Implant Program Switching for Secure Communication Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for secure and reliable communication methods for medical implants to protect sensitive data and ensure authorized control, as existing technologies lack effective solutions for secure data transfer and program updates.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an implant with an internal computing unit, a reset function, and a communication unit that allows switching between control programs, using wireless or conductive communication, and encryption methods to ensure secure data transfer and authorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the implant stores multiple control programs and allows updates, then the adaptability and functionality of the implant are improved, but the security risk increases due to potential unauthorized access and malicious code injection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram update capabilityVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control program is divided into a first control program (stored in first memory area) and a second control program (stored in second memory area). The first control program acts as a secure baseline that cannot be overwritten, while the second control program can be updated. This segmentation allows program updates while maintaining security through the immutable first control program.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The implant is configured to automatically switch to the first control program upon detecting a reset function activation or potential security threat. This pre-prepared fallback mechanism provides security cushioning before actual compromise occurs, ensuring the implant can recover from malicious code injection or unauthorized updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the implant includes a reset function for switching control programs, then the reliability and security are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcontrol structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reset function is designed to be operable through simple external stimuli such as magnetic force application or palpation of the skin overlying the implant. The implant automatically detects these stimuli and executes the program switching without requiring complex authentication or control mechanisms, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If secure communication protocols and encryption are implemented, then the security is improved, but the use of energy and communication time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcommunication energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Encryption and secure communication protocols are applied selectively to only the critical data and control signals that require security protection, rather than encrypting all communications. This partial application of security measures reduces energy consumption and communication overhead while still protecting the most sensitive information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 solution provides secure communication and control of medical implants by enabling secure data transfer, program updates, and authorized access, 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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the internal communication unit is configured to be in electrical connection with said external device and communicate with said external device using a body of a patient, in which the implant is implanted, as a conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction through body: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20230390564A1Methods and devices for secure communication with and operation of an implant

Publication Date: 2023.12.07 FORSELL PETER

AI summary

A method for transmitting an instruction from a first external device to an implant. The method comprising transmitting an instruction for the implant from the first external device to a second external device, the instruction relating to a function of the implant. The method further comprising encrypting, at the second external device and using a first encryption key, the instruction into an encrypted instruction, and transmitting the encrypted instruction from the second external device to the implant. The method further comprising decrypting, at the implant, the instructions using a second encryption key corresponding to the first encryption key.