DE102007027169B4 - Bluetooth network with repeater, Bluetooth network for transmission of health-relevant data and procedure for setting up a Bluetooth network with repeater - Google Patents

Abstract

Bluetooth network, comprising:
- At least one repeater (10, 20) with at least one Bluetooth transmitting and receiving device, which is designed to provide a repeater service, wherein the repeater service is exclusively Bluetooth-based;
A central device (100) which is in signal connection (11-5) with the at least one repeater (10, 20) and is adapted to configure the repeater service by the repeater (10, 20) from the central one Device (100) receives at least one sensor service necessary for connection to a sensor (1, 2, 3); and
- At least one sensor (1, 2, 3) which is designed to connect to the central device via the at least one repeater (10, 20) via a Bluetooth connection (11-2 and 11-5).

Description

The The present invention generally relates to Bluetooth-based Communication. More specifically, the present invention relates on a Bluetooth network, a Bluetooth network used for transmission health-relevant data of at least one patient is, at least a Bluetooth repeater and a method of construction a Bluetooth network.

Bluetooth is an industry standard for wireless (wireless) networking of devices over short distances with ranges of approx. 100 m (class 1), 20 m (class 2) or 10 m (class 3). Bluetooth offers a wireless interface over which both mobile devices (eg mobile telephone, PDA) as well as computers (eg PC, notebook, Workstation) and peripherals (eg printer, headset, keyboard) can communicate with each other. One Bluetooth-based network is also known as "Wireless Personal Area Network" (WPAN) designated.

Send Bluetooth devices as so-called "short Range Devices "im license-free ISM Band (short for "Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Band ") between 2.402 GHz and 2.480 GHz. To be robust against interference (such as for example by radio telephones, garage door openers or microwave ovens) To achieve this, a frequency hopping method (English "Frequency Hopping ") used, in which the frequency band in 79 frequency steps in the 1 MHz distance is divided and which changed up to 1600 times in one second become. A Bluetooth device can maintain a maximum of seven connections substantially simultaneously, where the devices involved the available Need to share bandwidths.

Bluetooth supports not just the transmission of general data but also of language. An encryption the transported data is also possible.

One Advantage in the use of Bluetoothnetzen lies in the fact that no Cable connection between devices is necessary (For example, between a mobile phone and a headset), and that also in the wireless connection the communication between devices (at least partly) not easily intercepted can be. Furthermore is because of the low power consumption Bluetooth just for small mobile terminals well suited. Furthermore, unlike infrared connections, devices with bluetooth connection no visual contact anymore. However, the range of Bluetoothnetzen is relatively restricted.

document US 2005/0078672 A1 refers to a method of forming a self-organizing wireless network using proprietary protocols and software implementation. A routing function is integrated across several networks (eg: piconet / scatternet). Furthermore, the software model provides an application software, with the help of which one can specify the network structure.

document EP 1 542 377 A2 refers to a device that receives and forwards Bluetooth packets. There are always two Bluetooth modules that are internally (via UART) connected, a device. Each received data packet is transported via the internal connection to the sender and forwarded from there. In this case, such a data packet can also reach the destination via several repeaters. There is no restriction, also the repeater offers no Bluetooth services.

Further, from document DE 101 16 972 A1 a data transmission system for wireless connection of two devices known. The devices are stationary and have a Bluetooth transmitter / receiver unit for data transmission in the ISM band with a carrier frequency in the range of 2.4 GHz. The transmitting / receiving units are each connected to a directional radio antenna.

task The present invention is an easy-to-implement and cost-effective expansion to enable a Bluetoothnetzes, wherein the bluetoothnetz outward is secured.

These The object is achieved by a Bluetooth network with the in claim 1 specified features, a repeater with the specified in claim 10 Features, a method for establishing a Bluetooth network with solved the features specified in claim 11. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

definitions

The following Terms are used in the present specification and are in particular essentially defined as follows:

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth is an industry standard developed in the 1990s (in accordance with IEEE 802.15.1) for wireless (wireless) networking of (electronic and / or computerized) devices over shorter distances, eliminating the need for cables. In addition, Bluetooth offers a wireless interface through which both mobile devices and computers and peripherals can communicate with each other. For example, with Bluetooth data sent from a PC to a printer, data between a mobile phone and a PDA matched and phoned via a headset with a mobile phone without a cable is necessary. Due to its low power consumption, Bluetooth is ideal for (small) mobile devices. In addition, the radio procedure is simplified; because in contrast to infrared connections, devices connected via Bluetooth no longer require line of sight connection.

