Wireless Relay Module for Medical Device Network Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized monitoring systems for medical devices face challenges in establishing reliable communication networks, especially when patients are remotely located, due to limitations in traditional WiFi networks and the need for secure data transmission compliant with HIPAA regulations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless relay module that facilitates networked communications between medical devices and remote monitoring devices using a combination of local area networks like ZIGBEE and internet-accessible wireless wide-area networks (WWANs), with secure data transmission using encryption, and automatic routing to ensure data reaches remote monitoring devices even when direct WWAN access is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional WiFi networks are used for centralized monitoring, then network coverage and data transmission capability are improved, but network security and HIPAA compliance become problematic due to insufficient access control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless relay module as an intermediary device between medical devices and the centralized monitoring system. This relay module establishes a dedicated wireless connection that bypasses the need for general WiFi network access, thereby maintaining data transmission capability while enhancing network security through controlled access points
2Use of energy by moving object
If ZIGBEE networks are used for wireless communication, then power consumption is reduced and device battery life is extended, but transmission range is limited to several hundred feet making off-site monitoring impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless relay module acts as a mediator that receives data from low-power ZIGBEE transceivers and forwards it through cellular or other wide-area networks to remote monitoring locations. This allows medical devices to maintain low power consumption while extending the effective transmission range beyond several hundred feet to off-site locations
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimension local wireless network (ZIGBEE) to a multi-dimensional communication architecture that combines local ZIGBEE transmission with remote cellular/WWAN connectivity, enabling both low power consumption and extended transmission range across different spatial dimensions
3Adaptability or versatility
If patients are located remotely from critical care centers, then patient care accessibility is improved, but reliable network access for monitoring becomes unavailable or insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless relay module is designed with multi-functionality to operate in various network environments. It can receive data from ZIGBEE networks locally and transmit through multiple alternative pathways including cellular networks, satellite communication, or other available wide-area networks, ensuring reliable monitoring connectivity regardless of patient location
4Reliability
If secure data transmission is implemented to comply with HIPAA regulations, then data security is improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless relay module serves as a security intermediary that implements encryption and secure communication protocols between medical devices and the monitoring system. By concentrating security functions in this dedicated relay device, the system achieves HIPAA compliance without requiring complex security implementations across all medical devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless relay module for networked communications between a series of medical devices and a remote monitoring device. An interface circuit coupled to each medical device communicates with the wireless relay module via a wireless relay network. The relay module communicates with the remote monitoring device over an internet-accessible wireless communication network. The controller determines a status of the networks. When the status indicates that the internet-accessible wireless communications network is available, a transmitter transmits medical device data over this network. When the internet-accessible wireless communications network is not accessible, another transmitter transmits the data to another wireless relay module. In addition, the controller obtains status information the two networks, and either transmits this information to one of the medical devices or prepares the information for display on a display of the wireless relay module.