Body Area Network Security via Bioelectric Signal Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Body area networks (BANs) using the human body as a conductive medium for secure communications are vulnerable to security breaches due to close proximity between individuals, allowing unauthorized access and data interception.
Innovation Solution
Implementing recurring exchanges of security test signals between body-carried devices to measure bioelectric characteristics, using these characteristics to verify identity and adapt to changes over time, with mechanisms like password requests or device repositioning for verification when significant changes occur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If body area networks use the human body as a conductive medium for communications, then security is improved compared to wireless RF, but vulnerability to security breaches occurs when persons are in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors bioelectric characteristics through recurring exchanges of security test signals and compares them against stored baseline characteristics. This feedback mechanism detects when an unauthorized device is introduced into the body area network by identifying deviations in the electrical characteristics of the body tissues, enabling real-time security verification and automatic disconnection of unauthorized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The body itself serves as both the communication medium and the security verification mechanism. The unique bioelectric characteristics of each person's body tissues automatically provide authentication without requiring external verification systems, making the security mechanism intrinsic to the communication process rather than an add-on feature.
2Reliability
If security test signals are exchanged recurringly to verify bioelectric characteristics, then security is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security test signals serve multiple functions simultaneously: they verify the identity of the body, establish communication parameters, and synchronize devices in the body area network. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate security verification protocols and minimizes additional complexity while maintaining robust security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in bioelectric characteristics over time and adapts to normal variations (such as those caused by movement, hydration levels, or temperature) while detecting significant deviations that indicate security breaches. This parameter-based approach uses simple threshold comparisons rather than complex analysis algorithms, keeping the verification mechanism relatively simple.
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 security by ensuring only authorized devices can communicate through the body, preventing unauthorized access and maintaining secure data transmission even in close proximity scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the skin and/or other tissues of the body are employed as a conductive medium to convey signals between electronic devices disposed in close proximity to the body
Implementation Method 2
exchange security test signals of known signal characteristics to measure bioelectric characteristics of the body subject to the transform
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques to form and maintain secure communications among two or more body-carried devices disposed in close proximity to the body of a person to form a body area network (BAN). An apparatus to establish secure communications includes a processor component; a signal component for execution by the processor component to compare a signal characteristic of a security test signal to a known signal characteristic of the security test signal to derive a bioelectric characteristic, the security test signal received via a tissue; and a bioelectric component for execution by the processor component to determine whether to allow transmission of data through the tissue based on the bioelectric characteristic. Other embodiments are described and claimed.