1 which is designed as a home ventilation device 11 or sleep therapy device. However, the ventilation device 1 can also be used as a clinical ventilation device 1. The ventilation device 1 is suitable and designed for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0084] The ventilation device 1 comprises a ventilation unit 100 with a fan unit 100 and one for generating an airflow for the ventilation. A monitoring unit 3 is provided here to control the ventilation unit 100 and to record therapy data. The operation and adjustment of the ventilation device 1 are carried out via an operating unit 103 with a display unit 104.

[0085] The ventilation device 1 has a respiratory interface 102 for feeding the airflow to a user for ventilation. The respiratory interface 102 is preferably designed as a patient interface and may be designed, for example, as a full-face mask, as a nasal pillow, as a tube or as a laryngeal mask. The respiratory interface 102 shown here is a respiratory mask 105 designed as a nasal mask. Headgear 106 is provided to attach the respiratory mask 105.

[0086] A connection tube 109 which is connected by means of a coupling unit 112 to the ventilation unit 100 is provided to connect the respiratory interface 102 to the ventilation unit 100. The ventilation tube 109 is connected to the respiratory interface 102 via a coupling element 107. An exhalation element 108 which comprises a valve or is designed as such is disposed between the ventilation tube 109 and the coupling element 107. The exhalation element 108 is provided, in particular, to prevent a rebreathing into the ventilation device 1 while the user exhales.

[0087] The monitoring unit 3 is operatively connected here to a sensor unit (not shown in detail) which has one or more sensors to record device parameters 201 and/or patient parameters and/or other parameters which are characteristic of the ventilation.

[0088] The monitoring unit 3 comprises, for example, a pressure sensor (not shown here in detail) which records the pressure conditions relating to the respiratory interface 102. The pressure sensor is connected via a pressure measurement tube 110 to the respiratory interface 102 for this purpose. The pressure measurement tube 110 is connected to the monitoring unit 3 via an inlet nozzle 111.

[0089] The monitoring unit 3 furthermore serves here to control the fan unit 101. The monitoring unit 3 provides a necessary minimum pressure and compensates for pressure fluctuations caused by the respiratory activity of the user. The monitoring unit 3 also records, for example, the prevailing pressure in the respiratory mask 105 and readjusts the power of the fan unit 101 accordingly until a desired respiratory pressure is applied. The device parameters 201 required in order to adjust the ventilation unit 100 or the fan unit 101, and also the device configuration and/or device software are stored in a memory unit 4.

[0090] The monitoring unit 3 can also be designed here to record patient parameters. For this purpose, the monitoring unit 3 can be equipped with sensors to measure the respiratory excursion, to measure a blood oxygen saturation and/or to measure an EEG, EMG, EOG or ECG activity.

[0091] The ventilation device 1 shown here may be designed as a. fixed-level device or as an automatic-level device. In particular, an adjustment in line with reference device parameters 201 which have previously been individually calculated and specified on the basis of the characteristic breathing of a user is carried out by the monitoring unit 3.

[0092] It is also possible for the ventilation unit 100 to be adapted dynamically and, in particular, according to the respiratory phase of the user. For example, a respiratory phase change can be identified using the monitoring unit 3, so that a higher or lower pressure can be provided according to the respiratory phase. For example, the ventilation device 1 may be designed as a CPAP or APAP device. The ventilation device 1 may also be designed as a bilevel device. The ventilation device 1 responds, for example, to specific respiratory events, such as e.g. snoring, respiratory depression and/or obstructive pressure peaks with corresponding settings of the device parameters 201.

[0093] The pressure conditions recorded by the monitoring unit 3 are stored together with further device parameters 201 in a memory unit 4. In addition, the pressure conditions set by the monitoring unit 3 or the pressure adaptations that are carried out are similarly stored as device parameters 201 in the memory unit 4. The recorded patient parameters can also be stored in the memory unit 4.

[0094] For example, an initial therapy pressure, a maximum therapy pressure, a minimum therapy pressure and/or a target volume and/or other device parameters 201 suitable for setting the ventilation unit 100 can be stored as device parameters 201. These device parameters 201 are retrieved by the monitoring unit 3 from the memory unit 4 in order to set the ventilation unit 100.

[0095] The pressure conditions recorded over the therapy period and/or other device parameters and/or patient parameters in connection with therapeutic processes 202 are furthermore stored in the memory unit 4. A flow process, a pressure process and/or an event process, for example, can be registered as therapeutic processes 202. The therapeutic processes 202 are preferably supplied to the memory unit 4 by the monitoring unit 3 which records these data during the therapy.

