Location-Based Access Control for Implantable Medical Device Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programming and interacting with implantable medical devices (IMDs) are complicated due to the variety of functions required across different locations, making it difficult for occasional users to access and manage these devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
An external device that determines its location using communication signals and GPS, and configures user access to IMD features accordingly, simplifying the user interface by limiting or enabling functions based on the location, such as an operating room, cardiologist's office, or general practice clinic, and requiring user identity information for secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the external device provides full programming functionality for IMDs, then the device can perform all necessary therapeutic and diagnostic functions, but the interface becomes too complicated for occasional users to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different interface complexities based on user identity and location. The external device determines the user's role (e.g., physician vs. caregiver) and location (e.g., hospital vs. home) to dynamically present only the relevant subset of programming functions, thereby simplifying the interface for occasional users while maintaining full functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the user interface adaptive and changeable based on real-time conditions. The device dynamically adjusts which functions are accessible and how they are presented, transitioning between simplified and comprehensive modes depending on user credentials and location context, rather than providing a static interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the external device provides comprehensive programming functions, then all device features can be accessed, but it increases the risk of unintended disabling of critical therapies by unauthorized users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining user identity and location before allowing access to programming functions. The external device performs preliminary authentication and context verification to establish whether the user is authorized to access or modify specific IMD features, preventing unauthorized changes before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing location and user identity as mediating factors between the user and the IMD programming functions. These intermediaries act as a buffer that filters and controls access, allowing only appropriate users in appropriate contexts to access sensitive functions, thereby protecting critical therapies.
3Ease of operation
If the external device provides location-based interface simplification, then occasional users can easily operate the device, but the device cannot provide all necessary functions at all locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single external device that can function in multiple modes and serve multiple user types. The device universally supports both simplified operation for occasional users and comprehensive programming for authorized personnel, adapting its functionality based on the situation rather than requiring different devices for different use cases.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprises an external device for communication with an implantable device. The external device includes a communication circuit configured to receive a communication signal from at least one other device different from the implantable device, a locating circuit configured to determine a location of the external device using the received communication signal, and a control circuit electrically coupled to the communication circuit and the locating circuit. The control circuit is configured to determine whether the determined location imposes a limit on functionality of an implantable device, and provide user access to an implantable device feature according to the determined location.