Bluetooth devices:

Bluetooth devices are electronic and / or computerized devices (eg mobile telephones, PDA, a notebook, PC) and peripherals (eg printers, keyboards, Headsets), which offer a Bluetooth interface and themselves accordingly connect to other Bluetooth devices. ever by class (1, 2 or 3) Bluetooth devices offer a range of approx. 100 m, 20 m or 10 m. In the present description are Bluetooth devices in particular a central device which preferred is a PDA or a notebook, one or more repeaters and one or more sensors, for example, medical (measuring) devices such as a body scale, one Body fat scale, a blood pressure meter, a blood sugar meter, a heart rate monitor and / or a machine for determining a body mass index include.

Bluetooth network:

One Bluetooth network (also called "piconet") can a maximum of 260 participants or devices include, of which eight devices (at least partially) can be active at the same time. All others not active equipment can in a park mode keep the synchronization and on request in the Network become active. A Bluetooth network consists of a so-called master and up to seven others devices (also called "slaves"). The master controls the communication and assigns send slots to the other participants. A Bluetooth device can work in multiple Bluetooth networks be logged in, but only in a network as a master.

Several Piconets with overlapping Bluetooth devices form a so-called scatternet.

Bluetooth service:

dates are going through between Bluetooth devices exchanged so-called profiles, which for certain services or services are fixed. If a Bluetooth connection is established (for the first time) between Bluetooth devices, then swap the bluetooth devices their profiles and thus determine which (Bluetooth) services she for the respective other partners can provide and what data and / or commands you need to do this.

repeater:

One Repeater (in digital communication technology) is a network device, in particular a signal generator, which in a transmission layer, a signal receives reprocessed this signal (i. D. Raised) and again sends out. sough as well as distortions of the transit time (so-called jitter) and the pulse shape be while removed from the received signal by the repeater. Repeaters are electrical or optical devices. Prepare simple repeaters just a received (optical or electronic) signal on, affect the transferring Information but not. For example, intelligent repeaters can synchronize a received signal again.

Challenge-response method:

One Challenge-Repsonse procedure is an authentication method of a participant in an electronic communication process based on of knowledge. Here, a participant puts a task (English challenge) the other participant must solve (English response) to prove that he knows a certain information. An example of a Challenge Repsonse procedure is the question of a password. The task is the question of the password and the answer to that correct password. As a password query easily eavesdropped by attackers can be used, challenge-response procedures are used the participants do not transmit the password themselves, but just have to prove for sure that he the password knows. Therefore become different (symmetric or asymmetric) encryption methods used, which (at least partially) substantially on the same Principle: If A wants to authenticate to B, so B A sends a random number. A encrypts this number with his Password and sends the encrypted Random number back to B. In the meantime B has the random number with the A known to him Password encrypted. Are both encrypted Messages identical, A has successfully authenticated to B

Summary

• – zumindest einen Repeater mit zumindest einer Bluetooth-Sende- und Empfangseinrichtung, welcher ausgelegt ist, einen Repeater-Service bereitzustellen, wobei der Repeater-Service ausschließlich Bluetooth-basiert ist;
• – ein zentrales Gerät, welches mit dem zumindest einen Repeater in Signalverbindung steht und ausgelegt ist, den Repeater-Service zu konfigurieren; und
• – zumindest einen Sensor, welcher ausgelegt ist, sich mit dem zentralen Gerät über den zumindest einen Repeater über eine Bluetooth-Verbindung zu verbinden.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided a Bluetooth network according to claim 1, comprising:

• - At least one repeater with at least one Bluetooth transmitting and receiving device, which is designed to provide a repeater service the repeater service is Bluetooth-only;
• A central device in signal communication with the at least one repeater and configured to configure the repeater service; and
• - At least one sensor which is designed to connect to the central device via the at least one repeater via a Bluetooth connection.

Corresponding is a Bluetooth network to extend the range of a Bluetooth connection between two Bluetooth devices provided and in particular between a central device, for example a PDA and a sensor, which in particular at least one medical (measuring) device, such as a body scale, one Body fat scale, a blood pressure meter, a blood sugar meter, a heart rate monitor and / or a machine for determining a body mass index include. To increase the range, at least two Bluetooth devices (in particular the central device and at least one sensor) over one Bluetooth repeater communicate. This is the Bluetooth repeater preferably configured upon initial connection to the central device. Preferably, a repeater service offered by the repeater is provided by the central Device configured namely by the repeater from the central device for a connection with the sensor necessary data, in particular a sensor service, receives. Thus, the repeater is preferably only for the at least one sensor unlocked. In particular, this means no other Bluetooth device with the Repeater and / or the central device. In In other words, the Bluetooth network is complete and in front an intervention from outside hedged. Thus, the Bluetooth network (at least partially) a minimum technical monitorability to guarantee. Thus the Bluetooth network is in particular for a transmission of sensitive data, such as health-related data of patients participating in medical telemonitoring. The repeater service is essentially one Application logic of the repeater.

