IMU Signal Comparison for Implantable Device Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in securely authenticating communication with external devices due to the need for high-priority access to sensitive patient data while preventing unauthorized access, which is difficult to manage with existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing inertial measurement units (IMUs) in both IMDs and external devices to authenticate communication by comparing internal and external IMU signals, ensuring secure data exchange only when the external device is in close proximity to the patient, thereby reducing unauthorized access risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional authentication methods are used for IMD communication, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to vulnerability to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the IMD's own motion signals as part of the authentication mechanism. The internal IMU captures the device's natural motion patterns, and these signals are used to generate authentication credentials that prove the device's identity and physical presence, eliminating the need for separate authentication hardware or complex protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electronic authentication systems with a signal-based authentication approach. Instead of using physical keys, passwords, or biometric scanners, the system substitutes these with analysis of inertial measurement signals that naturally occur during device operation, creating a contactless and seamless authentication method
2Reliability
If IMU signal comparison authentication is implemented, then security is improved by preventing unauthorized access, but device complexity is worsened due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The IMU serves multiple functions within the system: it provides motion tracking for device operation monitoring, enables authentication through signal comparison, and can potentially be used for diagnostic purposes. By making the IMU multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate authentication hardware, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication layer that uses signal processing algorithms to compare IMU data without requiring direct physical contact or additional authentication components. The intermediary system processes the motion signals to verify device identity and authorization status, providing security without adding complex hardware interfaces
3Reliability
If close proximity requirement is enforced through IMU signal matching, then security is improved by making unauthorized access difficult, but ease of operation is worsened due to positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the natural motion signals that occur when the external device is brought near the IMD for its intended purpose. The authentication process uses these self-generated motion signals automatically, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments or user intervention to align sensors, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enforcing proximity requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to sensor based authentication between an implantable medical device (IMD) and an external device. In an embodiment, the IMD includes a wireless communication module and an internal inertial measurement unit (IMU) capable of measuring vibrations, movement, or rotation. The IMD is configured to record an internal IMU signal from the internal IMU. The external device includes a wireless communication module and an external IMU. The external device is configured to record an external IMU signal from the external IMU. The system further includes a data processing system to receive a first level communication that can include the internal IMU signal, the external IMU signal, or both, compare data from the internal IMU signal with data from the external IMU signal, and authorize a second level communication based on results of the comparison step.