Wireless Medical Device Network Verification via Visual Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Verifying wireless connections in medical body area networks (MBANs) is challenging due to the lack of physical connections, making it difficult and error-prone for users to identify which devices are connected to a host or monitor, especially in medical environments where speed and accuracy are critical.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that activates a visual or auditory indication on all connected wireless devices within a MBAN upon user request, using a unified identification such as color, sequenced flash patterns, sound, or alphanumeric codes to quickly and intuitively verify the connection status, allowing users to confirm which devices are part of the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless connections are used in MBAN, then the ease of operation and flexibility are improved, but the ease of verifying connections deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connecting devicesVSAvoiddifficulty of verifying connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by displaying visual indicators (such as colored lights or color-coded displays) on wireless devices to indicate connection status and verify which devices are connected to the host. This allows users to quickly identify connected devices through color cues without needing to physically trace connections or manually check device identifiers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Measurement precision

If verification is performed using serial numbers or device names, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time and productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of device identificationVSAvoidtime required for verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring visual indicators and identification displays on wireless devices before connection verification is needed. When verification is required, the system immediately displays the relevant connection information and visual indicators, eliminating the need for users to manually search through device lists or physically inspect connections, thus reducing verification time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If manual verification of device connections is performed, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of connection verificationVSAvoidsimplicity of verification process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the wireless devices to automatically display their connection status and identification information without requiring manual intervention. The devices self-verify and present the connection information through visual indicators, allowing users to simply observe the displayed information rather than performing complex manual verification procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If wireless MBAN is implemented, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the reliability of connection verification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of network configurationVSAvoidreliability of connection verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing visual indicators that provide immediate feedback to users about the connection status of wireless devices. The system continuously monitors and displays which devices are connected to the host, allowing users to verify connections in real-time and ensuring reliable operation of the wireless MBAN while maintaining the flexibility and adaptability of wireless configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3241361B1Method and system for verifying wireless connection between medical devices

Publication Date: 2023.08.30 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

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AI summary

A method for verifying wireless devices connected to a wireless medical body area network, MBAN, is provided. The method comprises activating a request for verification by a user activating the request for verification on any one of the wireless devices; receiving the request for verification by the any one wireless device of the wireless MBAN; and indicating a plurality of wireless devices connected to the wireless MBAN by displaying an indication on the plurality of wireless devices. A wireless MBAN comprising wireless devices. The wireless MBAN comprises each wireless device being configured for an activation of a verification; and a plurality of the wireless devices being configured to display an identification upon the activation of the verification.