Universal Medical Device Driver Adapter XML Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack a streamlined approach for developing medical device drivers, leading to increased time-to-market, development costs, training requirements, code complexity, and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates reusable XML device driver files using a device driver manager tool, which detects medical devices and creates plug-and-play XML files with configurable parameters, reducing the need for extensive coding and facilitating standardization across medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional device driver development methods are used, then drivers can be developed for specific medical devices, but development time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates master driver templates that can be copied and reused across multiple medical device drivers. Instead of developing each driver from scratch, the system uses standardized XML-based templates that capture common driver functionality, which can be instantiated for different devices by configuring device-specific parameters, thereby dramatically reducing development time while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal driver framework where a single master template can serve multiple medical device types. The XML configuration system allows one driver template to be adapted for various devices by changing configuration parameters, making the driver system multi-functional and applicable across different device families without requiring separate development for each device
2Reliability
If custom device drivers are developed for each medical device, then device-specific functionality is achieved, but code complexity and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments driver code into modular components with a standardized XML configuration structure. The driver template is divided into reusable sections (device identification, communication parameters, data handling, etc.) that can be independently configured and maintained. This segmentation reduces code complexity by organizing functionality into manageable, standardized modules rather than monolithic custom code
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses XML configuration files to parameterize driver behavior for different devices. Instead of hardcoding device-specific logic, the system changes parameters in XML configurations (device IDs, communication protocols, data formats) to adapt the same driver template to different devices. This approach maintains device compatibility while keeping the actual driver code simple and reusable
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive device driver libraries are built, then more medical devices can be supported, but development costs and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal driver template system where a single base template can support multiple medical device types through XML configuration. This multi-functionality allows the same development resources to serve multiple devices, expanding device support capability without proportionally increasing development costs or requiring separate specialized drivers for each device type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary driver development by creating standardized master templates that pre-configure common functionality. These templates are prepared in advance with best practices and standardized structures, eliminating the need to perform extensive development work for each new device. This preliminary action reduces overall development costs while maintaining versatility across device types
Data Source
AI summary
A universal medical device driver adapter that enables the creation of medical device drivers without the need to write custom software for typical medical devices, thereby reducing development time for individual drivers and reducing training time and skill sets requirements of driver developers. Various format parameters are defined, such as baud rate, parity, buffer size, time stamps, tokens, message link, and the like, in an XML device driver file. When a recognized medical device is specified, the corresponding XML file is retrieved and an interface uses the parameters described therein for bidirectional communication with the monitor.