Medical Device Field Scheduling to Reduce Electromagnetic Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices in hospitals emit electromagnetic radiation that can interfere with each other, causing functional impairments and safety issues, despite regulatory limitations and shielding efforts, especially in densely equipped areas like intensive care rooms.
Innovation Solution
A method for medical devices to communicate with electronic devices to schedule and determine timing of electromagnetic field emissions, allowing devices to coordinate their operations to minimize interference through coordinated emission and sensitivity adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If devices are placed in close proximity to maximize space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic interference between devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing communication channels and scheduling mechanisms before devices are deployed. The central coordination unit pre-arranges emission schedules and identifies potential interference scenarios, allowing devices to be placed in close proximity while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility through预先 coordinated timing of emissions and receptions.
Solution Approach 2:
A central coordination unit acts as an intermediary between multiple medical devices, managing their electromagnetic emissions and receptions. This mediator coordinates timing schedules, receives interference reports from devices, and adjusts emission schedules to prevent interference, enabling dense device placement without harmful electromagnetic interactions.
2Reliability
If shielding and filtering are applied to prevent electromagnetic interference, then device compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical shielding and filtering mechanisms with a software-based coordination approach. Instead of using hardware shields and filters to prevent electromagnetic interference, the central coordination unit uses timing schedules and communication protocols to coordinate device operations, significantly reducing hardware complexity while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (timing, emission schedules, reception windows) to achieve compatibility rather than relying on fixed hardware protections. Devices adjust their operational parameters dynamically based on coordination signals, allowing flexible compatibility management without adding complex shielding or filtering hardware.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If device emissions are limited to comply with regulations, then electromagnetic safety is improved, but device functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic emission patterns where devices operate at full power during scheduled time windows and remain inactive during coordination periods. This periodic operation allows devices to maintain full functionality during active phases while ensuring electromagnetic safety through coordinated timing, replacing continuous low-power operation with intermittent high-power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes emission schedules dynamic rather than static, allowing devices to adjust their operational timing and power levels based on real-time coordination needs. The central coordination unit can dynamically allocate emission windows and adjust schedules to accommodate different functional requirements, maintaining both safety and versatility through flexible, adaptive timing control.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (6) for operating a medical device (2). According to the method (6), the medical device (2) communicates (S 1) with at least one electronic device (3; 4) about scheduling of emission of electric and/or magnetic fields. Further, the medical device (2) determines (S2) a timing for an action of the medical device (2) that leads to the emission of electric and/or magnetic fields and/or is sensitive to electric and/or magnetic fields. The steps of determining (S2) the timing and communicating (S1) with the at least one electronic device (3; 4) are performed in agreement (7) with one another. Finally, the medical device (2) performs (S3) the action of the medical device (2) based on the determined timing. The invention further relates to a corresponding medical device (2) and computer program.