Medical Device Control System Using BLE Badge Authorization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical device control systems face challenges in simplifying the registration process, especially in emergency situations where immediate operation is necessary, as complex procedures cannot be easily performed in operating theaters.

Innovation Solution

A medical device control system utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) modules, radio transmitter modules in the form of badges worn by staff, and a control device that detects and verifies identification features via signal strength and optional password entry to quickly authorize operators, enabling simplified and secure operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex registration procedure is implemented for authorizing operators, then security and authorization control are improved, but the time required for registration and system accessibility deteriorate in emergency situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization controlVSAvoidregistration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing identification features of authorized personnel in advance in the control device. During emergency situations, the system only needs to detect and match these pre-stored identification features rather than performing a full registration procedure, thus maintaining security while enabling rapid access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential authorization element (identification feature) from the complex registration procedure. Instead of requiring full credential verification, the system isolates and uses only the critical identification feature for quick authentication, reducing registration time while maintaining authorization control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional control panels or remote controls are used for medical devices, then device control functionality is maintained, but system complexity and the number of physical control devices increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoidnumber of control devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile computing device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the control interface for medical devices and the authorization medium through its identification feature. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate remote controls or control panels, reducing the number of physical devices while maintaining control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a wireless communication intermediary that enables the mobile computing device to communicate with the control device without requiring physical control panels or remote controls. This intermediary layer allows versatile control access while minimizing the number of physical control devices needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If immediate operation of medical devices is enabled in emergency situations, then operational speed and responsiveness are improved, but security and authorization verification may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational responsivenessVSAvoidauthorization verification
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authorization setup by storing identification features of authorized personnel in advance. During emergencies, this pre-configured data enables rapid verification that maintains both speed and security, as the system only needs to detect and match the identification feature against pre-stored authorized identifiers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies partial action by using only the essential identification feature for authorization verification in emergency situations, rather than performing complete multi-factor authentication. This partial verification approach maintains adequate security while enabling rapid operational responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates rapid and secure authorization of medical device operation by staff within a predetermined range, ensuring only authorized personnel can access and use the medical devices, enhancing operational efficiency and safety during emergencies.

Implementation Method 1

a radio receiver module (4) integrated into the mobile control unit (3) and a plurality of separate mobile radio transmission modules (5)... The signals sent out by the separate mobile radio transmission modules (5) are received by the radio reception module (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio signal detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The radio receiver module (4) is adapted in such a way that it detects a signal strength of the radio signal from the radio transmitter module (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal strength measurement: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3146453B1Medical device control system, and method for operating said medical device control system
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 TRUMPE MEDIZIN SYSTEME GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3146453B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3146453B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A medical device control system with a simplified release of an operating function is provided. The medical device control system comprises at least one mobile control unit (3) for at least one medical device (2), comprising at least one radio reception module (4) for detecting and forwarding radio signals, a control apparatus (6) connected to the mobile control unit (3), and at least one separate mobile radio transmission module (5), which is able to communicate with the radio reception module (4). The at least one radio transmission module (5) is embodied to transmit an identification feature to the radio reception module (4) and the control apparatus (6) is embodied to compare the identification feature with stored identification features and release an operating function of the mobile control unit (3) after a positive comparison result.