Selective Data Shielding in Medical Device Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical devices configured for infrequent use, such as automated external defibrillators, often have self-test failures go unrecognized due to storing results in local memory, and they typically transmit all recorded data, allowing unauthorized access to unnecessary information.

Innovation Solution

A system with a selective shielding component on medical devices that shields device information with an electronic key, allowing only necessary data to be transmitted, while maintaining associations, and uses a server to generate reports without access to the encryption key.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If all recorded data is transmitted to allow direct recipients to view complete information, then data completeness is improved, but data security and privacy protection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata completenessVSAvoidunauthorized access to sensitive information

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data into different types (device information, patient information, clinical event information) and applies different encryption levels and access controls to each segment. This allows complete data transmission while restricting access to only authorized recipients based on their role and need-to-know basis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements selective encryption where different portions of the data are encrypted with different keys based on their sensitivity and recipient requirements. Device information may be encrypted with one key while patient information requires another key, allowing each recipient to access only the data appropriate for their function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If device information is stored in local memory for self-test monitoring, then device functionality is maintained, but recognition of self-test failures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidself-test failure detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the medical device and the monitoring system. The device transmits self-test results to the server, which then processes and flags failed tests. This allows the device to maintain local functionality while ensuring centralized monitoring and recognition of failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback loop where self-test results are transmitted to the server, which then provides notifications or alerts when tests fail. This feedback mechanism ensures that failures are recognized and addressed, improving overall system reliability while maintaining device functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If selective encryption is implemented to protect sensitive information, then data security is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidencryption key management

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic key management where the system self-generates encryption keys, automatically encrypts data with appropriate keys, and manages key distribution without requiring manual intervention. This reduces the operational complexity of key management while maintaining strong security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal encryption framework that handles multiple types of data (device information, patient information, clinical events) and multiple recipients with different access levels using a standardized set of encryption protocols and key management procedures. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11853416B2Customer- or patient-based selective data encryption in medical device management

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION

AI summary

A system for remotely managing a medical device includes a selective shielding component, configured to (a) shield with an electronic key any portion of device information that identifies the medical device individually while maintaining unshielded with the electronic key an association between such any portion and a rest of the device information and/or (b) shield with an electronic key any portion of device information that identifies the patient individually while maintaining unshielded with the electronic key an association between such any portion and a rest of the device information, and record the selectively shielded device information; a first communication component configured to facilitate transmitting the selectively shielded device information through a network; and a server device communicatively coupled to the network and configured to use the selectively shielded device information to generate reports about the device information, and the clinical event information, but wherein the server device lacks access to the electronic key.