Medical Device Pairing Authentication via Relay Identifier Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for pairing medical devices with control devices require user intervention, are inconvenient, and rely on line-of-sight communication, which is problematic in hospital environments with varied layouts and designs.
Innovation Solution
A control device equipped with multiple communication channels (e.g., wireless and optical) automatically pairs with a medical device by matching identifiers received over different channels, ensuring reliable communication without line-of-sight constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated pairing methods using line-of-sight infrared communication are used, then pairing can be automatic without user intervention, but reliable communication cannot be ensured in hospital rooms with varied layouts and designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receiver device as an intermediary that captures infrared signals from the medical device and relays them to the control device via wireless communication. This mediator enables automated pairing while overcoming line-of-sight constraints by allowing the receiver to be positioned optimally for signal capture and the control device to be positioned for user accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct one-to-one line-of-sight infrared communication to a multi-dimensional communication architecture involving wireless channels and intermediate relay devices. This dimensional expansion allows signals to traverse space indirectly, bypassing physical obstacles and angular constraints.
2Reliability
If user intervention is required for device pairing, then pairing accuracy can be ensured, but user convenience deteriorates due to additional steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service pairing by automatically detecting medical devices through infrared signal capture, matching identifiers, and establishing wireless connections without requiring users to manually select devices or configure settings. The automated process maintains reliability through identifier verification while eliminating user burden.
3Ease of operation
If control devices are mounted at various positions for user accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but line-of-sight communication with medical devices becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver device serves as a mediator that separates the control device's positioning requirements from the infrared communication requirements. The receiver can be mounted in positions optimized for signal capture from the medical device, while the control device can be mounted anywhere accessible to users, connected to the receiver via wireless communication.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless and reliable pairing of medical devices with control devices, maintaining communication integrity across varying hospital layouts and reducing user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an optical communication channel different from the first communication channel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include a control device that matches a first identifier received over its first communication channel and associated with a medical device with a second identifier received over its second communication channel as well as a receiver device that receives the second identifier from the medical device via a third communication channel from the medical device and transmits the second identifier to the control device via the second communication channel. The control device, upon determining that the first identifier received over the first communication channel, matches the second identifier received over the second communication channel and automatically pairs with the medical device associated with the matching identifier over the second communication channel.