Implant Communication Authentication Using Dual Wireless Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for secure and reliable communication methods to protect sensitive data transmitted to and from medical implants, ensuring that only authorized users can access and control these devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual wireless transceiver system in both external and implantable medical devices, utilizing different network protocols (UWB and standard protocols like Bluetooth) for secure communication, distance determination, and authentication based on RSSI, along with encryption and authentication mechanisms to ensure secure data transfer and device operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single wireless transceiver is used for communication, then device complexity is reduced, but security and reliability of data transfer deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system is segmented into two separate transceivers: a first wireless transceiver for distance determination using a first network protocol, and a second wireless transceiver for data transfer using a second network protocol. This segmentation allows each transceiver to be optimized for its specific function, with the distance determination transceiver providing security verification before enabling data transfer through the second transceiver, thereby improving overall security without requiring a single complex multi-protocol transceiver.
2Reliability
If distance determination and data transfer use the same protocol, then device complexity is reduced, but authentication security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates distance determination and data transfer into different protocol channels. The first wireless transceiver uses a first network protocol specifically for distance determination and authentication, while the second wireless transceiver uses a second network protocol for data transfer. This protocol segmentation ensures that authentication security is not compromised by sharing the same communication channel, as each protocol can be independently secured and optimized for its specific purpose.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication range is extended, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
Before enabling data transfer through the second wireless transceiver, the system performs preliminary distance determination using the first wireless transceiver. The external device and implantable device measure the distance between them, and authentication is only permitted if the distance is within a predetermined threshold. This preliminary verification action ensures that even if the communication range is extended for ease of operation, unauthorized access is prevented by requiring proximity verification before allowing data transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for powering an implant for a human patient and a method for powering an implant for a human patient. Wherein said apparatus comprises an implantable energy source for providing energy to the implant, an energy provider connected to the implantable energy source and connected to an energy consuming part of the implant, the energy provider being configured to store energy to provide a burst of energy to the energy consuming part, wherein the energy provider is configured to be charged by the implantable energy source and to provide the energy consuming part with electrical power during startup of the energy consuming part.