Optical Configuration Data Transfer for Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a quick, inexpensive, and tamper-proof method to transmit the success of configuration changes to a central data acquisition unit, particularly for medical devices like mobile ultrasound and X-ray devices that are not connected to the Internet, due to security concerns and regulatory requirements, and current methods are time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a monitored device detecting configuration changes, generating a data record with public and configuration information, and using optical transmission to a mobile monitoring unit, which then transmits this information to a central data acquisition unit via the Internet, utilizing visual information encoded in images or barcodes, ensuring secure and efficient data transfer without direct connection between the device and the central unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual feedback transmission is used (telephone, fax, e-mail), then devices do not require Internet connection, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical feedback processes (telephone, fax, e-mail) with an automated optical transmission system. A display unit on the device shows configuration data, which is optically captured by a mobile device, eliminating manual typing and reducing errors while saving time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (displayed configuration data) of the device's configuration information and transmits it optically through imaging. This copying approach allows accurate data transfer without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time efficiency.
2Productivity
If devices are connected to the Internet for automated feedback, then data transmission is efficient, but security risks and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical transmission process between the device and the central system. Instead of direct Internet connection, configuration data is displayed and optically captured by a mobile device that then communicates with the central system, creating a security buffer that reduces direct exposure to Internet threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the configuration data from the device's internal systems and presents it as visual information for optical capture. This extraction allows the data to be transmitted without requiring the device itself to have Internet connectivity, thereby reducing security risks while maintaining transmission efficiency.
3Reliability
If permanent connections (wired or radio) are established for data transmission, then data transfer is reliable, but costs increase and manipulation risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent wired or radio connections with transient optical transmission. Configuration data is displayed and captured through imaging without establishing persistent physical or wireless connections, simplifying the system while maintaining transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic, on-demand optical transmission instead of continuous connections. Data is displayed and captured only when configuration changes occur, eliminating the need for permanent connection infrastructure while ensuring reliable data transfer when needed.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual data capture is used, then no additional hardware is needed, but transmission errors and manipulation by users occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data capture with automated optical imaging. A display unit presents configuration data that is automatically captured by a mobile device's camera or scanner, eliminating manual typing errors and manipulation risks while adding minimal hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an accurate visual copy of the configuration data through display and optical capture. This copying process ensures faithful reproduction of the data without manual intervention, improving accuracy while maintaining ease of implementation through standard display and imaging technologies.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is based on the detection of a configuration change in a monitored device by means of a first processing unit of the monitored device. Furthermore, a first data record is determined by means of the first processing unit of the monitored device, wherein the first data record comprises at least one piece of public device information and one piece of configuration information, and wherein the public device information is uniquely attributable to the monitored device. Furthermore, visual information is determined based on the first data record by means of the first processing unit of the monitored device. Finally, the visual information is optically transmitted from an output unit of the monitored device to an input unit of a mobile monitoring unit.Furthermore, a second data set is determined from the visual information by means of a second processing unit of the mobile monitoring unit, wherein at least the public device information and the configuration information can be determined from the second data set. The second data set is then transmitted from an interface of the mobile monitoring unit to a central data acquisition unit. The monitored device can be, in particular, a medical device, especially an imaging device, in particular a mobile ultrasound device or a mobile C-arm X-ray device.