Wireless Relay Module Network Switching for Remote Patient Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical data network systems face challenges in securing reliable local area network access for centralized monitoring, especially when patients are remotely located, as traditional WiFi networks may be unavailable or unreliable, and ZIGBEE networks have limited transmission ranges, making them unsuitable for off-site or ambulatory monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A wireless relay module that monitors power source and medical device characteristics, transmitting alarms and data via WiFi or ZIGBEE networks, and relays information to a centralized location through an internet-accessible wide area network, using transceivers and a processor to select the appropriate transmission path and provide backup power, alarm signals, and audible alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If WiFi network is used for centralized monitoring, then transmission range and network coverage are improved, but network availability and reliability deteriorate in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless relay module as an intermediary device that receives data from ZIGBEE medical devices and forwards it via cellular network to remote monitoring systems. This mediator enables communication between the short-range ZIGBEE network and long-range cellular network, solving the contradiction between transmission range and network availability in remote locations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If ZIGBEE network is used for medical device communication, then power consumption is reduced and network security is improved, but transmission range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into two parts: a ZIGBEE network segment for low-power medical device-to-relay communication, and a cellular network segment for high-range relay-to-remote-monitoring communication. This segmentation allows each segment to optimize for its specific function while achieving overall long-range monitoring capability.
3Reliability
If battery backup is provided in wireless relay module, then system reliability is improved during power failure, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a battery backup system in the wireless relay module that is charged during normal operation and automatically activates during power failures. This beforehand cushioning ensures continuous operation of the relay module, maintaining system reliability without requiring complex real-time power management decisions.
4Reliability
If alarm monitoring functionality is added to wireless relay module, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the wireless relay module including data transmission, alarm monitoring, battery backup, and network switching. By making the relay module universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated devices, thereby managing complexity while improving patient safety through comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
Wireless relay modules for networked communications between a medical device and a remote monitoring device via wireless relay networks and/or internet-accessible wireless communications networks. The wireless relay module includes a receiver, a first transmitter coupled to the wireless relay network, a second transmitter coupled to the internet- accessible wireless communication network, a controller and a display. The controller is coupled to the first and second transmitters, and controls the wireless relay module to select one of the transmitters for transmitting medical device data over one of the two respective networks. The controller generates an alarm signal and stores storing wirelessly-received medical device data in a memory of the wireless relay module upon detecting a changed characteristic for a power source of the wireless relay module. The controller also generates an alarm upon detecting a change in a characteristic of a signal transmitted by the medical device.