Wearable Digit Authentication for Diagnostic Chain of Custody
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing at-home diagnostic equipment for sleep-related and respiratory disorders is susceptible to intentional and unintentional manipulation, compromising the integrity of test results.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a wearable diagnostic device and a tag with an anti-tamper authentication feature, coupled with a user device, to establish and manage a chain of custody by authenticating the intended test subject through sensor data analysis and interaction with the anti-tamper feature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If at-home diagnostic equipment is made accessible for convenient testing, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication intermediary system consisting of a unique identifier tag and authentication algorithm that mediates between the test subject and the diagnostic device. This intermediary verifies the identity of the user before allowing device operation, preventing unauthorized use while maintaining convenient at-home testing. The tag acts as a mediator that ensures only the intended subject can operate the equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the authentication system provides confirmation to the diagnostic device about the validity of the user identity. The diagnostic device receives authentication results and adjusts its operation accordingly - either proceeding with the test if authenticated or preventing operation if not authenticated. This feedback loop ensures reliability while maintaining ease of use for authorized users.
2Reliability
If authentication systems are implemented to verify subject identity, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication functionality into a separate, dedicated component - the unique identifier tag - rather than integrating it into the main diagnostic device. This extraction simplifies the diagnostic device by removing authentication complexity from it, while the tag handles identity verification independently. The authentication algorithm acts as another extracted component that processes the tag information.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication tag is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced or reset. Rather than implementing complex, expensive authentication hardware in the diagnostic device, the system uses a simple tag that stores identification information. This approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable authentication.
3Reliability
If monitoring systems are added to detect device removal, then reliability is improved through chain of custody management, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the device removal detection functionality with the existing authentication tag system. The same tag that verifies user identity also serves as the basis for detecting whether the device is still being worn. The processor combines authentication verification with wear-status monitoring into a unified system, reducing overall complexity while improving chain of custody management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving sensor data from a device worn on one or more digits of a test subject. The method including determining physiological parameter(s) from at least a first portion of the sensor data acquired during a test session. The method including associating the determined physiological parameter(s) with the testing session. The method including authenticating the device by i) determining identification data using at least a second portion of the sensor data, the identification data including identifiable characteristic(s) of the one or more digits; ii) accessing authentication data that includes one or more authentication characteristics; and iii) comparing the identification data with the authentication data to determine a match to authenticate the device. The method including generating a chain of custody determination based at least in part on the authentication of the device. The method including associating the chain of custody determination with the testing session.