Automated Version Control for Medical Anesthesia Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for checking compatibility of software versions in medical devices, such as anesthesia devices, are manual, time-consuming, prone to errors, and lead to delays, as they require replacing entire software packages or manual validation by technicians.

Innovation Solution

A process that automatically detects installed program versions, compares them to a database of acceptable combinations stored in an acceptability memory, and activates a release or blocking function to ensure the device operates safely, allowing for fully automated, error-free checks without user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual checking of software version compatibility is performed by technicians, then device safety can be ensured, but the process is time-consuming and leads to operational delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice safetyVSAvoidoperational delays

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs self-checking of software version compatibility automatically without requiring external technician intervention. The control unit detects installed program versions, compares them against stored compatibility criteria, and determines operational readiness autonomously, eliminating manual checking delays while maintaining safety assurance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Compatibility criteria and acceptable program version combinations are pre-stored in the device's memory before operation. This preliminary preparation enables rapid automatic comparison and decision-making during device startup or software updates, avoiding time-consuming manual validation processes while ensuring safety requirements are met

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If entire software packages are replaced to avoid incompatible combinations, then device compatibility is ensured, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware compatibilityVSAvoidsoftware update efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The software system is divided into separate upgradable components (programs on different components) rather than requiring replacement of the entire software package. The control unit can individually update specific programs while maintaining compatibility through automatic version detection and comparison against stored compatibility criteria, reducing both cost and time of software maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of replacing entire software packages, the system changes individual program version parameters selectively. The control unit detects which specific programs need updating and installs only those versions that are compatible with existing components, optimizing resource usage and minimizing disruption to device operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual validation of new program versions is performed by service technicians, then error detection is possible, but the process is prone to human error and causes considerable delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror detectionVSAvoidvalidation process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical process of technician validation is replaced with an automated electronic control system. The control unit automatically detects program versions, retrieves compatibility criteria from memory, performs comparison operations, and determines operational readiness without human intervention, eliminating human error while maintaining thorough error detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automatic feedback loops where the control unit continuously monitors installed program versions, compares them against stored compatibility criteria, and provides real-time determination of device operational readiness. This automated feedback mechanism ensures error detection without requiring manual validation steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8752019B2Version control for medical anesthesia devices

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 DRAGERWERK AG

AI summary

A testing system, a testing process, a medical device, e.g., an anesthesia device (G), and a computer program product are provided for testing installed program versions for acceptability. The anesthesia device (G) comprises a plurality of electronic components (K), which are operated and/or controlled with a program, which may have various versions. A release function (50) is activated for releasing the anesthesia device (G) or for putting same into operation only if a consistent set of acceptable program versions can be detected, and the anesthesia device (G) is otherwise blocked.