Connectivity Gateway for Remote Medical Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Technicians operating electronic devices, such as medical equipment, face challenges in receiving remote assistance due to geographical and connectivity issues, particularly when firewalls on private networks hinder expert devices from connecting, limiting effective remote control and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables remote user devices to connect to and control electronic devices on private networks by using a connectivity gateway that bypasses firewalls through a public network, allowing data transmission and input reception via a browser interface, facilitating real-time video, image, and audio feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a firewall is implemented on the private network to secure the electronic device, then network security is improved, but remote connection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway server as an intermediary component that sits between the private network (with firewall) and the public network. The gateway server receives connection requests from remote devices, establishes secure tunnels through the firewall, and forwards data packets between the electronic device and remote users. This mediator approach allows remote access without compromising the firewall's security function, as all connections must route through the authenticated gateway.
2Ease of operation
If direct remote connection is attempted to the electronic device on the private network, then connectivity is improved, but security risk increases due to firewall blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network communication into distinct layers: the public network layer for initial connection requests, the gateway server layer for authentication and tunnel establishment, and the private network layer for secure device communication. By segmenting the connection path, the system allows connectivity while maintaining security boundaries, as the firewall continues to protect the private network while the gateway handles public-facing connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device expert operates from a remote location, then accessibility is improved, but connection difficulty increases due to network barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway server implements self-service functionality by automatically managing connection requests, authentication, tunnel establishment, and data routing without requiring manual firewall configuration or complex network setup at the remote device. The system handles the complexity of network traversal automatically, allowing experts to connect from any location with internet access while the gateway manages the technical challenges of cross-network communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote user device communicatively couples to and/or controls an electronic device (e.g., a medical device) on a private network (including a firewall) from a remote location. A service enables communication between the remote user device and the electronic device. A remote user device sends a connection request to the service using a browser user interface. The service receives the connection request from the remote user device and establishes a connection to the remote user device. The service also communicatively couples to the electronic device via a gateway. The remote user device provides one or more inputs via a user interface to the service. The service transmits the one or more inputs to the gateway, which then transmits the one or more inputs to the electronic device to control operation of the electronic device.