Patent Publication Number: US-2013253955-A1

Title: Network and method for data input, storage and retrieval

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/839,021, filed Jul. 19, 2010, which claims foreign priority to Canadian Patent Application No. 2,690,784, filed Jan. 22, 2010. The complete disclosure of each of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/839,021 and Canadian Patent Application No. 2,690,784 are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to apparatus and methods for the exchange of data within a network and between networks, particularly data relating to (i) medical, particularly insurance information, drug information and medical records; (ii) educational, particularly between students and educators; and (iii) identification of members of a population. 
     BACKGROUND) OF THE INVENTION 
     Medical records systems are mostly two-part systems, where binary information and data files (Network 1) are on separate networks. In technologically advanced areas, most of the medical data files are stored in individual locations where the data file was created. More advanced systems are able to store the data files in a central database. Individuals for whom the data files are created, herein defined as “clients”, may have identification cards, using either magstrip or smartcard technology. This helps the system keep track of the client&#39;s movement and location, but does not assist or partake in the aforesaid Network 1 data file system. This results in a second and parallel Network 2 responsive to client movement for the system. 
     The healthcare industry is seeing a steady and increasing dependence on information technology that is rapidly transforming the practice of medicine and the delivery of care. Technology is an ever-changing and evolving aspect of modem business. In healthcare, most agree that the use of technology is essential to achieving many of the milestones critical to healthcare reform. The main reasons the industry is pushing towards these goals are the need to lower costs, the need to improve patient outcomes, the need to meet increasing privacy, security and identity concerns. 
     Smart cards are currently used worldwide and have grown in number significantly over the last few years. Current smart card programs focus on patient identification rather than patient records. Smart cards are portable, secure, and can be leveraged to create closer patient alignments, generate higher patient satisfaction levels, and increase revenue for the healthcare issuer. 
     However, a major drawback of the smartcard is that it is only able to hold relatively very small amounts of data, such as, a few lines of text to a few sheets of paper. Other larger storage device has the problem of bulky and when the size is reduced, it experienced problem of sturdiness of the device. In addition, many of the device are easily being infected by malicious software that spread from computer to computer. 
     Thus, there is a need for a more efficacious, convenient data input, immediate data pop-up, structurally reinforced, self-recoiling, biometrically secured, self protecting, storage and retrieval system of particular use to the medical, insurance and educational fields. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention, in one aspect, provides a smartcard having a chip that is able to hold sufficiently large amounts of memory, e.g. 64 GB that provides enhanced features to the functionality of the smartcard. While any large memory requires electricity to function, the use of USB technology allows this to happen. 
     Thus, providing a client with a device that is able to carry electronic files allows for the combination of the two aforesaid networks into one unified system. Such a device herein termed a “personal electronic carrier device” (PECD), has a built-in memory that contains software that is able to communicate within a data file network. Preferably, the PECD is of a portable credit/debit card size with a built in sufficient memory of variable sizes. Preferably, the PECD contains biometric identification that is used to identify a client. Each client carries their own PECD and uses it each time they interact for the transmission of information within the system, according to the invention. Having a group of PECDs added to a network allows of the addition of a bottom-up data storage to the traditional top-down data storage. The combination of the two storage modes creates a ‘diamond-shaped’ storage network. Use of such a diamond-shaped storage network, in the practise of the invention, increases the overall function, efficiency and speed of the system. Such a system clearly provides a very high level of convenience for the parties involved. 
     This system also enables the internetworking of client electronic files between networks, which allows the client to choose the best services offered among networks; use services in to locations beyond the geographic coverage of his chosen network, and take electronic files from one network to another. 
     Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides a personal electronic carrier device (PECD) comprising 
     means for receiving PECD data; 
     means for storing PECD data; 
     means for transmitting PECD data directly or indirectly; and 
     operating software means to effect said receiving, storing and transmitting said PECD data. 
     In one preferred embodiment the invention provides a personal electronic carrier device (PECD) comprising 
     means for receiving PECD data; 
     means for storing PECD data; 
     means for transmitting PECD data directly or indirectly; 
     means of storing biometric information; 
     means of verifying biometric information; 
     means of powering any biometric identification device; 
     operating software means to effect said displaying, receiving, storing and transmitting said PECD data and; 
     embedded software or hardware to protect the PECD from malicious software. 
     Preferably, a PECD as hereinabove defined has a storage memory of at least 1 MB, more preferably at least 4 GB, and still more preferably 8GB. 
