Implant Program Switching for Secure Dual-Channel 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 authentication methods such as palpation, penetration, or magnetic force to manage data security and program updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the implant stores multiple control programs and allows switching between them, then the adaptability and security of the implant are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control software is segmented into multiple separate control programs stored in internal memory. Each program can be independently executed, allowing the implant to switch between different functional states or security levels without requiring complete reprogramming, thus managing complexity through modular software organization
Solution Approach 2:
The internal computing unit is designed to universally execute different control programs from a common memory storage. This multi-functional capability allows a single hardware platform to perform multiple functions by loading different programs, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing hardware complexity
2Reliability
If the implant uses secure authentication methods such as magnetic force recognition, then data security and authorized control are improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field serves as an intermediary authentication mechanism between the external device and the implant. The magnetic field carries authentication information without requiring direct physical contact or complex user interactions, thus maintaining security while simplifying the authentication process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or contact-based authentication methods with magnetic field-based authentication. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connectors or complex manual authentication sequences, improving both security and ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the implant allows wireless or conductive communication for program updates, then the ease of updating and adaptability are improved, but the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches increases
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication and security verification are performed preliminarily before allowing any program updates or data transfers. The system verifies the authenticity of incoming communication and the authorization of the requesting device before executing any update operations, thus preventing unauthorized access while maintaining update capability
Solution Approach 2:
Secure communication protocols act as intermediaries between the implant and external devices. These protocols encrypt data transfers and verify authentication tokens during wireless or conductive communication, allowing program updates while protecting against unauthorized access
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 switching between control programs and using authentication methods, ensuring secure data transfer and authorized operation, thereby protecting sensitive information and maintaining implant functionality.
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
A method for updating a control program of an internal computing unit comprised in an implant. The implant is adapted for communication with a first external device and a second external device. The method comprising: receiving, by the internal computing unit, an update, configuration or instruction to the control program from the first external device, wherein the update, configuration or instruction is received using a first communication channel. The method further comprises installing, by the internal computing unit, the update configuration or instruction; and transmitting, by the internal computing unit, logging data relating to the receipt of the update or configuration and/or logging data relating to an installation of the update to the second external device using the second communication channel. The first and the second communication channels are different communication channels.