Non-Invasive Neurostimulator Provisioning With Reader-Based Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of technology for the initial provisioning and refilling of non-invasive neurostimulators, which are medical devices used for treating various medical conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a processor, memory, and a medical device with a reader configured to switch modes based on content from a storage medium, allowing for the activation and deactivation of the device using a POS terminal to associate prescription data with the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a medical device is designed to be non-invasive and portable, then patient comfort and accessibility are improved, but the capability for initial provisioning and refilling becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reader device as an intermediary between the portable medical device and external content sources. The reader enables the medical device to receive content (prescription data, programming information) without requiring invasive connections or complex built-in communication hardware, thus maintaining portability while enabling provisioning and refilling capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection methods (wires, ports, invasive connections) with optical or electromagnetic reading mechanisms. The reader can wirelessly or contactlessly read content from storage media, eliminating the need for physical connections while maintaining the ability to provision and refill the device
2Speed
If content is stored in the device's internal memory, then access speed is improved, but security and control over content distribution are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and authorization checks before content is written to the device's internal memory. The processor verifies prescription data and user credentials before allowing content to be stored, ensuring that only authorized content is provisioned to the device while maintaining fast access speeds once content is loaded
3Measurement precision
If the device switches modes automatically based on content matching, then operational accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reader to read content from external storage media and compares it against content already stored in the device's internal memory. This copying and comparison mechanism enables accurate verification of prescription data and triggers appropriate mode switches without requiring complex decision-making algorithms or artificial intelligence
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device, such as a neurostimulator, is provided that includes a housing, a power supply, a signal generator and one or more electrodes coupled to the housing. The signal generator is configured to apply one or more electrical impulses to the one or more electrodes for a period of time, the period of time being defined as a single dose. The device is configured to switch from an activated mode and a deactivated mode after specific number of single doses have been emitted by the signal generator.