[0096] The device parameters 201 and/or patient parameters and/or therapeutic processes stored in the memory unit 4 are retrieved here by a data processing unit 2 and are evaluated to produce one or more therapy statistics. The therapy statistic 203 is in turn stored in the memory unit 4. The therapy statistic 203 may be designed as a statistic in each case for a single therapeutic treatment. An average pressure and/or the therapy duration and/or a leakage parameter, for example, can be determined and stored.

[0097] The therapy statistic 203 may also be designed as a statistic in each case for one therapy period which comprises a plurality of therapeutic treatments. Averaged values for the average pressure and/or the therapy duration and/or the leakage parameter, for example, can be determined and stored. The therapy statistic 203 may also comprise an assessment of the user's willingness to cooperate.

[0098] The values and parameters stored in the memory unit 4 as previously described are referred to as therapy data in the context of the present invention. In order to be able to subject the therapy data to a therapeutic or diagnostic analysis or in order to be able to monitor the function of the ventilation device 1, a transmission of the therapy data to a network 16, e.g. via the Internet, is provided here. The network preferably comprises at least one server.

[0099] The therapy data can be accessed via the network 16 from a remote location, so that a location-independent evaluation is possible. The transmission is carried out by means of a transmission unit 5, wirelessly or via a radio link to a radio network 6. Here, the transmission unit 5 comprises a modem unit 15 for this purpose.

[0100] In addition to the transmission via the radio network 6, the therapy data can also be transmitted at least partially via a wireless and/or wired alternative network connection 26. In addition, the therapy data can also be stored at least partially on a storage medium 36. The storage medium 36 is designed, for example, as a memory card or a hard disk or a USB mass storage device.

[0101] An energy store 25 is provided here in order to enable a power supply of the transmission unit 5 which is temporarily independent from the mains power supply system. The energy store 25 is preferably charged during an operation in the mains power supply system. Here, the energy store 25 comprises one or more capacitors and, for example, Goldcap capacitors. A power supply of the transmission unit 5 lasting several hours or several days, for example, is provided.

[0102] The energy store 25 enables a particularly effective use of the low-power characteristics of low-energy, long-range networks. With a Goldcap capacitor, the data transmission can thus be extended over one day, even if the device 1 is removed from the power supply. To do this, either the complete protocol logic can be implemented in the modem 15, or transmit queues and receive buffers are implemented so that modems 15 can be used generically for many devices 1.

[0103] Here, the transmission unit 5 determines at least one parameter 7 for a network quality of the available radio network 6. An availability and/or a transmission reliability of the radio networks 6, for example, is determined as a network quality. A signal strength of the radio network 6, for example, can be used for this purpose. The data processing unit 2 then carries out a processing of the therapy data which is adapted in a targeted manner according to the determined network quality parameter 7. The data processing unit 2 can also carry out a predefined processing of the therapy data so that the parameter 7 no longer needs to be determined.

[0104] A low-energy, long-range network, and, particularly preferably, a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) is used here in order to minimize or reduce the transmission costs for the therapy data. The transmission costs per terminal and per annum are advantageously a fraction of the costs of GSM-based networks.

[0105] Radio networks 6 which communicate in licensed frequency ranges and/or license-free frequency ranges are possible. For example, LTE-M can be provided, which, compared with 3G LTE, has a significantly narrower bandwidth of 200 kHz and simplified protocols and modulation schemes which make fewer demands on processing capacity.

[0106] The transmission in license-free bands is carried out, in particular, at 868 MHz (Europe) and at 905-915 MHz (USA) or according to the local regulations in other states. The data transmission rate is e.g. <100 bit/s (uplink, Europe). A data rate between 300 bit/s and 50 kbit/s is also possible. The data volume is restricted e.g. to 140 messages with a 12-byte payload from the device to the server (uplink) and, in particular, 4 messages with an 8-byte payload in the opposite direction (downlink). The downlink may preferably be set up only on the initiative of the terminal, i.e. a connection cannot be initiated by the server. However, transmission classes with time-pulsed downlink phases, i.e. with a guaranteed maximum latency and with a permanent downlink facility, are also possibly defined, so that a permanent two-way connection is possible.

[0107] The range is e.g. 3-10 km in urban areas and 30-50 km in rural areas, and also >1000 km in the case of a line-of-sight connection. The transmitted data are preferably available on central servers for retrieval. Data for the downlink can also be provided via these servers.

