Dual Wireless Medical Device Controller for Interference Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems in healthcare environments face interference issues, which can disrupt critical data transmission between medical devices and controllers, affecting the reliability and quality of care.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual wireless technology approach where critical information is transmitted using a first technology less susceptible to interference, such as near field communication (NFC), and less critical information using a second technology like Bluetooth, ensuring proximity-based communication to maintain link reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single wireless technology is used for all communications, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of critical data transmission deteriorates due to interference susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments wireless communication into two distinct channels: a first wireless technology (e.g., NFC) for critical data transmission requiring proximity, and a second wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth) for non-critical data transmission. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific purpose, with the first technology providing interference-resistant communication for critical information while the second technology handles routine communications, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and system complexity.
2Reliability
If proximity-based wireless technology is used for critical information, then interference resistance is improved, but communication range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides communication functions by distance requirements: the first wireless technology (proximity-based) is used when devices are close together for critical data, while the second wireless technology (extended range) is used when devices need to communicate over longer distances for non-critical data. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction between interference resistance and communication range by matching technology to distance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that receives data from both wireless technologies and routes critical information through the proximity-based first technology while handling non-critical information through the extended-range second technology. This intermediary coordinates the two technologies to resolve the range-reliability tradeoff by intelligently directing traffic based on data criticality and device proximity.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques and apparatus for transmitting relatively more critical information between devices using a first wireless technology and transmitting relatively less critical information using a second wireless technology more susceptible to interference than the first wireless technology. One example method generally includes performing an association with a second apparatus via a first wireless technology, wherein the first wireless technology requires proximity between the first and second apparatuses; communicating first information with the second apparatus via the first wireless technology, a second wireless technology, or a combination of both the first and second wireless technologies, while the first and second apparatuses are still in proximity; and communicating second information with the second apparatus via the second wireless technology.