One Repeater is a relatively inexpensive system component, Which can be realized in principle by any Bluetooth-enabled device. Especially is a programmable area in the service ID of a Bluetooth-enabled device Services in which programmed a service for the corresponding device or can be defined.

Further is not a transformation through the use of a Bluetooth repeater the frequency band or protocol used, for example in a wifi network, and back to the Bluetoothnetz at a defined remote station. Furthermore is a range extension using a Bluetooth repeater cost-effective, because no further (expensive and / or expensive) solutions with several transmitting and receiving units are necessary.

Prefers is the at least one repeater further designed to be in the central device to authenticate.

Corresponding can only have one approved repeater with the central device in the Bluetooth network via communicate with a Bluetooth connection. In particular, at a initial connection establishment of the repeater with the central device authentication performed, where preferably uses a challenge-response method becomes. This ensures that no unauthorized access to the repeater has.

Prefers comprises the configuration of the repeater service involves the transmission of at least one sensor service for the at least one sensor from the central device to the at least one repeater.

With through the central device transmitted to the repeater Sensor service for detects the at least one sensor the repeater the information that is necessary to connect with to enable the sensor. This further (at least substantially) ensures that no other Bluetooth device can communicate with the repeater.

Farther Preferably, the at least one repeater is further designed, periodically to transmit a status message to the central device.

As a result, can a failure of the repeater possible early through the central device be detected or detected.

Prefers is the central device further designed, a first communication channel for connection with the at least one sensor over the at least one repeater and a second communication channel for To provide connection to the at least one repeater.

As a result, is (at least partially) ensured that only an authorized Bluetooth device can connect or dial into the Bluetooth network. In particular by configuring the sensor service in the repeater the central device is a permitted communication of the sensor with the repeater set.

Farther preferably comprises the Bluetooth network at least one other repeater and at least another sensor and the sensor is further designed, a To be a repeater.

As a result, The Bluetooth network can be a cascading Bluetooth-based Communication between a sensor and a central device over more as a repeater, providing a Bluetooth-based range is further increased.

There the repeater service of the at least one repeater by the central Device configured and managed, the central device can specify how many sensors may connect to the repeater. When used of more than one repeater and / or sensor with repeater function can the central device Accordingly, essentially determine which (Bluetooth) device with Which repeater in the (at least partially) completed Bluetooth network via a Bluetooth connection is allowed to connect.

According to one another preferred embodiment a Bluetooth network is provided for transmission health-relevant data of at least one patient and at least includes a medical meter which is designed to measurement data of the at least one patient to capture and at least one readings corresponding data value to a central device via at least one repeater via a Bluetooth connection transferred to.

According to one another preferred embodiment is a repeater to build a preferred Bluetooth network according to the invention with a Bluetooth transceiver and receiving device, which is designed, a Repeater Service The repeater service is Bluetooth-only is, and wherein the repeater is designed, with the central device in signal connection to stand and receive data from a sensor via a Bluetooth-based connection to receive and received data via a Bluetooth-based Send connection to a central device.

Farther Preferred is a method for establishing a Bluetooth network according to claim 9 provided.

preferred embodiments will be exemplified with reference to accompanying drawings described. It is noted that even if embodiments are described separately, individual features thereof to additional embodiments can be combined.

1 shows a block diagram of a preferred technical construction of a Bluetooth network.

2 shows a flowchart of a preferred method for establishing a Bluetooth network and data exchange in the Bluetooth network.

3 Fig. 10 shows a block diagram of a technical construction of a computer and a network which can be preferably used with the invention.

1 describes a preferred embodiment of a Bluetooth network and a method for establishing a Bluetooth network. The Bluetooth network includes at least one (Bluetooth) repeater 10 . 20 , at least one sensor 1 . 2 . 3 and a central device 100 , where the at least one repeater 10 . 20 in Bluetooth connection 11-5 with the central device 100 and / or in Bluetooth connection 11-2 . 11-3 with the at least one sensor 1 . 2 . 3 can stand. Furthermore, the at least one sensor 1 . 2 . 3 (essentially) directly to the central device 100 in Bluetooth connection 11-1 or (at least partially) substantially indirectly with the central device 100 about the at least one repeater 10 . 20 in Bluetooth connection 11-2 stand.

Accordingly, as preferred in 1 shown a first sensor 1 with the central device 100 essentially directly in Bluetooth connection 11-1 stand. Furthermore, a second sensor 2 with a first repeater 10 in Bluetooth connection 11-2 stand, with the first repeater 10 in Bluetooth connection 11-5 with the central device 100 stands so that data from the second sensor 2 over the first repeater 10 to the central device 100 can be transmitted or transmitted. Furthermore, a third sensor 3 with a second repeater 20 in Bluetooth connection 11-3 stand, with the second repeater 20 with the first repeater 10 in Bluetooth connection 11-4 stands. Accordingly, data from the third sensor 3 over the second and the first repeater 20 . 10 to the central device 100 transmitted or transmitted (and from the central device 100 be received accordingly).

