Operating method of medical information tracking system based on blockchain network

Abstract

Disclosed is an operating method of a medical information tracking system based on a closed blockchain network. The operating method comprises: a step in which a first electronic device of a manager records a transaction for adding medical information about a patient to a blockchain network or modifying the medical information; a step for generating a block including the transaction according to a consensus result for the transaction; and a step in which a second electronic device corresponding to a hospital or an analysis center reads the medical information included in the block.

Description

Method of operation of a blockchain network-based medical information tracking system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for managing medical information, and more specifically, to a system for managing the process of creating, modifying, and viewing medical information through a closed blockchain network.

[0002] To ensure the security and integrity of individual medical data, the modification and deletion history of medical data related to examinations and diagnoses must be accurate and immutable, and security is required to manage data storage and access in a safe and encrypted manner.

[0003] Meanwhile, existing centralized data management methods had the disadvantage of being somewhat inflexible in terms of data management efficiency and secure sharing.

[0004] In particular, most centralized platforms whose primary purpose is to secure medical data and generate revenue have the potential to cause problems regarding the transparency and ethics of medical data.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a medical information tracking system that enables efficient data management and updates among multiple participants, allows for tracking of medical data of multiple stakeholders when necessary, and applies decentralization to the modification of medical information.

[0006] The purposes of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other purposes and advantages of the present disclosure not mentioned may be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood from the embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the purposes and advantages of the present disclosure can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0007] A method of operation of a closed blockchain network-based medical information tracking system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a first electronic device of an administrator recording a transaction to add or modify a patient's medical information to the blockchain network; a step of generating a block containing said transaction according to a consensus result for said transaction; and a second electronic device corresponding to a hospital or analysis center viewing the medical information contained in said block.

[0008] The method of operation of the medical information tracking system described above may include the step of the first electronic device connecting to the blockchain network and setting a viewing key for viewing at least one block, and the step of the second electronic device performing authentication related to the set viewing key. At this time, the step of viewing medical information contained in the block may involve the second electronic device connecting to the blockchain network and viewing the medical information contained in the block, provided that authentication of the second electronic device is performed.

[0009] The method of operation of the medical information tracking system described above may include the step of the first electronic device setting a consensus key for the operation of the blockchain network, and the step of at least one third electronic device performing authentication related to the set consensus key. In this case, the step of recording the transaction involves the first electronic device transmitting the transaction to a blockchain network including the third electronic device, provided that authentication by the third electronic device is performed, and the step of generating the block may involve obtaining a consensus result for the transaction based on the consensus content of the third electronic device regarding the transaction.

[0010] The system according to the present disclosure has the advantage of enabling data management and processing speeds based on a closed blockchain network composed of a limited participant environment, as well as providing a high level of privacy protection and the ability to modify or provide medical information in a highly reliable environment under the control of an administrator.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of various devices included in a blockchain network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a blockchain network linked with an electrocardiogram AI analysis process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating each subject having authority over data within a blockchain network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0014] FIGS. 4 and 5 are drawings for explaining examples of data recorded on a blockchain according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a management process for medical information of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0016] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining how access rights vary by subject in a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0017] FIGS. 8a and 8b are drawings for illustrating an example in which registration / modification rights are defined for each target data in a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and

[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating operations in which various operations are performed based on authentication through a key in nodes (electronic devices) constituting a blockchain network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Before specifically describing the present disclosure, the method of description in the specification and drawings is described.

[0020] First, the terms used in this specification and claims have been selected based on general terms considering their functions in the various embodiments of this disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, legal or technical interpretations, and the emergence of new technologies. Additionally, some terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant. Such terms may be interpreted according to the meanings defined in this specification; in the absence of specific definitions, they may be interpreted based on the overall content of this specification and common technical knowledge in the relevant field.

[0021] In addition, the same reference numbers or symbols described in each drawing attached to this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols are used to describe different embodiments. That is, even if components having the same reference number are all depicted in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings do not imply a single embodiment.

[0022] Additionally, in this specification and claims, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from one another, and the meaning of the terms should not be limited by the use of such ordinal numbers. For example, the order of use or arrangement of components combined with such ordinal numbers should not be restricted by the number. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0023] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "consisting of" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as "module," "unit," "part," etc. are used to refer to a component that performs at least one function or operation, and such component may be implemented in hardware or software, or in a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of "modules," "units," "parts," etc. may be integrated into at least one module or chip and implemented as at least one processor, except where each needs to be implemented in specific individual hardware.

