Medical Device Communication Adapter with Integrated Firmware Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication adapters for medical devices, such as blood glucose meters and insulin pumps, require users to disconnect the keyboard from the computer, limiting operation and data display to devices with Internet connections, and often necessitate additional software or hardware for data processing and display.
Innovation Solution
A communication adapter that allows data transmission between medical devices and computers using an adapter processor, adapter-device interface, and adapter-computer interface, enabling control through read commands interpreted as control commands by the adapter's software or firmware, allowing data display and device operation with standard Internet browsers without additional software, and supporting wireless data transmission for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the communication adapter is connected to the keyboard interface of the computer, then data transmission between the medical device and computer is enabled, but the keyboard must be disconnected from the computer making the computer inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The communication adapter is designed with multiple interface capabilities, supporting both keyboard interface and other computer interfaces (such as USB, serial ports). This allows the adapter to function with different computer configurations without requiring keyboard disconnection, enabling one device to serve multiple connection purposes
2Adaptability or versatility
If the communication adapter requires Internet connection for data display, then data can be transmitted to central database, but data display is limited to computers with Internet connection
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent functional modules: the communication adapter handles data transmission locally, while Internet connectivity is optional for additional cloud database synchronization. This segmentation allows data display to function independently without requiring Internet connection, making the system accessible in offline environments while retaining optional online capabilities
3Reliability
If additional software is required for data processing and display, then data transmission functionality is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication adapter incorporates built-in data processing and display capabilities within its own firmware, enabling it to handle data transmission, conversion, and presentation without requiring external software applications. This self-sufficient design reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable data processing functionality
4Measurement precision
If the communication adapter uses proprietary communication protocol, then device-specific functionality is optimized, but compatibility with different medical devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication adapter is designed with configurable communication parameters that can be adjusted to match different medical device protocols. It supports multiple communication standards and can dynamically adapt its transmission protocol based on the connected device, ensuring both accurate data transmission and broad device compatibility
Data Source
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AI summary
Communication adaptor (6) comprises the required software or firmware, in order to prepare the data read by the device (1) independent to the computer (12) and in order to prepare in a data format for reading by the computer by the adapter-computer-interface (9) for representation of data on the computer. The data formation can be represented from the computer with representation software according to the standard. Independent claims are also included for: (A) Transferring method for data; and (B) Operating system.