A data transfer and connection between the in 1 shown (Bluetooth) devices is based (exclusively) on Bluetooth. In particular, therefore, no further transmission network (such as eg WLAN) is required or used. In addition, can be in the in 1 determine which sensor is the Bluetooth network 1 . 2 . 3 with which repeater 10 . 20 via a Bluetooth connection 11-2 . 11-3 can or may be used to transfer data to the zen trale device 100 to convey. Allowed (Bluetooth) connections between sensors 1 . 2 . 3 and / or repeaters 10 . 20 , which in the in 1 shown Bluetooth network are shown by the central device 100 set and managed. Such a configuration is with reference to 2 described in detail below.

Is a like in 1 shown Bluetooth network commissioned, so according to the central device 100 configured, a sensor decides 1 . 2 . 3 During operation, essentially based on a signal strength or a runtime (English "hopping count"), whether the sensor 1 . 2 . 3 directly with the central device 100 can connect. If a direct connection to the central device is not possible, then the sensor tries 1 . 2 . 3 with a repeater 10 . 20 Bluetooth network. Is a connection 11-2 . 11-3 with a repeater 10 . 20 built up, so are those of the sensor 1 . 2 . 3 data to be transmitted substantially one-to-one from the repeater 10 . 20 to the central device 100 forwarded. Accordingly, there is communication between the repeater 10 . 20 and the central device transparent. In other words, none of the devices involved (in particular the at least one sensor) "sees" 1 . 2 . 3 and the central device 100 ) the at least one repeater 10 . 20 ; the at least one sensor 1 . 2 . 3 So he does not realize he's using a repeater 10 . 20 communicated. Consequently, there is a true repeater function, even if there are physically two connections (especially between the sensor 1 . 2 . 3 and the repeater 10 . 20 and the repeater 10 . 20 and the central device 100 ) be used. According to the real repeater function will be on a bluetooth channel of a repeater 10 . 20 Data received and on another Bluetooth channel of the repeater 10 . 20 sent out. This is in particular no router function of the repeater 10 . 20 in front.

Further preferred is in 1 completed Bluetooth network completed and secured to the outside. Accordingly, only sensors and repeaters can be used by the central device 100 registered and their services accordingly by the central device 100 configured in the completed Bluetooth network according to 1 communicate with each other.

For example, in a hospital with a telemonitoring station, a completed Bluetooth network will be established according to 1 provided and operated. A patient is trying to put a mobile phone-based video game into operation, in which two mobile phones are networked via Bluetooth. Now try one of the two Bluetooth-based mobile phones with a repeater 10 . 20 of the completed Bluetooth network according to 1 to connect, so recognizes the repeater 10 . 20 in that the mobile telephone is not registered in the completed Bluetooth network. As a result, the repeater builds 10 . 20 the connection unilaterally. As a result, unregistered Bluetooth devices can not access the central device 100 , a sensor 1 . 2 . 3 and / or a repeater 10 . 20 access to the completed Bluetooth network or impair or disrupt data exchange within the closed Bluetooth network.

2 describes an exemplary method for establishing a Bluetooth network, which is preferably completed. Further shows 2 an exemplary (Bluetooth-based) connection setup in a Bluetooth network.

In a first exemplary connection setup (not in FIG 2 shown) tries a sensor 1 itself with a central device 100 connect directly. The sensor is looking for this 1 on (at least in part) all Bluetooth devices that are within range of the sensor 1 are, after a service, which to the sensor 1 fits. To search for such a service, the sensor uses 1 the Service Discovery Protocol (SDP), a Bluetooth protocol defined by the Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group) in the Bluetooth Core Specification 2.0 + EDR. Meanwhile, the sensor is searching 1 for a specific service ID that describes the service that suits them in the SDP protocol. The sensor 1 connects to the central device 100 , which has a matching service ID, and therefore offers a suitable service.

SDP essentially serves to detect Bluetooth enabled devices, so that they can communicate with each other. Be about the SDP protocol the services offered by each Bluetooth device or Service and corresponding information about the services determined. With the help of over The services identified by the SDP protocol are connections between corresponding Bluetooth devices furnished and all for a data transfer transmitted relevant information. In other words, if a Bluetooth connection is established between Bluetooth devices the Bluetooth devices involved exchange their profiles and set them Determine what services they provide for each other's partners to disposal can make and what data and / or commands you need to do this. For this purpose, in the Substantial SDP used.