     Preferably, the PECD data is received and transmitted wirelessly. 
     Preferably, the PECD contain a reinforcing means, particularly pin means to enhance the structural integrity and the usability of the on-board chip. 
     More preferably, the PECD as hereinabove defined has the ability to recoil the chip to its original position preferably by resiliently flexible, spring and rubber-like means; 
     Further, preferably, biometric data is verified with an identification device on board of the PECD. 
     In a further aspect, the invention provides, a data network for receiving, storing and transmitting client data comprising 
     (a) a PECD as hereinabove defined; and 
     (b) at least one receiving, storing and transmitting data station comprising a first data station body having 
     means for receiving station data from the group consisting of said PECD, a main database, a client, and a second or more data stations; 
     means for storing said station data; 
     means for transmitting station data; and 
     operating software means to effect said receiving, storing and transmitting said station data in direct or indirect communication with said PECD. 
     In yet a further aspect, the invention provides, a data network for receiving, storing and transmitting client data comprising 
     (a) a PECD as hereinabove defined; and 
     (b) at least one receiving, storing and transmitting data station comprising 
     means for receiving station data; 
     means for storing station data; 
     means for transmitting station data; 
     means for storing biometric data; 
     operating software means to effect said displaying, receiving, storing and transmitting said station data in direct or indirect communication with said PECD; and 
     embedded software or hardware to protect the PECD from malicious software. 
     Preferably, a data network as hereinabove defined comprises a plurality of said data stations. 
     Preferably, the data station comprises means for creating a new data file for said client.
         In yet a further aspect, the invention provides, data internetwork tot receiving, storing and transmitting client data comprising       

     (a) a PECD as hereinabove defined; and 
     (b) at least one receiving, storing and transmitting data station comprising 
     means for receiving station data between two networks; 
     means for storing station data between two networks; 
     means for transmitting station data between two networks; 
     means for storing biometric data between two networks; 
     operating software means to effect said displaying, receiving, storing and transmitting said station data in direct or indirect communication with said PECD; and 
     embedded software or hardware to protect the PECD from malicious software. 
     Preferably, between two data networks as hereinabove defined comprises a plurality of said data stations. 
     Preferably, the data station in any network comprises means for creating a new data file for said client. 
     In a yet further aspect, the invention provides a data network as hereinabove defined further comprising a main data database comprising 
     means for receiving main data from the group consisting of said PECD, a main database, a client, and a second or more data stations; 
     means for storing main data; 
     means for transmitting main data; 
     operating software means to operably effect directly or indirectly said receiving, storing and transmitting said main data to and from said PECD and said data station; and wherein said data station and said PECD) are in direct or indirect communication with said main database. 
     In a still yet further aspect the invention provides a data network as hereinabove defined further comprising a main data database comprising 
     means for receiving main data; 
     means for storing main data; 
     means for transmitting main data; 
     means for storing biometric data; 
     operating software means to operably effect directly or indirectly said receiving, storing, displaying and transmitting said main data to and from said PECD and said data station; and wherein said data station and said PECD are in direct or indirect communication with said main database. 
     Preferably, the data station comprises means for transmitting said new data file to said PECD and said main database. 
     The main data herein comprises station data and client data. 
     In a still yet further aspect, the invention provides a method for receiving, storing and transmitting client data in at least one data station and a personal electronic carrier device (PECD) of a network, said method comprising 
     feeding client data into said data station; 
     storing said client data in said data station; 
     transmitting said client data to said PECD; and 
     storing said client data in said PECD. 
     In a still yet further aspect, the invention provides a method for receiving, storing displaying and transmitting client data in at least one data station and a personal electronic carrier device (PECD) of a network, said method comprising 
     feeding client data into said data station; 
     storing said client data in said data station; 
     transmitting said client data to said PECD; and 
     storing said client data in said PECD. 
     More preferably, the method further comprises storing said client biometric data in said PECD. 
     Preferably, the method, as hereinabove defined, comprises feeding and storing said client data to a main database of said network. 
     More preferably, the method, as hereinabove defined, comprises retrieving and transmitting stored client data to at least one of said data stations and said PECD. 
     Preferably, the method, as hereinabove defined, comprises feeding client data into a plurality of data stations; and comprises 
     feeding client data into said data station; 
     storing said client data in said data station; 
     transmitting said client data to said PECD; 
     storing said client data in said PECD; and 
     storing said client biometric data in said PECD. 
