Implantable Device DSSS Bluetooth Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies for implantable medical devices face challenges such as high attenuation, interference, and security risks when using standard BLUETOOTH protocols, necessitating a more reliable and secure method for bidirectional communication.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a wireless communications transceiver that uses both standard BLUETOOTH and direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) protocols over a BLUETOOTH frequency band, allowing for secure communication through multiple channels, with DSSS providing enhanced security and resistance to interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If standard BLUETOOTH protocol is used for wireless communication, then ease of operation and compatibility are improved, but security and resistance to interference deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication system is segmented into two distinct channels: a first channel for general communication and a second channel for secure communication. This segmentation allows the system to maintain ease of operation on the first channel while providing enhanced security on the second channel, resolving the contradiction between usability and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The DSSS protocol acts as an intermediary layer between the standard BLUETOOTH protocol and the data transmission. By introducing this intermediary security layer on the second channel, the system can maintain compatibility with standard BLUETOOTH devices while adding cryptographic security without compromising the ease of operation on the primary channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If standard BLUETOOTH protocol is used for wireless communication, then ease of operation is improved, but resistance to interference deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is divided into two channels where the second channel uses DSSS protocol specifically designed to resist interference. This segmentation allows standard BLUETOOTH operations on the first channel to remain easy to operate while the second channel provides interference-resistant communication for critical data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the communication parameters by switching to DSSS modulation on the second channel, which spreads the signal across a wider frequency spectrum. This parameter change enhances resistance to interference and attenuation while maintaining compatibility with existing BLUETOOTH infrastructure on the first channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If DSSS protocol is used for secure communication, then security and interference resistance are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver is segmented into two independent communication paths: the first channel for standard BLUETOOTH communication and the second channel for DSSS secure communication. This segmentation allows the device to implement complex DSSS security features only where necessary, while maintaining simpler standard BLUETOOTH operation on the primary channel, thus managing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communications transceiver is designed with multi-functionality to handle both standard BLUETOOTH and DSSS protocols simultaneously. By making the transceiver universal and capable of operating on both channels, the system avoids the need for separate devices, thereby managing complexity while providing both secure and standard communication options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If single channel communication is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different communication needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between the first and second communication channels based on the communication requirements. When security is needed, it activates the second DSSS channel; when simplicity is preferred, it uses the first BLUETOOTH channel. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to adjust its complexity level according to operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240424312A1Implantable device to external device communication using direct-sequence spread spectrum

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 CARDIAC PACEMAKERS INC

AI summary

Embodiments herein relate to implantable medical devices. In an embodiment, an implantable medical device is included having a biocompatible housing, a control circuit that can disposed within the biocompatible housing, and a wireless communications transceiver. The wireless communications transceiver can be configured to communicate wirelessly through a first channel using a standard BLUETOOTH protocol (non-DSSS) and communicate wirelessly through a second channel using a direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) protocol over a BLUETOOTH frequency band. Other embodiments are also included herein.