[0025] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, when a part is described as being connected to another part, this includes not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection through another medium. Additionally, the meaning that a part includes a certain component implies that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of various devices included in a blockchain network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, electronic devices of entities corresponding to an administrator (e.g., administrator of a blockchain network or system), a hospital, an analysis center, etc., can form a blockchain network.

[0027] Each electronic device implemented as a server as shown in Fig. 1 can provide various UIs (User Interfaces) related to the creation, modification, and viewing of medical information within the blockchain through each subject's user terminal (e.g., desktop PC, laptop PC, tablet PC, smartphone, etc.) (e.g., UI screen). Meanwhile, unlike Fig. 1, each electronic device may be implemented as a user terminal rather than a server.

[0028] A blockchain network-based system according to the present disclosure may be controlled by a specific organization (e.g., an administrator) and operated so that only authorized participants can join the network. This is compared to an open network in a public blockchain where anyone can participate.

[0029] The system of the present disclosure can use efficient mechanisms such as Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT), Raft, and Proof of Authority, without using energy-intensive mechanisms such as PoW or PoS used in public blockchains. Since the number of participants is limited, faster transaction processing speeds and efficient data sharing are possible.

[0030] The system of the present disclosure is built upon trust and security requirements among participants and can provide a higher level of privacy.

[0031] Administrators managing a blockchain network can control network rules, participant permissions, block creation, etc.

[0032] A blockchain network-based system according to the present disclosure can record medical information by linking with various medical devices or biometric information measurement / collection systems.

[0033] For example, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a blockchain network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure being linked with an electrocardiogram AI analysis process.

[0034] The ECG AI solution measures the electrocardiogram after attaching the patient's hardware (patch) for 1 to 2 weeks, analyzes the measured data (AI), and provides a report to doctors and patients.

[0035] The ECG AI solution is software that integrates with web and mobile environments. Specifically, a hardware measuring device measures the electrocardiogram (for 1 to 2 weeks) after attaching the patient's hardware (patch), and a server connected via the web analyzes the measured data (AI-based) to provide reports to mobile devices used by doctors, patients, and others.

[0036] At this time, the system (blockchain network) of the present disclosure may be operated such that medical information (biometric information) is accessed on the premise of verification / authentication by recording measured biometric information on the blockchain and restricting access rights thereto.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating each subject having authority over data within a blockchain network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] The entities constituting a blockchain network may correspond to electronic devices such as administrators, hospitals, and analysis centers, and each electronic device can be defined as a node. Each node can perform actions such as creating, reaching consensus on, and viewing transactions according to its assigned authority. In this case, each node may perform its respective actions (e.g., consensus, viewing) on ​​the premise that it possesses a key matching its authority.

[0039] For example, regarding access rights, the hospital may be at level 1, the analysis center at level 2, and the administrator at level 3. Subjects at levels 1 and 2 may only be able to view medical information recorded on the blockchain, while subjects at level 3 may be configured to be able to both record and view information on the blockchain.

[0040] FIGS. 4 and 5 are drawings for illustrating examples of data recorded on a blockchain according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] The Audit Trail function provided by the blockchain network system of the present disclosure is primarily intended to track (record on the blockchain) data of items that have been arbitrarily changed, such as modifications or deletions. For example, medical information regarding when (Date), who (User ID), where (Module), what (Field), how (as-is, to-be), and why (Reason) can be tracked and managed, and in the event of data change or deletion, data such as 'Data, User ID, Domain, Field, Domain Key, Activity, Reason, As-is, To-be' can be tracked.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a management process for medical information of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 6, if an event occurs during the patient management process, such as a change in the patient's biometric information, the change in medical information resulting from the event can be recorded on a blockchain network.

[0044] Specifically, in the method of operation of a closed blockchain network-based medical information tracking system according to the present disclosure, a first electronic device of an administrator can record a transaction to add or modify a patient's medical information to the blockchain network.

[0045] In the creation of transactions for smart contracts within a blockchain network, audit trail data may be significantly modified and saved after an error check. The system can identify entities by modifying or comparing those configured in each service module, and a transaction may consist of an Entity, Entity Key, Before data, After data, etc. Meanwhile, it goes without saying that there may also be transactions indicating that no information has been changed.

[0046] At this time, a block containing the transaction may be generated based on the consensus result regarding the transaction. In this case, the consensus may be performed by electronic devices corresponding to one or more administrators, and it is also possible for at least one hospital, analysis center, etc., to be included as a consensuse.

[0047] Specifically, nodes (computers) of consensusrs within a blockchain network can verify valid transactions and store them in a transaction pool to be included in a block.

[0048] When a block is created, a second electronic device corresponding to a hospital or analysis center can view the medical information contained in the block.

