Medical Device Encryption via Correlated Motion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical device communication security is compromised due to the vulnerability of existing encryption key exchange methods, which can be intercepted or compromised, requiring secure and efficient key generation methods for implantable medical devices.
Innovation Solution
Generating encryption keys using detected motion between medical devices, such as an external programmer and an implantable medical device, through correlated motion sensing, eliminating the need for key transmission and allowing for regeneration if compromised.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption keys are transmitted between devices, then secure communication can be established, but the key transmission can be intercepted or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the encryption key generation process from the communication protocol itself, using separate motion sensing channels to generate keys independently. This removes the vulnerability of key transmission by having each device generate the same key through correlated motion detection rather than exchanging key material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces physical motion as an intermediary medium for key generation. Instead of directly transmitting cryptographic keys, the system uses motion events (such as device shaking or specific movement patterns) as an intermediary that both devices sense and process to independently generate matching encryption keys
2Reliability
If motion sensing is used to generate encryption keys, then key transmission vulnerability is eliminated, but additional sensors and processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the motion sensors serve multiple functions: they detect both motion events for key generation and can potentially detect other physiological or environmental parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated key generation hardware, lowering overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the devices' existing motion sensing capabilities to serve the additional function of encryption key generation. Rather than adding specialized key generation hardware, the motion sensors and processors already present in the devices are repurposed to generate cryptographic keys from motion patterns
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
This method provides secure, tamper-proof encryption keys for medical device communication, enhancing security and reducing the risk of unauthorized access by using motion-generated keys that do not require additional components or power.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the programmer and IMD can then detect the resulting motion from each bump with respective sensors. The detected motion at each device may be correlated with the motion at the other device. In other words, acceleration changes, velocities, number of bumps, durations between each bump, or other characteristics of the detected motion will occur at approximately the same time
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and techniques for generating an encryption key using detected motion from a device. In one example, a method may include receiving movement information indicative of motion detected by a first device during a period of time in which the first device and a second device were bumped together, determining a set of values that represent at least one characteristic of the movement information, and generating, based on the set of values, an encryption key for at least one of encrypting and decrypting data communicated between the first device and the second device. In some examples, the first device may include a sensor configured to detect each time the first device is bumped with the second device during the period of time. The first and second devices may be an implantable medical device and a programmer for the implantable medical device.