After the sensor 1 (as previously described) with the central device 100 connected, the sensor tries 1 at the central device 100 to authenticate. Furthermore, the central device also authenticates itself 100 at the sensor 1 , This allows the central device 100 Make sure that no unauthorized access to the sensor 1 he follows.

Transfers the sensor 1 Data on the central device 100 with which the sensor 1 is connected, the data to be transmitted are preferably encrypted. For this purpose, an encryption key is generally calculated from the connection key, which is preferably 8 to 128 bits long. In addition, the Bluetooth-based frequency hopping method reduces the risk of an unauthorized person listening to data transmission. According to the frequency hopping method of Bluetooth, Bluetooth devices switch between 79 radio channels 1600 times per second, whereby the master specifies the hopping sequence for the slaves.

After a data transfer between the sensor 1 and the central device 100 is done, the sensor builds 1 the Bluetooth connection 11-1 with the central device 100 from. Then also closes the central device 100 the communication channel opened for the data transmission.

To according to 2 a (Bluetooth) connection ( 11-2 and 11-5 ) of a sensor 2 with the central device 100 via at least one repeater 10 to enable, when turning on the repeater 10 a list of services to be published from the central device 100 in the repeater 10 loaded.

In the set of service IDs of a Bluetooth-enabled device, each standard service, such as a serial port for emulating a COM port, is assigned a corresponding service ID. Further, in the set of all the service IDs of a Bluetooth-enabled device, an area dedicated to application-specific services is provided. In other words, an area that is freely programmable and can be used appropriately for one or more particular services. The range of all service IDs of the repeater is preferred in this area 10 integrated a repeater service. The repeater service of the repeater 10 is programmed to be used to control the repeater 10 can be used. Furthermore, the repeater 10 a periodic status message to the central device via the repeater service 100 send.

2 shows a protocol sequence between a central device 100 and a sensor 2 via a Bluetooth repeater 10 , A communication between the central device 100 and the sensor 2 over the repeater 10 takes place in two stages. In a first stage, the SDP defined by the Bluetooth SIG (Service Discovery Protocol) and in a second stage, a proprietary protocol is used, which is based on the defined by the Bluetooth SIG RFCOM data transmission protocol. The proprietary protocol may preferably be ATP (Aipermon Transfer Protocol).

• – SDP, das durch die Bluetooth SIG spezifizierte Service Discovery Protocol,
• – RFCOM, ein Basisprotokoll zur seriellen Kommunikation zwischen Bluetooth-Geräten, welches durch die Bluetooth SIG spezifiziert ist, und
• – ATP (Aipermon Transfer Protocol), ein natives Sicherheitsprotokoll, welches auf dem RFCOM-Protokoll basiert.

In other words, a Bluetooth-based communication is based between the central device 100 , the repeater 10 , and the sensor 2 on a like in 2 shown procedure, using (essentially) three different protocols. Preferred are these three protocols

• SDP, the Service Discovery Protocol specified by the Bluetooth SIG,
• - RFCOM, a basic protocol for serial communication between Bluetooth devices specified by the Bluetooth SIG, and
• ATP (Aipermon Transfer Protocol), a native security protocol based on the RFCOM protocol.

Will now be the repeater 10 In a (completed) Bluetooth network put into operation, so tried the repeater 10 first a connection with the central device 100 in step S20 in FIG 2 shown. This is what the repeater is looking for 10 on (at least in part) all Bluetooth devices that are within range of the repeater 10 after a repeater service which matches the repeater service offered by the repeater. In other words, the repeater is looking for 10 for a service ID on another Bluetooth device that matches its repeater service. To search for such a repeater service, use the repeater 10 the SDP protocol. Accordingly, the repeater searches 10 a specific service ID of a Bluetooth device that describes the appropriate repeater service in the SDP protocol. The repeater 10 connects to the central device 100 which has a matching service ID and accordingly offers a suitable repeater service (S20).

Has the repeater 10 (as previously described) with the central device 100 connected, the repeater tries 10 at the central device 100 to authenticate. The central device also authenticates accordingly 100 at the repeater 10 ,

After successful connection establishment and successful authentication (S20), the central device transmits or transmits or transmits 100 a list of services (Bluetooth services), including a sensor service for at least one sensor 2 to the repeater 10 (S21). The export of the sensor service is preferably carried out by means of ATP. Then the repeater reports 10 this sensor service to the at least one sensor 2 as existing (S22).

Is a connection and an authentication between the sensor 2 and the central device 100 were successful and were the corre sponding information to the sensor 2 transmitted, then the connection between the repeater 10 and the central device 100 closed. Furthermore, the connection between the sensor 2 and the repeater 10 starting from the sensor 2 closed. The repeater 10 then transmits status information to the central device at periodic intervals 100 , As a result, a failure of the repeater 10 as early as possible through the central device 100 be detected or detected.

