Remote Medical Device Access via Mobile Server Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices often require authorized users to be physically present at specific locations to access and configure them, limiting remote management and increasing the risk of misuse or theft due to restricted access.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows authorized users to access and configure medical devices using a mobile device with a software application, enabling remote control through a server connected to the medical device via a network, with features for authentication, authorization, and location-based access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If authorized users must be physically present at specific locations to access and configure medical devices, then security and control over medical devices is improved, but remote management capability and operational flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between mobile devices and medical devices. The server receives requests from mobile devices, authenticates users, and forwards authorized commands to medical devices. This intermediary architecture enables remote access while maintaining security controls, as the server can validate user credentials and device identities before permitting communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical presence at specific locations with an electronic communication system. Instead of users needing to be physically at the medical device location, the system uses network-based communication through mobile devices and servers to transmit commands and data electronically, eliminating the need for physical co-location.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If physical location restrictions are imposed on medical device access, then theft and misuse prevention is improved, but user accessibility and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial-based access control (physical location restrictions) to identity-based access control (user authentication). Instead of restricting access based on geographic position, the system restricts access based on verified user credentials stored on mobile devices. This dimensional shift allows users to access medical devices from any location while maintaining security through authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The server serves as an intermediary that manages authentication and authorization. It verifies user credentials from mobile devices and determines whether granted access rights permit the requested operation. This intermediary layer enables flexible location-independent access while maintaining security policies through centralized authentication management.
3Reliability
If centralized server access is required for medical device configuration, then system security and authorization control are improved, but operational flexibility and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
User credentials and authorization permissions are pre-loaded onto mobile devices before users need to access medical devices. The authentication data is stored locally on the mobile device, allowing users to present credentials immediately when needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates delays associated with real-time credential verification from centralized databases during the access process.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that processes authentication requests by verifying credentials from mobile devices against stored authorization data. It then determines and communicates the appropriate access rights to the medical device. This intermediary architecture maintains centralized security control while enabling relatively rapid authentication through efficient verification processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods for controlling a medical device using a software application on a mobile device are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request from the software application on the mobile device to open a communications channel for at least one of audio communication or text-based communication, and sending from the server an instruction to the medical device based on the request. The method also includes providing to the software application on the mobile device for display a result of the instruction. Systems, graphical user interfaces, and machine-readable media are also provided.