Medical Device Bluetooth Pairing via Joint Movement Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication methods for medical devices, such as infusion pumps, are vulnerable to unauthorized access and data interception, necessitating secure radio links that are not reliant on additional connection technologies like NFC.
Innovation Solution
A method involving joint movement of a medical device and a mobile device to generate identical secret keys for end-to-end encryption, using movement-based information to establish a secure Bluetooth connection without requiring additional technologies like NFC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a Bluetooth connection is used for wireless communication between medical devices and mobile devices, then ease of operation and accessibility are improved, but security against unauthorized access and data interception deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary security measures by establishing encryption keys and security protocols before actual data transmission occurs. The system pre-configures secure communication channels between the medical device and mobile device, ensuring that when data transmission happens, it is already protected. This preliminary setup of security infrastructure allows Bluetooth to remain easy to use while maintaining strong security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary security layer that mediates between the Bluetooth communication and the actual data transmission. This intermediary layer handles encryption, decryption, and authentication, acting as a buffer that protects the core data while allowing Bluetooth to continue functioning as a simple, accessible communication medium.
2Reliability
If end-to-end encryption is implemented for secure data transmission, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional connection technologies required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device's processor perform multiple functions: it handles both the Bluetooth communication protocol and the encryption/decryption operations, as well as application logic. By making the processor universal and multi-functional, the system avoids needing separate dedicated hardware for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining strong encryption capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system. The security module, communication module, and processing unit are merged into a cohesive architecture where the mobile device's processor handles encryption, the Bluetooth module handles wireless communication, and they work together seamlessly. This merging eliminates the need for separate, complex connection technologies like NFC that were previously required for key exchange.
3Reliability
If public keys are transmitted separately via different connections to prevent interception, then security is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of using separate connection technologies (like NFC for key exchange and Bluetooth for data) with an electronic/software-based solution. The system uses electronic key derivation and cryptographic protocols that allow secure key exchange and encryption setup over the single Bluetooth connection, eliminating the need for multiple physical connection layers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for establishing a secure connection for transmitting data between a medical device system and a mobile device with wireless communication module is provided, where the medical device system comprises one or multiple devices, where the method comprises multiple steps. On the basis of a non-secure connection, a secure connection is established on the basis of a joint movement of mobile device and at least one device of the medical device system. Movement data are evaluated for this purpose.