Wireless Tag Proximity Authentication for Healthcare Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In healthcare environments, there is a need for improved communication systems that balance patient data privacy with the need for efficient access and authentication, while also addressing concerns about electromagnetic interference with medical equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize wirelessly detectable tags to manage access to a healthcare information system by determining clinician proximity to terminals, enabling authentication, and establishing sessions securely, thereby simplifying access protocols and reducing interference risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wirelessly detectable tags are used to enable automatic proximity-based authentication, then access efficiency and communication speed are improved, but system complexity and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic authentication where the clinician's mobile device self-identifies its proximity to the terminal through wireless tag detection. The authentication process occurs automatically without manual intervention, with the system itself detecting proximity and initiating session establishment, thereby improving access efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through automated workflows
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual authentication mechanisms (physical presence verification, manual login) with wireless electromagnetic field-based proximity detection. Mobile devices use wireless tags and electromagnetic communication to automatically prove proximity, substituting mechanical verification processes with field-based detection that streamlines access while managing system complexity through standardized communication protocols
2Productivity
If wireless technology is deployed to improve clinician communication, then communication efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic interference with medical equipment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements location-aware communication where wireless signals are actively managed based on the clinician's precise location relative to the terminal and medical equipment. Proximity detection enables the system to optimize signal transmission locally, reducing electromagnetic exposure in areas with sensitive equipment while maintaining efficient communication where appropriate, thus balancing communication efficiency with interference mitigation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors clinician location through wireless tag detection and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust communication parameters. By tracking proximity to both terminals and medical equipment, the system can modulate signal strength and transmission characteristics in real-time, providing feedback-based control that maintains communication efficiency while minimizing harmful electromagnetic interference with sensitive equipment
3Ease of operation
If proximity-based automatic authentication is implemented, then access protocol complexity is reduced, but patient data security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism where the mobile device itself serves as the verification medium. The device's wireless tag and communication capabilities act as an intermediary that proves the clinician's identity and authorization level, enabling simplified automatic authentication while maintaining security through device-based verification rather than relying solely on proximity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts authentication parameters based on multiple factors including the clinician's location, the sensitivity of the terminal being accessed, and the device's authentication credentials. By changing authentication requirements according to contextual parameters, the system can simplify access to low-risk terminals while maintaining stringent security for high-risk areas, balancing ease of operation with data security through adaptive parameter modification
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances communication efficiency and security in healthcare settings by streamlining access while minimizing interference with medical equipment, thus improving patient care and data protection.
Implementation Method 1
wireless technology has the potential to provide the desired improvement in communications efficiency... the electromagnetic radiating nature of this technology
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing access to a healthcare information system of a healthcare establishment communications network. The method comprises receiving data regarding a wirelessly detectable tag associated with a clinician; determining whether the clinician is positioned relative to a terminal of the healthcare establishment communications network such that a proximity condition is satisfied based at least in part on the data regarding the wirelessly detectable tag; responsive to the proximity condition being satisfied, providing an opportunity for authentication of the clinician; and responsive to successful authentication of the clinician, establishing a session for the clinician between the terminal and the healthcare information system. The ability to detect proximity of clinician facilitates the process by which the clinician may access the healthcare information system, while the requirement for authentication of the clinician minimizes the risk of data being made available to an unauthorized party.