Implant Communication Reset Logic for Secure Program Updates
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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 for switching between control programs via a reset function, which can be triggered by palpation, penetration, or magnetic force, and provides feedback mechanisms for secure operation and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 to sensitive data and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control programs into a first control program and a second control program, with the ability to switch between them. This segmentation allows the implant to maintain updated control programs while preserving a fallback secure program, thereby enabling adaptability without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reset function as an intermediary mechanism that controls the switching between control programs. This intermediary ensures that program switching and updates are managed through a controlled process, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining the ability to update and adapt the implant's functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the reset function can be triggered by external means such as magnetic force, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability decreases due to potential unauthorized triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by requiring a specific duration of magnetic force application (e.g., exceeding 2 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds) to trigger the reset function. This temporal parameter threshold ensures that accidental or unauthorized brief exposures to magnetic fields do not activate the reset function, while still allowing intentional activation when the magnetic force is applied for the required duration.
3Ease of operation
If the implant communicates wirelessly with external devices, then the ease of operation and data transfer are improved, but the security risk increases due to potential interception and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the reset function as an intermediary control mechanism that manages wireless communication operations. By controlling when and how the implant switches between control programs and activates communication modes, the system enables convenient wireless data transfer while maintaining security through controlled access management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple control programs with different security levels and communication protocols. Before wireless communication occurs, the appropriate control program is already prepared and can be activated through the reset function, ensuring that secure communication parameters are established in advance rather than during the communication process.
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 communication and operation of medical implants by enabling reliable data transmission and program updates while preventing unauthorized access, ensuring that only authorized users can control the implant.
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
The present disclosure relates to a method of communicating instructions from an external device to an implant implanted in a patient. The present disclosure further relates to an associated implant, a computer program product and a system. The method comprising combining a first set of instructions with a previously transmitted set of instructions, forming a first combined set of instructions, transmitting the first combined set of instructions to the implant, verifying the authenticity of the first combined set of instructions by extracting the previously transmitted set of instructions from the first combined set of instructions, comparing the extracted previously transmitted set of instructions with previously received instructions stored in the implant, and running the first set of instructions at the implant and storing at least the first set of instructions in the implant, to be used as previously received instructions for verifying a subsequent received set of instructions.