Because the repeater 10 Status information to the central device at regular intervals via a Bluetooth channel 100 transfers and the central device 100 via at least one other Bluetooth channel with the sensor 2 , possibly via the repeater 10 , which can be connected for data transfers, holds the central device 100 at least essentially constantly two Bluetooth channels open.

In an exemplary connection setup, try the sensor 2 a connection to the central device 100 out of range of the central device 100 to gain, so seeks the sensor 2 using SDP, a sensor service suited to it (S23). To do this, the sensor sends 2 a service (search) request to each (Bluetooth) device in its environment. The repeater 10 , which offers a corresponding sensor service, answers the sensor 2 in that it offers such a sensor service (S24). The sensor then tries 2 a (Bluetooth) connection to the repeater 10 build up (S25). Because the sensor 2 no distinction between the repeater 10 and the central device 100 make an RFCOM connection to the repeater 10 (S25), which the sensor for the central device 100 holds. The connection is then established by the repeater 20 confirmed (S26).

After the repeater 10 the connection with the sensor 2 has confirmed, the repeater tries 10 using ATP with the sensor 2 to communicate (S27) to transmit protocol start data. Then the sensor builds 2 (essentially via RFCOM) connect to the central device 100 on (S28). The connection is then established by the central device 100 (via RFCOM) confirmed (S29).

Is the connection setup both between the sensor 2 and the repeater 10 as well as between the repeater 10 and the central device 100 As previously done by means of RFCOM, there is a logical connection of the two corresponding RFCOM channels (namely between the sensor 2 and the repeater 10 and between the repeater 10 and the central device 100 ). In particular, in a communication between the central device 100 and the repeater 10 on the one hand and between the repeater 10 and the sensor 2 on the other hand uses two different (Bluetooth) channels of the same (Bluetooth) interface.

Accordingly, there is a direct communication between the sensor 2 and the central device 100 signal-conditioned not possible in this example. After the logical connection establishment, the ATP-based protocol start data from the repeater 10 to the central device (S30). The log start data is from the central device 100 over the repeater 10 the sensor 2 confirmed (S31).

After the protocol start data has been transmitted and confirmed (substantially) as described above, data (for example, blood pressure meter measurement data) is acquired from the sensor by ATP 2 to the central device 100 (and vice versa) (S32). This is limited to the repeater 10 to repeat (transmitted) data packets on the (RFCOM) channel of the other device. In other words, in the data transmission, the repeater function of the repeater 10 used.

Are (essentially) all data between the central device 100 and the sensor 2 (via the repeater 10 which is not actively involved in this communication), becomes the open (RFCOM) communication channel from the sensor 2 to the repeater 10 through the sensor 2 degraded (S33). Then the repeater builds 10 in turn, the open (RFCOM) channel to the central device 100 from. Accordingly, after such disconnection a communication of the sensor 2 with the central device 100 about the at least one repeater 10 completed.

In a preferred embodiment, a Bluetooth network as described above is used in the field of medical telemonitoring. Accordingly, the at least one sensor 1 . 2 . 3 a medical (measuring) device, such as a body scale, a body fat scale, a blood pressure meter, a glucose meter, a pulse measuring device and / or a device for determining a Bodymaßindexes.

For example, on a station equipped with medical telemonitoring, at least one patient is measured for blood pressure by means of a blood pressure measurement sensor. If the patient has measured at least one blood pressure reading, this is used by the sensor to measure a blood pressure 1 . 2 . 3 detected, the patient wants the detected blood pressure value to a central device 100 (For example, a PDA, which health-related data of the patient sam melt). This is done by the blood pressure meter 1 . 2 . 3 first a connection check. In other words, the blood pressure meter 1 . 2 . 3 determines whether a matching sensor service (which of another Bluetooth device, in particular a repeater 10 . 20 and / or the central device 100 offered) can be determined, over how many places (English hops) the service ran and how strong the received signal was. The blood pressure meter then builds as in accordance with 1 and 2 previously described connection to a repeater 10 . 20 or the central device 100 and the determined measurement data on the blood pressure of the patient are transmitted. In particular, there is no difference (at least in part) to the patient as to whether the data is sent directly to the central device 100 or via a repeater 10 . 20 to the central device 100 be transmitted.

For example, a connection setup of a sensor 1 . 2 . 3 for determining health-relevant data of at least one patient via a repeater 10 . 20 be useful if the central device 100 a PDA that is in a car, for example, and the sensor 1 . 2 . 3 for example, is located in a house. Too long a distance and additional shielding by the house wall, no direct Bluetooth connection between the sensor 1 . 2 . 3 and the central device 100 being constructed. But by the use of at least a Bluetooth-based repeater 10 and / or another Bluetooth-based repeater 20 the data can still be transmitted despite being shielded by the house wall and vehicle body. In other words, a purely Bluetooth-based extension of the range of Bluetooth devices is possible without the Bluetooth data stream to another network (for example, WLAN) are fed and must be transmitted to a defined remote station again in Bluetooth-based radio signals. Also, such is merely cheaper on Bluetooth-based repeater function than a relatively expensive use of multiple transmitting and receiving units.

