Medical Device Alarm Convolute Encoding for Secure Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical devices, such as dialysis machines, face challenges in providing detailed analysis of alarms due to limited screen space and security constraints that prevent data transfer to separate monitors, especially when handling sensitive patient-related data.
Innovation Solution
A medical device system that generates an alarm convolute comprising an encoded data package in a compressed format, allowing for secure display of both alarm messages and machine parameters, which can be decoded by external devices without network connections, using encoders like QR codes for efficient data representation and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all machine parameters and treatment data are displayed on the monitor, then detailed alarm analysis is enabled, but screen space is insufficient and data security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm information is segmented into two parts: essential alarm messages displayed on the medical device monitor, and detailed machine parameters encoded in a separate machine-readable code. This segmentation allows comprehensive information provision while respecting screen space limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
A machine-readable code (QR code, barcode, or data matrix) serves as an intermediary carrier that bridges the gap between the limited display capability of the medical device and the need for comprehensive alarm analysis information. The code encapsulates detailed parameters without occupying additional screen space.
2Loss of information
If all machine parameters and treatment data are transferred to another machine, then detailed alarm analysis is enabled, but data security requirements are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The machine-readable code acts as a secure intermediary that allows data to be externalized for analysis without being transmitted over networks or stored on external systems. The data remains bound to the medical device environment, maintaining security while enabling detailed analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transferring actual data to external systems, a copy of the essential parameters is encoded in machine-readable form that can be read locally or by authorized external devices without compromising the original data's security or integrity.
3Ease of operation
If detailed machine parameters are displayed on the monitor, then alarm analysis capability is improved, but the complexity of the display system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into simple essential alarm messages on the monitor and detailed parameters in machine-readable code format. This reduces the complexity of the display system while maintaining comprehensive alarm analysis capability through the encoded data.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system includes a medical device configured to provide device-related data for evaluating the reasons for an alarm in order to trigger appropriate countermeasures. The medical device includes a set of sensors, a display, and a processor. The processor is configured to generate an alarm message in response to the alarm signal provided by the set of sensors, detect a set of machine parameters in response to generating the alarm message, generate or obtain an encoded data package representing the set of detected machine parameters in a compressed format, and generate a mixed-type alarm convolute based on the alarm signal provided by the set of sensors. The alarm convolute comprises the alarm message in a readable format and the encoded data package, and the processor is configured to issue the alarm convolute on the display.