Unidirectional Data Transfer for Neuromodulation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation systems face challenges in ensuring secure and controlled data transfer, particularly due to data interference and bidirectional communication, which can lead to invalid commands and energy inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system with a connection managing module that enables only unidirectional data transfer between devices, preventing data interference and allowing secure, controlled data transmission, while also reducing energy consumption through selective temporal connections and encryption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bidirectional communication is implemented between devices, then ease of operation is improved, but data interference and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into unidirectional communication channels between devices. Each device can transmit data to others but cannot receive data back, eliminating bidirectional communication that causes data interference. This segmentation maintains operational ease while preventing reliability issues through one-way data flow architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implementing traditional bidirectional communication where devices can both send and receive data, the system inverts the approach by allowing only unidirectional transmission. Data flows in one direction only, preventing the interference that occurs when multiple devices attempt simultaneous two-way communication.
2Speed
If continuous connection between devices is maintained, then real-time data transfer is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic activation of communication connections rather than continuous connection. Devices establish unidirectional communication channels only when data transfer is needed, then disconnect or enter low-power mode. This periodic action maintains real-time data transfer capability when required while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous connection.
3Reliability
If encryption is implemented for secure data transfer, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption functionality is merged into the existing unidirectional communication framework rather than being implemented as a separate complex system. By combining security measures with the already-simplified unidirectional data transfer architecture, the system achieves secure data transfer while minimizing additional device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system (10) for planning and/or controlling neuromodulation, at least comprising: a medical device (12), an intermediate computing device (14), a first user input terminal (18), a second user input terminal (16), wherein the medical device (12), the intermediate computing device (14), the first user input terminal (18) and/or the second user input terminal (16) are at least temporarily connected, wherein the system further comprises at least one connection managing module (20), wherein the at least one connection managing module (20) is configured and arranged for - allowing only unidirectional connection and/or unidirectional data transfer between the intermediate computing device (14) and the first user input terminal (18), the intermediate computing device (14) and the second user input terminal (16) and/or the first user input terminal (18) and the second user input terminal (16), - providing only connection and/or data transfer between the intermediate computing device (14) and the first user input terminal (18) and/or the intermediate computing device (14) and the second user input terminal (16) when there is no connection and/or data transfer between the first user input terminal (18) and the second user input terminal (16). The invention also relates to methods for planning and/or controlling neuromodulation.