Contactless Optical Coupling for Universal Medical Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical technology, the need for a universal remote control for multiple medical apparatuses is hindered by safety concerns and the risk of cross-contamination, as existing solutions require direct contact and pairing processes that are impractical and unsafe for medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A method for contactless coupling between a mobile remote control apparatus and medical apparatuses using directed optical signals to establish a bijective coupling, allowing for secure and efficient remote control of multiple medical devices without physical contact, utilizing optical components and processors for data exchange and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate remote control apparatus is used for each medical apparatus, then safety and authorization control are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple remote controls needing to be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal remote control apparatus that can control multiple different medical apparatuses. The remote control contains a processor that can establish bijective couplings with different medical apparatuses sequentially, allowing one remote control to serve multiple functions and control multiple devices without requiring separate dedicated remote controls for each medical apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If a universal remote control is used for multiple medical apparatuses, then ease of operation is improved, but safety and authorization control worsen due to potential unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a bijective coupling between the remote control apparatus and each medical apparatus before remote control operations can commence. This preliminary coupling process creates a secure association that must be established beforehand, ensuring that only authorized pairings can initiate control functions. The coupling creates a trusted relationship that prevents unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users.
3Ease of operation
If direct contact operation is used for medical apparatuses, then ease of operation is improved, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact operation with contactless remote control via optical communication. The remote control apparatus uses an optical interface to transmit control signals to the medical apparatus without physical contact between the user's hands and the device surfaces, thereby eliminating the transmission pathway for germs and pathogens while maintaining full operational capability.
4Reliability
If pairing code input is required before each remote control operation, then authorization control is improved, but productivity and ease of operation worsen due to time-consuming setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes the pairing code and authorization credentials in advance during an initial coupling phase, creating a bijective relationship between the remote control and medical apparatus. Once this preliminary coupling is established, subsequent remote control operations can proceed immediately without requiring repeated pairing code input, thus maintaining strong authorization control while enabling rapid response during actual operations.
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 secure, efficient, and contactless remote control of medical apparatuses, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and improving usability by allowing a single universal remote control to manage multiple devices while ensuring only authorized access and operation.
Implementation Method 1
exchanging a directed optical coupling signal between the remote control apparatus and the medical apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for contactlessly establishing a coupling between a medical apparatus (e.g., a hemodialysis apparatus or a peritoneal dialysis apparatus) and a remote control apparatus. An optical coupling signal is exchanged between the involved communication entities, in order to establish bijective, data-processing coupling between the remote control apparatus and the medical apparatus. Only after successful coupling is a remote control procedure initiated for remote control of the medical apparatus.