Wearable Biosensor NFC-BLE Pairing for Low-Power Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-use wearable sensors face energy consumption issues during storage and require efficient wireless communication methods to conserve battery life and ensure secure data transmission, particularly in applications like continuous glucose monitoring where devices may be stored for extended periods before activation.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antennas to receive data signals, enable network connections, and transmit glucose information, using intermediate coil antennas to extend communication range and facilitate secure pairing with remote devices, thereby conserving energy and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the sensor remains in low power mode during storage, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device cannot perform necessary functions like wireless communication when activated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments wireless communication into two distinct modes: NFC for initial pairing and BLE for ongoing data transmission. This allows the device to use NFC only when needed for authentication, then switch to BLE for energy-efficient continuous operation, resolving the contradiction between energy savings and communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary authentication and pairing actions via NFC before activating full wireless communication. By completing security verification in advance during the NFC phase, the device can then operate in low-power BLE mode without needing to maintain high readiness states, thus saving energy while maintaining communication versatility.
2Reliability
If NFC is used for authentication, then security is enhanced through proximity-based verification, but the communication range is limited to very close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses NFC as an intermediary for secure authentication, then transitions to BLE as the primary communication channel. NFC serves as a trusted mediator that verifies proximity and identity before establishing the longer-range BLE connection, thus maintaining security while extending effective communication range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary authentication via NFC at close proximity to establish security credentials, then uses these pre-established credentials for longer-range BLE communication. This preliminary security action at close range enables subsequent extended-range communication without compromising security.
3Use of energy by moving object
If BLE is used for data transmission, then energy consumption is reduced compared to continuous WiFi, but the authentication process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process into two distinct phases: NFC-based proximity verification and BLE-based credential exchange. This segmentation allows each protocol to handle specific authentication tasks it is optimized for, simplifying the overall process while maintaining security and reducing energy consumption during data transmission.
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
This approach reduces energy consumption by activating sensors only when in use, simplifies pairing with remote devices, and ensures secure data transmission, particularly in healthcare applications where proximity-based authentication enhances security compliance.
Implementation Method 1
a Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna configured to receive NFC signals
Implementation Method 2
a second antenna configured to receive Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless signals
Implementation Method 3
the second applicator coil antenna is configured to receive EM energy from the first applicator coil antenna and wirelessly transmit at least a second portion of the received EM energy to the biosensor coil antenna
Data Source
AI summary
One example system includes a biosensor applicator having a housing defining a cavity configured to receive and physically couple to a biosensor device, and to apply the biosensor device to a wearer; an applicator coil antenna oriented around a first axis; and a biosensor device including a biosensor coil antenna; a first wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the biosensor coil antenna; a Bluetooth antenna; and a second wireless transceiver coupled to the Bluetooth antenna; wherein the biosensor device is physically coupled to the biosensor applicator and positioned at least partially within the cavity; and wherein the applicator coil antenna is configured to wirelessly receive electromagnetic (“EM”) energy from a remote coil antenna and wirelessly provide at least a first portion of the received EM energy to the biosensor coil antenna.