Centralized Server for Medical Device Firmware Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing data from programmable personal medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, face challenges in reducing maintenance efforts and facilitating central data collection and synchronization due to decentralized software installations and differing hospital information system specifications, leading to logistical issues with firmware updates and potential time delays or errors.
Innovation Solution
A configuration that enables central data management through a communication module-equipped programming device and management unit connected to a service center and management database, allowing secure, indirect communication and automatic software updates, ensuring devices are updated efficiently and accurately without manual logistical efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If decentralized software installation is used for managing personal medical devices, then local data transfer and device management can be performed, but maintenance effort increases and central data collection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the programming device and the management database. The server handles data storage, firmware update management, and coordination, allowing the programming device to maintain simple local operations while the server centralizes complex management tasks. This resolves the contradiction by enabling local ease of operation while reducing overall maintenance complexity through centralized intermediary management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (data storage, firmware hosting, update coordination, and device communication) into a single centralized server system. This merging allows local devices to operate independently while the server consolidates maintenance activities, reducing the complexity of managing multiple decentralized systems while preserving local operational ease.
2Reliability
If physical data carriers are used for firmware updates, then updates can be distributed to devices, but logistical effort increases and time delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical data carrier distribution with an electronic digital distribution system. Firmware updates are stored as digital files on the server and transferred electronically to devices via communication interfaces, eliminating the need for physical media handling, shipping, and manual distribution. This substitution dramatically reduces update distribution time while maintaining reliable delivery through digital transmission protocols.
3Reliability
If multiple firmware updates are distributed sequentially, then devices can be updated, but updates may be left out or the update chain may not be processed completely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the server tracks the status of each device's firmware update progress. The server stores information about the update chain and monitors which updates have been applied to each device. This feedback allows the system to identify incomplete update chains and prompt users to finish the remaining updates, ensuring complete processing while simplifying management through automated tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the complete update chain in advance on the server, organizing firmware updates in the correct sequential order before distribution. The server pre-configures the update path and stores all necessary update files ready for deployment. This preliminary preparation ensures that when updates are distributed to devices, they receive the complete chain in the correct order, preventing missing updates and reducing management complexity.
4Productivity
If local hospital information systems are used, then local data processing can be performed, but synchronization and central data collection are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary layer between local hospital information systems and the central management database. The server receives data from local systems, standardizes formats, and forwards relevant information to the central database. This intermediary approach allows local systems to maintain their independent processing capabilities while ensuring data synchronization and central collection through the mediating server.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a configuration and a method for the management of data of a plurality of programmable personal medical devices. The configuration comprises a first plurality of personal devices, a second plurality of patient devices each calibrated to at least one personal device, a third plurality of programming devices each calibrated to at least one personal device, a central management unit, a service center, and a management database. The patient devices and/or the programming devices are controlled using management data, upon establishment of the existence of a communication between the management unit and the patient device and/or a programming device, on the basis of this establishment and on the basis of stored management data, specific management data being transmitted to the patient device and/or programming device.