Wearable Mounting Unit for Privacy-Safe Patient Data Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices for collecting patient data face challenges in ensuring data privacy and security, particularly when distributed outside clinical settings, as personal information is at risk of compromise during handling and transmission.
Innovation Solution
A wearable activity parameter collecting device uses a measurement session identifier instead of patient-specific identifiers, coupled with a mounting unit that stores encryption keys, allowing data to be collected and stored without revealing personal information, and ensuring secure transmission and access only with patient consent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If patient-specific identifiers are used in wearable devices, then data can be directly linked to patients for personalized evaluation, but data privacy and security are compromised during device handling and transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distributor as an intermediary entity that handles devices without accessing patient-specific data. The distributor configures and distributes devices using generic identifiers, while patient-specific linking is established later through secure consent-based processes. This intermediary structure allows device management while protecting patient privacy from exposure to third parties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts patient-specific identifiers from the device configuration process. Instead of embedding patient IDs in devices during distribution, the system uses generic device identifiers that are later linked to patients through a secure consent-based registration process. This separation removes sensitive data from the device handling chain.
2Ease of operation
If third-party distributors handle device distribution and data upload, then device management and logistics are simplified, but patient personal information is exposed to multiple parties in the distribution chain
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor acts as a trusted intermediary that handles device logistics without accessing patient data. The system architecture allows distributors to manage device distribution and initial configuration using non-sensitive identifiers, while patient-specific data linking occurs through secure, consent-based processes that prevent unauthorized data exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs single-use or disposable device components that are pre-configured with generic identifiers. These devices can be distributed and disposed of without requiring complex security measures during handling, as they cannot be traced back to specific patients without the secure consent-based linking process.
3Productivity
If patient identifiers are preconfigured in devices, then data collection and storage are straightforward, but the risk of data compromise increases during device transit and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes patient-specific identifiers from the device preconfiguration process. Devices are distributed with generic identifiers only, and patient-specific data linking is performed later through a secure, consent-based registration process. This extraction eliminates the security vulnerability of having patient data embedded in devices during distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary device configuration with generic identifiers before distribution, allowing efficient device setup and logistics. Patient-specific data linking is then established in a controlled, secure environment after consent is obtained, separating the efficiency-critical distribution phase from the security-critical data linking phase.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a wearable activity parameter collecting device, a mounting unit for detachably mounting the wearable activity parameter collecting device to a wearable device and to a system comprising the wearable activity parameter collecting device and the mounting unit.