Implantable Device Secure Pairing via Activation Field Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current commercial wireless protocols for establishing communication links between implantable medical devices (IMDs) and external devices lack secure pairing procedures, allowing unauthorized devices to communicate with IMDs at distances beyond the patient's control, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a triggering device to emit an activation field detectable by the IMD, allowing it to transition into a specific communication initialization mode defined by a wireless protocol, ensuring secure pairing and bonding procedures through proximity detection, using protocols like Bluetooth or ZigBee.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If commercial wireless protocols are used to establish communication links between IMDs and external devices, then communication range and connectivity are improved, but security and authorization control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidauthorization control

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authorization verification by detecting the triggering device's activation field before establishing the wireless communication link. The IMD checks for the presence and characteristics of the activation field (magnetic, NFC, RFID, or vibration) as a pre-requisite condition, ensuring that only authorized devices can initiate communication. This preliminary action prevents unauthorized connections before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The activation field serves as an intermediary mechanism between the triggering device and the IMD for establishing trust. Rather than directly establishing wireless communication, the system uses the detectable activation field as a mediator that verifies authorization. The field characterization (strength, frequency, pattern) acts as a credential that mediates the connection establishment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If communication links are established without proximity verification, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidunauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The IMD performs self-verification by autonomously detecting and analyzing the activation field from the triggering device. The device automatically checks field characteristics (strength, frequency, pattern) against authorization criteria without requiring manual intervention from the patient or user. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while ensuring security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication initialization modes are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication mode selectionVSAvoidprotocol implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the appropriate communication initialization mode based on the detected field characterization. Rather than statically configuring a single mode, the IMD adapts its communication behavior in real-time based on the triggering device's field properties. The mode selection is dynamic and responsive to the detected activation field characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses field parameters (strength, frequency, pattern) as inputs to determine which communication initialization mode to employ. By monitoring changes in these physical parameters of the activation field, the IMD automatically adjusts its communication protocol configuration, supporting multiple modes without requiring complex manual setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the security and proximity-based pairing of IMDs with external devices, preventing unauthorized communication links and ensuring that only authorized devices can establish connections, thus protecting patient data and therapy control.

Implementation Method 1

configuring an implantable medical device (IMD) to detect an activation field from a triggering device when the triggering device is positioned proximate to the IMD

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectActivation field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9288614B1Systems and methods for initiating a communication link between an implantable medical device and an external device

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 PACESETTER INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for initiating a bi-directional communication link with an implantable medical device. The systems and methods configure an implantable medical device (IMD) to detect activation fields from a triggering device when the triggering device is positioned proximate to the IMD, and to identify a field characterization of the activation field. The systems and methods further configure the IMD to establish a bi-directional communication link with an external device through a select communication initialization mode form a plurality of communication initialization modes defined by a wireless protocol in response to the field characterization of the activation field.