Patient Care Device Communication System with Multi-Protocol Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient care devices and support apparatuses face challenges in efficient internal communication, security, diagnostics, and re-configurability, with limitations in handling multiple communication protocols and external device integration.
Innovation Solution
A communication system for patient support apparatuses that employs multiple modules and networks using different communication protocols, including Ethernet, RS-485, SPI, RS-232, RS-422, and I2C, with a network switch for protocol association and a firewall for security, enabling efficient data transport and secure external device integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple communication protocols are supported for efficient internal communication and external device integration, then communication efficiency and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into multiple independent communication networks, each dedicated to a specific protocol (Ethernet, RS-485, SPI, RS-232, RS-422, I2C). Each network operates autonomously with its own controller, allowing simultaneous multi-protocol communication without interference. This segmentation enables the system to support diverse communication requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient support apparatus incorporates a universal communication architecture that can simultaneously host multiple communication protocols through separate networks. The system includes multiple communication controllers that can handle different protocol types, enabling the device to function as both a controller for internal components and an interface for external devices with varying communication requirements.
2Loss of time
If a network switch is used for automatic protocol association, then setup time and re-configurability are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch incorporates automatic protocol association capability that enables modules to self-configure when connected. When a module connects to the network switch, the switch automatically detects the communication protocol being used and configures the appropriate communication parameters without requiring manual setup. This self-service approach dramatically reduces setup time and simplifies re-configurability while the automated nature of the process keeps the added complexity manageable.
3Reliability
If a firewall is implemented for security, then system security is improved, but communication functionality may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The firewall is implemented with selective communication control that allows different levels of access for different modules and communication networks. Rather than uniformly blocking or allowing all communications, the firewall applies specific security rules to different protocol networks and modules based on their security requirements. This enables secure communication for critical control functions while allowing broader functionality for non-critical data exchange.
Data Source
AI summary
Patient care devices, such as person support apparatuses and thermal control units, include one or more internal high speed networks, such as an Ethernet, for transmitting data between internal nodes or modules. A lower speed network may also be included with the Ethernet for redundantly transmitting some, but not all, types of data. Devices external to the patient care device can be granted limited access to the internal high speed network. Such devices may connect to the high speed network to utilize one or more user interfaces of the patient care device and/or to piggyback onto the patient care device's connection to an external local area network (e.g. a hospital LAN), or the patient care device's connection to yet another device. Some nodes may include web servers for serving up web pages of diagnostic information relevant to that node. The web servers are accessible via an external web browser.