Self-Describing Module for Medical Device Data Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for updating data in medical monitoring devices require updating both parameters and software simultaneously, which can lead to compatibility issues with previously released devices and makes it difficult to add new parameters without updating the entire system.
Innovation Solution
A self-describing module that transmits a metadata block (MDB) to the medical monitoring device, including identification and configuration data, allowing for the updating of specific sub-systems without affecting the entire system, thereby enabling flexible and efficient data updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If parameters and software are updated together in conventional medical devices, then system compatibility is maintained, but it becomes difficult to add new parameters and requires updating the entire system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the medical device into independent modules: a front-end module that can be updated separately and a medical device module with stable core software. The front-end module contains parameter-specific code that can be modified without affecting the core device, enabling independent parameter updates while maintaining system stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts parameter handling functionality from the core medical device software into a separate front-end module. This extracted module can be developed, tested, and updated independently, allowing new parameters to be added without requiring updates to the entire system
2Adaptability or versatility
If new software revisions are released for medical devices, then new features and parameters are enabled, but compatibility with previously released devices is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into a stable core device portion and an updateable front-end portion. The core device software remains unchanged across releases, ensuring compatibility, while the front-end module can be updated to add new features and parameters without affecting the stable core
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the system to have different update characteristics. The core device maintains fixed software for stability and compatibility, while the front-end module allows localized updates for new features, enabling each portion to serve its specific function optimally
3Adaptability or versatility
If the entire system is updated to add new parameters, then new functionality is achieved, but update time and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update process into isolated front-end module updates rather than full system updates. This allows only the necessary parameter-specific code to be transferred and installed, significantly reducing update time and minimizing system downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary development and testing of new parameters in the front-end module before deployment. This preliminary action allows updates to be prepared offline and then quickly applied to the medical device, reducing the actual update time at the device location
Data Source
AI summary
A method and computer-readable recording media using a self-describing module for updating data in a medical monitoring device. The self-describing module includes a metadata block (MDB) that includes at least identification (ID) data and corresponding configuration data. The medical monitoring device includes a plurality of sub-systems. Associating ID data from the MDB with ID data of the plurality of sub-systems of the medical monitoring device, and then updating configuration data of at least one sub-system with the configuration data in the MDB based on the result of the association.