Location-Based IMD Feature Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programming and interacting with implantable medical devices (IMDs) are complicated, especially for occasional users, due to the need for varying functionalities based on location, which can limit user access and increase complexity.
Innovation Solution
An external device with a communication circuit, a locating circuit, and a control circuit that determines the location and configures user access to IMD features accordingly, simplifying interactions by tailoring the user interface based on the location, using GPS, cellular phone towers, WiFi networks, or other communication signals to identify the location and adjust functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the external device provides full functionality access to all IMD features, then the device capabilities are maximized, but the interface complexity increases making it difficult for occasional users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IMD functionality into location-specific feature sets. The external device determines the user's location and presents only the relevant subset of features appropriate for that location, rather than displaying all possible functions. This segmentation reduces interface complexity while maintaining full functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of the user interface based on location. The external device continuously determines location and dynamically adjusts which features are presented to the user. This dynamic behavior allows the interface to simplify automatically based on context while preserving access to full functionality when the location warrants it.
2Ease of operation
If the external device provides location-based feature limiting, then the user interface is simplified for occasional users, but the adaptability to different clinical settings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses location feedback to automatically adjust feature availability. The external device receives location information, processes it to determine the appropriate clinical setting, and automatically configures which features are accessible. This feedback loop eliminates the need for manual configuration while maintaining adaptability to different settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining location and configuring feature access without requiring user input. The external device autonomously adapts the interface based on location data, simplifying operation for occasional users while preserving full functionality when needed, without requiring users to manually adjust settings.
Data Source
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.