Furthermore, other Bluetooth devices can be used in accordance with 1 and 2 and neither accessing nor interfering with data exchange within such a Bluetooth network as described above (completed) Bluetooth network. For example, if a patient in a hospital using a telemonitoring station attempts to use a cell phone video game in which two devices are networked via Bluetooth, none of them can switch to a device as described above 1 and 2 described Bluetooth network intervene. For example, try one of these mobile phones with a repeater 10 . 20 connect the completed Bluetooth network, the repeater recognizes 10 . 20 that it is an unauthorized request and unilaterally breaks the connection.

Referring to 3 An exemplary system for implementing the invention will be described. An exemplary system includes a universal computing device in the form of a conventional computing environment 120 z. Eg a "personal computer" (PC) 120 , with a processor unit 122 , a system memory 124 and a system bus 126 which includes a variety of system components, including the system memory 124 and the processor unit 122 combines. The processor unit 122 can perform arithmetic, logical and / or control operations by adding to the system memory 124 is accessed. The system memory 124 may include information and / or instructions for use in combination with the processor unit 122 to save. The system memory 124 can volatile and non-volatile memory, such as "random access memory" (RAM) 128 and "read-only memory" (ROM) 130 include. A basic input-output system (BIOS) that contains the basic routines that help to keep information between the elements within the PC 120 , for example, during startup, may be stored in the ROM 130 be saved. The system bus 126 may be one of many bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus employing a particular bus architecture from a variety of bus architectures.

The computer 120 can still use a hard disk drive 132 for reading or writing a hard disk (not shown) and an external disk drive 134 for reading or writing a removable disc 136 or a removable disk. The removable disk may be a magnetic disk for a magnetic disk drive or an optical disk such as a floppy disk. B. be a CD-ROM for an optical disk drive. The hard disk drive 132 and the external disk drive 134 are each with the system bus 126 via a hard drive interface 138 and an external disk drive interface 140 connected. The drives and associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the PC 120 to disposal. The data structures may include the relevant data for implementing a method as described above. Although the exemplary environment described is a hard disk (not shown) and an external disk 142 It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other types of computer-readable media that can store computer-accessible data may be used in the exemplary work environment, such as computer-aided storage. B. magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, random access memory, read-only memory, etc.

A plurality of program modules, in particular an operating system (not shown) one or more application programs 144 , or program modules (not shown) and program data 146 , can on the hard disk, the external disk 142 , the ROM 130 or the RAM 128 get saved. The application programs can perform at least some of the functionality, as in 3 shown include.

A user can enter commands and information into the PC as described above 120 based on input devices, such. As a keyboard or a keyboard 148 and a computer mouse or a trackball 150 enter. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone and / or other sensors, a joystick, a game pad, a scanner, or the like. These or other input devices may be connected to the processor unit 122 using a serial interface 152 connected to the system 126 coupled, or may be based on other interfaces, such. B. a parallel interface 154 , a game port or a universal serial bus (USB). Furthermore, information can be shared with a printer 156 to be printed. The printer 156 and other parallel input / output devices may be connected to the processor unit 122 through the parallel interface 154 be connected. A monitor 158 or other types of display device (s) are / are with the system bus 126 by means of an interface, such. B. a video input / output 160 connected. In addition to the monitor, the computing environment 120 other peripheral output devices (not shown) such. As speakers or acoustic outputs.

The computing environment 120 can with other electronic devices z. A computer, a corded telephone, a cordless telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a television or the like. To communicate, the computing environment can 120 working in a networked environment using connections to one or more electronic devices. 3 put those with a "remote computer" or remote computer 162 networked computing environment. The remote computer 162 can another computing environment, such. A server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and may do many or all of the computing environment 120 comprise elements described above. The logical connections, as in 3 include a "local area network" (LAN) 164 and a "wide are network" (WAN) 166 , Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, corporate-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

If a computing environment 120 is used in a LAN network environment, the computing environment 120 with the LAN 164 through a network input / output 168 be connected. When the computing environment 120 used in a WAN network environment, the computing environment 120 a modem 170 or other means of establishing communication over the WAN 166 include. The modem 170 which internally and externally regarding the computing environment 120 can be with the system bus 126 by means of the serial interface 152 connected. In the network environment, program modules that are relative to the computing environment 120 or portions thereof may be stored in a remote storage device which may be to or from a remote computer 162 are accessible or systemic. Furthermore, other data relevant to the method or system described above may be on or from the remote computer 162 accessible.

