Implant Program Segmentation for Secure Control and 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
An implant with an internal computing unit and communication unit that allows switching between control programs, using a reset function triggered by palpation, magnetic force, or other means, and enables encrypted communication with external devices using wireless transceivers and conductive connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the implant uses updatable control programs to improve functionality and security, then the adaptability and security are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control program is divided into multiple segments stored in separate memory areas (first memory area for original program, second memory area for updated program). This segmentation allows the implant to load and execute different program versions independently, enabling updates without overwriting the entire program and reducing the risk of corruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The updated control program is received, validated, and stored in the second memory area before being activated. The system performs preliminary checks including verifying data integrity through checksums and confirming authorized transmission. Only after successful validation is the updated program switched to, preventing execution of malicious or corrupted code.
2Reliability
If the implant implements secure communication protocols with external devices, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external device as an intermediary that handles complex cryptographic operations including key generation, data encryption, and authentication. The implant contains cryptographic credentials but delegates the computationally intensive security operations to the external device, maintaining security while simplifying the implant's operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multi-factor authentication and multiple verification steps including checksum validation, authorized transmission confirmation, and cryptographic authentication. While these steps add complexity, they are necessary to ensure that only authorized updates are applied and that data integrity is maintained throughout the communication process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the implant stores multiple control programs in memory, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains multiple control program versions in memory simultaneously, with the ability to discard older or unnecessary versions. The memory management mechanism allows recovery of space by removing superseded programs while retaining essential backup versions for rollback capability, optimizing the balance between adaptability and memory utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for powering an implant for a human patient comprising an implantable energy source for providing energy to the implant. The apparatus comprises an energy provider connected to the implantable energy source and connected to an energy consuming part of the implant, the energy provider being configured to store energy to provide a burst of energy to the energy consuming part. The energy provider is configured to be charged by the implantable energy source and to provide the energy consuming part with electrical power at least during startup of the energy consuming part.