Implant Control Program Switching for Secure Updates and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical implants face challenges in secure communication and operation, particularly in transferring sensitive data and ensuring authorized control, due to the lack of reliable and secure methods for data transmission and program updates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an implant with an internal computing unit, memory for control programs, and a communication unit that allows switching between control programs via a reset function, which can be activated through palpation, penetration, or magnetic force, providing secure communication and operation by switching between primary and secondary control programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the implant uses updatable control programs to improve functionality and security, then the adaptability and security are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control program is divided into two separate memory areas: a first memory area storing the original control program and a second memory area storing the updated control program. This segmentation allows the implant to maintain the original program as a backup while loading the updated program, enabling secure updates without compromising the basic functionality or increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If the implant implements secure communication protocols for data transmission, then the security is improved, but the communication speed and simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts sensitive communication operations into a separate secure communication module that handles encryption, authentication, and data protection. This dedicated module processes secure communications independently from the main control flow, allowing the implant to maintain high-speed operation for non-sensitive tasks while ensuring robust security for data transmission without significantly impacting overall communication speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the implant stores multiple control programs in memory to enable secure updates, then the security and adaptability are improved, but the memory requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allocating memory spaces with different security characteristics: a first memory area for the original control program and a second memory area for the updated control program. Each memory area can be optimized for its specific purpose, allowing the system to store multiple programs without uniformly increasing memory requirements across the entire device, thus managing memory capacity efficiently while maintaining program flexibility.
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
Ensures secure data transmission and authorized control of medical implants by enabling secure communication and program updates, enhancing the reliability and security of implant operations.
Implementation Method 1
the reset function is configured to be operated by magnetic force from outside a body of a patient in which the implant is implanted
Data Source
AI summary
An implant for implanting in a patient comprising a controller connected to or comprised in the implant. The controller comprising a sensor; and a processor having a sleep mode and an active mode. The sensor is configured to measure a physiological parameter of the patient or a parameter of the implant, and the controller is further configured to, in response to a sensor measurement having a value outside of a predetermined interval, set the processor in the active mode.