Out-of-band sensor pairing via human body conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical settings, the pairing of Bluetooth sensors with patient monitoring devices requires manual user intervention, which is inefficient and prone to errors, especially when multiple patients and sensors are involved, necessitating a more automated and secure method for sensor device pairing and patient identification.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of out-of-band (OOB) pairing using the human body as a communication medium for Bluetooth sensors, where a first sensor device injects a modulated signal with pairing data that is detected by other sensors, allowing automatic pairing and patient identification through correlation of physiological data, eliminating the need for manual keystrokes and ensuring secure data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual pairing of Bluetooth sensors is used, then pairing can be completed, but user intervention and keystrokes are required which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service pairing by having sensors automatically transmit their identifiers through the patient's body to the display device, eliminating the need for manual user input. The sensor device autonomously completes the pairing process by leveraging the physiological connection to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient's body serves as an intermediary medium for transmitting pairing information. The sensor device uses the patient's body to convey identification data to the display device, replacing the traditional manual pairing interface with a physiological communication channel.
2Reliability
If manual pairing is used, then pairing can be established, but errors are more likely to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device automatically transmits its identifier through the patient's body without manual intervention, eliminating typing errors and ensuring accurate pairing. The system self-corrects potential errors by using the physiological connection as a verified communication path.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical typing process is replaced with a physiological transmission mechanism. The patient's body acts as a biological communication channel, substituting the mechanical keyboard interface with a more reliable biological medium for data transmission.
3Reliability
If patient identification is required for secure data transmission, then data security is improved, but the pairing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the patient identification process with the pairing process itself. By using the patient's body as the transmission medium, the system combines security verification and device pairing into a single unified action, eliminating the need for separate identification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient's body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it is both the physiological source of medical data and the communication channel for pairing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate identification mechanisms, simplifying the overall process while maintaining security.
4Productivity
If automatic pairing is implemented, then user intervention is reduced, but a new pairing mechanism is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the patient's body as a new intermediary medium for automatic pairing. This physiological mediator enables automatic identification and connection without requiring complex software protocols or additional hardware components beyond what already exists in the sensor and display device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves automatic pairing through self-service mechanisms where the sensor device autonomously transmits its identifier through the patient's body. The pairing process requires no external intervention or complex configuration, leveraging the inherent physiological connection for automatic device recognition and connection.
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 method automates the pairing process of Bluetooth sensors in personal area networks, reduces user intervention, ensures secure data transmission, and accurately identifies patients by correlating physiological data, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in medical monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
Body composition data obtained using the first sensor device is analyzed to determine whether the first and second sensor devices are attached to the same patient
Implementation Method 2
The out-of-band pairing data is injected into the patient's body by a second sensor device disposed on the patient's body
Implementation Method 3
The first and second physiological data of the first and second sensor devices are correlated. A determination is made whether the first and second sensor devices are associated with the same patient based on correlation of the first and second physiological data
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically adding a first sensor device to a first personal area network in a healthcare application includes receiving a signal with out-of-band pairing data at the first sensor device. The first sensor device is disposed on a patient's body. The out-of-band pairing data is injected into the patient's body by a second sensor device disposed on the patient's body. Pairing data is extracted from the received signal at the first sensor device. Using the pairing data, the first sensor device is added to the first personal area.