Remote Medical Device Software Provisioning via Image Overlay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote patient monitoring systems are cumbersome, costly, and require manual data entry, limiting their effectiveness due to proprietary interfaces and the need for wired connections, which hinders efficient software updates and configuration of medical devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that enables automatic software updates and configuration of medical devices using wireless or wired connections, allowing data exchange between medical devices and a server without the need for manual intervention, facilitating seamless integration of device purchase, ordering, and configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual data entry and wired connections are used in remote patient monitoring systems, then data can be transmitted between devices, but the system becomes cumbersome, costly, and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication protocols, eliminating physical cables and manual connection procedures. The system uses wireless data transmission between medical devices, patient devices, and healthcare provider systems, thereby reducing system complexity and eliminating the need for manual plugging/unplugging of connections while maintaining reliable data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements automatic software updates and configuration provisioning that occur without manual intervention. The system automatically detects, downloads, installs, and configures software updates on medical devices, eliminating the need for manual data entry and configuration by healthcare providers or patients, thereby reducing operational complexity and potential for human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary interfaces are used in monitoring systems, then device-specific functionality is achieved, but ease of operation and data accessibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal communication framework that allows a single monitoring system to interface with multiple types of medical devices from different manufacturers. The system uses standardized data formats and communication protocols that enable compatibility across diverse devices while maintaining device-specific functionality, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication layer that translates between proprietary device interfaces and standardized data formats. This intermediary layer handles device-specific protocols and converts them into universal formats that can be processed by the monitoring system, making the system easier to operate while maintaining compatibility with various proprietary devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional software update methods are used, then software can be updated, but the process requires manual intervention and wired connections, increasing time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update reliabilityVSAvoidupdate time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic software update mechanisms that proactively check for, download, and install software updates without waiting for manual initiation. The system continuously monitors for available updates and automatically provisions them when conditions are appropriate, eliminating the time loss associated with manual update processes while maintaining reliable software versions across all devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual software update procedures with automated wireless update mechanisms. Instead of requiring physical connection and manual file transfer, the system uses wireless communication to automatically download and install software updates, thereby reducing both the time required for updates and the complexity of the update process while maintaining update reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8954719B2Method for remote provisioning of electronic devices by overlaying an initial image with an updated image

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 MEDAPPS INC

AI summary

There is provided a method and system to automatically provide software and/or firmware updates to the electronic devices, particularly mobile devices used by consumers such as portable health-care data interchange devices. There is also provided a method and system of updating software in electronic devices without requiring a wired data interface to affect changes. There is also provided a method and system for tracking the configuration of electronic devices that are sold to and configured by particular consumers, especially consumers/patients using electronic devices related to health care. Further, there are also provided a methods and systems for integrating the purchase, and ordering, and software configuration of electronic devices.