Medical Device Setup via Secure Wireless Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring network-connected medical devices are inefficient and insecure, particularly when deploying multiple devices, as they often rely on manual entry of configuration information or default settings that can be vulnerable to attacks.
Innovation Solution
A setup device uses encoded device data from the medical device to establish a secure, direct wireless connection, enabling automatic configuration without manual input, using public-private key cryptography and secure communication protocols like Wi-Fi Direct to ensure secure and efficient setup of multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual entry of configuration information is used, then setup accuracy can be ensured, but setup time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical entry (typing configuration data) with optical scanning (QR code/NFC reading). The setup device automatically captures configuration information by scanning encoded data on the medical device, eliminating manual input while ensuring accurate data transfer and reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical device presents encoded configuration data autonomously through its display or NFC interface. The setup device automatically scans and processes this data without requiring user intervention, enabling the system to configure itself automatically and reducing operational complexity.
2Productivity
If default network settings are used, then setup speed increases, but security vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary secure pairing by establishing an encrypted connection between the setup device and medical device before any configuration data is transmitted. This pre-establishment of secure communication channels ensures that subsequent automated configuration processes are protected from interception or tampering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an encoded configuration data intermediary (QR code or NFC data) that carries configuration information in an authenticated format. This intermediary ensures that configuration data is transferred securely through a verified channel, maintaining both automation efficiency and security integrity.
3Reliability
If secure encrypted connections are established, then communication security is improved, but computational overhead and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs key exchange and encryption setup in advance during the initial pairing phase. Once the secure channel is established, all subsequent configuration data transmissions automatically use this pre-configured encryption, eliminating the need for repeated complex security handshakes and reducing overall system complexity.
4Loss of time
If automatic configuration is implemented, then setup time is reduced, but risk of configuration errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual configuration entry with automated optical scanning and data capture. The setup device automatically reads encoded configuration data from the medical device display or NFC interface, ensuring accurate data transfer without manual input errors while significantly reducing configuration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements verification mechanisms where the setup device reads back the scanned configuration data to confirm accuracy before applying settings. This feedback loop ensures that automated configuration is both fast and error-free, maintaining reliability while reducing setup time.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to secure configuration of network-connected electronic medical devices, in some cases regardless of whether the devices are in a clinical environment, factory, or other location.