Retrofit Wireless Transfer Module for Encrypted IGS Medical Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-guided surgery (IGS) systems have limited data communication capabilities, requiring time-consuming and costly physical data transfer methods that lack encryption and risk data loss or exposure, and represent a significant capital investment, making it undesirable to replace existing systems with enhanced data communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit system that includes a transfer module configured to securely wirelessly transfer data from IGS navigation systems, using a USB connection to export data to a physically connected storage device, and enable secure wireless access to sensitive medical data through trusted user devices, with encryption and authentication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical data transfer methods are used to transfer data from IGS systems, then data security is improved through encryption, but transfer time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical data transfer methods with wireless communication technology. The IGS system incorporates a wireless communication module that enables data to be transmitted wirelessly to external devices, eliminating the need for physical media transfer while maintaining data security through encryption protocols. This substitution resolves the contradiction by improving transfer efficiency without compromising security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing IGS systems are replaced with enhanced data communication capabilities, then data transfer capabilities are improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data communication functionality into a separate, modular wireless communication module that can be added to existing IGS systems. This modular approach allows hospitals to enhance data transfer capabilities without replacing the entire expensive IGS system, thereby reducing the overall cost while improving adaptability and versatility of data communication.
3Device complexity
If physical data transfer methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but data loss risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical data transfer mechanisms with wireless communication technology integrated into the IGS system. The wireless communication module incorporates error correction and data integrity verification protocols that reduce the risk of data loss during transmission, while maintaining system simplicity through automated communication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary between the IGS system and external devices. This module handles data transmission with built-in security and error checking, acting as a reliable mediator that reduces data loss risk while keeping the overall system architecture simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer module, such as a single board computer having wireless communication capabilities, may be attached to an image guided surgery (“IGS”) navigation system. Images, video, and data stored on the IGS navigation system may be moved to and stored on the transfer module in an encrypted format. The transfer module may connect to a secure network or other secure wireless communication and transfer encrypted IGS medical procedure data to a physician device, a hospital system device, or other device. After validation, the physician device or other device may decrypt and display the data. The transfer module may be useful for IGS navigation systems having no preexisting wireless capabilities; and for those having wireless capabilities that are less secure than those provided by the modified IGS navigation system. The transfer module may also wirelessly transmit IGS medical procedure data to a cloud storage system for subsequent access by end users.