Medical Sensor Secured Communication Protocol
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Low-power medical devices face challenges in securely transmitting sensitive patient data due to limited computational capabilities, making it difficult to implement effective encryption and decryption processes, which risks data interception and tampering.
Innovation Solution
A secured communication protocol for medical sensors that uses Near-Field Communication (NFC) for activation and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for data transfer, involving challenge-response messages and encryption with add-rotate-xor operations, allowing medical sensors with limited resources to securely communicate with more powerful devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low-power medical devices use standard encryption algorithms, then data security is improved, but computational load and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies encryption parameters by using lightweight cryptographic algorithms with reduced key sizes and simplified operations. The system changes the complexity parameters of encryption to balance security requirements with the computational constraints of low-power devices, implementing custom encryption functions that require fewer computational resources while maintaining adequate security for medical data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable medical sensors with integrated lightweight encryption capabilities. These single-use devices incorporate simplified security functions designed specifically for low-power operation, sacrificing long-term upgradeability in exchange for immediate cost-effectiveness and reduced computational requirements. The disposable nature allows using less sophisticated (and less power-consuming) encryption compared to permanent devices.
2Reliability
If low-power medical devices use standard encryption algorithms, then data security is improved, but computational resources are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces encryption algorithm complexity by changing parameters such as key length, number of encryption rounds, and operation types. Instead of implementing full AES or other standard algorithms, the system uses customized lightweight versions with fewer bytes and simpler mathematical operations that match the computational architecture of low-power medical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the encryption process into separate modular functions that can be independently optimized for low-power execution. The encryption system is segmented into distinct layers: key management, data transformation, and verification, allowing each segment to be implemented with appropriate computational complexity for the device constraints.
3Ease of operation
If medical sensors transmit data wirelessly, then patient mobility is improved, but data interception risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes transmission parameters including using lower power levels for wireless communication to reduce detection range, implementing frequent authentication handshakes, and using encrypted communication protocols optimized for low-power devices. These parameter changes maintain patient mobility while reducing the window of opportunity for interception and the detectability of transmission signals.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method for secured communication between a medical sensor and a computing device includes receiving, by the medical sensor, an authentication request from the computing device. The method includes generating, based on values provided in the authentication request, a challenge-response message for the computing device. The method includes receiving, from the computing device, a responsive challenge-response message. The method includes verifying that the responsive challenge-response message includes an expected value and corresponds to an expected format. The method includes, in response to verifying the responsive challenge-response message, sending a sensor secret value to the computing device.