Patient Support Interface Authentication for Unauthorized Device Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses are vulnerable to unauthorized devices connecting via connectors, which can exploit network buses and disrupt the control system, posing security risks and potential failures.
Innovation Solution
A control system that detects unauthorized devices by comparing operating signatures with stored device signatures, initiating mitigation steps such as disabling interfaces or entering fault modes when inconsistencies are detected, using power load profiles for authentication and encryption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connectors are provided for device connection, then ease of operation is improved, but cybersecurity vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary authentication by comparing the operating signature of connected devices against stored authorized device signatures before allowing communication. This preliminary check prevents unauthorized devices from accessing the network bus, resolving the contradiction by maintaining connector availability while adding security validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that mediates between the connector and the network bus. The authentication process acts as a gatekeeper, allowing legitimate device connections while blocking unauthorized access attempts, thus resolving the security vulnerability without affecting ease of operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If authentication mechanisms are added, then cybersecurity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-authentication by automatically comparing device signatures against its own stored authorized signatures. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external authentication servers or complex multi-party verification systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining strong security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses operating signature parameters (power draw characteristics, communication patterns, timing) as authentication credentials. By changing from traditional password-based authentication to signature-based authentication using inherent device operational parameters, the system achieves strong security without requiring additional hardware tokens or complex cryptographic key management.
3Reliability
If unauthorized device detection is implemented, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active monitoring mechanisms with passive observation of device operational signatures. Instead of continuously polling or actively testing devices, the system passively monitors power draw and communication patterns during normal operation, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication process focuses on monitoring only the most critical operational parameters (power draw, communication timing) rather than analyzing all device activities. This partial monitoring approach provides sufficient security reliability while minimizing the energy required for detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to detect an unauthorized device coupled to an interface of a control system for a patient support apparatus. The interface may be wired or wireless, and the system and method may involve determining an operating signature of a device coupled to an interface. Based on the operating signature being consistent with a device signature stored in memory, the system may determine the device coupled to the interface is an authorized device.