Patient Medical Device Identity Authentication via Digital Credentials
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of radio frequency (RF) telemetry in patient medical devices (PMDs) for long-range interrogation poses a challenge in confirming the identity and authority of programmers, as visual and physical proximity-based identification methods are ineffective, risking unauthorized access or miscommunication with the wrong device.
Innovation Solution
Establishing trust relationships between Patient Medical Devices (PMDs) and Programmer/Communicator devices through digital credentials issued by a manufacturer certification authority, including master and access credentials, which are digitally signed and verified using public key cryptography to authenticate the identity and authorization of the programmer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If RF telemetry is used for long-range interrogation, then the range of communication is improved, but the ability to confirm identity and authority deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces digital certificates and cryptographic authentication protocols as intermediaries between the PMD and PID. These digital credentials act as mediators that verify identity and authority without requiring physical proximity or visual confirmation, thus maintaining reliability over long RF communication distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical identification system (visual confirmation, physical proximity) with an electronic/digital authentication system. Digital certificates, public-key cryptography, and electronic verification protocols substitute for the mechanical act of physically holding and visually confirming the programmer device, enabling secure long-range interrogation.
2Reliability
If physical proximity is required for identification, then identity confirmation is improved, but the ease of remote operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical proximity with electronic authentication mechanisms. Digital certificates and cryptographic verification protocols enable identity confirmation without physical closeness, thus facilitating remote interrogation while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system designed in the patent is universal and can operate in multiple modes: both close-range and remote interrogation are supported through the same digital credential verification process. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different operational distances without compromising security.
3Reliability
If digital credentials are implemented for authentication, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading digital certificates and authentication credentials into the PMD and PID devices during manufacturing or initialization. This advance preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time credential distribution and verification setup, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital certificate copying and distribution mechanisms where authentication credentials are replicated and distributed through secure channels. This allows multiple devices to share verified identity information without requiring complex point-to-point authentication protocols, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for confirming identity and authority by a patient medical device is provided. Master credentials are issued to a requesting device and a receiving device from an authorizing agent. The master credentials include a public key of the authorizing agent and a digital signature of a root certification authority. Device credentials are issued to the requesting device from the authorizing agent. The device credentials include a public key of the requesting device and a digital signature of the authorizing agent. Identification credentials are provided to the receiving device and include the device credentials and a digital signature of the requesting device. The requesting device is authenticated. The digital signature of the authorizing agent in the device credentials is checked using the public key of the authorizing agent in the master credentials of the receiving device. The digital signature of the requesting device in the identification credentials is checked using the public key of the requesting device in the device credentials.