Automatic Medical Device Configuration via Data Handoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual configuration of replacement medical devices with updated user-specific data is cumbersome, prone to errors, and frustrating for users, leading to potential improper configuration and disruption in medical therapy.
Innovation Solution
Automating the transfer of user-specific configuration data from an in-use medical device to a replacement device upon detection of service placement or removal, using methods such as direct communication, intermediate devices, or networked chargers, to ensure seamless handoff and up-to-date configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration of replacement devices is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but user frustration increases and configuration errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement device automatically configures itself by detecting its placement into service and initiating the data transfer process without requiring user intervention. The system performs self-configuration by automatically identifying the out-of-service device, establishing communication, retrieving configuration data, and applying settings autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration data is prepared and updated on the out-of-service device before replacement occurs. The system maintains up-to-date configuration information in advance so that when the replacement device is placed into service, the configuration data is already ready for immediate transfer and application.
2Productivity
If manual configuration is required, then device complexity remains low, but time consumption increases and therapy disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration data is updated and maintained on the out-of-service device in advance of replacement. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the replacement device is placed into service, all necessary configuration information is already ready for immediate transfer, eliminating delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration data transfer occurs automatically and continuously during the replacement process without interruption to therapy delivery. The system maintains continuous operation by transferring configuration data in the background during the device swap, ensuring seamless transition.
3Reliability
If automatic configuration is implemented, then configuration accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit and communication interface are integrated into existing device components, allowing them to serve multiple functions including device identification, placement detection, and configuration data transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary communication protocol and data structure that facilitates automatic configuration without requiring direct complex interactions between all components. The configuration data itself acts as an intermediary carrier that contains all necessary information for the replacement device to be properly configured.
4Adaptability or versatility
If user-specific data is transferred, then therapy personalization is maintained, but data security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration data is extracted and transferred as a complete package from the out-of-service device to the replacement device. This extraction ensures that all user-specific settings, preferences, and personalization parameters are captured together in a single transfer operation, maintaining therapy personalization integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically configuring a medical device with user-specific configuration data includes determining, by a first medical device, that the first medical device is being placed into service to provide medical therapy to a patient, wherein the first medical device is a replacement medical device for a second medical device that was previously placed into service to provide medical therapy to the patient in accordance with user-specific configuration data stored on the second medical device, communicating, by the first medical device, data indicative of the first medical device being placed into service, after communicating the data indicative of the first medical device being placed into service, obtaining, by the first medical device, the user-specific configuration data stored on the second medical device, and configuring, by the first medical device, the first medical device to provide therapy in accordance with the obtained user-specific configuration data.