Virtual Network Authentication for Secure Remote Medical Device Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote medical imaging systems face security and convenience issues in data transmission due to inadequate network security management, allowing unauthorized access and compromising device control, which exposes patients and hospital equipment to potential hazards.

Innovation Solution

A network access authentication method involving a connection authorization request, response message handling, and security rule generation to establish a virtual network connection, ensuring secure and authorized access through a virtual network server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional VPN access scheme is used, then network accessibility is improved, but network security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork accessibilityVSAvoidnetwork security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an authentication server as an intermediary between the access requester and the hospital network. This server receives authentication requests, verifies credentials against authorized user databases, and only permits access for validated users. The intermediary prevents direct unauthorized access while maintaining legitimate connectivity, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication actions before granting network access. Users must present valid credentials (passwords, certificates, or tokens) and undergo verification through the authentication server before being permitted to connect to the hospital network or access medical devices. This preliminary security check prevents unauthorized access while allowing legitimate users seamless access after initial authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multi-factor verification is implemented, then network security is improved, but authentication complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidauthentication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication server is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple authentication methods (passwords, certificates, tokens) through a single unified interface. The system can adaptively select appropriate authentication mechanisms based on user roles and access requirements, providing robust security without requiring separate systems for each authentication type. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining strong security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service authentication where users independently complete verification processes using their credentials without requiring manual intervention from administrators. The authentication server automatically validates credentials, checks authorization levels, and grants or denies access based on pre-configured policies. This automation reduces operational complexity while maintaining rigorous security standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12483551B2Network access authentication method and associated system
Publication Date: 2025.11.25 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
  • US12483551B2 patent drawing
  • US12483551B2 patent drawing
  • US12483551B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A network access authentication method including: receiving a connection authorization request from an authorizing device, the connection authorization request comprising identification information of a remote device to be authorized and identification information of a network to be accessed; sending the connection authorization request to the remote device; receiving a response message from the remote device; and assigning a virtual network server and generating a security rule on the basis of the connection authorization request, wherein the assigned virtual network server is configured to apply the security rule to establish a virtual network connection with the remote device and the network to be accessed.