Proximity-Based IMD Selection for Far Field Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Far field communication between external devices and implantable medical devices poses challenges due to the risk of inadvertently communicating with unintended devices, requiring user selection from a list which adds time and risk of human error.
Innovation Solution
Implementing proximity communication to selectively pair the external device with the intended implantable medical device, using unique information shared via proximity communication to verify the correct device and filter out unintended devices, and potentially triggering challenges to confirm physical proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If far field communication is used to extend communication range, then the external device can communicate with the IMD without close proximity, but the risk of inadvertently communicating with unintended IMDs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces proximity communication as an intermediary mechanism between the external device and IMD. This intermediary step establishes a trusted relationship through shared unique information before enabling far field communication, ensuring that only the intended IMD can be accessed despite the extended range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary proximity communication to exchange unique device information before far field communication begins. This preliminary action creates a verification mechanism where the external device can confirm it is communicating with the correct IMD before establishing the longer-range connection
2Reliability
If user selection from a list of IMDs is required, then the correct device can be identified, but extra time and burden are added to the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the external device to automatically identify and select the intended IMD through proximity-based verification. The system performs self-service by using the unique information exchanged during proximity communication to automatically determine which IMD to communicate with, eliminating the need for manual user selection from a list
3Reliability
If proximity communication is used to verify device identity, then accurate device selection is achieved, but additional communication steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges proximity communication and far field communication into a unified authentication framework. The unique information exchange during proximity communication serves dual purposes: establishing close-proximity trust and providing verification data for subsequent far field communication, reducing overall system complexity
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 approach ensures accurate selection of the intended implantable medical device, reducing human error and eliminating pairing with unintended devices, while allowing for automatic application execution and secure communication.
Implementation Method 1
external devices such as clinician and patient programmers communicate with an implantable medical device (IMD) through a near field form of communication such as an inductive coupling
Implementation Method 2
Far field communication uses frequencies that allow for electromagnetic signal propagation over significantly larger distances than the maximum distance of near field links
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and systems provide for proximity based selection of an implantable medical device for far field communication with an external device. By using a proximity communication that is limited to the IMD of interest during the selection process, the external device can eliminate those IMDs that are in range of far field communications but are able to receive the proximity communication. Thus, information may be shared via a proximity communication that is validated via a far field communication, or shared via a far field communication as a challenge and then validated via a proximity communication. The proximity communication may be used to initially limit the number of devices that respond to a discovery request and then subsequently used to select the intended implantable medical device as well as automatically select the appropriate therapy application corresponding to the selected IMD.