     In some cases, the locations or stations can access data files from the main database. However, there are situations when this method will be hindered, e.g. when some data files are very large. It may be more convenient to access the data from a PECD available on site. Another advantage of the PECD is that the data can be accessed outside of the main network. 
     It can be seen that although the main database is the heart of the entire network, each station or location can create new data files for clients. Preferably, the data files are stored at the location of creation, and then a copy of the data files are backed up to the main database. The data files are copied again and then, or subsequently, stored on a PECD if it is, or not, available at the time of transfer. Once the data file is in the main database, other locations are able to retrieve the data files for download/viewing. Outside of the aforesaid internal network locations, the main database files could be accessed by kiosk terminals. The PECD can be connected to a kiosk terminal to retrieve any data files that were not available at the time it was present at one of the locations. 
     It can be seen that the networks components are variable, in that, the networks can function with missing components, and, which, in some situations, it is preferable to omit. For example, a system with a single location or station will not need the main database, or a kiosk, and none of the other locations. This simplified data flow network, thus, creates a top-down storage system from the location to the PECD, and a bottom-up storage from the PECD to the location. Any combination of the components is possible, as long as there is a PECD to provide the bottom-up storage method and a receiving station or main database. 
     Data file transfers are, preferably, bidirectional, wherein any component has the ability to send, store and receive data files within the system network. However, in some situations it may be beneficial to block one of the directions for the overall benefit of the system. 
     In a further embodiment, a further data flow arrangement is a system where a PECD acts as a center piece in communication with a plurality of locations, stations or between networks. The type of location will vary depending on the specific network. For example, in the medical field, location type A could be a pharmacy; while location type B a doctor&#39;s office or a diagnostic clinic. In a further example, in the medical field, location A could be a clinic using central database M; while location B is a hospital using central database N. 
     In a further embodiment, a PECD as hereinabove defined comprising a planar body having a portion defining an aperture and a memory chip comprising 
     means for receiving PECD data; 
     means for storing PECD data; 
     means for transmitting PECD data directly or indirectly; and 
     operating software means to effect said receiving, storing and transmitting said PECD data; said memory chip retained within said aperture in coplanar alignment with said planar body. 
     In a further embodiment, a PECD as hereinabove defined wherein said memory chip further comprises 
     means of storing biometric information; 
     means of verifying biometric information; 
     means of powering a biometric identification device; 
     operating software means to effect said displaying, receiving, storing and transmitting said PECD data and; 
     embedded software or hardware to protect the PECD from malicious software. 
     In a further embodiment, a PECD is as hereinabove defined wherein said memory chip is rotatably retained within said aperture. 
     In a further embodiment a PECD as hereinabove defined comprising an elongate memory chip retaining member located within said planar body and said memory chip. 
     In a further embodiment a PECD as hereinabove defined is wherein said retaining member is formed of a metal, a plastics material or carbon fiber. 
     In a further embodiment a PECD is as hereinabove defined comprising a resiliently flexible member located within said planar body and said memory chip whereby after displacement of said memory chip out of coplanar alignment with said planar body under the action of a displacing force, said resiliently flexible member effects return of said memory chip to said coplanar alignment when said displacing force is removed. 
     In a further embodiment a PECD as hereinabove defined is wherein said resiliently flexible member is in the form of an elongate member selected from a thread, line, fiber and the like and formed of rubber, carbon fibre, or a plastics material. 
     By elongate in this specification is meant the retaining member is of sufficient length to retain said member within said body and memory chip. 
     In a further embodiment a PECD as hereinabove defined is wherein said planar body has a thickness of less than 2.5 mm. 
     In preferred embodiments, the PECD according to the invention is provided with a biometric information reading means containing data, such as, for example, fingerprint, retina and/or DNA data of a user—patient of use in an emergency. Such a user may be unconscious and not able to provide a password. Aforesaid biometric access provides the ability to authenticate the patient and allow access of the stored data. 
     In further preferred embodiments, the PECD is provided with automatic protection software to prevent the unwanted access to and corruption of files in an emergency. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the invention may be better understood, preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, wherein 
         FIG. 1  is a data network having a portable electronic carry device (PECD) in communication with a plurality of data stations/locations, according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a further data network having a PECD, plurality of data stations and a main database, according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a internetwork having two networks and a PECD, plurality of data stations and two main databases, according to the invention; 
         FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  are perspective views of a PECD, according to the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a memory chip of use in the practise of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a PECD storing USB chip technology combined with smart chip technology, according to the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a PECD storing USB chip technology combined with contactless smart chip RFID technology; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative PECD having small, thin and narrow dimensions than the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , according to the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a PECD having a reinforcing member according to the invention. 
