Surgical Generator Wireless Channels for Secure Device Licensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical systems face challenges with operability and maneuverability due to cabling, and there is a need for improved flexibility and registration of licenses for medical devices with separate functionalities.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a surgical device system with wireless communication channels, including a first communication channel for operational data exchange using IEEE 802.11 (WIFI), Bluetooth, or ZigBee, and a second communication channel using NFC or RFID for device identification and setup, along with a wireless license tag for secure license registration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If components are connected via cabling for communication, then reliable data exchange is achieved, but operability and maneuverability deteriorate due to bulkiness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cabling with wireless communication systems (RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) to enable data exchange between surgical components without physical connections. This substitution eliminates cables while maintaining communication reliability through multiple wireless protocols and authentication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If wireless communication is used to improve maneuverability, then ease of operation is improved, but communication security and reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidcommunication security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication layer using wireless license tags and coded communication channels. These intermediaries verify device identities and establish secure connections before data exchange, ensuring that wireless communication maintains security and reliability while preserving maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes communication parameters such as frequency hopping, encryption keys, and authentication codes to enhance security. By varying these parameters, the system prevents unauthorized access and maintains reliable secure communication in wireless environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functionalities are integrated into medical devices, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal communication interfaces that support multiple protocols (RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) and enable a single device to perform various functions including data exchange, authentication, and device identification. This multi-functionality approach allows surgical systems to integrate diverse components without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances flexibility and safety in surgical systems by reducing bulkiness and enabling secure, efficient communication and license management, ensuring all required devices are present and authorized for procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The second communication channel may be a Radio Frequency Identification 'RFID' channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification):

Implementation Method 2

The second communication channel may be a Near Field Communication 'NFC' channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNFC (Near Field Communication):

Implementation Method 3

The first communication channel may be a 'Bluetooth' communication channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBluetooth wireless communication:

Implementation Method 4

The first communication channel may be an IEEE 802.11 'WIFI' communication channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) wireless communication:

Data Source

PatentUS12354457B2Surgical device system, method of operating the same, and wireless license tag

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH

AI summary

A surgical device system, and methods for operating a surgical device system, includes: at least one surgical instrument, a surgical generator for providing surgical energy to at least one surgical instrument, and at least one supplementary device for providing a supplementary function to at least one of the surgical generator and/or the at least one surgical instrument; the surgical generator being configured to wirelessly communicate with the at least one supplementary device, wherein the surgical generator and the at least one supplementary device are configured to establish a first communication channel for exchanging operational data, the first communication being defined by a number of first communication channel parameters; and wherein the surgical generator the at least one supplementary device are configured to establish a second communication channel for exchanging first communication channel parameters.