Legacy Analytical Instrument Integration Via Encrypted Metadata

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analytical instruments, particularly legacy devices, lack effective communication capabilities and data security measures, making it challenging to integrate them into extended computer networks and allow third-party access while protecting sensitive patient data.

Innovation Solution

A data processing module applies dual encryption to instrument data and metadata, transmitting encrypted data to a remote server for secure processing, allowing integration into networks and enabling third-party services without compromising data security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If legacy analytical instruments are integrated into extended computer networks to enable third-party access and services, then network connectivity and service accessibility are improved, but data security and confidentiality are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoiddata security risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A data processing module is introduced as an intermediary component between legacy analytical instruments and the network environment. This module applies encryption to data before transmission and manages security protocols, allowing legacy devices to communicate securely without requiring modifications to their core functionality. The intermediary handles the complexity of security measures while preserving the simplicity of legacy instrument operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the security parameters of data by applying encryption algorithms (e.g., AES-256) to transform plaintext data into ciphertext. This parameter transformation ensures that even if data is intercepted during transmission over extended networks, it remains confidential and can only be accessed by authorized parties with the appropriate decryption keys.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If dual encryption is applied to instrument data and metadata to ensure data security, then data confidentiality is improved, but processing complexity and computational overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata confidentialityVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The encryption process is segmented into distinct layers: instrument data is encrypted with a first encryption algorithm, while metadata is encrypted with a second encryption algorithm. This segmentation allows different security measures to be applied to different types of data based on their sensitivity requirements, managing complexity through structured organization rather than uniform treatment of all data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Encryption is performed as a preliminary action at the data processing module before data leaves the legacy analytical instrument. By applying encryption upfront in the data flow, the system ensures security is built into the transmission process from the source, eliminating the need for complex security measures at receiving ends and simplifying overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If legacy analytical instruments with limited communication capabilities are connected to extended networks, then service accessibility is improved, but vulnerability to network threats increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice accessibilityVSAvoidsystem vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The data processing module serves as a protective intermediary that shields legacy analytical instruments from direct exposure to network threats. It implements security protocols, encryption, and access control mechanisms that prevent unauthorized access and protect the instrument's limited communication interfaces from exploitation while still enabling legitimate third-party services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies encryption and security measures beforehand to data before it enters the network environment, creating a protective buffer against potential threats. This preemptive security approach ensures that even if legacy instruments are vulnerable due to their limited communication capabilities, the data itself is protected from interception or unauthorized access during transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12407660B2Methods and systems for processing data of an analytical instrument for analyzing biological samples

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

A method for processing data of an analytical instrument for analyzing biological samples is presented. The method comprises receiving instrument data from the analytical instrument at a data processing module communicatively connected with the analytical instrument, generating metadata from the received instrument data at the data processing module, applying a first encryption to the instrument data at the data processing module, applying a second encryption to the generated metadata at the data processing module, and transmitting the encrypted metadata and encrypted instrument data to a remote server. The remote server and the data processing module are communicatively connected. The method also comprises removing the second encryption from the metadata at the remote server and forwarding the instrument data encrypted by the first encryption from the remote server to a management system of the analytical instrument.