[0108] The method proposed here has the particular advantage that LPWAN networks 6 can be used in the transmission of the therapy data. Due to the dynamic data processing depending on the network quality of the radio network 6, a reliable transmission of the therapy data without relevant losses can thus be achieved via. LPWAN networks 6 also.

[0109] A processing of the therapy data for their transmission in the LPWAN network 6 is described in detail below by way of examples.

[0110] The data volume transmittable in the LPWAN network 6 is normally strictly limited. The processing of the therapy data therefore preferably comprises a data compression. In particular, every bit is used and e.g. a bit mask is applied. The value ranges of the therapy data are restricted, in particular, to the maximum extent. For example, for the transmission of adjustment facilities for a soft start between 0 min and 45 min, in 5 min steps only 4 bits are provided for the 10 stages.

[0111] The therapy data are preferably prioritized so that only correspondingly important therapy data are transmitted. The allocated priorities are compared in relation to threshold values. The priorities are allocated, in particular, according to the significance of the data and preferably also with consideration of the network quality parameter.

[0112] In particular, differences rather than absolute values are transmitted. Values or data Hocks are transmitted, in particular, only in the event of changes. Device settings or device configurations, for example, are transmitted only if they have changed.

[0113] The restrictions on the data volume normally apply to base stations and gateways also, since the available downlink time must be shared by all terminal devices connected to a gateway. Downlinks are also preferably processed and, in particular, limited as a result.

[0114] Acknowledgements of receipt or confirmations of transmission are dispatched, for example, only at defined intervals or only if useful data such as e.g. new device settings for the ventilation device 1 are also present. Data transmissions which require a larger data volume are preferably transferred onto parallel channels and preferably onto the other network connection 26. A detailed data upload is carried out, for example, via an upload program on the PC or smart device of the user or via a GSM-based modem or via the dispatch of a storage medium 36. The modem unit 15 is preferably designed for GSM-based transmission also. A firmware update can also be carried out by sending an SD card rather than via a downlink.

[0115] A transmission of the therapy data in the LPWAN network 6 may be disrupted at virtually any time by other applications which use the frequency band. The processing of the therapy data therefore comprises a protection against data loss.

[0116] The therapy data are preferably transmitted redundantly. The number of repetitions is specified, in particular, according to the significance of the data and preferably also with consideration of the network quality parameter. The therapy data are, for example, forwarded multiple times and also at different times of the day and, where appropriate, during therapy.

[0117] Cumulative counters instead of or in addition to indices are preferably used. In particular, operating hour counters are used instead of the counting of a daily usage. In particular, average values are transmitted for time periods for which the data transmission has not been confirmed. if, for example, no downlink has been received for one week or more, statistical average values for this week are transmitted when a downlink is again available.

[0118] Particularly important therapy data are preferably transmitted with high redundancy, less important therapy data with lower redundancy. In particular, an additional demand for data is provided. Checksums and hashes, in particular, are used.

[0119] In particular, a dynamic dependency between the redundancy and the scope of the data to be transmitted and the number of transmissions is set. Particularly cost-efficient transmission is thereby enabled. The network quality parameter, in particular, is also taken into consideration. If the network is e.g. weak and/or no response at all is received, basic data sets are preferably transmitted redundantly, e.g. number of therapy hours counter, basic statistics of the current therapy day or the previous day. If the network transmits reliably, the redundancy is withdrawn and the data scope can be extended.

[0120] In particular, a balance is struck between costs and data transmission reliability. The LPWAN 6 can thus be used in combination with the other network connection 26 and e.g. with conventional mobile radio communications. The other network connection 26 is preferably used if the LPWAN 6 is not adequate or data with increased volume requirements or security requirements are transmitted.

[0121] The network coverage is preferably taken into consideration in the adaptation of the ventilation device 1. A remote adjustment, for example, is thus blocked in a targeted manner if the downlink frequently or always fails to reach the device 1. An availability check can be carried out, for example on the basis of the network coverage. A of use of the ventilation device 1 can be entered, and/or an expected connection quality. Usable services can then be output and, for example, the device configuration can be adapted on that basis.

[0122] A parameter 7 for a transmission quality for an uplink is normally stored in the radio network 6. The parameter 7 is therefore preferably transmitted to the ventilation device 1 in the downlink. The data forwarding can then be adapted on the device side depending on the notified parameter. For example, the redundancy is increased or the redundancy is reduced and the useful data scope is increased.

