Uploading data from an isolated system without compromising isolation
A data transfer apparatus (“DTA”) connects to the field generator in a TTFields therapy system using the same connector on the field generator that is used to connect a transducer interface to the field generator. The field generator automatically determines whether the transducer interface or the DTA is connected to it. When the transducer interface is connected to the field generator, the field generator operates to deliver TTFields therapy to a patient. On the other hand, when the DTA is connected to the field generator, the field generator transfers patient-treatment data to the DTA, and the DTA accepts the data from the field generator. After the field generator and the DTA have been disconnected, the DTA transmits the data to a remote server, e.g., via the Internet or via cellular data transmission.
1. A data transfer apparatus for use in association with a field generator of a TTFields (tumor-treating fields) therapy system, the field generator having a first connector that is used to output AC signals and convey serial data, the data transfer apparatus comprising:
a serial data transceiver;
a memory;
a modem;
a second connector configured to interface with the first connector; and
a controller programmed to execute instructions that cause the data transfer apparatus to execute the following steps:
(1) determining that the field generator has been connected to the data transfer apparatus;
(2) after determining that the field generator has been connected to the data transfer apparatus, causing the serial data transceiver to accept serial data from the field generator and to store the accepted data in the memory, wherein the accepted data is data relating to treatment of a patient using TTFields;
(3) after accepting the data from the field generator, determining whether the field generator has been disconnected from the data transfer apparatus; and
(4) after determining that the field generator has been disconnected from the data transfer apparatus, retrieving data relating to treatment of a patient using TTFields from the memory and causing the modem to transmit the retrieved data to a remote server.
2. The data transfer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is programmed to cause the field generator to clear TTFields treatment-related data that has been stored in the field generator once all data relating to treatment of a patient using TTFields has been accepted.
3. The data transfer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the modem is configured to transmit data via the Internet.
4. The data transfer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the modem is configured to transmit data via a cellular data network.
5. The data transfer apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a switch that actuates upon physical connection of another device to the data transfer apparatus, wherein the controller is programmed to determine that the field generator has been connected to the data transfer apparatus by detecting a state of the switch.
6. The data transfer apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the controller is programmed to determine that the field generator has been disconnected from the data transfer apparatus by detecting the state of the switch.
7. The data transfer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the connection between the field generator and the data transfer apparatus interface is implemented by mating the second connector directly to the first connector.
8. The data transfer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the connection between the field generator and the data transfer apparatus interface is implemented by connecting a cable between the second connector and the first connector.