Device Management Infrastructure for Healthcare Beacon Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in managing and sharing access to data among disparate devices, particularly in complex environments like healthcare settings, where connectivity and data management are hindered by proprietary configurations and communication protocols, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A device management infrastructure that enables unified access control and data sharing across multiple devices using a cloud-based service architecture, allowing for secure sharing of device information while preserving user permissions, and utilizing APIs for external communication, with features like device grouping and beacon tracking for patient location monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary configurations and communication protocols are used in healthcare settings, then device connectivity and data management are achieved, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a device management server as an intermediary component that sits between diverse healthcare devices and the network/cloud. This server handles protocol translation, authentication, and data routing, allowing devices with proprietary protocols to communicate seamlessly without increasing overall system complexity. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of dealing with multiple protocols while presenting a simplified interface to the rest of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device management server implements universal functionality by supporting multiple device types (printers, scanners, mobile devices, wearables) and communication protocols through a single unified platform. The server provides common services including authentication, authorization, data routing, and cloud integration for all devices, eliminating the need for device-specific management systems and reducing overall system complexity.
2Loss of information
If device information is shared across multiple devices, then data availability is improved, but user security and permission management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation of access rights by dividing permissions into discrete, manageable units. The device management server maintains a permission database that segments access control into user-level permissions, device-level permissions, and data-level permissions. This allows fine-grained control where users can be granted access to specific devices or data types without needing system-wide access, simplifying the management of data sharing across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the device management server continuously monitors access requests and permission status. The server provides feedback to both users and devices about authorization status, enabling dynamic permission management. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changing security requirements while maintaining data availability, as permissions can be updated in real-time without affecting other devices or users.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive device information is provided to all users, then information accessibility is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the level of device information provided to each user based on their specific permissions and needs. Rather than broadcasting complete device information to all users, the system delivers customized information sets to each user account. The device management server filters and selects only the relevant data fields for each user, reducing unnecessary network traffic while ensuring each user receives the comprehensive information they are authorized to access.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product are disclosed to track beacons utilizing a device management infrastructure. The method includes registering, by a device management server, at least a first detection device associated with a first location and a second detection device associated with a second location with a device management infrastructure, receiving a beacon identifier associated with a beacon detected by the first detection device, storing a first time stamp associated with detection of the beacon by the first detection device, receiving the beacon identifier associated with the beacon as detected by the second detection device, determining, based on the first time stamp and a second time stamp associated with detection of the beacon by the second detection device, an elapsed time between detection of the beacon by the first detection device and detection of the beacon by the second detection device, and reporting the elapsed time to a healthcare information system.