[0123] The processing and/or transmission of the therapy data take(s) account here of the fact that an asymmetric transmission may occur in the LPWAN network 6. The uplink, for example, is operational, but the downlink is not. According to the method proposed here, protocols which transmit data even without feedback from the server are therefore used. A targeted balance is struck between network occupancy and the number of messages and redundancy.

[0124] For example, specific therapy data with the highest priority are repeated n times, until a transition takes place to the forwarding of further therapy data. Since maximum uplink quality can be achieved by increasing the transmit power up to the permitted radiation limit even with a weak antenna, the application and the ventilation device 1 are preferably designed so that the downlink is deliberately dispensed with completely. This offers substantial cost benefits.

[0125] A terminal-device-initiated connection is preferably provided. If a guaranteed maximum latency is necessary, i.e. the device 1 is intended to connect to the radio network 6 within a defined time at the latest, e.g. for a remote adjustment or telesetting, the following method steps are preferably carried out. In particular, the connection set-up is timed for maximum latency, i.e. the device 1 registers with the radio network 6 at a defined time interval. This timing may also be dynamically variable, for example a maximum latency can be guaranteed during the normal office hours of the service providers, or in an initial therapy phase, and the timing is not provided/is reduced outside these hours.

[0126] The connection can also be initiated via the other network connection 26 or by a second channel, for example by means of an SMS to the device 1. A combined modem unit 15 for GSM 26 and LPWAN 6 is preferably provided for this purpose. An operating element which the user can press as required can also be provided on the device 1 for the connection set-up.

[0127] The regionally appropriate and permitted frequency range is preferably selected and further regional regulations are preferably taken into consideration in the transmission of the therapy data.

[0128] A country-specific parameterization is preferably switchable and/or selectable by region-specific modems. An automatic switchover or activation or deactivation of the radio modules can be carried out via various mechanisms. In particular, the regional specification of the radio network 6 is determined.

[0129] For example, a carrier check (Listen Before Talk) is carried out. It can also be determined whether there are indications of LPWAN networks 6 in the radio ether, e.g. by means of beacons. A GPS signal of a built-in receiver can also be used. A GPS identifier of the base station can also be used if at least one of the networks 6, 26 is received. A user input which defines the region of use can also be used. Settings of the ventilation device 1, such as e.g. language, regional scheme, time zone, can also be used to determine the region of use.

[0130] The processing of the therapy data comprises, in particular, an encryption and authentication, e.g. AES, RSA. For example, an end-to-end encryption is provided so that data are encrypted in relation to the radio network 6. The key is generated either dynamically on the device and server side or from information which is known to both sides or is stored statically in the device 1.

[0131] Serial numbers or other identification numbers or version identifiers, for example, can be used for this purpose. In particular, a plurality of methods are combined with one another for the encryption. A cryptochip can be used for sensitive information. In particular, the information from which the key is generated is not or at least not regularly transmitted via the radio network.

[0132] The LPWAN-based networks 6 normally represent a highly heterogeneous system in which many providers and many different components prevail. The modem unit 15 is therefore identified during a first commissioning of the ventilation device 1 and a stored network protocol is selected and/or a device configuration is set on the basis of the identification. The manufacturing cost can thus be kept low despite the variety of requirements.

[0133] In addition, web interfaces to different providers and/or adaptation modules are preferably produced. The business and application logic behind these modules is as identical as possible for the relevant manufacturers. A logistics infrastructure which enables the identification, activation, deactivation and allocation of modems 15 and devices 1 in production, in supply a logistics and in operation for the various radio networks 6 is thus achieved. For example, the ventilation device 1 polls the modem 15 and selects the behavior and protocol according to the modem type.

REFERENCE NUMBER LIST

[0134] 1 Ventilation device
2 Data processing unit
3 Monitoring unit
4 Memory unit
5 Transmission unit
6 Radio network

7 Parameter

[0135] 11 Home ventilation device
15 Modem unit

16 Network

[0136] 25 Energy store
26 Network connection
36 Storage medium
100 Ventilation unit
101 Fan unit
102 Respiratory interface
103 Operating unit
104 Display unit
105 Respiratory mask

106 Headgear

[0137] 107 Coupling element
108 Exhalation element
109 Ventilation tube
110 Pressure measurement tube
111 Inlet nozzle
112 Coupling unit
201 Device parameter
202 Therapeutic process
203 Therapy statistics