1, 2, 3

sensor

10 20

router

100

central Job

11-1 until 11-5

Bluetooth connection

120

computing environment

122

processor unit

124

system memory

126

system

128

random access memory (RAM)

130

Read-only memory (ROME)

132

Hard Drive

134

Disk Drive

136

removable Disk

138

Hard disk drive interface

140

Disk drive interface

142

external Disk

144

application program

146

program data

148

keyboard

150

Computer mouse / trackball

152

serial interface

154

parallel interface

156

printer

158

monitor

160

Video Input / Output

162

distant computer

164

"Local area network "(LAN)

166

"Wide area network "(WAN)

168

Network input / output

Claims (14)

Bluetooth network comprising: - at least one repeater ( 10 . 20 ) having at least one Bluetooth transceiver configured to provide a repeater service, the repeater service being solely Bluetooth-based; - a central device ( 100 ), which with the at least one repeater ( 10 . 20 ) in signal connection ( 11-5 ) and is designed to configure the repeater service by the repeater ( 10 . 20 ) from the central device ( 100 ) at least one for connection to a sensor ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) receives necessary sensor service; and at least one sensor ( 1 . 2 . 3 ), which is designed to communicate with the central device via the at least one repeater ( 10 . 20 ) via a Bluetooth connection ( 11-2 and 11-5 ) connect to. A Bluetooth network according to claim 1, wherein the at least one repeater ( 10 . 20 ) is further adapted to the central device ( 100 ) to authenticate. Bluetooth network according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one repeater ( 10 . 20 ) is designed to periodically send a status message to the central device ( 100 ). Bluetooth network according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the central device ( 100 ) is further configured, - a first communication channel for connection to the at least one sensor via the at least one repeater ( 10 . 20 ) and - a second communication channel for connection to the at least one repeater ( 10 . 20 ). Bluetooth network according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising: - at least one further repeater ( 20 ). Bluetooth network according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising: - at least one further sensor ( 3 ); and wherein the sensor is further configured to be a repeater. Bluetooth network according to claim 1, which is designed for the transmission of health-relevant data of at least one patient, comprising: - at least one medical measuring device ( 1 . 2 . 3 ), which is designed to record measured data of the at least one patient and at least one data value corresponding to the measured values to a central device ( 100 ) via at least one repeater ( 10 . 20 ) via a Bluetooth connection ( 11-2 and 11-5 . 11-3 . 11-4 and 11-5 ) transferred to. Repeater ( 10 . 20 ) for establishing a Bluetooth network according to claim 1 with a Bluetooth transmitting and receiving device, which is designed to provide a repeater service, wherein the repeater service is exclusively Bluetooth-based, and wherein the repeater ( 10 . 20 ), with the central device ( 100 ) in signal connection and data from a sensor ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) via a Bluetooth-based connection ( 11-2 . 11-3 ) and receive the received data via a Bluetooth-based connection ( 11-5 ) to a central device ( 100 ), the central device ( 100 ) is configured to configure the repeater service by the repeater ( 10 . 20 ) from the central device ( 100 ) at least one for connection to a sensor ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) receives necessary sensor service. A method for establishing a Bluetooth network, comprising the steps of: - providing at least one repeater ( 10 ) with at least one Bluetooth transmitting and receiving device providing a repeater service, the repeater service being exclusively Bluetooth based; - Providing a central device ( 100 ), which with the at least one repeater ( 10 ) in signal connection ( 11-5 ) and the repeater service is configured by the repeater ( 10 . 20 ) from the central device ( 100 ) at least one for connection to a sensor ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) receives necessary sensor service; and - providing at least one sensor ( 2 ), which communicates with the central device ( 100 ) via the at least one repeater ( 10 ) via a Bluetooth connection ( 11-2 and 11-5 ) connects. A method for establishing a Bluetooth network according to claim 9, further comprising the step of: - authenticating the at least one repeater ( 10 ) at the central device (S20). A method for establishing a Bluetooth network according to one or more of claims 9 to 10, further comprising the step of: - periodically transmitting a status message of the at least one repeater ( 10 ) to the central device ( 100 ). A method for establishing a closed Bluetooth network according to one or more of claims 9 to 11, wherein the central device ( 100 ) - a first communication channel for connection to the at least one sensor ( 2 ) about the at least one repeater ( 10 ) and - a second communication channel for connection to the at least one repeater ( 10 ). Method for constructing a Bluetooth network according to one or more of claims 9 to 12, further comprising the step of: - providing at least one further repeater ( 20 ). A method for establishing a Bluetooth network according to one or more of claims 9 to 13, further comprising the step of: - providing at least one further sensor ( 3 ), wherein the sensor is further configured to be a repeater.