Implant Control Program Updates with Verified Secure Communication

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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 secure data transfer and control operations.

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 of control program

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation of the digital signature before executing the updated control program. The computing unit verifies the signature against the stored public key in advance, ensuring the program's authenticity and integrity before it is activated, thus preventing malicious code injection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A cryptographic signature mechanism acts as an intermediary between the external device and the implant's control program execution. The signature serves as a trusted mediator that validates the program's origin and integrity, allowing secure updates without direct trust in the communication channel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the implant uses wireless communication for data transfer, then the ease of operation and remote control are improved, but the security vulnerability increases due to potential eavesdropping and unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidunauthorized access to data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Cryptographic authentication mechanisms serve as intermediaries that verify the identities of communicating parties before allowing data transfer. The implant and external device mutually authenticate using cryptographic credentials, ensuring that only authorized devices can communicate wirelessly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical security measures with cryptographic authentication for wireless communication security. Instead of relying on physical access control, the system uses mathematical cryptography to authenticate devices and encrypt data, providing security in the wireless domain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the implant allows external programming and control, then the versatility and functionality are improved, but the risk of malicious control and data theft increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal control capabilityVSAvoidmalicious control of implant

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication of the external device before allowing any programming or control operations. The implant verifies the credentials of the external device in advance, ensuring that only authorized users can program or control the implant, thus preventing malicious control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20230372719A1Methods and devices for secure communication with and operation of an implant

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 FORSELL PETER

AI summary

An implant comprising an internal computing unit configured to control a function of said implant. The internal computing unit comprises an internal memory configured to store: a first control program for controlling the internal computing unit, and a second, configurable or updatable, with predefined program steps, control program for controlling said function of said implant, and a set of predefined program steps for updating the second control program. The internal computing unit further comprises an internal communication unit connected to said internal computing unit and configured to communicate with an external device, wherein said internal computing unit is configured to receive an update to the second control program via said internal communication unit, and a verification function of, connected to, or transmitted to said internal computing unit, said verification function being configured to verify that the received update to the second control program comprises program steps comprised in the set of predefined program steps.