Implanted Device Communication Security Using TET Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication methods for implanted medical devices lack robust security measures against unauthorized access and interference, particularly in scenarios where high security levels are required for critical device functions or data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) link for secure energy transfer and verification key modulation, combined with asymmetric encryption over a radio channel to ensure secure communication, and adjusting security protocols based on location and user condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high security protocols are implemented for implanted device communication, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but communication complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol is segmented into multiple channels with different security levels. A first channel provides secure communication for critical operations, while a second channel provides less secure communication for non-critical data. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high security where needed without applying maximum security complexity everywhere, thus resolving the contradiction between security improvement and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality levels of security are applied locally to different communication channels based on the criticality of the data being transmitted. The first channel uses strong authentication and encryption for critical commands, while the second channel uses simpler protocols for non-critical data. This local quality approach enables the system to optimize security-performance tradeoffs for each specific communication need.
2Reliability
If strong authentication and encryption are used for device programming, then security is improved, but the time required for communication operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into two channels: a first channel for time-sensitive critical operations with optimized authentication, and a second channel for non-time-sensitive data communication with comprehensive security. This segmentation allows the system to achieve strong security without uniformly increasing communication time for all operations, as critical operations can use the optimized first channel.
Solution Approach 2:
For non-critical data transmission, the system uses partial security measures (second channel with less stringent authentication) rather than full security protocols, reducing the time required for authentication and encryption operations. This partial action approach allows the system to maintain adequate security for non-critical data while minimizing communication time for operations where maximum security is not required.
3Reliability
If comprehensive security measures are applied to all communication channels, then overall security is improved, but adaptability to different communication needs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system segments data transmission into two distinct channels: a first channel for critical operations requiring high security, and a second channel for non-critical data requiring lesser security. This segmentation enables the system to adapt security measures to the specific needs of each communication type, improving both overall security and adaptability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality security measures tailored to the specific requirements of each communication channel. The first channel implements comprehensive security for critical operations, while the second channel implements reduced security for non-critical data. This local quality approach enhances the system's adaptability to different communication needs while maintaining high security where required.
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
Enhances security by preventing unauthorized access and ensuring critical device functions are protected, while allowing emergency communication with reduced security during acute conditions.
Implementation Method 1
transferring energy over a transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) link to an implanted device by the external device
Implementation Method 2
modulating a verification key onto to said TET link by said external device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing security of an implanted device including estimating a risk to, or a need of, a user in who the device is implanted; and automatically applying, by the device, a security level regarding communication to the device and/or actions by the device according, to said estimation. In some mebdoimnts, the need is a medical need, such as an emergency situation. In some mebdoimnts the risk is assessed base don a location of the implanted device.