Motion-Based Authentication for Secure Implant Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems between implantable medical devices and external devices face security risks due to reliance on shared secrets and keys, which are vulnerable to corruption and require pre-exchange, posing a severe risk to patient safety.
Innovation Solution
A system that derives authentication tokens based on motion signals sensed by both the implantable medical device and external device, using synchronized motion sensors to generate correlated authentication tokens for secure communication, enhancing security through alignment of motion signals and potentially using private key/public key encryption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-shared keys or cryptographic techniques are used for authentication, then communication security is improved, but device complexity and key management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses motion sensors to automatically capture motion data from the patient's body movements. The implantable medical device and external device independently process this motion data to generate matching authentication tokens without requiring manual key exchange or complex cryptographic operations, making the authentication process self-serve and automatic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional cryptographic key exchange mechanisms with a motion-based authentication system. Instead of using complex cryptographic protocols and key management systems, the invention uses motion sensors to capture physical motion data and converts it into authentication tokens, substituting mechanical/physical phenomena for cryptographic systems
2Ease of operation
If pre-shared keys are stored during manufacturing or implantation, then authentication is enabled, but security vulnerability increases due to potential key corruption or unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary motion capture and authentication token generation before actual communication occurs. The motion-based authentication is prepared in advance by capturing motion data and generating tokens, so that when communication is needed, authentication is already established without requiring stored keys
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter used for authentication from static cryptographic keys to dynamic motion data. Instead of relying on fixed key values that can be corrupted or compromised, the system uses variable motion parameters that are continuously generated from the patient's physical movements, making authentication resilient to key corruption risks
3Reliability
If motion-based authentication is implemented, then security is improved and key exchange is eliminated, but device complexity increases due to motion sensor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensors serve multiple functions: they capture motion data for authentication purposes, and the same sensors can potentially be used for other diagnostic or monitoring functions in the implantable medical device. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity by reusing existing components rather than adding dedicated authentication hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses motion data as an intermediary between the physical world and the digital authentication system. The motion sensors capture physical movements, which are then processed into authentication tokens that enable secure communication. This intermediary approach allows the system to use simple motion capture rather than complex cryptographic hardware
Data Source
AI summary
System for providing a therapeutic and/or diagnostic functions on a patient includes an implantable medical device having first and second implant transceiver circuitry, an implant processing circuitry and an implant motion sensor. The system furthermore includes an external device having a first device transceiver circuitry, a device processing circuitry and a device motion sensor. The implant processing circuitry is configured to obtain, using the implant motion sensor and based on a communication established via the first implant transceiver circuitry and the first device transceiver circuitry, a first motion signal and to derive, based on the first motion signal, a first authentication token. The device processing circuitry is configured to obtain, using the device motion sensor and based on said communication established via the first implant transceiver circuitry and the first device transceiver circuitry, a second motion signal and to derive, based on the second motion signal, a second authentication token.