[0049] In this case, authorization for agreement or viewing may proceed on the premise of authentication of the key held by each electronic device.

[0050] Meanwhile, the creation and addition of blocks may not be considered in the smart contract, and at least one node may create a new block by selecting a transaction from the transaction pool. In this case, various consensus algorithms can be used, and consensus may be conducted centrally (at the administrator's electronic device).

[0051] In addition, verification of the consensus result can be performed, and once verification is performed, the blockchain can be updated in such a way that the new block is linked to the previous block.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating how access rights vary by subject in a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 7, the configuration of functional units provided for each electronic device corresponding to each subject (level 1, 2, 3) is individually illustrated as blocks.

[0053] FIGS. 8a and 8b are drawings for explaining examples in which registration / modification rights are defined for each subject (e.g., level 1, 2, 3) for each target data in a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating operations in which various operations are performed based on authentication through a key in nodes (electronic devices) constituting a blockchain network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 9, each electronic device capable of accessing a blockchain network can be defined as a node. At this time, each node can perform viewing of medical information included in a block or perform consensus related to the creation / modification of medical information according to the authority of the user (subject).

[0056] In one embodiment, assume a case where a manager's first electronic device connects to a blockchain network and sets a viewing key to view at least one block.

[0057] At this time, a second electronic device of a hospital or analysis center that intends to access a blockchain network through at least one web address or link can perform authentication related to a configured viewing key. Specifically, authentication can be successful on the premise that the key data held by the second electronic device matches the viewing key.

[0058] Assuming that authentication is successfully performed here, the second electronic device can access the blockchain network and view the medical information constituting the blocks.

[0059] In addition, as an example, it is assumed that the first electronic device sets a consensus key for the operation of a blockchain network.

[0060] At this time, at least one third electronic device corresponding to an administrator, hospital, or analysis center and corresponding to a consensuse can access the blockchain network and perform authentication related to the established consensus key. Specifically, authentication can be successful on the premise that the key data held by the third electronic device matches the consensus key.

[0061] Assuming that the authentication of the third electronic device is successfully performed, the first electronic device may transmit the aforementioned transaction (medical information) to a blockchain network including the third electronic device. At this time, the consensus details (acceptance, rejection, etc.) of the third electronic device regarding the block may be shared, and a block may be created based on the consensus result of multiple consensusors.

[0062] Meanwhile, the various embodiments described above may be implemented by combining two or more embodiments, provided that they do not conflict or contradict each other.

[0063] Meanwhile, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or a similar device using software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

[0064] According to hardware implementation, the embodiments described in this disclosure may be implemented using at least one of ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0065] In some cases, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as the processor itself. In a software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented as separate software modules. Each of the aforementioned software modules may perform one or more functions and operations described herein.

[0066] Meanwhile, computer instructions or computer programs for performing processing operations in each electronic device according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. When such computer instructions or computer programs stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium are executed by the processor of a specific device, the specific device described above performs processing operations in the electronic device according to the various embodiments described above.

[0067] A non-transient computer-readable medium refers to a medium that stores data semi-permanently and can be read by a device, unlike media that store data for a short period of time such as registers, caches, and memory. Specific examples of non-transient computer-readable media include CDs, DVDs, hard disks, Blu-ray discs, USBs, memory cards, and ROMs.

[0068] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In a method of operation of a medical information tracking system based on a closed blockchain network, A step in which the administrator's first electronic device records a transaction to add or modify the patient's medical information to the blockchain network; A step of generating a block containing the transaction based on the consensus result for the transaction; and A method of operation of a medical information tracking system comprising the step of a second electronic device corresponding to a hospital or analysis center viewing medical information contained in the block.

2. In Paragraph 1, The method of operation of the above medical information tracking system is, The first electronic device connects to the blockchain network and sets a viewing key for viewing at least one block; and The above second electronic device performs authentication related to the set viewing key; and The step of viewing medical information included in the above block is, A method of operation of a medical information tracking system, wherein, on the premise that authentication of the second electronic device is performed, the second electronic device accesses the blockchain network and views medical information included in the block.

3. In Paragraph 1, The method of operation of the above medical information tracking system is, The first electronic device sets a consensus key for the operation of the blockchain network; and The method includes the step of at least one third electronic device performing authentication related to the set consensus key; and The step of recording the above transaction is, Assuming that authentication of the third electronic device is performed, the first electronic device transmits the transaction to a blockchain network including the third electronic device, and The step of generating the above block is, A method of operation of a medical information tracking system for obtaining an agreement result for the transaction according to the agreement content of the third electronic device for the transaction.

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