         FIG. 8A  is an enlarged part section of the PECD of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an end vertical view, in part, of a PECD with an upstanding chip and resiliently flexible thread under tension, according to the invention; and wherein the same numerals denote like parts. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows generally as  10 , a network having a PECD  12  in communication with a plurality of locations or data stations  14 —six in the embodiment shown. Locations A, e.g. pharmacies or diagnostic clinics are able to transmit medical information to the PECD. The PECD is then able to bring information, preferably, portably, to a desired location B, e.g. health care facilities, and the like, for the facility to receive updated data. Each of locations A and B are, thus, connected via the network created by the PECD. 
       FIG. 2  and  FIG. 2   a  show generally as  20 , a network and networks having a PECD  12 , plurality of data stations/locations  14  and main database  22 . 
     Network  20  defines a top-down, and bottom-up data receiving, transfer and storage system. Although information can travel bidirectionally, it is, however, often preferred in some locations to be unidirectional. Preferably, there is main database  22  that can directly and indirectly reach all the components in the system. In the absence of main database  22 , individual locations  14  perform the role of main database  22 . Locations  14  may have a minimum of one, and an unlimited maximum. PECD  12  may be considered to be an end user. PECD  12  can undergo a bidirectional data exchange within networks  10  and  20 . The data will be unique to the individual person(s) in possession of PECD  12 . Data from PECD  12  can be sent and received from an external party  24  that is not a part of the network, if desired. PECD  12  can undergo data transfer directly with main database  22  via a kiosk terminal  26 , if desired. 
       FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  show generally as  30  a credit card-sized shaped planar member of less than 2 mm thick and having a plastics, carbon fiber or titanium body  32  having a portion defining an aperture  34  retaining a 8 GB member chip  36 . Chip  36  is swivable within aperture  34  and removable therefrom ( FIG. 4 ). Memory chip  36  may be substituted and interchanged predicated on the utility and application required. Chip  36  can be detached from body  32  for the convenience of reaching difficult locations of USB ports. 
       FIG. 5  shows card  40  having memory chip  36  combined with smart card chip  42 . 
       FIG. 6  shows PECD  50  having USB chip  36  and RFID contactless smart chip  52  within card  54 , antenna  56  within chip. 
       FIG. 7  shows a PECD  60  designed to minimize the dimension, particularly the thickness of card  62  bearing USB  64 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a PECD  60  having a reinforcing longitudinal steel needle  66  partially or completely across the width of PECD  60  at the lower end  68  and through chip  36  within PECD  60  rotatably retains chip  36  within PECD  60 . Alternative suitable reinforcing materials, such as, for example, formed of a plastics material, metal or carbon fibre may be used. 
     We have found that the presence of reinforcing needle  66  in a desirable, relatively thin PECD  60  prevents chip  36  from being dislodged when the PECD is bent or twisted. In the absence of the retaining needle, rod, or the like, a small amount of torque causes thin cards to dislodge chip  36 A. PECD thickness of less than 2 mm e.g. as thin as a typical USB stick is preferred for physical connection to a computer. 
     Reference to  FIG. 9  shows use of an elongate rubber thread  70  extending through lower end  68  of PECD  60  and chip  36  at terminal portion  72 . When chip  36  and PECD are coplanar, thread  70  is in its relaxed state. When chip  36  is pulled out of alignment for insertion, thread  70  is under torsion. Release of chip  36  allows of relaxation of thread  70  and recoil of chip  36  back into coplanarity with PECD  60 . Alternatively, other resiliently flexible materials such as, for example, suitable plastics material, carbon fiber, metallic coil springs, and the like may be used. These materials are preferably retained within the PECD  60  and chip  36  by a suitable adhesive. 
     The PECD and networks as hereinabove described have particular utility in the transfer of medical data, including, but not limited to, insurance information, prescription drug information, and medical records. However, the system can also function as an educational distribution web to provide information from educators to students and vice versa. The system can also function as an identification/data retention system to retain information including biometric information on members of a population. 
     Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to those particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional or mechanical equivalence of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated.