Medical Device Connector Remote Authentication and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients who rely on medical devices such as insulin pumps and heart-regulation devices often require constant caregiver supervision, limiting their mobility and independence, as existing systems lack effective remote monitoring and control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize wireless mobile communication devices to securely authenticate and assign permissions for remote monitoring and control of medical devices, enabling caregivers to access and manage patient data and device operations from a distance through a medical device connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If caregivers continuously monitor patients using medical devices, then patient safety and treatment effectiveness are improved, but patient mobility and independence deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote monitoring system that acts as an intermediary between the medical device and the caregiver. The system includes a monitoring module that collects data from the medical device, a communication module that transmits data remotely, and an alert module that notifies caregivers of critical conditions. This intermediary system enables continuous monitoring without requiring constant physical presence, thus improving patient mobility while maintaining safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple caregivers are granted access to control medical devices, then caregiving flexibility and responsiveness are improved, but system security and access control complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements role-based access control where different caregivers are assigned specific permissions and responsibilities. The system distinguishes between administrative caregivers who can modify device settings and monitoring caregivers who can only view data. This local differentiation of access rights enables multiple caregivers to be involved while maintaining clear security boundaries and simplified individual authentication processes.
3Ease of operation
If remote monitoring capabilities are added to medical devices, then patient independence and mobility are improved, but system vulnerability to unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and authorization mechanisms before enabling remote monitoring. The system requires verification of caregiver identities and assignment of appropriate permissions before allowing access to device data or control functions. This preliminary security measure enables remote monitoring capabilities while preventing unauthorized access from the outset.
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device connector is provided for facilitating monitoring and control of a medical device by at least one of a plurality of wireless mobile communication devices. The medical connector includes a memory, a communication subsystem for exchanging messages with at least one of the wireless mobile communication devices. The medical connector further includes a microprocessor for authenticating the wireless mobile communication device, assigning a role to the wireless mobile communication device and transmitting a confirmation to the wireless communication device via the communication subsystem. If the wireless mobile communication device is not authenticated then the microprocessor transmits a request failure to the wireless mobile communication device via the communication subsystem. The connector also includes a data port for monitoring data from the medical device and controlling the medical device in response to control actions received from the wireless mobile communication device.