Implantable Medical Device Far-Field Pairing via Charger Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device communication systems are vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks during the public key exchange process, especially in implantable medical devices that lack input capabilities, making secure pairing and encryption challenging without increasing device complexity or size.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a far-field communication protocol that allows an implantable medical device to transition into pairing mode only when a wireless charger is in proximity, enabling secure key exchange and communication by generating a link encryption key based on public keys from both devices, thereby reducing the risk of eavesdropping and attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If public key exchange is performed during pairing mode, then secure communication can be established, but the device becomes vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the public key exchange and pairing procedure only after confirming the wireless charger is in proximity to the implantable medical device. This preliminary proximity verification action prevents man-in-the-middle attacks by ensuring the pairing occurs in a controlled environment where only authorized devices can intercept communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless charger acts as an intermediary device that mediates the pairing process between the implantable medical device and external devices. By requiring the charger's presence as a trusted intermediary, the system establishes a secure pairing channel without exposing the device to unauthorized key exchange attempts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pairing mode is always available, then device connectivity is improved, but security risks increase due to potential eavesdropping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically controls the pairing mode availability based on the proximity of the wireless charger. The pairing mode is enabled only when the charger is detected in proximity, creating a dynamic security posture that adapts to the physical environment rather than maintaining a static always-on pairing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different operational qualities to different spatial zones around the device. In the local zone where the wireless charger is present, pairing is permitted with full security features. Outside this localized secure zone, pairing is restricted, creating a spatially-dependent security policy that maintains connectivity where needed while preventing eavesdropping in unauthorized areas.
3Reliability
If proximity-based pairing control is implemented, then security against eavesdropping is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable medical device autonomously monitors for the presence of the wireless charger and automatically transitions between pairing and non-pairing modes based on this detection. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex manual pairing protocols or additional security hardware, as the device itself manages the security state based on simple proximity sensing.
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 enhances the security of medical device communication by restricting pairing to a controlled environment, ensuring secure key generation and communication without increasing device complexity or size, and providing protection against man-in-the-middle attacks.
Implementation Method 1
an external device (i.e., a wireless charger) provides recharge energy over a proximity coupling, which is typically inductive, to the implantable medical device
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a method includes transitioning, responsive to determining that a charging coil of wireless charger is in proximity of an implantable medical device (IMD) and by the IMD, from operating in a non-pairing mode into a pairing mode of a far-field wireless communication protocol. In this example, operating in the paring mode comprises: receiving, by the IMD and via a transceiver of the far-field wireless communication protocol, a public encryption key from another device that is different than the wireless charger; and determining, based on the public encryption key of the other device and a public encryption key of the IMD, a link encryption key for future communication between the IMD and the other device. In this example, the method further includes communicating, by the IMD and based on the link encryption key, with the other device via the far-field wireless communication protocol.