Dialysis Machine Secure Wireless Pairing via Passkey Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dialysis machines face challenges in establishing a secure wireless connection with external medical equipment, which is vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and synchronization issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a short-range communication interface and control unit in dialysis machines and external medical equipment, which uses a first shared key to establish a wireless connection and generates a second shared key for enhanced authentication, ensuring only trusted devices communicate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless interface is used for communication between dialysis machine and external medical equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to vulnerability to man-in-the-middle attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a secure connection before actual communication occurs. The dialysis machine and external medical equipment perform mutual authentication and establish encrypted communication channels prior to data exchange, preventing man-in-the-middle attacks while maintaining wireless convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism between the dialysis machine and external medical equipment. This intermediary layer verifies device identities and establishes secure communication protocols, acting as a mediator that enables wireless communication while blocking unauthorized access attempts.
2Ease of operation
If standardized communication protocols are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened due to risk of communication with unintended devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing device-specific authentication credentials and identification markers. While standardized protocols enable general compatibility, each device possesses unique local qualities (authentication keys, device IDs) that ensure it only communicates with intended partners, preventing unauthorized device connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the dialysis machine and external medical equipment continuously verify each other's identities during the authentication process. This feedback loop ensures that even if standardized protocols are used, devices can detect and reject communication attempts from unintended devices.
3Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are added to ensure security, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automated authentication mechanisms where the dialysis machine and external medical equipment perform mutual verification without requiring user intervention. The authentication process is self-contained within the devices, using pre-configured credentials and automated protocols, thereby enhancing security while avoiding the complexity of manual authentication systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to establishing secure communication between a dialysis machine and medical equipment. In an example, a dialysis machine includes a control unit configured to establish a short-range wireless connection with external medical equipment. The control unit establishes the short-range wireless connection by causing a user interface to display a prompt to enter a passkey associated with medical equipment, using the received passkey to pair with the medical equipment, and creating a new bonding table or writing to an empty bonding table using the passkey. The control unit is also configured to generate a shared key using the passkey and at least one predetermined criterion and use the shared key to authenticate with the medical equipment. When authentication with the medical equipment is successful, the control unit enables data communication using the short-range connection with the medical equipment.